You are a student at the renowned Beacon Academy! You sit within the confines of your dorm room, currently planning the day out. Perhaps you will make new friends or hang out with old ones! Explore the Emerald Forest and fight Grimm, or hone your skills in the training room...

You have a full day ahead of you, so make the most out of it. You never know what dangers lurk just around the corner...

How would you like to start your day?

You leave your dorm and head toward the auditorium, noticing several of your classmates along the way. They all give you curious looks as you walk past them with your oversized battle axe strapped to your back. The locker room is just down the hallway, marked by a large sign hanging above it. As you enter, you spot an open locker near the middle of the row where your name should be. Inside are your spare clothes and personal effects.

Next to the locker is another door leading into the training room, where students can practice their skills and spar with each other. The door is slightly ajar, revealing the sounds of grunts, metal clashing against metal, and wood splintering under immense force. It looks like some of your classmates are already hard at work honing their abilities.

The new student gives you a friendly nod in return. "Nice to meet you, Paul. Name's Samson Onyx," he introduces himself. He pauses for a moment, looking around the locker room before continuing. "So, what brings you here? You don't seem like the typical Huntsman-in-training."

Samson nods in understanding. "I can see that. I grew up on the outskirts of Mountain Glenn, helping my father with his mining and driving steel. It's a different sort of life, but it taught me respect for hard work and dedication."

Samson chuckles at your question. "Well, it's not completely abandoned. Sure, the main city's ruined. But there are still some hardy folks living there, and my father was one of them. He thought the mountain air was good for his health." He shrugs. "And well, the Schnee Dust Company still runs a dust mine or two somewhere out there, which keeps people around despite the grimm."

Samson grins at your question. "Not quite. I've always been more of a hammer guy, actually." He reaches behind and reveals a large sledgehammer-12 gauge shotgun The head is large and thick, with an intricate pattern etched into the metal that reflects the light eerily. "This is Heartstopper," he says proudly, holding it out for you to inspect. "I forged it myself."

He offers his hand, palm upward. "Want to try it out?"

"Huh, never seen somethin' like that," Samson says with an impressed look on his face as he takes in Blue Babe. "It's... it's almost too pretty to use." He pauses for a moment before continuing. "I guess you could say the same about Heartstopper, but I think she's more practical than pretty. Still, they both suit us."

"You could be right," Samson replies with a shrug, sheathing his weapon once more. "But I've heard they always say that." An announcement plays on the intercom system.

Glynda Goodwitch's voice can be heard on the intercom system saying, "Would all first-year students please report to Beacon Cliff for initiation? Again, all first-year students report to Beacon Cliff immediately."

Samson nods in agreement and falls into step beside you as the two of you head towards Beacon Cliff, leaving the locker room behind. As you walk through the hallways, students who are already familiar with their surroundings hurry past you, occasionally casting curious glances in your direction. Your new friend seems to have no trouble keeping up with your long strides despite his slightly shorter stature.

---

Finally, you arrive at Beacon Cliff which overlooks an emerald forest, where several students — some old, some new, and some unseen — are standing on silver tiles in front of a mug-holding Professor Ozpin and Glynda with her tablet.

Ozpin begins to address the students. "For years, you have trained to become warriors, and today, your abilities will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest."

Glynda chimes in, "Now, I'm sure many of you have heard rumors about the assignment of 'teams.' Well, allow us to put an end to your confusion. Each of you will be given teammates... today."

murmurs can be heard among students.

Ozpin adds, "These teammates will be with you for the rest of your time here at Beacon. So it is in your best interest to be paired with someone with whom you can work well." groaning heard somewhere in the crowd "That being said, the first person you make eye contact with after landing will be your partner for the next four years."

Samson chuckles softly at your comment. Ozpin can be heard continuing, "After you've partnered up, make your way to the northern end of the forest. You will meet opposition along the way. Do not hesitate to destroy everything in your path... or you will die."

Somebody laughs nervously and then gulps loudly. "You will be monitored and graded through the duration of your initiation, but our instructors will not intervene. You will find an abandoned temple at the end of the path containing several relics. Each pair must choose one and return to the top of the cliff. We will regard that item, as well as your standing, and grade you appropriately. Are there any questions?" one whiny voice can be heard distantly raising a hand "Good! Now, take your positions." Everyone strikes a pose on their tile. Samson crouches low, Paul wields his weapon.

As you and Samson land on the forest floor, a rush of adrenaline fills your veins. The Emerald Forest stretches out before you, teeming with life and danger. You nod to each other, acknowledging the trust that has been built between you in this moment. Together, you set off toward the north end of the forest. Your weapons at the ready, you navigate through the dense foliage and over fallen logs with ease. As you progress, you hear faint noises of movement ahead: Grimm stirring from their slumber to investigate the intruders in their territory.

A pack of Beowolves materializes from the shadows, growling lowly as they advance upon you. With a grin, Samson hefts his massive hammer and readies himself for battle. "Let's show them what we're made of," he says confidently.

Samson manages to fend off the beowolves with a combination of his impressive strength and skillful hammer work, creating an opening for you to attack. You quickly take advantage of this opportunity and land a powerful blow on one of the creatures, sending it flying back several feet. The other beowolf howls in anger as it charges at you again, but Samson is ready; he swings Heartstopper with lightning speed and sends the creature tumbling to the ground.

The two of you exchange satisfied glances before turning your attention back to the remaining beowolves. As you continue battling through the forest, it becomes apparent that working together not only makes you stronger but also allows you to strategize more effectively against their common foes.

"I'll say!" Samson replies with a laugh, wiping sweat from his brow. "We make quite the team." You nod in agreement as you take out your dust to refill your weapon's ammo. The two of you continue fighting through the forest, using your combined strength and skills to overcome any obstacles that stand in your way.

As you progress further north, the sounds of battle grow louder; it seems like other teams are engaged in fierce combat as well. With each step closer to the temple, adrenaline and determination surge through your veins, driving you forward despite the exhaustion setting in from exerting yourself against the never-ending stream of Grimm.

Eventually, you reach the clearing surrounding the ancient temple, its crumbling walls covered in vines and moss.

Samson grunts in amusement as he sees the relic you've found. "That one? Black Bishop, huh?" He shrugs noncommittally before looking around the temple's interior. Spotting another possible choice farther inside, he nods in its direction and says, "How about that one?"

He gestures to a gleaming white pawn positioned near a pile of rubble. Its surface is etched with intricate designs that seem to shift and move as you watch them. The air around it crackles with energy, hinting at its potential power.

"What do ya think?" he asks, his voice tinged with curiosity and excitement.

Samson chuckles at your playfulness, shaking his head good-naturedly. "You're something else, you know that?" He glances back at the Black Bishop in your hand before nodding. "Alright then, ho-" you and Samson suddenly hear a high-pitched yelp from over yonder. "Sounds like someone's havin' a rough time, eh?"

"Not me, man," he replies, looking around suspiciously. "Whoever it was... they're good." He shrugs before focusing back on the two ursai and pulling out his hammer. "Well, let's finish these and see if we can find whoever that was."

Samson grins at you before looking back at Liam and Laurel. "Looks like it," he says with a nod. Liam asks, "So... I take it y'all gotta relic, too?" "Sure did," Samson proudly totes as he shows off the prize. "Great," cheers Laurel with a drawl like honey. "What do we-" your group of four is interrupted by the sound of someone screaming as they have been flung through the air

"On it," Laurel says with little hesitation. Catching sight of the boy spiraling through the air, Laurel uses her semblance, "root and bloom," to instantaneously generate, control, and weaponize plant life with incredible precision and speed. Here, she uses it fast as a whip to cast forth a vine to grab and reel in the boy with blonde hair that had been just involuntarily flying through the air moments ago. As he stands there with legs feeling like jelly, Liam asks in his country accent, "Y'all good there, pard'ner?"

"I'm fine," the boy replies, still catching his breath from the sudden stop. "Thanks." He introduces himself as Jaune Arc, a student at Beacon Academy like you and your group. You all exchange pleasantries and find out that he was flung from his partner by a giant scorpion grimm called a death stalker.

"Well, uh..." Jaune begins, his cheeks flush slightly as he realizes what you're implying. "Ye-yeah."

"Hey, wait up!" Jaune shouts as he catches up with the rest of your group. He glances at you, then at Samson and finally at Liam and Laurel before asking cautiously, "So... are you all a team now?"

The sound of clashing steel fills the air as you approach a clearing where a pink blast of energy hits the ursa in the back and it crashes to the ground, depositing its rider before a girl with blonde hair and a girl with a large black bow. The dialogue between the green and pink tells you their names are Ren and Nora.

"Er...good question..." Jaune says hesitantly, glancing around as if hoping to spot them. Suddenly, a screech is heard from their right, and a girl with long flowing red hair and emerald green eyes comes onto the scene as the scorpion creature uproots entire trees in its chase after her. She narrowly dodges its giant claws and keeps on running.

The Death Stalker screams in pain, dropping the girl as it flails about, trying to dislodge your weapon from its tail. The red-haired girl looks over at you with a grateful smile before running over and pulling Blue Babe out of the Grimm's tail. She wipes off the blood on the blade and hands it back to you. "Thanks," she says breathlessly.

A different small red girl in a red hood stands up, looking at the monster below. "Whoa!" she starts running off of the branch and landing in a roll

Jaune exclaims her name "Ruby!"

The blonde girl, as Ruby stands up, back on the ground, likewise exclaims, "Ruby!"

Ruby excitedly returns, "Yang!" raises her arms as if to give her sister a hug "Nora!" Nora says as she comes between the two and knocking them off-balance in surprise.

The scorpion Grimm, despite lacking a tail, continues to follow Pyrrha as she runs.

Blake asks, "Did she just run all the way here with a Death Stalker on her tail?"

Yang, getting angrier until she growls and erupts in a small burst of fire, eyes flashing red, cries, "I can't take it anymore! Can everyone just chill out for two seconds before something crazy happens again?!"

The tick-tock of a clock counts down the two seconds of Yang cooling down, Ren running over to a ditzy Nora, and Blake and Ruby looking up. "Umm... Yang?" Ruby tugs on her sister's sleeve and points*

Up above, Weiss is revealed to be hanging on a talon the size of her entire body that belongs to a gigantic Nevermore.

Weiss, calls down to Ruby, "How could you leave me?!"

Ruby shouts up at Weiss, "I said 'jump'!"

Blake says, "She's gonna fall." Ruby says, "She'll be fine."

Ren says, "She's falling."

Liam sighs as he unholsters his revolver, Dixie Spirit. "Guess it's my turn," he says without being asked. Using his semblance, "derecho," he produces a powerful pressure differential that he chooses to propel a powerful blast of wind upward to counteract Weiss' fall.

Samson grins at Liam's display of skill before turning to the rest of you. "Well, looks like we got us a team now," he says with a chuckle. "Let's go finish this fight and see what that temple holds." Hefting Heartstopper onto his shoulder, Samson leads the way towards the Nevermore, leaving behind him a trail of dust and determination.

As Pyrrha crash-lands in front of the group, Yang sarcastically says that now that the entire group has gathered at the location, they can die together. Ruby decides to take out the Death Stalker on her own, but her attacks prove ineffective against its thick armor. Realizing this, she puts Crescent Rose away and flees toward the other students. The Nevermore fires a barrage of feathers, one of which pins Ruby's cape to the ground, trapping her.

As the Death Stalker catches up to Ruby, it raises its stinger to strike her. Yang, too far away to reach her in time, helplessly reaches for Ruby, and Weiss speeds over to Ruby and uses Ice Dust to freeze the Death Stalker's stinger in place. While she criticizes Ruby for her childish and dim-witted behavior, Weiss admits that she herself has been difficult as well. Since they must work together, Weiss promises to be nicer as long as Ruby stops trying to show off, and Ruby states that she was merely trying to prove herself.

Ruby points out that the group's mission is simply to retrieve "relics" and return to the cliff, not to dispatch the Death Stalker and Nevermore. As such, she feels the group should leave the temple while they have the chance, and her classmates agree. Ruby grabs a white knight piece, Jaune grabs a white rook piece, and the students flee. However, the Death Stalker breaks free of the ice and gives chase with the Nevermore, forcing the group to face them. The battle leads to a ruined structure in the middle of a canyon, where the group splits into two. Ruby, Weiss, Blake and Yang work together to behead the Nevermore, while Jaune, Nora, Pyrrha and Ren send the Death Stalker plummeting into the canyon with its head impaled by its own stinger.

"Thanks," they all say in unison before looking at each other, realizing what just happened. They exchange glances, some exchanging grins and nods while others look a little less enthusiastic about the prospect. "So... does this mean we're a team now?" Blake asks cautiously. "Guess it does," Samson says with a shrug. "We've all got each other's backs, right?"

Later, at Beacon Academy, Ozpin forms the teams. The first team consists of Paul Bonjean, Samson Onyx, Liam Pecos and Laurel Chesney, forming Team POLC, pronounced "Polk(a)," led by Paul. The next team is Jaune, Nora, Pyrrha and Ren, forming Team JNPR, pronounced "Juniper," with Jaune serving as its leader. Finally, Ruby, Weiss, Blake and Yang form Team RWBY, pronounced "Ruby," with Ruby leading the team. Afterwards, Ozpin notes that it seems this will be an interesting year.

As you all walk towards your new dorm, Samson gives Liam a friendly jab in the ribs and says, "You know, I've been meaning to ask... What do you mean by 'derecho', anyway?" Liam grins, adjusting his hat. "Well, it's my semblance," he explains, tapping his revolver, "The power of the wind at my command." He takes a bow and continues, "But enough about that! How about we get to know each other better?" "Sounds like a plan," Laurel says with a smile. She looks over at you, Paul. "You mind if I ask where you're from? You've got quite the... unique look."

