REC ROOM
The sound of a guitar strumming echoed softly in the rec room, the notes flowing smoothly as Sun played, his fingers dancing over the strings with practiced ease. Blake sat nearby, absently tapping her foot along to the beat, while Weiss and Neptune were engrossed in a card game at a nearby table.
Weiss, her brow furrowed in concentration, glanced at Neptune. "Got any threes?" she asked, her tone polite but firm.
Neptune smirked and shook his head. "Nope. No threes here."
Weiss narrowed her eyes, but before she could respond, her attention was drawn to a figure approaching them. Raven. She moved with an air of quiet authority, her steps almost silent despite her heavy boots. Neptune noticed her first and looked up, raising an eyebrow.
"Sorry to interrupt your little game," Raven said, her voice low but carrying a sharp edge. "But I was wondering if any of you know where Yang is?"
Neptune gestured behind him without missing a beat. "Right behind me."
Raven's gaze shifted, and she spotted Yang lying on the couch, a comic book resting across her face. With a small nod of thanks, Raven walked over.
Yang was still, the rhythmic rise and fall of her chest the only sign of life. Raven stood next to the couch and gave a quick, sharp kick to Yang's hanging robotic arm. The sound of metal hitting the floor was enough to rouse her.
"Huh? What?" Yang mumbled, her eyes fluttering open. She blinked a few times, trying to focus, before she finally lifted the comic book off her face. "Oh. Hey, Mom."
Raven looked down at the comic, picking it up and glancing at the cover. "Little bit of light reading, I take it?" Her voice was dry, but there was no judgment in it—only a subtle amusement.
Yang rubbed her eyes and sat up, stretching her arms out. "Just to pass the time," she replied with a yawn, her voice still thick with sleep. She squinted up at her mother. "What's up?"
Raven's expression shifted, growing more serious. "I was told by my brother that you wanted to speak with me."
Yang's face softened slightly as she pushed herself up from the couch, the casual, playful air around her gone. "Oh. Right. Let's go upstairs. I'd prefer it if it were just us talking."
Yang turned and started toward the stairs, and Raven followed closely behind. As the two of them moved toward the staircase, Neptune watched them go, his expression thoughtful.
Weiss, however, was less distracted by the departure. She was glaring at Neptune, her face flushed with frustration. "You dolt!" she yelled, reaching across the table and snatching one of his cards. "You did have a three!"
Neptune blinked in surprise. "What? No way—"
"Busted!" Sun shouted from across the room, laughing so hard that he nearly dropped his guitar. "Gotcha!"
Neptune groaned, half-laughing himself. "You're all a bunch of cheaters."
Weiss smirked, leaning back in her chair as she gathered the winning cards. "I knew you were hiding something."
ROOM
The room was quiet, a heavy stillness hanging between Yang and Raven as they sat across from each other. The faint sound of wind rustling outside the window was the only thing breaking the silence. Yang's fists were clenched, her face a mix of frustration and confusion. Raven, on the other hand, sat with her back straight, her gaze soft but unwavering, as though she were trying to find the right words to say.
Yang finally broke the silence, her voice raw and steady despite the emotion bubbling beneath the surface. "You left me, Ruby, and Dad. And it was because of Salem. Right?"
Raven nodded slowly, her eyes darkening with the weight of memories. "Yeah. After graduating from Beacon, Qrow encouraged me to stay close to Tai. We were best friends, and after a while, I realized I loved him. Being with him made me happy... and after you were born, it felt like everything was finally perfect. We were a family."
Yang's expression softened slightly as she listened, but the pain was still evident in her eyes.
"Summer stayed with us to help out," Raven continued, her voice tinged with sadness. "She'd watch you when Tai and I had to go out, keeping you safe, making sure you were taken care of."
"And when were you told about Summer being a Maiden?" Yang asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Raven's gaze faltered for a moment, as though she were reliving that moment in time. "On the first day of Fall," she answered, her tone heavy. "Ozpin invited me to Beacon. I thought it was some sort of reunion, but when I arrived, all I found were him, Goodwitch, and Ironwood. They told me everything. About the Maidens... Summer... and Salem."
Yang stared at her mother, her heart sinking. She saw the truth in Raven's eyes, the regret and fear. She didn't want to hear it, but she couldn't look away either.
Raven's voice was quieter now, more vulnerable. "Having Summer live with us... it posed a risk. I couldn't bear the thought of you or Tai being killed because of something out of our control. I couldn't just tell Summer to leave, to abandon us—she was part of our family. So, one night, I made a decision. I packed up and I left... for your safety."
Yang clenched her fists tighter, her nails biting into her palms. "And after Summer... died?" she asked, her voice cracking.
Raven's face tightened with the weight of that memory. "Ozpin told me the Maiden powers could've been transferred to you or Ruby. I didn't want to believe it. But I had to prepare myself for the truth. And when it turned out to be real... that's when I knew I had to stay away. I couldn't risk losing you too."
Yang looked at her mother, her face a mask of mixed emotions—hurt, anger, betrayal—but also a strange understanding. "So, the person who's really to blame for all this… is Salem," Yang said, the bitterness clear in her voice.
Raven met her daughter's gaze without flinching. "Yes."
Yang sat back, her hands moving to her forehead as she tried to process everything. Her mind was a whirlwind of anger and sadness, trying to make sense of it all. Her chest tightened with the pain of it. Why? Why couldn't you have stayed?
The silence between them stretched, thick and suffocating, as the weight of Raven's words settled around them. Yang didn't know what to say. Part of her wanted to scream, to lash out, to blame her mother for everything that had happened. But there was a flicker of something else in her—a quiet ache, the longing for the mother she had lost and the answers that had always been just out of reach.
Raven, sensing her daughter's turmoil, moved without hesitation. She crouched next to Yang, her expression filled with quiet resolve. Slowly, she reached out and pulled Yang into a hug.
For a moment, Yang was still. Her muscles stiffened, her breath catching in her throat as the walls she had built for so long began to crack. She wanted to fight it. She wanted to stay angry. But the warmth of Raven's embrace—the one thing she had longed for, the mother she had always wanted to come back to—was too much.
Yang's arms finally moved, wrapping around Raven in return. Her eyes burned as the dam inside her broke, tears rushing to the surface. Her shoulders shook, and she buried her face in Raven's shoulder. The flood of emotions came all at once—grief, relief, anger, and something else she couldn't quite name.
Raven said nothing, just held her tighter, her own heart breaking at the sight of her daughter's pain. "I'm sorry," she whispered back, the words heavy with years of regret. "I'm so sorry."
