BEACON LIBRARY
The library at Beacon was unusually quiet. The typical chatter of students and the rustling of books was replaced by a peaceful silence, broken only by the occasional turning of a at one of the long wooden tables, a book in her hands. Her gaze flicked over the pages, absorbing the words, though her mind wandered a bit.
She loved the quiet, the calm. It was the perfect escape from the noise of the world. But then, hercat earstwitched. She heard it—the faintest sound, a soft tiptoeing that echoed through her heightened senses. The sound was subtle, but unmistakable to her sharp hearing. She glanced up, her eyes scanning the area.
And then, she saw it. The red dot. It hovered on the page she was reading, a tiny, irritating spot of light that seemed to taunt her.
"Yang?"Blake muttered under her breath, her eyes narrowing.
She looked around the library again, trying to spot her friend, but all she saw were a couple of students, absorbed in their own books. No sign of Yang. Blake's brow furrowed. With a small sigh, she went back to reading, but the red dot was there again, this time on the opposite page. It blinked for a moment before disappearing.
Blake's patience was wearing thin. She growled under her breath, clearly annoyed, and shifted to a different seat. She opened her book once more, but before she could even get comfortable, there it was again. The red dot.
"Come on,"Blake muttered, her frustration evident as she let out another sigh.
She slammed the book shut with a little more force than necessary and stood up, glaring at the dot. As it moved again, she quickly followed it, her cat-like instincts kicking in. Her eyes locked onto the small red beam, and she silently moved down the aisles of bookshelves, trying to stay unnoticed. There was no one else in sight; the library seemed empty, save for the occasional student off in the distance.
The dot danced along the shelves, teasing Blake as it moved from one row to another. She followed it, keeping her footsteps as light as possible. The moment she rounded the corner, however, she stopped.
There, standing casually by a bookshelf, wasSun, holding a laser pointer. His mischievous grin met her gaze as he waved his hand nonchalantly.
"Why?"Blake asked, her tone a mixture of annoyance and disbelief.
"Just having some fun,"Sun chuckled, his grin widening.
Blake crossed her arms, shaking her head."You really are impossible, aren't you?"
Sun stepped forward, clearly enjoying the moment. He leaned in, and before Blake could protest, his lips brushed against hers. Blake's eyes went wide, caught off guard, but she didn't pull away. When they separated, Blake's cheeks flushed slightly, a hint of pink creeping across her face.
"Too soon?"Sun asked, his voice soft, almost sheepish, as he scratched the back of his head.
Blake stared at him for a few seconds, her expression unreadable. Then, a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips."Maybe a little. I was kind of hoping it would be me making the first move."
Sun nervously chuckled, scratching his head again."Sorry."
Before Blake could respond, they both heard a voice from behind them.
"Was there a reason why you did this... in front of me?"The voice was icy, and Blake turned to findWeisssitting nearby, her book closed in her lap.
Sun, startled, stepped back quickly."Um... didn't see you there?"he stammered, clearly flustered.
Weiss sighed, rolling her eyes as she stood up, tucking the book under her arm."Well, then. I'll leave you two to whatever you're going to do next."She began to walk away, but her expression softened slightly, her eyes flicking to Blake with an almost amused glint.
Blake shook her head, trying not to smile at the awkwardness of the moment. But before she could say anything more, the sound of a ringing Scroll interrupted the into her pocket and pulled out her Scroll, the screen lighting up with a picture ofRuby.
"Hey, Ruby," Weiss answered, her tone polite but concerned, noticing the change in Ruby's mood even through the screen.
Ruby's voice came through soft and quieter than usual.
"Weiss," Ruby's tone was far less cheerful than it typically was. There was a hint of sadness in her voice, something that immediately caught Weiss's attention.
"Ruby", Weiss said, her voice tinged with concern. "Are you all right?"
PATCH - RUBY'S ROOM
Ruby sat alone in her room, the dim light of the evening filtering through the window. She was curled up on the floor in the corner, one arm wrapped tightly around her knees, the other holding her Scroll. Her eyes were unfocused, staring blankly at the wall, lost in thought. The weight of everything that had happened, of all the pain and fear, felt heavier with every passing minute.
The pieces of Crescent Rose lay scattered on the floor beside her, the once powerful weapon now broken and useless. Ruby's fingers lingered on one of the fragments, but her gaze remained distant, her mind unable to process the reality of what had just occurred. Her heart felt hollow, like she had lost something far more important than just a weapon.
"Yeah. I am."
Her voice was soft, almost too soft, as if she were trying to convince herself more than anyone else. The words felt empty, as though they didn't match the storm inside her chest.
There was a pause, and then Weiss's voice came through the Scroll, tinged with concern.
"Really? You don't sound alright."
Ruby tightened her grip on her knees, the ache in her chest intensifying. She didn't want to burden Weiss with her feelings. She didn't want anyone to see her like this. But the crack in her voice betrayed her, and she couldn't hide it anymore.
"I'm alright, Weiss," Ruby said quickly, though her words were shaky. "I... I'm good."
"Ruby?" Weiss's voice came again, sharper this time. "Your voice cracked a bit. What's wrong?"
Ruby opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Instead, her throat tightened, and before she knew it, tears welled up in her eyes. She sniffled, trying to hold it together, but the tears fell anyway. One by one, they slipped down her face as she shook, unable to stop the flood of emotion.
"Ruby?" Weiss's voice softened with concern, but Ruby couldn't answer right away. She wiped her eyes, trying to regain control, but the sobs came faster.
"Something very bad happened, Weiss," Ruby managed to say, her voice breaking. "Yang got hurt. Very badly."
There was a long silence, and Ruby could almost hear Weiss's breath hitch, the shock and worry coming through the Scroll even without words.
"What do you mean, she got hurt badly? Is she alright?" Weiss asked, her tone thick with anxiety.
Ruby swallowed hard, trying to steady herself, but it was impossible. She could still see the blood, the pain in Yang's eyes. She could still hear her sister's screams.
"She's going to be okay," Ruby whispered, though the words felt wrong, hollow. "But..."
Her voice faltered, and before she could continue, her emotions broke through again. She tried to stifle her sobs, but they came harder now, each one tearing through her. She buried her face in her knees, overwhelmed by the memory of everything that had happened.
