PATCH - LATE WINTER

Ruby lay sprawled on the cold, unforgiving snow, her body aching with every attempt to move. She groaned, the pain shooting through her like icy tendrils. The air around her was crisp, each breath coming out in faint puffs of mist that quickly dissipated into the frigid morning air.

As she lay there, the weight of her decisions bore down on her. She had pushed herself too hard, taken risks that now left her injured and stranded. Tears welled up in her eyes as she replayed the moments that led her to this desolate spot. Regret gnawed at her, a bitter taste in her mouth.

But amidst the despair, a glimmer of resolve flickered within her. Ruby closed her eyes, drawing in a deep breath to steady herself. She couldn't afford to break down now. She had to focus, to think clearly.

With a surge of determination, Ruby remembered where she was. She knew she couldn't give up. Summoning every ounce of strength left in her battered body, she parted her lips and let out a piercing whistle—a sound that cut through the quiet winter morning, carrying her plea for help into the distance.

Now all she could do was wait. Wait for help to come, praying that it would arrive soon before the cold claimed more than just her strength.

PRESENT - RUBY'S ROOM

Days had passed, since Winter's visit. Ruby lay sprawled on her bed, snoring softly, when the warm morning sunlight crept through the window and landed squarely on her face. She groaned, shifting under the covers before her eyes fluttered open.

As she stirred, her eyes went wide in surprise. Penny stood at the foot of her bed, smiling brightly, holding a tray of breakfast like a proud butler. Ruby yelped and instinctively pulled the blanket up to her nose, hiding half her face.

"Salutations, Ruby Rose!" Penny exclaimed cheerfully. "Your father prepared breakfast, and as you were still in slumber, I deemed it my honorable duty to ensure you received it promptly!"

Ruby peeked over the blanket, her expression a mix of confusion and lingering sleepiness. "Uh... thanks, Penny," she muttered, rubbing her eyes. "But maybe next time don't... stare at me while I'm sleeping? It's kinda creepy."

Penny blinked at the comment, processing it for a moment before snapping into a salute. "Understood! I will adjust my protocol immediately." She placed the tray on Ruby's lap, her smile unwavering, then turned and skipped out of the room.

On her way out, Penny nearly collided with Weiss, who stepped out of the bathroom with her toiletries in hand. The heiress frowned at the near miss before noticing Ruby sitting up in bed, the tray of breakfast balanced on her lap.

Weiss raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Lucky. At least you get breakfast in bed," she said, her tone tinged with mock envy.

Ruby couldn't help but giggle, her earlier grogginess melting away. "Yeah, well, maybe you just need a personal delivery bot like Penny," she teased, taking a bite of toast.

Weiss rolled her eyes but smirked as she walked away, muttering something about Ruby's "privileges." Ruby chuckled to herself, savoring the warm breakfast and the amusing chaos that had become a typical morning in their household.

MORNING - MARKET

Team RWBY, accompanied by Penny and Pyrrha, leisurely strolled through the lively market near Patch. Taiyang had tasked them with gathering ingredients for the upcoming month, leaving him at home to catch up on sleep, much to Yang's playful criticism.

"Lazy old man," Yang teased, nudging Ruby as they walked. "He's snoozing while we're out here doing all the work."

Ruby chuckled softly. "It's just for a couple of hours. After that, we can relax and do whatever we want."

Weiss interjected with a practical tone. "Actually, we'll be training every day until we go back to school."

Ruby groaned good-naturedly. "Every day? That's a bit much, don't you think?"

Blake nodded in agreement. "We've been pretty sedentary since the break started. Training will help us get back in shape."

Yang nodded seriously. "We've had a lot of downtime for recovery after everything with Cinder."

Weiss emphasized, "We need to get smarter and faster. We have to be prepared for our second year."

Pyrrha, holding a few peaches she'd picked up, chimed in, "Jaune messaged me this morning. He's adamant that JNPR should start training too. I'm heading to Jaune's place for a few days to help them out."

Ruby smiled warmly at Pyrrha. "You're always welcome to visit Patch whenever you have time, Pyrrha."

Penny, examining a uniquely shaped fruit, remarked, "This reminds me of my dad, Pietro's, shape."

Yang chuckled softly. "That's a pear. Good thing you didn't say that in front of Pietro."

Weiss chuckled along with Yang as she selected some apples to add to her basket. As they continued browsing the market stalls, Ruby suddenly turned her head, her expression shifting to one of solemnity.

Yang noticed Ruby's change in demeanor and immediately moved closer. Sensing the seriousness, she asked softly, "Ruby, what's wrong?"

Following Ruby's gaze, Yang's concern deepened as she saw what had caught her sister's attention: a nearby cemetery.

Ruby spoke quietly, her voice tinged with a mix of nostalgia and sadness. "She's in there. It's been a while since I visited her."

Yang placed a comforting hand on Ruby's shoulder, silently offering her support, her worry for her sister evident in her eyes.

CEMETERY – MID-MORNING

Ruby and Yang stood side by side, the cold winter air brushing against their faces. Their eyes rested on the gravestone before them, its weathered lettering cutting deeply into Ruby's heart. The name etched on the stone read: Jupiter Mason.

Ruby's voice trembled as she broke the silence. "I tried to move on, like she asked me to. I really did. I tried and tried, but…" Her voice faltered, her hands curling into fists at her sides. "And now… now we're here."

Yang placed a gentle hand on Ruby's shoulder, her warmth offering some solace against the chill. "Ruby, you and Jupiter were happy together. And you made her happy. That's what mattered most to her."

Ruby nodded, her eyes still locked on the gravestone. "She told me that. Right before… right before she went. She died with a smile on her face. Peaceful." Her voice cracked, and her shoulders shook slightly as she spoke. "I was there, Yang. I stayed with her until the very end."

Yang's chest tightened, and she squeezed Ruby's shoulder reassuringly. "I know. And I know that meant the world to her. She loved you, Ruby. Don't forget that."

For a moment, the two sisters stood in silence, Ruby's gaze never leaving the gravestone. After a deep breath, she looked up at Yang with tear-filled eyes. "Can I… can I have some time alone?"

Yang hesitated, wanting to stay and comfort her sister, but she understood Ruby needed this moment to herself. She gave a small nod. "Of course. I'll tell the others to head back home. Take all the time you need, okay?"

Ruby managed a faint smile. "Thanks, Yang."

Yang turned and began walking toward the cemetery gate, glancing back once to make sure Ruby was okay before leaving.

Ruby stepped closer to the gravestone, kneeling in front of it. She reached out with trembling hands, brushing away the fallen leaves and twigs that had gathered over its surface. Her fingers traced the name softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Hey, Jupiter," she murmured, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I'm sorry it's been so long. I guess… I just didn't know how to come back here."

She sat back on her heels, her hand resting lightly on the stone, as the weight of her grief pressed down on her once again. The world around her seemed quiet, almost as if it were giving her the space she needed to mourn.