Liam nods in agreement, "That's right! And we're gonna do it together, as one big happy family," he says with a wide grin, slapping Samson on the back. Laurel looks at you both and says, "Well... I guess that settles it then."

As you arrive at your new dorm room, you quickly unpack and get settled in. The two-person room is surprisingly spacious and well-lit, with three sets of bunk beds lining the walls. A large window overlooks the training grounds below, giving you a perfect view of all the activity. There's also a small study nook in the corner, complete with a desk, chairs, and bookshelves.

After making sure everything is where it should be, Liam flops down on his top bunk and sighs contentedly. "Man..."

"Oh, yeah," Laurel drawls as she stands up from the windowsill and brushes off her pants, "I figured you guys would appreciate this." She turns around to where she had produced a pitcher of apple juice from the fridge. "Try some!"

Samson rolls over in his bunk, groaning as he stretches lazily. "What's going on?" he yawns. When Laurel fills him in about the apple tree and the juice, his eyes widen with delight. "That's amazing, Laurel! Can I have some too?" Liam, still lying in bed, nods in agreement. "Yeah, that would be great." Samson climbs down from his top bunk and pours himself a glass of the sweet liquid before handing it to Liam. They both take big gulps, their eyes closing in bliss as they savor the taste. "Thanks, Laurel," Liam mumbles between mouthfuls. "This is just what we needed." Samson nods in agreement, already looking forward to breakfast now that there's some fresh juice in his system.

Samson, Liam, and Paul make their way to class, chatting amiably as they go. They exchange knowing glances when they see Team JNPR and RWBY hurrying down the hallway, clearly running late. "Guess that's what you get for not setting your alarm clocks," Samson says with a grin before shrugging it off.

They finally reach their classroom, which is filled with an assortment of weapons and armor. The teacher, Professor Port, looks up from his desk and raises an eyebrow at them as they enter. "Ah, good morning, boys," he says warmly. "I trust you're all ready for today's lesson."

The three nod in unison, taking seats at the front of the class.

The sight of an axe-blunderbuss weapon pans down to the boards displaying various species of Grimm - King Taijitu, Death Stalker, Beowolf, Boarbatusk, Nevermore, and Ursa - behind Professor Port.

Port begins, "Monsters! Deeeemons... Prowlers of the night! Yes, the creatures of Grimm have many names, but I merely refer to them as prey! Ha-ha!"

The members of RWBY, arrived just recently and seated on the front row, are in varying stages of interest; Blake and Yang are sitting up and paying attention, Weiss is taking notes, and Ruby has her head propped in her hand as she takes a quick nap until she is woken back up by Port's bad joke, which receives a cricket-filled silence as a result. "Uhhhh... And you shall too, upon graduating from this prestigious academy! Now, as I was saying: Vale, as well as the other three kingdoms, are safe havens in an otherwise treacherous world! Our planet is absolutely teeming with creatures that would love nothing more than to tear you to pieces! And that's where we come in. Huntsmen! Huntresses..." gives Yang a wink, which she groans uncomfortably at "Individuals who have sworn to protect those who cannot protect themselves! From what, you ask? Why, the very world!"

Liam raises his fist and cheers, "Ayyyy-yep!"

Port clears his throat and continues, "That is what you are training to become. But first: A story. A tale of a young, handsome man... Me! When I was a boy..."

His words fade into the background (and a series of 'blah's) when Weiss notices Ruby is very focused on penciling the paper in front of her.

Port can be heard saying "...Despite smelling of cabbages, my grandfather was a wise man. 'Peter', he told me..."

The speech evolves into more 'blah's as Ruby chuckles at her creation and shows it to her teammates: a ball-with-limbs-and-a-head drawing of the teacher with stink lines coming from him and 'Professor Poop' written underneath. Ruby blows a quick raspberry. Blake and Yang laugh, but Weiss looks annoyed.

"Ah-heh-hem!" Port clears his throat as he waits until he has their attention again. "In the end, the Beowolf was no match for my sheer tenacity, and I returned to my village with the beast in captivity and my head held high, celebrated as a hero!"

The teacher takes a bow as Weiss slowly gets more and more frustrated with Ruby's antics. "The moral of this story? A true Huntsman must be honorable!" Ruby is balancing an apple on a book with her pencil held only by her finger while making a silly face. "A true Huntsman must be dependable!" Ruby has fallen asleep again in the first class of the year. "A true Huntsman must be strategic, well-educated, and wise!"

Ruby is not-so-subtly picking her nose, much to Weiss' building anger. "So, who among you believes themselves to be the embodiment of these traits?"

Weiss angrily raises her hand and says, "I do, sir!"

Port cheerfully replies, "Well, then, let's find out!" turns to gesture at the glowing red eyes surrounded by shadow shaking the cage that traps it "Step forward, and face your opponent!" The unknown monster continues to growl

As the class watches, Weiss confidently strides up to the cage, Myrtenaster drawn and ready. She has changed into her battle outfit and is armed with Myrtenaster as Peter Port releases a Boarbatusk into the classroom for her to fight.

After repeatedly silencing a cheering Ruby Rose, Weiss is momentarily disarmed, the Grimm having locked Myrtenaster in its tusks and tossed it across the room. She is unable to retrieve her weapon but manages to use a glyph to block the beast's attack before retrieving her rapier and launching a counterattack. She defeats it by stabbing it in the stomach, a strategy which Weiss had snapped at Ruby for suggesting earlier.

The class breaks out into applause as Professor Port congratulates her on their victory.

"Well," she says, her voice barely above a whisper, "I was wondering if... if you'd like to go out sometime? Just the two of us, I mean." She looks down at her feet, shuffling them awkwardly.

"Really?" Laurel's eyes widen in surprise and relief, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Great! How about we head over to the Breezeway after dinner tonight? There's this really nice spot overlooking the gardens where we can talk." She grins shyly at you.

As Paul and Laurel make their way to the breezeway, she can't help but marvel at how different it feels from the city where she grew up. The stars are brighter here, the air cleaner, and the quiet... soothing. She takes a deep breath, feeling more relaxed than she has in months.

"So," Laurel says as they find a comfortable spot on a park bench, "tell me about yourself, Paul."

He laughs, shaking his head. "Well, what do you want to know?" They spend the next few hours talking - about their families, their hobbies, their dreams for the future. Laurel finds herself truly enjoying Paul's company; he listens intently when she speaks and always has something interesting to add to the conversation.

Before they realize it, the sun is starting to rise in the distance.

Laurel looks up at him, her eyes shining with happiness. "Yeah," she agrees softly. "It's beautiful." She glances away for a moment, lost in thought, before returning her gaze to Paul. "Thanks for coming with me tonight. I had a really nice time."

He smiles warmly down at her. "Me too, Laurel. You're an interesting person. And beautiful as well," he adds with a wink. She blushes slightly and looks away again, but the compliment makes her feel good inside. They sit in companionable silence for a while longer, enjoying the peacefulness of the early morning before parting ways to get some sleep.

As she walks back to their dorm, Laurel can't help but smile to herself. Maybe this new school year won't be so bad after all.

The two walk back to the dorm in comfortable silence, enjoying each other's company and the beautiful scenery. As they part ways at their doors, Paul gives Laurel a soft kiss on her cheek before he heads off to bed. She smiles dreamily as she watches him go, already looking forward to their next date.

That night, as Laurel drifts off to sleep, she can't help but feel grateful for the new friends she's made at Beacon Academy. Even though they all come from different backgrounds and have different skills, they seem to get along just fine. And Paul... well, he's something special. She dreams of spending more time with him, exploring the city and getting to know each other better.

The next day, Laurel wakes up feeling refreshed and excited for whatever adventures the new day may bring.

The rest of the week passes by in a blur of classes, training sessions, and study hall. Despite their initial reservations about each other, Laurel finds herself becoming closer with her teammates Paul, Liam, and Samson. They spend most of their free time together, exploring Vale and discussing their dreams for the future. Paul remains a constant presence in her life, and she can't help but feel a growing affection for him.

By the end of the week, Laurel feels like she belongs here at Beacon Academy. The city of Vale has grown on her, and she's discovered new passions within herself thanks to her teammates and teachers. She can't wait to see what the future holds for them all.

On Saturday morning, they decide to venture out into the forest surrounding Vale on a field trip.

"I know," Laurel sighs, looking down at her feet as they trudge through the leaves. "It's just... frustrating, you know? I thought that once I got to Beacon, things would be different. That people would finally listen to me." She kicks a rock out of her way, sending it skittering across the forest floor.

Laurel looks up at him, hope flickering in her eyes for a moment before being extinguished again. "Yeah," she says quietly. "I guess." She falls silent as they continue walking through the forest, lost in thought. After several minutes of hiking, they come across a small clearing with a picturesque pond at its center. The water is crystal-clear and surrounded by lush red leaves. Laurel has disappeared off to the side somewhere, leaving Paul to admire the view with Liam and Samson.

"Ah, yeah," Liam agrees, "that's some beautiful scenery right there." Samson nods in agreement before looking around the clearing, curiosity getting the better of him. "Hey, Laurel? You okay?" he calls out, but there's no reply. They exchange concerned glances.

"Maybe she found a quiet spot to take a nap or something," Paul suggests. Liam and Samson look uncertain; it's not like Laurel has ever been one for naps. Still, they decide to give her some space. After all, she is going through a lot right now. They sit down by the edge of the pond, watching the ripples spread out from where they land and contemplating what they can do to help their teammate feel more at home in this new place.

A few minutes later, Laurel returns, looking refreshed. "Sorry about that."

"It sounds like it's coming from the other side of the forest," Laurel says, frowning as she listens carefully to the distant roar. "We should probably head back and let the others know." They begin their return journey through the woods, moving a little faster now in anticipation of encountering whatever has made that terrible sound. As they continue deeper into the forest, Laurel glances over at Paul, her expression softening.

"Thanks for being there for me today," she says quietly. "I don't know what I'd do without you and the others." He smiles warmly down at her, feeling a surge of protectiveness towards his teammate. They continue on together, now more alert than ever as they near the source of the Ursa's roar.

"It's a long story," Pyrrha answers indirectly. After helping the jock up, whose name is Cardin, Jaune orders him to never mess with his team and his friends again. Jaune walks away from Cardin, who looks both intimidated and apologetic.

They all return to Beacon and the rest of the night seemingly without issue.

The next day, as everyone returns to class, the tension from the previous night's events still lingers in the air. Professor Port begins his lecture on Grimm anatomy, unaware that a particularly large and aggressive Ursa has been sighted nearby. The air of apprehension thickens as the students exchange worried glances.

As the lecture progresses, Laurel can't help but feel grateful for her teammates, including Paul, Liam, Samson, and even Pyrrha and Jaune, who were there to back them up against Cardin. She also notices that Weiss seems to be paying extra attention to Ruby during the class, almost as if she's trying to warn her about something.

The day drags on, with everyone growing increasingly anxious about what might happen next.

"Oh, like how we'll win and show everyone up?" Samson chuckles. "I'm all for it."

Laurel nods in agreement. "Yes, the festival sounds like a great opportunity to show off our skills...and have some fun while doing it!" She grins, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Well," Liam says thoughtfully, "we should probably focus on improving our teamwork first. You know, before we start thinking about winning." He glances at Paul and Laurel. "Right?"

The three of them exchange glances, nodding in agreement. "I'm down with that," Samson says with a shrug. "As long as we keep practicing and getting better, I think we've got a shot at doing well." Laurel smiles warmly at him before turning back to Paul.

"Speaking of practice..." she begins, trailing off as her eyes wander over to the training fields nearby. "Do you want to go spar after lunch?" She looks hopeful, clearly eager to improve their skills and strengthen their bond as a team.

As we train together, I can't help but admire Laurel's passion for her work. She has this way of making even the most complex botanical concepts sound both fascinating and achievable. It's inspiring to see someone so dedicated to their studies, especially given how much she's been through already.

One day during lunch, someone, (namely Liam) decides to bring up something that's been on their mind. "Hey Laurel," Liam says, sitting beside her on a park bench. "I know you have strong feelings about your methods for reclaiming Grimm lands. Have you ever considered teaming up with someone who has different ideas? Maybe you could learn from each other and come up with something even better."

She pauses for a moment, considering his words. Finally, she snaps.

"No!" Laurel says emphatically, her cheeks flushing with anger. "My methods are the best ones! They've worked before and they'll work again! I don't need some outsider telling me how to do my job." She takes a deep breath, trying to calm down. "Sorry," she mumbles after a moment. "I just... I've put so much time into this, you know?"

Liam nods understandingly. "Yeah, I get that. But maybe if you were willing to listen to other perspectives..." He trails off, not wanting to push her any further.

After a few more moments of silence, Laurel sighs heavily and rubs at her eyes. "You're right, Liam," she says begrudgingly. "I should at least consider it." She looks up at him with a small smile.

Throughout the rest of the semester, Laurel's passion only seems to grow stronger. Her presentations become more and more engaging as she delves deeper into her research, often losing herself in the intricacies of plant succession methods. While this newfound intensity is impressive, it sometimes leaves her teammates feeling like they're struggling to keep up. They exchange worried glances during meetings when vines or branches sway unexpectedly under their table, evidence of Laurel's growing control over her abilities.

Still, they remain supportive and encouraging, knowing that she has the best interests of Beacon Academy at heart. As the days go by and graduation draws closer, they can't help but wonder what the future holds for their teammate. Will she continue to push herself to new heights, or will she finally find a balance between her studies and her personal life?

"I think it's just the pressure getting to her," Samson says, shrugging. "She'll be fine once she gets back into the swing of things."

Weiss frowns, looking unconvinced. "Maybe... but I don't like how distant she's become. We should keep an eye on her and make sure she knows we're here for her if she needs us." She glances at Jaune meaningfully, who nods in agreement.

