Author's Note: Enjoy.

Beta: GeneralMayhem, kpmh2001

Again.

Pyrrha lowered her borrowed blade, arm shaking from exhaustion as she fought to keep it leveled against her 'opponent'. The tree didn't look very intimidated but she didn't acknowledge it, the only thing she saw was the monster who planned to attack Beacon. Cinder was a monster, a real monster. Unlike the Grimm, she had a choice to do good or evil. The fact she chose to attack Amber, to attack her, because she desired the Maiden Powers only showed that. The Grimm were humanities enemies, but it was people like CInder who opened the gates to let them in.

Taking a deep, ragged breath she pointed the tip roughly at where she remembered the woman's throat to be. She had spent years training for tournaments, practicing and rehearsing multiple routines more times than she could possibly remember. That muscle memory had saved her life multiple times against Cinder in their short fight, but it had also hindered her in a way.

Pyrrha had always trained for arena fighting, friendly spars, and competitions where no real blood would be spilled. She had never trained for the express reason of killing someone before, and at another time in her life, such an act would have seemed horrifying to her. But now she understood why it had to be done, why she needed to be ready to kill. If she didn't have the strength to kill Cinder Fall, then thousands of people would die, including her, Beacon would fall and Cinder would win again. But even though Pyrrha knew that it had to be done, she could feel her stomach roll and her throat dry up each time she thought about killing anyone, even somebody as vile as Cinder.

Cinder was a monster, not just because of her motives, but also her sheer power and capability in a fight. Pyrrha had spent a lifetime honing her craft and body for fighting, and she had been so hopelessly outclassed that her defeat had been inevitable since the moment that she had set foot into the tower. As much as it hurt to realize it, her reluctance to kill had probably contributed substantially to that defeat, while Pyrrha had been fighting to defeat her opponent, Cinder had been fighting to kill hers.

It was one advantage that Pyrrha refused to give her again. When Cinder came for her, she would be prepared to end her life, she just had to be.

Pyrrha slashed out at neck level, closing her eyes and imagining her blade striking down her opponent. Killing her opponent. She could almost imagine the resistance, and the sound. It was sickening and she quickly opened her eyes, dispelling the illusion.

She felt her legs begin to buckle as she shifted her weight to compensate for the strike. Allowing her arm to fall to her side, Pyrrha allowed her body to collapse as it had been trying to do for the last hour. Sprawled out on the ground, breathing heavily and feeling her body ache, she was reminded of a simpler time. A time when her biggest worry had been getting Jaune to notice her. When she and him would spend hours on the roof of their dormitory training.

Pyrrha had hopped, and often fantasized, that he would notice her efforts for what they were. That he would finally ask her out, or kiss her, or just do something. Closing her eyes she could almost imagine it. Laying on the rooftop, Jaune doing the same only a few inches away from her. Both of them exhausted and hurting as they sat in each other's presence.

She had always wanted to say something in those moments, to use the silence to confess her feelings and be done with it. Sadly, she had been a coward and despite how much she enjoyed spending time with him, those moments of silence between them had always left her feeling vulnerable.

It was strange the things you missed when they were gone. That awkwardness had been painful at the time, her failure to be honest about her feelings, and yet now she wished she could experience it again because of what it entailed.

Opening her eyes once more, the dream was broken as reality came crashing down. Strangely enough, reality had started to seem less real than her dreams.

Attempting to stand, Pyrrha soon learned just how exhausted she was. Her legs ached beyond belief, so much so that she doubted she could make the walk back to her room, at least not yet. Instead, she sat back down and tried to focus on the present rather than the past.

It had been a few days since she had been reprimanded and confined to school grounds, officially confined that was. The Headmaster had asked her to stay at Beacon before, and she had blatantly ignored him. This was the result. It was embarrassing to say but not very much had changed. Without her team or friends, Pyrrha didn't have many reasons to leave the school grounds. She still wanted to pursue the White Fang, but the Headmaster's threat was too great.

If she was sent to Atlas, she had no reasons to believe that she would be brought back for the festival. Which would mean that the attack would happen without her there. Despite wishing otherwise, she had imagined any number of scenarios in which one of her friends died because she wasn't there to save them.

There was also the distinct and worrying possibility that the attack wouldn't happen at all, not during or at the festival anyways. The Maiden powers were the real goal, which meant that if she were sent to Atlas and Cinder found out then there was no reason for the attack to happen as it had in her past life. That had sounded wonderful at first, until she considered that an entirely different attack would likely have happened. One on Atlas directly. One that they would have no knowledge or preparations for.

Atlas wasn't an option, which meant that she had no choice but to stay at Beacon. In the meantime, all there was to do was train and prepare. She had spent time with Professor Goodwitch, working to better control her powers. Even managing to achieve limited amounts of combination attacks. Mostly switching between ice and fire, but the Professor said she had made excellent progress for such a short time.

She only wished she could say the same for her physical progress. Despite the intensity of her training, it was slow going. Her physical strength and endurance were improving, but it was frustrating work. She still lacked much of the muscle memory she relied on in spars, being forced to focus on every small detail during a fight. That wasn't an issue until she had to focus on something else, which would cause whatever she had been focusing on before to fall apart.

