RWBY DORM ROOM
The faint morning light seeped through the curtains of the RWBY dorm room, casting long, soft beams across the room. Ruby stirred awake, blinking at the quiet stillness. She sat up slowly, her hair disheveled, and looked around. The beds of her teammates were empty, neatly made, with no sign of where they had gone. The absence of noise was unsettling. Ruby sighed, rubbing her face before dragging herself out of bed.
Her footsteps were soft as she shuffled to grab her towel and step into the small bathroom. The sound of the showerhead echoed against the tiled walls, the warm water washing over her. She lingered longer than usual, letting the steady stream drown out the thoughts that swirled in her mind. When she emerged, her reflection in the fogged mirror showed tired eyes and a somber expression.
An hour later, Ruby stood by the window, Crescent Rose strapped to her back. Her gaze wandered over the campus below, surveying the aftermath of Ironwood's assault. The faint scars of battle were still visible—the damaged walls of a few buildings, scorch marks on the courtyard, and barricades erected as temporary measures.
She spotted Team CFVY moving across the grounds, their movements slow and deliberate. Coco walked ahead of her team, visibly trying to exude confidence for their sake, but her usual flair seemed subdued. Velvet followed closely, her ears drooping slightly, while Yatsuhashi and Fox remained quiet, offering support through their presence alone.
Ruby sighed again, her breath fogging the glass briefly before dissipating. With one last look, she turned and left the room.
CAFETERIA
The cafeteria was eerily quiet. Ruby entered, her footsteps soft against the tiled floor. The space, once lively with chatter and laughter, was now nearly empty. Only a handful of students were scattered among the tables, each hunched over their food, their gazes unfocused. There were no conversations, no laughter—just the occasional scrape of a fork against a plate or the muffled clink of dishes being set down.
Ruby walked to the food counter, grabbing a tray and quietly filling it with whatever looked edible. Her movements were mechanical, her mind elsewhere. She glanced around the room, spotting her team seated at a table near the corner. They sat in silence, their postures heavy and faces distant.
Carrying her tray, Ruby approached and sat down across from Yang. Weiss was methodically eating, her eyes staring down at her plate as if trying to will herself to finish the meal. Blake was looking out the nearby window, her food untouched.
Yang, however, was the most disheartening sight. She sat slumped in her chair, her fork idly poking at the food on her plate. Her expression was hollow, her eyes downcast, as though the weight of the world was resting solely on her shoulders.
Ruby began to eat, the sound of her own chewing uncomfortably loud in the otherwise silent space. Her mind drifted to the events of the previous day. The memory of the funeral ceremony, the parents of the two fallen students arriving to collect their children, and the somber atmosphere of the entire school weighed heavily on her.
She swallowed hard, the lump in her throat making it difficult. No one spoke. No one needed to. The silence spoke volumes.
YESTERDAY - COURTYARD
The courtyard was filled with students, their faces marked by exhaustion and grief. Ozpin stood at the front, flanked by Goodwitch, Qrow, and the other professors, each carrying a solemn demeanor. The clouds hung low, casting a gray hue over the crowd, as if reflecting the weight of the moment.
Yang stood near the back, separate from her team. She kept her gaze fixed on the ground, her arms crossed tightly, her expression blank. Her teammates knew why—she had been the one to witness death up close. She had held their hands, whispered comforting lies, and watched the life fade from their eyes. Ever since that moment, Yang had been distant, her silence deafening.
Ruby stood with Weiss and Blake, her eyes flicking to her sister repeatedly. She wanted to comfort Yang, to hold her and tell her everything would be okay. But Ruby knew that wasn't what Yang needed—not now. Not after what she had seen.
Ozpin's voice broke the heavy silence, drawing everyone's attention.
"Students," he began, his voice calm but heavy with emotion. "We stand here today, not as Huntsmen or Huntresses, but as survivors. What occurred here was not just a battle; it was an unwarranted attack, one that has left scars on each and every one of us. Scars that will remain for a lifetime."
He paused, scanning the crowd. His gaze lingered briefly on Yang before continuing.
"This school was built to prepare you for the challenges of a dangerous world. It was meant to be a sanctuary, a place where you could learn and grow. That sanctuary was violated. And while the Grimm have tested us before, this betrayal cuts deeper than any monster could.
