PATCH

Yang sat hunched by the fireplace, the dancing flames casting long, flickering shadows across the room. Her gaze was fixed on the orange and red tongues of fire, each movement echoing the turmoil within her. A heavy sigh escaped her lips as she stood, the wooden floor creaking under her weight. She walked slowly toward the kitchen, her footsteps soft but deliberate.

Entering the kitchen, she was met with an unexpected sight: Ruby sitting at the countertop, a bowl of ice cream in front of her. The younger sister's cheerful humming filled the space, a stark contrast to Yang's somber mood.

"Hey, Yang," Ruby greeted, spoon poised mid-air. "The others are outside enjoying their camping. Want some ice cream?"

Yang managed a weak smile, pulling out an empty bowl from the cabinet. "Yeah, sure. Thanks."

She took a seat at the small kitchen table, filling her bowl with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream. The cold sweetness was a brief respite from the heat of the fireplace still warming the living room. Ruby watched her sister closely, concern evident in her bright eyes.

"Are you okay?" Ruby asked softly, reaching out a hand.

Yang shook her head, stirring her ice cream absentmindedly. "I'm okay. Just been a hard couple of days. I'll be fine."

Ruby frowned, observing the tension in Yang's shoulders and the way her sister's fingers trembled slightly as she scooped more ice cream. "Yang, you're not okay. I can see it."

Yang looked up, her eyes meeting Ruby's with a mixture of frustration and vulnerability. "I am fine. Tomorrow's mission is simple: protect the nearby mines from the Grimm. It should be easy."

Ruby nodded, but her expression remained troubled. "Okay, but if you start to feel not yourself, retreat and hide until then."

Yang leaned back, crossing her arms defiantly. "I'm fine. I won't have another episode like at Beacon."

Ruby reached across the table, placing her hand gently over Yang's. "Please don't lie to me. I saw what happened when we reached Beacon. I saw you shut down. I don't want that to happen again during the mission."

Yang's resolve wavered, her eyes darting away. "I won't. It won't happen."

Ruby took a deep breath, her grip tightening slightly. "But it could. We need to be prepared in case it does. For your sake and for everyone else's."

Yang stared down at her ice cream, her facade cracking. "Maybe you're right. Maybe I shouldn't go then."

Ruby's heart ached at the sight of her sister's struggle. "Yang, if you're not up for it, it's okay to stay back. We can handle it without you."

Yang stood abruptly, the chair scraping against the tile. "No. I can do this. I have to. I can't keep letting my past control me."

Before Ruby could respond, Yang turned and stormed out of the kitchen, the sound of her departure leaving a heavy silence in her wake. Ruby sat back, watching her sister's retreating figure with worry etched deeply across her face. She knew Yang's determination was both her strength and her vulnerability, and seeing her push herself so hard only heightened Ruby's concern.

She glanced around the kitchen, the remnants of their brief conversation lingering in the air. Taking a slow, steadying breath, Ruby reached for her own bowl, scooping up a generous helping of ice cream. As she ate, her mind raced with thoughts of how to support Yang without overstepping, knowing that her sister's pain was something Yang struggled to voice.

Outside, the sounds of their friends enjoying the camping remained a distant backdrop, a reminder of the normalcy Yang was fighting to reclaim. Ruby resolved to be there for Yang, to help her navigate the shadows of her past and the uncertainties of their missions ahead. As she finished her ice cream, she stood up, determination setting into her features.

Stepping back into the living room, Ruby took one last look toward the kitchen before heading out to join the others. Tonight, Yang's silence spoke volumes, and Ruby knew that tomorrow's mission would require not just their combat skills, but also their unwavering support for one another.

The morning sun cast a pale light over the Xiao Long household as Team RWBY and JNPR gathered outside, gearing up for their mission to the nearby mines. The air was thick with anticipation and the faint scent of pine from the surrounding forest. Ruby moved briskly, checking Crescent Rose's modifications, her new jet attachments gleaming under the early rays. The others were busy with their own preparations, each adjusting their gear with focused intent.

Suddenly, a soft thud echoed as Penny descended gracefully from the sky, landing smoothly on the dew-kissed grass. Ruby jumped slightly, startled by her friend's unexpected arrival. Penny straightened up, her cheerful demeanor contrasting sharply with the tension that hung in the air.

"Good morning, everyone!" Penny greeted brightly, her mechanical eyes twinkling. She glanced around before making her way toward Ruby, carrying a sleek toolkit. "I've been analyzing our last battle against the Grimm horde. Found some major flaws that could have jeopardized our mission's success. So, I took the liberty of building some new gadgets to help you all out."

Ruby watched as Penny opened her toolkit, revealing an array of high-tech devices designed with precision. "Here you go," Penny said, tossing two shoeprint-like devices to Ruby. "These are jet attachments for your boots, Ruby. They'll allow you to fly short distances, giving you greater mobility and the ability to reach higher ground quickly."

Ruby caught the devices, her eyes widening in amazement. "Jet attachments? That's incredible!" Without hesitation, she strapped them onto her boots, feeling the weight and balance adjust perfectly. "Thanks, Penny. This is going to be a game-changer."

Next, Penny handed two small, attachable devices to Yang, who took them with a guarded expression. "These will amplify your weapon's power by three to four times. You'll be able to deliver even more devastating blows with Ember Celica."

Yang accepted the devices, her movements measured and deliberate. She attached them to her gauntlets, the metals humming softly as they integrated with her gear. "Appreciate it," she replied, her voice steady but eyes distant, reflecting the weight of recent events.

Penny then approached Weiss, presenting her with a sleek pair of glasses-like devices. "For you, Weiss, these are accuracy-assisting glasses. They guarantee that every shot you take is direct and precise, increasing your hit rate from 78% to nearly 100%."

Weiss accepted the glasses, slipping them onto her face with a nod. "So you're saying I won't miss anymore?" she asked, testing their fit.

"Exactly," Penny confirmed with a nod. "You've been performing exceptionally well, but these will ensure your aim is flawless."

Finally, Penny handed Jaune a small device. "This one's for you, Jaune. Attach it to the hilt of your sword." She demonstrated by pressing the device onto his blade, where it immediately activated, surrounding the weapon with a shimmering energy field. "This energy will cut through anything like butter. Trust me, you'll be amazed."

Jaune examined his upgraded sword, eyes wide with astonishment. "Wow, Penny. This is incredible."

Nora stepped forward, curiosity piqued. "What about the rest of us? Do we get something too?"

Penny shook her head with a playful smile. "Nope. The rest of you did amazingly well during the last mission, so no upgrades needed for now." She glanced at Nora, who rolled her eyes and let out a low grunt. Pyrrha giggled softly, clearly amused by Nora's reaction.

Yang stood a few feet away, her expression somber despite the enhancements. "Alright, let's get this mission over with," she said quietly, her voice carrying a weight that contrasted with her usually fiery spirit.

Ruby hesitated, glancing toward Yang with concern. "We should let Dad know about our plans—"

Yang cut her off, determination flickering in her eyes but overshadowed by a deep gloom. "No, Ruby. Let's just go. We don't need to worry about that right now."

