FLASHBACK – BEDROOM

The soft trickle of water echoed through the bathroom as Pyrrha set her toothbrush down, spitting the last traces of toothpaste into the sink. As she straightened, her gaze lifted to the mirror, locking onto the reflection staring back at her. For a long moment, she simply studied herself.

Her fingers drifted upward, almost instinctively, brushing against the bare spot on her forehead where her golden circlet had once rested. She had gone months without wearing it, had grown used to its absence—yet, for a fleeting second, it felt as if she had only just taken it off. The phantom sensation lingered before she finally let her hand fall.

Stepping away from the mirror, she crossed the dimly lit room and climbed onto her bed. The mattress sank beneath her as she lay on her back, eyes tracing the ceiling above. Two months of relentless training had pushed her beyond her limits, molding her into something sharper, stronger. Adrian had drilled every technique, every skill into her, and she had absorbed it all. The ache in her muscles was a constant reminder of how far she had come, and when she flexed her fingers, she could feel the strength she had gained. A quiet sense of pride flickered within her.

But it wasn't enough to chase away the loneliness. No one knew she was alive. Not yet. Though she had chosen to remain hidden, the weight of isolation pressed down on her like an unseen force. She wasn't ready to return. Not yet. But one day, she would have to. She couldn't face Cinder alone. When the time came, she would need others by her side—friends, allies, those who would stand with her in the fight to come.

A small, almost wistful smile touched Pyrrha's lips as her eyes fluttered shut. Someday, she would return. And when she did, she would not stand alone. Sleep slowly pulled her into its embrace.

Unbeknownst to Pyrrha, a figure lingered in the shadows, watching her with quiet amusement. Hidden from sight, Cinder observed every movement, every slow breath as Pyrrha drifted into slumber. A cold smile curled at her lips.

Stepping forward with eerie silence, Cinder emerged from the darkness, her presence a ghostly whisper in the quiet room. The dim light caught the glint of steel as she unsheathed her sword, her gaze locked onto the sleeping warrior. She stood over Pyrrha, tilting her head slightly, as if savoring the moment.

Raising her blade, she hesitated. Her fingers curled tighter around the hilt, but something held her back. Pyrrha lay before her, vulnerable, defenseless—yet, for reasons she couldn't quite explain, Cinder didn't strike. A long pause stretched between them, filled only by the soft sound of Pyrrha's breathing.

Slowly, she lowered her weapon and slid it back into place. Instead of steel, she chose words.

Crouching beside the bed, Cinder leaned in, her lips hovering near Pyrrha's ear. In a voice as smooth as silk and as dangerous as venom, she whispered. Her words slithered into Pyrrha's subconscious, wrapping around her mind like unseen chains.

A sharp gasp tore from Pyrrha's lips. Her body jerked violently as if caught in the throes of a nightmare. Her breath came in ragged gasps, her fingers twitching as though grasping for something unseen. Then, as if some invisible force had seized control, her movements slowed. The struggle faded.

Slits of red bled into the emerald green of her eyes.

Her expression went blank.

Cinder smiled.

Cinder watched with satisfaction as Pyrrha's once-lively green eyes remained dulled, now tainted with thin slits of red. A slow smirk crept across her face as she straightened, folding her arms with confidence.

"It seems I was right," she mused, her tone carrying a hint of amusement. "Salem did do something to you after all. A little insurance, I suppose. And lucky for me, she told me the exact words to activate the trance. I've had to use them on a few others before—nothing personal."

Pyrrha, or rather, the version of her that now stood under Cinder's control, slowly turned her head, her expression blank.

Cinder chuckled. "Ah, I almost forgot—this is your first time in the trance, isn't it? Well then... stand."

Without hesitation, Pyrrha rose from the bed, her movements eerily smooth, mechanical in nature. She stood in front of Cinder, waiting for her next command.

Cinder stepped closer, inspecting her with intrigue. "Do you know who you are?"

Pyrrha nodded once.

"I thought so," Cinder murmured, tilting her head slightly. "Simple, really. Your name… well, let's give you a new one. For now, you will be called… Stryker."

She paused, watching for any sign of recognition, but there was none—only compliance. A pleased smile played at her lips.

"There's someone I'd like you to kill for me. Can you do that?"

Without a moment's hesitation, Pyrrha—no, Stryker—gave a single, unwavering nod. "Yes."

Cinder's smirk widened. "Excellent."

PRESENT DAY - ALLEYWAY

Pyrrha trembled, her back pressing against the cold brick wall of the alleyway as Cinder advanced. Her breath came in shallow gasps, her mind racing to make sense of everything that had just happened.

"Well done," Cinder praised, her voice dripping with amusement.

Pyrrha snapped her head up, her tear-streaked face twisting in shock and rage. She quickly pushed herself off the wall, shaking as she took an instinctive step back.

"There, there," Cinder continued smoothly, her fiery eyes locked onto Pyrrha's. "You've done very well."

"That was not me!" Pyrrha yelled, her voice cracking with raw emotion.

Cinder's smirk only widened. "True. But Arc and Rose thought it was. And soon, everyone else will, too. So, if you'll just come with me—"

"I'm not going with you!" Pyrrha snarled, fists clenched at her sides.

Cinder sighed dramatically, shaking her head as she stepped forward, her heels clicking softly against the pavement. "Oh, Pyrrha… Always so stubborn. Always fighting against the inevitable. Haven't you learned by now? You belong with me."

Pyrrha continued to back away, her heart hammering against her ribs.

"You have nowhere else to go, Nikos," Cinder continued, her voice soft, yet laced with a dangerous edge. "No friends. No allies. And judging by the way Arc looked at you, you won't be running back to him anytime soon."

Pyrrha flinched, the memory of Jaune's devastated expression hitting her like a blade to the chest.

Cinder chuckled. "Oh, that look in his eyes? Heartbreaking. He thought you were dead, you know. He grieved for you, mourned you. And now? Now he sees a monster in your place."

"Stop it," Pyrrha whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

Cinder ignored her, closing the distance further. "Poor Ruby, too. She idolized you, didn't she? I wonder how she's feeling now—knowing that her dear friend is nothing more than a weapon in the wrong hands."

Pyrrha squeezed her eyes shut, shaking her head. "No..."

"No?" Cinder cooed mockingly. "Then why did you attack them? Why did you aim to kill?"

Pyrrha's breathing hitched. Her hands trembled as flashes of the fight burned through her mind—the sound of gunfire, the force of her fist slamming into Jaune, the way Ruby's eyes widened in horror.

Cinder leaned in, her lips curling into a whisper. "Face it, Pyrrha. The world sees you as a murderer now. The only place you truly belong... is by my side."

Pyrrha's eyes snapped open, her expression torn between rage and despair. Cinder merely smiled, her victory already set in motion.

Pyrrha turned sharply, only to find herself mere inches away from a solid brick wall. Her heart pounded as she realized she had nowhere left to run. Slowly, she pivoted back to face Cinder, who stood calmly, a victorious smirk on her lips.

"I'm not going to kill you," Cinder said, raising her arm slightly, as if to reassure her. "You've proven to be a valuable asset. Especially after your first kill."

Pyrrha's breath hitched as the words settled in. Her hands clenched into fists as she stared at the ground, flashes of the fight burning in her mind—her own hands stained with blood, Jaune's shattered expression, the weight of what she had done.

"Come," Cinder continued, her voice dripping with authority. "Your usefulness is still needed."

Pyrrha's head snapped up, her emerald eyes burning with fury. She quickly scanned her surroundings, her gaze landing on a series of old pipes running along the alley wall. A few feet away, she spotted a fuse box mounted on the opposite side. An idea formed.

"No."

Cinder's smirk faded into an irritated frown. "You have no choice."

Pyrrha locked eyes with her, standing her ground. "Yes, I do."

Before Cinder could react, the fuse box ripped itself free from the wall and hurtled toward her with incredible force. She barely had time to turn her head before it slammed into her, sending her crashing against the brick wall behind her.

Wasting no time, Pyrrha moved her hands in swift, precise motions. The pipes along the alley walls groaned and twisted as they bent to her will, coiling like snakes before snapping toward Cinder. In seconds, thick metal wrapped around her arms, legs, and torso, binding her in place. Another pipe coiled around her throat, tightening just enough to restrict her movements, while a final piece clamped over her mouth, muffling her voice.

Cinder thrashed, her eyes burning with rage as she struggled to break free. But Pyrrha had already won.

Stepping forward, Pyrrha studied her for a moment, breathing heavily. The fire inside her was no longer one of anger—it was resolve.

One by one, she stripped away the heavy armor she had been forced to wear, letting the pieces clang to the ground. The only things she kept were her hoodie, pants, and the belt that held her knives and gun.

