The crackling campfire was the only sound breaking the silence of the night. Winter Schnee sat across from her younger sister, the flickering flames casting shadows across her scarred face. Her glowing prosthetic eye dimmed, mirroring the guilt etched into her features. Weiss sat rigidly, her arms crossed, red-rimmed eyes betraying the tears she had just shed. Despite her sorrow, her anger was palpable, radiating off her in waves.

Ruby watched nervously from nearby, fiddling with her hands as she leaned toward Yang. "Should we do something?" she whispered, her voice barely audible over the fire.

Yang shook her head, placing a reassuring hand on Ruby's shoulder. "No, let it happen. Weiss needs this."

Weiss remained silent for a moment longer, her gaze fixed on Winter, as if searching for answers within the lines of her face. Finally, she spoke, her voice sharp and brittle like breaking ice.

"What happened to you, Winter?" Weiss demanded, her tone leaving no room for deflection. "Why did you disappear? Why didn't you call? Why did you let me think you were dead?"

Winter exhaled slowly, her breath shaky. She lowered her head, staring into the flames as if they might hold the courage she needed to face her sister's anger. "It's a long story," she began, her voice low and measured. "But you deserve to know."

Weiss said nothing, her icy stare demanding the truth.

Winter looked back up at her sister, guilt weighing heavily in her one remaining natural eye. "During the war, everything fell apart faster than anyone could have anticipated. The airships, the Grimm, Ironwood's… choices. I was leading troops near the front lines when it all went wrong. We were overwhelmed."

She paused, her voice catching. "An Atlesian Knight malfunctioned. Its missile hit our position. The explosion…" Winter gestured to her face, the scars stark even in the soft firelight. "I barely survived. I lost my eye and… both of my legs."

The words hung in the air like a physical weight. Slowly, Winter reached down and rolled up her pant sleeves. The firelight glinted off the metallic sheen of her prosthetic legs, intricate and sleek but unmistakably artificial.

Ruby gasped softly, her eyes wide with shock. Weiss's lips parted as if to speak, but no sound came out.

Winter continued, her voice quieter now. "Ironwood found me barely alive. He had me rushed to Pietro. He worked miracles, even after everything that had happened to him. My new eye, my legs… they're his work." She hesitated, the next part clearly harder to admit.

"For a while, I thought I could adjust. Be the soldier Atlas needed. But… weeks after I recovered, it hit me." Winter's voice wavered. "The guilt. The shame. Everything I'd lost. Everything I'd done." She closed her natural eye, the dim light of her prosthetic flickering slightly. "I had a mental breakdown. I couldn't handle it. One night, I packed my things and left without telling anyone. I couldn't stay. I couldn't face anyone."

Weiss finally found her voice, though it trembled. "You… you just left? Without telling me? Without even leaving a way to let me know you were alive?"

Winter met her sister's eyes, the firelight reflecting in her dim prosthetic. "I was scared, Weiss," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Scared of what you would think of me. Scared of the person I'd become. I thought it was better if you moved on."

Weiss's fists clenched, her voice rising as she leaned forward. "Better if I moved on?! Do you have any idea what I went through? What we went through? We thought you were dead, Winter!" Her voice broke, and she wiped at her eyes angrily. "You didn't even give me the chance to grieve properly because a part of me hoped you might still be out there."

Winter flinched at her sister's words, her composure cracking. "I know," she said, her voice shaking. "And I'm sorry, Weiss. I've regretted it every day. But I thought… I thought I was doing the right thing."

Weiss shook her head, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her again. "You were wrong," she said firmly, though her voice softened. "You should have called. You should have let me help you. I'm your sister, Winter. I deserved to know."

Winter lowered her head again, unable to meet Weiss's gaze. "You're right," she admitted quietly. "I should have. I see that now. But… I didn't know how."

The silence that followed was thick and suffocating. Ruby, Blake, and Yang all looked on, unsure whether to intervene or give the sisters their space.

Finally, Weiss sighed, her anger fading into weariness. "You're here now," she said, her voice still heavy with emotion. "That's what matters."

