Below Beacon academy. Time 11:15pm~

An Atlas Soldier stares at the large statue of Nightmare. Her eyes never leaving the twisted face of the monster in the room, although frozen. His presence alone brings a sense of dread even if he is frozen.

Her attention is stripped away as Ironwood grabs her on the shoulder and addresses her.

Ironwood: Captain Yuri.

The female soldier looks up at her superior. Ironwood could sense the uncertainty clouding her as if there was an actual cloud above her head.

Ironwood: You don't have to be here if you don't wish to...

Captain Yuri swallowed hard after hearing his words and straightened her posture.

Yuri: I'm fine. It's just....when you said we captured him, I was expecting to see the same man who devastated my men on the dock not too long ago...not a monster.

Yuri explains. Ironwood removes his hand then looks at Nightmare.

Ironwood: He always was a monster. As far as I'm concerned, we're seeing the same man despite his change in form.

Yuri takes Ironwood's words to heart but still feels the uncertainty wash over her again and again like the waves on a beach.

Ironwood: Anyway, the scientists are done for today, they'll start again first thing in the morning. For now, I think we rediscussed your departure back to Atlas once the ships arrive.

Ironwood explains.

Yuri: I...appreciate the offer but as I said to you before when I was found, I don't wish to rejoin Atlas until I see this monster gone.

Ironwood: Captain-

Yuri: GONE I SAID!

Yuri shouts. It takes her a couple of seconds before she realised her place and coughed before looking at Ironwood nervously.

Yuri: Apologies sir...

Ironwood looks down at her sympathetically as she grabs her water, spilling some of it on the ground due to her shaking before bringing it to her mouth. Ironwood opens the door of the room for the scientists.

Ironwood: We'll see you in the morning.

Ironwood salutes Yuri who salutes back as she continues watching the statue. Unknown to her, the glass on the door start to distort like it was a puddle of water.

Out of the glass appears Mary and Emerald. Emerald had her eyes narrowed while looking at Yuri. Mary waves in front of Yuri who doesn't react then motions towards the distorted glass. Out of the glass comes Cinder and Mercury who waste no time approaching the stone frozen Nightmare.

Cinder looks up at the haunting face of Nightmare while Mercury keeps his distance.

Mercury: Oum...Don't even want to think about how bad his semblance hurts to turn him into this...

He comments.

Cinder: He deserves the pain. He cost us the element of surprise.

Cinder says. Mary can't help but open up about the situation.

Mary: In fairness, you three aren't exposed. Neither is little Neo.

She states. Cinder bites her lip and turns to Mary, an angry look plastered on her face as a flame hovers over her right eye.

Cinder: Our cover was that we are Haven students. After his little episode in Vale, we can't stick around for any longer than two days until the ships come to retrieve all the students and take them back to their respective kingdoms.

Cinder bites back as she then looks back up at Nightmare.

Cinder: Look at you....You've jeopardise our operation, left my mistress very displeased and now here you are, frozen in stone.

Cinder smirks coyly and turns her back.

Cinder: You deserve no better.

She coldly says.

Mercury: You'd think the big Grimm in the mountain would've woken up due to all the emotions that everyone went through this morning. Wasn't the point of the original plan.

Mercury points out. Cinder looks at him. A mix of realisation and confusion makes itself known to her as her mind starts to race on why the Wyvern Grimm didn't attack.

Mary looks down trying to think about the subject bought up by Mercury too. Then she sees something moving on the ground behind Cinder.

Mary: Cinder...

Cinder looks at Mary and notices her looking at something. Cinder follows Mary's gaze until it lands on a small shadow hand reaching up at her. Cinder shares a glance at Mary who shrugs. Cinder looks back at the hand before kneeling and leaning towards it. The shadow hand opens up invitingly. Cinder, letting curiosity get the better of her, reluctantly reaches out. As soon as she makes contact, her back straightened up and her eyes widen.

Mary raises a brow.

Mary: Cindy?

Emerald and Mercury look at their leader to see her stationary. Not muttering a word or moving a muscle. Suddenly, she gasps as she looks at the hand and pulls away. The shadow hand retreats back into the darkness as Cinder slowly stands up.

Emerald approaches her.

Emerald: Cinder...?

Cinder stares at the statue. She can't help but to...smile.