Sighing in frustration, Pyrrha tried to calm herself. Thinking back, she remembered Ren talking about how he would often meditate when he needed to clear his mind. She had never been able to understand how he could manage that with Nora practically bouncing off the walls, but she had come to know him as the embodiment of calm.

When it came to actual details he had been vague. He'd often chosen to meditate outdoors however, usually in the gardens where he was surrounded by nature. Pyrrha attempted to focus on her surroundings.

The hidden garden had become her personal quiet space and she had made it a routine to come and train away from prying eyes. She couldn't quite explain why but she always felt calmer leaving than when she showed up. That subtle sense of peace was one of the few things helping her to stay grounded given her situation.

She'd gotten a few messages from Qrow, telling her about how he was still investigating the White Fang presence in the city. He had even gone so far as to say that if he found anything big he'd talk to the Headmaster about bringing her along. She appreciated the gesture, but doubted anything would come from it. Still, it had been a nice change of pace to have someone on her side. It was easy for her to see why Ruby and Yang had been so fond of their Uncle.

Pyrrha shook her head, again attempting to block out her own thoughts by focusing on her surroundings. It was easy to be upset with the Headmaster's choices, but allowing it to blind her would only make things worse. She'd told herself that more than once, yet she struggled to live by it.

Growling under her breath Pyrrha forced her eyes closed, somewhat painfully, as she struggled to control her thoughts. Controlling one's mind was not so easy however, and after another failed attempt she fell down onto her back with a whimper.

"Hey Amber!" Pyrrha jumped at the sudden sound, rolling over and attempting to stand only to fall face down into the grass with a groan. Velvet winced at the sound. "Are you uh… okay?"

Pyrrha only groaned in response.

"How's the training going?" Coco's voice said that she already knew the answer to her question. Pyrrha groaned louder in response. "Sounds about right considering." Coco gestured to Pyrrha's prone position on the ground. "Want a hand up?"

Pyrrha shook her head and pushed herself off the ground, arms shaking as they threatened to buckle underneath her. A hand grabbed her shoulder, helping to pull her up off the ground.

"T-Thanks." Pyrrha blushed, dusting off her uniform in an attempt to distract herself.

"Overdid it a little?"

"It would seem so." Pyrrha dejected. "I thought I was ready to move to the next step but… I may have overestimated my ability somewhat." It was a difficult fact to accept, and one that still left her hating her current predicament. The sad truth of it was that the routine she was trying to do now was just that, routine. It had never been her main workout nor had it been anything special. She had literally done it countless times before with practically no effort and now she struggled to even finish.

Coco looked to Velvet for a moment before turning back. "Sounds like it's time to relax a bit. We were about to head into Vale, why don't you join us?"

"I can't." Pyrrha winced at that disappointed look on their faces. "I'm sorry, I can't leave school grounds."

"Oh, I see." Coco looked like she wanted to ask why but she restrained herself. "Some other time than."

"Yeah, some other time." Pyrrha reached down to grab her sword, sliding it into its sheath. "Have fun you two." Turning away from them she made her way out of the hidden garden.

"Amber wait." Velvet grabbed her arm, pulling her around to face them again. It took a moment for the embarrassment to set in, Velvet releasing her arm with a blush as she looked back to Coco. "How about movie night?"

Coco's head perked up slightly and, though she couldn't see the girls eyes, she could almost imagine the glint in them. "Yeah, we have a team movie night just before the weekend in our dorm. You should come."

Pyrrha wrapped her arms around her chest. "I don't want to intrude on your team."

"It's no trouble." Coco dismissed her words with a flick of her hand.

"I don't know…"

"It'll be fun." Velvet added, looking up at her with hope filled eyes. She wasn't as good as Ruby, but the guilt was still there.

"Well… if you're sure it won't be an issue."

"Yes!" Velvet smiled wildly. "I mean, no it won't be an issue."

Coco stepped forward and held out her scroll for Pyrrha to take, which she did without thinking. "Put your number in and I'll shoot you the details." She added her number and handed it back. A moment later her own scroll vibrated as she received the message. "Tonight we're watching the new Spruce Willis movie, the critics say it's the best one yet."

"It should be fun." Pyrrha forced a smile on her face and hoped that it looked genuine. She didn't mind spending time with people, but it was bound to be an awkward night.

She was horrible at talking to people she didn't really know, and she had only interacted with the two male members of team CFVY a handful of times. She was a bit more familiar with Coco and Velvet but… it was going to be a long night. She recalled what Qrow had said after their mission, about how they were the only people she seemed to talk to aside from the teachers. With her friends not set to arrive at Beacon until the start of the next school year, she supposed it would be appropriate to try and make more friends.

Her smile diminished slightly but took on a more genuine look. "I'll see you then."

Night came quickly and with it the moment Pyrrha had been dreading. She stood outside Team CFVY's dorm room, once again checking her scroll in hopes that she would receive a message saying it was canceled or that it had been delayed.

No such luck. She thought to herself. Ok, you can do this. It'll only be a… couple hours. She winced slightly.

