Outside the arena, the sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the courtyard. Team RWBY and Gohan were heading toward the entrance when Sun and the rest of SSSN were standing nearby. Sun caught sight of Blake walking ahead of the others, her nose buried in a book. His eyes lit up, and with a quick glance at his teammates, he bounded after her.

"Hey, Blake!" Sun called, catching up to her and placing a hand gently on her shoulder.

Blake stiffened slightly but didn't flinch, turning her head to see who it was. "I'm fine."

Sun grinned, unbothered by her curt response. "So, I hear there's this dance going on this weekend... Ah, sounds pretty lame, but you and me—I'm thinking, not as lame, huh?"

Blake's brow furrowed in confusion, and she looked at him like he'd just suggested something absurd. "What?"

"The dance! This weekend!" Sun repeated enthusiastically. "You wanna go, or what?"

Blake's expression hardened. "I don't have time for a stupid dance. I thought you, of all people, would get that."

Without waiting for his response, Blake turned and walked past her team, leaving Sun standing there, deflated. He stared after her for a moment before sighing heavily and sinking his shoulders, resigned to the rejection.

Later, back at the dorm, Blake was seated in the corner with her arms crossed, her book open on her lap but her gaze far away. Yang and Weiss were gathered in the middle of the room, their expressions a mixture of concern and determination. Ruby was showing Gohan around the room.

The air was heavy with unspoken thoughts. Ruby broke the silence first, stopping in front of Blake. "We want you to go to the dance."

Blake raised an eyebrow, incredulous. "That's ridiculous."

Yang stepped forward, her tone soft but insistent. "Blake, we're worried about you. This investigation is starting to mess with your head."

Weiss, trying to be logical, held up her fingers as she counted off the reasons. "You can't sleep, you hardly eat, and to be honest, your grades have been suffering."

Blake scoffed, shrugging dismissively. "You think I care about grades?"

Gohan, who was standing awkwardly, added, "Why are you still looking into this? Qrow said..."

Blake gestured out the window, her voice hard. "I know what he said, but people's lives are at stake!"

Yang stepped closer, placing a hand gently on Blake's to lower her arm. "We know, and we're all still trying to figure out what Torchwick is up to."

Gohan turned to Yang, then to Weiss and Ruby. "You all are?"

Ruby nodded, her expression a mix of determination and guilt. "Of course we are! Torchwick's not just some crook; he's working with the White Fang. We can't just sit back and ignore it."

Weiss adjusted her posture, folding her arms. "Unlike Blake, however, we're approaching this with some semblance of balance."

Blake glared at Weiss but didn't respond, her jaw tight with tension.

Gohan glanced between them, visibly conflicted. "I get wanting to protect people, but trust in Ozpin and Qrow. I'm sure they have a plan, but your actions may mess theirs up again."

The room fell silent as Gohan's words hung in the air, his voice calm but firm. Ruby shifted uncomfortably. Blake's gaze hardened, her grip tightening on the book in her lap. "You don't understand," she said quietly, her voice edged with frustration. "Waiting around and trusting others to act hasn't stopped the White Fang before. Sitting on the sidelines won't help anyone."

Yang sighed, stepping closer to Gohan, her voice soothing but firm. "Blake, we're not saying to give up. We're just saying you don't have to do this alone. You've got us, remember?"

Blake's eyes softened briefly before she turned her head away, her expression clouded with conflict. "I know you mean well, but you don't understand. You don't know what they're capable of."

Yang stepped closer, throwing an arm around Gohan's shoulder with a confident grin. "And we all saw what Gohan can do."

Blake's gaze flicked to Gohan, lingering for a moment before she sighed. "It was impressive, I'll admit. But strength isn't enough against people like the White Fang. They fight dirty, and they don't care who gets caught in the crossfire."

Yang gave Gohan a nudge with her elbow, her grin widening. "Yeah, but not everyone can punt bad guys halfway across Vale. That's gotta count for something."

Gohan's hand went to the back of his neck, his cheeks flushing slightly as he laughed nervously. "It's really not just about strength," he said quietly and sincerely. "It's about strategy, teamwork, and knowing you don't have to face everything alone. You've got a team here, Blake—people who care about you. Don't shut them out."

Blake's gaze lingered on Gohan for a moment before she glanced at Yang, then Ruby and Weiss. "But there are still unanswered questions!" she protested, her voice tight with frustration.

Ruby stepped forward, her arms crossed in a rare show of sternness. "Blake, you won't be able to find anything if you can't even keep your eyes open!"

Yang chimed in, her tone a mix of teasing and sincerity. "All we're asking is that you take it easy for one day. One night to recharge. That's it."

Weiss nodded, folding her arms with a touch of her usual prim authority. "And it will be fun. Yang and I are ensuring that personally."

"Excuse me?" Blake muttered, giving Yang a flat look.

Weiss continued, undeterred. "Team CFVY's away mission has been extended, and we've been asked to take over their planning duties for the dance. This means we can personally ensure you have the perfect night."

Yang leaned in with a mischievous smirk. "And once it's all over, we'll be rested and ready to dive back into this investigation with a clear head. It's a win-win!"

"Wait..." Gohan tried to speak up, but Ruby clasped her hands together in a hopeful gesture. "So, what do you think?"

Blake's shoulders sagged as she sighed. "I think this is a colossal waste of time." Without another word, she turned and strode toward the door.

"Blake—" Ruby started, but Blake cut her off.

"I'll be in the library." She opened the door and disappeared down the hall.

Yang groaned, flopping onto the bed dramatically. "Great."

Weiss frowned, her tone clipped with worry. "She can't keep going on like this."

Before anyone could respond, there was a knock at the door. Weiss glanced at the others before moving to open it, revealing Jaune standing there with a guitar.

Jaune strummed a chord and began singing, his voice full of misplaced confidence. "Weiss!"

Weiss immediately slammed the door in his face without hesitation.

From the hallway, Jaune's muffled voice called out, "Oh, come on! Open the door! I promise not to sing!"

Weiss opened the door again, her expression unimpressed.

Jaune grinned. "I lied! Weiss Schnee, will you accompany me to the dance on... Sunday!?"

Weiss stared at him, completely unamused. "Are you done?"

Jaune hesitated, then shrugged. "Yes?"

"No." Weiss shut the door firmly in his face. When she turned back, she found Yang and Ruby staring at her with knowing looks, while Gohan looked lost.

"What?" Weiss asked, raising an eyebrow.

Yang grinned. "And that is why they call you the Ice Queen."

Ruby finally gave in to her giggles, collapsing onto the floor in laughter.

Weiss sighed, exasperated. "All my life, boys have only cared about the perks of my last name. Besides, I already have a date in mind."

Ruby perked up, wiping a tear of laughter from her eye. "Date or no date, none of this will matter if we can't get Blake to go."

Yang sat up, her expression growing serious. "Yeah. We can get Gohan to force her, carry her around."

Gohan's eyes widened, and he raised his hands defensively. "Whoa, whoa, hold on! I'm not carrying anyone anywhere against their will!"

Ruby giggled again, though she tried to stifle it. "Yeah, that might be a bit much, Yang."

