So Volume 9 Episode 10 just came out. I have a TON to say about it, but I'll put that at the author's note at the bottom so you don't have to read it if you haven't seen it yet. For now, enjoy this chapter of Silver Spectre:

Ruby felt her jaw drop as she stared at her sister, who stared at Weiss with a similar expression of disbelief. As for Weiss, she was lying on the ground, groaning. Nora stood next to her, hands which had been holding the white-haired girl held to her face in shock.

"You two know each other? I didn't know you knew any bandits, Weiss. Are you hanging out with the wrong crowd?" The orange-haired girl squawked while Weiss glared bitterly up at her.

"What? Bandits? I'm not a bandit! Tell her, Weiss!" Yang spluttered out, clearly caught off-guard. Ruby felt slightly sympathetic. Her sister had clearly raced over here to try and save them before making a 'cool' entrance, only to be put on the spot by Nora's antics and Weiss's sudden appearance.

Weiss rose to her feet unsteadily, shooting Nora a withering look for having dropped her. "Not a bandit," She hissed out, clutching her side as she did so. "Just a stubborn brute that I regretfully call my friend."

Yang's expression turned teasing. "Wow, such kind words for someone who just saved your life. Is that how you repay my kindness?"

Weiss rolled her eyes fondly. "I seem to recall doing much the same for you and Blake back in Vale. I'd say we're even." The pair shared a laugh.

"Wait a moment here," Nora interrupted, stepping between the two of them. "How do you two know each other? You met back in Vale? What is she doing here, then?"

Weiss turned up to face Yang. "I was wondering the same thing. What are you doing in Mistral, Yang? I thought you were only recently knighted."

Yang nodded. "I was. I'm here on official business, by order of the King. Why are you here? Last I heard you were looking for your book. What are you doing spending time with the rebellion? No offense, of course," She sent that last remark to Ren and Nora.

"I was. But it's in a vault in the capital. The Oniyuri Rebellion has agreed to help me retrieve it in exchange for lending my aid to them for a time." Weiss explained. Yang just shook her head with faux exasperation.

"Y'know, after half the stuff you did back in Vale, I'm not surprised that you jumped on board without too much convincing."

"Stuff you did in Vale? Weiss, you troublemaker," Nora teased. "What kinda hijinks did you get up to in Vale? Did you end up fighting the king or something?"

"Nah, she just exposed a local crime lord of working with the White Fang and helped stop said crime lord when he tried to release a swarm of Grimm into the city," Yang explained, to which Nora and Ren shot her surprised looks.

Nora let out an impressed whistle as Ren sighed and shook his head. "Somehow, that doesn't surprise me." Weiss whirled around indignantly.

"And what's that supposed to mean?" She asked, her brow raised. Ruby couldn't help but let out a laugh at her friend's expression.

"Only that you have a habit of walking face-first into trouble," Ren stated.

"He's got a point, Weiss," Yang agreed from atop her horse. Sliding off the saddle, she stepped forwards with her hand outstretched. "Anyways, I feel an introduction is due. The name's Yang Xiao-Long. You two are?"

"Lie Ren."

"I'm Nora!" The boisterous girl exclaimed. "Nora Valkyrie! Lieutenant in the Oniyuri Rebellion, cutest hammer-wielding girl in all of Mistral, and Weiss's best friend!" She bragged. Yang raised a brow but didn't comment. Ruby, meanwhile, felt a twinge of annoyance at her words. She was Weiss's best friend.

"Yang, what's going on over here? Is everything alrig-" A female voice cut out as another familiar figure jogged into view. A white cloak draped over a lithe frame with long black hair and a pair of cat ears atop easily identified the newcomer as Blake Belladonna, who starred dumbfound at Weiss.

"Weiss? Is that you?" The amber-eyed girl asked in shock. "Yang, is that really her?"

"Yup."