"I could use my friends right now," Ruby said quietly, her words barely more than a whisper, lost in the depth of her grief.
Weiss's heart broke at the sound of Ruby's pain. "Ruby..." she said softly, her voice full of sympathy. "We're all here for you. Whatever you need, we'll be there."
Ruby didn't answer. She didn't have the strength to. All she could do was sit there, surrounded by the broken pieces of Crescent Rose, the weight of it all pressing down on her. She wasn't okay. And for the first time, she allowed herself to admit it. She needed her friends, more than ever.
Beacon - Library
Weiss looked at her Scroll, her expression tight with worry as she processed Ruby's words. She could hear the tremor in her voice, the sadness, the weight of everything Ruby had just experienced. She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to steady herself, before turning to Blake and Sun, who were both standing nearby with concern written on their faces.
"Okay, Ruby," Weiss said, her voice firm but gentle. "Blake and I will take the next airship to Patch. We'll be there soon. Okay?"
Ruby's response came shakily, almost too quiet to hear. "Okay."
Weiss's heart clenched, but she pushed the feeling aside. She needed to be strong now, for Ruby's sake. "Just stay where you are," she continued. "And don't leave. We'll be there."
She ended the call, the heavy weight of the conversation lingering in the air. Weiss sighed and turned to Blake, who had been watching her with a quiet, concerned gaze. Blake's expression mirrored the worry she felt, but before Weiss could speak, Blake asked the question hanging in the air.
"What happened?"
Weiss glanced at Blake, her brow furrowing slightly. "I'll tell you in the airship," she said. "But we need to go. Now."
Blake nodded, understanding the urgency. They couldn't waste any time. Weiss turned toward Sun, who stood off to the side, watching them with a mixture of confusion and concern. His face softened as he saw the tension between the two girls.
"Sun," Weiss said, her voice sharp but not unkind. "Go back to your dorm room. We have this covered."
Sun hesitated, but only for a moment. He could see the weight of the situation in their eyes, and he didn't need to ask any more questions. "Got it," he said quietly, before turning and heading for the door.
Weiss grabbed Blake's arm, her grip a little firmer than usual. Without another word, they left the library together, stepping into the bustling halls of Beacon. The urgency in Weiss's movements was palpable as she led the way. Time was slipping away, and they needed to get to Patch. Ruby was waiting, and they couldn't afford to let her face everything alone.
Beacon - Qrow's Room
Qrow sat slumped in the corner of his room, his posture disheveled and his mind clouded. He took another long swig from his bottle, the contents disappearing in a few quick gulps. With a frustrated grunt, he lowered his arm, his gaze lingering on the now-empty bottle. The silence in the room was oppressive, but not for long.
He stared at the bottle in his hand before throwing it onto the floor, watching it shatter into pieces. The sound of glass hitting the floor echoed in the small room, but it did little to quiet the storm inside him. His chest heaved as he panted, the tension building. His back pressed against the wall as he sank to the floor, trying to escape the chaos inside his head.
A knock at the door pierced the stillness.
Qrow groaned loudly in annoyance, not bothering to get up. The door creaked open anyway, and he could hear the faint footsteps approaching. When a pair of boots appeared in his line of sight, he looked up, his eyes narrowing as he took in the familiar figure standing before him.
Winter Schnee, arms crossed and expression unreadable.
"What do you want, Ice Queen?" Qrow grumbled, his voice sharp.
"Name calling," Winter replied coolly. "Is that all you got for me?"
Qrow didn't respond immediately. Instead, he pulled out his flask, unscrewed the cap, and brought it to his lips. But just before he could take a drink, he froze, staring at the flask in his hand. He exhaled sharply, almost as if trying to shake off the thoughts clouding his mind.
"Oz told me about Cinder's plan to attack the parade," Qrow muttered, his tone dark. "And how Jimmy knew, too. But he didn't do anything. Didn't even send you or anyone else to assist."
"I am aware, Qrow," Winter said, her voice steady. She walked over, took the flask from him, and took a long drink. Qrow blinked in surprise, but said nothing. Winter placed the flask on the table with a small, deliberate clink. "Ironwood had a chance to help. I even volunteered to go to Patch. But all he said was no. Said that we were... 'too occupied.'"
Qrow's brow furrowed in disbelief. "Well, if you're 'too occupied'... then why are you here?"
Winter found a chair and sat down, her posture rigid yet weary. "Because Ironwood is starting to lose it," she replied, her voice lower now, tinged with an edge of concern. "He's getting further and further away from the very goals he set to accomplish."
Qrow glanced at her, confused. "Even trying to find Cinder Fall?"
"Even that," Winter confirmed. "And why do you think that is?"
Qrow just shook his head. "I don't know. I figured Ironwood had his reasons, but this... this is different."
Winter sighed, her gaze turning inward as she reflected on everything that had transpired. "Believe me, Qrow. I do not know." She picked up her sword from the table and stared at it, as if searching for answers in the cold, polished steel. She then sits down across from Qrow. "I thought I knew him. I respected him. I was loyal to him, even when I was in Atlas Academy. But when he refused to help the people of Patch, even when he knew people could die... I knew that this would be the start. Pretty soon, he'll refuse to help anyone else, but those in Atlas. When I voiced my concerns, he threatened to have me dishonorably discharged for insubordination."
Qrow looked away for a moment, deep in thought. "I may not know Jimmy that well... but that's not like him."
"That's exactly what I said," Winter replied softly, a hint of frustration in her voice. "And I wasn't going to stick around to see what else he'll do. So, effective this morning, I am no longer an Atlas Specialist, nor a soldier of the Atlesian military."
Qrow raised his eyebrows, surprised. "Huh. I didn't think I'd ever hear that from you."
Winter looked up at him, meeting his gaze with a slight, tired smile. "Yep. From this day forward, I'll be spending my days helping others. As a Huntress."
She stood up, walking to the door. However, instead of leaving, she picked something up from the floor and walked back into the room. Qrow watched curiously as Winter came closer, now carrying a duffel bag.
"And as much as I hate to ask you, of all people...a friend..." she hesitated, her voice tinged with uncertainty, "I was kind of hoping... if I could stay here for a couple of days?"
