The weather over Mistral felt unnatural that day—eerily still, as if even the skies mourned. Hundreds had gathered on the cliffs overlooking the sea, where Pyrrha Nikos was to be laid to rest. Her coffin, draped in red and gold, stood at the center of the gathering, with her photograph displayed prominently above it.
Ruby stood among her teammates and friends, her red cloak heavy around her shoulders. She wasn't sure if the weight came from the fabric or her grief. Around her, the crowd murmured quietly, their voices barely audible over the crash of waves below.
Pyrrha's parents, Crimson and Hazel Nikos, stood before the crowd. Hazel clutched her husband's hand tightly as Crimson addressed the mourners. Her voice was steady but laden with emotion as she spoke of Pyrrha's kindness, strength, and unwavering spirit.
When they finished, a long silence followed, broken only by the shifting of feet and quiet sobs. Ruby glanced at Jaune, who stood beside her, clutching a bouquet of roses so tightly that the stems had bent. His breathing was shallow, his face pale.
"Jaune?" Ruby whispered, her voice barely audible.
He didn't respond. His blue eyes were fixed on the coffin, his lips trembling as he tried to form words.
Finally, Nora stepped closer, her hand on his arm. "Jaune, it's okay—"
"No," he cut her off sharply, his voice cracking. "It's not okay. I should say something. I... I owe her that much." His hands shook as he tried to step forward, but his legs felt like lead.
Ruby watched him struggle, her heart breaking all over again. Without thinking, she placed a hand on his shoulder. "You don't have to do this alone," she said softly. "I'll speak for her."
Jaune looked at her, his eyes glassy and red. For a moment, he seemed ready to argue, but then he nodded, a single tear slipping down his cheek. Ruby gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze before stepping forward.
She climbed onto the small platform that had been set up for the ceremony, her knees shaking as all eyes turned to her.
"I didn't think I'd ever have to do something like this," Ruby began, her voice trembling. She paused, taking a deep breath. "Pyrrha was... she was more than just a friend. She was a hero. She was someone who made everyone around her better—stronger—just by being herself."
Ruby's voice wavered, but she pushed through. "She was the kind of person who never gave up, even when things got hard. She believed in people, even when they didn't believe in themselves. And she... she believed in us."
She glanced at Jaune, who was staring at her with tears streaming down his face. "Pyrrha believed that together, we could survive. That we could keep going, no matter how dark things got. And I think that's what she'd want us to do now. To survive. To keep fighting. For her."
Ruby's voice broke on the last words, and she quickly wiped her eyes. She placed a single rose on the coffin before stepping back, her legs barely holding her up. As she returned to Jaune's side, he gave her a look of gratitude, his hand brushing hers briefly.
Present Day: Atlas
The Schnee estate loomed large against the snowy backdrop of Atlas, its towering spires gleaming in the moonlight. Inside, the grand music room was silent except for the soft notes of a piano. Weiss sat at the bench, her fingers gliding effortlessly over the keys. The melody of Mirror, Mirror filled the room, melancholy and haunting.
The creak of the door opening broke her concentration. She turned sharply, her expression softening when she saw who it was.
"Winter."
Her older sister stepped into the room, dressed in her pristine Atlas military uniform. Her expression was calm but warm, and she opened her arms slightly as Weiss stood to greet her.
"It's good to see you," Winter said, embracing her younger sister.
"You too," Weiss replied, her voice softer than usual.
They sat together on a small sofa by the window, the snow falling gently outside. For a moment, neither spoke.
"How have you been?" Winter asked finally, breaking the silence.
"Trapped," Weiss replied bluntly. "Father has barely let me step outside the estate since... since everything happened in Vale."
Winter sighed, her expression growing grim. "I know. He's been insufferable at the council meetings, pushing his agenda under the guise of 'family safety.'"
"And what about you?" Weiss asked, leaning forward. "Are you just going to stand by and let him keep controlling me?"
Winter frowned. "Weiss, it's not that simple. The situation in Atlas is delicate, and Father has—"
"Enough influence to manipulate the system?" Weiss interrupted, her voice sharp. "I know. But that doesn't mean you have to let him."
Winter hesitated, her fingers tightening around the edge of her chair. "You're right," she admitted quietly. "I've been trying to find a way to help you without jeopardizing my position, but..."
"But what?" Weiss pressed.
"But I can't do it alone," Winter said, her voice firm. She reached out, placing a hand on Weiss's shoulder. "If you're serious about leaving, you'll need to be ready for the consequences. Once you defy Father, there's no going back."
Weiss met her gaze, her jaw set. "I've been ready since the Fall of Beacon. My team needs me, Winter. Ruby needs me."
Winter studied her for a long moment before nodding. "Tomorrow night. I'll come back with everything you'll need to get out of here. But once you leave, you have to keep moving. Father will stop at nothing to bring you back."
Weiss smiled faintly, her heart swelling with a mix of relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Winter."