"Despite the pain and loss, I see before me a group of individuals who have proven their courage, their resilience, and their humanity. You stood together. You protected each other. And even in the darkest moments, you showed what it truly means to be Huntsmen and Huntresses. For that, I commend each of you."
The students shifted slightly, some wiping away tears, others standing stiffly. Ruby noticed Ozpin's gaze shift again, this time to her.
"But you have endured too much," Ozpin continued, his voice softening. "And it is my belief that you need time to recover. Time to heal. For that reason, I have decided to cancel all remaining classes for the rest of the school year. You will return home to your families, your loved ones, to find the peace and support you need."
A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd. Ruby looked to Weiss and Blake, who exchanged surprised glances but said nothing. Yang, meanwhile, remained motionless.
"Let me assure you," Ozpin said, raising a hand for quiet, "no one will be held back. When—or if—you choose to return to Beacon in the fall, you will advance to your next year. You have proven yourselves in ways far beyond any classroom or training exercise."
Ozpin's tone grew firmer as he stepped forward. "But this is not the end. Whether you choose to continue your path as Huntsmen and Huntresses or take another road, know this: true strength is not measured by battles won. It is measured by how you rise after you've been knocked down. By how you support one another. And by how you honor those we have lost."
Yang finally lifted her head, her blank expression giving way to a flicker of emotion. Her eyes met Goodwitch's across the courtyard, and the professor gave her a subtle nod. Yang hesitated before nodding back slightly, though the weight in her chest remained.
Ozpin's voice softened further as he concluded. "I am deeply sorry for the pain you have endured. What happened here should never have occurred. But together, we will rebuild. And when that time comes, Beacon will be stronger, safer, and more united than ever before."
The crowd began to scatter, students moving in small, quiet groups. Ruby turned to Weiss and Blake, her voice soft. "You're welcome to stay with us. I already asked Dad, and he said it's fine."
Weiss and Blake exchanged a glance before nodding. Blake gave Ruby's shoulder a light squeeze, a silent gesture of gratitude.
Yang stayed where she was, her gaze falling to her prosthetic arm. Her fingers flexed unconsciously, the metal glinting in the gray light. Frustration built in her chest, and without thinking, she detached the arm and threw it to the ground with a clatter.
Ruby froze, her eyes widening. Anger surged within her as she stormed over, snatching up the arm. Yang looked up at her sister, startled, as Ruby thrust the prosthetic back into her hands.
"Don't you ever do that again," Ruby said, her voice trembling with both anger and sadness. "That arm was given to you because you're strong. Because people believe in you. Don't throw that away."
Yang stared at Ruby, her grip tightening around the arm. Her eyes softened as she looked at her sister, then at the arm. Slowly, she nodded, her expression conflicted but resolute.
Ruby placed a hand on Yang's shoulder before stepping back to rejoin Weiss and Blake. Yang sat there for a moment longer, staring at the prosthetic in her hands, before carefully reattaching it. She took a deep breath, steadying herself, and rose to her feet, ready to follow her team.
PRESENT DAY - AIRSHIP
The soft hum of the airship's engines was the only sound that filled the cabin as it glided over the water, heading toward Patch. The sky outside was a calm, brilliant blue, yet inside, there was a lingering heaviness in the air. Ruby sat by the window, her eyes tracing the distant horizon. The view was peaceful, but her mind was anything but.
Blake and Weiss sat a few rows back, quietly talking, their conversation filled with the occasional light laugh. Yang sat a row ahead, isolated in her own thoughts. She stared out the window with a faraway look, her posture rigid. Ruby knew her sister well enough to sense the turmoil inside her.
After a moment of hesitation, Ruby stood up and made her way toward Yang. Yang didn't acknowledge her presence as she slid into the seat next to her. Ruby, determined but gentle, pulled out her Scroll and swiped through her pictures until she found the one she was looking for. She held it out to Yang, her voice soft.
"Do you remember this night?" Ruby asked quietly.
Yang turned her head slowly, her eyes flicking over the photo Ruby held up. It was a shot from their camping trip—the whole group laughing around a campfire. Team RWBY, JNPR, and Sun, all together, basking in the warmth of the moment. It was one of those rare, perfect nights. The ones that made everything else seem a little less heavy.
Yang studied the image for a moment before speaking, her voice rough from days of silence. "Yeah… I remember," she said, her tone quieter than usual. She reached out to take the Scroll, and her gaze softened as she looked at the picture.
