Prologue
The battlefield was chaos. Fire, smoke, and the endless waves of Grimm turned the world into a hellish landscape. Yang Xiao Long's fists were bloodied, and her aura flickered weakly as she swung her remaining arm, sending a wave of Grimm flying. Her breath came in ragged gasps, her body teetering on the brink of collapse.
Salem stood at the heart of the storm, her twisted form radiating darkness. She was like an immovable force, the embodiment of all their pain and suffering. Yang's heart raced as she saw Ruby—her little sister, her light—engage Salem. Ruby's silver eyes glowed with the intensity of their power, her scythe a blur as she moved in close.
The sound of Ruby's voice was barely a whisper as she called out, "Yang… Weiss… Jaune…" But it was too late. Before Yang could even process it, before she could move to protect her sister, Salem's clawed hand had shot out, wrapping around Ruby's neck with terrifying speed.
Snap.
The sickening sound echoed through the battlefield. Ruby's body went limp in Salem's grip, and the world stopped for Yang. Everything slowed down as she watched her sister's form crumple to the ground like a broken doll.
"No... no… Ruby!" Yang's scream tore through the air, her voice raw with agony.
But something happened in the moments before Ruby's light was snuffed out. Her silver eyes—glowing with the ancient power that had been passed down through generations—had flared to life, and even in her final moments, she had unleashed their full potential.
A beam of brilliant silver energy shot through Salem, and for the first time, the immortal witch screamed in pain. Half of Salem's body turned to stone, the power of the silver eyes searing through her like fire. It was working. Ruby had weakened her, blinded her on one side, and for the first time, Salem looked vulnerable.
Jaune, standing just a few feet away, saw the opportunity. He gripped the Relic of Destruction, the ancient weapon glowing with an ominous light. He charged at Salem with a fierce roar, raising the relic high before bringing it down, cleaving into her now-stone side.
The Relic's power mixed with Ruby's silver eyes, and it ignited something within Salem—a fire, a burning that spread through her body like gasoline igniting. Dark smoke poured from Salem as the corruption of the Grimm inside her began to burn away, and for the first time in centuries, Salem felt the true pain of destruction.
But she wasn't done yet.
With a guttural scream, Salem knocked Jaune back with a swipe of her clawed hand. He crashed into the ground with a thud, the relic slipping from his grip. Salem staggered, her body still on fire from the inside, the silver flames licking at her, but she wasn't going to fall easily.
Yang's heart was shattered. She had watched Ruby die. She had watched Weiss fall earlier in the battle, sacrificing herself to protect Ruby. Her entire world was crumbling around her.
And that's when the rage took over.
Yang's eyes burned red, her semblance roaring to life as she charged at Salem in a berserk fury. There was nothing left but the need to destroy the woman who had taken everything from her. Yang's punches were relentless, her fists slamming into Salem over and over again, not allowing her even a moment to draw the relic from her body.
Salem, weakened and unable to reform with the silver fire still consuming her, was forced to the ground. The sound of bones cracking and flesh tearing filled the air as Yang drove her fist into Salem's burning form, again and again.
Salem tried to fight back, tried to push Yang away, but the silver flames were devouring her from the inside, and Yang was too consumed by her own grief and fury to stop.
With a blood-curdling scream, Yang grabbed the relic from Salem's body, and without hesitation, she began stabbing it into her over and over again. Every blow was filled with the pain of losing Ruby, the anguish of losing Weiss, and the hatred of what Salem had done to their world.
"Die… Die… DIE!" Yang screamed, her voice breaking as she plunged the relic deeper into Salem's body, the silver fire spreading through every wound she created.
And then… it was over.
Salem's body slumped, her eyes wide and lifeless, her form smoldering with the unrelenting silver flames. She wasn't regenerating. The silver fire wouldn't allow it. For the first time in centuries, Salem was dead. The dark grip she had held over the Grimm was severed, and the remaining creatures on the battlefield stumbled, dazed, as their connection to her was cut.
Yang stood over Salem's burning corpse, her chest heaving with the effort. Her fists were trembling, covered in blood and soot, and her legs felt like they might give out beneath her.
Jaune, battered and bruised, crawled over to her. His face was pale, and his hands shook as he reached for Yang.
"It's over…" Jaune whispered, his voice rough with exhaustion. "We did it… We… won."
Yang didn't respond at first. Her eyes were still locked on Salem's burning body, the flames consuming what remained of her. Only when Jaune placed a hand on her shoulder did she tear her gaze away.
"We need to go," Jaune urged, his voice filled with urgency. "The Grimm… they're still here, and we don't know how much time we have before they come back."
Yang nodded, though she barely heard him. She was still running on pure adrenaline, her mind numb to the world around her. She allowed Jaune to pull her away from the battlefield, her feet stumbling as they moved.
Together, they ran.
And they didn't stop running.
Chapter One: A Broken World
Years had passed since that final battle. The world had crumbled in the wake of Salem's death. Her defeat had not saved the kingdoms. Instead, the world had fallen into chaos, with the remnants of society struggling to survive amidst the Grimm that still roamed the earth.
Yang and Jaune had found a small town far from the ruined cities, hidden away in the wilderness. It wasn't much, but it was a place where they could build a life. For a time, they had peace. They had each other, and eventually, they had two children: a daughter, Ruby, named after Yang's sister, and a son, Qrow, named after their beloved uncle.
But the peace didn't last.
The world was still broken, still teetering on the edge of ruin. Rogue hunters, once protectors of the world, had turned to darker paths. They had learned to control the Grimm, to use them as weapons, and they had built small armies to take what they wanted from the survivors.
