HOUSE

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden light over the secluded countryside. Jaune Arc stood in the backyard of his modest home, sweat glistening on his brow as he swung his axe down with practiced precision. The wood split cleanly in two, and he tossed the halves onto an ever-growing pile beside him.

Straightening, Jaune took a moment to wipe his forehead with the back of his hand and glanced toward the porch. There, swaying gently in a hammock, Neopolitan lay reclined, a book in her hands. Her multicolored hair caught the fading sunlight, and Jaune smiled at the sight, feeling a brief moment of peace.

He reached for another log, setting it upright on the chopping block. Just as he prepared to swing the axe again, a faint whooshing sound broke the stillness. Jaune froze, his grip tightening on the axe as he looked up. His sharp blue eyes caught a blur of red streaking toward the house, vanishing through an open upstairs window.

Suspicion prickled at the back of his neck. Dropping the axe, Jaune grabbed his weapon, Crocea Mors, leaning against the porch railing, and hurried inside.

The house was quiet, the faint creak of the floorboards beneath his boots the only sound. But from above, he caught the muffled echo of hurried footsteps followed by the soft thud of a door closing.

Jaune's grip on his sword tightened as he ascended the stairs, his movements slow and deliberate. The faint light filtering through the windows cast long shadows on the walls, adding to the tension.

Reaching the upper floor, he paused outside a door, pressing his ear against it. His heart sank as he caught the sound of muffled sobs—faint but unmistakable.

Jaune eased the door open, the soft creak of the hinges breaking the stillness. His eyes widened at the sight before him.

The bedroom was modestly furnished, its simple decor a reflection of the peaceful life Jaune had built. But on the floor, sitting with her knees pulled to her chest, was Ruby Rose. Her hood was pulled back, her silver eyes red and swollen from crying. Her small frame trembled as quiet sobs wracked her body, and her hands clutched the fabric of her cloak tightly.

"Ruby?" Jaune's voice was soft, filled with concern.

Ruby looked up at him, her tear-streaked face etched with sadness. Her lips quivered as if she wanted to speak, but no words came.

Jaune stepped into the room, his weapon lowering as he took in the sight of his friend, his heart heavy with worry.

HOURS EARLIER - APARTMENT

Ruby sat on the couch, a book in her lap, flipping through its pages idly. The soft afternoon light spilled through the windows, casting a warm glow across the room. Weiss stood near the window, speaking into her Scroll, her voice firm but professional.

"Just handle the situation without any unnecessary violence, Ellie," Weiss said, pinching the bridge of her nose. "We don't need a repeat of last time. Got it? Good. I'll check in later."

Weiss ended the call with a sigh, slipping the Scroll back into her pocket. Ruby glanced up, her brow furrowed in concern.

"Trouble at the company?" Ruby asked, closing her book.

Weiss crossed the room and sat in a chair across from Ruby, her expression composed but visibly tense. "A fight broke out between one of my Faunus employees and a human worker. The human started it, but it didn't end well for him."

"Anyone hurt?" Ruby asked, leaning forward.

Weiss gave a small, humorless chuckle. "Just the man who picked the fight. He underestimated what enhanced Faunus hearing can do. Now he's threatening to sue us."

Ruby scoffed. "Typical."

"Thankfully, we have video evidence showing he initiated the altercation," Weiss said, her voice sharpening. "We'll fight the claim, of course, but it's infuriating to deal with people like him."

"Some people are just dumb," Ruby said with a shrug.

"Indeed," Weiss agreed, smoothing her skirt.

She stood and took out her Scroll again, pulling up an image. "Speaking of important matters, I've been thinking about potential wedding locations. There's a beautiful cliffside just outside the city. You'd get the perfect view of the sunset."

She held out the Scroll to show Ruby a photo of a cliff bathed in golden light, the sun dipping halfway below the horizon.

Ruby blinked, looking between Weiss and the picture. "Weiss… I just proposed last night, and you're already scouting wedding locations?"

Weiss smirked, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "It's never too early to plan ahead. If we wait too long, we might lose out on the best spots. My mother told me that she and my father waited two years before having their wedding because my father insisted on everything being perfect."

Ruby raised an eyebrow. "Two years? Seriously?"

Weiss gave a small shrug. "My father is a perfectionist. It worked out in the end, but I don't intend to wait that long."

Before Ruby could respond, her Scroll rang. She glanced at the screen and saw the name Glynda Goodwitch. Swiping to answer, she brought it to her ear.

"Hello?"

"Miss Rose," Glynda's crisp voice came through. "Apologies for the late notice, but I wanted to inform you of an important meeting happening shortly. The Councils of the Four Kingdoms are convening at the courthouse in Vale."

Ruby frowned. "The Councils? What's the meeting about?"

"They're gathering to discuss a matter of great importance," Glynda said, her voice hesitating slightly. "Specifically… you."

Ruby sighed, her hand brushing through her hair. "Let me guess—they're trying to decide if I'm a danger to the world."

"Essentially," Glynda confirmed. "The meeting will proceed with or without your presence, but attending could give you a chance to speak on your behalf and perhaps improve public perception."

Ruby hesitated. "I don't know, Miss Goodwitch…"

"It's your decision," Glynda said firmly. "But if you decide to attend, the courthouse is only a few miles from your location. The meeting starts in fifteen minutes. I just thought you should know. Goodbye, Miss Rose."

