VALE

The streets of Vale bustled with their usual energy, a mixture of locals and travelers moving through the lively city. The morning sun cast a crisp glow over the buildings, reflecting off the cobblestone streets. Though winter air lingered, the soft aroma of roasted coffee beans drifted from a nearby café, inviting those in need of warmth.

Winter Schnee strolled down the street, her pace steady and deliberate. A large sunhat sat atop her platinum-white hair, accompanied by dark-tinted glasses that shielded her sharp blue eyes. Despite the season, she found the hat quite comfortable—it offered a semblance of privacy, allowing her a rare moment of peace.

Stepping inside a coffee shop, she inhaled deeply, savoring the rich, earthy scent of freshly brewed coffee. A faint, contented smile crossed her lips. At least some things in this world are still pleasant.

She made her way to the counter, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor. "One black coffee," she ordered, her tone crisp yet polite.

Minutes later, she found a secluded corner of the shop, cradling the warm ceramic mug in her hands as she took her first sip. The bitterness was welcome—sharp, grounding. She let herself enjoy the moment, alone and undisturbed.

Or so she thought.

"I like that coffee too," came a voice, familiar and exasperating.

Winter sighed, closing her eyes briefly before looking up. Across from her, Qrow Branwen plopped himself down into the seat opposite hers, his usual smirk tugging at his lips.

She arched an eyebrow, unimpressed. "How did you find me?"

Qrow leaned back, folding his arms behind his head. "You're the only person in all of Vale wearing a sunhat in the middle of winter. Kinda stands out."

Winter huffed, stirring her coffee. "It's comfortable."

Qrow chuckled, but the mirth in his expression faded quickly. He leaned forward, his red eyes sharpening. "I need to talk to you. In private."

Winter met his gaze, unfazed. "I assume this is about Amber?"

Qrow blinked, caught off guard. "Wait—how do you know about that?"

Winter smirked, tapping a manicured nail against her mug. "It's called a message, old man."

Qrow's lips pressed into a thin line. "And what exactly did that message say?"

Winter didn't answer right away. Instead, she took another slow sip of her coffee, her gaze distant for a moment. Then, with a quiet sigh, she set the mug down and leaned back.

"Fine," she said, adjusting her hat slightly. "I'll humor you. Let's have that private talk."

Qrow nodded, standing up and gesturing toward the exit. "I know just the place."

Winter exhaled and finished the last of her coffee before rising to her feet. She adjusted her coat, casting one last glance around the café before following Qrow outside.

ROOFTOP

The cold night air brushed against Winter Schnee's face as she stood at the edge of the rooftop, gazing out at the city lights of Vale. The rooftops stretched before her like a sea of darkened silhouettes, the occasional flicker of neon signs illuminating the streets below. She adjusted her coat, her gloved fingers tightening slightly as she processed everything she had been told.

Behind her, Qrow stood with his hands tucked in his pockets, his usual casual stance betrayed by the weight in his voice.

"Ozpin notified me," Winter said, still staring at the horizon. "After Amber was killed."

Qrow sighed, running a hand through his messy hair. "Yeah. Cinder found her. Attacked Ozpin. Took the rest of the Fall Maiden's power." He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "Amber didn't make it."

Winter finally turned to face him, her expression unreadable. "I see."

Qrow glanced at her, trying to read what she was thinking. "We buried her last night."

Winter's eyebrows raised slightly. "We?"

Qrow nodded. "Ruby and her team were there. The Arc kid too."

Winter crossed her arms. "Why? Why would they be involved?"

Qrow leaned against the railing. "Ozpin invited them. He figured they deserved to know the truth."

Winter's expression hardened. "And just how much did he tell them?"

"Everything," Qrow said plainly. "Salem. Cinder's mission. Amber. The Maidens. No more secrets." He let out a humorless chuckle. "Then they saw Amber's body. Yang carried her to the grave. Glynda dug the hole. And Ruby—" Qrow paused for a moment, shaking his head slightly. "Ruby gave the eulogy."

That made Winter blink. "Ruby?" she repeated, almost incredulously.

"Yeah. That part surprised everyone." Qrow's voice softened slightly, a hint of pride sneaking into his tone. "Didn't think the kid had it in her, but she did it. Said some real strong words."

Winter sat down on the rooftop's ledge, exhaling slowly as she took in the information. Her mind worked quickly, piecing together the implications of what Qrow had just revealed.

"There's more," Qrow added. "That funeral? It's motivating Ruby and Yang. They want to fight again."

Winter's hands folded neatly in her lap, her blue eyes narrowing. "After what happened to them, I assumed they would never return to the battlefield."

"Guess people surprise you," Qrow muttered. "But here's the thing, Winter—it won't be enough."

Winter's gaze sharpened. "Explain."

"With Cinder as the Fall Maiden, she has more power than before. And you know what that means," Qrow said, his voice turning graver. "She'll use it to complete her mission—spreading fear, triggering Grimm invasions, and building up enough negativity to wake Salem up."

Winter's jaw tightened at the thought. A full-scale Grimm invasion on that scale could cripple Vale—or worse. And if Salem truly awoke…

Silence stretched between them, broken only by the faint hum of the wind.

Then Winter suddenly scoffed, shaking her head. "I think I might have an idea."

Qrow eyed her warily. "That usually means it's a bad one."

Winter smirked slightly. "Oh, it's going to be a stupid one."

Qrow let out a low chuckle, though it lacked his usual playfulness. "Now that I believe."

Winter stood up, brushing off her coat. "But if we have any hope of stopping Cinder before it's too late… we might not have a choice."

