Disclaimer: Don't own either Rwby or Type Moon. So enjoy or don't

Chapter 39: Rest and Resolution

The sun had long set by the time they all returned to Saphron's house. The night air was cool, and the warmth inside felt like a fragile sanctuary after the emotional turbulence they had endured. Saphron and Terra did their best to make everyone comfortable, offering tea, blankets, and a quiet space to gather their thoughts. But despite their best efforts, the atmosphere was tense. The weight of what Ruby had to reveal hung in the air like a storm cloud waiting to break.

Ruby stood near the fireplace, her eyes flickering between the flames and her friends. Team RWBY was already aware of what had happened, but this conversation was different. Jaune, Nora, and Ren were still in the dark, their faces filled with cautious hope as they settled on the couch. The rest of the group gathered around, silently preparing themselves for the discussion.

Jaune leaned forward slightly, sensing the gravity of Ruby's mood. His blue eyes, usually filled with determination, now carried the heavy burden of exhaustion. Nora and Ren sat beside him, both unusually quiet, their expressions tense but supportive.

Ruby felt the lump in her throat tighten as she took a deep breath. She was about to break their hearts, and she hated it. But there was no turning back now—they had to know.

"We need to talk about something important," Ruby began, her voice soft but steady. She glanced around the room, making sure to meet everyone's gaze before she continued. "After we were separated we were able to find out the truth about Salem... and Ozpin."

The mention of Salem's name caused a ripple of unease across the room. Jaune's eyes sharpened, and Nora and Ren exchanged worried glances, but they stayed silent, waiting for her to continue.

"We used the Relic of Knowledge and called on Jinn to ask a question," Ruby said, feeling her stomach twist as she prepared for what was coming next. "We asked her how we could stop Salem—how to defeat her."

Jaune's eyes lit up briefly, a flicker of hope sparking in the midst of all the darkness they had faced. "And?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "What did she say?"

Ruby hesitated for just a moment, then forced herself to speak. "Salem... can't be killed. She's immortal."

The silence that followed was crushing. Jaune blinked in disbelief, his expression frozen as if he hadn't fully processed the words. Nora's face fell, and even Ren, always composed and steady, seemed shaken by the revelation.

"What... what do you mean?" Jaune asked, his voice trembling. "That can't be true. There's always a way. We've been fighting this whole time, and you're telling me we can't stop her?"

Ruby shook her head, her heart aching for him. "I'm so sorry, Jaune. I wish it wasn't true. But Jinn showed us—Salem is cursed. She can't die. No matter what we do, we can't kill her."

Jaune's fists clenched at his sides, his knuckles white with tension. He stood abruptly, anger and confusion swirling in his eyes. "So, what have we been fighting for, then?" he demanded, his voice rising. "What was all this for? Pyrrha... did she die for nothing?"

The mention of Pyrrha's name was like a knife to everyone's heart. Nora visibly flinched, her hands trembling in her lap, and Ren lowered his head, his jaw tightening as he tried to contain his emotions.

Ruby bit her lip, tears welling in her eyes. "No, she didn't die for nothing," she said softly. "She died fighting for what she believed in—for a world where people are safe from monsters like Salem. And I believe that's still worth fighting for, even if we can't kill her."

Jaune shook his head, his voice raw with pain. "How can you say that? If we can't stop her, if she can't be killed... then what's the point? How are we supposed to win?"

Ruby took a deep breath, her gaze shifting to Shirou. He stood quietly near the doorway, his expression calm yet unreadable. She didn't fully understand everything about him—his past, the battles he had fought, or the nightmares that haunted him—but she had seen something in him, something that gave her hope.

"There might still be a way," Ruby said quietly, her voice steady as she looked directly at Shirou. "Salem may be immortal, but that doesn't mean we're powerless. We've seen enough to know that there's more to this fight than just defeating her."

Everyone followed her gaze, their eyes settling on Shirou. He didn't flinch under the attention, but there was a depth in his expression, a quiet understanding of the pain they all felt.