"That night… it was special," Yang continued, her fingers lingering over the screen. "I remember how everyone just let go and shared things. Things we hadn't told each other before. Even me."
Ruby smiled softly, nodding. "Yeah, you shared something big that night. I didn't know you were into… well, not just boys and girls."
Yang's lips quirked up at the corners, but the smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yeah, I guess that was a surprise for everyone," she said, her voice tinged with a mix of embarrassment and relief. "I remember when I told everyone. I was so nervous, but it felt good to be honest. I never really let myself think about it before. I just… I guess I didn't know if anyone would understand. But they did."
"I know it's hard, Yang," Ruby said softly, her voice steady. "But you can still remember those moments. The good ones. Hold onto them. They don't just go away. They'll help you through the hard times, just like they helped you that night at the campfire. You don't have to let everything that's happened change who you are. Not really. And I'll be right here with you, every step of the way."
Yang took a deep breath, her hand tightening around Ruby's for a moment before releasing it. She gave Ruby a small, tired smile and finally, for the first time in a while, spoke with some of her usual warmth.
"Thanks, Rubes. I'll try… I'll try to remember those moments."
Ruby gave her a bright, encouraging smile, her heart lightening just a little. "You'll find your way back to yourself, I promise."
Yang nodded, her gaze drifting back to the window. This time, there was a flicker of something else in her eyes—something hopeful, maybe, or maybe just the faintest glimmer of peace.
"I'll try," she said again, her voice steadier than before.
And Ruby, sitting beside her, knew that one day, her sister would find her way again.
Yang's gaze remained fixed on the ocean below, but then her eyes suddenly widened in confusion. Her body stiffened, and her brow furrowed as she leaned closer to the window.
Ruby, noticing the shift, walked over and sat beside her sister. "What's wrong?" she asked, her tone tinged with concern.
Yang pointed toward the window without a word, her mouth slightly ajar. Ruby followed her gaze, squinting to see what had caught Yang's attention. Her eyes went wide at the sight before her.
Clinging to the side of the airship, flailing desperately, was none other than Qrow. His legs dangled precariously over the edge, and his grip on the railing looked anything but secure. His frantic movements made it clear he was struggling to hold on.
"Is that… Uncle Qrow?!" Ruby exclaimed, her voice cracking with disbelief.
"Yep," Yang replied flatly, her tone laced with equal parts astonishment and annoyance.
Before either of them could say another word, Qrow, his face contorted in a mix of panic and determination, let out a dramatic yell that echoed through the air.
"HOW DOES SPRUCE WILLIS DO THIS?!"
With that, Qrow released his grip on the airship. Time seemed to slow as he fell, his arms flailing for a brief, comedic moment. Then, in a burst of black feathers, his body transformed midair into a large crow, wings flapping furiously as he regained control and soared upward.
Ruby and Yang sat frozen, their eyes following the bird as it looped around the airship with startling agility. They stared at each other, their expressions perfectly mirroring the sheer absurdity of what they had just witnessed.
"Did he just—" Ruby began, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Yup," Yang interrupted, shaking her head, her tone clipped.
"Drop off the side of the airship—" Ruby continued, still processing.
"And then turn into a bird? Yep, that's exactly what just happened," Yang finished, her voice tinged with disbelief.
The two sisters turned back to the window, watching as Qrow's crow form darted through the air, weaving effortlessly between the ship's exhaust trails. He seemed completely at ease now, his earlier panic apparently forgotten as he glided with graceful precision
The sisters exchanged a glance, the absurdity of the situation finally starting to sink in. Slowly, Ruby shook her head, her expression a mix of disbelief and amusement.
"I think I'm gonna need a second to process that."
BEACON
The faint sound of Goodwitch's Semblance echoes through the courtyard as chunks of debris float back into place, walls and pillars beginning to resemble their former state. Nearby, volunteers shuffle about, lifting broken beams, clearing rubble, and disposing of what cannot be salvaged. The atmosphere is somber yet determined, the silence punctuated by the occasional bark of orders from team leaders.
Ozpin watches from a distance, his hands clasped behind his back, his face an unreadable mask. The faint hum of effort and labor fades as he turns and walks toward the evacuation center. His pace is steady but purposeful, the faint sound of his cane tapping against the stone path marking his passage.