Cinder: Hmm....Perhaps I'm being too rash after all.

Mary raises a brow and unfolds her arms.

Mary: What did he do...?

She asks slightly curious but annoyed to be kept in the dark.

Cinder: He told us to wait...and to trust him.

Mary: Trust him?! After he-

Cinder leans close to Mary.

Cinder: The Fall maiden is here.

Cinder says causing her three comrades to share a surprised look.

Mary: How does he know...?

Mary asks. Cinder in response just stares at the ground, seeing small yet noticeable traces of dark energy forming in the cracks of the tiles.

Cinder: He has his ways. Tell Adam and Roman to be ready. They have two days to get the dust ready.

The four then walk back to the glass window on the door. Mary asks one last question before laying her hand on the glass to cause it to become distorted again.

Mary: How will we know when to actually move?

Cinder looks back at Nightmare.

Cinder: He said he'll make it obvious for us.

She replies as they then exit the room via the distorted window.

Morning, beacon academy 9:00 am~

You stood at the door of team JNPR. Anxiety filled you, your throat was dry and your arms reluctantly flinched as you held your right hand up in a balled up fist. You breathe heavily through your nose and finally knock five times and wait for a response.

After a few seconds you have no response and consider trying again later, that is until the door opens revealing a tired Nora. Her eyes lock with yours and an awkward silence fills the air.

(Y/n): Uhhh...hey.

You greet her.

Nora: Hey...

Nora replies, her voice hoarse and tired. She blinks a few times, taking in your appearance before stepping back to let you in. The room is a mess, with clothes strewn about and empty food containers littering the floor.

(Y/n): Jaune and Ren here..?

Nora closes the door behind her.

Nora: Yeah, they're here. Uhh...just give me a minute to clean this place up.

She answers, her tone slightly aggravated. Nora continues to clean the mess while you stand there awkwardly.

(Y/n): You guys not sleep at all last night?

Nora: When you lose a teammate slash friend that you've known for a few months then yeah you kinda can't sleep at night!

She snaps. She slightly gasps after realising her words.

Nora: I-I'm sorry. (Y/n) I forgot-

(Y/n): It's okay.

You reassure her. In all honesty you didn't sleep much either. Bianca's passing took you by storm.

Nora: Thanks...for being understanding. I'll just finish this up real quick.

Nora says as she bends down to pick up a few items. Her movements are jerky and unnatural, as if she's trying not to break down.  You approach her and touch her shoulder. Her shoulder trembles.

(Y/n) Nora...?

Nora slowly turns to face you. Her eyes are red and puffy with tears falling down her face. She takes a deep breath before speaking.

Nora: I-I'm sorry...I just can't hold it together right now.

Her voice cracks as she wipes away a tear. You think about what to do and look between her and her sleeping male teammates. You decide to risk it for the biscuit and open your arms.

(Y/n): Blake and Weiss got one last night. Do you want a h-Oof!

You don't even finish your sentence before Nora runs towards you and buries her face in your chest, sobbing uncontrollably. Your heart wrenches at the sound of her sobs and you wrap your arms around her, providing comfort.

(Y/n): It's okay, it's okay...

You whisper into her hair as you gently rock her back and forth. She clings to you tightly, her body shaking with every sob. After what feels like an eternity, her sobs start to lessen and she pulls away from you, sniffling.

Nora: T-Thank you... I don't know what to do. I was so angry and sad and tired...and just...empty.

She looks at you with red eyes, her hand still shakily clutching your shirt.

(Y/n): Yeah. Feelings mutual to everyone at the moment.

Nora nods in understanding.

Nora: I know...I just...I still don't know how to deal with this kinda thing...

She admits. You gently pat her back.

(Y/n): This has happened to you before...?

Nora nods.

Nora: Not to this extent...

She glanced at Ren as her words left her lips. Nora takes a deep breath before speaking.

Nora: When I was little...I never knew my father and my mum wouldn't talk about him when I asked. Then one day, when our home was attacked, my mum abandoned me. I spent a good few months scavenging for food in a small village called Kuroyuri. Turns out it was Ren's village. Which unfortunately was attacked as well. Luckily, Ren was there for me and we've been inseparable ever since.

You smile at this and pull away from Nora.

(Y/n): I can see why you two get along so well. Like peanut butter and chocolate.

