"Yang!"
The voice echoes faintly, distant yet insistent. Yang groans, turning over in her bed, pulling her blanket tighter around her.
"Yang!"
This time, the voice is louder, sharper. With a frustrated sigh, Yang sits up, rubbing her eyes. Her golden hair falls messily around her face as she yawns and stretches. Slowly, she drags herself to her feet and shuffles toward the bedroom door, her steps heavy and reluctant.
Reaching out, her fingers graze the door handle—only for the door to vanish before her eyes. Yang blinks in confusion. The once-familiar frame is gone, replaced by nothing but an endless expanse of inky blackness.
"Wha...?" she whispers, her breath quickening. She steps back instinctively, her heart beginning to pound.
The room dissolves completely, melting into a void of shadows. Her bed, her belongings, even the faint sliver of morning light that usually peeked through the window—gone. All that remains is the oppressive darkness, stretching infinitely in all directions.
"Hello?" Yang calls out, her voice trembling slightly. The sound of her own voice feels small, swallowed by the overwhelming emptiness around her. She takes a cautious step back, her fists clenching.
A metallic rasp cuts through the silence. Yang freezes.
She turns, her breath hitching, as her lilac eyes go wide. A figure emerges from the darkness, his form sharp and deliberate against the formless void. Adam Taurus.
His crimson hair glows faintly under the sheen of his mask. His wicked grin stretches unnaturally wide, a predator savoring the sight of his prey. Slowly, he reaches for Wilt, the sharp screech of the blade sliding from its sheath echoing ominously.
Yang's instincts scream at her to move, but her feet feel glued to the floor. She forces herself to steady her breath, her eyes darting around for an escape. But there's nothing—no exits, no allies, no light. Just her and Adam.
"Stay back!" Yang yells, her voice defiant, though fear underlies her tone. She raises her fists, her Ember Celica snapping into place with their familiar metallic hiss.
Adam tilts his head, his smirk widening. He doesn't say a word but steps closer, each movement deliberate, his blade gleaming with a malevolent light.
Yang's heart races, but she plants her feet firmly. This is just a nightmare, she tells herself. It's not real.
But it feels real. Too real.
Adam lunges forward without warning, and Yang braces herself, ready to fight—but as the blade swings toward her, the void itself seems to pull her downward. The ground beneath her vanishes, and Yang plummets into the darkness.
PATCH
The faint glow of dawn creeps through the edges of the window, casting soft golden hues across the room. Yang jolts upright in bed, a sharp gasp escaping her lips as her chest heaves. Her heart pounds in her ears, and beads of sweat drip down her temples. Her blanket is tangled around her legs, a reminder of the restless sleep she's just endured.
She looks around, her lilac eyes darting to the familiar details of her bedroom—the posters on the walls, the faint scent of lavender lingering from the diffuser Ruby insisted on using. The shadows cast by the morning light stretch across the room, grounding her. She exhales shakily, running a hand through her damp, golden hair.
Swinging her legs over the edge of the bed, Yang plants her feet on the floor, pausing for a moment. The coolness of the wooden floorboards against her skin steadies her as she takes in her surroundings, reminding herself: I'm home. I'm safe.
She moves quietly, careful not to wake Ruby or her dad as she tiptoes down the hallway. The soft creaks of the old house are familiar, comforting even, as she makes her way to the bathroom.
Pushing the door open, she flips on the light. The soft, yellow glow of the bulb illuminates the room, making the space feel smaller, more intimate. She closes the door behind her and leans over the sink, twisting the cold-water knob. The sound of rushing water fills the quiet, drowning out the lingering echoes of her nightmare.
She cups her hands under the stream and splashes the cool water onto her face. The sharp chill is a welcome jolt, helping to chase away the lingering haze of fear. Droplets run down her cheeks, soaking the neckline of her shirt.
Straightening up, she grips the edge of the sink and looks into the mirror. Her reflection stares back—disheveled hair, tired eyes, the faint redness of her scar catching the light. The jagged mark across her right cheek feels more prominent today, like an accusation.
Her gaze shifts to her right arm. The metal gleams faintly under the light, intricate and precise, a testament to technology and resilience. She lifts it slowly, the faint hum of the mechanisms breaking the silence, and strokes her fingers along the scar on her cheek. The cold touch of metal against skin is a reminder—a past she can't undo, a moment she can't take back.
Her expression softens, sadness clouding her eyes as her shoulders slump. A long, weary sigh escapes her lips.
Yang steps away from the mirror and reaches for the shower knob, twisting it to let the water flow. Steam begins to rise as the warm water cascades down, filling the small room with a comforting heat. She slips out of her clothes, letting them fall carelessly to the floor, and steps into the shower.
The water crashes over her like a wave, washing away the sweat from her skin and the tension from her body. She leans her head against the cool tiles, closing her eyes as the steady rhythm of the water drowns out the remnants of her nightmare.
For now, she lets herself feel the weight of the moment, the vulnerability that she keeps hidden. It's just her and the water—a fleeting reprieve from the shadows that linger in her mind.
Beacon – Winter's Room
Morning sunlight filters softly through the curtains, illuminating the tidy but modest quarters of Winter Schnee's new room at Beacon Academy. The space is larger than the standard student dorms, though it remains sparse and utilitarian. The faint hum of activity beyond the window serves as a reminder of the bustling academy, but inside, it is quiet.
Winter's eyes flutter open. For a moment, she lies still, staring at the ceiling. The sharp lines of her posture, once habitual from years of military discipline, now seem slightly softer. As a Huntress, she no longer lives under the rigid structure of the Atlas military, but some habits remain ingrained. She stretches, sitting up and rubbing her temples before her thoughts can wander too far.
A sudden knock breaks the calm. Winter's expression tightens. Rising, she adjusts her robe, ensuring it's wrapped neatly around her. As she approaches the door, the knocking grows louder, more insistent.
When she swings the door open, her composed demeanor falters slightly. Standing in the hallway is Qrow Branwen, his casual smirk firmly in place. In his hand, he holds a sealed bottle of clear alcohol adorned with a red ribbon.
Qrow raises the bottle slightly in greeting. "Morning, Ice Queen."
Winter exhales sharply but steps aside, allowing him to enter. Qrow saunters in, his gait relaxed, as though he owns the room. Winter shuts the door behind him and turns to face him with a raised brow.
Qrow sets the bottle down on the dresser with a clink. "Figured you could use a little something to celebrate. New job, new digs, all that."
Winter's gaze shifts to the bottle, her expression unreadable. "Celebrating with alcohol first thing in the morning. How very you."
"Hey, it's not just any bottle," Qrow replies, leaning against the wall with his trademark grin. "It's a gift. Thought you might appreciate it. You know, now that you're officially one of us scrappy Huntsman types."
Winter approaches the dresser, eyeing the bottle curiously. The ribbon is neatly tied—a surprising detail for Qrow—and there's a small card attached. She picks up the bottle, flipping the card open.
Congrats, Ice Queen.
