Weiss stood before the mirror in her dorm room at Beacon Academy, the bathroom light casting gentle shadows across her features. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she knew she would see.

Her face, once marred by the cruel assault of Adam Taurus, had healed. Jaune Arc's Semblance had worked wonders, repairing the damage wrought by the relentless onslaught of punches. But as her gaze traveled downward, she couldn't ignore the reminder of that fateful encounter — the scars that crisscrossed her torso, stark against her pale skin.

She traced a finger lightly over the jagged lines, feeling the memories of pain and fear that still lingered beneath the surface. How they survived an encounter with such a highly wanted criminal and extremist like Adam Taurus was nothing short of a miracle. Jaune Arc's Semblance had been a saving grace, his semblance's power lightening the damage from that beating.

Weiss couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt as she remembered Yang, who had suffered even more grievous injuries, losing an arm in their desperate struggle against the White Fang Extremist. She knew they were lucky to be alive, lucky to have escaped with their lives intact, but the weight of their ordeal still hung heavy upon her shoulders.

A few more scars… at least it didn't have to be on my face again.

Taking a deep breath, Weiss straightened her shoulders and met her own gaze in the mirror with steely determination. She refused to let the scars define her, refused to let the darkness of that night consume her. She was a Huntress-in-training, a member of Team RWBY, and she would not let fear or pain hold her back.

With a resolve born of fire and ice, Weiss turned away from the mirror. As she stepped out of the bathroom, her eyes fell on Ruby, who sat slumped on the edge of her bed, a look of weariness etched across her features. Despite her young age, Ruby bore the weight of leadership. She had always believed Ruby was too young for such a responsibility, but she couldn't deny the glimpses of natural leadership that shone through in moments where it mattered.

As she watched Ruby, Weiss couldn't help but sense the doubt that lingered beneath her friend's outward strength. Ruby had always been fiercely determined, but Weiss knew that even the strongest spirits could falter under the weight of doubt and uncertainty. She wondered if Ruby ever questioned whether she truly deserved to lead, whether she could truly shoulder the responsibility that had thrusted upon her.

Weiss couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy for her friend. She understood what it was like to grapple with the expectations placed upon her, to feel the weight of others' perceptions pressing down upon her. She knew what it was like to doubt herself, to wonder if she truly belonged among the ranks of Huntsmen and Huntresses.

Perhaps, Weiss thought, if someone else had been in Ruby's position — someone like Pyrrha Nikos, with her unparalleled skill and charisma — the burden of leadership might have felt lighter. Pyrrha commanded respect effortlessly, her presence inspiring confidence in those around her. And with Jaune Arc by her side, his Semblance a powerful asset in its own right, Pyrrha's team stood as a formidable team. Even as a trio, Pyrrha's team was already formidable. Adding someone who can easily cripple a paladin with a few slices was simply cheating.

But Ruby was not Pyrrha, and Weiss knew that was precisely why she was so uniquely suited to lead. Ruby's strength lay not in her skill or her charisma, but in her unwavering resolve and her unyielding belief in the goodness of others. She led not with grand speeches or strategic brilliance, but with the courage of someone who refused to give up, no matter the odds. And perhaps it's those traits that made her as stubborn as well when it comes to her choices and how she acts.

Weiss watched as Ruby's shoulders sagged even further, her usually bright silver eyes dulled with exhaustion and doubt. It pained Weiss to see her friend struggling under the weight of their recent failures, to see the fire of determination that had always burned so brightly within Ruby flickering dangerously low.

Stepping closer, Weiss reached out to gently lift Ruby's chin, forcing her to meet her gaze. "Ruby, it's not your fault," she whispered, her voice heavy with sincerity.

Ruby's brows furrowed, disbelief clear in her expression. "But Weiss, if I had been a better leader — if I had been more decisive, more prepared — maybe things wouldn't have turned out this way."

Weiss shook her head, refusing to let Ruby take the blame for what had happened. "No, Ruby, that's not how this works. We're a team, remember? We succeed together, and we fail together. What happened with Adam Taurus wasn't your fault — it was ours, all of us. We underestimated the threat, we let our emotions cloud our judgment, and we paid the price for it."

