MORNING – CLIFFSIDE
The soft whispers of the wind brushed against Ruby's face as she stood at the edge of the cliffside, where the waves crashed against the jagged rocks far below. The salty breeze carried the distant cries of seagulls, mingling with the rustling of trees from the forest behind her. The air was crisp, the morning sun peeking over the horizon, casting golden hues over the tranquil yet melancholic place.
Before her stood a simple yet beautifully crafted gravestone, worn by the passage of time yet still standing strong. Engraved upon it was a name that had once filled her heart with warmth but now weighed heavily upon her soul.
"Summer Rose
Thus Kindly I Scatter"
Ruby exhaled softly, her breath steadying as she took a step closer. She let her fingers graze the cool stone, tracing the engraved letters as if trying to find a connection through touch alone.
"Alright, Mom," she murmured, her voice gentle yet filled with an unspoken burden. "It's time to speak again."
Slowly, she lowered herself onto the ground, crossing her legs beneath her as she settled in front of the grave. She let her hands rest on her knees, palms upturned, feeling the earth beneath her fingertips. The world around her grew quiet, save for the rhythmic crashing of the waves below.
Closing her eyes, Ruby took a deep breath and let herself slip away from reality.
The wind stilled. The distant cries of nature faded. The warmth of the sun dulled into nothingness. And then—silence.
The real world disappeared.
DREAM STATE
Ruby's eyes fluttered open, but the world around her was no longer the cliffside where she had been sitting. Instead, she found herself inside her childhood home, the familiar wooden walls and furniture surrounding her in a hazy blur. Everything seemed... distorted. The edges of reality shimmered as if she were inside a dream, yet it felt more real than any dream she had ever experienced.
The windows were no longer looking out onto the world beyond; instead, a soft white light glowed outside, blanketing everything in an ethereal radiance. The house was empty—no laughter, no voices, no warmth of her team or family. Just silence.
And then, she saw her.
A figure stood in the center of the room, dressed in a flowing white cloak that almost blended into the luminous background. Her silver eyes, the same as Ruby's, shone with gentle warmth. Her short, dark hair framed a face that was kind and loving yet carried an air of wisdom and sadness.
Summer Rose smiled softly.
"Hello, Ruby." Her voice was as soothing as a lullaby, yet there was an unspoken weight behind it. "It's been a while."
A mix of joy and sorrow filled Ruby's chest. She smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "It certainly has, Mom."
Summer studied her daughter, her expression shifting as she saw the burden Ruby carried. "The last time we spoke, you looked happier. But now... there's sadness in your eyes."
Ruby sighed, looking down at her gloved hands, clenching them slightly before releasing. "That's why I'm here, Mom." She hesitated for a moment, then looked up. "I don't know if you're aware of what's been happening in my life... but things are starting to go bad in Remnant again. Maybe worse than before."
Summer's gentle expression turned serious. "How so?"
Ruby hesitated, her throat tightening as she prepared to say the words aloud. She wasn't just telling Summer—she was admitting it to herself.
"Mom… When you fought Salem, back when you were alive… did she ever mention someone named Envy?"
Summer frowned slightly, tilting her head in thought. "Envy? No… I don't think so. Salem and I never spoke during our battle. We just fought. Why?"
Ruby exhaled sharply, nodding. She had expected as much, but she had still hoped for some sort of answer. "Well… Cinder Fall has come back. And so has Roman Torchwick."
Summer's eyes widened in shock. "Torchwick? But I thought he—"
"We all did," Ruby interjected bitterly. "But he's alive, and he's working with Cinder and someone else. Someone even more powerful than Salem."
For the first time since they had started speaking, Summer's composure faltered.
"They killed Glynda, Mom."
Summer inhaled sharply, her hand instinctively going to her chest as if she had been physically struck. "Glynda?"
Ruby nodded solemnly. "She didn't deserve that. And it wasn't just her. The Four Kingdom Councils were all targeted too. Dozens of innocent people—dead. All in one calculated strike."
A heavy silence hung between them, the weight of the losses pressing down like an unseen force.
Summer closed her eyes for a moment, breathing deeply as she processed what Ruby had told her. When she opened them again, they were full of sorrow but also a quiet resolve. "You're going to fight them, aren't you?"
Ruby lifted her head, meeting her mother's gaze without hesitation. "We have to."
She clenched her fists. "Otherwise, Remnant falls."
"Ruby." Summer's voice was gentle yet firm, filled with motherly concern. Ruby lifted her gaze to meet her mother's silver eyes, the same as hers, reflecting both worry and understanding.
"When you told me that you've been seeing Salem," Summer continued, "and experiencing the nightmares, I told you these were signs that your trauma hasn't faded. It's something that doesn't just disappear overnight. It could take years to heal… maybe even longer. And if you go out there and fight again, Ruby, there's a very real chance that it could get worse."
Ruby lowered her head, her hands tightening into fists in her lap. She knew her mother was right. The nightmares, the visions of Salem, the suffocating weight of guilt she carried—it hadn't gone away, not really.
"I know, Mom," Ruby admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "But if what they're saying is true, if this Envy woman is even worse than Salem, then we can't just stand by and let her win."
Summer's lips parted as if she wanted to say something, but Ruby gently raised a hand to stop her.
"I have to do this, Mom," Ruby said, looking up, determination burning behind her tired eyes. "Not for myself. But for them. For Yang. For Blake. For Qrow. For all of my friends. And for Weiss." She let out a shaky breath, as if saying their names alone gave her strength. "They mean everything to me. They're what keep me going every day. And if I lose them—if I stand by and do nothing while they fight for their lives—I'll never be able to forgive myself."
Summer studied her daughter carefully, her gaze searching for any doubt in her words. But there was none. Despite the pain, despite the weight she carried, Ruby was still determined to stand, to fight, to protect those she loved.
With a sigh, Summer leaned forward and placed a gentle hand on Ruby's shoulder.
Ruby looked up, surprised, only to see her mother's soft smile.
"If this is what you want, Ruby," Summer said, "then do what you have to do."
A small, grateful smile broke through Ruby's hardened expression. She nodded, a silent promise to herself and to her mother.
"But," Summer added, her voice warm, "just remember this—if you ever need to talk to me again, if it ever becomes too much… you know where to find me."
Ruby swallowed the lump forming in her throat. Without hesitation, she stepped forward, wrapping her arms around her mother in a tight embrace.
"I will, Mom," Ruby whispered. "I will."
A distant voice suddenly called out her name.
"Ruby!"
Ruby flinched slightly, recognizing the voice pulling her back to reality. She slowly pulled away from her mother, taking a step back.
Summer smiled, a mixture of pride and sadness in her expression. "I'll see you soon, my little rose."
Ruby took one last look at her mother, trying to hold onto the moment for as long as she could.
"I'll see you then, Mom."
The world around her began to fade, dissolving into pure white light until everything vanished.
CLIFFSIDE
"Ruby?"
A familiar voice broke through the soft morning breeze.
Ruby slowly opened her eyes, the distant whispers of her dream fading as she turned around. Yang stood a few feet away, hands tucked into the pockets of her jacket, her golden hair swaying slightly in the wind.
"You talking to Mom again?" Yang asked, her voice softer than usual.
Ruby gave a small nod. "Yeah," she murmured, glancing back at the gravestone. "It's been a while since we've spoken."
Yang stepped forward, her gaze drifting toward the simple yet beautiful marker that bore their mother's name. She took a deep breath, as if trying to find the right words, but instead, she just stood there beside her sister, sharing the quiet moment.
"You hungry?" Yang asked after a beat. "Jaune and Ren made breakfast."
Ruby's stomach growled in response, though she barely noticed. "I could eat," she admitted. She turned back to her sister, hesitation flickering across her face. "Um… you sure we have enough for everyone?"
Yang smirked, nudging Ruby's shoulder playfully. "Trust me, Rubes," she said with a wink. "We've got enough to feed an army."
Ruby let out a small chuckle, shaking her head as she started walking alongside her sister. The weight in her chest didn't disappear entirely, but for now, for just this moment, she allowed herself to enjoy the warmth of her sister's presence.