Yang's sobs echoed softly in the room, but for the first time in years, she felt like she could breathe again. The pain wasn't gone, but the weight of it seemed just a little lighter with her mother there, holding her. The tears flowed freely now, as her anger began to melt into something else—something far more complicated and deeper.
It was a moment of healing. But also, a moment of mourning. For all that was lost. For all that could never be the same again.
COURTYARD
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a soft golden hue across the courtyard. A gentle breeze ruffled the grass as Ruby stood poised, Crescent Rose aimed at a distant target. The target seemed impossibly far away, a small silhouette near the far end of the courtyard where the airships would dock. Her brow furrowed in concentration, Ruby adjusted the scope of her sniper rifle, her fingers gripping the familiar trigger.
Ozpin stood beside her, observing with a quiet intensity.
"You're going to have to time your shots, Miss Rose," Ozpin said calmly, his voice steady as ever.
Ruby fired once, twice, and then a third time, each shot timed with precision. She exhaled sharply after every pull of the trigger, her focus unwavering, but the distant target remained untouched.
Ruby dropped the rifle slightly, letting out a frustrated sigh. "No hits. How am I supposed to land a shot from all the way over there?"
Ozpin gave her a small, knowing smile, his eyes twinkling with something almost imperceptible.
Ruby's gaze flickered to him, then back to the target. "Wait... you're not saying..." Her voice trailed off as realization hit. "My Maiden powers..."
Ozpin nodded slightly, his smile widening just a touch. "Precisely. With the abilities you've gained, your senses and control over your speed have increased exponentially. You only need to focus, and the distance becomes... less of a barrier."
Ruby closed her eyes, letting the weight of Ozpin's words sink in. She took a deep breath, her mind quieting as she focused on the target once again. The soft rustle of the wind seemed to fade as time itself felt like it slowed, her awareness sharpening. She opened her eyes.
Everything looked... closer. The target, once a distant speck, was now sharp in her sight. It was almost as if the world around her had shifted, as if she could feel the very molecules of air between her and the target. With a fluid motion, she pulled the trigger.
Bang. Another shot. She didn't need to look, but she did anyway. The target remained, but she knew it would be different this time.
Ozpin raised a pair of binoculars to his eyes, scanning the far-off target. Ruby fired again—bang, bang, bang—and Ozpin's gaze shifted as he tracked the bullets in mid-air. One by one, each bullet found its mark, landing dead center or just grazing the edges of the target's head.
Ruby watched the impact through the scope, her heart racing. Every shot hit, one after the other. A thrill of satisfaction rushed through her.
Ozpin lowered the binoculars, his lips curving into a rare smile of approval. "Good job, Miss Rose," he said, his voice carrying that familiar calm tone, but with a hint of pride.
Ruby's grin spread wide, her chest swelling with the rush of success. "I did it!" she exclaimed, her eyes bright with excitement.
"Just a few more times," Ozpin said, stepping back. "And we'll be done with this part of the training."
Ruby nodded eagerly, her confidence growing with every passing second. She readjusted Crescent Rose in her hands, the weight of the rifle feeling more natural now. With a renewed sense of purpose, she lined up the next shot, ready to push herself even further.
LIBRARY
The soft rustle of pages filled the library as Jaune and Ren sat at a quiet table, absorbed in their books. Nora, curled up in a nearby chair, was sound asleep, a book balancing precariously on top of her head. Every so often, her lips would move, and mumbled words like "pancakes" slipped out, though she remained blissfully unaware of it.
Jaune glanced up, his gaze wandering across the room. His eyes caught a glimpse of someone unfamiliar, seated at a separate table. Neo, disguised in a simple, unremarkable outfit, was reading through a small pile of books. She appeared as ordinary as any other student, yet Jaune's attention lingered on her, an unease flickering in his chest.
Their eyes met for a brief moment, and Jaune quickly looked away, his face flushing slightly. He shifted in his seat, pretending to focus on his book, but his mind was still on Neo.
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Ren watching him. "What?" Jaune asked, a little too defensively.
Ren raised an eyebrow, closing his own book with a soft thud. "Jaune, it seems you've got a soft spot for Neo." He gestured subtly to the table where Neo was reading, her presence no longer unnoticed.
Jaune stiffened. "I... uh, maybe. She did save us back in Mistral. If it weren't for her, none of us would be here." He shifted uncomfortably, running a hand through his hair. "But that doesn't mean I completely trust her."
Ren gave a small, knowing smile. "Perhaps," he said, leaning back slightly in his chair. "But, you know, Jaune, I can tell when someone has feelings for another person." He pointed to Nora, still asleep and mumbling about pancakes, completely oblivious. "You know what I mean?"
Jaune couldn't help but laugh softly at that, then sighed. "Yeah, I get it." His gaze turned back to Neo. "I don't fully trust her yet, but... I think she could be a friend. She just needs to prove herself first."
Ren nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Exactly. She doesn't have to prove anything to us right away. She just has to show that she's not the same person she was before."
Jaune looked at his friend, appreciating the advice. He was about to say something more when Sun and Neptune suddenly approached, their voices breaking the calm atmosphere.
"Hey, you guys," Sun greeted, a playful grin on his face. "Reading your books like good, little nerds?"
Neptune rolled his eyes, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Intellectuals, my friend. Big difference."
Jaune couldn't help but smile, but before he could respond, Sun's gaze landed on Neo, and his expression shifted. "Who's the new girl?" he asked, eyeing her curiously.
Jaune immediately tensed. "That's Polly. She's from Mistral," he said quickly, not wanting to cause any trouble. "And trust me, you don't want to talk to her. She's a little... mean."
Sun, ever the confident one, waved Jaune off. "Nothing I can't handle." He strutted over to Neo with a smirk. "Why, hello there, beautiful. I'm Sun."
Neo slowly lowered her book, fixing her eyes on Sun. Her lips curled into a smile—though it wasn't the warm, welcoming kind. "Polly. Polly Pearl," she replied coolly, her voice flat.
"Pearl, huh?" Sun grinned, clearly unfazed. "Well, I've been thinking... maybe you and I could—"
"Listen," Neo interrupted, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "You seem like a nice guy, but the last time someone flirted with me, they ended up in the hospital with three broken ribs." She didn't look up from her book, but there was an unmistakable threat in her tone.
Sun froze, his bravado faltering as he glanced nervously at Neptune, who was watching with mild amusement. "Okay. I'll, uh, be leaving now. Nice to meet you." He quickly backed away, muttering something about how "she's mean."
