PATCH
Taiyang knelt in the garden, carefully patting down the soil around the base of a growing stalk, his hands dirtied but steady. The sun shone warmly overhead, casting a golden light over the small plot of land that Ruby and Yang had been tending before they left. He let out a satisfied hum, leaning back on his heels as he surveyed the plants, feeling a small sense of pride. He may not have been an expert, but at least he was keeping them alive.
Nearby, Zwei barked happily, his tail wagging as he trotted around Taiyang, sensing the accomplishment in his master's demeanor.
Taiyang chuckled. "Not bad, huh, buddy? Maybe I actually have a green thumb after all."
Zwei barked again in agreement, his tiny paws pattering against the soil as he spun in excitement.
Then, suddenly, he stopped.
His ears flattened, his tail lowering between his legs. The excitement vanished from the little corgi as a low whimper escaped him.
Taiyang's brow furrowed. "Hey, what's wrong?"
Then, he heard it.
A distant, muffled boom.
It was faint, barely registering at first. But the ground beneath him trembled ever so slightly, a subtle vibration traveling up through his boots.
His body went rigid.
Taiyang stood up quickly, scanning his surroundings. Nothing seemed off—no movement in the trees, no sign of danger nearby. But then, another faint explosion carried across the air. This time, closer.
Taiyang's stomach twisted.
Without hesitation, he broke into a sprint, racing across the yard and toward the nearby cliffside. Zwei followed behind him, his ears still pinned back, whimpering.
As Taiyang reached the edge of the cliff, his breath caught in his throat.
Vale was under attack.
In the distance, dark shapes moved toward the city, an endless swarm of Grimm pouring toward the towering walls. Smoke had already begun rising into the sky, fires raging in different parts of the city.
And above it all, something hovered.
A figure, cloaked in fire, floating high above the battlefield.
The flames billowed outward, raining destruction upon the city below.
Taiyang's eyes widened, his heartbeat thundering in his chest.
His daughters weren't here.
They were miles away.
Vale was alone.
His hands fumbled for his Scroll, his fingers shaking as he quickly dialed. Somebody had to be warned. Somebody had to stop this.
As the call began to connect, another explosion erupted in the distance, shaking the ground beneath him.
Taiyang gritted his teeth.
"Come on… Pick up."
AIRSHIP
Jaune stood near the airship's comm station, his Scroll pressed to his ear. His expression was serious but relieved as he nodded to the voice on the other end.
"Thanks again," he said, his voice firm but grateful. "We owe you one. See you in Vale."
Ending the call, he slipped his Scroll into his pocket and turned toward the others. Team RWBY and Winter stood near the front of the airship, their focus locked on the approaching horizon.
"Pyrrha, Ren, and Nora are already en route to help defend Vale," Jaune announced, his tone steady.
Blake, who had been checking her own Scroll, nodded. "I got in contact with Sun. He's gathering fighters as we speak. Knowing him, they're probably already halfway there."
Winter, standing at the helm, kept her hands on the controls. "I also managed to convince the Atlesian Council to send reinforcements," she added. "They'll have air support and ground forces on standby—just in case."
Weiss turned to her sister. "How much longer until we reach Vale?"
Winter glanced at the flight readings. "Less than an hour."
Before anyone could respond, the sharp ring of a Scroll broke through the air.
Qrow, who had been dozing in a seat near the back, grumbled as he pulled his Scroll from his coat. "Yeah, yeah, I got it…" He pressed the answer button and muttered, "Hello?"
A beat of silence.
Then his entire posture stiffened. His normally lax demeanor vanished.
The group watched as his face shifted from mild irritation to sheer urgency.
Qrow looked up sharply, locking eyes with Winter. "We need to get to Vale. Now."
Ruby's stomach dropped. "What's wrong?"
Instead of answering, Qrow quickly tapped his Scroll, projecting a holographic news feed for everyone to see.
The screen flickered to life, showing Lisa Lavender standing in the streets of Vale. The city behind her was in chaos—people running, Grimm rampaging through the streets, buildings burning in the distance. Her voice was steady, but the panic in her eyes was evident.
"This is Lisa Lavender, reporting live from Vale, where the city has once again fallen under siege. A massive Grimm incursion is currently underway, the source of which remains unknown at this time. The creatures appeared suddenly, converging on the city from multiple directions, overwhelming defenses in a matter of minutes."
The camera panned behind her, capturing a swarm of Grimm tearing through the city. Beowolves, Beringels, Griffons, and even a massive Goliath stormed through the streets, crushing everything in its path. Smoke billowed into the air, blotting out parts of the skyline.
Lisa continued, her voice rising over the chaos. "Authorities are urging all citizens to seek shelter immediately. Huntsmen and Huntresses are mobilizing in an attempt to contain the threat, but the sheer number of Grimm is making containment difficult. At this time, we do not know if this attack is connected to previous incidents, but reports indicate—"
Gunfire rang out in the distance, followed by the roars of Grimm.
Lisa turned sharply toward the sound, her grip on her microphone tightening. "Vale's police force is currently engaged in battle against the Grimm. We are going to try to get a closer look. Cameraman, stay low—let's not make ourselves a target."
The camera's view shifted as the crew moved toward the conflict. From their vantage point behind a half-collapsed building, the footage showed officers barricaded behind vehicles, firing at the oncoming Beowolves and Ursai. Their gunfire was barely holding the creatures at bay.
Lisa crouched beside a fallen light pole, gesturing for the camera to keep rolling. "The police are doing their best to hold back the Grimm, but without trained Huntsmen, they're struggling to keep the line. They are clearly overwhelmed—"
A sudden shift in the camera angle made Lisa whip around.
Her cameraman had stepped out of cover.
He adjusted the focus on his lens, aiming directly at the battle. "This looks amazing!"
Lisa's eyes widened in panic. "Are you mental? Hide!"
The cameraman barely glanced at her, waving her off. "But we need action shots!"
Lisa moved to pull him back behind cover, but then—
The camera froze mid-focus.
A shadow loomed into the frame.
She was there.
A figure hovered high above the battlefield, flames cascading around her like a raging inferno. Her eyes burned with an inhuman glow, her very presence radiating destruction.
The cameraman let out a horrified gasp.
Lisa barely had time to react before she saw Cinder's head turn toward them.
Lisa's hand shot out, grabbing the cameraman's sleeve. "Run—"
Cinder thrust her hand forward.
A massive surge of fire erupted, engulfing the screen.
The camera jolted violently. A scream was heard.
Then—static.
Silence filled the airship.
Winter turned sharply back to the controls. "I'll contact Ironwood and the other airships. I'll get us there as fast as possible."
She flicked several switches, the engines roaring louder as the airship picked up speed.
She then turned back to the group, her expression grave.
"Get ready."
Ruby clenched her fists, her heart pounding.
It was really happening.
VALE
Velvet burst out of her father's house, her heart pounding as the distant sounds of screams and destruction filled the air. Her breath caught as she reached the edge of the street—the residential district was under attack.
Grimm tore through the neighborhood, shattering windows, toppling streetlights, and ripping through parked vehicles. The roads, once peaceful, were now filled with terrified civilians scrambling for shelter.
She tightened her grip on her weapon.
A low growl made her snap her head to the side.
A Beowolf crouched at the end of the street, its glowing red eyes locked onto her, clawed hands scraping against the pavement.
Velvet didn't hesitate.
Her fingers flickered over her weapon, and a hard-light projection formed instantly—a perfect replica of Crescent Rose.
Ruby's weapon.
Velvet's expression hardened.
With a determined step forward, she shifted her stance, pulling the massive scythe into position. The Beowolf snarled and lunged.
Velvet charged to meet it.
BEACON - ACADEMY
At the edge of Beacon Academy's courtyard, Ozpin stood still, his eyes locked onto the city below. Smoke billowed from multiple districts, fires spreading rapidly as Grimm rampaged through the streets. Even from this distance, he could hear the faint sounds of screams, gunfire, and destruction.
Beside him, Glynda Goodwitch tightened her grip on her riding crop, her normally composed expression filled with tension.
"This is worse than anything we've seen before," she muttered, her gaze sharp and unblinking.
Ozpin exhaled slowly, turning slightly to glance over his shoulder. Behind him, the returning Beacon professors stood at the ready, weapons drawn, their faces set with determination.
Among them, Dr. Oobleck adjusted his glasses, gripping his thermos tightly, while Professor Port rested his axe on his shoulder, his usual jovial demeanor replaced with grim resolve.
Ozpin's eyes swept further, landing on an unexpected sight—several construction workers, the same men and women who had spent months rebuilding Beacon, now standing among the professors.
They weren't Huntsmen.
They weren't soldiers.
Yet, there they were, gripping massive tools—sledgehammers, reinforced drills, welding torches—anything they could use as weapons.
Ozpin raised an eyebrow in approval. Even in the face of terror, people were still willing to fight.
With a final glance toward the burning city, Ozpin turned toward the airship parked nearby. "Let's not waste any more time."
Without hesitation, everyone moved, heading toward the ship as its engines hummed to life, preparing to take them straight into the battle for Vale.
FERRY
The ferry rocked violently, the waves churning as Griffons swooped down from the sky, their talons slashing at the deck. The sounds of gunfire, clashing steel, and battle cries filled the air as Huntsmen, Huntresses, and volunteers fought desperately to keep the Grimm from tearing the ferry apart before they reached Vale.
Taiyang moved swiftly across the deck, his dual claws gleaming in the flickering light of muzzle flashes and fire. The wrist-mounted devices on his arms pulsed as he fired off rounds between slashes, expertly weaving between enemies, his strikes quick and brutal.
A Griffon dove toward a Huntress struggling to reload her rifle. Taiyang was on it in an instant, leaping forward and catching its wing with a brutal slash. The beast shrieked as its wing was torn, crashing onto the deck. With a swift motion, Taiyang spun his claws into position, aimed, and fired two precise shots into its skull. The creature twitched once before falling still.
A volunteer near him—a young man wielding a modified harpoon gun—gasped as another Griffon barreled toward him. Taiyang intercepted it, slamming both claws into its chest and firing point-blank. The Grimm's screech echoed into the stormy air before it disintegrated into wisps of black smoke.
Taiyang barely took a breath before another wave descended upon the ship, forcing the fighters to brace themselves once more.
Between strikes, Taiyang glanced toward the horizon.
Vale was getting closer.
But so was the destruction.
From this distance, he could see dark plumes of smoke twisting into the sky. Fires raged across multiple districts. The city was already burning.
His jaw clenched.
They weren't fast enough.
Gritting his teeth, Taiyang turned back toward the battle and launched himself at the next incoming Grimm. They had to get there.
And they had to get there now.
SKY
The fleet of airships from Mistral soared through the sky, their engines roaring as they cut through the thick clouds toward Vale. The city was now in full view—smoke billowed from multiple districts, fires burned unchecked, and countless Grimm swarmed through the streets. Even from the air, the destruction was overwhelming.
Inside their airship, Team RWBY, Jaune, Winter, and Qrow stood near the cargo bay doors, gearing up for the drop. The auto-pilot system guided them steadily toward their target.
Winter stood at the helm, eyes sharp as she turned to face the group. "We'll be heading for the Vale Skyline. Once we reach the drop zone, we'll parachute straight into downtown."
Ruby tightened the straps of her gear, her hands steady despite the weight pressing down on her chest. They had been preparing for this, but now that they were here, the reality of the battle ahead settled heavily in her gut.
Before she could dwell on it, movement in the distance caught her attention.
More airships were joining the fleet.
At first, she recognized the Atlesian symbol adorning several of them—Winter's reinforcements had arrived. Then her eyes drifted to a couple of ships bearing the Vacuo emblem.
Weiss also took notice. "Vacuo?"
Then Ruby spotted another—one that made her heart skip a beat.
A ship bearing the Beacon emblem.
And one more.
She squinted. Unlike the others, this ship had no official insignia. Instead, across its hull, in bold, messy handwriting…
"Is that…" Ruby tilted her head. "Did someone just write 'Argus' on that one?"
Yang let out a laugh, shaking her head. "That's gotta be Nora's handiwork."
Weiss let out a rare chuckle. "That's… ridiculous."
Jaune smirked. "Sounds about right."
The moment of levity was short-lived.
Blake, who had been scanning the horizon, suddenly tensed. Her sharp eyes caught movement—fast and approaching.
A swarm of winged Grimm.
"HANG ON!" she shouted.
A second later, the entire airship shuddered violently as the creatures descended upon them.
One of the Mistral airships veered sharply as a massive winged Grimm slammed into its side. The impact ripped through the hull, and a deafening explosion erupted from the wing.
The airship lurched uncontrollably, spiraling downward toward the burning city below.
From their own ship, Team RWBY, Jaune, Winter, and Qrow watched in horror as the vessel plummeted, its metal frame twisting and breaking apart. The panicked voices of soldiers and Huntsmen filled the radio comms before a final burst of static silenced them.
The ship was gone.
Ruby felt her stomach drop.
Her breathing grew shallow, her mind racing as she sat down quickly on one of the benches, gripping the strap of her harness like a lifeline.
"Come on…" she whispered.
The engines roared as their airship sped forward, dodging incoming Grimm as the fleet pushed toward Vale.
"Come on…" she repeated, her hands shaking slightly.
Her silver eyes darted to the approaching skyline.
They were almost there.
She shut her eyes for a brief second, swallowing down her fear.
"Come on."
The fleet of airships maneuvered sharply, doing their best to avoid the relentless swarm of Grimm. The Atlesian ships, armed with large-caliber guns, unleashed thunderous barrages from their side cannons, tearing through the sky, sending blackened remains of Beowolves and Griffons tumbling to the city below.
Onboard the Beacon airship, Glynda Goodwitch stood at the open back door, her riding crop crackling with energy as she lashed out with her semblance. Waves of telekinetic force crushed incoming Griffons mid-flight, while her precise strikes sent smaller Grimm spiraling out of the air, their bodies shattering upon impact.
Despite their efforts, the sky was still thick with enemies.
At the helm of their airship, Winter's eyes hardened as she spotted a dense cluster of winged Grimm directly ahead—a small horde rushing toward them at terrifying speed.
Without hesitation, she gripped the controls tightly, yanking them upward.
The ship veered violently, narrowly avoiding a collision as the Grimm swooped beneath them, their snarls and shrieks reverberating through the hull.
Winter's hands moved swiftly, flicking a switch that began lowering the back cargo doors. Wind howled through the cabin, whipping at everyone inside.
"Go!" she ordered, her voice sharp over the chaos.
The team froze for only a moment, bracing themselves as the ship rocked from another close hit.
Weiss turned to Winter, her hands tightening into fists. "What about you?!"
Winter's expression didn't waver. She remained firm at the controls, guiding the ship through the battlefield.
"I'll be behind you in a minute," she assured, her tone steady and unwavering.
Weiss hesitated. She wanted to stay. She needed to stay—just in case.
Winter turned her head slightly, her gaze softening just enough.
"Go," she said gently, yet firmly. "I'll be okay."
Weiss clenched her jaw.
Then, without another word, she turned and jumped.
One by one, the team followed, launching themselves into the air as their parachutes deployed, sending them gliding down into the burning city below.
Weiss breathed heavily, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she descended toward the burning city below. The roaring wind whipped against her, her parachute catching the heat from the fires raging beneath her. She clenched her jaw, trying to control her descent, but her eyes flickered upward just in time to see Winter's airship veering sharply, dodging an oncoming cluster of Grimm. It swerved dangerously, but at the last second, Winter managed to pull away safely, disappearing into the smoke-filled sky.
Weiss barely had time to register relief before a burst of heat engulfed her from below.
Flames raged upward from a collapsing building, the fire licking dangerously close. She twisted her body just in time to avoid a direct hit, but the edge of her parachute wasn't as lucky. The heat ate through the fabric, scorching a hole that quickly widened, sending her plummeting at a dangerous speed.
Her heart pounded as she fought against the uncontrolled fall, her grip tightening around Myrtenaster. With a swift motion, she sliced through the parachute's bindings, freeing herself just before the ruined fabric could drag her further into the inferno.
As soon as she was loose, she summoned a flurry of Glyphs beneath her, one after another, creating a stepping path of glowing white platforms that rapidly slowed her descent. The final Glyph flickered beneath her feet, allowing her to land with a light but urgent step on the rooftop of a partially damaged building.
Weiss didn't stop moving. Her sharp blue eyes darted around the cityscape, scanning for the others.
In the distance, she spotted Ruby landing nearby, rolling out of her parachute with practiced ease. Jaune wasn't as graceful, stumbling slightly before righting himself. Blake and Yang landed further down, Blake's agility allowing her to stick the landing while Yang hit the ground with force but little concern.
One by one, they were regrouping, but the battle had already begun.
Weiss could hear the chaos below—screams, roars, and the distant echo of explosions.
A lone crow soared through the smoke-filled sky, its dark feathers cutting through the haze. Weiss barely gave it a second glance until *another bird joined it—*a raven. Her breath caught for a split second, recognizing the distinct red markings on its wings.
Qrow.
And… someone else.
A strange unease settled in her chest, but now wasn't the time for questions. She shook the thought away, refocusing on the battle unfolding below.
Summoning a series of Glyphs beneath her, Weiss leaped from the rooftop, her movements precise as she landed gracefully on the cracked pavement. The instant her boots hit the ground, she was running.
The city was engulfed in chaos—Grimm crawled from alleyways, stormed through streets, and tore through abandoned vehicles as civilians screamed in the distance. Weiss cut through the battlefield, her rapier striking down stray Creatures of Grimm as she made her way toward Ruby.
Suddenly, a shadow lunged at her from the side.
A Beowulf, larger than most, swiped at her with its massive claws. Weiss barely had time to twist her body, but the force sent her skidding backward, her heels digging into the dirt.
As she pushed herself up, she saw the Beowulf raising its claw again, ready to finish her off.
Then—a powerful kick slammed into its head, sending it flying.
Weiss blinked in surprise, quickly turning to see her rescuer.
Velvet.
Her feet glowed with light, the projection *shifting and reforming with every movement—*it looked like Mercury's boots.
Velvet rushed forward, her movements blindingly fast. The Beowulf, now recovering, lunged at her, but she jumped—twisting midair and delivering a powerful axe kick that cracked its skull upon impact.
The creature stumbled, howling in pain, but Velvet didn't stop.
The projections on her feet shifted, resembling Mercury's spinning heel blades, and with a single pivot, she unleashed a flurry of rapid kicks, striking the Beowulf's head, neck, and ribs in rapid succession. The Grimm staggered, its body barely holding together from the force of her blows.
A gunshot rang out.
The Beowulf's head snapped back as a sniper round tore through it, shattering its mask-like face into pieces before it collapsed and disintegrated into black mist.
Weiss turned to see Ruby lowering Crescent Rose, its barrel still smoking.
"You okay?" Ruby called, running up as she slashed through a smaller Grimm in her path.
Weiss nodded, already back on her feet. "Fine—thanks to her." She gestured toward Velvet.
Velvet turned slightly, flashing a grin despite the chaos. "Glad I was here in time."
The moment of calm was short-lived.
A new wave of Grimm surged forward, clawing over wreckage and leaping from rooftops, their glowing red eyes locked onto them.
Velvet exhaled, her stance shifting as the light on her boots pulsed again. "Guess I'll be borrowing a few more moves, then."
Weiss spun Myrtenaster in her hand, summoning a burst of ice dust at her fingertips.
Ruby flipped Crescent Rose into scythe form, the blade gleaming in the firelight.
The Grimm rushed them.
SKY
Winter gritted her teeth, hands steady on the controls as she swerved the airship violently, dodging incoming Grimm that swarmed through the sky. She flicked a switch, opening her comms.
"Ironwood, report!"