The line disconnected, and Ruby lowered her Scroll with a sigh. Weiss, watching closely, tilted her head.

"What was that about?" Weiss asked.

Ruby leaned back in her seat. "Apparently, the Councils are meeting to talk about me. Goodwitch thinks I should attend."

Weiss frowned. "Are you going to go?"

Ruby exhaled, running her hand through her hair again. "If I don't, they'll just decide whatever they want. But if I do go, maybe I can sway them a little. What do you think?"

Weiss gave her a small smile. "It's your decision, Ruby. But if you think it might help, I think you should go. You've faced worse."

Ruby nodded, her silver eyes determined. "You're right. I'll go. Will you come with me? I could use some moral support."

Weiss chuckled softly. "Of course. Ellie is handling things at the company, so I'm free for the day. I'll go with you."

Ruby grinned, stepping toward the window.

"Not so fast," Weiss said sharply, stopping Ruby in her tracks.

Ruby turned, looking confused. "What?"

"No flying," Weiss said firmly, her arms crossed. "We'll take the car."

Ruby groaned. "Why not?"

"Because this is an official matter, and you need to appear professional," Weiss explained, pulling out her Scroll to arrange transport. "Flying in will make it look like you're showing off, and that's the last thing we need."

Ruby grumbled as she trudged back to the couch, plopping down with her arms crossed like a petulant child. Weiss smirked, satisfied.

"We leave in five minutes," Weiss said as she finalized the arrangements.

Ruby mumbled under her breath but couldn't help the small smile tugging at her lips.

PATCH

Yang was in the middle of a rigorous workout in the living room, alternating between one-arm and two-arm push-ups. Her toned arms flexed with each repetition, sweat glistening on her brow. As she pushed up once more, she turned her head slightly, thinking she heard something. Pausing for a brief second, she looked around, but there was nothing out of the ordinary.

When she lowered herself back to the floor, Yang found herself staring directly into Blake's amused golden eyes. Blake was lying beneath her, propped up on her elbows, a playful smirk on her face.

"New challenge," Blake said, her tone teasing. "Get as low as you can without kissing me."

Yang grinned mischievously. "I might just fail that challenge on purpose."

True to her word, Yang leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to Blake's lips before pushing herself up and standing. Blake followed, brushing imaginary dust off her pants as she stood.

"So," Blake said, tilting her head slightly, "how does it feel?"

"How does what feel?" Yang asked, grabbing a towel from the back of the couch to dab at her face.

"You know," Blake said with a small smile, "Weiss becoming your sister-in-law."

Yang blinked in surprise, then chuckled as she made her way to the kitchen. She opened the refrigerator and grabbed a water bottle, twisting off the cap.

"To be honest," Yang said, taking a swig, "I'm still trying to process it. It caught me off guard. I wasn't expecting Ruby to propose—at least, not yet."

"You didn't know?" Blake asked, crossing her arms.

"Not at all," Yang replied with a shrug, setting the water bottle on the counter.

Blake turned her attention to the television in the living room and suddenly froze, her ears twitching slightly. "Hey… isn't that Ms. Goodwitch?"

Yang followed her gaze to the TV, where a live broadcast showed Glynda Goodwitch standing outside a large building, her arms crossed in a stern stance. The camera panned to her face as she turned toward something off-screen, her expression shifting to one of mild surprise.

The shot shifted, revealing a sleek Schnee Dust Company car pulling up to the scene. The vehicle came to a halt, and the door opened. Both Weiss and Ruby stepped out, drawing audible murmurs from the crowd of reporters gathered outside.

"What's Ruby doing there?" Yang asked, her brow furrowed. "And where are they?"

Blake reached for the remote and turned up the volume. Lisa Lavender's voice cut through the silence.

"It appears that both Ruby Rose and Weiss Schnee have arrived at the Council Meeting, in a Schnee Dust Company vehicle," Lisa said, her tone professional but intrigued. "Speculation had been rampant about whether Ruby Rose would attend, and here she is, folks."

"Council meeting?" Blake muttered, confusion evident in her voice.

As Yang tried to make sense of it all, her eyes caught a small red envelope lying on the kitchen counter. She pointed at it. "Where did that come from?"

Blake glanced over her shoulder. "It came with the mail earlier. I thought you saw it."

Yang picked up the envelope, turning it over in her hands. It was plain but elegant, with a faintly embossed seal on the back. Before she could open it, a soft beep sounded from the coffee machine.

"Coffee's done," Yang said, setting the envelope down for a moment. "Want some?"

Blake shook her head. "You know I'm not a coffee person."

"Suit yourself," Yang said, walking to the coffee machine to pour herself a steaming cup. She took a sip, her golden eyes darting back to the television, where the scene outside the courthouse continued to unfold.

OUTSIDE COURTHOUSE

The courthouse steps buzzed with activity, reporters clustering in a semi-circle like a pack of vultures. Cameras flashed, and microphones jutted forward as Ruby and Weiss approached the entrance, their movements purposeful despite the cacophony of shouted questions.

"Miss Rose! Miss Rose! Do you have a statement?"

"Ruby, is it true the Councils are questioning your suitability as a protector of Remnant?"

"Ms. Schnee, can you comment on your role in this meeting?"

Ruby's silver eyes remained fixed ahead, her expression neutral but firm. Weiss walked beside her, her icy glare cutting through the sea of intrusive reporters, making a few of them instinctively step back.

