COTTAGE RUINS
Blake's hands were caked in dirt, her arms aching with the effort of digging. Each movement was methodical, but there was a desperation in her actions—like she was trying to bury more than just Matthew. The pain in her chest mirrored the weight of the shovel as she pushed it into the earth, desperate for something to do, somewhere to put all the grief.
Yang, crouching beside her, tried to help, but Blake's pace never slowed. The silence stretched between them, thick and heavy, until a groan broke it. Marlie, still dazed from her encounter with Yang, was beginning to stir, groaning softly as she came to.
Yang looked up sharply, her eyes locking on Marlie. "I'll handle this," she muttered, standing up. She moved quickly, grabbing one of Marlie's legs and dragging her toward the cliff's edge.
Weiss, standing a few feet away, glanced over and walked toward Yang, her voice low but filled with concern. "Yang, what are you doing?"
Yang didn't look at her as she dragged the Faunus closer to the cliff. "She knows where Adam Taurus is hiding. She's going to tell me where, or I'll make her."
Marlie's eyes snapped open, panic setting in when she realized her situation. She looked down, eyes widening at the sheer drop below her. The sound of Yang's voice was sharp and cold as she leaned in, her grip tightening.
"Where is Adam?" Yang demanded, her tone sharp, her face hard as stone.
Marlie froze, her body stiff with defiance. "Who?" she muttered, but her voice trembled with fear.
Yang growled, frustration building. "Don't play dumb with me. Where is he hiding?"
Still, Marlie said nothing, her jaw clenched. Yang's grip loosened slightly, but that was enough to send Marlie into a fresh wave of panic.
"Tell me now," Yang said, her voice cutting through the tension like a knife. "I let go, and you're going over."
Marlie's breath came in quick, frantic gasps as she struggled against Yang's grip. She didn't want to show fear, but it was evident. "Fine! Fine! I'll tell you! Just don't let me fall."
Yang smirked, tightening her grip once again. "That wasn't so hard, was it?"
She pulled out her Scroll, recording the coordinates that Marlie reluctantly gave. When she finished, Yang put the device away, nodding to herself.
"Thank you for your cooperation," Yang said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
Marlie's eyes burned with fury. "You're all dead! All of you! The Schnee, the traitor—you'll all pay!" she screamed, her voice raw with anger.
Yang's face remained unchanged, though her eyes sparkled with something darker. She turned to Weiss, gesturing toward a nearby pile of rope. "Weiss, grab that rope."
Weiss hesitated for a moment, glancing back at Blake, who was still kneeling by the freshly dug hole. But she grabbed the rope, walking toward Yang and handing it to her silently.
Yang quickly tied Marlie's feet with the rope, securing her to a tree just beside the cliff's edge. The Faunus soldier dangled there, helpless, her face contorted in rage.
"You want to live?" Yang said, her voice quieter now, but no less menacing. "Then you better figure out how to get free. Or, well…" She let the threat hang in the air, her smile predatory. "Let's just say, you're on borrowed time."
Yang turned away, motioning for Weiss to follow her, but she couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to do—something else they had to deal with.
As she turned back toward Blake, she noticed that Blake was no longer at the hole. For a split second, Yang's heart skipped a beat before she realized Blake had disappeared from her spot.
Yang's gaze snapped to the cliff. There, at the edge, stood Blake—her Gambol Shroud drawn, ready for whatever came next.
Blake had walked to the edge of the cliff, her body rigid, her expression unreadable. Yang's chest tightened in fear, and before she could call out, Blake had moved—quick and silent—toward the dangling Marlie.
Yang's pulse quickened as Blake reached the rope. Her eyes widened, realization dawning too late. "Blake, no!" Yang yelled, her voice rising in panic.
But Blake didn't hesitate. With a swift, smooth motion, she cut the rope with Gambol Shroud, severing it in an instant.
Marlie screamed as she plummeted, the sound echoing in the air until it was replaced by the sickening thud of her body hitting the ground below.
Blake didn't flinch. She didn't pause. She simply turned away from the cliff and started walking, her movements as steady as ever. The emptiness of the moment hung in the air like a heavy fog.
Yang stood frozen, staring at the empty space where Marlie had once dangled. She felt a deep unease welling up inside her. That was… too easy.
Weiss was the first to speak, but her voice was faint. "Blake…" she started, but the words were stuck, like they couldn't find a way to leave her mouth.