"I heard that," Neo called after him, her voice calm but laced with amusement.
Jaune couldn't hold it in any longer and let out a soft laugh. Neo's smirk grew, and she glanced over at him, catching his eye. She smiled, a genuine grin this time, though it was fleeting.
Nora, still half-asleep, suddenly bolted upright, the book toppling off her head. "Pancakes!" she exclaimed, looking wildly around the room.
Ren, who had been trying to remain stoic, placed a hand on his forehead and let out a quiet chuckle. "Pancakes, Nora?" he asked, trying to hide his smile.
Nora blinked, a bit confused, before looking down at her hands. "What? I was... dreaming about pancakes." She paused, then grinned sheepishly. "Guess I'm hungry."
Jaune couldn't help but shake his head, a smile tugging at his lips. Neo's smile widened at the chaotic scene unfolding in front of her, and for a brief moment, it seemed like maybe—just maybe—there was more to her than Jaune had realized.
COURTYARD
The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm, golden light over the courtyard. Blake sat near the fountain, her eyes tracking the birds soaring through the air. She was lost in the peaceful sight, the occasional flick of her cat ears the only sign she was aware of her surroundings.
Her focus shifted when she noticed Raven walking away, and soon after, Yang approached, walking with a purposeful yet calm stride. Yang smiled at Blake as she sat beside her on the bench, the two women sharing a comfortable silence before Blake broke it.
"Had a long talk?" Blake asked, her voice soft, though a hint of curiosity laced her words.
"Yeah," Yang replied, her voice quieter than usual, as though the weight of the conversation still lingered. "I finally got my answers, after all these years."
Blake turned to look at Yang, her eyes searching her face for any sign of relief. "Don't you feel relieved?"
Yang's eyes met Blake's, a flicker of vulnerability crossing her face before it was replaced by a small, genuine smile. "Yeah. I do."
Yang then wrapped her arm around Blake's shoulders, pulling her closer. Blake leaned into her, resting her head on Yang's shoulder. They both watched the sky, savoring the peacefulness of the moment.
"It's peaceful today," Blake murmured, her voice barely a whisper.
Yang smiled, looking up at the clear blue sky. "Yeah. It is."
Blake slowly lifted her head, her gaze locking with Yang's. She paused, as if to savor the moment, before leaning in. Their lips met gently, a soft and tender kiss, but the quiet intimacy was broken by a sharp, deliberate throat clearing.
They both turned to see Winter standing in front of them, her expression stoic as always. "I apologize for interrupting your moment," Winter said, her voice cool but not unkind. "But I'm looking for Weiss. Have you seen her?"
"Rec Room," Yang answered quickly, a hint of embarrassment creeping into her voice.
Winter nodded curtly and turned to walk away. Yang and Blake shared an awkward glance before both turned to face each other. Blake's face flushed slightly, her hand covering her face in mild embarrassment.
"Well... that was a mood breaker," Blake said, her voice tinged with a laugh.
Yang chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of her neck. "Yeah, no kidding."
Before the two could say anything more, they noticed Ruby and Ozpin approaching from nearby, their conversation carrying in the stillness of the courtyard.
"Oh, god," Blake muttered, mortified, her hand still covering her face.
Ozpin, ever the composed one, smiled knowingly. "There's nothing to be embarrassed about, Miss Belladonna. Love comes in many forms." His gaze shifted to Ruby, then to Yang. "An example being Miss Rose and Young Miss Schnee."
Yang rubbed the back of her neck again, her face turning slightly red. "Right. So, you saw..." she trailed off, unsure of how to address the situation.
"We did," Ruby answered, her voice light and teasing. "But it's okay, Yang. I'm happy for you two. In fact, I'd suspected something between you guys for months."
Yang smiled, a genuine warmth filling her chest. "Thanks, Rubes."
Ruby smiled back and nodded. "Miss Rose, we should begin the next step in your training. Follow me."
"Right," Ruby replied, standing up. "I'll see you guys later."
Yang and Blake watched as Ruby followed Ozpin to the fountain, both feeling a curiosity tugging at them. Without a word, they stood and walked after her.
Ozpin turned to Ruby once they reached the fountain. "Alright, Miss Rose," he began, his voice steady. "Our next step is water manipulation. The ability to control water at will. Now, with your hands and your mind, command the water to form an orb."
Ruby blinked, a little apprehensive. "Um… are you sure, Ozpin? That sounds like the hardest part of the training."
Ozpin's lips curled into a slight smile. "Hm, that may be true. Still, we might as well try. Go on."
Ruby took a deep breath and exhaled, her eyes narrowing in focus. She took a few steps back, looking at the fountain's water. Yang and Blake, standing a few feet away, observed her closely.
Ruby raised her hands and began to concentrate. Her arms trembled slightly, and the water in the fountain rippled faintly. But after a few seconds, her arms lowered, her face showing signs of exhaustion. "I couldn't do it," Ruby said, her voice tinged with frustration.
Ozpin nodded thoughtfully. "Then you should try again, Miss Rose. Concentrate really hard. Feel the power inside of you."
Ruby raised her arms once more, determination settling over her features. Her hands shook as she tried to force the water into shape. But after several more moments, she gave up once again. "This is so hard," she groaned. "And I hate to say this, but it was easier when I was angry."
Ozpin tilted his head slightly, stepping closer to her. "That may be true, Miss Rose. But there is another way to access your powers—a way that doesn't require anger."
Ruby looked up at him, her brow furrowing in curiosity. "Another way?"
Ozpin nodded. "In addition to your Maiden powers, you also possess the ability to reach deeper into your own mind. You can access memories that either you were too young to remember, or ones you have simply forgotten. Now, reach into your mind, and think of a very happy memory."
Ruby closed her eyes, her thoughts swirling. "I guess I can try." She let the world around her fall away as she concentrated, hoping that something would click.
Suddenly, her eyes shot open, and she gasped, finding herself back in her room on Patch. She looked around, and everything was familiar—the worn books on the shelves, the soft glow of the evening sun through the window. Then, she saw it: a younger version of herself and Yang, both curled up on the bed. Their mother, Summer Rose, was sitting beside them, reading a story aloud, her voice calm and gentle.
Ruby watched as her younger self and Yang drifted into sleep, Summer smiling as she finished the story. And there, in that moment, she felt a wave of warmth and love, the kind of feeling she hadn't experienced in years.
"Miss Rose?" Ozpin's voice called gently, pulling Ruby from the memory.
