Yang finished securing her duffel bag in the van, tightening the straps before slamming the back door shut. She glanced around, noticing Ruby sitting on a nearby bench, slouched forward with her elbows on her knees, her Scroll held loosely in her hands.
Ruby's eyes were distant, dark circles betraying her lack of sleep. The morning sun cast a soft glow over the motel parking lot, but Ruby seemed oblivious to it.
Yang sighed, brushing a strand of hair out of her face before walking over to her sister. She sat down on the bench beside Ruby, resting her elbows on her knees to mirror her.
"You didn't sleep much, did you?" Yang asked, her voice gentle.
Ruby shook her head slightly, still staring at her Scroll. "Not really."
"Did you…" Yang hesitated, her tone softening even more. "Did you have another episode?"
Ruby nodded, a small, tired gesture. "Yeah. First one in a couple of years." Her voice was quiet, almost ashamed.
Yang leaned back, her amber eyes studying her sister's face. She gave Ruby a moment before speaking. "You looked at that picture again, didn't you?"
Ruby hesitated before nodding again, her fingers tightening around the Scroll. "I'm sorry. I just…" Her voice cracked slightly, and she took a shaky breath. "I've tried so many times to save it somewhere else, but I can't. I don't know why."
Yang exhaled deeply, her heart aching for her sister. Without a word, she gently reached out and took Ruby's Scroll from her hands. Ruby looked up, startled.
"Hey—what are you doing?"
"Relax," Yang said, pulling out her own Scroll. She tapped a few buttons, transferring the photo from Ruby's Scroll to hers. Once the process was complete, she turned the screen to Ruby, showing her that the picture was safe on Yang's device.
Ruby stared at the screen, her eyes misting slightly.
Yang didn't hesitate. She deleted the picture from Ruby's Scroll and handed it back to her. "There," Yang said firmly. "I'll hold onto it for now. You don't need to keep torturing yourself with it."
Ruby hesitated, her hands trembling as she took her Scroll back. "Yang…"
"I just want you to be okay," Yang said softly, placing a hand on Ruby's shoulder. Her tone was kind, but her words carried a quiet strength.
Ruby stared at her Scroll for a long moment before slipping it into her pocket. She turned to Yang, a small, grateful smile on her face. "Thanks, Yang."
Yang stood up, brushing off her pants and offering Ruby a hand. "Come on. You hungry?"
Ruby blinked at her, surprised by the change in tone. "Very."
Yang grinned, helping Ruby to her feet. "Good, because Weiss bought enough pastries yesterday to feed an army, and there's no way she's eating all that by herself."
Ruby laughed softly, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. For the first time that morning, she felt a little lighter.
DINER
The diner was warm and bustling, the smell of fresh coffee, sizzling bacon, and maple syrup filling the air. Team RWBY sat at a corner booth, their table laden with plates of waffles, eggs, pancakes, and toast. The soft hum of conversation and the clinking of dishes provided a comforting background as they enjoyed their breakfast.
Yang, midway through a stack of pancakes, pulled out a folded map of Sanus and spread it across the table, careful not to let it land in anyone's syrup. "Alright," she said, tapping a spot on the map with her fork. "We've got maybe a day or two before we reach the ferry to Mistral. That's assuming we stick to the plan and don't get sidetracked exploring Vale's residential district."
Ruby, who was quietly poking at her scrambled eggs, glanced up with mild interest. The shadows under her eyes were still visible, but the energy in the diner seemed to help lift her spirits.
"That's the plan for today, then?" Blake asked, her fork hovering over a piece of toast.
"Yep," Yang replied. "We'll take a good chunk of the day to drive around Vale, check out the residential areas, see if there's anything worth keeping in mind for later. Then in the evening, we leave Vale and head here." She pointed to a spot on the map, a small symbol that marked a campsite deep in the woods. "It's a special camping spot. Me, Ruby, and Dad used to go there sometimes. Not often, but enough that it stuck with me."
Blake raised an eyebrow. "A campsite? Are we roughing it?"
"Not really," Yang said with a shrug. "It's a proper site with fire pits, some cabins, and even bathrooms. It's nothing fancy, but it's quiet, and the stars there are amazing. We'll get there right around dusk if we time it right."