Winter lets out a soft sigh, the faintest of smiles tugging at her lips. She sets the bottle down, crossing her arms as she glances at Qrow. "I suppose I should thank you for the gesture. But I hope this isn't an attempt to derail my first full day as a Huntress."
Qrow chuckles, crossing his arms. "Nah. Just a friendly 'welcome to the club.' Speaking of which, Ozpin wants to see you in about an hour. That Sustrai kid finally came through with some intel. Might be worth your time."
Winter nods, her expression sharpening. "Good. I'll be ready in thirty minutes."
Qrow gestures toward the door with a lopsided grin. "Then I'll get out of your hair. Just don't let the fancy new title go to your head, Schnee."
Winter moves to open the door for him. "I'll keep that in mind. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to prepare for the day."
As Qrow steps into the hallway, he tosses one last remark over his shoulder. "Don't let that bottle go to waste, either. You've earned it."
The door closes with a soft click, leaving Winter alone in the room. For a moment, she lingers, her eyes on the bottle. With a sigh, she picks it up again, reading the card once more. This time, her smile lingers just a bit longer.
Patch – Rose Household
Ruby knelt beside her bed, methodically folding clothes and tucking them into her travel bag. Her loyal corgi, Zwei, wagged his tail enthusiastically, watching her every move. Occasionally, he barked in approval or nudged her hand with his nose, seeking attention. Ruby smiled softly and scratched behind his ears.
As she reached for another shirt, her hand brushed against something cool and flat beneath it. She paused and pulled out a framed photo. Her expression softened as she looked at the image—a snapshot of herself and Jupiter. In the picture, Jupiter lying in bed with an IV attached to her arm, a tired but determined smile on her face. Ruby was grinning beside her, her hand resting reassuringly on hers.
Ruby traced the edge of the frame with her thumb, her eyes clouding with memories. For a moment, the bustling energy of preparing for their return to Beacon seemed to fade away. Taking a deep breath, she carefully wrapped the photo and slipped it into her bag before zipping it shut.
Standing up, she slung the bag over her shoulder, giving Zwei one last pat. "Alright, boy," she murmured with a small smile. "Time to head out."
Descending the stairs, Ruby was met by the sight of her teammates gathered near the door. Yang was adjusting the strap of her travel bag, Weiss stood checking the time on her Scroll with an air of impatience, and Blake quietly ensured her luggage was secure.
"Alright, Team RWBY!" Ruby exclaimed, her voice brimming with energy as she descended the final step. "The vacation's officially over! Tomorrow, classes at Beacon start again, and we're one step closer to finishing our first year!"
Yang grinned, punching the air. "Yeah! Back to Beacon, baby!"
Weiss cleared her throat, her tone clipped but not unkind. "If we want to ensure we arrive on time, we should head to the docks now. The airship leaves in thirty minutes, and I refuse to be late because of your dilly-dallying." She glanced meaningfully at Ruby, though a faint smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
Ruby saluted dramatically. "Yes, ma'am! Onward to Beacon we go!"
Blake chuckled softly as she slung her bag over her shoulder. "Well, then. Let's get moving before Weiss has a heart attack."
Yang laughed and clapped Weiss on the shoulder as they all stepped out into the crisp morning air. Ruby took one last glance at the house, her mind momentarily drifting to the photo she had packed. She smiled faintly, tightened her grip on her bag, and joined her team as they made their way to the docks.
Docks – Departure
The salty breeze rolled off the water as Team RWBY and Taiyang strolled down the wooden docks. Ahead of them, the airship loomed, its engines humming as it prepared for departure.
"Five minutes," Weiss reminded, her tone sharp and businesslike as she glanced at her Scroll.
Yang rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, we know. No need to sound the alarm, Ice Queen. Let's just board already."
Weiss shot her a glare but didn't argue, while Blake silently adjusted her bag, her amber eyes scanning the dock's activity.
Ruby, trailing slightly behind, felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Taiyang crouching to her level, his expression unusually serious.
"Ruby," he began, his voice low but tender. "Can we talk for a second?"
Ruby hesitated, glancing toward her teammates who were already heading up the airship's ramp. She nodded, setting her bag down as Taiyang knelt closer.
"Ruby, you know how much I love you, right?" he asked, his eyes searching hers.
Ruby blinked, confused. "Yeah, of course, Dad. Why wouldn't I?"
Taiyang sighed deeply, running a hand through his blond hair. "I'm going to get straight to the point. There's something I need you to promise me—something I really need you to do."
Ruby tilted her head, curiosity giving way to unease. "What is it?"
"Don't… and I mean don't... go after Cinder Fall." Taiyang's voice was firm but tinged with a plea. "I know how much you want to. I can see it in your eyes every time her name comes up."
Ruby's gaze dropped to the wooden planks beneath her feet. Her grip on the hem of her cloak tightened.
"I just don't want you to get hurt," Taiyang continued. "Not after everything that's happened, especially with Yang. You've been through so much already. If you see or hear anything about her, I need you to go straight to Ozpin, Glynda, or someone else who can handle it. Promise me, Ruby. Can you do that?"
Silence hung between them, broken only by the distant sounds of gulls and the gentle lapping of water against the docks. Ruby stared down, her expression shadowed by conflicting emotions.
After a long pause, she finally nodded, though her voice came out strained. "Okay, Dad. I promise. I won't go after Cinder."
Taiyang exhaled in relief, standing up as he pulled her into a firm hug. Ruby returned it, burying her face in his shoulder.
"Thank you, Ruby," he whispered.
They separated, and Ruby offered him a small smile before picking up her bag. She turned and walked toward the airship, her red cloak trailing behind her. Taiyang watched with a mixture of pride and worry, his smile lingering.
However, as Ruby reached the ramp, her smile faded, replaced by a grim determination.
"You know she's going to break that promise, right?"
Taiyang flinched at the voice. Turning, he saw Qrow leaning against a nearby lamppost, flask in hand. He took a swig before wiping his mouth and tucking the flask back into his coat.
Taiyang's smile dissolved. "I know," he admitted quietly, his tone heavy with resignation.
"That why I'm here?" Qrow asked, pushing off the post and stepping closer.
Taiyang nodded. "Yeah. Keep an eye on her. On both of them."
Qrow sighed, his face softening slightly. "And if she does what we both know she's going to do?"
"Just let me know," Taiyang said after a long pause, his voice barely above a whisper.
Qrow gave a slow nod, adjusting his weapon over his shoulder as the airship's engines roared louder. Together, the two men watched as Ruby disappeared inside, her teammates waiting for her. The ramp lifted, and the airship began its ascent, carrying the girls back to Beacon.
"I hope we're wrong," Taiyang murmured.
Qrow didn't answer. Instead, he looked up at the retreating airship, his expression unreadable.
CAVE
The dimly lit cave echoed with the distant drip of water, its walls glowing faintly from the embers of a small fire. Mercury sat lazily on a rock, one leg stretched out while the other rested on the ground, absently spinning one of his daggers. Emerald paced back and forth; her arms crossed tightly against her chest.