Cinder's bindings trembled—she was close to breaking free. Pyrrha narrowed her eyes and pulled back her fist before delivering a brutal punch to Cinder's jaw. The force of the blow sent her head snapping to the side, and her body went limp.

Silence filled the alleyway.

Pyrrha took one last look at the unconscious woman before pulling her hood over her head. Without another word, she turned and sprinted out of the alleyway, disappearing into the night.

STREET

Ruby sat on the sidewalk, her gaze fixed on the ground, as the weight of everything that had happened continued to hang heavily on her. Velvet, Ren, and Nora were nearby, all in their own quiet thoughts. The air was thick with confusion and disbelief. Ruby felt her heart ache as she tried to make sense of it all. The events, the destruction, and the realization that Pyrrha was somehow alive—it was too much.

Ruby lifted her head, the sound of footsteps breaking her from her thoughts. Blake and Yang were approaching, their eyes wide with shock. They had been told everything—about Pyrrha's attack, about the destruction, and the truth behind it all. Yang's voice broke through the silence as she walked up, her hands resting on her hips, a mix of disbelief and frustration on her face.

"So, let me get this straight. Pyrrha Nikos attacked you and tried to kill Jaune. You're absolutely sure?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Ruby nodded solemnly, her eyes never leaving the ground. Her voice was quiet but firm as she responded. "100% sure. She's alive."

Yang raised an eyebrow, a skeptical expression on her face. "100% sure?"

Ruby's eyes finally met Yang's, her voice barely above a whisper. "I saw her with my own eyes. Pyrrha's alive. How? I don't know. But she's not dead."

Blake looked around, her sharp eyes scanning the area. The police were keeping civilians back, trying to control the chaos caused by Pyrrha's attack. It was clear from the damage—cars overturned, debris scattered—that something catastrophic had happened.

"Where's Jaune?" Blake asked, her voice quiet but laced with concern.

Ruby froze. She hadn't noticed it before, but now that Blake mentioned it, Jaune was nowhere to be seen. Panic crept into her chest as she quickly stood up, her voice rising as she called out.

"Jaune?"

"Ruby!" Velvet's voice broke through the tension, and Ruby turned to see her pointing at a nearby alleyway.

Ruby, Blake, and Yang immediately walked toward it, their footsteps quickening as they moved through the street. As they reached the alley, they saw him. Jaune sat with his back resting against the wall, his posture hunched as he softly cried. His hands were pressed against his face, his fists clenched in silent agony. The sight broke Ruby's heart.

She turned to Blake and Yang, her voice soft but firm. "I'll talk to him."

Ruby walked slowly toward Jaune, her heart pounding in her chest. She crouched down in front of him, her hand reaching out to gently touch his shoulder. As soon as her fingers made contact, Jaune flinched, a sharp breath escaping him as if he had been startled from a nightmare. His shoulders shook, but he didn't look up.

"You okay, Jaune?" Ruby asked, her voice quiet, but full of concern.

Jaune quickly nodded, but it was clear that he wasn't. His voice trembled as he spoke, his words filled with sorrow. "That was Pyrrha," he said, his voice cracking. "That was her, Ruby. Right before our own eyes."

Ruby's heart ached at the pain in his voice. She gave him a moment, her expression softening as she tried to find the right words to comfort him.

"I know," she said softly, her eyes filled with understanding. "I saw her, too."

Jaune shook his head, tears still streaming down his face. "I almost believed it when she turned around and looked at me. But there she was... only... she looked like she didn't even know who she was."

"What do you mean?" Ruby asked, her brows furrowing with confusion.

Jaune looked up at her, his gaze distant as he struggled to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions. "I can read a person's face," he explained slowly, his voice low. "I can tell that she was confused when I said her name. It's almost like—"

"Like she has amnesia," Ruby interrupted, her voice barely a whisper as the thought crossed her mind. "It could be a possibility. But we don't know that right now."

Jaune nodded, his eyes glazed over as he tried to piece everything together. Ruby shifted her focus, her eyes landing on his arm where blood was slowly dripping, staining the fabric of his sleeve.

"You're bleeding," she noted, her voice laced with concern.

Jaune glanced down at his wounded arm, his face twitching slightly as he processed the pain. "Oh," he said, the realization dawning on him. "She must've shot me."

Ruby immediately offered him her hand, her expression softening as she tried to reassure him. "Come on. We can get you patched up, in the airship."

Jaune stared at her hand for a moment, hesitation flashing across his face. Ruby waited, her fingers trembling slightly in anticipation. Finally, Jaune took her hand, allowing her to help him to his feet. Together, they walked out of the alleyway, the weight of the situation pressing down on them both.

As they reached the end of the alley, Ruby stopped next to Yang and Blake, who were waiting for them. Jaune, still shaken, walked to sit with the others, his head down, trying to collect himself. Ruby took a deep breath before speaking up.

"We need to get everyone together," she said, her voice firm. "Let them know about Pyrrha. And whether she could be a threat to us or not."

Yang raised an eyebrow, her tone cautious. "Are you sure?"

Ruby met her sister's gaze, her jaw set in determination. "I'm sure," she answered, her voice unwavering. "Do you have a conference room at Alpha Base?"

Blake nodded, her eyes filled with quiet resolve. "We do. But Ruby..." She paused, her voice dropping to a more somber tone. "She could be doing this... not by choice."

Ruby bit her lip, the weight of Blake's words sinking in. It was a possibility she couldn't ignore. She had seen the confusion in Pyrrha's eyes, heard the uncertainty in her voice. The woman they had once known was still there, hidden beneath whatever had taken control of her.

"I know," Ruby said, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Jaune and I think she has amnesia. She doesn't know who she is, or who we are. If there was a way to bring her memories back... then maybe we could try to help her."

Yang crossed her arms, her expression turning serious as she glanced around. "You know Ironwood won't just let her walk around, even if she comes back. She's already killed two people... maybe more."

Ruby nodded, her mind already spinning with the next steps they needed to take. "I'll worry about that when the time comes," she said, her tone unwavering. "We should go. Jaune needs to get his arm patched up."

Without waiting for a response, Ruby turned and began walking away, her footsteps quick as she headed toward the airship. Blake and Yang stood there for a moment, watching her go.

Yang let out a heavy sigh, clearly exhausted. "This has been a surprising day," she muttered, shaking her head in disbelief.

Blake, her gaze still focused on Ruby's retreating figure, gave a quiet nod. "Yep. But I think things are going to get worse before they get better."

Yang looked at Blake, her expression hardening with resolve. "Not if we prevent them from happening."

Blake met her sister's gaze, her eyes steady with determination. "Exactly."

The weight of their situation hung heavy in the air, but their resolve was clear. They weren't going to give up on Pyrrha — not without a fight. Not if there was any chance to bring her back.

WAREHOUSE

The massive warehouse door creaked open, the sound of rusted hinges echoing in the emptiness of the night. Pyrrha stepped inside, her boots hitting the cold concrete floor with a dull thud. She paused for a moment, scanning the dimly lit interior. The space was vast and barren, save for a few scattered chairs that had seen better days and a makeshift bed tucked away in the far corner. Dust hung in the air, thick with the scent of abandonment. The only source of light came from the cracked windows overhead, where moonlight filtered through the grime, casting long shadows across the floor.

She locked the door behind her, the sound of the heavy bolt sliding into place signaling her solitude. The place felt lifeless, yet oddly familiar, as if it had once been used by people who were long gone. Pyrrha took a few slow steps into the warehouse, her eyes taking in the stark surroundings. She ran a hand along the edge of a weathered wooden chair, its legs uneven and scratched, a reminder of long-forgotten conversations. There was a small stack of boxes near the wall, their contents unknown, but none of it seemed to hold any significance for her.

Pyrrha moved further into the space, her footsteps soft but deliberate as she walked past the pile of discarded materials. A few broken crates lay on their sides, remnants of something once whole. She passed a rickety shelf that held a few rusted tools and small parts, none of them offering her any comfort. The place was cold, not just in temperature, but in the absence of life, the absence of purpose.

Finally, her tired gaze landed on the bed—a simple cot with a thin, worn blanket thrown haphazardly across it. With a quiet sigh, she made her way toward it, her muscles sore from the stress of the day. The exhaustion in her body weighed her down, and without hesitation, she collapsed onto the bed, rolling over onto her back. She stared up at the ceiling, her mind racing with thoughts that felt too heavy to process.

After a few moments, she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small, crumpled photo. It was the same picture Adrian had carried with him—a photo of his team, with her parents included. Her fingers trembled as she held the picture up to the dim light, staring at the bloodstains that marred its once-pristine surface. The blood wasn't hers, but it felt like a part of her, a reminder of the past she could never escape.