"I've learned that not everything has a simple solution," Ruby continued, her voice growing stronger. "But that doesn't mean we stop trying. We've faced impossible odds before, and we've come out stronger because of it. And we're not alone in this fight."

Jaune's brow furrowed as he looked between Ruby and Shirou. "What are you saying?" he asked, his voice thick with frustration. "That we just... keep going? Even if there's no way to kill her?"

Ruby nodded, her eyes never leaving Shirou. "Yes. We keep going. Because maybe, just maybe, there's something we haven't seen yet. A way to change things that we don't know about. We've lost a lot, but we haven't lost everything."

Jaune's fists clenched tightly, his knuckles turning white as the anger started to boil beneath the surface as he turned and looked at Oscar. "Ozpin..." he muttered, his voice low and dangerous. "He knew? He knew, and he didn't tell us?"

Ruby nodded, her heart heavy with guilt. "He didn't tell us because he thought... he thought we wouldn't understand."

Jaune's face twisted with fury, and he shot to his feet, his eyes blazing with anger. "He used us! He sent us into battle, knowing we couldn't win! Knowing we were risking our lives for nothing!"

"Jaune, wait—" Ruby started, but Jaune wasn't listening. His rage was growing, and it was clear there was only one person he could direct it toward.

Oscar, who had been standing quietly by the door, watching the conversation unfold, suddenly found himself the target of Jaune's fury.

The room grew tense as the weight of Ruby's revelation settled over everyone. Jaune stood frozen in place, his fists clenched at his sides, the reality of Ruby's words sinking in like a slow-acting poison. Salem couldn't be stopped. They had been fighting an impossible battle, risking their lives for a cause that had no end even with the small amount of hope given. His breath grew shallow as his mind raced with thoughts of all they had lost—especially her.

Pyrrha.

Her name echoed in his mind like a ghost, bringing back the memories of the moment she sacrificed herself, believing in a victory that now seemed hollow. A surge of anger, hotter and more intense than anything he had felt in a long time, boiled up inside him. He could barely think straight, the sound of Ruby's voice fading into the background as his emotions spiraled out of control.

"They knew," he whispered, the words more for himself than anyone else. Then louder, "They knew all along."

Nora and Ren glanced at each other, concern etched across their faces. Nora opened her mouth to speak, to comfort him like she always did, but Jaune didn't give her the chance. He took a step toward Oscar, his eyes blazing with fury.

"And you," he snarled, pointing a trembling finger at the young boy. "You've been lying to us this whole time. Ozpin has been lying to us!"

Oscar froze, his eyes wide with fear and confusion as Jaune advanced. "I—I didn't know, Jaune!" Oscar stammered, holding up his hands defensively. "I'm not Ozpin! I didn't know until Ruby told me."

But Jaune wasn't listening. He could barely hear anything past the roar of rage in his ears. To him, Oscar was just a reminder of everything Ozpin represented—the secrets, the manipulations, the lies. All the things that had led to Pyrrha's death.

"Don't give me that!" Jaune shouted, his voice trembling with barely controlled fury. "You're part of him, aren't you? He's in your head, right now, watching us like we're just pieces in his stupid game!"

Oscar took a step back, fear flashing across his face, but Jaune kept coming. "We trusted him!" Jaune screamed, his voice cracking. "I trusted him, and he sent Pyrrha to her death! He sent us all to die, knowing there was no way we could win!"

Ruby moved toward him, her hands outstretched in a calming gesture. "Jaune, stop—this isn't Oscar's fault. He's not Ozpin—"

"I don't care!" Jaune snapped, cutting her off. His face twisted with anguish as he turned his glare back to Oscar. "I should have known! I should have questioned him more! But I didn't, because I believed in him. I thought... I thought we were doing the right thing."

Nora stood up, stepping toward him cautiously. "Jaune, we all trusted Ozpin. This isn't on you."

But Jaune wasn't hearing any of it. His eyes locked on Oscar again, the person closest to Ozpin. He took another step forward, his hands trembling with barely restrained rage. "He took her from me," Jaune whispered, his voice breaking. "I never even got the chance to tell her..."