Upon reaching the evacuation center, he steps into the elevator and presses a concealed button near the panel. The elevator hums softly as it begins its descent, deeper than the usual student pathways. After what feels like an eternity, the doors open with a quiet chime, revealing a dimly lit cave. Ozpin steps out, the cool, stale air greeting him like an old acquaintance.
He walks down a winding path, the sounds of the evacuation center far behind him. Taking a right turn at a junction, he stops in front of an unassuming section of the cave wall. Without hesitation, he crouches and rolls a smooth, circular stone aside, revealing a small, inconspicuous hole in the rock.
Ozpin draws his cane and carefully inserts its head into the opening. With a firm twist, a faint click echoes in the silence. A low rumble reverberates through the cave as the wall begins to shake. Dust and small pebbles scatter as the stone wall splits apart, revealing a concealed doorway. The edges of the opening are lined with faint glyphs, glowing faintly before fading back into the rock.
He steps inside the hidden chamber, and his normally calm demeanor softens with relief as he surveys the room. The faint blue glow of a large machine fills the space, humming steadily. The centerpiece of the room is a cylindrical tube filled with a clear, viscous liquid, cables and monitors attached to its base. Inside the tube is a young woman, suspended in an artificial stasis. Her chest rises and falls slowly, her face peaceful yet marred by faint scarring.
Amber.
The Fall Maiden.
Ozpin exhales quietly, the tension in his shoulders loosening just slightly. His gaze lingers on her, a mix of relief and sorrow crossing his face. He approaches the tube, his cane clicking softly on the stone floor, and places a hand gently on the glass.
"You've been through so much," he murmurs, his voice low and heavy. "And yet, here you are, still holding on."
His eyes flicker to the monitors, scanning the vitals displayed there. The numbers are steady, but not strong. Her condition remains precarious. He frowns, his fingers tightening on his cane.
"I failed to protect you once," he says softly, his voice almost inaudible. "I won't let it happen again."
The hum of the machine fills the silence as Ozpin takes a step back, his gaze never leaving Amber. His mind races with possibilities, with contingency plans for the danger that had so recently threatened Beacon.
A faint tremor runs through the ground above, likely the distant echoes of Goodwitch's repairs. Ozpin glances upward briefly before returning his attention to Amber.
"The world isn't ready to lose you," he whispers. "Not yet."
With that, he turns and exits the chamber. The stone doorway closes behind him with a heavy thud, the glyphs fading into darkness. As Ozpin walks back toward the elevator, his expression is stoic, his resolve hardening with every step.
Amber would remain safe, no matter what it took.
PATCH - AIRSHIP LANDING
The airship touches down gently on the grassy landing zone near Patch, the hum of its engines fading as it powers down. Team RWBY step out into the fresh air, the light breeze ruffling their hair. Ruby and Yang stretch their arms, glad to feel the ground under their feet again.
Their relief is short-lived as they notice Qrow standing nearby, brushing dust off his coat and adjusting his weapon. His disheveled appearance immediately catches their attention. His hair is messier than usual, his face lightly scratched, and his clothes slightly torn.
Ruby sighs, rubbing her temples. "Uncle Qrow, why were you hanging off the airship? There was plenty of room inside."
Qrow shrugs nonchalantly, though his movements suggest he's a bit sore. "Lost a bet," he says, as if it explains everything.
"A bet?" Weiss raises an eyebrow, crossing her arms.
"Yep." Qrow smirks faintly, but his expression shifts to seriousness as he looks at his nieces. "Anyway, how're you holding up? After… everything."
Ruby exchanges a glance with Yang before answering, her voice calm but subdued. "We're… managing. It's gonna take some time before any of us can really feel normal again."
Yang nods, her tone steady but reflective. "I'll be fine, Uncle Qrow. Just need a little time and some help." She hesitates before adding, "But I'll get there."
Qrow's eyes soften as he nods approvingly. "Good. That's what I like to hear. Just remember, you don't have to handle everything on your own. You've got your team, your dad, and me."
Before anyone can respond, the distant rumble of an engine grows louder. The group turns their attention to the road and collectively go wide-eyed as a massive truck barrels toward them, kicking up a cloud of dust behind it.
Ruby blinks in disbelief. "Is that…?"