Pyrrha sighs. "I think you're right, Weiss. We need to talk to Laurel about how she's feeling and make sure everything's okay." The others nod in agreement, looking concerned for their teammate.

As they prepare for the new semester, they all vow to keep an eye on Laurel and be there for her if she needs them.

"Thank you, Paul." Laurel looks up at him with a soft smile, the light in her eyes making his heart skip a beat. "I've just been trying to do my best for Beacon and everyone who lives here. It's nice to see it finally paying off." She gestures around them at the thriving garden.

But beneath the surface, a deeper pain grows. Laurel's internal monologue rings of how, for every acre we reclaim, they destroy ten more. Dust mining. Grimm battles. We're not healing the world - we're just prolonging its destruction.

"Force of habit? Do tell," inquires Laurel.

Laurel listens intently, her expression thoughtful. "That's... interesting," she says after a moment. "It reminds me of some stories my grandmother used to tell me about faeries and other spirits that could take animal forms." She pauses, looking up at the sky where the raven had disappeared. "I wonder if there's any truth to them..."

Her voice trails off as she continues to watch the empty sky, lost in thought. For a moment, Paul wonders if perhaps Laurel has experienced something similar during her travels between worlds and realities. But before he can ask, she shrugs and turns back to him with a small smile.

"Anyway, thanks for sharing that story. It's always nice to hear about other people's cultures and legends. Seeing how connected they are to the environment is very telling of how important the natural world is."

"I suppose so," Laurel says with a shrug, not quite meeting his eye. "It's just... sometimes I feel like it's too much. Like there are so many things that need to be fixed, and I can only do so much on my own." She sighs heavily, looking tired.

"But then again," she continues after a moment, her voice taking on a determined tone, "I remind myself that every little bit helps. And as long as I keep fighting, keep pushing forward, eventually things will get better." Her expression softens and she reaches out to take his hand in hers. "And having you by my side makes all the difference, Paul. Thank you for being there for me."

The sincerity in her voice makes it difficult for him not to smile back at her. He squeezes her hand gently before letting go and wrapping an arm around her shoulders instead, pulling her close.

"Thanks, Paul," Laurel says with a bright smile, obviously pleased by his reaction to her kiss. "I appreciate it more than you know." She leans into him, enjoying the warmth and comfort of his embrace.

For a few moments they stand there in silence, simply enjoying each other's company. Then Laurel glances up at Paul and grins mischievously. "So," she says, her voice lowering to a husky whisper, "would you like to see more of these?" Before he can respond, she plants another quick kiss on his cheek, making him blush even harder.

"Mmm, we'll just have to see about that," Laurel teases, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "But for now," she continues, sighing dramatically, "I really should get going. I promised Weiss and Jaune I'd help them out with something today."

"See you later, Paul." Laurel smiles warmly before turning to leave, her movements graceful and confident despite the brief moment of vulnerability she shared with him earlier. As she walks away, he can't help but feel a twinge of regret that they won't be spending more time together today.

Still, he knows she has important things to do for Beacon, and he respects her dedication. Maybe another time they'll have the chance to explore their feelings further... or maybe not. For now, all he can do is support Laurel from afar and hope that she finds the peace and balance she so desperately seeks.

With a deep breath, Paul turns his attention back to his studies, determined to make the most of the rest of the day.

You continue to observe Blake throughout the class, noticing her subtle reactions to various things going on around her. She seems to be very attentive and focused on what's happening, but at the same time, she appears to be struggling with something internal. It's almost as if there's a battle raging inside her mind. You had heard something peculiar happened with her last semester, but you never got the full story.

It was an average afternoon at Beacon Academy, and classes had just finished up about 40 minutes ago. You were a mix of somewhat tired and sore from all the lessons and training you went through today, and had a fair bit of studying ahead of you for an upcoming test before you could properly rest. Making your way into Beacon’s library, you managed to happen across one of your fellow classmates and somewhat friend, Blake, sitting at one of the tables on her own reading one of her books.

As you approach Blake's table in the library, her attention doesn't immediately shift from her book. However, out of the corner of her eye she catches sight of your massive form and does a double take, clearly taken aback for a moment before blushing slightly and quickly averting her gaze back to her book. She offers you a small smile in greeting before returning to her reading.

"Oh, hey Paul," Blake says with another small smile. "I'm... not really sure how I feel about it, to be honest." She shrugs and takes a sip from her mug before continuing. "It's just been kind of hard lately, you know? Trying to keep up with everything, plus all that stuff that happened last semester... It's been tough."

You can tell she wants to talk about it more, but she doesn't want to burden you with her problems. You nod understandingly and offer a comforting word or two, encouraging her to keep at it and remember that everyone goes through rough patches sometimes. She seems grateful for the support and smiles warmly before returning to her reading.

As the afternoon passes and the library begins to empty out, you find yourself spending more time chatting with Blake.

Blake glances over at you, a look of surprise and embarrassment crossing her face as she realizes what's going on with the bow. "Oh, uh... yeah, I'm fine," she says quickly, trying to brush it off. "It's just... it's nothing," She insists quietly. "Just a trick of the light... or my imagination."

She hesitates for a moment before adding,

"But thank you for asking."

You nod and change the subject, wanting to put Blake at ease as much as possible. As you continue talking, you can't help but notice that her bow continues to move in response to your questions and comments. It almost seems like it's alive...

"What do you mean?"

Blake asks, her voice wavering slightly as she tries to play it off.

"It's nothing!"

Blake's eyes go wide with surprise as she looks over at where the eraser landed, her cheeks flushing even more deeply now.

"I-it's just an illusion, I,"

she stammers, trying to play it off as nothing important. But despite her protests, there's a hint of embarrassment in her voice that betrays her. She is rushing to grab her things and head out the door. You need to say something to stop her, quick...

Blake's eyes widen as she catches sight of the bison horns poking out from your hair, and her jaw drops in surprise. For a moment, she looks like she's about to say something, but then her expression shifts into one of relief, and she lets out a small laugh.

"I... I had no idea," she says, her voice shaky with emotion. "I thought I was the only one..." She sits down heavily in the chair opposite you, looking relieved to have finally shared this secret with someone. "It's been so hard keeping it hidden, you know? Everyone thinks faunus like me are just animals in disguise... but we're so much more than that." Her eyes meet yours earnestly as she continues, "Thank you for understanding, Paul."

You nod solemnly, not quite sure what else to say.

Blake hesitates for a moment, looking uncomfortable as she glances around the library before finally nodding slowly.

"Alright,"

she says quietly, gathering her things into her arms.

"Let's go."

Blake takes a deep breath before sitting down in another bean bag opposite you, carefully arranging her hair to hide her ears again. "Yeah," she says quietly, staring at the floor as she picks at one of the threads on her shirt. "I've been trying to pass as human ever since I came here. But I... I was in the White Fang for a while."

Blake explains she was practically "born into" the White Fang organization in Menagerie. From early in her life, she was involved in the organization's protests against the unfair and discriminatory treatment of Faunus. It is clear that she continued as an active supporter of the organization despite its turn to militancy approximately five years before she enrolled at Beacon Academy.

Despite her later-expressed misgivings at the organization trying to gain respect through fear, she fought alongside other members of the organization and was clearly trained to become a proficient guerrilla fighter. "I decided I no longer wanted to use my skills to aid in their violence," Blake eventually says. "Instead, I would dedicate my life to becoming a Huntress."

Blake looks away, her expression unreadable as she takes a deep breath.

"I have... and sometimes it's hard to forget."

She glances back at you, studying your face for a moment before continuing in a softer voice.

"Thank you... for being understanding. For not treating me like I'm some monster."

She pauses again, hesitating before asking,

"Can I ask you something?"

"Have you ever felt like you didn't belong somewhere?"

Her expression is almost hopeful, as if she's looking for reassurance or understanding.

"I mean... I know you're part of the team and everything, but with Weiss being so uptight and Ruby always doing her own thing..."

She trails off, shrugging helplessly.

"Oh," Blake says, her expression visibly softening at the mention of Yang. "Yeah... I guess I do feel like we're kinda alike in that way." She pauses for a moment, thinking about it, before continuing more quietly. "I mean... she can be really annoying sometimes, but... I think we understand each other."

There's a brief silence as Blake stares at the floor, lost in thought. Then, after a moment, she looks back up at you and gives you a small smile.

"Thanks for listening," she says. "It means more than you know."

the physical gesture is sudden but seemingly not unwanted. Blake laughs softly, leaning into your touch.

"Yeah, I guess we do,"

she says with a contented sigh.

"Thanks again."

She glances down at her book bag for a moment before looking back up at you.

"So... um... would you mind if I asked you something else?"

Blake hesitates, biting her lower lip as she searches for the right words. ""Well..."

Blake hesitates, looking away briefly before meeting your gaze again with blush spread across her face.

"Could you keep doing that?"

Blake blushes deeper and points at your hand, which had been ruffling her hair moments ago. "You know... rub my head like that."

There was an almost shy tone now, something rarely anyone heard.

"It feels nice..."

Blake closes her eyes, her expression relaxing as she leans into your touch. "Mmm... yeah," she murmurs contentedly. "It feels really good." She pauses for a moment before looking up at you with a crooked smile. "Thanks, Paul. Thank you... for everything today,"

she says sincerely, opening her eyes and looking at you with gratitude.

"I needed this so bad."

Blake's eyes flutter shut, her expression serene as she nestles further into your lap. "I... I am," she confesses with a soft sigh. "Sorry, it just... feels so good." She purrs again, leaning against you trustingly. For the first time since they met, Blake is truly at ease and comfortable around another person.

Blake blushes deeper, her ears twitching slightly as she glances up at you from beneath her lashes. "I... thank you," she mumbles shyly, nuzzling into your hand. The tension that had been present before is all but gone now; in its place is a sense of peace and closeness that neither of them have experienced in quite some time.

As the afternoon wears on, they continue to talk, sharing stories about their lives and their dreams for the future. Blake finds herself opening up more than she ever has before, confiding in you about her fears and doubts as well as her hopes and aspirations. In return, you listen attentively, offering words of encouragement and support whenever they're needed.

Eventually, it grows late enough that they both need to head back to their rooms to study for next week.

Blake giggles, shaking her head as she stands up from the beanbag. "I don't know about that... but it might be worth a try." She glances at the clock, then back at you with a small smile. "Thank you again for listening today, Paul. It really means a lot."

She hesitates for a moment before asking, "Do you want to hang out sometime... outside of school?" There's an almost nervous edge to her voice as she says it, like she's not sure if she should be offering or if you'll accept.

You nod, smiling warmly at her. "I'd like that."

Blake looks surprised at your offer, her eyes widening as she takes the bow from you and instinctively runs her fingers over its surface. "T-thank you," she stammers, clearly touched by your gesture. She glances around briefly before slipping it into her backpack, making sure to secure it carefully.

"I'd like that," she repeats softly, her cheeks flushing slightly as they walk towards the exit of the library together.

It was a late evening at Beacon Academy, and you decided that this was the perfect time to get in a couple of sessions at the Academy’s gym, since it would be unlikely it would be as crowded as it often was in the day. Once you arrived, you were greeted by the sight of a lone patron, a rather familiar looking blonde with long golden locks like a yellow dragon bouncing with each step as she ran on the treadmill.

You can't help but notice the blonde girl on the treadmill, running at an impressive pace. She seems to be in her own world, focused entirely on keeping up with her workout. You find yourself wondering what could possibly be going through her mind... or maybe you should just focus on your own training for now.

With each repetition of your wrist curls, you feel a burning sensation in your biceps as they strain to lift the weight.

The blonde girl on the treadmill glances in your direction a few more times, seemingly unable to keep her eyes off you as she continues to run at an impressive pace. You can't help but wonder what it is about you that has caught her attention... or perhaps if there's any way to strike up a conversation without being too forward.

"Yeah," she says with a nod, her expression somewhere between surprise and amusement. "And you must be Paul." She glances at the weights in your hand before adding, "I've heard good things about your training from Ruby." Her blue eyes sparkle as she looks up at you, and there's something challenging in them that makes it impossible for you to look away.

"So," she continues, her tone suddenly more casual, "what brings you here tonight? Just trying to keep up with your training?"

You hesitate for a moment before answering. "Well... yeah, mostly. But I also wanted to get in some extra practice working on my wrist strength." You gesture towards the dumbbells in your hand as you say this, feeling a bit self-conscious under her intense gaze.

Yang hums thoughtfully before nodding. "I can respect that."

Yang grins at your comment, her expression suddenly lighter. "Well, maybe not everyone's here for the same reasons," she says with a knowing smirk. "But yeah, I guess you could say that." She takes a deep breath before continuing, more seriously now. "Look, Paul... I know we haven't really talked much since I joined the team, but I want you to know that I appreciate everything you've done for us. You're not just another teammate; you're one of our leaders."

Her words surprise and touch you in equal measure. You swallow hard before mustering a grateful smile.

"Oh, don't thank me too much," she says with a wave of her hand, dismissing your gratitude. "It's not like I had anything better to do." Her smile turns playful now as she teases you good-naturedly. "But seriously... I just wanted to say thanks for being so understanding and supportive, especially with everything that's been going on lately."

She pauses, studying your face before continuing more softly, "I know it hasn't been easy for you either, with Weiss and all..." Her voice trails off, leaving the unspoken thought hanging between the two of you.

You glance down at the weights in your hand, suddenly feeling a bit self-conscious about how much weight you're lifting compared to her.

"Well, you don't have to worry about that around me,"

Yang says with a grin.

"I'm more of a fan of woodworking myself."

She nods at you as if sharing some sort of unspoken understanding.

