Ruby's excitement was apparent as she bounded toward the towering structure of the CCT. The setting sun bathed the sleek, modern design of the tower in warm hues, but its bright lights and gleaming panels made it seem almost untouched by the passing of time.
"Woooow!" Ruby exclaimed, her voice bouncing with uncontainable glee. "I forget how big the Transmit Tower looks up close!"
Weiss Schnee, walking just ahead of Jaune, cast a sidelong glance at her excitable teammate. "You should see the one in Atlas," she said, her tone equal parts pride and matter-of-fact.
"That was the first one, right?" Ruby asked, her curiosity genuine.
Weiss gave a small nod, her lips twitching into a faint smile. "Correct."
Jaune trailed behind the pair, his hand resting casually on the pommel of Crocea Mors as he quietly observed the structure and its surroundings. The CCT was a marvel of engineering, connecting the kingdoms with near-instantaneous communication, and he found himself quietly impressed by its significance.
Ruby's eyes sparkled mischievously as she clasped her hands behind her back and puffed out her chest. "Oooh, look at me! My name's Weiss! I know facts! I'm rich!" she declared in an exaggerated, mocking tone before snorting into her hands.
Weiss's smile immediately evaporated, replaced by a sharp frown. "Don't be a pest!" she snapped. "Besides, the only reason we're here is because you like the tower so much! We could have just as easily made a call from the library!"
Ruby ignored the reprimand entirely, her attention already wandering to the tower. "I know, but it's so cool!" she said, practically bouncing on her heels. "Ooh, I'm going to take a picture!"
She whipped out her Scroll in a flurry of excitement, only for it to fly from her hands, skittering along the pavement.
"Oops!" Ruby gasped, chasing after it as the device tumbled to a halt at someone's feet.
A familiar voice stopped her in her tracks. "Oh!"
Ruby looked up to see Penny Polendina, her green eyes wide with recognition as she bent down and picked up the Scroll. She held it out toward Ruby with a shy smile. "You dropped this."
"Penny?!" Ruby blurted, her surprise palpable.
Penny's smile faltered, and her stance stiffened. "Uh… Sorry," she stammered. "I think you're confused."
Before Ruby could respond, Penny hiccupped nervously and thrust the Scroll back into Ruby's hands. "Uh… I've got to go!" she said hastily before turning on her heel and walking away with quick, purposeful steps.
Ruby's jaw hung open as she watched Penny retreat into the bustling city.
Weiss, now standing beside Ruby, crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "What was that about?"
"I don't know," Ruby admitted, her brows furrowing. "But I'm going to find out."
Without waiting for a reply, Ruby started after Penny.
Weiss reached out to stop her. "Wait!" she called, but Ruby was already too far ahead. Weiss sighed, exasperated. "Of course. Why am I not surprised?"
Jaune chuckled softly, his posture relaxed. "She always has the energy, huh?"
Weiss pinched the bridge of her nose. "She's so childish!"
"Well," Jaune said with a lopsided grin, "at least she isn't Nora-levels of energy."
Weiss paused, then reluctantly nodded. "That's… actually a good point." She glanced at Jaune, her irritation softening slightly. "Are you joining me?"
"Wouldn't miss it," Jaune replied with an amiable smile.
The pair made their way through the CCT's grand lobby, an expansive space filled with gleaming surfaces and ambient lighting. The hum of technology was omnipresent, but it was softened by the design, which invited both functionality and a sense of wonder.
Jaune's gaze roamed over the intricate architecture and the holographic displays that projected information about the CCT's operations. Weiss, however, walked with purpose, her heels clicking against the polished floor as they approached the elevator.
The doors slid open with a soft chime, and the two stepped inside. The calm voice of the CCT AI greeted them.
"Hello. Welcome to the Cross Continental Transmit Tower. How may I assist you?"
Weiss adjusted her Scroll in her hand before replying crisply. "I'd like to go to the communications room, please."
"Absolutely. Please place your Scroll on the terminal to verify your identity."
Weiss complied, holding her Scroll to the terminal. A soft beep signaled approval. Jaune repeated what she did and followed Weiss.
"Thank you, Miss Schnee."
The elevator began its ascent, the view of the tower's interior expanding through the glass walls. Jaune glanced out, quietly taking in the scale of the structure.
Weiss's expression, however, shifted. Her usual composure gave way to something more serious, her eyes narrowing slightly as her mind focused on the task ahead.