In an instant, she was back in the courtyard, looking at Ozpin, tears beginning to form in her eyes. She wiped her cheek, trying to hide the emotion. "I saw… I saw my parents. Together again. Yang and I were little. She was reading us a bedtime story, and they were smiling." Ruby's voice wavered as she looked down at the ground. "A family, together in one room. That was the last night we had before she..." Ruby's voice broke, and she couldn't finish.
Ozpin placed a hand on her shoulder, his expression softening. "I see," he said quietly. "Having memories like the one you just experienced can be incredibly powerful. When you can access them, you will be able to use your powers willingly. All you have to do is think hard and be in a state of serenity. Even in battle, you can harness this power, but only if you allow it to happen."
Ruby nodded slowly, wiping her tears. "Okay. I think I can do it."
Ozpin gave a small nod of approval. "Alright, then. Try again."
With renewed determination, Ruby raised only one hand this time. She closed her eyes, allowing the memory to fill her thoughts, and as she did, the water in the fountain began to stir. Her eyes began to glow softly, and soon the water started to move more intensely, swirling and rising around her.
Blake and Yang exchanged surprised glances as the water formed a perfect, spinning orb, the sight mesmerizing and almost serene. Ruby opened her eyes, a small smile tugging at her lips, and released the orb back into the fountain, letting the water settle.
Ozpin chuckled, his voice warm with pride. "Good job, Miss Rose. I knew you could do it."
Ruby wiped her face, her smile widening. "Thank you, Ozpin. I appreciate it."
As she turned to leave, she noticed Yang and Blake watching her. They both gave her smiles of encouragement. Ruby smiled back, then sat down on the ground, exhausted but satisfied.
"I am so exhausted," she murmured.
Ozpin smiled knowingly. "Yes. Amber was like that as well. Come. Let us get some food."
Ruby groaned lightly, rubbing her stomach. "Good idea. Those strawberries didn't exactly hit the spot."
Ozpin chuckled as they made their way toward the cafeteria.
REC ROOM
Weiss is focused, her grip tight on Myrtenaster as she aims it toward the ground. A faint glow emanates from the tip of her weapon as she concentrates, her brow furrowing in concentration. A Glyph forms beneath her feet, and with a flick of her wrist, a swarm of birds appears, soaring above her head before scattering into the air.
"I see that you've been practicing," a voice calls out from the doorway.
Weiss turns to find Winter standing there, smiling softly.
"I have," Weiss replies, her voice tinged with a hint of frustration. "But I can only manage the birds. I've been trying to summon bigger things... No such luck, yet."
Winter nods knowingly. "I understand. Ms. Scarlatina mentioned that you were able to summon something... substantial, during the attack on Beacon. Care to clarify?"
Weiss hesitates, her fingers brushing against the scar that marks her left eye. "Well... It was in the heat of the moment. Velvet had been knocked down, and a mech was about to strike. I couldn't just stand by. As I rushed toward her, a Glyph appeared behind me, completely unplanned. I raised Myrtenaster just as the mech lunged, and then—" She pauses, her voice faltering. "I looked up and saw the arm and sword of... a giant knight."
"A giant knight?" Winter repeats, her brow furrowing in curiosity.
"Yeah," Weiss responds quietly, her gaze distant. "A knight. It was... like something out of a nightmare." Her hand moves subconsciously to touch the scar once more.
Winter's expression softens, a mix of understanding and concern. "I see."
Weiss stands still for a moment, her thoughts lingering on the memory, before Winter's voice breaks the silence.
"Speaking of unexpected things," Winter says, her tone shifting. "I'm also here to speak with you about you and Ruby Rose."
Weiss's expression shifts from thoughtful to startled. "Oh... Okay."
Winter steps closer, her smile gentle but inquisitive. "First question: When did you two... start being together?"
Weiss's cheeks flush slightly as she glances away. "Well, it happened after Mistral, in the hospital. After I told Ruby about what happened at the White Fang camp... she got upset. I tried to comfort her, told her it was self-defense... and then, I saw the way her eyes looked at me. There was something in them. They were beautiful, and... warm." She pauses, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Then, after her dad... after Taiyang died, I was there for her when Yang couldn't be. I held her, and one thing led to another, and... I kissed her."
Winter's eyes widen in realization. "Ah. And that's when I walked in on you two..."
"Yes," Weiss mutters, rubbing the back of her neck in embarrassment.
A brief silence hangs between them before Winter asks, "Do you love her?"
Weiss stiffens, her heart pounding in her chest. "What?"
Winter leans forward, her voice softer, more sincere. "I asked, do you love her?"
Weiss's brows furrow, her eyes darting away as she tries to process the question. "Of course I do. Why would you even ask that?"
"I'm just concerned," Winter says carefully. "You care for her a lot. And maybe it's because she's been hurting for so long. Maybe you're trying to heal her pain."
Weiss's eyes flash with a mix of confusion and anger. "What are you saying? Are you implying that my feelings for Ruby are just... pity love?"
"No, that's not what I meant," Winter responds quickly, raising a hand in a calming gesture.
"That's exactly what you're saying!" Weiss explodes, her fists clenching at her sides. "I can't believe you would think that about me!"
Winter sighs, her expression softening with understanding. "Weiss..."
"You're my sister, Winter!" Weiss cries, her voice shaking with frustration. "You're supposed to be happy for me! For us!"
"I am happy for you," Winter reassures her, stepping forward. "I just didn't want you to be hurt by the choices you're making."
Weiss stands up, turning her back to Winter as she stares out the window, trying to collect her thoughts. "Ruby once told me that she never wanted me to experience the kind of trauma she and the others went through... the things they've overcome. She didn't want that for me. But I didn't care. I told her I'd be there for her no matter what."
Winter watches her sister with concern. "Would you risk your life for her?"
Weiss freezes, the question hitting her like a physical blow. She turns to look at Winter, the weight of the question sinking in.
"If you truly love Ruby," Winter continues, her tone serious, "would you risk your life for her?"
Weiss's grip tightens around Myrtenaster, her breath shaky. Without a word, she thrusts the weapon toward the ground, summoning a Glyph beneath her feet. The Glyph flares to life, and a massive, white Beowolf Grimm materializes beside her, its eyes glowing with an eerie light. Weiss approaches the creature, her fingers brushing through its ethereal fur as she speaks with a calm determination.
"I would," she says softly, her gaze meeting Winter's.
The Beowolf dissipates, vanishing into mist. Winter looks on, her expression a mixture of pride and respect. "Alright. I believe you."