Weiss stepped forward, her expression serious. "Yang, are you sure you're okay? If something's wrong—"

Ruby interjected, her voice soft but firm. "Yang's not okay. I saw what happened at Beacon. She shut down completely. We need to be prepared in case it happens again during the mission."

Yang clenched her fists, trying to mask her anxiety. "I won't shut down. I'm fine. We need to focus on the task at hand."

Ruby placed a gentle hand on her sister's shoulder, looking into her eyes with unwavering support. "But it could happen. We need to be ready to help you if it does. We're a team, Yang. We need to take care of each other."

Yang took a deep breath, her shoulders slumping slightly under Ruby's reassuring touch. "Alright. But if I start to feel not myself, I'll retreat and hide until I'm okay."

Ruby nodded, squeezing her shoulder lightly. "Promise. We've got your back, no matter what."

Yang gave a small, resolute smile, though her eyes remained shadowed with unease. "Alright. Let's go protect those mines."

MINES

The entrance to the mines loomed ominously before them, a dark chasm nestled within the heart of Forever Fall Forest. The air was thick with anticipation as Team RWBY and Team JNPR took their positions, weapons at the ready. Ruby adjusted Crescent Rose's jet attachments, feeling the newfound power thrumming beneath her feet. Weiss peered through her accuracy-assisting glasses, her eyes sharp and focused. Blake moved silently alongside, Gambol Shroud poised for action. Yang, her gauntlets enhanced, clenched Ember Celica tightly, determination etched into her features. Jaune, gripping his energy-enhanced sword, stood resolute, while Nora bounced on her heels, hammer at the ready. Ren and Pyrrha moved in synchronized harmony, their skills complementing each other seamlessly. Penny hovered above, her systems strained but still operational, providing crucial support with her precise energy beams.

As they ventured deeper into the mine, the oppressive silence was broken by the guttural roars of the Grimm. Suddenly, a massive Beowolf charged at them, its eyes burning with feral intensity. Without hesitation, Jaune stepped forward, his enhanced sword glowing with energy. He swung with surprising force, cleaving the Beowolf in half with a single, powerful strike. The creature disintegrated into black dust, leaving Jaune standing amidst the remnants of the battle, his eyes wide with astonishment at the sheer power he wielded.

"Nice one, Jaune!" Ruby called out, her voice steady. She activated her jet attachments, propelling herself into the air with graceful agility. From above, she unleashed a flurry of swift, precise strikes, her scythe cutting through the Grimm with lethal efficiency.

Blake, ever the shadow, flanked the group, her accuracy-assisting glasses allowing her to land every hit. She swung Gambol Shroud in sickle form, each strike meticulously calculated to maximize damage. The Grimm fell one after another, their numbers thinning under her relentless assault.

Yang unleashed the full might of her enhanced Ember Celica, flames erupting from her gauntlets with each devastating punch and kick. Her movements were a blur of fire and strength, each strike amplified to tear through the Grimm's defenses. The heat from her attacks lit up the dark corridors, a stark contrast to the cold steel of their weapons.

Weiss stood back, her Glyphs activated, creating barriers of ice and launching shards with pinpoint accuracy. Each Glyph she cast was a masterpiece of precision, freezing Grimm in their tracks and allowing her to dispatch them with elegant thrusts of Myrtenaster. Her coordinated efforts with Blake ensured that their flank remained secure, cutting down any Grimm that dared approach.

Jaune, now more confident with his enhanced sword, moved to support Pyrrha, whose spear and shield worked in perfect harmony to dismantle the Grimm ranks. Nora's hammer roared through the air, each swing sending shockwaves that sent Creeps and Beowolves flying. Ren, with his swift strikes and bursts of compressed air, navigated the battlefield with lethal grace, eliminating threats with calculated precision.

Penny hovered above, her systems strained as she continued to fire precise energy beams, targeting the Grimm's weak points. Her once bright eyes now flickered with a dimming green glow, signaling her power reserves were dangerously low. Despite this, she pushed herself to support her teammates, her mechanical precision proving invaluable in the relentless battle.

As the battle raged on, the horde seemed endless, waves of Grimm pressing forward with unrelenting aggression. Ruby felt her Aura begin to flicker, the effort of maintaining her jet speed taking its toll. She glanced over at Yang, who was pushing herself harder than ever, her usual control giving way to a desperate need to protect her team.

Without warning, Yang's demeanor shifted. Her movements became more frantic, her strikes wild and uncontrolled. A particularly large Grimm—a towering Alpha Beowolf—charged at her with ferocious intent. Yang swung Ember Celica with all her might, flames engulfing the creature in a blinding inferno. The Alpha howled, but Yang was already moving again, her attacks growing more reckless as she sought to unleash every ounce of her enhanced power.

Blake and Weiss found themselves momentarily caught in the aftermath of Yang's uncontrolled assault. A stray flame from Ember Celica flared near Weiss's Glyphs, causing a surge of icy energy to misfire. The Glyphs erupted in a blinding flash, shattering Weiss's ice barriers and sending her stumbling backward, her Aura flickering as she struggled to regain control. Simultaneously, Blake was knocked off balance by a rogue flame, Gambol Shroud slipping from her grasp as she struggled to maintain her composure. The sudden chaos left Weiss and Blake vulnerable, their Auras wavering as they fought to recover.

Ruby watched in horror as Yang's reckless actions put her teammates in danger. Her own Aura flickered violently, the strain of maintaining Crescent Rose's power almost too much to bear. "Yang, stop!" she screamed, desperation lacing her voice as she rushed toward her sister.

But Yang was lost in the frenzy, her actions driven by a need to protect her team at any cost. She swung Ember Celica wildly, each strike fueled by a mixture of anger and fear. The Alpha Beowolf, still partially engulfed in flames, roared defiantly, only to be met by another devastating blow from Yang's gauntlets.

Ruby reached Yang, grabbing her arm firmly. "Yang, snap out of it! You're putting everyone at risk!"

Yang's eyes, usually so full of fire, now showed only desperation and regret. "I can't stop! I have to protect you all!"

In a final, reckless surge, Yang unleashed a massive burst of energy, her Aura nearly overwhelming her. The force of her attack sent a shockwave through the mine, cracking the walls and sending debris cascading down. Weiss and Blake were caught in the blast, barely managing to shield themselves from the falling rubble. Ruby felt her Aura teeter on the brink, the strain threatening to pull her into unconsciousness.

As the dust settled, the teams stood amidst the chaos, breathing heavily and surveying the damage. Yang, panting and exhausted, looked around at her injured teammates with a mix of horror and sorrow. Ruby, struggling to maintain her composure, hovered near the ground, her Aura flickering dangerously.

"We need to get out of here," Jaune said urgently, stepping forward to support Blake as she shook off the last of the debris.

Yang looked at Ruby, her expression one of deep regret. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to…"

Ruby shook her head, her anger and worry intertwining. "You nearly got us killed, Yang. You lost control."

Yang tried to apologize, but Ruby cut her off, her voice rising with frustration. "You were supposed to be honest. You said you were okay for the mission. But you were not. You were never ready."

Yang stood up slowly, her legs trembling as she took in the sight of Weiss and Blake, their Auras flickering from the strain. Regret washed over her, her body shaking with the weight of her actions. "I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Ruby's eyes blazed with a mix of anger and fear. "Go home, Yang. We'll finish here and be home later."

