"It's not a place you go. It's a place, you know."
These words were one of the first lessons his master had taught him, the guiding words to navigate the Everafter. It wasn't a physical path that took you there — it was understanding, familiarity. If you knew a place, you could reach it, no matter where you were. It was both a literal and metaphorical truth, a lesson that had stayed with Jaune long after he left the Everafter.
Jaune had wanted to test it, and when Jaune opened his eyes again, the sprawling city of Vale stretched out before him.
It worked.
Jaune stepped onto the cobblestone streets, the familiar buzz of Vale's nightlife filling the air. Neon signs flickered above restaurants and shops, and the streets were alive with people going about their evening routines. It was a sharp contrast to the quiet serenity of Beacon, but it was also invigorating.
He began his patrol, moving through the city with purpose. His movements were practiced and quiet. He kept his eyes sharp, scanning every alley, every street corner, and every figure that passed him by. Jaune wasn't just wandering… he was searching.
Recent incidents had painted Vale in an uneasy light. There had been whispers of unrest, of Faunus tensions rising alongside reports of White Fang activity. Jaune knew better than to dismiss such rumors. In fact, before coming to Vale, he had heard of a train being attacked by the White Fang. Although there were no casualties, it was dangerous. So he needed to know. It was better to be prepared, especially now that he had a team to lead.
His master had taught him the importance of observation and information — the smallest detail could be the key to unraveling a greater mystery.
As he moved, Jaune began gathering information. He stopped at small shops, listened to the murmurs of locals, and watched for signs of anything unusual. His training had made him good at reading people—picking up on body language, tone, and hesitations. But for all his skill, the Faunus he approached were reluctant to talk. Their answers were guarded, their expressions wary.
Jaune understood their hesitation. Being a Faunus, even in Vale, wasn't easy, and many had learned to keep their heads down rather than draw attention to themselves. It was the same as Velvet. She was strong. Jaune could tell she was, but she didn't fight back. Still, he needed answers, and he wasn't one to give up easily.
At a small outdoor place, Jaune found his opportunity. A group of Faunus sat at one of the tables, their conversation quiet but animated. Among them was a rat Faunus, his long, thin tail curling under his chair as he gestured with quick, jittery movements. Jaune approached cautiously, his presence quiet, but noticeable enough to make the group glance up.
"Evening," Jaune said, his voice calm but firm. He held up his hands in a gesture of peace. "I'm not here to cause trouble. I just need some information."
The Faunus exchanged wary glances, their expressions hardening. The rat Faunus, who seemed to be the most vocal of the group, leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes narrowing at Jaune.
"What kind of information?" the rat Faunus asked, his tone guarded.
Jaune took a seat at the edge of the table, keeping his movements deliberate and non-threatening. "I've been hearing things. Whispers about the White Fang. I need to know if there's truth to them."
The group fell silent, somehow not feeling accused by Jaune asking them about the White Fang. The audacity was … welcoming. Jaune waited, his patience unwavering. After a moment, he reached into his bag and pulled out a small flask, placing it on the table. The rat Faunus eyed it suspiciously.
"It's just a drink," Jaune said with a small smile. "I figured you might be thirsty."
The gesture was simple, but it seemed to ease some of the tension. The rat Faunus reached for the flask, sniffed it cautiously, and then took a sip. He leaned forward slightly, his demeanor softening just enough to make him speak.
"Fine," the rat Faunus said, his voice low. "But only because you asked politely."
Jaune nodded, his expression encouraging but serious. "Go ahead. I'm listening."
The rat Faunus glanced around, making sure no one else was paying attention, before leaning in closer. "The White Fang's been active, yeah. They're gathering around Vale, but…" He hesitated, his tail flicking nervously. "I don't know what they're planning. Could be something big, though. They're not exactly subtle when they're mobilizing."
Jaune absorbed the information, his mind already working through the possibilities. "Have you seen anything? Leaders, symbols, anything that stands out?"
The Faunus shook his head. "Nah. Just grunts mostly. But they've been moving supplies — more than usual. That can't be a good sign."
Jaune leaned back, processing the details. It wasn't much, but it was a start. The fact that the White Fang was moving supplies suggested preparation, and preparation meant intent. Whatever they were planning, it was deliberate.
"Thanks," Jaune said, his tone sincere. "You've been a big help."