Static crackled before his gruff voice came through. "We've landed and are engaging the Grimm two miles from the city center. The forces are heavy, but we're holding the line."
Winter exhaled sharply, gripping the yoke tighter. "Understood. I—"
CRASH!
A Griffon slammed into the cockpit, shattering glass and sending the airship lurching sideways. The force threw Winter against the control panel, sparks flying as alarms blared throughout the cabin.
The Grimm snarled, its sharp talons tearing through metal as it lunged at her.
Winter acted on instinct.
She drew her sword in a single, fluid motion, twisting her body just in time to parry the Griffon's talons. Sparks flashed as its claws scraped against her blade, but Winter pushed forward, slashing across its chest.
The Grimm howled, black ichor spilling from the gash, but it recovered quickly, its beady red eyes gleaming with rage.
Winter pivoted, sidestepping its next swipe before slamming the pommel of her sword into its skull, causing it to stagger.
Wasting no time, she summoned a Glyph beneath her feet, propelling herself forward. Her sword flashed in an arc, slicing through the Griffon's wing.
The Grimm shrieked, its balance failing as it flapped erratically, but before Winter could land the finishing blow—
The airship spun violently.
Her breath hitched as the ship rolled midair, sending her body flying toward the gaping hole in the cockpit.
There was no time to react.
Winter was ripped from the ship, plummeting through the air.
The ground rushed toward her at a terrifying speed, and though she managed to twist her body to brace for impact, the force still slammed her into the dirt with brutal force.
Her Aura flickered violently, cracks flashing across the protective glow before fading.
Dazed, Winter gasped, struggling to push herself up.
Her vision blurred, ringing echoing in her ears. Her body screamed in protest, but she forced herself to focus.
Then, she saw them.
A small pack of Grimm had already noticed her.
They stalked forward, glowing eyes locked onto their vulnerable prey.
Winter gritted her teeth, forcing her limbs to move—but her body was still too slow, too weak.
The Grimm lunged—
And then, a familiar voice rang out.
"I am here to defend my friend!"
A blur of green and orange landed in front of her.
Winter blinked in disbelief.
Penny.
The android stepped forward, her swords whirling in midair, forming a rotating barrier of steel. The Grimm clashed against her defenses, their attacks bouncing off the energy shield she had created.
Then, with a flick of her wrists, Penny sent her blades outward.
They cut through the pack effortlessly, slashing clean through bone and sinew. The Grimm barely had time to react before their bodies disintegrated into nothing.
As the last creature faded into black mist, Penny turned on her heels and rushed back to Winter.
She crouched down, scanning Winter's face with intense focus.
Penny's eyes flickered, processing information.
"Mild bruising. Minor abrasions. Slight disorientation." She placed a hand under Winter's chin, tilting her head slightly. "No signs of concussion! Verdict: You are still capable of combat!"
Winter sighed heavily, pressing a hand against her forehead. "Thank you, Doctor Penny."
Penny beamed. "You are very welcome!"
Winter stared at her for a long moment before suddenly pulling Penny into a tight hug.
"It is good to see you again, my friend," she murmured.
Penny blinked before her expression softened. She wrapped her arms around Winter in return.
"I missed you too, Winter."
STREET
The roar of battle echoed through the streets as Jaune fought alongside Team RWBY and Velvet, slicing through the Grimm that swarmed the area. His sword clashed against the tough hide of a Beowulf, driving it back before he pivoted, raising his shield just in time to block a set of claws swiping toward him.
Then, a loud boom shook the air.
Jaune grinned instantly—he knew that sound.
Turning, he saw Nora soaring through the sky, her hammer held high above her head.
"WOOOOOOOO!" she cheered as she came crashing down, Magnhild smashing into a massive Grimm's skull, sending a shockwave through the street. The Grimm let out a final shriek before collapsing into black mist.
Ren landed gracefully beside her, his StormFlower blades already drawn, while Pyrrha followed close behind, spear in hand, her shield raised defensively.
Nora spun Magnhild onto her shoulder, beaming. "FINALLY! Some action! Do you guys know how BORING Argus was?!"
Ren sighed, already expecting this. "Nora, we visited so many places in Argus. You screamed with excitement in every single one of them."
Nora huffed, flipping her hammer. "I was only pretending to be excited, Ren! I did it for you!"
Ren opened his mouth to argue, then thought better of it, shaking his head as he parried an incoming Grimm.
Pyrrha, in the midst of blocking an attack, glanced at Jaune. "So, what's new?" she asked, grunting as she shoved the Grimm back.
Jaune swiped his sword across a lunging Beowulf, then shrugged. "Not much. Just, y'know… gotten better at fighting, flew on an airship without getting airsick for the first time—"
"That's great!" Pyrrha said, straining as she clashed blades with another Grimm.
"And… me and Ru—"
Before Jaune could finish, a hand clamped over his mouth.
"Not while she's shielding a Grimm attack!" Ruby hissed, keeping her hand firmly in place as Pyrrha struggled against a Ursa.
Pyrrha narrowed her eyes but, after one precise strike, she knocked the Ursa back and finished it off with a well-placed thrust.
Then, she turned to Jaune, raising a brow.
"I already know," Pyrrha said, a knowing smirk forming. "Nora showed me the pictures of you two together."
Jaune's eyes widened in betrayal as he turned to Nora. "NORA! I wanted to tell her myself!"
Nora let out a nervous chuckle, twirling Magnhild in her hands. "Eheh… Look, that Grimm over there is totally running away from me! I better chase it down!" She rushed off before Jaune could say another word.
Nearby, Yang punched a charging Grimm square in the face, sending it crashing to the ground with a heavy thud.
"HEY! CAN WE TALK ABOUT THIS LATER?!" she shouted, breathing heavily as she cracked her knuckles. "IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T NOTICED, WE'RE IN THE MIDDLE OF A GRIMM INVASION!"
Blake, still catching her breath, smirked as she fanned the panting Yang with her hand. "Save your anger for Cinder," she teased, before leaning in to give Yang a quick peck on the cheek.
Yang's frustration melted instantly, replaced by a flustered grin. "Well… I mean, you make a good point…"
Pyrrha turned back to Ruby, still smiling fondly. "Since when?"
Ruby, dusting off her cloak after another fight, glanced at Jaune and grinned. "Couple of days ago."
Before Pyrrha could respond, Velvet's voice rang out.
"Heads up! We've got incoming!"
The group turned to see a small horde of Grimm rushing toward them, their snarls echoing through the streets.
Without hesitation, they all moved.
Weapons at the ready.
Time to fight.
PARK
Winter sliced through a Beowulf's skull with ease, spinning on her heel to parry the next attacker. The battlefield was chaos, the streets thick with smoke and scattered debris. Grimm poured in from all directions, their guttural growls and piercing shrieks filling the air.
Nearby, Penny zipped through the sky, moving with mechanical precision as she weaved between the swooping Griffons. Her swords hovered around her like a protective shield, slashing through any creature that got too close.
Winter, seeing a fresh wave of Grimm charging down the street, took a sharp breath and lowered her sword.
A brilliant blue Glyph materialized in the air before her, crackling with energy as it forged the shape of a glowing arrow.
Winter's smirk was razor-sharp as she seized the arrow and launched it forward.
The projectile pierced through the first Grimm instantly, then ricocheted to the next, and the next, cutting through the pack with deadly efficiency. Each creature fell apart in bursts of black mist, their snarls dying out before they could even reach her.
The arrow whipped through the air, completing its cycle before soaring back toward her hand.
Winter caught it effortlessly, already turning her attention to another incoming horde.
She released the arrow again, sending it streaking forward, carving through the next wave of Grimm like a blade through silk.
Above, Penny was surrounded.
Griffons circled her, their jagged wings slicing through the air as they screeched and dived toward her from all angles.
Penny's expression remained calm.
With a quick motion, she activated multiple small devices, flinging them into the air.
The tiny gadgets latched onto the Grimm, their blinking lights indicating a countdown.
Penny twisted midair, dodging a claw swipe before reaching into her storage compartment. She extracted a single device, clicked a button—
BOOM.
The sky lit up with synchronized explosions, the Griffons detonating mid-flight, their bodies reduced to flickering embers before dissolving completely.
Winter, witnessing the spectacle, glanced up with approval—just before Penny swooped down and grabbed her by the waist.
Winter's eyes narrowed. "Penny—"
"I am relocating you to a safer position!" Penny declared cheerfully, already carrying her off the ground.
Winter sighed but didn't resist. "Head to Ruby and the others."
Penny, tilting her head slightly, asked, "Where are they?"
Winter exhaled sharply, gripping her sword tightly as she pointed toward the city's wreckage.
"Just find them."
Blake swung Gambol Shroud with precision, her blade slicing cleanly through a charging Beowulf as she twisted away from another attacker. The battlefield was chaotic, but her movements were fluid, honed by years of experience.
Amidst the battle, something caught her eye.
A flash of green hair.
It was quick—just a flicker in the corner of her vision—but enough to make her pause.
Her amber eyes narrowed as she whipped her gaze toward a nearby building.
Through the dust-covered glass of a shattered window, she saw it again.
A figure moved past the window, vanishing deeper inside.
Blake's grip tightened around her weapon, her instincts on high alert.
"That hair…" she muttered under her breath.
It was too familiar to ignore.
For a moment, the battle faded into the background, her focus zeroing in on the building.
Whoever it was—they weren't just a civilian.
They were watching.
And Blake intended to find out why.
BUILDING
"COME ON, EM! WE HAVE TO GO!"
Emerald's hands fumbled as she shoved supplies into a bag, her mind racing. The air reeked of smoke and destruction, and the distant screams from the ongoing battle outside only made her panic worse.
She whirled around, eyes wide, as a sudden light flooded the room.
Her heart skipped a beat—until she saw Mercury standing in the doorway, arms crossed, his usual smirk missing.
"We need to leave. Now," Mercury urged, stepping forward.
Emerald hesitated, her fingers still clenched around the strap of her bag. "Why?" she demanded.
Mercury's expression darkened. "Cinder got what she wanted," he said, voice low. "We're not part of the plan anymore."
Emerald's stomach twisted.
She didn't need Mercury to say it outright—she already knew what that meant.
Cinder had abandoned them.
They were expendable.
Emerald gritted her teeth, trying to ignore the sting of betrayal as she hurried after Mercury.
The two of them moved swiftly, ducking through alleyways, their boots splashing through puddles of soot-stained water as they tried to avoid the chaos.
After a few minutes, Emerald skidded to a stop, breathing heavily. "Do you even know a way out of the city?" she asked.
Mercury barely spared her a glance. "Winging it."
Emerald's eye twitched.
"WINGING IT?!" she hissed.
Mercury shrugged. "Just because we escaped jail doesn't mean I didn't make some connections while I was there."
Before Emerald could snap at him again, a whip-like sound cracked through the air.
Something wrapped around Mercury's neck.
His eyes bulged as he was yanked backward, his body slamming into the ground with a harsh thud.
"Merc!" Emerald gasped, stepping back.
She barely had time to process what was happening before a figure dropped down from above, landing silently in front of her.
Blake.
Her golden eyes burned with recognition, her ribbon retracting back into her weapon.
Emerald staggered back, her mind screaming at her to run.
Before she could, Mercury pushed himself up, coughing. "Son of a—"
He threw a punch.
Blake sidestepped it with ease, catching his arm and twisting it mid-motion. The movement sent Mercury off-balance, giving Blake the perfect opening to drive her knee into his ribs.
Mercury grunted, stumbling.
Blake was faster.
A sweeping kick to his legs sent him back down.
Emerald's breath hitched, and before she could react, Blake was already coming for her.
"Wait—!"
Blake kicked her square in the chest, sending her crashing into the nearby room.
Emerald scrambled to her feet, instinctively reaching for her weapons—
Too late.
Blake's boot slammed down, kicking them out of reach.
Emerald's back hit the wall, her breath shaky as she stared at the Huntress in front of her.
Blake's grip tightened around Gambol Shroud, her expression unreadable.
"I knew I recognized that green hair."
Emerald swallowed hard, trying not to panic.
Blake's eyes narrowed, her blades ready.
"And you really thought you wouldn't get caught?"
Blake snapped her wrist, launching Gambol Shroud's blade forward, the ribbon whipping through the air toward Emerald.
Emerald reacted instantly, twisting her body mid-dodge, barely missing the blade as she rolled across the floor, the ribbon snapping back toward Blake's grip.
The moment Emerald landed, she kicked off the ground, lunging forward.
Blake ducked low, dodging a sharp strike as Emerald's daggers slashed the air above her head. Using the momentum, Blake rolled backward, planting her feet and pushing off into a counterattack.
Emerald spun, her foot arching high for a kick—Blake blocked it with her forearm before twisting sharply, forcing Emerald to lose balance.
Emerald dropped low, sweeping Blake's legs out from under her.
Blake hit the ground but recovered fast, her palm smacking against the floor as she flipped back to her feet. Emerald was already mid-air, her daggers flashing as she came down with a sharp downward strike.
Blake sidestepped just in time, her blade clashing against Emerald's daggers in a flurry of sparks.
Emerald pressed forward, quick, precise, her attacks fast and relentless. Each dagger came at different angles, forcing Blake to weave between them, parrying one while dodging the other.
Blake suddenly flipped backward, using a wall as leverage before she kicked off of it, sending her blade spinning forward again.
Emerald snatched a metal chair beside her, swinging it into the incoming blade, the impact sending sparks flying as the chair shattered apart.
Blake closed the distance, snapping her ribbon forward, wrapping it around Emerald's wrist in an instant.
Emerald's eyes widened as Blake yanked, pulling her forward—
But before she could react, a sudden force slammed into Blake from the side.
Mercury.
The impact sent both of them crashing into the floor, Blake grunting as they tumbled, her weapon skidding across the room.
"Go! Get out of here!" Mercury shouted at Emerald, pinning Blake down.
Emerald hesitated for a brief moment, eyes darting toward the exit, before she turned and sprinted toward another room.
Blake growled, her muscles tensing—and then she struck.
Her fist shot up, slamming into Mercury's jaw. His head jerked back, but before he could recover, Blake grabbed his collar, twisting their positions, flipping Mercury onto his back.
She mounted him, raining down fists with brutal efficiency.
One. A sharp hook to the cheek.
Two. A fast jab to the jaw.
Three. A straight punch that sent his head bouncing against the floor.
Mercury's resistance weakened, his arms fumbling, attempting to block the barrage.
Four. A final, crushing blow to his temple.
Mercury's body went slack. His head lolled to the side, unconscious.
Breathing heavily, Blake pushed herself up, rubbing her knuckles as she turned toward the direction Emerald had fled.
Meanwhile, Emerald rushed into a side room, desperately searching for a way out.
Her breath hitched as she stumbled into an armory—racks of firearms lined the walls, old but still in working condition.
Her gaze darted across the weapons until she grabbed a shotgun, gripping it tightly.
"Come on… come on…" she muttered, fumbling to cock it, her fingers shaking from adrenaline.
The loud metallic click of a shell loading into the chamber sounded satisfying—but before she could aim it,
A ribbon snapped forward—
Wrapping tightly around the barrel.
Emerald jerked back, startled, as the gun was yanked from her grasp.
She whirled around just in time to see Blake standing in the doorway, her stance unshaken, Gambol Shroud in hand.
Emerald staggered back, her breath shallow, realizing…
She was out of options.
Blake shifted her weight, her expression cold as she stared down at Emerald. Without hesitation, she spun on her heel, delivering a sharp kick to Emerald's head.
Emerald collapsed instantly, hitting the ground with a dull thud, completely unconscious.
Blake exhaled, shaking out her leg before scanning the room. Her eyes landed on a coiled rope hanging from a supply rack.
Without wasting time, she grabbed it and walked back toward Mercury's unconscious body. With practiced efficiency, she flipped him over and pulled Emerald closer, tying their backs together tightly.
She made sure the knots were secure, wrapping extra loops around their wrists and ankles for good measure.
As she gave the final tug, the sudden crash of glass shattering made Blake tense up.
She snapped her head toward the noise—just in time to see someone come flying through the large window, smashing through it with no grace whatsoever.
A loud grunt followed as the figure landed hard on the ground, rolling awkwardly before coming to a stop.
Blake's eyebrows raised.
Yang groaned, flat on her back amidst the broken glass.
"Ow," Yang muttered, wincing as she lifted her head slightly.
Blake sighed, walking over and offering a hand. Yang gratefully took it, letting Blake pull her up with ease.
"Seriously?" Blake asked, amusement flickering in her eyes.
Yang rubbed the back of her head, chuckling. "I meant to land on my feet."
Blake rolled her eyes but smirked anyway.
Yang's gaze then landed on Mercury and Emerald, still tied up and unconscious. Her expression quickly shifted to confusion.
"Wait, what the hell?" Yang frowned. "What are these two doing here?"
Blake shrugged. "Guess they escaped."
Yang let out a low whistle, eyeing the tight knots. "And now they're back in custody, huh?"
"They will be," Blake corrected. "After the invasion is over, we'll let the authorities take them."
Yang nodded, satisfied with that answer.
Blake then grabbed Yang's hand, tugging her toward the door. "Come on, let's get back into the fight."
Yang, slightly caught off guard but not complaining, grinned as she let Blake lead her outside.
As the door swung shut behind them, Emerald's eyes fluttered open.
Still dazed from the hit, she barely registered what had happened—until her gaze landed on the retreating figures of Blake and Yang, their hands still clasped together.
She blinked, squinting through the pain, before muttering groggily—
"Since when were they a couple?"
CITY HALL
Ironwood stood his ground amidst the chaos, his voice sharp and commanding as he directed his forces.
"Hold the line! Focus fire on the larger ones! Keep them away from City Hall!"
His soldiers, both from Atlas and his exiled unit, followed his orders without hesitation, unleashing controlled volleys of gunfire at the relentless wave of Grimm. Explosions and streaks of bullets filled the streets, but the Grimm kept coming, feeding off the fear and destruction.
Across the battlefield, Team SSSN fought alongside Professor Goodwitch and the Beacon faculty, their movements precise and well-practiced.
Sun darted through the air, throwing clones that detonated in bright flashes, blasting through the Grimm ranks.
Neptune sent arcs of electricity surging through the creatures, frying them mid-charge, while Scarlet moved like a blur, his cutlass slicing through anything that got too close.
Sage held his ground, his massive blade tearing through multiple Grimm in a single powerful sweep, acting as an anchor point in the fight.
Ironwood had little time to admire their skill—a deep, guttural snarl caught his attention.
He turned sharply, instincts flaring just in time to see a massive Beowulf lunging for him, claws bared, jaws wide—
A deafening storm of gunfire ripped through the air.
The Beowulf jerked violently, its chest shredded apart by relentless bullets before it crashed to the ground, lifeless.
Ironwood turned toward his unexpected savior—
And found himself staring down the barrel of a still-smoking Gatling gun.
Coco Adel stood firm, her shades pushed up onto her head, revealing fierce, unblinking eyes full of fury.
She didn't smirk. She didn't make a quip.
Instead, she glared at him—rage, disgust, and years of unresolved anger burning in her expression.
"The hell are you doing here?" she demanded, her voice cold, unforgiving.
Ironwood barely had time to react before more Grimm rushed toward them. He spun and fired, taking out a smaller Beowulf, but he could feel her eyes still on him.
"We can talk later—" he started.
"No, we're talking now," Coco cut him off, her grip tightening around her gun. "I don't care how many Grimm you kill—Beacon is in ruins because of you. People DIED because of you."
Ironwood's jaw tightened, his expression unreadable.
Before he could answer, more Grimm surged toward them—but this time, Yatsuhashi and Fox intercepted, tearing through the creatures with brutal precision.
Fox moved fast, his enhanced senses allowing him to predict the Grimm's movements, his gauntlets striking with surgical accuracy.