Qrow sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Alright, Ice Queen. Let's hear it."

PATCH – YANG'S ROOM

The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Yang stirred, stretching slightly before letting out a slow yawn. As she blinked sleepily, she tried to move her arms—only to realize she couldn't.

She turned her head, a sleepy grin forming on her lips as she saw why.

Blake was lying next to her, her arm draped over Yang's waist, holding her close. Her breathing was slow and steady, her dark hair spilling over the pillow. The faintest hint of a smile tugged at the corners of her lips, as if even in sleep, she was content.

Yang let out a quiet chuckle, shaking her head slightly. Well… this is new.

Before she could dwell on it further, she caught movement near the doorway. She turned her gaze and locked eyes with Weiss, who stood frozen in the doorway, her expression caught somewhere between bewildered and intrigued.

Weiss opened her mouth, hesitated, then whispered, "Are you two…?"

Yang smirked, keeping her voice low. "We're giving this a try. See if anything sparks."

Weiss blinked. "Oh." She glanced between them again before whispering, "You do know Blake was with Sun, right? And now you two are just—wow."

Before Yang could answer, Blake's voice, still laced with sleep, cut through the moment.

"It's an experiment," Blake murmured, eyes still closed. But then she slowly lifted her head, her golden eyes cracking open to look at Yang. A small, teasing smile formed on her lips. "Speaking of which… did you sleep well?"

Yang, fully awake now, grinned back. "Yep. Sure did."

Blake hummed in amusement, resting her head back down against the pillow, her arm still loosely wrapped around Yang.

Weiss, still standing in the doorway, exhaled through her nose, rubbing her temple. "You know what? I'm too tired for this conversation." She turned on her heel, muttering, "I need coffee."

Yang and Blake exchanged amused glances before Blake let out a satisfied sigh, nestling back in slightly.

Yang smirked to herself. Yeah… this experiment might not be so bad.

NOON – OUTSIDE

The midday sun hung high above Patch, casting a warm glow over the open training field outside Taiyang's home. The air was filled with the rhythmic sounds of battle—grunts of effort, the sharp thud of blows connecting, and the creaking of the wooden dummies as they endured hit after hit.

Yang and Ruby stood at the center of the training ground, their bodies glistening with sweat from the intensity of their workout. Weiss and Blake stood a few feet away, watching intently as the two sisters pushed themselves harder with each strike.

Weiss, arms folded, studied their movements with a critical eye. "They're a little rusty," she observed, tilting her head slightly. "But not too bad."

Yang ducked under the swinging arm of her training dummy before delivering a fierce right hook, her mechanical arm landing with a boom that sent the wooden target skidding back in the dirt. She smirked, rolling her shoulders.

Then she turned to Ruby with a knowing grin. "Teamwork?"

Ruby wiped sweat from her brow and smirked back. "Teamwork."

Without hesitation, she charged forward with incredible speed, the ground beneath her kicking up dust from the sheer force of her acceleration. The training dummy barely had time to reset before Ruby closed the distance, blurring from one side to the other, her speed unnatural.

With a powerful step, she shifted her stance and delivered a devastating punch, her fist slamming into the dummy's midsection. The crack of splitting wood echoed through the field as the dummy was ripped from its foundation, sent flying backward before it crashed hard onto the ground.

Yang, seeing her opening, rushed in toward her own target. Instead of dodging the dummy's strike, she caught its wooden arm mid-swing, halting its attack completely. With a confident smirk, she tightened her grip and yanked the dummy forward, twisting her body as she threw it toward Ruby.

Ruby didn't hesitate. As the flying dummy spun toward her, she planted her feet and reared back a fist. When the dummy was close enough—

Boom!

With one clean punch, Ruby shattered it midair, sending splinters and chunks of wood scattering across the training field.

Weiss and Blake exchanged glances before beginning to clap in approval.

"That was impressive," Weiss admitted, raising an eyebrow.

"Very," Blake agreed, a small smirk tugging at her lips.

Yang let out a satisfied sigh, stretching her arms above her head. "Haven't felt this great… since this morning." She shot a wink at Blake, who rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her amused smile.

Ruby blinked in confusion. "Wait… what's happening here?"

Blake turned to her, completely composed. "Yang and I are trying to see if a relationship is possible."

Ruby's eyes widened slightly, processing the information. "Oh." She tilted her head. "Huh. That's… unexpected."

Yang shrugged casually. "We're calling it an experiment."

Ruby took a moment to absorb the revelation before nodding. "Well… as long as you're happy."

Before anyone could add more, the front door to the house creaked open.

Taiyang stepped outside, carrying a large plate of sandwiches. "Alright, training's on pause," he announced, his usual easygoing grin in place. "Now it's lunchtime."

Jaune followed behind him, balancing a pitcher of water and a stack of cups. "Trust me, you guys need a break. You've been at this all morning."

The group gathered in the shade of a tree, sitting on the grass as Taiyang set the food down.

As they ate, Taiyang's eyes flickered toward his daughters. "I gotta say, I was surprised when you two started training again." He took a bite of his sandwich, chewing before adding, "What brought this on?"

Ruby hesitated for a moment, then set her sandwich down. She knew exactly when the shift happened—Amber's funeral. But instead of burdening the moment with details, she simply answered, "We talked for a while… and with everything happening, we just didn't want to sit around and do nothing."

Taiyang's face softened with pride as he nodded. "That's good. I'm proud of you both." Then, with a teasing smirk, he added, "Just don't go too crazy, alright? Be careful."

