Chapter 4: Shadows Resurface

Yang walked through the corridors of Beacon, her thoughts heavy as she made her way to Professor Ozpin's office. As she entered, Ozpin greeted her with his usual calm demeanor, gesturing for her to sit.

"Miss Xiao Long," he began, his eyes softening, "I understand you've been speaking with Pyrrha about what happened at Beacon Tower."

Yang nodded, folding her hands in her lap. "She's hurting, Professor. She blames herself for everything… for Qrow, for me losing my arm. She's so convinced it's all her fault. I don't know how to help her."

Ozpin leaned forward, steepling his fingers. "Helping others is never easy, Yang, especially when the pain is shared. But you've shown considerable strength in facing your own struggles and even more in supporting those around you."

Yang gave a small, rueful smile. "Maybe. But I still feel broken… I still see Qrow's name every time I visit the memorial. And the nightmares—they're still there."

"Yet, you've come so far, Yang. Many here are still lost in their grief, struggling with trauma and guilt." Ozpin's voice was steady, comforting. "But I see something in you. Perhaps, by helping others, you might help yourself. Starting with Miss Nikos—and perhaps Miss Scarlatina as well."

Yang looked up in surprise. "Velvet?"

"Yes," Ozpin confirmed, sighing. "Miss Scarlatina has recently suffered a distressing incident during combat training. Professor Goodwitch reported it to me with great concern. I think she would benefit from having someone to talk to… someone who understands."

Yang thought about it, uncertain. "I'll try, Professor," she finally said, though doubt clouded her voice. Ozpin offered her a reassuring smile.

"Remember, Yang," he said, "recovery is not about being unbroken. It's about moving forward, piece by piece."

Leaving his office, Yang wandered into the courtyard where Blake was waiting. They started walking together, their pace unhurried.

"I'm just… trying to figure it out," Yang admitted. "I want to help Pyrrha, and now Professor Ozpin is saying maybe I should help Velvet too."

Blake gave her a gentle nod. "It's a lot to take on, Yang, but I know you'll be there for them. You always are."

Yang's expression softened, but then Blake's gaze grew wary, her ears twitching.

"Blake, what's wrong?"

Blake glanced around, her voice low. "I keep feeling like someone's watching me. I've noticed it a few times now… but I can't shake the feeling it's Adam."

Yang clenched her fists. "Adam fled after the attack on Beacon. He was last seen heading to Vacuo… I don't think it's him, but if it is, we'll take him down together."

Blake nodded, but unease remained in her eyes. "For now, I'll just make sure I'm never alone."

A faint smile crossed Yang's face. "Good. And maybe it wouldn't hurt to let Ozpin know, just in case."

Blake nodded, and Yang continued, "Anyway, want to go to that party Coco's hosting?"

Blake gave a small, amused smile. "Sure, as long as it doesn't turn into another food fight."

The party was lively, the music loud as students danced and laughed. Yang and Blake joined in, letting the energy of the crowd lift their spirits. Ruby and Weiss arrived shortly after, looking slightly out of place among the chaos.

"Ruby!" Coco called, waving them over to a booth set up with a "VIP" sign. "This booth is for you—heard some rumors about your powers. Only someone who can take down a giant Grimm all by herself gets this treatment."

Ruby blushed, looking flattered and awkward at the same time. "Uh, thanks, Coco, but I really didn't—"

"Relax," Coco grinned. "You earned it."

Weiss patted Ruby on the shoulder as they took their seats. Nearby, Velvet stood off to the side, wearing noise-canceling headphones that Coco had given her to block out the noise. Seeing her friend looking a bit isolated, Coco pulled her aside.

"You doing okay?" Coco asked.

Velvet gave a small nod. "I'm fine, really. These headphones help."

Coco put a hand on Velvet's shoulder, her voice soft. "If you need anything, just let me know."

Velvet managed a grateful smile as she turned to leave, but it faded when she settled onto a bench outside, staring up at the stars. She reached up, touching the scar on her arm from where Adam Taurus had attacked her, and ran her fingers over the missing piece of her ear, a silent reminder of that day. Her body shook as she tried to hold back tears, remembering the violence and terror of his assault.

She lay down, closing her eyes, the headphones blocking out the sounds around her. She was so lost in her memories that she didn't see the figure approaching until it was too late.

Inside, the lights suddenly went out, and the music cut off. Yang and Blake tensed, listening as frightened whispers spread through the room. Then came a piercing scream from outside.

Coco ran out first, followed closely by Yang, Blake, and Ruby. Outside, they found Velvet on the ground, her wrist twisted painfully in the grip of a man with a White Fang mask—Adam Taurus himself, a menacing smirk on his face.

Coco pulled out her weapon, but Adam held Velvet as a shield. "Drop it, or I'll make this worse for her," he sneered, tightening his grip until Velvet whimpered in pain.

Coco hesitated, her face twisting with anger before she dropped her weapon. Adam threw Velvet to the ground and charged toward Coco. But he was stopped mid-strike by Crescent Rose as Ruby intervened, her scythe blocking his path.

A glyph appeared behind Adam, pulling him back as Weiss used her semblance to create another glyph that pulled Velvet to safety. Blake sprang forward, her anger fueling her every move as she fought Adam, a storm of precise strikes and dodges.

A shot rang out as Yang leapt into the air, her arm drawn back with Ember Celica ready. Weiss summoned a glyph beneath her, propelling Yang forward as she delivered a powerful punch to Adam, throwing him back through the courtyard and into the forest beyond.

Yang and Blake rushed to Velvet's side, while Ruby and Weiss climbed to the top of the wall, spotting Adam fleeing into the shadows.

"Don't come back!" Ruby yelled, her voice thick with anger. Weiss placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, feeling Ruby's pain and frustration.

Professor Goodwitch arrived shortly after, her expression a mix of anger and worry. She took Velvet's arm gently, assessing the damage before calling for medical assistance. Velvet was still shaking, her face pale as Coco lifted her, carrying her back to the school's medical wing.

Yang watched the students, her expression one of quiet regret. She'd been so close, just inside the party, and she hadn't been there to protect Velvet. The weight of it pressed on her as the students began to disperse back to their dorms.

Blake gave her a small, comforting squeeze on the shoulder. But Yang couldn't shake the feeling that she'd let Velvet down, even if Adam's arrival had been impossible to predict. The guilt sat heavily in her chest as she walked back to the dorms, wondering if she'd ever be able to make a real difference for the people she cared about.