Cinder stood at a crude table in the center, her gloved fingers tapping rhythmically against its surface. Her golden eyes glinted with barely contained frustration.
"No luck," Emerald muttered, breaking the silence. Her voice was tinged with exhaustion. "We've followed every lead we've had, but there's no sign of Amber. Nothing."
Cinder's fingers stopped tapping, her hand curling into a fist. "You're joking."
"Wish we were," Mercury quipped, shrugging. He twirled the dagger once more before catching it mid-air. "Ozpin's people covered their tracks well. Every lead turned out to be a dead end. We're chasing ghosts at this point."
Cinder's fist slammed onto the table, causing Emerald to flinch. The firelight flickered wildly, casting jagged shadows across the walls.
"Unacceptable!" she hissed, her voice cutting through the cavern. "We've wasted weeks—months—on this. And for what?!"
Mercury remained unfazed, leaning back against the wall. "Take it easy, boss. Getting all worked up won't magically solve the problem. You were banking on this being simple, but it was never going to be easy. Ozpin doesn't leave loose ends."
Cinder shot him a glare but said nothing, her frustration simmering beneath the surface.
Emerald stopped pacing; her voice hesitant. "So… what do we do now? Torchwick's still out there, but his intel hasn't exactly been reliable. And we can't keep running in circles like this."
Cinder straightened, her expression hardening into determination. "No, we can't. Which is why we change tactics."
Mercury raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Got a genius plan already?"
"We go back to basics," Cinder said, grabbing one of her swords from the table and holding it up. The blade gleamed in the firelight. "Amber is the key to the Fall Maiden's power. If we can't track her directly, we focus on those protecting her instead."
Emerald frowned. "You're talking about Beacon."
Cinder nodded. "Ozpin and his little circle have been shielding her. If we can't find Amber, then we force them to give her up. Beacon is where they're hiding her, I'm certain of it."
Mercury stretched and stood, his metal legs clinking softly against the stone floor. "You want to storm Beacon again? That went so well last time."
Cinder smirked faintly. "Not storm. Infiltrate. This time, we don't draw attention to ourselves. We gather intel, identify weaknesses, and strike when the time is right."
Emerald tilted her head, considering. "What about the students? Team RWBY, Team JNPR—they'll get in the way."
"They're a nuisance, but nothing more," Cinder said dismissively. "We deal with them if they interfere. Our focus is Ozpin and his inner circle."
Mercury crossed his arms, leaning against the table. "So, sneak into Beacon, dig around, and hope we find something useful. Great plan."
Cinder's eyes narrowed at his sarcasm. "You have a better idea?"
He shrugged. "Nope. Just saying, we'll need a lot of luck not to get caught. Especially with how tight security's been since the Fall Tournament."
"We'll manage," Cinder said firmly. She turned her attention to Emerald. "Get in touch with Torchwick. Find out what he knows and get him moving again. Whether his intel is reliable or not, I want every possible lead at our disposal."
Emerald nodded reluctantly.
Cinder sheathed her sword with a sharp motion. "From here on out, we move carefully. No mistakes. No distractions. Do you understand?"
Both Emerald and Mercury nodded, though the latter gave a lazy salute, earning him another sharp glare from Cinder.
The three of them shared a tense silence as the fire crackled softly, their next move set in stone. It was a long shot, but Cinder wasn't about to let Ozpin—or anyone else—keep her from what she was owed.
Later - Beacon - RWBY Dorm Room
The RWBY dorm room was alive with quiet activity. Ruby lay sprawled on her bed, staring at the ceiling with a wistful smile. Across the room, Weiss meticulously unpacked her belongings, while Blake silently arranged books on her shelf. Yang, meanwhile, rummaged through her bag, muttering something about missing a shirt.
Ruby let out a soft sigh, her voice breaking the comfortable silence. "It feels... normal, being back here. Like we've lived here our whole lives."
Blake paused, her fingers brushing over a well-worn book cover. "I know what you mean. Back with the White Fang, we never stayed in one place for more than a week. This place... it feels like home."
"And it will be for the next four months," Weiss added without looking up. "After that, we head back to our—" She hesitated, her words faltering mid-sentence.
Ruby's gaze shifted to Weiss, her curiosity piqued. "You hesitated, Weiss."
Weiss straightened, smoothing an invisible wrinkle on her uniform. "Did I? Oh, sorry. It was nothing."
Yang chuckled as she tossed her hair back. "Come on, let's not get all sentimental. Tomorrow, classes start up again. We need to do something fun tonight. Something exciting!"
Ruby sat up, grinning. "Yeah! Something that involves cookies!"
Weiss pinched the bridge of her nose, letting out a sigh. "Why am I not surprised?"
Blake smirked but kept her focus on her book, her ears twitching slightly beneath her bow.
A knock at the door interrupted the moment. Weiss set down her belongings and strode toward it. When she opened the door, her eyebrows lifted in surprise.
"Winter?" Weiss asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.
Winter Schnee stood on the other side; her usual formal demeanor softened by a small smile. "Hello, Weiss. It's good to see you again."
Weiss hesitated before replying. "It's good to see you too, but... shouldn't you be back in Atlas?"
Winter's expression grew serious. "That's... part of why I'm here. I need to speak with you. It's urgent." She glanced past Weiss to Ruby and Yang. "Ozpin has requested both of you in his office immediately."
Ruby tilted her head in confusion. "Ozpin? What does he want with us?"
Winter shook her head. "He didn't say. I'm just here to deliver the message."
Weiss grabbed Myrtenaster from her desk and turned to Blake. "Looks like you'll have the room to yourself for a bit."
Blake shrugged, her eyes flicking back to her book. "I'll just be here reading. Have fun."
Yang leaned against her bedpost, grinning mischievously. "Fun? Nah, Blake, you'll be too busy waiting for a certain monkey to show up."
Blake groaned, her face flushing crimson as she buried it in her book. Ruby giggled, and even Weiss smirked faintly.
"Let's go," Winter said, her tone clipped but not unkind. "This shouldn't take long."
Ruby and Yang hopped off their beds, grabbing their weapons as they followed Winter out. Yang, however, stopped just before stepping through the door. Turning, she leaned close to Blake with a sly grin.
"Promise me one thing, Blakey," Yang whispered conspiratorially.
Blake peeked over the top of her book, suspicious. "...What?"
Yang cupped her hand around her mouth to whisper. "Try to keep it quiet."
"YANG!" Blake shouted, her cheeks blazing.
Yang burst into laughter as she slipped out the door, closing it behind her.
Blake shook her head, exasperated. She grabbed her Scroll and stood up, her ears twitching beneath her bow. A faint sound caught her attention—a barely audible shuffle outside the door. Narrowing her eyes, she grabbed a book and hurled it toward the wall.
A muffled yelp followed by hurried footsteps fading down the hall made her smirk.
"She's going to torture me like this forever," Blake muttered, flopping back onto her bed.
