The sun hung low over Patch, casting a golden glow across the small town. Team RWBY stood in front of a dusty, beaten-up van, its origins a mystery no one dared to question. Weiss crossed her arms, eyebrow raised as she studied the vehicle with a mix of curiosity and skepticism.

"Are we really taking this?" Weiss asked, glancing over at Yang, who was securing the last of their bags in the back.

"Hey, it's not about how it looks, it's about where it takes us," Yang shot back, patting the side of the van. "Besides, it's got character."

Blake snorted softly as she double-checked her own bag, carefully sliding it into place. "If by character you mean 'barely holding together,' then sure."

Ruby bounced up beside them, her smile bright as ever. "I think it's great! It'll be fun, right? Just us, the open road, and no missions or monsters for once."

Yang smirked, pulling her little sister into a brief headlock. "Exactly. Road trip time!"

As they packed the last of their belongings, Yang caught a glimpse of her father standing by the porch, watching them. His face was calm, but she knew him too well. There was something else in his eyes, something heavier.

"I'll be right back," she muttered, handing the keys to Ruby before heading toward Taiyang.

The crunch of gravel under her boots was the only sound as she approached him. For a moment, they stood in silence, neither of them needing to say anything. Finally, Taiyang reached into his pocket and pulled out the keys to the van, placing them in her hand.

"Take care of them," he said softly, his voice thick with the weight of years that had passed. "Take care of yourself, too."

Yang smiled, but there was a sadness behind it. "You know me, I always do."

Taiyang sighed, glancing back at the van where Ruby, Blake, and Weiss were laughing about something. "You've all grown up so fast. The war… it made you stronger, but it also took a lot. Especially from Ruby."

Yang's expression softened as Taiyang continued.

"She's been through more than I think any of us realize. You and I both know how she puts on a brave face, but…" Taiyang paused, his eyes meeting Yang's with a seriousness she couldn't ignore. "Promise me, Yang. Watch out for her. Make sure she's okay."

Yang's throat tightened, the weight of her father's words settling in. She knew what he was asking. Ruby had always been the hopeful one, the heart of their team. But after everything they'd been through, after all the loss and pain, that hope had been tested more than once.

"I promise," Yang said quietly, nodding. "I'll take care of her."

Taiyang pulled her into a tight hug, holding her for a moment longer than usual. "I'm proud of you, both of you. Be safe out there."

Yang held onto him, feeling the warmth of his familiar embrace before pulling away. "We will."

As she turned back to the van, she slipped the keys into her pocket, glancing at her team as they piled in. Ruby was at the passenger seat, excitedly waving her arms as she talked to Weiss. Blake was already tucked into the back, leaning against the window with a book in her hand.

Yang climbed into the driver's seat, starting the engine with a low rumble. As they pulled away, she glanced in the rearview mirror. Taiyang stood on the porch, watching them go. Ruby leaned out the window, waving wildly.

"Bye, Dad! We'll be back soon!" Ruby called; her voice full of optimism.

Taiyang waved back, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Beside him, Zwei let out a happy howl, his tail wagging furiously as the van disappeared down the road.

Yang kept her eyes on the road ahead, her heart heavier than she expected. This wasn't just a road trip. It was a chance to heal, to move forward. But it also felt like the beginning of something much bigger.

"Here we go," she muttered to herself, gripping the steering wheel as the sun dipped below the horizon, and their long journey began.