Pyrrha floated on the rooftop of Beacon Academy, her eyes fixed on the vast expanse of the night sky. The stars seemed indifferent to her sorrow, their distant twinkle a stark contrast to the tumultuous emotions churning within her. The lonesome mood of Vale mirrored the state of her heart — broken and desolate... and also hopeful.

Pyrrha's expression was a canvas of lonesomeness, a deep-seated sadness etched into every line of her face.

Recent events had shattered her trust in Ozpin and his goals. The man she once revered as a beacon of hope and wisdom had lied, and continued to lie, about his true intentions. His lies cut deep, leaving her adrift in a sea of doubt and regret. She had chosen to follow him, to trust in his vision for a better world, but that choice now felt like a cruel joke. The weight of her decisions pressed heavily upon her, each lie he told unraveling the threads of her belief in their cause.

She sighed, the sound barely audible against the whisper of the night wind. Five years ago, she had made a choice — a choice that still haunted her. She had chosen destiny over her friend. The memory of that day was as vivid as if it had happened yesterday. She could still see Jaune's face, his eyes brimming with confusion and hurt as he walked away from Beacon for the first time. His smile, once so full of warmth and hope, had vanished, replaced by a look of profound sorrow. His shoulders slumped under the weight of unspoken words and shattered dreams.

It broke her heart to see him like that, to cause him pain. But she had convinced herself it was for the best. Better to see him walk away, broken but alive, than to risk him getting hurt or worse. She loathed the thought of pushing him away, of sacrificing their friendship for the sake of a destiny she wasn't even sure she believed in anymore. But in her mind, it was necessary. She believed in his potential, his goodness, but she didn't believe enough in their shared future.

So certain was she that Jaune would be no help, that she had pushed him away to safety, thinking she was protecting him.

And where had that choice led her? All alone, watching him from a distance with clouded eyes. The realization was bitter, a gnawing ache that refused to fade. She had sacrificed affections for duty, only to find herself questioning the very duty she had chosen. The stars above seemed to mock her with their distant beauty, a beauty she could never touch or attain. Her heart ached with a loneliness so profound it felt like a physical weight, pressing down on her, making it hard to breathe.

Pyrrha wrapped her arms around herself, seeking comfort in her own embrace. The cold wind bit at her skin, but she barely felt it. Her thoughts were consumed by Jaune, by the life they could have had together alongside her team who… she barely even see anymore.. She imagined them smiling again, their laughter echoing through the halls of Beacon Academy as they faced the future together. But that future was a mere fantasy, a dream she had forsaken for a destiny that now felt hollow and meaningless.

She closed her eyes, allowing the memories to wash over her. She remembered their first meeting, the awkwardness and innocence of it. Jaune had been so different from the other students — clumsy, unsure of himself, but with a heart so simple it shone like a beacon. She had been drawn to him, to his kindness and determination. He believed in her, saw her not as a champion or some celebrity, but as a person. Someone worth knowing, worth loving.

But she had let him down. She had let herself down. In her quest to fulfill a destiny she imposed upon herself.

She had lost sight of what truly mattered. The bonds of friendship, of love, were far more powerful than any grandiose goal or mythical destiny. She had learned that lesson too late, and the price of that lesson was a lifetime of regret.

The sky above seemed to stretch on forever, a vast, unfeeling void. Pyrrha felt small and insignificant beneath it, a mere speck in the grand tapestry of the universe. Her choices had led her here, to this moment of profound sorrow and isolation. She could see Jaune in her mind's eye, his blue eyes filled with a mixture of hope and fear, his hand reaching out to her, offering her a chance at a different future. A future she had turned her back on.

Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring the stars into a hazy mess of light. She had made her bed, and now she had to lie in it. But the loneliness, the aching void in her heart, was almost too much to bear. She longed to see Jaune again, to apologize, to tell him how much he meant to her. But that chance was gone, lost in the wake of her choices.

But was it really?

She knew Jaune... and considering their previous interactions... he'd be okay.

But was she shameless enough?

Pyrrha took a deep breath, steadying herself. She couldn't change the past, couldn't undo the choices she had made.

It was a small hope, a fragile thing, but it was all she had left.

And yet the stars above continued their indifferent dance.

Following him from a safe distance, abiding Ozpin's words, Pyrrha stood in the shadows, her eyes fixed on Jaune as he moved through the crowded marketplace. The sight of him now filled her with a mixture of pride and regret. He had grown into the huntsman she had always dreamed he would become — strong, mature, and a beacon of hope and kindness. Every action, every gesture, radiated the qualities she had always admired in him. His presence was a balm to the wounded souls around him, his smile a light in the darkness that had descended upon their world.

While they fought, Jaune was around to remind them what Huntsmen do. Helping wipe fear from people's hearts and instill courage. He stood in front of them and faced the worst to make sure they could live. While they fought, he saved and fought for other's lives.

And even now, he doesn't seem to realize how much he had accomplished.