When the elevator reached its destination, the doors opened to reveal the communications room. A sleek space lined with terminals, holographic interfaces, and the glowing symbols of the four kingdoms. Each insignia represented a vital connection to the world beyond Vale.
Weiss strode confidently toward the central desk, where a holographic receptionist materialized.
"Welcome to the Beacon Cross Continental Transmit Center. How may I assist you?"
Weiss straightened her posture. "I need to make a call to Schnee Company World Headquarters in Atlas."
"Absolutely. Please proceed to Terminal 3, and I'll patch you through."
"Thank you," Weiss replied with a polite nod.
As she walked toward her assigned terminal, Jaune followed at a slower pace, his hands once again resting in his jacket pockets. He watched her closely, noting the tension in her movements.
Weiss sat at the terminal and inserted her Scroll into the slot. The screen flickered to life, displaying the Schnee snowflake logo before transitioning to the face of a young woman with short brunette hair.
"Thank you for calling the Atlas Schnee Company World Headquarters—Oh! Miss Schnee! Good afternoon!"
Weiss gave a tight smile. "Good afternoon. I need access to some files. I've compiled a list."
The woman's polite demeanor shifted slightly as she scanned the list Weiss provided. "Um… these are some sensitive documents, ma'am."
"I understand," Weiss replied coolly. "But it's for a school project. I'll handle them with care."
The operator hesitated, but eventually nodded. "Very well. Transferring the data now."
Weiss's Scroll beeped softly as the transfer completed.
"Anything else, Miss Schnee? Shall I connect you to your father or perhaps your sister, Winter?"
Weiss's smile faltered for the briefest moment before she shook her head. "No, thank you. That will be all."
The operator nodded. "Have a nice day!"
The call ended, and the screen went dark. Weiss's shoulders slumped slightly as she stared at her reflection in the blank display.
Jaune approached silently, his presence now noticeable
"No comments?" Weiss asked, her voice quiet but wary.
Jaune shrugged. "I'm sure you have your reasons. I won't pry, but it must be complicated."
Weiss turned to look at him, her expression softening at his understanding. "It is," she admitted.
Jaune offered a small, reassuring smile. "Let's go find Ruby."
Weiss nodded, and the two left the terminal room together.
In another area in the streets of Vale's ruined district was a testament to the city's struggles. Broken windows, graffiti-stained walls, and the occasional sound of distant arguments painted a bleak picture. Against this backdrop, the deep growl of an approaching engine cut through the stillness.
Yang's motorcycle, Bumblebee, roared onto the cracked asphalt. The sleek yellow bike slowed and came to a halt, its polished body gleaming even under the dim streetlights. Yang removed her helmet with a flourish, revealing a cascade of brilliant golden hair.
Gesturing toward the muffled thrum of music emanating from a nearby building, Yang smirked. "Come on, my friend's right in here!"
Behind her, Pyrrha Nikos climbed off the bike, brushing herself off. She adjusted her outfit, her red hair catching in the dim light.
"You drive rather dangerously," Pyrrha noted, her voice steady but tinged with faint exasperation. She glanced at their surroundings with a raised brow. "And where exactly is... here?"
Yang grinned, her lilac eyes sparkling mischievously. "Junior's club."
Before Pyrrha could respond, Yang's attention shifted to a familiar face leaning casually against the wall near the club's entrance.
"Oh, hey, Neptune!" Yang called.
Neptune Vasilias straightened his posture and adjusted his jacket as his gaze landed on Pyrrha. Flashing a practiced grin, he greeted her with a suave, "Sup'."
Pyrrha gave him a polite but distant smile, her body language cool and reserved. "Hello."
Neptune let out a dramatic sigh as Pyrrha followed Yang into the club, his shoulders drooping slightly. "Well…" he muttered, trailing after them with a shrug.
Inside Junior's Club, the music was deafening, the bass reverberating through the walls and floor. Neon lights flickered over the crowd of dancers, casting the room in shifting shades of red and blue.
Yang strutted confidently into the chaotic scene, calling out above the noise, "Guess who's back!"
Her bold declaration was met with a sudden silence as nearly a dozen guns were immediately levelled at them. The music screeched to a halt, and the bear-masked DJ ducked behind his equipment, his trembling hands cutting the track short.