Yang didn't protest, simply turning around and walking away, her shoulders hunched with the burden of her mistakes. Weiss stepped forward, placing a hand on Ruby's shoulder. "That might've been too much, Ruby."

Ruby turned to Weiss, her eyes hard. "Yang should've stayed at home."

She stormed over to Crescent Rose, her movements sharp and filled with frustration. As she grabbed her scythe, she glanced around and saw Team JNPR sitting down to rest, nursing their own wounds. Weiss approached her, concern etched into her features.

"Ruby, Yang is broken. We all know that," Weiss said quietly. "But you might've gone too far in trying to help her."

Ruby's shoulders slumped, guilt washing over her. "I blamed myself for letting Yang come with us. I'm supposed to be the leader, to make the right decisions. But I didn't this time."

She turned back to Weiss, her voice trembling with emotion. "What if the next time I make a bad decision, worse things might happen because of me?"

Weiss gave her a sympathetic look, understanding the depth of Ruby's anguish. "You can't carry all of this alone, Ruby. We're here for you, just as you're here for us."

Ruby took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I just… I want to protect everyone. I don't want to lose anyone else."

Weiss nodded, her grip on Ruby's shoulder firm and reassuring. "We all want that, Ruby. But you need to take care of yourself too."

As Ruby stood there, the weight of her responsibilities pressing down on her, she realized the truth in Weiss's words. Leadership wasn't about carrying the burden alone, but about trusting in her team and leaning on them when needed.

Taking a moment to compose herself, Ruby looked out toward where Yang had disappeared. The mission had been a success, but the cost had been steep. With her team by her side, she knew they could face whatever challenges lay ahead, together.

Determined to move forward, Ruby turned back to Weiss and the rest of the group. "Let's get out of here and regroup. We need to make sure everyone's alright and figure out our next steps."

HOUSE

The weight of regret bore heavily on Yang as she lay on her bed, her golden hair spilling over her pillow. Tears silently traced paths down her face, their warmth a sharp contrast to the cold ache in her chest. On the floor, her combat outfit, glasses, and Ember Celica lay neatly packed away in a large box. Dressed in a simple orange tank top, tan baggy pants, and orange socks, Yang sat up slowly, her gaze fixed on the box. It seemed to contain not just her gear, but a part of herself she no longer felt worthy of claiming.

Outside, the rhythmic sound of Crescent Rose cutting through the air echoed faintly. Ruby was training again, her movements sharp and forceful against the line of battered dummies in the yard. Weiss and Blake stood nearby, observing with concern. Ruby's strikes grew faster, her frustration evident in the way she attacked each dummy as if it was responsible for everything wrong in her life.

Nearby, Penny sat quietly connected to her portable charging station. The soft hum of the device filled the air as her eyes flickered faintly, a serene contrast to the chaos around her. Nora stood a short distance away, arms crossed and a look of disbelief on her face.

"She's charging?" Nora asked, incredulous.

Pyrrha chuckled lightly, leaning against a nearby tree. "It freaked me out at first too, but you'll get used to it."

Ruby panted heavily, her exhaustion starting to catch up to her. With one final, ferocious swing, she cleaved the head off the last dummy and let Crescent Rose fall to the ground. Breathing hard, she sank onto a bench and buried her face in her hands.

Blake crossed her arms, watching Ruby closely. "This isn't going to go away anytime soon."

Weiss sighed, her usual composed demeanor faltering. "No, it won't."

Ruby looked up, her gaze shifting toward the house. Her breath caught in her throat as she spotted Yang exiting the front door, a box clutched tightly in her arms. Ruby stood slowly, her worry growing as she watched her sister make her way across the yard toward the small shed.

Yang walked with deliberate slowness, her grip firm on the box as though it held all the burdens she carried. She entered the shed and placed the box under a table, her movements careful and deliberate. Resting her hands on the table, she leaned forward, her head hanging low.

Ruby hesitated for only a moment before following. She stepped into the dimly lit shed, her boots crunching softly against the dirt floor.

"Yang," she began, her voice cautious, "what are you doing?"

Yang didn't respond at first, the silence stretching between them like an unspoken confession. After a long moment, Yang exhaled shakily and turned her head slightly toward her sister.

"You were right," Yang said softly, her voice heavy with emotion. "Winter was right too."

Ruby frowned, stepping closer. "What do you mean?"

Yang straightened up, turning to face Ruby fully. Her eyes were glassy, filled with a mix of sorrow and resignation. "I was never ready, Ruby. After Adam… I was never myself again."

The name hung in the air like a curse, drawing the breath from Ruby's lungs.

Tears welled in Yang's eyes as her voice wavered. "Today… today proved it. I realized I'm a danger—not just to myself, but to all of you. I almost got you all killed."

Ruby shook her head quickly, stepping forward. "Yang, that's not true—"

"It is true!" Yang's voice cracked, and tears spilled down her cheeks. "I can't control it anymore, Ruby. I can't do this. I'm done."

Ruby's eyes widened, her heart sinking. "What are you saying?"

Yang gestured toward the box under the table, her movements stiff and trembling. "I'm saying it's over for me. I don't want to do this anymore. I'm giving up."

Ruby stared at her sister, her mind racing. "Yang, no. You can't just—"

"I have to," Yang interrupted, her tone softer now but no less firm. "If I keep going like this, I'm going to hurt someone. I'm going to hurt you. And I can't live with that."

For a moment, Ruby was at a loss for words. She could see the pain etched into Yang's face, the exhaustion that ran deeper than physical fatigue.

Yang turned away, wiping at her eyes with the back of her hand. "I'm sorry, Ruby. I just… I can't anymore."

With that, Yang walked out of the shed, leaving Ruby standing there alone. The younger sister's shoulders slumped as the full weight of Yang's words settled over her. She turned to look at the box under the table, its contents now a symbol of everything Yang had given up.

Ruby swallowed hard, tears pricking at her own eyes as she whispered to herself, "I'm so sorry, Yang…"

The sound of Yang's retreating footsteps faded into the distance, leaving Ruby alone in the quiet, dim light of the shed. She sank onto the floor, her heart aching for her sister, unsure of what more she could do to help her find her way back.

EVENING

Evening had settled over the Xiao Long household, the warm hues of the setting sun fading into a deep blue twilight. Outside, Taiyang sat with Ruby on the porch steps, the soft sounds of crickets filling the silence between them. Inside the house, faint laughter and muffled conversation could be heard from the others, but the mood between the father and daughter remained heavy.

"She just gave up?" Taiyang asked, his voice laced with concern.

Ruby sat with her elbows on her knees, her head resting in her hands. She nodded slowly. "She packed everything away. Her gear, Ember Celica, even her glasses. She said she's done."

Taiyang leaned back, exhaling deeply. "Yang's been through a lot, Ruby. Maybe she just needs time."

Ruby shook her head. "It's not just that, Dad. It's my fault. I pushed her too far yesterday. I was so angry at her for what happened during the mission. I just… I lost it." Her voice cracked slightly, and she looked away, blinking back tears.

Taiyang placed a comforting hand on Ruby's shoulder. "You're being too hard on yourself. You were scared, Ruby. Scared for her, scared for your team. That's normal."