One day, the town was attacked.
Yang and Jaune had been caught off guard. Jaune had left to help defend the outer perimeter, but without his armor or weapons, he was vulnerable. Yang had stayed behind to protect their children, but her body was broken after years of battle. She wasn't the warrior she used to be.
By the time she realized what was happening, it was too late.
The rogue hunters and their Grimm army swept through the town, tearing it apart. Jaune was killed in the chaos, his body crushed beneath the weight of the Grimm. Yang had found his body, broken and bloodied, and she knew—he was gone.
Desperate to save her children, Yang had thrown them into a wagon and fled. Her aura was depleted, her body barely holding together, but she had to keep moving. The Grimm followed, their howls echoing in the distance as she dragged the wagon through the wasteland.
Her mind was clouded with grief, with pain, but she couldn't stop. She wouldn't stop.
The pain in her leg was excruciating, her femur having broken during the escape. It had healed wrong, and every step sent waves of agony through her body. But she didn't care. She had to save her children.
As she pulled the small wagon carrying her children through the desolate landscape, Yang's vision blurred, her thoughts fractured. The pain was unbearable, but the weight of her failure was worse. Memories of her childhood flooded her mind—pulling Ruby in a wagon just like this one, back when things were simple, back when they still had a future.
She glanced back at her children—Ruby and Qrow—sound asleep in the wagon. They were so young, so innocent. She had named them after the people she loved most in the world, hoping to keep their memory alive. But now, as the blood loss took its toll, she wasn't sure she could keep her promise to protect them.
Stumbling through the ruins of an old building, Yang found herself limping toward a structure unlike anything she had seen before. It wasn't just another relic of the world's collapse—it was ancient, older than anything she had encountered as a Huntress.
"This… this looks like the ruins in the Grimm lands…" Yang murmured to herself, her voice weak as she pulled the wagon behind her, her children still fast asleep. She had to hide. She had to keep them safe.
The stone door creaked open as Yang entered the building, the lights flickering to life as if sensing her presence. The air was warm, sanitized, and for a moment, Yang wondered if she had stumbled into some long-forgotten vault—a remnant of Atlas's elite, perhaps. Some doomsday prepper's sanctuary.
She limped inside, her broken body barely able to stand, dragging the wagon toward a room that smelled of a crackling fire. Her thoughts were fuzzy, clouded by pain and exhaustion, but she kept going, driven by the need to protect her children.
As she reached the room, the doors opened to reveal a haven—beds, food, drink. It felt like a dream. She must have found someone's bunker, a place prepared for the end of the world.
She didn't have the strength to wake her children, not yet. They needed rest. Yang gently laid them in the beds, tucking them in and kissing their foreheads. "Rest now," she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. "It's been such a long trip…"
But as she looked down at them, her heart twisted in agony. Ruby and Qrow… they didn't stir. They didn't move. Their skin was cold, their bodies limp.
Yang's vision blurred as the truth hit her like a tidal wave. They were gone. Her children had died long before they reached this place.
Her hands trembled as she backed away, her mind unable to process the loss, the overwhelming grief. She stumbled into the center of the room, her eyes locking onto a strange object—a crown encased in a glass display. It looked old, ancient, like something from a fairy tale. Something about it called to her, drew her closer.
With shaking hands, she touched the glass, and the case opened. The crown shimmered faintly as her fingers brushed against it, a strange hunger welling up inside her.
"If only…" Yang whispered, her voice breaking. "If only I could wish them back… If only I could have them all back…"
Tears streamed down her face as she collapsed into a chair, holding the crown tightly in her hands. She looked over at the beds, at her children who would never wake, and her heart shattered into a million pieces.
"Give them back… Give them back… Give them back…" Yang sobbed, repeating the words over and over as she placed the crown on her head.
And then, a voice answered her.
"Very well, I can help you if you help me, young lass. I will give you the opportunity to see them all again if you enter a pact with me. I am the Forgotten King of a long-past age. You found a vault of mine, which also became my tomb. I will use my magic—what is left of it—to grant your wish, if you take me with you and become my host."
Yang's bloodshot eyes stared into the darkness, her body trembling with exhaustion and grief. "Sure… you grant me my wish, and I'll give you whatever you want… Not like I have much left to give with a body this broken…"
The Forgotten King's voice echoed through the chamber, ancient and filled with a power long forgotten. The crown glowed faintly, and Yang felt a searing pain tear through her body—a pain like nothing she had ever experienced. It felt as though her very soul was being torn apart, reshaped, as the king bound himself to her.
Yang passed out, her body limp, her mind drifting into a deep, unnatural sleep.
Yang woke up in her bed, surrounded by the familiar warmth of her home. The soft morning light streamed in through the window, and for a moment, she thought she was dreaming. Her body felt… whole. The pain was gone, and as she reached over, she realized—
Her arm was back.
She sat up in bed, her heart pounding as she glanced around the room. The wooden walls, the cozy quilt draped over her legs—it was all so familiar. It was her room, back home in Patch. She glanced at the calendar on the wall, her breath catching in her throat. It was the year she had just turned sixteen.
Yang's hands flew to her face, her fingers tracing the smooth, unblemished skin that hadn't yet endured the scars of war. Tears filled her eyes, and a sob caught in her throat.
She was back. It had worked.
She jumped out of bed, her legs trembling as she made her way to the bathroom. She flicked on the light, staring at her reflection in the mirror, hardly recognizing the face that stared back at her. She was younger—stronger. Her golden hair was vibrant and full of life, and her lilac eyes were wide with disbelief.
"It worked…" she whispered to herself, tears spilling down her cheeks.