Blake didn't look back at either of them. She just kept walking, her face set in stone, her steps firm and unyielding.
"I know where Adam is hiding," Blake said, her voice quiet, but sharp. "I recognize those coordinates. We should move."
Yang stood there, watching Blake as she walked away. Her heart sank, and a pit of worry opened up in her stomach. This wasn't the Blake she knew. Not anymore.
Blake's coldness—her willingness to act without hesitation—felt off. Something had changed. Yang could see it, feel it. And she couldn't help but worry about what it meant.
With a shaky breath, Yang turned toward the cliff again, her eyes drifting to the cut rope. The sight of it left a cold knot in her chest. She wasn't sure what was happening, but something about this moment told her that things were about to get much darker.
Blake was changing, and Yang was afraid that it was only a matter of time before it was too late to bring her back.
MISTRAL
Team RNJR was gathered in the bright, open living room of Team SSSN's temporary home. The house was cozy and welcoming, though there was a noticeable tension hanging in the air. Sun kept a watchful eye on Neopolitan, who sat on the floor in silence, her hands folded neatly in her lap.
"This place is beautiful," Nora remarked, her eyes bright as she surveyed the room.
"Thanks," Neptune replied, leaning against a nearby pillar. "My parents are on a mission out in the outskirts of Mistral. They won't be back for another week."
"And we appreciate you letting us stay here," Ruby added, her voice warm with gratitude.
Neptune shot a glance at Neo, who was still sitting quietly. "No problem. But... I'm not sure what to make of her."
Ruby glanced at Neo, who remained motionless, her eyes downcast.
Ren spoke up. "She's with us for now. Once she gives us the information we need, we'll head to Haven and see if it checks out."
Neptune looked at Ren, confused. "Haven?" He paused before glancing at his teammates. "What do you mean?"
Ren nodded, his expression serious. "That's where we're headed next. Haven Academy. We're hoping the information Neo's giving us is accurate."
Sun shifted uneasily, his eyes flickering to Neo before meeting Ruby's gaze. "Haven's gone, Ruby."
Ruby's heart skipped a beat. She stared at him, blinking as if she hadn't heard him correctly.
Neptune nodded, confirming the shock. "He's right. Both Haven City and the Academy... they're gone."
Ruby's breath caught in her throat. "Wha—how?"
"A couple of weeks after Pyrrha's funeral, Atlas military arrived, claiming they were on a diplomatic mission," Neptune explained. "But that didn't last. No one knew Mistral had cut ties with Atlas already."
Sun took a breath before adding, "The city erupted. People rioted when they found out Atlas was still there. The hatred and fear they felt drew Grimm to the city, and it was chaos. Absolute chaos."
"We tried to fight them off," Sage Ayala said, his voice heavy. "But we couldn't do enough."
"The city's in ruins now," Scarlet David added. "And so is the academy. Many good people lost their lives, including Headmaster Leonhart."
Ruby felt her world tilt on its axis. She sank down into a chair, her mind spinning with the news.
"How did you all get out?" Ren asked, looking at Sun, who seemed to take the question in stride.
"We were on a scouting mission when the explosions started," Sun replied. "We helped wherever we could, but once the Grimm overwhelmed us, we had no choice but to run. Neptune suggested we stay here and lay low for a while."
"Dammit!"
Everyone jumped as Jaune's yell shattered the heavy silence. He was standing, fists clenched, his face red with frustration.
"We came all this way… ALL THIS WAY, for NOTHING?!"
Nora's hand flew up in an attempt to calm him down. "Jaune, please, calm down."
"DON'T TELL ME TO CALM DOWN!" Jaune shouted back, his voice cracking with emotion.
"Hey!" Ren snapped. "Watch how you're speaking to her!"
Jaune's anger swung toward Ren, his eyes burning. His gaze then fell on Neo, who sat motionless on the ground, still holding herself together.
"I've had enough!" Jaune roared, his voice raw with pent-up anger. He stormed toward Neo, shoving past Scarlet as he grabbed her by the collar. "TELL US EVERYTHING YOU KNOW, NOW!"
Neo flinched, her eyes widening slightly in fear as Jaune's grip tightened. He dragged her closer to the table where his sword, Crocea Mors, rested.
"Tell us! NOW!" Jaune demanded, his voice harsh and desperate.