Ruby, who had been absently chewing a bite of toast, suddenly perked up. "Wait, that campsite? I loved that place!" Her silver eyes brightened, and a genuine smile spread across her face. "Is the swing still there? You know, the one tied to the big tree by the lake?"
Yang chuckled. "I hope so. It's been years since we've been there, but it'd be cool if it's still hanging."
Blake smirked. "I'm surprised it wasn't wrecked during the war."
"Not everything got destroyed," Ruby said softly, her tone carrying a hint of nostalgia. "Some places stayed untouched. And that swing… I hope it's still there."
Weiss, who was meticulously cutting into her waffle, took a sip of her coffee before adding, "It seems like a solid plan. Driving through Vale today, leaving in the evening, and reaching this campsite by nightfall. But there's one thing I want to know." She paused, setting her utensils down. "Exactly how long are we planning on doing this road trip? A week? A month? Or…" she smirked faintly, "until we're forty?"
Blake's eyes glinted with amusement. "We'll still be driving when we're forty. Maybe we'll loop back to Vale by then."
Weiss arched an elegant eyebrow. "If we're still on the road at forty, you're driving."
The table erupted in laughter, Ruby's giggles blending with Yang's boisterous laugh and Blake's quiet chuckles. Even Weiss couldn't help but smile as the lighthearted mood settled over them.
After a moment, the group returned to their breakfasts. Ruby, still smiling faintly, felt the warmth of the moment sink in. Whatever the road ahead held, at least she had her team with her, and that was enough for now.
The day was bright and sunny as Team RWBY set out into Vale's residential district, the van weaving through streets filled with a mix of old and new homes. It was a lively area, with construction crews repairing some of the war-torn parts of the city and neighbors chatting over fences.
Yang was behind the wheel, humming along to the radio, while Weiss clutched a clipboard she had brought along for taking notes. Ruby leaned against the window, sipping from a water bottle, and Blake sat quietly in the back, her Scroll in hand.
"All right," Yang said as she pulled the van to a stop in front of their first house. "Let's see what we've got."
The first house was a charming single-story cottage with white walls and green shutters. A garden of wildflowers bloomed in the front yard, and a small pathway led to the porch.
"This is cute!" Ruby said, hopping out of the van.
Weiss followed, clipboard in hand. "It's… quaint. A little on the small side, but it has character."
Yang smirked, leaning on the porch railing. "I don't know, Weiss. This doesn't exactly scream 'luxury.'"
"We're not looking for luxury," Weiss reminded her sharply. "We're looking for practicality."
Blake wandered around the side of the house, peeking into the backyard. "It's cozy," she called out. "Looks like there's enough room for a garden or a small outdoor setup."
The group spent a few minutes exploring the house, noting its charm and modest size. While it wasn't perfect, it was a solid start to their search.
The second house they visited was part of a newly built neighborhood. The exterior was sleek and modern, with clean lines, large windows, and neutral colors.
Weiss immediately perked up as they approached. "Now this," she said, gesturing to the house, "is what I'm talking about."
Yang frowned, her hands in her pockets. "It looks like a box. A boring box."
"It's modern minimalism," Weiss said, rolling her eyes. "Efficient, clean, and practical."
Ruby tilted her head, squinting at the house. "I don't know… it feels like it's missing something. Like… personality?"
Blake leaned against the van, her golden eyes scanning the building. "It's nice, but it doesn't feel very… us."
Yang walked up to the door and gave it a playful knock. "Yeah, I'd say this one's a no. I don't wanna live in a house that feels like it's judging me."
Weiss sighed dramatically. "You're impossible."
The next stop was a large, old Victorian house in a quiet part of town. The paint was faded, and the yard was overgrown, but the house itself looked structurally sound.
"This place has potential," Blake said as they stepped inside.
The interior was spacious, with high ceilings, wooden floors, and intricate details in the molding and staircase. Ruby's eyes lit up as she spun around the large living room.
"This is so cool!" Ruby said, running her fingers along the banister. "It feels like something out of a storybook!"
Yang grinned. "I'll admit, it's got charm."
Weiss tapped her chin thoughtfully. "It would need a lot of work, but if we're willing to put in the effort, it could be incredible."
The group split up to explore the house. As Ruby checked out the upstairs, she paused by a window and caught sight of Yang and Blake standing outside near a small pond in the backyard.