Winter's Room – Later
Weiss sat stiffly in a chair, her eyes darting around Winter's room. The decor was spartan but comfortable, with neatly arranged furniture and personal touches like a framed family photo and a few medals tucked into a corner. Across the small room, Winter poured steaming coffee into two delicate cups.
Carrying them over, she handed one to Weiss and sat opposite her. Winter exhaled softly as she cradled her cup.
"Is this... your room?" Weiss asked, her tone laced with curiosity.
"It is," Winter replied, taking a small sip. "It's surprisingly cozy. Better than the cramped quarters on Atlesian airships, that's for certain."
They sat in silence for a moment, sipping their coffee, the air heavy with unspoken words.
"Winter," Weiss began hesitantly, "why do you have a room here at Beacon? And why are you even in Vale? You're supposed to be in Atlas. You're a military specialist, after all."
Winter scoffed, setting her cup down on the bedside shelf. "Specialist. That title always sat wrong with me. It felt more like a leash than a rank. But I suppose I don't have to worry about it anymore."
Weiss tilted her head, confusion creasing her features. "Why would you say that?"
Winter leaned back in her chair, her expression unreadable. "Because, Weiss, I left the Atlesian military. A few days ago."
Weiss stared, stunned. "You... what?"
Winter sighed deeply. "Ironwood knew, Weiss. He had intelligence reports—Cinder Fall, Adam Taurus—they were seen on Patch. There were clear signs of an impending attack. But he chose to do nothing. He withheld the information, all for some greater game of strategy only he could understand."
Weiss's breath hitched. "Are you saying...?"
"Yes. He let it happen," Winter said bitterly. "Because of his inaction, Yang lost her arm. Innocent people were hurt, and it could have been avoided."
Weiss clutched her head in her hands, the weight of the revelation pressing down on her. "Why... why would he do that?"
"Because he's becoming paranoid," Winter said flatly. "He's no longer the man I once respected. When I tried to convince him to change course, he threatened me with a dishonorable discharge. That was the last straw. I knew I couldn't serve under someone like him anymore."
"So, you just... left?" Weiss asked, still struggling to process.
"I did," Winter said. "But it wasn't just leaving. I stole something, Weiss."
Weiss's head snapped up. "Stole? What do you mean?"
Winter hesitated, guilt flickering across her face. "When I left, I took a prototype from an Atlesian testing facility. A cybernetic arm. I knew someone who needed it far more than Atlas did."
Realization dawned on Weiss. "You... you're the one who gave Yang her new arm?"
Winter nodded. "I couldn't stand by and do nothing. Yang was hurt because of Ironwood's arrogance. She didn't deserve to be left to cope with that injury alone. The arm was my way of making amends."
Weiss's hands clenched at her sides. "But you stole it! Do you have any idea what could happen to you if Atlas finds out?"
"I do," Winter admitted. "That's why I can't go back. If I set foot in Atlas again, I'll be arrested on sight."
Weiss set her cup down with a trembling hand, trying to steady her voice. "So... what now? If you're no longer in the military, and you can't go home, what are you going to do?"
Winter stood, walking to the small refrigerator in the corner. She retrieved a bottle—the one Qrow had given her—and set it on the counter with a faint smile.
"Ozpin offered me a place to stay," Winter said. "But it came with a condition. One I'm not exactly thrilled about."
Weiss frowned. "What condition?"
Winter glanced at the bottle, her expression unreadable. "You'll find out soon enough."
Weiss rose, stepping closer to her sister. "Are you sure you'll be okay?"
Winter turned, her gaze softening. She pulled Weiss into a hug. "I'll be fine. I promise."
Weiss lingered in the embrace before stepping back and nodding. "If you need anything, let me know. No matter what."
Winter watched as Weiss left the room, closing the door softly behind her. Alone again, she sank onto her bed, her shoulders heavy with the weight of the past—and the uncertain future ahead.
Ozpin's Office
Ruby and Yang sat across from Ozpin, the headmaster's calm demeanor contrasting with the tension in the room. A cup of coffee rested in his hands, steam curling upward as he glanced at something on his Scroll. Ruby noticed the faint tapping of Yang's metal foot against the floor, a subtle but constant rhythm.
"Hm," Ozpin murmured, his gaze still fixed on the device. "Interesting."
He set the Scroll aside and looked up at the two sisters. His expression was one of measured sympathy.
"Miss Rose. Miss Xiao Long," he began, leaning back in his chair. "I've called you both here to discuss the recent events. What you've been through over the past few weeks has been harrowing. I cannot imagine the toll it has taken on either of you." His gaze flickered to Ruby. "Miss Rose, that includes your encounter at the Dust shop last month."
Ruby lowered her head, her hand coming up to rub at the back of her neck. "I... I'm okay, Headmaster. I've been recovering thanks to my friends and family. Still getting used to my Semblance, but..."
"That's good to hear," Ozpin said warmly. "Your resilience is admirable. I hope you'll continue to lean on those around you."
"Thank you, Headmaster," Ruby replied softly.
Turning his attention to Yang, Ozpin's expression grew more serious. "Miss Xiao Long. My condolences for what you've endured. I cannot begin to fathom the emotional weight you must be carrying."
Yang stiffened, crossing her arms defensively. "I'm fine, Headmaster," she said tersely.
Ozpin tilted his head slightly, studying her. "Perhaps for now. But trust me when I say that you are not the first to have experienced something of this nature. I have seen others walk a similar path, and I have learned to recognize the signs."
Yang frowned but remained silent.
Ozpin rose from his chair and stepped around the desk, coming to stand beside her. "Tell me," he said gently, "have you experienced nightmares? Flashes of anger or sadness? Perhaps moments of doubt that creep in when you least expect them?"
Ruby's eyes widened as she glanced at Yang, her concern evident.
Yang's jaw tightened, and she shifted uncomfortably. "Why are you asking me this?"
"Because," Ozpin said softly, "you, Miss Rose, and I all know how you're truly feeling."
Yang looked at Ruby, her expression conflicted.
Ruby offered her sister a small, sad smile. "Yang... I can tell. You're hurting inside. You don't have to pretend with me."
Yang's hands clenched tightly, the trembling of her left hand prompting her to grasp it with her metal one. "I didn't want to worry you, Rubes. Or Dad. Or Qrow. I thought if I acted normal, it would..." She trailed off.
"That's understandable," Ozpin said kindly. "But burying your feelings is not a solution, Miss Xiao Long. Which is why I'd like to offer you an alternative—a way to express those emotions safely and privately."
Yang looked up at him, surprised. "What kind of alternative?"
Ozpin's lips quirked into a faint smile. "I understand you are not particularly fond of herbology. Professor Peach has mentioned that you often... struggle to remain engaged in her classes."
Yang snorted despite herself. "That's putting it lightly."
"I thought so," Ozpin said with a knowing nod. "I can arrange for you to be excused from her lessons. In exchange, you would meet with me here, in this office, on a regular basis. We would talk. About anything you wish to share."