Jaune's rage seemed to fuel him. He grabbed his sword and turned toward Neo with a snarl. Without hesitation, he charged at her, prepared to strike.
Sun reacted instantly, tackling Jaune to the ground in a tangle of limbs. The two wrestled violently, knocking over furniture in their struggle.
"HEY!" Neptune shouted, rushing to pull Sun away from Jaune. Nora, with surprising strength, yanked Jaune off Neo, positioning herself between him and the Faunus.
Ruby, standing frozen in the doorway, could feel her breath starting to catch. Her heart pounded in her chest as panic began to rise within her. Her limbs felt like they were made of stone, her vision narrowing. The world around her seemed to fade, the sounds of the room muffling.
She staggered outside, gasping for air. Her breath was coming in sharp, shallow gasps. Her hands were trembling, clutching her chest as though she couldn't get enough air into her lungs.
Ren followed closely, his worry clear as he caught up to her just outside the door. Ruby sank to her knees, her body shaking with the panic that had gripped her.
"Ruby," Ren said urgently, kneeling beside her. "Slow your breathing. Just like we practiced. In... out. Focus on your breathing."
Ruby's chest heaved as she fought for control, her breaths erratic. She could feel her heart hammering in her ears, drowning out the rest of the world.
"Come on, Ruby," Ren encouraged softly, his voice calm and steady. "In through your nose... out through your mouth."
She tried to mimic his movements, forcing herself to breathe slowly, but it felt like she was suffocating. Her vision blurred, and she felt like she was spinning, as if the ground beneath her might vanish at any moment.
"I can't... I can't breathe, Ren," Ruby whispered, her voice breaking.
"Yes, you can," Ren insisted. "You just have to focus. Come on, Ruby, you've got this."
She focused on his voice, and with each breath, she slowly began to calm. The dizzying sensations slowly faded, and Ruby's shaking eased. After a few moments, her breathing steadied.
Ren helped her to her feet, his expression full of concern. "Are you okay?"
Ruby nodded slowly, though she still felt the cold grip of panic clawing at her chest. "I think... I think I'm okay."
Inside, the chaos had somewhat subsided. Jaune sat, still furious but now quietly seething. Nora stood in front of him, arms crossed, while Scarlet stood at a distance, watching warily. Sun, blood trickling from his nose, was seated nearby, his face set in a grim expression.
Ren glanced back inside before turning his attention to Ruby. "Are we good in there?" he asked, his voice uncertain.
"I think so," Sage said from inside, his voice cautious.
Ruby looked at Jaune, whose face was a mask of regret and frustration. A heavy silence filled the room, and without a word, Ruby walked toward him. Her face was flushed, her eyes sharp with a mixture of anger and hurt.
"Ruby..." Jaune started, but his voice faltered, filled with guilt.
Without a second thought, Ruby slapped him across the face, the sound of it echoing through the house. The room went completely silent as Jaune touched his cheek, stunned by her response.
Neo's soft voice broke the silence. "I didn't know about Haven being attacked."
Everyone turned to look at her, surprise and confusion flashing across their faces.
"Wait... is she talking?" Sun asked in disbelief.
Ruby, still shaking slightly, moved to kneel next to Neo, her gaze unwavering. "Did Cinder plan to attack Haven?" she asked, her voice cold but controlled.
Neo's eyes flickered to Ruby's before she spoke, her tone quiet but steady. "She didn't need to. She knew that Mistral's hatred for Atlas would draw the Grimm eventually. I didn't know about it until now... Cinder keeps things from us."
Ruby's heart sank, but she pressed on. "Who else is working for her?"
"Just me... and Mercury Black," Neo answered, her voice laced with reluctant honesty.
Ruby's eyes widened. "What about Emerald?"
Neo's gaze turned bitter. "She ran. I guess she felt guilty. But when they find her, they'll kill her."
"And what exactly is Cinder's plan?" Sun asked, his tone firm.
Neo turned her gaze to Sun, then back to Ruby. "Cinder wants to hurt you, Ruby Rose."
Ruby froze, her pulse quickening. "What?"
Neo's eyes locked on hers, cold and calculated. "Cinder envies you. She won't stop until either everyone you care about is dead, or you are."
Ruby's world seemed to tilt as Neo's words sank in. She stood up, trying to hold her composure, but her legs felt weak. She looked at her team—her friends—but her mind was racing, the weight of the truth too much to bear.