Nora manages a weak smile, but her eyes are still filled with sorrow.

Nora: Yeah, we do get along well. Ren has been the only family I've had since then. We've been through a lot together, good and bad.

She pauses for a moment, seeming to collect herself. You look at the two sleeping boys and start to piece together that they may not wake up anytime soon.

(Y/n): I should go, Nora. I'll see you when I see you next time.

You say as you turn to the door.

Nora: Wait!

She whisper shouts, getting your attention once again.

Nora: I'm sorry, I just need to ask...are you okay? With everything that's happened?

Her eyes plead for understanding as she takes a tentative step towards you. Deciding you want to be honest with her, you answer with your head nodding left and right.

(Y/n): No...not really.

Nora: Oh...

Nora looks away for a moment, her fingers tracing the flower patterns on her shirt.

Nora: I'm sorry...I shouldn't have assumed. It's just...you seemed like you were dealing with it better than us.

You shrug your shoulders.

(Y/n): When you've seen more loved ones die before your eyes. There is a feeling but its mostly anger rather than sorrow.

Nora looks at you, her eyes wide with surprise.

Nora: You've seen more loved ones die before- oh...your family...

She says, her voice suddenly filled with understanding. You nod your head in response.

(Y/n): Yeah. I've seen it all.

Nora: I'm sorry...I didn't mean to bring up bad memories.

You shake your head.

(Y/n): It's fine.

Nora looks at you for a moment before speaking again.

Nora: One last question. What did Nightmare mean back in the city yesterday..? He said Star was keeping a secret. What was the secret? Do you know?

You cross your arms and sigh.

(Y/n): Yeah...I do.

You admit. Nora looks at you and steps towards you.

Nora: What is it...?

You look at the roof trying to avoid her gaze.

(Y/n): The reason Nightmare is around...is because of Star...

Nora's eyes widen as she clenches her fist.

Nora: Wha-

You hold up your hands and cut her off.

(Y/n): I know that sounds bad. But please listen.

Nora looked at you with uncertainty but took a deep breath and let you continue.

(Y/n): When I was possessed by all four of them. Nightmare was the only one of the four to actually take over without my knowledge. We didn't know how but he was feeding on something that was inside me, something buried deep that apparently later on revealed to be something responsible for my family's deaths. This something was Vex.

Nora listens intently and in an attempt to ease the tension or distract her from getting angry, she boops your stomach.

Nora: You have an evil guy inside you still?

You rub your stomach and nod.

(Y/n): Yeah. Anyway, Star made a difficult decision and even though it's got so many people killed, it was the right one.

Nora looks at you unsure on how you can look at the situation lightly.

(Y/n): Trust me, I had the same issue yesterday, but after calming down, I realised that if Star did nothing, Nightmare would have my body and there would be no one to stand in his way.

Nora looks at you intently, taking in every word. She seems to be weighing the information in her mind before finally speaking.

Nora: I see... That's a lot to take in. But if it was for the greater good, then I guess Star made the right decision too.

You look at her surprised.

(Y/n): Really..?

Nora nods.

Nora: Yeah. Why are you surprised that I agree?

You shrug your shoulders.

(Y/n): I guess because of what happened before...and you seemed really upset about it. But I'm glad you understand.

Nora: Yeah...I guess I was just shocked at first. But thinking about it, it makes sense. If  you guys had just ignored it, things could have been a lot worse than they are right now.

She looks down at the floor, deep in thought for a moment before looking back up at you.

Nora: Thanks for telling me all this...

You nod with a smile then walk to the door.

(Y/n): Anyway, like I said. See you when I see you.

You wave goodbye and Nora waves goodbye back. As you close the door, Nora stares at the door and hums.

Nora: Hmm...Yang was right, he does have a cute butt.

She nonchalantly says as she then continues cleaning her dorm. As she finishes up, she looks back at the boys and sees Jaune is up. Slightly startled, she cups her hands together and looks at him like she had been caught doing something she shouldn't have been doing.

Nora: H-Hey Jaune.

He gives a wave but keeps his eyes glued to the floor.

Nora: Ho-How much of our conversation did you hear?

Jaune takes a deep breath and falls back into his bed, his eyes now glued to the roof.

Jaune: Enough...never thought I'd be hating the right thing...

