The sun had dipped below the horizon by the time Yang and Jaune reached her house. Yang trudged up the steps, her shoulders slumped, her clothes soaked and smeared with mud from her unplanned dip in the lake. Her normally radiant golden hair clung to her face and neck in damp strands, and her scowl made it clear she was in no mood for conversation.

Jaune, walking slightly behind her, scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. He had never seen Yang in such a foul mood before, and he wasn't sure how to navigate it.

As they stepped inside, the cozy warmth of the house greeted them. Neo was lounging on the couch in the living room, her mismatched eyes sparkling with mischief the moment she noticed them. She leaned back, crossing her legs and smirking as they entered.

"Well, it's about time," Neo quipped, her voice light but laced with her usual teasing edge.

Jaune raised a hand in greeting. "Oh, you're finally back, Miss Neo."

Neo waved her hand dismissively. "Of course. I brought the doctor, who's upstairs taking care of Lady Ruby as we speak." She cast a glance at Yang, her smirk widening. "She told me about your little fight with this 'Nora Valkyrie.' Judging by the state of you, I'm going to assume you lost."

Yang shot her a sharp glare, her eyes narrowing, but she didn't rise to the bait. Instead, she stomped past Neo without a word, her boots leaving damp prints on the floor.

Neo's expression turned smug as she watched Yang's retreating figure. "You should go take a bath. You look and smell like a wet dog."

Yang paused for a brief moment, her jaw tightening, but she still didn't respond. Instead, she let out a low growl under her breath and disappeared down the hallway toward the bathroom.

Once the sound of a closing door echoed through the house, Jaune sighed and shook his head, his expression a mix of concern and awkward amusement. "That was… intense. Honestly, I didn't think I'd ever see Yang lose a fight."

Neo chuckled softly, her tone dripping with amusement. "Perhaps this 'Nora' girl should be the new contractor for Lady Ruby. If she's strong enough to beat Yang, she's clearly the best choice."

Jaune frowned, crossing his arms as he considered her words. "Maybe, but… I think we should hold off on that judgment for now."

Neo raised an eyebrow, tilting her head as if inviting him to explain.

"To be fair," Jaune began, his voice firm but thoughtful, "Yang was distracted. She's been worried about Ruby all day. I don't think her head was completely in the fight." He paused, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Still… I have to admit, Nora Valkyrie is incredible. I never thought I'd meet someone with strength on par with Yang's. She's a monster."

(…)

The room was quiet, save for the soft sound of Ruby's steady breathing as she slept soundly under the warm covers of the bed. The once-oppressive heat had been replaced by the cool embrace of night, with a faint breeze slipping through the slightly cracked window. The dim glow of a bedside lamp cast long, soft shadows on the walls, giving the space a serene, almost intimate feel.

Yang stood near the bed, freshly showered and dressed for comfort. She wore a snug black tank top with a pair of loose, pale-yellow sweatpants adorned with faint orange flame designs along the sides. Her still-damp hair was tied back into a loose ponytail, though a few golden strands framed her face. Despite the calm atmosphere, her body language was tense, arms crossed and brow furrowed as she glanced at her sister's sleeping form.

Jaune stood to her left, his hands in the pockets of his plain gray hoodie and jeans. He alternated between watching Ruby with concern and shifting uncomfortably as the room filled with a palpable tension, thanks to the presence of two new figures.

Neo, standing with her usual air of mischief and grace, gestured theatrically to the individuals beside her. "Allow me to introduce," she began. "the royal family's esteemed doctor, Merlot, and his capable assistant, Ciel Soleil."

The first figure, Merlot, floated ominously. His body was shrouded in inky blackness, skeletal ribs and jagged spikes protruding from his upper torso. His long, skeletal forearms ended in sharp, claw-like nails that occasionally twitched with unsettling precision. His face was a stark, mask-like bone plate marked with ominous symbols, a single glowing red eye embedded in its center, glaring out with eerie intelligence. A wide-brimmed hat sat atop his head, a strange and almost comical contrast to his otherwise nightmarish appearance. He left a faint trail of black smoke as he hovered in place, his mere presence exuding an aura of foreboding.

Beside him stood Ciel Soleil, her sharp eyes scanning the room with calculated precision. She wore a white doctor's coat over her tailored navy-blue military uniform, which included a high-collared jacket with gold trim, fitted gloves, and a short skirt paired with polished boots. Her hair was a dark, sleek blue, cut into a precise bob that framed her face perfectly. Her posture was rigid, her expression one of practiced authority and subtle disdain.

Yang stared at Merlot for a moment before letting out an incredulous laugh. "What the fuck?" she blurted, pointing at him. "He looks like a ghost. No, worse—he looks like one of those low-level ghosts you'd fight in the first few levels of some RPG. You know, the kind you grind XP on because they're such easy wins. Total noob bait!"

Jaune snorted softly, trying and failing to suppress his laughter.

Merlot, unbothered by the comment, remained eerily silent, his glowing eye fixed on Yang with what could only be described as mild disinterest.

Jaune's attention, however, shifted to Ciel. Her composed demeanor and striking features caught his eye. She's… pretty cute, he thought, unable to help himself.

Ciel's sharp gaze immediately snapped to him, her eyes narrowing as she noticed his lingering stare. Her lips curled into a sneer, her voice cutting through the air like a knife. "What are you staring at, trash?" she snapped. "An insignificant human like you has no right to be here, much less gawk at me."

Jaune's hopeful expression crumbled, replaced by a mixture of disappointment and embarrassment. He averted his eyes, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. Oh, great, he thought grimly. "I guess not all demons are like Miss Neo. This one's already decided I'm beneath her for some reason."