In Mistral
The crescent moon hung low over the quiet village, its streets bathed in silvery light. Ruby sat near a small fire, her cloak draped over her shoulders as she stared into the flames. The flickering light reflected in her silver eyes, which were duller than they used to be.
Across from her, Jaune sat silently, his sword resting against his knee. He hadn't spoken much since they'd set up camp, his face drawn and pale.
"You've been quiet," Ruby said softly, breaking the silence.
Jaune glanced at her briefly before looking back at the fire. "Just thinking," he muttered.
"About her?" Ruby asked gently.
He nodded, his jaw tightening. "It never gets easier, does it? Losing someone."
"No," Ruby admitted. "But it helps to remember why they fought. Why they believed in us."
Jaune didn't reply, but Ruby noticed his shoulders relax slightly.
A Port City Somewhere in ValeThe small travel agency bustled with activity, travelers arguing with staff over prices and delays. Behind the front desk, a man with a graying beard and a nameplate reading Emmett fielded questions with the forced politeness of someone who desperately wanted his shift to end.
A woman approached the counter, her brown hair tied into a loose ponytail and an orange scarf draped around her neck. She wore a wide-brimmed hat that partially obscured her face.
"How can I help you today?" Emmett asked, his tone bland.
"I need passage to Mistral," the woman said curtly, her eyes scanning the room.
Emmett sighed, shaking his head. "As I've explained to many travelers already, moving between the kingdoms has become more difficult despite the CCT being operational again, Ms..."
"Pearl," she said smoothly. "Polly Pearl."
Her tone was calm, but her gaze was piercing. Emmett hesitated under her scrutiny, his fingers tapping nervously on the counter.
"I understand traveling is difficult..." Polly leaned forward slightly, glancing at his nameplate. "Emmett. But I can pay the exorbitant prices your agency is charging."
She placed a small briefcase on the counter and snapped it open, revealing neatly arranged stacks of Lien. The sight drew a few curious glances from other customers.
Emmett's eyebrows lifted slightly. "Hmmm... alright." He pulled out a form and began stamping documents. "The next ship to Mistral leaves in two days at noon."
He slid a stamped passport across the counter. "But before you go, I'll need some contact information. In case of delays or complications."
"I'm afraid that won't be necessary," Polly replied coolly.
"It's policy," Emmett insisted, his tone sharpening.
Polly's smile didn't reach her eyes. "I'm sure you enjoy reciting your policies, Emmett. But maybe you'd prefer to tell me about your boss instead?"
Emmett blinked, his confusion genuine. "I'm sorry, Ms. Pearl. I don't—"
"Cut the act," Polly interrupted, her voice low but deadly. She leaned in closer. "Or should I call you by your other name? Perry."
Emmett froze, his eyes darting toward her as a wave of panic spread across his face.
"Does that ring a bell?" she asked, her voice soft but loaded with menace.
The room grew quiet as several customers turned their heads, the mention of the White Fang catching their attention. Emmett reached for a button under the counter, his hand trembling.
Before he could press it, Polly's right hand shot forward. From her glove, a blade extended with a metallic shing, pinning his hand to the desk.
"Tsk, tsk. I wouldn't do that if I were you, sweetheart."
Emmett recoiled, his face pale. "What do you want from me?" he stammered.
Polly circled the desk slowly, her steps measured. "I want information," she said, stopping directly beside him. "The location of your leader. The one who calls himself Adam Taurus."
"I—I don't know!" Emmett sputtered. "He doesn't tell me anything! I'm just a middleman!"
Polly grabbed him by the collar and slammed him against the wall with her left hand. The blade on her right arm extended toward his throat, the tip glinting dangerously close to his skin.
"Are you sure you don't know?" she asked, her voice cold and even.
Emmett whimpered, his breath coming in short, panicked gasps. As the blade inched closer, he broke.
"Okay! Okay!" he yelled. "He's in Mistral! Near the Black Sea!"
Polly's blade retracted with a soft click. She smiled faintly, releasing him. Emmett collapsed onto the floor, clutching his chest as he trembled.
"How many?" she asked.
"About a hundred stationed there," he croaked. "Including Adam."
Polly stepped back, brushing off her glove. "Thank you for your cooperation." She turned toward the door, pausing as she reached it. "Oh, and Emmett? I didn't spare your life. I just wanted to give these fine people a chance to have a conversation with you."
She gestured toward the other customers, who were now glaring at him with hostility. As Polly walked out, muffled shouts and Emmett's screams followed her.
In the quiet alley behind the agency, she removed her right glove, revealing a golden-yellow mechanical arm. She flexed her fingers absently before pulling off her hat and wig, shaking out her long blonde hair.
"I finally found you, Adam Taurus," Yang muttered, slipping her disguise into a nearby dumpster. She tapped a device hidden under her scarf, tucking it away before striding to a nearby motorcycle.
Bumblebee gleamed in the dim light as she mounted it, slipping on her helmet. She revved the engine, her golden arm gripping the handlebar.
"And when I find you, you'll regret everything you've done to me—and to her."
With that, she roared off into the night, her motorcycle disappearing into the distance.