FLASHBACK - DINER

The door to the diner clicked shut with a soft thud as Adrian waved the last of his customers goodbye. With a sigh, he flipped the "Open" sign to "Closed" and locked the door, the familiar routine of the evening settling over him. As he turned around to tidy up the counter, he froze, noticing a familiar figure standing by the entrance. Pyrrha stood there, her face devoid of emotion, her gaze fixed on him as though she were waiting for something, her eyes distant and vacant.

Adrian's brows furrowed in confusion. "Thought you were going to sleep," he said, trying to make light of the situation, but the uneasy feeling in his stomach only grew.

Pyrrha didn't respond. She just tilted her head slightly, the eerie stillness in her posture making his unease deepen. She wasn't the same. This wasn't the Pyrrha he remembered.

"Pyrrha?" Adrian asked again, stepping toward her, his voice gentle but firm. He was reaching out for the person he once knew, the person who had been part of his life for so long. But the Pyrrha standing before him wasn't the one he knew.

Suddenly, a voice from behind him made Adrian turn. A shadowed figure emerged from the back door, the soft click of heels on the tiled floor sending a chill down his spine. "I'm afraid she doesn't go by that name anymore," the woman said, a cruel edge in her tone.

Adrian's heart sank as he saw her—Cinder. The same woman from his past, the one who had betrayed them all. The one who had made a deal with forces that had forever changed the course of their lives. He straightened, his expression hardening, but he said nothing as he turned to face her fully.

"Hello, Adrian," Cinder said with a twisted smile, her eyes glinting with malice.

Adrian's brows raised slightly, but his face remained neutral. "Cinder," he replied, his voice betraying no emotion, though the weight of their shared past lingered heavily between them. "I was wondering when you'd find me." He glanced back at Pyrrha, who remained standing motionless, her eyes lifeless. "I take it, she's under your trance."

Cinder's smile widened at his words. "Oh, Adrian," she purred, her voice dripping with a false sweetness. "You know me better than anyone else."

Adrian's expression didn't change, but the weight of her words hit him like a cold gust of wind. "Of course, I do," he said, his tone cold, almost detached. "You were like a sister to me. To the rest of Team CACH." He paused for a moment, his eyes flickering to Pyrrha again, a pang of sadness crossing his face before the anger returned. "Then you ended up making a deal with the wrong people. All for what? An elongated life? You'd be what, almost fifty?"

Cinder chuckled softly, but there was no warmth in the sound. It was hollow, calculating. "Such a waste, isn't it? But I'm not the only one who made those choices, Adrian. You did, too. You've all played your part in this twisted little game, one way or another."

Adrian took a step back, his hand instinctively going to his side, where his weapon used to rest. The memories of his past, of his fallen comrades, of everything that had been twisted and broken, rushed back in a flood. "And now you've come for Pyrrha," he said, his voice low and tense. "What is it you want from her, Cinder? What are you really after?"

Cinder's smile didn't waver. "I want everything, Adrian. And Pyrrha, or rather, Stryker," she said with a mocking emphasis, "is just the first piece of the puzzle."

Adrian stood there, his eyes cold but filled with a deep, unspoken regret as he faced Cinder, his voice edged with venom. "You know, when I defeated you all those years ago, maybe I should've finished the job."

Cinder's smile was wide, but there was no warmth behind it—only the cruel satisfaction of a twisted victory. "Oh, Adrian," she purred, her voice dripping with mockery. "Perhaps I can give you that chance, to finish what you started. But only if you get past her."

She pointed to Pyrrha, who stood still as a statue, the daggers in her hands gleaming menacingly. Her eyes, once filled with the warmth of a trusted companion, now held only cold emptiness. She was a weapon—a tool in Cinder's cruel game.

Adrian's lips twisted into a scowl. He glanced at Pyrrha, the woman he once fought beside, and shook his head in disbelief. "Cinder," he said, his tone resigned, "using others as shields to protect yourself? No wonder you were exiled from Haven City. It's what you've always done."

Cinder's smile faltered for a split second, a flash of irritation crossing her face. She cast a quick, icy glance at Pyrrha, but then quickly regained her composure, the mask of superiority slipping back into place.

"Shut him up for me," Cinder ordered coldly, her voice carrying no hint of hesitation. "I'll be waiting outside."

She handed Pyrrha the daggers—two gleaming blades that would soon carry out her bidding—and turned on her heel, walking through the back door with a quiet click of her heels, leaving Adrian and Pyrrha alone in the dimly lit diner.

Adrian sighed, a long breath filled with bitterness and sadness. He turned to Pyrrha, his gaze softening, but only for a moment. "Just a matter of time, I suppose," he said quietly, his hand hovering over his staff before he let it fall to the floor with a heavy clatter. He raised his arms in mock surrender, his voice steady but tinged with sorrow. "Wasn't really hoping it'd be you, though."

There was no response from Pyrrha—no flicker of recognition or emotion. She stepped toward him, her eyes cold and impassive. With a swift movement, she lunged at him, the daggers sinking into his chest with a sickening crack. Adrian's breath hitched in his throat as pain exploded in his body, but his hands gripped her shoulder, steadying himself as blood spilled from the wound.

He gasped for air, trying to form words, but all that came out was a strangled sound. His hand fumbled in his pocket, and with what little strength he had left, he slipped something into Pyrrha's. A small device, a key—a silent plea that would mean nothing in the end.

Pyrrha twisted the daggers, pushing them deeper into his flesh, her face devoid of any emotion. Her cold eyes never left his as his grip on her shoulder weakened, his body slumping against hers.

"Pyrrha," Adrian managed to rasp, his voice barely a whisper, but it was too late. His strength was failing him. His arms gave way, and his body crumpled to the floor in a heap. His head lolled forward, the life leaving his eyes.

For a moment, Pyrrha simply stared down at him, her grip loosening on the daggers as she took a step back. Adrian's body lay lifeless before her, a blood-soaked testament to the cruelty of her existence now.

Pyrrha didn't flinch. She didn't show a trace of sorrow, nor relief. Her face remained as cold and blank as a stone, her heart untouched by the death she had just caused.

She took one last, lingering look at his body, her eyes unreadable, before she turned away. Without a word, she walked toward the back door, her footsteps echoing hollowly in the silent diner. She didn't look back as she stepped into the night, leaving the past—and Adrian—behind her.

PRESENT DAY - WAREHOUSE

The dim light of the warehouse flickered as Pyrrha sat slumped against the wall, her body trembling from the weight of her emotions. She wasn't in control when she killed Adrian—his face, his pain, it all lingered in her mind. The sound of his gasping breaths, the agony in his eyes, echoed in her thoughts like a persistent nightmare. Her hands trembled as she clutched the edges of her knees, trying to shut out the memory. She squeezed her eyes shut, hoping that if she just tried hard enough, the images would disappear. But they didn't. Instead, the tears came, hot and uncontrolled.

Pyrrha curled up into herself, her face pressed into her knees as sobs racked her body. Her breath came in sharp, painful gasps as the weight of what she had done finally began to crush her heart. The photo, the one she had dropped earlier, caught her eye through her blurry vision. She reached out for it, trembling as she picked it up. Her fingers lightly brushed the bloodstained edges, the picture a silent reminder of everything she had lost.

Taking a deep breath, Pyrrha calmed herself as best as she could, forcing her sobs to quiet. She stared down at the photo, a small flicker of resolve igniting within her. With a shaking hand, she carefully tore the picture in half, the sound of the paper tearing loud in the otherwise silent room. She held onto the half that showed her parents, the faces she still remembered so vividly, while the other half—containing the reflection of her past self—was crumpled up and discarded without a second thought. It felt like a betrayal, but at the same time, it felt necessary. She couldn't afford to look back anymore.

Pyrrha stood, the weight of the photo half in her hand pulling at her, but she forced herself to move. She placed it gently atop a small, worn drawer that sat in the corner of the room. The drawer had been there when she arrived—a small piece of forgotten history in a forgotten place. As her fingers hovered over the edges of the photo, Pyrrha paused for a long moment before letting it rest there, feeling the sense of finality settle within her chest.

Turning away from the drawer, Pyrrha made her way to the duffel bag she had dropped earlier. The weight of her emotions was still there, but she knew she had to keep moving. She picked it up and set it down on the bed, the heavy bag's contents shifting inside. She unzipped it, rummaging through its contents. Clothes—dark and practical—some boots, a few packets of food, and a laptop. She took each item out slowly, setting them aside with a quiet determination. She didn't need to look at them for long; she knew what she was doing.

At the bottom of the duffel bag, Pyrrha's fingers brushed against something cold. She pulled out the Scroll Cinder had given her, the device that had once been her connection to a new life—a tool to control, to manipulate. But now it felt foreign in her hands, like a weight that tied her to something she no longer wanted to be part of.