Yatsuhashi, a mountain of sheer strength, swung his massive blade, crushing a leaping Beowulf into the pavement so hard the ground cracked beneath it.
Coco didn't even flinch at the carnage. She just kept her eyes on Ironwood.
"Give me one good reason not to shoot you where you stand," she muttered.
Ironwood met her gaze, his voice steady despite the weight of her anger.
"Because I'm here to fix what I broke."
Coco exhaled sharply, her grip still tense on her weapon—but instead of answering, she simply turned back toward the fight, unloading another barrage of bullets into the oncoming Grimm.
This conversation wasn't over.
Not by a long shot.
STREET
Ruby let out a sharp battle cry as she swung her fists, crushing through the last of the Grimm in her immediate vicinity. Her superhuman strength had torn through the creatures like paper, but it came at a cost—her body felt like it was on fire.
Her breath came in ragged gasps, her legs wobbling as she dropped to her knees, exhaustion weighing her down like an anchor.
"Ruby!" Weiss called, rushing to her side.
Ruby waved her off weakly, forcing a tired grin. "I just need a sec…" she panted, sitting up.
She glanced around the battlefield—the Grimm just kept coming. No matter how many they cut down, more always replaced them.
Weiss crouched beside her, wiping sweat from her forehead. "The city's in a panic," she said. "All this fear—it's like ringing a dinner bell for them."
Ruby sighed, rubbing her arm. As the adrenaline wore off, she finally took stock of her injuries—scratches and cuts covered her arms and legs, and some of them were deeper than she thought.
She frowned. "Really hope these don't leave scars…"
Then, something overhead caught her eye—a glint of green slicing through the sky.
Her exhaustion vanished instantly.
Ruby's eyes widened, her heart leaping.
Then she beamed.
In an instant, she was on her feet, watching in awe as Penny soared through the sky.
Winter was in her grasp, but as they neared the ground, Penny released her, allowing Winter to land gracefully on a Glyph while Penny turned midair, her blades hovering around her, gathering a glowing green energy.
Then, in a brilliant display, Penny fired a concentrated beam into the incoming Grimm, obliterating them in a flash of emerald light.
As she landed softly onto the pavement, Penny smiled cheerfully.
"Salutations, friends!"
Ruby launched herself forward, wrapping her arms around Penny in a tight hug.
"You're okay!" she gushed, grinning from ear to ear.
Penny nodded proudly. "Fully repaired and better than ever! Took a while, but I'd say it was worth the wait!"
Blake, Yang, and Jaune rushed over, just as Penny produced a small gadget from her belt.
"And speaking of improvements, Ruby, this is for you."
Ruby blinked in surprise as Penny handed her a sleek new jetpack.
"This version is much lighter," Penny explained, adjusting the straps for her. "It lasts longer, has improved maneuverability, and—very important—doesn't explode if it takes too much damage."
Ruby stared at it in awe. "Penny… this is incredible."
"Of course it is! I made it!" Penny grinned.
Then Penny turned to Weiss, holding up another device—a thin silver circlet with intricate Dust inlays.
"This is for you, Weiss."
Weiss raised a skeptical eyebrow as Penny placed it in her hands.
"It amplifies your Semblance tenfold." Penny paused, her tone turning serious. "But be careful—it could fry your brain if you overuse it."
Weiss's eyes widened in alarm. "I'd like my brain to stay intact, thank you!" She shoved the device back at Penny like it was a bomb.
Ruby, stifling a laugh, turned to warn, "Yeah, definitely keep that away from Nora—"
"Keep what away from me?"
Ruby froze as Nora suddenly appeared right behind her, grinning ear to ear.
Everyone jumped slightly, while Ren sighed, approaching from behind.
"The Grimm in this area are retreating," he reported. "They're moving toward City Hall."
Yang furrowed her brows, clenching her fists. "Why?"
Pyrrha, watching the distant destruction, narrowed her eyes. "There's more fighting happening there. If we want to help, we should head that way."
Before anyone could respond, a sudden explosion of fire struck the pavement right between them.
The force sent everyone scattering as heat surged against their skin.
Ruby coughed through the smoke, her heart pounding as she looked up.
A familiar, burning figure hovered above them—rage contorting her face, flames swirling in her hands.
Cinder.
Her golden eyes burned with unhinged fury, her lips curled into a snarl.
Ruby's stomach twisted as the memories flooded back.
The pain.
The fear.
The feeling of being completely powerless.
Cinder slowly raised her hand, fire crackling in her palm.
Ruby steeled herself, her grip tightening on her jetpack.
"Go." She turned to the others, determination hardening her voice. "Head to City Hall. I'll handle this."
Yang's hand shot out, grabbing Ruby's wrist before she could activate her jetpack.
"Not this time," Yang said firmly, her red eyes locked onto Ruby's silver ones. "The last time you went up against Cinder alone, she broke you. We're not letting that happen again."
Ruby froze, looking around.
Her team.
Her friends.
All standing at her side, weapons ready, resolute.
They weren't leaving.
Jaune flashed a small grin, gripping his sword. "We've got your back, Ruby. Always."
Ruby took a breath, letting it all sink in.
Then, finally, she nodded.
"Okay."
A scream of rage tore through the sky as Cinder launched forward, her flames blazing with unchecked fury.
She grabbed Ruby mid-flight, hurling her through the air before slamming her into the side of a building.
The impact cracked the wall, debris raining down—but Ruby gritted her teeth, quickly adjusting her new jetpack.
With a quick burst, she launched herself off the wall, flipping midair, and landed firmly on the street.
She exhaled sharply, her silver eyes locking onto Cinder's burning form.
This time, she wouldn't face her alone.
The battle had begun.
The Battle Against Cinder
The moment Ruby landed, Cinder's fiery eyes snapped toward her, glowing with rage.
"You again?!" Cinder hissed, flames curling around her fingers. "Haven't you learned your lesson yet, little Rose?"
Ruby tightened her fists, her silver eyes blazing with determination. "I'm not the same girl you fought before."
"We'll see about that."
Cinder flung her hand forward, a whip of fire snapping through the air. Ruby dodged in a blur of speed, the heat singing the tips of her hair. But before she could counterattack, Cinder spun sharply, launching a barrage of fireballs in every direction.
The street erupted in flames, forcing the others to scatter.
Jaune rolled across the ground, deflecting a fireball with his shield, while Weiss summoned a large Glyph to block the incoming flames.
Blake swung her weapon, anchoring herself to a rooftop, while Yang charged straight through the fire, her metal arm glowing red-hot as she threw a punch at Cinder's head.
Cinder leaned back just in time, grabbing Yang's wrist with an iron grip, her golden eyes flashing with malice.
"Oh, look. The cripple wants another rematch."
With a smirk, Cinder twisted Yang's arm violently, sending her crashing into a building.
Blake gritted her teeth, launching herself down at Cinder with a precise spinning strike.
But before her blades could connect, Cinder extended her palm—a pulse of sheer heat exploded outward, sending Blake flying back into Weiss.
"Pathetic," Cinder sneered, floating higher. "You're all pathetic! You fight as if you actually stand a chance!"
A green energy blast suddenly rocketed toward her, forcing Cinder to dodge midair.
She snapped her head toward Penny, who hovered above the battlefield, her swords spinning around her like a metallic storm.
"You're a fool to face me again, machine!" Cinder snarled, flames surging around her arms.
Penny simply smiled, her swords lighting up with Dust energy. "And you're foolish to underestimate me."
Penny launched forward, her blades striking in rapid succession. Sparks and embers clashed midair, each of Penny's precise strikes meeting the burning intensity of Cinder's flames.
Cinder grunted, dodging back, but before she could counter, a flurry of ice shards shot toward her from below.
Weiss ran forward, her rapier pulsing with blue energy, summoning more and more Glyphs in quick succession.
"Freeze, you insufferable witch!" Weiss snapped, sending a massive frozen spike toward Cinder's chest.
Cinder shattered the ice effortlessly, her expression twisting into an amused smirk. "Schnee. Always so desperate for attention."
Weiss flinched as Cinder suddenly extended her hand—a fiery tendril wrapped around Weiss's throat, yanking her into the air.
"You're always second-best, aren't you?" Cinder taunted, her grip tightening. "Second to your sister. Second to your friends. Always just barely enough."
Weiss choked, struggling to summon a Glyph—
But before Cinder could finish her off, a bright golden blur tackled her midair, breaking her hold on Weiss.
Cinder growled as she tumbled backward, crashing into a lamp post.
Yang landed, shaking the embers from her fist, her red eyes glowing with fury.
"Didn't I already punch that smug look off your face once?" Yang growled, raising her fists again.
Cinder snarled, standing up, but before she could respond—
Jaune came barreling in with a shield bash, sending her skidding backward.
"You know, I get that you're the whole 'big bad villain' thing, but you really like the sound of your own voice, don't you?" Jaune smirked, keeping his sword raised.
Cinder gritted her teeth, her patience snapping.
"Enough!"
With a shriek of rage, she slammed her hands together, creating a massive firestorm.
The street lit up in a blinding wave of flames, forcing everyone to retreat back.
Before Ruby could react, Cinder vanished in a blur of speed, suddenly appearing behind her.
"You are the most irritating of all."
Before Ruby could turn, Cinder's arm wrapped around her waist—
And then they were airborne.
Ruby barely had time to scream before Cinder blasted them both high into the sky, dragging her through the city at breakneck speed.
Buildings blurred past them, the roar of wind deafening in Ruby's ears.
She struggled, trying to break free, but Cinder's grip was like a vice.
"Let's take a little tour, shall we?" Cinder laughed, her voice dripping with venom.
With a sharp turn, she slammed Ruby through a glass skyscraper, shattering windows as Ruby crashed through multiple office floors before Cinder yanked her out the other side.
Ruby coughed violently, her body aching from the impact, but she kept fighting, her fingers digging into Cinder's arm.
"You—won't—win!" Ruby gritted out.
"Oh, but I already have."
Cinder suddenly twisted in midair, spiraling downward at full speed—
And slammed Ruby straight into the pavement below.
The impact cracked the street, sending a shockwave of dust and debris in every direction.
Ruby groaned weakly, her vision blurry as she struggled to push herself up.
Then she heard it.
Gunfire. And the sound of a familiar voice.
"Get back! I've got this!"
Through her dazed vision, she saw two figures fighting side by side—one with a long coat, precise movements, and a cane, and the other with two mechanical gauntlets, moving like a force of nature.
Ozpin and Taiyang.
They were fighting Grimm together.
And now, as Cinder landed nearby, flames flickering around her form, they turned—
And locked eyes with Ruby.
Taiyang's face paled. "Ruby…?"
Ruby coughed, forcing herself to stand as Cinder stalked forward.
"You want her?" Cinder sneered at Taiyang. "Come and take her."
Taiyang's fists clenched. His golden eyes burned with fury.
Ozpin adjusted his cane, his expression darkening.
Cinder's eyes burned with fury as she stood before Ozpin and Taiyang, her flames flickering hungrily around her hands. The street was already in ruins, cracks snaking through the pavement where she had slammed Ruby into the ground. Smoke and embers filled the air, the acrid scent of destruction hanging over the battlefield.
Ozpin adjusted his grip on his cane, his face calm, yet his green eyes sharp with calculation. Taiyang, on the other hand, cracked his knuckles, his mechanical gauntlets glowing faintly with energy. He stood tall, his golden eyes locked onto Cinder with unshaken fury.
Cinder sneered. "Do you think two relics of the past will stop me?" she spat, raising a hand engulfed in searing flames. "I am power incarnate!"
Taiyang scoffed, rolling his shoulders. "Lady, I've been dealing with monsters my whole life. You're just another one in a long line."
Without another word, Cinder lunged, a blast of fire roaring toward Taiyang.
Taiyang ducked, dashing forward through the heat. He sidestepped Cinder's swipe and threw a powerful punch. Cinder barely managed to block, skidding back from the force of the impact. She retaliated with a flaming kick, but Taiyang caught her leg, twisting and slamming her into the pavement. The ground cracked beneath the impact.
Ozpin wasted no time. As Cinder rebounded off the ground, he flicked his cane—a green energy shot forward, colliding with Cinder's chest. She grunted in pain, flipping backward before landing lightly on her feet.
"You're both in my way!" she hissed, her form flickering with heat distortions.
With a wave of her arm, a torrent of fire shot toward them, engulfing half the street in an inferno.
Ozpin swung his cane, his aura shimmering as a protective green barrier flared around him and Taiyang. The flames smashed against it, dispersing in waves of heat.
Taiyang used the opening. He rushed through the remaining embers, closing the distance in a blink. His fist collided with Cinder's gut, launching her backward. She crashed into a wrecked vehicle, the metal crumpling under her weight.
"Not bad," Cinder growled, rising with a twisted grin. Her body radiated heat, warping the air around her.
Then she vanished.
Taiyang barely had time to react before Cinder reappeared behind him, her hand gripping his throat. Flames coiled around her fingers, searing his skin.
"You should've stayed home," she whispered.
Before she could ignite him, Ozpin slammed his cane against the ground—a shockwave of energy blasted out, sending Cinder flying back.
Taiyang coughed, rubbing his neck. "Thanks for the save."
Ozpin didn't respond. His eyes were locked onto Cinder as she slowly stood, her body shimmering with pure fury.
"You're persistent," she admitted, rolling her shoulders. "But let's see how long that lasts."
Cinder raised her arms, and pillars of fire erupted from the ground. The entire street turned into a raging inferno, flames dancing wildly. The heat was suffocating.
Taiyang gritted his teeth. "Great. She's throwing a tantrum."
Ozpin nodded. "Brace yourself."
Cinder launched herself through the fire, her form a blur of heat and embers. She spun midair, her foot crashing against Ozpin's cane. Sparks exploded as their weapons clashed.
Taiyang charged from the side, attempting to flank her—but Cinder anticipated it.
She twisted midair, her flaming heel colliding with Taiyang's face. He staggered back, shaking off the impact just as Cinder unleashed another inferno toward Ozpin.
Ozpin stood firm, deflecting the fire with a powerful energy pulse. But Cinder was relentless. She warped forward again, slamming her palm against Ozpin's barrier. Cracks formed in the energy field.
Taiyang roared, dashing back in. He hooked his fist into Cinder's ribs, sending her skidding across the ground.
She spun out of control but landed on her feet, her eyes now glowing like molten gold.
"ENOUGH!" she screamed.
The ground beneath them exploded, and Cinder launched forward at blinding speed, her flaming hands slashing through the air.
Ozpin and Taiyang fought together in perfect sync—dodging, parrying, countering. Cinder's flames raged hotter, but Ozpin's energy neutralized them, while Taiyang's brutal punches kept her on the defensive.
But Cinder was a Maiden. She was still stronger.
She slipped past their defenses, her hand igniting with deadly force—and struck Taiyang full in the chest.
Taiyang crashed through a streetlight, hitting the ground hard. His aura shattered.
Cinder turned, panting, her eyes glowing with twisted satisfaction. She lifted her hand, preparing to finish him off.
Before she could, a green energy beam struck her side, sending her stumbling back.
"Penny!" Ruby's voice echoed.
Cinder whipped around to see Penny landing next to Taiyang, gently helping him sit up. Ruby, still battered from the earlier fight, was limping beside her.
"You did well," Penny told Taiyang, scanning his wounds. "Diagnosis: bruised ribs, mild concussion. Prognosis: you will live."
Taiyang groaned. "Great… thanks, doc."
Cinder snarled, her fists tightening. "You pests…"
Ruby stood tall, her silver eyes filled with determination. "You're not winning this, Cinder."
Cinder's lips curled into a snarl, her rage boiling over. Flames erupted around her again.
A few blocks away, Yang led the charge, her boots pounding against the pavement as she and the others sprinted toward where Cinder had taken Ruby. The echoes of battle still rang in their ears—Grimm howling, fires crackling, the distant explosions shaking the city as chaos consumed Vale. They had no time to waste.
Ahead of them, a pack of Grimm—Beowulves and a single Ursa—were closing in on a small group of civilians huddled behind an overturned vehicle. The terrified people clung to one another, their eyes wide with fear as the creatures advanced.
Without hesitation, Velvet broke away from the group, her speed enhanced by her light-based weapon projections. Her boots shimmered like Mercury's as she leaped forward, flipping over the nearest Beowulf and delivering a powerful kick to its skull. The creature yelped before dissolving into black mist.
Another Grimm lunged. Velvet ducked low, her hands glowing as she summoned a pair of claw-like weapons, mimicking the deadly swipes of an Ursa. She slashed through the creature's chest, then pivoted, spinning to land a devastating blow to the Ursa's skull. It reeled back with a guttural growl before collapsing into shadow.
With graceful efficiency, Velvet dashed between the remaining Grimm, eliminating each one with swift, precise movements. A final Beowulf snarled and lunged at her, but she sidestepped effortlessly, planting a boot into its side and kicking it into a nearby lamppost. As it struggled to rise, she drove her energy-infused fist straight through its head, making it burst into black mist.
With the area now clear, Velvet took a moment to catch her breath before turning toward the group of civilians she had just saved.
And then she froze.
Standing among them was Cardin Winchester.
Velvet's eyes narrowed as she took in the sight of her former bully, the same arrogant brute who once tormented her back at Beacon. But now, he looked different—his usual cocky demeanor was nowhere to be seen. Instead, he stood protectively in front of a middle-aged woman who clung to his arm, her face filled with fear and confusion.
Cardin's mother.
Velvet smirked, crossing her arms. "You're welcome, Cardin," she said, her voice laced with satisfaction.
Cardin shifted uncomfortably, opening his mouth as if to say something, but Velvet was already turning away, rejoining the others.
Yang, having witnessed the entire exchange, slowed her pace as Velvet caught up. A smirk tugged at her lips. "Well, that must've felt pretty damn satisfying, huh?"
Velvet let out a small chuckle, brushing some stray hair from her face. "Oh, you have no idea."
With that, the group pressed on, leaving Cardin behind as they raced toward the heart of the battle—toward Ruby.
Ruby and the others fought with everything they had, but Cinder's relentless assault was overwhelming. Every attack, every counter, every attempt to gain the upper hand was met with devastating force. Then, in one swift, merciless strike, Cinder knocked Taiyang out cold.
"Dad!" Ruby screamed, eyes wide in horror as she saw her father crumple to the ground.
Before Cinder could strike him again, Penny darted forward, grabbing Taiyang by his arms.
"Ruby, I will get him to safety!" Penny assured, activating her thrusters.
Ruby hesitated for a moment, torn between staying and ensuring her father was alright. But Penny's determined look told her that she could be trusted.
"Go!" Ruby yelled.
Penny nodded, gripping Taiyang tightly as she lifted off the ground, zipping away from the battlefield, dodging debris and stray fireballs as she took him to safety.
Ruby turned back to the fight, but Ozpin was already next to her, his cane gripped tightly in his hand.
"Miss Rose, listen carefully," Ozpin said, his voice calm but firm despite the chaos around them. "We only have one shot at this. Your Semblance, combined with my own, may be enough to create an opening. But you must follow my lead."
Ruby nodded sharply, her silver eyes burning with determination. "What do I do?"
Ozpin's grip on his cane tightened. "When I give the signal, move as fast as you can. Strike with everything you have."
With a deep breath, Ozpin slammed his cane into the ground, releasing a surge of glowing green energy that rippled outward. At the same time, Ruby activated her enhanced speed, her body becoming a silver blur as she weaved through the battlefield.
The two of them moved as one—Ozpin using his Semblance to slow Cinder's movements while Ruby struck with lightning-fast precision. Their attacks were coordinated, relentless, and for the first time, Cinder struggled to keep up.
But even this advantage was fleeting.