Neo chuckled, clearly enjoying the exchange, though she raised an eyebrow at Ciel. "Play nice, Ciel," she teased, her tone light.

Yang rolled her eyes at the tension and turned back to Ruby, muttering under her breath, "This is going to be a long night."

Merlot removed his hat with a theatrical flourish, revealing the full bone-like mask of his Geist medium. His glowing red eye pulsed faintly as he spoke, his tone dripping with self-satisfaction. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, and truly an honor for you to bask in the presence of my unparalleled intellect, even if only through this borrowed form."

Yang and Jaune exchanged confused glances, neither entirely sure what he meant.

With an irritated sigh, Ciel crossed her arms and explained, her tone sharp and dismissive. "The doctor holds little fondness for the mortal realm. This," she gestured toward the floating Geist, "is merely a medium he uses to interact with your world. His true body remains in the depths of hell."

Yang raised an eyebrow, muttering, "Okay, that's… weird."

Jaune tilted his head slightly. "So, this isn't actually him? Just, like, a puppet?"

"Correct," Ciel said curtly, her disdain evident.

Neo stepped in to redirect the conversation, her expression unusually serious. "they have already treated Lady Ruby, and her fever has subsided significantly. However, there's still a pressing issue we need to address."

Merlot floated closer to Yang, his glowing eye narrowing as he fixed her with an unsettling stare. "The primary concern is the contract between you and Lady Ruby," he began. "The power she wields is immense, as you well know. This fever exacerbated matters, disrupting the flow of demonic energy she typically regulates. To protect you from the overwhelming surge of energy caused by the Silver Fever, she unconsciously nullified the contract."

Yang's expression fell, her lips pressing into a thin line. Her sister had broken their contract—without realizing it—just to keep her safe. The thought struck a chord deep within her, leaving a heavy feeling in her chest.

Ciel, however, showed no such sympathy. "To put it bluntly," she said coldly, "Lady Ruby is accumulating far more demonic energy than necessary because her current contractor is ill-suited for the role. That contractor being you. If this continues unchecked, the situation will escalate."

Yang sighed, running a hand through her damp hair. "So… we need to find someone better for the job," she muttered. "Maybe Nora?"

Neo shook her head. "That's unlikely to solve the problem," she said, her tone measured but firm. "From what Jaune has told me, this Nora girl has strength comparable to yours, Yang Xiao Long. Even if we made her Ruby's new contractor, it might not be enough. The better solution is for you to improve your own abilities as Ruby's contractor."

Neo stepped closer to Yang, her expression uncharacteristically serious. "I don't like you," she admitted bluntly, her heterochromatic eyes locked onto Yang's lilac gaze. "But the care and concern you've shown for Lady Ruby is undeniable. That's enough for me to believe you're the best person for this role. I doubt you'll let one loss shake your resolve, will you?"

Yang's lips curved into a small, wry smile. "Jaune was right," she said, glancing at her friend. "I was worried about Ruby during the fight with Nora. It threw me off. But if Ruby's doing better now…" Her smile grew into a confident grin. "I won't have a problem facing Nora again."

She paused, her confidence faltering slightly as she glanced back at Neo and Merlot. "The thing is, I don't even know what I need to do to improve as Ruby's contractor."

Jaune leaned casually against the wall near the window, a soft smile tugging at his lips. In his mind, his thoughts wandered. "Looks like Yang's gotten really attached to Ruby. Makes sense, considering she's her sister. I had a hunch she'd end up being the permanent contractor. From the way she's acting, it's clear she's not about to give up on helping Ruby. Huh. She's an idiot, a brute, and wild as hell… but she's also one of the best people I've ever met. Guess I'll do whatever I can to help her."

Ciel, her expression icy and clinical, stepped forward, holding a syringe filled with a bright yellow liquid. "This drug will help," she stated plainly, her tone devoid of warmth. "I've already administered it to Lady Ruby. Once I inject you, you'll form a mental connection with her subconscious. Through that link, it will be possible to reestablish the contract. However," she added sharply, her cold blue eyes locking onto Yang, "to succeed, you'll need to overcome Lady Ruby's subconscious desire to protect you. You must prove that you're capable of bearing the contract."

Yang nodded resolutely"Do it," she said, her voice steady.

Without hesitation, Ciel injected the liquid into Yang's arm. Almost immediately, Yang's body stiffened before she crumpled to the floor, unconscious.

"Damn, that was fast!" Jaune exclaimed, his eyes wide with shock.

Before he could react further, Neo appeared behind him, grabbing him firmly and pinning his arms to his sides. He struggled instinctively, his voice laced with confusion and alarm. "Miss Neo, what the hell are you doing?!"

Neo's voice was calm but firm, her grip unyielding. "I don't trust Yang completely," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. "I'll feel better if you go in too."

It took Jaune a split second to realize what she meant, and when he did, his eyes widened in protest. "What?! No way! This should be between Yang and Ruby! Let me go!"

Neo ignored his protests and glanced at Ciel. "Inject him."

With an irritated sigh, Ciel pulled out another syringe and approached Jaune. "Hold still, human," she said, her voice dripping with disdain.

"Wait—stop! You can't—" Jaune's protests were cut off as Ciel jabbed the needle into his neck, injecting the substance swiftly. His struggles weakened almost instantly, his vision blurring as the drug took effect.

Neo leaned in close, her voice calm but carrying a hint of mischief. "i owe you one for this, Jaune."

As Jaune's consciousness slipped away, Merlot's ominous voice filled the room. "This process is not without risk. If they fail, their minds will fry completely. They'll be little more than corpses."