Yang, entirely unfazed, crossed her arms and cocked her head at the henchmen pointing weapons at her. Her confident smirk only deepened.
Neptune stepped up behind her, glancing nervously at the bristling firearms. "Yeah, uh… could you define 'friend' for me?"
Before Yang could reply, Pyrrha's emerald eyes narrowed. With a subtle flick of her fingers, her Semblance activated, and the henchmen's guns were wrenched upward as though magnetized, slamming into the ceiling with a clatter. The men stumbled back, startled and disarmed.
"Stop, stop!"
The commanding voice cut through the tension as Junior, the club's burly owner, pushed his way through the crowd. Dressed in his usual white suit and red tie, he straightened the latter with a scowl as he approached.
"Blondie, you're here again," he said, his tone exasperated. "...Why?"
Yang grinned, tossing a casual glance at Pyrrha. "Chill, P-Money. It's alright."
Pyrrha relaxed her stance, lowering the men's weapons to the floor with another flick of her fingers. The henchmen scrambled to recover their arms, glaring at the two women. Pyrrha stood to the side, arms crossed, watching them with a quiet authority that made the henchmen quiver like scared dogs.
"You still owe me a drink," Yang said breezily, grabbing Junior by the arm and dragging him toward the bar, leaving his grumbling henchmen behind.
Neptune lingered for a moment, a wide grin spreading across his face as he watched Yang in action. "Whoa-ho-ho, what a woman…" he murmured under his breath.
His admiration was interrupted by the synchronized harrumph of the Malachite twins, Melanie and Miltia, who stood nearby with their arms crossed. Neptune turned to them, still grinning.
"'Sup?" he said smoothly.
The twins rolled their eyes in unison, noses in the air. "Whatever," they said simultaneously before walking off without another glance.
Neptune sighed, deflated. "Tough women."
At the bar, Junior planted himself firmly on the stool behind the counter, his expression a mix of irritation and resignation. Yang leaned casually against the counter, her usual cocky smirk firmly in place.
"I don't know where Roman is," Junior said preemptively, cutting straight to the point.
Yang's smirk didn't falter. "How can you not know?"
"I haven't talked to him!" Junior snapped, throwing his hands up. "I haven't even seen him since the night you first came in here. He paid up front, I lent him my men, and none of them ever. Came. Back."
Neptune joined Yang at the bar, leaning in with a curious expression. "So… where did they go?"
Junior gave him a flat look, as though the question itself was an insult. "What kind of stupid question is that? They never came back!" He jabbed a finger in Neptune's direction. "Who is this guy?"
Yang waved dismissively, pushing Neptune aside with one hand. "Don't worry about him. What you should worry about is me and Pyrrha if we don't find out what I want."
Neptune straightened his jacket and stood at attention, muttering something under his breath.
Junior sighed heavily, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I already told you everything. Torchwick hired my boys, and I guess he wasn't happy with them — something I can relate to!" He shot a glare at his own henchmen, who had cautiously returned to their posts, grumbling under their breath, but yelped at Pyrrha glaring at them.
Yang considered his words for a moment, then nodded. "Come on, P-Money, Neptune."
She turned on her heel and began walking toward the exit, her confident stride as steady as ever.
Neptune hurried to follow, shoving his hands into his pockets. "We get everything we need?" he asked.
Yang glanced over her shoulder, her smirk softening into a determined expression. "We got everything we can. Hopefully, the rest of the team is having better luck than us."
Pyrrha, who had been quietly observing the exchange, fell into step beside them as they exited the club, the faint pulse of music fading behind them.
Pyrrha glanced back at the club one last time, her brows furrowing slightly. "Do you think we'll find him?"
Yang's expression hardened as she looked ahead, her lilac eyes gleaming with determination as she and Pyrrha sat on bumblebee "We'll find him. Roman Torchwick can't hide forever."
"Wait, what about me?" Neptune asked, eagerly looking at the Bumblebee's seat.
"You're a future huntsman!" Yang grinned at him. "Keep up will ya?"
"Are you seriously kidding right now?" Neptune asked.
"I'm sorry?" Pyrrha smiled apologetically at Neptune as Bumblebee roared to life, leaving Neptune to sigh at these wild girls before he started running.
In an alley that reeked of garbage and damp concrete. Jaune's hands gripped Ruby's arms as he hauled her out of the dumpster with a loud squelch. Ruby, covered in stray bits of trash, grinned sheepishly as she wiped at her jacket, smudging a stain rather than removing it.