NOON – XIAO LONG HOUSE, FRONT YARD

A bright midday sun shone over the front yard, highlighting several wooden training dummies fitted with simple stick weapons. Each dummy was set on a mechanism that made it spring back whenever struck, simulating real opponents. Yang circled around them, slamming punch after punch with Ember Celica's gauntlets. Between each series of punches, she took deep breaths and forced herself to throw a few kicks, trying to expand her combat style beyond just raw upper-body strength.

A short distance away, Weiss and Blake observed from the porch. Blake narrowed her eyes, noticing Yang's added legwork.

"She's definitely mixing in more kicking," Blake remarked.

Weiss folded her arms, recalling a past conversation. "Yang mentioned she's spent years relying on her fists. I suggested that if she integrated her feet more, she'd be a more versatile fighter."

Suddenly, one of the training dummies whirled, its stick sword angled low at Yang's leg. She attempted a quick sidestep but the wooden blade clipped her ankle, sending her off-balance. Yang yelped as she tumbled to the ground with a thump.

Blake stood up. "You okay?" she called, concern in her voice.

Flat on her back, Yang groaned and gave a weak thumbs up. "Yeah… peachy," she muttered before rolling onto her side, feeling the ache from the collision.

Weiss was about to say something sarcastic but caught sight of motion at the front gate. She nudged Blake's arm, nodding toward the figure approaching. It was Ruby, her posture slumped, eyes dull with a lingering sadness.

"Help Yang up, will you?" Weiss asked Blake quietly, then headed toward the gate. Ruby lifted her head as Weiss drew closer, forcing a small smile.

"Ruby," Weiss began, her voice soft. "Everything alright?"

Ruby exhaled, obviously trying to mask whatever was weighing on her. "I'm fine. Just… got lost on the way back."

Weiss raised an eyebrow. "Lost? In Patch, where you've lived your entire life? That's a new one."

"Sometimes…" Ruby trailed off, momentarily glancing away. "Sometimes there are places that can make a person lose their way."

Weiss studied Ruby's face, recognizing the telltale signs of hurt beneath the forced smile. She decided not to push. "Well, next time you decide to get lost, I'll be tagging along, making sure you don't wander off too far."

Ruby's strained smile turned into a faint chuckle. "Duly noted."

She then noticed the battered dummies strewn across the yard, including the one that had just knocked Yang flat. "So… we're starting training now?"

Weiss nodded firmly. "That's right. From noon until evening, every day. We're going to get faster, stronger, and smarter about fighting."

Ruby blinked in mild surprise. "Why the sudden push?"

Weiss gestured toward the battered front porch, remembering the events of their last battles. "Beacon's going to be under reconstruction for months. We can't afford to slack off. Other students will be training hard too, so we're not letting ourselves fall behind."

"Great," Ruby said, her tone resigned but understanding.

Meanwhile, Yang, having finally regained her balance with Blake's help, glanced toward the house when the door opened. Pyrrha stepped out, lugging a small backpack, her expression thoughtful. Yang frowned, surprised. "You heading out already?"

Pyrrha offered an apologetic smile. "Might as well. I got a… rather urgent voicemail from Jaune this morning. Something about Nora going crazy, defending Ren from Jaune's sisters. He… sounded frantic."

Blake suppressed a laugh. "Nora can be a bit scary when worked up."

Pyrrha nodded, though some amusement danced in her eyes. "Better I go now than later."

A moment later, Taiyang emerged from inside, car keys in hand. "Need a ride, Pyrrha?" he asked.

She nodded gratefully. "That'd be great, Mr. Xiao Long."

As Pyrrha and Taiyang headed to the old truck parked at the side, Blake noticed Yang's lips parting—like she wanted to say something to Pyrrha. But Yang hesitated, jaw tightening, the words dying before they could form. The truck roared to life, and Pyrrha gave a small wave as they pulled away.

Blake caught Yang's deflated posture, her eyes trailing after the departing vehicle. Before Blake could speak, Yang inadvertently backed into the same training dummy that had tripped her earlier. The dummy swung its stick sword, brushing her side. She yelped again, stumbling and nearly falling.

"Are you kidding me?!" Yang shouted in frustration, glaring at the dummy as if it had betrayed her.

Ruby managed to stifle a giggle as Weiss let out a long-suffering sigh. Blake simply raised her eyebrows, stepping forward to reset the dummy. The sun shone high overhead, warming the late winter air as the group resumed their training—each of them tackling the day's challenges in their own way.

TRAINING MONTAGE

A bright noon sun floods the front yard of the Xiao Long household, where rows of wooden training dummies have been set up. Each dummy is fitted with simple, spring-loaded stick weapons, designed to snap back after taking a hit—just realistic enough to keep everyone on their toes. The yard hums with activity as Team RWBY, along with Penny and Taiyang (and Zwei happily bounding nearby), work on refining their combat skills.

Ruby starts things off by running some drills at the edge of the yard. She inhales, setting her stance, and then bends down to grip a weight that looks far too large for someone her size. Her new Semblance—super strength—surges through her muscles, allowing her to hoist the weight overhead without so much as a wobble. A few days ago, she would've been astonished by her own power, but now she's starting to settle into it. She sets the weight down gently, focusing next on her speed. While nowhere near the blinding velocities of her old Semblance, she sprints in measured laps, half the yard in a flash, testing out what remains of her swiftness. It's a compromise—she's not as fast as before, but combining that residual speed with her boosted strength gives her a whole new dynamic. She hurls herself at a training dummy, driving a super-charged punch into its wooden torso, causing the mechanism to spring back violently. Taiyang whistles in approval, lifting an excited Zwei in mock celebration, while Penny waves a flag emblazoned with Ruby's emblem, cheering in bright, enthusiastic yelps.

Weiss, meanwhile, takes up position near the front steps. She plants Myrtenaster into the ground and conjures her Glyphs. A delicate white circle flares around her feet, swirling with arcs of Dust-infused energy. She sets her jaw, trying to maintain control for longer than usual. The circle widens, a ripple effect expanding it outward. Her face glistens with sweat as she pushes for an even bigger shape—attempting a partial summoning akin to the majestic ones Winter wields. For a few tense seconds, the outline of something large flickers into being: a bestial silhouette in shimmering blue-white. Weiss's eyes flash with concentration, but the image wavers before dissolving. She exhales sharply, panting. Even if she couldn't sustain it this time, she held the form longer than she ever had before. She steps back and grits her teeth with fierce determination. Penny, who's been bouncing on her heels, erupts into applause, waving another colorful flag with Weiss's emblem.

Off to the side, Blake runs through her own routine, taking an unorthodox approach: she switches partners every few minutes, attempting to meld her style with each teammate's moves. She starts by sparring lightly with Ruby, deflecting the smaller girl's super-strong strikes, weaving through them with feline grace. Then she pairs with Weiss, stepping around newly conjured Glyphs, practicing advanced footwork that synchronizes with Weiss's arctic pace. Next is Yang—and that's where trouble stirs. Blake goes in for a swift slash with Gambol Shroud at the same moment Yang fires a punch with Ember Celica. Their timings clash awkwardly; Gambol Shroud's blade collides with the golden gauntlet. A sharp CRACK splits the air. Both freeze, wide-eyed, watching half the blade drop to the grass.