Ruby opened her mouth to protest, but Weiss held up a hand to silence her. "And yes, Yang and Blake have been... difficult lately," she admitted with a sigh. "But that doesn't change the fact that we're a team, and we need to work together if we're going to overcome this. We can't afford to let our differences in opinion tear us apart, not now, when we need each other the most."

Ruby nodded in agreement, a hint of remorse tingeing her expression. "You were right, Weiss. We should have listened to you. Maybe if we had, things wouldn't have turned out like this."

Weiss couldn't resist a small, self-satisfied smirk at Ruby's admission. Straightening her posture with her typical haughty demeanor, she replied, "Well, of course, I was right. I've been telling you three that we needed to approach situations with caution and strategy."

Ruby rolled her eyes playfully, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips despite the seriousness of their conversation. "Yeah, yeah, we get it, Weiss. You're always right," she teased.

Weiss chuckled softly, the tension in the air easing slightly as their banter resumed. "Well, someone has to be the voice of reason on this team," she quipped, her tone light but with a hint of sincerity.

Ruby grinned, her spirits visibly lifting at their familiar back-and-forth. "Yeah, yeah, we know, Weiss. We're lucky to have you."

Ruby's gaze drifted downward once more, uncertainty clouding her features. "Even if Yang gets her arm back, it won't be the same," she murmured.

"No, it won't be the same," she agreed quietly. "But it's a step forward, Ruby. It's a reminder that we can't afford to take anything for granted and be as reckless as ever."

Ruby nodded slowly, her mind still wrestling with their situation. "I guess you're right, Weiss," she said, her voice tinged with resignation. "Maybe this was a lesson we needed to learn."

Weiss nodded in agreement, her tone pragmatic. "Perhaps it was," she conceded. "Being a Huntress isn't just about fighting Grimm and going on adventures. It's about responsibility — responsibility to ourselves, to each other, and to the people we've sworn to protect. And sometimes, that responsibility means facing hard truths and making tough decisions."

Ruby met Weiss's gaze, a flicker of determination reigniting in her silver eyes. "Yeah," she said, her voice firm with resolve. "We'll learn from this. We'll do better. I hope we do."

"Then I'm glad you understand, hopefully," she said, her tone imbued with confidence.

"Still.. there goes our chance to attend the Festival," Ruby murmured, the disappointment clear in her voice.

Weiss sighed softly, a sympathetic expression crossing her features. "It's too bad," she conceded, her tone tinged with regret. "But given how closely we've been watched lately — with Miss Goodwitch practically hovering above us to ensure we don't do anything reckless — it's not entirely surprising."

Ruby nodded in agreement, her shoulders slumping further with the weight of their missed opportunity. "Yeah, I guess you're right," she admitted, her voice tinged with resignation. "It's just... hard, you know? We were looking forward to it so much."

Weiss placed a comforting hand on Ruby's shoulder, offering her a reassuring squeeze. "I know, Ruby," she said softly. "But it's what we get for being reckless."

"Yeah," she agreed. "Still… I expect—"

Weiss's voice took on a slightly more pragmatic tone as she reasoned with Ruby. "What did you expect, Ruby?" she asked, her words tinged with a hint of frustration. "We were part of three accidents. First, there was the incident at the Vale Docks. Then there was the chaos on the motorway. And let's not forget about our ill-fated excursion to Mt. Glenn, despite all signs pointing to it being a bad idea."

Ruby winced at the reminder of their past mistakes, the weight of their recklessness settling heavily upon her shoulders. "I know, Weiss," she admitted, her voice filled with remorse. "I just...I thought we could handle it. I thought we could make a difference."

Weiss sighed softly, her frustration tempered by understanding. "I know you did, Ruby," she said gently. "And I admire the optimism, I really do. But sometimes, optimism isn't enough. Sometimes, we need to be more cautious, more deliberate in our actions."

Ruby nodded in agreement. "I know…"

Weiss sat down heavily, the weight of their recent mistakes pressing down upon her. "Just be glad we aren't facing criminal charges thanks to our unique positions," she said, her tone heavy with resignation.