Yang shrugged, smirking. "Okay, maybe not literally. But we've got to figure out a way to get her there." She turned her attention to Ruby. "So, Rubes, when are you asking Gohan?"

Ruby's eyes widened, her face turning bright red as she stammered, "W-What?! I—uh—I thought we could go as a team."

That night, Pyrrha and Jaune were sparring on their usual rooftop spot. The moonlight cast shadows as they exchanged blows, their movements fluid but intense. Jaune seemed to have the upper hand for a moment, expertly parrying Pyrrha's strikes, but before he could capitalize, Pyrrha swept his legs out from under him, sending him crashing onto the ground.

Pyrrha chuckled, offering a hand to help him up. "Well done! Your swordplay's improved immensely."

Jaune accepted her hand with a grin. "I couldn't have done it without you," he said, brushing off the dirt.

Pyrrha raised an eyebrow. "So, are you ready to move on to Aura training?"

Jaune hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "Actually... I was thinking maybe we could skip Aura for tonight and go for a jog or something instead."

Pyrrha's smile faded slightly, concern flickering in her eyes. "Come on, I know you get frustrated, but you must keep trying. You're so close to discovering your Semblance. I'm sure it'll happen soon."

Jaune sighed, his shoulders slumping. "That's not it. It's just..." He hesitated for a moment, looking away. "It's dumb."

Pyrrha took a step closer, her voice gentle. "What is it? Jaune, you know you can tell me anything."

Jaune looked at her, his expression conflicted before he sighed again. "It's... Weiss."

Pyrrha's face softened, and for a brief moment, her expression faltered. "Oh... What about her?"

Jaune let out a dry laugh, though it lacked any real humor. "I asked her to the dance, and she turned me down. Big surprise, right?" He shook his head, trying to make light of it but clearly hurt.

Pyrrha stood still for a moment, then gave him a reassuring smile. "Well, I believe the saying goes: 'There's plenty of fish in the sea.'"

Jaune's lips twisted into a bitter smile. "Easy for you to say. You've probably got guys clamoring over each other just to ask you out."

Pyrrha chuckled, but it was a hollow sound. "You'd be surprised."

Jaune didn't seem to pick up on the tone in her voice. He waved it off, trying to lighten the mood. "Oh, please. If you don't get a date to the dance, I'll wear a dress. Heh."

He started walking away, trying to make it look like he was fine. But as he moved, Pyrrha's smile dropped, her eyes dimming with an emotion that wasn't quite sadness but something more complex. She stood there for a moment, watching him, her thoughts far from the lightheartedness she had shown.

Jaune, lost in his own disappointment, didn't notice the change in her expression as he walked off, the distance between them growing with every step.

Cinder sat on one of the beds in the dimly lit dorm room, focused on the delicate work of sewing a black dress. The steady hum of the needle punctuated the quiet atmosphere, while Emerald sat cross-legged on the floor, her eyes glued to her Scroll. Mercury, meanwhile, lay sprawled out on the ground, lazily flipping through a comic book.

Emerald broke the silence, her voice casual but intrigued. "Pyrrha Nikos."

Cinder didn't look up from her work but smirked, a glimmer of interest in her eyes. "Ah, the invincible girl."

Mercury rolled his eyes, not looking up from his comic. "She's smart, but I wouldn't go so far as to call her invincible."

Cinder's expression shifted slightly, her curiosity piqued. "Do tell."

Emerald glanced up from her Scroll, her tone thoughtful. "Her Semblance is Polarity. But you'd never really notice it unless you're paying close attention."

Mercury nodded in agreement. "After she made contact with my boots, she was able to move them around however she wanted. But she kept it subtle—just enough to make her look untouchable. Like she's always in control."

Emerald added, "Exactly. She doesn't broadcast her power. It makes her opponents underestimate her, and that puts them at a huge disadvantage."

Cinder's lips curled into a knowing smile as she paused in her sewing, a spark of amusement in her eyes. "Hmm... People assume she's fated for victory when, in reality, she's the one taking fate into her own hands. Interesting. Add her to the list."

Mercury, now a bit more serious, leaned back on his hands. "You should be able to take her, no problem."

Cinder resumed her work, her fingers expertly guiding the needle through the fabric. "It's not about overpowering the enemy. It's about taking away what power they have. And we will, in time."

Mercury groaned, clearly impatient. "I hate waiting."

Emerald continued, "And finally, Gohan. He's strong. He's different. Reports from the White Fang are ridiculous and impossible."

Cinder's eyes narrowed slightly as she continued to sew, her fingers moving with practiced precision. "Gohan," she repeated, her voice measured but filled with quiet intrigue. "He's strong. And unlike anyone we've dealt with before." She paused, her gaze briefly flicking to Emerald. "Tell me more."

Emerald's eyes flicked to her Scroll, her expression a mix of caution and curiosity. "The White Fang's reports are... strange. They describe him as a force of nature—someone who can take down entire squads with ease. But some of the things they've said sound impossible. The descriptions vary, and there's no consistency. It's like they can't quite figure out what he is."

Mercury, still lying on the floor, glanced up, a slight smirk forming on his face. "Sounds like a walking mystery. And those are always fun to deal with."

Cinder didn't respond immediately, her gaze still focused on her sewing as she considered the information. "Impossible things tend to catch my attention," she said finally, her voice cold with calculation. "If he's as dangerous as they say, we'll need to be more careful with him. We don't want to underestimate him."

Emerald's voice trailed off as she looked down at her Scroll, her fingers nervously scrolling through the data. "He's young but insanely smart. There was the interaction in class today with Mercury. Glynda's answer to you fighting Gohan was odd."

Cinder raised an eyebrow, her fingers halting mid-sew as she processed the statement. "Odd? How so?"

Emerald's eyes flicked up briefly, a note of hesitation in her voice. "She seemed... unusually worried. Like there was a look in her eyes—a fear of having him fight."

Cinder's gaze sharpened as she set the dress aside, her fingers steepling together in contemplation. "Fear, you say?" Her voice was calm but laced with dark curiosity.

Emerald hesitated for a moment, her fingers stilling on the Scroll as she gathered her thoughts. "When it came to Gohan, she acted like she was worried about him—like she knew what he was capable of. It felt off. And when I compare that to the reports we've gotten, it makes sense, but... I don't know. Something about it doesn't add up."

Cinder's gaze turned calculating, a slight smirk curling her lips. "Interesting. So Glynda's reaction was concern for Mercury's safety… but not Gohan's. That's an unusual distinction." Her fingers toyed with the fabric in front of her, a glint of curiosity in her eyes. "It's almost as if she knows something that makes Gohan different from the rest of her students. What did the reports say?"

Emerald glanced down at her Scroll, quickly pulling up the data on Gohan. "The White Fang reports a boy matching one of the descriptions we gave them, took out a group of new recruits just by standing there. They mention that he's able to move faster than humanly possible and that he beat a paladin by himself."

Emerald shifted uncomfortably, her tone taking on a more cautious note. "But the White Fang's reports are conflicting. Some say he was using some sort of energy; others think it was a trick of the light. They can't seem to agree on what they saw."

Cinder's expression remained cool, her eyes narrowing as she processed the information. "Faster than humanly possible and capable of taking down a Paladin alone," she murmured, the tone of her voice betraying a trace of interest. "Yet the White Fang can't even agree on what they saw."