"Seriously, Ruby," Weiss Schnee said, standing nearby with her arms crossed and her nose pinched shut. Her pristine white outfit practically bristled with distaste. "How do you manage to get literally get dumped into a dumpster?"
Ruby's smile grew wider, her silver eyes twinkling with unapologetic mischief. "It was to keep me safe?" she said.
Weiss groaned, already reaching to palm her face in frustration, but she was interrupted by the sharp tone of her Scroll beeping. She withdrew the device from her pocket, the glow of the screen illuminating her delicate features as she answered the call.
"Finally, something important," Weiss muttered.
The screen flickered to show Blake's face, her usually calm demeanor now replaced with urgency.
"Everyone! If you can hear me, we need back—"
"HEEEEEELLLLP!" a voice screeched from somewhere off-screen, unmistakably belonging to Sun Wukong.
Weiss rolled her eyes, exhaling sharply.
Ruby leaned in, her interest piqued as she peered over Weiss's shoulder. "What's happening?"
Sun's voice, now louder and more frantic, burst through the speaker. "Big robot! And it's big! Really big!"
At that, Ruby's grin stretched from ear to ear. She grabbed Crescent Rose, her trusty scythe, and unfolded it with a dramatic shink. "Oh, I am not missing this!" she declared, her voice brimming with excitement. "Let's go, team!"
Jaune adjusted the strap of Crocea Mors, his expression shifting from bemusement to concern. "If there's a big robot causing trouble, then people could be in danger. It's 36mm and 120mm cannons could endanger people."
Weiss, still holding her Scroll, gave an exasperated sigh but nodded in agreement. "Then let's hurry! There's no time to waste."
The three of them broke into a sprint, their boots pounding against the pavement as they moved toward the source of the chaos. Reaching the edge of the alley, they didn't hesitate to leap onto the nearest rooftop.
The city of Vale stretched out before them, its skyline illuminated by the warm glow of streetlights and the occasional billboard advertisement. From their vantage point, Jaune, Ruby, and Weiss could see a plume of smoke rising in the distance.
Ruby led the way across the rooftops, her smaller frame darting ahead with boundless energy. Her cloak billowed behind her like a crimson banner as she jumped from one building to the next.
Jaune kept pace, his strides steady and purposeful. While he didn't possess Ruby's agility, his training ensured he landed each jump with precision.
Weiss brought up the rear, her movements elegant and calculated. Each leap was precise, her combat heels clicking softly against the rooftop tiles as she maintained her balance with practiced ease. Her white attire shone under the city light.
As they closed the distance, the faint sounds of combat reached their ears. The telltale whirring of machinery and the occasional crash of something heavy colliding with the ground.
Ruby glanced over her shoulder, her voice brimming with excitement. "We're getting close! I can hear it!"
Jaune's face remained serious. "Let's be careful. If it's a big robot like Sun said, we need to assess the situation before jumping in — Shit, that guy's going throwing off civilian cars! I'll go backed up Pyrrha and Yang up! You two try to get ahead and stop that!"
Weiss nodded in agreement. "For once, I agree. Let's go Ruby!"
Ruby grinned and transformed into a gust of petals.
Meanwhile, the roar of Bumblebee's engine filled the air as Yang leaned forward, the wind rushing past her helmet and sunglasses. Behind her, Pyrrha Nikos held onto the seat with one hand, her other holding a Scroll, its screen glowing faintly as a frantic voice came through the call.
"That Torchwick guy is in it!" Sun Wukong's voice crackled through the device, barely audible over the din of the bike and the wind. "But not, like, it didn't eat him; he's, like, controlling it or something!"
Yang's grip tightened on the handlebars. "Where are you guys?" she demanded, her voice sharp and focused.
As if on cue, Blake and Sun sprinted through the streets, the massive Paladin mech hot on their heels. Roman Torchwick, piloting the mechanical monstrosity, bulldozed through everything in its path, swatting vehicles at them like a wrecking ball.
"HURRYYYY!" Sun's desperate yell echoed through both the Scroll and the air as the two vanished from sight down a side street.
Pyrrha lowered the Scroll, pointing urgently. "Yang! That way!"
"Yeah, I got it!" Yang revved the engine, the bike surging forward with a burst of speed. "Hold on tight, Pyrrha!"