The tears he had been holding back began to pool in his eyes. "I never got to say goodbye," he muttered, his voice thick with grief.

In that moment, Jaune's fist clenched, and he lunged forward, his anger boiling over into action. His arm shot out, ready to strike Oscar, but before the blow could land, a firm hand grabbed his wrist, stopping him in his tracks.

Shirou.

The room seemed to still as Shirou stepped in between Jaune and Oscar, his expression calm but resolute. "That's enough," Shirou said quietly, his voice firm yet gentle.

Jaune struggled against Shirou's grip for a moment, his breath coming in ragged gasps, but Shirou didn't let go. His eyes locked with Jaune's, not with anger, but with a calm understanding that made Jaune pause.

"Lashing out won't change anything," Shirou continued. "It won't bring Pyrrha back, and it won't make the pain go away."

Jaune's chest heaved as he tried to calm himself, but the anger and grief were too overwhelming. He jerked his arm away from Shirou's grasp, his voice shaking with rage. "You don't understand!" he yelled, his face contorting with pain. "You don't know what it's like to lose someone you love before you even had the chance to say anything—before you had the chance to..."

His voice cracked, and he turned away, his shoulders shaking with barely controlled sobs. The room was silent, everyone watching as Jaune broke down, the weight of his loss finally crashing over him in full force.

But Shirou remained calm, though the faintest flicker of sadness crossed his features. He took a step back, letting Jaune vent his anger, but when Jaune's accusations hit him, something shifted in his expression. For a moment, a shadow passed over his eyes, a brief glimpse of a sorrow too deep to express.

"I do understand," Shirou said softly, his voice filled with a quiet pain. "More than you know."

Jaune looked up at him, his expression still raw with emotion. "How could you possibly understand?" he snapped, though the anger in his voice was already fading, replaced by exhaustion.

Shirou met Jaune's gaze, his eyes calm but filled with a sorrow that only someone who had experienced profound loss could carry. "Because I've lost people too," he said quietly. "People I loved. And I couldn't save them."

The room was still as Shirou's words hung in the air. Jaune stared at him, his anger slowly giving way to confusion and a glimmer of recognition. He didn't know Shirou's full story, but in that moment, he could see the truth in his eyes—the weight of past regrets and the kind of grief that never truly goes away.

"I know it hurts," Shirou continued, his voice gentle but firm. "But taking it out on Oscar won't help. It won't make the pain any less, and it won't bring anyone back. We need to focus on what we can still do."

Jaune's chest heaved as he struggled to process Shirou's words. Slowly, he unclenched his fists, his anger finally giving way to the overwhelming grief that had been festering inside him since Pyrrha's death. His knees buckled slightly, and he sank down onto the couch, burying his face in his hands as the tears finally came.

Nora immediately rushed to his side, wrapping her arms around him as he cried. Ren knelt beside them, his hand resting on Jaune's shoulder in silent support. The room was quiet, the only sound Jaune's sobs as the weight of everything finally broke him.

The room remained thick with tension as Jaune's sobs filled the air, his raw grief hanging heavy over everyone. Shirou stood quietly by the door, his expression calm but thoughtful. He watched as Nora held Jaune, whispering softly to him in an attempt to soothe the storm raging inside his heart. Ren, ever stoic, knelt beside them, his hand a steady presence on Jaune's shoulder.

Shirou understood the depth of Jaune's pain. He had felt it himself many times—each loss, each failure, a wound that never quite healed. There were no words that could fix it, no reassurances that could make everything better. It was a burden Jaune had to carry, one that only time and self-reflection could ease. But for now, the young knight needed space to grieve.

Oscar stood nearby, still shaken from the confrontation. He had been on the receiving end of Jaune's outburst, and while Shirou had stepped in to stop the situation from escalating further, the fear in Oscar's eyes hadn't entirely subsided. He was still struggling to find his place, torn between being himself and the looming presence of Ozpin inside him.