She leaned forward slightly, her lips curled into a small, thoughtful smile. "It's almost as if Gohan's abilities defy their understanding. How curious."

Emerald shifted uneasily, the weight of the situation dawning on her. "Yeah, it's like he's operating on a different level. Something we can't quite pinpoint. And if he's truly that dangerous, the White Fang's inconsistent reports could mean they're scared to admit how powerful he really is."

Mercury, who had been silent for a while, spoke up from his spot on the floor. "That's not good news for us."

Cinder's eyes glinted with dark curiosity, her mind racing through possibilities. "No, it's not. But it does present an opportunity." Her fingers paused, the needle hovering above the fabric as she reflected on her thoughts. "We'll need to be patient, but the more we understand about him, the more we can manipulate the circumstances."

Emerald's voice was tentative, but she couldn't hide her concern. "What if he's stronger than we expect? What if Glynda's concerns about him aren't just paranoia?"

Cinder's lips parted in a faint smile, her tone taking on an icy calm. "Then we'll be prepared for that. We always are."

Ruby sat at the table, her head resting on her hand, staring off into the distance, deep in thought. She was so lost in her own musings that when someone slammed their palms onto the table, she jumped in surprise.

Weiss, beaming with a mix of enthusiasm and impatience, slid two nearly identical white squares toward Ruby. "I need you to pick a tablecloth."

Ruby blinked, glancing at the fabric. "Aren't they both the same?"

Weiss sighed in frustration, throwing her hands up. "I don't even know why I asked!" With that, she stormed off, leaving Ruby confused and slightly more lost than before.

Just as Ruby started to regain her composure, Yang entered the room, carrying a massive sound speaker on her shoulder. She swung it down, causing the table to shake and Ruby to bounce slightly in her seat.

"So, have you picked out a dress yet?" Yang asked, brushing her hands together as if the whole spectacle had been nothing.

Ruby slouched, clearly unimpressed. "What's the point? Who cares about the dance if Blake isn't going?" In the background, Gohan could be seen hanging up decorations, unaware of the conversation.

Yang, unfazed, grinned. "Oh, don't worry; she's going." She then turned and called out, "Weiss! I thought we agreed: no doilies!"

Weiss, walking back into the room, shot Yang a sharp look. "If I don't get doilies, you don't get fog machines!" she retorted, pointing right in Yang's face.

Before the tension could escalate further, the door opened, and Neptune and Sun walked in.

Neptune's voice rang out in surprise as he entered, with Sun trailing behind. "Your dance is gonna have fog machines?"

Weiss brightened instantly, her voice sweet as she answered, "We were thinking about it..."

Neptune grinned. "That's pretty cool."

Sun, always the confident one, sauntered into the scene with a smirk. "You ladies all excited for dress-up?" His swagger immediately irritated Weiss.

Ruby snorted. "Pfft... Yeah, right!"

Yang laughed confidently. "Laugh all you want. I'll be turning heads tomorrow night!"

Weiss narrowed her eyes and addressed the boys with a raised brow. "What are you two wearing?"

Sun looked down at himself, gesturing to his current shirtless state. "Uhh... this?"

Neptune, rolling his eyes, stepped forward and held his hand in front of Sun's face. "Ignore him. He knows not what he says."

Sun swatted Neptune's hand away. "Hey, I may have moved to Mistral, but I grew up in Vacuo. It's not exactly a shirt-and-tie kind of place."

Yang, Ruby, and Weiss exchanged a look of disbelief, as if the obviousness of his statement was too much to ignore. Yang finally broke the silence, turning to Gohan with a mischievous grin. "Gohan, what are you wearing?"

Gohan, still hanging decorations in the background, noticed Sun and Neptune enter. The moment Yang called his name, he spun around, startled, and promptly dropped to the ground, his face flushed with embarrassment.

"Uh—what?" Gohan stammered, quickly getting up and brushing himself off.

Yang snickered, clearly enjoying the moment. "Oh, c'mon, Gohan. You can't get away that easily. What are you wearing to the dance?"

Gohan glanced at the others, his nerves getting the better of him. "I—uh, my uniform?"

Yang raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed with his answer. "Your uniform? No way." Before Gohan could react, she casually strolled past him, grabbing his collar with one hand and effortlessly tugging him along. "I'm picking something out for you. No arguments."

Gohan sputtered in surprise, trying to wriggle free. "Wait, what? No, I—hey!" But he made no real attempt to break free, knowing it was pointless.

Yang smirked as she marched him forward. "Trust me, you'll thank me later."

As they walked, Gohan let out a reluctant sigh, but Yang's grin grew. "And guys," she added, tossing a glance over her shoulder, "Blake will be at the dance tomorrow."

Jaune sat on his bed in the dorm room, fidgeting nervously. "Ren... I'm just gonna say it. You're one of my best friends. These past few months, I feel like we've really bonded, even though you don't say much. I mean, you're really quiet. To be perfectly honest, I don't know that much about you personally, but darn it, I consider you to be the brother I never had!"

Ren stood nearby, still only wearing a towel and looking extremely uncomfortable. He managed a small nod and smile. "And I you," he replied, his tone polite but distracted. Ren tried to appear attentive, though his eyes kept darting to his usual outfit hanging by the door.

Jaune leaned forward earnestly. "Which is why I wanted to get your advice on… girls."

Ren froze, blinking. "Girls?" he repeated, sounding surprised. His hand instinctively reached out for his clothes, but he stopped when Jaune turned back to him.

Jaune scratched the back of his head, fumbling for the right words. "I just… don't know how to… y'know… talk to girls. Or… be around them. I guess what I'm asking is… how did you and Nora… uh…"

Ren's hand hovered awkwardly over his green robe before retreating. He looked visibly more uncomfortable. "Uh… uh… uh…"

Nora's voice cut through the tension. "We're actually not together-together..."

Both boys turned abruptly to see Nora lounging on her bed. She wore her headphones around her neck, a "BOOP" T-shirt, and pink lightning bolt shorts, a book resting on her knees. She grinned sheepishly.

Jaune's face turned bright red. "NORA! I SAID HEADPHONES ON!"

Nora, startled, quickly put her headphones on, giving Jaune a thumbs-up. Ren, now focused fully on Jaune, cleared his throat. "Jaune, what's this all about?"

Jaune sighed deeply, his gaze dropping to the floor. "It's Weiss. I'm completely head-over-heels for her, and she won't even give me a chance. She's cold, but she's also incredible. She's smart, and graceful, and talented. I mean, have you heard her sing? I just wish she'd take me seriously, y'know? I wish I could tell her how I feel without messing it all up."

A calm voice interrupted him from the doorway. "Then do it."

Jaune looked up, startled, to see Pyrrha standing in the doorway. Ren and Nora also turned their attention to her.

"Uh, wha?" Jaune managed to stammer.

Pyrrha stepped into the room, her voice gentle but firm. "Tell her exactly what you just said. No ridiculous schemes, no pick-up lines. Just… be honest."

Jaune hesitated. "But what if I—"

Pyrrha cut him off, smiling warmly. "Jaune. You can't get it wrong if it's the truth."