"Is Cinder here?" Ruby asked, her voice tight.
"...Yes," Neo answered softly.
Ruby took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She reached out and placed a hand on Neo's shoulder, her voice quieter but sincere. "Thank you, Neo."
As the room fell into uneasy silence, Ruby stood there, trying to process everything. There was no going back now. The fight was far from over.
DARK ROOM
The room was dim, bathed only in the glow of a holographic screen. Cinder Fall stood before it, her eyes cold and calculating as she watched the image of Neo fade away after her last words, "Yes." The screen flickered once more before disappearing into the void.
Cinder's expression was unreadable, but a sharp exhale escaped her lips as she crossed her arms, her mind already turning the situation over.
"Hm. Unfortunate," she murmured, a hint of frustration edging her tone.
Behind her, Mercury let out a low growl, clearly annoyed. "Great. So now we've got two traitors to deal with. First, Emerald, now Neo. This just keeps getting better."
Cinder's gaze hardened at the mention of Emerald's name, but before she could respond, a voice cut through the tension in the room—cold and commanding.
"Neopolitan will suffer for her actions when the time comes," Salem's voice echoed through the shadows, her presence looming in the room despite her unseen form. "But for now, we continue with the plan."
Cinder's jaw tightened as she stood taller. "Of course, my lady."
Salem's presence solidified, her glowing eyes visible in the darkness as she materialized, her gaze piercing. "Cinder," she continued, her tone unwavering, "Inform our White Fang ally of the current situation. If Rose and her friends find him, they need to be prepared."
Cinder raised an eyebrow, a slight flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. "What makes you think they'll head to the Black Sea?" she asked, her voice tinged with a challenge, though she quickly masked it with professionalism.
Salem's eyes narrowed, glowing brighter as she fixed her gaze on Cinder. Without a word, Salem's stare seemed to reach deep into Cinder's soul, as if testing her resolve.
Suddenly, a sharp pain coursed through Cinder's body. She gasped, her body jerking as a hot, searing sensation washed over her. She clenched her teeth, fighting against the agony that radiated from her core, but the pressure continued.
"Do not question me, Cinder," Salem's voice rang out, colder than the chill of the dark room. "It was only a matter of time before they headed toward Taurus. They'll follow the trail, whether they know it or not. All we need to do now is... guide them in the right direction."
Cinder, still reeling from the pain, bowed her head, the fire in her eyes smothered by her submission. "Forgive me, my lady," she whispered, her voice low, dripping with a mix of guilt and respect.
Mercury, who had been quietly watching the exchange, frowned slightly. "I don't get it. Why exactly are we going to all this trouble?" he asked, his voice betraying a hint of confusion. "Why send them toward Taurus?"
Salem's gaze turned to Mercury, her eyes glowing like two twin lanterns in the dark. "Mercury," she said softly, but there was no warmth in her words. "Part of the plan is to break Ruby Rose. If we want to hurt her and her friends, we must make them desperate. And for that to happen, they need to go to Taurus's camp. Once they are there, the real pain will begin." Her voice took on a darker, more chilling edge as she continued, her words heavy with malice. "One by one, we will take everything from her. Her family. Her friends. Everyone she cares about... will die slowly, painfully. And when it's over... when there's nothing left for her to lose, I will personally take her life."
Cinder stiffened at those final words, her eyes darkening. She could feel her pulse quicken at the thought, though a part of her was surprised by the intensity of Salem's declaration. Cinder herself had wanted Ruby gone for some time, but hearing Salem's cold, calculated tone made her wonder just how far her mistress would go.
Mercury, sensing the shift in the room, chuckled darkly. "Alright, I can help with the hurting part," he said, his smile wide, though there was an unsettling glint in his eyes. "Just tell me what to do, and I'll make it happen."
Salem's eyes flickered with approval, but her expression remained unreadable. "In due time, Mercury. For now, you have another task."
Cinder's gaze shifted toward the window, her attention momentarily drawn away from the others as she focused on the world beyond, her thoughts a maelstrom of calculated plans.
"Mercury," Salem's voice cut through the silence, her command as sharp as ever. "Locate Neo. Bring her back. Alive. She is not to be harmed until I say otherwise."
"I'll have her back by tomorrow," Mercury replied with an eager smile, his voice dripping with malice. "Don't worry. I'll get her."
With that, Mercury turned on his heel, his footsteps echoing faintly as he left the room, leaving Cinder and Salem alone in the dim light.