Without hesitation, Pyrrha opened the Scroll and bent it in half, hearing the sharp snap of the glass breaking under her pressure. She stared at the shattered device in her hands, the symbol of her past life now rendered useless.

Pyrrha let out a long, weary sigh as she placed the broken Scroll onto the bed. It was over now, at least with that. She couldn't be controlled anymore, couldn't be the tool Cinder wanted her to be. Pyrrha's next movements were deliberate as she set the Scroll aside and opened the laptop, its screen flickering to life with the familiar hum of technology. The soft blue glow illuminated her face, but there was no joy in her eyes. There was only a quiet determination.

She could feel the pull of the past—the memories, the pain, the people she once cared for. But in this moment, Pyrrha knew she had to look forward. She wasn't sure what was waiting for her, but she knew she couldn't stay in this warehouse forever. It wasn't a place of peace—it was a place of escape, and she had outgrown it.

As the laptop hummed in her hands, Pyrrha closed her eyes for a brief second, letting the soft, mechanical sound soothe her frayed nerves. Then, she opened her eyes once more. She had made her choice. The road ahead wasn't clear, but it was hers to walk.

And with that, Pyrrha prepared to step out into the unknown.

AIRSHIP

The hum of the airship's engines provided a dull backdrop to the quiet tension between Ruby and Jaune. Ruby was focused intently on Jaune's shoulder, her hands steady as she used a pair of surgical pliers to carefully extract the bullet lodged in his flesh. Jaune winced slightly as she worked, the sharp sting of pain evident on his face, but he didn't flinch away.

"There we go," Ruby muttered, pulling the bullet out with a soft click of the pliers. She held it up to inspect it, her brows furrowing. "Well, the good news is that no poison was used."

Jaune let out a slow breath, visibly relaxing at that. But Ruby's expression darkened as she examined the wound. "The bad news is… you'll need a day or two to heal. It's not a deep wound, but it'll take some time for the muscles and tissue to recover."

Ruby began to wrap bandages around Jaune's shoulder, her movements methodical, yet there was an underlying tension in the air, both of them aware of the gravity of the situation they were facing. As she finished, Jaune's eyes remained on her, a question forming on his lips.

"You really think Pyrrha could be a threat to us?" Jaune asked, his voice soft but heavy with uncertainty.

Ruby froze, her fingers momentarily pausing mid-wrap. The question had caught her off guard. She looked up at Jaune, surprised at how directly he'd asked, as if he already knew what she was thinking.

"How did—?" Ruby started, her voice trailing off as she realized.

"Velvet heard you," Jaune answered, his gaze never wavering from her face. "She said you were talking about it earlier... about Pyrrha possibly being a danger to us."

Ruby took a deep breath and dropped her eyes to his wound. She finished tying the bandage but hesitated, unsure of how to fully express her growing fears.

"Were you serious, though?" Jaune pressed. "Do you think Pyrrha is really a threat?"

Ruby stood there in silence for a moment, her hands still resting on his shoulder as she considered how to answer. The weight of the question was heavier than she expected, more complex than she could have imagined when this all began.

"Yes." Ruby answered softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "She may have killed a number of people, Jaune. And she's working with Cinder. That... that makes her a threat."

Jaune's eyes softened with disbelief. He shook his head, the familiar face of the old Pyrrha flashing before his mind's eye. "But the Pyrrha we knew... she wouldn't do any of that. Not on purpose. It's not in her."

Ruby looked at him, her gaze filled with sadness. She had always trusted Jaune's optimism, his refusal to believe the worst of people, but there were parts of this situation that couldn't be ignored.

"That wasn't her, Jaune," Ruby countered quietly, her voice shaking just slightly. She looked down, her heart heavy with the burden of what she had to say next. "Maybe the Pyrrha we once knew is gone... and now there's just... just Stryker, I think that's what she's calling herself now."

Jaune's face contorted in disbelief, his lips parting to say something, but the words caught in his throat. "No way. No way she's gone. I know Pyrrha. She's still in there. Somewhere in that head of hers... we just have to help her remember. We have to reach her."

Jaune shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his gaze drifting away from Ruby as her words hung in the air between them. The reality of their situation was starting to sink in, and it was clear neither of them wanted to address the heavier truths of what had transpired. Ruby carefully adjusted the bandages around his shoulder, her movements slow and deliberate, but the quiet between them spoke volumes.

"Jaune," Ruby began softly, her voice laced with concern, "If she truly did kill a number of people, chances are Ironwood will convict her."

Jaune's eyes clouded, and he turned his face away, staring out the window as if hoping the view would offer him some clarity. His hands tightened slightly around the armrest, and after a few seconds, he sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping with the weight of it all.

"We can worry about that later," he said, his voice steady despite the turmoil. "Let's just focus on getting her back, first."

Ruby tilted her head, studying Jaune's profile as she finished tying off the bandages. His determination was clear, but so was the hurt in his eyes.

"Why?" Ruby asked, genuinely curious, her voice quieter than before. "Why do you want to help her this much?"

Jaune was silent for a moment, and when he finally turned back to face her, his expression softened, as if the answer had been so ingrained in him that it was second nature.

"Because, Ruby," he said with a quiet conviction, "no matter what, Pyrrha is still family. And you don't turn your back on family. Even when they do."

Ruby swallowed, her chest tightening at the rawness of his words. It was both painful and beautiful—the loyalty he had for Pyrrha, no matter what she had become. The loyalty they all had for each other, despite the distance and the scars.

"Do you still love her?" Ruby asked before she could stop herself, her voice trembling with the question.

Jaune's eyes widened, and he stiffened at the unexpected question, his breath catching in his throat. "What?"

Ruby immediately regretted asking. She looked away, fumbling with the bandages in her hands, avoiding his gaze. "Sorry, Jaune. I... I shouldn't have said that. I know what you and Neo had, was special."

"It was," Jaune said, his voice quiet but full of an unmistakable sadness. "But... if we were to get Pyrrha back... if I try to be with her again... I just won't, Ruby."

Ruby's heart ached at his words, understanding the complexity of the emotions he was trying to sort through. She gave a small nod, trying to offer him the space to breathe, even though it felt like the weight of it all was pushing down on both of them.

"I understand," Ruby said softly, her tone gentle. "Let's drop that subject for now."

Jaune gave her a small, appreciative nod, and a brief, faint smile flickered across his face. He leaned back, taking a deep breath as he stretched his legs out. "So... I guess we'll be staying at Alpha Base now."

Ruby finished securing the sling on his arm, her movements precise. She stood and dusted off her hands, then looked back at him with a faint smile.

"Yep," she said. "Oh, boy. It's going to feel awkward seeing everyone else again. I wonder how much has changed."

Ruby's mind drifted for a moment as she thought about their team. So much had happened since Beacon fell, and she wasn't sure how much time they'd have to adjust to all the changes. But she had to admit, a part of her was looking forward to being around familiar faces again.

"Well... I can give you the short version," Ruby said, her tone lightening a bit as she began recounting the changes. "Everyone's taking this war a lot more seriously. Especially Neptune, Sun, and Neon—they're all dedicated to the mission, but in their own ways. Yang and Blake are co-leading missions now, keeping things organized. Ren's become the go-to guy for all the medical stuff. Nora... well, she's still Nora. Helping out with pretty much anything and everything, just like always."

Jaune's eyes flickered with a small smile at Ruby's attempt to lighten the mood, but he could tell there was more on her mind.

"Coco..." Ruby continued, her expression tightening slightly. "Well, she's still Coco, but her drinking problem is getting worse. It's causing a lot of tension in the group."

Jaune raised an eyebrow, looking at Ruby. "You think Velvet's going to avoid her?"

"Most likely," Ruby answered with a heavy sigh. "Cardin and the rest of BRNZ are handling the defenses, and Penny... Penny's still working in the Control Room, as always. But Weiss..." Ruby's voice faltered, and she paused for a long moment.

Jaune's brow furrowed in concern as he noticed the change in Ruby's demeanor. "Ruby?" he asked softly.

Ruby swallowed hard and exhaled deeply, the weight of her words pressing down on her. "I'm not going to lie, Jaune," she said quietly, her voice carrying a sadness she hadn't meant to share. "Weiss is depressed. Her father... still Cinder's hostage. Her mother—she's a Maiden, and she just came back after years of playing dead. And... not to mention, she feels like she failed you."

Jaune's eyes narrowed slightly, his thoughts racing as he processed Ruby's words. The weight of the conversation lingered in the air, and his expression softened in disbelief.

"Failed me?" Jaune murmured, shaking his head slightly as if trying to wrap his mind around what Ruby had just told him. His heart ached with the thought of his family, of what happened to them, and how Weiss must have felt in the aftermath.