Weiss exhales, a wave of exhaustion washing over her. "Thank you," she whispers.
Winter nods, her smile returning. "I'm really happy for you two, Weiss. But... there's something else we need to address."
Weiss tilts her head in confusion. "What?"
Winter's face turns more serious as she glances toward the door. "Father."
Weiss groans, covering her face with her hands. "I forgot about him."
The sound of the door opens.
Winter sighs. "We'll deal with that later. Right now, we have more pressing matters."
At that moment, a familiar, authoritative voice cuts through the room.
"Schnee." General Ironwood stands in the doorway, his posture rigid. "Gather everyone you can find and have them report to the conference room immediately."
Winter salutes him. "Yes, sir." She turns to Weiss. "Let's go."
CONFERENCE ROOM
Ruby and Opzin enter the conference room, where Yang, Blake, Weiss, Team SSSN, Velvet, Coco, Yatsu, Cardin, and Dove are scattered throughout, either standing or sitting.
Ruby surveys the room, raising an eyebrow. "What's going on?"
"I'll explain in a few minutes," Ozpin replies, walking over to Ironwood, Goodwitch, Qrow, Winter, Port, and Oobleck. "Just need to wait for everyone else."
Ruby heads toward her teammates, exchanging nods along the way.
"How's the training going, Ruby?" Weiss asks with a warm smile.
"Very good," Ruby answers, grinning.
"Good?" Yang smirks, "More like excellent. Blake and I saw her train."
Ruby glances at her sister, a little embarrassed. "I might've gotten a bit carried away," she admits.
Weiss chuckles. "Really? I'll have to ask about that later."
Yang's eyes flick toward the door as Jaune, Ren, Nora, and a disguised Neo enter the room.
"There they are," Yang murmurs, her voice softening.
Ironwood turns to see the newcomers. "Good. That's everyone. Now, can everyone please sit down? We're about to begin."
The group settles into their seats. Ironwood glances over at Ozpin, who stands at the center of the room, ready to speak.
"Thank you," Ozpin begins. "As you all know, a greater evil is preparing to attack. Her goal is to annihilate everyone in Remnant—human or faunus—and, once that is done, plunge our world into darkness. We can't afford to stand by while this happens. It is up to us to stop her."
Coco raises a hand. "How do we stop her?"
"By working together," Goodwitch answers, walking beside Ozpin, her tone firm. "Individually, you're all powerful. But together, you're unstoppable."
"Exactly," Port chimes in. "Our strength lies in unity. With this small force, we might just have a chance."
Cardin scoffs, crossing his arms. "A slight chance? That's reassuring."
"Mr. Winchester, if you would let us finish," Ozpin says with a slight frown.
Ironwood steps forward, his voice commanding. "Over the past few weeks, we've been repairing the CCT tower with the help of Atlesian engineers, soldiers, and builders. Now that it's fully operational, we have a plan."
"We'll broadcast a message across Remnant," Ozpin continues. "Warn them about Salem and Cinder Fall. We need to rally the citizens and encourage them to stand together against the threat."
"And if we succeed," Ironwood adds, "we'll open our doors to those willing to fight, bringing them here to Beacon to prepare for battle."
Neptune leans forward, brow furrowed. "You want to broadcast a message to everyone? That could be risky. How do we convince them Salem's real?"
"To be honest, we don't know yet," Ironwood admits. "But we have to try."
Ruby looks thoughtful, then speaks up. "What if we show them something they'd never believe existed?"
The room goes quiet as everyone looks at her.
"What do you mean?" Sun asks, confused.
"Ruby," Yang says, her tone cautious. "You don't mean..."
Ruby nods firmly. "Yes, I do."
"Can someone explain this?" Scarlet David asks, glancing between them.
Ozpin meets Ruby's gaze, then nods. "Miss Rose, would you please demonstrate?"
Ruby stands, walking confidently to the center of the room. The others step back as Ozpin, Ironwood, Qrow, and Goodwitch give her space.
"Whenever you're ready," Ozpin says.
Ruby takes a deep breath, closes her eyes, and, as if concentrating, the room seems to shift. A breeze stirs, and then her eyes glow with an unnatural light. Gasps ripple through the room as Ruby begins to rise into the air, her body lifting off the ground effortlessly.
"What... what's happening?" Cardin stammers, wide-eyed.
"That, Mr. Winchester," Ozpin says with quiet reverence, "is the power of the Winter Maiden."
Ruby lifts a hand, and the water from a nearby fountain rises up, swirling around her like a gentle storm. The room watches in awe as the orb of water floats toward the ceiling. With a wave of her other hand, the water freezes into a solid ice ball, and with another motion, she hurls it through the window, sending it crashing into the nearby body of water outside.
Jaune blinks in disbelief. "Whoa."
Ruby lands back on the floor, her glowing eyes dimming as she exhales slowly. "This is a power I never asked for," she says softly, her voice tinged with a sadness that echoes through the room. "It was passed down to me by my mother. I never wanted it, but... it's mine now."
The room is silent, the weight of her words settling in.
Ozpin looks to the others. "We show the world that Maidens like Ruby exist. If they believe in these powers—powers they thought had been lost—they might just stand a chance against Salem."
Ironwood's face tightens. "But revealing Ruby as a Maiden comes with a risk. There are those who will try to seize this power for themselves."
Ozpin nods grimly. "That's true. They succeeded before, but we will not let them again. So, we begin the broadcast, and we'll need your full support."
Before anyone can respond, the sound of an approaching airship fills the room, cutting through the tension.
"What the hell?" Ironwood mutters, narrowing his eyes at the window.
Then, the unmistakable screech of gunfire echoes through the air. The airship outside opens fire.
"EVERYBODY DOWN!" Ironwood roars, diving behind a table.
Everyone drops to the ground as laser fire bursts through the walls and windows. Chaos erupts.
Ruby looks around frantically, spotting Velvet getting hit in the arm, her scream of pain cutting through the cacophony. Yatsu and Dove are already on the floor, blood staining the carpet. As an airship looms closer, it continues firing indiscriminately.
Ozpin is hit, stumbling and falling to the ground with a groan. Jaune tries to make a run for cover, but the ship's targeting system locks on to him. Just as the cannon fires, Neo leaps in front of him, her umbrella blocking the blast and shielding him long enough for him to duck behind a pillar.
Several Atlesian soldiers charge in, guns blazing. They fire back at the ship, but many are struck down. Ruby is the first to spring to her feet, quickly transforming Crescent Rose into its scythe form. She begins to fire at the airship, her shots finding their mark.