Yang blinked, taken aback. "You want to be my therapist?"
"More of a counselor," Ozpin clarified. "Though the goal would be the same—to give you a space where you feel comfortable letting those emotions out."
Yang glanced down at her hands, her metal fingers lightly drumming against her flesh palm. "I don't know..."
"There's no rush to decide," Ozpin said, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Take the rest of the day to think it over. Whatever you choose, know that my door is always open."
Yang nodded slowly, her gaze still fixed on the floor. "Thanks, Headmaster. I'll think about it."
Ruby stood, gently placing a hand on Yang's arm. "We should probably get ready for the Welcome Back ceremony," she said softly.
Yang nodded again, rising to her feet.
Ozpin watched as the sisters made their way to the elevator. As the doors closed behind them, he took a sip of his coffee, his thoughtful gaze lingering on the now-empty seats.
"Stay strong," he murmured to himself.
TEAM RWBY DORM ROOM
"Wait. What?" Yang's voice was a mix of confusion and disbelief. She looked at Weiss, her eyebrows furrowed in shock.
Ruby, Yang, and Weiss had just returned to their dorm room, where Blake was quietly reading on her bed. Weiss had just dropped the bombshell that Winter was the one who had given Yang her new prosthetic arm.
"Yeah." Weiss replied, trying to keep her tone casual, but her gaze avoided Yang's. "Winter's the reason why you have that arm."
"But... why would she?" Yang asked, her voice still uncertain, trying to process the information. "We haven't even known each other that long... she didn't even buy me dinner."
Weiss scowled at Yang's comment, clearly not appreciating the joke. Ruby, who had been nodding in disapproval at Yang's words, rubbed her forehead, a little exasperated.
"Yang!" Ruby said, trying to bring the situation back to focus. "This is serious."
Yang quickly shifted gears, getting back to the core of the issue. "But seriously, why would Winter help me? What's the catch?"
Weiss paused for a moment, then offered the explanation she could. "...Winter knows that you're my friend," she said, lying, but her tone was steady. "And Ozpin told her what happened, about the attack and everything."
Ruby raised an eyebrow. "Uh... that doesn't really add up."
"I wish I could tell you more," Weiss admitted, frustration creeping into her voice. "But that's all I know. I can't speak for Winter's reasons." She stood up, grabbing a pile of folded clothes from the chair by the window. "I'm going to go take a shower. The ceremony starts in a couple hours. You three should get ready as well."
Ruby watched as Weiss walked toward the bathroom. She leaned against the desk, the tension in the room settling around them.
"So..." Ruby said, hopping off her bed and approaching Yang. "Yang... are you going to take Ozpin's offer? To talk to him?"
Blake, who had been listening quietly, glanced up from her book with a worried expression. Yang's eyes were fixed on the floor, the weight of the decision clearly resting on her shoulders. She placed her hands on the desk, her posture slumped with uncertainty.
"I'm not sure yet," Yang muttered, her voice distant. "I'm still thinking about it."
Blake set her book down and looked at Yang, her expression softening. "Maybe you should take it," Blake said quietly, her voice laced with concern. "You know that we can all see how much you're really hurting. Keeping it all inside is only going to make it worse. I would know... myself."
Ruby nodded in agreement. "Blake's right, Yang. Maybe Ozpin can help you. We're here for you, but you don't have to carry all of this by yourself."
Yang lifted her head, looking at both of them. For a few moments, she said nothing, her thoughts swirling. Then, her gaze dropped to her metal arm. Slowly, she clenched her fist, the sound of it resonating through the room.
"Okay," Yang finally said, her voice a little steadier. "I'll tell him... after the ceremony."
Blake and Ruby exchanged a glance, both relieved to see Yang making a decision, however small. The atmosphere in the room felt just a little lighter as they prepared for the upcoming event, but they all knew that the road ahead would be anything but easy.
LATER – AUDITORIUM
The students of Beacon Academy gathered in the auditorium, their conversations buzzing with excitement. Team JNPR stood near the back, with Nora bouncing on her heels, her usual energetic self.
"It's been a long break," Jaune said, glancing around at the other students.
"It certainly was," Pyrrha agreed, her smile warm. "But now... we are back."
As the noise in the auditorium died down, Jaune noticed Team RWBY approaching. He waved enthusiastically at them, and they smiled back, the tension from the past few weeks still lingering in the air but temporarily forgotten. When both teams were standing near each other, they suddenly heard a sharp feedback noise from the stage. The room immediately quieted as everyone turned to face the front.
Ozpin stood behind the microphone, flanked by Professors Goodwitch, Port, and Oobleck, his usual calm demeanor on display as he prepared to speak.
"Good afternoon, everyone," Ozpin began, his voice smooth and reassuring. "I do hope you all had a wonderful month-long Winter break. You've all had plenty of rest and relaxation, but now it's time to return to your training and schoolwork. And given that I usually begin classes first thing tomorrow morning..." He paused, and there was a slight shift in his posture. "Special circumstances have caused me and my staff to delay until the day after."
The students murmured in surprise, the unexpected delay causing some confusion.
"Given this situation," Ozpin continued, "I do recommend getting extra prepared for when classes begin again. Wander the hallways to refresh your memory on where things are. If you need extra supplies, the library will be open. Or if you wish for tutoring or advice, Miss Goodwitch and the other professors will be happy to assist."
The students nodded, settling into the rhythm of his speech, when Weiss suddenly froze. She looked out across the room, her eyes narrowing as they landed on a figure at the edge of the stage. Winter was standing there, looking composed and confident in her military-style attire.
Blake, sensing Weiss's discomfort, leaned in slightly. "Isn't that your sister?"
Weiss's jaw tightened. "Yeah..." She turned to face Blake but stopped mid-sentence, her eyes wide as she realized what was about to happen. "Oh, you've got to be kidding me."
Ozpin turned slightly, his hand resting on the microphone, his voice steady as he made the announcement. "And in addition, Beacon has acquired a new professor. She will be assisting Professor Goodwitch during combat class and will be acting as a guard for the school." He gestured to his right. "Please give a warm welcome to Professor Winter Schnee."
Winter stepped forward onto the stage with an air of authority, and despite the surprised murmurs from the students, polite applause rippled through the auditorium. Some students glanced curiously at Weiss, who stood frozen in place, her face a mix of disbelief and frustration. She clenched her fists at her sides, a bitter knot forming in her chest.
"Are you serious?" Yang muttered beside Weiss, her disbelief clear in her voice.
Weiss didn't respond. Her gaze remained fixed on Winter, who walked across the stage with the same calm, composed expression she always wore. The applause continued, but Weiss's discomfort only deepened. Her sister, who had chosen to leave the Atlesian military and come to Beacon, was now here—occupying a new role, in front of everyone. The very last thing Weiss had expected.
Turning sharply, Weiss stormed out of the auditorium, ignoring the curious glances of students as she passed. She could feel Winter's eyes on her as she made her exit, but she didn't care. The tightness in her chest only grew as she made her way into the hallway, her thoughts racing.