As they neared the top of the steps, Goodwitch appeared, her professional demeanor as unyielding as ever. She extended a hand toward Ruby, a hint of approval flickering in her sharp gaze.

"Miss Rose," Goodwitch said, her voice calm but commanding. "I'm pleased you chose to attend."

"Thank you," Ruby replied with a nod.

Goodwitch turned her attention to Weiss, her tone softening slightly. "Ms. Schnee, I'm afraid you'll need to stay here. Only Miss Rose is permitted inside for the meeting."

Weiss didn't hesitate, giving Ruby a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. "I understand." She met Ruby's eyes, her expression both firm and encouraging. "Go in there and remind them who you are. They need to hear it."

Ruby gave a faint smile, drawing strength from Weiss' confidence. "I'll do my best."

Without another word, Ruby followed Goodwitch toward the courthouse doors. Weiss watched her fiancée disappear inside, her composure unwavering despite the throng of reporters still milling around.

It wasn't long before Lisa Lavender, microphone in hand and camera crew trailing behind her, made her approach. The seasoned journalist wore her usual polite but probing expression.

"Ms. Schnee," Lisa began, her voice professional yet tinged with curiosity, "is that what appears to be a—"

"No," Weiss interrupted sharply, her icy blue eyes locking onto Lisa with a piercing glare. "If you finish that question, Ms. Lavender, I will personally ensure that camera ends up in pieces."

Lisa blinked in shock, her polished demeanor briefly faltering. The camera crew hesitated, exchanging uneasy glances.

"Walk away," Weiss ordered, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.

After a tense pause, Lisa gave a slight nod and retreated, her camera crew hurrying to follow.

As they disappeared into the crowd, Weiss allowed herself a small smirk, shaking her head in disbelief. "Unbelievable," she muttered, crossing her arms and turning back toward the courthouse, her gaze lingering on the doors Ruby had entered.

Ruby followed Goodwitch down the long, echoing hallway of the courthouse. The walls were lined with austere paintings and plaques, their muted tones reflecting the gravity of the building's purpose. Ruby's footsteps were steady, but her mind raced with thoughts of what lay ahead.

"So," Ruby began, breaking the silence, "is there anything I should avoid saying?"

Goodwitch glanced at her, her sharp eyes focused. "Anything that could damage your image. Do not insult the Councils, no matter how much you might want to. Avoid unnecessary boasts about your accomplishments unless it's to justify your actions. Most importantly, emphasize that you are firmly on the side of good."

Ruby nodded, her expression serious. "I think I can handle that."

As they approached a set of double doors, a silver-haired man in a tailored suit stepped forward to meet them. He extended a hand to Ruby with a polite smile.

"Miss Rose," he greeted. "Dylan Lapis, Ambassador to the Vale Council."

Ruby shook his hand firmly. "Nice to meet you."

Dylan turned to Goodwitch. "The meeting is about to begin, Ms. Goodwitch. Shall we head inside?"

"Let's," Goodwitch replied briskly.

Dylan pushed open the doors, leading the way into the grand courtroom. Inside, the room was filled with people—officials, advisors, and observers—murmuring quietly as they sat in neat rows. At the front, elevated slightly, the Councils of the Four Kingdoms sat at a long table, their expressions unreadable.

The quiet hum of conversation ceased as Ruby entered. All eyes turned toward her, a mix of curiosity, surprise, and unease evident in their gazes. Ruby walked with Goodwitch and Dylan to the front, where a pedestal stood waiting for her. Dylan and Goodwitch took their places at a nearby desk, and Dylan set his briefcase down, opening it to retrieve his documents.

Just as Dylan began preparing, his Scroll buzzed loudly in the silent room. Heads turned, and a few eyebrows raised.

"Apologies," Dylan muttered, retrieving the device. He glanced at Goodwitch. "I need to take this."

"Then go," Goodwitch said, irritation flickering across her face.

Dylan hurried out, leaving Goodwitch to sigh in exasperation. She pinched the bridge of her nose before regaining her composure and turning her attention back to Ruby.

One of the Council members, an older man with a neatly trimmed beard, stood and addressed Ruby.

"First of all," he began, his voice steady but authoritative, "we appreciate your decision to attend this meeting, Miss Rose. We did not expect you to appear in person."

"Thank you, Councilman," Ruby said, her tone respectful. "I understand this meeting concerns me and the speculation that I may pose a threat to Remnant."

As Ruby began to speak, her voice calm and steady, Goodwitch glanced at Dylan's briefcase, which remained open on the desk. Something inside caught her attention—a small, blinking light.

Her expression shifted to alarm as she reached for the briefcase, carefully opening it further. Inside was an unfamiliar device, its light blinking ominously. Her gaze narrowed, and her hand moved to a corner of the briefcase where a red envelope was tucked away.

Pulling it out, she immediately recognized the emblem stamped on its surface—Cinder's. Her eyes widened in shock, and she gasped audibly, the sound cutting through Ruby's speech.

Ruby stopped mid-sentence and turned toward Goodwitch, confusion etched on her face. When their eyes met, Ruby's gaze fell on the envelope in Goodwitch's hand. Her expression mirrored Goodwitch's horror as recognition dawned.

Before either could act, the device in the briefcase emitted a sharp beep, followed by a deafening explosion.