Ruby furrowed her brow in confusion, uncertainty flickering in her silver eyes. "What do you mean, Weiss?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Weiss took a deep breath, steeling herself for the difficult conversation ahead. "Do you really think we wouldn't have faced more consequences for our actions?" she asked, her words measured and deliberate.

Ruby's eyes widened in realization as the gravity of Weiss's words sank in. "You mean... we could have been arrested?" she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Weiss nodded solemnly, her gaze fixed on the floor as she struggled to find the right words. "Yes, Ruby," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper at how frustratingly ignorant Ruby was sometimes. "What we did — being part of those accidents, putting innocent lives in danger — it's not something the authorities would take lightly. We're lucky the Headmaster intervened when he did, or things could have been much worse for us."

Ruby's breath caught in her throat as the full weight of their recklessness settled over her like a heavy blanket. "I... I didn't realize," she whispered, her voice tinged with guilt.

Weiss took a deep breath, her mind racing as she tried to explain the factors that had shielded them from the full consequences of their actions. "You see, Ruby, with the incident at the Vale Docks, Penny's involvement played a significant role in covering up what happened. The SDC and Atlas have a vested interest in protecting their secrets, and they went to great lengths to ensure that the truth didn't come to light."

Ruby listened intently, her brow furrowed in concentration as she tried to piece together the puzzle. "So, because Penny was involved, they could sweep it under the rug?" she asked, seeking clarification.

Weiss nodded gravely. "Exactly. And as for the chaos on the motorway, well, technically speaking, we were within our rights as Huntresses-in-training to intervene," she explained. "Professor Ozpin's intervention certainly helped smooth things over, but it was mostly because we didn't technically break any laws."

Ruby nodded slowly, beginning to understand the intricacies of their situation. "But what about Mt. Glenn?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Weiss hesitated, her expression grave as she struggled to find the right words. "Mt. Glenn is... a more complicated affair," she admitted finally. "Let's just say that there were... political considerations at play, and certain... influential individuals who could ensure that we didn't face any serious repercussions."

Ruby frowned, sensing that there was more to the story than Weiss was letting on. "What do you mean, 'political considerations'?" she pressed, her voice tinged with concern.

Weiss sighed heavily, knowing that this part of their situation was the most delicate. "Let's just say that there are people who might have a need for us," she said. "For now, it's best not to delve too deeply into it. Suffice it to say, we've been given a second chance, and we need to make the most of it."

Ruby nodded slowly, then asked. "Wait… then how did Jaune get dragged in this? I mean, he saved kids! But they arrested him and forced him into Beacon!"

"I'm not entirely sure, Ruby," she admitted, her tone thoughtful. "But I suspect Jaune's Semblance played a significant role in the decision."

Ruby tilted her head, curiosity shining in her silver eyes. "His Semblance?" she echoed, seeking further explanation.

Weiss nodded, her expression serious. "Yes, Jaune's Semblance is... remarkable," she explained. "The ability to heal others, especially in a world where Huntsmen and Huntresses are constantly putting themselves in harm's way, is an invaluable asset. I wouldn't be surprised if the headmaster saw the potential in Jaune's Semblance and decided to leverage it for the benefit of Beacon Academy, no matter the cost. One can argue that a defense lawyer who has no care about what Vale and Atlas think could make a solid defense how legitimate his action and make him go free. But that's the thing. Powerful people will have their way of getting what they want."

Ruby nodded slowly. "So, you think they enrolled him to... use his Semblance?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Weiss shrugged, uncertainty flickering in her icy blue eyes. "It's certainly possible," she admitted. "But there may be other factors at play as well. In Vale, unsanctioned vigilantism is seen as conspicuous, and Jaune's intervention on the motorway likely caught the attention of the authorities. Add to that his unlocked aura, and it's no wonder he was pulled into Beacon."

Ruby nodded in understanding, her mind whirling with the implications of Weiss's words. "I see," she breathed. "It's just... hard to believe that someone like Jaune was forced into Beacon because of something like his Semblance. And I doubt you can force someone like him unless…"

Weiss placed a comforting hand on Ruby's shoulder, offering her a reassuring squeeze. "I know, Ruby. They must have made a deal that Jaune couldn't refuse," she whispered. "But sometimes, the world works like that. And if there's one thing we've learned, it's that nothing is as it seems. The Headmaster has a need for us… somehow. I have a guess why… but other than that, I'm clueless."