Winter stood still on the stage, watching her sister leave. Her expression didn't change. There was no anger or frustration in her eyes—just a quiet resignation, as if she had expected this reaction from Weiss.
Ozpin, still holding the microphone, kept his voice low and calm. "I assume you haven't told her," he said quietly to Winter, keeping his hand between them to shield his words from the microphone.
Winter nodded slightly, her face betraying nothing. Ozpin sighed, his hand lowering as he returned to the microphone.
He cleared his throat and resumed his speech, his tone shifting back to its usual authoritative calm. "We welcome every last one of you back to Beacon Academy. Remember to train hard, for the outside world can be treacherous. You must be prepared for whatever may come. Now, off you go. I'm sure a lot of you wish to catch up with friends and classmates. Have a wonderful evening."
The room filled with a mix of chatter and footsteps as students began filing out, some eager to reconnect with old friends, others silently processing the new developments. As the doors opened and the crowd spilled out, Yang cast one last glance back at the stage, her face etched with concern.
"Well, that was... unexpected," she said, her voice low.
Blake gave her a small, knowing nod. "This is just the beginning."
FOUNTAIN
The cool breeze from the early evening stirred the air around the fountain, its soft gurgle a steady reminder of the calm that contrasted with the storm brewing within Weiss. She sat on the stone bench, arms crossed tightly over her chest, her gaze fixed on the ground. The tension from the ceremony was still fresh, her frustration simmering beneath the surface. Winter's unexpected announcement had thrown her off-balance, and now, with the weight of everything else, she was struggling to calm herself.
Why didn't she tell me first?
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. Weiss's eyes narrowed, instinctively sensing the person before they spoke.
"Weiss?"
She didn't bother looking up, but the voice was familiar—cold, controlled, and utterly composed. Winter's voice. Weiss sighed, the sound heavy and frustrated, before finally looking up. Her sister stood nearby, her usual stoic expression in place. But Weiss could see the faint concern in Winter's posture, the way her shoulders were slightly hunched, as though unsure how to approach the situation.
"So, that was the surprise?" Weiss asked, her tone tinged with disbelief and a hint of sarcasm.
Winter hesitated, then nodded slowly, her eyes softening just a fraction. "...Yes. The surprise is me becoming a teacher here."
Weiss scoffed, standing up sharply from the bench. "And you just couldn't tell me in your room? Instead..." Her voice became a little sharper as she gestured vaguely toward the school behind them. "You let every student in Beacon know first. Do you know how embarrassing that is to me?"
Winter blinked, a flicker of confusion crossing her face. She took a slow step forward, her hands clasped behind her back. "How could this be embarrassing to you?" she asked, her voice still calm, but tinged with a note of concern. It wasn't what she had expected from Weiss.
Weiss took a deep breath, holding it for a moment before exhaling slowly. She turned to face Winter fully, her frustration clear now. "Oh, I don't know," she muttered bitterly, her voice laced with a tinge of hurt. "The fact that my sister, who's been absent for most of my life, will not only be teaching the students of Beacon Academy... but you'll be teaching me. And that's going to make some people think of favoritism." She paced a little, the weight of her words lingering. "Do you even realize how that looks, Winter?"
Winter's expression softened slightly, and she closed the space between them, her eyes meeting Weiss's. "Weiss..." she began gently, her voice surprisingly tender. "You know that's not my intention. I would never do that. I'm here to teach, to help these students. Just like the others."
Weiss paused, swallowing her growing irritation. "You better," she muttered under her breath, though the edge of her voice was still sharp.
Winter didn't falter, however. She moved closer, her presence commanding yet compassionate. "Outside of class," she said, her tone firm but full of understanding, "I will always be your sister, Weiss. But in class... I am your teacher." She placed her hands gently on Weiss's shoulders, her grip firm yet not unkind. "That, I promise."
Weiss froze for a moment under her sister's touch, a mixture of emotions swirling within her. She wanted to push Winter away, to reject the idea of her sister becoming a teacher at all. But she also recognized the sincerity in Winter's words. Winter had always been serious about everything she did, and Weiss knew her well enough to understand that when Winter made a promise, she kept it.
Weiss finally sighed, her breath heavy, and shook her head slowly. "Fine." She turned her gaze away from Winter, her expression softening despite her frustration. "I... I've got to go. The ceremony threw me off. I'll see you later... Professor," she added, her voice dripping with sarcasm, but there was a trace of something else resignation, perhaps, or something deeper that she wasn't yet ready to confront.
Winter stood still, her hands still resting on her sister's shoulders for a moment longer before letting go. She didn't stop Weiss from walking away, nor did she call out to her. Instead, she just watched her sister's retreating form, a flicker of sadness in her eyes that she quickly masked.
Once Weiss was out of sight, Winter turned back to the fountain, her expression unreadable. She stared at the statue in the center of the fountain, her thoughts far away. The cool water glistened in the fading light of the day, and for a moment, Winter allowed herself to feel the weight of the situation. It wasn't easy, being in the same place as Weiss again, especially after everything that had happened. She understood her sister's frustration, but Winter also knew that this was the right path for both of them, even if Weiss wasn't ready to accept it yet.
Her fingers brushed against the stone of the fountain, the coolness grounding her as she took a deep breath, preparing herself for whatever came next. Winter wasn't one to back down from a challenge—especially when it came to her family.
But for now, she would wait. She had already made her promise. The rest was up to time.
ROOFTOP
The evening air was cool and calm, a peaceful contrast to the storm of thoughts swirling in Yang's mind. She sat at the edge of the rooftop, her legs dangling off the side as she stared blankly at the ground below. The world felt distant, and in that moment, the weight of everything—her past, her future, the uncertainty of it all—seemed overwhelming. She slowly raised her left hand, looking at her trembling fingers, her breath shallow. The metallic sheen of her prosthetic arm gleamed in the fading light, but it did little to distract her from the unsettling feeling that had taken hold of her.
Her hand shook harder, and she closed her eyes for a brief moment, fighting the rising anxiety that always seemed to come with the tremors.
"Try breathing slowly."
Yang's heart skipped a beat, and she turned quickly to see Pyrrha standing behind her, concern etched across her face. Pyrrha took a few steps forward, her eyes kind but filled with worry.
"Inhale and exhale slowly," Pyrrha said, her voice calm and soothing. "I hear it helps with tremors."
Yang blinked, surprised by the interruption, but she didn't argue. She followed Pyrrha's instructions, taking a slow breath in, letting it fill her lungs for a moment, before exhaling deeply. As she continued the pattern, she focused on the steady rhythm, trying to clear her mind. After a few breaths, she noticed that the trembling had begun to subside. She looked down at her hand, her fingers slowly steadying.
She smiled, finally letting out the breath she had been holding. "Thanks," she said softly, grateful for the quiet comfort Pyrrha had provided.
"No problem," Pyrrha said, her smile gentle as she sat down beside Yang, her legs crossed. "I knew you could do it."