Jaune looked at her, a newfound determination lighting up his face. "You're right." He stood up with renewed purpose. "Thanks, Pyrrha!"

As he headed out the door, he glanced back at Ren. "Good talk, Ren!"

Ren smiled and waved awkwardly as Jaune disappeared into the hall. The door closed behind him, leaving a silence in the room. Pyrrha's cheerful expression faded as she walked to her desk, her shoulders sagging slightly.

Nora, watching her friend with concern, sighed. "Practice what you preach, Pyrrha."

Blake sat at the library table, her tired eyes glued to the holographic screen in front of her. She barely registered the information as it passed by, her exhaustion weighing heavily on her. Then, a small, bright red light suddenly appeared on the screen. It moved up and down, catching her attention for a brief moment before disappearing entirely. She glanced down at her hand, her irritation mounting. When she looked around, no one in the library appeared to be the source of the light.

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard, and as soon as she began typing, the dot reappeared—this time on her hand again. She quickly scanned the area, but once again, no one was in sight. The red point moved around the screen in circles before Blake, frustrated, slammed her fists down onto the table. With a deep sigh, she stood up and followed the dot, her eyes locked on the light as it moved across the floor, weaving through rows of bookshelves.

Turning the corner, she finally spotted the source. She was startled, nearly jumping out of her skin, when she collided with someone.

"Yang!" Blake exclaimed, surprised, as she found herself face-to-face with her partner, who was casually waving her left hand in the air while her right held a laser pointer. Her voice was sing-song. "He-lloooo!"

Blake's eyebrows furrowed, a mix of confusion and irritation on her face. "What are you...?"

Before she could finish, Yang grabbed her arm and began dragging her away. "We need to talk," Yang stated matter-of-factly.

Blake, startled by the sudden pull, couldn't help but protest. "Yang, if you're going to tell me to stop, you may as well save your breath."

Yang gave a playful smirk as she led Blake through the halls, and before long, they arrived in Gohan's room. Yang sat cross-legged on his bed, her calm expression illuminated by the soft orange light filtering through the window. Blake paced nearby, arms crossed, still visibly irritated.

Yang turned to Gohan with a knowing look. "Not that. Try again," she said, pointing to the outfit he had picked out.

Gohan blinked, confused but willing to listen. "Uh, okay..."

Yang turned her attention back to Blake, her tone soft but firm. "I don't want you to stop; I want you to slow down."

Blake shot her a glare, her voice sharp. "I don't have the luxury to slow down."

Yang's expression softened, her voice turning more serious. "It's not a luxury; it's a necessity."

Blake sighed in frustration. "The 'necessity' is stopping Torchwick."

Yang nodded. "And we're going to. But first, you need to sit down and listen to me." She patted the space next to her on the bed. "Please."

Blake hesitated, her eyes flickering away from Yang's for a moment, but eventually, she relented. With a frustrated sigh, she draped her legs over the edge of the bed.

Yang exhaled, preparing to share something personal. "Ruby and I grew up in Patch, an island off the coast of Vale. Our parents were Huntsmen. Our dad taught at Signal, and our mom took on missions around the kingdom. Her name was Summer Rose, and she was... Super-Mom. Baker of cookies and slayer of giant monsters." Yang's voice faltered slightly as she continued. "And then one day, she left for a mission and never came back." She looked down, clearly struggling with the memory. Blake, hearing this, felt a pang of sympathy.

Yang paused, lost in thought before continuing. "Ruby was really torn up, but... I think she was still too young to understand what happened, you know? My dad... he just shut down. It wasn't long before I learned why. Summer wasn't the first love he lost—she was the second. The first... was my mom."

Blake looked stunned, unable to hide her surprise. Yang gave her a sad, distant smile. "He wouldn't tell me everything, but I learned that the two of them had been on a team with Summer and Qrow, and that she left right after I was born. No one had seen her since."

Blake, though still processing, asked softly, "Why did she leave you?"

Yang sighed deeply. "That question... 'Why?' I never got an answer. But I was determined to find out. I couldn't stop thinking about it. I asked everyone I could about her, about what happened." She looked up, her eyes sharper now. "Then one day, I found something. A clue that I thought might lead me to answers. Maybe even to my mom."

Yang's voice grew quieter as she continued the story. "I waited for Dad to leave the house, put Ruby in a wagon, and headed out. I walked for hours—bruised, cut, exhausted—but nothing would stop me. When we finally got there, I could barely stand, but I didn't care. I had made it. And then... I saw them. Those burning red eyes."

Blake's eyes widened in shock as Yang's story became even more intense. "There we were: a toddler sleeping in a wagon, and a stupid girl too tired to even cry for help. We might as well have been served on a silver platter. But then, as luck would have it, our uncle showed up just in time."

Yang's voice faltered. "My stubbornness should've gotten us killed that night, Blake. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be here right now."

Blake, deeply moved, reached out to her partner, but Yang quickly continued, her words more urgent now. "I don't want you to make the same mistake. We can't let ourselves get consumed by the need for answers. We need to protect ourselves, our team. Torchwick isn't the only threat we'll face, but we won't be able to fight him if we're running on empty."

Blake clenched her fists, her face a mask of determination. "I'm the only one who can stop him."

Yang turned sharply, her eyes glowing red as the flames in her aura flared, her voice rising in anger. "No! You're not the only one! What would you do if Roman Torchwick walked through that door right now?"

Blake immediately retorted, "I'd fight him!"

Yang pushed her back, her voice colder than before. "You'd lose."

Blake, refusing to give up, tried to push Yang away, but Yang didn't budge. "You can't even stop me," Yang said, her eyes blazing.

Blake's frustration mounted as she tried again, but this time, Yang's hands were gentle as she shoved Blake onto the bed. For a moment, they locked eyes, their heated exchange simmering down.

And then Yang did something unexpected—she reached forward and embraced Blake in a warm, tight hug. The anger and intensity in her eyes softened, returning to their normal purple hue.

"I'm not asking you to stop," Yang whispered, her voice much gentler. "Just... get some rest. For you, for everyone. And if you feel like coming out tomorrow, I'll save you a dance."

Blake, still catching her breath from their exchange, looked at Yang with a quiet nod. "I'll think about it."

Gohan stayed hidden in the closet, his heart pounding as he overheard the exchange between Yang and Blake. He could feel the weight of their conversation pressing down on him, the tension between them palpable. He hadn't intended to eavesdrop, but as he stood there, his thoughts began to race, trying to make sense of everything he'd just heard.

Blake's frustration was clear, and Yang's attempt to calm her was genuine, though he could sense the underlying concern for her friend. Gohan shifted uncomfortably, unsure whether he should interrupt or continue listening, but he felt like an intruder in the room. He wasn't part of their internal struggles, yet a part of him couldn't help but feel connected to their pain.

He had his own burdens, his own weight to bear, but hearing their voices filled with so much emotion made him realize he wasn't alone in that.

Gohan stayed as still as possible, hoping the girls wouldn't realize he was still in the room.

Then Yang's voice broke the silence. "Come on, next outfit."

"Uh, I—" Gohan stammered, quickly stepping out of the closet, his hand running through his hair as he tried to regain his composure. "I didn't mean to listen in..."

