The shield and heating systems were restored at some point in the night. Although Atlas salvaged its security systems, they still had to exterminate any Grimm that remained inside the shields. The rest of that night was spent patrolling the streets and rescuing any refugees they found along the way.

They all collapsed on the street at the first hints of sunlight. After a night of violence and horror, the world went silent at last.

Adam rested his head on Weiss' lap, allowing her to admire how the morning light kissed his figure.

"It's finally over," he whispered to her. His eye was stunning in the shower of warm light.

She leaned down, pressing her lips against his. "You should rest. It's been a long night"

Weiss weaved her fingers through his hair. Her heart warmed from the way his body relaxed under her touch, the tension in his muscles melting beneath her fingertips. He closed his eye, a soft sigh escaping his lips.

Weiss held back the urge to kiss him again. Her fingers continued to comb through his hair. She memorised every precious second of having him on her lap with his guard completely down.

"Good job, team," Ruby interrupted the silence with a loud yawn. "Everyone did fantastic tonight."

"I'm ready to fall asleep for a week straight." Yang groaned, snuggling Blake from behind.

"I've never been so tired from smashing ugly monsters in the face," Nora agreed.

"There's still lots of work we need to do." Jaune gestured to the ruined streets and damaged storefronts. "We've only won one battle."

"That sounds like a problem for later. We should all be proud for fighting so long!" Ruby exclaimed. "This calls for a victory group hug!"

"I prefer a victory nap," Blake protested.

"We can always nap after. Don't be such party poopers!"

"She's right!" Nora piped up, no longer sounding as tired as she had before. "Come on, you big babies, let's bring it in!"

Their group voiced various protests, but they complied with Ruby and Nora's insistence nonetheless. Having everyone huddled in one big circle solidified the end of the battle for Weiss.

She laughed at Ruby's enthusiastic victory speech, listened to Nora recounting some of her most memorable fights, and considered Yang's insistence they go out to a nightclub once the dust had completely settled.

Jaune was right when he said they still had work left to do. But for now, they celebrated a well-earned victory.

While they'd succeeded in keeping the Kingdom from collapsing in on itself, the body count was still high. People living in the slums saw the highest death toll as they were closest to the walls. The scientists and engineers working on the Amity project had all perished. Executed by Watts' robots. Watts and Tyrian were nowhere to be found.

The next few days saw them patrolling Mantle from sunrise to sunset, scouring every street for signs of Grimm or surviving robots. Huntsmen sent out to other Kingdoms were ordered to return and aid in the efforts.

Robyn's team continued to lend the Military their help, focusing on assisting civilians with provisions and locating dead bodies across the city. By now, she was openly working with the Silver Robins, helping them organise supplies to be sent to the Mines. The Media was in a frenzy when they found out about her affiliation with the group, accusing her to be a White Fang spy despite being Human, but they soon lost interest amidst the devastation that still plagued Mantle.

No one breathed a word about what Robyn planned outside the public eye, but Weiss knew something was in the works.

Adam spent most of his time working with Robyn's group, updating her on how Whitley was doing at the end of each day. Her brother was staying with the Silver Robins for the time being. With the Manor locked down as an active crime scene, she thought it was best if he was around familiar faces. He didn't complain about the arrangements.

Atlas Academy opened its doors to Mantle refugees, allowing the elderly and injured to occupy its spare dorms and classrooms. Huntsmen kept the building guarded, with Ironwood himself staying at the Academy at all times.

Weiss, her friends, and other residential Huntsmen moved to a nearby hotel temporarily. It didn't matter much to them. They hardly spent any time in their rooms with the amount of work they did.

It was around the five-day mark when Weiss had extra time to visit Whitely in Mantle. She'd only seen him once to inform him about the state of the Manor. Winter, who still hasn't spoken to Whitley, agreed to tag along with her and Adam. They went right after a late dinner.

The inner core of Mantle City was still bustling with activity late into the night. Tents for the refugees occupied several streets. White Pavilions were set up for healthcare workers and Robyn's volunteers. With so many people gathered in one area, Weiss wasn't sure where to start looking for Whitley.

"He should still be working in the rations pavilion," Adam said when they arrived.