Shirou glanced at Oscar, noting the tension in the boy's posture—the way his hands fidgeted, and the uncertainty in his eyes. Without a word, Shirou placed a hand on Oscar's shoulder, a subtle but grounding gesture.

"Let's step outside for a bit," Shirou said softly, his tone calm and composed. "Give him some time to cool off."

Oscar hesitated for a moment, glancing at Jaune and the others before nodding. He didn't need to be told twice. The weight of the room's emotions was overwhelming, and right now, he needed a breath of fresh air. Together, Shirou and Oscar made their way toward the door, quietly slipping outside into the cool night.

The fresh air was a welcome relief from the suffocating tension inside. The sky above Argus was clear, stars dotting the heavens, casting a soft light over the quiet neighborhood. The faint sound of the ocean waves crashing in the distance filled the silence between them, creating a sense of calm.

Shirou led Oscar to a nearby park, not far from Saphron's house. The park was small but peaceful, with a few benches scattered beneath the streetlamps. Shirou gestured to one of the benches, and they both sat down, the weight of the night settling over them.

For a few moments, neither of them spoke. Oscar stared down at his hands, still processing everything that had happened. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions—fear, guilt, confusion. He had tried so hard to separate himself from Ozpin, but moments like this made it impossible to ignore the growing connection between them. And now, with Jaune's words still ringing in his ears, Oscar couldn't help but feel like he was a burden to the group.

"I'm sorry," Oscar muttered, breaking the silence. "I never wanted to be a part of this... to be Ozpin. But no matter what I do, he's always there. I don't even know who I am anymore."

Shirou leaned back on the bench, his gaze softening as he listened to Oscar's confession. He could hear the pain in Oscar's voice, the fear of losing his identity. It was a fear Shirou understood all too well—he, too, had spent years questioning who he was, struggling to reconcile his ideals with the harsh realities of the world.

"I know it feels like you're losing yourself," Shirou said quietly, his voice steady. "But you're still you, Oscar. Ozpin may be a part of you now, but that doesn't mean you have to become him. You're not just a vessel. You have your own thoughts, your own feelings, and your own choices."

Oscar looked up at Shirou, uncertainty still etched on his face. "But what if... what if he takes over completely? What if I stop being Oscar, and I just... disappear?"

Shirou shook his head. "That won't happen as long as you don't let it. It's not about fighting against Ozpin—it's about finding a way to live alongside him. You're stronger than you think, Oscar. You just have to trust yourself."

Oscar's eyes flickered with doubt, but there was also a glimmer of hope in his expression. He had spent so long fearing what he might become that he hadn't stopped to consider that he still had control over his own fate.

For a moment, there was silence again. Then, as if to prove his point, Shirou reached up to his head and pulled back a few strands of his hair, revealing the streak of white hidden beneath the glamour spell. It was faint, barely visible unless you knew to look for it, but it was there—a mark of the battles he had fought and the price he had paid.

"This... this is a reminder of the things I've done, the things I've lost," Shirou said, his voice low. "There are parts of me that will never heal. But I choose to keep moving forward, not just for myself, but for the people I still have. That's what keeps me going. That's what helps me stay true to who I am."

Oscar stared at the white streak in Shirou's hair, the weight of his words sinking in. It wasn't just about the fight against Salem—it was about the fight for his own identity, the fight to remain true to himself even in the face of overwhelming odds.

After a few moments, Shirou let the glamour spell return, hiding the streak once again. He stood up, offering a hand to Oscar. "Come on," Shirou said with a small, reassuring smile. "Let's get you something to help you feel more like yourself. You've earned it."

Oscar blinked, surprised by the offer. "Something like... gear?"

Shirou nodded. "Yeah. If you're going to be in this fight, you should have the right equipment. Something that's yours. It'll help remind you that no matter what, you're still Oscar Pine."

Oscar hesitated for only a moment before standing up, accepting Shirou's offer. "Okay," he said quietly, a small but determined smile forming on his face. "Let's do it."