Qrow could hear the nervousness in her voice. He stood up slowly, sensing the weight of her words. "Is that what you would call me? A friend?"
Winter glanced at him, a little embarrassed. "Well... more of... a close acquaintance."
Qrow chuckled at that. "Fair enough." He motioned toward the cluttered state of the room. "I may have to clean the place up a little. But... if you can handle the smell, then okay."
Winter sighed in relief. "Thank you, Qrow."
"Don't get too comfortable," Qrow said with a grin, before walking over to his sword. "I'm heading out soon."
"Going somewhere?" Winter asked, watching him closely.
Qrow paused, his hand hovering over the hilt of his sword. "Yeah. Going to see my niece. Hopefully, she's calmed down after everything that happened."
Winter's expression softened as she nodded. "I see. I heard about what happened to Miss Xiao Long." She opened her duffel bag and pulled out a small, rectangular box. "Which is why I... 'commandeered' this for her. I can assume you know what this is."
Qrow took the box from her, his fingers brushing against the cool surface. "Commandeered, huh?" He chuckled, looking at her with amusement. "You surprise me, Schnee."
"I blame you," Winter said with a wry smile. "You and your mischievous influence."
Qrow's grin widened as he looked at the box, then back at Winter. "Thanks, Winter."
With that, he turned and headed for the door, the box under one arm. Winter watched him leave, a quiet sense of relief washing over her.
After a few moments, Winter walked to the small kitchen. She opened the fridge, her eyes scanning the bottles inside. She sighed softly, then picked up a small bottle of alcohol, holding it in her hands for a long moment. She stared at the label, her thoughts swirling.
Finally, she sighed again, her fingers tightening around the bottle. She stood there, considering her options, as the weight of everything began to press down on her shoulders.
Should I? she wondered, the question hanging in the air as she contemplated the next step.
Winter's fingers hovered over the cap of the bottle, her mind racing, and the sound of the fridge door closing echoed softly in the room.
Would she drink? Or would she choose something else entirely?
PATCH
Ruby sat at the dining table, her eyes fixed on the sandwich that lay untouched in front of her. The bread, the ham, the cheese—it all seemed so insignificant in that moment. Her mind was elsewhere, lost in the weight of everything that had happened. Taiyang stood nearby, arms crossed, his face furrowed with concern. He watched his daughter, feeling helpless as she sat there, caught in a silent storm of emotions.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Both Ruby and Taiyang looked up, startled by the sound. Ruby's gaze flickered to the door, her face scrunching in confusion.
"That can't be them," Ruby said, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I just called them."
"Who?" Taiyang asked, his brow raised.
"Weiss and Blake," Ruby replied, her shoulders slumping. "My teammates. But they shouldn't be here yet."
Taiyang's suspicion grew. He moved toward a nearby drawer and retrieved a gauntlet, the blades clicking into place as he strapped it on. He approached the door cautiously, glancing at Ruby with a grim look before heading to the window. He lifted the blinds slightly, peering out, and his expression shifted.
"It's not your teammates, Ruby," Taiyang said, his voice low. "But it's people you know."
Ruby's confusion deepened until Taiyang opened the door. As the figure stepped into view, Ruby's eyes widened in surprise. Jaune, Ren, and Nora stood on the doorstep, concern evident on their faces.
Ruby's heart sank. She stood up abruptly, her gaze dropping to the floor. "What are you guys doing here?" she asked, her voice small.
"We heard about what happened," Jaune explained. "Well... we kind of saw it on the news. We saw you. And we saw Yang. Both lying on the ground. We were worried."
Ruby forced a tight smile, trying to hold back the emotion that threatened to spill over. "Well, I'm okay, Jaune," she said, her tone more neutral than she felt. "Just a few scratches. Had to wear a sling for a while, but I'm good."
Ren looked over at Ruby with quiet concern. "And... Yang?"
Ruby hesitated, a lump forming in her throat. "I don't want to talk about it," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She turned away and walked toward the stairs, the weight of her steps heavy with the burden of everything she had endured. Halfway up, she paused and turned to face them once more.
"I appreciate you guys coming," Ruby said, her voice wavering slightly. "But I'm really tired. Going to get some sleep. Feel free to stay the night. Weiss and Blake should be here soon."
Without waiting for a response, she turned and continued up the stairs, leaving the trio to exchange looks below.
Nora's voice broke the silence as she turned toward Taiyang. "How bad was it?"
Taiyang sank into a chair, his face solemn. "Very bad," he answered, his voice thick with the gravity of the situation. "Yang took a nasty hit on her right arm. It cost her badly."
The trio stood frozen, absorbing his words.
"Cost her?" Jaune repeated, his voice tight with worry.
Taiyang took a deep breath before continuing, his eyes distant as he relived the painful memory. "The damage was severe. Amputated instantly."
Jaune, Ren, and Nora stood in shock, their eyes wide. The words hit them like a physical blow.
"That's the same reaction we had when we heard," Taiyang continued quietly. "Yang's been silent since the incident. Depressed. And Ruby... she blames herself for what happened."
Jaune stood, his eyes lifting toward the stairs, his expression hardening with determination. "Can I go talk to her, sir?" he asked, his voice steady despite the concern in his eyes. "Maybe I can help."
Taiyang watched him for a moment, assessing him before answering. "Why do you think that?"
Jaune's lips twitched into a small smile. "Trust me, Mr. Xiao Long," he said, his voice light but carrying a hint of experience. "I live with seven sisters. I've been doing this for years."
Taiyang blinked, taken aback. He raised an eyebrow. "Seven sisters, huh?"
Nora nodded with a grin. "Yeah. Seven... single... sisters. All who tried to fight for this guy." She motioned toward Ren with a teasing smile.
Ren sighed, his hand running through his hair. "Nora, please."
Taiyang let out a quiet laugh, the tension in the room easing for a moment. He then gave Jaune a small nod. "Okay. If you think you can help."
Jaune nodded in appreciation, then headed upstairs, his footsteps echoing as he made his way toward Ruby.
Taiyang settled back into his chair with a weary sigh, shaking his head at the unexpected turn of events. "Seven sisters..." he muttered, glancing over at Nora and Ren.
Ren chuckled softly, crossing his arms. "Yeah, but they'll never let him live it down."