"My weapon…" Blake murmurs, kneeling to gingerly pick up the broken piece. The edge looks jagged and split. She stares at it with dismay, while Yang rests a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Later in a small workshop area behind the house, Yang sits at a worn table, carefully using small forging tools. The new metal glimmers under her lamp. Blake stands close, arms folded, silently watching. Yang meticulously re-forges Gambol Shroud with an extra flourish of gold to reinforce the blade. Each tap of the hammer rings out, a testament to Yang's surprising craftsmanship. When she's done, Blake turns the newly mended sword over in her hands. The metallic finish is etched with a faint golden sheen, the once plain black blade now elegant and stronger than before. Gratitude shines in Blake's eyes as she thanks Yang.

During a short break, Yang paces on the porch, sipping water. Blake, stepping out of the workshop, notices Yang off in a corner, scrolling through her Scroll. Curious, Blake peers around the porch's beam and sees pictures of Pyrrha on Yang's screen—images capturing Pyrrha's tournament glories and snapshots Pyrrha's recently sent of her team's training sessions. Yang sighs, a soft, almost longing sound. She sets the Scroll down and stares out at nothing. Blake frowns, recognizing a certain sadness in Yang's gaze but chooses to back away, deciding not to confront her friend about it—at least not now.

As the day wears on, Yang regains her focus. She returns to the front yard where the training dummies stand. Weiss resets them, while Ruby and Blake look on. Yang rubs her palms together, steels herself, and launches into a meticulous series of combos, combining her usual fiery punches with new, adept kicks. She whirls around, pivoting on her heel to strike with a low spin-kick, then springs up with a fierce uppercut. The synergy of fists and feet flows smoothly, each blow landing with precision. Ruby grins, cheering from the side, and Weiss lifts her chin in a proud smirk. Blake nods in approval. Penny nearly drops her flags in excitement, clapping her hands rapidly.

At last, Yang executes a final flourish: a perfect tornado kick that smashes the dummy back in a satisfying arc. She lands lightly on her toes and thrusts her fists triumphantly overhead, a wide grin stretched across her face. She's done it. She's finally merged punching and kicking into a cohesive style. Ruby whoops in excitement, while Weiss offers polite but sincere applause. Penny, off-balance with euphoria, flips through flags in a flurry.

Suddenly, the training dummy snaps back at full force, clocking Yang lightly on the shoulder. Startled, Yang jerks around. "Oh, come on!" she exclaims, half-laughing, half-annoyed. Fueled by playful frustration, she grabs the wooden figure and marches toward the cliff at the edge of the yard, her team shouting in alarm.

"Yang! Stop!" Ruby hollers, taking off after her. Weiss and Blake sprint behind, calling out for Yang not to do anything drastic. Penny drops her flags, unsure whether to chase or intervene. Even Taiyang breaks into a run, while Zwei barks like mad, thinking it's all some grand chase. Yang trudges onward, the battered dummy in her arms, fully intending to toss it right over the cliff. The comedic uproar crescendos as her friends catch up, throwing themselves into a pile against the dummy to wrest it from Yang's grip.

The entire group tumbles in a chaotic heap, panting and laughing at the ridiculousness of it all. Penny breathes a visible sigh of relief, picking up her scattered flags. Taiyang, now breathless, stands to the side with Zwei dancing around his ankles.

Amid the comedic scuffle, each of them realizes how much they've grown, in skill and in camaraderie, forging deeper bonds through every success and mistake. The day's training might be chaotic, but it's exactly what they need—and tomorrow, they'll be even better.

WEEKS LATER – YANG'S ROOM

Ruby stood in front of the tall mirror propped up against the wall of Yang's bedroom, her eyes roving over her reflection. She lifted the edge of her red tank top, peering curiously at the faint outline of muscles lining her midsection. Her arms too, she noticed, had become a bit more defined—nothing dramatic, but enough for her to tell the difference.

She ran a hand over her stomach, almost disbelieving. "Huh… are these… abs?" she muttered under her breath. She gently poked at the small ridges. "I wonder if anyone will notice."

From across the room, Yang lounged on the bed, flipping through a fashion magazine she'd "borrowed" from Weiss. Catching the tail end of Ruby's question, she gave a low whistle. "If you keep at this rate, those boys—and probably a lot of girls—will be tripping over themselves for you."

Ruby's cheeks turned pink. "I don't want people swooning over my muscles," she said, half-embarrassed and half-amused. "I was just curious. You know, I've never actually had… well, a six-pack before."

Yang snorted, tossing the magazine aside. "Shouldn't have gone so overboard with training, then. You've been swinging that giant hammer and bench-pressing questionable amounts of weight for weeks now. It was bound to show."

Ruby dropped the hem of her shirt, letting it cover her newly toned stomach. "Well, Weiss and you were the ones going on about training every day," she pointed out, only half-joking. "It's not my fault you guys turned me into a mini-muscle machine."

Yang got up from the bed and walked to a small wardrobe in the corner, rummaging through a clutter of hangers. She pulled out a few shirts and jeans Ruby had never seen before—stylish, sleek, definitely more "Yang" than "Ruby." One was a cropped hoodie in deep maroon, while the other looked like a fitted black sleeveless top with gold accents.

Ruby lifted an eyebrow. "Where'd you get all that? I haven't seen you shop for new clothes in a while."

Yang smirked, wagging a finger. "I might've gone on a shopping spree. But I didn't just get stuff for me, you know."

"Really?" Ruby asked, curious. "Why haven't I noticed it before?"

"Because I only just pulled them out of the closet," Yang teased, spreading the garments across the bed. "I've been thinking about switching up my look a bit, maybe leaning more into the utility style. But I also snagged a few things in your size, if you want 'em. Figured I'd surprise you."

Ruby's eyes widened. "Seriously? You got me new clothes too?"

Yang shrugged, a grin tugging at her lips. "Call it a big sister's instinct. Saw some stuff I thought you'd look great in. And hey, it'll show off those sweet new muscles you've got going on."

Face warm, Ruby coughed. "Geez, thanks. Maybe I'll give them a try. Just… no catcalling or whistling if I look too good, okay?"

Yang winked. "No promises, squirt."

Before Ruby could protest, Yang tossed a casual flannel at her. Ruby caught it against her chest, appreciating the soft fabric. Maybe it was time she updated her wardrobe. And maybe a few extra stares weren't so bad. If anything, it was proof she'd grown stronger—and that was something she felt pretty proud of.

Yang flashed a mischievous grin, rummaging through the remaining items on her bed. "By the way," she began, her tone light and smug, "I also took the liberty of making new combat outfits for everyone."

Ruby's eyes went wide. "What? You made new outfits for all of us?" she asked, her voice a few notches higher than usual.

Yang shrugged, casual as ever. "Well, we got that mission in the forest tomorrow. Figured we could all use a wardrobe upgrade. Might as well look awesome while we're kicking Grimm butt."