Together, they walked down the street toward a nearby huntsman shop, the night air cooling their thoughts. As they went, Oscar found a sense of peace beginning to settle inside him. He wasn't Ozpin—not entirely. And as long as he had friends like Shirou to help him, he could find his own path forward.

Shirou had given him something he hadn't realized he needed—hope, not just for the fight against Salem, but for his own journey as well.

As Shirou and Oscar made their way back to Saphron's house, the streets of Argus were quiet, lit only by the soft glow of street lamps and the occasional glimmer of the stars above. The air was cool and carried the scent of the nearby ocean, providing a peaceful contrast to the emotional storm that had raged inside the house earlier.

Oscar, now sporting his new gear—a modest yet practical set of huntsman clothing and a freshly fitted cloak—walked with a sense of newfound confidence. The gear felt good, not just in its utility, but in what it represented: his own place in the fight, separate from Ozpin's legacy. Shirou, walking beside him, glanced at the young boy and offered a small, approving nod. It wasn't much, but it was a step forward.

As they approached Saphron's house, the front porch came into view, and they both noticed a familiar figure sitting on the steps, head resting on her knees, clearly waiting for them.

It was Blake.

She had been sitting there for quite some time, her golden eyes softly illuminated by the porch light, keeping vigil for Shirou and Oscar. Despite her usually composed demeanor, the worry etched on her face was unmistakable. She had seen the tension between Shirou and Jaune before they left, and she couldn't help but be concerned for both of them.

When Blake saw the two figures approaching, her eyes brightened with relief, and she stood up, brushing her hair behind her ear. But the exhaustion of waiting had caught up to her, and she found herself blinking sleepily as they drew closer.

"Blake?" Shirou asked softly as he and Oscar stepped onto the porch.

Blake tried to offer a smile, but her tiredness betrayed her. "I was waiting for you two," she said, her voice quiet, tinged with concern. "I wanted to make sure... everything was alright."

Shirou's expression softened, touched by her care. "We're fine. Oscar's got some new gear, and we just needed some air."

Oscar gave a small nod, and Blake's eyes flicked over to him, taking in his new appearance. The new outfit suited him, making him look more like a huntsman-in-training and less like the uncertain farm boy who had stumbled into their group. A faint smile crossed her lips as she took it all in.

"You look good," she commented, a gentle warmth in her voice. "It suits you."

Oscar blushed slightly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Thanks, Blake. It feels good to have something of my own."

Blake's smile widened just a bit before her exhaustion caught up with her again. Her eyelids drooped slightly, and she swayed on her feet, clearly worn out from the emotional toll of the day and her late-night vigil.

"Come on," Shirou said softly, stepping closer and placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You should get some rest. Let's go inside."

Blake blinked sleepily and nodded, too tired to argue. Without another word, the three of them made their way inside the house, quietly closing the door behind them so as not to disturb anyone.

Inside, the living room was dimly lit, with most of the group scattered around the room in various states of rest. Ruby sat by the fireplace, her knees pulled up to her chest as she stared into the flickering flames, deep in thought. Weiss and Yang were nearby, talking in hushed tones, while Qrow leaned back in an armchair, nursing a drink but appearing more relaxed than usual. Ren and Nora were curled up together on the couch, with Jaune resting nearby, his expression still haunted but calmer than before.

As Shirou and Oscar entered, the soft creak of the floorboards drew everyone's attention. Ruby looked up first, her silver eyes brightening at the sight of them. Weiss and Yang paused their conversation, and even Qrow turned his gaze toward the newcomers.

Oscar stood a little straighter under their gaze, his new gear giving him a sense of confidence he hadn't felt before. It was subtle, but everyone could see the change. He wasn't the same uncertain boy who had walked into their lives in Mistral—he was growing, becoming someone capable of standing on his own.

Yang was the first to break the silence. "Nice look, farm boy," she teased lightly, though her tone carried genuine approval. "You're really starting to fit the part."

Oscar chuckled, still feeling a little self-conscious but grateful for the support. "Thanks. I figured it was time for an upgrade."