HOUSE
The morning air was thick with the scent of fresh pancakes, eggs, and sizzling bacon. In the kitchen, Ren and Jaune worked side by side, stacking a tall tower of ten golden-brown pancakes onto a plate.
"Alright, that should do it," Jaune said, setting the last pancake carefully on top.
Ren nodded, wiping his hands. "Yeah, now all we need is—"
They both turned around to grab the syrup—only to find the plate of pancakes gone.
Ren blinked. Jaune groaned.
Their heads swiveled toward the dining area, where Team HAVC sat, eyes wide in astonishment. In front of them, Nora was already halfway through the towering stack, stuffing her face with reckless abandon.
Violet, mouth slightly open, turned to Ren. "Uh… is that normal?"
Ren sighed, rubbing his temples. "Yep."
Blake, seated at the table with Velvet, Coco, Neo, Qrow, and Raven, sipped her tea with an amused smirk. "Trust me, you guys," she said, glancing at the recruits. "You're going to learn a lot about Nora, real fast."
As if on cue, Nora finished the last pancake and let out a thunderous burp that echoed through the house.
"Oh, god," someone muttered.
At that moment, the front door opened. Ruby and Yang stepped inside, only to freeze mid-step. Their faces twisted in immediate disgust as they recoiled, covering their noses.
"Did you have to burp just as we walked in?" Yang groaned.
Nora grinned unapologetically. "Sorry! But Ren made pancakes, and, well… you know me."
Jaune walked over, suppressing a chuckle, and handed Ruby and Yang plates filled with eggs and bacon.
"Here. Made sure to save you some before Nora inhaled everything," he said with a smirk.
"Thanks, Jaune," Ruby said, taking the plate eagerly.
"Anytime." Jaune leaned against the counter. "Besides, we've got a big day ahead of us. The Citadel."
"Oh, man," Yang groaned, stretching her arms over her head. "It's gonna be a long day."
Ruby scanned the room, her brows furrowing slightly. "Where's Weiss?"
Blake glanced up from her tea. "She said she needed to make a quick trip to the Dust Company. She'll meet us at the Vale docks when we go pick up Coco's father."
Ruby nodded, but her expression remained mildly concerned.
Yang nudged her lightly. "Relax, Ruby. She'll be fine."
Ruby sighed and nodded, pushing aside her worry. She took a bite of bacon, her eyes immediately lighting up.
"Mmmmm," she hummed in delight. "Applewood-smoked."
Yang chuckled. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't eat too slow, or Nora might come back for round two."
At that, Ruby stuffed another slice of bacon into her mouth before Nora could even think about reaching for her plate.
DARK PALACE – TRAINING ROOM
The dim glow of crimson lights cast eerie shadows across the massive chamber, where the air hung thick with the scent of sweat and blood. A circle of armored recruits surrounded Jackson Blaze, weapons drawn, their eyes locked on their commanding officer.
Jackson stood in the center, his sword resting lazily against his shoulder, a confident smirk playing across his lips. His fiery red and black armor gleamed under the overhead lights, giving him a menacing aura.
"Alright," he drawled. "Let's see what you got."
Without hesitation, the recruits lunged at him from all sides.
Jackson moved in a blur. With a single sweeping motion of his blade, he twisted his body, deflecting every strike with near-effortless precision. The sheer force of his counter sent the recruits flying, crashing into the hard stone floor like ragdolls.
Before they could recover, Jackson drew his pistol, unloading a flurry of precise shots. Each bullet struck true, dropping the recruits one by one until all lay sprawled on the ground, groaning in pain.
Slow, deliberate clapping echoed through the chamber.
Jackson turned to see Cinder watching him with an amused smirk, her arms crossed over her chest.
"Well done, Jackson," she said smoothly, stepping forward. "But don't expect your enemies to be this predictable. The battlefield won't be as kind."
Jackson scoffed, twirling his sword before sheathing it. "Don't worry, Cinder. I can handle way worse." He smirked. "And just call me Blaze. Sounds more... badass."
Cinder chuckled. "I like your confidence, Blaze." She glanced at the fallen recruits, her amusement fading. "Now, bow. Mistress Envy has come to see your progress firsthand."
Jackson straightened, his smirk widening. He turned and immediately knelt as Envy entered the chamber.
She walked through the room slowly, her crimson and black robes flowing behind her. Envy's piercing eyes scanned the bodies littering the ground before settling on Jackson. A slow, satisfied smile spread across her lips.
"I see you've disposed of the weaklings for me," she said, her voice dripping with approval. "And without a single scratch on you. Impressive."
"Thank you, Mistress," Jackson said, his voice brimming with pride.
"You may stand."
He did so, keeping his posture straight and confident.
"Go rest. Your training is far from over," Envy commanded.
Jackson bowed once more and strode out of the chamber.
Cinder, however, remained behind, her sharp golden eyes studying Envy closely. Something was… off.
"Mistress," Cinder said, her voice careful. "Are you well?"
Envy's head tilted slightly. "Why do you ask?"
Cinder's gaze flicked to Envy's arm. "Your skin. It looks… different."
Envy followed her gaze, spotting the faint patches of darker, almost human-like skin creeping along her forearm. A flicker of something—irritation, perhaps even fear—flashed in her crimson eyes before she clenched her fist.
"It's nothing," she snapped. "Focus on your mission. You and Roman are going to Mistral. There are more… potential recruits waiting there."
Cinder hesitated, sensing there was more to this than Envy was letting on. But she knew better than to push. Instead, she bowed her head. "As you command."
With a final glance at Envy's arm, she turned and exited the chamber.
A weak groan from the floor drew Envy's attention. One of the fallen recruits stirred, his body trembling as he tried to crawl away.
Envy knelt beside him, her smile returning, soft and sickly sweet. "Ssshh…" she cooed, brushing a cold hand over his face. "It's alright. Your suffering ends now."
The recruit's eyes widened in horror as she grabbed a nearby sword, her expression twisting into something almost… regretful.
"And theirs will soon begin."
With that, she plunged the blade into his chest. The light in his eyes faded instantly.
Envy stood, wiping the blood from her hand, before glancing down at her forearm once more.
The patches of human-like skin had spread further.
Her eyes darkened.
She clenched her fist.
No. This body belongs to me.
FLASHBACK
EARLY MORNING - SCHNEE DUST COMPANY
The sun filtered through the grand glass windows of Weiss Schnee's office, casting long shadows over the pristine white desk. Stacks of neatly arranged files lay before her, untouched by disorder. Across from her sat a light-green-haired woman, hands fidgeting nervously in her lap.
Weiss flipped through the final pages of the report, nodding as she scanned the details. Her sharp blue eyes lifted toward the woman, a rare, approving expression on her face.
"Well, this is... unexpected," Weiss said, placing the folder down. "No incidents. No errors. And, dare I say, nearly perfect." She leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "Ellie, I'm very impressed."
Ellie's eyes widened in surprise before a bright smile formed on her lips. "T-Thank you, Miss Schnee! I did my absolute best while you were away."
"And it certainly shows." Weiss tapped her fingers against the desk. "You have potential, Ellie. You don't want to spend the rest of your life as a receptionist, do you?"
Ellie hesitated. "Well… I do want to rise through the ranks," she admitted. "Not to your position, of course! But somewhere close. Maybe something more meaningful."
Weiss smirked at her honesty. "I appreciate the ambition."
Reaching to the side, Weiss picked up a sleek, polished nameplate and handed it to Ellie. Ellie hesitated before taking it, her brow furrowing in confusion.
"What's this?" she asked.
The engraved name glinted under the office lights. It read:
Ellie Holstein – Acting President
Ellie's breath caught in her throat. Her wide eyes darted up to Weiss. "Miss Schnee…?"
Weiss folded her hands in front of her. "Something big is about to happen, Ellie. Something that requires my full attention—away from here. And I don't know how long I'll be gone. I need someone I can trust to handle things in my absence."
Ellie stared at the nameplate, her fingers trembling slightly.