"I just wish Jaune wouldn't hate us…I mean he doesn't even know us that much!"

Ruby's question about Jaune's apparent dislike caught Weiss off guard, her mind racing as she tried to find the right words. "I'm not sure, Ruby," she admitted, her tone tinged with doubt. "But... I can't really blame him, considering what happened on the motorway."

"Yeah, I guess we did put him in a tough spot," she acknowledged, her voice tinged with regret.

Weiss sighed softly, her gaze drifting downward as she grappled with her own emotions. "We did more than put him in a tough spot, Ruby," she admitted quietly. "We endangered innocent lives, including those of children on that bus, giving him a spotlight and forcing him to Beacon. Jaune had every right to be angry with us."

Ruby nodded slowly, her expression grave. "I know, Weiss," she said softly. "But do you think he'll ever forgive us?"

Weiss hesitated. "I'm not sure, Ruby," she admitted. "But... I've seen glimpses of another side of Jaune. A gentleness, a kindness that he doesn't show to everyone."

Ruby's eyes widened in surprise, curiosity shining in her silver eyes. "You have?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Weiss nodded, her cheeks flushing slightly at the memory of his touch when healing her. He called her Snow Angel. It was a tacky compliment, but it made her heart flutter. "Yes," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "There have been moments when he's been...gentle with me, and it's...it's made me wonder."

Ruby's gaze softened, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Well, that's... unexpected," she admitted, her voice filled with relief.

Weiss nodded in agreement, her heart fluttering at the memory of Jaune's unexpected tenderness when healing her face. "Yes," she agreed quietly. "Maybe... maybe he's not as angry with us as we think. I think he's more disappointed at what we're causing…"

"I see," Ruby murmured, her voice filled with quiet optimism as they made their way out of their dorm room and into the hallways of Beacon Academy.

As they walked, deep in conversation, a familiar voice calling out to them suddenly interrupted them. "Good morning, Weiss! Good morning, Ruby!"

Turning, they saw Penny approaching, her usual cheerfulness shining brightly in her bright green eyes and freckles. Despite the weight of their recent troubles, Ruby couldn't help but smile at Penny's infectious enthusiasm.

"Good morning, Penny!" Ruby replied, her voice lifting with genuine warmth. "How are you today?"

Penny beamed at them, her ginger hair bouncing with each step. "I am functioning at optimal capacity and combat ready! Thank you for asking!" she chirped. "And how are you both?"

Weiss couldn't help but admire Penny's unwavering positivity. "We're... getting there," she admitted, her tone tinged with a hint of uncertainty.

Penny cocked her head to the side, her expression filled with concern. "I am sorry to hear that," she said. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Ruby exchanged a glance with Weiss, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Just seeing your smiling face is enough, Penny," she said sincerely. "But thank you for offering."

Penny's smile widened, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "Of course, Ruby! I am always here if you need me," she said earnestly. "Oh, I almost forgot to mention! I successfully delivered Yang's new prosthetic arm this morning and it was successfully installed!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with pride.

Ruby's eyes widened in surprise, a smile spreading across her face. "That's great news, Penny!" she exclaimed, genuine happiness clear in her tone. "I'm sure Yang will be happy to have it."

Penny nodded eagerly, her features beaming with joy. "Indeed! I am quite pleased with how it turned out. And did you know," she continued, her voice taking on a note of excitement, "Yang's new arm was made using the same technology as mine!"

Weiss raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Penny's revelation. "Really?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. "I didn't realize that they'd offer something like that."

Penny nodded enthusiastically, her bright green eyes sparkling with pride. "Yes! It's quite remarkable, isn't it? I am honored to have been a part of such an innovative project," she said earnestly.

Ruby grinned, her admiration for Penny growing with each passing moment. "Well, I'm sure Yang will be thrilled to have such a high-tech arm," she said warmly.

Weiss looked around and then leaned in closer to Penny, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Penny, perhaps we should speak more discreetly," she suggested quietly, her eyes darting around the bustling hallway. "We wouldn't want anyone to overhear about that stuff."