Yang grinned as she leaned back, stretching her arms behind her head. "Of course we will… at first."

Taiyang shot her a look. "Yang, please don't give me a heart attack. I'm eating."

Laughter erupted from the group, the easy warmth of the moment filling the air.

However, the sound of a caw broke through the joy.

Ruby's laughter faded as she instinctively looked up. High above, a familiar black bird circled the training field before descending toward them.

The moment Qrow touched down, he transformed back into his human form, waving casually at the group.

Ruby perked up, immediately standing and jogging over. "Uncle Qrow! You really need to visit more."

Qrow chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Yeah, yeah… after last night at Beacon, I figured I should."

But as Ruby pulled back, she caught the subtle change in his demeanor. The casual ease in his stance was still there, but his red eyes had darkened, the usual glint of humor gone.

"I'm not just here to visit," Qrow said, his voice quieter now.

Ruby's smile faltered. She picked up on the tension in his tone instantly. "What's wrong?"

Qrow glanced at the group, his expression unreadable.

"We need to talk."

FOREST

The Grimm howled into the night, their glowing red eyes piercing the darkness as they charged through the ruined forest. Their movements were relentless, a surge of black bodies rushing forward, their claws scraping against the ground as they closed in.

Then, with a sudden roar—

BOOM!

A massive fireball detonated in their midst, the heatwave rolling outward like a vengeful tide. The Grimm shrieked as they were engulfed in the flames, their inky bodies sizzling away into ash.

Hovering above the battlefield, her eyes burning with rage, Cinder Fall unleashed another wave of destruction. With an outstretched hand, she sent a concentrated beam of fire straight through the skull of a charging Beringel, the massive ape-like Grimm barely having time to register the attack before its body disintegrated.

But the Grimm kept coming. Larger, more dangerous creatures emerged from the shadows—a Death Stalker, its venomous tail poised to strike; a towering Goliath, tusks gleaming under the moonlight.

Cinder gritted her teeth.

She screamed in fury, thrusting both hands forward as a wall of fire erupted from the earth, sweeping across the battlefield in a blazing inferno. The Grimm howled and thrashed, but it was no use. They were swallowed whole, reduced to nothing but smoke and embers.

The forest, once dense with towering trees and thick underbrush, was now little more than a scorched wasteland.

Panting, Cinder slowly descended to the ground, her heels touching the charred earth. Her hands trembled at her sides, the heat from her own power still radiating off her skin.

Then, the sound of slow, deliberate clapping cut through the silence.

Roman Torchwick stood a few feet away, arms crossed, a cigarette dangling from his lips. His smirk was sharp, but his emerald eyes held something else—an undercurrent of unease.

"Well, damn," he muttered, exhaling a wisp of smoke. "You are getting deadlier."

Cinder turned her glare to him, her body still seething with heat. "Nothing is going according to plan," she snapped, her voice laced with frustration.

Roman raised an eyebrow, feigning confusion. "Uh, correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't you just steal the Fall Maiden's power? You can fly, throw around fire like it's confetti, and—oh yeah—you're basically unstoppable. So what exactly are you pissed about?"

Cinder's only response was to launch a fireball straight at him.

"Whoa!" Roman barely dodged in time, the fire scorching the ground where he had just stood. He dusted off his coat, unfazed. "Easy, sweetheart. You do need me alive, remember?"

His smirk returned, but this time it didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Let's go over the scoreboard, shall we?" he continued, his tone light but edged with something sharper. "Your allies? Locked up. Adam? Skipped town to Mistral. And Salem? Still asleep." He gestured to himself. "Which means I—your charming, loyal friend—am all you've got left."

Cinder's fingers twitched. He wasn't wrong, and that infuriated her.

Roman took a slow drag of his cigarette, watching her reaction. "So unless you want to lose another ally—"

"I know that," Cinder cut him off, her voice low and venomous. She inhaled sharply, closing her eyes for a brief moment before speaking again. "I need you, Roman."

Roman's smirk faltered for just a second. "…That's a first."

Ignoring him, Cinder straightened, her face regaining its cold composure. "Find that fat, bearded man from the nightclub."

Roman raised an eyebrow. "Junior?"

"Yes."

Roman let out a short, dry laugh. "Already did. And guess what? He's just as clueless as we are. Says he hasn't seen Neo since the tournament." He shrugged. "So unless you think he's lying—"

"Then you find her," Cinder ordered, stepping closer, her eyes glowing in the dim light. "Yourself."

Roman's smirk dropped entirely.

Cinder continued, her tone sharpening. "She's the only one you trust. The only one you talk to. And she could be a valuable ally. You will find her."

Roman exhaled through his nose, then rolled his cigarette between his fingers before flicking it to the ground.

"…Fine," he muttered, shoving his hands into his coat pockets. "I'll try."

Then, his expression darkened slightly, his smirk curling back up in a way that lacked any humor. "But let's get one thing straight—if this whole plan of yours falls apart and I see the writing on the wall?" He took a step closer, his voice lowering.

"I'm out."

Cinder narrowed her eyes. "You think you can just walk away?"

Roman chuckled, his confidence unwavering. "Oh, I won't walk. I'll run. And I don't care if you can fly or turn people into crispy marshmallows—" He leaned in slightly, his smirk turning razor-sharp. "Because I already know your biggest weakness."

Cinder's expression didn't change, but there was a flicker—just for a second—in her eyes.

Roman saw it. And that's all he needed.

"You don't want to be alone."

