No, this is NOT an early release of the final chapter. It will still be posted Saturday ;)

Also: the origin of The Lieutenant's name. Gray is the color (obviously), and J. Sawyer is in reference to Jeddiah Sawyer, aka Leatherface from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre horror films.

The final day of Big Brother: Ozpin was broadcast to nearly 10,000 people.

Not a single one of them had seen or heard about what happened after the camera feed went purple.

In an effort to cover up the destruction caused by the malevolent A.I. that descended upon the housemates, Ozpin forged a fake cancellation request from himself. To have the public think that the Headmaster of the prestigious Beacon Academy had finally discovered the debauchery within that home and put an end to it for the well-being of his students was quite the publicity stunt. He also released a statement saying that the $1000's of lien donations went to the care of shelter animals, because telling viewers that their cash was lost due to a simple gambling misunderstanding probably wouldn't go over too well.

The worst part was that Ozpin hadn't told the housemates the truth yet.

Ozpin had been working out of the Beacon Academy hospital for the past week, staying in the vicinity of his injured contestants. Some had recovered quickly from their injuries and were up on their feet; the moment Glynda was healthy she ran to the school just to get away from Oz for 24 hours. As Oz began to return weapons to their respective owners, Penny had received a visit from a man he did not recognize (her 'father', perhaps?) to examine her systems for any trace of the rogue A.I. that could be only be traced back to Salem's doing. Luckily, any remnants of the being Penny called Sir Lord Virulet the 13th were completely gone. The others that had been badly hurt were getting better, but were still mostly bedridden as their injuries finished healing naturally.

But one of them… Ozpin wasn't sure what to expect. Qrow and Taiyang had managed to rescue everyone in the burning house just in time, but there was one they weren't sure they reached soon enough. If her condition grew any worse, if modern medicine could not pull her from the brink, there was one other option. Depending on the will of magic and forces Ozpin himself didn't quite completely understand yet was risky, but it was better than giving up hope entirely.

Still, Ozpin hated trading one life for another no matter the situation. He always would.

"Got that Goliath outta the way," Qrow said, entering the waiting room with flask in hand, "Took a bit to wrangle him into that pen out in the Forever Fall. Good thing that giant son of a bitch is as friendly as Zwei."

"That is good to hear…"

"…Look, I know what yer feelin' right now. It wasn't your fault this happened. It was that witch and her stupid computer program. We couldn't have done anything to stop it."

"We could have, Qrow. We train them to be Hunters and Huntresses, yet I took away the things they needed most to become one. This was just another one of my many mistakes. Perhaps… Perhaps I should rethink my ideologies, among other things."

Qrow took a long swig from his flask, coughing from the bitterness of it. "Oz. You're killin' yourself here. If ya look past, well, the reason we're in this hospital, you did a good thing. Those kids an' criminals did it. They became a family. And nothin' that bitch can ever throw at them is gonna ruin that."

"…Perhaps."

Standing up, Oz rested on his cane as he looked out the window. The tower of his academy, the symbol of everything he had ever established, stood tall as a symbol of unity between the nations.

Unity. He really liked that word.

"Perhaps, Mr. Branwen, we have strengthened that tower just a bit more through this endeavor."

"…Say what now?"

"You'll figure it out. In time."

"Seriously, stop being so cryptic all the time. Gives me a headache."

There was a beep from across the room, and the sliding doors opened as a new visitor stormed in. Winter Schnee made a beeline straight towards Qrow, no sign of positivity on her face. Before the drunk could open his mouth, she slapped it for him. "You bumbling fool! Why didn't you contact me?"

"Last I checked, we weren't a thing. Unless you want us to be a thing."

"I was talking about my sister!" Winter stomped her foot, blushing, "Where is she? Is she alright?"

"Actually," Ozpin said, striding past the two, "We were just about to go pay everyone a visit. I have... some news to deliver."

"And so I was like, 'Just you try it!', and then I kicked that son of a gun right in the kisser!" Punching at the air, Yang elaborately described to Ruby her brief fight against Virulet. The blonde was able to stand before everyone else, and was back to her normal self immediately after. While her sibling found her exploits pretty cool, her father wasn't so amused.