A soft knock at the door startled her, and she spun around just in time to see the door creak open.
"Yang?" a small, sleepy voice mumbled. "Are you okay? I heard crying…"
Yang's heart stopped as she saw the small figure standing in the doorway, rubbing her eyes and yawning.
It was Ruby.
Yang's breath caught in her throat, and before Ruby could say another word, Yang lunged forward, scooping her little sister into her arms. Ruby squeaked in surprise as Yang squeezed her tightly, tears streaming down her face as she held her close.
"Yang! You're crushing me!" Ruby complained, squirming in her arms.
But Yang didn't let go. She couldn't. She was overwhelmed by the flood of emotions crashing through her—joy, relief, sorrow. She couldn't believe it. Ruby was here, alive, just like she had always been.
"I had a bad dream," Yang choked out, her voice barely above a whisper. "A really, really bad dream."
Ruby blinked, her big silver eyes full of concern as she reached up to pat Yang's back. "There, there, Yang. It's okay! I'm here."
Ruby wiggled out of Yang's arms and grinned. "I know what'll cheer you up! Milk and cookies! We can watch cartoons!"
Yang let out a shaky laugh, wiping her tears as Ruby darted out of the room, her semblance sending her zipping through the hallway. In that moment, everything felt right. Everything felt like it was supposed to.
Yang followed Ruby downstairs, her heart still aching with the weight of everything she had lost, but for now, she had her sister. For now, they were together.
They cuddled under a blanket in front of the TV, Ruby munching on cookies as she flipped through channels, looking for their favorite shows.
Yang closed her eyes, letting the warmth of the moment wash over her. She wasn't sure what would come next—wasn't sure what the Forgotten King wanted from her in return—but for now, she had Ruby back.
And that was all that enough.
Later that Night
As the house grew quiet, and Ruby had long since fallen asleep beside her, Yang's mind began to whirl with questions. She had made a pact, a deal with a powerful, ancient being—the Forgotten King—but the details were still murky. What did it mean? How would this help her get back everything she had lost?
Suddenly, a voice, deep and smooth, echoed in her mind, startling her out of her thoughts.
"I believe introductions are in order, Yang."
Yang's breath hitched, her eyes widening. The voice wasn't hers, but it was unmistakably the same one she had heard in the vault.
"You… who are you? What is this?" she demanded internally, standing up and pacing, careful not to wake Ruby.
There was a chuckle. "I apologize for the abruptness of our introduction. I didn't expect you to remember me so soon. My name isn't exactly a fit for this age, but the closest modern version would be 'Connor.' You may call me that."
Yang frowned. "Connor, huh? And how exactly is this supposed to get my kids back? If I really did go back in time, they're… they're gone. How is this helping?"
Connor's voice softened, almost empathetic. "That is simple, my dear. The nature of souls is far more complex than you realize. Your children's souls aren't lost. They are simply in a state of non-existence or limbo. When I made the pact with you, I bound myself to your desires, and I keep my promises. When you do have children again in this new future, it will be them—your Ruby and Qrow. It doesn't even have to be the same father."
Yang froze, her breath catching in her throat. "What…? You mean they'll come back? They'll really be… them?"
"Exactly," Connor replied smoothly. "The next two children you bear will be the same Ruby and Qrow you lost. Their souls are waiting, connected to you. However, I would request that you focus on other matters for now. You are much younger, after all. There will be time for that later."
Yang swallowed hard, trying to make sense of it all. She felt an odd comfort in his words, but also a nagging fear. "What now, then? What do we do? I made this pact, but I don't understand how any of this works. How are you supposed to help me?"
Connor's tone turned more practical. "When we formed the contract, I gained access to your knowledge of this current world, and I must say, much has changed. I can be of great service in more ways than one. Not only can I teach you magic, but I can also help devise a plan. I can manifest a spiritual body that interacts with the world. The first step is to determine when your father will return and come up with a good excuse for your sister as to who I am."
Yang paused, glancing back at Ruby, who was now snoring softly under the blanket. "You can actually manifest? Physically?"
"Indeed,"Connor said, amusement lacing his voice. "I am not without my capabilities. But rest assured, my goal is the same as yours: to save this world. And I will guide you every step of the way, Yang. You are not alone in this."
Yang sat in the quiet of the living room, the soft sounds of Ruby's gentle breathing drifting from the bedroom. Her thoughts raced, but she kept her exterior calm. She leaned back on the couch, her golden hair cascading over her shoulders, and closed her eyes for a moment, attempting to make sense of everything. Connor—the Forgotten King—had bound himself to her through the pact, offering her a path to reclaim everything she had lost. But that path wasn't without its dangers, nor its complexities.
"So, you're an ancient king?" Yang's voice broke the silence, as she focused inward, summoning the presence of Connor from the depths of her mind.
Connor's voice, smooth and deep, responded instantly. "Indeed. In another era, I ruled over a world where magic was abundant, where my people were safe under the protective wings of our knowledge. We foresaw the collapse—the fading of magic—and created vaults and artifacts, like the one you stumbled upon. A contingency, if you will, to preserve what we could in the face of calamity."
Yang opened her eyes, staring at the ceiling. "You failed."
"I did," Connor admitted without hesitation. "Our greatest fear came to pass. The vault became my tomb, and my people… they were wiped out. All because of her."
Yang felt the bitterness in his words, and she didn't need to ask to know who "her" was. Salem. The architect of so much destruction, the one who had twisted the world beyond repair, driven by her obsession with Ozma. The same Salem who had taken everything from her—her sister, her friends, her children.