The rat Faunus shrugged, but there was a hint of relief in his expression. "Don't mention it. Seriously, don't. Go away now, will you?"
Jaune chuckled softly. "Fair enough."
He rose from the table, giving the group a respectful nod before continuing his patrol. The streets of Vale felt heavier now, the weight of what he'd learned settling over him. The White Fang wasn't just a scattered group of disillusioned Faunus. They were organized, and whatever they were planning, it was close. Too close.
As Jaune walked, he kept his eyes sharp and his thoughts sharper. His master's teachings echoed in his mind, a steady reminder of his purpose. Observation. Patience. Action. Jaune had spent years honing those principles, and he wasn't about to let them fail him now.
The city's lights blurred slightly as his thoughts deepened, the gravity of the situation pressing on him. If the White Fang were preparing for something in Vale… what did that mean for the people here? For Beacon? For his team?
Jaune's steps quickened.
The streets of Vale stretched before Jaune like a maze, winding and twisting through districts that seemed endless in their quiet buzz of life. He had walked for hours, moving from one corner of the city to the next, his gaze sharp and his senses on edge. Yet, no matter how many alleys he checked, no matter how many conversations he struck up, the night yielded nothing.
The Faunus he encountered after the rat Faunus either didn't know anything or wasn't willing to talk at all. Suspicious glances, closed doors, and half-hearted shrugs were all Jaune received for his efforts. He felt lucky meeting that group first. The city was alive, but tonight it seemed silent, as if holding its breath for whatever was to come.
Eventually, Jaune found himself standing at the edge of a quiet street, the distant hum of Vale's nightlife fading into the background. He sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly as the weight of his fruitless search pressed down on him. The rat Faunus's words echoed in his mind — supplies, movement, something big, but without more concrete information, it was nothing more than a warning.
He glanced up at the sky, the stars faint against the glow of the city's lights. The thought of returning to Beacon lingered, tugging at him like a thread. His instincts told him to keep searching, but his training reminded him of another lesson. Sometimes, retreating to the regroup was the best course of action.
"It's not a place you go," he murmured softly, his voice carried away by the gentle wind. "It's a place, you know."
As the words left his lips, the air around him shifted. A faint swirl of multi-colored leaves appeared, catching the light of the stars as they danced in a soft spiral around. Jaune closed his eyes, breathing deeply as the feeling of weightlessness returned.
When he opened his eyes again, the leaves were gone, carried away on the wind, and he was now standing on the rooftop, as if he hadn't left at all.
With one last look at the stars, Jaune turned and made his way back down to the dorm.
The streets of Vale were now alive with activity compared to last night. Strings of lanterns glowed softly overhead, casting a warm light on the streets as crowds bustled about. Preparations for the Vytal Festival were well underway, and the city buzzed with excitement. Stalls were being set up, showcasing everything from exotic wares to delicious-smelling street food. Children ran through the streets, pointing at decorations and chasing each other with sparklers in hand. The air smelled faintly of roasted nuts and flowers, the faint hum of chatter and laughter filling the air.
Jaune walked at the rear of Team JNPR, trailing just behind Pyrrha. Up ahead, Nora practically vibrated with energy as she pointed at every possible attraction and dragged Ren along in her wake. She darted from one thing to the next, her enthusiasm infectious but exhausting even to watch. Ren followed her with his usual calm demeanor, though there was a slight quirk to his lips that suggested he wasn't entirely put out.
Jaune fell into step beside Pyrrha, the two of them walking at a more leisurely pace. "You think she's going to run out of energy?" Jaune asked, nodding toward Nora, who had just sprinted across the street to investigate a stall selling brightly colored candy apples.
Pyrrha chuckled softly. "I doubt it. If anything, she seems to gain energy the more excitement there is."
"Yeah," Jaune replied, a smile tugging at his lips. "It's like watching a tornado made of sugar."
The two of them walked in comfortable silence for a moment before Pyrrha spoke again, her tone thoughtful. "It's amazing to see how much effort goes into the festival. So many people coming together to celebrate… It's inspiring."
"Yeah," Jaune said, glancing around at the decorations and bustling crowds. "It's nice to see everyone working toward something good. Makes it feel like things aren't so bad."
Pyrrha's gaze lingered on a group of Faunus working alongside humans to hang a banner above one of the stalls. Her expression grew somber, and she tilted her head slightly. "It's not that simple for everyone, though."