Cinder's fingers twitched again, a spark of embers flickering from her palm.

Roman let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. "Well, guess what…" He turned on his heel, adjusting his hat as he walked away.

"…That might just happen."

Cinder stood still, her jaw clenched, watching him disappear into the darkened forest.

Her breathing was slow but heavy, a rising storm behind her golden eyes.

Then, without warning—

BOOM!

A nearby tree exploded into splinters as fire consumed it. But it wasn't enough. Not nearly enough.

She turned, launching another fireball—then another—then another. Her rage exploded outward, setting the remaining trees ablaze, the inferno mirroring the fire raging inside her.

PATCH – AIRSHIP

The airship loomed over the ferry docks, its sleek design standing in stark contrast to the quiet serenity of Patch's shoreline. The metal ramp extended outward, humming softly as Team RWBY and Qrow ascended into its interior.

Inside, the vessel was a well-maintained mix of military-grade equipment and practical design. The cockpit glowed with faint lights, the control panels humming with idle energy. Overhead lights flickered on as the group stepped inside, illuminating the cold steel walls and rows of seating along the sides.

Ruby ran her fingers along the nearest panel, eyes full of curiosity. "Where did you even get this?"

Yang, arms crossed, leaned against the doorway with a smirk. "Wait… Qrow, did you steal this?"

Before Qrow could answer, another voice cut through the air—sharp, commanding.

"It's mine."

The group turned sharply, hands instinctively drifting toward weapons.

Winter Schnee stood at the far end of the cabin, her posture stiff yet composed. Dressed in the same civilian attire she'd worn in Vale, her long white coat draped over her shoulders, she looked just as poised as ever—but there was something different in her eyes.

Something serious.

The tension in the air thickened instantly.

Ruby tensed, but before she could react, Weiss was already moving.

Weiss stormed toward her sister, her steps echoing against the metal floor. Her hands were clenched, her icy blue eyes ablaze with unfiltered fury.

"You've got some nerve coming back here," Weiss snapped, her voice trembling with controlled anger. "After everything you said at Beacon?"

Winter held her ground, her expression impassive.

Before Weiss could get closer, Qrow stepped between them, raising a hand.

"Easy there, Princess," he said, his voice even but firm. "That's why I brought her here."

Weiss's glare snapped to Qrow. "You brought her? After everything she—"

"Because she has something to say," Qrow interrupted. His crimson eyes flicked toward Yang, who had been watching silently—her arms crossed, her jaw tight.

Yang's patience, however, was thinning.

"Yeah? Well, we're not interested," Yang growled, her voice laced with bitterness. She spun on her heel, storming toward the exit ramp.

Her golden eyes flickered—then burned red.

Blake took a cautious step forward, watching her carefully.

Winter's voice, stronger now, rang through the airship.

"It's about Cinder."

Yang froze mid-step.

Winter continued, unflinching. "And possibly Roman Torchwick."

Silence fell over the cabin like a shroud.

Ruby's breath hitched. Blake's ears twitched slightly, her expression darkening. Weiss's fury dulled into something more calculating, her arms lowering slightly as she processed Winter's words.

Yang, however, remained still.

Winter took a step forward, her voice unwavering. "Vale might be in danger." She took a slow breath, locking eyes with Yang.

"Correction—Vale will be in danger."

Yang's fists clenched at her sides, her fingers digging into her palms. Her breathing was slow, controlled—but the red in her eyes remained, smoldering like embers of a dying fire.

For a long, tense moment, nobody spoke.

Then—

Yang exhaled sharply. The glow in her eyes faded back to gold as she slowly turned around. Her expression was unreadable, but the stiffness in her stance told them she was still on edge.

She crossed her arms, fixing Winter with a hard stare.

"…Talk."

Minutes later, the cabin of the airship had dimmed, the only illumination coming from the bright glow of a projector displaying grainy, captured images. Team RWBY sat around the projection table, their faces illuminated by the flickering light as Winter stood beside the screen, poised and professional as ever.

Displayed before them were a series of images—Cinder Fall, Emerald Sustrai, Mercury Black, and several unfamiliar figures in the desert landscape of Vacuo.

Winter adjusted the controls, bringing one of the images into sharper focus—Cinder, standing amidst a battle-torn street, a swirling mass of flame in her hand.

She turned to the group, her voice crisp and precise.

"After the warehouse incident in Vale, Cinder and her group moved to Vacuo. Their goal? To find answers regarding Amber's location in Vale and seek out potential allies."

The next image flickered onto the screen—Emerald and Mercury, speaking with a group of armed figures dressed in mismatched gear, likely bandits or mercenaries.

"We assume her plans there didn't go well," Winter continued. "In fact, there was a battle at Shade Academy. Happened sometime after Beacon was attacked."

Blake's ears perked up slightly as she leaned forward. "Shade Academy?"

Winter crossed her arms. "Yes. Cinder was ultimately forced to retreat." Then, glancing at Blake with an arched brow, she added, "A certain monkey Faunus contributed to her defeat there."

Blake blinked, caught off guard. Then, after a moment, she smirked. "My hero."

Before she could think on it further, Yang snapped her fingers. "You two broke up. Please don't fall in love again."

Blake turned to her, amused. "Relax. That's over. Okay?"

Yang gave her a skeptical look before nodding. "Alright. Just making sure."

Winter, momentarily confused by the exchange, cleared her throat before resuming.

The next image displayed a grainy shot of Adam Taurus, standing alone near what appeared to be an abandoned settlement.

"Days later, Cinder attempted to locate Adam Taurus," Winter explained. "She wanted to persuade him to rejoin her."