Nora, ever the playful one, grinned. "Oh, it's true. They all tried their best, but Jaune? He's a tough cookie."
Taiyang shook his head with a small, amused smile. "I guess he's got more experience than I thought."
RUBY'S ROOM
The door to Ruby's room opens quietly, and Jaune steps in, his expression soft as he looks around.
"Ruby?"
Ruby is sitting against the wall, her legs pulled to her chest, her face a mix of exhaustion and sorrow. Slowly, she turns her head toward him, her eyes soft and unsure. Jaune hesitates, then asks gently,
"Mind if I sit next to you?"
Ruby stares at him for a long moment, her thoughts unreadable. She finally nods, just a slight motion of her head. Jaune places Crocea Mors on top of the dresser with a soft clink and carefully sits down next to Ruby. The two sit in silence, neither sure where to begin.
Ruby breaks the silence first, her voice barely a whisper.
"My dad told you," she says, looking down. "Didn't he?"
Jaune nods quietly. "Yeah. He did."
Ruby lowers her head, staring at the floor, the weight of everything pressing down on her shoulders.
"Well, at least I didn't have to say it myself," she mutters, her fingers twisting together. "It's... it's painful for me to talk about."
Jaune looks at her with understanding, but doesn't push. After a long pause, he softly speaks.
"Because you blame yourself... for what happened."
Ruby's eyes flicker, her lips trembling as she nods, barely able to meet his gaze.
"Yeah."
The words hang in the air for a moment, before Ruby finally starts speaking, her voice thick with emotion.
"The parade... Cinder was there. I was so... angry. I knew I had to stop her, but I didn't think—" She stops, her breath catching. "I didn't think I'd lose control like that. I was so focused on stopping her, I broke Crescent Rose."
She clenches her hands in her lap, the memories still raw.
"I... I thought I could handle it. But I couldn't. I thought if I was strong enough, if I tried hard enough..." Her voice cracks, a soft sob escaping before she can stop it. "And then Yang..."
She looks up, her eyes burning with unshed tears. "I couldn't save her, Jaune. I couldn't stop Adam from taking her arm. I... I watched her lose it. And I couldn't do anything."
Jaune stays silent, giving her space to express her pain. Finally, Ruby looks over at him, the question in her eyes.
"Has something like that ever happened to you?"
Jaune takes a deep breath, looking away for a moment, lost in thought. To Ruby's surprise, he nods.
"Yeah," he admits quietly.
Ruby blinks, a little taken aback. "Really?"
Jaune looks back at her, his expression darkening slightly as he remembers.
"Being the second youngest of seven sisters... you learn quickly that they're always going to be overprotective," he starts. "Some of them broke bones trying to keep me safe. But it was my oldest sister, Jane... she nearly died, saving me from the Grimm."
Ruby's eyes widen in shock, and she instinctively leans forward, listening intently.
"I was just a stupid 13-year-old," Jaune continues, his voice quiet, almost haunted. "I thought I was ready to fight Grimm. I went into the forest, thinking I could handle a few. I was wrong. A small horde showed up. Jane followed me, keeping an eye on me. She told me she was impressed, but..." He clenches his fists, his face hardening.
"But when she stepped in to protect me, she took a bad hit. She lost her left leg. She was like Yang—depressed, angry. And I blamed myself for it. I still do."
Jaune's hands tremble slightly, his voice steadying as he continues.
"Jane didn't let it stop her, though. She got a prosthetic and went back to fighting. But for me... I still blame myself. I always will." He meets Ruby's eyes now, his gaze unwavering. "And I know, deep down, I'm right. But I use that guilt to push myself—to get stronger."
Ruby sits still, trying to process what he's said, her heart aching for him. Jaune turns to her, his gaze softening.
"I didn't go to Beacon just to get stronger," he adds. "I went so that I could stop something like that from ever happening again. So I could prevent someone from getting hurt because of my own weakness. You have to do the same thing, Ruby. Use that guilt... let it fuel you. Get stronger."
Ruby swallows hard, her voice a little hoarse.
"I... I never knew about that," she says quietly. "I'm sorry, Jaune."
Jaune shakes his head, a small, sad smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"It's okay. You're actually the first person outside my family to know about this. Not even my team knows."
Ruby looks at him with surprise. "But... why?"
Jaune hesitates, then answers, his voice softer now.
"Because you're my best friend, Ruby," he says, his gaze sincere. "And you're the only one I trust, more than anyone else."
Ruby's eyebrows raise in disbelief. "Even more than your team?"
Jaune nods, a quiet affirmation.
"Yeah."
"Wow..." Ruby whispers, taken aback by his words. "That's... that's surprising." She yawns, rubbing her eyes. "Oh, man, I'm pretty tired."
She stands up slowly, walking toward her bed. She kicks off her boots and lies down, looking up at Jaune with a small smile.
"Thanks, Jaune," she says, her voice drowsy.
Jaune smiles back at her, a soft warmth spreading through him.
"Anytime," he replies quietly, standing up to leave. But as he starts to step away, he feels a sudden tug on his arm. He is then forced to her bed, with Ruby's grip not letting go.
"Uh... Ruby?" he murmurs, confused.
Ruby doesn't answer, still fast asleep, but her arm is wrapped tightly around him, holding him in place. Jaune tries to pull away, but her newfound strength is far stronger than he anticipated.
"Ruby?" he says again, this time more urgently.
She mumbles something unintelligible, her grip unyielding. Jaune groans softly, realizing his attempts to escape are futile.
"Oh, crap," he mutters under his breath.
Suddenly, the door creaks open, and Weiss and Blake peek in, their eyes widening at the sight. Blake's lips curl into a mischievous smile as she pulls out her Scroll.
"That's cute," she says with a smirk, snapping a picture. "Just found my new wallpaper."
"Guys!" Jaune whispers sharply, his face flushed bright red. "Can you help me out here?"
Weiss chuckles, shaking her head.
"No can do," she replies, a sly grin on her face. She reaches for the door handle. "We'll leave you two alone. Night."
Jaune opens his mouth to protest, but the door shuts with a soft click. He's left frozen, surprised and a little embarrassed.
With a sigh, Jaune gives up. He slips off his own boots, then lies down beside Ruby, careful not to disturb her too much. As he closes his eyes, he hears Ruby's soft humming, a peaceful sound that makes him smile despite himself.