The heavy silence lingered between the sisters, broken only by the crackle of the campfire. Weiss stared into the flames, her emotions still swirling as she tried to find the right words. After a long moment, she looked up at Winter, her voice calmer but no less firm.

"We found out Jaune is alive."

Winter blinked, her expression shifting to surprise. "Jaune?" she echoed, the name bringing back memories she had long buried. "He's… alive?"

Weiss nodded, her gaze steady. "Yes. There was a photograph. Saphron found it. It was taken after the war, showing Jaune in Mistral. That's why we're here. We're looking for clues to find him and bring him home." She gestured toward Saphron, who stood a short distance away with Ruby, watching the conversation unfold.

Winter leaned back slightly, absorbing the revelation. "Jaune…" she whispered, her voice thick with disbelief. "I thought he was…"

"We all did," Weiss said softly. "But we have hope now. That's why Saphron is with us—she deserves to see her brother again, just as much as we do."

Winter's expression softened as she thought about the young knight. "Jaune…" she repeated, her voice growing distant. "He… he was there for me once, during one of the hardest times in my life. After Atlas fell, when I was… struggling to find purpose, he reminded me why I kept fighting. He said it didn't matter if we'd lost—what mattered was who we protected, who we fought for."

Weiss tilted her head, curiosity sparking in her icy blue eyes. "Really? I didn't know you two were that close."

Winter's lips twitched into the faintest ghost of a smile, though it was tinged with sadness. "We became good friends. He helped me when I thought I didn't have anyone left. He… saw me, not as the Specialist of Atlas, but just as Winter. It gave me something to hold onto."

Nearby, Ruby's ears perked up at the mention of their friendship. Her eyes narrowed slightly, and she crossed her arms. "Wait… how close are we talking here?"

Winter glanced toward Ruby, raising an eyebrow. "I wouldn't say that close," she said dryly. "But… he did have a way of making people feel important. I suppose I valued that more than I realized."

Weiss smirked at Ruby's reaction, a glimmer of humor breaking through her somber demeanor. "Ruby, are you jealous?" she teased.

Ruby's face turned a shade of red that rivaled her cape. "What?! No! I'm not jealous! I just—he's my partner, okay?!"

Weiss chuckled, the sound light and rare. "Relax, Ruby. I'm sure Jaune has enough room in his heart for all of us."

Ruby grumbled something under her breath, looking away, while Yang snickered softly.

The lighthearted moment didn't last long as Winter's gaze dropped back to the fire, the weight of her guilt and hesitation returning. Weiss noticed the shift and took a step closer, her expression softening but her tone firm.

"Winter, come with us."

Winter tensed, her hesitation palpable. "I… I don't know if I can," she admitted, her voice trembling. "I left for a reason, Weiss. I'm not the person I used to be. What if I make things worse? What if I fail?"

Weiss stepped even closer, her voice growing more resolute. "You're still my sister, Winter. You've always been strong. You've always fought for what's right, even when it wasn't easy. I know you're scared, but you can't let that fear define you."

Winter looked away, her jaw tightening. "I don't even know if I belong with you anymore," she muttered, her voice barely audible.

"You belong with us," Weiss said firmly, her voice steady but full of emotion. "You're a Schnee. And more importantly, you're my sister. We're stronger together."

Winter's gaze returned to Weiss, conflicted but slowly softening. "Weiss…"

Weiss reached out, placing a hand on Winter's shoulder. "We can do this," she said, her voice quieter now but no less determined. "We'll find Jaune together. And when we do, we'll bring him home. But I can't do this without you, Winter."

The older Schnee stared at her sister for a long moment, the firelight reflecting off her scars and prosthetics. Finally, she exhaled deeply and gave a small, reluctant nod. "Alright," she said, her tone heavy but resolute. "I'll go with you."

Weiss stepped back, her expression remaining composed despite the weight of the moment. "Good," she said simply, nodding once in acknowledgment.

Winter stood, the faint flicker of guilt still lingering in her gaze. "Let me get my things," she said quietly, walking toward the shadows where her few belongings were stored.