Ciel, unmoved, dismissed his concern with a wave of her hand. "If they fail, it simply proves they're worse than trash. They wouldn't deserve to be in Lady Ruby's presence anyway."

Neo, still watching Jaune's limp form with a calculating expression, shrugged. "I was aware of the risks," she said coolly. "That's why I decided to send Jaune along. He's weak, sure, but unlike Yang, he's smart. I don't think they'll take too long."

The room grew silent save for the faint hum of the Geist's smoky form. All eyes were on the two unconscious figures on the floor, their fates hanging precariously in the balance.

(…)

Jaune's eyes blinked open to find himself in a world that defied all logic. He stood on what appeared to be a floating checkerboard, half of the tiles glowing crimson while the others were a dark, swirling black. Around him, the sky wasn't a sky at all—it was a kaleidoscope of colors, twisting and shifting with shapes that made no sense. In one corner, there was a floating clock spinning backward; in another, an oversized cookie with a smiling face floated lazily through the air.

Yang groaned beside him, standing and brushing off her clothes, though there wasn't any dirt to brush off. Her hair glowed faintly in the chaotic light, and her casual outfit now seemed oddly pristine, almost glowing in contrast to the nonsensical world around them.

"What the hell is this place?" Yang muttered, looking around with a mix of awe and irritation.

"I think…" Jaune began, squinting at the shifting landscape, "we're in Ruby's mind. Or something close to it."

"Yeah, no kidding," Yang said dryly, pointing at a nearby tree that was growing upside down and dripping what appeared to be syrup instead of sap.

Before either of them could say anything more, the checkerboard beneath their feet shifted. The black and red tiles rearranged themselves into the shape of a grinning face, and with a loud pop, a figure appeared in front of them.

It was Ruby—or at least, a version of her. She looked younger, her silver eyes sparkling mischievously, her familiar red cloak billowing around her despite the absence of any wind. Her demeanor was playful, and her smile was wide and toothy, almost childlike.

"Welcome to my world!" The subconscious Ruby declared, throwing her arms wide. Her voice was sing-song, and she twirled on the spot, her cloak following like a ribbon in a dance.

Yang crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Ruby, is that you?"

"Sort of!" The young Ruby replied, giggling. "I'm a part of Ruby, at least. The fun part!" She pointed dramatically at Jaune. "And you—what are you doing here, huh? You're supposed to be on the sidelines! Or are you just here to admire how awesome I am?"

Jaune blinked, confused by the sudden attention. "Uh, I'm here to help Yang—"

Ruby's subconscious cut him off, leaning forward with a teasing grin. "Help Yang, huh? Or maybe you just wanted to hang out with me? I mean, I am adorable." She fluttered her lashes exaggeratedly, clearly enjoying herself.

Yang groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Ruby, stop messing around. We're here to—"

"Prove yourself!" Subconscious Ruby interrupted, her voice taking on a mockingly serious tone. "You think you're good enough to be my contractor again? You think you can protect me and help me, huh? Big words for a big sister!" She giggled and twirled again, the ground shifting beneath them.

The checkerboard dissolved, and they were suddenly standing in the middle of a dense forest. The trees were impossibly tall, their trunks glowing faintly red, and the leaves shimmered like silver mirrors. A soft mist curled around their feet, but there was an underlying tension in the air.

Ruby's subconscious appeared on a nearby tree branch, swinging her legs casually. "Here's the deal, Yang. If you're gonna be my contractor, you've gotta prove you're strong enough, smart enough, and…" She paused for dramatic effect. "Cool enough!"

Yang rolled her eyes. "I'm plenty cool, thanks. What do I have to do?"

Ruby's subconscious smirked, snapping her fingers. A large, shadowy figure emerged from the mist—a monstrous wolf-like creature with glowing red eyes and jagged teeth.

"Beat that!" Ruby declared gleefully, pointing at the beast.

Yang cracked her knuckles. "Piece of cake."

The fight began, with Yang charging at the creature head-on, her fists glowing faintly as she struck with powerful, precise blows. The creature roared and swiped at her, but she dodged skillfully, countering with a heavy uppercut that sent it sprawling.

Meanwhile, Jaune noticed the mist thickening unnaturally, creeping toward Yang's feet. He frowned, analyzing the situation. "Yang, wait!" he called out. "The mist—it's part of the test!"

Yang paused mid-punch, glancing at him. "What are you talking about?"

Jaune pointed to the ground. "It's slowing you down! Ruby's subconscious is trying to see if you can figure it out. You have to deal with the environment, not just the monster!"

Yang growled in frustration but nodded. She slammed her fist into the ground with tremendous force, sending shockwaves rippling outward and dispersing the mist in an instant. The wolf lunged again, but this time, Yang was faster, sidestepping and landing a finishing blow that dissipated the creature into nothingness.

Ruby's subconscious clapped enthusiastically. "Not bad, not bad! But we're just getting started!"

The forest dissolved, replaced by a sprawling carnival. Bright lights flashed, and a merry-go-round spun lazily in the distance. Balloons floated aimlessly, and laughter echoed through the air, though no one else was visible.

"Next test!" Ruby announced, her playful grin returning. "Let's see how good you are at working together!"

Yang sighed. "Great. Just great."

The carnival was a chaotic mess of flashing lights, swirling music, and nonsensical architecture. Tilted funhouses defied gravity, their doorways floating several feet above the ground, while roller coasters looped and twisted in impossible patterns. A Ferris wheel stood in the distance, its spokes spinning in opposite directions. The air smelled faintly of cotton candy, though none was in sight.