A huge, excited grin spread across Ruby's face, and before Yang could add another word, Ruby was halfway out the door, bounding down the hallway. Yang chuckled at her sister's retreating figure. She picked up a pair of orange-tinted sunglasses from the bed—glasses she'd meticulously chosen to match her own updated style.

Pausing, Yang heard a high-pitched squeal echo from the end of the hall, presumably Ruby laying eyes on some new ensemble Yang had set aside for her. The sound made Yang's lips curl into an even bigger smile.

Leaning back against the dresser, Yang turned the sunglasses over in her hands. "I get the feeling," she mused to the empty room, "the rest of the team's gonna love this just as much as Ruby does."

She set the sunglasses onto her head, imagining the approving nods from Weiss, Blake's small, impressed smile, and Penny's likely meltdown of delight. If this gear performed half as good as it looked, tomorrow's mission was going to be a blast—and they'd all look fantastic in the process.

THE NEXT MORNING – FOREVER FALL FOREST

An airship glided low over the crimson treetops, its side door sliding open to reveal Team RWBY, each sporting fresh combat attire that reflected their recent upgrades.

Ruby now wore her hair spikier, with bangs swept aside. She sported a black-and-red corset over a white, low-cut blouse, a short red pleated skirt with red shorts underneath, and black bracers ending in fingerless gloves. A single brown belt with bullets and a small Zwei emblem pouch was slung at her waist, and thigh-high black boots completed the look.

Weiss had braided hair framing her face, plus a pale blue sleeveless dress with red lining layered over a white strapless piece. She wore a vivid blue shrug fastened by a matching strap, along with long navy gloves topped by red gems. Three white belts intersected at her waist, carrying pouches, and she stood on pale blue wedge-heel boots trimmed with ruffles.

Blake debuted a shoulder-length bob and a sleek purple, sleeveless leather catsuit with zippers running down the legs. A tailored white tailcoat with purple accents draped over the suit, fastened by a wide belt with two small pouches. She wore short wristbands with buckles, and a compact backpack hung on her back.

Yang opted for khaki coveralls unzipped below the chest, revealing a white cropped tube top. A baggy brown aviator jacket with fur trim hung over her shoulders, and the coveralls featured a detachable right pant leg secured by buckles. A black-and-orange belt with a pouch at the back, plus knee-high boots and her familiar scarves, finished her ensemble.

With the forest floor looming beneath them, they prepared for their descent—new gear, new confidence, and ready to face whatever the red-hued wilderness had in store.

Ruby grinned at the sight of her teammates, each one brimming with confidence. She caught their eyes, nodded once, and leaped from the airship's side. A laugh escaped her as she dove headfirst toward the forest below. Mid-fall, she reached for Crescent Rose and switched it to scythe form. Planting her feet on its shaft, she fired shots in rhythmic bursts—every recoil slowing her descent until she was practically surfing on the air.

Weiss vaulted out next, bounding from one gleaming Glyph to another. In a fluid move, she flung herself toward the forest and summoned the Arma Gigas' arm and sword. She landed a Glyph on the summoned blade, then slid gracefully down its length, leaving faint trails of ice-like energy in her wake.

Blake was already airborne by then, katana drawn and shifting into a curved sickle. With a precise throw, she latched the blade onto a nearby tree. Swinging from one metal support to the next, she soared between the trees, the chain of her weapon rattling softly.

Yang tumbled down last, a gleeful holler echoing off the treetops. Just before the ground rushed up, she fired downward with Ember Celica, flipping to land on both feet. She skidded along the grass between two towering trees, her boots kicking up loose earth.

By the time she'd stopped, Ruby, Weiss, and Blake had converged on the same spot, each having navigated the descent in their own way. The four of them glanced at one another—safely grounded and exhilarated—then turned their gaze forward, ready for whatever challenges the red-hued forest and old mine might hold.

Just then, Penny touched down beside them, wearing a crisp outfit reimagined for her usual cheeriness: a sleek white tunic trimmed with teal and bearing her emblem on her left shoulder, plus slim black pants tucked into sturdy white boots. A thin, teal waist belt with a small pouch added a touch of practicality. Her ginger hair, now tied high, swayed gently as she landed.

Team RWBY turned their heads at the rumble of the airship's engines. On the opposite side, another door slid open, revealing Team JNPR standing at the threshold—ready and waiting.

Jaune trimmed his hair short, styling it into a neat upswept quiff. Over a black high-collar shirt, he wears a reworked white chest plate trimmed in gold, extending slightly more over his abdomen. Matching bracers share the same white-and-gold design, and two shoulder pads complete the armor. He keeps his usual gloves and sash, but switches to dark navy jeans and sturdy dark-brown boots.

Nora sports a long pink-and-white sleeveless coat with light-blue lapels and a white collar, cinched by a black belt (with a pouch on the left). Two heart-shaped cutouts adorn the front near the bottom. On the back, a small set of decorative metal wings—housing a magnet—lets her attach Magnhild. Beneath the coat is a short black dress, accompanied by detached white sleeves, black fingerless gloves, and white stockings over light-blue socks. She finishes the look with black boots trimmed in silver, plus silver metal bands on her upper arms and thighs.

Ren's hair is now braided, adding a slight edge to his look. He wears a sleeveless dark-green turtleneck with white long sleeves underneath, and a short black half-jacket/arm guard combo on his right arm that holds his father's dagger. A single detached, long black fingerless glove covers his left forearm. Finishing off, he chooses streamlined black leather boots for mobility.

Pyrrha merged aesthetic cues from each teammate: a fitted white sleeveless top trimmed in dark-green piping (mirroring Ren's turtleneck), layered under a short pink-and-red sleeveless jacket reminiscent of Nora's color scheme. She has gold-edged bracers and a partial white cuirass echoing Jaune's armor style, plus decorative cutouts and a subtle sash in red. She sports a black pleated skirt over red-flecked leggings and finishes with tall, dark-red boots—tying together the vibrant palette of her team.

Team JNPR flung themselves from the airship in quick succession, each showing off new upgrades to their weapons that made the drop a breeze.

Jaune was first, jumping free and triggering a hidden mechanism in his shield that snapped open like a paraglider. He drifted earthward, using his sword occasionally to guide his trajectory and steer away from protruding branches. The moment he touched down, the shield folded back into normal shape, leaving Jaune grinning.

Nora launched second, her newly magnetized Magnhild converting partially midair into a sort of short grapple-lance. She shot the head toward a jutting ledge, reeling herself in and flipping ahead with a whoop, the heart-shaped cutouts on her coat fluttering in the wind as she landed in a playful crouch.

Ren followed with a clean dive, braids trailing behind him. His father's dagger affixed to the half-jacket acted as a stabilizer when he fired small bursts of compressed air from hidden vents in his sleeves. The micro-thrusters kept him steady, and he twisted gracefully, flipping onto a safe patch of ground in a silent flourish.

Pyrrha went last, lunging out with her short pink-and-red sleeveless jacket fluttering. She combined her newly reinforced shield and spear, using the magnetic tips to connect with bits of metal below. Each contact slowed her descent as if she were guiding herself along an invisible rail. Then she landed lightly, dust swirling around her ankles, her gold-edged armor catching a momentary gleam in the forest light.