As she disappeared from view, Weiss turned toward the group. Ruby gave her an encouraging look, while Saphron looked both surprised and relieved.

Blake leaned toward Yang, whispering, "That was… unexpected."

Yang nodded, her eyes narrowing slightly as she watched Winter. "Yeah. But maybe it's what we need."

Weiss, however, stayed silent, her gaze fixed on the spot where Winter had disappeared. For the first time in what felt like ages, she felt a spark of hope—one she couldn't afford to lose.

The van rumbled along the uneven road, its engine humming steadily as the morning sun cast golden light across the empty expanse. Inside, the atmosphere was lively, though the wear and tear of the journey showed clearly in the van's interior. The patched-up window, covered with duct tape save for a hole to peek through, let in a sharp gust of air every so often.

Winter Schnee sat near the back, her gaze shifting critically around the van's interior. The faded seats, scattered belongings, and makeshift repairs told a story she wasn't sure she wanted to hear. Her eyes lingered on the hole in the duct-taped window before turning to Yang, who was behind the wheel, sunglasses reflecting the long stretch of road ahead.

"This van," Winter began, her voice sharp and skeptical, "where exactly did you acquire it?"

Yang smirked, glancing at her through the rearview mirror. "Oh, this beauty? She's part of the legendary Team RWBY road trip experience."

Winter raised an eyebrow. "Experience? That's what you're calling it?"

"Yup," Yang replied with a grin. "Every dent, scratch, and, uh, creative patch job has a story behind it. Right, Ruby?"

Ruby, leaning forward from her seat, groaned. "Don't drag me into this."

Winter's gaze returned to the duct-taped window. "And what, exactly, is the story behind this?"

Yang chuckled. "Let's just say it involves a very ambitious Neo, some bad timing, and a lot of running."

Winter folded her arms, unimpressed. "Ambitious indeed." She looked over at Ruby. "I assume there's more to this tale than Yang is letting on?"

Ruby straightened up, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Oh, there's definitely more. You sure you want the whole story, though?"

Winter nodded, her gaze steady. "I think I need to hear this. Start from the beginning."

Ruby took a deep breath, glancing at Weiss, Blake, and Saphron for reassurance before starting. "Okay, so… this whole trip began as a way for us to, you know, take a break. After everything that happened in the war. It was a rough couple years. But after some time, we just needed some time to clear our heads."

Yang snorted. "Clearing our heads. Right. That's what we called it when we packed up and hit the road with no plan."

Ruby rolled her eyes but smiled. "Anyway, we started out just traveling, trying to figure out where to go and what to do. Things were fine at first—fun, even. But then Neo showed up."

Winter's expression hardened. "Neo?"

Ruby nodded, her voice lowering slightly. "Yeah. She attacked us on a ferry. It was chaos—fighting her on the water wasn't exactly ideal. We managed to fend her off, but she disappeared before we could stop her. Then, a few days later, she came after us again while we were driving."

Blake leaned forward from her seat. "That's when the window broke."

Ruby gestured toward the taped-up mess. "She ambushed us on the road. We barely managed to escape, but… yeah. The van didn't come out unscathed."

Winter's eyes narrowed. "And what did you do after that?"

"We went back to Patch," Ruby said firmly. "We were going to fugure out why she came after us." She hesitated for a moment before continuing. "That's had a visitfrom Ozpin. He gave us some advice, helped us figure out that we were on the right path."

Weiss chimed in, her voice calm and measured. "After that, we decided to keep going. To make this trip matter. We've had a few adventures since then—some more chaotic than others."

Ruby grinned. "Like that time in the desert. Remember the sandstorm?"

Yang groaned. "Don't remind me."

Saphron chuckled from her spot in the corner. "Or the time you fell face-first into the grass after the river crossing?"

Yang's head whipped around, her sunglasses sliding down her nose. "I will turn this van around, Saphron."

The group burst into laughter, the sound filling the small space. Even Weiss cracked a small smile, though she quickly hid it behind her Scroll.