Yang and Jaune stood side by side, both looking around cautiously. Subconscious Ruby appeared on a nearby carousel horse, spinning lazily as it hovered in mid-air. Her cloak billowed dramatically behind her, even though there wasn't a breeze.

"Welcome to Test Number Two!" She announced, her voice echoing across the carnival. "This is all about teamwork! Because if you two can't work together, how can you expect to help me, huh?"

Jaune crossed his arms. "So, what's the challenge?"

Ruby's subconscious grinned mischievously. "Oh, it's easy!" She snapped her fingers, and a series of glowing orbs appeared, scattered across the carnival. "Just collect those shiny thingies before the time runs out. Easy-peasy!"

Yang narrowed her eyes. "What's the catch?"

Ruby tilted her head innocently. "Catch? Me? I would never make this harder than it needs to be."

Almost immediately, the ground began to rumble, and a symphony of growls echoed from the shadows. Yang groaned. "There it is."

Several shadowy figures began to emerge from the darkness—twisted, malformed creatures with glowing red eyes. They moved erratically, their limbs bending in unnatural ways, and their forms flickered as if they weren't entirely solid.

"Protect the shiny thingies!" Ruby cheered from her perch. "And, uh, don't die!"

Yang rolled her shoulders, a fierce grin spreading across her face. "Alright, teamwork it is. Jaune!"

Jaune nodded, already scanning the area. His eyes darted to the glowing orbs, and he pointed to one atop a looping roller coaster. "Yang, can you get up there? I'll grab the one closer to the ground."

"On it!" Yang took off, leaping onto the structure with ease. Her movements were fluid and powerful, each jump carrying her closer to the orb. Jaune, meanwhile, sprinted toward a nearby funhouse, dodging one of the shadowy creatures as it lunged at him.

Subconscious Ruby appeared beside him, floating upside down with her head level to his. "You're pretty fast for a human, you know. Maybe even impressive! Want me to help you out?"

Jaune glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "I think this is supposed to be a test for Yang."

Ruby pouted, flipping right-side up. "Fine, but if you ever need a little demon power boost, you know who to ask~." She winked dramatically before vanishing in a puff of red smoke.

As Jaune climbed through the tilted funhouse, the structure shifted and twisted under his feet. The hallways rearranged themselves, leading him in circles. Frustrated, he stopped to think. "It's her mind. She's trying to mess with me…"

The walls shimmered, and Ruby's subconscious reappeared, this time wearing a frilly dress. "Are you lost, Jaune? Maybe I can guide you. If you say pretty please." She fluttered her lashes, her silver eyes wide and innocent.

Jaune sighed, unimpressed. "Ruby, focus. This is important."

Subconscious Ruby's playful smile faltered for a moment, and she crossed her arms, pouting. "You're no fun." With a snap of her fingers, the funhouse stabilized, and Jaune spotted the glowing orb in the center of the room.

"Thank you," he said curtly, grabbing it and sprinting back toward Yang.

Yang was already holding two orbs, panting slightly as she fought off the shadowy creatures. "Took you long enough!" she shouted as Jaune slid to her side.

"Had to deal with your sister's sense of humor," Jaune replied, handing her the orb.

"Aw, you don't like my humor?" Subconscious Ruby appeared again, this time perched on Yang's shoulder. "You're gonna make me cry, Jaune~."

Yang rolled her eyes. "Ruby, can we get on with this?"

Ruby's subconscious giggled and leaped off Yang's shoulder, landing gracefully on the ground. "Alright, alright. You passed the teamwork part. But there's one last thing…"

The carnival dissolved, replaced by a serene meadow under a twilight sky. The air was cool and still, the only sound coming from a gentle breeze rustling the tall grass. In the center of the meadow stood a glowing figure—it was Ruby, or at least a projection of her true self. Her form was radiant, her eyes glowing a soft silver as she gazed at Yang.

"Yang," the figure spoke, her voice calm and clear. "This is the final test. Can you withstand the weight of my power? Can you prove that you are strong enough to bear it?"

Yang stepped forward, her fists clenched.

The projection smiled faintly, then raised her hand. A surge of energy erupted from her, rushing toward Yang like a tidal wave. Yang braced herself, digging her feet into the ground as the energy washed over her. It was overwhelming, a mix of heat, pressure, and pure force that threatened to crush her.

Jaune watched anxiously, his mind racing. He noticed that Yang's stance was faltering, her knees buckling under the strain. "Yang, focus on the ground!" he shouted. "It's shifting under you—adjust your balance!"

Yang gritted her teeth, nodding. She steadied herself, shifting her weight as Jaune suggested. Slowly, she began to push back against the wave of energy.

The projection of Ruby observed silently, then spoke again. "You're strong, Yang. But strength alone isn't enough. Can you promise to help me, even if it means risking yourself?"

Yang's voice was steady, despite the strain. "I don't care what it takes Ruby. You're my little sister after all"

The wave of energy began to recede, and the projection of Ruby smiled warmly. "Then the contract is yours again. Thank you… Yang."

The meadow dissolved, and everything faded to white.

(…)

The soft glow of the full moon bathed a tranquil park in Vale in silvery light, casting long shadows across the grassy fields and trees. A faint breeze rustled the leaves, adding a gentle melody to the serene ambiance. In the middle of this peaceful setting, Nora Valkyrie and Melanie Malachite sat on an bench beneath a towering oak tree. The bench, aged with time, creaked faintly as the two women shifted. Melanie, as composed as ever, rested one leg over the other, her immaculate white heels gleaming faintly under the moonlight. She wore a sleek, dark green coat that hugged her form, buttoned neatly over a black turtleneck, her pristine white trousers complementing her sharp elegance.

