The steady hum of the airship filled the silence as Pyrrha gazed out of the window, her eyes scanning the dense jungle that stretched below. She caught sight of ruined buildings, remnants of what was once the Kahaki settlement. Smoke billowed faintly in the distance, a grim reminder of the Grimm-infested chaos awaiting them.

"Looks like we're in for a fight, even before we land," Pyrrha murmured.

Jaune, standing near the cockpit, crossed his arms and nodded. "We'll stick to the usual plan. I'll take point and distract them while you guys handle the rest. We need a landing zone after all," His voice was calm, though his eyes held a sharp focus. "I'll keep your auras boosted."

As he placed a hand on the airship's interior for balance, Jaune's aura flared briefly, and the others felt a surge of strength ripple through them.

Nora rolled her shoulders, a wicked grin spreading across her face. "Time for some smashing."

Weiss, standing next to her, adjusted Myrtenaster and frowned. "Just be careful."

She shot a quick glance toward Trifa and Yuma at the front of the airship.

Yuma called back from the cockpit, his bat-like ears twitching. "We're close. Get ready."

Jaune walked up to the cockpit and placed a hand on both Yuma's and Trifa's shoulders, boosting their auras. "This should help keep you focused."

Trifa glanced at her glowing hands and nodded curtly. "Not bad for a wolf. Good luck down there."

The airship descended, its sleek frame gliding just above the rooftops of the ruined settlement. As the door opened, Jaune leaped effortlessly onto a nearby roof, sliding down to the ground. He turned back briefly, signaling the airship to rise and maintain distance.

Taking a deep breath, Jaune stepped out of Ren's masking, his aura flaring like a beacon. His voice cut through the eerie quiet, sharp and taunting. "Hey, bastards!"

The first wave of Beowolves lunged from the shadows, their glowing red eyes locked onto Jaune. He crouched slightly, then charged forward, his shoulder smashing through one Grimm's torso as he swung Crocea Mors upward in a deadly arc. Black ichor splattered as the blade cleaved through the pack before they disappeared into black smoke..

Jaune slung his sheath on his waist and perched his glowing sword on his shoulder. He let his aura expand further, ensuring there were no civilians in the area. Satisfied, his lips curled into a savage grin. "No tunnels to collapse. No hostages to protect. Just Grimm." He infused his sword with aura until it hummed with energy. "Perfect."

With a powerful swing, he unleashed a wave of aura infused slash that cleaved through the advancing horde, slicing through Grimm and crumbling nearby ruins.

From the shadows, a second wave emerged, this time with Merlot's modified Grimm. They moved differently, studying him with chilling intelligence while the regular Grimm rushed in a frenzy.

"So, you're the clever ones, huh?" Jaune said, narrowing his eyes. He raised his sword again, ready for the next round. "Let's dance!"

Back in the airship, Ren frowned as the distant sound of explosions reached their ears. "Do you think Jaune will be okay?"

Nora waved dismissively, though her grin was more subdued than usual. "Fearless Leader? He'll be fine. I've never seen him run out of aura."

Weiss adjusted her stance, keeping an eye on the distant commotion. "I hate to admit it, but he's buying us some time to get a clear landing. A hell of a distraction."

Ren nodded. "Even so, we need to make sure we're ready. The Grimm might still sense us."

Ruby tightened her grip on Crescent Rose, the weapon gleaming faintly in the light. "We're still boosted, right? Let's make the most of it."

The airship touched down on a relatively stable rooftop, and the group leaped into action. Pyrrha took charge immediately, tossing her shield forward. Activating her Semblance, she manipulated the spinning disc like a deadly buzzsaw, decapitating a cluster of Grimm.

Nora, her hammer crackling with electricity, charged headfirst into the fray. "Time to smash!" she yelled, slamming Magnhild down and sending a surge of energy rippling through the ground. Grimm disintegrated under the impact, their bodies dissolving into black smoke.