Ruby surveyed the group, hands on her hips, a confident smile lighting up her face. "Alright, guys. Everyone's here, new gear in tow, upgraded weapons on our backs, feeling stronger, faster, and"—she paused to glance at Nora—"hopefully smarter."

Nora puffed out her cheeks in mock offense. "I read stuff!"

Jaune folded his arms, a wry grin on his lips. "Coloring books don't count, Nora."

She flicked Magnhild open, pointing it at him in a huff. "Excuse me for being a child every now and then, given my lovely childhood circumstances."

Pyrrha laid a hand on Nora's shoulder. "Pay him no mind, Nora. We know you're fine."

Sighing good-naturedly, Ruby pulled out her Scroll and opened a map of Forever Fall. "Anyway, Ozpin's busy overseeing Beacon's reconstruction, but he wants us to deal with a Grimm horde about a mile from the school. The horde hasn't moved, which is weird, but we'll find out why when we get there."

Weiss eyed the map. "A Grimm horde just… sitting in one place? That's not normal."

"Exactly," Ruby agreed. "But that's our mission. We clear out all the Grimm, camp out overnight, then report to Ozpin and head home." She shifted her gaze to Yang. "Just a mile's walk. We'll do the job, then go back to the landing pad."

Yang's expression flickered with unease, likely recalling the chaos at Beacon during Ironwood's attack. "Fine," she said, exhaling sharply. "But only to the landing pad afterward—no extra sightseeing."

"Promise," Ruby said quietly, remembering Yang's pain. She snapped her Scroll shut and pointed into the depths of the forest. Alright, let's get going. This way."

LATER.

The group trekked in a loose formation down the winding forest path, crimson leaves fluttering overhead. Ruby clutched her Scroll, studying the map of Forever Fall alongside Weiss and Penny—each of them peering closely at the screen. "If we keep heading west, we'll reach the Grimm's location by midday," Ruby mumbled, adjusting her hold on the Scroll. Weiss nodded, tapping a slim finger near a marker, while Penny listened intently, all bright-eyed in her new outfit.

Just ahead, Ren had already scooped up a very tired Nora, who rested limply in his arms, her head drooping onto his shoulder. Despite Nora's feigned complaints of exhaustion, there was a happy twinkle in her eye. Ren carried her with a faint smile on his lips, as if this was nothing new.

Jaune slowed his pace until he was right next to Ruby. Noticing his presence, she slipped the Scroll away and gave him a curious look. "Hey," she greeted quietly. "What's up?"

He responded with a theatrical groan. "Just wanted you to know my house is basically a warzone again—thanks to you-know-who." He jerked his head in Nora's direction, who was giggling at something Ren whispered in her ear.

Ruby snorted. "Nora? What'd she do this time?"

"One of my sisters tried flirting with Ren," Jaune said, eyebrows rising as if to say 'I told you so.' "Nora didn't take it well. It's like she's on high alert twenty-four-seven—paranoid. I'm doing my best to keep her from destroying everything or strangling my sisters in their sleep."

"I suppose that's… sweet, in a terrifying way," Ruby offered, only half-joking. "She really is kinda obsessed."

"It's understandable, though," Jaune replied. "They've been together practically their entire lives. She's protective. At least Ren's trying to keep her calm."

They stepped over a cluster of exposed roots, the path curving around a giant oak. Ruby looked ahead and noticed Yang and Pyrrha walking side by side, sharing a quiet laugh. Yang gestured animatedly, but as she lifted an arm, it hesitated briefly, as if she'd considered placing a hand on Pyrrha's shoulder—only to withdraw it, uncertain. Ruby's gaze lingered on her sister, worry crossing her features.

Jaune's voice pulled her back. "You good, Ruby?"

She cleared her throat. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just… mission jitters. It's our first big assignment in weeks."

He nodded. "It's gonna be intense. But after we wrap it up, I was thinking: maybe Team JNPR stays over at Patch for a while? We can train with you guys there. Plus,"—he rolled his eyes—"I really need to get Nora out of my house before she makes any more holes in the walls."

Ruby snickered. "Holes? Plural?"

"Yep. She decided to create a second hole in the same wall she broke during winter break. Same spot. Same hammer." He gave a half-smile. "Apparently lightning does strike twice."

Ruby laughed, the sound echoing briefly among the trees. "That's so Nora." She squinted up at him. "Alright, if the rest of the team's cool with it, sure. That sounds fun."

"Well then," Jaune started, scratching the back of his head. "Actually, I was kinda wondering if you and I could… hang out? Sometime after all this is done, just you and me? You know, last time we tried, we ended up in a warehouse explosion, so—"

She cut in, a wry grin tugging at her lips. "We nearly had fun before everything went boom. We can do better this time."

His relief was palpable. "So, it's a date, then," he joked, realizing a second too late how that sounded. Face flushing, he coughed, "I—uh—gotta check on Ren and Nora," and hustled off toward them, muttering something about phrasing.

Ruby blinked after him, her cheeks warming. She felt her stomach flutter a bit but couldn't help smiling. Then a voice at her shoulder chimed in unexpectedly.

"A date, hmm?" Penny asked innocently, leaning in with wide eyes.

With a yelp, Ruby threw a hand over Penny's mouth. "Penny, shhh! Please don't tell anyone. Especially Nora," she hissed in mock panic.

Penny nodded beneath Ruby's hand, giving an enthusiastic thumbs-up. Slowly releasing her, Ruby sighed and looked around, shaking off the embarrassment. Up ahead, Yang and Pyrrha were still chatting, while Jaune tried to wrangle a half-sleeping, half-giggling Nora off Ren's shoulders.

Taking a steadying breath, Ruby turned her eyes forward. The forest ahead looked tranquil under the morning light, but with a horde of Grimm waiting, she knew tranquility wouldn't last. At least they had this short walk to enjoy each other's company before the real action started. And maybe, just maybe, she had something personal—something new—to look forward to afterward.

HORDE

Ruby hunched behind a fallen log, peering through Crescent Rose's sniper scope. Her expression soon turned bewildered. "Uh… guys? There must be at least two hundred Grimm down there."

Weiss, beside her with a pair of compact binoculars, flinched visibly. "I think I might vomit," she said, passing the binoculars to Pyrrha.

Pyrrha peered through them calmly and shrugged. "We can handle it."

Jaune, standing close by, nearly choked on air. "Really? That's two hundred, easily. And you say we can handle it?"

A confident smirk tugged at Pyrrha's lips. "I once fought a much bigger horde than this, years ago."

Eyes widening, Jaune sputtered, "Since when did that happen? Why am I only hearing about this now?"

Yang lay prone atop a large boulder, arms folded in front of her, gazing downward with a relaxed grin. "If Pyrrha can deal with a bigger horde on her own, all of us together should have no problem with this one."

Weiss stepped over carefully, adjusting her gloves. "Okay, even if we could fight this horde… exactly how are we going to handle so many Grimm?"

Without missing a beat, Yang shrugged. "Um… heat-seeking missiles… bloodhounds… foxes… barracudas."