Cinder roared in frustration, her flames bursting outward in a devastating explosion. The shockwave sent both Ruby and Ozpin flying.
Ruby skidded across the cracked pavement, her body aching from the impact. She tried to push herself up, but before she could regain her footing, a shadow loomed over her.
Cinder.
Her flaming sword crackled to life, its heat distorting the air around it. She stepped toward Ruby, her eyes glowing with cruel amusement.
"You never learn, do you?" Cinder taunted, tilting her head. "Always fighting for the weak. Always hoping things will change." She sneered. "But what has it gotten you? Pain? Loss? Failure?"
Ruby clenched her fists, her breathing heavy, but Cinder wasn't finished.
"You lost your mother. You lost your friends. You lost yourself." She smirked, lowering her sword. "And yet, you keep fighting. Tell me, Ruby—when will you realize that hope is nothing but an illusion?"
Cinder raised her sword, ready to deliver the final strike.
And then—static.
A strange crackling sound filled the air.
The battle stilled.
Cinder hesitated, her sword frozen mid-swing as all the large screens on the surrounding buildings flickered, distorting from static into an image.
The fuzzy, glitching feed stabilized, revealing a cloaked figure.
Ruby's breath caught in her throat.
She recognized that figure.
For the first time in years—since the Patch Unity Parade—Ruby saw him again.
Salvator.
The static on the screens faded, and the image of Salvator emerged in full clarity. He stood tall, his hood casting a shadow over his face, yet his presence was undeniable. His voice, smooth yet commanding, echoed through the streets of Vale, reaching every corner of the battlefield.
"My friends, it's been far too long."
There was a calm confidence in his tone, the kind that demanded attention without effort.
"To those who remember me from the Unity Parade, I know this must seem like a miracle—like I vanished from existence, only to return at the last possible moment, ready to save the day."
He let out a soft chuckle, laced with amusement.
"And, fortunately for all of you… that's exactly what's happening."
Cinder's brow furrowed, her fiery grip on her sword tightening.
Salvator continued.
"For weeks, I have been working in the shadows. Watching. Listening. Preparing. I knew Cinder Fall would not stop until Vale was nothing but ashes. I knew that, no matter how strong you all are, Remnant was not ready to face her alone."
Ruby, struggling to steady herself, listened closely, her silver eyes wide with wonder.
"I have spent these past months traveling across the kingdoms, gathering allies. Not just warriors, but leaders, strategists—people who believe in something greater than themselves. I've called in every favor, cashed in every debt owed, securing resources, weapons, and plans to ensure that, when the time came, we would be ready."
Salvator's image flickered slightly, his gaze sweeping across the battlefield through the screens.
"And that time… is now. Today, we stand together—not as divided kingdoms, not as rival factions, but as one force against a common enemy."
Cinder's expression darkened, her teeth gritting as her flames burned hotter.
Salvator's voice rose with intensity, a sharp defiance cutting through the fear that had taken hold of Vale.
"For too long, we have let fear divide us. We have allowed the Grimm to feast on our suffering. We have let tyrants and warlords decide our fate." His tone hardened. "No more."
His voice carried across Vale like a rallying call.
"Today, we take back what was stolen. Today, we show the world that no matter how much darkness tries to consume us, the light will always fight back."
He paused for a moment, his next words slow and deliberate.
"And, of course, I couldn't return without bringing something special for all of you."
The screens suddenly cut to black.
A deep rumble echoed in the distance.
Cinder snapped her head around, her eyes widening as the faint hum of engines filled the air.
Then—they appeared.
Dozens of airships, their hulls bearing different emblems from all across Remnant, emerged from the clouds. Some flew the Atlesian crest, others the symbol of Vacuo.
Blake's breath caught in her throat when she spotted an airship with the emblem of Menagerie. Her ears twitched as she watched it descend, her heart racing. Father? Mother? The thought struck her before she could push it away.
Ruby's eyes shimmered as she watched the sky fill with allies, her grip on Crescent Rose tightening.
"Wow…" she whispered.
Ruby's silver eyes narrowed as she saw Cinder's attention fixated on the incoming fleet. She knew this was her chance. Gritting her teeth, she ignited her jetpack, the thrusters roaring to life as she shot forward, closing the distance in an instant.
Cinder barely had time to react before Ruby's arms wrapped around her waist, yanking her from the air.
With a snarl of fury, Cinder lashed out, conjuring a spear of flame in her hand and stabbing backward. Ruby twisted mid-flight, barely avoiding the searing heat as she released her grip, letting Cinder propel herself forward.
The chase had begun.
Cinder soared through the ruined skyline, weaving between crumbling buildings and the smoke-filled air. Ruby rocketed after her, her jetpack humming as she dodged debris and fireballs hurled her way.
Cinder glanced back, her golden eyes burning with hatred. With a flick of her wrist, she conjured multiple fire lances, sending them streaking toward Ruby.
Ruby spun, twisting her body to avoid the deadly projectiles. One of them clipped her shoulder, making her wince as the heat singed her sleeve. But she didn't slow down.
Cinder dived between two partially collapsed skyscrapers, pushing herself faster with bursts of fire from her hands. Ruby followed, weaving between the buildings in pursuit. The gap between them narrowed.
Cinder suddenly stopped mid-air and whirled around, swinging a fiery blade.
Ruby ducked just in time, feeling the heat scorch the air above her head. She countered by kicking off a nearby ledge, using her momentum to deliver a spinning kick to Cinder's ribs.
Cinder grunted, tumbling through the air before stabilizing herself. Furious, she threw out her hands, summoning a massive wall of flames to cut Ruby off.
Ruby barreled straight through it, gritting her teeth against the heat as she emerged, scorched but undeterred.
The two continued their deadly aerial dance, zipping through the twisted metal and collapsing structures of Vale. Below them, the city burned, but the reinforcements had arrived—more warriors flooding the streets, pushing back the Grimm.
Ruby pushed herself harder, feeling the strain in her muscles, the burn of exhaustion creeping in. But she wouldn't stop. Not until Cinder was down.
Then, she spotted something—a large Mistral airship moving in from the right, its engines roaring as it prepared to land troops.
A plan formed instantly.
Ruby adjusted her trajectory, lining herself up perfectly behind Cinder, pushing her into the ship's flight path.
Cinder, too focused on escaping Ruby's relentless pursuit, didn't notice until it was too late.
The Mistral airship's hull slammed into her, the impact sending her spiraling out of control. Cinder let out a scream of fury as she crashed downward, the flames around her snuffing out for a brief moment before she vanished into the city streets below.
Ruby hovered in the air, panting, watching as Cinder's form disappeared into the wreckage. She exhaled sharply.
"Got you."
CITY HALL
The battle around City Hall raged on, the screams of civilians and the roars of Grimm mixing into a chaotic symphony. Team SSSN held their ground, protecting a cluster of terrified civilians while dodging swipes and lunges from Beowolves and Griffons. Then, without warning, a barrage of gunfire rained down on the Grimm, tearing through their ranks.
From the smoke emerged squads of Atlesian soldiers and Mistral police officers, their weapons blazing as they pushed the Grimm back. Ironwood, reloading his pistols, took a brief moment to observe the battlefield when he caught sight of something unusual. More people were arriving—but they weren't civilians.
Bandits. Criminals. Thieves.
Yet instead of preying on the weak, they were cutting through the Grimm, defending the city they normally exploited. Ozpin, standing beside him, adjusted his glasses.
"Fascinating," he murmured. "Even the underworld has a vested interest in keeping Vale from falling."
Ironwood fired a shot into a Grimm's head before responding. "Perhaps. But at the end of the day, criminals are still criminals… like myself."
Before Ozpin could respond, Taiyang arrived, guiding a panicked group of civilians through the war-torn streets. He barely spared Ironwood a glance as he passed.
"Ozpin, I've got more survivors," Taiyang said, slightly winded. "Where do you want them?"
"Inside City Hall," Ozpin instructed. "We need to fortify it as our last stronghold."
Taiyang nodded and ushered the civilians toward the building. Just as he disappeared through the entrance, the sound of something crashing through the air made everyone tense.
Qrow and Goodwitch landed hard from above, dust kicking up around them. Qrow, still gripping his sword, shook off the impact and grinned. "That was a rough ride."
Ozpin gave him a pointed look. "Are you two alright?"
Qrow gave a thumbs up, though his usual smirk followed. "Peachy. But you know what'd make me feel even better? A drink."
Goodwitch sighed sharply. "You always want a drink."
Before Qrow could quip back, a loud whooshing sound made the group turn. A car, torn from the street, flew toward them.
Reacting instantly, everyone braced for impact—until something slashed through the car midair, splitting it cleanly in two. The halves crashed harmlessly to the ground on either side of them.
As the dust settled, a lone figure stood between the wreckage, weapon in hand.
Qrow's smirk widened. "Well, well. There you are, sis."
Raven Branwen, her crimson eyes as sharp as ever, sheathed her weapon. Her gaze flicked to Qrow. "You convinced me."
Before anyone could react, a voice called out from the distance.
"Uncle Qrow! Ozpin!"
The group turned as Ruby and the others sprinted toward them, weapons drawn.
Raven's eyes lingered on Yang. For a split second, something unreadable passed over her face—recognition, hesitation, perhaps even guilt. But before she could say anything, Yang looked back at her, then quickly focused forward, sweeping any thoughts of her mother aside.
Breathing heavily, Ruby stopped in front of Ozpin. "We have a plan!" she reported. "Penny and Winter are working on something that might take down the Wyvern for good."
Ozpin's brows lifted slightly. "Miss Polendina has a plan?"
"She does," Ruby confirmed. "But she needs time."
Ironwood glanced at the sky, where the Wyvern's shadow still loomed over the city. "Then we need to buy it for her."
He turned to the group, face hardening with resolve.
"We don't have much time. A massive horde is approaching, and if we don't hold the line, everything will fall apart. We need to surround City Hall and make our final stand here."
Ozpin pulled out his Scroll, connecting to the city's remaining communication networks. Every working screen, terminal, and radio flickered to life. His voice rang through the city.
"To all defenders of Vale: fall back to City Hall. This is our stronghold, our last line. The civilians need protection. The enemy forces are closing in, but this is our moment to stand together. Hold your ground. Do not let Vale fall!"
He turned back to the gathered fighters, eyes burning with determination.
"This ends today. We bring this invasion to an end—"
Ironwood cocked his gun.
"—and we bring Cinder Fall down."
STREET
Winter sat in the middle of the empty street, gripping her sword tightly as she kept a watchful eye on the darkness creeping at the edges of Vale. The distant roars of Grimm and the echoes of battle filled the air, but here, in this abandoned section of the city, it was eerily quiet. The only other sound was Penny working on the device, her metal fingers deftly adjusting wires and recalibrating settings.
Winter exhaled sharply, glancing at Penny. "How much longer?"
Penny, her synthetic eyes locked onto the device, replied without looking up, "Almost there. Just a few more tweaks." She paused before adding, "You seem nervous."
Winter scoffed, crossing her arms. "With everyone moving to City Hall, this might be our last stand. Of course I'm nervous."
Penny hummed in thought, then placed her tools down and looked at Winter. "May I ask you something?"
Winter nodded, still keeping her gaze fixed on the surrounding area. "I'll answer if I can."
Penny hesitated, then asked, "Do you think… someone like me could ever live a normal life?"
That caught Winter off guard. She turned fully to Penny, brows furrowing. "What do you mean?"
Penny's usual cheerfulness dimmed slightly. She placed the device on the hood of the car and leaned against it, staring at the sky. "For most of my existence, I followed orders from people I trusted. I was built to serve, to fight, to protect. But lately… I've realized I don't want to just take orders anymore. I want to make choices for myself. I want a life." She turned to Winter, eyes hopeful but uncertain. "Do you think that's possible?"
Winter studied Penny for a long moment. This girl—no, this person—was more than just wires and metal. She had a soul, a heart, a will of her own. Winter had never truly considered it before, but now, it was impossible to ignore.
She sighed. "I won't lie to you. It won't be easy. There will be people who won't see you as more than what you were built to be. But if this is what you truly want—if this is the path you want to take—" She placed a firm hand on Penny's shoulder. "—then go for it."
Penny's expression brightened into a warm, genuine smile. "Thank you, Winter."
Before Winter could respond, a soft beep from the device drew their attention. A green light flickered to life.
Penny clapped her hands together. "It's ready!"
Winter approached the device slowly, eyes narrowing. Despite all the trust she had in Penny's calculations, she still felt wary of the thing. "And you're absolutely sure this won't fry my brain?"
Penny tilted her head, giving her an exaggerated, playful look of consideration. "Hmm… maybe! Or maybe it'll just make you more goofy and happy." She gently bonked Winter on the head with her knuckles.
Winter actually chuckled at that, shaking her head. "I think one Penny is enough."
Penny grinned but watched as Winter's expression turned serious again. The Atlesian specialist took a deep breath, reached down, and carefully picked up the device. She could feel her heart pounding, but she steadied her breathing.
Looking at Penny one last time, she said, "Protect me."
Penny, now gripping her swords tightly, gave a determined nod. "Always."
With that reassurance, Winter climbed onto the hood of the car, positioning herself with her legs crossed, back straight. Her fingers hovered over the activation switch.
"Okay…" She inhaled sharply. "Let's do this."
CITY HALL
Blake and Yang moved in perfect sync, cutting down the first wave of Grimm that threatened the city hall's perimeter. More defenders joined them, reinforcing their position as the battle expanded across the streets. The fight was chaotic, and in the rush of movement, Blake caught something out of the corner of her eye—a civilian running for cover.
Her momentary distraction cost her.
A Beowulf lunged from the side, its claws slashing at her midsection. The force of the hit sent her crashing backward through the large stained-glass window of City Hall. Shards of glass scattered as she tumbled into the darkened chamber, hitting the marble floor hard.
Outside, Yang caught sight of Blake being thrown inside and immediately moved to get to her. "Blake!" she shouted, but a fresh wave of Grimm swarmed between them, forcing her back. Gritting her teeth, she cursed under her breath and continued fighting, unable to reach her partner.
Inside the dimly lit hall, Blake groaned and tried to push herself up. Her vision swam, and her body ached from the impact. She could hear the heavy steps of Grimm entering the building, closing in on her vulnerable position.
Then—just as suddenly as they had appeared—something took care of them.
Blake heard sharp, precise movements, followed by guttural shrieks of pain. The scent of scorched fur and sizzling flesh filled the air. The Grimm collapsed one by one, their bodies disintegrating into smoke. She blinked rapidly, still disoriented.
Then a voice rang out, far too cheerful for the grim setting.
"It'll all be alright, Blake! Your savior has arrived!"
Blake's ears twitched. She turned her head, trying to focus her gaze on the room around her. But there was no one there.
She frowned. "Hello?"
"Relax, relax! You can't see me because I wanted to surprise you."
Blake's muscles tensed. That voice—it was familiar. Almost too familiar. Her instincts told her to be on guard, but at the same time, there was something reassuring about it.
"Who are you?" Blake demanded. "And why do you sound so familiar?"
There was a brief pause, then a light chuckle. "One second… okay, last Grimm is down. You can get excited now."
Blake turned her head just as a shimmer in the air shifted, revealing a figure peeling away from the background. Like a chameleon shedding its camouflage, a young woman emerged, her arms raised in triumph and a wide grin plastered on her face.
"Ha! You missed me, right?"
Blake's eyes widened. "Ilia?"
Ilia Amitola stood before her, looking just as smug and full of energy as ever. But before Blake could say anything else, Ilia strode forward, crouched down, grabbed Blake's face, and without hesitation—
Pressed her lips against hers.
Blake's body stiffened, her golden eyes going wide. The kiss wasn't brief, nor was it hesitant. It was bold, direct, and filled with a confidence that was undeniably Ilia. When she finally pulled away, Ilia smirked at Blake's utterly shocked expression.
Blake stammered, "W-What was that for!?"
Ilia shrugged, her grin unfazed. "I was gone a long time. And I missed you. Seemed like a pretty solid way to say hello, don't you think?"
Blake opened her mouth to protest, but Ilia wasn't done. She reached out and ran a hand through Blake's short hair, humming in appreciation.
"Also, gotta say, love what you did with your hair. Short cut. Very sexy."
Blake blinked, feeling her brain short-circuit. "I—what—?"
Before she could properly form words, Ilia pulled her into a tight hug, pressing her chin against Blake's shoulder. And for just a moment, the confidence in Ilia's posture wavered—just barely. Like she was holding on to something deeper than she wanted to admit.
Then, just as quickly, she perked back up and separated from Blake with a teasing grin. "So, how've you been? Still single?" she asked casually.
Blake hesitated. "…Um."
Ilia's smirk faltered. "Ah," she said simply, realization dawning.
A beat of silence passed before Ilia let out an exaggerated sigh, dramatically placing a hand over her heart. "Of course. I finally get back, and someone beats me to it. Just my luck."
Blake sighed, rubbing her temples. "Ilia…"
Ilia smirked again, nudging Blake's shoulder. "Well, guess I'll just have to make sure they're good enough for you." Then she squinted. "Wait. Who is it? I'm gonna have some questions."
Blake sighed, shaking her head. "Later."
Ilia chuckled, looking over her shoulder at the battle raging outside. "Yeah, yeah. Later. Right now…" She cracked her knuckles. "I figured I'd come help out. Guess I showed up at the right time."
Blake smiled despite herself. "You did."
Ilia held out a hand to help Blake up. "So, you ready to kick some Grimm ass? Just like old times?"
Blake grasped her hand and pulled herself up. "Just like old times."
Ilia grinned. "Good. Now let's go save your girlfriend from getting eaten."
Yang wiped some sweat from her forehead as she took down another Grimm, only to glance up and see Blake land gracefully beside an unfamiliar figure. The new arrival, a tanned girl with short, dark teal hair and sharp, amber eyes, stood with an easy confidence.
Ilia smirked, looking Yang up and down before tilting her head toward Blake. "I guess that's her."
Blake sighed, already bracing herself. "Yep."
Yang, intrigued, approached them with her hands on her hips, a playful smirk forming on her lips. "And who's this adorable little one?"
Ilia's eyes narrowed instantly.
Yang took an instinctive half-step back. "Uh—"
Blake exhaled, rubbing her temple. "This is Ilia. An old friend from my White Fang days."
Ilia crossed her arms and raised a brow. "And for the record, I'd prefer not to be called short."
Before Yang could respond, a Grimm lunged at them from the side. Without missing a beat, Ilia whipped around, her weapon crackling with electricity as she leaped forward, cutting the creature down in a single, fluid motion.
Yang's eyebrows shot up. "Whoa."
Ilia twirled her weapon before tossing a glance over her shoulder. "I'll stick with the environment. The horde is coming, and the element of surprise is my specialty." With that, she activated her Faunus ability, her body blending seamlessly into her surroundings like a chameleon. Within seconds, she was gone.
Yang blinked at the now-empty space, still processing what she just witnessed. Slowly turning to Blake, she pointed in Ilia's direction. "Okay, who is this girl?"
As the battle raged on, Ruby focused on guiding the last of the civilians into the relative safety of City Hall. Among them was Cardin's mother, clinging to her son's arm in desperation.
"Please, Cardin," she begged, her voice trembling. "Come inside. You don't have to do this."
Cardin tightened his grip on the large mace strapped to his back. "I do, Mom," he said, his voice firm but gentle. He hugged her quickly, reassuringly. "I can't just sit inside and hide… not anymore."
Tears filled her eyes as she held onto him a moment longer, reluctant to let go. But as the heavy doors of City Hall loomed behind her, she finally released him and hurried inside. The doors shut with a heavy thud.
Ruby watched as Cardin took a deep breath and sat down on the steps, his hands gripping his weapon. She walked over. "Are you sure about this?"