Yang flashed him a knowing grin. "If I didn't want you to hear, I wouldn't have done it here."

A white rose bounced gently in Jaune's hand as he strode confidently through the halls of Beacon Academy, a wide smile on his face. His steps slowed, however, as he neared the entrance to a hallway, the sound of a familiar voice catching his attention. Curiosity piqued, he ducked behind a nearby column, peeking around the corner.

"Neptune!" Weiss's voice rang out, sharp and clear.

Jaune's smile faltered as he watched her approach Neptune, her demeanor uncharacteristically shy.

Neptune blinked in surprise. "Oh, uh, hey. What's up?"

Weiss clasped her hands behind her back, her cheeks faintly pink. "I know this is a little unorthodox, but..." She hesitated for a moment before continuing, her voice softening. "I wanted to ask you something."

Jaune leaned forward, his grip tightening on the rose. His heart sank as Weiss finished her sentence.

"Would you... like to accompany me to the dance tomorrow?"

Neptune rubbed the back of his head.

For Jaune, time seemed to stop. The rose slipped from his fingers, landing soundlessly on the floor as his confidence crumbled. He stepped back slowly, his face falling into a blank expression as the weight of the moment settled over him. Without a word, he turned and walked away, shoulders slumped, leaving the rose behind.

Yang stood at the podium near the grand entrance, dressed to impress in a short white dress paired with sleek black heels. Her confident posture exuded charisma as she eagerly awaited the arrival of guests. The doors before her creaked open, and her amber eyes immediately lit up.

Her jaw dropped in delighted surprise as Gohan walked in, one arm supporting Ruby, who was teetering awkwardly in her high heels. Gohan, dressed in elegant Japanese formal wear, looked calm and collected, a perfect contrast to Ruby's wobbling efforts. Ruby wore a striking red dress with intricate black lace detailing, a matching belt cinching her waist, and black pumps that seemed to be causing her endless grief.

Yang's reaction was immediate and over the top. She clapped her hands together and squealed, her eyes practically sparkling. "Oooohhh, you two are so cute together!"

Ruby's cheeks instantly flushed, her already crimson complexion deepening. She wobbled slightly in her heels and grumbled, "Can we have a serious talk about how Weiss fights in these things?"

Yang burst out laughing, her playful demeanor only amplifying Ruby's embarrassment. "Oh, Rubes, you're killing me!" She wiped a pretend tear from her eye. "But seriously, you're rocking that look—even if it's a little wobbly."

Gohan gave a small smile, his arm steadying Ruby. "You're doing fine, Ruby. Just take it slow."

Ruby shot him a grateful glance before glaring at Yang. "I'm glad someone's being supportive," she huffed, though the corner of her mouth twitched as if she were suppressing a smile.

Yang grinned and placed a hand on her hip. "Hey, I am supportive! I'm just supporting with style. Now come on, get inside before Gohan decides to make a run for it." She winked at him, making Ruby groan.

Sun paced outside the grand entrance, fiddling with his outfit in visible frustration. His new black jacket was buttoned neatly, but the white tie draped loosely around his neck refused to cooperate.

"Stupid... dumb... neck trap!" he muttered, tugging at the tie like it was actively conspiring against him.

"I knew you'd look better in a tie," a familiar voice said.

Sun froze mid-struggle and turned toward the source of the voice. His eyes widened slightly as Blake stepped into view. She wore a dark purple dress that hugged her figure elegantly, the color accentuated by a touch of violet eyeshadow that replaced her usual tired look. Blake's quiet confidence as she approached made Sun momentarily forget how to speak.

Blake stopped in front of him, an amused smirk playing on her lips. She reached up and adjusted the offending tie around his neck, looping it into a simple but neat knot. Then, without hesitation, she took his arm.

"Sooo," Sun began, his voice a mix of hope and disbelief, "does this mean we're going... together?"

Blake raised an eyebrow at him, the smirk still lingering. "Technically," she said smoothly, her tone carrying just a hint of teasing. "Though my first dance is spoken for."

Sun blinked, processing her words, then grinned. "Fair enough," he said, offering his arm more confidently now as the two headed toward the doors. "But I'm holding you to the second dance!"

Blake chuckled softly, her eyes glinting. "We'll see."

The ballroom was alive with energy. Streamers cascaded through ornate glass chandeliers, and pink and blue balloons floated in clusters along the walls. The space was a swirl of colors as students in dark suits and vibrant dresses twirled to the upbeat music. Between the dance floor and the white-clothed tables, laughter and excitement filled the air.

Blake, now fully immersed in the festivities, spun gracefully as Yang twirled her, both of them curtseying dramatically before breaking into shared laughter. Sun approached with a wide grin and took Blake's hands, encouraged by Yang's enthusiastic gestures. Yang gave a thumbs-up and made her way across the room to rejoin her team.

In the back, Gohan, Ruby, and Weiss stood together, each observing the scene in their own way. Weiss, dressed in a white gown similar to Yang's but accented with subtle silver embroidery, wore a small, satisfied smile as she watched Blake laughing with Sun.

Yang nudged Weiss playfully. "I told you she would come," she said, a note of triumph in her voice.

Weiss crossed her arms but nodded slightly. "Mission accomplished."

Ruby, shifting uncomfortably in her heels, glanced at her teammates. "Soooo, what do we do now?"

Yang clapped her hands, her excitement undiminished. "Just have fun!" she declared before striding off toward the dance floor. Weiss, ever the picture of poise, turned in the opposite direction, leaving Ruby and Gohan behind.

Ruby cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted after Yang, "Does that mean I can ditch these stupid things and put on my hood now?"

Gohan, standing beside her, added in a dry tone, "Can I leave too?"

Neither of them received a reply. Ruby let out an exaggerated groan, her frustration growing, as she awkwardly stomped in her heels. "Stupid lady stilts!" she grumbled under her breath.

Ozpin approached Ruby, his voice smooth as ever. "Not enjoying yourself?"

Ruby jumped slightly, surprised to see the headmaster standing beside her. She quickly shook her head and let out a light laugh. "Oh, no, everything's fine! I'm just not much of a fancy pantsy... dancey girl."

Ozpin's smile was knowing, his voice calm and measured. "Well, you can't spend your whole life on the battlefield, even if you may want to." Gohan, overhearing the words, glanced toward Ozpin. For a brief moment, he was lost in thought, reflecting on how much of his own life had been defined by battle. He stood up silently, nodded to Ruby, and with a soft, "Take care," he headed upstairs, the weight of Ozpin's words still on his mind.

Ruby watched him go, then crossed her arms with a sigh. "Yeah, that lesson's been floating around a lot lately."

Ozpin's gaze softened as he watched the dancing couples. The soft glow of the chandeliers illuminated the carefree laughter and graceful movements of the students, a contrast to the chaos they often faced. "If you think about it, fighting and dancing aren't so different. Both require two partners, interlocked in perfect harmony. But in the ballroom, one wrong move only leads to a swollen foot."

Ruby glanced down at her own feet, wincing as she shifted uncomfortably in her heels. "Or a twisted ankle," she muttered, her discomfort clear.