"But I wasn't supposed to lose control," Ruby replied, her voice filled with frustration. "I'm the leader, Dad. I'm supposed to keep everyone together, to make the right decisions. But it feels like I'm slipping every time. I don't know what to do anymore."

Taiyang was quiet for a moment, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "Ruby, being a leader isn't about always making the perfect decision. It's about doing your best with what you have, and being willing to learn when things go wrong. You're not slipping, kiddo. You're learning."

Ruby sighed, unconvinced. "It doesn't feel like it. Yang's been through so much already, and I just made it worse. I'm no better than Winter was at Beacon."

"Ruby, don't compare yourself to that," Taiyang said firmly. "Winter had her reasons, sure, but you're her sister. You're not trying to break Yang down—you're trying to help her. That's a big difference."

Ruby turned to look at the house, her gaze settling on the window of Yang's bedroom. The light inside was dim, barely illuminating the curtains. "Maybe I should talk to her," she said quietly.

Taiyang nodded. "That might be a good idea. Just let her know you're there for her. No lectures, no pushing—just listen."

Ruby hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her cloak. "Maybe… maybe it's best to wait a couple of days. Just in case. She needs space."

Taiyang considered this, then nodded. "Alright. But don't wait too long, Ruby. Yang's strong, but she's not invincible. Sometimes, she needs a little reminder that she's not alone."

Ruby sighed and leaned against her father. "I hope you're right."

Taiyang wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. "I usually am," he said with a soft chuckle.

Ruby managed a small smile, but her eyes remained fixed on Yang's window, worry etched into her face.

Days later, the Xiao Long household was steeped in the quiet calm of an early morning. Ruby carefully tiptoed through the living room, doing her best to avoid the scattered forms of Team JNPR, who were sprawled out on the floor in their sleeping bags. Nora snored softly, hugging a pillow, while Ren and Pyrrha slept peacefully. Jaune, however, mumbled something incomprehensible in his sleep, turning over with a loud sigh. Ruby stifled a laugh as she successfully made her way into the kitchen.

She poured herself a glass of milk, savoring the quiet moment. As she drank, her attention was drawn to something moving outside the window. A flash of golden yellow caught her eye. Curious, she set her glass down and stepped outside, wrapping her cloak tightly around her shoulders against the morning chill.

To her surprise, she found Yang in the garden, crouched by the flowerbeds with a small spade in hand. Her golden hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, and there was a faint smile on her face as she carefully tended to the plants. Ruby blinked, realizing it was the first time she'd seen her sister smile in days.

"Yang?" Ruby called softly, not wanting to startle her.

Yang looked up, standing and brushing dirt off her hands. "Morning, Rubes. Plants are blooming despite the weather. That's good, right?"

Ruby tilted her head. "Have you taken up gardening now?"

Yang shrugged, taking a sip from the water bottle resting on the ground. "Yeah, I guess. Like baking, it's… therapeutic. Gives me something to focus on, you know?"

Ruby leaned against the wall of the house, watching her sister closely. "Well, you might want to think about protecting the garden soon. It's supposed to snow around noon, and the forecast says it'll last a couple of days."

Yang nodded, her smile fading slightly. "Yeah, I'll get on that in a few minutes."

Ruby's gaze shifted to the nearby shed, where she knew Yang had stored her belongings. After a moment, she asked, "Do you have anything in there we should bring inside? Just in case."

Yang shook her head, her voice steady but resigned. "Not really. My stuff can stay buried in the snow. I won't need it anymore."

Ruby frowned but didn't press further. Instead, she pushed off the wall. "I'm going to grab the logs in the shed, though. Last thing we need is to run out of wood for the fireplace with the snow coming."

Yang simply nodded, watching as Ruby made her way to the shed.

Inside, Ruby found the small pile of firewood stacked neatly against one wall. She grabbed a wheelbarrow and began loading the logs, her mind drifting as she worked. When she reached for the last log, her eyes caught sight of the familiar box sitting in the corner—Yang's gear. The sight of Ember Celica, the goggles, and her combat outfit packed away tugged at Ruby's heart.

She hesitated, her hand lingering over the box. Her sister's words echoed in her mind, but something didn't sit right. After a moment of deliberation, Ruby decided to place the box on a higher shelf, carefully ensuring it wouldn't be damaged by the snow or dampness. She couldn't bring herself to leave it forgotten on the floor.

As she wheeled the wood back toward the house, Ruby glanced over at Yang, who was now sitting on the porch steps, staring out at the horizon. Her sister's expression was unreadable, but Ruby could sense the weight Yang carried. Quietly, Ruby vowed to do whatever it took to help her sister find her way back.

Hours later, Team JNPR stood at the living room window, wide-eyed as they watched the thick snow blanket the entire area. The white flakes danced in the wind, piling up against the house and covering the nearby forest in a pristine layer of white.

Nora pressed her face against the glass, her breath fogging it up. "Look at all the snow! I hardly ever get to see this much. It looks amazing!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement.

Ren, standing calmly beside her, gave a small nod. "It is beautiful. Peaceful, too."

Jaune, however, looked far less impressed. His arms were crossed, and a frown tugged at his lips. "Yeah, it'd be a lot more peaceful if we weren't stuck here. We were supposed to leave this morning!" His eyes narrowed suspiciously as he glanced at Nora. "Why didn't our alarm wake us up?"

Nora stiffened, her face turning sheepish as she nervously chuckled. "Oh, uh… I may have forgotten to set it?"

Jaune groaned loudly, dragging a hand down his face. "Seriously, Nora? Now I've got to call home and explain why we're snowed in for two days. Great."

As Jaune muttered to himself and fumbled for his Scroll, Nora gave Ren an exaggerated shrug before darting back to the window, her excitement undeterred by Jaune's annoyance.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Ruby and Blake were busy going through the pantry, carefully taking inventory of their food supplies. Ruby held a piece of paper, jotting down notes as Blake opened jars and cans to check the contents.

"Do we have enough for the next two days?" Ruby asked, glancing over her shoulder.

Blake nodded thoughtfully. "Just enough, but we'll have to ration a little. If Nora gets into the snacks, though, all bets are off."

Ruby chuckled softly before Blake leaned in closer and whispered, "So… how was your 'date' with Jaune?"

Ruby froze, her face immediately turning bright red as her eyes went wide. "Shush!" she hissed, quickly clamping a hand over Blake's mouth.

Blake raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. After a few moments, Ruby cautiously lowered her hand.

"Does anyone else know?" Ruby whispered, her voice a mixture of panic and embarrassment.

Blake smirked. "No one else. But honestly, you're overthinking this. It's not like anyone's going to make a big deal about it."

Ruby sighed, leaning against the counter. "I'd rather keep it that way for now. Besides…" She hesitated, her voice softening. "I didn't even think of it as a date. It was just… something to take my mind off everything."

Blake's smirk faded, replaced by an understanding expression. "That makes sense. It's been a rough few weeks for everyone. Especially for Yang."

Ruby's face grew somber as she nodded, her gaze drifting toward the window. Before she could respond, a loud scream erupted from the living room.

"SNOW DAY!!" Nora's voice echoed through the house as she bolted up the stairs with the energy of a child seeing snow for the first time.