She didn't believe what he said until they found Whitley beneath a white pavilion. As Adam claimed, he was helping Fiona pack cans of food and vegetables into boxes. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing fading bruises on his forearms. The old sword he'd used to train with Jaune and Adam was still strapped to his back.

Fiona spotted them first. She grinned, tapping Whitley's shoulder and pointing over in their direction. Whitley's entire expression brightened when he saw them.

"Go ahead, I can take care of the rest on my own," Fiona insisted.

He surrendered the rest of the cans to Fiona before hurrying over to meet them. Weiss embraced him when he was within arm's reach.

"I'm so sorry it took so long to visit you," she said once they pulled apart.

"It's alright. Adam's been telling me how crazy things are out there." His eyes flickered over to Winter, the smile on his face faltering. "Hello…Sister."

"Brother," Winter acknowledged with a curt nod. She examined the fading marks on his arms. "How are you?"

"I'm well." He hid his arms behind his back.

"Do they feed you well here?"

"Yes. They always have three meals for us."

"That's…good. Having three meals is healthy."

Silence.

Winter cleared her throat. "Brother, I want to formally apologise for what you had to go through in the Estate…and for leaving you alone at home. I haven't been completely fair in my judgement, and I apologise. It was wrong to assume the worst in you without reason."

"I-I see…" He stared at Winter for a moment before looking away. Winter cleared her throat again.

"Rest assured, Father will not get his hands on you. In fact, he will not be stepping foot into the Schnee Manor ever again."

Both Weiss and Whitely perked up at this. Last she heard, he was being held in a cell somewhere in the Academy while authorities went over the documents uncovered in his office.

"From what we've found so far, Father will be facing serious charges soon," Winter went on. "It'll be some time before you can return home, Brother. I can arrange a room for you in the hotel we are staying in."

Whitley's eyes brightened at the prospect of leaving the refugee camp. He opened his mouth to respond but stopped himself. He glanced over where Fiona was still filling the boxes with canned food.

"Can I still come back to help out?" he asked shyly.

"You wish to return here and…help?" Winter furrowed her brows.

"Yeah." He ran his finger down the strap holding his sword. "The people here are nice, and I want to lend them a hand for everything they've done."

Winter stared at Whitley blankly. She shot a look at Weiss as if to confirm she'd heard right.

"I can take him with me in the mornings," Adam offered. "I come here to rendezvous with Robyn anyway."

"I suppose that arrangement can work." Winter continued to study Whitley with a puzzled look.

"What did Father that was so bad anyway?" Whitely asked.

Neither Winter nor Weiss knew how to answer. Explaining everything to him in the middle of a refugee camp wasn't the best place to unload Father's atrocities. Even if he'd faced Father's wrath, it would still be difficult to accept the other crimes he's committed behind closed doors.

"You will know soon enough," Winter said instead.

"It can't be that bad, right? Father wouldn't be responsible for anything too dramatic."

"We can discuss this another time. It's a long story," Adam interjected. "I heard from Joanna you've been restoring that old blade. Is it as impressive as she said it is?"

"I tried my best, b-but I don't know if it's all that great." He unsheathed his sword and showed it to Adam.

Where rust once coated the blade, it now gleamed in the streetlights like a newly crafted sword. All questions about Father vanished as he explained the elbow grease he put into restoring the blade, noting how Fiona and Joanna helped him with the process. He held his head up a bit higher when Adam complimented him on the work he's done.

"I never knew he was so interested in swords," Winter said as the two went on about the possibility of embedding it with Dust.

"It took me by surprise too," Weiss admitted. "He was really excited when Adam offered to train him. Don't tell him you heard that from me, though."

"...He's been training Whitley?"

"Yeah. Adam saw that he was interested in swords and offered to train him. Jaune helps out here and there as well."

"And Whitley is okay with..." Winter faltered. "He does not care if his teacher is a Faunus?"

"He was awkward about it at first, but I don't think it matters anymore."

Winter didn't have anything else to add. She kept to herself and watched Whitley interact with Adam more intently.

After informing Fiona about their new arrangements with Whitley, the four of them boarded an airship back to Atlas. Whitley took the passenger seat, passing out within minutes of resting his head against the cushioned seat.

"How are you two going to break the news to him?" Adam asked Weiss in a whisper.