Ozpin nodded thoughtfully, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "It's not every day that friends get to come together like this. Time has a way of testing our bonds, but nights like these can help keep them stronger than ever. They're the moments that stay with us."

Ruby smiled, touched by his words. She was about to respond when the sound of the doors opening caught her attention. Yang had returned to her spot behind the podium, her expression bright as she welcomed the new arrivals.

Yang's voice rang out with enthusiasm. "You guys are just in time!"

Mercury and Emerald entered, both dressed impeccably in ballroom attire. Mercury twirled dramatically, scanning the room before a grin spread across his face. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."

Jaune made his way to the punch bowl, his eyes scanning the ballroom. He was trying to find a spot where he could hide from the crowd when he noticed Ruby approaching. She slipped in beside him, looking just as out of place in the sea of well-dressed students. Jaune raised an eyebrow and smirked. "I see you're hiding at the punch bowl too."

Ruby nodded, emphasizing her point by popping the 'P' in "Yep."

Jaune chuckled, lifting his glass with a grin. "To the socially awkward."

Ruby giggled and clinked her cup against his, the sound blending with the soft music in the background. "Sorry things didn't work out with Weiss."

Jaune gave a nonchalant shrug, trying to downplay his disappointment. "Meh, it's fine. Neptune's pretty 'cool.' I get why she went with him." He looked around the room for a moment before grinning mischievously. "Where's Gohan? You came with him, right?"

Ruby blinked, clearly confused by the question. "What do you mean? And Gohan just helped me walk."

Jaune leaned in slightly, lowering his voice with a teasing grin. "Well, come on. Not many people can pull off blue hair."

Jaune took a sip of his punch, chuckling to himself as if he'd just told the funniest joke. Ruby, still puzzled, shook her head.

Ruby clarified, "No, I mean, Weiss came to the dance alone."

Jaune froze, his eyes widening in disbelief. He nearly choked on his punch, quickly swallowing and turning to face Ruby with an incredulous expression.

Ruby's voice broke through Jaune's momentary distraction, causing him to glance back at her. "No, I mean, Weiss came to the dance alone."

Jaune froze. His punch halfway to his mouth, he stared at her in shock, his eyes wide with disbelief. The words didn't quite register at first, and he nearly choked on the drink. Swallowing quickly, he turned to Ruby, his expression one of utter confusion.

"Uh, what?" he stammered, unsure if he had heard her correctly.

Ruby pointed across the room, where Weiss stood alone, her posture stiff with frustration. She was holding a wilting white rose, attempting to coax some life back into the fragile petals. But no matter how hard she tried, the flower remained lifeless. Weiss sighed deeply, her face a mix of irritation and disappointment, before setting the rose down gently, her eyes downcast.

Ruby's tone softened with empathy as she explained, "Yeah, she said she had too much to focus on to worry about boys."

Jaune's gaze was locked on Weiss, but his mind was elsewhere, his thoughts tangled as he observed her isolation. She stood in the corner, distant from the rest of the students, her aura almost as deflated as the rose she had been holding. It was a sharp contrast to the laughter and playful chaos that filled the ballroom.

As if on cue, a burst of laughter erupted from the other side of the room, drawing Jaune's attention briefly. Sun, Blake, and Neptune were gathered together, Neptune pulling faces and doing exaggerated impressions that had the group in stitches. But even as the sound of their joy filled the space, Jaune couldn't tear his eyes away from Weiss. His jaw tightened, a quiet scowl creeping across his face, his thoughts darkening with frustration.

"Hold my punch," Jaune muttered, his voice low and barely audible.

Without waiting for a response from Ruby, he thrust his cup into her hands, his movements swift and purposeful. He pushed through the crowd, his broad shoulders forcing students aside with little more than a grunt. No one had time to react before he disappeared into the throng. His focus was solely on one thing now: Weiss.

Jaune didn't stop until he caught sight of Pyrrha Nikos, who was walking past him with a glum expression, her usual radiance dimmed. She didn't notice Jaune as she passed, her head down and shoulders slumped. She made her way toward the stairs, her steps slow and hesitant, as if weighed down by the heaviness of the evening.

Jaune made his way across the ballroom and out onto the balcony, where the cool night air greeted him. As he walked, his eyes caught the figure of Pyrrha Nikos standing alone, her gaze distant as she looked out over the courtyard. Jaune hesitated for a moment before stepping up beside her.

"Hey, Pyrrha," Jaune called softly, drawing her attention.

Pyrrha turned to face him with a small, polite smile. "Hello, Jaune."

Jaune approached her slowly, noting the quiet sadness in her eyes. "You okay? I haven't seen you tonight."

Pyrrha sighed, glancing back out at the night. "Arrived late, I'm afraid."

Jaune gave her an understanding look. "Well, you look really nice," he said, his voice warm.

Pyrrha's smile widened slightly, and she raised a hand near her mouth in a modest gesture. "Thank you." But her hand quickly dropped, and her gaze drifted back to the balcony railing.

Jaune nervously shifted his weight from foot to foot. "Your, uh, date isn't going to beat me up for saying that, is he?"

Pyrrha chuckled softly, the sound tinged with a bit of sadness. "I think you're safe for tonight."

Jaune scratched the back of his neck, trying to steer the conversation to a lighter topic. "So, where is the guy?"

Pyrrha turned back toward him, and Jaune noticed her shoulders slump slightly. Her voice dropped in melancholy as she replied, "There is no guy."

Jaune blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "What?"

Pyrrha shook her head, the soft sadness in her eyes deepening. "Nobody asked me."

Jaune's brow furrowed in disbelief. "But that's... You're Pyrrha Nikos!" He gestured toward her, his confusion evident. "How could nobody ask you?"

She looked away again, staring out into the distance. "I've been blessed with incredible talents and opportunities. I'm constantly surrounded by love and praise, but when you're placed on a pedestal like that for so long, you become separated from the people that put you there in the first place." She turned back toward Jaune. "Everyone assumes I'm too good for them. That I'm on a level they simply can't attain. It's become impossible to form any sort of meaningful relationship with people." She paused, looking at him as if weighing her words carefully. "That's what I like about you. When we met, you didn't even know my name. You treated me just like anyone else. And thanks to you, I've made friendships that will last a lifetime. I guess you're the kind of guy I wish I was here with. Someone who just saw me for me."

Jaune stood there, dumbfounded, staring at her as she turned away and started walking down the balcony, her words lingering in the air. He opened his mouth to call after her but stopped short, watching her retreat. "W-Wait—!"

Before he could take a step, Neptune appeared on the balcony, his casual tone cutting through Jaune's thoughts. "Hey, uh, Jaune, right?"

Jaune sighed, turning toward him. "Yeah."

Neptune flashed a grin and gestured to the dance floor. "This party's pretty lame, huh? I mean, ballroom dancing. Pfft."

Jaune's response was flat. "Yeah."

He turned back to the balcony, his mind still racing with what Pyrrha had said.

Neptune leaned back casually, hands in his pockets. "Cute girls, though, huh?"

Jaune turned back to him, his patience wearing thin. "Is that all you think about?"

Neptune raised his hands in a defensive gesture. "Huh?"