Cinder stood in silence, her mind turning over the implications of what had just been said. She felt a cold shiver run down her spine at the thought of Neo's betrayal—and the fact that Salem was more than willing to let her suffer for it.
Cinder's fingers grazed the edge of the table as she stared out the window, the city lights casting long shadows across her face. A brief flash of Neo's image flashed in her mind—her cold expression, her silence, her betrayal.
"You should've stayed quiet, Neo," Cinder murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "But now... now you've sealed your fate."
Her words were laced with venom, but deep inside, Cinder felt a flicker of something else. Anger. Regret. Perhaps even a twisted sense of betrayal from Neo.
But that wasn't important. What mattered now was getting Neo back—alive, for the time being—and ensuring that the plan would continue. There was no turning back now.
As the room darkened around her, Cinder remained silent, her eyes staring into the abyss outside the window. The game had changed, and soon, Ruby Rose would understand just how high the stakes had become.
ATLAS
The hallway was eerily quiet, the hum of machinery and distant voices barely audible. Winter Schnee sat alone, her posture perfect, but her fingers betrayed her calm demeanor, tapping rhythmically against her leg, a habit she'd developed over years of training. She looked up from the floor when the sound of footsteps echoed down the corridor. A young woman with striking yellow hair, adorned in the Atlas military uniform, approached with a stern expression.
"Specialist Schnee," the woman called, her voice sharp. "General Ironwood is ready to speak with you."
Winter rose immediately, her movements fluid and precise. "Thank you, Topaz," she replied, her voice calm yet laced with the respect due to her superior.
Topaz led Winter down the hallway, her heels clicking against the cold marble floors, before stopping in front of a large door. She nodded once, indicating that Winter should enter.
Winter stepped forward and paused at the threshold before walking into the room. General James Ironwood stood near his desk, scanning mission reports, his mechanical arm subtly whirring as it adjusted the papers in front of him. Upon seeing Winter, he looked up and immediately stood to attention. Winter returned the gesture, saluting sharply.
"You wished to see me, sir?" Winter asked, her tone steady, though she could feel the tension mounting in the air.
Ironwood nodded gravely. "Correct. Please, take a seat," he gestured toward a nearby chair.
Winter lowered herself into the chair, her back straight as always, but the weight of the situation settled heavily on her shoulders. Ironwood walked around to the front of his desk, his face hardened with determination.
"We've just received a confirmed report from Miss Xiao Long," he began, his voice steady but laced with urgency. "Adam Taurus and his entire White Fang faction are located at the Black Sea. Mistral."
Winter's brows furrowed. "Mistral?" she repeated, as if testing the word in her mind.
Ironwood clicked a button on the terminal beside him, and a map of Mistral appeared on the holographic screen. The map zoomed in, and a red dot flashed over a small section near the northeastern coast of the Black Sea.
"The Dark Forest," Winter said, her eyes narrowing as the location became clear. "It's an isolated area. No major settlements for miles. Perfect for an ambush."
Ironwood nodded. "Precisely. Taurus' forces are entrenched there, and we've received intel confirming that they remain in the area. It's a dangerous location, but we've got the element of surprise on our side." He tapped a few more keys, revealing the coordinates to Winter. "We're sending a team to assist Miss Xiao Long and her allies in the attack."
"Allies?" Winter's confusion deepened. "Blake Belladonna is with them?"
Ironwood's gaze hardened, but his voice remained even. "Yes. Blake Belladonna was recently located, and she's now part of this operation. I also believe your sister is among them."
Winter froze, her heart skipping a beat at the mention of her sister's name. "Weiss?" she whispered, the question laced with disbelief.
Ironwood sighed, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Yes. I understand it's... unfortunate. But, given Weiss's loyalty to her friends, she has insisted on staying with them. I'm sure she feels a sense of responsibility, especially after everything that's happened."
Winter stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. "How is she involved in this? She escaped! My father—"
Ironwood raised a hand to calm her. "Your father was here just a few hours ago, Winter. He tried to convince me that you had assisted Weiss in her escape. That she had somehow managed to leave the estate under his nose, even acquiring a device capable of creating a high-pitched sound to incapacitate the guards." He paused for a moment, watching Winter carefully.
Winter's eyes flickered with concern, but she held her ground. "And…?"