"And as for my specialty... I prefer my fists and feet. You know, the old-fashioned way."

"Ah, you mean like smashing things with your bare hands?"

Yang teases, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"I've seen you fight before, and I'll admit... you do have a certain charm to your style."

She pauses for a moment, considering something.

"But don't you think it might be good to learn a few more moves? You know, just in case?"

Yang hums in agreement, her expression thoughtful as she watches Ruby on the treadmill. "Ruby's got a lot of potential, that's for sure."

"Oh yeah?"

Yang's voice holds a hint of amusement as she glances back at you.

"And what would that be?"

You shrug, trying to look casual.

"Well, you both seem pretty strong-willed... and determined."

You let the words hang in the air for a moment before adding with a grin,

"And I've seen you two go toe-to-toe in practice more than once."

Yang lets out a loud laugh, throwing her head back.

"You're not wrong about that,"

but then after stretching out, Yang says,

"but she IS my baby sister."

Yang nods, her expression softening.

"Yeah, she's younger than me... and the only family I really have left beyond our dad."

She pauses for a moment, lost in thought, before shaking it off with another laugh.

"But that's...a sensitive topic."

You smile understandingly, unable to hide your amusement at the idea of feisty little Ruby being related to this imposing figure before you.

Yang laughs, rubbing her shoulder where you hit it. "Don't worry about it," she says easily. "It's nice to meet someone who actually listens and understands what I'm saying." There's a hint of sadness in her voice as she says this, but she quickly shrugs it off with a determined look on her face. "Anyway, enough about me. What else have you been up to lately?"

She glances over at the weights in your hand again, curiosity and respect mingling in her eyes. You feel a warmth spread through your chest at her genuine interest and acceptance. Perhaps she's not as tough as she pretends to be after all... or maybe it's just you who manages to see past the facade.

Yang tilts her head slightly, considering the question carefully before answering. "Honestly? I think Blake's...well, she's got a lot of potential. She's smart and strong, but sometimes she needs to learn when it's okay to ask for help." Her expression turns thoughtful as she continues, "I just hope she can find her place on the team, you know? I think once she does that...she'll be unstoppable."

There's an intensity in her voice when she speaks of Blake that makes it clear how much faith Yang has in her. You nod, feeling a sense of admiration welling up inside you for this tough-as-nails fighter who seems to have such a soft spot beneath all the surface bravado.

Yang's face flushes slightly, and she looks away uncomfortably before mumbling, "I... I dunno." She pauses for a moment, hesitating before meeting your gaze again. "She's not like any of the other faunus I've met before. There's just something about her...something special."

You can tell that she's struggling to put her feelings into words. It's almost as if she's afraid of admitting this to herself, let alone someone else. "I mean," she continues, her voice growing more confident, "she's a great fighter and an even better person. We could all learn a thing or two from her."

There's no missing the fondness in her expression as she speaks of Blake. It's clear that whatever is developing between them, it's far deeper than just friendship.

You nod understandingly, feeling a strange sense of kinship with her as she struggles to articulate these complex emotions. "I can see why you'd feel that way," you say softly, your own voice taking on a more gentle tone. "Blake is...she's special."

You pause for a moment, considering how best to put what you want to say next. "Maybe...if she needs someone to talk to, or just hang out with, maybe I could help her find her place on the team. Or even just...be that person for her."

Yang's eyes widen in surprise at your offer, and for a moment she seems unsure how to respond. Finally, she manages a small smile and gives you a grateful nod. "Thank you," she whispers, her voice barely audible above the hum of the treadmill. "That means a lot."

As the two of you continue to talk, Yang seems more at ease around you, laughing and joking easily as she tells stories about her past, both in training and growing up with her sister, Ruby. There's a genuine warmth in her eyes whenever she looks at you, and it feels good to be so accepted by someone like her.

Eventually, the gym begins to empty out, and Yang glances longingly at her phone before sighing and stretching one more time. "Guess I should get going," she says with a small smile. "Thanks for keeping me company tonight."

You nod in understanding, unable to hide your own reluctance to end the conversation just yet. As she begins to walk away, you can't help but wonder what other adventures you might share together... and where this newfound friendship might lead.

As the day arrives, you and your teammates prepare to visit Laurel. You all arm yourselves with weapons and dust, just in case she has somehow become involved with the White Fang for some reason.

After days of searching, they finally find a lead on Laurel's whereabouts. It seems she's been supposedly meeting with someone named Adam Taurus in an abandoned warehouse outside of town. The team decides it's time to confront him and get some answers. As they approach the warehouse, they split up into pairs; Ruby and Nora, Jaune and Weiss, Blake and Pyrrha, and Paul with Samson.

"Yes, he's in position," Samson replies just as quietly, his gaze fixed on the warehouse ahead. "You sure about this, Paul? You lov-"

As you and Samson slip inside the warehouse, there is a hint of something wrong in the way the trees and plants seem to be leaning towards the group members. The sounds of chatter grow louder as you approach a makeshift barricade blocking further passage. Through a small gap in the wooden planks, you see figures moving about on the other side.

You spot what you think is Laurel standing centrally, her back turned. She may have said something along the lines of, "If they won't listen... I'll make them understand."

At Paul's shout, everyone freezes in place as they too notice the strange glow coming from the walls and ceiling of the warehouse. It becomes clear that this entire building is an illusion, a trap set up by someone to ambush them.

Before anyone can react further, however, shots ring out from outside the warehouse. They all turn to see Liam standing there, his revolver smoking as he takes aim at something beyond their field of vision.

"Get out of here!"

he yells at them. "This whole building's an illusion!"

As you and Samson rush to join Liam in supporting your friends, the battle around you intensifies. The White Fang members seem to be falling one by one under the combined firepower of Team RWBY, JNPR, and POLC. But there's something...off about this fight. It feels strange, almost like they're not fighting at full strength.

As the battle rages on, each team member fights with all their might against the White Fang assassins. Even though they are outnumbered and caught off guard, they manage to hold their own thanks to their training and teamwork. However, as hard as they search, Laurel remains elusive throughout the fight. The sound of approaching sirens signals that reinforcements from Beacon Academy are on their way.

Finally, after what seems like an eternity, the last White Fang assassin falls to their sword.

As the last White Fang assassin falls, silence descends upon the battlefield. Slowly but surely, your teammates begin to emerge from their hiding spots and regroup around you. Some are wounded, others are visibly shaken by the fight, but they all seem relieved that it's finally over.

"Where's Laurel?" Ruby asks quietly, her eyes darting about uneasily. "She should be here."

You take a deep breath and turn to face your friends. "I don't know," you admit, hesitating before continuing. "But I think we need to find her fast. If she's involved with this...if she was ever our friend..." You trail off, unable to finish the thought.

Weiss looks at you grimly. "Agreed." She says, then addresses her teammates. "Where could she have gone?"

"Liam? Pyrrha? Liam responded?" Samson asks, frowning in concern. "Nikos and Pecos were supposed to cover the south flank."

Everyone exchanges worried glances as they consider their options. "We should split up," Ruby says finally. "Some of us can search for Laurel while others go after Liam and Pyrrha. Hopefully we'll find them both before it's too late."

There's silence for a moment as everyone considers her words. Finally, you nod in agreement. "Okay," you say, "let's do it."

Samson glances at you before looking back ahead, his face grim. "I think it's just nerves," he says quietly. "But... yeah. This place does feel off." He draws his sword, readying himself for whatever they might find.

Together, the two of you press on through the thick underbrush, searching for any sign of your missing teammates. The further you go, the more tense the air becomes. You can't shake the feeling that something is very wrong here...and it has nothing to do with the White Fang.

Finally, you see a clearing up ahead. Voices echo through the trees, and you hurry forward, Samson at your side. As you emerge from the forest, you find Liam and Pyrrha standing back-to-back against a group of strange creatures that look like they're made out of vines and leaves.

"I don't care if it's a mirage, I see something there,"

Ruby growls.

"Let's just be careful."

She takes a deep breath and continues,

"Weiss, Blake, cover me while Samson and Paul flush out whatever's hiding up there."

With that plan in mind, the team readies themselves for battle. Weiss and Blake take up positions at either end of the clearing, their weapons drawn as they watch for any signs of ambush from behind.

"Always,"

Samson grins nervously before rushing out from cover, heading towards the ridge. Paul follows close behind, his axe at the ready. They scramble up the slope as quickly and quietly as they can, watching for any movement that might indicate a trap or an ambush. The ridge comes into view, revealing... nothing. There's no one there.

Confused, Samson turns to Paul, who shrugs helplessly.

"Maybe it was just a trick of the light?"

"I'm not destroying," she tells her shocked teammates. "I'm restoring." The floral networks pulse. The trees lean in. And Laurel Chesney - once the gentlest soul in her huntsman team - becomes something else entirely. Samson, shocked, asks, "Laurel... what are you doing?" Laurel calmly, almost pityingly replies, "Protecting what truly matters." Weiss shouts, "This isn't protection. This is madness!" Laurel offers the SDC heiress a soft laugh. "No. This is balance."

"He's got an army of foliage!"

Blake shouts as the vines begin to writhe and snake around them.

"We need to split up and-"

Her words are cut off by a sudden lunge from one of the tendrils, which knocks her aside with enough force to send her tumbling down the slope.

Ruby curses and readies herself for battle, but before she can act, another vine wraps around her legs and drags her screaming through the dirt.

"Help us!"

A look of horror crosses Pyrrha's face as she watches her teammates get dragged away by the vines. "Samson, Paul, we have to help them!" She turns to Liam. "Liam, can you hold off on your semblance for now? We need to focus on freeing our friends."

Without waiting for a response, Pyrrha takes off at top speed towards the vine that has Blake pinned down. Her shield drawn and an xiphos armed, she aims for the tendril connecting it to Blake, hoping to sever it with a well-placed shot. "Blake! Hang on!"

Meanwhile, Samson and Paul charge towards Ruby, weapons at the ready as they fight their way through the snaking vines. "We've got you, Ruby!" Samson shouts over his shoulder.

"Weiss, do you copy?"

Blake asks, her voice strained from her struggle against the vines. There's no reply.

"Dammit!"

she curses, continuing to thrash helplessly as the tendrils tighten around her.

"We need to find the base and shut it down! Maybe we can stop her from controlling the vines like this!"

There's a brief moment of silence as Blake's words sink in. The forest... it's all connected, isn't it? Every plant, every root, every vine. If Laurel can control that much, she could be anywhere within reach of her powers. The realization hits her like a ton of bricks. Everything that had seemed so natural before now seems sinister. Every rustle in the leaves, every whisper of the wind...

The forest is no longer a passive environment, but a sentient, malevolent organism. Thick, iridescent mist hangs between trees that seem to breathe and pulse. Spores drift like ghostly tendrils, creating hallucinogenic clouds that distort perception. The air itself feels thick and viscous, each breath becoming increasingly difficult as Laurel's plant consciousness saturates the ecosystem. The forest floor ripples and shifts like liquid earth. Treebark peels back to reveal rows of tooth-like splinters. Roots move with predatory intelligence, creating living maze-like pathways. Fungi clusters emit paralyzing spore clouds. Bioluminescent growths pulse with hypnotic, disorienting light patterns

As the mist envelops them, the team finds themselves fighting not only against Laurel's control over the vines and flora, but also their own senses as the hallucinogenic spores disorient them. Pyrrha manages to sever one of the tendrils holding Blake captive with a well-placed slash from her xiphos, freeing her friend at last.

"We have to find Laurel!" Ruby shouts over the din of battle and the eerie whispers of the forest. "She's too powerful out here!"

The team presses on, struggling against the malevolent forces arrayed against them. They fight their way through a thick carpet of spores that coat everything in a sticky film.

"Yes, sir!" As ordered, Jaune and Nora draw their weapons while Liam Pecos backs up to provide cover fire. Together, they begin shooting at the vines surrounding them, hoping to find a weak spot or create an opening. Yang Xiao Long, on the other hand, uses Ember Celica to ignite fire in every direction, trying to clear a path through the foliage.

Meanwhile, Weiss appears on a nearby hilltop with an injured Pyrrha in her arms.

"What happened?" Samson shouts as he continues firing at the tendrils holding people down, eyes darting between Laurel and their friends below.

"Mistletoe speared her, nearly hit her heart!"

"Hold on, Pyrrha," Weiss says urgently as she sets the injured huntress down. "We'll get you to safety." She turns to Samson and Paul. "Keep fighting. Find Laurel. I'll guard our flank here."

With that, she draws her sword and prepares for battle, glaring defiantly at the approaching vines. The rest of the team continues their efforts against the overgrown threat, with Liam, Nora, Yang, Jaune, and more fighting to clear a path towards Laurel while Samson and Paul search for her in the mist-shrouded woods. Samson and Paul continue firing at the vines surrounding Blake and Ruby, trying to provide cover fire while Jaune and Nora focus on burning them off.

"Laurel!"

Samson shouts.

"Why cause all of this??"

As Laurel continues to laugh maniacally, the vines begin to writhe and undulate faster, growing thicker and stronger with each passing second.

"You all don't understand! I speak for the trees!"

She shouts back, her voice laced with madness.

The tendril holding Ruby down finally snaps under the combined assault of her thrashing and Samson's mighty hammer, sending her tumbling free. She scrambles away from the vines as fast as she can, wincing at the pain in her limbs.

Laurel's laughter turns sinister as she finally pauses for breath.

"Oh, I didn't mean to hurt you... just distract you."

She smirks, revealing pointed teeth beneath her lips.

"I only wanted what was best for the forest! But you humans... you wouldn't listen!"

The vines begin to slide toward Laurel, coiling around her like a living armor as she seems to grow stronger with each passing moment.