"I don't know. He's never seen the Mines himself, so I have no idea how he's going to take it."

Whitley could take the news better than she anticipated. He liked Adam and Fiona well enough that it could make him more open to the truth. But there was still so much she didn't know about him that anything was possible.

"He's a good kid with a strong spirit. He'll be able to take it," Adam assured her.

"I hope you're right."

"Adam," Winter addressed him suddenly.

Adam backed away from Weiss in surprise. They studied each other for a moment. The hum of the airship engine filled the space between them.

"I want to thank you for looking after my siblings."

He nodded. "It was nothing."

"I also want to apologise for my unprofessional behaviour. I was wrong about you, and I formed some unjustified opinions because of it…I hope you will be able to forgive my past ignorance." Winter held out her hand. "Rest assured, I will use this experience to do better next time. I won't be repeating the same mistake again."

"I'm glad to hear that." He accepted her handshake.

"While I respect what you've done for my sister and brother, know this." Winter's grip on his hand tightened. "If you break my sister's heart, I won't show you any mercy."

"Winter!" Weiss gasped, mortified she was threatening him in the same breath as her apology.

"You have nothing to worry about, ma'am. I'll take care of her."

That earned a smile from Winter.

"Please just call me Winter. I won't force my sister's partner to speak to me like a soldier."

When news of Father's crimes broke out, they gathered in team RWBY's hotel room to watch the news coverage. The stories came out one by one, starting with his involvement with election fraud before finally delving into his involvement with Faunus enslavement.

The report left out the more brutal details, such as mentions of euthanasia and reselling victims on the market, but the general idea was clear as day.

Ruby had to step out when they showed footage of one of the Dust Mines. The camera captured an aerial view of one of the Mines. There were so many victims being treated outside they looked like a village. Adam left when the reporter interviewed a doctor involved in treating the victims.

Whitley sat amongst them, looking paler than he had his entire life. Weiss kept a close eye on him throughout the broadcast.

The report ended by announcing Robyn as the rightful winner of the election.

"I'm glad they're finally getting the story out there," Yang said at the start of the commercials.

"I'm worried about the conspiracies that will come out of this." Blake went through her Scroll to find public responses to the report.

Whitley excused himself while the others talked further about the aftermath of the story. Weiss followed him out, keeping a healthy distance between herself and him as he stumbled aimlessly down the hall.

He collapsed against the wall, raking his hands through his hair. Weiss caught up to him, sliding down to the ground beside him. Neither of them said anything for a long while. She looked up and down the hall for signs of Adam or Ruby, but they were alone.

"T-that story can't be true," Whitely whimpered beside her. "I know Father is harsh, but he's not that evil."

"I saw those Dust Mines with my own eyes, Whitley. The people working there weren't doing it out of their own free will."

He shook his head. "You haven't gone since you were little. Maybe you forgot something…"

How could she forget seeing her best friend in chains?

"I know it's hard to accept…I saw everything and still didn't realise the truth until much later," Weiss said instead. "The files we found that night–"

"That's what you guys were breaking in to find?"

"Why else would we have been so desperate to get inside?"

"I-I don't know. I thought you were looking for tax fraud or something."

"I wish it was that easy."

"W-what if it's all a mistake? What if someone was trying to frame him? There are plenty of people who'd want our company to fail and come up with some story–"

"Whitley, listen to me." She placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "We found physical evidence of Father owning Faunus slaves inside his office. If you still don't want to believe it, I can ask Winter to show you one of those files."

He shook his head, tears now welling in his eyes.

"T-they must be old employee files–"

"Employees don't get a company logo burned into their skin. They don't even have their own names. His notes treat them like they're some commodity he can sell or dispose of on a whim."

"If he can hurt his own family, how farfetched is it to think he can hurt vulnerable strangers?"

Whitely wrapped his arms around himself. The bruises on his forearm had completely faded by now, but the memory they left behind would never leave.

"H-he really did all those things?"

"He did."

Whitely stared down at the ground, arms wound so tightly around himself they trembled.

"I-is that why some of the Faunus in Mantle act like I did something wrong?"

"They have every right to be mad at us, but you shouldn't blame yourself for something Father did." Weiss curled an arm around him.