Ironwood's expression hardened. "When he accused you of helping her escape, I denied it. I told him that you had nothing to do with it."
Winter's heart raced. She struggled to make sense of his words. "But… why would you do that, sir?"
Ironwood's gaze softened, but there was still steel in his voice. "Because I couldn't believe what I was hearing. The man kept his own daughter locked up, a prisoner in her own home. When he threatened to cut ties with us, I made it clear that I could have him arrested for false imprisonment. We reached a compromise—he keeps supplying us with Dust, and I keep my mouth shut about his... methods."
Winter's breath hitched in her throat, a wave of anger and disbelief washing over her. "You let him go? After everything he's done?"
Ironwood gave her a level look. "I did what I had to do to maintain our resources. It's not a decision I take lightly, Winter. But Weiss, she's... she's her own person. You should be proud of her for finding a way out, even if it means putting herself in danger."
Winter took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "And now you want me to lead the attack on Taurus?"
Ironwood's gaze hardened again, his voice turning commanding. "Yes. I'm assigning you to lead the operation. Your mission is simple: eliminate the White Fang and their leader, Adam Taurus."
Winter nodded, her mind racing. "Understood, sir. But, I cannot allow my sister to be part of this. I won't risk her life in this operation."
"You can tell her that when you get to Mistral." Ironwood's voice was firm. "The ship departs in two hours. Get ready."
Winter saluted again, her expression resolute. "Thank you, sir." She turned to leave, but stopped as her hand touched the door. She glanced back one final time.
Ironwood's eyes softened slightly as he looked at her. "Good luck, Specialist Schnee."
"Thank you, sir," she said quietly, before stepping out of the room.
As the door clicked shut behind her, a voice echoed from across the room.
"Aww. Ain't that just sweet."
Ironwood turned sharply, surprised to find Qrow Branwen standing by an open window, a flask in hand. He took a long swig, clearly unconcerned by the tense atmosphere in the room.
"Qrow," Ironwood growled, his voice low and irritated. "What are you doing here?"
"Relax, Jimmy Boy," Qrow replied with a cocky grin. "Goodwitch sent me. Something big's coming, and we're gonna need all the help we can get."
Ironwood's expression hardened. "I told Glynda I can't help her. The other Kingdoms have lost their trust in Atlas."
Qrow raised an eyebrow, taking another swig from his flask. "Not just you, James. Atlas itself is alone in this fight. But trust me when I say this: whatever's coming, it's going to take all of us working together."
Before Ironwood could respond, another voice interrupted, this one calm, yet carrying a weight that silenced the room.
"Qrow is right, James."
Ironwood turned sharply to see Ozpin, his cane clicking lightly against the floor as he limped into the room. He gave Ironwood a quiet, almost apologetic look.
"Ozpin," Ironwood said, his voice trailing off as he tried to process the sight of his old ally standing before him.
"Ha, for once, the General's speechless," Qrow remarked with a smirk, taking another swig of his drink.
Ozpin ignored Qrow, his eyes meeting Ironwood's. "James," he began, his voice heavy, "A dark force is approaching. A force that may be even more powerful than Cinder Fall. If they are working together, they could become an unstoppable enemy. We need you and your forces. We need to set aside our differences, or our world will burn."
Ironwood looked at Ozpin, his mind racing. But it was Qrow's sarcastic voice that broke the silence once again.
"Geez. Sorry," Qrow said with a mock apology before jumping out the window in one smooth motion. A crow flew off from the windowsill, disappearing into the darkening sky.
Ironwood and Ozpin exchanged a look, the weight of the situation now fully sinking in. Ironwood didn't speak, but Ozpin's words still lingered in the air. Time was running out. The coming battle would require far more than just Atlas's might. It would take everything they had to survive.
MISTRAL
The air was thick with tension outside Neptune's house. The small group had just returned from a long and dangerous journey, but the weight of their failed mission hung heavily on everyone. Neo sat quietly on a bench, her expression unreadable, but the fear in her eyes was unmistakable. Jaune paced back and forth in front of the group, his frustration and anger boiling over with every step.
"Jaune," Nora said, her voice calm but firm. "Relax. We got what we needed."
"I know, Nora," Jaune snapped, not pausing his frantic pacing. "I know, but... We traveled for weeks. Weeks! Only to get to Haven and find out it's gone. And then hearing it from her..." He gestured towards Neo, who was sitting on the bench, her head down. "That... that just made the entire journey feel worthless."