"Now that I have control of them... now that I am one with the trees... plant life shall reclaim the urban concrete hellscapes of Remnant! We shall bring beauty back to the land! The grimm, as bad as they are, keep man and faunus out of the woods. It's symbiotic, don't you see?"

it is clear something wormed its way into her brain from some dangerous source.

"Oh, no."

Laurel shakes her head, the vines moving with her as if they were a part of her body now.

"I'm not insane. I am the voice of the forest! And the forest gives life and love! That's something a lumberjack, an heiress to a dust mining empire, or any of you understand! Take and take and pollute and invade and infect is all you know!"

As she speaks, the vines begin to writhe faster and faster, coiling around themselves into a massive, thrashing mass that seems to engulf Laurel completely.

Ruby shouts out in frustration as Laurel dodges their attacks with ease, "She's too strong! We need to hit her all at once!" Without waiting for a response, Ruby charges forward and leaps into the air, spinning as she does so that her sword trails behind her like a whirlwind. She aims a powerful kick at Laurel even as her spin brings her around to face her opponent.

Meanwhile, Samson continues his assault from afar with his hammer, trying to wear the plant-girl down until she's vulnerable enough for Ruby and the others to finish off. "Pyrrha, Nora! Help me out here!" he shouts over the din of battle and the rustling leaves. "We need to take her down now!"

As Nora and Pyrrha nod in unison, they begin to fight back against the vines with a renewed vigor. Their blades cut through the plant matter like butter, leaving trails of sap in their wake as they clear a path towards Laurel. Despite their efforts, however, it seems that Laurel is growing stronger by the moment.

"She's absorbing too much energy from the forest!" Ruby cries out, her eyes wide with horror. "We need to find a way to stop her!" With renewed determination, she continues her assault on Laurel, using every ounce of strength and speed at her disposal in an attempt to overpower the plant-girl before it's too late.

As Pyrrha cuts through more vines, she gasps in horror as they begin to grow back almost instantly. "We can't keep this up forever!" With a determined grin, she glances over at Paul and Nora, taking note of their efforts. "Let's coordinate our attacks! Samson, you focus on distracting her with your hammer while I try to keep her off-balance! Pyrrha, you help support us from behind!"

With that plan in mind, the team readies themselves for a coordinated strike against Laurel. They all charge forward at once, Pyrrha and Samson focusing on attacking from opposite sides while Nora and Paul continue to clear away vines and create openings. Ruby keeps an eye on Laurel, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Laurel's eyes widen as the tornado slams into her, throwing her off balance and sending her tumbling down the slope. The vines writhe wildly in the wind, their tendrils flailing uselessly as they try to maintain their grip on their prey.

Ruby skids to a halt beside Paul, panting heavily from exertion and fear.

"She's... she's not moving,"

she whispers, her voice hoarse with disbelief.

We stand above her, weapons lowered and expressions grim. The forest has finally been cleansed of the White Fang's influence... but it's clear Laurel wasn't completely insane. There was something more at work here. Something that warped her mind and twisted her connection to the land.

As the timber crashes down, Ruby looks away, unable to watch as Carter is finally silenced.

"I think... I think we should get back to Vale,"

she says quietly.

"We can't stop whatever's coming now, but maybe we can warn them about what happened here."

The others nod in agreement, and with a last look at the destruction they've wrought, they turn and begin the long march back to civilization. The forest has changed today... but it will survive.

We all nod solemnly in agreement as Ruby says her piece, and begin the long march back to Vale. Despite the exhaustion that weighs down on us from the battle, there's a newfound determination within each of us; we know that whatever happened here today is just the beginning. We must be vigilant, both against threats like Laurel and the White Fang, as well as the corruption that seeps into every corner of Remnant. As we trek through the now-charred forest, each step taking us further away from the nightmare we left behind, we can't help but feel a sense of responsibility settling heavily upon our shoulders. But we are Huntresses and Huntsmen; we will rise to the challenge, and ensure that Remnant remains safe.

"It's not just weird," Samson grumbles as they continue to walk, "it's downright suspicious." He glances at the others, his expression thoughtful. "I mean, why would she be so loyal to them? There had to be something else going on there."

"It seems like there's more going on here than we thought,"

Liam says, frowning deeply in concentration.

"I wonder how far this alliance between Laurel and Adam went? And what their ultimate goal is."

"Then we need to find whoever or whatever it was and stop them,"

Liam says firmly, his eyes blazing with determination.

"We can't let them get away with this."

he glances between the two of them, a new resolve settling over her features.

"Together, we can figure this out."

Samson nods in agreement, feeling the same fire igniting within him.

"You're right. We won't rest until we uncover the truth and put an end to whatever they're planning."

"You're right," Liam agrees, nodding in agreement. "We should get some rest and talk to Ozpin first thing in the morning. But we can't let our guard down until then." He pauses for a moment, his expression growing serious. "There's something else going on here, and I think we all know it. So let's be careful out there, alright?"

The others nod solemnly in response, each lost in their own thoughts as they prepare for bed. The events of the day have left them shaken to their cores, but they are determined not to let this slide. Tomorrow, they will uncover the truth and do whatever it takes to keep Remnant safe from harm.

You gasp and sit up, glancing around the room to make sure you're alone before wiping sweat from your brow. The nightmare fades, leaving a sick feeling in your stomach. You take a few deep breaths, trying to calm down, and eventually manage to drift back off to sleep. But the image of Laurel's twisted face remains etched into your mind, a haunting reminder of the darkness that lurks within even the most innocent souls.

The next morning, you wake up feeling rested and determined. Today is the day you meet with Ozpin and get some answers about what's been going on. And from there, you'll figure out how to stop whoever or whatever was behind all this before they can cause any more harm.

Samson glances over at Paul, concern written on his face as she sees the expression on his.

"It's okay, big guy," he offers softly, coming up behind him and gently placing a hand on his shoulder. A slight sniffle escapes his exterior. "She meant a lot to all of us."

Samson nods, understanding dawning in his eyes as he returns the smile. "I know what you mean. But we're here for each other, right?" The bigger man looks to Liam, who merely nods in agreement. "So no matter what happens, we'll get through it together."

Paul, Samson, and Liam leave the others behind in the dorms together, armed and prepped.

"I'm with you on that, Paul," Samson says grimly as he takes up position next to you. "No matter what it takes, we're going to find out who did this and make them pay." Liam nods in agreement, a fierce determination burning in his eyes.

The elevator ride seems to take forever with the three of you in there. As you three ride up, Ruby's teammates and allies wait anxiously below. The tension is palpable as the elevator doors finally slide open, revealing Paul, Samson, and Liam standing together in front of Ozpin's office door.

Ozpin places down his coffee and turns around, regarding each of them with a solemn expression.

"I take it something serious has happened."

He gestures for them to come in, sitting up a bit straighter as he waits for them to explain themselves.

As they enter the office and shut the door behind them, Ruby's teammates and allies gather closer together outside, murmuring nervously among themselves. This is it; the moment of truth.

Ozpin listens intently as they explain the events surrounding Carter's death and their suspicions about who might be behind it all. He remains calm and composed, but there's a glint in his eye that suggests he's taking this matter very seriously indeed.

"I see,"

he says when they finish speaking.

He pauses for a moment, seemingly lost in thought, before looking up at them once more.

"I appreciate your bringing this to my attention. I will look into it immediately and get back to you as soon as possible."

Ozpin's expression grows grave as he listens to Samson's plea, and his eyes flicker with recognition at the mention of the names.

"Cinder and Salem,"

he murmurs under his breath.

"I see... the tide approaches sooner than expected."

He sighs heavily and rubs at his eyes, looking weary.

"There is much that you do not know about the history of this world, my young friends,"

Ozpin says.

"And, unfortunately, it seems like it has taken your teammate with it." "Mister,"

Liam Pecos says in his southwestern accent,

"we'ee gonna rustle up a dang army down in this here academy if we hafta. Best quit dancin' 'round the subject and spill the beans on what in tarnation you're jabberin' about."

"Very well," Ozpin says, sighing once more. "I shall tell you what I can." He leans back in his chair and steeples his fingers together. He leans back in his chair and begins to speak of ancient, powerful artifacts and such. As he speaks, the room seems to grow colder, as if the weight of history itself presses down upon them.

"Cinder Fall is the prodigy student of Salem,"

Ozpin says, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I have been keeping tabs on their movements for years and making my own in turn like a game of chess. It would seem this may have been a preemptive move, unanticipated and unexpected."

"I assure you," Ozpin says with a sad smile, "I am not mocking you. But I must admit, the situation has become... more dire than even I had anticipated." He sighs heavily. "The fall of Laurel Chesney was merely the first move in what is sure to be a long and bloody game between the forces of good and evil. And now that you have seen some of those forces at work, I trust you understand why it has been so important for me to keep this knowledge from those who might use it for their own selfish purposes."

"But," he continues with a frown, "I cannot continue to carry this burden alone. From this point forward, you must all be vigilant and prepared. You will need to trust one another implicitly if we are to have any hope of prevailing against the darkness that threatens us all." "it will be over...one day."

He pauses, considering his next words carefully before continuing.

"But until then, we must all work together to protect what remains of this world from the darkness that threatens to consume it."

His gaze meets each of theirs in turn, demanding their trust and allegiance.

"Go now,"

he says, his voice firm once more. "Return to your duties and your studies."

"I don't know, man," Samson says slowly, "it all just feels...right somehow." He glances over at you and Liam, a determined expression on his face. "We've got work to do. We need to find out everything we can about Cinder Fall and Salem, and then figure out how to stop 'em before they can do any more harm."

The elevator dings, signaling that you've reached the ground floor. The doors slide open to reveal Ruby's teammates and allies clustered together outside, expressions ranging from confusion to worry. As you step out of the elevator, Weiss walks over to you, her expression a mix of curiosity and determination.

"What did Ozpin tell you?" she asks quietly. "Is there anything we can do to help?"

Paul glances at Weiss, not sure how much to reveal. "Well, we learned quite a bit about the history of this world...and those who threaten it," he says carefully. "We're going to need your help and trust to make sense of everything and find a way to stop them." He pauses, then adds with a sigh, "And don't worry. We won't let Laurel's sacrifice be in vain."

Samson steps forward, nodding in agreement. "Weiss, we need your brains just as much as your brawn if we're gonna make it through this." He looks at Paul and Liam before continuing. "But we have class soon. I suggest we not flunk out before anything else!"

Weiss looks at the others, her expression serious. "Then let's get to class and make sure we don't fall behind," she says firmly. "But after that, I want a full debriefing on everything you learned from Ozpin." With renewed determination in her step, Weiss leads the way toward the classrooms, followed by the rest of team RWBY and JNPR. As they walk, they exchange glances with one another, their expressions a mix of determination and worry, but united in their shared goal to protect Remnant from the darkness that threatens it.

As the rest of your teammates disperse to attend their own classes, you lean against one of the lockers in the locker room and close your eyes, trying to sort through everything that's happened over the past few days. The revelations about the true nature of Remnant and its history... Cinder Fall and Salem... It's all so much to take in, let alone make sense of.

Little do you know, a certain woman with lock hair as black as ash and eyes like flames walks into the locker room an evil gleam in her eye as she stands in the center of the room. She looks in your direction with a confident smirk.

The woman in question steps out from behind one of the lockers, her black ash-colored hair falling freely down her back and framing her face as she meets your gaze with a challenging glare. Her eyes, like embers burning brightly, seem to dance with an inner fire that's both captivating and unsettling. She looks at you for a moment before speaking, her voice cold and steady.

"Well, well, well... If it isn't the big hero himself." She pauses, giving you a mocking bow. "The one and only Paul Bonjean, I presume?" Her lips curl into a smirk as she steps closer, her movements almost predatory in nature. "My name is Cinder,"

the woman continues,

"and I suggest you keep your nose out of things your don't have any part of."

Her words send a shiver down your spine, but you force yourself to remain calm and composed.

"Oh? Is that so?"

Cinder grins, her fangs just barely visible as she licks her lips. She says this with her voice dripping with sarcasm as she saunters over to him, her hips swaying slightly lips pursed and tempting.

"And what did you expect exactly? Don't let my size fool you...I pack quite a punch."

She does a little fire trick.

"You seem like the type who'd prefer their opponents to be bigger and stronger."

She takes a deep breath and slowly exhales, feeling the adrenaline course through her veins.

"So strong..."

Her hand runs down his chest, teasingly skimming across the fabric of his Pants.

"I could make an exception for you though,"

she whispers into his ear, breath hot against his skin.

Cinder laughs, a sound that echoes through the locker room like nails on a chalkboard. She easily dodges your grasp and steps back, her eyes narrowing in anger as she looks at you with disdain. "You're pathetic," she sneers. "Thinking you can stop me with such childish tactics."

With lightning speed, Cinder swings her hand forward, sending a wave of fire hurtling towards you. You barely manage to dodge out of the way, feeling the heat singe your skin as you roll across the floor to avoid the flames. As soon as she sees an opening, she lunges at you again, this time trying to pin you down with her superior strength and speed.

"You're lucky," she hisses in your ear, "I don't want to make this any more painful than it already has to be."

Cinder laughs once more, her voice cold and cruel as she steps back from you, giving you some breathing room. "You're not half bad," she admits grudgingly. "I suppose I could use someone like you." Her hand reaches out to gently caress your cheek, her touch sending shivers down your spine despite yourself. "But first," she says with a mischievous glint in her eye, "you'll have to prove yourself worthy of my attention."

The woman known as Cinder Fall smirks at you, revealing fangs that seem almost predatory. "Why don't we see how well you handle a real fight?" she asks, taking a step back and summoning another fireball in her hand. "Let's see if you're really the hero everyone thinks you are."