Flames roared through the room, consuming everything in their path. The force of the blast tore the doors from their hinges, sending them flying into the hallway. Fire spilled into the corridor like a living thing, racing outward with a ferocious intensity.

A thunderous explosion shattered the courthouse's stately silence, and within seconds, fiery tendrils erupted from the building's windows. The force of the blast sent shards of glass flying outward like deadly projectiles, sparkling in the fading light as they rained down on the crowd below.

The gathered spectators erupted into chaos. Screams filled the air as people scrambled to duck for cover, shielding their heads with their arms or diving behind vehicles and nearby structures. Reporters abandoned their posts, dropping microphones and cameras as they fled.

Weiss stood frozen in place, her blue eyes wide with shock as she watched flames billow from the courthouse windows. The once-imposing structure was now a horrifying scene of destruction.

PATCH

Yang gasped, her grip faltering as the coffee mug slipped from her hand. It shattered against the tiled floor, sending shards of ceramic and dark liquid splattering everywhere.

Blake, who had been sitting on the couch, looked up sharply at the sound. She turned her attention to the TV, her golden eyes widening as she took in the scene.

Outside the Courthouse

Weiss stood frozen, her heart pounding as she stared at the flames and smoke pouring from the shattered windows of the courthouse. The chaos around her seemed distant, muffled by the thundering of her own pulse. Her hands trembled at her sides, clenched into fists as she struggled to process what had just happened.

Soldiers and police officers surged past her, their urgent shouts piercing through the noise of the panicked crowd. Some carried fire extinguishers, while others barked orders to clear the area. The air was thick with the acrid smell of smoke, mingling with the sounds of sirens growing louder in the distance.

Weiss' blue eyes remained locked on the burning building. Her mind raced with fear and uncertainty, every fiber of her being willing Ruby to step out of the wreckage unharmed.

Courtroom

Ruby knelt amidst the wreckage, her knees pressing into the scorched and cracked marble floor just outside the obliterated courtroom. Dust and debris coated her clothes and skin, mingling with faint traces of ash in her hair. Her silver eyes stared blankly at the ground, unfocused and wide with shock, as if the scene around her was too overwhelming to process.

The once-grand courtroom was unrecognizable. Broken furniture lay scattered, some pieces still smoldering. Shattered columns and twisted metal beams jutted from the rubble, their jagged edges casting eerie shadows in the flickering glow of lingering flames. The acrid scent of smoke and burnt fabric filled the air, almost suffocating in its intensity.

Ruby's breathing was shallow and uneven, her chest rising and falling as though she were struggling to catch her breath. Small cuts adorned her face and arms, evidence of how narrowly she had avoided the worst of the explosion.

The sound of hurried footsteps and distant shouting echoed faintly in her ears, muffled as if coming from far away. Soldiers and emergency responders navigated the wreckage around her, but Ruby didn't register their presence. Her gaze remained fixed on the blackened floor, her mind replaying the moment the device detonated, the flash of fire, the deafening roar of destruction, and the overwhelming heat.

Someone called her name, but Ruby didn't react. She felt paralyzed, her hands trembling faintly as they rested on her lap. The scene, the devastation, and the weight of what had just happened pressed down on her, leaving her momentarily unable to move, speak, or even think clearly.

The world around her blurred, fading into the background as she remained rooted in the aftermath, her thoughts consumed by a single, gnawing question: Who didn't make it out?

Patch

Yang stood motionless in the living room, her gaze fixed on the television as images of the courthouse engulfed in flames replayed over and over. Her jaw tightened, and her breathing grew heavier with every passing second.

Then, as if a switch flipped in her mind, her attention shifted. Her golden eyes darted toward the red envelope resting on the counter, a stark reminder of the danger Ruby and Weiss had walked into. Slowly, Yang reached for it, her hand trembling slightly as she picked it up.

With deliberate movements, she broke the seal and opened the envelope. Inside was a single card, its pristine surface marred only by a short message scrawled in elegant, mocking script:

"This is only the beginning."

Beneath the text, unmistakable and deliberate, was Cinder's emblem, inked in dark red.

Yang's hands tightened around the card, her knuckles turning white. Her eyes widened for a moment in realization, the message driving home the gravity of what had just happened. Then her expression darkened, her lips pressing into a thin, furious line.

Her breathing grew heavier, more ragged, as a familiar heat began to rise within her. Her golden eyes shifted, turning a searing red as anger consumed her.

Minutes Later – Outside Courthouse

The chaotic scene outside the courthouse was a blur of activity. Paramedics moved urgently between rows of stretchers, tending to the wounded who had been caught in the blast. The acrid scent of smoke hung heavy in the air, mingling with the distant wail of sirens.

Weiss stood near the perimeter of the scene, her pale hands trembling as she tried to push through the line of soldiers blocking the area.

"Let me through!" she demanded, her voice carrying an edge of desperation.

"Ma'am, this area is restricted," one of the soldiers said firmly, stepping in her way.

Weiss opened her mouth to argue, but her words died as her gaze landed on a familiar figure descending from the sky. Ruby, her crimson hood trailing behind her, carried an injured man in her arms. Her boots touched the ground softly next to a stretcher, and she gently lowered the man onto it.

A paramedic immediately rushed over, inspecting the man's wounds. The medic glanced at Ruby and offered a grateful nod. "Thank you," they said quickly. "I'll take over from here."