The two tore through the streets, weaving between obstacles as Yang pushed the bike to its limits. Pyrrha clutched her seat with one hand, her emerald eyes scanning the chaos ahead with worry.
Meanwhile, Blake and Sun had reached the highway, vaulting off the edge and landing on the roofs of speeding cars below. The Paladin followed, shoving vehicles aside with brute force, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
"Whoa!" Sun exclaimed, pausing to glance at the carnage before leaping onto another car. Roman, seated inside the Paladin, scowled at the pursuit, surrounded by blue holographic displays showing the chaos he orchestrated.
Not far behind, Yang and Pyrrha were closing in on the mech. Yang maneuvered Bumblebee alongside the hulking machine, the tires screeching as she brought the bike level with the Paladin.
"We've gotta slow it down!" Yang shouted over the noise. "Can you handle it with your Semblance?"
"It's too heavy!" Pyrrha replied, her voice resolute as she failed to halt the Paladin.
Roman's sensors picked up the approaching pair, and he sneered. With a flick of a control, the Paladin shifted course, slamming its bulk into a line of cars and sending them hurtling toward its pursuers like missiles.
"Hold on!" Yang yelled, swerving sharply to avoid the flying debris.
"Yang, the civilians!" Pyrrha called out, her voice tinged with urgency. She turned to Neptune, who was running to catch up. "Neptune! Switch with me now!"
"On it!" Neptune answered, already on the move.
In a fluid motion, Pyrrha leaped off the bike, landing gracefully amidst the chaos. She spread her hands, her Semblance activating as the thrown cars froze mid-air, suspended by her polarity. Pyrrha gritted her teeth, her focus narrowing as she struggled to hold the heavy vehicles in place.
Suddenly, a familiar voice reached her.
"Pyrrha, I'm boosting you!"
Pyrrha turned her head to see Jaune, his aura glowing a pale gold tinged with blue, as he placed a steadying hand on her shoulder.
"Jaune!" she exclaimed, a bright smile breaking through her strained expression.
With his Aura Amp boosting her strength, Pyrrha's grip on the cars solidified. Her semblance flared with renewed vigor, and she directed the debris safely to the ground, clearing the path for the fleeing civilians.
"I got the ones behind out! Let's get the rest out of here!" Jaune commanded, his voice calm but firm as ever.
"Got it!" Pyrrha responded, her tone filled with admiration and trust.
As they worked to shepherd the civilians to safety, the battle raged on above them.
Yang leaned hard into another sharp turn, her bike skidding slightly as she narrowly avoided a chunk of flying debris. Neptune, now riding behind her, clutched the seat with one hand and unslung his weapon with the other. Sparks flew as he aimed, the tip of the rifle crackling with blue electricity.
"Let's see how you like this!" Neptune yelled, firing off a series of energy bolts that struck the Paladin squarely. The mech staggered slightly, Roman grimacing as the displays around him flickered.
Switching tactics, Neptune flipped the weapon, extending its shaft to reveal an energy blade at the end. With a determined yell, he leaped off the bike and onto the Paladin, his weapon glowing as he drove it into the machine's armor. Sparks erupted from the impact as the energy blade sizzled against the metal.
From their vantage point on the highway, Blake and Sun paused in their car-hopping to watch.
"Neptune, hang on!" Sun shouted, his face a mix of concern and determination.
The Paladin bucked wildly, trying to dislodge Neptune. His grip faltered, and for a terrifying moment, it seemed he might fall.
Sun clapped his hands together, his golden aura flaring as two glowing clones of himself materialized. The spectral figures launched themselves at the Paladin, slamming into its front with explosive force. The mech staggered under the assault, giving Sun the chance to leap forward with his weapon raised high.
But Roman was quicker. With a calculated turn, he swung the Paladin's massive arm, sending both Neptune and Sun flying off the highway and into the air.
As Blake looks at them get sent flying, she sprinted atop moving cars, her movements fluid and precise as she darted away from the towering Paladin mech. Blake's ears twitched as her Scroll buzzed to life in her pocket. She grabbed it mid-leap, placing it against her ear.
"Blake! I'm in position!" Weiss's sharp voice rang through the line.
Blake's golden eyes snapped toward the highway ahead as Weiss appeared in the distance. Dressed immaculately as ever, she twirled through the air, landing with practiced grace in the center of the road. Myrtenaster gleamed in her grip, pointed directly at the oncoming Paladin.