Cardin exhaled sharply, staring at the ground before nodding. "If this was me before I got expelled from Beacon? Yeah, I'd be inside, hiding." His fingers flexed around the handle of his mace. "But now… I need to do this."
Ruby smirked slightly. "And to prove to Velvet that you're a better person than you used to be."
Cardin scoffed, but the corner of his mouth twitched in a smirk. "Yeah… that too." He pushed himself up, rolling his shoulders. "See you on the battlefield, Rose."
Without another word, he took off in the direction where he had last seen Velvet.
Ruby turned her head at the distant sounds of snarling and guttural roars. They were getting louder. The ground beneath her feet rumbled slightly as the approaching Grimm horde grew closer. The defenders all heard it.
Pulling out her Scroll, Ruby quickly connected to every open frequency. "Every fighter, soldier, and Huntsman still standing—surround City Hall in a full circle! Now!"
Within minutes, the entire defensive force mobilized, forming an unbreakable perimeter around the building. Ruby ran down the steps, scanning every position. She spotted her father standing with a group of Huntsmen, gripping his weapons tightly.
Taiyang caught her gaze and smirked. "I'll rest when the invasion is over, kiddo."
Ruby huffed but didn't argue. Instead, she surveyed the field, taking in her team, JNPR, CFVY, Cardin, and countless others who had come to defend the city.
"Soldiers, cover the front doors!" she commanded. "Fighters, get together… and hold this circle!"
The defenders roared their affirmation. Weapons were drawn, Dust cartridges clicked into place, and the air was filled with the final sounds of preparation.
Blake stood beside Yang, holding her weapon at the ready—until something in the crowd made her pause.
Among the gathered defenders, she saw two familiar figures.
Her parents.
Ghira Belladonna stood tall among the Faunus of Menagerie, a towering presence of strength and leadership. Beside him, Kali gave a small wave, her warm smile sending a wave of comfort through Blake. The last time Blake had seen them, she had feared their disappointment, had worried they resented her choices.
But now, seeing them here, standing with her, she knew the truth.
They were proud.
Blake inhaled deeply and nodded back at them. The fear and uncertainty that had clung to her for months finally loosened its grip.
She turned back to face the Grimm, reaching for Yang's hand. Yang glanced down in surprise before smiling and squeezing Blake's fingers in return.
The ground rumbled violently.
From beyond the city streets, the Grimm surged forward in a dark wave, hundreds of glowing red eyes piercing through the smoke and dust.
The defenders braced themselves.
Weapons raised.
Hearts steady.
This was it.
The final stand.
The battle engulfed the streets of Vale in a whirlwind of steel, energy, and relentless Grimm. Every block became a war zone, every rooftop a desperate stronghold as the defenders fought with everything they had.
Blake moved with lethal precision, her blade flashing as she cut down a lunging Beowulf before twisting to avoid the snapping jaws of another. She landed beside her father, Ghira Belladonna, who tore through a group of Ursai with sheer brute strength, his claws rending through thick hide as if it were paper.
Beside him, Kali moved like a shadow, her dual blades glinting as she danced through the battlefield. She cut through the Grimm with effortless grace, her strikes precise and unyielding. A massive Deathstalker lunged at her, its stinger striking the ground where she once stood. In an instant, Kali vaulted onto its back, driving both blades deep into its armored plating. With a single, powerful twist, she severed its head, leaping off its collapsing form before it could crush her.
Ilia was a phantom among the chaos, vanishing and reappearing as her chameleon camouflage flickered between visibility and nothingness. A Grimm turned, sensing movement, but before it could react, her electrified whip coiled around its neck. With a sharp pull, she sent a surge of energy through the beast, making it convulse violently before crumbling to ashes. She reappeared in a blur, smirking before dashing back into the fray, catching another unsuspecting Grimm with a vicious strike.
Nearby, Cardin Winchester stood his ground, his heavy mace crashing into the skull of a charging Beowulf. The impact sent shockwaves through the pavement, reducing the creature to a pile of blackened ash. Velvet, mid-battle, turned in time to see another Grimm leaping at her from behind, claws poised to tear into her. Before she could react, Cardin shoved her aside and swung his weapon in a devastating arc, caving in the creature's ribs. Breathing heavily, he turned to Velvet, waiting for her reaction.
She studied him for a moment, eyes narrowing, before giving a firm nod. Without a word, she summoned a projection of armored gauntlets, and together, they charged forward, side by side. Cardin felt a small weight lift from his chest—he might never erase the past, but this was a start.
Across the battlefield, Team JNPR fought alongside Team SSSN, their combined strength a powerful force against the horde.
Nora let out an exhilarated roar as she launched herself high into the air with a powerful hammer swing, crashing down with enough force to send Grimm flying in all directions. Ren weaved between them, his movements a blur as he sliced through their legs, ensuring they never rose again.
Pyrrha was a storm of metal and energy, deflecting incoming attacks with her shield before throwing it into a charging Grimm, her spear striking true immediately after. Jaune, though less refined, fought with relentless determination, shielding Sun from a surprise attack before driving his sword into a Grimm's throat.
Sun spun through the battle, dual-wielding his nunchaku-rifles to knock back any approaching threats. Neptune stayed close, shifting between spear and rifle mode to take out enemies at both close and long range. Sage and Scarlet held the line, ensuring no opening was left unguarded.
Above them, Ozpin, Goodwitch, and Ironwood led the professors of Beacon in battle.
Ozpin moved with eerie precision, his cane striking with pinpoint accuracy, shattering Grimm with calculated efficiency.
Goodwitch controlled the battlefield itself, manipulating debris into deadly projectiles, hurling chunks of stone and metal through the horde, crushing entire waves in an instant.
Ironwood, clad in worn battle gear, fired his pistols with the discipline of a seasoned warrior, each shot a perfect kill. Despite everything he had lost, his will remained unshaken.
The professors of Beacon proved their mettle, their combined experience turning the battle in their favor, refusing to let their academy fall again.
In the center of the battlefield, Qrow and Raven fought back to back, their weapons cutting through the onslaught with brutal efficiency.
Qrow's blade cleaved through a massive Beringel, slicing into its chest before it collapsed. Raven, her crimson gaze cold and unwavering, severed a Nevermore's wing with a single stroke before spinning to decapitate a lunging Beowulf.
Nearby, Taiyang tore through the Grimm with relentless force, his wrist-mounted claws raking through the throat of a monstrous Ursa. Another beast lunged, but before it could reach him, a crimson blur intercepted the attack. Taiyang turned, his eyes widening as he found himself face-to-face with Raven.
For a moment, the battlefield seemed to pause between them—years of distance, pain, and unspoken words heavy in the air. Then, without hesitation, Taiyang gave a simple nod.
Whatever their past, today, they fought together.
Amid the chaos, Ruby was a blur of red and silver, her jetpack propelling her through the battlefield as she carved through Grimm with devastating force. Weiss fought at her side, using her Glyphs to enhance her movements, creating platforms of ice and light to strike from unexpected angles.
Yang and Blake fought in perfect synchronization, moving as one. Yang's fists shattered Grimm skulls with raw power, while Blake danced through the battlefield, her blade flashing as she struck with precision. Their bond was evident—unbreakable, unwavering.
The defenders held their ground, but the Grimm kept coming, their numbers seemingly endless. The streets were coated in the ashen remains of countless slain creatures, yet still, the monstrous horde pressed on.
Then, a shadow loomed over the battlefield.
A massive Grimm, towering over the city, emerged from the smoke. It was unlike anything Ruby had ever seen. Its thick, plated armor gleamed beneath the blood-red sky, its glowing eyes burning with hunger.
It let out a deafening roar.
Before Ruby could react, it moved.
A colossal claw swung through the air, too fast to evade. The force of the impact struck Ruby with terrifying strength, sending her flying through the battlefield before she crashed into the hard pavement.
The ground cracked beneath her as she skidded to a stop, dust and debris rising into the air.
Pain surged through her body. The world spun.
For the first time since the fight began, Ruby felt herself falter.
Ruby forced herself to push through the pain, her body aching from the devastating impact. As she struggled to get back on her feet, an Ursa lumbered toward her, its claws scraping against the pavement, its growl deep and menacing. Gritting her teeth, Ruby braced herself, preparing to fight despite her weakened state.
Suddenly, a series of gunshots echoed through the battlefield, tearing through the Ursa's hide. The Grimm let out a final roar before collapsing lifelessly to the ground, dissolving into black mist. Ruby's eyes widened in confusion as she turned toward the source of the gunfire.
Standing before her, offering a gloved hand, was none other than Roman Torchwick. His signature grin, ever smug, was firmly in place, but something about his stance suggested he wasn't here to gloat. Beside him stood his ever-loyal companion, Neopolitan. Her mismatched eyes—one pink, the other brown, flashing white in a blink—watched Ruby with an unreadable expression.
Ruby's body tensed at the sight of the criminals. Her grip tightened, though Crescent Rose was no longer in her hands. Torchwick scoffed, rolling his eyes at her hesitation.
"I'm willing to let our little grudge slide for a day, Red," he said, adjusting his hat. "A destroyed kingdom is bad for business, and well… let's just say I like breathing."
Ruby hesitated, unsure of whether to trust him. But with the battlefield in chaos, with Vale itself at risk of annihilation, she didn't have the luxury of second-guessing unlikely allies. Taking a deep breath, she reached out and took Torchwick's hand. He pulled her to her feet with a firm grip, then immediately nudged away her gratitude.
"Don't get all buddy-buddy on me, kid," he said, dusting off his coat. "I still don't like you."
"Right," Ruby muttered. "Of course."
Torchwick turned to Neo and nodded. The petite woman tilted her head at him, eyes questioning, before giving a silent nod in return. Then, with her usual eerie grace, she sprinted forward, disappearing into the fray, her parasol spinning as she leapt onto the nearest Grimm. With every step, her form shimmered, using her illusions to disorient her opponents before striking them down with lethal precision.
Torchwick glanced at Ruby before reaching down and picking up Crescent Rose, twirling the weapon once before handing it back to her.
"You dropped this," he said casually.
Ruby took it, feeling the familiar weight of her weapon in her hands again. She looked at him, searching for some hidden agenda, but Torchwick merely smirked and pulled out his own weapon, cocking it in one smooth motion.
"Now go play hero, kid," he said. "I've got my own fun to have."
With that, they separated, each charging toward the chaos to face the onslaught of Grimm.
Then, a deafening roar split the air.
The ground trembled violently as a shadow loomed over the battlefield. Ruby turned, eyes widening as the monstrous Wyvern descended, its massive wings sending gusts of wind that knocked over debris and sent defenders staggering. It landed with a thunderous crash, talons digging deep into the pavement, its glowing red eyes scanning the battlefield with insatiable hunger.
Ruby's heart pounded in her chest as she gripped Crescent Rose tighter, steeling herself.
Then, something caught her attention.
A massive, glowing figure began to form on the other side of the battlefield. A knight—taller and more formidable than any of Weiss's previous summons—materialized, its armored form pulsating with radiant energy. It radiated a powerful, commanding presence, its glowing greatsword raised high as it stomped onto the ground, sending tremors through the street.
The Wyvern's attention shifted, letting out another piercing roar, wings spreading wide in a display of dominance.
Standing near a barricade where Penny continued to defend against the relentless Grimm, Winter Schnee remained perfectly still, eyes closed in deep concentration. She exhaled slowly, focusing her mind, pouring every ounce of her strength into maintaining the powerful summon.
This time, it wasn't just a knight.
This time, it was a guardian.
As the battlefield around them descended further into chaos, the stage was set for the final clash.
The battlefield trembled under the sheer weight of the two titanic forces that now faced off. The Giant Knight, glowing with ethereal energy, stood unmoving, sword raised in defiance against the monstrous Wyvern. The Grimm beast let out an ear-splitting roar, its jagged, obsidian-like scales reflecting the fires that raged in the city below. The defenders of Vale paused for a brief moment, looking up as the two massive entities prepared for battle.
The Wyvern lunged first, its massive wings kicking up hurricane-force winds that shattered windows and sent debris flying. Its tail lashed out like a battering ram, aiming to strike down the knight in one brutal sweep. But the knight, guided by Winter's mastery, sidestepped with surprising agility for its size. With a mighty heave, it brought its glowing greatsword down, slicing into the Wyvern's tail. The Grimm howled in fury, black ichor spilling from the wound.
The knight pressed its attack, its massive blade cutting through the air with precision. It swung in a wide arc, forcing the Wyvern to take flight in order to avoid the devastating strike. The beast flapped its wings powerfully, sending out shockwaves that cracked the pavement below. Then, with its glowing maw, it unleashed a torrent of corrosive Grimm energy.
Winter, standing atop a barricade, grit her teeth and focused harder. The knight raised its sword just in time, using the broad side of the blade to absorb the attack. The energy dispersed in a dazzling explosion, but the knight remained standing, unfazed.
From above, dark shapes emerged from the smoky skies. A squadron of Griffons screeched as they circled the battlefield, their piercing cries signaling the arrival of reinforcements for the Wyvern. Behind them, a Nevermore the size of a house flapped its colossal wings, sending out razor-sharp feathers like deadly projectiles. The Knight staggered as the projectiles rained upon its armor, chipping away at the glowing construct.
Then, a blur of red and black streaked through the sky.
Cinder Fall descended like a meteor, her body wreathed in flames. She landed on the Wyvern's back, her expression one of sheer wrath. Having recovered from her earlier battle, she now joined forces with the Grimm beast, her hand glowing with searing heat as she fueled its monstrous energy.
With a flick of her wrist, Cinder sent out a blazing spear straight at the Knight's head. Winter barely reacted in time, willing the knight to shift. The spear struck its shoulder instead, sending out a shockwave of molten fire. The construct stumbled, momentarily thrown off balance.
Cinder smirked. "Not bad," she muttered. "Let's see how long you last."
Raising her arms, she conjured massive chains of molten rock, sending them flying toward the knight. The chains wrapped around its arms and legs, restraining its movements as the Wyvern swooped down with its jaws wide open.
Winter clenched her fists, sweat forming on her brow as she fought to keep control. The knight struggled, its sheer strength slowly breaking the chains. With one final push, it shattered the restraints, sending chunks of molten debris flying in all directions. The glowing guardian then swung its greatsword with both hands, the sheer force of the blow knocking Cinder off the Wyvern's back.
Cinder twisted midair, landing with ease on a rooftop below. She scowled, raising her hand to summon another fireball—but she was cut off as the knight hurled its greatsword like a javelin. The weapon flew through the air, slashing through multiple Griffons before embedding itself into the Nevermore's wing.
The giant bird let out a blood-curdling shriek as its flight pattern faltered. It spiraled downward, crashing into a building and exploding into black mist. The Griffons still in the air screeched in panic, but they regrouped and charged at the knight in a desperate attempt to overwhelm it.
Unarmed but undeterred, the knight clenched its massive fists and took a defensive stance. As the Grimm swarmed it from all sides, Winter pushed herself further, guiding the knight's movements with absolute focus. The guardian swung its arms, swatting multiple Griffons out of the sky with every blow. It grabbed one by the wings and slammed it into the ground, the impact sending a crater through the street.
The Wyvern, enraged by the loss of its minions, let out another deafening roar. It reared its head back and unleashed a massive shockwave of Grimm energy, sending a ripple through the entire battlefield. The knight braced itself, but the force was too great—it stumbled back, its glowing form flickering as cracks began forming along its surface.
Winter gasped, feeling the strain of maintaining the summon. Her vision blurred for a moment, her legs feeling weak. If this went on any longer, she wouldn't be able to hold the knight together.
Cinder, seeing the cracks forming, smirked. She shot forward in a blazing streak of fire, aiming for the final blow.
Just then, a golden blast struck Cinder mid-air, sending her crashing onto the pavement below.
Winter turned her head in surprise, as did the rest of the defenders.
Yang Xiao Long landed in a three-point stance, her mechanical arm steaming from the powerful shot she had just fired. She stood up, cracking her knuckles.
"Hey, Cinder," Yang called out, her crimson eyes burning with fury. "You're not the only one who likes making an entrance."
Cinder growled, rising to her feet, her expression twisting into a hateful glare.
The battle wasn't over yet.
Winter gritted her teeth as she struggled to maintain control over the knight. Her mind was being pulled in too many directions—commanding the giant summon while dodging the relentless swarm of flying Grimm attacking from all angles. The knight swung its massive blade, cleaving through a flock of Griffons, but for every one it struck down, more took their place.
From the ground, Ruby watched with growing concern. She could see the strain on Winter's face even from a distance. Her body trembled under the intense mental effort of keeping the knight standing while simultaneously fending off the aerial assault.
Ruby's hands clenched into fists. She had to do something. Preparing to activate her jetpack, she took a deep breath and was about to launch when something caught her eye.
On the horizon, just above the glistening waters beyond the city, dark silhouettes began to take shape. At first, they were mere specks against the sky, but within moments, the unmistakable roar of engines filled the air.
A fleet.
Squinting, Ruby focused, her breath hitching as she spotted an emblem on the lead ship. A mask.
Her eyes widened.
"About time."
Onboard the leading fighter, Salvator, his ever-present mask in place, leaned forward over the controls, scanning the battlefield. His voice crackled through the radio, commanding his forces with practiced authority.
"All units, proceed straight ahead! Defend the knight at all costs and take down any Grimm still swarming the city!"
Affirmative responses filled his earpiece, and in an instant, the fleet split into strategic formations. Ships peeled away in groups, diving into the city's airspace like avenging angels, weapons primed and ready.
Ruby barely had time to process the sight before Salvator's ship streaked past her, engines roaring, its guns unloading a torrent of fire onto the Grimm below. A pack of Beowolves was instantly reduced to smoldering remains. The ship then twisted midair, pulling into an aggressive arc before nosediving straight into the chaos of the sky battle.
"Woo-hoo!" Salvator whooped as he rained fire onto the Grimm, his voice filled with exhilaration as he darted between the creatures, taking them down one by one.
With the reinforcements providing covering fire, Winter finally found the breathing room she needed. The knight, no longer forced to split its attention between the Wyvern and the smaller threats, now had a singular target.
And it took full advantage of that.
The colossal construct turned its burning gaze onto the Wyvern, which let out a furious shriek, its jagged wings beating furiously as it attempted to evade. But the knight was faster than something of its size should have been. It lunged forward, gripping one of the Wyvern's wings with its massive gauntlet.
The Grimm thrashed violently, its monstrous head twisting as it tried to snap its maw at the knight's arm. But the knight held firm, tightening its grip. With an earth-shaking growl, it raised its massive sword, the blade humming with energy.
Then, in a single, devastating swing, it severed the Wyvern's wing at the base.
A deafening scream echoed across the city as the Grimm lurched, its flight path becoming erratic. It flailed, struggling to stay airborne, but its remaining wing wasn't enough. It spiraled downward, unable to stabilize itself.
The knight wasted no time. As the massive beast crashed onto the ruins of a building, its body shattering the structure beneath it, the knight raised its sword high once more.
For a brief moment, the Wyvern lifted its head, locking eyes with the construct looming over it. It let out one final, guttural screech, a last act of defiance.
The knight brought its blade down, cleaving straight through the Wyvern's neck.
For a second, there was only silence. Then, the great Grimm's form twitched before disintegrating, its black mist dissolving into the wind.
Winter, her body wracked with exhaustion, felt the strain on her mind dissipate as the knight finally faded from existence. She let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, then hastily reached up and switched off the crown device.
The moment she did, her body sagged.
Her knees buckled, and the world spun around her. The edges of her vision blurred, darkness creeping in at the edges. She barely had time to register what was happening before she lost all strength.
She would have collapsed onto the pavement had Penny not been there to catch her just in time.