Connor's voice took on a darker tone. "Salem... her reckless pursuit of rebellion against the gods doomed us all. I didn't agree with the gods. No one did. But rising against them? Provoking them? That was her fatal mistake. All because of her obsession with Ozma. She thought she could fight gods for him. She turned humanity against them, and we all paid the price."
Yang clenched her fists, the mention of Salem lighting a fire in her chest. It was the same fire that had driven her to fight Salem to the bitter end, the fire that had allowed her to keep going even after losing everything. "You want revenge," Yang said, her voice low and cold. It wasn't a question.
Connor's silence was answer enough. After a moment, he spoke again, his voice quieter. "Revenge is too simple a word. I want justice—for my people, for the world we lost. But more than that, I want to save this world from the ruin she brought upon it."
Yang stayed quiet for a moment, absorbing his words. Her mind worked quickly, formulating ideas, strategies. "Magic," she said at last. "I guess I should start there. If you can see my memories, then tell me: how long would it take for me to reach the level of a Maiden? You've seen them in my mind. I've got one in mind already."
There was a brief silence as Connor considered her question. "The Maidens," he mused thoughtfully. "They are indeed powerful, but their strength doesn't come from a foundation of learning or skill initially. It's more like borrowed power—a piece of Ozma's essence passed from one host to another. When someone first becomes a Maiden, it's like handing a weapon to a child. Sure, it's powerful, but they haven't trained with it, nor have they earned it the way a traditional magic user would."
Yang smirked, liking where this was heading. "So? How long to get me to that level?"
Connor's voice grew more serious. "The Maidens can grow into their power with time and training, becoming incredibly skilled, but right off the bat, they're wielding something far beyond their experience. That's why they're so volatile at first—the power is there, but they don't yet know how to truly harness it. You, on the other hand, will be building your foundation from the ground up, which might take a few years—two or three, depending on your skill and natural affinities. You've already got a semblance, which helps. But magic, real magic, takes time. If you focus on it, you'll reach that level, and maybe even go beyond."
Yang's smirk widened into a wicked, toothy grin. She lifted both palms, pressing them over her eyes, her mind racing. "A few years? If I was the old me, I'd probably throw a tantrum and say, 'What good are you, then?' But I'm not a kid anymore. I think I've already got a plan."
Connor remained silent for a moment, intrigued. "And what is that?"
Yang's grin grew sharper. "If the Maidens' powers are like passing the controller, then all we have to do is tell our sweet little Maiden that it's our turn to play."
Connor chuckled, a low, amused sound. "You're thinking of Raven, aren't you?"
Yang let out a sharp exhale through her nose, a bitter chuckle escaping her lips. "As much as I'd love to go after my coward of a mom... no, that's not who I was thinking about."
She paused, staring into the shadows. "There's someone else. But before I get into that, I need to make something clear, my little cuckoo bird of a house guest..." Her voice was calm, but the raw emotion beneath it simmered like a volcano ready to erupt. "I never wanted to save the world."
Connor remained quiet, sensing that she needed to get this off her chest.
"After Beacon fell... after I lost my arm... I wasn't thinking about some noble cause. I was pissed. Pissed at Blake, pissed at myself, pissed at everything. But you know what? What I really wanted? I wanted to get Ruby. I wanted to stop her from playing hero..."
Yang's voice faltered for a moment, the flood of emotions overwhelming her. "No, that's wrong. She wasn't playing. She was... too much like Mom—Summer."
Her voice grew quieter, the weight of her words heavy with grief and regret. "I tried to be there for her, you know? After Summer died, I did my best. I practically raised Ruby, with Tai out on his missions, trying to make money to support us. But I was just a kid. I didn't know what I was doing... and I didn't see the problem until it became who she was. Who she had to be."
She clenched her fists, her knuckles white as memories from the past rushed in. "I think it was the Fall... the Fall of Beacon. That's what did it to her. Watching Pyrrha die in front of her, being powerless to stop it... I think that's when Ruby broke. She never said it, but I know she blamed herself. She couldn't live up to those hero stories Summer used to read to her."
Yang's voice trembled, but there was a fierce resolve behind it. "That's why I couldn't stand against her. I couldn't force her to come home. I knew if I tried, she'd shatter. Hell, that's if I could even bring her home with that semblance of hers... she was determined, and I was too scared to push her."
Connor let her words settle, then responded thoughtfully. "Then that's the key. If she broke after Pyrrha's death, we need to prevent that Fall from happening. Ensure that she never reaches that breaking point. You're much wiser now. The real trick will be making sure things stay stable long enough to get there."
Yang narrowed her eyes. Connor had a point, but something about it didn't sit right with her.
"You know," Connor continued, "it would be simpler to just not let Ruby enter Beacon early. You know when and how that dust shop gets robbed. Ensure she doesn't go that day, and—"
"No!" Yang interrupted, her tone firm. "Naw, naw, yeah, she might not be a student if we do that. But if Ruby Rose doesn't go to Beacon, how will there ever be a Team RWBY?"
She leaned back, letting out a long, tired sigh. "As much as I want that to be the answer, it's not. That wouldn't work. We need everyone—Ruby, Weiss, Blake, Jaune, Nora, Ren—to be at full power before the Fall happens. Otherwise, things will just fall apart even faster, and we'll lose everything again. No Team RWBY, no Team JNPR, no one left standing."
Connor was silent for a moment, digesting her reasoning. "So, what's the plan?"
Yang moved her hands away from her eyes, which were now a fierce, fiery red. Her heart was pounding, a wild mixture of anger and hope flooding through her. She smiled—a wicked, joyous grin that contrasted sharply with the rage burning behind her eyes.