Penny tilted her head in confusion, her expression puzzled. "I don't understand, Friend Weiss. Is something wrong?" she asked, her eyes wide with innocence.

Weiss bit her lip, a flicker of concern crossing her features. "It's just... well, you know how people can be," she explained carefully. "Some might not... understand if they were to learn about... your true nature." She was quite surprised to learn about it, but Penny... was nice and innocent. She didn't want that to be gone.

Understanding dawned in Penny's eyes, and she nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. "I see," she said softly, her tone tinged with understanding. "You are concerned that revealing my identity as an android could cause... issues."

Weiss nodded, relieved that Penny understood her concerns. "Exactly," she confirmed, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's best to be cautious, especially in a place like Beacon where rumors spread quickly."

Penny smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. "Thank you for looking out for me, Friend Weiss," she said sincerely while performing a salute. "I will be more mindful of our surroundings from now on."

Weiss returned Penny's smile, a sense of relief washing over her. "Of course, Penny," she replied, her voice soft with reassurance.

As they turned, their conversation abruptly halted as they spotted Jaune Arc standing nearby, his muscular and towering form accentuated by his tight-fitting workout shirt. Panic flashed across Ruby's and Weiss's faces as they realized he had overheard their conversation. Penny, however, remained oblivious to their distress, her expression still filled with innocence.

Weiss's mind raced as she scrambled to come up with an explanation. "Jaune, it's not what you think," she blurted out, her voice tinged with urgency. "Penny here, she's... she's just... she has a prosthetic body!"

Ruby nodded frantically, her eyes wide with alarm as she joined in the explanation. "Yeah, that's right! Penny's body is prosthetic, so it's not like...like she's hiding anything or...or anything like that!"

Penny tilted her head, confusion in her expression as she looked from Ruby to Weiss and back again. "I don't understand," she said softly. "What's going on?"

Weiss shot Ruby a panicked look before turning back to Penny, her mind racing as she tried to come up with a plausible explanation. "It's just... Jaune overheard us talking, and... and we were just... um, discussing... uh, prosthetics! Yes, prosthetics! And... and how they're... um, fascinating pieces of technology!"

Ruby nodded vigorously, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she tried to play along. "Yeah, exactly! We were just talking about... um, prosthetics!" she echoed, her voice slightly shrill with nerves.

Jaune raised an eyebrow at their attempt. "Prosthetics?" he repeated, his tone bland. "Really?"

Weiss nodded frantically, her mind racing as she tried to keep up the façade. "Yes, prosthetics!" she affirmed, her voice a little too loud with forced enthusiasm. "Fascinating stuff, really!"

Penny's eyes widened in realization, a smile spreading across her face as she caught on to the ruse. "Oh, I understand now!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with innocence. "Prosthetics are quite fascinating indeed!"

Jaune regarded them all with a bemused expression, clearly not entirely convinced by their explanation. "Right... prosthetics," he said slowly. "Look, I'm not dumb," he said wearily, his voice tinged with. "I heard what you said."

Penny's expression fell, her green eyes clouded with sadness as she realized that Jaune had seen through their feeble attempt at deception. "Please, Jaune," she pleaded softly, her voice tinged with desperation. "Don't tell anyone... about me."

Ruby and Weiss exchanged worried glances, their hearts sinking at the thought of their friend's secret being exposed. "Jaune, please," Ruby added, her voice filled with urgency. "It's important that no one knows... about Penny. She's still a work in progress"

Weiss nodded in agreement, her voice tinged with desperation. "Yes, Jaune," she pleaded, her tone pleading. "Please, you have to promise us that you won't tell anyone."

Jaune regarded them all with a solemn expression, his gaze thoughtful as he weighed his options. After a moment of silence, he let out a heavy sigh. "Fine," he conceded, his voice weary. "I won't tell anyone... about Penny."

Relief washed over Ruby, Weiss, and Penny as they heard Jaune's promise.

"Thank you, Jaune," Penny said softly, her voice filled with gratitude.

Ruby and Weiss echoed Penny's sentiment, their voices tinged with relief. Jaune paused at their thanks, a complicated and pained expression crossing his features.

Ignoring Ruby and Weiss, Jaune turned to Penny, his voice calm as he asked, "Do you have an aura?"