"Winter!" Penny's voice was filled with concern as she held onto her friend, carefully lowering her onto the hood of a car. Her glowing green eyes scanned Winter's face, noting the sweat and exhaustion weighing her down.
Winter blinked up at her, dazed, her body sluggish. She struggled to form words, her limbs feeling like lead.
Penny carefully placed a hand on her forehead, running a quick scan. "Are you okay?"
Winter, her mind still hazy, groggily lifted a trembling hand.
She gave a weak thumbs-up.
Penny tilted her head, unconvinced, but relieved nonetheless. "That does not seem like a medically sound assessment."
Winter let out a breathless chuckle. "I'll… live," she muttered.
Penny's expression softened, her grip on Winter steady. "Well, I am glad to hear that," she said, her voice light but still carrying a trace of worry.
Supporting her carefully, Penny helped Winter sit upright, making sure she wouldn't keel over again. Winter took slow, measured breaths, feeling her strength slowly return.
Above them, the sky was finally clearing.
The battle wasn't over yet—but for the first time, it felt like victory was within reach.
Cinder's body trembled with fury as the Wyvern's remains crumbled into dust. The last piece of her grand design had been ripped from her grasp. The battlefield was filled with fighters—defenders of Vale, Huntresses, criminals who had turned against the Grimm—everyone uniting against her.
And she stood alone.
She barely had time to process her failure before a voice cut through the chaos, dripping with mockery.
"Man, Cinder, I almost feel bad for you."
Cinder turned sharply, her fiery gaze landing on Yang, who stood confidently amidst the rubble, Ember Celica primed and ready. Her golden hair shone under the light of the fires still burning in the city, her lilac eyes brimming with amusement.
"Key word: almost."
Cinder's fists clenched.
Yang took a step forward, tilting her head. "You really thought you were gonna win, huh?" She scoffed, shaking her head. "But look around. You got no one." She smirked, raising her hands as she listed them off. "Torchwick? He turned on you. Emerald and Mercury? Last time I saw them, they were tied up and probably running as far away from you as possible."
Cinder's eyes twitched.
Yang grinned, continuing, "Face it, Cinder. You don't have an army. You don't have allies. You don't have friends. You got nothing." She shook her head with a mock pout. "I mean, let's be real. The moment you stopped being useful, Salem would've tossed you aside anyway."
Cinder's body tensed at the name, her flames roaring to life in her palms.
Yang chuckled, cracking her knuckles. "And now? Now you're just a scared, angry little girl with a whole lot of power and no one left to use it on."
Cinder snapped.
She lunged, a wave of fire exploding from her hands. Yang barely had time to react before the force slammed into her, sending her skidding backward. The heat seared through her Aura, but she dug her heels into the pavement, steadying herself.
Cinder was on her in an instant, conjuring a blade of molten flame and swinging it down. Yang brought up her mechanical arm just in time, blocking the strike, sparks and embers flying from the impact.
Yang grunted, pushing back. "Touched a nerve, huh?"
Cinder responded by conjuring a second blade and slashing at Yang's side. Yang twisted, dodging, but Cinder was relentless. Strike after strike, Cinder pressed forward, her attacks wild yet precise, fueled by sheer rage.
Yang ducked under a burning arc, then countered with a fierce uppercut, landing a solid hit to Cinder's jaw. The Fall Maiden staggered, but only for a second. With a furious snarl, she released an explosive burst of flame, knocking Yang off her feet.
Yang hit the ground hard, coughing as smoke filled her lungs. She barely had time to react before Cinder loomed over her, blade poised for a final, burning strike.
"And yet," Cinder sneered, her eyes glowing with molten fury, "I am still standing."
Yang groaned, trying to push herself up, but her body screamed in protest. She watched as Cinder raised her sword, ready to end it—
"HEY, FIRE WITCH!"
Cinder barely had time to turn before a streak of silver and red slammed into her.
Yang smirked. "Took you long enough, Rubes."
Cinder's breath came in ragged, furious gasps as she glared at the battlefield around her. The chaos that had once been in her favor was slipping away. The Grimm were thinning, her so-called unstoppable invasion crumbling before her very eyes.
She whipped her burning gaze toward Ruby, who walked toward her with steady determination, Crescent Rose in hand.
"You ruined everything!" Cinder screeched, her voice raw with rage and desperation.
Yang, still recovering but grinning through her exhaustion, let out a dry chuckle. "Aw, poor baby," she teased. "All that effort, all that planning… and for what? 'Cause I gotta say, Cinder, if the goal was waking up Salem, then you were close. Real close."
Cinder's breath hitched.
Yang's smirk widened as she tilted her head mockingly. "But almost doesn't count, does it?"
The moment the words left her mouth, Cinder's fury reached its breaking point. She spun to face Yang, fire blazing around her, her fingers trembling with barely contained rage.
"I'll try again," Cinder growled, her voice dark with venom. "And next time, I'll make sure none of you are there to stop me."
Her molten blade ignited once more, searing through the air as she raised it high, aiming to strike down the smirking brawler in front of her.
But just before she could swing, something shifted.
Ruby's eyes flickered to the side, sensing movement.
Something was coming.
And fast.
Cinder barely had time to react before a figure landed in front of her, gripping the burning blade in their hand. The flames crackled, but they didn't scorch. Instead, the fire dimmed, flickering out like a dying ember.
Raven smirked, her crimson eyes glowing eerily in the dimming light. "Not in your life."
Cinder's own eyes widened slightly as she took a step back, staring at the woman before her. There was no mistaking it—the aura of power radiating from Raven was unmistakable. She was a Maiden.
A shiver ran down Cinder's spine, but she pushed it down, forcing herself to sneer. Before she could react, Raven turned her head slightly and blew a cold breath against the blade. Ice crept along the sword's length, crawling from the tip to the hilt.
Cinder's fingers twitched as frostbite nipped at her skin. For the first time in a long while, fear crept into her chest.
With a casual flick of her wrist, Raven shattered the frozen sword with a single punch, the shards falling like broken glass around them.
Then she hovered above the ground, her smirk widening.
Before Cinder could even process what had happened, Raven lashed out, her boot striking Cinder's chest and sending her hurtling backward. She crashed into a brick wall, the force of the impact knocking the wind from her lungs.
Gasping, Cinder pushed herself up, her fury bubbling once more. She clenched her fists, punching the ground as she forced herself to her feet.
But her moment of recovery was short-lived.
A hum of energy caught her attention, and she turned just in time to see Penny standing nearby, a confident smirk on her lips. Behind her, Winter stood, her rapier glowing with summoned glyphs.
Penny's blades floated around her, forming into a spinning mechanism before firing a concentrated energy beam. Cinder barely dodged, the beam slicing through a nearby building with ease.
Snarling, Cinder rocketed toward Penny, prepared to strike.
But a blur of red and black interrupted her flight path.
Raven appeared between them, grabbing Penny and pushing her out of harm's way. Cinder's punch whiffed through the air, and before she could react, Raven countered with a devastating punch of her own.
The blow sent Cinder crashing through yet another building, her body skidding across the pavement.
Groaning, she tried to rise, only to sense another presence nearby.
Two feet landed heavily beside her.
She looked up, dazed, and saw Yang standing there, arms crossed, a smirk playing at her lips.
"Hey there," Yang said.
Before Cinder could respond, Yang roared and slammed her fist into the ground. A shockwave erupted, the sheer force launching Cinder back into the air.
As she spiraled, Winter's smaller knight materialized. It spun its massive sword before striking Cinder mid-air, sending her higher.
Higher still, Raven appeared once more. With another fierce punch, she sent Cinder crashing against the side of a building, where she clung weakly, her breath ragged.
For a moment, all was still.
Then a rush of wind came from above.
Ruby.
With her jetpack engaged, Ruby soared downward, her fist clenched tight.
Cinder barely had time to react before Ruby's punch slammed into her with enough force to send her plummeting to the street below.
The ground trembled upon impact.
Cinder groaned, her aura flickering, her limbs refusing to move.
Ruby landed atop her, pinning her down with one final punch. Her silver eyes burned with determination.
"Stay down," Ruby commanded.
Cinder's vision blurred. Her breaths came out in sharp, ragged gasps.
She had nothing left.
As Ruby slowly stood and backed away, the battlefield grew quiet. The sun had begun to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the ruined city.
The battle was nearly over.
And for the first time in a long time, Cinder Fall had lost.
Cinder coughed, her body trembling as she struggled to push herself onto her knees. Despite her injuries, despite her flickering Aura, her burning glare never wavered as she fixed her eyes on Ruby.
"You think this is over?" she spat, her voice hoarse but filled with venom.
Ruby took a deep breath, standing her ground. "I mean… yeah. You just lost big time. The Wyvern is dead. Your allies turned against you. And nearly all the Grimm attacking Vale have been wiped out. If that's not a win for the good guys, I don't know what is."
Cinder's fingers curled into the dirt beneath her. Her eyes began to glow brighter, flames flickering around her.
"You arrogant little—" She coughed again, but pushed herself to her feet despite the pain. "Just because this battle is over doesn't mean it won't happen again! You haven't won anything! I will try again! I will burn everything down! You hear me?! This is far from—"
She never finished.
A dark shadow passed over the battlefield.
In an instant, something massive swooped down from above.
A Nevermore, its talons sharp and gleaming, snatched Cinder from the ground before she could react.
Ruby barely had time to blink before the Grimm's massive beak clamped shut—Cinder's final, startled scream cut off mid-sentence.
Everyone stood frozen, watching in stunned silence as the Nevermore flapped its wings, lifting itself back into the sky.
Cinder was gone.
Swallowed whole.
The Grimm let out a victorious screech before flying off, disappearing into the fading horizon.
Ruby just stared, wide-eyed.
Yang walked up beside her, arms crossed. "Well," she muttered, "that was… anticlimactic."
Ruby was about to respond when something caught her eye.
A faint, shimmering glow.
She turned just in time to see a streak of golden light burst from the Nevermore's body, arcing through the sky like a comet—racing toward her and Yang.
Ruby's instincts screamed at her.
"Yang—move!" she yelled, pushing her sister out of the way just as the light struck her.
Ruby gasped, her body jolting as the energy slammed into her chest. A wave of heat and power coursed through her, overwhelming her senses. She was thrown into the air, her body twisting before she crashed hard against the ground.
Yang scrambled to her feet. "Ruby!"
She sprinted to her sister's side, skidding to her knees.
Ruby lay motionless, her silver eyes closed, her breathing faint. But something was happening beneath her skin—an eerie glow pulsed under her closed eyelids, flickering like embers.
Yang's heart pounded as she turned her head, yelling, "Penny! Get help, now!"
Penny, who had been watching in horror, immediately bolted toward Winter and the others.
Yang turned back to Ruby, gripping her shoulders. "Come on, Rubes. Stay with me."
But Ruby didn't respond.
The glow beneath her eyelids pulsed again—brighter this time.
DAYS LATER - HOSPITAL ROOM
Ruby lay in a hospital bed, her body still and peaceful, lost in unconsciousness. The steady beep of the heart monitor and the faint hum of medical equipment filled the otherwise quiet room.
Then, she stirred.
A soft groan escaped her lips as she shifted slightly, her brows furrowing. Slowly, her eyelids fluttered open, only to immediately squeeze shut as the bright light above her sent a sharp sting through her vision. Raising a weak hand, she shielded her face and groggily mumbled, "Am I dead…?"
A warm chuckle answered her.
"Absolutely not."
Blinking, Ruby slowly turned her head toward the familiar voice.
Her father, Taiyang, sat beside her, a relieved yet exhausted smile stretched across his face. His eyes, filled with warmth, betrayed the many sleepless nights he must have spent worrying.
As Ruby took in the sight of him, she realized she wasn't alone.
To her other side stood her team—Yang, Weiss, and Blake—all looking relieved yet battle-worn. Qrow leaned against the wall with arms crossed, the exhaustion evident in his posture, though he smirked at her as if to say, Took you long enough, kid. Ozpin stood near the window, his usual calm demeanor in place, but there was a glint of curiosity in his eyes.
Ruby then noticed Jaune, slumped in a chair near the end of her bed, fast asleep, his head resting awkwardly against the wall.
Weiss, rolling her eyes, lifted her foot and kicked him lightly in the shin.
Jaune jolted awake, blinking in confusion. His eyes darted to Ruby, who smiled at him softly.
Instantly, he shot up from his chair, nearly tripping over himself as he scrambled to sit beside her.
"Ruby," he breathed, taking her hand in his own.
She gave his fingers a light squeeze. "I'm okay," she assured, her voice slightly hoarse but filled with warmth.
As she scanned the room, she noticed that many of them had bandages, and some bore fresh scars from battle.
"How long was I out?" she asked.
Yang stepped forward, arms crossed. "Almost a week," she answered. "You were in and out a couple times, but nothing serious."
A week? Ruby's mind raced. It felt like just moments ago, she had been in the middle of a battle. The light. The impact. And then… nothing.
"What happened?" she asked, glancing at her sister.
Yang exhaled, rubbing the back of her head. "That light? Whatever it was—it hit you hard and knocked you out cold."
Ozpin, who had been watching quietly, finally spoke. "Do you feel any different?"
Ruby took a moment to assess herself. She flexed her fingers, shifted in the bed, and let out a slow breath. "Other than being sore… I think I'm fine."
She then looked to Ozpin. "What about everyone else? Is… is everyone okay?"
Ozpin nodded. "Very few fighters lost their lives, but for the most part, everyone came out okay."
Yang added, "The ones we lost weren't anyone we personally knew… but they knew the risks. They fought to protect Vale, and they won."
Ruby swallowed, processing the weight of those words. Even in victory, there was loss.
"What happened after I was knocked out?" she finally asked.
Qrow smirked slightly. "Well, after the Wyvern was taken down, the Grimm started retreating. And as for Cinder…" he paused, shrugging, "I guess that Nevermore detected all that negativity pouring out of her and saw her as food. Good riddance."
Ruby stared for a moment before shaking her head. That's… one way to go.
Before she could dwell on it further, Ozpin cleared his throat.
"There is something I'd like to discuss with you," he said. "In private."
The group exchanged glances before Yang nodded. "Alright. We'll be outside."
Jaune, still holding Ruby's hand, hesitated before gently letting go. He leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek.
Taiyang, who had been quiet up until now, raised an eyebrow at the gesture. "Okay, yeah. I'm gonna need to have a talk with you about this later," he muttered, eyeing Jaune with a pointed look.
Jaune paled slightly, rubbing the back of his neck.
Yang chuckled as she led the others out of the room, closing the door behind them.
Ozpin sighed as he settled into the chair beside Ruby's bed, folding his hands together. His usually composed demeanor held a weight of seriousness, and Ruby immediately knew whatever he was about to say was something important.
"What I am about to tell you, Miss Rose, must remain an absolute secret," Ozpin said in a low voice. "Only your team and your family should be privy to this information."
Ruby sat up slightly, still sore but attentive. "I won't say anything," she promised, her mind already racing. "I'm guessing this has something to do with the light that hit me?"
Ozpin nodded. "Indeed. That was no ordinary light. What you experienced was the essence of a Maiden."
Ruby's eyes widened. "A Maiden?"
Ozpin leaned forward slightly. "When a Maiden perishes—under any circumstance—their power does not simply vanish. It ejects from their body, seeking a worthy host. More often than not, this power is transferred to the last person the Maiden thought of in their final moments." He paused, watching Ruby carefully. "And in Cinder's case… that person was you, Miss Rose."
Ruby's breath caught in her throat. She stared at her hands as if expecting them to start glowing at any moment.
"So… I'm a Maiden now?" she asked, voice barely above a whisper.
Ozpin sighed. "It is difficult to understand the exact mechanics of the transfer, but from what we know… yes. You are now the Fall Maiden."
Ruby's mind reeled, her heart pounding in her chest. She had grown up hearing the stories of the Maidens, thinking they were fairy tales. And now, she was one of them?
Then something clicked in her mind. She lifted her head and looked at Ozpin.
"Raven," she said. "Her eyes—they glowed just like Cinder's. And she could fly."
Ozpin exhaled through his nose. "Raven Branwen is the Spring Maiden."
"You knew?"
"Only after the invasion," Ozpin admitted. "She told me herself. I must say, I was quite surprised." He shook his head slightly. "But I had little choice but to accept it."
Ruby ran a hand through her hair, trying to process everything. "So… what happens now? Now that I'm a Maiden?"
"Normally," Ozpin said, "you would be required to train at Beacon under my supervision, as well as with Professors Goodwitch and Branwen."
Ruby blinked. "Qrow?"
"Yes," Ozpin confirmed. "Your uncle, despite his… demeanor, is highly qualified to help guide a Maiden in their development." He then gave Ruby a small smile. "However, given recent events, I am willing to make an exception."
Ruby frowned in confusion. "Exception?"
Ozpin folded his hands again. "You and your friends—along with everyone else who defended Vale—are now regarded as heroes. Even the criminals who fought alongside us—Neopolitan and Torchwick—have become heroes in the eyes of the people." His expression darkened slightly. "Though I imagine, in time, they will return to their ways, and our paths may cross as adversaries again."
Ruby stayed silent, unsure where he was going with this.
Ozpin straightened his posture. "Which brings me to my proposal. If, and only if, you choose to return to Beacon for the second school year, I will open your schedule to allow for dedicated training in honing your newfound abilities. You will receive guidance, but at your own pace."
Ruby lowered her gaze, her mind a storm of conflicting emotions.
This was too much.
She had already gone through so much—fighting Cinder, losing people, nearly dying herself. And now, on top of everything else, she had inherited the powers of the Fall Maiden?
She swallowed thickly. "I… I don't know," she admitted, feeling overwhelmed. "This is… a lot to take in."
Ozpin nodded knowingly. "I understand."
Ruby exhaled slowly, rubbing her temple. "I just… I need time."
"And time you shall have," Ozpin assured her. He then rose from his seat, adjusting his coat. "I will not pressure you into making a decision now. Take whatever time you need. When the school year begins this fall, I will await your answer."
Ruby watched as Ozpin gave her one last reassuring nod before turning toward the door.
She sank back into her pillows, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts.
A Maiden.
She was now the Fall Maiden.
1 WEEK LATER - PATCH
A week had passed since the battle for Vale, and Ruby, nearly fully recovered, sat in her living room, watching a news report on the large television mounted on the wall. Lisa Lavender, her arm wrapped in a sling from injuries sustained during Cinder's attack, remained as composed as ever as she delivered the latest updates.
"Two weeks after the invasion, rescue and rebuilding efforts continue across Vale. Thanks to the brave efforts of defenders from all over Remnant, countless lives were saved, and the city stands resilient. Among those recognized for their heroism are Specialist Winter Schnee, General James Ironwood, and the Huntress-in-training who many credit with leading the charge against Cinder Fall—Ruby Rose."
A montage of interviews followed, with citizens praising those who had fought to protect them. One man recalled seeing Winter direct evacuations, another praised Ironwood for his leadership despite his controversial past. But most of them spoke about Ruby.
"She stood her ground against that flying witch," one woman said. "I saw it with my own eyes. She didn't back down, even when it looked like she was done for."
"She gave us hope," another added. "If not for her and the others, I don't think we'd still be standing here today."
Ruby smiled softly, feeling both a sense of pride and humility as she listened to the people's words. She hadn't fought for recognition, but knowing that her efforts had truly made a difference—hearing the gratitude in their voices—meant more to her than any title or medal ever could.
As the news continued playing, Ruby stood and stretched, making her way to the kitchen, where the delicious aroma of dinner filled the air. Yang and Blake were busy at the stove, Blake stirring a pot of sauce while Yang inspected the ingredients on the counter.
Ruby leaned against the doorway, watching with curiosity. "So… what exactly is being made for dinner?"