Nora, in stark contrast, radiated casual confidence. She leaned back against the bench with her arms stretched out along the backrest. Despite her relaxed demeanor, her grin was as mischievous as ever, her eyes glinting under the moon's glow.

Melanie broke the silence first, her tone calm but carrying an edge of intrigue.

"Honestly, it's been a surprise. I never thought there'd be someone capable of hurting you, Nora."

Nora chuckled, her grin widening as she turned her gaze skyward, watching the moonlight filter through the leaves.

"Yang's amazing, no doubt about it. Though I did send her flying into the river," she said, smirking at the memory. "I'm sure the rematch will happen soon. She's like me—she'll want a more satisfying fight. But… I could tell something was on her mind. She wasn't all in. I'll enjoy it more when she faces me at her best."

Their conversation, however, was abruptly interrupted by two figures stepping out from the shadows of the trees.

"Finally, we've found you, Nora."

The voices were unmistakably annoyed, tinged with hostility. The newcomers were Mercury Black and Henry Marygold, both dressed inconspicuously for a night out. Mercury wore a charcoal-gray leather jacket over a fitted black T-shirt, paired with ripped jeans and dark combat boots. His silver hair was slightly tousled, giving him a rugged look. His eyes glared at Nora with simmering frustration. Beside him, Henry cut a more polished figure, wearing a tailored navy blue blazer over a crisp white shirt, unbuttoned at the collar for a casual touch. His dark slacks and brown loafers reflected his upper-class background, though his expression betrayed a rare loss of composure.

Nora tilted her head, her expression blank as she stared at the two men. She blinked, clearly not recognizing them, until Melanie, still seated, glanced at her.

"They're Mercury Black and Henry Marygold."

Recognition flickered in Nora's eyes. She let out a small laugh, rising from the bench with a languid stretch.

"Ah, my fellow pillars," she said with exaggerated nonchalance. "Do you need something? Because, honestly, I don't waste my time with weaklings. Haha!"

Henry's fists clenched at her words, his teeth grinding audibly.

"Tch, that brute attitude of yours always disgusted me."

Mercury's scowl deepened, his tone sharper than usual.

"I know you're dense, but even you can't ignore what's happening at Beacon."

Nora raised an eyebrow, her disinterest palpable.

"What?"

Her dismissive tone was like fuel on a fire. Mercury exploded in anger, his voice echoing through the quiet park.

"You've taken over all our subordinates! We were in the hospital for weeks, but we didn't think you'd stoop so low while we were out!"

Henry, though equally agitated, spoke with more restraint.

"You've never shown interest in leading anyone, Nora Valkyrie. So it would be good to hear your reasons for this."

Nora tilted her head again, utterly unfazed.

"I have no idea what the hell you're talking about."

Melanie rose gracefully, brushing off her coat as she interjected, her tone smooth but laced with amusement.

"I understand now. There have certainly been a lot of changes at Beacon. Since Yang defeated these two, many have started seeking me and Miltia out, hoping to become our subordinates. But most of them are far more interested in you, Nora. They know you're the strongest. Your faction has grown considerably, though it seems you were completely unaware."

Melanie turned her icy gaze toward Mercury and Henry, a mocking smile curling her lips.

"In any case, you two were abandoned because you're pathetic and weak. We have nothing to do with that."

Mercury's fury boiled over.

"You damn bitch!"

Nora, meanwhile, burst out laughing, finding the entire situation more amusing than troubling.

"Heheh, honestly, I couldn't care less about all this complicated shit. You know how I am. If you've got a problem, why not fight? That's the right way to settle things, isn't it?"

Mercury and Henry exchanged a glance, their anger driving them into action. They charged toward Nora, but before they could reach her, Melanie stepped forward with a fluid motion, blocking their path. Her expression was cold, her eyes sharp.

"You two aren't worthy opponents for Nora. I'll take care of this quickly."

(…)

Yang groaned as she opened her eyes, finding herself sprawled unceremoniously on the floor of her room. The cool surface beneath her contrasted with the faint throbbing in her head. She stared up at the ceiling, her expression caught between exhaustion and mild irritation.

"Ugh, my head hurts. Ruby's mind is such a pain to deal with," she muttered, rubbing her temple with one hand.

From somewhere nearby, Jaune's voice chimed in, his tone laced with weary amusement. "Yeah, I'd prefer not to go through that again. It wasn't as bad as I expected, but it was still… unsettling."

Yang turned her head slightly, catching sight of Jaune sitting up on the floor, his expression reflecting a similar mix of fatigue and relief. Standing over the two of them, observing with an air of detached curiosity, were Ciel and Merlot.

Ciel, her posture rigid and disciplined, was the first to break the silence. Her sharp gaze swept over Yang and Jaune before she spoke, her voice crisp and faintly disdainful. "At least you aren't completely useless. Adequate work."

Merlot stood beside Ruby, who lay peacefully on the bed, her face serene despite the voice was measured and deliberate.

"Excellent. I can sense the demonic energy Lady Ruby had accumulated flowing correctly now. The imbalance has been corrected," he said, gesturing lightly toward Ruby's sleeping form.

Yang pushed herself up slowly, wincing as she did so. Before she could fully rise, Neo appeared at her side, her steps silent as always. With a subtle smirk, Neo grabbed Yang's right arm and pulled her to her feet. Yang glanced at her arm, where the emblem of Belphegor—a delicate rose etched in intricate detail—had reappeared, its glow faint but unmistakable. "I must commend you, Yang. With the contract restored, Lady Ruby's condition will continue to improve. And now, your focus can shift to other matters, can it not?"