But then he remembers Yang's words, the ones she said when she was drunk. Ruby likes you a lot, too!
Jaune's smile falters for a moment, the memory lingering in the back of his mind. His heart beats a little faster as he hears Ruby mumble in her sleep.
"Jauney Boy... it's like you're actually here."
Jaune's face goes bright red, and he can't help but laugh quietly, though his heart races at her words.
"Really, Ruby?" he murmurs softly.
He crosses his arms, yawns, and slowly begins to drift off to sleep. His last thoughts are of Ruby, of everything that's happened between them—and the uncertain, but hopeful, future ahead.
HOSPITAL ROOM
Yang lay in the hospital bed, her body covered by a soft blanket, only her neck and head visible. She stared out the window, lost in thought, her expression distant and tired. The sound of the door opening barely registered in her mind as Qrow stepped into the room, holding a small, neatly wrapped box.
"What do you want, Qrow?" Yang's voice was hoarse, but sharp as she turned her head slightly to acknowledge him.
Qrow grinned, his usual mischievous glint in his eyes. "Just thought I'd bring you a gift, Firecracker. Well... not from me. From Winter." He paused as if considering how best to proceed.
Yang blinked, a furrow appearing on her brow. "Winter? Why would she be sending me something?" Her voice held a mix of skepticism and confusion, a bit surprised by the gesture.
Qrow shrugged casually, looking amused at her reaction. "I'm not the one who sent it. Maybe she figured you could use something to brighten your day, or maybe Weiss spilled the beans about your... taste in certain things," he said with a sly smile.
Yang didn't respond at first, her gaze drifting back to the window, the faint light from the outside world casting shadows across the room. "I don't know..." she muttered, clearly lost in her thoughts, her voice trailing off.
Qrow watched her for a moment, then, sensing that she wasn't in the mood to open the gift herself, he asked, "You want to open it? Or should I do the honors?"
When Yang didn't respond, he let out a soft sigh, grinning wider. "Fine, I'll open it for you. You're lucky I'm such a nice guy."
He unwrapped the box, peeling away the paper with practiced ease. Inside, nestled in soft fabric, was a small wooden carving—an intricately detailed phoenix, its wings spread wide as if caught mid-flight. The craftsmanship was remarkable, every feather finely carved with delicate precision.
Yang's gaze shifted slowly from the window to the object in Qrow's hands. Her eyes widened slightly at the sight of the phoenix, her lips parting in surprise. She tilted her head, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.
"Guess Winter found out about your fondness for phoenixes through Weiss," Qrow said, his voice tinged with amusement as he looked at the carving. "Thought it might remind you of, well... better things."
Yang blinked, still staring at the carving. It was strange, seeing something so personal, yet so simple, in front of her. It's something that felt both comforting and meaningful.
But just as she was about to say something, she caught the glint of something else inside the box. Her eyes widened further, her attention now fully on Qrow as he reached for a second item.
Qrow's smile shifted, turning a little more knowing, as he carefully lifted the second object from the case. Yang's expression shifted into one of utter surprise, her breath catching slightly as she stared at whatever it was.
THE NEXT MORNING - PATCH
Taiyang Xiao Long yawned loudly as he stepped out of his room, stretching his arms above his head. The early morning sunlight filtered through the windows, casting soft light across the hallway. He was still half-asleep, barely processing the world around him.
A small, feminine cough interrupted his tired daze.
Taiyang turned and saw Weiss, standing at the other end of the hallway, also in a nightgown, rubbing her eyes with a groan. She looked about as awake as he felt.
"Good morning to you, Ice Queen," Taiyang teased with a grin.
Weiss shot him a tired, annoyed look. "Really? You too?"
Taiyang chuckled. "Kidding. Yang wanted me to call you that when we first met." He gave a mischievous wink and reached for the doorknob of Ruby's room.
Weiss raised an eyebrow. "Um... are you sure you want to do that?"
Taiyang paused, turning back to her, confused. "Why do you say that?"
Before Weiss could answer, a loud yawn echoed from the other side of Ruby's door. It was definitely a male yawn.
Taiyang's brow furrowed in suspicion. "Who's in Ruby's room?" he asked, his tone now serious.
Before Weiss could respond, the door to Ruby's room opened. Taiyang blinked in surprise as a groggy Jaune walked out of the bathroom, still wiping his face with a towel, his eyes half-lidded.
"Morning," Jaune mumbled, stifling another yawn as he started heading back toward the bathroom.
Taiyang crossed his arms and blocked the door. "Hold on, young man."
Jaune stopped, his shoulders slumping in resignation. He turned to face the angry father, letting out a long, irritated sigh. "Care to explain why you were sleeping in Ruby's room?"
Jaune didn't hesitate. He was honest and straightforward. "I gave her words of comfort after seeing her upset last night. She was really down, and I just wanted to help. She felt better and fell asleep, but... I guess my older-brother instincts kicked in and I tucked her in. Needless to say, her iron grip got me, and she held me tight like a teddy bear. I promise you, Mr. Xiao Long, nothing else happened after that."
Weiss blinked, surprised by Jaune's candor. Even Taiyang, who had expected some stammered excuse, was caught off guard by Jaune's complete honesty. After a moment, Taiyang simply nodded.
"Okay," he said, his voice a bit softer now. "If nothing else happened, I suppose I can let this go. Just this once. Ruby's been really sad since the attack."
Jaune gave a small sigh of relief, but his curiosity returned quickly. "Understandable. Are we going to see Yang today?"
Taiyang nodded. "Yes. We'll be leaving at noon. I should tell Ruby to get up and get ready."
Taiyang turned and walked into Ruby's room, leaving Jaune and Weiss standing in the hallway. Weiss looked over at Jaune with a smirk.
"You know," Weiss began, "when Blake and I saw you two last night... Blake meant it. It was pretty cute seeing you like that."
Jaune pinched the bridge of his nose, clearly embarrassed. "Please don't remind me."
Weiss chuckled. "Come on, Jaune. Just because Ruby likes you, doesn't mean you should be annoyed by it."
Jaune looked at Weiss in surprise. "How do you know?"