"The plan is simple," Yang said, her voice sharp and sure. "We make sure the teams happen. I'll control whatever changes come, and I'll make sure they don't backfire. We'll get the teams in place, get Ruby to be the hero she needs to be, and make sure nothing falls apart."
She clenched her fist, the fire in her eyes only intensifying. "I got to restart."
Connor's presence shifted, a soft chuckle echoing in her mind. "You really are something, Yang. Alright. I'll guide you through this. It won't be easy, but you've got the heart for it. Let's get started."
Yang nodded, her resolve as solid as steel. She knew the road ahead was going to be difficult, but this time... this time she wouldn't lose. She had lost too much before, but now? Now she had a second chance. She had Ruby, Weiss, and everyone else to fight for.
The early summer sun hung high in the sky, casting warmth across the familiar landscape of Patch. The gentle breeze carried the scent of pine trees and the ocean, while birds sang softly in the distance. Yang stood at the edge of their backyard, stretching her arms as she prepared for their sparring session.
Ruby stood across from her, excitement gleaming in her silver eyes as she bounced on her toes, Crescent Rose folded and resting on her back. Her bright smile was infectious, and for a moment, Yang could almost forget the weight of everything that lingered in her mind. Almost.
"Alright, Rubes," Yang called out, cracking her knuckles with a grin. "Ready to show me what you've got?"
Ruby nodded eagerly, gripping the handle of Crescent Rose. "I've been working on a few new moves! Just… don't go easy on me, okay?"
Yang chuckled. "No promises. But you better not hold back, either."
The sisters faced each other in the yard, the grass beneath their feet swaying in the wind. Ruby's silver eyes gleamed with excitement, her fingers twitching as she prepared to draw her weapon. Yang, on the other hand, was relaxed, her golden hair catching the sunlight as she shifted into a ready stance.
"Let's go, squirt!" Yang teased, lunging forward without warning.
Ruby yelped, quickly drawing Crescent Rose in a smooth motion and blocking Yang's punch just in time. The force of Yang's strike sent Ruby skidding backward, her boots digging into the dirt as she struggled to regain her footing.
"Whoa, you've gotten faster!" Ruby grinned, her eyes narrowing with determination as she darted forward, slashing with her scythe.
Yang sidestepped the attack, her body moving with practiced ease. She was careful to hold back, not wanting to overwhelm her sister, but she still kept her movements sharp, precise. Ruby had improved a lot since their days at signal, and Yang couldn't help but feel a swell of pride watching her little sister grow stronger.
For the next few minutes, they exchanged blows, Ruby's scythe sweeping through the air with deadly precision while Yang dodged and countered with controlled punches and kicks. The clashing of metal and the sound of their movements filled the yard, and for a moment, it felt like old times—like when they used to train together at Beacon.
But Yang knew better. She was holding back, and Ruby—while impressive—still had much to learn.
After a particularly intense exchange, Yang caught Ruby off guard with a swift kick to her legs, sending her tumbling to the ground. Crescent Rose flew from her hands, landing a few feet away in the grass.
"Gotcha!" Yang declared triumphantly, standing over her sister with a grin.
Ruby groaned, rolling onto her back and staring up at the sky. "Ugh, not fair! You're too strong!"
Yang laughed, reaching down to help Ruby to her feet. "Hey, you're getting better. But you've got to keep your guard up, Rubes. You leave yourself open when you get too excited."
Ruby pouted, brushing dirt off her clothes. "Yeah, yeah… but next time, I'll get you for sure!"
Yang ruffled Ruby's hair playfully. "I'll be waiting. But for now, let's get you some food."
Ruby blinked, confused. "Food? But I'm not hungry!"
Yang crossed her arms, giving her sister a stern look. "Rubes, you can't live off cookies and sugar alone. You need real food if you're going to keep up in our sparring sessions."
Ruby groaned, her shoulders slumping. "But cookies are delicious…"
Yang shook her head, leading Ruby back to the house. "Yeah, and they're not gonna help you build strength. C'mon, I'll make you a cheeseburger."
Inside, Yang set about preparing an actual meal for her sister while Ruby sat at the table, arms crossed in protest. Yang moved around the kitchen with practiced ease, grabbing ingredients and setting them on the counter. It felt good to slip back into her role as the protective older sister, taking care of Ruby like she used to when they were younger.
Soon enough, Yang placed a plate in front of Ruby—a big, juicy cheeseburger with all the fixings.
"Eat," Yang commanded, pointing at the burger.
Ruby poked at it, a frown on her face. "Do I have to?"
"Yes, you do," Yang replied, her tone firm. "If you want to keep training and getting stronger, you need to eat real food. You can have cookies later."
With a dramatic sigh, Ruby took a bite of the cheeseburger, chewing slowly before her eyes widened in surprise. "Hey, this is actually really good!"
Yang grinned, sitting down across from her. "Told you. Now finish it."
As Ruby ate, Yang watched her with a mixture of affection and protectiveness. These little moments, the normalcy of it all, felt so precious now. After everything that had happened—everything Yang knew about the previous timeline—she was determined to hold onto this peace for as long as she could.
But her thoughts began to drift, not just to the immediate future but to Ruby's. She couldn't tell Ruby about the whole time-travel thing—Ruby would think she was crazy—but she could still work with her. Ruby knew so much about weapons, after all. She was the one who made Yang's gauntlets.
Maybe… maybe they could work together on an upgrade. Like adding a lead layer to avoid magnetism. Jaune had always suggested adding gadgets like smoke bombs, maybe even a taser.