Weiss then cleared her throat, addressing Winter directly. "Actually, speaking of the river crossing… that was one of my finest moments."

Winter's eyebrow arched. "Oh? Do tell."

Weiss's tone turned smug. "I created a device to amplify Ruby's Semblance. It worked perfectly—after some fine-tuning, of course. And I summoned a giant ice knight to carry us across the river."

Ruby laughed. "It was awesome!"

Yang muttered under her breath. "It was terrifying."

Blake smirked. "You were being dramatic, Yang. It wasn't that bad."

Weiss ignored the banter, continuing. "Of course, Yang hated every moment of it. But we made it across without incident—well, mostly."

Winter's lips twitched, the faintest hint of amusement creeping into her expression. "It sounds… eventful."

"Eventful is one way to put it," Ruby said, chuckling. "But, yeah, that's pretty much how things have been—one thing after another. And then Saphron showed up with proof that Jaune is alive."

Winter nodded, her expression softening. "That much I already knew. But hearing it from you…" She trailed off, her gaze drifting toward the taped-up window. "It seems you've all been through quite a lot."

Ruby smiled. "We have. But we're not giving up. We're going to find him, no matter what."

As the laughter and conversation quieted, Winter sat back, watching the group with an unfamiliar sense of warmth. The camaraderie, the determination—they were reminders of something she thought she'd lost long ago.

For the first time in years, Winter allowed herself a moment of peace, the road stretching out endlessly before them.

The van rolled into Mistral, the familiar skyline drawing nearer as Winter looked out the window, her eyes distant. She hadn't been here in years, not since she left Atlas. The streets were a blend of memories—both painful and bittersweet. Her fingers lightly brushed over the brim of the hat she wore, the fabric worn down over time, the eye patch on her face a constant reminder of the past she couldn't quite leave behind.

"I used to come here after I left Atlas," Winter spoke quietly, almost to herself. She adjusted her eye patch over her prosthetic eye, ensuring it was properly covered. "I needed somewhere far from the weight of my name. I thought Mistral would be… a place to disappear." Her tone wavered, a quiet vulnerability hidden beneath the calm exterior. "I wore the eye patch, of course. Didn't want anyone recognizing me."

Weiss sat beside her, taking in the soft-spoken words. "Did you ever… regret it?"

Winter paused, her fingers lightly tapping on the window. "Sometimes. But it was necessary at the time. I thought I needed to disappear, to be anonymous. I couldn't face anyone, especially not after what happened in Atlas." Her voice trailed off, and she fell into silence, her gaze out the window as Mistral slowly approached.

Weiss didn't respond immediately. She understood. Winter had always been so duty-bound, and when the world changed, she had needed time to find herself again.

The van came to a stop in front of a small, aging motel. The sign above flickered intermittently, casting a dim light over the parking lot.

Yang pulled the keys out of the ignition, giving a grunt of satisfaction. "Well, this is our home for the night," she said, flashing a grin as she threw open the door and got out.

Winter stepped out after her, taking in the sights of the motel. She adjusted her hat lower on her head, ensuring that the patch was still in place, and gave a quick glance around the parking lot. The place was humble, worn-down, but it had what they needed—a place to rest for the night.

Weiss looked at her sister as Winter adjusted her hat and eye patch. "Do you still have that eye patch?"

Winter let out a small, almost imperceptible sigh, pulling the patch down slightly. "I wore it for a long time. It became a shield… a way to hide the truth from everyone else. But I guess in the end, I couldn't keep running." She shifted her gaze, a bit of a wistful smile forming. "I don't need it as much now. Not in the way I used to."

Weiss nodded, understanding the weight behind Winter's words. She could see that her sister wasn't just hiding from her appearance, but from the past—painful memories of battles fought, of burdens carried.

The group checked in and made their way to their room. Inside, the room was small, but it was clean and serviceable. The wallpaper was peeling in places, and the furnishings were a little outdated, but it would work for the night.

Weiss took a quick scan of the space. "How is it that every room we stay in gets nicer and nicer?"