Ruby blinked in confusion, turning to the doorway. "Why did she scream that?"

Jaune appeared, looking utterly exhausted as he rubbed his temples. "Because she's Nora. And because I told her we're officially snowed in."

Ruby shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips as Blake chuckled. "This is going to be a long two days," Blake said with amusement.

The snow-covered yard buzzed with energy as Nora cheered triumphantly, adding another block of snow to the towering fort. The structure now stretched higher and wider than half the house, its walls compacted and smoothed to perfection. Yang stood nearby, bundled in snow gear, her mouth agape.

"How?? HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE??" she shouted, throwing her hands up in disbelief.

Ren, calmly observing from a distance, shrugged. "It's Nora. Anything's possible if she puts her mind to it. By the end of the hour, it'll probably be twice as big."

Yang turned to look at the garden, which was now securely shielded from the snowstorm by a sturdy frame she had built earlier. Satisfied with her work there, she glanced back at Nora, who was furiously piling snow for an expansion. Yang sighed, then smirked. "Might as well. Need a hand?"

Nora spun around, her eyes gleaming with excitement. She grabbed Yang's hand and shouted, "Let's build a fort!!"

By the end of the hour, the fort was a masterpiece—a towering structure twice the size of the house, with battlements, pathways, and even a makeshift flag made of a scarf tied to a stick. The rest of the group, including Zwei, stood in awe, mouths agape.

"I can't believe it," Weiss muttered. "This… is ridiculous."

Taiyang stepped out onto the porch, taking in the massive snow fort. "It's impressive, sure, but what happens when this all melts in a couple of days?"

Ruby grinned and waved him off. "Don't worry, Dad. The fort's coming down before then. Right, Nora?"

Nora saluted. "Scout's honor!"

Ruby turned her head, her smile fading as she noticed Penny standing off to the side, staring blankly at the wall of the house. Concerned, Ruby approached her friend.

"Penny?" Ruby asked softly. "Are you okay?"

Penny slowly turned her head to face Ruby. Her green eyes flickered slightly as she said, "I'm fine." Before Ruby could react, Penny's legs buckled, and she collapsed into the snow.

"Penny!" Ruby shouted, rushing forward to catch her. But before she could, a strong hand grabbed Ruby by the neck and yanked her backward. She gasped, coming face-to-face with a pair of glowing amber eyes.

"Cinder!" Ruby choked out.

Cinder's smirk widened as she tightened her grip. "Missed me?"

Without hesitation, Cinder hurled Ruby backward, sending her crashing into a snowbank. The others, alarmed by the commotion, immediately drew their weapons as Ruby struggled to her feet. Cinder stepped forward, her hand igniting with a burst of flame.

The sound of crunching snow filled the air as more figures emerged from the shadows—Emerald, Mercury, Adam, and a squad of White Fang soldiers, their weapons gleaming in the dim light. The group spread out, surrounding the team.

On top of the snow fort, Yang froze as her eyes locked onto Adam. Her breath caught, and for a moment, she couldn't move. Adam's sinister grin widened as he took a step forward. Nora, noticing Yang's state, quickly grabbed her arm.

"Yang! Focus!" Nora shouted, shaking her.

Yang snapped out of her trance, nodding hesitantly. But Adam's presence loomed in her mind, his gaze never leaving hers.

Back on the ground, Cinder addressed the group, her tone dripping with confidence. "Don't bother fighting. You know you can't win."

Ruby, wiping snow from her face, stood tall. Her eyes burned with determination as she activated her jet boots. "You're sure about that?" she challenged.

Before Cinder could react, Ruby launched herself into the air, tackling Cinder and propelling them both high above the battlefield. Cinder growled in frustration, summoning a wall of flames to push Ruby back, but Ruby used Crescent Rose to block the attack, countering with a slash that narrowly missed Cinder's face.

Meanwhile, chaos erupted below. Weiss and Blake worked together, fending off the White Fang soldiers. Blake moved with precision, using Penny's enhanced accuracy glasses to land perfect shots with Gambol Shroud, while Weiss created glyphs to trap and immobilize their attackers.

Zwei darted through the fray, barking furiously. He leapt onto Emerald, biting her sleeve and tugging with all his might. Emerald shrieked, trying to shake him off, while Weiss raised an eyebrow in disbelief.

"Is Zwei actually winning?" Weiss asked, momentarily distracted.

Blake smirked. "Looks like it."

On top of the fort, White Fang soldiers had begun climbing the walls. Nora grinned wickedly, hefting Magnhild. "Bad move, boys!"

She slammed her hammer into the fort's edge, sending a cascade of snow onto the climbers. As they scrambled to regain their footing, she charged forward, using the snow to slide into them like a bowling ball, knocking them off the fort entirely.

Yang, however, remained distracted. She kept glancing down at Adam, who stood calmly amidst the chaos, his sword resting on his shoulder. The sight of him filled her with dread and rage, clouding her focus.

"Yang, stay with me!" Nora shouted, pulling her back into the fight.

But it was too late. A White Fang soldier blindsided Yang, sending her tumbling off the edge of the fort. She landed hard in the snow, groaning in pain. As she looked up, her heart sank. Adam was standing over her, his red blade gleaming ominously.

"Hello again, Yang," Adam said, his voice cold and taunting.

Yang's hands trembled as she tried to push herself up. The rest of the group noticed her fall, their eyes widening in alarm.

"Yang!" Ruby screamed, her voice echoing through the battlefield as she dove toward her sister.

Ruby charged toward Adam, Crescent Rose ready in scythe form. Her boots roared to life as the jets propelled her forward, snow spraying in her wake. Adam turned to face her, his blade, Wilt, gleaming ominously in the cold light. His smirk grew as he effortlessly deflected Ruby's initial swing with a resounding clang.

"I was hoping you'd come at me," Adam taunted, parrying another strike. "You're just as reckless as your sister."

Ruby growled, spinning Crescent Rose to sweep at Adam's legs. He leapt over the blade and countered with a downward slash. Ruby used her jets to dart backward, narrowly avoiding the red energy that followed his strike, leaving a smoldering line in the snow.

"You don't get to talk about my sister!" Ruby shouted, firing Crescent Rose to propel herself toward Adam again. She twirled mid-air, bringing her scythe down in a furious arc. Adam blocked the strike, but the force of her attack pushed him back several feet.

Meanwhile, Weiss and Blake crouched next to Yang, who was still on the ground, shaken by Adam's presence. Weiss placed a hand on Yang's shoulder.

"Yang, we need to go! You're not in any condition to fight!" Weiss urged, glancing nervously at the battle unfolding nearby.

Blake knelt in front of Yang, her voice calm but firm. "Yang, listen to me. Ruby can handle him, but we need to get you out of here. Please, trust us."

Yang looked up at Blake, her eyes filled with anger and shame. She clenched her fists but nodded slowly. "Fine," she muttered, allowing Blake and Weiss to help her to her feet.

Nearby, Mercury blocked a flurry of blows from Pyrrha's spear. His movements were fluid, his smirk infuriatingly smug as he countered her strikes.

"This feels familiar," Mercury sneered, deflecting her spear with his metallic leg. "But this time, I'm not forfeiting."