Yang froze for a moment, her hand tightening around her glass. Ruby looked up, noticing the shift in her sister's demeanor.
"What's wrong?" Ruby asked, her voice laced with concern.
Yang forced a smile, waving off the question. "Must just be an early autumn chill."
But that wasn't the truth. What had really crossed Yang's mind in that moment was Jaune. The memory of him, the loss of him, hit her like a punch to the gut. Before the battle with Salem, before everything went wrong, she and Weiss had been together—steady, strong, willing to do anything to protect their team leader, Ruby. After Weiss died, Jaune had been all she had left. For years, they fought, survived, and even built a life together. But now… now he wouldn't even recognize her. Her sweet, goofy vomit boy.
Yang blinked back the sudden tears threatening to spill from her eyes, quickly wiping them away before Ruby could notice. She had to stay strong. For Ruby's sake.
Clearing her throat, Yang leaned back in her chair, her usual teasing grin returning. "So, what do you think about working with me on making Ember Celica bigger and badder, sis? I'm thinking some serious upgrades."
Ruby's eyes lit up with excitement, the cheeseburger momentarily forgotten. "Really? You'd let me help with that? Oh, I've got so many ideas already! We could totally add a smoke bomb feature, or maybe even a grappling hook—oh! And we could reinforce the outer casing to make it more resistant to impact!"
Yang chuckled, ruffling Ruby's hair. "That's my little genius. Let's start working on it tomorrow."
The next morning, Yang was the first to rise. She padded quietly through the house, careful not to wake Ruby as she set about making breakfast. Pancakes, bacon, eggs—the works. She wanted to spoil her sister while she still could, while things were still calm.
Yang flipped the pancakes with ease, a soft smile tugging at her lips as she thought about the day ahead. Ruby had always been the light of her life, the reason she kept fighting. And now, with a second chance, Yang was going to make sure Ruby had everything she needed to succeed—to be the hero she was always meant to be.
As the smell of breakfast filled the house, Ruby stumbled into the kitchen, her hair a wild mess and her eyes still half-closed. She yawned, rubbing at her face as she slumped into a chair at the table.
"Morning, sunshine," Yang teased, setting a plate of pancakes in front of her.
Ruby blinked blearily at the food, then smiled sleepily. "Morning… Pancakes?"
"Yup. Made just the way you like 'em," Yang said, sitting down across from her with her own plate.
Ruby dug into the pancakes with enthusiasm, her earlier grogginess quickly forgotten. Yang watched her sister with a fond smile, enjoying the simple act of taking care of her again. It felt right—being the big sister, the protector, the one who would keep Ruby safe no matter what.
But as they ate, Yang's thoughts drifted back to the looming threats, to the Forgotten King's presence, and to the plan she knew had to start soon. She couldn't put it off forever. But for now, she allowed herself to enjoy these moments with Ruby—the little things that made life worth fighting for.
Later that afternoon, after another round of sparring and a lot of laughter, Yang and Ruby sat together on the porch, watching the sun begin to set. Ruby leaned her head on Yang's shoulder, and for a moment, everything was perfect. It was these little moments that Yang cherished the most—the quiet, peaceful times that reminded her of why she fought so hard.
But as the sky turned from orange to purple, Yang's resolve hardened. The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear: she would protect Ruby, no matter the cost.
And when the time came, she wouldn't hesitate to do whatever it took
to keep her sister safe.
‐-‐-
A Dark Path
Yang crouched behind a thicket of trees, her eyes locked on the clearing where the battle was unfolding. The Fall Maiden, Amber, was on her knees, bloodied and weakened from the relentless assault of Cinder and her team. The atmosphere crackled with dark energy, Cinder's smirk only widening as she advanced on her target.
Yang's heart pounded in her chest. Every instinct screamed at her to jump into the fray, to stop what was about to happen. But she held back, her grip tightening on the trunk of the tree beside her. Not yet.
Cinder had pulled out the grim parasite, her lips curling into a cruel smile as she prepared to finish Amber off, but just as she was about to release it, a sharp, metallic slice cut through the air.
Qrow Branwen appeared, his scythe gleaming in the moonlight as he sliced through the grim parasite, destroying it before it could reach Amber.
Cinder snarled, her eyes narrowing at Qrow. "You're too late."
"I don't think so," Qrow replied coolly, stepping between Cinder and Amber's unconscious body. "You've got two choices: leave now, or I'll make sure you won't be walking away."
Cinder's lips curled into a snarl, but with Mercury and Emerald already retreating, she knew this fight was lost. She let out a frustrated growl before melting into the shadows, leaving Qrow to deal with the aftermath.
As soon as Cinder was gone, Qrow knelt by Amber's side, checking her pulse. She was weak, but alive. Relief flooded through him, but before he could call for help, his scroll buzzed in his pocket.
He ignored it at first, too focused on Amber. But the persistent buzzing continued. Three times? Annoyed, he pulled the scroll out, frowning at the unknown number.
With a grunt, he answered. "What? Who is this?"
The voice on the other end was garbled, modulated, a mechanical distortion disguising the speaker. "Now, now, Mr. Branwen, is that any way to talk to the babysitter?"
Qrow's blood ran cold. "What the hell are you talking about?"
The voice chuckled darkly. "I've been so kind, making sure your precious silver-eyed warrior hasn't gotten hurt."
Suddenly, the sound of Ruby's cries filled the scroll's speaker, sharp and clear, cutting through Qrow like a knife.
His world froze. "Ruby?" His voice was a broken whisper.
The voice on the other end didn't stop. "She's safe for now… but that will only stay the case if you leave the Maiden and come to her. I'm sending you the location now. I want to talk when you get here."