"Based on your performance and how you've handled things so far, I'm confident that you're the right person for the job," Weiss continued. "You'll be taking my position. Temporarily, of course."
"I… I don't know what to say…" Ellie stammered, eyes flickering with a mix of disbelief and gratitude.
Weiss chuckled softly. "You don't have to say anything, though a simple 'thank you' would suffice."
Ellie straightened, gripping the nameplate tightly. "Thank you, Miss Schnee. I won't let you down."
Weiss nodded approvingly, then retrieved a Schnee-branded Scroll from her desk and handed it over. "If you ever need advice, don't hesitate to call me. There will be difficult times ahead. Be prepared for them."
Ellie took the Scroll, her expression turning serious. "Yes, ma'am."
Weiss picked up her bag and slung it over her shoulder. As she approached the floor-to-ceiling window, she paused, looking down at the bustling employees below. Many of them—Faunus and Humans alike—chatted freely, working in harmony. A far cry from what the company had once been.
Ellie joined her at the window. "Your mother would be proud to see this, Miss Schnee."
Weiss smiled faintly, her heart warming at the thought. "Thank you, Ellie."
With that, she turned, opened the door, and walked out—ready to face whatever awaited her.
PATCH
Ruby moved methodically, stuffing the last of her belongings into a worn duffle bag. She paused, smoothing the fabric of one of her sleep shirts before zipping the bag halfway shut. A presence in the doorway caught her attention.
Yang and Blake stood just outside her room, their own bags slung over their shoulders.
"Almost ready?" Yang asked.
"Yeah," Ruby replied, though her tone carried hesitation. "Just… a few more things."
She knelt down, reaching under her bed. Her fingers brushed against cool metal before she pulled out Crescent Rose—its familiar weight comforting in her grasp. With practiced care, she folded it into compact form and slid it into the duffle.
"You two go on ahead," she said, adjusting the strap on her shoulder. "I'll be down in a minute."
Blake gave a small nod. "Alright. Just don't take too long."
As Blake disappeared down the stairs, Yang lingered. With a casual flick of her wrist, she tossed something toward Ruby. Instinctively, Ruby caught it.
The bottle of pills.
"Just in case," Yang said, her expression unreadable.
Ruby stared at the bottle in her hand, fingers tightening around it. A few seconds of silence stretched between them before Yang finally turned and followed Blake downstairs.
Exhaling slowly, Ruby stuffed the pills into her bag and turned toward the open doorway.
"Zwei!"
A blur of fur dashed into the room, the little corgi barking excitedly. Ruby knelt down, scratching behind his ears as he wagged his tail eagerly.
"Ready to go, buddy?"
Zwei yipped and promptly jumped into the duffle bag, curling up inside as if he belonged there. Ruby chuckled, pulling a dog bone from her pocket and handing it to him. Zwei happily gnawed on it as she zipped up the bag, leaving just enough space for him to poke his head out.
Before stepping out, Ruby gave her room one last look. The familiar sights—the walls covered in old posters, the shelf lined with dust-covered trinkets, the slight dent in the doorframe from a sparring mishap years ago—reminded her of how much had changed. She wouldn't see this place again for a long time.
Her gaze fell on the stuffed Grimm toy resting on her bed. Without thinking, she reached for it, tucking it under her arm.
Time to go.
With one last glance, Ruby turned away and left the room, shutting the door behind her.
VALE DOCKS
Weiss stood at the edge of the docks, arms crossed over her chest as a light breeze tousled strand of her white hair. Her bag sat neatly beside her, the polished metal clasps catching the afternoon sunlight.
She glanced at her watch and let out a small scoff.
"Late as usual," she muttered under her breath.
"Relax, Weiss."
Weiss turned to see Ren and Nora approaching, each carrying their own bags.
"They're only five minutes late," Ren pointed out with his usual calm. "It's not like they're always going to be exact."
Weiss sighed. "True."
But her expression softened, her eyes drifting downward as her fingers idly traced the edge of her bag. A faraway look settled over her face, her usual composed demeanor cracking slightly.
Nora caught the shift immediately. "Weiss? What's wrong?"
Weiss hesitated, then met Nora's gaze.
"My… my father," she murmured. "I went to visit him in Atlas this morning."
Ren's brow furrowed slightly. "Were you going to bring him to the Citadel?"
Weiss gave a slow nod, her lips pressing into a thin line.
Ren exchanged a glance with Nora before speaking again. "I see." He placed a gentle hand on Nora's shoulder. "I think we should give her a minute."
Understanding the unspoken words between them, Nora gave a small nod. "Yeah, okay."
The two of them turned and made their way toward a small kiosk nearby, leaving Weiss alone.
Weiss remained standing there, staring at the wooden planks beneath her feet. The scent of saltwater filled the air, the rhythmic lapping of the waves against the docks providing a fleeting sense of calm.
She had tried.
She had stood in front of him, hoping for something—some kind of understanding after everything that had happened. But in the end, Jacques Schnee was still Jacques Schnee.
He wasn't coming with her.
FLASHBACK - EARLY MORNING - ATLAS
"So, you've finally come to see me, Weiss."
Jacques Schnee strolled through the pristine gardens behind the Schnee Manor, hands neatly clasped behind his back. The early morning light cast long shadows across the carefully trimmed hedges and elegant marble pathways. Weiss followed a few steps behind him, her expression unreadable.
"After almost a year," Jacques continued. "And at such an ungodly hour."
"I know, Father," Weiss said, keeping her voice steady. "Things at the company have been… very busy. I barely have enough time for myself."
Jacques came to a halt, turning to face her with a knowing smirk. "Really? And what of young Miss Rose? Have you found time for her?"
Weiss' fingers clenched at her sides. She had told him about her relationship with Ruby nearly a year ago. Needless to say, he had not taken it well.
"While I still do not approve of you being with another woman instead of a man," Jacques continued, his tone laced with disapproval, "I have come to accept that I cannot control where your heart leads you. She is a rather charming girl, I must admit—despite her previous attempt on my life."
"You kind of provoked her, Father," Weiss pointed out, crossing her arms.
Jacques let out a low chuckle. "Which is why I intend never to do so again." He motioned toward the path ahead. "Shall we continue our walk?"
Weiss exhaled slowly and nodded.
They walked in silence for a moment before Jacques spoke again. "This… Citadel you spoke of. You say a great darkness is coming, one far worse than Salem? And that you, Miss Rose, and your friends will be fighting it? And this Citadel will serve as your base of operations?"
"Yes, Father," Weiss answered. "The last time we faced Salem, we were unprepared. But this time, we have a real plan. We won't be caught off guard."
Jacques arched an eyebrow. "And what of the company? You're simply going to leave it behind?"
"Ellie will run things in my absence," Weiss said without hesitation. "She has proven herself more than capable. When I was temporarily away last year, she maintained order with impressive efficiency. I've been grooming her for this position for some time now. While I am gone, she will take over as Acting President. Temporarily, of course—I do intend to return once this is over."
Jacques made a thoughtful sound, nodding slowly. "I see."
Weiss studied his face carefully. "The Citadel is also accepting family members. They have enough housing for everyone. It would be safer for you to come along."
Jacques let out a small, amused chuckle. "Ah, so despite your… grievances with me, you still care for dear old Dad."
Weiss narrowed her eyes. "Of course, I do. No matter how strained our past may be, you're still my father."
Jacques' expression shifted, something unreadable flickering across his sharp features. Then, to Weiss' surprise, he sighed and shook his head.
"I must decline."
Weiss stopped walking. "What? Why?"
Jacques motioned to a nearby stone bench. "Sit. I'll explain."
Hesitant, Weiss followed him, sitting down beside him as he took a deep breath.
"Weiss," he began, his voice uncharacteristically soft. "I know I never gave you or Winter the childhood you deserved. The anger. The expectations. The isolation. Hell, I never wanted either of you to go through any of that."
Weiss looked at him, almost disbelieving. "But we did, Father. We were scared of you."
Jacques exhaled heavily, running a hand through his graying hair. "I know. I was… a bastard. I suppose I still am in many ways."
"You've changed," Weiss said, watching him closely. "Not entirely. But you've improved."