Jaune gestured toward the party, his tone getting sharper. "Do you even care about the girls you're hitting on? How they feel about you?"

Neptune's hands dropped to his sides, his face showing confusion. "Whoa! Where's this coming from?"

Jaune took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. "How could you just turn her down like that?"

Neptune looked sheepish, rubbing the back of his neck. "I, uh... it just didn't work out, you know?"

Jaune's eyes narrowed. "What? You think that you're too cool? Too many other options? Weiss Schnee asked you to the dance. What in the world could possibly keep you from...?"

Neptune suddenly dropped his gaze to the floor, his voice barely a whisper. "I can't dance."

Jaune blinked, processing the words. "Beg your pardon?"

Neptune groaned and threw his hands up in exasperation. "I can't dance, man!"

Jaune stared at him, incredulous. "But... you're so cool!"

Neptune gave a wry grin. "Thank you. I try really, really hard."

Jaune ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head in disbelief. "You'd rather break a girl's heart and go to a dance alone than just admit to everyone that you can't move in rhythm to music?"

Neptune sighed dramatically. "That about sums it up, yeah."

Jaune leaned back on the stone railing of the balcony, his thoughts heavy. "Well, I certainly feel a lot better about myself."

Neptune raised his palms in surrender. "Please don't tell anybody. Look, if you want Weiss, she's all yours. I don't wanna get in your way."

Jaune turned back to Neptune, his face softening. He placed his hands on the stone banister and leaned in slightly. "Do you like her?"

Neptune hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, I mean, I don't know her too well yet, but she seems pretty cool."

Jaune's expression became more serious. "Then just go talk to her. No pickup lines, no suave moves—just be yourself. I've heard that's the way to go." He crossed his arms and looked at Neptune. "If you're being honest, she'll appreciate it."

Neptune chuckled, clearly mulling over Jaune's advice. "Yeah, okay."

Jaune gave him an encouraging nod. "Go talk to her. I guarantee it'll make her night."

Neptune grinned and stepped forward, fist extended for a bump. "Thanks. You're a really cool guy, Jaune."

Jaune returned the fist bump with a smirk. "Alright, don't lie to my face."

Neptune walked off, heading toward the dance floor with newfound resolve. Jaune sighed, watching him go before turning back to the balcony, his mind racing with the words that had been left unspoken. "Alright, only one thing left to do... next move."

Yang Xiao Long leaned casually against the handrail, her golden hair catching the light as she gazed down at the festivities below. The vibrant colors of the dance floor and the soft laughter of her friends filled the air. Ruby approached and leaned beside her, both of them taking in the lively scene.

Yang smiled contentedly. "You know? I think we really needed this."

Ruby nodded, her eyes scanning the room. Blake and Sun were slow dancing, their movements in sync, while Lie Ren and Nora Valkyrie waltzed with fluid elegance. Penny Polendina, looking as bright as ever, danced alone, her movements graceful despite the two Atlas soldiers guarding her from a distance.

Ruby grinned at her sister. "Yeah, and you did a great job planning it too!"

Yang reached over and pulled Ruby into a one-arm hug, laughing as Ruby flailed helplessly in her grasp. "Aw, thanks!" she said, ruffling Ruby's hair. "It wasn't all me, though. Weiss did a lot too."

Ruby crossed her arms, glancing down at Weiss, who was seated at a table. Neptune walked up to her, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. Weiss smiled warmly and invited him to sit.

Yang let out a playful huff. "Tomorrow, it's back to work."

Ruby flashed a confident smile. "I'm sure we can handle whatever gets thrown at us." But as they spoke, sudden fits of laughter and giggles from the dance floor caught their attention. Ruby's eyes widened. "Ex-cept for that."

Pyrrha had been mingling with friends at the party for a while, enjoying the lighthearted atmosphere. The music, laughter, and gentle glow of the chandeliers made the night feel almost magical. However, as she chatted with a group of classmates, a murmuring behind her caught her attention. She turned around in surprise, her eyes widening slightly as she saw Jaune.

"Jaune?" she asked, her voice full of amusement and wonder.

Jaune, now wearing a white dress with a blue ribbon, looked both slightly embarrassed and determined. He smiled sheepishly. "Eh, a promise is a promise."

Pyrrha's face lit up with laughter, her eyes crinkling with joy. She reached out her hand to him, her voice sincere. "I would love to dance."

With that, Jaune pulled her into a smooth, graceful spin. Their movements were in perfect sync, Jaune spinning Pyrrha with effortless elegance.

Nora, always the energetic one, flailed excitedly on the sidelines, while Ren looked on in bemusement, a subtle smile playing on his lips.

Ren blinked in confusion and turned to Nora. "Wait, what is happening?"

Nora, practically vibrating with excitement, grabbed Ren's arm and pulled him onto the dance floor. "This... is... happening!" she exclaimed, twirling with glee. With no hesitation, they joined Jaune and Pyrrha, each adding their own flair to the performance.

The dance floor was alive with energy, the four of them moving as one, their movements seamlessly blending together. Jaune spun Pyrrha again, this time dipping her low before letting her go in a graceful twirl. She looked up at him, surprised by the fluidity of their dance and the happiness radiating between them. Her cheeks flushed with joy as she smiled at him.

"I had no idea you were a dancer," she remarked, her voice breathless from the pace of their movements.

Jaune chuckled, a little out of breath himself but still grinning. "Yeah, well, these things tend to happen when you grow up with seven sisters."

With a smooth motion, Jaune dipped Pyrrha once more before spinning her out into the crowd. Nora and Ren had broken into a quirky disco routine, much to the amusement of the crowd. Sun and Blake joined in, their movements as fluid and playful as ever. Penny and one of the Atlas guards had become a spectacle in their own right, the crowd cheering and laughing at the show.

As the dance floor became a whirlwind of creativity and fun, Neptune and Weiss stood off to the side, watching with mild amusement. Weiss glanced at Neptune, playful curiosity in her eyes.

"So, what made you change your mind?" she asked, her voice soft but curious.

Neptune blinked, caught off guard by the question. "Huh?"

Weiss raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You said you were embarrassed at first. What made you come talk to me?"

Neptune watched Jaune and Pyrrha, their easy movements and joyful smiles as they danced together. A small smile crept across his face, and he glanced back at Weiss. "You're looking at him," he said, nodding toward Jaune. "You've got some good friends looking out for ya."

Weiss turned her gaze back to the dancers, and for a moment, she let herself enjoy the carefree energy of the group. Jaune and Pyrrha continued to move in perfect harmony, while Ren and Nora showed off their disco moves with unrestrained enthusiasm. Sun and Blake joined in with graceful spins, and Penny and the Atlas guard had become a spectacle in their own right. The dance floor was filled with laughter and a sense of togetherness that made the night unforgettable.

From a higher tier overlooking the festivities, Mercury Black and Emerald Sustrai stood quietly, their sharp eyes fixed on the lively dance floor below. The swirl of students in vibrant outfits, laughing and moving in sync to the music, painted a colorful scene. Yet, their focus never wavered from the task at hand.

Emerald leaned slightly toward Mercury, her gaze scanning the dancers. "Seems like everyone's found a partner," she observed, her tone cool and calculating. Her eyes lingered on the fluidity of the students' movements, noting their camaraderie.