Qrow's hands shook, his heart pounding with a mixture of rage and fear. "If you've hurt her, I swear—"
The voice interrupted, a harsh smack echoing through the speaker, followed by Ruby's quiet sobs. "She's safe… for now. But she won't be for long if you don't come. Leave the Maiden. Or else."
The line went dead before Qrow could respond, leaving him standing in the clearing, stunned and shaking with fury.
He glanced down at Amber, torn between his duty to protect the Maiden and his need to save Ruby. His chest felt tight, panic clawing at his insides.
But Ruby… his niece… there was no choice.
With a final glance at Amber, he turned and bolted into the forest, his mind solely focused on getting to Ruby.
As soon as Qrow vanished into the trees, Yang stepped out from her hiding spot, walking calmly toward the unconscious Maiden.
She stopped beside Amber, glancing around to ensure the coast was clear. Then, she spoke softly. "Nice work on the call, Conner."
From within her mind, the Forgotten King's voice rumbled. "Thank you, Yang. Those sound bites of Ruby really brought it all together. Qrow didn't even hesitate."
Yang's lips curled into a smirk. "As I expected."
With quick, practiced movements, she pulled out a first-aid kit from her bag, the familiar weight of the defibrillator unit she had swiped earlier that day resting on her back. Her time at Signal Academy had given her the basics of first aid, and now, it was time to put that knowledge to a different use.
She knelt beside Amber, her fingers steady as she pulled out a syringe. The mix of muscle relaxants and tranquilizers was already measured to the exact dosage. This needed to be quick. Precise. No mistakes.
She injected the concoction into Amber's arm, watching as the Maiden's body relaxed, her breathing becoming more even.
Yang leaned over her, pulling out smelling salts from her kit. "Come on, sweetheart. Time to wake up."
Amber stirred, her eyes fluttering open, panic flashing in them for a moment before she caught sight of Yang's emergency responder uniform. Her breathing slowed, and she blinked, disoriented. "What…? Who…?"
"Hey, hey, take it easy," Yang said, her voice calm and reassuring. "You've been through a lot, but I'm here to help. You've got some internal bleeding, so don't move too much. Stay on your back until the medevac team arrives. I'll keep the pressure on the wound."
Amber, still dazed, nodded weakly. "Thank… you…"
"Just doing my job," Yang replied, her voice light and casual as she placed the Ember Celica gently on Amber's chest. "Now, tell me—how many fingers am I holding up? What color are my eyes?"
Amber squinted, her vision still blurry. "Two… and purple."
Yang smiled. "Good girl."
Without hesitation, Yang triggered her left gauntlet, releasing a single pulse of electric dust into Amber's chest. The electricity surged through the Maiden's body, her aura depleted, leaving her defenseless. Amber gasped, her body jerking, then falling still as the life drained from her.
Yang inhaled sharply as she felt the surge of power flood into her—the raw energy of the Fall Maiden now hers. She could feel the weight of it, the intensity, as it settled into her very being.
"Well done, Yang," Conner's voice hummed approvingly in her mind.
Yang counted backward in her head. Ten… nine… eight… by the time she reached three, it was done. The power was hers. But there was still one last thing to take care of.
Reaching into her bag, she pulled out two small vials, each filled with a different anesthetic. She first injected pentobarbital, followed by thiopental, creating a powerful sedative that would induce a deep artificial coma. Amber's body needed to be kept still, and Yang couldn't afford for her to wake up anytime soon.
The drugs flowed through Amber's veins, her breathing slowing even further as her consciousness slipped away.
Yang's breath hitched as she prepared for the next step, pulling out a stick of adrenaline and stabbing it into Amber's heart. At the same time, she used her other gauntlet to release a final electric pulse into Amber's temple, ensuring her brain was effectively lobotomized.
Amber's heart began to beat again, but the damage was done. She wouldn't be able to tell anyone what had happened. She would live, but she would be a shell of her former self, her mind irreparably damaged—just as Yang needed it to be.
Before she could second-guess her actions, Conner's voice cut through the haze of her thoughts. "You're doing what needs to be done. Remember, Yang—I can reverse the brain damage later. With magic, once this is all over, you can restore her mind."
Yang clenched her fists, staring down at Amber's unconscious form. Could she really undo this later? A part of her didn't want to think about it, didn't want to focus on the ethics of what she had just done.
But Conner's reassurance was enough for now.
She stood, wiping her hands on her pants as she surveyed her work. Everything was in place. Qrow would find Amber, and the world would continue on the path it was meant to.
Conner's voice echoed in her mind. "It's done. You've taken your first step, Yang."
Yang nodded, her jaw clenched. She knew what she had done, and the weight of it pressed down on her, but there was no turning back now.
"There's still work to do," Yang muttered to herself, turning to leave the clearing.
As she walked away, her thoughts drifted to the future, to the battles that still lay ahead, and to the promises she had made. To Ruby. To herself. She had to protect them all—no matter the cost.
But as she disappeared into the forest, the forgotten King's voice hummed softly in her mind, a constant reminder of the dark path she had chosen.
"You're not alone in this, Yang. I'll see to it that everything you've lost is returned. And in the end, you'll have the power to shape the world not that witch or ozma anymore all this is for not just saving them but freeing them from their fate as pawns."
Yang's lips curled into a smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Let's hope it's all worth it."