Pyrrha narrowed her eyes, pivoting to deliver a shield bash that forced him to stumble. "Last time, you cheated to avoid a fight," she said, her voice steady and sharp. "This time, you won't have that excuse."

She lunged, her spear crackling with energy as it clashed against Mercury's kicks. He flipped backward, firing rounds from his boots, but Pyrrha deflected them with her shield, closing the distance. Her strikes grew more aggressive, each one forcing Mercury further back.

"You're not as untouchable as you think," Pyrrha said, slamming her shield into Mercury's chest and sending him sprawling into the snow.

Back with Ruby and Adam, their duel reached a fever pitch. Ruby darted around Adam with blinding speed, her jets firing as she slashed and spun. But Adam's precision was unmatched. He parried each strike with ease, his movements calculated and deliberate.

"Your speed won't save you," Adam sneered, unleashing a devastating downward slash. Ruby barely dodged, the force of the strike sending snow flying into the air.

Ruby gritted her teeth, her mind racing. She couldn't beat Adam head-on, but she needed to end this quickly. She fired Crescent Rose into the ground, using the recoil to launch herself upward. Adam raised his blade, ready to intercept, but Ruby twisted in mid-air, firing again to change her trajectory.

She landed behind him and swung her scythe with all her strength. Adam turned just in time to block, but the force of the strike pushed him off balance. Ruby saw her chance and lunged forward, grabbing Wilt's hilt with her free hand.

"Let go," Adam growled, his eyes narrowing as he tried to pull his sword free.

"No!" Ruby shouted, her grip tightening. She expected the blade to cut her hand, but to her surprise, it didn't. She looked at her hand gripping the blade in shock—her Aura was holding, protecting her.

Adam's eyes widened as he noticed the faint glow around Ruby's hand. "Impossible…"

Ruby twisted her grip, using Crescent Rose to knock Adam back. As he staggered, a loud crack echoed through the clearing. Both fighters froze as they looked at Wilt. A deep fracture ran along the blade, spreading with a spiderweb pattern.

Adam's expression twisted in disbelief and fury. "You… broke it."

Ruby tightened her grip on Crescent Rose, her confidence surging. "I told you, Adam. You don't get to talk about my sister—or any of us."

Adam glared at her, his knuckles white around Wilt's hilt. But before he could respond, Weiss and Blake appeared at Ruby's side, weapons drawn.

"Let's finish this together," Weiss said, her voice steady.

Ruby nodded, her eyes locked on Adam as the three stood ready for whatever came next.

Ruby, Blake, and Weiss stood shoulder to shoulder, their weapons ready as Adam and Cinder stepped forward. The tension crackled in the cold air, the snow crunching underfoot as the two groups prepared for the inevitable clash.

Ruby tightened her grip on Crescent Rose, her eyes fixed on Cinder's smirking face. "We've stopped you before, and we'll do it again."

Cinder chuckled, flames dancing in her palm. "Oh, Ruby, your optimism is almost endearing. Almost."

Adam stepped forward, Wilt still in hand despite its fracture. His glare locked on Blake. "You should've stayed out of this, Blake. You don't belong here anymore."

Blake raised Gambol Shroud, her amber eyes cold and determined. "I belong wherever I choose to fight for what's right. You don't get to decide that."

Without another word, Cinder unleashed a blazing fireball at the trio. Ruby leapt into action, using her jet-powered boots to dash forward, Crescent Rose extended. She fired a shot mid-leap, cutting through the flames and forcing Cinder to evade.

Weiss conjured a glyph beneath her feet, launching herself into the air. With a sweep of her rapier, she summoned an Arma Gigas arm to block Adam's strike as he charged at Blake. Sparks flew as Blake parried his attack, their weapons clashing violently.

"You think you've grown stronger, Blake?" Adam sneered, swinging Wilt with deadly precision. "You're still running from who you are."

Blake ducked under his swing and countered with a flurry of strikes. "I'm not running. I'm facing you now, aren't I?"

Meanwhile, Ruby danced around Cinder's fiery attacks, using her jets to propel herself out of harm's way. She fired Crescent Rose at point-blank range, forcing Cinder to block with her glass-like weapon.

"Not bad," Cinder admitted, her smirk unwavering. She swung her weapon, unleashing a wave of fire that Ruby narrowly dodged. "But you're still out of your league."

Ruby's boots roared as she darted in, Crescent Rose spinning in her grip. "We'll see about that!" she shouted, slicing through the flames and forcing Cinder back.

Weiss landed gracefully beside Blake, creating a series of glyphs to trap Adam. "Blake, now!" she shouted.

Blake took advantage of the opening, her katana slashing toward Adam. He deflected her strike, but the impact widened the crack in Wilt. His movements grew more frantic as Blake pressed her attack.

Cinder, noticing Adam's struggle, created a massive firestorm around herself to keep Ruby at bay. "Adam, finish this!" she barked.

Ruby pushed against the flames, firing Crescent Rose to propel herself upward. "We're not letting you win!" she yelled, launching toward Cinder with a spinning slash that forced her opponent to retreat.

Blake's relentless assault on Adam came to a head as she aimed a decisive strike at his blade. Their weapons clashed with a deafening clang. Wilt finally gave way, shattering into pieces.

Adam stumbled back, disbelief and rage twisting his expression.

Blake pointed her katana at him, her voice steady. "This ends here, Adam."

Adam growled, his red eyes flicking to Cinder. "You said rejoining you would change everything," he spat. "All it's done is ruin what little I had left. I'm done."

Cinder glared at him, flames licking at her fingertips. "Don't be a coward."

Adam ignored her, his gaze locking with Blake's. "Watch your back, Blake. This isn't over."

With a sharp whistle, Adam signaled his forces. The remaining White Fang members hesitated but obeyed, retreating into the snow-covered woods. Cinder's flames sputtered out as she seethed, her anger barely contained.

"This isn't over, either," Cinder hissed, her eyes narrowing at Ruby. With that, she vanished in a plume of fire, leaving only scorch marks behind.

Weiss notices the fury blazing in Ruby's eyes as her teammate steps forward, poised to fly off in pursuit of Cinder. Weiss instinctively grabs Ruby's arm, pulling her back.

"Ruby, no! Not now," Weiss pleaded. "We'll get her later, but we need to get back inside. Everyone's hurt, and you'll just—"

Ruby pulled her arm free, glaring at Weiss. "She's right there, Weiss! Right there! I can end this now!"

Weiss stepped in front of her, her hands raised in desperation. "Ruby, listen to yourself! This is exactly like the warehouse explosion months ago. Remember what happened then? You nearly—"

"I don't care!" Ruby's voice cracked as she shouted, her hands clenched into trembling fists. "I'm finishing this now!"

As Ruby bent her knees, preparing to launch herself into the air, Weiss shouted, "You think Jupiter would want you to do this?"

Ruby froze mid-step, her eyes widening as the name hit her like a hammer. Behind her, Yang and Taiyang stiffened, their expressions turning from shock to alarm. Ruby slowly turned to Weiss, her voice low and shaky. "What did you just say?"

Weiss took a step back, realizing the weight of her words but refusing to back down. "Jupiter wouldn't want this, Ruby. She wouldn't want you consumed by revenge."