Yang shrugged as she tossed her bag onto one of the beds. "It's all about finding the right deals, Sis. We're on a budget, remember?"

Winter quietly set her things down near the window, a subtle frown on her face. She wasn't particularly thrilled with the accommodations, but it would do.

Ruby immediately opened her bag and started pulling clothes out. "Hey, Winter," she said brightly, "I've got some clothes for you. You should take a shower after everything we've been through." She tossed the clothes onto the bed with a casual flick of her wrist.

Winter's eyes flicked to the clothes Ruby had placed on the bed, her brow furrowing slightly. "These are… rather large for me." She hesitated.

Weiss, noticing Winter's discomfort, stepped forward with a comforting smile, taking on her usual big sister tone. "Go on, Winter. Take a shower and change. They'll fit well enough. You need it," she said firmly, though her voice was warm, encouraging. "And don't make me say it again, young lady."

Winter blinked, caught off guard by the gentle but authoritative command from Weiss. A soft chuckle bubbled from her throat, something light and genuine. "Yes, ma'am."

With that, Winter stood, walking into the bathroom to change.

Ruby flopped onto the bed, her comic book already in hand as she flipped through the pages with casual ease. The others settled into their own spaces—Weiss and Saphron began discussing the next steps, their conversation focused on the clues Winter had provided about Jaune. They compared the picture she'd shown them and speculated about where it might lead.

Yang and Blake, exhausted from the long drive, had curled up together on the other bed, hands intertwined as they napped in quiet companionship.

A while later, the bathroom door opened, and Winter stepped out, now dressed in the oversized clothes Ruby had given her. She wore a simple long-sleeve shirt and pants that hung loosely around her. The fit wasn't perfect, but it was better than nothing. Winter stood in the doorway for a moment, her posture stiff but not uncomfortable.

Yang, who had been napping, stirred as she heard Winter approach. She blinked sleepily before her eyes widened in a playful grin. "Well, well, look at you! You clean up nicely."

Blake gave Yang a sharp look, but didn't say anything.

Winter simply nodded. "Thank you." She moved to sit down on the bed, curling up with her arms around her knees, her gaze distant once more.

Weiss watched Winter for a moment, her expression growing more worried. She could see the way Winter was holding herself—closed off, as if trying to protect herself from something. It was the same way she had been before, back when she had isolated herself from everyone.

Weiss's worry deepened as she approached Winter. "Are you alright?" she asked softly.

Winter didn't look at her sister, but her response was gentle. "I'm… I'll be fine."

The group fell silent for a moment, the only sound the soft hum of the air conditioning. As the tension in the room grew, the sense that Winter still had a long road ahead of her—one of healing, of reconnecting with herself and others—lingered in the air. But for now, they were together.

The sun was high as Ruby and Weiss wandered through the bustling marketplace of Mistral, the scent of fresh fruit, spices, and the sound of haggling filling the air. Stalls lined the narrow streets, their vendors shouting over one another, trying to outbid for attention. Brightly colored fabrics, strange trinkets, and curiosities filled the booths, creating a kaleidoscope of color and noise. It was a stark contrast to the quiet tension that had followed them on their journey.

Ruby's eyes were wide, taking in every sight, her curiosity piqued by the endless array of items. Weiss, on the other hand, looked almost unnervingly calm, her sharp eyes scanning every corner of the market with focused intent. She carried her messenger bag, adjusting it over her shoulder as she moved through the crowd, clearly looking for something.

"So, this is where Jaune was last seen?" Ruby asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty, though her eyes never stopped moving. She had to admit, it felt strange—just a market. But they were here for a reason. There had to be something.

Weiss nodded, not taking her eyes off the surroundings. "According to the photo, this is where he was. We need to be precise. Mistral is a large city, but…" She paused, looking around. "Sometimes the clues are hidden in plain sight."

Ruby glanced at her, intrigued. "How do you know that?"

Weiss shot her a quick look. "I've had a lot of practice."

Ruby raised an eyebrow. "You've solved clues before?"