Roman, inside the mech, sneered as the mech charged toward the lone Huntress. Weiss remained calm, her eyes narrowing as she spun and drove her rapier into the ground. A shimmering glyph spread out beneath her, summoning a field of ice that coated the pavement.
The Paladin's feet slipped and skidded wildly, unable to maintain its balance. With a deafening crash, the mech tumbled forward, soaring over Weiss in a magnificent arc before landing with a thunderous impact further down the ramp.
At the bottom, Ruby stood ready, Crescent Rose already in its scythe form.
As the Paladin began to rise, Ruby's teammates gathered beside her. Team RWBY fell into formation, their weapons readied under the moonlight. Roman's laughter echoed from within the mech, but it sounded forced, clearly frustrated.
Ruby's voice rang out, cutting through the tension. "Freezer Burn!"
At her command, Ruby and Blake leaped backward while Weiss sprang into action. Another ice glyph formed beneath her feet, and she skated gracefully toward the Paladin's legs. She backed away just in time for Yang to leap high into the air, her Ember Celica igniting with explosive force as she slammed into the ice's center. A wave of mist exploded outward, engulfing the mech.
Roman's response was immediate. The Paladin's sensors activated, scanning through the mist. A laser sight caught a flicker of movement—Blake's afterimage, but it missed its mark as the real Blake darted away. Yang surged forward, dodging gunfire as Ruby dashed in, her scythe slicing into the Paladin's side. Sparks flew as the mech faltered.
"Checkmate!" Ruby shouted.
Blake and Weiss moved together this time, targeting the mech's feet. Weiss jumped and stabbed a sensor with Myrtenaster, while Blake slashed at the joints with Gambol Shroud. Roman growled in frustration as the Paladin stumbled. He retaliated with missiles, but Weiss flipped backward, summoning a glyph beneath Blake to launch her out of harm's way.
Mid-air, Weiss heard Jaune's voice crackled through a Scroll, filled with concern. "Keep the damage to a minimum! There are civilians nearby!"
Weiss's sharp reply came through gritted teeth as she spotted Jaune and Pyrrha Nikos shielding a car full of people with their weapons.
"Kinda hard to do that right now!"
Roman seized the opportunity, firing a double energy blast toward Weiss. She deflected it with Myrtenaster, the force sending her skidding back. She cast a yellow glyph under Blake, infusing her teammate with speed. Blake moved in a blur, slicing through the incoming missiles with a flurry of crescent aura slashes.
Ruby shouted again, her voice filled with urgency. "Ladybug!"
Ruby shot forward, Crescent Rose carving into the Paladin's legs. Blake followed, their movements synchronized as they weaved around the mech, striking with precision. They spiraled upward, leaping onto the Paladin's shoulder and severing its left arm with a coordinated strike.
Yang seized the moment, launching herself onto the Paladin's back. Her fists exploded with fiery shotgun blasts as she pounded into the mech's armor. Roman flinched within the cabin, trying to shake her off, but she held firm.
The mech bucked wildly, slamming into a column. Yang was dislodged, crashing into another pillar before falling to the ground.
Blake's cry was immediate. "Yang!"
Ruby's voice held steady, filled with determination. "Don't worry! With each hit, she gets stronger. That's what makes sis a badass."
Yang rose slowly, her golden hair glowing white-hot, her fists trembling with rage. Roman swung the Paladin's remaining arm, but Yang caught it with one hand, her red eyes blazing. With a primal yell, she smashed her knuckles into the arm, shattering it into pieces.
Roman, desperate now, resorted to using the mech's legs. He kicked Yang away, but Blake threw Gambol Shroud toward her partner. Yang caught it mid-air, and Blake used the momentum to swing her teammate around. Yang's fiery fists collided with the Paladin's chest, sending it staggering backward.
Roman barely managed to dodge the finishing blow, his voice a snarl of frustration.
Ruby's quick thinking brought on another strategy. "Ice Flower!"
Weiss twirled Myrtenaster, creating a series of ice glyphs in front of Ruby's sniper barrel. With a single shot, Crescent Rose fired a dazzling spiral of energy that encased the Paladin in layers of thick ice.
Blake swung Yang around one last time, and with the force of her partner's glowing fists, the Paladin shattered into a hundred pieces, the explosion sending Roman flying.