The truck screeches to a halt nearby, its sheer size and bulk casting a shadow over the group. The driver's door swings open, and none other than Taiyang steps out, grinning as he rests an arm on the truck's frame.
"Dad?!" Ruby and Yang exclaim simultaneously, exchanging bewildered looks.
Weiss stares at the truck, unimpressed, before dryly commenting, "Compensating for something."
Blake tilts her head, genuinely curious. "What do you mean?"
Before Weiss can answer, Ruby and Yang quickly move to cover her mouth. Yang laughs nervously. "Uh, you'll understand when you're older."
Blake blinks, confused, while Weiss glares at Ruby and Yang over their hands. Ruby chuckles awkwardly before releasing Weiss, muttering under her breath, "We don't need a lesson in… that."
Taiyang raises an eyebrow at the group. "What's going on over there?"
"Nothing!" Ruby yells, rushing forward to hug him. "We're just glad to see you, Dad!"
Yang follows, shaking her head with a small smile. "Nice truck, Dad. I guess Patch needed… this?"
Taiyang chuckles, ruffling Ruby's hair as she pulls away. "Hey, I figured after everything you've all been through, we needed something big enough to haul you all and your emotional baggage."
Ruby groans while Yang laughs. Even Weiss cracks a small smile as Blake raises an eyebrow, amused.
"Come on," Taiyang says, opening the back of the truck. "Let's get your stuff loaded up and head home. I've got a feast waiting for you at the house."
As the group starts moving toward the truck, Ruby leans over to Yang. "This is gonna be interesting."
"Always is," Yang replies, grinning.
EVENING - XIAO LONG HOME
The sky over Patch is painted in hues of deep orange and purple as the sun sets beyond the horizon. A soft breeze carries the faint scent of the ocean, rustling the trees surrounding the Xiao Long home. The distant sounds of laughter and clinking dishes from the house fade into the background as Yang sits on the edge of a rocky cliff, her knees drawn to her chest.
The world around her feels still, yet her mind is anything but. She stares at the horizon, her golden hair catching the faint glow of the fading sunlight. The beauty of the view feels almost at odds with the weight pressing down on her chest.
She exhales deeply, her eyes heavy as memories flash through her mind. Adam's sword slicing through the air, the searing pain as her arm was taken. The cold, detached smirk on his face as her world changed forever. Her hand instinctively moves to touch the metal arm that now serves as a reminder of that day.
And then, the caves. The trembling hands of the injured students she tried so desperately to comfort. Their pained whispers. The moment they slipped away, their lives extinguished before her eyes. Yang clenches her jaw, her body trembling slightly as she lowers her head, the memories refusing to leave her.
The horizon blurs as tears well in her eyes. She bites her lip, refusing to let them fall, but the ache inside her only grows. For all the laughter and lighthearted moments she shared with her family today, the harsh reality of the world she'd seen—of the things she'd experienced—clung to her like a shadow.
The breeze picks up slightly, brushing past her and carrying the faint echoes of laughter from the house behind her. She feels so far from it all, as if the warmth of those moments could never truly reach her.
Her head drops further, her hair falling over her face as she hugs her knees tighter. The first tear falls silently, disappearing into the ground below her.
The horizon glows faintly, the last remnants of the sun fading away, leaving her alone in the growing darkness.
NIGHT - XIAO LONG HOME
The house is quiet, the gentle hum of crickets outside blending with the soft creaks of the wooden structure as it settles in the cool night air. Ruby lies on her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Her mind races with thoughts of everything that's happened—the attack on Beacon, Ironwood's rampage, and the scars left behind.
She turns her head to the side, her gaze falling on Crescent Rose propped up against the wall. A sigh escapes her lips, her chest feeling heavier with each passing second. Sitting up, she rubs her eyes and swings her legs over the edge of the bed. After dressing in a light jacket and boots, she carefully opens her door and steps into the hallway, the floorboards creaking softly beneath her weight.
Stopping outside Yang's door, Ruby hesitates for a moment. Her hand hovers near the doorknob, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. But she takes a breath and quietly pushes it open, peeking inside.
Yang lies on her bed, her back facing the door. Her prosthetic arm rests on a nearby table, the soft glow of moonlight highlighting her golden hair as it spills over her pillow. Ruby steps inside and gently shakes her sister's shoulder.
"Yang?" Ruby whispers, her voice barely audible.