Ruby clenched her fists tightly, her voice trembling as she spoke, "She promised to keep your family safe, Jaune. And after what happened to your parents, she just... shut down."

Jaune fell silent, staring out of the window as the quiet of the room enveloped them. His hands gripped the armrest, his knuckles whitening. Ruby's words stung more than he expected. To think that Weiss, someone he cared so deeply about, had been carrying that guilt all this time... It hurt.

Ruby's voice softened as she continued, the emotion clear in her eyes, "She... she told me she was there when it happened. She tried to save them, but she failed. And all that guilt, all that pain—it's just... weighing her down. So... when you see her, Jaune, try your best to help her. She may think you're upset with her for not fulfilling her promise."

Jaune's chest tightened, the thought of Weiss alone, bearing that guilt, made him feel helpless. He nodded slowly, trying to swallow the lump in his throat.

"I think I can do that," he said quietly, his voice steady but the weight of his words betraying his thoughts. "Thanks for the heads-up."

Ruby gave him a small, appreciative nod, her expression softening. She hadn't realized just how much Weiss had been hiding until now. She wished she could do more for her friend. But there was no time to dwell on that. They had a mission to focus on.

As if on cue, the door to the small med bay opened, and Yang walked in, her usual grin on her face despite the heavy situation.

"Hey," Yang said, glancing between them as she stepped closer. "We're almost there. You guys done?"

"Yeah," Ruby replied, glancing at Jaune as she finished securing the bandages. "Just about finished."

Yang nodded, looking out the window, her gaze steely and focused. "Good. We're landing in five minutes."

She turned and closed the door behind her with a soft click, leaving Ruby and Jaune in a moment of quiet contemplation. Ruby stepped back, giving Jaune the space he needed, but her gaze lingered on him, knowing the pain of the past would always be a shadow.

Jaune, still processing everything, reached for Crocea Mors—his trusted sword, a symbol of his journey, of the battles he had fought, and of those still to come. He lifted the hilt and adjusted it in his grip, the weight of it grounding him, reminding him of his strength.

"Well then," Jaune said, his voice low but resolute. "Let's get this over with."

Ruby gave a small, knowing smile as she nodded, her heart racing with the knowledge that they were about to face one of their toughest challenges yet. Whatever came next, they'd face it together—like they always did.

The hum of the airship filled the silence as it began its descent, and the team prepared for the next step in their fight.

ALLEYWAY

The dim alleyway was cloaked in silence, save for the soft creak of the pipes that held Cinder in place. Roman Torchwick stood a few paces away, arms crossed, eyeing the bound figure with an irritated frown. His gaze flickered between her and the destruction she'd caused—fury bubbling under his calm exterior.

"You cannot be serious," Roman muttered under his breath, his frustration mounting. "After all that work... you can't even keep her under control?"

He snapped his fingers sharply, the sound echoing off the walls, and immediately, Cinder stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, her body tensing in confusion and irritation. Slowly, the fiery aura surrounding her flared to life as she used her strength to break free from the pipes that had held her captive.

Torchwick smirked wryly, an edge to his voice as he crossed his arms. "Let me guess," he drawled, raising an eyebrow. "She broke through the trance."

Cinder's glare was venomous, her eyes filled with fury as she straightened up, ignoring the remnants of the makeshift prison around her. "You think you're clever?" she hissed, her voice low and dangerous. "I never needed your help to control her."

"Yeah, well, clearly," Roman shot back, shaking his head in frustration. "I told you this would happen, but you were too busy playing the 'mastermind' to listen."

"Silence!" Cinder roared, her temper snapping. Her voice was like a whip, sharp and commanding. She cracked her neck with an audible pop, her anger simmering just below the surface. "Let's head back. She'll be a problem for us now."

Her words were laced with venom, and as if summoned by her rage, a dark portal opened before them. The swirling vortex of shadows rippled with a threatening energy, pulling at the air around it.

Torchwick gave her one last, exasperated look, but he knew better than to argue now. "Yeah, yeah," he muttered, throwing his hands up in mock surrender. "Let's go deal with her, then."

With one final glance at the wreckage left behind, Roman and Cinder walked toward the portal. The dark rift closed behind them with an ominous snap, leaving the alleyway in eerie silence once again.

As the night resumed its quiet, a lingering sense of dread hung in the air—Pyrrha was no longer just a pawn in Cinder's game. She had become a force to be reckoned with.

ALPHA BASE - LANDING PAD

The sound of the airship's engines quieted as it gently touched down on the landing pad. A team of figures stood nearby, waiting. Weiss, Coco, Ironwood, Wesley, Qrow, and Raven were all positioned in a loose group, watching as the backdoor of the airship slowly opened.

Ruby and Yang stepped out first, their expressions firm but with the faintest trace of tension in the air. Ren and Nora followed, their faces serious but hopeful. Blake, Velvet, and Jaune were the last to exit, Jaune adjusting his sling as he glanced around, feeling the weight of the situation press down on him.

Ironwood was the first to approach, his footsteps heavy as they echoed on the landing pad. He extended a hand to Ruby, his steel-blue eyes meeting hers with a measured look of approval.

"Miss Rose," he said, his voice as steady and commanding as always. "I am glad that you have decided to rejoin our cause."

Ruby shook his hand firmly, her grip strong but not without hesitation. "You're going to need all the help you can get," she replied, her voice carrying the same resolve she'd had when she first joined the fight.

Wesley, standing beside Ironwood, gave her an appreciative nod. "And I'm impressed you were able to persuade Mister Arc and Miss Scarlatina to return as well," he said, his tone respectful but curious.

Ruby gave a half-smile. "It took some heavy convincing, yes. But they'll help us," she confirmed, her gaze briefly flicking to Jaune, who was talking quietly with Blake and Velvet.

Ironwood gave a thoughtful nod, then turned his attention to Velvet, who was stepping forward to greet Coco. Ruby followed her gaze, her expression softening.

"Hello, Coco," Velvet said, her voice tight with controlled anger.

Coco, her head slightly bowed, remained silent for a long moment, her gaze fixed on the ground. Finally, she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's been a while."

"Yeah," Velvet replied, her voice clipped. "It has."

They stood in tense silence, the space between them heavy with unspoken words. Velvet's gaze never wavered, watching Coco carefully, while Coco seemed to shrink under the weight of the confrontation. Finally, Velvet exhaled sharply, taking a step closer to Coco.

"Coco," she began, her voice still laced with frustration, but softer now. "I'm still angry with you."

Coco closed her eyes for a moment, her shoulders stiff with guilt. "I know," she murmured. "And you have every right to be, given what I did."

For a split second, the air felt thick with the past, with all the hurt and betrayal they'd shared. But then, Velvet did something neither of them expected. She reached forward, her arms wrapping around Coco in a tight, unspoken gesture of forgiveness.

Coco's eyes shot open in shock as she felt the warmth of Velvet's embrace. She stiffened for a moment, unsure of how to react. But slowly, her own arms lifted, returning the hug, her body shaking slightly as she let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding.

"I don't know how to make things right, Velvet," Coco said quietly, her voice trembling. "But I'm sorry. I really am."

Velvet held her tighter for a moment before pulling back, her hands still on Coco's shoulders. "It's going to take time," Velvet said softly, her eyes searching Coco's face. "But I want to try. We can't change the past, but we can try to move forward. Together."

Coco nodded, her face a mixture of relief and sorrow. "Thank you," she whispered. "I don't deserve it, but... thank you."

The air around them seemed to shift, the tension dissolving, replaced by the fragile beginnings of healing.

"Nora told me about your drinking problem," Velvet said, her gaze sharp but not without a hint of sorrow. "A problem that I caused. You must know, this doesn't mean I want us to be together again. But I'm going to help you. We're going to need you fully ready for when we fight Cinder. Do you understand?"

Coco's eyes softened as she nodded, her posture slumping slightly under the weight of Velvet's words. The silence between them was thick, but the tension slowly started to ease, if only a little.

"I'll meet you in your room," Velvet said after a long pause, her voice quieter now, almost resigned. "We'll discuss more later."

With that, Velvet stepped back, turning on her heel and making her way toward Alpha Base. Coco watched her go for a moment before taking a deep breath and turning toward the entrance of the base as well, the burden of their past still heavy but no longer as suffocating.

Blake, who had been watching from the side, approached Velvet slowly, a knowing look on her face. "Wasn't easy to say, huh?" she asked, her voice soft but understanding.

Velvet exhaled a heavy sigh, her eyes still on the path Coco had taken. "You're right," she answered quietly. "But she does need help. We all do."

Blake nodded in silent agreement, giving Velvet a reassuring pat on the shoulder before stepping back, allowing Velvet to regain her composure.