Ruby could understand her doubt. Weiss didn't exactly look in great shape. Sweat clung to her body as she drew heaving breaths that shook her entire frame. Her rapier was plunged into the ground in order to let her rest her weight on it. Her face was dirty and bloodied while her armor remained pristine thanks to its enchantments.

The silver-eyed girl felt guilty as she stared at her best friend and crush. It was mostly her fault she was like this after all. Ruby had known that her doubts and fears would've held back their ability to merge auras, but then Weiss had looked at her with that determined gaze in her blue eyes. Ruby had felt her resolve melt as she stared into her blue eyes and she tried to mix her aura with Weiss's, to disastrous results.

Ruby could still feel phantom pains across her entire body like she was numb after being shocked. It had been much more intense a few moments ago, but the pain was quickly fading. She was more concerned for Weiss, who had a physical body and thus was more prone to lasting pain.

"Blake..." Weiss struggled out, clearly winded from the battle. "It's good to see you." She gave her a slight smile. Blake just kept staring in shock. "I'm glad... that you're here." The girl began to sway slightly, and it was only thanks to Blake's quick reactions that she was able to catch the woman as she fainted and fell to the ground.

"Weiss!" They all exclaimed. "We need to get her to a medic." The faunus left no room for argument, stepping forward to help support Weiss before pointing towards the mass of silver-armored knights who had finished carving through the horde of Grimm. "We have someone who can help heal her wounds. Come with me."

Nora and Ren clearly wanted to say something, but Yang held out a hand. "Trust us. We're here to help. We'll get her patched up. You're welcome to come with if you want to, though."

The pair nodded. "I can help carry her," Nora said, all humor leaving her voice as she took in the seriousness of the situation. Blake nodded at her and allowed the orange-haired woman to sling Weiss's arm over her shoulder and help support her friend. Ren simply picked up her rapier and fell in behind them.

Ruby floated alongside them as they hurried over to the largest group of armored figures, a worried expression on her face. She knew she shouldn't have agreed to try and fuse auras with Weiss. The white-haired woman didn't realize that the problem with controlling that power stemmed from Ruby, not her. She should have tried harder to convince Weiss it wasn't a good idea.

As they crossed the field, Ruby saw the armored knights dispatch the remaining Grimm with ruthless efficiency. By the time they reached the main group of knights, only a few Beowolves remained, warily backing away from them.

The Oniyuri Rebellion and Altan soldiers both stared at the newcomers with shock and caution, amazed at how quickly they turned the tides. What ordinarily would've required dozens of casualties was accomplished without any injury in only a few brief moments.

Yang pulled ahead of their little group, calling out for a medic. Ruby saw a pair of rabbit ears straighten up at her call as a faunus pushed through the crowd to meet them. She seemed familiar, and as she drew closer Ruby realized it was the woman who had healed Weiss after the battle at the Valean docks.

"Velvet, we need your help. We've got someone badly injured over here. Mind giving us a hand?" Yang asked, guiding the woman towards Blake and Nora, who carried Weiss's unconscious form while Ren protectively stood beside them, bow held loosely in his hands.

"Sure, I'll give it a shot," Velvet said, stepping forwards and gesturing to two common soldiers standing nearby. "You two, clear out a space for me to work and lay out a sheet. Now, who's the patient?" She asked. The two soldiers rushed to fulfill her order while Nora and Blake gently set their friend down on the ground.

As Velvet approached Weiss's prone form, she let out a gasp of shock. Several other nearby soldiers did as well, while curious knights glanced on to see what all the fuss was about. Clearly, they recognized Weiss and were as confused about her being here as she was about them.

Velvet was highly professional, however, and didn't allow her shock to distract her from performing her craft on the injured Atlesian. The faunus knelt down beside Weiss and gently removed her breastplate, before holding her hands out as a soft green light emanated from them.

As the woman moved her hands over Weiss's injuries, motes of green light flowed from her palm into her and closed them up, stitching together skin and causing bruises to fade. Ruby let out a "Wow!" as she watched her heal Weiss.