Weiss shrugged nonchalantly. "Yang told me, in a drunken rant, last month." She smiled a bit more. "And honestly... I would approve of it. Just think about it."
With that, Weiss walked past him and into the bathroom, leaving Jaune standing there, stunned and still processing the conversation. His mind was racing, but before he could dwell on it too long, Ruby stepped out of her room, yawning as she stretched. Taiyang was right behind her, and they both noticed Jaune still frozen in place.
"Um... you okay, Jaune?" Ruby asked, tilting her head with concern.
Jaune blinked, snapped out of his daze, and nodded quickly. He muttered a quiet, "Yeah," and then walked past her, heading for the bathroom without another word.
Ruby furrowed her brow. "Weird," she muttered, but she shrugged it off.
Taiyang cleared his throat, crossing his arms as he glanced over at Ruby. "You and I need to have a talk when we get home."
Ruby looked up at him, confused. "How come?"
Taiyang raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Well, it would seem that you held the Arc kid in your arms last night."
Ruby's eyes widened in realization. "That wasn't a dream?"
Taiyang nodded. "Nope. Real as can be."
Ruby's face flushed crimson as she lowered her head, a sheepish grin spreading across her face. "Oh, man."
BEACON - OZPIN'S OFFICE
Ozpin stood by the large window of his office, gazing out over the quiet courtyard below. The early morning sun filtered through the glass, casting long shadows across the polished floor. He sipped his coffee thoughtfully, the weight of recent events sitting heavily on his shoulders. His mind was still reeling from the attack on Patch, the fallout from Cinder Fall's plot, and now the unsettling isolation of General Ironwood. As he stood there, lost in thought, he heard the faint creak of the door opening behind him.
"Ozpin."
The voice was familiar, sharp with purpose. Ozpin turned, placing his coffee cup down on the desk and straightening as he saw the two individuals standing at the door: Glynda Goodwitch, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, and Qrow Branwen, leaning casually against the frame, looking like he hadn't slept in days.
"We need to talk," Qrow said, his voice low but tense.
Ozpin gave a small nod, his calm expression betraying no hint of surprise. "I assume this is about Fall's attack on Patch?"
"Exactly," Qrow replied, his eyes narrowing as he stepped inside, taking a swig from his flask. "It looks like ol' Jimmy knew that attack was coming. And he did nothing to stop it."
"What?" Glynda's voice rose in disbelief. "How can you be so sure of this?"
Qrow leaned back slightly, his eyes not meeting hers as he took another long gulp from the flask. "I have my sources."
But before he could elaborate further, a sharp tap on Qrow's shoulder made him turn. He froze, blinking in surprise as Winter Schnee stood behind him, arms crossed, a knowing smirk on her face.
"Really?" Winter's voice was laced with mild amusement. "You called me a 'source'?"
Qrow's expression faltered, and he quickly shot a glance at Ozpin. "What is she doing here?" he asked, clearly thrown off by the unexpected presence.
Ozpin's gaze remained steady. "It's alright, Qrow. Winter is fully aware of our situation. Including Cinder Fall and the circumstances surrounding Amber."
"And why would you tell her?" Qrow asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.
Winter's icy demeanor remained unshaken as she stepped forward, locking eyes with him. "Miss Schnee simply walked into my office, Qrow. She demanded to know what I was hiding about Cinder Fall. So, I gave her the truth."
Qrow didn't know how to respond, the situation quickly shifting into unfamiliar territory. He simply let out a quiet grunt of acknowledgment. "Huh."
Winter, always composed, tilted her head slightly, her posture unwavering. "You need to understand something, Qrow," she said, her voice steady. "Ironwood is slowly isolating himself from everyone, but Atlas. He's distancing himself from us, from the people who could hold him accountable. And Ozpin here offered me his place in this circle."
Qrow raised an eyebrow, still skeptical. "Miss Schnee is more capable of handling her new role," he said, glancing over at Ozpin. "And considering she's no longer part of the Atlesian army, her position as a Huntress keeps her under Ironwood's radar."
Winter nodded, her gaze sharp. "And I'm offering my support. I'll help you apprehend Cinder Fall and her accomplices before Ironwood does. I believe in justice, Qrow. And Ironwood's version of it is… dangerous. It's a perversion of what's right, and it will damage Atlas' reputation. So it's up to us to stop him before it's too late."
Qrow watched her carefully for a long moment, considering her words. After a tense silence, he finally nodded, letting out a heavy sigh. "Alright. Welcome aboard, then. I'm looking forward to working with you."
Winter's expression softened only slightly, though she remained distant. "Please keep your distance."
Qrow tilted his head, his grin growing wider. "You're staying at my place. How exactly am I supposed to keep my distance?"
Winter's eyes narrowed, but there was a hint of amusement in her voice. "I'll find a way."
Qrow chuckled at her serious tone, clearly enjoying the playful challenge. "As you wish, Ice Queen."
Winter sighed deeply, rubbing her temples. "I can already tell this is going to be a long partnership."
As Qrow turned to leave, he paused in the doorway and glanced back at Goodwitch. Without saying a word, he gave a small nod. Glynda raised an eyebrow in surprise but said nothing in response. As the elevator doors closed behind him, she allowed a brief smile to slip onto her face—a rare moment of warmth in her usually composed exterior.
Ozpin, who had been silently observing the exchange, took another sip of his coffee, his gaze distant. "I have a feeling," he said softly, as if to himself, "this is going to be… interesting."
Winter stood beside him, arms still crossed, her eyes focused on the spot where Qrow had just been. "I hope you're right," she muttered, the weight of the decisions to come settling in.
HOSPITAL SCENE
Ruby stood by the window, her hands pressed against the cold glass, staring out at the city below. The bustle of the world seemed so distant, like she was trapped in a moment that wouldn't let her move forward.
"Ruby?" Jaune's voice broke through the silence. He was standing a few steps behind her, his tone a mix of concern and curiosity. "You've been standing there for five minutes. Are you okay?"
Ruby slowly turned around, her eyes clouded with uncertainty. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... a little nervous. The last time I saw Yang... she was being rushed away by the doctors, screaming." Her voice faltered, as if the memory itself was choking her.
Jaune gave a reassuring smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'm sure she's doing better now."