Ruby stepped back silently, her silver eyes scanning the chaos. The weight of the destruction bore down on her as she took in the sight of injured civilians, many with hastily applied bandages covering their wounds. Some sat on the ground, sobbing; others stared blankly ahead, their faces etched with pain and despair.

Her gaze shifted to the right, and her breath caught in her throat. Among the rows of stretchers and makeshift triage stations, she spotted Goodwitch. Her once-commanding presence was now eerily still, her face partially burned and her body lying motionless.

Ruby's heart sank as a soldier zipped the body bag closed, obscuring Goodwitch from view.

She turned away, her chest tightening with grief, and her eyes fell on Weiss standing at the edge of the crowd. Weiss' blue eyes met hers, wide with concern and sadness.

Ruby felt the tears threatening to spill over, but she couldn't let them. Not here, not now. She reached up and pulled her hood over her head, masking her expression. Without a word, she turned and shot into the air, her cape billowing behind her as she disappeared into the smoke-filled sky.

Weiss watched Ruby's retreating figure, her heart aching as she stood helplessly amidst the chaos.

Dark Palace

Envy stood before the mirror, her reflection showing the struggling figure of Pyrrha Nikos within. Pyrrha's fists pounded against the glass-like barrier, her fiery determination undimmed despite her imprisonment.

"You know you can't escape, Miss Nikos," Envy said, her voice laced with mocking amusement. "Why not admit it?"

Pyrrha paused her relentless assault and glared at Envy, her emerald eyes blazing with defiance. "Never," she spat, before resuming her desperate attempt to break free.

Envy's crimson eyes began to glow ominously, and the brand seared into Pyrrha's back ignited with fiery intensity. Pyrrha let out a scream of agony, collapsing to the ground as the pain overwhelmed her.

Envy's lips curved into a cold, satisfied smile. Slowly, she extended a hand toward the mirror, her fingers passing through the surface as though it were liquid. She grasped Pyrrha by the head, lifting her effortlessly until they were eye-to-eye.

"My dear child," Envy said, her tone almost maternal, dripping with mockery. "Don't you ever listen?"

Pyrrha refused to respond, her tear-streaked face contorted with pain and defiance.

"Not that it matters," Envy continued, her voice softening into a chilling croon. "You're going to stay here and watch helplessly as I destroy everything you cared for. Everyone you loved… Especially Mr. Arc."

At the mention of Jaune, Pyrrha's eyes widened, and she struggled feebly against Envy's grip.

"Ah, yes," Envy said with a cruel smile. "The man you cherished above all others. But then again…"

Envy's eyes glowed brighter, and to Pyrrha's left, an image materialized. It was Jaune, his arms wrapped lovingly around Neopolitan. The two were smiling, their affection for one another unmistakable.

"He's moved on, Miss Nikos," Envy said, her voice low and cutting. "Found himself another woman. There's no reason to cling to him anymore."

Pyrrha's gaze fixated on the image, her resolve crumbling as fresh tears spilled down her face. Her shoulders shook as she sobbed, curling into herself, unable to tear her eyes away from the vision.

Envy released her, letting her fall to the mirrored ground. Pyrrha lay there, broken and defeated, her sobs echoing faintly.

Envy turned away from the mirror, her expression one of cold triumph as she strode across the throne room. She stopped when Cinder, Emerald, and Roman entered, each bowing slightly in acknowledgment.

"Roman," Envy said, her voice sharp with authority. "I believe it's time for you to start playing your part."

Roman's lips curled into a sly, wicked grin as he adjusted his coat and twirled his cane. "Oh, I've been waiting for this," he said, his voice brimming with anticipation.

Hours Later – Apartment

Weiss paced back and forth across her living room, her heels clicking softly against the hardwood floor. Her Scroll was pressed to her ear, and her voice carried an edge of frustration as she spoke.

"I don't know where she is, Yang," Weiss said, her tone firm yet strained. "All I know is that she's okay—for now."

She paused, listening to Yang's response on the other end, her free hand running through her perfectly styled hair. The weight of the day was beginning to show, and her normally composed demeanor was cracking under the stress.

Suddenly, a dull thump echoed from the ceiling above her. Weiss froze mid-step, her eyes darting upward toward the source of the noise. For a moment, she stood perfectly still, her heart racing as she strained to hear any further sounds.

"Weiss?" Yang's voice crackled faintly through the Scroll.

"I'll call you back," Weiss said curtly, lowering the device and ending the call before Yang could protest.

She set the Scroll on the coffee table and made her way to the door. Slipping on a pair of flats, Weiss grabbed her keycard from a nearby dish and stepped out into the dimly lit hallway. Her movements were swift but cautious, her mind racing with possibilities as she headed toward the stairs to investigate the noise above.

The sound had been faint but deliberate, and her instincts told her it wasn't just her imagination. Something—or someone—was up there.

Roof

Weiss pushed open the heavy rooftop door, the cool evening air brushing against her face. The soft hum of the city buzzed faintly below, but her attention was drawn to a lone figure near the edge. Ruby stood there, her crimson cape draped loosely over her shoulders, staring at the distant horizon where the sun dipped low, painting the sky in fiery hues.

Weiss stepped forward cautiously, her heels clicking softly against the rooftop floor. "Ruby," she called gently.

Ruby didn't turn, her gaze fixed on the fading sun. "I didn't see it coming," she said, her voice heavy with regret. "The minute I saw Cinder last night, I should've known something bad was going to happen."