Jaune followed her gaze, his brow furrowing. "You're talking about the Faunus?"
Pyrrha nodded. "They're stuck between a rock and a hard place. If they fight back against injustice, it only feeds into the negative stereotypes people already have about them. But if they don't, they're forced to endure harassment and discrimination. I can understand why they'd be angry."
Jaune frowned, his thoughts turning over her words. "Yeah. It's like they can't win, no matter what they do. And when someone sympathizes or tries to help…" He sighed. "They just push you away, saying you can't possibly understand what it's like."
Pyrrha glanced at him, her emerald eyes softening. "You seem to understand them more than most."
Jaune shook his head. "I don't think I do. Not completely. But I think sometimes… people push others away because they're scared. They're afraid of getting hurt again, or of hoping for something better only to have it taken away. Sometimes they don't even realize they need someone to pull them up."
Pyrrha smiled at him, her expression warm. "You're quite kind, Jaune."
Jaune's face turned faintly red, and he scratched the back of his head. "I'm not that kind," he muttered. "I just… want to make my master proud."
Pyrrha tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "You must think highly of your master."
"I do," Jaune said with a small nod. "He's the reason I'm here, honestly. He trained me when I was a kid."
Pyrrha blinked in surprise. "When you were a kid? Did your family send you to him?"
Jaune hesitated for a moment, then chuckled lightly. "Not exactly. He… kind of took me away."
Pyrrha's eyes widened. "Took you away? Are you saying you were kidnapped?"
Jaune waved his hands quickly. "No, no, nothing like that! He left a letter for my parents, explaining that he wanted to train me and since I wanted to train and I… didn't think they'd agree if I asked, so I just… left with him."
Pyrrha frowned, her concern evident. "Your parents must have been terrified — a stranger taking their child away like that."
Jaune shook his head, his expression thoughtful. "They exchanged letters with him. After a couple of years, once they realized I was safe and doing well, they decided to let me stay. They… trusted him."
Pyrrha's gaze softened. "Did you miss your family?"
"Of course I did," Jaune said, his voice quieter now. "But I was so busy training… it felt like I barely had time to think about it. I kind of… grew up faster than I thought I would." He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "I guess you could say I got old before my time."
Pyrrha smiled at him, amused by his self-deprecating humor. "You don't seem old to me. Not that I mind-"
Before Jaune could respond, a blur of orange and pink shot toward them.
"Catch me!" Nora yelled, launching herself into the air, her hammer strapped to her back.
Jaune and Pyrrha ducked instinctively, Nora flying over their heads and landing with a thud behind them. She turned and pouted. "You're supposed to catch me!"
Jaune straightened, raising an eyebrow. "Nora, your hammer weighs, like, a ton. And, do you really want two people wearing armor to try and catch you? That's just asking for trouble."
Nora considered this for a moment, then grinned. "Good point, fearless leader!" With that, she sprinted off toward Ren, who deftly sidestepped her attempt to tackle him for fun.
The moment of levity was cut short by a sudden, distant explosion. The sound echoed through the streets, coming from the direction of the docks. The festive atmosphere of the city shifted instantly, the chatter of the crowds replaced by murmurs of confusion and fear.
Ren and Nora froze mid-step, their expressions serious. Pyrrha's smile vanished, replaced by a look of focused determination. Jaune exchanged a glance with his team, nodding once. Without a word, they all took off toward the source of the explosion, their movements swift and purposeful as they ran across the rooftops of Vale.
The docks came into view as Team JNPR leapt over fences and scaled walls, moving with practiced ease. Smoke billowed into the sky, illuminated by the glow of fires burning along the waterfront. Shouts and screams filled the air, mingling with the distant sound of sirens.
Jaune landed on a rooftop overlooking the chaos below, his heart racing as he took in the scene. Several shipping containers had been blown apart, their contents scattered across the ground. Workers and bystanders scrambled to safety, some helping others to their feet as they fled the area.
In the center of the chaos stood a group of masked figures — White Fang operatives. They were armed and organized, their movements deliberate as they secured the area, clearly trying to steal the dust shipments.
"We need to stop them," Pyrrha said, her voice firm as she joined Jaune on the rooftop. Ren and Nora landed beside them, their expressions mirroring her seriousness.
"Ren, Nora," Jaune said, his tone steady. "Keep people away from this place! If any White Fang tries then flank them! Pyrrha and I will check for anyone injured."