"I don't know, Jaune," Ruby whispered, the weight of her words hanging heavy in the air. "Losing an arm... that can change someone. What if she's not okay? What if she's depressed or—"
"Hey," Jaune cut in gently, stepping closer. "We won't know until we see her. Maybe... maybe she'll get a new arm or something. A robot one, even."
Ruby let out a small chuckle, her lips curling just slightly. "That would be kinda cool."
Jaune gave a nod, his voice brightening a little. "Then let's go see her. You know where her room is?"
Ruby nodded. "Yeah. Dad went to see her already. Let's go."
As they approached the waiting area, Jaune turned to look back at the others—Ren, Nora, Weiss, and Blake—who were seated, eyes glancing up as he motioned for them to follow. They fell in step behind, their footsteps echoing in the quiet hall.
They stopped in front of a door, and Ruby took a deep breath. "There it is... Yang's room."
Blake hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Maybe you should go first. It's family, after all."
Jaune nodded in agreement. "We'll wait for you to let us in."
Ruby swallowed nervously and took a tentative step forward. Just as she reached for the handle, she heard voices from inside the room.
"Yang. Are you absolutely sure about this?" Taiyang's voice was low, filled with concern.
"I'm sure, Dad. 100%. Why do you ask?" Yang's voice, steady but tinged with frustration, followed.
"Well... what Qrow gave you, that's technically stolen property. If you wear it and get caught, explaining it won't be easy."
Yang let out a long sigh. "Chill out, Dad. I seriously doubt Atlas or Ironwood are going to care. The only places I'll be going are home or Beacon."
Taiyang's voice grew more hesitant. "But the procedure, Yang. It's risky."
"Only a 12% risk, and it's one I'm willing to take." There was a brief pause before Yang's voice softened. "How do you think Ruby will react to this?"
"...She'll probably think it's awesome," Taiyang admitted, though his voice had a touch of uncertainty. "But she might be a little upset when you tell her about the risks."
Yang's response was calm, but Ruby could feel the weight of her words. "She'll get over it. This is what I want, Dad. I refuse to just lie here in bed, moping. I need to get back out there."
Ruby felt the door buckle slightly under the pressure of her hand, and before she could realize it, the door suddenly gave way, crashing open as she tumbled forward onto the floor with a loud thud.
"Ooof!" Ruby groaned, her face meeting the cool tiles as she pushed herself up, only to find herself staring directly at Yang, whose eyes were wide with surprise.
"Uh... were you eavesdropping, Rubes?" Yang asked with a small smirk, clearly amused by her sister's clumsiness.
Ruby scrambled to her feet, her face turning beet red. She glanced up to see Yang's right arm—now just a stump wrapped in bandages—and her father sitting nearby.
"Ruby," Taiyang said, crossing his arms as he raised an eyebrow. "Were you listening in on us?"
Ruby offered a sheepish smile. "Um... maybe?"
Yang sighed, shaking her head. "Ruby... in the future, please don't spy on people's conversations. It's rude."
"Sorry," Ruby mumbled, guilt washing over her.
Taiyang stood up, a knowing smile tugging at his lips. "I'll leave you two to talk. I've got to explain to the doctors about the door."
With that, he exited, leaving the sisters alone in the room. The air was thick with silence before Ruby finally spoke.
"Um... how... how are you feeling?"
Yang shrugged, settling back into the bed. "A little better than yesterday. As you can see, I'm walking around, but I kinda feel... unbalanced." Her eyes drifted down to her stump. "I guess that's why."
Ruby lowered her gaze, her expression faltering. "It's a little unsettling to see..."
Yang gave a quiet laugh, her smile soft and understanding. "Yeah... but I'm alive. And that's what matters. Thanks to you."
Ruby looked up, startled by the sudden shift in tone. She opened her mouth to speak, but Yang raised her hand to stop her.
"Don't," Yang said gently. "I know you blame yourself for what happened. But it wasn't your fault, Ruby."
"But I went after her!" Ruby's voice cracked, her eyes brimming with guilt. "After what Cinder did to the parade, after the Grimm attacked... I lost it. I broke Crescent Rose. I lost control."
Yang's expression hardened with resolve. "And so did I. I made the worst decision of my life, Ruby. When Adam tempted me, and I chose to fight him... that's why I lost my arm. It's on me, and I own that. You have nothing to blame yourself for, got it?"
Ruby's shoulders slumped as the weight of Yang's words began to sink in. She lowered her head, overwhelmed by the emotions swirling inside her.
With her remaining arm, Yang pulled Ruby into a tight hug. The embrace was warm, comforting, and Ruby felt a soft, involuntary smile tug at her lips as she returned the hug.
After a few moments, they pulled away. Ruby's smile remained, but it was faint.
"You feeling better?" Yang asked, her voice softer now.
Ruby nodded, her smile growing slightly. "Yeah. I think she would've wanted that."
Yang raised an eyebrow, then smirked. "I want to show you something, actually. Qrow got it from a friend. It's really cool."
"Jaune and the others are here, too," Ruby said. "You want to show them?"
Yang shrugged. "Maybe. At least until they're done listening to our conversation."
Ruby's eyes widened as she walked over to the door and peeked outside. Jaune and Nora were leaning against the wall, both with their ears pressed to it. Ren was standing with his arms crossed, while Weiss had her face in her hands, shaking her head. Blake, however, was sitting down, reading a book nonchalantly.
Ruby sighed and gave a resigned wave. "Come on in, guys."
The others stepped inside, their eyes widening in surprise when they saw what Yang was holding: a sleek, metallic arm.
Jaune blinked in disbelief. "Is that...?"
"A robot arm?" Nora finished, her voice full of awe.
Yang grinned. "Yep. Someone in Atlas heard about what happened and made this for me. Gave it to Qrow, and he passed it on to me."
Weiss raised an eyebrow. "That kind of tech is expensive, Yang. Are you sure this was a gift?"
Yang shrugged nonchalantly. "It's mine now. And Qrow already arranged for surgery tomorrow. They're just going to attach it."
Ruby's jaw dropped. "Tomorrow?"
"Relax, Rubes," Yang said with a wink. "It's a simple procedure—just installing a metal plate in my stump so the arm can attach."
Jaune gawked. "Just like that?"