Weiss stared at her, momentarily stunned. "I'm just, I'm kinda flabbergasted, when you say things like that. It's weird."

Yang merely flashed a pleased smile. "Thank you."

"That wasn't a compliment," Weiss muttered under her breath. She then straightened and nodded toward Penny, who stood quietly off to the side. "Anyway, we need a solid plan if we're to succeed. Penny, analyze every possible outcome and pick the best approach."

JNPR—minus Pyrrha—wore identical confused expressions. Blake motioned for them to wait. "Watch this," she said, stepping aside.

Penny nodded, turning toward the horde. Her eyes flickered bright, pupils whirring as she accessed her data. She muttered lines of code under her breath, scanning the Grimm with uncanny thoroughness.

Jaune yelped at the sight, reflexively jumping backward into Pyrrha's arms. "What's happening to her eyes?!"

Pyrrha laughed softly, steadying him. "You do remember Penny is a robot, right?"

Nora blinked in slow realization. "Wait… what?"

Pyrrha's eyes widened as the realization set in. She glanced between Nora's puzzled expression and Penny's glowing gaze. "Oh…" she murmured, a bit taken aback, "you don't know."

After an hour of tense waiting, the group grew restless. Jaune, perched on a broken tree stump, shifted his gaze between Penny's glowing eyes and the vast horde of Grimm in the distance. Finally, he couldn't take it anymore.

"How many outcomes is she looking at?" he asked, voice barely above a whisper.

Blake crossed her arms, nonchalant. "She's done this before. A lot. Should we be worried?" she wondered aloud.

Ruby shrugged, a note of uncertainty in her tone. "Maybe…"

Suddenly, Penny sprang upright, arms in the air. "DONE!!" she yelled, her eyes snapping back to normal. Startled, Jaune jumped so violently he ended up in Ruby's arms with a yelp. Ruby tightened her grip just in time, quipping with a smirk, "Lucky for you I've got super strength now."

Penny brushed off nonexistent dust from her sleeves. "I have completed an analysis of every possible outcome of this engagement."

Yang, draped casually over a mossy boulder, raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh. But you've been at it for an hour. Just how many outcomes did you see?"

Penny blinked. "Over nine… million."

Weiss nearly dropped her rapier in disbelief. "Nine million?! Penny, I just wanted a simple plan, not a zillion branching strategies."

Blake lightly nudged Weiss. "You didn't specify, exactly." Weiss conceded with an unimpressed huff.

Ruby, still holding onto a wobbly Jaune, cleared her throat. "All right, how many do we win out of those?"

A flicker of apprehension crossed Penny's face. "…Eight."

Ruby's jaw fell open, causing her to drop Jaune on his rear. A brief squeak escaped him when he hit the ground.

"Eight?" Ruby repeated, eyes serious now. "Okay, which outcome's our best shot?"

Penny squared her shoulders, glancing between each teammate. "I'll explain the plan."

THE FIGHT BEGINS

The air vibrated with tension as both teams crouched among the crimson foliage of Forever Fall, preparing to strike at a teeming horde of Grimm. Through the trees, the screeches and guttural growls of the creatures formed a menacing chorus. Ruby breathed deeply, steadying Crescent Rose in her hands. On her signal, they all charged into the open, prepared to test their newly gained strength and skill.

They slammed into the first wave with a startling clash of steel and roaring bestial fury. Ruby dashed forward, unleashing punishing swings of Crescent Rose in a whirlwind. Nora's boisterous laughter rang out as she spun Magnhild like a spinning top, sending Creeps and Beowolves flying. Next to her, Ren weaved effortlessly, lashing out with quick strikes and bursts of compressed air from his upgraded sleeve. Jaune braced himself against charging Ursa, his shield raised high to absorb heavy blows, then ducked under their claws to stab upward with precise strikes. Weiss followed close behind Ruby, vaulting from one ice Glyph to another. She conjured gusts of frost that froze several Beowolves in their tracks, before finishing them with elegant thrusts of Myrtenaster. Blake, a few yards away, hurled Gambol Shroud's sickle form around a Beringel's huge forearm, swinging herself onto its shoulder and driving her blade into the nape of its neck.

Pyrrha smashed into the fray with her characteristic grace, pairing her spear and shield with magnetized arcs that tugged on metallic scraps around the battlefield. She used them to pelt unsuspecting Grimm, toppling them just as they prepared to lunge. Yang fought close at her flank, dashing about in her new outfit, smashing one Grimm after another with explosive blasts from Ember Celica, each shot echoing with a thunderous report. A Death Stalker snapped its venomous tail, catching Yang off guard, but Pyrrha deftly pulled her aside with a flicker of polarity, letting Yang spring back up and land a crushing punch on the scorpion-like creature's head.

Penny soared overhead, eyes glowing with analytical focus, scanning the chaos. Her thrusters flared at her boots as she hovered, launching needle-like beams that carved through the Grimm's ranks. Each blast came precisely when her teammates needed it—like a silent guardian from above. When Nora caught sight of a dread Alpha Ursa preparing to pounce on Jaune, Penny fired two beams that scorched the monster's hind legs, giving Jaune time to wheel around and slam the beast with his shield. Nora then delivered the finishing blow with a hammer slam to the skull, sending a thunderous shockwave across the forest floor.

A second wave surged from the left, and Weiss spotted them first, calling out a warning. The new group was a mass of Griffons, airborne and screeching as they swooped in. Ruby signaled with a shout, prompting Penny and Blake to coordinate. Blake flung her sickle upward, hooking onto a passing Griffon, while Penny boosted her with a midair push from the thrusters. The Faunus soared among the winged Grimm, severing them midflight, as Penny's beams pinned those that tried to swarm her. On the ground, Yang and Pyrrha formed a back-to-back stance, dealing with a horde of slithering King Taijitu that had emerged from underground tunnels. Pyrrha's shield deflected one serpent's fangs while Yang tore into the other with flaming punches.

At length, the horde began to thin, the surviving Grimm turning erratic with desperation. Ruby's scythe cut down the smaller stragglers, and Jaune's shield flared in a golden glow as he rammed into their front lines, providing cover for an exhausted Nora, who dropped to her knees panting. Ren danced among the chaos, lethal as a blade in the night, knocking Grimm after Grimm into Pyrrha's spear range. Weiss executed final flourishes of ice to trap the last wave in place, allowing Yang to bombard them with a sequence of explosive shots. Penny, hovering overhead, made quick work of the remainder, her eyes blazing with unstoppable determination—until her thrusters suddenly flickered.

In that quieting aftermath, Penny dropped unexpectedly to the ground, right near Ruby. Panting, Ruby spun around and rushed to her side, eyes wide. "Penny, you okay?" she asked, voice tight with concern. Penny opened her mouth, her usual sweet tone replaced by a hollow, mechanical warble: "I'm… oka—" The sentence died mid-word, her eyes going dark. She collapsed face-first into the grass, limp and unresponsive.