Weiss didn't respond right away, her gaze fixed on a stall to her right. There was a glimmer in her eye. "I'm resourceful," she finally replied cryptically.

Ruby didn't press further, though her curiosity only grew. As they moved deeper into the market, Weiss seemed to glide from booth to booth, her eyes sharp, missing nothing. It was as if she knew exactly what she was looking for. Ruby, trying to keep up, had to ask again.

"Weiss, what exactly are we looking for?"

Weiss paused, fingers brushing over an ancient-looking map rolled up in a glass case. "It's not always about finding the obvious," she said, her tone measured. "Sometimes you have to follow the smallest of clues to find the truth."

Suddenly, Weiss stopped in front of a vendor's stall displaying a series of old relics. She bent down, inspecting one of the items—a small, worn carving. It had intricate markings on it, ones that immediately caught her attention. She touched the edge of the carving gently, her fingers tracing over the grooves.

"There it is," she murmured, almost to herself.

Ruby stepped closer, curious. "What's that?"

Weiss didn't answer at first, her fingers moving over the object with surprising speed. She muttered under her breath, her mind clearly working quickly. "This symbol… it's not just decorative. It's a guide."

Weiss' fascination is interrupted by sudden voice breaking through the noise of the marketplace.

"Hey! What do you think you're doing?" the vendor barked, his voice rising with panic and anger.

Weiss's eyes widened as she quickly stuffed the carving into her bag, but it was too late. The vendor was already charging toward her, pushing through the crowd with surprising speed.

"Run!" Weiss hissed at Ruby, grabbing her arm. Without another word, they turned and bolted, weaving through the market's crowded streets. Ruby barely kept up, her heart racing from the sudden adrenaline rush.

Behind them, the vendor shouted, his voice muffled by the chaos around them. "Thieves! Get back here with that!"

Ruby's breath came in sharp bursts as they ducked between stalls, narrowly avoiding a fruit cart and an angry merchant. Weiss was pulling Ruby with one hand, her other clutching the bag tightly to her chest.

"I didn't think we'd get caught," Ruby panted, casting a quick glance over her shoulder.

"We weren't planning on getting caught," Weiss said tersely, her gaze fixed ahead as they ducked behind a corner, finding an alley that offered some respite.

They stopped for a moment to catch their breath, listening intently for any sign of the vendor. The sounds of the marketplace seemed to fade, but they could still hear the distant shouts. After a few moments, everything grew quiet.

Weiss exhaled sharply. "That was close," she muttered, scanning the alley to make sure they weren't being followed. Once she was satisfied, she straightened up, looking around. The alley ended at an old, worn wooden door, almost hidden in the shadows of nearby buildings.

Ruby glanced at Weiss, her eyes wide with excitement. "Do you think…?"

Weiss stepped forward, hesitating for just a second before giving a firm nod. "This door… it looks like something I've seen in the maps." She looked down at the carving again, pulling it out of her bag. The intricate symbols on the carving lined up with the strange markings etched into the doorframe.

Ruby leaned over to inspect the carving more closely. "Huh. What a coincidence," she said, her tone tinged with amusement. "It's like the door was just waiting for us."

Weiss didn't respond immediately, her focus shifting as she pressed the carving into the door's markings. A soft click sounded, and the door creaked open slightly, revealing a hidden chamber beyond.

"This is it," Weiss said with certainty, her voice low but filled with anticipation. "The map, the symbols… they were meant to lead us here. We've found the next step."

Ruby, feeling a surge of excitement, grinned. "You seriously just found a secret door like that? You're like… a treasure hunter or something!"

Weiss rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the smile that tugged at the corners of her lips. "We should probably get inside before the vendor decides to follow us."

Ruby's grin widened. "Yeah! Let's go!"

As they entered the darkened room beyond the door, the excitement of the moment hit them both. When they find a space to stop, Ruby watched, fascinated, as Weiss pressed down on one of the carvings, revealing a hidden mechanism. The carving slid open to reveal a small compartment inside. Weiss reached in and pulled out an old, yellowed piece of paper. It was worn at the edges, but there was something about it that seemed familiar.