Cinder laughs as your bullets fly past her, effortlessly dodging each one with ease. "You think you can defeat me with brute force?" she taunts. "That's cute." With a wave of her hand, the fireball vanishes and she lunges forward once more, aiming to deliver a powerful blow that would send you flying across the room.

Her speed is blinding, and it's all you can do to block her attack with your weapon as she presses forward relentlessly. With each passing second, you find yourself growing more and more exhausted from using Blue Babe so much against someone like Cinder Fall who seems completely unfazed by your assault.

"You know what they say about fighting fire with fire," she purrs in your ear before delivering another powerful strike.

Cinder laughs, her voice both mocking and seductive as she dances around your attacks. "Adults?" she repeats incredulously. "I think not." With a sudden burst of speed, Cinder lunges forward once more, aiming to deliver a powerful kick that would send you flying across the room if it connected.

You barely manage to block her attack with your free hand, wincing in pain as she connects solidly with your shoulder. "Is that all you've got?" she taunts, feinting another attack before vanishing from sight entirely. You hear a loud crash nearby and turn just in time to see her reappear behind one of the lockers, her arms crossed and a satisfied smirk on her face.

"You really don't know what you're up against, do you?" she asks mockingly. "I could end this right now...but I always wondered what it would be like to fight someone with your strength..."

"Is that so?" Cinder says, arching an eyebrow as she brushes some ash from her dress. "I'm not sure I believe you." She lunges forward again, this time aiming a powerful strike at your midsection. You barely manage to block it with Blue Babe, grunting in pain as the impact sends shockwaves through your body.

Cinder laughs, her breath hot against your cheek. "You really think you can take me?" she asks, pressing harder with each successive blow. "Or are you just going to stand there and let me win?" Her words sting worse than any of her attacks as she continues to press forward relentlessly.

With a final mighty thrust, Cinder Fall sends you flying across the room, landing in a heap on the floor several feet away.

Cinder Fall easily dodges your attack with a graceful spin, her crimson eyes narrowing as she looks down at you from across the room. "You really are quite pathetic," she says with a sigh, shaking her head in mock disappointment. Then, before you can react, she launches herself towards you once more, aiming to deliver another powerful blow that would send you flying across the locker room again if it connected.

Your vision blurs as she moves impossibly fast, and all you can do is try to block her attacks with your weapon. With each strike, pain radiates through your body like wildfire, and it's becoming increasingly difficult to keep fighting back. You feel like you're on the brink of defeat...

"You know," Cinder whispers in your ear as she pauses for a moment, seeming to enjoy the power she has over you right now, "I think yo–"

Cinder narrows her eyes and takes a step closer to Paul.

"You really don't know when to keep your mouth shut, do you?"

she hisses.

"But I suppose that just makes it all the more...entertaining."

She pauses for a moment, considering her words before adding with a smirk:

"We'll see who tires first, won't we?"

Cinder narrows her eyes, glancing around at the sprinkler system and the growing puddles on the floor. With a sigh, she shrugs nonchalantly. "Fine," she says airily. "I suppose I've made my point." She takes another step back, regarding you coolly as water drips from her hair and clothes. "But don't think this is over, Paul Bonjean," she warns, her voice cold as ice. "We'll finish this another time...and when we do, there won't be any sprinklers to save you."

Cinder chuckles darkly as she parries Paul's attack with her sword, the clash of metal echoing through the locker room.

"Oh, you think that's what I want?"

she asks mockingly, dancing out of the way of another volley of bullets.

"You flatter yourself."

With a sudden lunge, she attempts to disarm Paul by slashing at his wrist with her sword. The blade sings through the air, leaving a trail of sparks in its wake as it nears its target.

Cinder laughs, her voice both mocking and seductive as she easily dodges the axe swing before lashing out with a kick aimed at Paul's chest. He manages to block it with his free hand, grunting in pain as their bodies collide. "You really don't understand," she says, her voice low and dangerous. "I could end this right now."

With another lunge, she aims for his throat once more, her sword dancing through the air with deadly precision. Paul barely manages to block it with Blue Babe, stumbling back under the force of the blow. "But where's the fun in that?" Cinder asks innocently before vanishing from sight again, reappearing behind a nearby locker.

"You really don't know when you're beaten," she sighs, shaking her head.

You're in shock, and it shows on your face as you stare down at the unconscious form of Cinder Fall. Taking a deep breath, you force yourself to calm down. You can't just leave her here like this...but at the same time, you can't exactly call for help either.

After a moment of indecision, you finally decide on the only course of action that feels even remotely right: hiding her body somewhere out of sight until you can figure out what to do next. With shaking hands, you drag Cinder's limp form...wait, she still has a pulse. You can't just leave her alone, either.

You make your way through the halls, heart racing as you hurry towards your dorm room with Cinder Fall slung over your shoulder. The coast seems clear enough for now, but you can't shake the feeling that someone might notice her any moment now. What are you going to do?

As you near your room, you consider your options: You could try to treat her injuries yourself, though you're not sure how well-equipped your dorm room is for that. Or...you could take her to a hospital, but that would mean explaining how she got hurt in the first place. Neither option seems particularly appealing right now.

As you lay Cinder down on the bed, you take a moment to catch your breath and assess her injuries. She's not bleeding heavily anywhere, but there are several bruises forming around her head where she was struck earlier. Her breathing is shallow and labored, but at least she's still alive.

You consider calling for help, but hesitate. If you call the paramedics, they'll want to know what happened to her...and that means explaining your involvement. No, you'll just have to take care of her yourself until you can figure out a better solution. With shaking hands, you start rummaging through your first aid kit, looking for anything that might help with bruises and minor injuries.

With gentle hands, you prepare an ice bag and tend to Cinder's wounds as best you can with the supplies in your first aid kit. As you work, you can't help but notice her pale skin and the thin sheen of sweat that coats it despite the coolness of the ice against her bruises. She looks so fragile, so vulnerable...and yet somehow dangerous at the same time. It's a strange dichotomy that only serves to make you feel more protective of her.

Finally, once you're certain she's as comfortable as possible, you sit down in a chair beside the bed and lean back against the headboard. The room grows quiet save for Cinder's shallow breathing, and as time passes you find yourself growing increasingly anxious about what to do next. You know that if anyone finds her here, it could mean serious trouble...

The more you think about it, the more sense it makes. If Cinder Fall could be turned away from her life of crime and given a chance to become something better...well, that would not only save her life but potentially save countless others as well. You know it won't be easy - stealing Salem's apprentice is sure to have consequences - but you can't help but feel like this is the right thing to do.

With a deep breath, you lean in closer to Cinder, studying her features once more. Even unconscious and bruised, there's something about her that draws you in...and makes you want to believe she could be redeemed. Tentatively, you reach out a hand and gently brush a strand of hair from her face, your fingers trembling slightly at the contact.

Cinder's eyes slowly flutter open, revealing the amber irises that have become so familiar to you over the course of the fight. She looks up at you, anger, panic and fear etched into her features as she tries to piece together where she is and how she got here.

Cinder's eyes widen in disbelief, her breath coming faster as she tries to take stock of the situation. "Why...why would you do that?"

She looks up at him, searching his face for any sign of deception or mockery.

"What do you want from me?"

"You know what I mean," Cinder snaps. "I'm not some charity case you can just...save." Her voice trails off, and she turns her head away from him for a moment, closing her eyes tightly as if to shut out the words and their implications. When she speaks again, it's with more control. "Why are you offering me this?"

She pauses, considering. "And what do I have to do in return?"

"You...you really believe I could be something more?" Cinder asks, her voice barely above a whisper. Her eyes search his face for any sign of mockery or deceit, but she can find none. For the first time since she was a little girl, hope begins to flicker in her heart.

"I...I don't know," she says finally, hesitation clear in her voice. "What would I have to do? To earn this chance?" Her expression shifts, becoming more guarded as she tries to gauge his intentions.

Cinder stares up at him, her eyes narrowing as she considers his offer. Part of her wants nothing more than to believe in the possibility of a better future...but another part of her is still wary, unsure if she can truly trust this man who has just saved her life. After a long moment, she finally nods slowly. "Alright," she says quietly. "I'll do it."

There's a weight in her voice that implies the decision isn't an easy one, and she hesitates before continuing. "But if I ever find out you were using me all along...if there was some other reason for this..." She trails off, not finishing the threat but making it clear that she won't forget his actions today, whatever her eventual decision may be.

For now, though, she lies back on the bed, exhausted both physically and emotionally.

Cinder laughs weakly, her eyes drifting shut as she tries to catch her breath. "I'll keep that in mind," she murmurs. After a few moments, her breathing settles down. Her trust in you, fragile as it may be, is growing...and with it comes the hope of a new future, not just for herself but potentially for many others as well.

Now all that remains is to see how she'll fare at Beacon Academy...and whether or not her past will catch up with her before you can truly help her find redemption.

Really?"

Ruby's eyes widen with excitement, her body bouncing up and down with childlike joy.

"That's so cool! I can show you around if you want!"

She turns to Paul, a huge grin on her face.

"Should we have a team bonding thing sometime soon? Like, a sleepover or something?"

Cinder hesitates for a moment before nodding slowly in agreement.

"That sounds...nice,"

she says softly, before Ruby eagerly grabs Cinder by her wrist and tows her along on an impromptu tour of the campus and everything Ruby has to say about it.

The first place Ruby drags Cinder is to her own abode in the Team RWBY dorm room. "Here we are!"

Ruby exclaims, flinging open the door to the dorm room. Inside, Weiss and Blake are sitting on their beds, looking slightly amused by the commotion.

"I brought Ella Scarlet to meet you guys!"

Ruby continues, gesturing toward Cinder.

Weiss stands up with a polite smile.

"It's nice to meet you, Ella,"

she says before glancing at Paul and raising an eyebrow.

"Is there some special reason why you brought her here?"

Cinder glances at Paul as she hears his answer, then turns back to Weiss with a small smile. "It's nice to meet you too," she says, offering her hand for Weiss to shake. "I hope I can be of some help around here." She looks at Ruby and Blake curiously, wondering what sort of team dynamic they all have going on.

Blake grins and extends a hand as well. "Nice to meet you, Ella. I'm sure we'll get along just fine," she says with an easygoing laugh. "Ruby can be...a bit much sometimes, but she means well." She glances at Ruby and smirks.

"But you already knew that, didn't you?"

Cinder laughs softly at Blake's words, nodding in agreement as she shakes Weiss' hand as well. "I can handle a bit much," she says, trying to sound confident even if she's not entirely sure what she's gotten herself into by agreeing to stay here.

Turning back to Ruby, she smiles warmly at the girl's enthusiasm. "Thanks for showing me around," she says sincerely. She glances over at Paul, then looks down at her feet for a moment before speaking again. "So...what kind of team activities do you guys usually do?"

Ruby beams with pride as Cinder addresses her directly. "Well, we do lots of things together! Hunts, training, homework..." she trails off, suddenly noticing that her new friend seems a bit nervous. "Oh! I almost forgot!"

"We have this thing called 'Capture the Flag' where teams compete against each other in a game of strategy and teamwork," Ruby explains, her eyes shining with excitement. "It's tons of fun! Wanna give it a try sometime?"

Cinder hesitates for a moment before nodding slowly. "Sure," she says, trying to sound more confident than she feels. "That sounds like fun." She glances at Paul again, wondering what he thinks about this whole situation.

Cinder glances over at Paul as he crushes her scroll, her eyes widening in surprise and dismay. "Wh-What are you doing?" she stammers, taking a step back. "That was important!"

"Sorry," Paul says casually, tossing the crumpled scroll aside. "But it's either this or the White Fang gets their hands on it again." He shrugs nonchalantly before turning his attention back to Ruby and Cinder. "So, where were we?" he asks, as if nothing out of the ordinary has just happened.

Cinder looks at Paul for a moment, her expression unreadable, before finally nodding. "Right," she grumbles slowly. "Capture the Flag."

Cinder listens quietly as Ruby continues to talk about Capture the Flag, nodding along even though she's not entirely sure what the game entails. As they make their way towards the training grounds, she glances over at Paul out of the corner of her eye, trying to gauge his reaction to the scroll being destroyed.

"So," she says conversationally as they walk, "what kind of things do you guys usually do for fun?" She can't help but feel a bit off-balance now that her connection to her old life has been severed so abruptly. The thought of trying to fit in with these people is both exciting and terrifying.

"Well," Paul says, "we have our fair share of pranks, but we also like to hang out at the local diner or catch a movie now and then. And of course, there's always training."

Cinder nods thoughtfully as they reach the training grounds, where several other teams are already gathered and getting ready for their match. She watches with curiosity as students of all ages run through drills and practice strategies together, a sense of camaraderie palpable in the air. Despite her initial reservations about fitting in, she can't help but feel a small spark of excitement at the prospect of becoming part of this team.

"I think I could get used to this," she says finally, looking over at Paul and Ruby as they stand beside her. "Thanks for giving me a chance." Her words are quiet, almost shy, but there's a genuine appreciation in them that warms the hearts of both huntsmen.

"Crystal clear, Goliath,"

Cinder snarkily says, though with a hint of endearment. She definitely does not know about her present situation, whether this is for the best or if it is just buying time.

Cinder crosses her arms over her chest and leans against the wall, considering his question. "I'm not sure where to begin," she says slowly. "My name is Cinder Fall, but that wasn't always my surname. I don't actually know what it is." She pauses, glancing up at Paul before continuing. "...I was born in Animas and given off to an orphanage in Mistral. That's when some elite Atlesian bitch adopted me to be a slave for her and her two ugly stepdaughters. Some huntsman noticed my suffering, but after I...won my freedom by force by killing my oppressors, he wouldn't take me in. But Salem did take me in, promising me all the strength and power the world could offer me."

Cinder shoots a glare.

"The hell's that supposed to mean?"

Cinder's expression turns unreadable as she thinks about the question.