Blake's expression darkened at the mention of Adam, her jaw tightening.

Winter continued, "But he refused. Based on reports from Penny, who was doing reconnaissance at the time."

Ruby, her silver eyes narrowing in thought, turned to Winter. "Wait… why was Penny in Mistral?"

Winter hesitated for a brief moment before answering. "Because I begged her to."

Yang raised an eyebrow. "Huh. That does explain that time she said she was heading back to Atlas."

Winter gave a curt nod. "Yes. I needed someone I could trust to confirm Adam's movements. And she did exactly that."

The next set of images showed Cinder alone, hiding in the shadows of Beacon Academy's ruins. The final image was grainy but unmistakable—it showed Ozpin standing in the caves beneath Beacon.

Winter exhaled slowly before speaking again. "Eventually, Cinder had enough. Her attempts to gather allies had failed. So, she decided to take matters into her own hands—to find Amber herself."

Weiss's eyes widened slightly as she realized where this was going.

"She spent weeks sneaking around Beacon," Winter continued, her gaze heavy. "Spying, searching. Then, one day..."

She pointed to the image. "Ozpin slipped up."

A tense silence filled the cabin as the group stared at the projection.

Winter turned toward them, her voice calm but firm. "Cinder followed Ozpin. And the rest… you already know."

A weight settled over the room as the full picture became clear.

Winter folded her arms. "I relayed all of this to Ozpin as soon as the facts were straight." She glanced at her scroll. "Which was today."

Ruby stared at the image of Ozpin, her mind racing.

Everything had led to this moment. Cinder's defeat in Vacuo, her failed attempt to recruit Adam, her desperate decision to go alone… all of it had resulted in Amber's death.

And now, she was more dangerous than ever.

The airship cabin remained heavy with tension as Team RWBY processed everything Winter had told them. The glow from the projector flickered, casting faint shadows across the metal walls.

Yang, arms crossed, narrowed her eyes at Winter. "Alright, then. Exactly why are we here?"

Winter exhaled, her shoulders stiffening. Then, with measured control, she spoke.

"As much as I don't want to say it…" She looked at them, her blue eyes steady.

"I need your help."

Yang scoffed. A sharp, bitter laugh escaped her lips as she shook her head. "Really? After the crap you pulled… especially to me?" She leaned forward slightly, her golden eyes flaring. "Not a chance."

Winter stood firm, but a flicker of something—guilt, maybe—crossed her face.

Ruby stepped in, her voice calmer but firm. "Cinder is still out there. And she's a Maiden now." Her silver eyes locked onto Yang's. "We swore to fight again, remember? So we can stop her."

Yang exhaled through her nose, tension still evident in her posture. "Oh, we will." She shot a glare at Winter. "Just not with her."

Weiss nodded in agreement, her arms crossed. "We don't need Winter for this. We can do this on our own."

Blake, however, sighed and shook her head. "I hate to say it, but Ruby's right." Her golden eyes softened. "If Cinder's planning something in Vale, we don't have the luxury of turning down help. Even if it comes from her."

Yang tensed, clearly unhappy with Blake siding against her.

Qrow let out a sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Kid, I get it. I really do. But just… think for a second. You don't have to like Winter. You just have to consider if we're making the best move here."

Yang's jaw tightened. "No."

Winter, remaining composed, finally unfolded her arms. "That's not all," she said, her voice even.

The group turned to her as she adjusted the projector, clicking to the next slide.

Another image filled the screen.

The team's breath caught in their throats.

A man—his once-pristine uniform replaced by a worn-out coat, his hair and beard grown out, his face carrying the weight of regret and time—sat outside a small, simple structure in a remote village.

It was James Ironwood.

The silence was deafening.

Winter didn't give them time to react before she explained. "The Atlesian Council ruled that prison wasn't enough of a punishment for General Ironwood. Instead, they exiled him—and the remains of his loyal forces—from Atlas."

She clicked through more images, showing small encampments, makeshift living quarters, soldiers in ragged Atlesian uniforms tending to weapons and supplies.

"He and his men are in Mistral now. Living far from any major cities or villages."

Winter turned off the projector, facing them fully. "And we need him if we want to defeat Cinder."

Weiss was the first to break the silence. She scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief.

"You're kidding, right?"

Winter remained silent, letting Weiss continue.

"The monster who attacked Beacon. The one who traumatized students and faculty alike?" Weiss's voice rose with incredulity, her arms gesturing wildly. "The man who is the reason two students are dead?"

That last sentence hit like a hammer.

Yang's body tensed, her hand trembling slightly at her side.

Weiss didn't notice at first, but Blake did. She glanced at Yang with concern.

Weiss scoffed again, shaking her head. "This plan is the most foolish thing I've ever heard. Siding with the enemy? And now the enemy wants to recruit more of the enemy? Just great."

Winter, to her credit, didn't lash back. She simply tilted her head slightly, studying Weiss carefully before speaking.

"Do you truly think I am the enemy, Weiss?"

For the first time since Winter's arrival, Weiss hesitated.

Her arms loosened at her sides, the anger in her expression fading ever so slightly.

"…Maybe."

The guilt was there, now plain on Weiss's face.

The airship was silent again, the weight of the conversation pressing down on them like a storm cloud waiting to break.

The air inside the airship was thick with tension. The projector had been shut off, leaving only the dim overhead lights casting long shadows against the metallic walls. The silence weighed heavy over the group, none of them eager to be the first to speak after Weiss's condemnation of Ironwood.