Blake leaned against a tree, her arms crossed as Yang stood close, talking softly. Yang reached up and brushed a strand of hair away from Blake's face, her grin softening into something more genuine. Blake's usual stoic expression melted into a faint, warm smile as they stood together, the world around them seeming to fade away.
Ruby's eyes went wide. Her cheeks flushed as she realized she was witnessing something private. Turning quickly, she bolted down the stairs, nearly colliding with Weiss.
"What's gotten into you?" Weiss asked, raising an eyebrow.
Ruby grabbed her arm and dragged her toward the front door. "Uh, nothing! Let's, um, check out the front yard. Yeah! The front yard. Super important!"
Weiss gave her a confused look but allowed herself to be pulled outside. "Ruby, what are you—"
"Don't ask," Ruby interrupted, her face beet red.
Their next stop was in a slightly older neighborhood, where the houses showed their age but still held a certain charm. One house, in particular, caught Weiss's attention. It was tall and narrow, with a faintly gothic aesthetic.
"This one looks… unique," Weiss said as she approached the door.
Yang leaned back against the van. "Unique is one way to put it. Creepy is another."
"It's fine," Weiss said, brushing off the comment. She turned the doorknob and stepped inside. The house was dim, with faded wallpaper and a musty smell that suggested it hadn't been lived in for years.
Weiss ventured further inside, peeking into the rooms. As she opened a door at the end of the hall, her breath caught. A tall, shadowy figure stood in the corner, unmoving.
Weiss let out an ear-piercing scream, spinning on her heel and bolting out of the house. She raced past her teammates and dove into the van, slamming the door behind her.
Yang, Ruby, and Blake stared after her in shock before bursting into laughter.
"What happened?" Yang managed between fits of giggles.
"I think she saw a ghost!" Ruby said, clutching her sides.
Blake peeked inside the house, her golden eyes narrowing. She stepped back out a moment later with a smirk. "It's just a coat rack."
Yang doubled over, wiping tears from her eyes. "A coat rack?!"
Inside the van, Weiss buried her face in her hands. "I thought it was a person!"
Ruby leaned against the van, still laughing. "It's okay, Weiss. Happens to the best of us."
"No, it does not," Weiss muttered, her cheeks red.
By the end of the day, they had a small list of potential homes and plenty of memories to laugh about. As they loaded back into the van, Yang started the engine with a grin.
ROAD
The van cruised down the winding road, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows through the trees that lined the path. The hum of the engine filled the cabin, blending with the faint sound of music from the radio. It was a peaceful drive, the kind of moment where nothing needed to be said.
Blake sat in the back, her Scroll open as she read, occasionally glancing out the window at the passing scenery. Weiss was perched in the passenger seat beside Yang, her posture as upright as ever, though her gaze softened as she stared out at the trees. Ruby, meanwhile, had the passenger window rolled all the way down, her silver eyes sparkling with excitement as the wind whipped through her hair.
"I forgot how much I love road trips," Ruby said, leaning her head out the window slightly. "The breeze, the view… it's so freeing!"
Yang smirked, her hands steady on the wheel. "Careful, Rubes. Don't get too free, or you'll—"
Before she could finish, Ruby leaned out further, spreading her arms to feel the wind rush past her.
"Woohoo!" Ruby yelled, her voice carrying over the sound of the wind.
But then the van hit a slight bump, and Ruby, caught off guard, slid further out the window. Her eyes widened in panic as her upper body nearly tipped out of the van entirely.
"AHHH! HELP!" Ruby screamed, her arms flailing as she scrambled for something to grab onto.
"RUBY!" Weiss shouted, lunging forward and grabbing the back of Ruby's cloak. Blake immediately sprang into action, grabbing Ruby's waist and pulling her back into the van with surprising strength.
Ruby tumbled into her seat, her face red and her hair windswept in every direction. She clutched her chest, breathing heavily as Weiss and Blake stared at her, wide-eyed.
"Ruby Rose!" Weiss snapped, her voice sharp with exasperation. "What were you thinking?! You could have fallen out!"
Ruby raised her hands defensively, her cheeks still flushed. "I-I didn't think I'd lean that far! The wind was stronger than I thought!"
Blake sighed, shaking her head as she adjusted her seatbelt. "Next time, maybe don't lean out of a moving vehicle. Just a suggestion."