She knocked on the door softly and nearly jumped backwards as the door was torn open, Coco appearing before her. "You made it!"

"H-Hello." Pyrrha waved awkwardly.

"Come on in, we're just finishing setting up." Coco gestured her inside and closed the door behind them. "Fox and Yats are just grabbing some drinks, they'll be right back."

Pyrrha awkwardly stood as she had no idea what to do or say. The room was the same as the rest of the academy's, but it was different in subtle ways that displayed the individual preferences of the people who stayed in them. There weren't any bunk beds, though she was hesitant to call team RWBY's beds that, but most of the beds were pushed or stacked off to the side, creating room for a couch, a few chairs, and a T.V. to be set up along the wall. Obviously not the usual state of the room, since that would mean they all slept in one giant bed together.

Pyrrha immediately regretted thinking that as her blush grew in intensity.

"Go ahead and make yourself comfortable." Coco walked over to the couch, sitting down before kicking her feet up on one of the chairs. "Velvet! Amber's here, make sure you're decent!"

"I don't do that!" Velvet poked her head out from the bathroom. "Stop making me seem crazy in front of other people!"

"But you make it so easy." Coco gestured towards her friend's chest, causing Velvet to look down and realize she was clad only in her pants and bra. She screeched in embarrassment as she retreated back into the bathroom, much to her team leaders amusement. "She's easy to rile up, and all the more adorable for it."

Pyrrha struggled to speak, her blush now having become darker than her old hair, likely on par with Ruby's cape. "So… not to pry, and feel free to not answer, but why can't you leave the school?"

Velvet emerged from the bathroom, scowl on her face as she marched over to sit on the other side of the couch from Coco. Her face was nearly as red as Pyrrha's.

"Well," Pyrrha had used the momentary distraction to compose herself somewhat, though judging by the warmth from her cheeks she hadn't quite managed it. "Did either of you hear about the White Fang bust in the industrial district?" Both of them nodded. "That was me."

The room was silent for a moment before both of them shouted in unison. "What?!" Pyrrha's blush returned with vengeance.

Coco filled the silence. "You singlehandedly took down a terrorist cell?!"

"N-not single handedly." Pyrrha insisted. "I had help."

"You still fought terrorists!" Coco added. "Do you have any idea how cool that is?!"

Pyrrha laughed awkwardly. "Heh, it was a busy night."

"How did you find them?" Velvet asked.

It took a moment for Pyrrha to come up with an answer. For obvious reasons the truth wasn't an option. Aside from the fact they were unlikely to believe her, it was important that it be kept secret. That being said, the idea of lying didn't sit well with her.

"A… friend of mine used to be a member. She left though!" Pyrrha was quick to say in Blake's defense. "She left when they started hurting people, but she spent a lot of time trying to find them."

"Damn," Coco said. "Sounds like a fun person."

"More like obsessed." Pyrrha winced at how rude that sounded.

"You would know about that wouldn't you."

"Coco!" Velvet snapped back. "I'm so sorry."

Coco simply rolled her eyes. "How is that related to you being in trouble?"

"The Headmaster had asked me to stay at the school in order to stay out of trouble." Pyrrha looked to the floor guiltily. "I went against that and did exactly what he was afraid I'd do."

"So now you can't leave at all?" Velvet asked, Pyrrha nodding in response. "That seems kind of extreme, I don't think I've ever heard of a student getting in that kind of trouble before."

"Yeah, even with detention you can still leave so long as you make it back on time." Coco added. "What gives?"

"It's a bit different for me," Pyrrha had to think quickly to make an excuse. "I... live at the school."

Coco and Velvet fell silent for a moment. Pyrrha rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly as the silence drug on. The two shared a glance with each other before Coco spoke. "You don't have anywhere to go?"

Pyrrha didn't know what to say. Thankfully she was reduced as the door was kicked open, Fox and Yatsuhashi stepping through with boxes of stuff.

Velvet leapt up from the couch, rushing over to grab some of the drinks from her partner.

"Just the two we've been waiting for." Coco gestured to her. "Amber's here by the way."

"Sup." Fox gave her a friendly nod.

"Good evening, Amber." Yatsuhashi looked over from his partner, offering Pyrrha a soft smile.

"Hello again." Pyrrha waved back awkwardly.

"So, are we ready to get this party started or what?" Fox layed down on his bed, well within earshot of the screen.

"It would seem so." Yatsuhashi sat down in the final chair, leaving the couch for Velvet and Coco.

"Sweet, let's get this started." Coco pressed something on her scroll and the T.V. screen came to life.

Velvet offered her a soda before leaning back to enjoy the movie. Coco shut the lights off before taking her spot back and cracking open a can as well. As the opening company logos started, Pyrrha forced herself to lean back and relax. Taking a sip from her grape soda she focused on the movie.

Hopefully it lives up to the reviews.

Authors Note: A good old Spruce Willis movie… completely copyright free. Just how I love them.

This chapter needed a lot more work than usual, so just wanna give a quick thanks to my editors for doing their job, can't say how much I appreciate the help.

Hope you enjoyed it and as always don't forget to review and tell me what you think.

Sincerely, SE