Winter, standing at the front of the cabin, slowly raised a hand to her face, pinching the bridge of her nose as she let out a quiet breath. Frustration was creeping into her usually measured demeanor.

"Ironwood knows more about Cinder than any of us combined," she said, voice steady but firm. "And the only way to defeat Cinder is with his knowledge."

Ruby's silver eyes flickered with uncertainty. She had been determined when they first decided to fight again—she wanted to fight again. But this? This was James Ironwood. The man responsible for so much pain, destruction, and death.

She hesitated. "I don't know…"

Winter's eyes sharpened. Her voice rose slightly as she pressed forward. "Guys, come on."

She took a step toward them, her gaze sweeping across the group. "Cinder Fall is still out there. And she will stop at nothing until she spreads enough fear to wake up Salem." Her voice was stronger now, carrying the weight of conviction. "And I will not let that happen."

Her eyes scanned the team once more, lingering on each of them.

Then, she asked the question.

"I look around, and what do I see?"

Silence.

No one had an answer.

Winter exhaled through her nose, shaking her head. Then she spoke, her words precise and deliberate.

"I see a group broken."

That got their attention.

Blake's ears twitched slightly. Weiss's jaw tightened. Yang, whose body had been tense since the mention of Ironwood, shifted uncomfortably.

Winter's voice didn't waver as she continued.

"You are all broken in one way or another. Whether it's because of a negligent father—"*

Weiss's head lowered, her hands gripping the sleeves of her coat.

"An abusive leader—"*

Blake stiffened, her golden eyes darkening.

"And that same leader who took something from you—"*

Yang's gaze instinctively dropped to her metal arm. Her fingers twitched, memories flashing unbidden in her mind.

Winter's voice softened, but it remained steady as she turned toward Ruby.

"Or broken because someone shattered your confidence… and your identity."

Ruby's breath caught in her throat.

Winter took a deep breath before turning back to Yang.

Her voice was softer now. "And I am sorry…"

Yang blinked, surprised by the sudden shift.

Winter held her gaze, sincerity clear in her icy blue eyes. "…I am truly sorry." Her voice did not falter. "For the words I used. For attacking you. For degrading you." She exhaled slowly, then added, "I was cruel. And I have no excuse."

Yang swallowed hard. She hadn't expected this—not from Winter. Her mind raced, trying to reconcile the woman in front of her with the one who had humiliated her back at Beacon.

And yet…

For the first time, Winter wasn't the same woman from before.

She wasn't just a soldier. She wasn't just the cold, calculating specialist from Atlas.

She was someone carrying her own guilt.

Yang clenched her jaw and looked away, something unspoken flickering behind her golden eyes.

Winter let the silence linger before continuing, regaining some of her composure.

"Life usually takes more than it gives," she said, folding her arms. "But not today."

Blake, still watching Winter carefully, tilted her head slightly. "And what exactly are you saying?"

Winter met her gaze. "That today, it's given us a chance."

Blake narrowed her eyes. "…A chance to do what?"

Winter's expression was resolute. "To do something. To not run away."

The words struck Blake more than she wanted to admit.

Across the room, Ruby and Yang exchanged looks. Weiss, still tense, didn't speak.

Winter took another step forward, voice unwavering. "I, for one, will no longer stand by and watch as Cinder Fall wipes out thousands of lives… and brings Salem back."

She turned to Weiss.

Weiss slowly lifted her head, her face unreadable. "Stopping Cinder…" she murmured, choosing her words carefully. "…It will be almost impossible. Even with Ironwood." She exhaled sharply. "You're asking us to potentially fail."

Winter's confident posture faltered slightly.

She placed her hands on her hips, lowering her head for a moment before shaking it with a self-deprecating chuckle. "…Yeah." Her voice dropped slightly. "I guess I am."

She opened her mouth to say something more—but then hesitated.

For the first time, her composure cracked.

A flicker of uncertainty crossed her face, and she struggled to find the words. Her shoulders sagged slightly, and, after a few failed attempts to speak—

She gave up.

With a quiet sigh, she turned away, shaking her head. Then, without another word, she started walking toward the exit.

A heavy silence settled over the airship. Winter's footsteps echoed faintly as she walked away, her back turned to the team. Her shoulders, usually squared and proud, sagged just slightly—a rare show of vulnerability.

The tension lingered, thick and suffocating.

Then, after a few long seconds, Ruby broke the silence.

"Winter."

Winter stopped mid-step. She turned, her sharp blue eyes meeting Ruby's silver ones. The rest of the team, along with Qrow, shifted their attention to the younger Huntress, waiting to see what she had to say.

Ruby took a slow breath, her expression thoughtful yet determined.

"We've lived in fear… because of our enemies," she said, her voice steady but carrying weight. "And that fear kept us from truly living in peace." Her gaze swept across her friends, each one marked by the battles they had endured. "But now, we have this chance."

She placed her hands on her knees and pushed herself up to stand.

"And I will be grateful…" she continued, eyes shining with newfound resolve, "…to fight with my friends."

Winter blinked, visibly surprised by Ruby's words. She hesitated for just a moment before slowly making her way back, stopping between Blake and Yang.

Blake, who had been quietly observing, let out a soft breath. Then, with quiet confidence, she rose to her feet.

"You are an honorable woman, Winter," she said, her tone sincere. "I will fight with you."

Yang, still seated, raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. Blake had been the most skeptical of Winter's presence, and yet here she was—standing with her.

Blake then looked around at her team, her expression softening. "And in the end…" She smiled. "Our loved ones will be safe again."