A faint crackle broke through the quiet in their earpieces, followed by a commanding voice tinged with impatience. "How much longer?" It was Cinder Fall. The subtle edge in her tone made it clear she wasn't asking out of curiosity.

Mercury smirked, his casual demeanor betraying his familiarity with her demanding nature. "Midnight's a good curfew if you want to stay out of trouble," he quipped, though the seriousness of their mission wasn't lost on him.

Ruby stepped out of the dance hall and into the crisp night air, her breath forming delicate clouds in the cool atmosphere. Her keen eyes caught a shadow flickering across the rooftops. Without hesitation, she gave chase, her heels clicking lightly on the cobblestones as she darted into the night.

Meanwhile, outside the Cross Continental Transmit System Tower, Cinder, disguised in a sleek, stealthy ensemble, approached a lone guard at his post. A swift, calculated strike to the back of his head left him unconscious, his surprised expression frozen in time. Dragging his limp body into the shadows behind a row of bushes, she moved with the precision of a seasoned predator.

Inside, the dimly lit hallways echoed with Cinder's purposeful steps. Her presence went unnoticed until she encountered a soldier.

"Excuse me, ma'am," he called. "No one's allowed here."

Cinder didn't falter. As he raised his voice to shout, "Stop!" she sprang into action. The soldier fired, but she closed the gap with blinding speed, delivering a sharp punch that left him reeling. She disarmed him in one fluid motion, twisting his arm and tossing him aside. Another soldier rushed her, but she neutralized him with a calculated kick, seizing his weapon as he fell.

The tension escalated as a third soldier lunged at her with a baton. With a flick of her wrist, Cinder conjured blades of black, fiery Dust. She dispatched her attackers with ruthless efficiency, dodging blows and striking with unerring precision. As the last soldier crumpled to the ground, Cinder paused, scanning for threats before continuing her mission.

In an elevator elsewhere in the building, two guards engaged in idle chatter.

"What's the Wi-Fi password again?" one asked.

"Beacon, but replace the 'E' with a '3' and add a pound sign," the other replied.

The elevator doors opened, revealing Cinder. She stepped inside, her sharp gaze sweeping over the surprised guards. Moments later, the doors closed, muffled sounds of struggle echoing from within. When the doors reopened, the guards were slumped unconscious on the floor.

"Convenient," Cinder muttered, brushing off her outfit as she exited, her demeanor calm and controlled. She approached a nearby control console, her fingers dancing across its interface.

Outside the building, Ruby knelt beside the unconscious guard, her heart pounding in her chest. The cool night air felt heavier now, thick with the tension of something unseen. With a swift motion, she summoned Crescent Rose from her weapon locker, its crimson blade unfolding with a metallic snap that echoed through the quiet courtyard. The weapon's red gleam illuminated her determined expression as she took her stance, eyes scanning the dark tower for any sign of movement.

Inside, the low hum of machinery filled the air as lines of random code cascaded across the central computer screen. The erratic streams flickered and twisted, moving with chaotic intensity. Then, as if guided by an unseen hand, the code aligned with sudden precision, forming a stark and unmistakable image—a Queen chess piece. The glowing symbol pulsed rhythmically, its ominous light bleeding into the dim room.

One by one, the other monitors around the room came to life. Their screens, too, displayed the erratic code before coalescing into identical chess pieces. The synchronization of their pulsating glow created an eerie cadence, casting long, shifting shadows across the walls. The room seemed alive with anticipation, the oppressive silence broken only by the hum of the electronics, as though the building itself was waiting for a command.

Cinder observed the display with a satisfied smirk, her golden eyes reflecting the sinister light. She tapped her Scroll, confirming the signal. "We're done here," she said, her voice calm and unwavering.

Turning away, she strode toward the exit with unhurried confidence, the glow of the monitors fading in her wake.

The elevator chimed, its cheerful sound starkly out of place in the tense atmosphere. As the doors slid open, Ruby stepped out cautiously, Crescent Rose at the ready. Her high heels clicked softly against the cold floor, a delicate sound that seemed to echo unnaturally in the quiet. Her voice, though steady, carried an edge of uncertainty.

"Hello? Is someone here?"

From the shadows, Cinder emerged, her smirk sharp and predatory.

Ruby started, her grip tightening on Crescent Rose. "This isn't a masquerade! Why don't you—"

Before she could finish, Cinder unleashed a glowing cloud of Dust. The shimmering mist solidified into shards of glass, hurtling toward Ruby. She dodged nimbly, and their battle began in earnest. Ruby's shots rang out, but Cinder deflected them effortlessly, her fiery aura glowing brighter with each impact. Her twin blades danced in deadly arcs, forcing Ruby into a defensive rhythm.

With a graceful leap, Cinder fused her fiery weapons into a bow and fired explosive arrows. Ruby narrowly avoided the blasts, the tension between them thick and electric.

The sound of an approaching elevator broke their focus. As the doors opened to reveal General Ironwood, Ruby glanced back with relief. But when she turned, Cinder had vanished without a trace.

Elsewhere, Cinder discarded her stealth gear, slipping into an elegant black dress. She moved with poise back to the dance floor, her mask and bracelets crushed under the boots of confused guards. On the crowded floor, Neptune danced obliviously as Cinder rejoined her team.

Emerald, dancing with Mercury, caught sight of her. With a knowing smile, she stepped aside as Cinder approached.

"Mind if I cut in?" Cinder asked smoothly.

"Of course," Emerald replied, bowing slightly.

Cinder took Mercury's hand, the chemistry between them undeniable as they glided into a practiced rhythm.

"Eventful night?" Mercury asked with a smirk.

"More than anticipated," Cinder replied, her voice laced with satisfaction.

"Should we be concerned?"

Cinder's eyes gleamed. "Not in the slightest. They'll be chasing shadows long after we're done."

Unbeknownst to Cinder, Emerald, or Mercury, Gohan had wandered into the upper tier of the building. The distant hum of music and the murmur of voices from the party below piqued his curiosity. Leaning over the railing, he observed the lively scene—guests spinning elegantly across the dance floor beneath glittering chandeliers, their laughter and chatter blending into the festive atmosphere.

As his sharp eyes roamed over the crowd, something unusual caught his attention. A woman entered the room with hurried, deliberate steps. Though her attire matched the elegance of the party, her movements told a different story—calculated and precise, lacking the carefree fluidity of the other guests. She weaved through the crowd with purpose, her head held high, but her cautious gaze betrayed her urgency.

Moments later, several guards appeared at the same entrance, their expressions tense and focused. They moved with subtle coordination, their eyes scanning the room as though searching for someone. Though they tried to remain inconspicuous, their intent was clear. The woman, however, had already blended into the crowd, her composed demeanor allowing her to mask her true purpose.

Gohan's brow furrowed, his instincts sharpening as he tracked the woman from above. She moved with precision, her trajectory unmistakable as she approached two familiar figures—Mercury and Emerald. The trio exchanged subtle glances, and it was clear they were aligned. Their coordinated body language and brief, knowing interactions sent a ripple of unease through Gohan.

He stepped back slightly, his mind racing. Whoever these people were, they weren't ordinary students.