From the driver's seat, Yang was laughing so hard she had to pull over to avoid veering off the road. She slapped the steering wheel, tears streaming down her face. "Oh my gosh, Ruby, your face! That was priceless!"
Ruby pouted, crossing her arms as Weiss continued to scold her. "It's not funny, Yang! I almost died!"
Yang wiped a tear from her eye, her grin widening. "You didn't, though! And it was hilarious. I'm never letting you live this down."
Ruby groaned, sinking into her seat as Blake reached over to pat her on the shoulder, her expression somewhere between amused and concerned.
Weiss pinched the bridge of her nose, muttering under her breath. "This road trip is going to be the death of me."
Yang finally calmed down enough to get the van moving again, her laughter tapering off into occasional chuckles. Ruby, meanwhile, sulked for a few minutes before eventually cracking a small smile herself.
"Okay," Ruby said quietly. "Maybe it was a little funny."
Yang glanced at her sister with a wide grin. "That's the spirit, Rubes. Road trips are all about making memories… even the ones that almost kill you."
The van rolled on, the laughter and teasing filling the cabin as the campsite grew closer with every mile.
CAMPSITE
The campfire crackled softly, casting flickering light against the darkening trees surrounding the campsite. A gentle breeze carried the scent of burning wood and the faint, earthy aroma of the forest. Nearby, a waterfall cascaded into a shimmering lake, its surface reflecting the last hues of the sunset as day began to give way to night.
Ruby swam leisurely in the lake, her laughter echoing off the rocks as she splashed and twirled in the water. "Weiss! Come on, it's amazing!" she called out, grinning at her teammate.
Perched on a flat rock near the water's edge, Weiss watched Ruby with a small smile, her arms wrapped around her knees. "I'll take your word for it," she said, her tone teasing but warm.
Not far from the lake, Yang stood beneath a tree with Blake perched on her shoulders. The two were trying—unsuccessfully—to hang a lantern on a sturdy branch. Blake reached up, her fingers brushing the branch, but it wasn't quite enough.
"Just a little higher, Yang," Blake said, her tone calm but determined.
Yang grunted, shifting her feet slightly for balance. "I'm trying, but you're heavier than you look, kitty!"
Blake raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a faint smirk. "Careful, Yang."
Yang chuckled, adjusting her grip on Blake's legs. "Hey, I'm just saying—whoa!"
Before they could succeed, Yang lost her balance, and Blake tumbled forward. She landed squarely on top of Yang, the two of them collapsing in a heap on the grass.
For a moment, there was silence, and then they both burst into laughter.
"You okay?" Yang asked between laughs, propping herself up on her elbows.
Blake nodded, her cheeks slightly pink but her smile wide. "I'm fine. Maybe we'll just leave the lantern for now."
Yang grinned, reaching out to take Blake's hand. "Or we can just sit here and enjoy the view. You're way better company anyway."
Blake rolled her eyes but allowed herself to lean against Yang, their hands entwined as they sat together.
From her spot on the rock, Weiss watched the pair with a faint smile. Yang and Blake's happiness was infectious, their bond clear in every look and gesture. But as Weiss's gaze lingered, her smile faltered, fading into a shadow of itself.
The warmth of the campfire and the sound of her teammates' laughter couldn't entirely stave off the cold ache in her chest. The memories crept in, unbidden and unwanted—of a home she could never return to, of a family she could never rebuild.
Her mother, Willow. Her brother, Whitley. Her sister, Winter. All gone.
Weiss swallowed hard, her vision blurring as a single tear slipped down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away with the back of her hand, letting out a shaky breath.
Not now, she thought. Not here.
Turning her attention upward, Weiss lay back on the rock, staring at the stars slowly emerging in the darkening sky. The fractured moon hung high above, its broken pieces casting faint light over the forest. She focused on her breathing, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly, willing herself to calm down.
The laughter of her team filled the air, a reminder that she wasn't alone, even in her grief. She closed her eyes, letting the sounds of the campsite surround her—the crackling fire, the gentle rush of the waterfall, and the voices of her friends.
Tonight wasn't about the past. It was about moving forward, one step at a time.