Yang's lips curled into an eager grin, her lilac eyes gleaming with excitement. "Yeah… my fight with Nora isn't over yet."

Jaune, now standing as well, dusted off his clothes before addressing Merlot. "So, if the contract is back in effect, Ruby's condition will improve for sure, right?"

Merlot nodded slowly, his voice taking on a faintly patronizing tone. "Indeed. Her fever has already subsided, and the only lingering issue was the accumulated demonic energy destabilizing her body. With Yang as her contractor once more, that energy will now flow properly. Well done, humans."

The conversation in the room was cut short by the sudden chime of the doorbell. Everyone paused, the unexpected sound breaking the tense air of recovery and planning. Yang raised an eyebrow.

"That's weird. Wonder who that could be. Jaune, can you check?"

Jaune sighed, shaking his head as he turned toward the stairs. "Sure, why not? It's not like I haven't had enough surprises today."

Descending the steps, Jaune passed through the living room, his curiosity growing as he approached the front door. Swinging it open, he froze in place, his eyes widening as he took in the sight before him.

"Oh. You guys… what the hell happened to you?"

Standing on the porch were three familiar faces: Cardin Winchester, Mercury Black, and Henry Marygold. The latter two looked significantly worse for wear, their clothes disheveled, faces bruised, and postures radiating a mix of irritation and exhaustion. Mercury leaned slightly to one side, as though favoring an injured leg, while Henry's face bore an expression that hovered between anger and embarrassment.

Cardin, ever the least fazed of the group, crossed his arms and spoke with his usual gruff directness. "We're here to see Yang Xiao Long. Can we talk for a moment?"

Jaune hesitated briefly before stepping aside and gesturing for them to enter. "Uhhh sure… come on in."

A few minutes later, the three guests were seated on the couch in the living room, their presence an odd contrast to the cozy setting of Yang's home. Jaune had set down a tray with glasses of juice he'd hastily retrieved from the fridge, though none of the visitors seemed particularly focused on the refreshments. Yang, standing at the foot of the stairs, surveyed them with her arms crossed, her expression unreadable.

Cardin wasted no time, recounting what had transpired just an hour earlier: Mercury and Henry had gone searching for Nora, only to end up in a fight with Melanie Malachite, who had decisively defeated them. Yang's eyes narrowed slightly, but her expression remained mostly unimpressed.

When Cardin finished, Mercury broke the silence, his tone sharp and impatient. "In short, Blondie, we're running out of options here."

Henry, sitting stiffly next to him, nodded with a resigned sigh. "We need to join forces to take down Nora and the Malachite twins. It's the only way."

Yang's response was immediate, her voice as firm as her stance. "Hell no. I'll handle this myself. You'd just slow me down."

Mercury scoffed, sitting back with a wry smirk. "Don't get it twisted, Blondie. We don't like the idea either."

Henry chimed in, his voice carrying a note of frustration. "Exactly. But the smart move here is to team up. Like it or not, we have a common enemy."

Yang rolled her eyes, her disinterest practically radiating off her. "As I said, not interested. You wouldn't be any help."

Cardin let out a long, weary sigh, rubbing his temple before speaking. "Look, Blondie, they're serious about needing your help, even if they're too proud to say it right. You should know better than anyone how stubborn people can be."

Yang's expression shifted, irritation flashing in her eyes as she clicked her tongue. "Tch. Idiots. If you want my help so bad, maybe try showing some humility. You got your asses handed to you, and you look like shit."

Jaune, who had been leaning against the wall, finally stepped in, his tone calm and reasoning. "I don't see the harm in it, Yang. Think about it: if the twins get in your way, these two might at least be able to keep them busy while you deal with Nora."

Yang huffed, her posture relaxing just slightly as she considered his point. "Fine, fine. I guess you've got a point. They can come along. But don't get in my way."

Mercury smirked faintly, though his tone remained serious. "When we fought Melanie, she mentioned heading to Beacon. Sounded like they had some kind of plan there."

Yang straightened, a fierce grin spreading across her face. "Beacon it is, then. Let's finish this."

(…)

The streets of Vale were quiet, bathed in the faint glow of streetlights as Yang, Jaune, Cardin, Mercury, and Henry trudged onward through the chilly night. Yang had pulled on a yellow jacket to ward off the cold, her hands stuffed into the pockets. Despite the quiet, tension hummed in the air between the group, none of them speaking until Yang broke the silence.

"What the hell could Nora be doing at Beacon at this hour?" She muttered, her breath visible in the frosty air. "We're still on vacation, so this feels... off."

Henry, walking a step behind her, shrugged with a mix of indifference and thoughtfulness. "Who knows? That's just what Melanie said. Still, I guess it makes sense. If anything's going to happen, Beacon feels like the place to settle things."

As they continued down the dimly lit street, the group's attention was drawn to the soft jingle of a bell as someone exited a convenience store nearby. A figure stepped into view, casually holding a plastic bag stuffed with snacks and drinks. It was Miltia Malachite, her iconic sly grin unmistakable in the fluorescent light spilling from the store.

"Well, well," she called out, her tone dripping with amusement. "If it isn't Yang and Jauney-boy. Out for some late-night shopping?"

Yang's eyes narrowed, but before she could answer, Miltia's gaze shifted to the rest of the group. Her grin widened, a mocking laugh escaping her lips. "Oh, and look who's tagging along. What's this, a babysitting gig? What are you doing with these stupid fucks?"

Mercury cracked his neck, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Guess this saves us some time. Let's take her down. The other two will come soon enough."

Before anyone could respond, a sharp voice interrupted from the shadows. "Hold it right there!"