Weiss gave a small nod of agreement. "It's definitely an improvement. You look more ready for what's ahead."

Oscar's smile widened a bit as he took in the kind words, but before he could say anything else, Jaune stood up, his expression somber. His eyes met Shirou's, and for a moment, the air grew heavy again, the memory of his earlier outburst still lingering between them.

There was a brief, tense pause before Jaune spoke.

"Shirou... Oscar... I'm sorry," Jaune said, his voice soft but earnest. "I shouldn't have snapped like that. I was out of line. I was... angry and grieving, but that's no excuse. I know it's not your fault."

Shirou met Jaune's gaze, his expression calm, yet there was an underlying sympathy in his eyes. He understood the depths of Jaune's pain and the way it had boiled over. He wasn't one to hold grudges, especially not against someone suffering as Jaune was.

"It's alright, Jaune," Shirou said softly. "You've been through a lot. I get it. Just... be careful where you direct your anger. We're all in this together."

Oscar stepped forward, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, I get it too. I know it's hard to see me and not think of Ozpin... but I'm trying my best, just like all of you."

Jaune swallowed hard, his guilt visible in his eyes as he nodded. "Thanks. I'll... I'll try to keep that in mind."

Nora, who had been watching quietly from the couch, finally stood up and placed a hand on Jaune's shoulder. "We're all here for you, Jaune. You don't have to carry everything by yourself."

Jaune gave a small, grateful smile as the tension in the room began to lift. The weight of his earlier outburst had been heavy on everyone, but with this reconciliation, there was a sense of healing, a step toward moving forward as a team once again.

Blake, who had been leaning against the wall, watching quietly, felt the tension in her own chest ease. She exchanged a glance with Shirou, her expression soft with understanding. She knew how much he had helped defuse the situation, how much his presence had kept things from spiraling further out of control. There was a silent appreciation in her gaze, one that Shirou returned with a slight nod.

With the atmosphere growing calmer, Ruby finally spoke up, standing from her place by the fireplace. "We're all tired," she said softly, glancing around the room at her friends and family. "But we'll get through this. Together."

There were quiet murmurs of agreement as everyone began to settle back into their spots. Shirou and Oscar found seats for themselves, and Blake, still tired from her vigil, quietly sat down next to Shirou, her shoulder gently brushing his.

The air was calm after Shirou and Oscar returned, but the weight of their mission hung heavily over everyone's heads. They had all agreed to rest, but now it was time to talk about what came next. Ruby stood at the head of the table, her silver eyes reflecting both determination and uncertainty as she prepared to lay out her plan.

With everyone seated—Weiss, Yang, Blake, Qrow, Oscar, Ren, Nora, Jaune, Maria, and Shirou—there was a collective sense of anticipation in the air. It had been a long journey from Mistral to Argus, filled with battles and revelations that none of them were prepared for. But now, they were nearing the next critical stage: getting to Atlas and facing whatever awaited them there.

Ruby took a deep breath and began. "We all know what we're up against. Salem is out there, and we've learned from Jinn that she can't be killed." Her voice wavered slightly as she spoke, but she quickly steadied herself. "But that doesn't mean we're going to give up. Atlas is the next step. The Relic of Knowledge is safe with us, but we need to secure it and get help. General Ironwood is expecting us."

Weiss nodded from across the table, her face resolute. "Atlas will be prepared, but we can't count on everything going smoothly. The political situation has been unstable, and my father... well, he'll do everything in his power to complicate things."

Yang leaned forward, her fingers tapping restlessly on the table. "So what's the plan, then? We're just going to march into Atlas and hope Ironwood rolls out the red carpet for us?"

"Not exactly," Ruby replied, glancing at her sister with a faint smile. "We have to be smart about this. We've been through a lot, and I don't want anyone getting hurt because we rushed in unprepared. That's why I think we need to take our time, plan this carefully. We can't afford any mistakes."

Shirou, who had been listening quietly, spoke up, his voice calm but firm. "Ruby's right. Patience is key. We can't just charge into Atlas without knowing what we're walking into. There's too much at stake."