Across the landing pad, Jaune was approaching Weiss, who stood with her arms crossed and her gaze focused on the ground. When Jaune came into her line of sight, she looked up, her expression a mixture of sorrow and reluctance.

"Hello, Jaune," Weiss said softly, her voice betraying the pain she felt.

"Hey, Weiss," Jaune replied, his voice quieter than usual, as if the weight of the moment was pressing down on him. He paused, studying her, his expression conflicted. "Follow me, Weiss. We need to talk."

Weiss hesitated for a moment, then nodded, her steps slow as she followed Jaune. Ruby and Yang watched them silently from the side, both of them exchanging a glance.

"I'm hoping that their talk will help," Yang said quietly, her tone uncertain but hopeful.

"Yeah," Ruby replied, her voice tinged with worry. "Me too."

Ruby then turned to face Ironwood, who had been observing the interactions between their team members. She straightened up, her expression serious.

"General," Ruby began, her voice firm. "Are you aware of who caused the attack today?"

Ironwood paused for a moment, his face hardening with the weight of the situation. "Unfortunately, yes," he answered, his voice tight with suppressed anger and concern.

"Damn," Qrow muttered, his tone low as he pulled out his flask and took a swig. "Never in a million years would I have thought that Nikos is still alive and walking. And working for Cinder."

Ironwood's eyes flicked to Qrow for a brief moment before returning to Ruby. "Pyrrha Nikos," he said, his voice laced with an almost mournful recognition. "She was once one of the brightest students we had... but now, she's a weapon, twisted and controlled."

The tension in the air was palpable as Ruby stood facing Ironwood and Wesley, her resolve unwavering despite the weight of the conversation. Ironwood's face was grim, the lines of authority etched deeply across it.

"She doesn't even know who she is, Qrow," Ruby countered, her voice firm yet tinged with frustration. "She doesn't remember any of us. She's lost, just like everyone else who's been manipulated by Cinder."

Qrow sighed, the edges of his usual smirk absent as he leaned against the airship. "It's a damn shame. She's a good kid... but if she's really out there, doing Cinder's bidding, there's no excuse."

Ironwood's eyes narrowed, a sense of duty settling into his expression. "Regardless, Miss Rose," he said, his tone heavy with the burden of command. "If Pyrrha is responsible for the deaths of so many in the last few weeks, I'll have no choice but to arrest and convict her. This war isn't a place for leniency."

Ruby's hands balled into fists at her sides, but she kept her voice level. "It doesn't have to be that way," she replied, her eyes locking with Ironwood's. "If we can get Pyrrha's memories back, if she remembers who she is and what's happened to her, she could be the key to learning more about Cinder, the Dark Seekers, and what's really going on."

Wesley stepped forward, his gaze calculating and skeptical. "And how exactly would you know that?" he asked, his brow raised in silent challenge.

Yang answered for Ruby, stepping up beside her with a serious expression. "Based on what Jaune told us, Pyrrha's picked up fighting styles she never knew before," she said, her voice steady but filled with quiet conviction. "Those styles aren't from her own training—they're from Cinder. Pyrrha's been working for her. She's been close to her. And if Cinder's been using her as a weapon, then she might have been given information that could help us win this war."

Ruby nodded, the weight of their words sinking into her bones. "Exactly," she said, her voice growing more determined. "I honestly think we should find her and capture her. Keep her here, for the time being. Don't convict her yet. Not until we have a clearer picture of everything. If we can bring her back—if we can restore who she was—then Pyrrha can prove to be a powerful ally. But if we just lock her away without understanding what happened, we're giving up on a chance to stop Cinder and the Dark Seekers once and for all."

There was a brief silence as the group absorbed Ruby's words, each person processing the risks and rewards of such a plan. Ironwood's jaw clenched as he looked between Ruby and Wesley, weighing his options. Finally, his voice broke through the quiet.

"You're suggesting that we keep her here, without pressing charges?" Ironwood asked, a hint of disbelief lacing his tone. "That's a dangerous gamble, Miss Rose."

"I know," Ruby answered quietly. "But it's a gamble worth taking. We can't afford to make any more enemies if we're going to win this war. We need all the help we can get, even if it's from someone who's lost herself. We bring Pyrrha back, and we can show her who she truly is—before it's too late."

Qrow broke the silence, his voice rough but laced with reluctant agreement. "I hate to say this, General, but she's onto something."

Ironwood's brow furrowed slightly at the unexpected support, his gaze flicking to Qrow. "What are you suggesting, Qrow?" he asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.

Raven, who had been quietly observing the discussion from the sidelines, stepped forward. Her voice was calm, but there was an undeniable edge to it. "I agree," she said, her eyes meeting Ironwood's. "This seems like the most reasonable course of action. If we find Miss Nikos, bring her here, and restore her memories, she might be able to provide us with crucial information. Perhaps, if we can break Cinder's hold on her, she'll even want to fight alongside us."

Ironwood paused, his gaze shifting from Raven to Ruby, as though trying to assess the validity of their words. He didn't speak right away, his expression unreadable as he took in everything said. The weight of his command was evident in the stillness of the moment.

Finally, Ironwood sighed deeply, his shoulders sagging ever so slightly, a sign of reluctant acceptance. "I'm going to allow it," he said, his tone heavy. "But, I think the rest of your friends will need to be informed about this decision. They need to know what we're planning."

Ruby nodded without hesitation, her determination unwavering. "Which is why I want everyone assembled in one room," she replied, her voice steady. "That way, we can all discuss it together—no more secrets, no more doubt. We need to be on the same page."

Ironwood looked at her for a long moment, clearly weighing her words. After a brief silence, he finally gave a reluctant nod. "I'll make it happen," he said, his voice firm, though there was a hint of concern beneath it. "But I just hope you know what you're doing, Ruby."

Ruby didn't flinch. She met his gaze directly, her resolve only strengthening in the face of his doubt. "So do I, General," she said quietly. "But I have to believe it's the right choice. For all of us."

Ironwood's eyes softened for a brief moment before he turned away to carry out the necessary arrangements. The tension in the air lingered, but for Ruby, it felt as though the first step toward bringing Pyrrha back was already in motion.

TRAINING ROOM

The training room was quiet, the air thick with unspoken words. The walls were lined with various weapons and training dummies, all untouched and still. In the middle of the room, Jaune and Weiss sat across from each other. Jaune shifted in his seat, eyes scanning the empty space as he tried to find the right words. Weiss, on the other hand, stared at the ground, her expression distant and weighed down by the storm of emotions she had yet to express.

Jaune broke the silence, his voice steady but careful. "So... Ruby told me about the situation you're in."

Weiss looked up, her eyes briefly meeting his before flickering away again. "How much has she told you?"

"Enough," Jaune replied, his gaze softening as he studied her. "That's why I wanted to talk to you, Weiss. What you've been through... I get it. I really do. But you need to understand that bad things happen. They always will, no matter what we do to try and prevent them. It's part of life."

Weiss' shoulders slumped, her hands tightening into fists in her lap. "I know that," she whispered, her voice shaky. "But watching your parents go through... everything that's happened... It hurts. More than anything. Emotionally, it's like there's no escape."

Jaune nodded slowly, his eyes filled with understanding. "I get that, Weiss. Believe me, I do. I'm still going through the same thing right now. But here's the thing—you can't let your emotions control you. I know it's hard, I know the pain feels overwhelming, but you have to hold on."

Weiss looked up at him, her eyes searching his face for some kind of answer, some kind of hope. Jaune continued, his voice quieter now, more personal.

"Before I came back here, I was a wreck. I didn't know how to deal with everything that happened to me, but it was my friends who helped me get through it. Ruby, Yang, all of them. They're the reason I'm here now. They're the reason I'm still standing. They remind me that it's okay to feel all of this, but it's also okay to lean on others. You don't have to carry it all by yourself."

Weiss looked down at her hands, contemplating his words. Her breath hitched, and for a moment, Jaune could see the weight of everything she had been holding inside.

"But I don't know how," Weiss murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "How do I stop feeling like this? Like I'm failing... everyone, including myself?"

Jaune leaned forward slightly, his tone firm yet compassionate. "You start by allowing yourself to heal, even if it takes time. And you allow your friends to be there for you. You don't have to carry this burden alone, Weiss. We're all here for you. I'm here for you."

There was a long silence between them, but this time, it wasn't uncomfortable. It was filled with understanding—an unspoken connection that neither of them had expected but both needed. Finally, Weiss looked up at him, her eyes softer, though still clouded with uncertainty.

"Thank you," she whispered. '

By the way, how did they convince you to come back?"

Jaune grinned, a familiar warmth in his eyes. "Heh. Well... Nora slapped me. Hard. And it really hurt."

Weiss couldn't help but snicker at that, the tension in her shoulders easing just a little. "You're not going to do that to me, are you?"