A small smirk played on Jacques' lips. "I suppose early retirement did me some good. Without the constant stress of running the company, I… I feel free for the first time in my life."
He turned to look at Weiss, and for the first time in as long as she could remember, there was something genuine in his gaze.
"I have to say this now, because I may not get another chance."
Weiss frowned. "Father?"
Jacques reached out, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I'm proud of you, Weiss."
Weiss' breath hitched. Her eyes widened.
"You… really mean that?" she asked, barely above a whisper.
"I do." Jacques nodded. "I spent my years as CEO doing whatever I had to do to keep the company afloat. Unethical deals. Exploiting the Faunus workforce. Prioritizing profits over people. I tarnished the reputation that your great-grandfather built from the ground up. But you—" he looked at her with something that almost resembled admiration "—you changed all of that. You turned the company into something better, something worth respecting again. You accomplished what I never could. And I couldn't be prouder."
A rare, unguarded smile formed on Weiss' lips. Without hesitation, she reached forward and hugged him.
"I've waited years to hear you say that," she murmured. "Thank you, Father."
Jacques hesitated, then patted her back lightly.
After a moment, Weiss pulled away, standing up once more.
"Are you sure you won't come to the Citadel?" she asked. "Don't you want to be safe?"
Jacques smiled faintly. "I may be an old man, but I can still handle myself. And Schnee Manor is heavily guarded—I doubt anyone will get past security so easily."
Weiss studied him for a moment, then sighed.
"Okay," she relented. She reached down, taking his hand in hers and pressing a small kiss to it. "Stay safe, Father."
Jacques gave a small nod. "Always."
Weiss took one last look at him before turning and walking away, her heart feeling strangely lighter.
As she disappeared down the path, Jacques watched her go, his expression unreadable. Then, with a quiet sigh, he turned back to the garden, lost in thought.
PRESENT – VALE DOCKS
"Weiss?"
Weiss blinked, shaking herself from her thoughts as she turned toward the familiar voice. Standing before her, concern etched on her face, was Ruby. Behind her, the airship hummed softly, its engines ready for departure.
"You okay?" Ruby asked, stepping closer.
Weiss offered a small smile, though there was a trace of melancholy behind it. "I'm fine. Just… did some deep thinking."
Ruby studied her for a moment, then gently reached for her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "You ready to go?"
Weiss nodded, picking up her bag. "I am."
Together, they walked up the ramp and into the airship, where their friends and allies were already seated. Yang and Blake sat together near the back, while Neon, Velvet, and Coco sat across from them. Cardin leaned against the wall, arms crossed, while Qrow and Raven sat near the cockpit, quietly exchanging glances of mild irritation. Team HAVC—Violet, Cyan, Ash, and Hazel—sat off to the side, each lost in their own thoughts. Among them were Velvet's mother, Daisy Scarlatina, and Coco's father, Ashe Adel, who exchanged quiet words between themselves.
Weiss glanced around. "Where are the others?"
"Sun, Neptune, and the rest of Team BRNZ are gathering their families in Mistral and Vacuo. They'll be taking a separate airship," Ruby explained. "Jaune and Neo went to his home to pick up his family. Jaune's father managed to get in contact with a pilot from the Atlas Military, who's going to escort them to the Citadel."
"And Team HAVC?" Weiss asked, lowering her voice.
Ruby sighed and glanced toward them. "They lost their families two years ago. I wouldn't bring it up."
Weiss looked at the four young recruits. Each of them sat in silence, their gazes distant, as if lost in old memories.
"I see."
Just then, the ramp hissed as it sealed shut, and Ren and Nora entered, securing the last of their bags.
"Okay, that's everyone," Qrow announced, standing up and making his way to the cockpit. He leaned toward the pilot with a smirk. "We're all set. Start flying this piece of—"
"Qrow!" Raven snapped, her eyes narrowing.
Qrow chuckled, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Kidding, kidding. It's a nice ship."
The engines roared as the airship lifted off, carrying them away from Vale and toward the Citadel—their new base, and the battleground for the fight ahead.
EVENING – THE CITADEL
The airship touched down smoothly on the landing pad within a heavily fortified complex. As the back ramp lowered, Team RWBY, Qrow, Raven, and the rest of their allies stepped out onto the platform. Before them stood a massive silver structure, its towering height gleaming under the artificial lights surrounding the facility. Heavily armed guards patrolled the area, some nodding in acknowledgment of their arrival.
Blake took in the sight, eyes wide. "It's... bigger than I thought."
Yang let out a low whistle. "I want to say something vulgar."
"Please don't," Ruby said, shaking her head. "Just admire the building."
Weiss, standing slightly apart, turned as another airship landed beside theirs. The doors opened, and Jaune and Neo stepped out, followed by an overwhelming number of people.
"Whoa," Weiss murmured, staring at the scene.
The rest of Team RWBY turned to look, their jaws nearly dropping. Nine people—Jaune's family—filed out of the airship behind him. Most of them bore his signature blonde hair, though their mother and two of the sisters had different hair colors.
"Jaune!" Ruby called, waving him over.
Jaune turned at the sound of his name, smiling as he motioned for his family to follow.
"Uh-oh," Ren muttered under his breath.
Yang raised an eyebrow. "Why 'uh-oh'?"
"You'll see," Nora answered, smirking.
Jaune barely had time to say, "Hey, guys, looks like we got here at the same—"
A high-pitched squeal cut through the air.
"Oh. My. GOD!"
Jaune's eyes went wide in alarm. "Uh-oh."
Before anyone could react, three of Jaune's sisters rushed forward in a blur of excited shrieks. Within seconds, Ruby was swept off her feet, dragged away by multiple eager hands. The sisters surrounded her, giggling and talking over each other.
"Oh my gosh, you're even cuter in person!"
"Can I get an autograph?!"
"Wait, wait—what's your favorite dessert?!"
"Are you and my brother really best friends?!"
Ruby, eyes wide like a deer caught in headlights, sputtered incoherently as she was passed between them like a prized doll.
Weiss blinked in confusion. "What... is happening?"
Jaune rubbed the back of his neck. "Uh... yeah. So, Ruby's kind of a celebrity to them. I probably should've warned you about that."
"That would've been helpful," Weiss deadpanned.
As the chaos continued, the rest of the group stood back and watched, some amused, others bewildered. Eventually, Ruby managed to wriggle free, stumbling back toward Weiss, looking dazed and breathless. Her usually neat red cloak was slightly ruffled, and her silver eyes were unfocused from the onslaught of questions and affection.
Weiss let out a relieved sigh—until she noticed something.
A distinct, vibrant blue kiss mark was imprinted on Ruby's cheek.
Weiss slowly turned her head toward one of Jaune's sisters, who was casually reapplying her blue lipstick with a smug smile.
Weiss' eye twitched.
Ruby, still dazed, felt a sudden chill next to her. She turned to see Weiss glaring daggers at the sister responsible, an ominous aura radiating from her.
"Uh, Weiss?" Ruby murmured.
The Schnee heiress crossed her arms. "We are going to have a long conversation about personal space."
Jaune sighed, watching his sisters giggle and whisper among themselves. "And this is why I was worried."
"Probably should've warned you about one of my sisters being into girls, too."
"Yeah," Weiss muttered, shooting him a sharp glare. "You should've."
"Aww," Yang teased, nudging Weiss with her elbow. "Weiss is jealous."
"I am not!" Weiss exclaimed, crossing her arms with a huff.
Neo smirked, tilting her head. "You're jealous, Weiss. Just admit it."
Weiss pouted, looking away, while Ruby wiped the lipstick mark from her cheek with a nervous chuckle.
"So," Ruby said, finally shaking off her daze. "Jaune, think you could properly introduce us to your family before Weiss actually explodes?"
"Oh! Right!" Jaune said, snapping his fingers before turning toward his youngest sister.
Standing beside him was a petite girl with blue hair tied into a ponytail, her lips painted the same shade. She shyly fidgeted with the hem of her jacket, dragging her foot against the ground.
"This is my youngest sister, Sapphire. Works in Atlas as a tech specialist. Really quiet around new people."