"I...suppose not,"

she admits reluctantly.

"But what else did I have? The huntsman left me forsaken just like everyone else."

She pauses, looking away for a moment before meeting Paul's eyes again.

"At least Salem doesn't hide the fact that she wants to use me..."

Her voice trails off, leaving the unspoken question hanging in the air between them.

"Now I guess I'm here as your hostage, so do what you must."

Cinder groans out sarcastically,

"Oh, so a kidnapping! That's MUCH better. Glad to see Beacon's finest at work."

"Fine!"

Cinder snaps, her cheeks flushing slightly in anger and embarrassment.

"You don't have to tell anyone."

She takes a deep breath and forces herself to calm down, knowing that losing control now would only make things worse. Instead, she decides to change the subject.

"So...what's your story? How did you end up here at Beacon?"

The question hangs in the air between them, an attempt at starting a new conversation and perhaps even forging some sort of connection.

Cinder listens intently as Paul tells his story, her expression softening slightly.

"That's...admirable,"

she says quietly, her voice almost wistful.

"To want more for yourself."

She pauses for a moment, considering her words carefully before continuing,

"I guess that's why I joined Salem...an escape to make a name for myself and get back at the world who exiled me."

There's another awkward silence as they both seem to weigh their choices and the paths their lives have taken.

Cinder looks up at Paul, her eyes narrowing in thought. "You're not as bad as you pretend to be," she says slowly, almost like she's surprised by the revelation herself. "Maybe...maybe we could help each other."

The words hang in the air between them, a delicate balance of hope and trust that neither of them has given much credence to recently. For now, they remain unanswered as Cinder continues to study Paul's expression, searching for some sign of what he might be thinking.

Cinder snorts softly, rolling her eyes at Paul's choice of words. "A devil, am I? Well, you certainly know how to make a girl feel welcome." She tries to force a laugh but it comes out sounding more forced than anything else. "But if you think keeping me here is going to be easy..."

She trails off with a shrug, her expression almost challenging. Despite herself, she's curious about what Paul expects from her and how he plans to handle her situation.

There's another long silence before Cinder speaks up again.

"So...what do you want me to do? What are your expectations for me?"

Cinder arches an eyebrow at Paul's confusion. "Well, you brought me here. You could have just left me in the locker room or handed me over to the guards," she says pointedly. "So I assume you have some sort of plan for me."

She pauses, studying him carefully. "What do you want from me?"

Her voice is quiet but steady, and there's an undercurrent of determination in her words that speaks volumes about her intentions. Paul can sense that she's not going to go down without a fight, whether it's for herself or against him.

Cinder considers Paul's offer carefully, her expression thoughtful. "Protection from the academy...that could be useful," she admits reluctantly. "And what about Salem?"

she asks finally, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Will she find me here? How do you plan to 'protect' me from her as well?"

There's an unspoken plea in her eyes, and Paul can see that this decision weighs heavily on her. He takes a deep breath, knowing that his answer will shape the course of events to come.

Cinder's expression shifts uncomfortably as she realizes the implications of losing her scroll. "I...might have another one," she says hesitantly, "but it's hidden." She glances up at Paul, her eyes searching his face for any sign of what he plans to do next.

""There is another. It's a small grimm parasite Salem had put in me to make sure I was alive. You see this tattoo on my back? That's actually a grimm that's hard to get rid of. It's meant to extract maiden powers but it obviously doesn't have any right now."

Cinder swallows hard, her expression turning grim. "I know," she says softly. "But I can't go back to Salem."

She pauses, mustering up the courage to ask the question that's been on her mind since Paul crushed her scroll.

"Will you help me get rid of it? Please?"

There's a long silence as their eyes meet, and Cinder holds her breath, waiting for his answer.

Cinder nods slowly, considering his words carefully.

"But why? You're wasting your time. If you had any balls, you would have killed me when you had the chance."

Cinder narrows her eyes, unconvinced by Paul's words but unable to deny the sincerity in his tone. "I don't know...," she mutters slowly, running a hand through her hair in frustration. After a moment, she sighs and looks up at him again. "Thank you," she says quietly. "For giving me this chance."

There's an awkward silence as they both seem to be searching for something more to say. Eventually, Cinder decides to break the tension with a half-hearted smile. "So...what now?"

Cinder nods, following Paul out of the dorm room.

"I'm surprised they accepted me so easily,"

she muses, glancing around at their surroundings with renewed interest.

"But I suppose when you're as skilled as Salem claims I am, it helps to get your foot in the door."

They arrive at the administration office, where a harried-looking secretary is working at her desk.

The secretary looks up from her desk, eyebrows raised in surprise.

"Oh, hello there,"

she says, glancing between Paul and Cinder.

"I'm not sure who you are, but I'll need to see some identification for the new student."

She hands Cinder a clipboard with a stack of forms on it.

Cinder hesitates for a moment before taking the clipboard and quickly filling out the necessary information.

Cinder glances up at Paul as they sit side by side filling out her paperwork.

"You know, I never really had friends before Salem,"

she says quietly, looking away again.

"It's...weird being around people who don't want to hurt me."

There's a small smile on her face as she continues,

"But I guess it feels nice."

They finish filling out the paperwork and hand it in to the secretary, who looks over everything carefully before nodding.

"Well, it looks like you're all set, I just need you to go to get Mr. Ozpin's signature. He's in the office right now if you want to get him to sign in person, unless you want to fax them to him and..."

Cinder nods, standing up and following Paul out of the office.

"I guess I'll have to see Mr. Ozpin sometime,"

she muses as they walk down the hallway.

"Heard a lot about him since Salem first mentioned me coming here."

Cinder snorts.

"Well, I guess my reputation precedes me. Still, I'm going to have to meet him at some point..."

Cinder arches an eyebrow.

"Me? Assassinate Mr. Ozpin? Why would you think such a thing?"

Her voice drips with sarcasm, but there's a hint of amusement in her eyes as she glances at Paul.

"Besides,"

she continues,

"if I wanted to cause trouble for Beacon, don't you think Salem would have sent someone better suited for the job?"

Cinder's eyes widen in surprise before she relaxes with a laugh.

"Oh, come on,"

she says, shaking her head.

"You don't really think I'd do anything to hurt this place...do you?"

Cinder grimaces.

"Fair point,"

she mutters, looking away uncomfortably.

"Look, I know I've done some bad things...but I promise you, I won't cause any trouble here. For now, at least."

There's a vulnerability in her voice that Paul can't help but notice, and it makes him wonder if perhaps he's underestimated the depth of Cinder's feelings about her situation.

"Fine," Cinder mutters reluctantly, following Paul to the fax machine. As they send off her paperwork, she can't help but feel a strange mix of relief and unease. Being under Paul's protection is safer than facing Salem on her own, but being around someone who doesn't trust her feels like a constant reminder of everything she's done wrong.

Still, she tries to make conversation as they wait for the fax to go through. "So, what do you think of Beacon so far?"

"It's...different than I expected," Paul admits with a shrug. "There's more focus on teaching us how to be heroes and protect people instead of just training us to fight."

Cinder raises an eyebrow at this, curious about his opinion. "And you think that's a good thing?" she asks skeptically.

Cinder hesitates for a moment before nodding slowly. "I suppose you're right," she says, her voice softening. With that, you turn to the elevator up to Ozpin's Clock tower office.

Ozpin spins his chair back around, only to nearly choke on his coffee upon the surprise. He quickly regains his composure as he cautiously takes the documents. He looks Cinder and Paul up and down analytically.

"You want miss...Ella Scarlet...to join your team?"

Cinder clears her throat uncomfortably, shifting on her feet as she watches the exchange between Ozpin and Paul. She can't help but feel a bit intimidated by the man's presence, despite his age. When he finally looks back at her, his eyes boring into hers, she swallows hard and tries to keep her expression neutral.

"I-I'm honored to have the opportunity,"

she stammers, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Very well,"

Ozpin says at last, glancing back down at the paperwork.

"I trust your judgment, Mr. Bonjean. Miss Scarlet, I welcome you to Beacon Academy."

He signs the documents and hands them back to Paul, who in turn passes them on to Cinder.

Cinder looks up, her eyes wide with disbelief.

"Thank you,"

she manages to choke out before taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. She glances at Paul before turning back to Ozpin with a tone that could be mistaken fot venom.

"I'm glad to be a part of such a prestigious academy."

Cinder remains silent as they leave Ozpin's office, her thoughts racing with disbelief and uncertainty. She can feel Paul's gaze on her back the entire time, and it makes her increasingly uncomfortable. When they reach the elevator, she looks up at him, trying to read his expression.

"So," she says hesitantly, "what now?"

Cinder blinks, taken aback by the simplicity of his answer. "Just like that?" she asks skeptically, still not quite able to believe it's all so easy.

"Well, there is one more thing," Paul says with a sly grin. "You should probably get yourself some books and start studying up on your history lessons." He winks at her. "And maybe find yourself some friends along the way."

Cinder frowns, not sure how to take his advice. Is he just trying to make her feel more welcome, or is there something else behind it? She decides not to dwell on it too much as they exit the elevator and head back towards the general student area.

As they walk down the hallway together, she can't help but wonder what this new life at Beacon Academy will bring.

Thankfully, standing at the door is Weiss, with an inquisitive glint in her eye.

"Hey Paul,"

she coos, taking another glance at Cinder. "Ruby wanted me to tell you two that we were going to get dinner at the Pizzeria down the street and that you're welcome to come. We texted Samson and Liam but they're doing something tonight."

Cinder shifts uncomfortably under Weiss' scrutiny before she finally steps aside, allowing them to close the door again.

"She seems nice,"

Cinder comments as they head back towards their beds.

"I hope I can be friends with her too."

There's a vulnerability in her voice that Paul notices, and he can't help but wonder if perhaps she's not as tough as she tries to pretend.

Having become painfully familiar with the dark underbelly of Atlas society, she rolls her eyes.

"Oh, great. So she's a Schnee. I didn't expect you to be a class traitor."

Cinder blinks, looking momentarily taken aback by the accusation before she laughs softly.

"Sorry,"

she says, reaching up to rub her neck.

"It's just...I've never really known anyone from a good family. Everyone I've met who came from money has always been..."

She trails off, searching for the right word before shrugging helplessly.

Paul eyes Cinder thoughtfully for a moment before nodding.

Cinder raises an eyebrow at Paul, clearly surprised by his assessment.

"Why," Cinder asks, "Is she jealous of me or something?"

Cinder shrugs, looking unconvinced even by her own gesture. "I don't know. She seemed to be staring at me awfully hard back there."

"Well," I say with a grin, "Maybe she just thinks you're cute." Cinder lets out a half-hearted laugh.

Cinder grins mischievously, "Oh I'll be on my best behavior, don't you worry." She follows Paul out of the room, looking forward to finally getting dinner and hopefully making some new friends along the way. As they approach the dining area, Cinder takes a deep breath and smooths her hair back before walking confidently into the room where Blake, Yang, Weiss and Ruby are already waiting for them.

"Hey," she says with a smile, taking a seat at the table. "Thanks for inviting us."

Cinder smirks at Weiss before turning her attention back to the group.

"Well, I'm Ella Scarlet,"

she says slowly, and tantalyzingly. She glances over at Paul with a small smile before continuing,

"And I'm excited to be part of such an amazing team."

There's a hint of challenge in her voice as she meets Weiss' gaze across the table, but she doesn't back down.

"Oh?"

Weiss replies, her voice carefully neutral as she studies Cinder over the rim of her glass.

"And what part of Atlas did you come from, Ella?"

Cinder glances down at her plate for a moment before looking back up at Weiss with a defiant tilt to her chin.

"The part someone like you could never hope to be in,"

she fibs smugly and confidently, playing up some persona of someone equally rich. There's an unspoken challenge in her voice that peeves Weiss slightly. Yang says,

"Oooohhh, looks like we found someone higher class than Weiss!"

Which Cinder follows up insult to injury with,

"that doesn't seem hard to find at all."

Cinder glances over at me with a small smile before turning back to Weiss.

"Of course,"

she says sweetly, her tone laced with venom.

"Then again, from what I've heard, Schnees are never ones for teams." Weiss is rapidly turning red and doing everything she can to not react to the taunts being thrown left and right by Cinder.

Cinder's comment only serves to fuel Weiss' anger further. She takes a deep breath, forcing herself to remain calm.

"Oh?"

she says coolly, raising an eyebrow at Cinder.

"And what have you heard about us Schnees, exactly? That we're all spoiled brats who think the world revolves around us?"

"Why, yes,"

Cinder replies with a smirk,

"that does sound about right."

As I try to diffuse the situation, Cinder glances over at me with an almost apologetic expression. She takes a deep breath and forces herself to sit back in her seat.

"Yeah,"

she says slowly,

"you're right."

Then, just as quickly, her humor flares up again and she leans forward toward Weiss.

"She's below me, anyways. In more ways than one, too!"

Weiss' eyes widen at Cinder's comment, and she leans in close as well, glaring directly into the other girl's eyes.

"What did you say, Ella?"

she hisses through clenched teeth.

"I dare you to repeat that again!"

Cinder yanks her wrist free from my grasp, glaring at me before she looks back over at Weiss and takes a deep breath.

"Fine,"

she says through gritted teeth.

"Let's talk about something else."

She turns to Yang with a forced smile.

"So, you like fighting Grimm? I bet you could use some tips from someone who actually knows what they're doing."

Weiss glares at Cinder for a moment longer before finally relaxing back into her seat.

"I've had my fair share of experience."

"Oh, really?"

Ruby says with a sparkle in her eye.

"We'd love to hear some of your stories, Ella! Maybe we can even spar sometime."

The others nod eagerly around the table. Cinder grins, clearly pleased by their interest.