Weiss crouched behind a sturdy pillar; her breath steady despite the chaos unfolding around her. Coco and Blake were already firing at the airborne threat, their weapons echoing through the room as they provided cover. The airship loomed outside the window, its sleek, armored body buzzing with the hum of its turbines, firing back at their positions. Weiss narrowed her eyes, scanning the airship for any sign of vulnerability. Then she noticed it.
A chunk of the ship's metal shell had been blown off, leaving a gaping hole that exposed the inner workings.
"Blake!" Weiss shouted, her voice cutting through the din of battle.
Blake's head snapped towards her, her eyes locking onto Weiss' determined gaze. "What's the plan?"
"Fire when I say so!" Weiss ordered, a fierce resolve in her voice.
Blake nodded and ducked into position, waiting for the signal.
Weiss quickly conjured Glyphs, forming them in the air like shields to protect her from the barrage of incoming fire from the airship. Each shot that came toward her shattered harmlessly against the Glyphs, but the constant barrage was taking its toll on her focus. She needed to act fast.
With a calculated sprint, Weiss darted out from behind cover, her feet pounding against the floor as she ran toward the device she had spotted on the ground. Her eyes tracked its shape as she got closer—small, metallic, and slightly glowing with an ominous aura.
As soon as she reached it, she crouched, snatching it up with a swift motion. Her fingers immediately registered the cold, smooth surface of the device.
Dust grenade, she thought, her eyes flashing with understanding.
The device was small enough to fit in her hand, but she knew exactly how powerful it could be if used right. Her mind raced with possibilities, but there was no time for hesitation. The airship's fire continued to rain down, forcing her to retreat behind another pillar for cover.
She activated the grenade with a flick of her wrist, the small device humming to life in her palm. The seconds felt like hours as Weiss waited for the perfect moment. Her heartbeat quickened with every second, every blast. Then, at last, the ship's barrage paused, a brief lull in the chaos.
"Now!" Weiss shouted, the word sharp and decisive.
Blake's sniper rifle roared to life, the powerful shot tearing through the air, a perfect hit that sent the grenade hurtling toward the exposed part of the ship's hull. The device latched onto the ship's weakened armor with a metallic clang.
Time seemed to slow as Weiss watched it in anticipation.
The grenade exploded with a violent, thunderous crack, sending shockwaves through the room. The blast triggered a chain reaction that tore through the ship's innards, flames bursting from the wound. The airship lurched violently, spiraling uncontrollably in midair, the sound of tearing metal filling the room.
Weiss' eyes widened as the ship swerved like a wounded animal, its wings flailing helplessly.
Through the smoke and fire, she caught a glimpse of the cockpit, her heart skipping a beat as she recognized the pilot. Emerald.
For a split second, Weiss felt a flicker of remorse. Emerald, despite all the pain and destruction she had caused, didn't deserve to die in this madness. The regret was fleeting, swallowed up by the immediacy of the danger.
Emerald's form vanished as the cockpit was consumed by a patch of darkness, a familiar aura of shadow enveloping the entire section of the ship. Weiss' stomach twisted as she realized that Emerald was no longer in the cockpit.
The airship was spiraling out of control now, the spiraling motion sending it crashing toward the ground below. It tore through the sky in a chaotic arc, its tail flailing wildly before the entire ship slammed into the earth with a deafening crash, sending debris scattering everywhere.
Weiss remained still for a moment, staring at the wreckage, her breath shallow. Her mind raced as she processed what had just happened—everything had happened so fast.
"Weiss!" Yang's voice echoed through the chaos, cutting through her thoughts.
Weiss snapped out of her trance, her focus shifting back to the immediate danger. She glanced quickly over at Yang, who had rushed to Ozpin's side.
"Help him!" Yang yells to Weiss as she kneels beside the wounded Ozpin. "Keep pressure on his wound!"
Weiss's heart skips a beat as she tears off her scarf and pressing it against Ozpin's chest, trying to stop the bleeding.
"Stay with me," Weiss murmurs urgently.
Yang, her expression hardening, stands up and begins to head toward Ruby, determined to fight for her team.
Weiss looks over at the destroyed airship, her thoughts clouded with uncertainty. Despite the chaos, she can't shake the feeling that this is only the beginning.
COURTYARD
Yang sprinted out of the conference room, her heart pounding as she called out, "RUBY!" Her voice cracked with desperation as her eyes scanned the area for her sister. The chaos inside the building still rang in her ears, but right now, Ruby was her only focus.
She barely made it a few steps before she caught sight of Ruby and Cinder crashing through the cafeteria window, the shattering glass sending sparks of alarm through Yang's chest. Without a second thought, she bolted toward them, her fists clenched, ready to intervene.
But before she could take another step, a dark figure materialized before her, blocking her path. She stumbled back in surprise, landing hard on her backside. Yang's eyes snapped upward, and her blood ran cold as she met the towering presence of Salem.
"Well, well... what do we have here?" Salem's voice dripped with venom, her gaze gleaming with cold amusement. She loomed over Yang, her massive form casting a long shadow that swallowed the courtyard whole.
Yang didn't hesitate. Her aura flared, and she activated Ember Celica with a furious roar. With a swift punch, she launched a powerful strike straight at Salem's chest. The force of the blow caused Salem to stagger back slightly, but the ancient Grimm queen only kneeled for a moment before grinning. Her crimson eyes glowed brighter as she slowly straightened herself.
"You're stronger than I anticipated," Salem purred, her tone almost playful.
Yang didn't care for compliments. She brought her fist down again, but this time Salem was ready. With a swift motion, Salem grabbed Yang's robotic arm mid-swing, her fingers digging into the metal with an eerie, unnatural strength.
Yang's eyes widened as she tried to pull away, but no matter how much she strained, she couldn't escape Salem's grip. Her muscles burned as she pushed with everything she had, but Salem's cold smile only widened, her eyes glowing brighter, almost hungry.
"You should have stayed out of my way," Salem murmured, her voice laced with dark amusement.
With a sudden surge of power, Salem stood tall, lifting Yang off the ground effortlessly. Yang's feet dangled uselessly, and before she could react, Salem twisted, lifting her higher still.
Salem's strength was like nothing Yang had ever felt. The air around her thickened as Salem's form grew larger—her body stretching to impossible heights, her presence overwhelming.
Yang gritted her teeth and threw another punch, aiming for Salem's face, but the Grimm Queen was faster. Salem slammed Yang's body into the ground with a sickening crunch. The impact rattled through Yang's bones, leaving her gasping for air. But Salem wasn't done.