Nora frowns at the state of her leader and sits next to him.

Nora: Tell me about it...

Jaune brings his hands to his stomach.

Jaune: This whole thing feels like a bad dream...and none of us can wake up from it...

He says in a depressed tone as Nora just places her hand on his leg and gives him a sympathetic look.

Nora: Yeah. At least we're all together.

She says trying to keep optimistic. Jaune finally looks at her and gives her a small smile.

Jaune: Yeah. I guess so.

He says silently. Nora eventually lays next to him and joins him in the staring contest with the ceiling.

Beacon courtyard, 9:20~

You walk along the footpath and see students dressed in Atlas uniforms stand in a line. You go to the line and see your aunt among the people and come next to her.

(A/n): Hey (Y/n).

She embraces you into a warm hug in which you return. She cups your cheek as she looks at your face.

(Y/n): Hey Aunt (A/n).

The two of you look on and see many of the distraught faces among the students. Your heart wrenches for them and your anger wishes to speak for them as everyone watches body bags get loaded up onto an atlasien frigate. Apparently futures for your fellow huntsman weren't on Nightmare's 'spare' list.

Among the crowd you see a dark skinned man wearing a dark vest over an untucked white dress shirt, with a loose tie wrapped around the collar. Completing his attire is a pair of dark dress pants, silver dress shoes and a dark glove on his left hand. In his right hand he held a black fedora with a blue trim to his chest while in his left hand he held what looked like light blue nunchucks.

You wish you could tell which one Bianca was in but you had to settle that you got to see her one last time yesterday. As you scan the crowd you see a group of faunas' dressed in formal wear. You noticed their brown coloured Fox faunas features which causes your eyes to widen.

As you scan the member you see an older woman looking at you. Your eyes come in contact which causes you to embarrassingly look away. As you look away, you notice Star sitting in front of the frigate, looking over the edge. Suddenly, your Aunt nudges you and gestures with her head at a white haired man walking away from the group.

(A/n): Look at Atlas' most upstanding citizen over there...

She says sarcastically. Staring at the man you realise that he must be Jacques Schnee. Aka, Weiss' father. Poor Weiss, he must want to take her back to Atlas immediately after yesterday. Not that you blame him.

Nah fuck that, he just cares about the dust company's assets. As messed up as it sounds, a man like that would see his family as assets...

(A/n): All the Schnees are snobs. His daughter was one of your bullies yes? I say good riddance.

Your aunt says with venom in her tone. Her words make you think back to last night where Weiss and Blake broke down in your arms. It made your stomach churn.

(Y/n): Yeah...listen (A/n). I'll talk to you later. I just gotta go talk to my friend over there. It's urgent.

You say. Your Aunt looks at you then follows your gaze which is directed at Star. She nods and gently pushes you towards him.

As you approach Star, you see him leaning on his left leg which he has bent up to his chin. You hear a crunch and get a closer look to see him eating apples.

(Y/n): Morning Star.

You greet him. He hums, acknowledging your presence before tossing his apple core over the edge.

He stares at the air ships pulling away from the crashed Atlas warship in the ocean.

Star: They're done with their search, pulling out. Ten survivors, entire command deck was trashed.

You raise a brow.

(Y/n): How do you know?

Star points to his right ear and takes a bite out of his next apple.

(Y/n): Your hearing is that good???

You ask.

Star: When I really focus. Which is kinda what I'm trying not to do, to spare myself from the grim details.

He bites into his apple again.

(Y/n): How do you achieve that...?

Jasper: By eating apples.

The oldest brother of the three finally speaks up.

(Y/n): Morning Jasper. What do you mean?

Jasper: Nightmare and Star share one thing in common. They both can't be affected by alcohol. In honesty, no Angel or Seeker can get affected. However, give them a shit ton of apples and they achieve shit-face.

You hum at his answer.

(Y/n): Wait, what about Cider?

Jasper: DO NOT TELL HIM ABOUT CIDER!

Star looks at your scared expression and leans back.

Star: Jasper telling you about my...apple...holic...? Yeah appleholic thing?

You look at Star and clear your throat.

(Y/n): Y-Yeah.

Star points at you.

Star: Jasper! I'm in my twenties now! You can't say jack all to me.

Star says which causes you to shush him.