Roman staggered to his feet amidst the debris, brushing soot from his white coat, his aura clearly shattered. He surveyed the wreckage with a grimace. "Just got this thing cleaned..."
Before he could say more, Yang lunged at him, Ember Celica primed.
A sharp clang rang out as her blast was deflected by a parasol. Standing between Roman and the team was a petite girl with two-toned hair, her expression eerily calm.
Roman smirked. "Ladies, Ice Queen..."
"Hey!" Weiss protested.
"Always a pleasure," Roman continued smoothly. He turned to his new ally. "Neo, if you would..."
The girl, Neo, gave a mock curtsy, her parasol twirling lightly. Yang charged forward again, her fists blazing, but the image of the duo shattered like glass. Neo and Roman were already retreating into a Bullhead, the aircraft disappearing into the night.
Team RWBY gathered together, their breathing heavy as they watched the Bullhead fade from view.
Yang clicked her tongue in frustration. "So I guess he got a henchman, too."
Weiss crossed her arms. "Yeah, I guess so."
As the dust settled, the girls turned to the side and saw Jaune and Pyrrha in the distance. Jaune was prying open a car door with his bare hands, while Pyrrha gently helped a civilian out.
They looked around them.
Vehicles were overturned, debris littered the highway, and the faint smell of smoke hung in the air. Civilians, shaken but unharmed, sat in small groups by the roadside, their faces pale with the shock of what they had just experienced.
Team RWBY stood amidst the wreckage, catching their breath. Ruby, always eager to lighten the mood, glanced at her teammates with a sheepish smile.
"Ah, you think they're pissed?" she asked, brushing dust from her red cloak.
Yang snorted, a weary smile spreading across her face. "I mean, we did kick ass."
Weiss, however, wasn't in the mood for celebration. Her sharp blue eyes scanned the destruction, noting the scattered cars and the civilians, some clutching their limbs. Her gaze settled on Jaune, who was moving between the injured, his aura glowing faintly as he used his Semblance to heal minor wounds.
"We're lucky we have someone who could heal," Weiss muttered, crossing her arms. "Otherwise, we'd be in jail right now."
Blake stood to the side, her arms crossed and her expression heavy with guilt. She watched as Pyrrha helped Jaune pull another civilian from a damaged vehicle, her movements careful and efficient.
Blake's golden eyes dropped to the ground as she approached them. "I'm sorry," she said, her voice low but sincere. "This was reckless. I… I should've done more to stop it."
Pyrrha turned to her with a kind smile, brushing her red hair back from her face. "It couldn't be helped, Blake," she said gently. "But we are lucky no one was killed.. I think." Her tone grew more serious as she added, "Although we're future Huntsmen and Huntresses, given the right to protect people, we still have to take responsibility for our actions. Collateral damage is something we can't afford to ignore."
Blake nodded, though the weight of her guilt didn't seem to lessen.
After some time, the familiar clicking of heels on the pavement announced the arrival of Glynda Goodwitch. The stern professor's presence was enough to make Team RWBY freeze in place. She surveyed the scene, her sharp green eyes taking in the destruction and the subdued civilians.
When her gaze landed on Ruby and her team, it was filled with disapproval.
"Do you have any idea how much damage you've caused?" Glynda demanded, her tone icy.
Yang rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly. "Uh, well, you see, we—"
"Not another word," Glynda snapped, cutting her off. "Vale's police will take it from here."
Several officers stepped forward, their expressions professional but firm. One of them gestured toward the waiting squad cars.
"We'll need you to come with us to provide statements," the officer said.
Ruby gulped and nodded, her earlier confidence replaced with nervous energy.
At the station, Team RWBY, along with Jaune and Pyrrha, were seated in a quiet room. Each of them recounted the events to the attending officers, their accounts meticulously detailed. Ruby's story was punctuated with animated gestures, while Weiss maintained a composed demeanor, choosing her words carefully, while at the same time asking for her lawyer.
Jaune's tone was calm and measured as he explained how he and Pyrrha had focused on protecting civilians. Pyrrha echoed his sentiments, her voice steady as she emphasized their efforts to minimize harm.
Blake, however, struggled to meet the officer's gaze. Her guilt was clear in her voice as she admitted to her role in the situation, though she didn't shy away from taking responsibility.
Once the statements were taken, the group was allowed to leave.