With a cruel smile, Salem lifted Yang again, only to slam her back into the ground, repeating the brutal motion a second and third time, the force of each impact shaking the ground beneath them.
Yang's vision blurred, her body screaming in protest, but her will remained unbroken. She spit blood onto the ground, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand as she struggled to her feet. She staggered, but her fists clenched tighter as she forced herself into a fighting stance.
"You're tougher than I thought," Salem remarked, her voice tinged with admiration, but it was a twisted kind of praise.
Yang's lip curled into a defiant grin, though it was smeared with blood. "The last person to say that… ended up dead," she spat, glaring up at Salem with renewed fire in her eyes.
Salem's smile didn't falter. She tilted her head slightly, as if intrigued. "I'm not Adam Taurus, my angry child," she said, her voice dark and almost too calm. "I am Salem, the Grimm Queen."
Yang's heart pounded in her chest, the air thick with the weight of Salem's words. But Yang wasn't about to back down. Not now, not ever. She squared her shoulders, prepared to face this monstrous force with everything she had left.
"Then let's see what you've got," Yang growled, a dangerous gleam in her eye.
CAFETERIA
The battle between Ruby and Cinder raged in the cafeteria, the once peaceful space now a chaotic battlefield. Cinder's fiery blasts sliced through the air, each attack a wave of scorching heat. Ruby dodged and weaved, her movements sharp and swift, narrowly avoiding the searing flames. With a flick of her wrist, she summoned her power, creating jagged ice spikes that shot forward, aimed directly at Cinder.
Cinder barely had time to react, evading most of the spikes, but one managed to pierce her shoulder. A sharp hiss escaped her lips as the cold metal embedded itself deep. Growling in frustration, Cinder extended her hand, melting the ice with a wave of her fiery aura, the spike dissolving into steam as she charged toward Ruby.
The two collided with the force of a wrecking ball, crashing into a nearby vending machine. The machine groaned and toppled over, spilling its contents across the floor. Ruby was momentarily pinned beneath Cinder's weight but quickly scrambled to her feet. Her eyes glowed with determination as she grabbed a soda can from the wreckage, using it as a makeshift weapon. She swung it at Cinder's head with all the force she could muster, the impact causing Cinder to stagger back slightly, her expression faltering for the briefest of moments.
In that instant, Ruby seized her opportunity. She reached forward, grabbing Cinder by the head, her eyes glowing with intense, frozen energy. Cinder's expression contorted in pain as an icy chill seeped into her mind. Her body trembled as Ruby's power surged through her, forcing her to scream in agony.
But Cinder's rage was unmatched. With a violent burst of fiery energy, she broke free from Ruby's grip, sending her crashing across the cafeteria. The walls of the room shuddered from the blast, and Ruby struggled to regain her footing, her vision swimming.
Cinder pressed her hand to her forehead, feeling the warm trickle of blood oozing from the blow Ruby had delivered. Her eyes narrowed as she looked at Ruby, the fury in them unmistakable. She growled, a low, guttural sound, and rushed toward Ruby, her fiery aura intensifying.
Ruby, weakened from the clash, managed to block the incoming strike, her hands gripping Cinder's punch with incredible strength. With a surge of strength and desperation, Ruby twisted, lifting Cinder off her feet and hurling her through the cafeteria door. Cinder crashed to the ground outside, a cloud of dust rising from the impact.
Ruby stood still for a moment, her chest heaving with exhaustion, her hands still glowing faintly with the remnants of her ice power. She watched as Cinder slowly rose, her eyes filled with pure, seething rage. Without a word, Cinder backed toward a dark portal that seemed to materialize from the shadows, its swirling depths pulling at the air around it.
Ruby's eyes flickered, her glowing aura dimming as she watched Cinder disappear into the portal. The space left in her wake seemed to grow colder, the air heavy with the tension of the battle.
Ruby's glowing eyes flickered one last time before fading entirely, leaving her exhausted and drained. She stumbled slightly, the weight of the battle catching up to her. Her knees buckled, and she collapsed onto the floor, her breaths shallow and labored.
The immediate danger had passed, but Ruby's mind raced. The attack—the sound of explosions, the chaos unfolding—she couldn't stay down for long. Struggling to catch her breath, she pushed herself back up, her body aching, and her vision blurry.
Ruby steadied herself, her determination surging once more. She couldn't waste any more time. With one last glance at the cafeteria, she turned and ran, her footsteps echoing down the hall as she rushed toward the next battle that awaited her.
CONFERENCE ROOM
Minutes later, Ruby stepped into the conference room, the once bustling, vibrant hub of Beacon now a scene of devastation. The walls were scorched, the floor littered with debris, and the air thick with the scent of smoke and blood. A few Atlesian soldiers, battered and bruised, were scattered across the room, tending to the injured and assessing the damage. Some lay motionless, while others clung to life, their faces contorted in pain.
Her eyes fell first on Coco, who knelt beside Velvet, her usually confident expression replaced by a rare moment of vulnerability. Velvet's face was streaked with tears, her hands clutching Yatsuhashi, who lay on the ground with a gaping wound just above his heart. His chest barely rose and fell, a faint breath the only indication of life left in him. Coco wiped her eyes beneath her glasses, but the tears still fell, unchecked and silent.
On the other side of the room, Sun sat on the floor, his gaze distant as he looked down at Scarlet and Sage, both of whom lay unconscious and battered. Their injuries were severe, but the weight of their situation seemed heavier on Sun's heart. Neptune was seated against a wall, his arms wrapped around his knees, his face hidden in his hands, as though the reality of the situation was too much to bear.
Goodwitch hovered over Ironwood, her usually composed demeanor cracking under the weight of the gravity in the room. She was focused, her hands moving with trained precision as she tended to his wounds. Despite her efforts, Ironwood's condition seemed to worsen, his breathing shallow and labored. Qrow stood nearby, helping Winter to her feet, her pale face showing signs of exhaustion. Winter's own injuries were significant, but her stoic resolve kept her moving.
Jaune supported Oobleck, who was still disoriented from the attack, leaning on Jaune for stability as he struggled to regain his bearings. The seasoned professor's normally frantic energy was replaced by something unfamiliar—vulnerability. Cardin stood to the side, his face pale and unreadable, his eyes fixed on Dove, who lay unconscious on the ground, blood staining his uniform. The chaos around him seemed to freeze, his usual bravado vanishing entirely in the wake of the carnage.