"Yang, that was reckless!" Taiyang groaned, "You didn't know your Semblance would kick in! He could have killed you!"

"Yeah, but here I am. Just some minor bruises and shock burns. I think I kicked some ass for a little bit there."

"She's tough, Dad," Ruby smiled, grasping her sister's hand, "Let's just be happy we're all here together."

"Amen to that, sister!" Lieutenant Gray J. Sawyer called from across the room. He was still bedridden (complete with hot pink sheets), as was his superior beside him. He and Adam had suffered some pretty harsh burns from the explosion, but it did nothing to hinder the big guy's cheery personality.

"Can a guy nap in peace over here?" Adam muffled from under his pillow, "You are all being so loud. I would like to get some rest before Miltia stops by later."

"I think it is so sweet how she comes by every day to see you," smiled a weary Pyrrha. She had been recovering quite well from her concussion, and Jaune had been by her side every minute of it. Unlike Adam, he had no trouble sleeping right now, his face buried and drooling on Pyrrha's sheets. "Perhaps we should try a double date someday."

"Wait in line, Pyr," Lieutenant Gray winked, "I'm gonna be his wingman on their trip to Junior's Club!"

"Never agreed to that, Gray."

"Aw, boss! You're having memory loss again!"

"No. I remember explicitly saying-

"We've got munchies!" Bursting into the room with a handful of grocery bags, Nora led the rest of the gang into the tiny space. Ren propped open a card table, letting Nora and Weiss to start setting food on top of it.

"Take as much as you like," Ren said, "We have plenty for everyone."

"Ooh, don't mind if I do!" Yang grinned, reaching for a bag of potato chips. Blake slapped her hand away, taking the junk food over to Pyrrha.

"Wait your turn. Bedridden people get first choice. Then you. Then Adam."

"I heard that."

"We know," Sun answered Taurus, tossing him an apple, "But only Blake follows that rule. You're cool with me, man."

After handing Lieutenant Gray a tub of ice cream, Weiss saw Neo standing intently behind her waiting for her share. "Let me guess… Neapolitan flavor, right?"

"Actually," Roman butted in, chuckling as he patted Neo on the head, "Cinnamon. Yeah, I know it's weird with that being her name and all. She's actually allergic to strawberry. Gives her this strange rash-

Neo elbowed him in the lower gut, telling him that some things should definitely be kept private even between friends. "Point… taken, Buttercup..."

"I am curious about this thing you call a 'rash', Roman," Penny leaned in to the keeling over crook. If one thing about her hadn't been touched by Virulet, it was her inquisitiveness. "Could you perhaps describe it to me in detail?"

"I don't think Roman wants to get hurt anymore, Penny," Velvet laughed nervously. Her words actually described herself more than anything. Just a few days after being admitted into the hospital, Mercury had gotten his prosthetic legs repaired and completed. When Velvet had dropped in to check up on him, the 5-Star Man had left without a trace. She had known what their agreement was in regards to their relationship after the 30 days ended, but was hoping that his behavior towards the end had been a signal for a change of heart.

"And here's some for you, Zwei!" Ruby knelt down, filling up a small dish for her fluffy friend. The Corgi was as jolly as ever, with the promise of going on trips to Forever Fall to play with Mr. Tibbs keeping him excited for the foreseeable future.

With all the food dispersed, everyone began to dig in, chatting and joking just like they had back at the penthouse. However, one thing sat in the back of their minds. Aside from Mercury, two people still weren't with them right now.

"Do you… Do you think Emerald will come over today?"

Ruby's question hushed the room. They all knew that, ever since arriving, Sustrai had not left Cinder's side in the Intensive Care ward. Only a few of them could bring themselves to go visit; seeing both Em and Cinder in such a terrible state was almost too much to take in. Rumor had it that Mercury dropped in before disappearing to try and convince her to see the others, but nobody knew that for sure.