"A map," Weiss said, her voice low, almost reverent.

Ruby's eyes widened. "A map? To what?"

Weiss didn't respond immediately, her gaze fixed on the map as she began to unfurl it. "This is it… This is part of the trail we've been looking for. Jaune might've been trying to follow this when he was here."

Ruby's eyes sparkled with excitement. "So, you figured this out all by yourself?"

Weiss turned her gaze back to Ruby, her lips curling into a small smile. "I've studied maps like these before. They aren't just random lines; they have purpose. And this… this was meant to lead somewhere."

Before Ruby could respond, Weiss suddenly stepped backward, her foot catching on a loose stone in the market's cobbled streets. With a surprised gasp, Weiss stumbled and fell forward, her arms flailing as she crashed into a nearby stall, sending a pile of clothes tumbling down on top of her.

The clothes were a jumbled mess, but as Weiss pushed herself up, something peculiar caught her eye. Amid the fabric, there was a fedora—a perfectly placed fedora—sitting neatly on top of a pile of shirts. Weiss blinked in surprise and then, almost as if on instinct, grabbed it, placing it on her head.

As she stood up, dusting herself off, she noticed a long, leather whip draped across a nearby table. Without thinking, she picked it up, twirling it once in the air and then letting it fall to her side.

Ruby watched from a few feet away, her hands on her hips, stifling a giggle. "Well, well," she said with a smirk. "Look at you. You look like a treasure hunter."

Weiss paused for a moment, looking at herself in the reflection of a nearby shop window. She couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. The fedora, the whip—it was ridiculous. But she did look the part.

"I guess I do," she replied dryly, shaking her head in amusement. "Perhaps I've watched too many of Qrow's old movies."

Ruby burst out laughing at the sight. "You totally look like you're about to find some ancient ruins or something!"

Weiss smiled, shaking her head, but a sense of warmth filled her chest as she looked at Ruby. The younger girl's laughter was infectious, and for the first time in a while, Weiss felt lighter. Despite everything that had happened, there were moments like this that made everything feel… a little more manageable.

"Well," Weiss said with a half-smile, "maybe I'm more of a treasure hunter than I thought."

Ruby nodded enthusiastically. "Totally! Now let's find some treasure!"

Just then, Weiss's eyes flickered back to the map she'd retrieved, the earlier excitement returning. "Actually, it's not far off. This map… it shows a location I've seen before. There's a ruin in the northern part of Mistral. If the clues are correct, that's where we might find the next part of the trail."

Ruby's eyes sparkled with renewed excitement. "So we're really getting close?"

"We are," Weiss confirmed. "This map isn't just a random piece of paper. It's part of a much larger puzzle."

Ruby looked at her, her admiration clear. "You really know what you're doing."

Weiss gave her a small, modest smile. "I've been trained in more than just combat. You learn to read the signs when you're a Schnee."

Ruby shot Weiss one more glance, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "You make a pretty good treasure hunter, Weiss."

Weiss didn't say anything at first, but she allowed herself a small grin. "Well, sometimes it takes a little adventure to make the journey worthwhile."

The group gathered around the small table in their motel room, a map of Mistral spread out in front of Weiss. The dim light of a lamp flickered, casting long shadows across the walls as she traced the lines and symbols on the map, speaking with quiet determination.

"We've got a lead," Weiss said, her voice focused. "The ruins to the north could be the key to finding Jaune… or maybe even something more. Could be treasure, could be both. But we can't afford to ignore this."

Yang raised an eyebrow, a playful grin on her face. "Maybe Jaune's swimming in a mountain of treasure," she joked, nudging Blake with her elbow.

Weiss shook her head, a half-smile tugging at her lips, but her tone remained serious. "That would be impossible. A mountain of treasure would be solid. If Jaune were in something like that, he'd break every bone in his body."

Blake chuckled softly. "Well, I suppose it's the thought that counts."

Weiss's finger paused over a specific part of the map, her gaze fixed on it. "But this location… Tomorrow, we head there. It's our best shot at finding something that might lead us to Jaune."