Ren nodded, his eyes sharp. "Got it!"
Nora grinned, cracking her knuckles. "Let's make some noise!"
As Ren and Nora descended into the chaos, Jaune and Pyrrha prepared to move. Jaune's hand tightened around Crocea Mors, his focus narrowing as the weight of the moment settled on his shoulders.
"Ready, partner?" Jaune asked, glancing at Pyrrha.
She smiled faintly, her sword and shield at the ready. "Ready!"
With that, the two of them leapt into the fray.
The docks of Vale burned in chaos. Fire consumed the warehouses, licking the sky with tongues of orange and red. Thick smoke curled into the air, obscuring the sky and filling the air with the acrid stench of burning wood and metal. Amidst the noise of roaring flames and distant screams, Jaune and Pyrrha charged together, their weapons raised in guard.
The sound of combat was all around them. The hiss of green laser beams slicing through shipping containers, the shouts of terrified dock workers, and the barked orders of White Fang operatives wearing Grimm-like masks.
"Help!"
Jaune's head snapped toward the voice, his focus narrowing on a dock worker pinned beneath a heap of smoldering debris. Without hesitation, he sprinted toward the man, his aura flaring to life in a vibrant golden hue tinged faintly with red.
"I'm here!" Jaune called, reaching the worker in seconds.
His arms burned as he grabbed hold of the heavy debris, but he didn't falter with aura protecting. Channeling his aura into his muscles, Jaune lifted the broken timbers and twisted metal, his jaw clenched from the effort, and tossed the wreckage aside with a grunt.
The worker scrambled to his feet, coughing as he stared at Jaune in awe. "T-there's more of us inside! It's those damn terrorists—they're everywhere!"
"Can you walk?" Jaune asked.
The man nodded shakily. "Y-yeah, I think so."
"Then go!" Jaune ordered. He watched as the man stumbled toward safety before turning to Pyrrha. "Let's move."
The two burst through the weakened wall of a warehouse, Jaune's shoulder bracing the crumbling structure. Inside, the flames were worse, spreading rapidly along the ceiling as support beams groaned under the heat.
"Jaune!" Pyrrha called, her voice sharp. She pointed upward at the sagging metal framework.
The ceiling was about to collapse.
"Can you hold it?" Jaune asked, already channeling his aura and then his Semblance into her with a pulse of golden light.
Pyrrha nodded, her focus sharpening. "I'm on it!"
Using her Semblance, she extended her Semblance's polarity toward the metal beams, gripping them with an invisible force. Her face tightened with concentration as she fought to lift the crumbling structure, holding it aloft as if bearing the weight of the building herself.
"Hurry!" she called.
Jaune moved ahead, spotting a group of dock workers trapped behind a pile of debris. Ignoring the searing heat, he grasped the obstruction and, with a burst of aura-fueled strength, flung it aside.
"Move! Now!" he shouted.
The workers wasted no time, bolting toward the exit. Pyrrha's eyes tracked them as the last one cleared the building, and only then did she release her hold. The beams crashed down behind them, sealing off the way they'd come.
Before either of them could catch their breath, Jaune's aura flared instinctively. He spun just in time to see a White Fang operative taking aim at Pyrrha with a rifle.
In a blink, Jaune surged forward, his pale gold aura blazing. He vanished from where he stood, leaving a small crater in his wake, and reappeared beside the assailant. His shield slammed into the White Fang member with such force that the man was sent hurtling into a shipping container, the metal buckling under the impact.
Pyrrha drew her shield in response to incoming gunfire, weaving through the shots and parrying some with her sword with graceful precision. She then threw her shield like a discus, the weapon striking two White Fang members before ricocheting back to her arm.
More operatives poured into the area, their weapons trained on them. Jaune stepped in front of Pyrrha, his shield raised to deflect the hail of bullets. Behind him, Pyrrha coolly transformed Milo into its rifle form, picking off enemies with deadly accuracy.
"Switching and charge Jaune!" Pyrrha called, reverting Milo back into a sword.
"On it!" Jaune braced his shield-arm.
Together, they raised their shields and charged through the gunfire in perfect sync. Their movements were fluid, matching each other step for step. They slammed into the White Fang operatives with the combined force of their momentum, like a violent wave knocking them off their feet.