Penny nodded eagerly, her eyes shining. "Yes, I have," she replied.

Without hesitation, Jaune reached out and gently touched Penny's wrist, his expression thoughtful as he focused on sensing her aura. After a moment, he nodded to himself.

"Then that means you have a soul," he said softly, his tone filled with understanding.

Penny's face lit up with joy at Jaune's affirmation, a bright smile spreading across her face.

"And having a soul means you're a real girl."

"Really?" she beamed.

"Aura is the manifestation of the soul. So it checks out."

Meanwhile, Ruby and Weiss watched in astonishment as Jaune's attitude toward Penny seemed to soften before their eyes. They couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease at the sight of Jaune's uncharacteristically kind demeanor. He was always stoic, and rarely animated unless he was near his team.

Then, to their surprise, Penny turned to Jaune, her bright green eyes shining with hope. "Would you like to be friends?" she asked eagerly.

Jaune's response was immediate, his face breaking into a wonderful smile that sent shivers down Ruby's and Weiss's spines. "Yes," he said simply, his voice filled with warmth. "I would love to be friends with you...again."

"Wonderful!"

Ruby and Weiss exchanged bewildered looks, unsure of how to process Jaune's reaction to Penny. However, as they watched Penny and Jaune exchange smiles, they couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the unexpected friendship forming between the two.

As Jaune left, Ruby and Weiss exchanged bewildered glances, still trying to make sense of the unexpected interaction they had just witnessed. Penny, however, waved back at Jaune with a bright smile, her green eyes shimmering with happiness.

"See you, Penny. Be safe," Jaune called back over his shoulder as he walked away. "If you need help, then don't forget to ask."

Penny's smile widened, her voice filled with warmth as she replied, "You too, Friend Jaune!"

As Jaune disappeared around the corner, Ruby and Weiss turned back to Penny, their expressions still reflecting their confusion.

"That was... unexpected," Ruby admitted, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Weiss nodded in agreement, her brow furrowed. "Indeed," she agreed. "I didn't expect Arc to react like that at all."

Penny tilted her head, her face reflecting genuine curiosity. "Did I do something wrong?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Ruby shook her head quickly. "No, Penny, not at all," she replied earnestly. "It's just... we've never seen Jaune act like that before."

Weiss nodded in agreement, her gaze thoughtful. "Indeed. It was... surprising, to say the least."

Penny's expression softened with understanding, her green eyes filled with empathy. "I see," she said softly. "Well, regardless, I'm glad to have made a new friend."

Ruby and Weiss exchanged a small smile, their unease gradually giving way to acceptance. "Us too, Penny," Ruby replied, her voice warm with sincerity. "Us too."

"It's just... odd," Weiss murmured, her brow furrowing with confusion.

Ruby nodded in agreement, her expression reflecting her uncertainty. "Yeah, Jaune usually keeps to himself," she added, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Penny tilted her head, her eyes shimmering with innocence. "But he seemed nice," she said softly, her voice filled with warmth. "And he promised not to tell anyone about me."

Weiss and Ruby exchanged puzzled looks, still trying to make sense of Jaune's behavior. "I suppose," Weiss conceded reluctantly, her mind still reeling with questions.

Ruby nodded, her gaze thoughtful. "We're heading to Yang. Would you like to come with us, Penny?"

Penny beamed. "I would love to, Friend Ruby!"

In the medical facility of Beacon Academy, Yang sat on the edge of her bed, her new robotic arm glinting faintly under the soft glow of the overhead lights. Her expression was a mixture of bitterness and resignation as she tried to come to terms with her new reality.

As the door creaked open, Ruby, Weiss, and Penny entered, their footsteps echoing in the quiet room. Penny's normally cheerful demeanor seemed subdued, her bright green eyes reflecting a hint of sadness as she approached Yang's bedside.

"Hey Yang," Ruby said softly, her voice filled with concern as she approached her sister.

Yang managed a weak smile. "Hey, Rubes," she replied, her tone heavy with fatigue.

Weiss crossed her arms, her gaze piercing as she fixed her attention on Blake, who stood awkwardly by the door. "Glad that you stayed, Blake," she said, her voice tinged with accusation.