Yang stirs, groaning softly as she turns over. Her tired eyes blink open, squinting up at Ruby. "What's wrong?" she asks, her voice gravelly with sleep.
Ruby fidgets with her hands, glancing at the floor. "I couldn't sleep," she admits quietly. "I…I thought maybe I could head into the woods for a bit. Just to clear my head." She looks back at Yang, her silver eyes hopeful. "Do you wanna tag along?"
Yang blinks a few times, the weight of Ruby's words pulling her further awake. She sits up slowly, brushing her hair out of her face. "The woods? Now?" she asks, her tone tinged with hesitation.
Ruby nods. "Yeah. Just for a little while. I think it might help…you know, to get away for a bit. You don't have to come if you don't want to," she adds quickly, her voice softening.
Yang exhales, her expression unreadable as she looks at her sister. Part of her wants to say no, to just crawl back into bed and let the world drift away. But she sees the hope in Ruby's eyes, the silent plea for company, and she knows she can't let her sister do this alone.
"Give me ten minutes," Yang says with a small, tired smile.
Ruby's face brightens slightly, and she nods. "Okay. I'll be waiting by the door."
As Ruby quietly exits the room, Yang stretches her arms and glances toward the window. The moonlight filters in, casting faint patterns on the walls. She sighs deeply, muttering to herself, "What am I getting myself into?"
She swings her legs over the bed, reaching for her prosthetic arm. As she fastens it on, a faint spark of determination flickers in her chest. Maybe this will help—not just Ruby, but herself too.
FOREST - NIGHT
Ruby and Yang walk silently along the forest trail in Patch, their footsteps muffled by the soft dirt. The sounds of the night surround them—the distant hum of crickets, the whisper of wind in the trees, and the faint rustle of unseen creatures moving in the underbrush. Moonlight filters through the canopy above, casting a soft, silvery glow over the path.
It had been about fifteen minutes since they left the house, and neither of them had spoken a word. Ruby glances at Yang from the corner of her eye, watching her sister's distant expression as she stares down at the ground, her shoulders tense.
Ruby spots a small wooden bench nestled near the trail. She slows her pace, gesturing toward it. "Let's take a break," she says softly.
Yang looks up briefly, her expression blank, then nods and sits down without a word. Ruby joins her, and the two sit in silence, side by side.
For a while, the only sounds are the gentle rustling of the trees and the occasional sigh of the wind. Yang leans back, tilting her head toward the sky as her golden hair catches the moonlight.
Finally, Ruby breaks the silence. "Yang…are you really okay?"
Yang's head lowers, her eyes staring blankly into the shadows of the forest ahead. She exhales a long, heavy breath. "No," she admits quietly.
Ruby turns toward her sister, waiting for her to continue.
Yang leans forward, resting her elbows on her knees and lacing her fingers together. Her voice is low, rough, as though she's holding back a storm of emotions. "I told Qrow I was fine earlier, but I'm not. I've been trying to keep it together, but…" She trails off, struggling to find the words.
Ruby doesn't interrupt, letting her sister gather her thoughts.
"Ever since the attack on Beacon, I just… I feel like everything I thought I knew about myself is gone. I keep replaying what happened in my head—the fighting, the people we couldn't save, those two students in the cave…" Yang's voice falters, and she swallows hard, her hands tightening into fists.
Ruby looks down, her expression heavy with sadness.
"It's like every time I try to sleep, I see their faces. I hear their voices. I keep wondering if I could've done something differently. If I could've stopped it. And then there's Adam…" Yang's voice breaks slightly as she says his name, and she looks away, her jaw tightening.
Ruby places a hand on her sister's arm, her grip gentle but firm.
Yang takes a shaky breath, continuing. "I thought coming back to Beacon would help me. I thought training and focusing on becoming a Huntress would make me feel…whole again. But it didn't. If anything, it made me feel worse. Like I'm just pretending to be okay when I'm not." She pauses, her voice lowering to a whisper. "I'm scared, Ruby. Scared that I'll freeze again. That I'll fail. And if I fail…" She closes her eyes, shaking her head. "If I can't protect you, or Weiss, or Blake…"
Ruby's grip on her sister's arm tightens, but she doesn't speak yet.
"I feel like I've lost control of everything. And part of me…part of me wants to give it all up. Beacon. Becoming a Huntress. All of it." Yang's voice trembles with the weight of her confession.