Jaune swung Crocea Mors in a wide arc, his strikes calculated and punishing. He slammed the guard of his sword into one opponent, then threw the man toward Pyrrha. Without missing a beat, Pyrrha delivered a powerful roundhouse kick that sent the operative sprawling to the ground.
"More incoming!" Pyrrha warned.
The next wave of White Fang members rushed them, but Pyrrha extended her palm, using her Semblance to yank their guns from their hands and slam them to the ground. Unarmed, the operatives charged, only to be met by Jaune's devastating strikes. His blade hit with force, knocking each opponent unconscious without a single wasted movement.
"Jaune, rocket!"
Jaune's eyes snapped to the projectile streaking toward them. He stepped forward, raising Crocea Mors to deflect it. The rocket ricocheted upward, Pyrrha lifted it up with her Semblance, then used her shield to absorb the explosion.
The blast rattled the area, but Jaune pressed forward, reversing his grip on his sword and driving the pommel into the stomach of the White Fang member, who had fired the rocket. The man crumpled to the ground, unconscious.
"Clear!" Jaune called, closing his eyes, extending his aura outward like a second set of senses. He felt the presence of two more workers trapped deeper within the burning warehouse.
"Pyrrha, cover me!" he shouted. "More workers are trapped there!"
Without waiting for a response, Jaune charged into the inferno, punching through a weakened section of the wall. The heat was intense, flames licking at his armor and eating away at his aura, but he didn't stop. He plowed forward, grabbing a burning piece of debris and wrenching it aside to free the workers.
"Come on!" Jaune urged, extending his aura to shield them as he led them through the fire.
They burst out of the warehouse, coughing but alive. As the workers stumbled toward safety, Jaune turned to see another White Fang operative bearing down on Pyrrha. With a roar, he charged, slamming his shield into the assailant and knocking him out cold.
"Was that all of them?" Pyrrha asked, her breathing heavy.
"I hope so," Jaune said, his voice tinged with worry. He turned his gaze toward the distant flashes of green light. "Let's check out that laser fire."
The two raced toward the source of the fighting, their weapons ready. They arrived just in time to see three White Fang-hijacked Bullheads descending from the sky, their weapons firing indiscriminately at a young girl. Pyrrha, seeing the rounds ricocheting, used her Semblance to shield Jaune and her from the reckless fire.
Jaune held his shield up and saw a young girl stood in the center of the battlefield, her green eyes glowing with determination. She held two floating swords that swirled around her like extensions of her body. With a commanding gesture, she launched her blades toward the Bullheads, their strings trailing behind them.
The swords tore through the first two Bullheads, slicing them cleanly in half. The aircraft exploded, raining debris and scattering the remaining White Fang operatives.
Jaune and Pyrrha was stunned by the display of raw power. The girl reeled her swords back, forming a glowing green sphere of energy between them. With a punch-like motion, she unleashed a devastating laser blast that reduced the remaining Bullheads to rubble.
The air fell eerily silent as the last of the White Fang forces crumbled. Jaune turned his attention to the girl, who stood calmly amid the destruction, her floating swords settling back at her sides.
"Jaune? Pyrrha?"
The familiar voice of Ruby Rose broke through the silence. She hurried over, her wide silver eyes darting between her friends and the smoldering wreckage.
"What happened here?" Jaune asked, his tone calm but edged with a hint of coldness. His eyes flicked toward the girl. "And who's she?"
Ruby fidgeted nervously. "T-that's Penny! W-we only just got here!"
Jaune's gaze lingered on the destruction for a moment longer before he shook his head. "Explain it to the police," he said, pointing at the flashing lights of approaching authorities. "Pyrrha and I need to check for more workers."
Without another word, Jaune turned and jogged back toward the burning docks. Pyrrha hesitated, casting a worried glance at Ruby and the girl named Penny before following him.
"Is anyone out there?!" Pyrrha shouted as they combed through the wreckage.
Their voices echoed through the flames.
The docks were a hive of activity under the flickering light of police cars. Officers moved briskly, cordoning off areas of the ruined waterfront and speaking with witnesses. The acrid smell of smoke still lingered in the air, mixing with the salty tang of the ocean. Workers sat on crates or leaned against walls, their faces a mix of exhaustion and relief.
Jaune knelt beside a group of injured workers, his hand glowing faintly with the golden light of his Semblance. He focused intently, pouring his aura into their battered bodies to soothe burns and alleviate pain. One by one, their breathing steadied, and the tension in their expressions eased.