Weiss stopped a few steps behind her. "Ruby, it's not your fault."

"Yes, it is." Ruby turned to look at her, her silver eyes filled with anguish. "If I had known what was going to happen, Goodwitch and everyone else would still be alive right now."

She turned back to the cityscape, her voice trembling. "Two years ago, I was told that being a Maiden meant making sacrifices. That I'd have to give up everything—even the people I love. Maybe… maybe I should've done that."

Weiss felt a pang in her chest, her eyes widening at Ruby's words.

"But I was selfish," Ruby continued, her tone hollow. "I didn't want to give it all up. I wanted to live the life my mom never could. But now I see what that selfishness has caused—nothing but death and destruction." She glanced back at Weiss, her expression haunted. "I once gave this all up to try and live a normal life. Maybe it should've stayed that way."

Weiss took a step closer, her heart aching at the sight of Ruby's pain. "Ruby," she began softly, "I once told you that no matter what path you chose, I'd always want to be by your side. You chose to accept being a Maiden, to be a hero. And whenever people see you, they don't see selfishness. They see someone who fights for what's right."

Weiss gestured toward the silver rose emblem attached to Ruby's cape. "This symbol," she said, her voice steady, "has become a beacon of hope for so many. I see it everywhere—on people's clothing, in their windows. Children wear it because they dream of being like you."

Ruby stared at Weiss, her expression softening but still heavy with doubt.

"Really?" Ruby asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "A burning rose is a symbol of hope?"

Weiss opened her mouth to answer, but before she could speak, Ruby took a step back. Without another word, Ruby unfurled her cape and leapt into the air, her wings of light carrying her away into the sky.

Weiss reached out instinctively, but her hand fell to her side as Ruby vanished into the distance. Left alone on the rooftop, Weiss looked down at the ground, her hands trembling as tears welled in her eyes. She whispered to herself, the words barely audible over the wind.

"Come back, Ruby…"

Present Day – Jaune's House

Ruby sat slumped on the couch, her gaze fixed on the floor, her silver eyes dulled with sorrow. Burn marks and soot streaked her once-pristine cloak and clothes, faintly echoing the chaos she had left behind. Across from her, Jaune and Neo sat, their faces etched with worry. Jaune's eyes lingered on the charred edges of her cape, his concern growing.

"Ruby," Jaune said softly, breaking the silence. "What happened?"

Ruby hesitated, her fists clenching on her lap. She looked up at him, her expression hollow and pained. "Glynda's dead."

The words hung in the air like a heavy weight. Jaune's face fell, his body stiffening in shock. Beside him, Neo placed a trembling hand over her mouth, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Ruby's voice cracked as her anger began to rise. "It was Cinder," she said through gritted teeth. "She killed her. The Four Councils too. And… so many more."

Jaune stood abruptly, his hands running through his hair as he tried to process the magnitude of what Ruby was saying. "No," he muttered, almost to himself. "No, no, no."

Ruby's hands tightened into fists, her nails digging into her palms. "I didn't even see it coming," she admitted, her voice filled with frustration and guilt.

"There was no way you could have, Ruby," Neo said, her voice gentle and soothing.

Ruby's gaze snapped to Neo, her expression dark. "Yes, there was."

Neo's confusion was evident, her brows furrowing as she tilted her head.

Ruby's tone grew bitter. "Yesterday… Yang found Cinder. She beat her up—badly. She was going to kill her, Neo. And I stopped her." Ruby's eyes flicked to the floor, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Maybe I should've just let her."

Jaune turned to Ruby, his shock now replaced by determination. "Ruby, you stopped Yang because killing Cinder would've changed her. You did the right thing."

Ruby's head shot up, her silver eyes blazing with tears and fury. "Did I?" she yelled. "Goodwitch is dead! A lot of good people are dead because I did the 'right thing!'"

Neo moved to stand, but Jaune gently motioned for her to stay seated. He stepped closer to Ruby, keeping his voice steady despite the tension in the room. "Do you honestly believe that Glynda would want you to just give up? To let all of this turn you into someone you're not?"

Ruby didn't respond, her fists trembling as she kept her eyes glued to the floor.

"No," Jaune continued, his voice firm. "She wouldn't. Glynda would want you to fight, Ruby. To find Cinder and anyone else involved in this and bring them to justice—not for revenge, but because it's the right thing to do."

Ruby's jaw tightened, her emotions threatening to spill over. Her mind was a storm of doubt, anger, and guilt. She flinched slightly when Neo placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, offering silent support. Turning to Jaune, Ruby exhaled shakily.

"Just let me crash here tonight," she said quietly. "I can't be near Weiss or Yang right now."

Jaune studied her for a moment before nodding. "Guest bedroom's upstairs. Same place you were earlier."

"Thanks, Jaune." Ruby's voice was barely above a whisper as she stood and made her way toward the stairs. She disappeared from sight, leaving Jaune and Neo alone in the living room.

Neo finally broke the silence, her voice soft but filled with certainty. "There's more to it than what she's told us."

Jaune nodded, staring at the staircase. "I know. But she'll tell us when she's ready."

Apartment

Yang and Blake entered Weiss' apartment to find her sitting at the table, her gaze fixed downward, her fingers tracing the edges of a coffee cup absentmindedly. The weight of the day was clear in her expression, her usual composure replaced by exhaustion and sorrow.