His words carried weight, and everyone at the table seemed to take a moment to absorb them. Shirou's experience had given him a perspective they couldn't ignore—he understood the cost of rushing into a situation ill-prepared. Ruby, too, looked at him, grateful for his support.

"We should take this time to recover," Shirou continued, his gaze sweeping across the group. "We've been through a lot—physically and emotionally. If we keep pushing ourselves, we're going to break. We need to train, yes, but we also need to rest and make sure we're ready for whatever comes next."

Qrow, who had been leaning against the back of his chair, nodded in agreement. "I sent a letter to Ironwood a couple of days ago," he said, looking at Shirou. "It should reach him soon, if it hasn't already. Once we get word back from him, we'll have a better idea of what we're dealing with."

Shirou's brow furrowed slightly as he considered the timeline. "A letter takes time. Even with a speedy courier, we're looking at a few days, maybe up to a week, before we get a response. That gives us some breathing room. We can use that time to regroup and sharpen our skills, but more importantly, we need to be mentally prepared. This isn't just a physical battle; it's a fight for our resolve."

Ren, seated quietly next to Nora, nodded thoughtfully. "We've been running nonstop since Haven. A few days to plan and regain our strength might be exactly what we need. If we keep rushing, we'll just make mistakes."

Weiss crossed her arms, a look of agreement on her face. "We also need to refine our strategy. Atlas won't be as simple as sneaking in the back door. With the political situation and my father's influence, we'll need a solid plan to get into the city and meet with Ironwood. The security will be tighter than ever."

Maria, sitting with her cane by her side, chimed in. "You're all still young, and your energy is admirable, but don't underestimate the value of rest. You're not machines. You need to give your minds and bodies time to recover. That's just as important as any strategy."

Ruby nodded, taking in everyone's thoughts. Her eyes landed on Blake, who had been mostly silent up until now, her expression contemplative. "Blake, what do you think?"

Blake looked up, her amber eyes meeting Ruby's. She hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I agree with Shirou and Ren. We've been pushing ourselves for so long, and we're all feeling it. Jaune especially... we've all been through a lot. I think we should take the time to rest, train, and make sure we're really ready for what's ahead. There's no point in rushing to Atlas if we're not at our best."

Jaune, who had been quiet since his earlier apology, looked up from the table. His face still carried traces of the grief and anger he had struggled with, but there was a sense of determination in his eyes now. "Blake's right. I want to get to Atlas as much as anyone, but we can't afford to be reckless. We've already lost too much."

Nora, always energetic, raised a hand. "I'm all for resting if it means I get to eat more of Shirou's cooking!"

The group chuckled, the light moment easing the tension in the room. Even Yang, who had initially seemed impatient, began to soften. She leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "Alright, fine. I don't like sitting still, but I get it. We'll rest. But we'd better hit the ground running once we get a response from Ironwood."

Ruby smiled at her sister's begrudging acceptance, then looked back at the group. "Okay. So, we'll stay here in Argus for the rest of the week. We'll use the time to rest, train, and finalize our plan for getting to Atlas."

Shirou nodded in approval. "It's a good call. We'll need everyone at their best."

Qrow raised his flask, a slight smirk on his face. "Here's to a little downtime, then."

With the consensus reached, there was a collective sense of relief that washed over the group. The pressure of their mission was still there, but with a plan in place, they could all breathe a little easier. For now, they had time—time to heal, time to prepare, and time to be together. It was a luxury they hadn't had in a long while.

Ruby, feeling the weight lift from her own shoulders, glanced at each of her friends and family. They were tired, but they were still standing. And together, they would face whatever came next.

The room settled into a comfortable quiet as the group relaxed into their seats, each of them beginning to mentally prepare for the days ahead. There was no rush, no urgency to move forward just yet. For the first time in what felt like forever, they had agreed to slow down, to plan and wait for the right moment.

As Ruby sat back, a faint smile played on her lips. They would get to Atlas. They would face Salem. But they would do it on their own terms, and they would be ready.