Ruby darted through the battlefield, a red blur as she sliced through Grimm with swift, precise strikes. Rose petals fluttered in her wake, mingling with the fading remnants of their enemies.

Weiss, still aboard the airship with Ren, kept her rapier trained on any stragglers, occasionally freezing them in place with bursts of ice dust. Ren, calm and composed, stood by her side, ready to assist them if the need arose.

The tide of Grimm began to thin, but then the ground rumbled with a new presence. A Boarbatusk, larger than usual, barreled toward the airship, its tusks pointed at the airship. Before it could reach the hull, a motorbike roared through the chaos.

A figure leaped from the bike, ribbon-wrapped blade in hand. With a precise strike, the rider decapitated the Boarbatusk. The bike skidded to a stop, and another figure slammed gauntleted fists into the Grimm's remains, scattering them into nothingness.

Ruby's eyes widened as she recognized the newcomers.

The two figures turned, and Yang's lilac eyes lit up with relief. "Ruby!" She charged forward, wrapping her sister in a bear hug. "What are you guys doing here?"

The tension breaks as the group shares a small, relieved laugh, glad to see Blake smiling again, even if just a little.

Weiss stumbled as Yang caught her in the same crushing embrace alongside Ruby. "Could you—let go—please?" she gasped. "H-how did you know it was us?"

Yang narrows her eyes as she looks at them as it was obvious.

"There's only a handful of idiots I know who'd show up like this," she starts with a grin. "A rich girl with a frown like that, a Semblance that leaves rose petals everywhere, and a spunky lady with a hammer." She crosses her arms, her smirk growing. "And what's with the Faunus ears? Real subtle guys. I mean, you didn't even bother changing your usual outfits."

Pyrrha looked at her attire and blushed. While Nora scratched her head and yelping in pain as she scratched her wolf's ears again.

The group shifts awkwardly, but before anyone can reply, Blake approached more slowly, her golden eyes flickering with weariness. She seemed smaller, more reserved, but a faint smile broke through her stoic expression.

"You came for us," she said softly. "Nice ears. How did you even manage that?"

"It's… complicated," Ren said, making sure no one was hearing them.

Ruby grinned. "Of course we did! We couldn't just leave you two here."

Blake's gaze lingered on their disguises, and a flicker of amusement crossed her face. "Interesting choice of disguises. Wolves, huh?"

Weiss opened her mouth to reply, but another explosion from the distance drew their attention.

Yang glanced toward the source of the commotion, her expression tightening. "Let me guess, that's Jaune?"

Pyrrha scratched the back of her head sheepishly. "Yup."

The group tread carefully, their boots crunching on the debris-strewn ground as they made their way toward the heart of the commotion. The distant sound of battle was growing louder, punctuated by the occasional roar of Grimm and the clash made. Pyrrha's shield was at the ready, and Weiss's knuckles were white against the hilt of Myrtenaster. Ruby clutched Crescent Rose, her gaze flickering between their surroundings and the explosions ahead.

"Jaune's definitely in the thick of it," Yang said, her voice carrying a mix of exasperation and admiration. She adjusted her gauntlets with a metallic click. "Seriously, what is it with him and taking on entire armies of Grimm by himself?"

"That's our fearless leader," Nora said, her voice quieter than usual but carrying a hint of pride. "Always throwing himself into danger."

Blake, trailing slightly behind, remained silent. Her eyes were shadowed, a weight in her expression that made Ruby glance back at her worriedly.

"It'll be okay, Blake," Ruby said softly. "We'll figure this out. Together."

Blake didn't reply immediately, but a faint smile touched her lips. "Thanks, Ruby."

As they neared the clearing, the sounds of combat grew more intense. The group froze as they caught sight of Jaune. He was battling a Merlot-modified Grimm, a twisted Beowolf with jagged purple crystals sprouting from its back. It snarled and lunged at him, but Jaune met it head-on. His shield deflected its claws, and his aura flared as he grabbed the creature by the throat with his free hand.