Yang chuckled, her tension easing as she leaned back against the wall. "How did you even know where I was?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "Wait. Let me guess... Ruby?"
"Ruby," Pyrrha confirmed with a small, amused smile.
Yang shook her head, a fond laugh escaping her. "Of course. She can't keep a secret to save her life."
Pyrrha shrugged playfully, her eyes softening as she turned her gaze toward the horizon. "She's just worried about you."
Yang's smile faded slightly, her eyes returning to the sky. "I know. But I'll be fine. I always am."
Pyrrha studied her for a moment before changing the subject. "Well... I think it's time we discuss our plans to find you that lucky somebody."
Yang blinked, the words taking a moment to register. She turned her head, a confused look crossing her face. "Oh... Right. I thought I said I wasn't interested."
Pyrrha's expression softened, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "Trust me, Yang. You are interested. And you'll need my help."
Yang turned to face her fully, raising an eyebrow. "I'm fine. I can find someone on my own."
Pyrrha's smile faded slightly, her tone growing more earnest. "I know you're hurting," she said, her voice low. "You came to me, remember?" She paused, letting her words sink in. "What happens when you meet someone, and all they want to ask you about is your arm? Or how it happened. You need to find someone who can understand, someone who will be sympathetic to what you're going through, not someone who will spread gossip."
Yang stared at her for a long moment, chewing on her words. She didn't want to admit it, but Pyrrha had a point. The idea of dating, of being open with someone, was terrifying. Every time she thought about it, her heart raced, her mind clouded with doubt.
Yang groaned in annoyance, rubbing her forehead. "Fine," she said, exasperated but with a small, reluctant smile. "I'll give it a shot."
Pyrrha beamed, her eyes lighting up with determination. She placed a hand on Yang's shoulder, her touch gentle but firm. "Tomorrow," she said, nodding confidently. "We'll start tomorrow. We'll meet at the cafeteria, and we'll begin then." She looked at Yang with a glimmer of excitement. "But for now... let's just stare at the sky. It's beautiful."
Yang's lips curled into a soft smile as she leaned back against the wall, her gaze lifting to the vast sky above them. The deep blue stretched out endlessly, dotted with soft clouds and the dimming light of the setting sun. It was peaceful, and for a moment, Yang allowed herself to just exist in the calm.
As she watched the sky shift in color, something in her chest fluttered—an unfamiliar sensation, like a spark igniting deep inside her. Her heart began to race, a subtle reminder of the warmth she hadn't realized she was missing. She quickly shook her head, trying to ignore it, but the feeling lingered.
Oh boy, Yang thought, her smile widening despite herself.
She glanced over at Pyrrha, who was staring up at the sky with a serene look on her face, seemingly at peace. The weight of the world felt a little lighter in that moment. Yang felt the warmth of Pyrrha's presence, and for the first time in a long while, she realized that maybe, just maybe, there was more to look forward to than she had allowed herself to believe.
For now, though, she would just let herself enjoy the moment.
RWBY DORM ROOM
The familiar hum of the dorm room settled over the four members of Team RWBY, each lost in their own thoughts. Ruby hung upside down from her bed, her arms folded behind her head, staring at the ceiling as she tried to figure out what to do with the last day of vacation.
"So... classes start in two days," Ruby said, her voice light as she swayed back and forth. "What do you guys want to do tomorrow?"
Blake, nose buried in her book, didn't look up. "I'll be walking around campus with Sun all day tomorrow," she said softly, her fingers tracing the edges of the pages as she read.
Yang, sitting at her desk and combing her hair, smirked. "Going to meet with Pyrrha at lunch. Got a... a special project that we'll be working on together."
Ruby's eyes lit up with curiosity, and she twisted upside down, hanging by just her legs now. "Ooooooh!" she squealed. "Care to tell?"
"Nope," Yang answered, her smirk growing wider. "Top secret for now. But I'll tell you guys eventually."
Ruby groaned in dramatic frustration, her feet kicking the air. "Ugh, why does everyone have secret plans?" She turned to Weiss, who was polishing Myrtenaster with precise care, her expression focused.
"I'll be training," Weiss said without looking up. "Probably for most of the day."
Ruby cocked her head, skeptical. "Oh, really?" she said. "Then what am I supposed to do?"
Weiss paused for a moment, glancing up with a raised brow. "You could train with me, Ruby," she said casually. "I'm interested in a few practice spars."
"Nah," Ruby said, bouncing down from her bed in a single fluid motion. "Tomorrow's the last vacation day before classes. I'll have plenty of time to train then."
Blake, still reading her book, added, "You could just hang out with JNPR."
Ruby perked up at the mention of their friends, but Blake continued. "Ren and Nora are going to be busy helping Goodwitch finish the repairs on the workshop that Nora destroyed. Turns out the repairs weren't even done before break, so now they have to finish them. And with Pyrrha hanging with Yang..." Blake looked at Ruby, her tone turning teasing. "I guess that leaves Jaune."
Ruby froze, her eyes going wide as she nervously scratched the back of her head. "U-uh..." she stammered, not quite sure how to respond.
Blake, noticing Ruby's sudden discomfort, narrowed her eyes. "Ruby?" she said softly, her voice laced with concern. "Is something wrong?"
Yang, sensing the moment was right, let out a sigh. "Ruby. Come with me. You can tell me what's going on."
Without waiting for an answer, Yang stood and walked toward the door, motioning for Ruby to follow. Ruby hesitated for a second before getting up and trailing after her sister. They stepped out into the hallway and into an empty dorm room, Yang making sure no one else was nearby before closing the door behind them.
"Alright, Rubes," Yang said, crossing her arms and leaning against the wall. "Are you nervous because it's just going to be Jaune?"
Ruby's face immediately flushed, her nerves getting the best of her. "No... Well... yes. And..."
Yang chuckled, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "I can see you blushing."
Ruby quickly turned her head away, trying to hide her embarrassment. "I-I'm not blushing!"
"Relax, sis," Yang said with a teasing grin. "I am completely aware of your little... crush on Jaune."
Ruby's eyes went wide, and she whipped around to face her sister. "What?"
"You weren't exactly keeping it secret from me," Yang said with a sly smirk. "I saw that little smooch you gave to Jaune back at home. That was very sweet too."
Ruby's face turned even redder, and she groaned awkwardly, her hands fidgeting nervously. "Ummm... yeah..." she muttered, eyes avoiding Yang's. "Yang, can you help me? If I want Jaune to like me back—"
Yang raised an eyebrow, a confident grin spreading across her face. "Oh, his feelings are the same."
Ruby's eyes widened, her heart suddenly racing. "Oh boy."
"And given that he's all by himself tomorrow... all day..." Yang's grin widened. "This could be your chance to... hang out with him."
Ruby froze for a moment, panic beginning to creep in. "W-well, what do I do then?"