Ruby's eyes widen, but she doesn't look away from her sister. She takes a deep breath before asking gently, "What would you do? If you gave it all up?"
Yang glances at Ruby, her expression softening slightly. A faint, almost wistful smile tugs at her lips. "Honestly? I think I'd want to be a baker."
Ruby blinks, completely caught off guard by the answer. "A baker?"
"Yeah," Yang says, her voice steadier now. "I've always found baking to be…therapeutic. Whenever I felt down, or when things got too overwhelming, I'd bake something. Cookies. Cakes. Whatever. There's something calming about it—measuring the ingredients, mixing the batter, watching it all come together into something good." She pauses, her smile growing a little. "And besides, who doesn't love cookies?"
Ruby giggles at the thought, her mood lifting slightly. "You do bake a mean batch of cookies. I still remember the time you made those chocolate chip ones, and Nora somehow found them before anyone else."
Yang chuckles softly, the sound warmer than before. "She ate the whole batch in ten minutes flat. I don't think she even chewed."
Ruby grins, then nudges her sister gently. "Yang the Baker, huh? That still sounds pretty badass."
Yang raises an eyebrow, smirking. "Language, little sis."
Ruby laughs, and Yang joins her, their shared laughter filling the quiet forest. For a moment, it feels like a weight has been lifted, however briefly.
The laughter fades, and Ruby's expression grows more serious. She hesitates for a moment before asking, "Are you…thinking about not coming back to Beacon in the fall?"
Yang's smile disappears, and she looks down at the ground again, her golden eyes flickering with uncertainty. "I don't know," she admits. "I want to go back. I really do. But…I'm afraid."
Ruby places her hand on Yang's shoulder, her voice soft but firm. "It's okay to be afraid, Yang. You don't have to decide anything right now. You've got months to think about it. And whatever you choose, we'll figure it out together. You're not alone in this."
Yang looks at Ruby, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. After a moment, she nods slowly. "Yeah. I've got time."
The two of them fall silent again, the weight of their conversation settling between them. But as they sit there on the bench, listening to the gentle rustle of the wind and the soothing sounds of the forest, Yang feels a small spark of hope—fragile, but real.
For the first time in a long while, she feels like she might be able to take a step forward.
THE NEXT MORNING
The sun shines brightly over the Xiao Long home, casting a warm glow on the small table outside where Team RWBY and Taiyang are seated, enjoying their breakfast. Birds chirp in the distance, and a gentle breeze rustles the leaves of the nearby trees. The mood is light as laughter fills the air.
Ruby, mid-bite of her toast, decides to liven things up. She balances a spoon on her nose, her tongue sticking out in concentration as Weiss rolls her eyes. Yang smirks, while Blake raises an eyebrow, clearly amused but pretending otherwise.
"Seriously, Rubes?" Yang chuckles. "That's your big trick?"
"Wait for it…" Ruby whispers dramatically, holding her breath.
The spoon wobbles precariously but stays balanced, drawing laughter from the group. Even Weiss allows herself a small smile. Taiyang chuckles as he takes a sip of coffee.
"Okay, I'll admit," Yang says, "that was impressive—for a five-year-old."
"Hey! Don't ruin my moment!" Ruby huffs, crossing her arms.
But before anyone can respond, the faint sound of something flying reaches their ears—a low hum, accompanied by a soft green glow in the distance.
"What's that?" Blake asks, her sharp eyes narrowing as she looks toward the horizon.
Ruby turns her head, squinting to see the source of the light. The glow grows brighter, moving closer and faster. Her eyes widen as realization hits. Without a word, she jumps up from the table and sprints toward an open area near the house.
"Ruby!" Weiss calls, startled.
Yang squints at the incoming light and then mutters under her breath, "Oh crap." She recognizes the familiar green hue now racing toward Ruby.
Before anyone can react, the glowing figure zooms directly at Ruby, moving with startling speed. In an instant, Ruby braces herself just as Penny crashes into her, tackling her to the ground.
"RUBY!!!" Penny exclaims, her voice filled with joy as she wraps Ruby in an enthusiastic hug, somehow managing to hold her in a tight embrace while still lying on top of her.
Taiyang, now leaning sideways to see past Weiss, blinks in confusion at the scene. "Uh…what just happened?"