"Ruby," Weiss sighed, her hold on her fork tightening, "I think it's best for Emerald to be alone for a while. She's going through a lot."

"I know, but shouldn't we be there for her?"

"Everyone copes differently, Red," Roman replied, lighting a cigar, "She won't leave her side. Poor girl's fighting for her life in that room. Probably best for someone to stay there and hold her hand."

"Those are wise words, Roman," Taiyang said, "I never took you for the wise type, knowing your history."

"You'd be surprised of some of the things the authorities don't keep on record."

There was a knock at the door, and Ozpin saw himself in. He hadn't seen everyone in a group setting for a long while, and had to smile just faintly as Qrow and Winter filed in behind him. The latter embraced her sister almost immediately.

"Are you hurt in any way? Did that abomination strike you?"

"Not really, but my sickness is mostly gone. I've only had a stuffy nose once in a while… Does father know of anything?"

"Only that you had a sickening cold at school. He wishes you the best of health."

"I am pleased to see you all as merry as ever," Ozpin said, pulling over the seat Taiyang had been using, "But there is some important news I must deliver."

The tone in Ozpin's voice worried Ruby. "Is something wrong?"

"It is in regard to the… prize money. I, well-

"Someone hacked the account."

Ozpin looked up in shock at Qrow, who seemed to be covering his tracks once more.

"What?!" Roman shot to his feet, holding his arms out in confusion, "When the hell did that happen?!"

"Right before that metal freak attacked you guys. They must have took the opportunity to do it when the cams were down. Stupid A.I. probably damaged our security systems and gave him an opening."

"B-But, how…?" Lieutenant Gray stuttered, "How am I gonna buy those new satin curtains now?"

Blake's eyes were wider than anyone's. "My lifetime supply of tuna…"

"James will not enjoy me reporting this," Winter shook her head in disappointment, biting her lip at the thought of Ironwoood's rage, "And you are sure there is nothing left?"

"Nothin'. Nada. All gone."

"I am so sorry," Ozpin bowed his head, "I know you were all looking forward to your prize money, but there was nothing I could do."

"…It's okay."

Ozpin heard Ruby's soft voice, the girl walking up to pat him on the shoulder. She looked as if she hadn't even heard the terrible news he had just said.

"I honestly never wanted to be paid for this. Look at all of us, Ozpin. We're happy. We're friends. It might sound pretty corny – okay, it's definitely corny – but the best prize I could ever get out of this was making these new friends I've got here with me."

"I could not have said it better myself," Pyrrha smiled, softly petting the sleeping Jaune's head, "There is nothing else I could have ever asked for from this experience.

"I agree," Adam followed, "Besides, I was going to use my reward for the White Fang militia before. And now, I am not sure if I will return to them so soon. I am just pleased to be alive."

"Yeah, that sums it up just about right," Sun said, putting his arm around Blake, "Don't worry. You'll get that tuna someday."

"Ooh!" Nora slammed her cup on the table, her mouth covered with sticky syrup. She knew just how to make everyone feel better. "Velvet! Group picture! Now!"

"Alrighty!" the rabbit nodded, digging in her bag for her camera, "Gather around everyone!"

Before she could get herself excited, Ruby realized that this couldn't be a group picture. "Guys… wait. Not yet."

"What's up, sis?" Yang asked as she helped Gray into a wheel chair.

"Hold up a minute, everyone. Get everyone out of bed and follow me down the hall. And Pyrrha… Please wake Jaune up. He's forming a puddle of drool now. It's kinda yucky."

Emerald was so tired she couldn't even close her eyes to sleep. Her knees were sore from being on the hard tile floor of the intensive care floor; not even the pillow the head nurse had brought in for her made it feel any softer. She wasn't religious by any means, but she had uttered at least a few prayers over the last week, hoping for something to wake up and heal her Cinder. She needed a miracle more than anything now.

The doctor had finally told her the details yesterday. A damaged lung, massive blood loss, a broken Aura, and a punctured throat… He'd never seen someone with such major injuries, let alone heard of anyone who had survived an equivalent to them.