The Grimm writhed in his grasp, but Jaune slammed it into the ground with a thunderous crash. Dust and debris billowed into the air as he drove Crocea Mors into the back of the creature's head, the blade glowing with aura as it pierced through crystal and flesh. The Grimm twitched once before dissolving into black mist.

Jaune stood over the fading remains, breathing steadily, his sword still buried in the ground. His white hair glistened, and his silhouette was framed by the surrounding mess.

Yang lifted a hand and waved. "Hey, Jaune! Having fun without us?"

Jaune straightened and turned toward the voice, his expression brightening when he saw the group. Pulling his sword free, he rested it on his shoulder and approached them.

"I'm glad to see you're okay, Yang," he said, a genuine warmth in his voice.

Yang smirked. "Same to you, Jaune. Nice ears. You're putting on quite the show."

Jaune's gaze shifted to Blake, and his tone softened. "Blake... I heard what happened to Sienna Khan. You have my condolences. If there's anything we can do to help, just say the word."

Blake's eyes widened slightly, her composure cracking as emotion flickered across her face. Before she could respond, Yang placed a firm hand on her shoulder.

"Blakey here has been reckless," Yang said, her voice teasing but underlined with concern. "I can't let her do stupid things. I promised her mom, Kali, that I'd take care of her."

Blake blinked rapidly, her throat working as she fought back tears. "Thank you, guys… really," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. She wiped at her eyes with the back of her hand, and a faint smile tugged at her lips.

Weiss cleared her throat, breaking the moment. "As touching as this reunion is, we need to talk. There are... serious matters to discuss."

"You're right," Blake said. "This isn't a place to talk."

"I know just the place," Yang said with a grin.

Yang and Blake then led the group to a safe area, descending into an underground tunnel hidden beneath the ruins. The air was damp and cool, and the faint scent of earth lingered in the narrow passage. The tunnels were ancient, constructed by the Faunus during the Great War, and their weathered walls bore the marks of decades of use.

The group settled into a dimly lit chamber. A few scattered dust-powered lanterns provided a faint glow, casting flickering shadows across the room. Blake and Yang took seats on a makeshift bench, while the others leaned against the walls or sat on crates.

Weiss took a step forward, her gaze steady as she addressed Blake. "We need help, and I believe the best option is Atlas."

Blake's expression darkened, her ears twitching slightly. "Atlas? Of all places?"

"Who else?" Weiss countered. "We might be able to rally Huntsmen from Vale and Mistral, but with the state of Menagerie... can we really hold out without help?"

Blake leaned back, her tone surprisingly calm but detached. "And what price would Atlas demand for their assistance?"

Weiss met her gaze without flinching. "You know exactly what they'd want. The question is, can we afford not to pay that price?"

Blake's fists clenched, her nails digging into her palms. "So we're just supposed to deal with the Schnee Dust Company? With Atlas? After everything they've done?"

Weiss's voice softened, but her conviction remained firm. "I understand your distrust. I understand your hatred for my family's company. But this isn't just about us anymore. This is different. This is about stopping something bigger than any of us."

Blake looked away, her golden eyes distant. "I don't know how Sienna would take this. It's not like we have the Lien to fork over with the state of Menagerie."

"They're free to refuse," Weiss said. "This is your land, your people. But if we're going to win this damn thing, we have to make hard decisions. You wouldn't leave, right?"

Blake nodded firmly. "I… don't think I can return to Beacon with what's happening here."

Yang then added. "And I won't leave without Blake, too."

Jaune, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke.

" I understand. Even if we call for help, it won't matter if the skies and seas are full of Grimm. We'll have to cut off the head of the snake first."

Blake's gaze snapped back to him, her voice a low growl. "That means killing Adam Taurus and stooping what it makes him control the Grimm and the Androids."

Jaune nodded, his expression grim. "It's the only way to stop this madness. And then clean up the rest."

Blake's hands trembled, and her voice was heavy with emotion. She was eager to kill the bastard.