"Especially around famous people," Sapphire muttered, stealing a bashful glance at Ruby and blushing.
Ruby scratched her cheek awkwardly. Weiss narrowed her eyes at Sapphire but remained silent.
Jaune quickly moved on to the next sibling, a tall woman with light blonde hair, an archer's build, and a tattoo of an arrow on her neck.
"This is Artemis. She's a well-known Huntress in Mistral. Great with a bow."
"I can hit anything from any distance," Artemis said confidently, a smirk on her lips.
"Really?" Cyan interjected, raising an eyebrow.
Artemis noticed the bow on Cyan's back, her smirk widening. "You up for a challenge later?"
"Anytime," Cyan answered, matching her expression.
Jaune then gestured to the next sister, who had pale yellow hair and a book tucked under her arm.
"This is Jasmine. She's a well-known author in Vale. You might like her, Blake."
"Why is that?" Blake asked, tilting her head.
Jasmine silently pulled a book from her bag, flipping it over to show the title—The Man with Two Souls.
Blake's eyes widened in shock. "You... wrote this?"
Jasmine gave her a knowing smile. "Big fan?"
Blake nodded rapidly. Yang took note of the expression on her wife's face and then glanced at the katana Jasmine had sheathed at her waist.
"Yep," Jaune said, moving on to the next sister—a green-haired woman with a confident posture.
"Next, we have Jade. Expert in hand-to-hand combat. Owns a dojo in Vacuo. She actually knows Sun."
"Really?" Blake said, interested.
Jade nodded. "I was the one who taught him how to use his staff when he was a pre-teen. Very proud of the guy. Can't wait to see him again."
Jaune then gestured to a striking woman with half-purple, half-blonde hair.
"Lily here is a detective in Vale."
"Recently promoted to Detective," Lily corrected, raising a finger.
"Right," Jaune said. "And congrats again."
Lily smiled and nodded.
Next, Jaune motioned to a dark blonde-haired girl standing with a graceful posture.
"Blossom is the second oldest of my siblings. Expert dancer in Atlas. She's the one who taught me nearly every dance I know."
Blossom grinned. "I also incorporate dance into my combat style. Makes me very unpredictable."
She suddenly flicked her wrist, revealing a set of sharp throwing knives between her fingers.
Team RWBY flinched slightly, Ruby more so than the others.
Blossom let out a laugh. "Relax, I'm kidding! I'm actually a very nice person once you get to know me."
Ruby let out a deep sigh of relief, muttering, "Gonna have a heart attack at this rate..."
Finally, Jaune stepped toward the last of his sisters—a woman who shared his blonde hair and nearly matched his height. Unlike the others, she stood with military precision, arms crossed behind her back, her posture impeccable.
"And this," Jaune said, "is my oldest sister. Clover. A Commander in the Vale military."
Clover bowed her head slightly, her expression serious. "It is an honor to meet the people who changed my baby brother's life."
Ruby barely stifled a giggle at the word baby. Jaune groaned, running a hand down his face.
"You had to say 'baby brother,' didn't you?"
Clover's lips twitched in amusement. "What? It's the truth."
The rest of Jaune's sisters burst into laughter. Weiss smirked. "I like her."
Jaune sighed, already regretting his decision to introduce them.
Jaune took a deep breath and gestured toward the last two people standing beside him.
"And now… my parents."
He turned to the woman standing proudly beside him, her golden hair tied in a neat bun, her sharp green eyes studying the group with a gentle yet analytical gaze.
"My mother, June Arc. A doctor. She's responsible for creating some of the best-known healing herbs out there—ones you may have even used yourselves. She's a medical genius."
June smiled and waved a dismissive hand. "I prefer prodigy, Jaune. But I do appreciate the flattery."
Jaune then turned to the tall, broad-shouldered man beside her—a man who was essentially Jaune with a well-groomed beard and slicked-back hair. His presence exuded strength, but his grin carried a boyish charm.
"And this is my father, Jason Arc. A professional Huntsman and—" Jaune hesitated before smirking, "—a bit of a troublemaker."
"Only from time to time, son," Jason replied with a chuckle, ruffling Jaune's hair. "Can't let life be too boring."
Jaune straightened himself out and looked at everyone. "Well, that's the whole Arc family, guys. Phew. That was exhausting."
"Pleased to meet you all," Ruby said, smiling warmly.
A soft giggle drew her attention. She turned her head slightly and caught Sapphire sneaking glances at her, blushing and shuffling awkwardly.
Weiss crossed her arms and scowled. "Just keep her away from Ruby."
Ruby leaned in and whispered, "It's okay, Weiss. I'll be sure to avoid her at all times."
"I'll hold you to that," Weiss said, narrowing her eyes at Sapphire.
Before any more could be said, another airship descended, its engines humming as it landed nearby. The back doors opened, and one by one, more allies stepped out.
Leading the charge was Sun , his usual confident grin spread across his face. Neon follows behind him. Behind him were two older Faunus—a man and a woman—who bore a striking resemblance to him. A young woman, about Sun's age with similar tanned skin and a ponytail, stepped out beside them.
Next was Neptune, stepping off with his own parents—his father with neatly styled blue hair and a sharp suit, his mother carrying a regal air.
Following them, Brawnz, Nolan, and May exited, each flanked by a single parent.
Sun's gaze swept the area before locking onto Jade. His eyes lit up as he ran toward her.
"Well, well, well," Jade mused, arms crossed, a smirk tugging at her lips. "My most favorite student has returned."
Sun stopped a few feet away and bowed deeply. "It's good to see you again, Master Jade."
Jade waved him off. "Please. Just call me Jade. So… how have you been, Sun?"
Sun rubbed the back of his head, his usual cocky grin in place. "Pretty good. Trying to keep out of trouble. But you know me."
Jade chuckled before eyeing Sun's well-toned physique. "I see you've been keeping yourself fit… and that tan suits you."
Sun froze, blinking in surprise at her flirtatious tone. "Uh… thanks?"
Before the conversation could go any further, Neon skated over, immediately wrapping her arm possessively around Sun's waist.
"I'm sorry, missy," Neon said, a teasing yet territorial smirk on her face, "but he's mine."
Jade blinked and raised her hands in surrender. "Oh. I see. My apologies. I didn't know."
"Sure, you didn't," Neon said, narrowing her eyes. She then pulled Sun away, but not before shooting Jade an 'I'm watching you' gesture.
Jade sighed, shaking her head. "Why do all the good-looking ones have to be taken?"
Jaune chuckled, patting her on the back. "Don't worry, Jade. You'll find somebody."
Jade glanced at the group and suddenly locked eyes with Neptune. Her lips curled into a smirk. "Oh, I will."
Neptune, who had been casually adjusting his goggles, stiffened slightly under her gaze.
Before anyone could tease him, a commanding voice interrupted.
"Good. You all made it."
General Ironwood strode toward them, his usual stiff posture intact. But beside him stood another man—tall, silver-haired, wearing a well-tailored military uniform.
Weiss's eyes widened in recognition.
"Greetings to you all," the silver-haired man said, his voice firm yet approachable. "Commander Wesley Grey. Atlesian Special Forces."
His gaze then met Weiss's, and a smile tugged at his lips. "It's a pleasure to meet you again, Weiss."
Ruby turned to Weiss. "You know him?"
Weiss hesitated for a second before nodding. "I do. But I'll tell you later."
Wesley nodded and turned his attention back to the group. "With introductions out of the way, follow me. I'll show you to your rooms."
With that, the gathered warriors followed Wesley deeper into the Citadel, ready to prepare for the battles to come.
JAUNE'S HOUSE
The front door exploded inward with a deafening crack, splitting into two and slamming against the walls. Jackson Blaze stepped inside first, his black and red armor gleaming under the dim evening light. Four other Dark Seekers followed closely behind, their heavy boots thudding against the wooden floor.
Blaze scanned the interior with cold, calculating eyes before giving orders.
"You two, check upstairs. The rest, follow me."