After a minute or so of healing her, Velvet stood up and brushed the dirt off her legs. "I've healed her external injuries, and did my best to close up anything internal. But her aura is spent, and she looks exhausted. She'll be fine, she just needs her rest."

Blake and Yang nodded at her words. "Thanks, Velvet." The raven-haired woman nodded respectfully at her fellow faunus. Velvet smiled back before placing a hand on her chin with a questioning expression.

"Still, I'm curious as to why Weiss is here of all places. Wasn't she looking for some scholar's book? How did she end up here?" The brunette asked. Turning suddenly to Nora and Ren, she bowed deeply. "Oh, where are my manners? Velvet Scarlatina, mage in service of the Valean army, at your service."

Blake, likewise, nodded at them. "Blake Belladonna, mercenary. You are?"

Ren and Nora both introduced themselves once again while Ruby began to tune out the conversation, staring down at Weiss's unconscious form. Guilt began to well up in her as tears formed in the corners of her eyes. Weiss would be alright, but she very nearly died because Ruby held her back. If she had died, Ruby never would've been able to forgive herself.

Weiss looked so peaceful, lying there on the ground without a care in the world. Her eyes were shut tight and her lips slightly parted to allow her soft breaths to slip through. Ruby felt terrible as just a few minutes ago she had been writhing in agony on the ground, suffering thanks to Ruby's hesitation and doubt.

Eventually, Ruby saw her friend shift slightly on the ground. Her heart skipped a beat as her eyes opened and her ice-blue gaze shot around before settling on Ruby and softening. Ruby tried to give her a reassuring smile but was interrupted when someone noticed.

"Weiss! You're up!" Yang called out, rushing over to try and help Weiss to her feet. The ex-heiress gave her a grateful look before looking around.

"What happened? Did I pass out?" She asked groggily. Blake nodded beside her.

"Yeah, you fainted right after I arrived. You must have worn yourself out in that battle."

Weiss's eyes widened. "The battle! What's going on? Did the Rebellion win?" She panicked. A loud laugh came from behind her.

"See for yourself, Weiss," Nora called out, pointing towards the two armies. Weiss and Ruby both followed where she pointed to see the Oniyuri Rebellion cheering victoriously over their foes, who had thrown their weapons to the ground in surrender.

"Sun must've made it back to camp with Arslan," Ren remarked, relief evident in his voice. "Thank the Brothers."

"I don't get it. Why're they surrendering like that?" Yang asked, her brow raised. "To me, it seems like they could've held out a bit longer. Surely they didn't give up just because of us?"

Weiss shook her head, her hair coming loose from its ponytail as she did so. "That may have contributed, but the real reason they surrendered so quickly is that we already captured their commander. They won't risk her getting killed by continuing to fight, and thus the order to surrender has been given.

"That's a pretty clever strategy," A new voice called out, quickly approaching from behind them. Ruby's face spread into a wide smile as soon as she heard it. "Did you come up with it, princess?"

Weiss whirled around to face the newcomer with a glare, only for her eyes to go wide when she recognized the figure behind her. While she had never met the man, his reputation preceded him. Ruby had told her countless stories about him, after all.

The man wore a loose grey jacket with its chest open, exposing a gleaming silver breastplate bearing the Valean royal crest. Two silver pauldrons on his shoulders pinned a tattered red cape in place, and vambraces covered his arms past his elbows. He wore black leather trousers to allow him ease of movement while still providing decent protection against blades and spells. Ruby let out a squeal.

Qrow Branwen stood there with a lazy smirk on his stubbled face, hunched slightly with both hands jammed into his pockets. His dull crimson eyes stared at Weiss with a bored expression, though Ruby could see the curiosity in them, as though he was appraising her.

"Well? Got an answer for me, or are you gonna continue gaping like a fish?" He teased, combing a hand through his spikey black hair. Weiss just kept staring.

Ren and Nora shared a look. "Who the hell are you?" Nora asked, not for the first time since their arrival on the battlefield. "What is even going on here? And how do you know Weiss?"