Ren stepped forward, his tone even as always but still filled with understanding. "Yes, Jaune. But now we know Cinder's plan. We know what she's been setting up. That's valuable."
"Yeah, to hurt Ruby," Jaune muttered bitterly.
Ruby, who had been standing quietly off to the side, took a deep breath and stepped forward, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside her. "Jaune," she said softly. "Please. I know this is a lot to take in, but rest assured, Cinder won't break me that easily."
Jaune stopped pacing, but his frustration didn't dissipate. "I know, Ruby. But we still don't know what she's really capable of. We need to be prepared for everything." His gaze shifted to Neo, still sitting motionless on the bench, looking scared and small. "What do we do about her?"
Ruby looked over at Neo, who was fidgeting nervously, her hands twisting in her lap. Ruby's expression softened. "She's been helping us, Jaune. Even though your last method might've been a little... intense," Ruby added with a small, sad smile. "But we got what we needed. I think we can let her go."
There was a moment of silence as the group exchanged uneasy glances. Jaune's jaw tightened, and his fists clenched.
"But Ruby," he said, his voice rising again. "What if she goes back to Cinder? What if she tells her everything? What if—"
"She already knows!" Neo suddenly yelled, her voice loud and raw, a strange blend of fear and resignation.
Everyone froze, their eyes snapping to Neo. Ruby took a step back, her brow furrowed. "What did you just say?"
Neo stood up, her posture tense. "She already knows. Cinder knows where I am. She knows exactly who I'm with. She's been watching me this entire time."
Jaune's eyes widened in disbelief. "What?! You knew she was watching you this whole time and you didn't tell us?!" His voice was rising, fists trembling with rage. "You could have warned us. You could've told us, and now we're all walking into a trap because of you!"
Neo flinched at his words, but she didn't back down. "I'm sorry," she muttered, barely above a whisper.
Jaune stepped forward, his anger reaching its peak. "Sorry doesn't fix this, Neo! You've put us all in danger! You've put Ruby in danger!" His face was turning red with frustration. "Do you have any idea what Cinder is capable of? She could be here any minute, and we'll be—"
"JAUNE!" Ruby shouted, her voice suddenly sharp, cutting through the rising tension. She stepped between him and Neo, her hands raised to keep him from charging. "Stop it! Now!"
Jaune's eyes blazed with fury as he looked at her, but Ruby stood her ground, her voice trembling but resolute. "Jaune, stop! You're not thinking straight."
"Why should I stop?!" Jaune roared. "She knew Cinder was watching her! She knows where we are, and she's just going to let us walk into danger without a second thought!"
Ruby's eyes were wide, her chest heaving as she struggled to keep control. "We can fight her, Jaune!" Nora said, stepping up beside Ruby, her voice full of defiance. "Together, we're stronger than her!"
Jaune's head snapped toward Nora, his expression twisted with anger and frustration. "No, Nora, we're not! You have no idea what Cinder is capable of, or what she's done to people! You don't know what she has! And you—" He turned back to Neo, his voice breaking, his rage now laced with fear. "Why does she want to hurt Ruby so badly? Why? What did she do to deserve this?"
Nora looked between Jaune and Ruby, her eyes flicking back to Ruby with concern. Ruby's face was pale, her eyes shifting nervously, but she didn't speak. Neo, still standing behind Ruby, gave a small, knowing look.
"You never told them," Neo said quietly, her voice laced with a hint of accusation.
Jaune turned sharply, his eyes wide with confusion and dread. "What? What is she talking about, Ruby? What didn't you tell us?"
Ruby froze, her eyes darting to the ground. Her breath caught in her throat, and for a moment, everything inside her seemed to freeze. The weight of what she had been hiding pressed down on her, crushing her chest. She took a shaky breath, trying to steady herself, but her voice cracked as she spoke.
"I lied..." Ruby said softly, her voice trembling with the weight of the truth. "I lied to all of you. To Weiss. To Yang. To everyone." Her eyes squeezed shut as tears welled up, threatening to spill over. "But now… now it's time for you all to know. The truth."
Jaune's face twisted in confusion. "What are you talking about, Ruby?"
Ruby opened her eyes, her heart racing, her hands trembling. Her voice faltered as she struggled to find the words, but she pushed through the storm inside her.
"I watched her die... I watched Pyrrha die, right in front of me,"