He told her he had done all he could.

Emerald called him a liar. She couldn't help but let her venomous side slip out, if briefly. Her life was slowly fading in a hospital bed. Nobody could say she was in the wrong for being on the brink of losing her heart.

She kissed Cinder's hand again for what felt like… Hell, she couldn't even keep count anymore. Every time she did, she would look up expecting Fall's amber eyes to be gazing weekly down at her.

But each time, they stayed shut.

"Knock-knock."

Emerald looked over her shoulder for a second, then turned once she saw Ruby poking her head through the tiny glass window. "It's unlocked."

"How are you two holding up?" Ruby said leaving the door open just an inch. She winced upon looking at Cinder's beaten body, life support tubes hooked to her.

"Ruby… Don't pity us."

"Huh?"

"We deserve this!" Emerald said through clenched teeth, "We've done so many horrible things in the past, and it finally comes back to kick us when we're finally happy! We should've known… I should've known this would happen to us. It's all my fault, Ruby. It's my fault we fell in love. I just couldn't hold back from being around her, and… and I'm not going to be able to go on if she di-

"Emmy."

A gentle, yet weak, caress cut off her words immediately. Red and amber eyes met for the first time in days, and Emerald broke down as she shot up and hugged Cinder with all that she had.

"Cinder!" Emerald muffled, her face buried into the pillow beside Cinder, "I've been so scared... I can't lose you..."

Ruby was beaming, but felt a bit odd standing off to the side watching this tearful sight. "I can wait outside, if you want."

"No, Ruby," Cinder mustered out, "I want you here… I needed to thank you again. For everything."

"Don't be like that, Cinder. The more you say it, the more you make it seem like you won't-

A subtle change in expression from Fall made Ruby's stomach drop. There was a reason she had to thank her again: it was because she had a feeling she might not have another chance to. Ruby tried her best not to cry, but it was pretty damn hard for her not to. She closed her eyes tightly, only letting one or two tears seep through as she walked over to the other side of Cinder's bed and hugged her.

"Stay strong, Cinder," she whispered in Fall's ear, "I know you can make it."

Cinder rested her head back on the pillow, feeling tired again. So tired… But she couldn't sleep yet. Something was bugging her.

"Ruby… Tell Weiss to stop peeking through the door and come hug me."

"Huh? Oh yeah! They're all still out there! Come in, guys!"

That poor door was knocked off its hinges as the entire gang piled in, rushing to the bed to see Cinder. Weiss got there first, happy to see her former rival well and awake. She handed her a white flower, sliding it into her hair.

"We've all been worried sick about you!" Weiss said, clearing her eyes.

Blake scooted in beside her, patting Emerald on the back. "Both of you, to be exact."

"You guys…" Cinder sighed, closing her eyes, "You shouldn't… be so happy to see me. I didn't even get to sing my song."

"That should be the last thing on your mind right now," Pyrrha said in her wheelchair, Adam and Gray beside her in their own, "Just be glad we can all fit in this room for a picture."

"A… picture?"

"It's what families do, kid," Qrow smirked from the back of the crowd, shoulder to shoulder with Taiyang and Winter, "Should probably get used to it."

"Because we are a family!" Penny exclaimed, pumping her fist in the air and nearly punching Roman in the face.

"I think she gets it, sport," Torchwick rolled his eyes, tipping his hat to Fall, "So whaddya say, 'boss'? Up for a snapshot?"

Cinder's eyes scanned over everyone before her: All of Team RWBY in order up front with Sun poking in beside Blake, Team JNPR holding Pyrrha, Adam, and Lieutenant Gray's wheelchairs, Velvet showing Penny how her camera works, Roman and Neo subtly holding hands, Qrow, Winter, and Taiyang way in the back, Ozpin sipping his coffee while nodding at her, and Emerald at her side.

Penny couldn't have been more right: this was her family.

"Hold on…" Cinder grimaced as she pushed herself up in her bed, feeling the pain in her chest, "Let me just sit up so I don't look like a complete zombie. Where is Mercury?"