Jaune was talking to a group of children, his face animated as he regaled them with stories and lame jokes. The children listened with rapt attention however, their eyes wide with wonder and admiration. He crouched down to their level, ruffling the hair of a boy who looked up at him with unbridled awe. It was a simple act, but it spoke volumes about the kind of man Jaune had become. Pyrrha could see it in the way people responded to him, the way they gravitated towards him, charmed by his genuine warmth and sincerity.

Her heart ached as she watched him. She had always believed in Jaune's potential, had always seen the spark of greatness within him. But she had doubted him when it mattered most, pushing him away to protect him, convinced that he would be better off without her. And now, here he was, proving her wrong in the best possible way. He had become everything she had hoped for and more, and she had played no part in it. She had doubted him, even now, as she stood by Ozpin's side, mired in uncertainty and fear.

Ozpin had lied to her, to all of them.

All that talk about protecting the world when the truth of it all was so shallow.

The word 'Wise man' doesn't suit him.

Reason dictated that she should remain loyal to him, to the cause they had all sacrificed so much for. But her heart hesitated, torn between the man she had once trusted and the friend she had lost. Every time she saw Jaune, saw the way he smiled at her as if she had done nothing wrong, the guilt and regret gnawed at her soul.

It was unbearable.

Jaune didn't resent her. That was the worst part. He had every right to hate her for abandoning him, for doubting him, but he didn't. His understanding, his unwavering kindness, hurt more than any anger or bitterness ever could. It was as if he saw through her, saw the pain and doubt that she tried so hard to hide. His forgiveness was a constant reminder of her failures, a mirror reflecting the broken pieces of her heart.

Pyrrha clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. She wanted to be by his side, to fight alongside him and their friends, to reclaim the camaraderie and friendship they had once shared. But she was paralyzed by fear, afraid that the fragile bond they had managed to rekindle would shatter if she took that step. She questioned her worthiness, doubted whether she deserved to stand beside him after everything that had happened.

As she watched Jaune help an elderly woman with her groceries, his kindness clear in every gesture, Pyrrha felt her resolve waver. She had made so many mistakes, allowed doubt and fear to guide her actions, and it had cost her dearly. But standing here, watching Jaune embody the qualities she had always cherished, she realized that perhaps it wasn't too late to change. Perhaps she could find the courage to step away from the lies and deceit, to follow her heart and stand by the people who truly mattered.

Her thoughts were a tumultuous sea, each wave of doubt crashing against the fragile shore of her hope. She wanted to believe that she could still be a part of Jaune's life, that she could earn back the trust she had lost. But the scars of the past were deep, and the path forward was shrouded in uncertainty.

But it was then that Jaune looked up, his eyes meeting hers across the distance. Her mind conjured so many expressions to appear. But his smile was like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds, warm and reassuring. In that moment, Pyrrha felt a flicker of hope ignite within her. Maybe, just maybe, she could find the strength to step away from Ozpin's shadow and forge her own path. A path that led her back to the team that had once been her family.

But the fear lingered, a heavy weight pressing down on her chest. She had doubted Jaune, had pushed him away when he needed her most. Did she deserve his forgiveness, his kindness? Could she truly find a place by his side after all the pain she had caused?

Tears welled up in Pyrrha's eyes as she grappled with these questions. She wanted to believe that redemption was possible, that she could atone for her mistakes and reclaim the friendship she had failed.

"Pyrrha? Are you okay?"

"I'm…" Pyrrha froze like a deer caught in headlights. "… not."

Jaune was moving towards her now, his expression a mixture of concern and warmth. He stopped a few paces away, giving her space but offering his support with his mere presence. Pyrrha took a deep breath, steeling herself. This was her chance, her opportunity to take the first step towards healing the wounds of the past.

"Jaune," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I'm so sorry."

His smile was gentle, his eyes filled with understanding. He simply nodded. "It's okay, Pyrrha. We're all trying to find our way."

She nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I want to stand by your side again, if you'll have me."

Jaune looked at her in surprised at that, then smiled lightly, and he held out his hand. "Please, I don't have a side you can pick from. I'm always on everyone's side… kinda?"

Pyrrha hesitated for a moment, her heart pounding in her chest. Then, with a resolve she hadn't felt in years, she took his hand.

"Let's go find our old place, oh boy, they'd think I'm bullying you if they see you like this," Jaune joked. Pyrrha followed, letting Jaune pull her away from the crowd, hiding her face from the crowd.

Pyrrha now sat on the edge of the rooftop, knees drawn to her chest, her gaze lost in the distance.

Jaune approached quietly with a drink at hand, his footsteps soft on the stone. He paused a few feet away, giving her space but making his presence known. Pyrrha's heart ached at the sight of him, strong and sure, the huntsman she had always believed he could become. She felt a pang of guilt and fear, unsure if she deserved his kindness, his forgiveness.

"Pyrrha," Jaune's voice was gentle, a balm to her frayed nerves. "Can I sit with you?"