The two Seekers nodded and hurried up the staircase, weapons drawn. Meanwhile, Blaze and the others moved through the living room, flipping over tables, smashing windows, and tearing apart picture frames. Glass and splintered wood littered the floor as they ransacked every possible hiding spot.
Blaze, however, wasn't as reckless as his subordinates. Something felt off.
Then, from the corner of his eye, he caught a faint blink.
Frowning, he turned toward the couch and noticed a small red light flickering beneath a pillow. Cautiously, he lifted the cushion and revealed a compact device, its digital timer ticking down from 30 seconds.
Blaze's eyes widened slightly before his usual smirk returned.
"Well, damn."
He calmly replaced the pillow, masking the device from view. Straightening, he took out his Scroll and casually strolled toward the front door. As he stepped outside and gained some distance, he dialed a number.
The call connected.
"They're not here, Cinder," he reported smoothly.
A sharp sigh crackled through the receiver. "That's disappointing, Blaze."
And then—BOOM.
The house erupted into a fireball, the explosion tearing through the walls, shattering the remaining windows, and engulfing the entire structure in raging flames. The shockwave sent embers and debris flying in all directions.
Blaze stopped walking and glanced over his shoulder, watching the fire consume everything. His expression remained indifferent.
"What was that, Blaze?" Cinder's voice returned, this time with mild curiosity.
"A bomb," Blaze replied, slipping his Scroll into his pocket. He rolled his shoulders. "Seems like Arc was ready for us. Lost my squad, ma'am."
Cinder was silent for a moment before scoffing. "They were weak anyway."
Blaze smirked. "Exactly what I was thinking."
"Return immediately," Cinder ordered. "Your training isn't finished."
"As you wish."
A dark portal materialized beside him, its swirling shadows distorting the air around it. Without hesitation, Blaze stepped through, vanishing as the burning wreckage of Jaune's house crackled behind him.
ROOM
Wesley led Team RWBY down the long, polished hallway before stopping at a designated door. With a swift motion, he opened it, revealing a spacious yet simple room. Inside, there were four neatly made beds, a few dressers, two closets, and an attached bathroom.
Yang took one glance inside before tossing her bag onto the nearest bed and flopping down onto it with a content sigh.
"Oooh, fancy," she said, stretching her arms behind her head. "Dibs."
Blake rolled her eyes, dropping her own bag beside another bed before making her way toward the bathroom. Ruby sat down on one of the unclaimed beds, bouncing slightly to test the mattress.
Weiss, however, turned to Wesley with a serious expression.
"Can I speak to you outside?" she asked.
Wesley hesitated for a brief moment before nodding. "Of course."
The two stepped out into the hallway, leaving the rest of the team behind. Weiss shut the door behind her and turned to face Wesley fully, her hands gripping each other lightly.
"It's been a while, Wesley," she said, offering her hand.
Wesley took it in a firm but respectful handshake. "It certainly has, Weiss."
She eyed him up and down before raising an eyebrow. "Atlas Specialist, huh?"
His lips pressed into a thin line. "Yeah. After Winter… someone had to step up."
At the mention of Winter's name, Weiss cast her gaze downward. The loss of her sister was still a wound that hadn't fully healed.
"She died a hero," Wesley continued, his voice quieter now. "And… I never got to say how sorry I was."
Weiss clenched her jaw. "You didn't even make it to the funeral."
Wesley sighed, guilt clear in his expression. "I know… and I regret it every day."
Weiss looked at him, her stare unreadable at first, but then she sighed. "I understand. I don't blame you."
Wesley let out a breath of relief. "Thank you, Weiss."
To his surprise, Weiss stepped forward and pulled him into a hug. Wesley hesitated for a second before returning it.
"I missed you," Weiss admitted.
"I missed you too," Wesley replied sincerely.
After a few moments, they separated.
Wesley straightened his posture. "I need to return to Command. Ironwood will need my assistance."
He gave her a formal salute. "We'll talk later."
With that, Wesley turned and walked down the hallway, his boots echoing against the floor. Weiss stood there for a few seconds, watching him go before sighing and re-entering the room.
The moment she stepped inside, Ruby was already up from her bed, concern evident in her expression.
"Weiss? You okay?" Ruby asked.
Weiss hesitated before offering a small, forced smile. "Of course, I am. It was just… strange seeing Wesley again."
Ruby studied her carefully before nodding. "If you don't want to talk about it right now, that's okay."
Weiss's smile softened slightly. "Thanks, Ruby."
She glanced around the room and saw that Blake had already come out of the bathroom.
"I'm going to take a bath," Weiss announced, grabbing her bag and disappearing behind the door. The sound of running water soon followed.
Yang leaned back on her bed, folding her arms behind her head. "So, how do you guys like this place so far?"
Blake sat down and crossed her legs. "It looks promising," she admitted. "But we'll find out more tomorrow. For now, we should just relax."
Yang nodded in agreement, but her attention shifted when she noticed Ruby walking toward the bathroom door. Instead of knocking or opening it, Ruby pressed her ear gently against it.
From inside, the faint sound of quiet sobbing could be heard.
Ruby's face fell. She stepped away and sat back on her bed, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the hem of her cloak.
"I'm worried about Weiss," Ruby admitted. "She's been like this ever since she saw Wesley."
Yang sighed, sitting up. "You should talk to her," she suggested. "Maybe she'll open up to you."
Ruby nodded, but her focus drifted downward as she absentmindedly toyed with the ring on her finger—the same ring she had given Weiss when she proposed.
The white gemstone in the center caught the overhead light, reflecting a soft glow as Ruby stared at it, deep in thought.
COMMAND CENTER
Qrow and Raven stood near the entrance of the Command Center, their eyes scanning the room. The space was vast, lined with high-tech consoles, holographic displays, and large monitors showcasing live battlefield data and surveillance footage. Atlesian soldiers were stationed throughout—some standing guard, others typing away at terminals, collecting and analyzing information.
In the center of the room, General Ironwood stood with his hands clasped behind his back, overseeing the operations with his usual stoic and calculating expression.
Qrow let out a low whistle, nodding in approval. "I gotta admit, Jimmy—I'm impressed with this place."
Raven, arms crossed, remained skeptical. "We haven't seen the entire Citadel yet, Qrow. Reserve your judgment until we know for sure how secure it actually is."
Qrow took out his flask, unscrewed the cap, and took a swig. "I know, I know. But still, this setup beats the hell outta some dusty old war tent."
Raven sighed. "You drinking already?"
"What? It's a stress reliever." Qrow smirked, raising the flask in mock toast.
Ironwood approached them, his boots clicking against the steel floor. His expression remained unreadable, but his voice was firm.
"I appreciate you both coming, Qrow. And you too, Raven."
Raven scoffed. "You're going to need all the help you can get, General. And I don't just mean ours."
Ironwood gave a small nod. "Indeed. We've already received multiple reports—attacks on smaller villages, all consistent with the same disturbing pattern. Civilians slaughtered, buildings burned to the ground. The perpetrators were seen wearing dark armor, executing anyone in their path."
Raven narrowed her eyes. "Cinder's soldiers?"
"Most likely," Ironwood answered. "We still don't have full confirmation on their numbers, but one thing is certain—Fall is no longer working alone. She's assembling an army."
Qrow clenched his fists, his usual laid-back demeanor giving way to something far more serious. "That bitch has to go down… for what she did to Glynda."
Ironwood's gaze lowered momentarily at the mention of Glynda Goodwitch. A brief flicker of grief crossed his face before he exhaled sharply.
"Cinder Fall will go down, indeed."
His tone was cold, unyielding, and absolute.
BATHROOM
Weiss sat in the warm bathwater, her body partially submerged as she traced slow circles in the water with her finger. The faint ripples reflected the dim lighting of the bathroom. Her eyes were puffy and red, the aftermath of quiet sobs she had desperately tried to suppress.
A knock echoed against the door.
"Weiss?" Ruby's soft voice came through.
Weiss blinked, looking up at the door but not answering right away.
"Is it okay if I come in?" Ruby asked, her tone gentle.
Weiss hesitated, staring at her own reflection in the water before finally murmuring, "Sure."