THE NEXT MORNING
The van rumbled softly as it rolled down the empty morning roads. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a warm golden glow over the forest that surrounded them. Yang was at the wheel, her hands relaxed on the steering wheel as she hummed quietly to herself.
Weiss sat in the passenger seat, the map of the region spread across her lap. Her sharp blue eyes studied it intently, occasionally tracing routes with her finger. Behind them, Ruby was fast asleep, her head lolled against the window, an eye mask shielding her face from the sunlight. Blake sat beside her, headphones on and a book resting in her lap. Her golden eyes were fixed on the pages, but her expression was distant, as though her mind was elsewhere.
"You'll want to take a left at the fork up ahead," Weiss said, her tone calm and precise as she pointed to a spot on the map. "It's the quickest way to the ferry."
Yang glanced at where Weiss was pointing, her brow furrowing slightly. Her grip on the wheel tightened for a moment before she leaned closer to Weiss and whispered, her voice low enough not to carry to the backseat.
"We shouldn't go that way," Yang said, her amber eyes flicking toward Weiss, then back to the road.
Weiss tilted her head, frowning. "Why not? It's the fastest route. We'll save at least an hour."
Yang hesitated, her jaw tightening. Her gaze darted briefly to the rearview mirror, where Blake sat quietly, still immersed in her book. Turning back to Weiss, Yang whispered, "Because of her."
Weiss's confusion lingered for a moment before she followed Yang's glance toward Blake. The realization dawned on her, and her lips parted slightly in understanding.
"Oh," Weiss said softly, her voice barely audible. She folded the map and placed it on her lap. "I see."
Yang nodded, her tone quieter now. "Blake's still… dealing with that place. It's not a good time to go through there. I don't think she's ready."
Weiss pressed her lips together, her usual sharp demeanor softening as she gave a small nod. "Alright. I'll find another route." She unfolded the map again and traced a new path with her finger. "Here," she said, pointing to another route. "It's a little longer, but we'll still make it to the ferry a couple of hours early."
Yang glanced at the map, her expression relaxing. "Thanks, Weiss."
As Weiss folded the map and tucked it away, Yang turned her focus back to the road, the tension in her shoulders easing.
In the back seat, Blake continued to read, her eyes never leaving the pages of her book. But as the quiet conversation at the front of the van faded, her golden eyes glistened. A single tear slid down her cheek, followed by another, silent and unacknowledged.
She had heard everything.
Blake's hands tightened slightly around her book, her chest aching at the thought of the place they had avoided for her sake. Memories she had fought to bury threatened to surface, but she kept her expression calm, letting the tears fall unnoticed.
FERRY
The van pulled into the ferry terminal after nearly two days of driving, stopping, and exploring. The anticipation of finally reaching the next leg of their journey fizzled out as they saw flashing police lights illuminating the scene. Yellow tape cordoned off the area near the ferry dock, and an overturned vehicle sat precariously on the edge of the loading platform.
Yang parked the van and let out a low whistle. "Well, this doesn't look good."
Ruby leaned forward, her silver eyes wide as she stared at the wrecked vehicle. "Is that… a car? On the ferry?"
Nearby, a police officer noticed their arrival and walked over. He was a middle-aged man with a tired expression, clearly worn out by the day's events.
"Afternoon, folks," he said, tipping his hat slightly. "I'm afraid the ferry's out of service for now."
Weiss stepped out of the van, her heels clicking sharply against the asphalt. "What happened here?" she asked, her tone curt.
The officer sighed, scratching the back of his neck. "Drunk driver," he explained. "They were speeding down the road, lost control, and crashed right into the ferry."
Ruby gasped. "Are they okay?"
The officer nodded. "Yeah, they're alive. We airlifted them to Vale's nearest hospital. Lucky for them, no one else got hurt." He shook his head. "But the crash caused some serious damage to the ferry's loading ramp. It's gonna take a bit to get everything operational again."
Weiss pinched the bridge of her nose. "Great. Just great. So the ferry is closed?"
"'Fraid so," the officer replied. "We've got another ferry about two hours down the coast, but by the time you get there, it might already be closed for the night. My advice? Find a place to stay—camp, motel, whatever—and try again tomorrow."
Yang groaned, running a hand through her hair. "Seriously? We've been on the road for two days, and now this?"