"Just like that," Yang replied, a playful glint in her eye. She noticed Blake staring at her stump and raised an eyebrow. "Could you stop staring? It's making me uncomfortable."
Blake blinked and looked away sheepishly. "Sorry. It's just... it's not there. Your arm's not there."
Yang exhaled a deep breath, then snapped, her voice rising in anger. "Yeah. It isn't. You want to know why?"
Blake's eyes widened in realization. "Adam?"
"Who's Adam?" Nora asked, her voice confused.
"Adam Taurus," Ruby explained, her tone heavy with emotion. "He's the leader of the White Fang here in Vale. Our dad told us everything about him. He was part of the attack with Cinder Fall."
"No," Blake whispered, shaking her head. "No... that's not possible. Adam would never work with humans. Never."
"How do you know that, Blake?" Ren asked, his voice steady but searching.
Blake hesitated for a long moment before replying quietly, "...You could say that."
Yang's voice softened, though it still carried an edge of bitterness. "He was the one who did this to me. And I swear, when I get back out there, I'm going to give him the beating of a lifetime."
Blake's expression faltered, but she remained silent, as though processing everything.
"Did... did he ask about me?" Blake's voice broke the silence, soft and tentative as she glanced over at Yang.
Yang paused for a moment, her eyes narrowing as she considered the question. "I don't think so," she answered, her tone casual but with an underlying edge. "I'm pretty sure he was more focused on us than anything else. His main goal was just to take us down."
Ruby, who had been fiddling with her weapon, immediately spoke up. "But that doesn't mean we should let our guard down. Cinder's back, and with the White Fang backing her, we need to stay alert. They could strike at any moment. We can't afford to wait around and let them catch us off guard."
Weiss, who had been quiet up until now, nodded in agreement. "I agree. We can't afford to be complacent. We need to be vigilant, keep our eyes wide open until we understand exactly what they're planning."
Yang leaned forward slightly, a small grin tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Trust me, when I get back to fighting shape, I'm going to give Adam Taurus a beating he'll never forget. If I ever get my hands on him, it'll be the last time he ever threatens anyone."
Blake glanced at Yang, surprised at the fierce determination in her voice. The animosity toward Adam was something she hadn't seen expressed so bluntly in a long time. Still, she didn't say anything, her eyes dropping to the floor as the others continued to talk.
Jaune broke the silence. "Until that happens, though, what do we do now? I mean, it can't be all that exciting hanging out in a hospital room all day, right?"
Yang groaned in annoyance, shifting uncomfortably on her bed. "Tell me about it. I'm getting stir-crazy in here. I swear, if one of you doesn't have a funny story to tell, I might just lose it."
Nora, who had been bouncing on the edge of her seat, suddenly perked up. "Oh, I have one! And trust me, you're going to die laughing." She leaned forward, practically vibrating with excitement. "Wait until you hear this one."
Ren raised an eyebrow, casting a skeptical look at Nora. "Are you sure it's a good idea to tell it now? Weren't we going to wait until after the break?"
Nora waved him off, clearly unfazed. "Eh, who cares? This is going to be way too good to wait. You guys are going to be rolling on the floor laughing—well, figuratively, of course."
Jaune sighed, already standing and making his way toward the door. "I think I already know what this is about. So I'm going to step outside for a bit before I get caught up in Nora's story."
Ruby glanced over at Jaune, noticing the amused but reluctant expression on his face. She gave him a playful look and followed him out of the room, eager to see what he was up to.
As she stepped into the hallway, she found Jaune standing there, one hand pressed to his forehead. He looked like he was trying to prepare himself for something, and Ruby couldn't help but grin.
"Hey, you okay?" Ruby asked, tilting her head as she approached him.
Jaune looked up, startled for a moment before his face softened. "Yeah, I'm good. It's just..." He chuckled nervously. "What Nora's about to tell, it's going to be a mess. People are going to be laughing for days."
Ruby's curiosity immediately piqued. "Oooh! I get it. You don't want to hear it, huh?" She grinned. "Well, would you mind telling me what it is? I promise, I'm mature about these things."
Jaune raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "You? Mature? About Nora's stories?"
Ruby crossed her arms, adopting a mock serious expression. "Of course! I'm your best friend, Jaune. Whatever it is, I'll keep it between us. Besides, I'd rather hear it from you than from Nora. She tends to… embellish things."
Jaune hesitated, looking like he was struggling with whether or not to reveal whatever embarrassing thing was coming. After a few moments, he sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I really don't think I want to tell you, Ruby. It's… well, it's kind of embarrassing."
Ruby stepped closer, her expression softening. "Hey, whatever it is, it can't be that bad. I won't judge you. You know that. Besides, I'm your best friend, right?" She nudged him lightly. "We've been through a lot. You can tell me."
Jaune looked away, clearly unsure. Then, after a long pause, he let out a reluctant sigh. "It's just... Nora's been making fun of me about this for weeks. She found out that I still have a teddy bear from when I was a kid."
Ruby's eyes widened in surprise, then immediately softened. She chuckled, but not in the teasing way Jaune had feared. Instead, she gave him an affectionate smile. "Aww, that's cute. I don't see why that's embarrassing."
Jaune's face turned red as he stammered, trying to cover his sudden embarrassment. "What? You're not going to laugh?"
Ruby shook her head, stepping even closer. "Why would I laugh? That's actually kind of sweet. I think it's adorable that you still have it. Do you have pictures of it? I bet it's cute."
Jaune's eyes widened, and he groaned, pulling his hood down over his face in an attempt to hide his flushed cheeks. "I really don't want to talk about this anymore."
Ruby giggled and leaned in slightly, trying to get a better look at his face. "Oh, I see you're blushing! You know, you actually look kind of good like that."
Jaune quickly pulled the hood tighter, crossing his arms over his chest in a defensive posture. "Please, Ruby. Just… stop."
Ruby laughed softly, sitting down next to him on the nearby bench. "Don't worry. I won't tell anyone about your teddy bear secret. Well, except maybe to the guys. They'll find out soon enough. But your secret's safe with me."
Jaune turned to her, his expression a mix of relief and appreciation. "Thanks, Ruby. Seriously."
Ruby smiled warmly. "Of course. You're my best friend, Jaune."
Jaune smiled back, a genuine warmth in his eyes. "Yeah. Best friends."