The door creaked open, and Ruby stepped inside, immediately stopping mid-step as a deep blush spread across her face. She had expected Weiss to be covered by the water, but instead, she noticed Weiss was still wearing a white lace bra.
Ruby quickly averted her gaze, rubbing the back of her head as she shut the door behind her.
"Uh… Weiss?" Ruby asked, still flustered. "Why are you still wearing your bra?"
Weiss sighed, leaning back slightly against the tub's edge. "To tell you the truth, I do this when I'm sad."
Ruby blinked at her, now concerned rather than flustered. "Sad? Why?"
Before Weiss could answer, Ruby suddenly remembered something and smiled as she held up a small bouquet of white roses.
"Oh, right! These are for you."
Weiss looked at the delicate flowers and gave a small, sad smile. "Are those really for me?"
"Of course." Ruby grinned, stepping forward and placing them gently on the countertop. "I thought they'd make you feel better."
Weiss traced a fingertip along one of the soft petals, exhaling quietly. "They do, Ruby… Thank you."
Ruby was about to leave, thinking she had given Weiss some comfort, but as she reached for the doorknob, Weiss suddenly spoke.
"Wait."
Ruby turned back, eyebrows raised. "Yeah?"
Weiss hesitated before finally saying, "I need to tell you something."
Seeing the serious look in her fiancée's eyes, Ruby walked back and sat on the edge of the bathtub, resting her hands on her lap.
"Is this about Wesley?" Ruby asked gently.
Weiss nodded. She looked down at the water, her fingers skimming over the surface.
"Winter and I… we grew up living miserable lives. Our father was abusive—physically, verbally. His anger always stemmed from the White Fang attacking his shipments. Every time something went wrong at the company, he took it out on us."
Weiss lifted a hand to her cheek, as if feeling the ghost of old bruises.
"Every few days, it would repeat. Over and over. No matter what we did, no matter how hard we tried to be 'perfect' daughters—it didn't matter. We were just… sad. Until one day, we met a boy across the street."
Ruby tilted her head. "Wesley."
Weiss gave a small, nostalgic nod. "Yes. Wesley."
Weiss let out a quiet sigh, her fingers absentmindedly trailing through the water as she gathered her thoughts.
"He was very nice to us," she began softly. "He made us happy when we were sad. He was like the older brother I never had. But Winter… Winter saw him in a different way."
Ruby remained quiet, listening intently as Weiss continued.
"She grew fond of Wesley. Eventually, they started dating, and they were together for a couple of years. I was okay with it—he was kind, gentle, and he took care of Winter like a real gentleman."
Weiss's expression softened for a moment, but then it quickly darkened as she lowered her gaze to the water.
"But about a year before Winter joined the military, Wesley received terrible news." She paused, swallowing hard. "His parents were killed in a Grimm attack."
Ruby's eyes widened in shock.
"Oh, Weiss… I—"
Weiss shook her head slightly, continuing before Ruby could respond.
"After that, he changed. He became distant, depressed. I never saw him smile again." Weiss exhaled sharply. "He stopped seeing Winter, stopped coming around altogether. Eventually, he had to move to live with his uncle in a small village outside of the city. Winter offered to let him stay with us, but he refused."
Ruby could hear the pain in Weiss's voice, the regret.
"They broke up on good terms," Weiss continued, "but after that… I never saw him again. He wasn't there to comfort me or Winter when Father got angry."
Weiss's hands trembled slightly, and Ruby noticed the way she gripped the edge of the bathtub as if trying to steady herself. Silent tears fell from Weiss's eyes, sliding down her cheeks.
"Winter did see him again, though," Weiss added after a moment. "He joined the military a few months after she did. They tried to rekindle their relationship, but it didn't last. Wesley was transferred to Vacuo right after completing his training."
Weiss wiped her tears away, sniffing quietly before finally looking up at Ruby.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "It's just… it's been so many years since I've seen him, and when I did, it brought back all these memories. Happy ones, for once."
Ruby reached out gently, taking one of the white roses from the bouquet she had brought. She twirled it between her fingers for a moment before handing it to Weiss.
Weiss looked at the delicate flower, then up at Ruby, who smiled warmly at her.
Slowly, a smile tugged at Weiss's lips as well.
Ruby leaned forward, placing a soft, lingering kiss on Weiss's lips.
"And you're my angel, too." Ruby murmured against her lips.
Ruby did something Weiss didn't expect.
Still fully clothed, Ruby stepped into the bathtub, standing over Weiss with a mischievous smile.
"Ruby?" Weiss questioned, her eyebrows raised.
Without a word, Ruby unfastened her cloak and tossed it aside, the fabric landing on the bathroom floor in a crumpled heap. Weiss, though initially surprised, couldn't help but chuckle.
"Ruby, what if Yang and Blake hear us?" Weiss teased, her tone light but her cheeks slightly pink.
Ruby smirked. "Let them. We're all adults here."
Before Weiss could respond, Ruby lost her balance and toppled forward into the water. She barely caught herself by grabbing the sides of the tub, but the sudden movement sent water splashing out onto the floor. Weiss gasped, then burst into laughter.
"Oh, you klutz," Weiss giggled, shaking her head.
Ruby took the opportunity to press a long, deep kiss to Weiss's lips. Weiss, still smiling, reached up and began undoing the laces of Ruby's corset.
Ruby leaned back slightly, allowing Weiss to finish unfastening it. With a playful grin, she slipped out of the corset and her blouse, tossing them carelessly aside to join her cloak. Left in only her bra and skirt, she leaned forward again, gazing at Weiss with warmth in her silver eyes.
"I love you, Weiss."
Weiss's expression softened. She reached up, placing her hand on Ruby's cheek, her thumb gently stroking her skin.
"And I love you, Ruby."
Their lips met once more, slow and tender at first, before growing more passionate.
Blake, sitting on her bed, suddenly froze. Her cat ears twitched involuntarily, picking up the unmistakable sounds coming from the bathroom. Her face immediately turned red.
Yang, lying lazily on her own bed, noticed Blake's sudden reaction. She raised an eyebrow.
"Blake?" she asked, curious.
Blake hesitated before quickly standing up. "Yang."
Yang sat up slightly. "Yeah, babe?"
Blake kept her face neutral, but her ears betrayed her, still flicking subtly as she heard everything.
"I'm feeling a bit bored," she said, a little too quickly. "I think I'll take a walk. Care to join me?"
Yang, still confused, stretched her arms above her head. "Nah. I'll just stay here."
Blake glanced toward the bathroom, her blush deepening. A soft giggle echoed through the room, barely muffled by the closed door.
Yang's eyes widened in realization. "Oh."
Normally, she'd find something like this hilarious, maybe even stay and listen in for entertainment. But, given that she was married now, she figured Blake wouldn't appreciate that.
Yang cleared her throat, quickly hopping to her feet. "Actually, I would love to go on that walk with you, Blake."
Blake grabbed Yang's hand, and without wasting another second, the two of them hurriedly exited the room.
ARC FAMILY ROOM
The Arc sisters lay sprawled across their beds in their spacious quarters, the dim glow of the bedside lamps casting a soft light over the room. The only sound was the rhythmic ticking of the wall clock and the quiet rustling of sheets as the sisters settled in. That silence didn't last long.
"So, Sapphire," Jade said, shifting onto her elbow, her voice laced with amusement. "How did it feel meeting Ruby Rose in person?"
Sapphire, still basking in the excitement of earlier, let out a small, dreamy sigh. "It was amazing. She's even prettier in person."
The other sisters exchanged knowing looks before rolling their eyes.
"And she's taken," Clover reminded her, shaking her head. "I assume you know she's with Weiss Schnee, right?"
"And not just that," Lily chimed in, glancing up from the book she had been flipping through. "She's engaged."
That got everyone's attention. Heads turned toward Lily in unison, eyes widening in surprise.
"Wait, what?" Jade asked, sitting up straighter. "How do you know that?"
Lily smirked and leaned back against her pillow. "I saw the ring on her finger when you, Sapphire, and Jasmine were busy fangirling over her."