The group nodded in agreement, but before anyone could respond, a loud boom echoed from outside. The sound rattled the windows and shook the walls.

"What was that?" Ruby asked, her voice full of excitement as she quickly rushed to the window.

The others joined her, peering out at the sky. A brilliant display of fireworks exploded overhead, painting the night in shades of red, blue, and gold.

"Fireworks," Ruby breathed, eyes wide. "It's been forever since I've seen those."

The group, except Winter, moved toward the window to watch, captivated by the show. But Winter, standing on the opposite side of the room, didn't share their enthusiasm. She stiffened as the first boom of fireworks sounded, her body freezing as her gaze darted to the sky. Her breathing quickened.

The war… the blast… Her hands trembled, her stomach churning with a familiar, overwhelming dread.

Before anyone could notice, Winter dropped to her knees, her breath ragged as she fell to the floor, panic flooding her senses. The sound of the fireworks intensified in her mind, distorting into something far more horrific. The memories of the explosion that had taken her eye, her legs, and so much more flooded back.

"Weiss—!" Ruby shouted, her voice laced with panic as she saw Winter crumble to the floor.

Weiss turned in an instant, her face going pale as she rushed to her sister. Without hesitation, she grabbed her bag and pulled out a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, the kind she'd always used to calm Winter down when the world became too overwhelming.

"Winter," Weiss called, kneeling beside her sister, who was clutching her head in distress. "Winter, listen to me. It's okay. Just breathe. The fireworks… they're not real. They can't hurt you. Just focus on the sound of nature. I need you to listen."

Winter's breath was shallow, but her eyes were wide, terrified, as her body shook uncontrollably. Weiss gently placed the headphones over Winter's ears and spoke again, her voice gentle and steady. "It's okay. You're safe. Just focus. Focus on the birds, the wind, the leaves… You're safe."

Slowly, Winter's trembling began to subside. Her frantic movements slowed, and she stopped clutching her head. Her breathing evened out as the calming sounds from the headphones filled her mind.

Weiss stayed by her side, her gaze soft but unwavering. Winter's eyes fluttered as she began to calm, but the fear never completely left her. She looked at Weiss, and a single tear fell from her eye.

Weiss gave her a small smile, though her heart was heavy. "You're okay, Winter. You're safe."

She helped Winter to her feet, her movements slow but steady as her sister leaned on her. They walked to the bed, and Weiss gently guided her to sit down, making sure she was comfortable.

"I've been where you are," Weiss said quietly, her voice tinged with sadness. "I've had those episodes, too. After the war. The sounds, the explosions, they all bring it back."

The group stood quietly, watching the scene unfold. Ruby stepped forward, a soft expression on her face. "Weiss… I remember you, back then, when it was hard. It wasn't easy for any of us."

Weiss nodded, glancing back at Winter, who now lay on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. "It wasn't easy. But Winter… she's had it even worse than I did. I had to learn how to cope with my own demons. It took time. It took a lot of time."

Blake took a step forward, her voice quiet. "She's strong. You both are."

Weiss smiled faintly, but there was still a weight in her eyes. "We're getting there. But it's a long journey."

She glanced back at Winter, who seemed to be relaxing, her breathing steadier now. Weiss gave her a final reassuring glance before turning to the others. "She'll be okay for now. I'm going to stay with her."

The group nodded, understanding without words. As they began to leave the room, Ruby paused by the door and glanced back at Weiss.

"We're here for you, Weiss," she said softly. "We're all here for both of you."

Weiss gave a small nod, her gaze lingering on Winter. "I know," she said quietly. "I know."

The group quietly left the room, but Weiss stayed behind, keeping a watchful eye on her sister as the fireworks continued to light up the sky outside.

For a moment, the room was filled with nothing but the faint hum of nature from the headphones and the distant crackling of the fireworks. Winter lay there, her eyes closed, trying to find peace once more.

Weiss sat beside her, her hand gently resting on Winter's, silently promising that she would always be there to help her through the darkest of times.