The words lingered in the air, settling deep into Yang's mind.

For a moment, she hesitated.

Then, with a quiet sigh, Yang pushed herself to her feet.

Weiss, who had been watching intently, widened her eyes slightly in surprise.

Yang cracked her knuckles, rolling out the tension in her shoulders before nodding. "I'll fight, too."

All eyes turned to Weiss, the last one still seated. She glanced around, seeing each of them standing tall.

They were waiting for her.

She groaned, exhaling dramatically as she slumped back in her chair. "Oh, what the hell," she muttered. "I don't have any plans tomorrow."

With a resigned shake of her head, she stood up, arms crossed as if she wasn't entirely happy about it—but a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips nonetheless.

Winter, standing at the center of them all, looked at each of them in turn. A part of her still seemed hesitant, as if she couldn't quite believe this was happening. Then, after a brief pause, she spoke—her voice softer than before.

"Thank you."

For the first time since she arrived, there was no command in her tone. No calculation. No strategy.

Just gratitude.

Qrow, who had been watching the entire scene unfold, smirked. His crimson eyes flickered with something close to pride as he crossed his arms.

The beginning of an alliance.

Then, just as the moment settled into something meaningful—

Qrow accidentally let out a loud, unapologetic burp.

The peaceful atmosphere shattered as Ruby's face scrunched up in disgust. "Oh, gross!" she groaned, immediately holding her nose as she frantically made her way to the exit. "I am not breathing this in!"

Yang laughed, shaking her head, while Blake pinched the bridge of her nose. Weiss, despite her usual poise, let out a soft chuckle and shook her head in exasperation.

Winter simply sighed, closing her eyes briefly before regaining her composure.

Qrow grinned. "What? It's a sign of a good meal."

The tension that had once gripped the airship was gone, replaced with something lighter. Something warmer.

They had made their decision. And for the first time in a long while…

They were all moving forward. Together.

PATCH – LIVING ROOM

Winter sat stiffly on the well-worn couch in Taiyang's living room, her posture far too formal for the relaxed, homey environment. She shifted slightly, adjusting to the sagging cushions before glancing at the armrest with mild suspicion. "How old is this furniture?"

Ruby, curled up in the adjacent chair, smirked. "As old as my grandmother."

Winter's eyebrow twitched at the revelation, but after a moment, she simply shrugged. "Huh. Well… it's comfortable."

Taiyang stood near the kitchen counter, his arms crossed, his gaze fixed firmly on Winter. His expression, though not as hardened as before, still carried traces of lingering resentment.

Winter, sensing the weight of his stare, remained silent.

Yang, sitting near him, picked up on his tension and spoke softly. "Dad, it's okay." She met his gaze, offering reassurance. "Winter's apology was real. It was emotional. And I believe her."

Taiyang exhaled through his nose, rubbing his jaw. "Yeah… I get that." His gaze flickered to Winter again before he sighed. "But her words hurt you, Yang. And they hurt me. It's just… gonna take some time to get over it."

Winter dipped her head slightly in understanding, her usual sharp composure replaced with quiet guilt.

Yang nodded, deciding to move the conversation forward. "I told him everything you said, Winter." She turned back to her father. "We'll be heading to Mistral tomorrow. To try and get Ironwood's help."

Taiyang's expression tightened at the mention of Ironwood. His fingers drummed against his arm as he mulled over the weight of their decision.

"Normally, I'd be right there with you," he admitted, shaking his head. "Given how dangerous this is."

He let out a heavy breath before turning back to Yang and Ruby.

"But…" He hesitated for just a moment. "I'm willing to trust you two." His voice softened as he looked between them. "Just… watch each other's backs. Protect each other. Got it?"

Yang smiled, standing up and wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug.

"Of course we will… we always will."

Taiyang chuckled softly, returning the hug, his grip firm and reassuring. "Good."

As they pulled away, Yang smirked. "Besides, I think Jaune's gonna make sure Ruby's protected, too."

Taiyang's brow lifted slightly, his gaze shifting toward Jaune. "I hope so."

Jaune, who had been standing near the couch, hesitated for a second before finding his way over to Ruby. Without a word, Ruby shifted, moving herself onto his lap and curling up against him, her fingers intertwining with his.

She tilted her head up to look at him. "Still trying to process everything Winter said?"

Jaune exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Yep. Let's see… Cinder, giant sleeping Grimm lady, Ironwood, exile, possible war, no big deal." He let out a dry chuckle. "Just another Tuesday."

Ruby giggled softly before squeezing his hand. Her expression grew serious. "This mission is going to be dangerous." She rested her forehead against his. "If something happens… are you ready?"

Jaune pressed his forehead against hers, his voice steady. "I'll be ready." He shifted slightly, tightening his arms around her. "And I'll protect you."

Ruby smiled, closing her eyes for a moment, taking in the warmth of his embrace.

Across the room, Weiss sat at the dining table, exhaling heavily as she rested her chin against her palm.

Blake, sitting across from her with a book in her lap, did notice the looks Weiss kept throwing toward Ruby and Jaune.

Without looking up, she casually asked, "You're jealous."

Weiss scoffed. "Jealous? Of Ruby with Jaune?"

Blake finally glanced up from her book, unimpressed. "Yes."

Weiss sighed, shaking her head. "No, it's not that. It's just…" She hesitated, fidgeting slightly with the edge of the table. "I never really… did anything to stay in a relationship."

Blake raised an eyebrow. "Neptune?"