"B-but if I'm the official Heir, t-then all those Dust Mines…"

"Don't think about it like that. That sort of thing is still Father's crime to bear. Your position as the new Heir is an opportunity to undo the damage he left behind."

"I-I don't even know where to start."

"You can always ask me or any of your new friends for help. If you're still unsure of something, then go find the answers yourself. You're a lot more capable than you think, trust me."

Whitley unwound his arms from around himself and hugged her back. She kissed him on the top of his head.

"Weiss, has Father ever…hurt anyone we know?" His voice bounced off the white walls. His question repeated itself down the long hallway until it faded to silence.

Weiss swallowed the lump at the back of her throat, tightening the arm she had around him. She never answered his question, but his silence told her he must've guessed who exactly was on her mind.

After walking Whitley back to his room, Weiss looked everywhere for Adam. She checked her team's hotel room, disappointed to only find Yang and Blake asleep on their shared bed. Weiss then tried knocking at his door. After three unsuccessful attempts, she retreated down to the lobby. The only person there was a half-asleep receptionist.

Weiss had just stepped out into the night when she paused, staring at skyscrapers reaching up into a black sky. Tiny specks of lights glowed from the windows like poor imitations of the stars.

She rushed back inside, frantically pressing the highest elevator level. She raced out once it reached its destination and used her Semblance to scale up the remaining stairs leading to the rooftop.

The wind howled in her ears when she pushed open the door. The air was colder up here. She curled her arms around herself and stepped further out.

Weiss spotted Ruby first as her red cape waved wildly in the wind like a flame. Adam stood beside her, camouflaged in shadows save for his hair. They stood with their backs facing her, looking over the edge of the building.

"We never found her body either, but I still feel like she's there when I talk to her." Weiss overheard Ruby saying. "Even though she's gone, I still feel like she's watching over me. Maybe that's why I got accepted into Beacon! Mom was secretly pulling some strings in the afterlife."

"I don't think that's how that works," Adam chuckled. "You got in because of your skills."

"That too, but where's the fun in believing that?" Ruby laughed. "But seriously, just because they're gone doesn't mean they're gone. I think they stay behind so they can watch over us."

"If that's the case, then my family gave up on me a long time ago."

"They'd be proud of you."

"You don't know me enough to say that."

"Actually, I know you just enough to say that. Your family would be proud of you, Adam."

Weiss paused. Suddenly barging into the middle of their conversation didn't seem like such a bright idea after all.

"I have a similar perspective on them always being with us," he said quietly. Ruby tilted her head curiously at him.

"As long as we remember them and tell their story, they're never truly dead. The fact that we still feel so strongly about them proves they're still with us. Alive in some way."

"I like that idea too," Ruby said softly. "Your parents sounded like wonderful people."

"Yeah... I can say the same thing about your mom. I see why you and your sister call her super mom."

"Thanks. Your mom sounded like a super mom too."

Adam didn't respond, but she imagined Ruby's response left a smile on his face.

Weiss waited until neither had any more to say before getting closer. Adam heard her footsteps first, looking over his shoulder and greeting her with a small smile.

"Wow, I sure am tired," Ruby said with a dramatic yawn when Weiss joined them by the ledge.

"You don't have to leave because I'm here. We're not going to third-wheel you."

"Oh, good. It's already a bit weird with Yang and Blake always together." Ruby laughed awkwardly. "I don't know how Jaune survived in Mantle with you all…no offence."

"Good thing my brother was there." Weiss laughed.

"I am pretty tired, though, so I'm calling it a night. Don't stay up too late, lovebirds." Ruby winked with a mischievous grin.

Weiss rolled her eyes and waved her off. Blake was having a bad influence on her.

A comfortable silence lapsed between them once Ruby left. They looked over the traffic beneath them, watching cars zip by like shooting stars.

"Are you alright?" she asked, shivering against the howling wind.

"Yeah. The news just hit too close to home." He moved behind her, clasping his hands over her stomach and pulling her into his chest. "I'm glad the story is out, though."

She nodded, resting her hands on top of his. Even if he supported the news story, it still must be painful to have so many old wounds ripped open again.

"Do you want me to stay with you tonight?" she offered.

"That'd be nice." He rested his chin on top of her head. "Can we stay out a bit longer? It's quiet up here."