The group turned to see three young men swaggering out of an alleyway. Their uniforms were unmistakable—students from Beacon—but their appearances had been twisted into that of petty delinquents, complete with spiked accessories and smug expressions.

"Miss Miltia!" One of them exclaimed, bowing slightly as if in mock reverence. "Let us handle this. Once we've crushed these losers, all we ask is to be considered your new subordinates. Yours and Nora's."

Miltia's bemused expression only deepened, but before she could reply, another group emerged from the opposite side of the street.

"Hey! Not so fast!" one of them shouted, his tone indignant. "If anyone's going to join Miltia and Nora's faction, it's us!"

Then, from the shadows of a nearby tree, another group appeared, followed by yet another spilling out from a side street.

"Wait up!"

"This isn't fair!"

"Everyone deserves a shot at this!"

Within moments, the small confrontation had escalated into sheer absurdity as nearly thirty Beacon students—all looking like they'd stepped out of a low-budget delinquent drama—surrounded the group. The night air buzzed with their half-baked threats and competitive bravado, the surreal sight of so many unruly students turning the scene into something almost comical.

Miltia, at the center of it all, placed her free hand on her hip and shook her head with a laugh. "What the hell…? You idiots do realize it's almost midnight, right? Make too much noise, and the neighbors are going to call the cops. Hahaha!"

Yang, however, was far from amused. Her fiery gaze scanned the growing crowd, her fists clenching at her sides. "Tch. These pests are so annoying. Hey, Miltia! Answer me—Nora's at Beacon, isn't she?"

Miltia took a few steps back, clearly unbothered by the chaos unraveling around her. "She sure is. Why don't you finish up here quickly? I'll be waiting with her at Beacon. See you soon, Blondie."

With a casual wave and a smug smile, Miltia turned and sauntered off, leaving Yang and her group surrounded by the throng of wannabe delinquents.

Jaune shifted nervously, clutching at his hoodie as his eyes darted around the crowd. "Uh, maybe this wasn't such a good idea. I'm not exactly… helpful in these kinds of situations."

Before anyone could respond, one of the self-proclaimed leaders of the mob raised his voice. "Let's go! Take them down! This is the era of Nora and the Malachites! These fools don't deserve to control Beacon!"

The shout triggered an uproar as the crowd surged forward, yelling battle cries and wielding whatever makeshift weapons they'd scavenged—wooden bats, pipes.

Yang's grin returned, fierce and unyielding. She cracked her knuckles, her eyes blazing with a fiery determination. "Fine. If you idiots want to play, let's play."

The clash erupted in a chaotic flurry of movement as the mob of Beacon delinquents surged forward, their weapons raised and their shouts filling the cold night air. Mercury, Cardin, and Henry moved instinctively, stepping into the fray with varying levels of skill and ferocity.

Mercury was the first to act, his body a blur of motion as he launched himself into the mob. He spun low, his leg whistling through the air in a devastating roundhouse kick that sent three opponents sprawling onto the pavement. Without missing a beat, he pivoted on his heel, delivering a brutal upward kick that caught another student in the jaw, sending them flying backward. "Seriously, is this all you've got?" he taunted, his smirk widening as he dodged an incoming swing from a bat, retaliating with a sharp jab to his attacker's gut.

Nearby, Cardin used his sheer size and strength to his advantage. One student rushed at him with a metal pipe, only to be met with a crushing backhand that sent them crashing into two others. Another came at him with a poorly aimed punch, but Cardin caught the fist mid-swing, twisting the attacker's arm with a painful crack before tossing them aside like a rag doll. "You call this a fight?" he barked, slamming his shoulder into another would-be challenger and sending them stumbling into the gutter.

Henry fought with a surprisingly sharp precision, his movements fluid and calculated. He ducked beneath a wide swing from an opponent's makeshift club, delivering a swift punch to their ribs and following it with a clean uppercut that left them sprawling. When two attackers came at him simultaneously, he sidestepped one, grabbing their wrist and using their momentum to fling them into the other. With a smug grin, he called out, "Come on, is there anyone here who can actually put up a fight?"

Jaune, on the other hand, was far less composed. He weaved and stumbled through the chaos, narrowly avoiding a flurry of poorly aimed strikes. A bat swung dangerously close to his head, and he yelped, ducking just in time. His movements were clumsy, his footing unsure, but his determination to avoid being hit kept him constantly moving.

"Whoa—close one!" he muttered, dodging another attack. He sidestepped one opponent, narrowly avoiding a tackle, then practically tripped over himself to evade another swing. "Uh, guys? A little help here?"

Cardin, noticing Jaune's precarious situation, moved to intercept. He grabbed a charging opponent by the collar and hurled them to the ground, stepping in front of Jaune like a human wall. "Stick close to me, Arc," he muttered, swatting away another attacker with a wide swing of his arm.

"Thanks," Jaune panted, still trying to catch his breath.

Mercury and Henry regrouped, standing back-to-back as the remaining students circled them warily. "Alright, who's next?" Mercury called out, his smirk as cocky as ever. "Step up, if you think you can handle us!"

"Yeah," Henry chimed in, cracking his knuckles. "Don't keep us waiting!"

But the mob didn't respond. Instead, they looked past the two of them, their eyes wide with fear and disbelief and they just begin to run away. Mercury frowned, lowering his fists. "What the—?"

He turned, and his jaw nearly dropped. Yang stood a few meters away, surrounded by a pile of groaning, unconscious students. Her yellow jacket was pristine, not a single strand of her golden hair out of place. She crossed her arms, her expression flat and bored as she stared at them.

"Seriously?" Yang muttered, her tone dripping with irritation. "You guys are so slow. Come on, we're wasting time. Let's get to Beacon already."