Weiss frowned. "I wanted to. But it didn't happen." She exhaled. "And now, you and Yang are 'experimenting' with the whole relationship thing, and I just—" She gestured vaguely. "I don't know. Maybe I'm just wondering if I'll be single forever."

Blake hummed thoughtfully before setting her book down. "You won't be."

Weiss raised a skeptical brow. "And you know this how?"

Blake smirked slightly. "Because you're Weiss Schnee. You can have anyone you want, you just have to put in the effort."

Weiss snorted. "Fantastic. So the answer is 'try harder?' That's your great wisdom?"

Blake shrugged, sipping her tea. "It worked when I was with Sun."

Weiss scoffed, shaking her head with a chuckle. "That is possibly the worst relationship advice I've ever heard."

Blake smirked over her teacup. "But will you try it?"

Weiss sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes. "...Fine. I'll give it a shot."

Blake chuckled. "That's the spirit."

The room settled into a quiet hum of activity, but beneath it all, an unspoken tension still remained. Tomorrow, they would leave for Mistral. Tomorrow, they would seek out Ironwood.

THE NEXT MORNING – RUBY'S ROOM

The morning sun streamed through the window, casting a warm golden glow over Ruby's room. Outside, birds chirped softly, their songs blending with the faint rustling of leaves in the breeze.

Ruby moved with quiet focus, packing her essentials into a small duffel bag. A few changes of clothes, ammunition, cleaning supplies for Crescent Rose—only the necessities. She pulled the zipper closed, securing everything in place, when a familiar yip caught her attention.

Turning, she saw Zwei bounding toward her, his tiny paws barely making a sound against the wooden floor. His tail wagged furiously as he barked again, looking up at her expectantly.

Ruby smiled, kneeling down to scoop him up. He huffed happily as she cradled him against her chest, one hand ruffling the soft fur on his head.

"Hey, buddy," she murmured, pressing her cheek lightly against his fur. "I know, I know. You're wondering what all the packing is about, huh?"

Zwei tilted his head, his ears twitching as if he understood.

Ruby chuckled. "Me and Yang are heading out for a few days. Maybe less, if things go well."

Zwei let out another bark, his tail wagging with excitement.

She smiled, shifting him slightly in her arms so she could look him in the eyes. "But I need you to do something important for me, okay?"

Zwei perked up, his little body tensing as if ready for a mission.

"Keep Dad safe," Ruby said, her voice softer now.

Zwei immediately let out a sharp woof and gave a determined nod.

Ruby giggled. "Good boy." She hugged him a little tighter before setting him gently back on the floor. "We'll be back before you know it."

Zwei barked again and began circling her feet, still wagging his tail nonstop. Ruby watched him for a moment, the warmth in her smile lingering. It was a small moment of peace, a quiet reassurance before the weight of their mission truly settled in.

Taking a deep breath, she grabbed her duffel bag and slung it over her shoulder.

It was time to go.

OUTSIDE – PATCH

The morning air was crisp, the scent of damp earth lingering after the previous night's chill. The airship loomed near the house, its engines humming softly as Team RWBY and Jaune packed their bags into the cargo hold.

Taiyang stood nearby, arms crossed as he surveyed the scene. He shook his head slightly, then muttered, "Winter's lucky the garden wasn't blown away."

Yang smirked, following his gaze toward the makeshift shield she and Ruby had set up to protect the plants from the airship's powerful thrusters. "Oh yeah," she said, amused at the sight of it still standing.

The sound of boots against the wooden porch made them turn. Ruby stepped out of the house, her duffel bag slung over her shoulder. She walked briskly to the airship, adjusting the strap as she placed her bag inside with the others.

Winter stood nearby with Weiss, watching the team prepare. Weiss exhaled sharply, arms crossed. "This is still a terrible idea," she muttered.

Winter didn't argue. "It is," she admitted. "But if we want to take Cinder down, we'll need Ironwood's help."

Weiss sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose before finally relenting. "Let's get this over with, then." Without another word, she turned and stepped into the airship.

Winter watched her go before closing her eyes briefly, taking a steady breath.

A voice, low and firm, broke the moment. "I still don't trust you."

Winter opened her eyes and turned to face Taiyang. His arms were still crossed, his expression unreadable, but the weight behind his words was clear.

Taiyang didn't break eye contact. "I'm putting my daughters' lives in your hands," he said evenly.

Winter held his gaze, then nodded. "Ruby and Yang have each other's backs," she replied. "And they have their friends to protect them." She inhaled slightly. "But I'll do my best to protect them too."

Taiyang studied her for a moment before sighing, running a hand through his hair. "That should be enough for me."

Winter gave a final nod before heading toward the airship. The others had already begun stepping inside, the mission looming closer with every passing second.

Qrow approached Taiyang next, hands in his pockets, his usual smirk a little softer than usual. "I'll keep 'em safe too," he promised. His red eyes flickered toward the airship's entrance. "And Winter… she'll bring everyone back safely."

Taiyang scoffed lightly, shaking his head. "What makes you so sure, Qrow?"

Qrow smirked, taking a step back toward the airship. "Faith, Tai!" he called over his shoulder. "Faith!"

The airship's back ramp began to rise, the heavy doors sealing shut as Qrow disappeared inside.

Taiyang stood still, watching as the engines flared to life, kicking up a burst of wind that rustled the trees. At his feet, Zwei barked softly, ears perked as he, too, watched the airship lift off the ground.

Together, they stood there, watching as the ship ascended into the sky and flew off toward the horizon—the beginning of a new mission, one that would change everything.