Ruby, her voice strained and muffled by the force of Penny's hug, manages to squeak out, "Hi…Penny…"
Realizing her strength, Penny gasps and quickly releases Ruby, leaping to her feet. Ruby lies dazed on the ground, her red cloak sprawled around her like a puddle.
Penny claps her hands together, her smile radiant. "Salutations, Ruby! I have missed you so much!"
Yang walks up, crossing her arms as she looks down at her sister, who is still lying on the ground, trying to catch her breath. "You okay, Rubes?"
Ruby waves a weak hand in the air. "I'll live…"
Taiyang stands, his arms crossed, watching the scene unfold with curiosity. "So…is this Penny?"
Yang scratches the back of her head, laughing nervously. "Uh, yeah. That's Penny. She's…a little intense."
"A little?" Weiss mutters under her breath, shaking her head.
Taiyang looks at Penny, his expression thoughtful. "She glows green, can tackle someone at full speed, and seems to like hugs. I'm guessing there's more to her story?"
"You could say that," Yang says, smirking as she helps Ruby to her feet.
Penny beams at Taiyang, bowing slightly. "Salutations, Mr. Xiao Long! I am Penny Polendina, a friend of Ruby's! It is an honor to meet you."
Taiyang chuckles. "Well, any friend of Ruby's is welcome here—just maybe tone down the tackling a little?"
Penny nods earnestly. "Understood!"
Ruby dusts herself off, groaning. "Next time, Penny…a wave or a handshake works just fine."
Penny tilts her head. "But hugs are how I express my affection for my friends!"
Ruby can't help but laugh, shaking her head as she smiles at Penny. "Yeah, I missed you too"
ARC FAMILY HOME
Morning sunlight streams into the Arc family dining room, casting a warm glow over the table where Jaune's sisters sit. Despite the cheerful ambiance, the atmosphere is thick with unease. Across from the sisters sits Nora, her scowl sharp enough to cut through the tension. She cradles Ren like a life-sized doll, her arms wrapped tightly around him, while her eyes shoot daggers at Jaune's sisters.
Ren, visibly uncomfortable but saying nothing, remains still as Nora cuts into a pancake and feeds him a bite with exaggerated gentleness.
"There you go, Renny," Nora says, her voice laced with faux sweetness. "The pancakes are perfect, unlike certain people who thought it was okay to bother you yesterday."
The sisters exchange wide-eyed glances, silently eating their breakfast and pretending to ignore the whole scene.
Jaune walks into the room carrying his plate of food. He stops in his tracks, pinching the bridge of his nose at the sight. "Nora… What are you doing? You're terrifying my sisters!"
"They deserve it," Nora snaps without breaking her scowl. She uses the fork in her hand to gesture threateningly toward the sisters, who flinch. Then she turns her attention back to Ren and lifts another bite of pancake toward his mouth. "Don't worry, Renny. I'll keep you safe."
Ren sighs deeply, his shoulders sagging as he opens his mouth for the food.
Jaune pulls out a chair and slumps into it, placing his plate on the table. "At least let him sit, Nora. Look at him—he's turning blue."
Nora blinks and looks at Ren for the first time in several minutes. Sure enough, his face has a faint bluish tint.
"Renny!" Nora gasps, her tone switching to panic as she immediately releases him. "Why didn't you say something?"
Ren slumps forward and then topples backward off the chair, landing on the floor with a loud thud, his legs sticking awkwardly into the air.
"Sorry, Renny!" Nora says, wringing her hands.
Ren groans but raises a weak hand from his position on the floor. "I'm fine," he mutters dryly.
Jaune sighs and takes a bite of his breakfast. "This is going to be a long Spring… and Summer."
"Your pancakes are amazing," Ren says, still lying on the floor, his voice devoid of energy but filled with sincerity.
Nora's expression immediately brightens. "You hear that?" she says, pointing her fork at Jaune's sisters. "Renny loves my pancakes! And that's why nobody messes with my Renny!"
Jaune's sisters lower their heads, trying to shrink into their seats, while Jaune leans back in his chair, rubbing his temples.
"Nora, I think we've made our point," Ren says as he slowly sits up.
Nora crosses her arms but relents, settling back into her chair with a huff. "Fine. But just so we're clear—if anyone so much as looks at you funny, they're getting the same treatment."
Jaune groans, leaning forward to rest his head on the table. "Yep. Definitely a long Spring and Summer…"