"We'll stay as long as you need."

Weiss wasn't sure how long they stood on the rooftop before he suggested they go inside. After changing into her nightgown, she tiptoed over to his room – he left the door ajar for her.

Adam was already in bed, laying flat on his back and staring at the dark ceiling. She crawled beneath his covers, draping an arm across his chest. His arm curled around her shoulders, holding her close.

"I'll be right here if you need me," she promised. "It's going to be alright."

He kissed her forehead. "Thank you."

Weiss woke up in the middle of the night to find his face buried into the nape of her neck. Adam's arms crushed her in a desperate embrace. She combed her fingers into his hair, whispering soft reassurances until his heavy breathing evened out. She didn't fall asleep again until he did.

–

The next morning, the Silver Robins announced they were holding a candlelight vigil to honour all victims of the SDC. The event was to take place that night in Mantle. Weiss was utterly disappointed when Blake and Adam advised her and Whitley to stay behind despite everyone else attending.

"It's a safety hazard," Adam explained. "I know you care, but some people there might not be too thrilled to have two Schnees attending the service."

"I'm not scared of an angry mob," she insisted.

"You might not care, but I do. I don't want you two to get hurt."

"We can always deliver flowers on your behalf," Blake offered as a compromise.

"I don't want to sit in some hotel room while the vigil takes place. It feels so disrespectful…" Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Whitley nodding in agreement.

He hadn't spoken a word to Adam or Blake the entire day, looking down at his shoes whenever they were nearby.

"There's going to be a lot of angry people if you two show up tonight," Adam reasoned. "It'll be better for everyone if you wait for all this to settle first."

"I can go under a disguise."

"That's not a risk I'm willing to take."

"It could make things worse if someone discovers you're under disguise," Blake added. "It's only one night. There will be plenty of chances to honour them in the future."

She huffed in frustration. With Adam and Blake disagreeing so strongly with her, the others were likely going to side with them too.

"Can you at least let me fund all the flowers you guys will bring?"

"Yeah, that's fine," Adam said.

"I-is it okay if I pitch in too?" Whitley requested meekly. He didn't even look up when Adam ruffled his hair.

"Of course. Thank you, Whitley."

Weiss and Whitley spent that night glued in front of the live vigil broadcast. Her brother kept his sword on his lap throughout the service. His attention bounced between the screen and his blade.

Survivors, family members, and Faunus advocates shared stories with the crowd. Each speaker told a tale of tragedy and spoke for the loved ones who lost their voices forever.

There were so many candles flickering in the night. Whenever the camera showed an aerial shot of the mourners, they looked like a cluster of twinkling stars. While most of the people attending were Faunus, many Humans were seen standing in the crowd.

Fiona was the last to share a speech with the crowd. She focused less on the tragedy that took place and more on the hope for a better future.

"This is only the beginning of a long battle," Fiona spoke softly, but the conviction in her voice kept Weiss glued to the screen. "After a week, the media will forget this story, but we won't. We can't! We can't grow complacent and let criminals like Jacques Schnee get away with their atrocities. Seeing so many Faunus and Humans gathered here tonight gives me hope this battle will continue until my people are finally treated as people."

"I want to help them with this fight too…" Whitley murmured, running a finger down his sword's sheath. "D-do you think he's still going to teach me? Even after…?"

"He will." She wrapped an arm around him. "You should tell Adam when he gets back. It would mean a lot to him."

Whitely nodded, a new fire sparking in his eyes. It reminded Weiss of the moment she accepted Winter's offer to train her, except Whitley's motivation wasn't baked in selfishness. Her chest welled with pride. She couldn't have been more proud to call him her little brother.

Weiss turned her attention back to the television screen. Robyn addressed the crowd, asking them for a minute of silence to end the night. A hush fell over the room. The murmurs of someone's television rang over their heads.

Weiss closed her eyes and whispered the names of the people she knew who had their voices silenced by the SDC.

Jasper Taurus.

Autumn Taurus.

Clementine Khan.

I'm back! Sorry about the late update and any weird errors. I just got off the plane and sat my ass down to get this out.

Thank you to anyone who left a review! I have a special schedule announcement later tmr. I'll likely upload later in the day because my brain is still foggy from all the travelling I did lol.