Ren knelt beside Nora, gently holding her hand as she sat on the ground, her face buried in her knees, tears flowing freely. The weight of the losses, of everything that had happened, was too much for Nora to handle. Ren's quiet presence was the only comfort he could offer, but even his calm was tested by the grief that filled the room.
But Ruby couldn't find Blake—or Yang. Her heart sank in her chest, the knot in her stomach growing tighter as she scanned the room. No sign of them. No sign of Neo either.
Her gaze eventually landed on Weiss. She was crouched beside Ozpin, her hands pressed firmly against his chest, attempting to stem the flow of blood, but it was too late. Weiss looked up at Ruby, her face pale and exhausted, her eyes empty from the emotional toll of the situation.
Ruby's breath caught in her throat as she approached. She knelt down beside them, her heart racing. Ozpin's face was pale, his breathing shallow and slow. He weakly grasped Weiss's shoulder, his hand trembling as he made one final connection with her. Weiss locked eyes with him, her face reflecting a mixture of sorrow and disbelief.
Ozpin's final breath came in a labored gasp. A single tear slid from the corner of his eye as he looked up at Weiss one last time. And then, just as quickly, his expression went blank. His breathing stopped. His arm fell lifeless to the floor.
Weiss's hands stilled, frozen in disbelief. Ruby, too, felt her own world come crashing down around her. She reached forward, her fingers trembling as she touched Ozpin's throat, desperately hoping for a pulse. But there was nothing. The cold, harsh reality of it hit her all at once.
Tears welled in her eyes, spilling over and leaving streaks on her face as she laid her forehead against Ozpin's chest. The steady thrum of his heartbeat was now just a memory. Sobbing quietly, Ruby clutched him tighter, the world around her blurring as the weight of everything became too much to bear.
Weiss's hand landed gently on Ruby's shoulder, her own tears flowing freely now. She couldn't speak, couldn't offer any words of comfort, because there were none. The loss was too overwhelming, too raw.
After what felt like an eternity, Ruby pulled herself away, her eyes puffy and red. She stared down at Ozpin's body, her heart aching with the weight of everything that had happened. She closed his eyes gently, her hands lingering for just a moment before she stood up.
Her legs felt like lead, her body heavy with grief, but she reached out and grasped Weiss's hand. Weiss didn't hesitate, standing beside her, the two of them silent in their shared sorrow.
Ruby walked slowly to the window, her steps slow and unsteady. She didn't want to look at the destruction around her anymore, didn't want to see the aftermath of the attack—the people they had lost, the lives they would never get back. She stared outside, her vision blurred by the tears she had not yet shed, her heart aching with the weight of all they had suffered.
And in that moment, she didn't know what to do. But she knew that the world outside was still there, and it would never stop turning. Even if everything had changed.
LIBRARY
Yang crashed through the window, the glass shattering into a thousand shards that rained down around her. She landed with a sickening thud on the cold marble floor of the library. Blood trickled from a cut on her cheek as she groaned, struggling to push herself up. Her limbs felt heavy, her body broken and battered from the brutal assault. The pain was overwhelming, but Yang refused to give in.
With a hiss of determination, she pulled herself up onto all fours, her hand scraping against the floor for leverage. She dragged herself forward, crawling desperately, her breath ragged. Every movement sent sharp pains coursing through her body, but she couldn't stop. She wouldn't stop.
Salem's presence loomed in the doorway, her tall, imposing figure filling the entrance as the darkness of her aura radiated around her. She stepped inside the library, her footsteps slow, deliberate, and full of malice. The flickering light of the shattered windows cast eerie shadows across her face, and her cold smile widened as she watched Yang's feeble attempts to escape.
Yang gritted her teeth, struggling to lift herself from the ground. Her hand moved to her side where Ember Celica was holstered. With trembling hands, she managed to extend her blade, pointing it at Salem with the last ounce of strength she had. The blade glinted in the dim light, and despite the odds, Yang's resolve hardened. She wouldn't die here, not like this.
With a feral snarl, Yang lunged forward, aiming for Salem's heart. But Salem was faster, quicker than Yang could react. In an instant, she grabbed the blade mid-strike, her grip unyielding. Yang's heart skipped a beat as Salem's eyes glinted with amusement, and in one smooth motion, she twisted the blade in her grip. There was a sickening snap as Ember Celica was severed from her arm, the blade falling uselessly to the floor.
Yang screamed in shock and pain as the remains of her weapon clattered away, and before she could react, Salem's hand closed around her throat. She was lifted off the ground with ease, her body hanging helplessly in Salem's grip like a ragdoll.
Salem's cruel smile grew as she pinned Yang to the ground again with a force that knocked the breath from her lungs. Yang could only groan in agony as Salem slammed her into the cold, unforgiving floor once more. The impact left her vision blurry, the edges of her consciousness fading in and out.
Salem leaned down, her face hovering just above Yang's. The light from the broken windows cast her face in shadows, accentuating the malice in her expression.
"It was foolish to face me alone, Yang Xiao Long," Salem said, her voice low and laced with contempt. "But, then again, your mother was the same when she tried to fight me."
Yang's eyes snapped open in shock. Her breath caught in her throat as her gaze locked with Salem's. For the first time in the fight, she faltered. "My... mother?"
Salem's smile widened, dark and knowing. "Yes. And in the end, you ended up just like her: weak, powerless, and lying on the floor, beaten by me." She glanced down at the severed blade, her expression one of mild amusement. "Oh. And also like this."
Before Yang could react, Salem drew the blade from the floor. Her grip tightened around the handle, and in a swift, fluid motion, she plunged the jagged end of Ember Celica into Yang's abdomen.
Yang's scream of pain echoed through the library, the searing agony tearing through her body as she tried in vain to push Salem away. Her hands weakly clawed at Salem's arm, but it was no use. The blade was lodged deep inside her, and the blood came rushing out in a torrent.
Salem stood over her, watching with an expression that could only be described as satisfaction. She let the blade stay lodged in Yang's body for a moment longer, savoring the pain it caused, before she slowly withdrew it. Yang's body trembled, her breath coming in shallow, ragged gasps.
With a final smile, Salem turned away, as another dark portal materialized behind her. The shadows seemed to swallow her whole as she stepped toward it, her laughter echoing in the room.
Yang could barely move, her vision blurring with the blood loss, the world around her becoming distant and cold. The portal closed behind Salem, leaving Yang alone on the floor, the library now eerily quiet.
Blood pooled around her as she lay there, her breath shallow, her body trembling. But even as her consciousness faded, one thought remained: she wasn't going to die like this. Not here. Not now.
She just had to hold on.