Qrow laughed at her words, straightening up and fixing them with an amused look. "While I can't say I've ever met Weiss," He began to explain, "I'm more than willing to tell you who we are and what we're doing here."

"The name's Qrow," He explained. "And I'm the one in charge of this merry little band."

Ren raised a brow. "And you are here because? It's not every day that Valean knights are seen talking to the Oniyuri Rebellion. What's your goal here?"

Qrow gave them a devious smirk. "Isn't it obvious kid?" He gestured at the horde of Grimm corpses that were dissolving behind them. "We're here to help you be a pain in Lionheart's ass. Now take us to your boss. We've got a lot to talk about."

Sorry for the short chapter this time. This one was a pain in the ass to write; I've been trying throughout this past week to sit down and write something out, but it keeps coming out wrong. It was only when the recent episode dropped that I was able to get the motivation to power through it and get this chapter written out. Ordinarily I would've just done a small timeskip, but there were still some loose ends I had to tie up so I wrote this to get past them. Next bunch of chapters will be a lot smoother. I hope.

Anyways, Volume 9 is over. It feels crazy because just a few short weeks ago I didn't even know it was coming out. I've made my thoughts so far clear, but I really want to talk about this episode and the Volume as a whole in this authors note.

First off, I love how they handled Ruby's decision. Her seeing that even Summer wasn't the perfect huntress she aspired to be helped her realize that she didn't need to be someone else. I love how CRWBY didn't try and change her, or make her come back as her old chipper self, they just let her realize that she was enough. Great message, and pretty excellent payoff. Definitely not perfect in it's execution, but I was overall happy with it.

On the other side of the spectrum, I'm not sure I agree with how quickly Jaune got to solve all of his problems. I get it was due to budget issues, but it sucks that he just got over his decades of isolation and trauma in just two episodes.

Beyond that, I'm glad that they finally finished Neo's story. As I said a long time ago in this fic, I'm mostly ambivalent towards Neo and Torchwick. I don't particularly like or dislike them more then any other character. But I'm glad that Neo is finally out of the picture, since there have just been too many villains for a while.

Now for the big thing, the thing that could impact this fic: the new lore about Summer, and the stuff about the Brothers' origins. It hasn't really come into play in Silver Spectre yet, but trust me when I say that both of those things play a major role in this story. So while some people may not be thrilled about it, I will probably be ignoring most of that when I get to those characters in this AU.

Usually I try and put my characters into similar backgrounds as their canon versions, but I'm not bothering to reconcile the lore I've planned out with the lore the show depicts. But I'm not doing that because I dislike what they're doing with these characters, just because I've already planned these things out and placed foreshadowing earlier on.

The whole thing about Summer and Raven meeting up before her dissappearance is cool, and does a lot to add intrigue to a character who before was mostly just a source of character motivation. And the Brothers being from the Ever After is the opposite of what most people seemed to theorize before the Volume came out.

RIP the Curious Cat. I really like them as a villain for this Volume, but I'm glad they didn't overstay their welcome. As with Summer and the Brothers, I'm not going to put the Cat in my story outside of a throwaway line or two. Maybe. I kinda wish we saw them use more magic and less clawing at Team RWBY, but that fight in the recent episode was amazing nonetheless.

Overall, I feel like Volume 9 has definitely become one of my favorite Volumes in all of RWBY. At least Top 3 for me. I loved the smaller scope and more emphasis on characters, the visual design was spectacular and did a great job of feeling alien and otherworldly, and for the first time in years, Team RWBY+J ends up in a better place then they started at at the beginning.

I'm pretty confident that they'll greenlight a Volume 10, but even if they do that will take time. So for now, I'll just have to keep writing this fic. I doubt it will happen, but maybe I can finish this story before the next Volume comes out and introduces a bunch of characters I wish I included. Probably not, but I can hope.

Regardless of all that, thanks for reading this new chapter. Sorry for how short and rushed it was. I'll make it up by giving my all on the next few. But for now, feel free to comment/review, and have a great day.