Ruby's voice hardened. "How do you know about Jupiter?" She turned her gaze to Yang, whose guilty expression was all the confirmation Ruby needed. "You told her?!"

Yang looked away, unable to meet her sister's eyes. "Ruby, I—"

"You told her?" Ruby's voice rose as her breathing quickened. Her wide eyes darted between Weiss and Yang, betrayal etched across her face.

"Ruby, listen—" Weiss began, but Ruby stepped back, shaking her head. Her boots hummed to life as her jet devices activated. "Ruby, stop!" Weiss begged. "Please, don't do this! You swore you wouldn't let revenge consume you!"

Ruby hesitated for a fleeting moment, her mind racing with Weiss's words. But her anger and hurt drowned out everything else. "You don't get to decide that, Weiss! None of you do!" she yelled before shooting into the sky, her form disappearing into the falling snow.

Blake ran to Weiss's side, gripping her arm. "Weiss, who's Jupiter? What's going on?"

Weiss stared at the sky, her throat tightening. She looked at Blake, her voice barely above a whisper. "Jupiter… knew Ruby. She was important to her."

Blake frowned in confusion. "Important how? Weiss, what's happening?"

Weiss didn't answer immediately, her eyes fixed on the spot where Ruby had vanished. Finally, she exhaled shakily. "I'll tell you later"

SKY

Cinder soared through the skies above Patch, her hand pressed to her earpiece. "Mercury? Emerald? Are you there?" she demanded, frustration lacing her tone. The static-filled silence only deepened her annoyance. "Answer me! We need to regroup!"

Before she could say another word, a deafening scream cut through the air. Cinder barely turned her head before she was tackled mid-flight, her breath knocked out of her as Ruby slammed into her like a missile.

"You're not getting away, Cinder!" Ruby roared, Crescent Rose in scythe form as she swung it at Cinder. The force of the blow sent them spinning, Cinder's flames barely flaring up in time to block the attack.

"Persistent as always, aren't you, little Rose?" Cinder sneered, shoving Ruby back with a blast of fire. "Still chasing after vengeance like a child?"

Ruby didn't answer, her jet-assisted boots propelling her forward as she swung Crescent Rose again. Cinder twisted mid-air, the scythe narrowly missing her shoulder. "This isn't about vengeance!" Ruby shouted. "This is about stopping you once and for all!"

Cinder smirked, her golden eyes narrowing. "You say that, but I can feel your rage. You're predictable, Ruby. That's why you'll never win." She ignited a trail of flames with a sweep of her arm, forcing Ruby to dodge.

Ruby accelerated, closing the distance and clashing with Cinder in a flurry of strikes. Crescent Rose's blade gleamed as it clashed with Cinder's glass weapons. Sparks and embers scattered through the air, illuminating their heated battle against the snowy backdrop.

Cinder's taunts continued as she parried Ruby's strikes. "You're just like your mother—running headfirst into a fight you can't win. At least she had experience. What do you have, Ruby? Fury? Desperation?"

Ruby gritted her teeth, the mention of her mother fueling her anger. She drove Crescent Rose downward in an overhead swing, forcing Cinder to block with both hands. The sheer force of the attack sent them plummeting through the air, the wind roaring in their ears as they hurtled toward Vale.

Cinder twisted at the last moment, landing gracefully on a rooftop. Ruby hit the ground hard but rolled to her feet, glaring at Cinder with unrelenting determination.

"Still standing? Impressive," Cinder mocked, her glass weapon shimmering in the moonlight. "But you're tiring, Ruby. I can see it."

Ruby lunged forward, her boots igniting as she propelled herself at Cinder. Their battle resumed, now wreaking havoc across the rooftops of Vale. Crescent Rose clashed with flames and glass, sending shockwaves through the night. Civilians below scattered, screaming as debris rained down.

Cinder capitalized on Ruby's growing recklessness, landing a flaming kick to her side that sent her skidding across the roof. "Do you see now?" Cinder taunted, stalking forward. "You're not fighting for justice. You're fighting because you're angry. And anger makes you sloppy."

Ruby growled, wiping blood from her lip as she struggled to her feet. "I'm not done yet!" she yelled, her voice raw with emotion. She launched herself at Cinder again, her strikes wild and relentless. This time, her rage gave her the upper hand, and for a fleeting moment, it seemed as though Ruby might overpower her enemy.

Cinder's mocking smirk faltered as Ruby's strikes came faster and harder. Crescent Rose nearly sliced her weapon in half, forcing her to retreat and dodge. But just as Ruby closed in for the finishing blow, Cinder summoned a massive wall of fire, throwing Ruby off balance.

Ruby's Aura flickered, signaling its depletion. She stumbled forward, her breathing ragged. Cinder capitalized on the opening, driving her fist into Ruby's stomach and sending her crashing to the ground.

Ruby tried to stand, but Cinder stomped on her back, pinning her down. "And this," Cinder hissed, leaning closer, "is where your story ends."

Ruby groaned, attempting to lift herself, but Cinder delivered a series of brutal kicks to her ribs and sides. Each strike was accompanied by venomous words. "This is what happens when you let your emotions rule you. Your team will fail, just like you. And you'll never see your precious Beacon rebuilt."

Ruby lay on the ground, her vision blurring as Cinder stood over her, triumphant. Flames danced around her as she raised her weapon for the final blow.

Despite her pain, Ruby glared up at her enemy, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth. Her trembling hand reached for Crescent Rose, even as her strength faded.

Cinder walked toward the weakened Ruby, her golden eyes glinting with malice. Ruby tried to push herself up, her arms trembling under her weight. Before she could get far, Cinder grabbed a handful of Ruby's hair, yanking her head up. Ruby winced, glaring through the pain.

"You've tried so hard, haven't you?" Cinder sneered, leaning down so her face was mere inches from Ruby's. Her voice dripped with venom. "Tried to play the hero. Tried to save the day. But guess what?"

Ruby's glare faltered, her resolve flickering as Cinder pulled her closer.

"You're no hero," Cinder hissed, her voice low and cutting. "You're weak."

The words hit Ruby like a dagger. Her breath hitched as Cinder straightened, still holding her by her hair. With a burst of flame, Cinder launched herself into the sky, dragging Ruby with her.

Ruby struggled weakly, but her strength was gone. Her Aura had been depleted, her body battered and bruised. All she could do was dangle helplessly as Cinder ascended higher and higher.

The frigid winds howled around them as Cinder carried Ruby back toward Patch. Snowy hills and the familiar silhouette of Ruby's home came into view below. Cinder slowed, hovering high above the ground, her grip on Ruby unrelenting.

She forced Ruby to look at her again, her cruel smirk never wavering. "Do you see it now? Your struggle is meaningless. You're nothing but a broken girl trying to play hero. Just like your sister."

Ruby's eyes widened, a spark of defiance igniting in her gaze, but Cinder's grip tightened, cutting off her protests.

"Broken," Cinder repeated coldly. "Just like her."

With that, she hurled Ruby downward with all her might. Ruby's body plummeted through the icy air, the ground rushing up to meet her. The impact sent snow exploding in every direction as Ruby crashed into the frozen earth near the edge of the Xiao Long property.