"Sorry, ma'am," the officer said sincerely. "Wish I had better news for you." He tipped his hat again. "Good luck, and stay safe out there." With that, he turned and walked back toward the crime scene.
Weiss folded her arms, her lips pressed into a thin line. "The ferry company better refund me for this."
Ruby stepped out of the van, her brow furrowed. "So… what do we do now?"
Blake, leaning against the side of the van, glanced toward Weiss. "You have the map. Got any ideas?"
Weiss opened the map with a frustrated huff, her eyes scanning it quickly. Yang leaned over her shoulder, pointing at a few spots. "We could try to make it to the next ferry, but it's a gamble if it'll still be open."
Blake shrugged. "Or we could find a spot to camp nearby. That cop wasn't wrong—it's late, and driving all night again isn't a great idea."
Ruby nodded. "Yeah, I don't want Yang falling asleep at the wheel."
"I'd never—" Yang started to protest but stopped when Weiss suddenly snapped her fingers.
"Wait!" Weiss said, her eyes lighting up as though struck by inspiration. She folded the map quickly and pointed toward the van. "Drive! I have an idea!"
Yang raised an eyebrow, looking at her skeptically. "What kind of idea?"
"No time to explain," Weiss said firmly, climbing back into the van. "Just drive!"
Ruby and Blake exchanged curious glances before following her. Yang groaned but started the engine.
"This better be good, Weiss," Yang muttered as she pulled out of the ferry terminal and back onto the road.
Weiss simply smirked, sitting with an air of confidence. Whatever her plan was, she clearly wasn't going to give it away just yet.
RIVER
The van rolled to a stop on the edge of the riverbank, the gentle sound of rushing water filling the air. The evening sky was a blend of deep orange and purple, the fading sunlight reflecting off the wide river that separated Sanus from Anima.
Yang turned off the engine and leaned back in her seat, looking at Weiss. "Alright, Ice Queen. We're here. Now tell me—what exactly are you planning?"
Weiss, seated in the passenger seat, didn't answer immediately. She opened her duffel bag and rummaged through it, eventually pulling out a sleek, metallic device shaped like a crown. She held it up for the group to see.
Ruby tilted her head, her silver eyes narrowing as she studied the object. "Uh, Weiss? That looks like… a crown? What is it?"
Weiss turned in her seat, holding the device carefully. "This," she began, her tone laced with both pride and hesitation, "is a prototype I've been working on for the past year. Over that time, I've been learning how to build and operate advanced technology."
Yang raised an eyebrow. "Since when do you make tech?"
Weiss huffed. "I do have other talents, you know. Anyway, this device is designed to enhance and extend one's Semblance. In theory, it allows the user to maintain their Semblance for longer periods without exhausting their Aura."
Ruby's jaw dropped. "Whoa! That's amazing, Weiss! So, like, how much longer are we talking?"
Weiss hesitated, glancing down at the device. "That… I don't know. This is the first time I'll be testing it in real-world conditions."
Blake, seated in the back, narrowed her eyes. "What exactly do you mean by 'test run?'"
Weiss turned her gaze toward the river, her expression calm but determined. "We're going to cross the river to Anima."
Yang, who had been leaning casually against the steering wheel, suddenly sat upright. Her eyes widened as realization dawned. "Wait. Wait a second. You're not seriously suggesting we walk across the river?"
Ruby blinked in confusion. "Wait, what? Walk across the river?"
"Weiss is nuts," Yang said, throwing her hands up. "She wants us to use her tech to walk across the river to Anima!"
Weiss raised a hand to silence the protests. "It's not as reckless as it sounds. My Glyphs are strong enough to support all of us as long as the device works correctly. I am 95% sure this will succeed."
Blake folded her arms, her tone calm but skeptical. "What about the other 5%?"
Weiss hesitated for a split second before muttering under her breath, "…We drown."
Yang stared at her, slack-jawed. "We're dead."
Weiss frowned, clearly annoyed. "Do you have any other ideas, Yang? Because unless you're willing to drive all night and risk missing the next ferry, this is our best option."
Ruby leaned forward, her brows furrowed. "Or… we could camp here for the night and think about the plan. That's an idea, right?"
Blake nodded in agreement. "Plus, I'd like to catch some fish for dinner. We can figure things out after we eat."
Yang smirked, turning to Blake. "You'd eat all the fish yourself."