Yang chuckled, her voice light. "Amateur," she teased. She stood up and stretched, walking toward the door. "Just go to Jaune... and simply ask him. If he says yes, then that's good. But if he can't, then you'll understand. There will be other opportunities. It's all about confidence, Rubes. You just have to be brave enough to do so."
She smirked, looking back at her sister. "Unless you're... chicken."
"I am not chicken!" Ruby protested, her cheeks burning with determination.
Yang's smile turned into a sly grin as she reached for the door handle. "Prove it then," she said. "Open the door. Jaune just passed by."
Ruby gulped nervously, but Yang's challenge lingered in her mind. She hesitated, then sighed deeply. With a quick glance at Yang, she braced herself, her heart pounding in her chest. She opened the door, stepping out into the hallway.
Outside, she saw Jaune walking by. Their eyes met, and Ruby's stomach fluttered.
"Hey, Jaune!" she called out, her voice wavering slightly.
Jaune stopped and turned, his face lighting up with a warm smile when he saw her. "Hey, Ruby!" he said, clearly happy to see her.
Ruby took a deep breath, summoning the courage she needed. "Um... would you like to... hang out tomorrow?" she asked, her voice a little too high-pitched, but she didn't care. She was doing it.
Jaune blinked for a moment, then smiled warmly. "I'd love to," he said, his tone genuine. "That sounds awesome."
Ruby's heart soared, and she grinned wide. "Really?!" she exclaimed, almost jumping up and down.
Jaune nodded, chuckling softly. "Yeah, really. I'll see you tomorrow."
Ruby barely contained her excitement, giving him a small wave as he walked away. She turned back to Yang, her face glowing with a mixture of relief and happiness.
Yang leaned against the door frame, her arms crossed and a proud smile on her face. "See? Told you he liked you back."
Ruby couldn't help but grin ear to ear, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. "Thanks, Yang," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I couldn't have done it without you."
Yang shrugged, her grin only getting wider. "Anytime, sis. Just remember, confidence is key."
Ruby's grin widened as she skipped back into their dorm room, eager for tomorrow's chance to spend time with Jaune.
NIGHT - OZPIN'S OFFICE
The office was quiet, the air thick with tension. Ozpin, his fingers steepled before his face, stood behind his desk, while Qrow, Goodwitch, and Winter stood nearby. A soft glow from the lamp lit their faces, casting shadows across the room.
"You're joking," Qrow muttered, disbelief evident in his voice.
"I wish I were, Qrow," Winter replied. Her voice was measured, but the weight of her words hung heavy in the air. "But my contact in Atlas has confirmed it. Ironwood is sending a small squad of soldiers to Vale. They believe that a warehouse at the docks is housing several White Fang members… as well as Cinder Fall and her accomplices."
Ozpin's eyes narrowed, his brow furrowing in thought. "And when will they arrive?"
"Tomorrow night," Winter answered, her tone clipped.
Goodwitch, who had been silently processing the information, stepped forward. "You didn't get anything else? No additional details?"
"No," Winter answered with a shake of her head. "I had to end the call before it became too risky for my contact. That's all the information I was able to get."
Ozpin turned to the others, his face growing more serious. "This is troubling. If the people of Vale see Atlesian soldiers firing up in my Kingdom, it will only fuel more distrust."
"Miss Sustrai's information does confirm that Fall will be at the warehouse," Goodwitch said. "But we still need to know which one. And we need to figure this out before the soldiers arrive."
Qrow cracked his knuckles, his usual cocky demeanor in full display. "I'll get that done."
Ozpin raised an eyebrow. "You will." He paused, locking eyes with Qrow. "You and Miss—"
"I'll handle it myself," Qrow interjected with a wave of his hand, cutting off Ozpin's suggestion. "You need to show Ice Queen the ropes of Beacon. Trust me, I can handle this alone. Stealth's my specialty."
Winter let out a quiet sigh, clearly disapproving. "Given that there could be dozens of White Fang members—and Cinder herself—I advise that you be careful."
Qrow chuckled, his usual bravado evident. "I never knew you cared."
Winter didn't respond, her expression growing distant. She turned toward the window, gazing out into the darkness. But as she stared into the night, none of them were aware that a figure sat atop the roof just above them.
Ruby, having overheard the entire conversation, sat in silence, her heart racing. She had heard enough. She peered down from her perch, watching Winter gaze upward. Panic set in. Ruby quickly jumped back, silent as a shadow, and with the help of Crescent Rose, slowed her descent, landing softly on the ground below.
As she straightened, Ruby turned around—and found herself face to face with a wide-eyed Velvet, who stared at her in disbelief.
"Did... did you just...?" Velvet stammered.
Ruby flashed a grin, her usual mischievous spark in her eyes. "Fall out of the sky? Nah. Looked believable, huh?" she teased.
Velvet just blinked in astonishment, but Ruby brushed past her, her smile quickly fading as the reality of the situation sank in. Cinder Fall. Warehouse. Tomorrow night. Good.
"Miss Rose!"
Ruby froze at the sound of Winter's voice. She turned to see the Schnee heiress approaching, her steps purposeful, her expression unreadable.
"Hi," Ruby said awkwardly, trying to play it cool. "Nice weather tonight, huh?"
Winter's gaze never wavered. "Indeed," she replied, her voice calm yet tinged with something more. She paused, her eyes scanning Ruby's face before she spoke again. "You know... when I found out you were leading your team, I always thought you were too young."
Ruby's brow furrowed, her tone a little defensive. "I'm not a kid."
Winter's eyes softened, but only slightly. "You might as well be," she said, her voice turning more serious. "Because kids always seem to listen to conversations they aren't supposed to hear."
Ruby's eyes widened in surprise. "How did...?"
"I saw your feet dangling," Winter said, her voice almost clinical. "And despite that, I believe it's good that you heard."
Ruby blinked, processing the unexpected admission. "Wait, you're okay with me hearing?"
Winter hesitated for a moment before responding, her tone softer now. "I think you need to know what's at stake. Especially with Cinder."
Ruby's curiosity piqued, she took a cautious step closer. "So, what's your angle? Why do you want to help me?"
Winter met Ruby's gaze directly, her voice calm but firm. "Because Ironwood's methods of capturing Cinder and her accomplices will most likely result in instant execution. And if the people of Vale witness Atlesian soldiers executing criminals, there will be a serious backlash. It will breed mistrust against Atlas. I want to prevent that. I want to help you bring Cinder in alive, so we can avoid escalating this further."
Ruby's eyes softened as she processed Winter's words. The offer was a far cry from the usual cold, pragmatic Winter she knew. This was a woman who had seen enough bloodshed and understood the importance of careful action.
After a long moment of silence, Ruby nodded slowly, her resolve solidifying. "You're right. If we just take her down, it could lead to even more problems." She hesitated, then looked Winter in the eye. "Alright. Tomorrow night... we stop Cinder Fall."
Winter nodded, her expression softening just a fraction. "Tomorrow night, we stop her. For everyone's sake."
Ruby gave a small, determined smile. "We'll do it the right way. Together."