Ruby let out a panicked cry, immediately rolling Penny onto her back. She fumbled with the compartments in Penny's side, searching desperately for the portable charging station. In the corner of her vision, she saw the others gathering around, battered from the fight but alive. Her fingers closed around a small device clipped to Penny's belt. Heart pounding, Ruby plugged it into Penny's chest port, practically holding her breath.

The seconds dragged. Then, after what felt like forever, Penny's eyes flickered a faint green. A metallic beep confirmed she was receiving power again. She stared up at Ruby with a dazed blink, the glow in her pupils slowly stabilizing. Ruby exhaled a trembling sigh, relief washing over her. Everyone else released their own breaths, shoulders sagging in the aftermath of both the brutal battle and Penny's near shutdown.

As the forest fell still and the final streaks of dust from fallen Grimm wafted skyward, the two teams settled around Penny. Ruby clutched her friend's hand, grateful beyond words that they had all come out of this ordeal together—alive and, for the most part, okay.

NIGHT

Night draped the forest in a still hush, the faint crackle of campfires and the rustle of small creatures in the brush carrying across the clearing. Two separate rings of firelight glowed—one for Team RWBY, another for Team JNPR—while tents rose in small clusters around them. Beyond the fires, Penny quietly sat on a stump plugged into her portable charger. She gazed up at the stars humming a gentle tune, bright eyes reflecting the cosmic glow above.

Ruby watched her from across the orange flames, concern etched on her features. Yang noticed Ruby's unspoken worry and elbowed her lightly. "She's okay," Yang assured, voice low. "We're all okay."

Ruby turned her gaze from Penny to Yang, ready to give her sister a small smile—until she spotted something trailing down Yang's left arm: a crimson rivulet staining the worn fabric of her sleeve. Alarm shot through Ruby. "Yang, you're bleeding!"

Blinking in surprise, Yang hiked up the sleeve. A deep cut shimmered in the firelight. "Seriously? I didn't even feel that," she grumbled, annoyed.

Blake, roasting a small piece of bread on a stick, glanced over. "How does it take this long for you to notice a wound that deep?"

Weiss, seated on a log with a tired sigh, shook her head. "Your Aura should've sealed that by now, Yang. That's how it's always worked. If it's not healing, maybe something's up with your Aura."

Yang waved them off. "I'm fine," she insisted, rummaging in her satchel for a medkit. Her brows drew together in frustration when her left hand abruptly trembled. Her breaths quickened; she fought to steady them—but it wasn't enough. She suddenly collapsed to her knees, as though her legs forgot how to hold her.

Alarmed, Ruby sprang up and hurried to her. "Yang!" she hissed, dropping beside her sister, placing a hand on her shoulder. "It's not 'just another episode,' okay? This keeps happening…"

Yang felt her face grow warm with anger and embarrassment. "I'm… it's fine, just… let me breathe." She inhaled shakily, pushing herself upright and snatching the medkit from her pack. "I'll patch it, no big deal."

She braced herself for questions but was caught off guard by an unexpected footstep behind her. Whirling instantly, she raised an Ember Celica–clad arm, muzzle pointed at whoever had approached. A heartbeat later, she realized it was Pyrrha, stopping short with wide eyes.

Yang froze, lowering her gauntlet. "Pyrrha—sorry. I… guess my nerves are a little shot right now."

Pyrrha's eyes flicked to the thin rivulet of blood sliding down Yang's forearm. "It's alright," she answered quietly, hands raised in a calming gesture. "I only saw you were injured. Do you need help with that?"

Yang hesitated, turning the medkit over in her hands. Her shoulders still trembled, breath still unsteady from the aftershock of her panic. But Pyrrha's earnest face and steady tone chipped at her defenses. She exhaled, letting her posture slump a fraction. "Yeah," she said at last, voice subdued. "Sure. Thanks."

Minutes later, the soft glow of lantern light revealed Pyrrha finishing up with the bandages around Yang's left arm. She tugged gently at the makeshift gauze, ensuring it wouldn't slip, then snipped the leftover ends of her stitch-work. In the dim background, the quiet murmur of both teams' conversations drifted over from the nearby fires.

Yang tore her gaze from the flickering shadows to meet Pyrrha's eyes. Pyrrha brushed a few stray hairs off Yang's wound and sighed. "You know, your Aura should've healed this easily. Are you absolutely sure nothing's off with it?"

Yang hesitated, pulling her arm back to rest it on her lap. "I…I'm not sure." She swallowed, casting a glance at her teammates beyond Pyrrha's shoulder. "I'm kind of scared to…you know, tell them if something's really wrong."

Pyrrha caught how Yang's muscles twitched under her final touches. The warrior's expression turned pensive, and her voice softened. "Yang…I know."

Yang lifted her head, confusion knitting her brow. "You…know what?"

Pyrrha offered a rueful, gentle smile. "I know you like me."

A moment of stunned silence settled, and Yang's eyes went wide. Her cheeks warmed in the lamplight. "I— I…" she stammered, heart pounding. "I'm sorry."

"I've been noticing," Pyrrha continued quietly. "Those looks you give me, the times your hand almost touched my shoulder, the nerves whenever we talk. It all started adding up on that hike, and I realized how you felt."

Yang lowered her head, the fringe of her hair sliding forward. "It's not your fault. I just…that talk we had on the rooftop, I guess it kind of…sparked something. My heart was beating so fast afterward, I…that's when I knew."

Pyrrha's laugh was soft, almost sad. "It's a surprise, seeing Yang Xiao Long—who's usually the one people flock to—being shy about a crush." She paused. "You've had…well, quite a few admirers back at Beacon. Even Coco mentioned it once."

Yang blinked. "Coco? Huh. Figures."

A faint flush still colored her cheeks as she gingerly stood, rolling her newly dressed shoulder. "Thanks again for helping with…all this. And sorry if that made you feel uncomfortable."

Pyrrha stood as well, packing away the leftover medical supplies. "You don't have to apologize. But…" She gave Yang a kind look. "I'm not into girls, so I can't return those feelings. I just thought it was better to be honest."

Yang nodded slowly, throat tight. "I understand," she murmured. "I really do." She let out a shaky exhale, forcing a half-grin. "Guess I'll call it a night. Been a long day."

"Right," Pyrrha said.

Yang stepped away, trudging to her tent with her shoulders a bit heavier than usual. She ducked inside and hastily shrugged off parts of her gear, eyes lowered. Within a minute, she was in a half-changed state, about to crawl under her sleeping bag, when the tent flap rustled open. She turned, startled, arms crossing over her not-quite-covered top.

"Pyrrha?" Yang asked, voice caught between flustered and confused.

Pyrrha stood at the tent entrance, gaze steady. "I wanted to say: I haven't forgotten what we talked about on the rooftop. About finding someone for you. When we get back to Patch—" She shrugged lightly. "We'll keep looking for someone worthy of you, okay?"

Yang flushed a deeper shade of red, arms wrapped over her chest. "Um…okay," she managed, half in disbelief.

Pyrrha gave a brief, encouraging nod, then pulled the flap shut behind her, leaving Yang alone with the muffled nighttime sounds of the camp.