Outside the station, the group stood together in the fading light of the evening. The air was cooler now, and the noise of the city had settled into a low hum.
"Well," Ruby began, her voice breaking the silence, "that wasn't so bad, right?"
Weiss shot her a sharp look. "We're incredibly lucky that no one was seriously injured. Do you have any idea how close we were to being detained for reckless endangerment?"
Yang raised her hands defensively. "Hey, we also saved lives, didn't we? That's what we're here for."
"We just fought. Jaune and Pyrrha saved lives," Blake said quietly, her arms crossed as she stared at the ground. Pyrrha, sensing the tension, stepped forward with a gentle expression.
"What's important," Pyrrha said, her voice firm yet compassionate, "is that we've learned from this. We need to be more careful moving forward."
Jaune nodded in agreement, his usual relaxed demeanor replaced with quiet determination. "I hope there's no next time. If there is, we really need to plan better. Protecting people comes first. We can't let the fight put them at risk. That's what we're here in Beacon for. To protect."
Ruby glanced at her team and then nodded thoughtfully.
As they returned to Beacon. Jaune and Pyrrha made their way back to their dorm after saying goodbye to Team RWBY. Pyrrha walked beside Jaune, her strides steady but showing the weariness of the day. Her brown coat was a bit torn and singed, the evidence of the battle they had been part of clinging to her in threads and ash. Considering they held off missiles, it was minor damage.
As they approached their room, Jaune stopped and gently touched her arm, making her pause.
"Pyrrha," he said softly, his eyes scanning her face. "Are you okay?"
Pyrrha turned to him, her emerald eyes meeting his, her expression warm but tired. "I'm fine, Jaune. Just a little worn out." She gestured to her coat with a small laugh. "And it looks like this coat has seen better days."
Jaune frowned, guilt flickering across his face. "I'm sorry. This day was supposed to be relaxing, and instead, it turned into... well, this." He gestured vaguely.
Pyrrha smiled, her kindness shining through as she placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Don't apologize. We were able to help our friends and the people in Vale. That's what matters, right?"
Jaune's lips curved into a smile, her words easing the weight of his heart. "You're amazing, you know that?"
Pyrrha tilted her head, her smile turning playful. "Oh? And here I thought you were supposed to be the enigmatic one on this team."
Jaune chuckled and straightened up, his usual mood returning. "Alright, how about this? I'll make it up to you at the dance."
Pyrrha raised an eyebrow, the teasing glint in her eye unmistakable. "And what makes you so sure I'm taking you to the dance, Jaune Arc?"
Feigning a gasp, Jaune placed a hand over his chest as if wounded. "Pyrrha! How could you say that? After everything we've been through?"
She giggled, her laughter light and melodic, a sound that made Jaune's heart feel lighter. "I'm just teasing, Jaune. I'm looking forward to it."
The moment was broken by an enthusiastic voice calling out to them from down the hallway.
"Pyrrha! Jaune!"
They turned to see Nora bounding toward them, her orange hair bouncing wildly as Ren followed at a more composed pace. Nora skidded to a stop in front of them, her wide eyes taking in their disheveled appearances.
"What the heck happened?!" she exclaimed, her voice full of dramatic disbelief.
"Yeah," Ren added, his tone calmer but laced with concern. "What did we miss?"
Jaune and Pyrrha exchanged a glance before diving into the tale, recounting the events of the day — the encounter with Team RWBY, the chase, and the battle against the Paladin. Nora's expressions shifted rapidly, from awe to jealousy to exaggerated disappointment, while Ren listened intently, his brows furrowing with worry.
When they finished, Nora flopped onto the dormitory floor, throwing her arms up.
"That's so unfair!" she groaned, rolling around dramatically. "You left me behind while you did all these cool things! I could've bashed a mech with Magnhild! It's not fair!"
Jaune and Pyrrha couldn't help but laugh at her antics.
Ren, however, stepped closer to them, his gaze soft and steady. "I'm just glad you're both safe," he said sincerely. "That's a war machine you just fought.
Jaune gave him a nod, his smile genuine. "Thanks, Ren."
"Yeah," Pyrrha added, her voice filled with warmth. "We're lucky to have Team RWBY with us. Though we could have done better without the collateral damage."
Nora, still sprawled on the floor, pointed a finger at them accusingly. "Next time, you better take me with you!"
"We promise," Jaune said, holding up his hands in mock surrender.