"And… I think we need to involve Headmaster Ozpin," Jaune said firmly. "He's the one with the most information, and if anyone can get General Ironwood to listen, it's him."

Weiss raised an eyebrow, her skepticism clear. "Do you really think General Ironwood will believe us? Let alone act on it?"

Ren, ever the practical one, pulled out his Scroll. "If we gather records and present what's happening here, it will lend credibility to our story. It's not just words, it's evidence."

Jaune nodded, considering Ren's suggestion. "That's a good idea. But we need something more immediate. By the way, Yang. Do you know where Qrow or Raven might be?"

Yang's expression darkened at the mention of her mother. "Qrow? Raven? What makes you think they're here?"

Jaune rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "If they're keeping an eye on things, they've probably already noticed us. It's worth trying to contact them."

Without waiting for further discussion, Jaune stood and made his way to the tunnel's exit. The others followed at a distance, their curiosity piqued. They emerged into a small clearing, the canopy of trees above them casting dappled shadows on the ground. Jaune took a deep breath and cupped his hands around his mouth.

"Qrow! Raven! I know you're out there!" he called, his voice cutting through the quiet jungle.

For a moment, there was silence. Then, from the sky, two birds swooped down, their forms shifting mid-air. They landed as humans. Qrow in his usual disheveled attire and Raven, imposing and silent, her face solid as if concealing her emotions.

Yang's fists clenched as she glared at Raven. "Great. Just what we need."

Qrow scratched the back of his head, his sharp eyes scanning the group. His gaze lingered on their faunus disguises before he sighed. "Alright, I've got a lot of questions, but I'll set them aside for now. What's the deal, kids?"

Jaune stepped forward, his tone serious as he explained their situation and the desperate need for backup.

"This isn't something we can handle alone. We need reinforcements."

Qrow shook his head, muttering under his breath. "You kids are ridiculous. You've got guts, I'll give you that, but this whole thing is a mess."

Raven, standing slightly apart, remained quiet, her crimson gaze piercing. Jaune looked at Qrow and gestured toward her.

"Is it good she's here?" Jaune asked.

Qrow shrugged, his tone laced with dry humor. "It's fine. She can just run off to Patch if things get dicey. She's good at that."

Yang bristled but said nothing. Raven's expression didn't change, though there was a flicker of something in her eyes.

"Look," Qrow continued, "if you want us to act as messengers, fine. But you'd better have a damn good plan."

Jaune hesitated for a moment before sighing. "I have a plan. I can't tell you everything. My lips are sealed, but I do have a backup to help us around."

Jaune whistled sharply, the sound echoing through the clearing. Moments later, the underbrush rustled, and Juniper emerged. The golden jackalope seemed to shimmer, her antlers catching the light like polished gold.

"OMG, SO FLUFFY!" Nora squealed, her voice escalating in pitch as she repeated the words like a mantra. She clutched her cheeks and hopped into place. Like she was ready to cling to Juniper and never let go. "SO FLUFFY! SO FLUFFY! SO FLUFFY!"

The others froze, their gazes locked on the magnificent creature. Meanwhile, Qrow, Raven, Ruby, and Yang stared, their eyes wide and their mouths slightly open for a whole different reason.

"What… the hell?" Qrow muttered, his voice barely audible.

There was another figure emerged from the forest, riding atop Juniper. It was a woman clad in a red hood, her black-and-gold axe resting casually on her shoulder. She dismounted gracefully, her steps light as she approached the group.

"Well, well, kid," Autumn said with a teasing smile. "Didn't I say to call for my help when needed? But isn't this a bit soon?"

Jaune straightened, his expression firm. "I couldn't wait. Secrets aren't worth keeping if they end up hurting people. And I need every help we can get. Hell, I'd wake up Master if I could."

Autumn nodded approvingly, her silver gaze sweeping over the group with a smile. "Good answer."

Raven's expression was distorted and she was shaking violently. While Qrow, Ruby, and Yang looked like they were ready to burst into tears.