"True," Blake replied with a faint smile, her tone completely serious.
Weiss let out a long, dramatic sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Fine. We'll camp here for the night. But tomorrow, we're crossing that river."
Ruby grinned. "Great! I'll help set up camp."
As the group began unpacking their gear, Weiss stood at the edge of the river, staring out at the water and the distant view of Anima. Her fingers tightened around the device in her hand. The plan was foolish, yes—but she was determined to make it work.
THE NEXT MORNING
The sun had barely risen above the horizon when Team RWBY stood by the riverbank, the soft sounds of rushing water filling the quiet air. Weiss was crouched beside the van, carefully inspecting the metallic device in her hands. The others stood nearby, watching her with varying levels of curiosity and skepticism.
Yang, arms crossed and eyebrow raised, broke the silence. "Alright, Ice Queen. Exactly what's the plan here?"
Weiss didn't look up, her focus entirely on double-checking the device. "It's quite simple," she said in her usual matter-of-fact tone. "I'm going to summon my giant knight and use it to carry the van across the river to Anima."
Ruby blinked, tilting her head as she imagined the scenario. "Wait. Carry the van? Like, on its back? Or… like an over-the-head lift?"
"Does it matter?" Weiss said, standing and adjusting her gloves. "Either way, it gets us across."
Blake, leaning casually against the van, raised an eyebrow. "Why don't we just go back to the ferry and check if it's open?"
The group went silent, their expressions slowly shifting to raised eyebrows as they turned to Blake.
Realizing what she had just said, Blake straightened, her calm demeanor faltering. "What? It might be open by now!"
Yang smirked, gesturing toward Weiss. "You're telling me we spent all this time listening to this plan, and none of us thought to just… check if the ferry's open again?"
Ruby scratched the back of her head sheepishly. "I mean, we were kinda caught up in the whole 'epic river-crossing' thing."
Blake shrugged, crossing her arms. "It's a valid suggestion."
Weiss sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Fine. We'll compromise. If the ferry is open, we'll cross there. But if it's still closed, we go with my plan." She gestured to the device in her hand. "And believe me, it will work."
Yang chuckled, uncrossing her arms and heading toward the van. "Alright, fair enough. Let's go check the ferry. But Weiss, if we end up drowning in this river, I'm haunting you."
Weiss rolled her eyes, following Yang to the van. "As if I'd let that happen."
Ruby grinned, hopping into the backseat. "Ferry or river, let's get this show on the road!"
Blake slid into her seat beside Ruby, a faint smirk on her face. "Either way, this is going to be interesting."
With that, Yang started the van, and they drove off toward the ferry terminal.
FERRY
The new ferry glided smoothly across the river, its steady hum blending with the gentle sound of the water lapping against the hull. The morning sun reflected off the rippling surface, casting shimmering patterns that danced across the deck.
Weiss stood near the railing, her arms crossed and a look of quiet disappointment etched on her face. The metallic device she had spent so much time perfecting was tucked away in her bag, unused.
Yang leaned casually against the railing beside her, giving Weiss a teasing grin. "Come on, Weiss. Don't look so sour. One day, you'll get to put that fancy crown of yours to good use. Just… not today."
Weiss let out a long sigh, her pristine composure softening slightly. "One day," she repeated, her voice tinged with resignation.
Nearby, Ruby leaned against the railing, her silver eyes fixed on the river. She chuckled softly at the exchange, shaking her head. "You'll get your chance, Weiss," she said over her shoulder. "And when you do, it'll be amazing."
Weiss gave a small nod, the corners of her lips twitching into the faintest hint of a smile.
Ruby turned her attention back to the water, her gaze following the gentle currents as the ferry carried them closer to Anima. The soft sound of the river, the fresh morning air, the calm rhythm of the ferry—it all felt surreal.
Her thoughts drifted as she watched the sunlight play across the surface. It was moments like this they had fought so hard for, moments of peace that seemed impossible during the chaos of the war. Ruby's smile grew as a quiet warmth settled in her chest.
The wind tugged lightly at her hair, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she let herself breathe deeply, appreciating the calm that surrounded them.
They had earned this. Every peaceful moment, no matter how small, was a reminder of what they had sacrificed for a better future. And as the ferry drew closer to the distant shore, Ruby silently promised herself to treasure each one.