(Y/n): Star, dude. There's a send off happening literally right behind you...

You warn. This causes the boy to gasp and cover his mouth. He looks behind you to see if anyone was looking at the both of you. Thankfully there wasn't.

(Y/n): Anyway, did Ike and yourself have that meeting yet?

You ask.

Star: No. Ozpin has been trying to get the Faculty to all come back. I feel kinda bad, poor people haven't even got the chance to grieve.

You nod in agreement with his statement.

(Y/n): Even when trapped, Nightmare still finds a way to fuck us.

You say. Star takes another bite out of his apple. Suddenly, you both hear footsteps from behind and look to see Ike approaching.

Ike: Sup losers.

He greets.

(Y/n): Morning. What brings you here?

You ask.

Ike: Well, I'm here to collect Star. The teachers and Ironwood are ready to have that meeting so we should-Oh for fuck sake Star.

Star: Twenties!

You cover both their mouths in an instant.

(Y/n): SHHHH!

You look back and take a sigh  relief's after seeing no one look at you guys again.

Ike: Anyway...we should probably get it over with. Star, how many apples have you had.

Ike asks. Star shy's away from the question.

Ike: Star...

Star: Three.

He answers. A loud audible inhale is heard from Ike. Then a slow and steady exhale after.

Ike: Okay. Come on.

Star gets to his feet but almost falls off the ledge. Ike whips a chain around his waste and pulls him away from the edge.

Ike: Go on. Ozpin's tower.

The two of you then watch as Star stumbles towards the tower.

Ike: Fuckin Christ.

(Y/n): Hey can I ask...how did you guys keep Star away from ciders all this time?

You ask. Ike looks at you.

Ike: Oh, Jasp told you about that did he?

Ike then leans close and whispers.

Ike: We told him it was unpurified sparkling water.

You gasp.

(Y/n): You evil bastards.

Ike chuckles.

Ike: I know.

Your humoured smile fades as you stare at Ike.

(Y/n): Hey...listen about yesterday.

Ike looks at you and takes note of your apologetic look.

(Y/n): I'm sorry. I lost Bianca and it hit me hard-

Ike: It's okay. I understand.

He holds his hand up for a fist bump.

Ike: Buy me a drink after this mess.

He says with a smile. You smile back and fist bump the blond as he then walks off to catch up with Star. As you watch them go, you see the engines of the frigate start up and quickly move out of the way. You watch as it takes off, heading back to Atlas with the bodies of those who were lost in its inventory. You cross your arms as you watch it become a shadowy silhouette heading towards the direction of the sun. A teardrop escapes your left eye, making you unfold your arms and wipe away the tear.

(Y/n): ...Goodbye Bianca...

You mutter softly and turn away from the edge of the cliffside. As you look ahead you see your aunt talking to the family of brown haired fox faunas. She notices you staring and waves you over. You swallow hard and approach cautiously as you could see the man in the group staring daggers at you.

???: This is (U/n) and your nephew (A/n)?

The old woman asks as she looks you up and down.

(A/n): Yep. Not as strong but he still has the charming looks.

Your aunt teases as she pulls on your cheek causing you to pull away embarrassed.

(Y/n): Aunt (A/n)...

You groan.

???: Yeah, I could tell.

The man says as he spits on the floor and crosses his arms. A middle aged woman next to him nudges him and gives him a stern look.

???: Be nice, Chester.

The man now known to you as Chester, scoffs and looks away.

(Y/n): Don't blame him for hating. Man just lost family.

Suddenly, your train of thought is cut short as the old woman had come close to you and inspected  your face and move some of your hair out of your face.

???: My, my. You certainly are a Hunter. You're almost a spitting image of your grandfather when he was your age, it's almost scary.

She says. This catches you off guard as you look at the old woman confused.

(Y/n): My grandpa- how do you know about my great Grandad..?

The old woman smiles and turns her back on you and your Aunt. She beckons for you to follow.

???: Call it fate. Our families have history young Hunter.

She reveals causing you to glance at your Aunt who holds a smile and gestures towards the old lady. You look at the Jewel family to see the middle aged woman smile warmly while the man of the group holds his scowl and avoids eye contact.

You finally follow the old woman with the rest of her family and your aunt in tow.

Looks like this is gonna be more eventful of a day than you thought.
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Until next time :)