-
Yang closed her eyes and focused, drawing on the most basic of magic techniques Connor had taught her: regulating her mana through her breath. It wasn't something that came naturally—her body had been trained to use aura for years—but magic was different. It needed to flow deeper, through every breath, every muscle, and even down to the marrow of her bones. This technique, known as *Hamon* or *Ki* by ancient warriors, allowed her to enhance her body's abilities beyond what aura alone could manage.
As she exhaled, she felt the energy within her synchronize with her breathing, her heartbeat, and even her muscles. It was like turning on a hidden reserve of strength she hadn't known she possessed.
With that, Yang took off running, faster than she ever had before. The world around her blurred as she pushed her body to its limits, her legs moving with an almost unnatural speed. She wasn't just using her semblance anymore; this was something more. Her breaths came in controlled, rhythmic pulses, the mana and aura combining to fuel her limbs.
Each step felt lighter, faster, and the miles flew by in a fraction of the time it would have taken her before. She wasn't even tired. For the first time in a long while, she felt powerful—not just physically, but in control of something much deeper.
Meanwhile, Qrow raced through Vale in a frenzy. He had been flying non-stop in his crow form, desperate to find Ruby and Tai. His heart pounded in his chest as the fear gnawed at him—if something had happened, if Ruby was in danger… he couldn't bear the thought.
He transformed back into his human form as soon as he spotted them near a shop, his breath ragged and his heart still racing. His eyes darted between Tai and Ruby, and when he saw Ruby safe and sound, relief flooded through him like a tidal wave.
"Oh, thank god…" Qrow muttered under his breath, his hands still shaking from the panic.
Tai noticed his brother-in-law's state and raised an eyebrow. "Qrow? You alright? You look like you've seen a ghost."
Qrow took a moment to steady himself, forcing a shaky grin. "Yeah… just had a long solo hunt. Nothing I couldn't handle."
Tai seemed to accept the explanation, though his brow remained furrowed. "Alright, well… glad you're here. We're just picking up parts for Yang's Ember Celica upgrades."
Qrow blinked, still trying to catch up. "Upgrades? Is that what you are doing here in Vale?" His voice still held a hint of panic as he glanced at Ruby to make sure she really was okay.
Ruby smiled up at him, completely unaware of his earlier worry. "Yang had this awesome idea to upgrade her gauntlets! She thought it'd be fun for us to do it together. You know, a sibling project before Beacon. So we're picking up some new dust rounds and parts."
Tai chimed in, "Yeah, it was Yang's idea for some sibling and family bonding. I think she wanted to spend some quality time before everything changes."
Qrow let out a breath, finally relaxing. Ruby was fine. It had just been his paranoia, his instinct to protect her at all costs.
"And where's Yang now?" Qrow asked, his voice much calmer than before.
Tai waved it off. "Oh, she said she'd be at the salon getting her hair done. Figured she'd want to look her best before getting her hands dirty with upgrades."
Qrow nodded, his mind already shifting gears. "Got it. Well, I've got to head to Beacon—Glynda's been calling me in for something. I'll catch you both later."
As Qrow made his way towards beacon like hell he was gonna fly all the way back as a bird again her was taking one of the school's bulkheads, Yang arrived back in Vale, her hair looking smoother and cleaner after a quick fix. She'd stopped by a nearby shop to make her excuse believable, adding a few finishing touches so that no one would question her whereabouts.
When she caught up with Ruby and Tai, her father gave her an approving nod. "Wow, Yang! You look fantastic. That must've been an incredible salon."
Yang smiled sheepishly, playing along. "Thanks, Dad. I guess I needed a little pampering."
Ruby's eyes sparkled as she looked Yang up and down, grinning widely. "Wow, Yang! You look like you're glowing! Just like you do after you win a big fight!"
Yang chuckled, reaching over to ruffle Ruby's hair. "Thanks, Rubes. Guess it's just been a good day."
They spent the rest of the day browsing for parts, buying everything they needed for the Ember Celica upgrades. Ruby's excitement was infectious, and Yang found herself getting caught up in the moment. She had to remind herself to focus, though. This was more than just fun and games—this was about ensuring Ruby's future, protecting her from the mistakes of the past.
Later that evening, after a long day of shopping, Yang and Ruby got to work upgrading the Ember Celica. The upgrades were nothing short of impressive. With Ruby leading the way, they reinforced the gauntlets with an electromagnetic shield to block out pulses, added new dust cartridges, and even managed to compact a flashbang round to fit.
"Rubes, I swear you've got some kind of gun magic or something," Yang teased as she watched her sister expertly attach a grappling hook mechanism to the gauntlets.
Ruby giggled, adjusting her hair. "I just know my weapons! And you'll need this grappling hook for any sparring matches. It's good for mobility!"
Yang grinned. "I'll keep that in mind. Oh, and this pepper spray? Sparring class material, right?"
Ruby's laughter echoed through the room. "Hey, you never know! It could come in handy if you're ever up against a grappler."
By the end of the night, the Ember Celica covered Yang's arms from fingertip to shoulder. Ruby had outdone herself with the enhancements, and Yang couldn't help but marvel at how much stronger and more versatile the gauntlets were now. Perfect for her focused, aggressive fighting style.
As Ruby began explaining the final details of the upgrades, her energy finally waned. Her voice grew softer, and soon enough, she was fast asleep, her head resting on Yang's chest.
Yang smiled, gently brushing the hair out of Ruby's face. She leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Love ya, Rubes," she whispered before carefully picking her up and carrying her to bed.
Tucking Ruby in, Yang stood by the door for a moment, watching her little sister sleep peacefully. For now, everything was okay.
As she turned off the lights, her resolve hardened. No matter what came next, she would protect Ruby. Always.
First time in years trying to writing please be kind I need to improve I know...