She nodded, her throat too tight to speak. He settled beside her, close enough to offer comfort but not so close as to crowd her, and handed over her a drink.

For a while, they sat in silence, the night air cool against their skin. Pyrrha's thoughts swirled, a storm of self-doubt and fear.

"Jaune," she began, her voice barely a whisper. "I... I don't know where to start."

"Take your time," he replied softly. "I'm here."

His words were a lifeline, grounding her at the moment. She took a shaky breath, gathering her thoughts. "I've made so many mistakes," she admitted. "I doubted you, pushed you away when I should have stood by your side. I thought I was protecting you, but... I was just scared."

Jaune listened, his expression open and attentive. He didn't interrupt or offer platitudes. He simply let her speak, let her unburden her heart. Pyrrha felt a lump form in her throat, tears welling up in her eyes.

"I thought I was doing the right thing," she continued, her voice trembling. "But I was so wrong. And now... I don't know if I deserve to be here, with you."

Jaune's silence was comforting, a space where her words could hang without judgment. He waited patiently, letting her pour out her fears and regrets. Pyrrha looked up, meeting his gaze. His smile was soft, a hint of the goofy charm that had first drawn her to him. It was dangerous, that smile, because it made her heart ache with longing.

"I'm so proud of you, Pyr," he said quietly, his voice filled with sincerity.

The words hit her like a ray of sunshine piercing through the darkness. She felt a warmth spread through her, melting the ice that had encased her heart. Jaune reached out, gently pulling her into an embrace. She went willingly, burying her face in his shoulder as the tears began to fall.

"I'm proud of you," he repeated, his voice a soothing murmur in her ear. "You've always tried to do what's right. You've always fought for what you believe in. And that's why I'm so proud of you."

Pyrrha's sobs grew louder, her body shaking with the force of her emotions. She clung to him, her fingers digging into his shirt as if he were her anchor in a stormy sea. Jaune held her close, his arms a protective cocoon around her.

"I'm sorry," she choked out between sobs. "I'm so sorry."

"There is nothing you need to apologize for. You simply did what you thought was best." Jaune's hand rubbed gentle circles on her back, his touch steady and reassuring. "You did nothing wrong, Pyrrha," he said softly. "You did what you thought was right. And I can't blame you for that. The Pyrrha Nikos I know is full of righteousness, justice, and kindness. You've always been that way. I understand."

His words were a balm to her wounded soul, each one lifting a weight off her chest. She cried harder, the pent-up emotions of years spilling out in a torrent. Jaune continued to hold her, his whispers of "I'm proud of you, Pyr" a constant refrain, grounding her at the moment.

She didn't feel like she deserved his kindness, his friendship. But as she listened to his words, as she felt the steady beat of his heart against her, she wanted to believe it. She wanted to believe that she was worthy of his pride, his love.

"I've missed you," she confessed through her tears. "I've missed you so much, Jaune."

"I've missed you too," he replied, his voice thick with emotion. "Every day. But we're here now, and that's what matters."

Pyrrha pulled back slightly, looking up at him with tear-filled eyes. "Do you really mean it? That you're proud of me?"

Jaune cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs brushing away her tears. "I mean it, Pyrrha. With all my heart. You've been through so much, and you're still standing. That takes incredible strength. And I'm proud of you for that."

His words were like a lifeline, pulling her out of the darkness that had threatened to consume her. She nodded, taking a deep breath as she tried to calm her racing heart. "Thank you, Jaune. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You'll never have to find out," he promised, his eyes shining with sincerity but at the same time, for a moment, Pyrrha saw Jaune's face seems to be so… sad… as if he had lost her too, but then it was gone, replaced with a goofy smile.. "Heh, sounds like Pyrrha's on board for Team Jaune again?"

"If you'd have me," Pyrrha said, smile still on her eyes.

Jaune looked at her playfully. "But oh boy, you'd have to go through the initiation again."

"I-initiation?"

"Yes," Jaune said seriously. "A certain someone has been annoying me about it."

Pyrrha had a feeling about who that person was, but as she looked to the side. He saw Nora brimming with an uncontained joy as if she had won the lottery.

Nora grabbed her in a bear hug. "Did you hear that Renny!? Pyrrha's on our team again! Haha, suck it Ozzy!"

Ren smiled in delight and exhaustion at his partner. "Nor, I think you'll break her."

"It's fineeeee, right? She's like a super-duper-huntress who can fly, so a broken leg or two would suffice as a re-initiation!" Nora grinned at Pyrrha.

Pyrrha turned to Jaune for help.

Jaune shrugged and then said with a smile. "Don't worry, my Semblance can heal it… just don't leave scars, okay, Nor?"

"Aye, aye, fearless leader!" Nora took Magnhild from her waist and started chasing Pyrrha, eventually forcing Pyrrha to float just out of reach from Nora like a cat chased up a tree.

For the first time in a while, a genuine smile and a hearty giggle escaped out of Pyrrha's lips.