Standing nearby, Pyrrha kept a watchful eye on Jaune. She admired his focus and determination. It was rare to see someone so single-minded in their effort to help others, and yet, there he was, ensuring that no one left the docks without care.
A little farther off, Ruby, Blake, Sun, and Penny sat on crates, their expressions subdued. Ren and Nora stood to the side, observing silently as well. The tension in the air was thick, unspoken words hanging heavy between the group.
The silence was broken by the sound of footsteps approaching. Weiss and Yang appeared, their presence cutting through the atmosphere like a blade.
Ruby jumped up, her words tumbling out in a rush. "Look, Weiss, it's not what you think! Penny explained the whole thing. See, she doesn't actually have a bow, she has kitty ears! And they're actually kind of cute…"
Weiss ignored her, her gaze fixed firmly on Blake. Her expression was a mixture of frustration and determination as she squared off with her teammate.
Blake met her eyes calmly, standing her ground despite the weight of Weiss's stare. "Weiss, I want you to know that I'm no longer associated with the White Fang. Back when I was with the—"
"Stop!" Weiss interrupted, her voice sharp. She held up a hand, silencing Blake mid-sentence. "Do you have any idea how long we've been searching for you?"
Blake flinched slightly but didn't break eye contact.
Weiss's voice softened just a fraction as she continued. "Twelve hours. That means I've had twelve hours to think about this. And in those twelve hours, I've decided…"
Yang, Sun, and Ruby held their breath, waiting for the verdict.
Weiss's eyes narrowed. "I don't care."
Blake blinked, her surprise evident. "You don't care?"
Weiss folded her arms. "You said you're not one of them anymore, right?"
"No, I—I haven't been since I was younger—" Blake began, but Weiss cut her off again.
"Ah-bahp-bahp-bahp!" Weiss wagged a finger. "I don't want to hear it. All I want to know is that the next time something this big comes up… you'll come to your teammates. Not some…" She glanced at Sun, hesitating before catching herself. "Someone else."
Blake looked around at Ruby and Yang, who were grinning at her with encouragement. She swallowed hard, emotion flickering across her face. Wiping a tear from her eye, she nodded. "Of course."
Weiss smiled, her expression softening for the first time. She gave a curt nod.
For a brief moment, the gravity of the situation hung in the air. Then Ruby shattered it with a joyful scream.
"Yeah! Team RWBY is back together!" she cheered, throwing her arms in the air.
The team gathered around one another, a sense of unity restored. Weiss, however, pointed at Sun with a glare. "I'm still not quite sure about how I feel about you!"
Sun laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "Fair enough."
As Ruby looked around, her brow furrowed. "Wait a minute… Where's Penny?"
At that moment, Jaune approached them, his expression unreadable. His armor was still smudged with soot, and the faint glow of his Semblance lingered on his hands.
"Did she leave?" Jaune asked, his voice even but firm.
Ruby shifted uncomfortably. "I think she did… Are you mad?"
Jaune crossed his arms, his face hardening. "A bit," he admitted. His tone carried a quiet disappointment that cut deeper than anger. "A lot of people could have died here."
Blake's ears twitched, and she lowered her gaze. "I didn't mean—"
"I understand you were searching for the White Fang," Jaune interrupted, his eyes sweeping over the group. "But you're future Huntsmen and Huntresses. Protectors of people. We're supposed to help people, not endanger them."
Blake bit her lip, guilt clear on her face. "I'm—"
Jaune's voice softened slightly, though his disappointment remained. "I truly understand that you were righteous in this, Miss Belladonna, but please… be careful next time."
Weiss, still visibly annoyed, crossed her arms and glared at Blake and Ruby. "There will be no next time!"
Pyrrha stepped forward, resting a hand lightly on Jaune's arm. "Let's hope not," she said gently. "Come on, Jaune. We need to provide a statement."
Jaune nodded, his gaze lingering on the group for a moment longer. Then, without another word, he turned and followed Pyrrha toward a detective waiting near the police cars.
As the two walked away, Blake exhaled slowly, her shoulders sagging. Ruby fidgeted with her cape, casting a glance at Yang and Sun, who remained quiet.
"We'll make it right," Blake said quietly, more to herself than anyone else.
Yang placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, her usual lightheartedness replaced by quiet support.
Behind them, the docks continued to smolder, the fire's embers glowing faintly as the night stretched on