Jaune's smile faded slightly, his expression more serious now. "Of course not. The only reason that happened is because I was at my breaking point. I was lost, and I didn't know how to pick myself up. But from what Ruby's told me, you're far from there. You don't need someone to slap sense into you, Weiss."

He leaned forward a little, his voice growing softer but still steady. "What you need is time. You need words and comfort, and that's something we can all offer you. But, more than anything... just remember this: just because we lose someone we care about, doesn't mean they're really gone. They're always with us, in our hearts."

Jaune gently pointed to his chest, his gaze sincere. Weiss followed his hand, her eyes lingering on the gesture for a moment.

She took a deep breath, her emotions still raw but slowly beginning to settle. She nodded, understanding the message he was giving her. "I know," she murmured, her voice soft but resolute. "I just… It's hard sometimes."

"I get it," Jaune said quietly. "But you don't have to carry it alone. We're all here for you, Weiss. Always."

aune and Weiss exchanged a look as the door to the training room opened, revealing Yang standing in the doorway with a casual yet purposeful expression on her face. "Sorry to interrupt," Yang said, stepping inside. "But Ironwood is requesting us to meet in the conference room. Let's go."

Weiss tilted her head slightly, a brow raised in curiosity. "What's the meeting for?"

Yang glanced over at Jaune, who met her gaze for a brief moment. He exhaled slowly, his mind clearly still processing everything. "Jaune?" Weiss asked, her concern evident in her voice as she noticed the shift in his expression.

Jaune paused, his gaze flickering between Weiss and Yang before he spoke, his voice steady but holding an underlying weight. "We'll talk about it at the meeting," he said, trying to mask the worry gnawing at him. His words were simple, but they didn't quite reassure Weiss, who could sense there was more to it than just a routine meeting.

Yang offered a small, understanding nod and looked at Weiss. "Don't worry, Weiss. We'll figure it out together. But Ironwood wants us there, and that usually means something important."

With a final glance towards each other, Weiss nodded, albeit reluctantly. She knew the importance of staying unified, even if the unknowns ahead were unsettling. "Alright, let's go."

WAREHOUSE

The dim light of the warehouse flickered as Pyrrha sat at the small desk, her focus intently on the laptop in front of her. The soft tapping of keys filled the silence as she sifted through a database of various individuals. She scrolled through classified files and public news reports, her mind clouded with fragments of memories that felt like distant echoes.

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard when something caught her eye. She stopped scrolling, a breath hitching in her throat. Her eyes widened as she read the headline of an obituary—Winter Schnee: Fallen in the Attack on Vale.

"Winter..." Pyrrha whispered, her voice breaking slightly as she stared at the image of the familiar, proud face of Weiss's sister. She hadn't known Winter had died during Salem's attack. No one had told her. A rush of guilt washed over her, and she gripped the edges of the desk, her mind struggling to comprehend the reality of it all.

"Oh no... I'm... I'm sorry, Weiss..." Pyrrha whispered to herself, her hand trembling as she covered her face. The words felt too small to express the weight of the grief she felt for her friend. It was a bitter reminder of just how much had been lost in this war, how many faces were now only memories.

But her pain didn't stop there. She kept scrolling, her heart sinking deeper with each name she came across. Scarlet, Yatsuhashi, Nebula, Goodwitch, Ozpin… names of people she had known, fought beside, and trusted.

Pyrrha's breath hitched as the tears she had been holding back finally spilled over. She brought her hands to her face, stifling her sobs, trying to keep the sound of her grief contained within the walls of the cold warehouse. But it was impossible. She had no control over the flood of emotion that overtook her, the weight of the lives lost, the friends she could never undo her actions with.

Minutes passed before she calmed herself. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, trying to steady her breathing. She could not afford to break down now. Not when there was still so much to do. Wiping away the remnants of her tears, she turned back to the screen, her expression hardening with renewed resolve. She clicked through several more files, reading names, connections, and reports—details of people, places, and events that she needed to understand.

Finally, she stopped on a message board. Her eyes narrowed, and she slowly nodded to herself. There was a plan forming in her mind, something that could move her forward.

"Alright," she muttered to herself, steadying her hand. "Who to contact?"

CONFERENCE ROOM

Ironwood, Ruby, Qrow, Raven, and Wesley were standing at the front of the room, facing a large group of individuals, each with their own goals and motivations. Some were focused, others lost in conversation.

Blake was speaking to Sun, Neon, and Neptune about an upcoming mission, her tone serious and deliberate as she outlined their roles. Velvet was walking over to Coco, patiently going over the rules with her. There was no romantic involvement, no crossing boundaries—just the hard work of helping Coco confront her alcoholism. Coco listened intently, though there was a distinct sadness in her expression.

Cardin, Brawnz, Nolan, and May sat quietly at one of the tables, exchanging the occasional glance but remaining relatively reserved. Willow, sitting beside them, was in her own little world—using her powers to levitate and gently guide a flower through the air in a delicate dance. It was her way of coping with the tension in the room.

Emerald, who had been keeping to herself, sat off to the side, blending into the shadows. She seemed detached from the ongoing conversations, lost in her thoughts, but still present—still part of the team.

The door creaked open as Ren and Nora entered, followed closely by Yang, Jaune, and Weiss. They all took their seats, glancing around the room, the weight of the situation settling in as they gathered in silence.

Qrow broke the stillness, his voice cutting through the murmur of the room. "That's everyone. Can we get this started now?"

Ironwood nodded firmly, giving a brief but appreciative glance to the three newest members of the group. "Thank you all for coming on such short notice. First of all, we are proud to welcome Miss Rose, Mister Arc, and Miss Scarlatina, as they have decided to rejoin us, to help fight Cinder Fall and her forces." He gestured toward Ruby, Jaune, and Velvet as they nodded to the group, their resolve clear.

The room fell into a quiet, respectful silence, acknowledging the sacrifice and the strength it took for the three to return to this fight.

Ironwood's expression shifted to a more serious one as he continued. "And now, let's move onto the main reason why we're here in this exact room."

The room fell silent as Qrow stood at the front, his tone grim. "Basically, a few hours ago, there was an attack meant to capture both Arc and Ruby from the transport they were in." He glanced at the others, making sure everyone was paying attention. "Valkyrie was the one who overheard the attackers' leader and knew something was off. She's the one who got us this information."

Ironwood added, his voice stern, "Mister Arc and Miss Scarlatina fought with the leader before the situation was stopped—before any innocent lives could be lost."

"Why would Cinder want Ruby and Jaune alive?" Sun asked, his expression puzzled. "That doesn't make sense. What's the deal?"

Ruby shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her hands clenched together. "Could be to try and take my powers away." She glanced at Jaune, then back to Sun, her voice uncertain. "But Jaune? I don't know why she'd want him alive too. He's not... exactly a target for her, is he?"

Jaune rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the weight of the situation. He was still processing everything. "I don't know," he said softly. "I'm just as confused as you all are."

Coco's eyes narrowed as she leaned forward. "And... what about the leader? The one who led the attack? Did they get away?"

Jaune sighed, his shoulders slumping. "Yeah, she got away." His voice was tinged with frustration, feeling like they were always one step behind. "I didn't get the chance to stop her."

The room shifted in tense anticipation as Sun's voice cut through. "And who is this woman? What's her deal?"

Ruby's expression turned somber, her voice tinged with a hint of disbelief. "She calls herself Stryker... but she's someone we once knew."

A collective gasp ran through the room, but it was Weiss who spoke up first, her voice cracking with confusion. "Wait... someone we knew? Who could it possibly be?"

Ruby nodded, her gaze distant as she recalled the memories. "Someone we thought was dead. A long time ago."

Wesley, who had been quiet until now, stood and pulled up a screen on his Scroll. "We pulled some footage from nearby security cameras. What you're about to see might come as a shock to you." His fingers hovered over the device, and with a few taps, a video began to play.

The footage revealed a shadowy figure, a woman cloaked in black, moving quickly through the chaos. Her features were partially obscured, but there was no mistaking the unmistakable movements, the familiarity in the way she fought.

A screen flickers to life, displaying a recording of Jaune in combat with a cloaked woman—Stryker. The fight is intense, but Jaune ultimately overpowers her, forcing the mysterious figure to retreat. The footage shifts, cutting to Pyrrha's face. It pauses for a long moment, zooming in to highlight her features.

The room is silent, most of the faces staring at the screen in disbelief. For those who didn't know, the revelation was shocking.

Qrow finally broke the silence, his voice a low growl. "Ladies and gents... Pyrrha Nikos. Alive and walking."

Weiss was the first to react, her voice shaky with confusion. "But... but... how? Ruby said she watched her die."