Yang walked straight to the table and leaned forward, her voice sharp with concern. "Where is she?"

Weiss sighed, still not looking up. "I don't know."

"But you said she was here," Yang pressed, frustration creeping into her tone.

"She was here," Weiss said, finally lifting her eyes to meet Yang's. "But she's gone now."

Yang frowned, then reached into her jacket and pulled out the red envelope, placing it firmly on the table. She sat down across from Weiss, her expression hardening.

"It was Cinder," Yang said, her voice low and laced with anger. "She did this."

Weiss hesitated before picking up the envelope. She slid the card out and stared at the emblem of Cinder's symbol emblazoned on it. Her hands clenched into a fist, crushing the card as her jaw tightened.

"She's going to regret escaping from prison," Weiss said, venom in her voice.

Yang nodded. "She will, Weiss. But first, we need to find Ruby."

Weiss looked down at the crushed card in her hand, her anger giving way to worry. "But where would she go?"

Yang leaned back in the chair, her arms crossed. "I don't know. There's a lot of places she might go. Velvet's house maybe, but she wouldn't want to stay in Patch. Then there's Neptune's or Sun's."

"She wouldn't travel all the way to Mistral for that," Blake interjected.

"Coco would let her crash at her place in Vale," Yang continued, "but Ruby probably wouldn't want to stay in Vale right now, either. That rules out Ren and Nora's place. And Qrow's? No way she'd go there. Not after everything. Trust me, she'd avoid that like the plague." Yang tapped her chin, then snapped her fingers. "That just leaves…"

"Jaune's house," Weiss said softly.

"Bingo," Yang said, nodding. "How far is it?"

Blake spoke up, "About 30 miles from here. It's on the coast near Tranquility Village."

Yang pushed her chair back and stood. "Alright. Let's go check if she's there."

As Yang grabbed her jacket, she noticed Weiss still seated, not moving. "Weiss? What's wrong?"

Weiss looked up at Yang, her expression conflicted. "Maybe we should give Ruby some time."

Yang raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Why do you think she flew away, Yang?" Weiss asked. "She wants to be alone. We should respect that and give her some space."

Yang shook her head. "We may not have that kind of time, Weiss."

Blake stepped closer. "She's right. Cinder's not going to wait around. Whatever her next move is, it's already in motion. We need Ruby back here, now, so we can prepare."

Yang nodded in agreement. "Blake's right. We need to get Ruby, Jaune, and Neo back here to Vale. Then we call everyone we can and get them to meet us. We'll need a plan."

Before Weiss could respond, Blake's Scroll began to ring. She quickly pulled it out and answered. "Hello?"

All she could hear was the sound of muffled sobbing on the other end. Blake's brows furrowed in concern. "Hello? Who's this?"

The voice on the other line hiccupped between sobs. "Ms. Belladonna?"

Blake's eyes widened. "Bella? Is that you?"

Bella's cries continued, unsteady and broken. Blake's concern deepened. "Bella? What's wrong? Are you hurt?"

The line suddenly went dead. Blake stared at her Scroll, a sinking feeling in her chest.

Yang noticed her expression. "Who's Bella?"

"One of my students," Blake said, pocketing her Scroll. "She sounded like she's in trouble. Probably shaken up after what happened to Goodwitch." She grabbed her coat, heading for the door. "I'm going to Beacon."

Yang stepped in her path. "Blake, wait. We need to stick together. Ruby—"

Blake cut her off. "Ruby can wait. Bella might not be able to. If she's in trouble, I need to be there."

Yang exhaled sharply, clearly frustrated. "Fine. But promise me you'll be careful. You're walking into a mess. If anything feels off, you call me. Got it?"

Blake smiled faintly. "Got it." She pulled on her coat and headed out the door.

Yang watched her leave, sighing as she turned back to Weiss. "Guess it's just us now."

Jaune's House

Ruby lay on the guest bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, her thoughts tangled and heavy. The sound of the door creaking open pulled her from her daze. She sat up to see Jaune entering the room, a plate with a sandwich balanced in his hand.

"Hey," he said softly. "Thought you might be hungry."

He walked over to the small counter by the bed and placed the plate down.

"Thanks," Ruby murmured, offering a faint smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Anytime," Jaune replied, his tone gentle but laced with concern. He stood there for a moment, observing her, noticing how her sadness lingered despite her attempts to hide it. He let out a small sigh before sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Ruby," he began carefully, "I think there's more going on than what you told us downstairs. Things you feel like you can't talk about."

Ruby stiffened slightly, her hands clutching the blanket as worry flickered in her eyes.

Jaune raised a hand, his voice steady and calm. "But I'm not going to push you. We're not going to force it out of you. I just want you to know... if you ever decide to talk, we're here. Okay?"

Ruby hesitated, then nodded. "Okay."

Satisfied, Jaune gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze before standing. "Get some rest," he said as he walked to the door. He glanced back once, offering her a small smile before leaving the room and closing the door quietly behind him.

Ruby sat on the edge of the bed, her elbows resting on her knees. She buried her face in her hands, her breaths uneven. The weight of the day pressed on her chest like a crushing force.

"Well, isn't this pitiful?"

Ruby's head snapped up, her silver eyes widening as Salem appeared across the room, her dark silhouette blending into the shadows. Her crimson gaze bore into Ruby with a smug satisfaction.