Jade let out a groan, running a hand through her hair. "Of course. Should've known."
Sapphire, meanwhile, was still digesting this new piece of information, her expression slightly crestfallen. "I already knew she was with Weiss. I just didn't know they were engaged."
"It was probably recent," Artemis mused, stretching her arms over her head.
A brief silence settled over them until Blossom, lying on her stomach with her chin resting on her arms, suddenly smirked. "Alright, enough about Ruby Rose. Let's talk about something more interesting—boys."
Jasmine let out a groan. "Blossom, I have a boyfriend. You know that."
"Yeah, yeah," Blossom waved her off, "but still. You can't tell me some of the guys here aren't ridiculously hot."
Jade sat up with an intrigued look. "Like that Neptune guy. He's got a real charm about him."
Lily's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "I hope he's single. He seems like the kind of guy I'd love to chat with."
Jade immediately whipped her head around, giving Lily a playful glare. "Not before me, sis."
Lily arched a brow. "What?"
"I saw him first," Jade said with a teasing smirk. "So, I get first dibs."
Lily scoffed. "Oh, come on! You can't just call dibs on a guy like he's a dessert at dinner."
"Uh, yeah, I can!" Jade shot back, sitting up straighter.
The other sisters exchanged amused glances as the brewing rivalry unfolded.
"This is going to be interesting," Artemis muttered under her breath, shaking her head as she settled deeper into her pillow.
Jasmine chuckled softly. "And here I thought we were here to fight a war, not to fight over men."
"Hey," Blossom said, shrugging, "a girl's gotta keep herself entertained somehow."
JNNR'S ROOM
Jaune's eyes widened as the loud argument from his sisters continued in the next room. The shouting, bickering, and occasional sounds of pillows being thrown against the walls made it impossible to ignore. He, Ren, Nora, and Neo all sat in their beds, listening in with various expressions of discomfort.
"Why did they have to assign us a room right next to theirs?" Ren muttered, rubbing his temples.
"I'm starting to ask myself the same question, Ren," Jaune sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He already knew his sisters could be rowdy, but this was on a whole different level.
The argument raged on for a few more minutes before finally dying down. A heavy silence filled the room, followed by Jaune exhaling in relief.
"Finally. Now we can get some actual sleep."
Nora leaned toward Ren, giving him a quick peck on the nose. "Nighty night, Renny."
Ren, unfazed but slightly amused, simply nodded. "Good night, Nora."
As they settled in, Jaune lay on his back, staring at the ceiling. His mind wandered through the events of the day, the looming battle ahead, and the unexpected reunion with his family. He was just about to drift off when he heard a soft voice.
"Jaune?"
He turned his head and saw Neo standing beside his bed, dressed in her sleepwear. Her usually confident demeanor was absent, replaced with something softer—almost vulnerable.
"Is it okay if I sleep in your bed tonight?" she asked quietly.
Jaune studied her face, noting the unease in her eyes. Without hesitation, he smiled.
"Of course."
Neo climbed onto the small bed, lying down beside him. It was a tight fit, but neither of them minded. As she settled in, Jaune instinctively wrapped his arms around her, holding her close in a protective embrace.
"You scared?" he asked softly.
Neo didn't speak—she just nodded against his chest.
Jaune tightened his hold, resting his chin lightly on her head. "Neo, I promised I'd protect you, no matter what. An Arc never goes back on his word."
Neo pulled back slightly, her heterochromatic eyes searching his. After a few moments, she spoke again, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Would you kill to protect me?"
Jaune hesitated, his expression turning serious. He exhaled slowly before answering. "I would, Neo. If it came down to it, and someone tried to hurt you, I'd make sure they never got the chance to do it again."
Neo studied him for a moment before nodding. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."
Jaune gave her a small, reassuring smile before leaning in and placing a soft kiss on her forehead. He rested his head back down, keeping her close.
"I love you," he murmured as his exhaustion finally pulled him into sleep.
Neo felt warmth spread through her chest at those words. She gently brushed a few strands of his hair aside, taking in the peaceful look on his face.
"I love you too, Jaune Arc," she whispered, before closing her eyes and letting herself drift off in his arms.
RWBY'S ROOM
Ruby lay on her bed, gently stroking Zwei's fur as the little corgi snored beside her. His warmth and the steady rhythm of his breathing were comforting, but her mind was too restless for sleep. She turned her head slightly, her silver eyes landing on Weiss, who was curled up beneath the blanket, her chest rising and falling in slow, even breaths. The peaceful smile on Weiss's lips made Ruby's own lips twitch into a faint smile.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door creaking open. Instinctively, she shut her eyes and feigned sleep, listening carefully as Yang and Blake quietly entered the room. Their hushed whispers carried through the dimly lit space.
"That was... nice," Blake murmured, her voice holding a trace of something warm and satisfied. "Really nice."
Yang chuckled lowly. "Nice? Kitten, I'd say it was a bit more than just nice."
Blake let out a soft sigh, but Ruby could hear the amusement in it. "Okay, fine. It was more than nice."
"Uh-huh," Yang teased, her voice smug. "Really more than nice."
Ruby could practically hear Blake rolling her eyes as she sighed again. "Do you always have to gloat?"
"Well, it's not my fault you were the one who started things."
"I did not start anything."
"Are you kidding? You totally did," Yang whispered, the bed creaking as she flopped down onto it. "You pinned me against that tree, Blake. Wrapped that tail around my leg, kissed my neck—"
"Yang!" Blake hissed, exasperated. "Not so loud!"
Yang snickered, lowering her voice. "Why? You weren't exactly quiet back there, kitten."
Blake groaned, and Ruby could hear the rustling of fabric, probably as Blake buried her face in her hands. "That was different," she muttered. "We were alone."
Yang hummed in amusement. "We were alone, all right. Alone, under the stars, the ocean right below us, the wind all dramatic and romantic… so much tension built up after everything that's happened. And then—bam! My sexy, brooding girlfriend loses control—"
"I did not lose control," Blake interjected firmly.
Yang continued as if she hadn't heard. "—Completely takes charge, pushes me down, starts kissing me all rough and desperate, tearing at my jacket—"
"Yang!" Blake whisper-shouted again.
"What? You did do that!"
"You were just as bad!"
Yang let out a soft laugh. "Not denying that. Definitely not denying that."
Blake let out another sigh, but it wasn't one of irritation. This time, it was something softer, something satisfied. "…I needed that," she admitted quietly. "With everything going on, all the tension, the fear, the grief... it felt good to just… let go for a while."
Yang's voice softened, losing its teasing edge. "Yeah," she murmured. "Me too."
Silence settled between them, filled only by the quiet rustling of blankets as they got comfortable in their beds.
Ruby took that moment to finally speak. "At least you had the common courtesy to leave the room."
Blake stiffened, her ears twitching in shock. She slowly turned her head. "Did you—?"
"Every. Word." Ruby smirked, opening one eye to look at them.
Blake groaned, rubbing her temple. "Great."
Yang, on the other hand, grinned. "Eh, no shame in our game." She stretched her arms above her head, sighing contently. "Though I do feel bad for your poor, innocent ears, Rubes."
Ruby chuckled. "It's fine. I'm happy for you guys."
Blake arched a skeptical brow. "You're not going to tease me about it, like Yang?"
Ruby smirked. "Nah. I mean, I actually respect boundaries."
Yang gasped dramatically. "Rude!"
Blake chuckled, shaking her head before climbing into bed. "Just be glad I convinced Yang to take a walk. We both know she would've stayed and listened otherwise."
"Hey!" Yang protested. "I do have some self-control, you know."
Blake gave her a pointed look.
Yang sighed. "Okay, fine. Maybe not a lot, but still."
Ruby smiled, shifting onto her side as she pulled her blanket up to her shoulders. "Well, I'm just glad you two are happy."
Blake's voice softened. "Thanks, Ruby."
Yang yawned, her voice already laced with sleep. "All right, night, Rubes."
Blake's tail flicked slightly as she nestled into her pillow. "Goodnight, Ruby."
Ruby let out a quiet breath, closing her eyes. Tomorrow, everything changes.