If anyone felt like they should be the one to answer her, it was Velvet. The bunny sighed, handing her camera to Winter so she could tell her what happened.

And then the 5-Star Man walked in through the door behind them with a bundle of roses in his hands.

"Uh…" Mercury froze as everyone stared at him. He had come back hoping no one would be around to see him deliver his 'Get Well Soon' present to Cinder, but that plan (and his cold, sexy, masculine demeanor) was utterly screwed now. "Okay… You guys didn't see me-

"Get over here, you!"

Before Black could high-tail it out of there, Velvet jumped on him and dragged him into the group. She refused to let go of him nuzzling her face on his arm as he felt more awkward than ever before. "Yeah, yeah… I missed you too."

"And the Golden God has melt-eth," Jaune joked, punching Merc lightly on the shoulder.

"Doesn't change anything. Still not sticking around for too long. Just came to drop off those plants… And also give someone a dance I owed them…"

Squeeing, Velvet literally hopped up and pecked Mercury on the cheek with a quick kiss. The 5-Star man was taken aback for a second, but returned to his usual composure and chuckled. "Heh… Knew I'd get some payoff in the end. Didn't even need to use The System."

"Please, gather in close everyone," Winter ordered, using her hands to guide people like traffic, "You want this to be a formal picture, do you not?"

"Formal my ass," Qrow snorted, taking a long drink from his flask, "Take the snapshot, beautiful."

"God, you're disgusting."

"And you're sexy. In a bitchy kinda way."

"Still not a hit with the ladies, I see," Taiyang sighed, patting his brother in law on the pack in pity.

"How gross," Weiss face palmed at Qrow, shaking her head.

Ruby threw her arm over her shoulder. "Hey, think about it Weiss. If anything happens with them, then we're related! Doesn't that sound great?"

"BARK!" Zwei added, also wanting Weiss to join his family.

"Then we'd just have to find a way to get Blake in the family," Yang grinned, nudging the cat in the side, "How about it, Blake? You, me and Sun? One of those triple couples? I'll leave the hip-bumping to you two though~! I'm expecting a whole litter of kittens!"

Deciding to humor the blonde for once, Blake rolled her eyes and smiled. "Only if Sun says yes."

"Hold on now!" the monkey laughed nervously, "Let's leave the baby talk to the side for now; I wanna graduate school first!"

"I second that," Jaune whispered down to Pyrrha.

"Of course," Pyrrha giggled, taking hold of his hand, "One step at a time."

"Ren, lets name our daughter Rainbow Bright!"

"Nora… What am I going to do with you?"

Winter snapped her fingers. "Ahem! Can you all please-

"Adam, how does my mask look?" Lieutenant Gray asked, patting his covered face.

"The same as it always does, other than the glitter you put on it the other day. I still can't comprehend your logic behind that"

"I think it looks fabulous~!"

"May I try your mask on?" Penny asked the big guy.

"Maybe later!"

"Here, Mercury," Velvet reached up to brush his messy hair back, "You look like you just woke up!"

"That's because I just did. Like, about thirty minutes ago. Those hospital gift shop flowers cost a shit-load of lien. Can't wait to have myself that prize money so that won't be a problem anymore."

Roman looked down at Neo, raising his eyebrow. "Should I tell him?"

Winking, Neo shook her head and mouthed 'no'.

"Yeah, you're right. Funnier to let him find out on his own."

"Everyone!" Winter shouted, on the verge of bursting a blood vessel, "Please! You have five seconds to get ready before I take this picture!"

Emerald leaned over and kissed Cinder on the cheek, snuggling in close. "I love you. For all and forever."

"As do I." Returning the favor with a kiss to the lips, Cinder turned Em's head to the camera with her hand as everyone smiled. The intense pain in her chest didn't even phase Cinder as the camera flashed, capturing this moment forever in a photo.

She wasn't sure if she was going to make it out of this hospital with her life, but at least Cinder could go out knowing she finally obtained the one thing she always striven for: a family that loved her.

Yeah. This was much better than ruling the world.