"I'm not in the mood for this," Ruby muttered, her voice tinged with exhaustion and frustration. "Just go away."

Salem chuckled, a sound that sent chills down Ruby's spine. "Oh, you'd like that, wouldn't you? To be rid of me forever?" She leaned closer, her presence suffocating. "But here's the problem, Little Rose—I'll never go away."

With that, Salem vanished, her laughter echoing faintly in the room.

Ruby clenched her fists, her jaw tightening as she glared at the spot where Salem had stood moments ago. The anger in her eyes burned, but it couldn't mask the sadness simmering beneath. She turned away, letting her head drop into her hands again, trying to silence the storm raging within her.

Beacon Courtyard

Blake hurried through the courtyard, her Scroll clutched tightly in her hand as she repeatedly dialed Bella's number. Each attempt to reach her student ended in silence, the unanswered calls heightening Blake's anxiety. She finally pocketed her Scroll, scanning the area with sharp, darting eyes.

"Where are you, Bella?" she muttered under her breath, her voice laced with worry.

A faint rustling came from the trees ahead, and Blake's instincts kicked in. Gambol Shroud was in her hand in an instant, her muscles coiled, ready to strike. The sound of a shot rang out, and Blake darted to the side, narrowly dodging a glowing green bullet. It zipped past her, embedding itself into a stone pillar.

Blake turned sharply, her eyes narrowing as Emerald emerged from the shadows, her weapons trained on Blake. Without hesitation, Emerald charged.

Blake sidestepped the attack, using her Semblance to leave a shadow clone in her place. Emerald's strike landed harmlessly against the clone, and Blake countered, her blade swinging in a precise arc. Emerald dodged, returning fire with her dual pistols. Blake leapt into the air, twisting mid-flight to evade the shots, and landed with catlike grace. She lashed out with her ribbon, wrapping it around Emerald's legs and yanking her off balance.

Emerald hit the ground hard, her weapons clattering away. Blake approached, her sword poised for a final strike.

"You should've stayed hidden, Emerald," Blake said, her voice cold.

Before she could act, a strangled cry froze her in place. Blake turned to see Cinder standing at the edge of the courtyard, her blade pressed against Bella's neck. The young girl trembled in Cinder's grasp, her eyes wide with fear.

"Let her go!" Blake yelled, fury flashing in her amber eyes.

Cinder smirked, tilting Bella's head slightly with the flat of her blade. "Put the weapon down, Belladonna. Or your little student here pays the price."

"Don't do it, Miss Belladonna!" Bella cried, her voice shaking.

Cinder pressed the edge of the blade just enough to nick Bella's neck, a thin line of blood trickling down. Bella gasped, silenced by the threat.

Blake clenched her teeth, weighing her options. "I don't believe you."

Cinder's smirk widened. "Oh, you'd better. I'm not playing games."

The sound of slow, deliberate footsteps echoed from behind a tree. Blake's gaze darted toward the source, and her stomach dropped as Roman Torchwick emerged, his cane resting casually on his shoulder.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" Roman said, his trademark smirk plastered across his face. "Looks like the kitty's in quite the predicament."

Blake's grip on her weapon tightened. "You're supposed to be dead."

"Surprise," Roman said, spreading his arms theatrically. "You know, it's amazing what the right allies can do for your survival."

Blake shifted her stance, her weapon aimed at Roman. But before she could act, Emerald was back on her feet, her pistols aimed squarely at Blake's head.

"You really didn't think this through, did you?" Roman said, strolling casually toward Bella. "Now, be a good little kitten and drop the weapon, or... well, you know how this ends."

Blake's gaze flicked between Bella, Cinder, and Emerald, searching for an opening that wasn't there. Reluctantly, she tossed Gambol Shroud to the ground. Emerald wasted no time, striking Blake in the back and forcing her to her knees.

"Good girl," Roman said, crouching down to meet Blake's glare. "Now, where were we? Oh, right." He rose and turned to Bella, twirling a knife in his hand. "Time to send a message."

"No!" Blake screamed. "Don't you touch her!"

Emerald struck Blake again, keeping her subdued as Roman approached Bella. Cinder released her grip, but not before shoving Bella forward. The girl stumbled, her knees buckling under her fear.

"You didn't honestly think we were going to let her live, did you?" Roman said, tossing the knife into the air.

Blake's eyes widened in horror as Roman swung his cane, striking the knife's hilt and sending it flying into Bella's chest. The girl gasped, her eyes wide with shock as she collapsed to the ground.

"No!" Blake screamed, struggling to get up.

Roman crouched next to her, his smirk unwavering. "This, little kitty, is only the beginning."

The villains stepped through a dark portal, vanishing without a trace. Blake scrambled to Bella's side, cradling the girl in her arms. Bella's breathing was shallow, her small body trembling.

"Bella, stay with me," Blake pleaded, her voice cracking. "You're going to be okay."

Bella's eyes fluttered, her lips parting as she exhaled one final, shaky breath. Her body went still.

"Bella?" Blake whispered, shaking her gently. "Bella, please. Wake up."

The lifeless expression on Bella's face confirmed the truth Blake couldn't bear to accept. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she clung to the girl's hand.

"I'm so sorry," Blake sobbed, her voice barely audible. "I'm so, so sorry."

From a distance, Yang stood frozen, her face pale and stricken with guilt as she realized she'd arrived too late. She clenched her fists, her heart breaking at the sight of Blake's devastation.