Ruby shifted uncomfortably, her gaze downcast. "How she's alive, I don't know. But we believe she's suffering from amnesia—she doesn't remember who she is or who we are. Under the circumstances, Pyrrha's unaware of her current predicament." Her voice faltered, betraying the pain of speaking about Pyrrha's condition.

"And she's working for that murdering bitch, Cinder?" Cardin's voice was full of disdain.

"Unfortunately, yes," Ruby confirmed. "And we plan on capturing her, bringing her here, and somehow getting her memories back."

Neptune, who had been quiet up until now, raised an eyebrow. "And why would we do that? Why risk bringing someone back who doesn't even know who they are? She could be dangerous."

Raven stood and gave a measured look at the group, her voice cold but logical. "If we are successful in bringing Miss Nikos back, Mr. Vasilias, then chances are, she can provide us with whatever she knows about Cinder and her forces. She could be a possible asset."

Jaune's face tightened, and he clenched his fists. "Not asset." His voice was firm, almost pleading. "She's our friend. She's an ally, even if she doesn't know it yet."

Ruby stepped in to diffuse the tension, her voice calm but resolute. "For now, Jaune. She will be an asset. But, if we're successful and she decides to help us, then we'll consider her an ally."

Cardin crossed his arms, skeptical. "How do you even know this plan of yours will work? How do you know she won't break out, slit our throats in the middle of the night, and betray us?"

Jaune's expression hardened, and he stepped forward, meeting Cardin's challenge. "She doesn't, Cardin. But Pyrrha is like all of us. She's a victim in this war. And she is still our friend. We have to help our friends, no matter what."

Ruby nodded in agreement, her eyes steely with conviction. "We're doing this because she deserves a chance. No one deserves to be left in the dark like this—least of all Pyrrha."

Neon's voice broke the tension, her words laced with skepticism. "So... what happens when we do capture Pyrrha?"

Jaune stood tall, his face betraying a mix of determination and hesitation. "We do our best to bring her memories back. We'll give her time. And if we can't... then Ironwood will have no choice but to arrest and convict her."

The room was quiet as the weight of Jaune's words hung in the air. He had said the alternative softly, almost as if he couldn't fully bring himself to accept it, but there was no denying the hard truth of it.

Ironwood cleared his throat, his voice cutting through the silence. "But for now, we will continue with our normal routines. If anything related to Miss Nikos comes up, you will all be notified. That is all. Meeting adjourned."

As the meeting came to a close, the majority of the room stood and filed out, their minds swirling with the news they had just heard. Yang, Qrow, and Emerald were the last to remain.

Emerald shifted uncomfortably, glancing between them with uncertainty. "Why didn't you tell them?" she asked, her voice wavering with nerves.

Yang and Qrow exchanged a look before turning their attention to Emerald. Yang spoke first, her tone blunt. "If everyone found out that you faked Pyrrha's death, Jaune probably would've tried to kill you."

"And not just him," Qrow added, his voice dark. "Ruby and Valkyrie would've wanted to hurt you, too. We're just trying to protect our asset."

Emerald's expression faltered, her eyes darting to the floor. "Is that all I am to you guys? An asset?"

Yang's face softened just slightly, but her resolve remained. "We still don't trust you, Em. Until you can prove that you're really on our side, you're just a reluctant asset."

Emerald let out a slow breath, her hands trembling slightly. "Fair enough."

The words hung in the air, and while Emerald seemed resigned, there was something deeper brewing in her—an unsettling mix of guilt and unresolved conflict. As Yang and Qrow turned to leave, the unspoken tension between them and Emerald remained, a silent reminder of the fragile trust that was still being built—or broken.

NIGHT - JNR ROOM

Jaune, Ren, and Nora lay in their beds, the weariness of the day settling in. Ren and Nora were curled up together on the same bed, while Jaune lay on his own, facing away from the pair. He wasn't upset, but the sight of them together, despite the exhaustion, stirred a sense of emptiness that he had grown used to. The familiar weight of loneliness lingered.

"Sorry, Jaune," Nora whispered, her voice soft but filled with empathy.

Jaune turned his head slightly, offering a small, tired smile. "It's okay," he murmured. "You two keep each other close. I don't mind."

The room fell silent, the quiet rhythm of their breathing filling the space. Jaune closed his eyes, his thoughts lingering on the events of the day and the looming threat of Cinder Fall. He couldn't shake the feeling that everything was about to get worse before it got better.

Just as Jaune began to drift off, Ren's Scroll buzzed, the sound breaking the silence. Ren groaned, clearly exhausted, but reluctantly reached for the device. He squinted at the screen, his fingers scrolling over the message that appeared.

"I have information on Cinder Fall. If you want it, meet me at these coordinates, tomorrow."

Ren stared at the message, suspicion flickering in his eyes. The timing felt too convenient, too sudden. He chewed on his lower lip, uncertainty gnawing at him. After a moment, he quickly typed his response.

"How do I know this isn't a trick?"

He waited, his gaze flicking nervously over to Nora, who had fallen fast asleep beside him, oblivious to the growing tension. The seconds stretched into what felt like an eternity, before a soft beep indicated a response. Ren turned back to the Scroll, and his breath hitched as his eyes widened in shock.

The reply wasn't just words—it was a picture.

A picture of Pyrrha.

Ren's heart stopped for a moment, the image of her frozen in time hitting him like a punch to the gut. The Pyrrha he had known, the Pyrrha who had once been his friend, was standing there in the photo. Alive.

"It isn't. I am messaging you because you're the only one who can keep a secret. I promise you, I'm on my own."

Ren's eyes narrowed in suspicion, but the words lingered in his mind. There was something about the message, something that didn't sit right with him. He glanced over at Jaune, who was still fast asleep, his back turned towards them. The room was quiet, save for the occasional creak of the building settling. Ren hesitated, his fingers hovering over the screen.

After a few moments, he sighed, weighing the decision in his mind. With a quick motion, he typed his response.

"Okay. But I have to bring Nora, or she'll get suspicious."

He stared at the screen, waiting. His breath caught in his throat as the seconds passed, wondering what he was about to get himself into. Finally, the device beeped, and a reply popped up.

"Alright. But please, no one else but you two should know about me. Not yet, at least. Thank you, Ren. I'll see you and Nora tomorrow."

Ren closed the Scroll with a quiet click, a mix of apprehension and relief settling in his chest. He turned off the light beside him and climbed back into bed, trying to push the swirling thoughts from his mind.

As he settled in, Ren felt Nora's arm wrap around him, her warmth comforting in the darkness. She mumbled something, her breath slow and steady, as she lightly shifted closer to him. A sleepy grin tugged at her lips as she half-opened her eyes and tapped his nose.

"Boop," she said softly, her voice barely more than a whisper.

Ren smiled in response, his tension easing as he let the moment take over. He gently placed his hand over hers, and together, the two of them slowly drifted off to sleep, the weight of the upcoming events hanging quietly in the air.

RWBY ROOM

Ruby lay awake on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. The silence around her was comforting, yet unsettling in its stillness. She could hear the faint sounds of the base—distant murmurs of activity, the low hum of the lights—but they were far removed from the chaos of the world outside. It almost felt like time itself had slowed down.

Then, she heard it. A soft, broken sobbing.

Ruby turned her head to the side, her heart sinking as she saw Weiss, curled up in the corner of the bed, her hands pressed to her ears as silent tears streaked down her cheeks. She was asleep, but her dream was tormenting her, pulling her deeper into a nightmare.

Ruby's instinct kicked in, and she immediately moved closer. She gently reached out, her hands trembling slightly as she wrapped her arms around Weiss, holding her close. Weiss' sobs faltered, her body stiffening before slowly relaxing into Ruby's embrace.

"Shh, it's okay," Ruby whispered, her voice soft and soothing, though her heart ached with each tear she felt against her skin. "I'm here, Weiss. I've got you. You're safe now."

Ruby took Weiss' trembling hands in her own, holding them tightly, grounding her. She felt the tension begin to melt from Weiss' body, the sobs subsiding into quiet, steady breaths. Ruby pressed her cheek gently against Weiss', feeling the coolness of her skin, the warmth of their shared moment, and she whispered once more.

"Please, don't worry. I'm right here. Always."

As Weiss' breathing began to steady, Ruby leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. She lingered there for a moment, her heart fluttering in the quiet stillness, before settling back down beside her. She wrapped her arms around Weiss, holding her close in the quiet night.

Just before sleep took her, Ruby's lips formed a small, content smile. She felt the soft rise and fall of Weiss' chest against hers, their hearts beating in unison. In this moment, everything felt right.

A whispered promise escaped Ruby's lips, barely audible but full of love. "I'll protect you, Weiss. Always."

With that, she finally let sleep claim her, holding her girlfriend close, the world outside forgotten for a few precious hours.