Blake flinched slightly at Weiss's words, her gaze dropping to the ground. A bruise marred the skin beneath her left eye, a silent testament to the argument that had occurred earlier.

Yang glanced between Weiss and Blake, her brow furrowing in concern. "Heard you two got in a fight," she remarked, her tone a mixture of curiosity and exhaustion.

"We did," Weiss confirmed, her voice sharp. "She was trying to run away after involving us in those things. Said it's because it's her fault and that she shouldn't stay here in Beacon. It was frustrating. The nerve really..." She trailed off, her frustration clear in her clenched fists.

Yang sighed heavily, shaking her head. "I would have been super depressed if you leave us, Blakey," she admitted, her voice tinged with vulnerability.

Blake swallowed hard, her throat tight with emotion. Unable to meet Yang's gaze, she simply nodded in response, her silence speaking volumes.

As the conversation among Team RWBY continued, the door creaked open once more, and a green-haired girl stepped cautiously into the room. Her eyes flickered with a mixture of concern and curiosity as she approached Yang's bedside.

"Hey, Yang," Emerald said softly, her voice tentative as she tried to gauge the atmosphere in the room.

Yang glanced up, her expression guarded as she regarded the newcomer. It was the newcomers from Haven. Who they had befriended a while ago. "Oh, hey, Em," she replied, her tone cautious.

Emerald hesitated for a moment, fidgeting nervously before finally speaking up. "I heard about what happened... with your arm," she said. "I just wanted to see how you're doing. Heard that you got your ass kicked, so I thought, you know why not visit? Well, I can go if you don't want to? You all seemed busy."

"No, you can stay. I appreciate the visit," Yang offered her a small, weary smile. "It's been tough," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I'm hanging in there."

Emerald nodded, her gaze flickering briefly to the rest of Team RWBY before returning to Yang. "And... what happened in Mt. Glenn? I heard it was bad," she asked hesitantly, her tone careful.

Weiss glared, almost scowling. The room fell silent as Yang's expression hardened, the memories of that fateful incursion still fresh in her mind. Ruby glanced at her sister, concern etched into her features, while Weiss and Blake exchanged a meaningful glance.

"Oh, if it's a secret, then it's fine… I was just curious."

"We're not really supposed to talk about it," Ruby interjected, her voice firm.

"Yeah," Weiss affirmed.

Emerald's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of frustration crossing her features. "I just... I want to understand," she insisted, her tone pleading. "A friend… he got involved in… what happened so I thought you guys would know—"

Yang sighed heavily, running a hand through her hair as she struggled to find the right words. "It's complicated," she said finally, her voice tinged with sadness. "But let's just say... things didn't go according to plan."

Emerald nodded, her expression somber as she took in Yang's words. "I understand," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

But Emerald continued to probe gently, her persistence gradually broke through the barriers of reluctance within Team RWBY. Despite their initial reticence, they began to open up, seemingly wanting to vent much to Weiss' frustration.

"Well, so much for keeping it quiet," Weiss snorted and then left with Penny, who bid them a farewell.

Yang glanced around at her teammates, a mixture of apprehension and determination in her eyes. With a deep breath, she began to recount the events of Mt. Glenn, her voice steady despite the turmoil of memories that threatened to overwhelm her.

"We went there to investigate suspicious activity in Mt. Glenn," Yang started, her words measured as she recounted the details of their ill-fated expedition. "But things quickly spiraled out of control."

Ruby nodded solemnly, her gaze fixed on her sister as she listened intently. Blake remained silent, her expressions somber as she absorbed Yang's words.

"We encountered the White Fang and then Adam Taurus," Yang continued, her voice tinged with disbelief. "And then... we found out the truth about what was really going on in that place."

Emerald listened intently.

"And then... everything went to hell," Yang concluded, her voice heavy with emotion. "But we made it out alive, somehow."

What happened in Mt. Glenn… Adam Taurus. And whatever it was, the huntsmen were trying to neutralize. They all laid out to their new friend from Haven. Not at all, obviously. But Yang, in a sense, vented about what happened.

It also eased their burdens.

Though lost in their chattering, they didn't see the casual press of a button Emerald made on her Scroll.