Cinder hovered in the sky for a moment, watching with satisfaction as Ruby lay motionless in the snow below. Then, with a final smirk, she turned and disappeared into the night, flames trailing behind her.

Ruby lay in the snow, her breathing shallow, her body aching with pain. Her vision blurred as she tried to move, but her strength failed her. All she could do was lie there, the world growing colder and darker around her.

PRESENT DAY

Present day.

Ruby, lying battered and bruised in the snow, winced as she tried to move. Her body screamed in protest, and every attempt to shift sent fresh waves of pain through her. She gritted her teeth and reached for her jet devices, frantically pressing the activation buttons. But they didn't respond.

"Come on…" she whispered weakly, her voice trembling with desperation. She pressed again, but nothing happened. The devices were dead. Her frustration mingled with her growing fear as she tried once more to push herself off the ground, only for her strength to fail her again. She collapsed back into the cold snow, her vision blurring.

Then, through the eerie silence of the frozen forest, a faint sound reached her ears—a bark. Ruby's eyes darted to the source, and a flicker of hope stirred within her. In the distance, a small figure came bounding through the snow, getting closer with each passing second.

"Zwei…" she whispered, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

The corgi stopped beside her, his tail wagging nervously, but the wagging quickly stopped when he saw Ruby's state. His ears drooped, and he began to whimper, nudging her arm with his nose.

Ruby weakly raised her hand, her fingers brushing against his fur. "It's okay, boy…" she said softly, her voice barely audible. "I need… I need your help."

She struggled to reach for her cape, her fingers fumbling until she finally grasped the edge. She pulled it toward Zwei, every motion agonizingly slow. "Home," she whispered, placing the end of the cape near his mouth. "Get me home, boy."

Zwei barked, his ears perking up as if understanding her words. He grabbed the cape in his teeth, his small body tense with determination. With a surprising burst of strength, Zwei began to pull, dragging Ruby through the snow.

Ruby winced as her body shifted against the icy ground, but she couldn't help but feel a small swell of pride. "Good boy…" she murmured, her voice faltering as exhaustion began to overtake her. "Keep going… you've got this…"

The trees blurred around her, and her eyelids grew heavier. The pain in her body dulled as her senses started to fade. Her last conscious moments were filled with the sound of Zwei's determined grunts and the rhythmic crunch of snow beneath him.

And then, faintly, she heard it—someone calling her name.

"Ruby!"

The voice was distant, but it was enough to pierce through her fading awareness. She felt Zwei stop, heard the hurried crunching of footsteps approaching.

And then everything went black.

HOSPITAL ROOM

HOSPITAL ROOM

Inside the dimly lit hospital room, the soft hum of monitors filled the air. Ruby lay on the bed, her body wrapped in bandages, her breathing steady but labored. Around her, her team rested in various positions, clearly exhausted. Yang sat slumped in a chair closest to Ruby, arms crossed, while Weiss and Blake leaned against each other in a corner, their heads drooping.

Ruby's eyes fluttered open, the bright fluorescent lights above her making her squint. Her left eye, tinged red from the attack, stung as she slowly turned her head. She groaned, feeling every ache and bruise on her body. Looking down, she saw the extent of the bandages covering her arms and torso.

Her breath hitched. The damage was worse than she remembered. The fight with Cinder flashed through her mind—every punch, every taunt, and the moment she was thrown through the sky to Patch.

Yang stirred at the sound of Ruby's groan. She blinked, her tired eyes taking a moment to focus. When she realized Ruby was awake, her heart leapt. "Ruby!" she gasped, scrambling to her feet. In her haste, Yang's chair tipped over with a loud clatter, jolting Weiss and Blake awake.

Yang was at Ruby's side in an instant, carefully wrapping her arms around her sister in a gentle hug. "You're awake!" she whispered, her voice trembling with relief.

Weiss and Blake hurried over, their own expressions of worry melting into cautious smiles. They both leaned in for a gentle group hug, careful not to hurt Ruby further.

Ruby managed a small smile despite the pain. "I'm okay… just… really sore." Her voice was weak, but she was trying to reassure them.

When they finally pulled away, Ruby's gaze moved between her team. "What happened? Where are we?"

Yang sat back down, her tone serious but relieved. "We're in Vale. At the hospital. Zwei brought you to us." She hesitated, swallowing hard. "You were in bad shape, Ruby. Really bad. We didn't have a choice but to get you here."

Weiss stepped forward, her voice calm but tinged with concern. "We won the battle, Ruby. Emerald and Mercury were caught and arrested. Adam and the White Fang managed to escape, though." She glanced at Blake.

Blake crossed her arms and scowled. "After that humiliation, I hope he doesn't try to come back. He'd be foolish to even think about it."

Ruby's mind swam with the information, but she needed to know more. "What about everyone else? Were they okay?"

Weiss nodded. "Mostly minor injuries. Nora has a small cut on her arm, but… honestly, we think she did that to herself by accident."

Ruby couldn't help but chuckle weakly at that, but her expression quickly grew serious. "And Penny? What about Penny?"

Yang softened her voice, trying to ease Ruby's nerves. "She's okay. Cinder only temporarily shut her down. She's back at the house, fully operational. She'll be fine, Rubes."

Ruby exhaled in relief, sinking deeper into the bed. But as the memories of her fight resurfaced, her face darkened. She looked at her team, hesitating before finally speaking. "Cinder…" Her voice cracked. "She kept taunting me, calling me weak. And she wasn't wrong."

Yang's hands tightened around the bedrails, her Semblance causing the metal to groan under her grip. Her teeth clenched as she growled, "We'll find her, Ruby. I promise. We'll make her pay."

Ruby shook her head slowly, her defeated gaze dropping to her lap. "Don't bother. She's gone. Mercury and Emerald are in custody, and the White Fang abandoned her. She's alone now."

Her words made her team exchange worried glances. Ruby sighed and turned her head away, staring at the wall. "How long was I out?"

Blake stepped forward. "A few days. Your Aura will heal you completely in time, but you'll need rest."

Yang added, "Dad's in Vale somewhere, probably checking in with Ozpin."

Ruby barely reacted. Her voice came out hollow. "It doesn't matter. I tried to stop her, and I failed. I let my anger take over, and I nearly got myself killed. This…" She gestured to her bandaged body. "This is my fault."

"Ruby…" Weiss began, her voice soft, but Ruby cut her off.

"No." Ruby's eyes brimmed with tears as she looked at them. "I keep trying to be the hero everyone expects me to be. I keep trying to be a leader, but I'm not. I can't make the right decisions. I let my emotions get the better of me, and because of that, I…" Her voice cracked as a single tear slid down her cheek. "I'm broken. Just like Yang. I'm done."

The room fell silent, the weight of Ruby's words pressing down on everyone. Yang's eyes widened in shock, seeing the pain etched into her sister's face. She wanted to say something, anything, but no words came.

Ruby closed her eyes, her tears falling freely now. "I can't do this anymore. I'm not the leader you need."

Her team stood in stunned silence, unsure of how to respond. The strength Ruby always exuded now seemed completely drained. Yang lowered her head, guilt creeping into her expression.

The only sound in the room was the quiet hum of the medical monitors, punctuating the somber realization that their leader was now the one who needed saving.