Yang, standing over the stove with her arms crossed, smirked. "Not telling. It's a surprise."
Blake, focused on her task, lifted the bowl of sauce and handed it to Yang. "The sauce is ready."
Yang took a dramatic pause before dipping her pinky finger into it and giving it a taste. She stood there for a few moments, considering, then slowly nodded. "Okay." She clapped her hands together and turned to Ruby with a big grin. "Okay! Is this girl good or what?"
Ruby chuckled, glancing over at Weiss, who sat nearby at the kitchen table, sipping a glass of juice with an amused look.
Yang then turned back to Blake. "I think we should add a couple cloves of garlic."
Blake arched an eyebrow. "Because it's missing something?"
Yang quickly waved her hands. "No, no! It's delicious, I just wanna add a little bit of zip. Okay, dear?"
Blake gave her a small smirk, playing along. "Of course, darling."
Ruby watched as Blake walked over and plopped onto the couch beside her, sighing in amusement. Leaning in, Ruby whispered, "So, Yang didn't like the sauce, huh?"
Blake smirked, whispering back, "In her own words? Oh yeah."
The two of them shared a quiet laugh as Weiss rolled her eyes fondly from her seat. Dinner was going to be interesting.
An hour later, the team, along with Taiyang and Qrow, sat outside in the backyard, enjoying the meal Yang had prepared. The evening air was crisp, carrying the scent of pine and the distant sounds of waves crashing along the shore. Lanterns strung above them cast a warm glow over the table as they talked and laughed.
Yang had outdone herself with the dish—a traditional Atlesian pasta recipe that Winter had taught her. Despite her playful teasing earlier, she was pleased with how well it turned out. Blake's sauce complemented it perfectly, and even Weiss had admitted—begrudgingly—that it was exceptional.
As the conversation carried on, Yang suddenly felt a presence. A prickling sensation at the back of her neck. Someone was watching them.
She turned her head subtly, eyes scanning the tree line near the house. At first, she saw nothing—just the trees swaying in the night breeze. But then, just beyond the shadows, a figure stood still, barely illuminated by the soft glow of the lanterns.
Yang slowly set down her fork. "I'll be right back," she murmured.
No one questioned it. They had learned long ago to trust Yang's instincts. She stood, making her way around the side of the house, her boots crunching softly against the grass.
As she turned the corner, she saw her.
Raven.
Standing with her arms crossed, expression unreadable, the older Branwen woman watched her daughter approach.
"You've gotten better at sensing things," Raven noted, breaking the silence.
Yang didn't respond at first. She just walked up to her mother, stopping a foot away.
Raven sighed, shifting slightly. "I just came to see—"
She never finished her sentence.
Yang stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Raven.
The embrace was sudden—unexpected. Raven tensed, caught off guard, but Yang didn't let go. She held her mother close, her face buried in Raven's shoulder. She wasn't crying, but the tears still fell, warm against Raven's cloak.
For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Then, hesitantly, Raven brought up her arms and returned the hug.
When they finally pulled apart, Yang quickly wiped her face with the back of her sleeve. She sniffed and looked at her mother.
"Hungry?" she asked.
Raven raised an eyebrow. "I'm fine."
Yang shook her head. "No. You are hungry."
Then, without another word, she turned and walked back toward the backyard.
Raven sighed, rubbing her temple before reluctantly following.
As they rounded the house and stepped into the lantern light, the conversation at the table abruptly stopped.
Everyone stared.
Taiyang's eyes widened in shock. Weiss and Blake froze mid-bite. Qrow, though surprised, just exhaled and shook his head.
"Everyone," Yang said, moving toward the table, "this is my mom."
Blake and Weiss exchanged glances before looking at Raven.
"And she's joining us for dinner."
The silence was thick with tension. Then, without hesitation, Ruby stood up, moved her chair aside, and grabbed another, placing it between her and Yang's seat. She smiled and gestured toward it.
Raven glanced at Yang, who had already begun preparing a plate.
"Yang made the food," Ruby said. "Blake made the sauce."
Raven hesitated, looking around the table. Her gaze landed on Qrow, who gave her a simple nod—neutral, but not unwelcoming. Then, her eyes met Taiyang's.
For a moment, he just looked at her.
Then, he spoke.
"Don't go."
That… surprised her.
Raven faltered, then slowly sat down. Though the atmosphere remained a little awkward, it wasn't hostile.
Yang set the plate in front of her before sitting down next to Blake, intertwining their fingers as she resumed eating.
Raven picked up her fork, glancing at the food before her.
Raven glanced around the table, her sharp eyes taking in the unfamiliar yet oddly welcoming scene before her. The warm glow of lanterns illuminated the gathering, casting flickering light over plates of food, half-empty glasses, and the relaxed postures of those seated around the wooden table. It was a stark contrast to the battles they had all just endured, and an even starker contrast to what she had once believed was possible.
Her gaze shifted to Yang, who had just settled back into her seat.
And then, with an ease that surprised Raven, Yang reached for Blake's hand, lacing their fingers together without hesitation. Blake, in turn, gave Yang's hand a small squeeze, her ears flicking slightly as she smiled at something Weiss had just said.
Raven stiffened.
Something in her expression darkened for a split second before she turned away, staring down at the untouched plate in front of her.
"This…" she murmured, shaking her head slightly. "This might be a bad time for me to be here."
She started to stand.
But before she could push herself fully up from the chair, Taiyang spoke.
"Don't go."
His voice wasn't commanding. It wasn't cold or sharp.
It was genuine.
Raven froze.
She turned her head just enough to look at him, her crimson eyes searching his face for any sign of resentment, of anger, of blame—anything she had braced herself for.
But there was none.
Taiyang just held her gaze, his expression firm but open.
She wasn't sure what to say to that.
So, instead, she slowly lowered herself back into the chair.
It was awkward. That much was undeniable.
For a few moments, an uncertain silence hovered over the table. A tension that hadn't quite broken.
Then, subtly, the conversation resumed.
Blake leaned toward Weiss to tell her something about the sauce she had made. Qrow took another sip from his flask before launching into a story, to which Ruby groaned, already knowing where it was going. Taiyang exhaled and returned to his meal, while Yang made an exaggerated face after tasting the food, making Blake nudge her playfully.
The moment passed.
And for the first time in a long time, Raven simply sat and listened.
THE NEXT DAY - PARK
Ruby leaned back against the tree trunk, the rough bark pressing into her back as she took in the lively scene before her. The park was filled with laughter, conversation, and the warmth of a celebration hard-earned. Sunlight filtered through the leaves above, casting a golden glow over the gathering.
She glanced over at Blake, who stood with her parents, engaged in what seemed to be an animated discussion with Ghira. Kali smiled, occasionally interjecting, while Ilia stood slightly to the side, sipping her punch and nodding along.
But something—or rather, someone—caught Ilia's attention.
A girl, standing a few feet away, her gaze lingering for just a moment too long before she quickly looked away, a blush creeping onto her face.
Blake noticed the silent exchange and smirked, nudging Ilia with her elbow. She murmured something that made Ilia groan and roll her eyes before downing the rest of her punch in one go. Taking a deep breath, Ilia straightened her posture and, with visible reluctance, stepped toward the girl.
Ruby chuckled softly.
Her gaze then shifted across the park, landing on Weiss.
Weiss was standing with Winter near a stone fountain, the two sisters locked in conversation. Though their expressions were serious, there was no sharpness, no hostility—just two siblings talking. Reconciling, Ruby hoped.
She exhaled, allowing herself a small, relieved smile.
As her eyes continued scanning the park, she spotted Yang a short distance away.
Yang stood with Raven, the two facing each other. The conversation between them was quiet, hesitant. Neither seemed entirely comfortable, but at the very least, they were trying. And after everything, that was more than Ruby could have asked for.
Ruby hugged her knees to her chest, feeling a sense of contentment settle over her.
Ruby glanced across the park, watching as SSSN and CFVY stood together, sharing stories and laughing at each other's jokes. The atmosphere was lighthearted, a stark contrast to the chaos they had all endured just days ago.
A voice from behind her broke her thoughts. "Enjoying the celebration?"
She turned to see Salvator standing nearby, arms crossed, his mask still in place.
Ruby stood up, brushing the grass off her cloak. "Yeah, I am. We all are. What we did… it was a huge accomplishment." She met his masked gaze and offered him a grateful smile. "And honestly, I have to thank you for helping us. Without you, things could have turned out… very different."
Salvator gave a small nod. "It felt like my duty, stopping Cinder for good. That kind of threat couldn't be ignored." He exhaled slightly, tilting his head. "I would've preferred her facing justice, though."
Ruby rubbed the back of her neck. "Yeah… I get that." Her expression turned slightly uneasy. "But instead… she got eaten."
Salvator huffed a short chuckle. "Yeah. That was… unexpected."
Ruby shook her head. "Unnerving is more like it."
Salvator crossed his arms, a smirk evident even through his mask. "Since Cinder Fall has… fallen," he said with deliberate emphasis.
Ruby groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Really? Even you're making puns now? I get enough of that from Yang."
Salvator chuckled. "Couldn't resist." He then sighed, his tone shifting to something more serious. "But now… I think it's time."
Ruby tilted her head. "Time for what?"
He lifted a hand to his mask. "To show my face."
Ruby hesitated. "You don't have to. I mean, if it makes you uncomfortable, I—"
He shook his head. "My job is done. I think I owe it to you—to everyone—to not hide anymore."
Without further delay, Salvator took hold of his mask and lifted it off. Ruby instinctively leaned forward, expecting a grand reveal—only for her excitement to instantly deflate when she saw yet another mask underneath.
Her eye twitched. "Are you serious?"
Salvator shrugged. "Prevents sweat from getting on the mask."
Ruby let out an exasperated sigh as he casually removed the second layer. "You and Yang are going to drive me insane."
As soon as Salvator pulled off the second mask, Ruby's eyes widened in surprise. The young man before her had sharp, well-defined features, a strong jawline, and dark brown eyes filled with quiet intensity. His short black hair was slightly tousled, as if he rarely thought about styling it. But what caught Ruby's attention the most was the large birthmark that covered the right side of his face, extending from his cheekbone down to his jawline. The contrast between his smooth skin and the textured mark was striking, yet it only added to his presence.
Ruby smiled warmly. "I like your birthmark," she said, her voice sincere.
Salvator chuckled, but there was an edge of nervousness to it. He rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding her gaze. "You're probably the first person to say that without staring too long."
Ruby tilted her head, studying him with newfound understanding. "I get it now… The mask—it's not just about hiding your identity. It helps your confidence, doesn't it?"
He let out a slow breath and nodded. "Yeah. When people see me with the mask, they see a leader, a symbol—someone strong. Without it…" He gestured vaguely to his face. "I just feel like… me."
Ruby's expression softened. "But you are enough. Salvator with the mask or without it—you're still the guy who saved Vale. That's not something that just disappears because of a birthmark."
Salvator glanced at her, searching for any trace of pity, but found none—only quiet acceptance. He exhaled, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "You're a lot like her," he murmured.
Ruby blinked. "Like who?"
His gaze darkened, the weight of old memories surfacing. "My sister. She always knew what to say too."
A pause hung between them before Salvator turned his head, looking past the celebration and into the distant horizon. "Years ago, Cinder Fall came to my town. She destroyed everything—burned it all to the ground. I lost my family, my home, everyone I ever cared about." His fists clenched. "I already lost my home. I didn't want anyone else to lose theirs. That's why I made it my mission to take her down."
Ruby listened in silence, letting his words settle. She knew that kind of loss—the kind that changed a person forever. "And now that she's gone?" she asked gently.
Salvator sighed, a mixture of relief and emptiness in his voice. "Now… I don't know. I spent so long chasing revenge, I never really thought about what came after."
Ruby offered a small, reassuring smile. "Then maybe… it's time to start thinking about it."
Salvator sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I mean… I'm still just a kid. I spent all this time preparing for one thing—stopping Cinder—and now that it's over… I have no idea what I'm supposed to do next."
Before Ruby could respond, another voice cut in.
"Your skills can be useful in Atlas."
Both Ruby and Salvator turned to see Ironwood approaching. Dressed in his Atlesian dress blues, he carried himself with the disciplined posture of a soldier, but there was a new steadiness in his eyes—one that had been absent for a long time.
Ironwood stopped a few feet away, studying Salvator for a moment before speaking. "Your particular skills have drawn some attention from the Council. They were… intrigued."
Salvator crossed his arms. "What do you mean?"
Ironwood turned slightly to Ruby. "I also wanted to inform you that Atlas has chosen to reinstate me and my soldiers for our role in defending Vale." He exhaled. "The Council is willing to let us come back."
Ruby tilted her head. "That's… surprising."
Ironwood nodded. "It is. And since I'll be returning soon, I have an offer for you, Salvator." He turned back to the young man. "Come to Atlas. Work for the Council. Your resourcefulness, your skills—they're valuable. You could find a purpose beyond just surviving."
Salvator's eyes flickered with uncertainty. "You're serious?"
Ironwood extended his hand. "Completely."
Salvator hesitated, then turned to Ruby as if searching for reassurance.
Ruby smiled. "Sounds like a great opportunity." She nudged his shoulder playfully. "Besides, Atlas could use someone like you."
Salvator exhaled, then nodded. "Alright… I'm in." He clasped Ironwood's hand in a firm shake.
After a beat of silence, he added, "And since I guess I won't be wearing the mask anymore, you might as well know my real name." He looked directly at Ruby before saying, "Aurelian Vance."
Ruby blinked in surprise. "Aurelian?"
He smirked. "Yeah. Aurelian Vance. Has a nice ring to it, right?"
Ruby chuckled. "Better than Salvator."
Ironwood gestured for Aurelian to follow him. "Come. We have much to discuss about your potential future."
As Aurelian turned to walk with Ironwood, he threw one last glance over his shoulder at Ruby, giving her a nod. Ruby returned the gesture, watching as he strode off into his new path—one he never expected, but one that might just give him what he was looking for all along.
As Ruby watches the festivities unfold, her gaze drifts across the park, taking in the lively atmosphere. Laughter and chatter fill the air, blending with the occasional cheer from the ongoing game. Her eyes land on Jaune, sitting alone on a bench, his expression calm as he watches his team—Ren, Nora, and Pyrrha—engage in a playful game against Professors Oobleck, Port, and a very reluctant Goodwitch. The spectacle draws a crowd, with Penny, Cardin, and even Cardin's mother watching from the sidelines.
A smile tugs at Ruby's lips as she makes her way over to Jaune. Without a word, she plops down next to him, nudging his arm gently. He turns to her, his usual warm smile appearing as he shifts slightly to make space for her.
"Not playing?" Ruby asks, tilting her head.
Jaune chuckles. "I figured I'd sit this one out. Let them have their moment." He gestures toward the game, where Nora is currently chasing Port with unbridled enthusiasm, while Ren calmly maneuvers around Goodwitch, who looks like she's deeply regretting her participation.
Ruby laughs at the sight before glancing over at another group. She spots Taiyang and Qrow sitting together, chatting with Yang and—surprisingly—Raven. The sight of her father and uncle engaging with Raven, without tension or hostility, is something she never thought she'd see. It feels like… progress. A slow, cautious kind of healing.
As Ruby shifts her attention back to Jaune, she feels a sudden warmth in her chest. Without thinking too much about it, she leans in and presses a soft kiss to his cheek. Jaune blinks, startled, before his cheeks flush slightly.
Ruby grins at his reaction before leaning her head against his shoulder, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breath. As she intertwines her fingers with his, a sense of peace settles over her. Together, they sit in comfortable silence, watching the game unfold, the sounds of laughter and friendly competition surrounding them. For the first time in a long while, Ruby lets herself enjoy the moment—this moment of happiness, of normalcy, with Jaune by her side.
THE NEXT DAY - CLIFFSIDE
The morning sun casts a golden glow over the cliffside, the wind carrying the distant scent of the sea as it rustles through the trees. Ruby sits cross-legged before her mother's grave, hands resting in her lap, eyes soft yet heavy. The cool stone before her bears Summer Rose's name, etched deeply into its surface, a silent reminder of the mother she never truly got to know.
She had been here for hours, recounting everything that had happened since her last visit. Every moment, every battle, every hardship, all spoken aloud as if her mother could hear her.
"And… that's pretty much everything," Ruby says softly, exhaling as she runs a hand through her hair. "Oh! I almost forgot—Jaune and I… we're together now." A small smile tugs at her lips as she wipes at her eyes. "He makes me really happy, Mom. I think you'd like him."
Silence follows, the wind picking up slightly, causing the trees to sway. Ruby glances at the ground, tracing patterns in the dirt with her finger.
"But despite all the good… I still feel it," she admits, her voice barely above a whisper. "The pain. The fear. The exhaustion."
Her shoulders tremble as the memories resurface, crashing over her like waves. The explosion that took her old Semblance. Yang lying on the ground, screaming in pain as her arm was severed. The fall of Beacon. Amber's lifeless body, the horror of knowing they were too late. Cinder's taunting. The battles, the near-deaths, the weight of it all pressing down on her chest.
Ruby sniffles, tears beginning to fall freely down her cheeks. She doesn't bother wiping them away this time.
"I thought… I thought when we won, I'd feel lighter. But I don't." Her voice breaks as she wraps her arms around herself. "And now… I'm a Maiden. I have these powers, but I don't know what to do with them. I don't know what I'm supposed to do anymore."
She looks up at the sky, streaked with orange as the sun begins its descent.
"What do I do, Mom?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper. But no answer comes—only the rustling of the wind, the distant crash of waves against the cliffside.
Ruby wipes her eyes, sniffling again. She turns her gaze toward the horizon, watching as the sky shifts, the colors deepening. The world is quiet, serene, yet inside her, the storm remains.
For now, she simply sits, staring out at the vast expanse before her, waiting for an answer that may never come.
EVENING - YANG'S ROOM
Yang leans against her bedpost, arms crossed, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern. Blake sits beside her, legs folded under her, while Weiss takes her usual spot at Ruby's side, watching her closely. The room is dimly lit by the setting sun filtering through the curtains, casting long shadows across the walls.
"So, what's this all about, Ruby?" Yang finally asks, shifting slightly. "You're being all secretive, and I'm not a fan of secrets—especially when they involve locking the door."
Ruby stands in the center of the room, her hands clasped together as if steadying herself. She takes a deep breath before speaking.
"I didn't want Dad or Qrow to know yet," she starts, glancing at her teammates. "At least… not until I told you guys first."
Weiss tilts her head, concern evident. "Told us what?"
Ruby hesitates. Then, slowly, she extends her right hand.
The air in the room shifts, growing warmer in an instant. A flicker of orange ignites from Ruby's palm, before bursting into silver-white flames that dance along her fingertips. At the same time, an ethereal glow emanates from her silver eyes, the flame-like energy wisping outward.
The room falls into stunned silence.
Yang straightens immediately, golden eyes wide in disbelief. Blake's ears twitch as she instinctively tenses, watching the fire curl and flicker in Ruby's palm. Weiss's breath catches as she leans in, as if making sure she's really seeing this.
"Holy crap," Yang breathes.
Ruby clenches her fingers, and the flames dissipate just as quickly as they appeared. Her eyes return to normal, leaving behind only the stunned looks of her teammates.
"This…" Ruby exhales, rubbing her hand against her leg. "This is what happened after the battle. After Cinder was… gone."
"You mean…" Blake's voice is barely above a whisper. "That light that hit you…?"
Ruby nods. "It wasn't just some random light. It was the power of a Maiden." She looks up at them, her gaze serious. "I'm the Fall Maiden now."
The weight of her words settles in, pressing against the silence.
Weiss opens her mouth, closes it, then finally exhales. "That's… a lot to take in."
