Days had passed since Team RWBY's last stop, and the journey had been nothing short of incredible. They'd seen breathtaking sights, visited quiet villages, and spent time supporting one another when the weight of their pasts crept up on them. Laughter, healing, and shared moments defined their road trip, reminding them of the bond they all shared. They had each other's backs, no matter what.
Now, their journey was leading them to the coastal town of Oceana, where they planned to catch a ferry back to Sanus and continue their adventure toward Vacuo. Sitting in the van, they discussed the idea of picking up a few small missions in Vacuo to earn some extra money—just in case.
Since the ferry wouldn't arrive until the next day, they agreed to stay in Oceana for the night, take some time to relax, and explore the town. As they rolled into the vibrant seaside town, the familiar, joyful voices of Ren and Nora greeted them. The pair had been traveling the world since the end of the war, searching for peace and healing, much like Team RWBY.
"We did it, you know," Nora said with her signature grin. "We found what we were looking for. Now, we're just traveling for the fun of it."
Ren nodded beside her, his expression calm but content. "It's good to see you all again. You've all been through so much, but you seem... lighter."
Team RWBY exchanged glances, smiling at the truth in Ren's words.
Nora, ever the ball of energy, excitedly invited them to join in on the local festival taking place that evening. It was a celebration of the peace that had settled over the world since the war. Games, delicious food, and vibrant entertainment filled the streets. The team couldn't resist.
As the festival lights glittered above them and the sounds of celebration echoed through the streets, Team RWBY and their old friends enjoyed the evening. Ruby marveled at the sights, Weiss was trying to win a carnival game, and Blake and Yang were in the midst of a slow dance, swaying gently to the music. The peace in their embrace was undeniable, and their closeness had only grown since Mistral.
Ruby and Weiss found themselves sitting together, watching their two friends from a distance.
"Weiss," Ruby began, glancing over at the two, "do you think they're...you know?"
Weiss smirked, the question pulling her out of her concentration. "A couple? I think so."
Ruby nodded. "They've been really close since Mistral. I think it's good for them." She smiled softly. "I'm okay with it."
"So am I," Weiss agreed, pulling out her Scroll. She showed Ruby a picture of Neptune, who was now traveling the world like many survivors, working to conquer his fear of water by swimming.
Ruby chuckled. "You and Neptune, huh? Still together?"
Weiss shook her head. "No. We're still good friends, but that's all. Maybe someday I'll find someone else. But for now, I'm single, and I'm okay with that."
Ruby leaned back, looking at the stars above them. "Same here," she murmured, though there was a hint of sadness in her voice.
Weiss noticed, placing a comforting hand on Ruby's shoulder. "You'll find your way, Ruby."
Before Ruby could respond, Ren and Nora appeared, Nora proudly wearing an oversized hat she'd crafted herself. "We're beat!" Nora said with a tired smile. "We rented a house just outside of town to escape the noise. You guys are welcome to crash with us tonight."
Ruby smiled, grateful for the offer. "I'll let Blake and Yang know."
As Ren and Nora left, Ruby turned to see Blake and Yang standing together, their foreheads gently touching as they held each other in the middle of the festival. Ruby smiled, appreciating the peaceful moment, but there was still something nagging at her.
"I'm going to take a walk," she said to Weiss, who nodded and stayed behind.
As Ruby wandered through the bustling streets, the feeling that someone was watching her grew stronger. Her eyes darted around, searching for something—or someone—out of place. Suddenly, she caught a glimpse of a figure slipping into the shadows, their movement suspicious.
Her instincts kicked in, and she was about to follow when Yang's voice called out to her. "Ruby, it's time to go!"
Ruby hesitated, torn between chasing after the figure and rejoining her team. After a brief moment, she decided to let it go and headed back to Yang.
That night, Team RWBY settled into the cozy house Ren and Nora had rented. Sleeping bags were laid out on the floor, though Ruby was assigned the couch by Weiss's insistence. As they got ready for bed, Ruby found herself staring out the window at the stars, her mind restless.
Was the hooded figure still following them? Or was this all in her head?
Far away, in the quiet mountainside village of Argus, Saphron sat outside her home, checking her Scroll under the night sky. The evening was peaceful—until something unexpected landed in front of her.
Startled, she looked around, but no one was in sight. She knelt down, picking up an envelope that had seemingly fallen from nowhere. Confused, she tore it open and began to read its contents.
Her eyes widened in shock.