Yang just sat there, mind spinning, until finally she let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. "…Thanks, Pyrrha," she whispered to the empty space. Then, with a half-smile, she crawled into her sleeping bag, heart fluttering despite everything.

THE NEXT MORNING

Morning sunlight filtered through the forest as the teams made their way back toward Beacon, the terrain gentler here with wider footpaths. At the rear of the procession walked Ruby and Yang, quietly absorbed in conversation, letting the others move ahead on the winding trail.

"She doesn't like you?" Ruby asked, voice low so as not to carry to the group in front.

Yang nodded, stuffing her hands into her jacket pockets. "Yeah. Pyrrha basically shut me down. Said she's not into girls, so that's that." Despite her casual tone, her shoulders showed a hint of sadness.

Ruby glanced over sympathetically. "I'm sorry it ended like that."

Yang gave a tight half-smile. "She wants to keep trying to set me up with someone else. Girl, boy, doesn't matter, as long as they're nice."

"Sounds like Pyrrha's determined." Ruby's lips quirked in a small grin. "Don't worry. You'll find the right person."

Yang rolled her eyes in a playful mock. "Sure… I've just gotta be patient, huh?"

Ruby snorted. "When haven't you needed patience?" She started counting on her fingers. "That time you punched through the dorm wall because you lost your keys, the time—"

Yang waved her arms, conceding defeat. "Okay, okay, you're right!" she muttered, cheeks heating. "My track record with being patient isn't the best."

They trudged a little farther, content in an easy silence. When they reached a stretch of familiar forest, the trees thinned, and Ruby spotted Beacon Academy's outer buildings. Their footsteps slowed as they came around a bend.

Suddenly, Yang froze in place.

Ruby halted too, eyes flashing to her sister in concern. She noticed Yang's left hand quivering. Quietly, she followed Yang's gaze up ahead to see the rear section of Beacon's campus—the old evacuation center. The caves lay somewhere below that ground. The place where everything changed for Yang during Ironwood's attack.

Yang's breathing turned shallow. Without a word, her knees bent as though they might give out. Ruby instinctively stepped in, slipping an arm around her sister's shoulders. "Don't look that way," she whispered, tugging her red cloak loose and lifting it high so it blocked Yang's view of the building.

The rest of the group, farther ahead, finally sensed something was wrong. They turned, worry plain on their faces. Penny in particular looked stricken, recalling the memories of that day in the caves. Ruby gestured for them to keep going. "We'll catch up!" she called, voice echoing through the morning hush.

Turning back to Yang, Ruby carefully hoisted her sister up, tapping into her enhanced strength to bear Yang's weight with ease. Yang let out a shaky exhale, leaning onto Ruby's shoulder.

"I'm good," Yang tried to insist, but Ruby just pressed her cloak more firmly to Yang's side, preventing any stray glimpse of that haunting spot.

"Shh," Ruby said gently. "Hang on. I'll get us past here fast."

Bending her knees and tightening her hold, Ruby tapped into a short sprint—her new, though more modest, semblance speed—rushing them down the path. Dust and loose gravel kicked up behind them. The last thing Yang saw was a blur of red as Ruby whisked her away from those painful memories, leaving their friends to follow at a steadier pace and rejoin them once Yang had found her calm again.

BEACON LANDING PAD

Beacon Academy's landing pad gleamed in the afternoon sun. Ruby stood beside Yang, who sat on the cracked concrete, knees pulled tight to her chest. Damp streaks on Yang's cheeks reflected her lingering tears, and she sniffled, letting her head rest on her arms. Nearby, an airship circled, preparing to land.

"I'm sorry, Yang," Ruby said softly, eyes full of remorse. "I really thought we'd come in at the front gate. I…didn't realize we'd pass the evacuation center."

Yang shook her head, voice trembling. "It's fine," she mumbled. "I just thought…I was better. But I'm not. That memory, that student—" Her breath caught, and she slammed her metal hand against the ground. Concrete fractured beneath her blow, sending tiny shards flying.

Ruby jumped at the noise. The rest of Team RWBY and JNPR, plus Penny, arrived just in time to see Yang's fist leave a spiderweb of cracks. Nora took a worried step forward, but Ruby waved them off, her eyes pleading. "Give her a minute," she whispered.

Weiss turned as the scrape of footsteps approached from behind. Ozpin, Goodwitch, and Winter stood at the edge of the platform, the Headmaster's cane tapping lightly on the concrete. Winter's gaze flicked to Yang, her face unreadable. She started to take a step forward, but Weiss darted over and lightly caught her arm.

"Don't," Weiss said gently, blocking her sister's path. "She's not…doing well right now."

Winter's jaw tightened. She took a hesitant look in Yang's direction, though Yang herself was too upset to notice her presence. At a glance from Ozpin, Winter quietly slipped back. Weiss stood nearby, torn between relief and discomfort.

Ozpin tapped his cane once on the ground, looking to Ruby. "Miss Rose, might I ask what's happening with your sister?"

Ruby swallowed hard and glanced at Yang. "We saw the evacuation center, sir—where everything happened during Ironwood's attack. Yang…hasn't fully recovered."

Goodwitch's eyes flickered, recalling the chaos in the caves. Ozpin's expression softened, and he gave Winter a regretful look. Ruby added quietly, "Winter…uh, visited us a few weeks ago, but it didn't go well."

Ozpin raised his brow slightly at Winter, motioning her away with the slightest tilt of his head. Winter's eyes lingered on Yang one more moment before turning away. Weiss watched her sister leave, uncertainty tugging at her features.

Ozpin turned back to the group, adjusting his glasses. "Well, for now—everyone, you have done an admirable job suppressing that Grimm horde. Our workers can continue rebuilding Beacon safely."

He glanced at Yang, who was still crouched low, the fractured ground beneath her feet. "Miss Rose, do you think Miss Xiao Long will be alright before the new school year starts?"

Ruby forced a sad smile. "I—I'm not sure," she said quietly. "She's…hurt, like I was. But I think she's worse off. It'll take time."

Ozpin let out a pensive sigh. "Indeed." He offered a faint smile. "But the effort you've shown…I promise I'll acknowledge it when orientation comes around." Turning to Goodwitch, he gave her a light nod. The two prepared to leave, stepping toward the campus buildings.

But Goodwitch paused, approaching Yang and placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. Her voice was low, words murmured just beyond Ruby's hearing, but a soft calmness filled the air. Yang's stiff posture loosened, and she stood, wiping her cheeks one last time.

"Thank you," she whispered to Goodwitch. The professor nodded once, then stepped away, following Ozpin.

The airship meant to carry everyone back to Patch drifted down, its engines humming. One by one, the others climbed aboard, though Ruby stayed at Yang's side. Yang watched the swirl of dust from the ship's descent, inhaling deep to steady herself.

Ruby touched Yang's elbow gently. "Are you okay now?"

Yang exhaled shakily. "I've gotta be," she said, voice still rough around the edges. She mustered a faint grin and held Ruby's gaze for a moment. Then together, they turned and boarded the airship, heading home—though some wounds still needed more time to mend.