"You're telling me," Ruby mutters, rubbing the back of her head. "Ozpin told me how the transfer works. How the Maiden's power usually goes to the last person they thought of or someone worthy. I don't know why it picked me… but it did."
Yang, still staring, finally snaps out of her stupor. She runs a hand through her hair before chuckling dryly. "Well… damn. So my baby sis is packing Maiden powers now." She shakes her head. "Guess it runs in the family, huh?"
Blake, still processing, slowly nods. "So, what happens now?"
Ruby exhales. "Ozpin offered to train me. When the new school year starts, he wants me to stay at Beacon so he and Goodwitch can help me control it." She looks down at her hands. "Honestly… I don't know how I feel about that."
Weiss studies Ruby's face before sighing. "That makes sense. This is… a huge change. And it's a lot of responsibility."
"Yeah," Ruby agrees softly. "That's why I wanted to tell you guys first. I didn't want to freak Dad or Qrow out until I figured out what I wanted to do."
Yang steps forward and places a hand on Ruby's shoulder. "Well, whatever you decide… we've got your back, sis."
Blake nods. "Always."
Weiss smiles, albeit still slightly shaken. "Just try not to set anything on fire."
Ruby chuckles, feeling a little lighter, despite the weight of her new reality.
Ruby's smile falters, her thoughts settling as she takes a deep breath. Then, with newfound determination, she says, "I think I will go back in the fall."
The weight of her decision lifts a little as she admits, "When I trained to be a Huntress, I felt alive. I felt proud of myself. Like I was doing something that mattered." She glances down at her hands, flexing her fingers slightly as if trying to grasp that feeling again. "And when I gave up, it felt like I was just… drifting. Like I had no purpose anymore. But I think… going back to Beacon will help me find my way again."
She lifts her gaze, turning to Yang. "What about you?"
Yang's confident front wavers slightly. She exhales, crossing her arms as if trying to find the right words. "I… I don't know."
Blake studies her carefully before softly asking, "Is it because Adam is still out there?"
Yang flinches at the name, the memory still fresh, still raw. She looks away, clenching her jaw. "Yeah. That's part of it."
Weiss reaches for her hand, her grip gentle but firm. "If you come back, we'll be there for you, Yang. You won't have to deal with this alone. We'll help you, however we can."
Yang squeezes Weiss' hand in return, grateful for the support. She chuckles, albeit a little weakly. "Thanks, Weiss."
Blake, still holding Yang's other hand, gives it a reassuring squeeze. "And with time, you'll want to face Adam again—but not for revenge. Not for anger. Just… to move forward."
Yang lets out a dry laugh. "Yeah, well, I kind of owe him a serious payback."
Blake smirks, "Then one day, you'll do it. But on your terms."
Yang looks between her team, her best friends—her family. Their warmth, their trust, their unwavering belief in her fills something inside that's been missing for a long time.
Blake meets her gaze, her amber eyes hopeful. "So what do you say? You want to give Beacon another shot?"
Yang looks at each of them, taking in the way they watch her with patience and understanding. Finally, she exhales, a small but genuine smile appearing. "Only if all of you will be by my side."
Ruby doesn't hesitate—she throws herself at her sister, wrapping her in a tight hug. "Always."
Weiss quickly joins, embracing them both. "Of course we will."
Blake grins before leaning in to press a quick, tender kiss to Yang's lips before wrapping her arms around her as well.
For the first time in a long time, Team RWBY is whole again.
And they are officially going back.
FALL - VALE DOCKS
As the sun rises over the Vale docks, the city still bears signs of the recent invasion. Scaffolding clings to half-rebuilt buildings, workers push through their tasks with determined resilience, and supply ships unload materials for reconstruction. Among the bustling activity, four figures stand at the edge of the docks, waiting for the airship that will take them back to where it all began—Beacon Academy.
Each of them wears a new outfit, symbolizing not only the passage of time but the growth they've endured.
Ruby Rose:Ruby's attire has evolved from her previous ensembles, now striking a balance between practicality and identity. She wears a sleek, black long-sleeved tunic with silver accents running along the sleeves and shoulders, forming a subtle design of rose thorns. Over this, she dons a reinforced red cloak, slightly tattered at the edges but lined with silver embroidery, a mark of her resilience.
Her combat skirt remains but is now layered with armored plates that offer better protection. A fitted leather belt, decorated with silver rose emblems, holds several pouches and a newly reinforced holster for Crescent Rose. Fingerless gloves protect her hands, reinforced at the knuckles for close-quarters combat. Her boots, higher than before, reach up to her knees with segmented plating for added defense.
Her hair is slightly longer but still messy, though there is something sharper about her now—more confident, more assured of her purpose.
Weiss Schnee:Weiss' outfit reflects her nobility and battle-readiness. She wears a more practical yet elegant combat dress, now a combination of white and dark navy, with silver embroidery resembling snowflakes and glyph symbols. The high collar and detached sleeves remain, but they now feature reinforced plating over her shoulders, giving her a regal yet battle-hardened appearance. A flowing, layered half-cape, reminiscent of her Atlas heritage, drapes over her right shoulder, pinned with a snowflake brooch.
Her gloves extend past her wrists, reinforced with dust-infused material for better channeling her Semblance. Her boots, now a darker shade of navy, are sleeker but just as sharp-heeled.
Her hair is still tied in its signature ponytail, but looser, softer—symbolizing the growth she's undergone. A single lock falls near her face, a contrast to her once pristine, controlled appearance.
Blake Belladonna:Blake's attire has shifted into something both practical and symbolic of her journey. She wears a fitted, dark purple sleeveless jacket with a high collar, layered over a black cropped top that provides full mobility. Subtle gold accents line the edges of her outfit, paying homage to Menagerie's culture.
Her combat pants are now a deep navy, reinforced with segmented armor along the thighs and shins. A long, asymmetrical sash with a subtle lotus emblem hangs from her waist, slightly tattered at the edges, mirroring Ruby's cloak. Her boots are reinforced with metal plating on the soles, ideal for quick, agile movements.
She wears fingerless gloves, one of which is wrapped in a deep red band—a reminder of her time fighting alongside those she cares for.
Her hair is slightly shorter, falling just past her shoulders, but still wild and untamed. She now ties a single braid on the side, a habit she picked up during their travels.
Yang Xiao Long:Yang's new look is a reflection of both strength and resilience. She wears a fitted black and gold bomber jacket, the sleeves rolled up to her elbows, revealing reinforced plating underneath. The jacket bears a flaming phoenix design on the back, symbolizing her rise from the hardships she's endured.
Underneath, she wears a sleeveless combat vest in deep gray with golden accents. A new, sturdy belt wraps around her waist, with various compartments for dust cartridges. Her combat pants are reinforced with armored plating on the thighs and knees, allowing for both protection and ease of movement.
Her boots are rugged, built for durability, lined with shock-absorbing soles.
Her golden hair remains long but is now tied back into a looser ponytail, letting strands fall freely around her face. Her mechanical arm has been updated, sleeker and more flexible, with new gold plating at the joints for better functionality.
Yang smirks as she glances at the others, rolling her shoulders. "Well, we sure don't look like first-years anymore."
Ruby bounced slightly on the balls of her feet, her excitement barely contained. "We trained hard, got stronger, faster, and—somewhat—smarter these past few months. But now, the new school year has begun. And we are ready."
PATCH
Taiyang sat alone on the couch, lazily flipping through channels on the TV. For the first time in months, the house was completely silent. No laughter, no bickering, no surprise explosions from the kitchen courtesy of Yang's attempts at "improving" recipes. Just peace.
He exhaled, sinking into the cushions. Finally. He had the house to himself. And he planned on enjoying every moment of this newfound solitude.
Zwei, curled up on his dog bed, twitched slightly in his sleep. But suddenly, his ears perked up. The little corgi snapped awake, his nose twitching as he turned toward the front door. Then, without warning, he let out an excited bark, his stubby tail wagging rapidly.
Taiyang frowned, glancing at the door. "What is it, boy?"
Zwei barked again and ran toward the door, his tiny paws tapping against the wooden floor. Taiyang sighed, pushing himself off the couch. "Zwei, if this is another squirrel—" he grumbled as he reached for the doorknob.
Opening the door, he was met with an unexpected sight.
Qrow stood there, one hand raised as if he was just about to knock. And beside him, arms crossed, was Raven.
Taiyang blinked. "Huh." He then glanced down at Zwei, who was now wagging his tail like crazy. "I swear, this dog's better than a doorbell."
Qrow chuckled. "Yeah, I gotta admit, he's got good timing." He gave Zwei a quick scratch behind the ears before straightening up. "Anyway, just stopping by to check in before heading to Beacon. Ozpin's expecting me before the new school year starts."
Taiyang arched an eyebrow. "Oh? And here I thought you'd be sticking around for some brother-sister bonding time."
Raven smirked slightly at that, but Qrow just let out a dramatic groan. "Yeah, hard pass. I like my liver functioning, thank you very much." He then took a step back, cracking his neck. "Besides, you finally got the house to yourself. Perfect time to relax, right?"
Taiyang hummed. "Yeah, finally. It's… quiet." He wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not just yet.
Qrow smirked, giving him a knowing look. "Try not to go too crazy with all that alone time," he teased, before stepping back and seamlessly shifting into his crow form. With a single flap of his wings, he took off into the sky, heading toward Beacon.
Taiyang watched him go before sighing and turning back to Raven. "Well, since you're still here, wanna come in?"
Raven hesitated for only a moment before nodding.
A few minutes later, they sat in the living room, the warm scent of tea lingering in the air. Taiyang handed her a mug before settling back onto the couch. He grabbed the remote and flipped through a few channels before stopping on an action movie. The unmistakable face of Spruce Willis filled the screen.
"Oh yeah," Taiyang said with a grin, leaning back comfortably. "Action, baby."
Raven arched an eyebrow. "Still a fan of these old action flicks, huh?"
Taiyang smirked, taking a sip of his tea. "Some things never change."
The two sat in comfortable silence, the sound of gunfire and one-liners filling the room. As the movie played, Raven found herself stealing small glances at Taiyang. She noticed his relaxed posture, the way he absentmindedly drummed his fingers against the couch arm.
Then she noticed something else—his hand, resting near hers.
She hesitated briefly before, with a quiet breath, she confidently extended her own hand, her fingers lightly brushing against his.
Taiyang didn't react at first, his eyes still fixed on the screen. But after a moment, he shifted his hand slightly, allowing her fingers to slip between his. Then, without a word, he gently curled his fingers around hers, their hands fitting together naturally.
Neither of them said anything.
They didn't need to.
As explosions lit up the screen and Spruce Willis delivered yet another over-the-top line, the two of them sat there, hands intertwined, watching the movie in silence.
And for the first time in years… it felt right.
VALE DOCKS
The Team keeps waiting for the airship to arrive. Blake crossed her arms with a small smirk. "Did you manage to tell Ozpin about your decision?"
Ruby nodded, her expression shifting into something more determined. "I did. I'm ready for Ozpin to train me."
The distant hum of engines grew louder as the airship to Beacon descended toward the docks, kicking up a gentle breeze. Students all around them began making their way onto the vessel, some chatting excitedly, others nervously adjusting their bags. Ruby's gaze swept across the boarding crowd, catching sight of familiar faces. Team CFVY entered first, Coco giving a quick nod of acknowledgment before disappearing inside. Not far behind them, Team SSSN made their way up the ramp, Sun throwing a playful salute in Blake's direction.
Then came Team JNPR. Jaune passed by, flashing Ruby a wink that made her face heat up just slightly. She rolled her eyes but smiled, watching as he and his team disappeared into the airship.
Before she could follow, movement at the entrance caught her attention. A familiar figure stepped out of the airship and walked toward them—Winter Schnee, dressed in her refined Atlesian/Beacon Academy uniform, her posture as sharp as ever.
"Team RWBY," she greeted with a small nod, her voice as composed as always. "It is good to see you all again."
Yang crossed her arms, giving Winter a lopsided grin. "Well, we don't want to fall behind on our studies and end up failing."
Weiss turned to her with an unimpressed look. "You hardly study."
Yang scoffed. "And yet, I somehow managed to pass every test last term."
Winter allowed the brief exchange before continuing, "I wanted to inform you that I will be resuming my position as Combat Class professor alongside Professor Goodwitch. However, I have agreed to be... less intense in my approach."
Yang raised an eyebrow at that, remembering all too well how strict Winter had been when she last stepped into a teaching role. "As long as you treat every student fairly, we won't have any more complaints."
Winter nodded. "That is the plan."
Before Ruby could ask anything else, a blur of green and white dropped from the sky, landing gracefully beside Winter. The older Schnee flinched ever so slightly before composing herself.
"Salutations, Team RWBY!" Penny declared, beaming at them.
Ruby grinned. "Penny!"
Penny clasped her hands together, her synthetic eyes gleaming with excitement. "I am thrilled to finally be attending Beacon Academy! To be able to live a normal life with all of you!"
Yang tilted her head. "Penny, you're a robot. You literally stand out."
Penny giggled. "I am aware! But still, the experience will be delightful!"
Winter sighed, though a faint smile tugged at her lips as Penny practically skipped toward the airship. Ruby watched her go before turning back to Winter.
"It was really sweet of you to let Penny move in with you," Ruby said.
Winter glanced in Penny's direction before folding her hands behind her back. "Penny desired a normal life. I simply helped her to the best of my ability."
Ruby smiled at that, appreciating how far Winter had come. The older Schnee had changed, just like all of them had.
The airship's departure warning sounded, signaling the final boarding call. Ruby turned to her team, inhaling deeply as she took in the moment.
"Ready?" she asked.
Weiss straightened her posture. Blake adjusted Gambol Shroud. Yang cracked her knuckles.
"Ready," they all answered.
A sharp whistle cut through the bustling noise of the docks, catching Ruby's attention. She turned her head toward a narrow alleyway behind one of the buildings. A figure lurked just beyond the shadows.
Curious and slightly wary, Ruby turned to her team. "I'll be right back."
Yang, already loading their bags onto the airship, caught her sister's gaze and sighed. "The airship leaves in five minutes, Rubes." She took Ruby's bag from her. "Don't be late."
With a quick nod, Ruby jogged toward the alley, glancing once more at her team before slipping out of sight. She stopped just past the building's edge and folded her arms.
"All right, what do you want?"
Leaning casually against the wall, arms crossed and smirking, stood none other than Roman Torchwick. His usual smug demeanor was intact, but there was something more reserved about it this time.
"You know, I figured you'd at least pretend to be happy to see me." His smirk widened. "I did help save your sorry hide, after all."
Ruby rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. You've got five minutes."
Beside him, Neo stood silently, a duffel bag resting at her feet. Ruby frowned at the sight.
"What's going on?"
Torchwick let out a short sigh, tilting his hat slightly as he spoke. "Well, as much as I love what you've done with the place, this city isn't exactly thriving in the business department right now." He gave a casual shrug. "Vale's rebuilding, but my line of work? Not exactly booming anymore. So, I've decided to take my talents elsewhere."
Ruby narrowed her eyes. "I should turn you in right now."
Torchwick chuckled, shaking his head. "You could. But we both know you won't. Not after I saved your life during the invasion. And, you know, after Neo and I picked the right side at the end."
Ruby exhaled sharply through her nose. "Fine. So, what's with the bag?"
At this, Torchwick's smirk faded. He ran a hand through his hair before exhaling. "That's actually why I wanted to talk." He nudged the bag with the tip of his boot. "Neo wants to go to that school of yours."
Ruby blinked. "Wait, what?"
Torchwick waved a hand vaguely. "Apparently, she got a real kick out of being called a hero. You should've seen her—she thrived on it. Drove me crazy for weeks." He glanced at Neo, who smirked proudly. "And, well… she wants to do more."
Ruby's eyes flickered between them, processing the information. "And you think attending Beacon will help her… do more?"
Torchwick gave a single nod. "Yep." He turned to Neo, then back to Ruby. "So, I'm leaving. And she's staying."
There was something uncharacteristically sincere in his voice, a rare moment of genuine care peeking through his usual sarcasm.
"She was never really meant for this life," he admitted. "The whole criminal underworld thing? It never fit her." He looked at Neo, his smirk softening ever so slightly. "She deserves a better future."
Neo glanced up at him, expression unreadable, before returning her gaze to Ruby.
Torchwick exhaled and straightened up, tipping his hat. "So, what do you say, Red?"
Ruby stared at Neo, the normally mischievous girl now watching her with an eager, almost hopeful look in her eyes.
After a brief pause, Ruby sighed. "Grab your bag and go, Neo."
Neo's eyes lit up. Without hesitation, she grabbed her bag and turned toward Torchwick, suddenly wrapping her arms around him.
Torchwick groaned. "Oh, come on, don't get all sentimental on me—"
Neo only squeezed tighter. Eventually, with a reluctant sigh, he patted her back in an awkward, half-hearted embrace before finally pulling away.
Neo smiled, giving him a playful salute before turning toward the airship.
Ruby followed, but after a few steps, she hesitated. Looking back, she met Torchwick's gaze one last time.
"Thanks," she said softly. "For saving my life."
Torchwick smirked, tipping his hat. "Just the one time, Red. Next time we meet? Be ready."
Ruby rolled her eyes but smiled before jogging to catch up with Neo.
As she reached the docks, Neo's appearance subtly shifted. Her illusionist ability took effect, her features shifting into those of a random girl with short silver hair, blending seamlessly into the crowd of students.
Ruby exhaled, shaking her head slightly as she boarded the airship.
Ruby and Neo made their way through the crowded airship, searching for open seats. The hum of excited students filled the cabin, the atmosphere buzzing with anticipation for the new school year.
Neo, lost in thought about the unusual situation she now found herself in, slid into an empty seat without much thought. Before she could even get comfortable, a bright, cheerful voice greeted her.
"Salutations, friend!"
Neo stiffened slightly before turning her head to see Penny sitting beside her, beaming with unrestrained enthusiasm.
"I don't believe we've met! My name is Penny Polendina!" Penny extended her hand, waiting expectantly for Neo's response.
Neo blinked before pointing at her mouth, shaking her head to indicate she couldn't speak.
Penny's eyes widened in realization. "Oh! You're mute! My sincerest apologies!"
Before Neo could react, Penny suddenly began moving her hands in practiced, fluid motions—sign language.
Neo's eyebrows shot up in surprise. She hadn't expected anyone to communicate with her this way. Penny slowed her signs down, making sure Neo could follow.
"Would you like a potential friend?"
Neo blinked again, caught off guard by the sudden offer. A moment of hesitation passed before she slowly nodded, a small smile forming on her lips.
Penny's face lit up with excitement. "Oh, wonderful!" she cheered, immediately pulling Neo into an enthusiastic hug.
Neo let out a silent sigh, shaking her head with a bemused smirk, but she didn't push Penny away.
Meanwhile, Ruby took a seat next to Yang, who immediately tilted her head toward Neo, one brow raised. "So... who's the chick?"
Ruby smirked. "You know who it is."
Yang turned back toward Neo, observing her carefully before recognition flashed across her face. "Oh, yeah." She smirked. "I'm definitely looking forward to our rematch. But maybe this time... as friends, not enemies."
Blake and Weiss, sitting across from them, chuckled at the thought. The idea of Neo, a former adversary, joining their ranks was bizarre, yet somehow it felt fitting.
The airship gave a small jolt as the engines fully powered up. The cabin quieted briefly as the ship began to ascend, lifting them high into the sky.
Ruby looked out the window as the familiar landscape of Vale grew smaller beneath them. The city was still rebuilding, but it was healing. And now, so was she.
Turning back to her team, she let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. For the first time in a long while, she felt hopeful. Hopeful for what lay ahead, for the future they were building together.
And maybe, just maybe… she had finally found a new purpose.
END OF STORY