"So Ella,"

asks Yang, intrigued,

"what's your semblance?"

Cinder glances at Paul out of the corner of her eye before looking back at Ruby and smirking slightly. She hesitates for a moment, debating whether or not she should share this information with them just yet. But then she decides against it; if they want to know more about her abilities, they'll have to earn their trust first.

"My semblance?" Cinder says casually, tilting her head slightly as she studies Ruby. "It's nothing special, really. Just a bit of FIRE!"

opening her arms wide, huge jets of flame nearly reach the cieling, blanketing the table in light and heat.

As Cinder reveals her semblance, the others are left in awe. Even Weiss can't help but raise an eyebrow at the display of power. Ruby grins from ear to ear, clearly excited by the prospect of training with someone so skilled. "That's incredible!" she exclaims.

"Thanks," Cinder replies modestly, lowering her arms and extinguishing the flames. The sudden cold air causes everyone at the table to shiver a bit as they recover from the heat. "But like I said, it's nothing special."

They continue to chat about various topics throughout dinner, with Cinder occasionally revealing more about herself and her past experiences in combat against Grimm. As the night goes on, she feels herself starting to warm up to the others at the table... perhaps even forming a sort of bond with them.

"Holy crap! That's incredible!"

Ruby says, her eyes wide with wonder.

"I can't believe you're from Atlas,"

she adds in a slightly softer voice.

"Everyone there is so...stuffy."

Cinder just shrugs modestly in response.

"Some of us are just born better. Can control ourselves better. Well-disciplined. You know, simple crap like that."

Meanwhile, Weiss is glaring at Cinder over the table, her expression growing more and more hostile by the minute. It's obvious her list of grievances grows by the second.

As we all dig into our pizza, the conversation dies down for a moment as everyone focuses on their food. Cinder takes advantage of this lull to lean in closer to Ruby and whisper something about her semblance that makes the younger girl's eyes light up with excitement. Weiss glances between them disapprovingly before turning her attention back towards her own slice of pizza.

Weiss glares at me before turning to face the sink, avoiding my gaze in the mirror.

"What was that back there?"

she demands through gritted teeth.

"You were practically encouraging her!"

Weiss turns to face me, her expression more exasperated than angry now. "Is that what you call it? 'Banter'?" she says derisively. "She was directly attacking the Schnee family name!"

"The Scarlets?"

Weiss echoes, her expression shifting from anger to confusion.

"I don't know any family by that name."

She pauses, narrowing her eyes at me suspiciously.

"Are you sure they're not some made-up story to make her sound important?"

Weiss glances at me warily before reluctantly allowing herself to be hugged. "Fine," she mumbles into my shoulder. "But if she keeps it up, I'm going to have to teach her a lesson. You missed what happened to Laurel; don't let it happen again."

"Fine," Weiss mutters again, though this time it sounds more resigned than angry. She pulls away from the hug and turns back to face me, her expression still wary but less hostile. "But if she does anything else...if she keeps attacking my family..." Her voice trails off threateningly.

Weiss blushes at my comment, looking away from me and mumbling something about it not being jealousy but rather concern for her family's honor. I can tell that she doesn't believe herself either. She glances at the door to make sure no one else is around before leaning closer to me.

"Promise me you won't let her get under my skin," she whispers. "I don't want anyone thinking..." Again, she trails off, unable or unwilling to finish the thought. "Let's just get through dinner and go back to the dorm. Maybe tomorrow we can start fresh."

Weiss nods, taking a deep breath to compose herself before following me back out into the dining area. As we approach our table, I can feel her tension easing somewhat as she sees Cinder continuing to entertain Ruby and the others. She takes her seat with a sigh, glancing at the other girl out of the corner of her eye.

"You really are quite amusing, Ella," Weiss says, her voice slightly less cold than before. "I suppose I can't fault you for trying to fit in."

Cinder raises an eyebrow at her, but only responds with a smirk. "Well, isn't that the pot calling the kettle black?" she retorts. Weiss rolls her eyes and turns back to Ruby, laughing along with everyone else as Cinder continues with another story from her past.

As we approach the entrance to the dormitory, Ruby spots Team JNPR and immediately bounds over to them, introducing Cinder as one of our new teammates with glee. "Ella!" she shrieks, pulling Cinder into a tight hug. "You're just like I imagined you'd be! So cool and powerful!"

Cinder grins at the praise, returning Ruby's hug briefly before pulling away with a chuckle. "Oh, come on, kiddo. You make me sound invincible."

Weiss nods politely to the other team as they're introduced. Jaune and Nora seems excited to have another powerful fighter on their side, while Lie Ren eyes Cinder warily but respectfully.

Her eyes snap back to reality as she realizes we're talking to her. "Oh! Yeah, I'm fine," Pyrrha says quickly, forcing a smile onto her face. "Just thinking about something else." She glances over at Cinder, then looks away again just as quickly.

"Well, welcome aboard, Ella!" she exclaims, trying to sound more confident than she feels. "We're glad to have you on our team!"

Cinder nods in return, her expression slightly guarded but pleasant enough. "Thanks, Pyrrha. I'm looking forward to working with all of you." There's an awkward silence as everyone exchanges glances, unsure of how to proceed. Finally, Jaune clears his throat loudly and claps his hands together.

"Alright then!"

"Nice to meet you, Ella," Liam says with a nod. "Hope we can work together well." Cinder returns the nod with a small smile before glancing over at Weiss and me, as if unsure what else to say.

Samson, on the other hand, is much more outgoing. He steps forward, offering his massive hand for a shake. "A pleasure, ma'am! I'm sure you'll fit right in with us," he booms, causing several items around the room to rattle slightly on their shelves. Cinder accepts the handshake with a grin and gives it a firm squeeze before letting go.

"Well, thank you both," she says, looking at Liam and Samson more genuinely than anyone else so far tonight. "I hope we can all work together to make Vale proud."

"Hey, Paul," she says, looking at the ground as she speaks. "I wanted to talk to you about something." She hesitates for a moment before continuing, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do you think...do you think there's any chance that Ella might not be who she says she is?"

"Well, just..." Pyrrha trails off, looking unsure of herself. "There's something about her...I can't quite put my finger on it." She pauses again before continuing, "Paul, do you believe in destiny?"

"No, not like that! Look, it's just...in a dream last night, I had a vision. It was like a vision of a future, but maybe a different one," Pyrrha tries to explain her dilemma. "I saw someone...just like Ella, maybe it even was Ella, killing me in some other world. I can't explain it. But it didn't feel prophetic, I don't think. It felt more like it was...an alteration. Like the events that took place have been altered. The clock of destiny has been changed and...I don't know, I can't explain it. I'm not used to opening up like this!" She definitely appears troubled, in a way no healthy person should be.

Her eyes widen in surprise, and she nods eagerly. "Of course, Paul! You know I would never betray your trust."

Pyrrha's eyes widen even further, and she takes a step back in surprise. "What do you mean?" she whispers, her voice barely above a hoarse whisper. "Are you saying...are you saying that Ella might not be who she says she is? That she could be here to hurt us?"

Her hands clench into fists at her sides, and for a moment, you think she could hunt Cinder right then and there.

Pyrrha's eyes narrow, and she looks away for a moment, thinking. "I remember," she says softly. "But...what does this have to do with Ella?" Pyrrha trails off as a web of ideas begins to unfold in her mind.

Pyrrha blinks, taken aback by the revelation. "What do you mean?" she whispers, her voice barely above a hoarse whisper. "Ella isn't her real name? Then...who is she really?" She shakes her head, as if trying to clear it of confusion. "I don't understand."

Her eyes narrow, and she takes a step closer to me. "Paul," she says seriously, "are you sure about this? There could be some mistake, or maybe she just changed her name for some reason."

Pyrrha's eyes widen in shock as her mouth drops open, but no sound comes out. "What?" she whispers hoarsely, taking another step back from me. "But...but that can't be..." Her voice trails off, and she looks away, shaking her head slowly.

Pyrrha shakes her head slowly, as if she's trying to clear it. "I...I don't know what to think," she whispers, looking away again. "Cinder Fall...she's one of the most wanted criminals in Remnant. Her name is synonymous with terror and destruction." She takes a deep breath and turns back to me. "And you just...took her in? Risked everything by doing so?"

Pyrrha stares at me intently for several long moments before nodding slowly. "I...see," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. "And you didn't tell anyone else about this?"

Pyrrha takes another deep breath, trying to calm herself down. "Alright," she says slowly. "I...understand why you did what you did. And I appreciate the trust that you're placing in me." She pauses for a moment before continuing. "But we need to be careful, Paul. If anyone finds out about this..."

She trails off, not finishing her thought. Instead, she looks at me expectantly, as if waiting for me to come up with some sort of solution or plan.

Pyrrha nods, still looking unsure. "Alright," she says slowly. "I'll do my best to keep her identity a secret...for now." She pauses again, seeming to debate something with herself before continuing. "But I want you to promise me one thing."

Pyrrha takes another deep breath, her emerald green eyes fixed on me. "If anything happens," she says slowly, enunciating each word carefully, "if Cinder ever does anything to hurt anyone or if she goes back to her old ways...I want you to promise me that you'll stop her."

Pyrrha nods slowly in response, seeming to accept my promise. "Thank you," she says quietly. "I appreciate it." She glances around one last time before continuing. "Look, I know this is a lot to take in, and I'm not sure what the best course of action is...but for now, let's just keep an eye on Cinder, and hope that she continues to stay on the right path."

She pauses again, thinking about something else. "And Paul?"

"Thank you," she says again, this time with more sincerity in her voice. "For trusting me with this information...and for believing in her." There's a long pause before she speaks again. "I know it might be hard to believe right now, but I truly think that Cinder can change. She just needs someone to show her the way."

She hesitates once more, seeming unsure of whether or not to say anything else, then takes a deep breath and continues. "It will be hard, you know?"

Pyrrha nods slowly, seeming to accept my words as truth. "Thank you, Paul," she says with a small smile. "I appreciate that." She glances around once more before speaking again. "Let's just hope we can keep things under control...and help her find the redemption she so desperately seeks."

There's another moment of silence between us before Pyrrha finally breaks eye contact, looking away to hide the emotion in her eyes. "Anyway," she says with a shaky voice, "I should be going back to my dorm now, I'm sorry."

"Alright," Pyrrha replies with a nod, her voice still slightly shaky from the revelations they've just shared. "I...I'll see you around, Paul." She turns to walk away, her steps purposeful but unsteady as she tries to process everything that's happened.

As Pyrrha disappears from sight, you can't help but feel a sense of relief wash over you.

Finally, the clock in front of Weiss gives a shrill beep as it changes from 3:59 to 4:00, and she dismisses it with a wave of her hand. The professor is temporarily unaware of the alarm.

Professor Port, posing as a towering monster about to attack, is saying, "And then I— Oh." The time interrupts him, and he straightens his stance as the students start to leave. "Timed that one wrong, I guess. Well, the stunning conclusion to this story will have to wait. Until next time!"

Jaune watches Weiss as she packs up her Scroll. "Weiss? Did you hear me?"

Weiss, not even looking at Jaune as she walks away, responds to all of his date requests in a simple, "No, no, no, yes." Upon hearing this, Jaune groans and does a faceplant into his desk.

As the rest of Team RWBY walks out of class behind him, Yang ruffles Jaune's hair without even looking. "One day," she chuckles.

"Probably prying into the dust store robberies," Cinder casually says before stammering, "i-if I had to guess, of course." Samson glances at her suspiciously, but doesn't press the issue further. "That would make sense, Ella," Samson adds. "Just hope they'll be fine." Cinder glances away awkwardly, feeling conflicted where she stands now.

"Oh, you know Weiss and Yang," Nora says with a smile, "they'd never let us down." The others chuckle in agreement as they continue to walk towards the exit. "And don't forget about Blake and Ruby too!" Ren adds. They all laugh at that, their mood seemingly lightened by the thought of their friends.

As they approach the exit, Weiss turns back to Jaune with an exasperated sigh. "Jaune, I've told you a million times, I'm not interested."

"Aw, come on, just once?" Jaune pouts.

Weiss rolls her eyes and shakes her head before continuing out of the building with Team JNPR. Blake glances over at Jaune sympathetically before following after them. "You'll find someone someday, Arc," she promises with a small smile.

"Well, I'm free if anyone wants to hang out," Cinder says nonchalantly, glancing between the two groups. "I mean, since I don't have any plans or anything." She smirks slightly, as if she doesn't quite believe her own words.

Samson and Liam exchange a glance before nodding in unison. "Sounds good to us," they say together. "Lead the way, Ella." Cinder gives them an amused smile before beginning to walk towards the Hollow Bastion.

"I suppose I could," Pyrrha says with a shrug, falling into step alongside the others. Ren nods in agreement. "Sounds like fun." Nora grins and takes hold of Jaune's arm. "Come on, Arc, let's go have some adventures!"

With that, Team JNPR and Team POLC find themselves walking side by side towards the Hollow Bastion, a Tavern known for its lively atmosphere and good music.

As they approach the entrance to the Hollow Bastion, Cinder pauses and looks back at her two new friends, Samson and Liam. "You all coming in?" she asks, tilting her head slightly. Samson glances at Liam before shrugging.

"Sure," he replies with a grin. "Might as well." The eight of them step inside together, leaving the rest of their teams behind for now. The tavern is bustling with activity.

Inside, the Hollow Bastion is packed with people drinking and dancing to the lively music playing from the jukebox in one corner. The smell of food fills your nose as you take in the cozy atmosphere. Nora and Pyrrha head straight for the bar while Ren and Jaune look around, seemingly unsure where to go. Cinder leads Samson and Liam over to a table near the back, away from the crowd.

"So," she says with a grin, "what would you all like to drink?"