They stared at her in stunned silence for a moment before snapping to attention. "Uh, yeah, sure," Mercury muttered, trying to recover his composure.

"Absolutely," Henry added, clearing his throat.

Cardin shook his head as they began walking, falling into step beside Jaune. "She's always been this much of a monster?" he asked quietly, glancing nervously at Yang, who led the group with her usual confidence. "Gotta admit, I'm actually kind of scared of her now."

Jaune chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Honestly? She just keeps getting stronger. Sometimes I think I've seen everything she can do but she surprises me sometimes."

(…)

The midnight sky loomed over Beacon's sprawling campus, the moonlight casting silvery beams across its open courtyards and towering buildings. Miltia Malachite strolled casually along the main pathway, her green eyes darting between shadows as she clutched the bag stuffed with snacks and drinks. The cold breeze ruffled her hair, but the biting chill didn't bother her as much as what she saw when she stepped into the main courtyard.

Her pace faltered as she took in the sight before her. "Holy shit," she muttered, blinking in disbelief. "Why the hell are there so many people here?"

The courtyard was packed with students, most of them exuding an air of delinquency. They stood in loosely organized groups, clad in torn Beacon uniforms mixed with leather jackets, hoodies, and chains. Neon hair, piercings, and crude tattoos were common, giving the scene a chaotic, almost dystopian feel. Makeshift weapons like bats, crowbars and the students' chatter turned into a murmur as they noticed Miltia's arrival.

A lanky student with a scar across his cheek stepped forward, holding a baton slung over his shoulder. "Miss Miltia!" he declared with too much enthusiasm. "We heard Yang Xiao Long and her allies are coming for you. Don't worry; we won't let them pass!"

Miltia raised an eyebrow, looking between the crowd and the overeager boy. Then she let out a laugh, sharp and mocking. "You won't let them pass? Pfft. Guys, you're taking this game way too seriously."

"This isn't a game," the boy shot back, his voice firm with a misguided sense of honor. "The reputation of Beacon is at stake!"

Another student, this one stockier with a headband and nunchaku in hand, chimed in. "Exactly! We can't let a first-year act so high and mighty. Besides, almost every human student is here."

Miltia scanned the courtyard again and shrugged, her lips curling into a bemused smirk. "Hah, well, now that you mention it, it does feel like a normal school day with how crowded it is. Whatever floats your boat, I guess."

She gave them a dismissive wave and continued walking toward the inner campus, her heels clicking lightly against the stone. Before she could get far, though, she noticed a familiar group approaching from the main gate—Yang Xiao Long, Mercury Black, Henry Marygold, Cardin Winchester, and Jaune Arc.

"Oh, speak of the devil," Miltia muttered under her breath as the group entered the courtyard. She tossed her bag of snacks over her shoulder "Well, if everyone's so serious about this, I guess there's nothing left for me to do here. Have fun with the festivities. I'll catch you later—I've got a meeting with Nora at the sports field."

Yang narrowed her eyes and bolted after her. "Wait! Miltia, where's Nora?"

But the path was immediately blocked by a dozen students stepping forward, each with smug grins plastered across their faces. One with a mohawk cracked his knuckles and sneered. "Not so fast, blondie. You and your little friends better get ready."

The tension hung thick in the air as Mercury, Cardin, and Jaune exchanged uneasy glances.

Jaune's hands trembled slightly as he surveyed the crowd. "Tch, this is bad. There are way too many of them."

Henry, however, remained unusually calm, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips." I hope that call I made earlier wasn't a waste of time."

As if answering his silent prayer, the night exploded into chaos. A ripple of force knocked back several of the advancing students, sending them tumbling into their peers like bowling pins.

"What the hell?!" One of the delinquents shouted, scrambling to his feet.

From the dust, a familiar figure descended gracefully, landing in front of Yang's group. Her dark, short hair swayed as her feline ears twitched, and she adjusted her grip on a wooden training sword.

Jaune's face lit up. "Holy shit, Blake!"

Blake Belladonna stood tall and calm, her amber eyes scanning the crowd with cold precision. "So many students gathered for such a stupid cause," she said flatly. "Given how unfair this is, I think stepping in is the right thing to do."

But Blake wasn't alone. A small contingent of Faunus students filed in behind her, each radiating quiet intensity. Among them, Jaune immediately recognized Ilia and Trifa, their expressions a mix of annoyance and resolve.

The delinquents recoiled, murmurs rippling through their ranks. "No way… Is that the White Fang?!"

Mercury blinked in disbelief. "Belladonna… Didn't expect to see her here."

Henry couldn't help but grin. "I called her. Honestly didn't think she'd show up, but I'm glad she did."

Ilia shot Jaune a teasing smirk. "Good to see you again coward."

Trifa scowled, clearly less enthused about the situation. "Tch. Consider this a thank-you for helping us deal with Yuma the other day."

Yang stepped forward, grinning with a mix of surprise and amusement. "Hah, Kitty Cat. Didn't think you'd show up to something like this."

Blake didn't look at her, keeping her gaze fixed on the crowd. "Marygold called me. I don't care about human student squabbles, but this could become a problem for the Faunus at Beacon. And…" She hesitated, her grip on her wooden sword tightening. "After losing to your short friend, I've been training. I thought this might be a good way to test myself."

Her followers stood ready behind her, their resolve unwavering. Blake shifted into a low stance, her sword gleaming under the moonlight. "Step back. I'll clear the way."

Thanks for the reviews, I appreciate it a lot, about Jaune, he will have his arc but it will be later in the story and yes, eventually I will write how he and Yang met.