It's already the next day at  an early point as Ruby is laying on the balcony, looking up at the sky with her hands burried under her head. The last while has been pretty wild with all the new information and things going up and down between one another. She just needs a break from that. She looks at one of the few birds above her, as shortly after her eyes spot Yang standing over her with a smile. 

Yang:" You're up early."

Ruby:" Hey sis."

Yang:" Boop."

Ruby just laughs as Yang shakes her hair in her younger sister's face, tickling her in the process. The the little red sits up and looks at the blond as both of them sit next to each other. It took some time to reunite them, but they're family, no matter what.

Ruby:" What are you doing up?"

Yang:" Can't fall back asleep."

Ruby:" Eh, me neither."

Then another voice makes itself noticed as Weiss is on her way out with a tray of cups filled with coffee. She gives a smile towards her friends as they welcome her to join the chat.

Weiss:" Well, fortunately Coffee exists."

It's a genuine moment between the three as they each take their coffee and begin to talk again. Ruby just puts her hands up in defense before taking her cup.

Ruby:" Please, no."

Weiss:" Don't worry, I put in blasphemous amounts of cream and sugar just for you."

Ruby:" Aww yes! Nice Weiss strikes again."

Weiss:" I will pour it on you and it will burn."

Of course the short tension is broken soon after as they finally get together and share their own distinct thoughts.

Yang:" Can't believe we're actually in Mistral."

Ruby:" That's what you can't believe?"

Yang:" Well. yeah. And all the other magic and stuff, but...Okay, you know what I mean."

Weiss:" I honestly wasn't sure I would ever see you two again."

Yang:" Well.here's to defying expectations."

Ruby:" I just wish Blake could be here with us."

Yang:" Yeah well, she made her choice."

Weiss:" What's that supposed to mean?"

Yang:" I mean, she could have been here if she just stuck around. It's no big deal though, we'll be fine."

Ruby:" Don't you want her here?"

Yang:" Why would I want her here?"

Ruby:" Are you...still mad at her for leaving?"

Yang:" Oh, what gave you that idea?, Ruby? No, I'm totally fine. I'm great."

Weiss:" Ok, calm down---"

Yang:" Don't tell me to calm down!"

There is obviously hatred in Yang as she bursts out like that towards one of her teammates. The whole situation at all is pretty hard on her, judging from the missing arm, the times she has been lied to, the things Raven, Qrow and Ozpin told her and the others. Blake on the other hand seems to always be a touchy subject.

Ruby:" Woah, Yang..."

The firecracker realizes what just happened and then gets up as if nothing was going on, just sayinh 'Whatever' to Ruby and Weiss. She walks back to the house without giving a last glance at the two who just look after her. 

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A short moment later Yang is in her room in the house, looking at a picture of the entire team. Even Zwei, the little dog her and Ruby's family has, is in the photo. She takes a good moment to remember the time when everything was simpler than what it is now. Just then a knock occurs at her door. 

Yang:" Yeah?"

The door opens, but Yang isn't in the mood of looking up, so she assumes it's Ruby who enters.

Yang:" Look, Ruby. I really don't wanna talk about it, ok? Can you just leave me alone for a bit?"

What surprises her more is the fact that it's Weiss who stands at the door and the two just look at each other for a brief moment. There is no smiling involved this time and they don't even make direct eye contect.

Yang:" Oh. Hey Weiss, did you need something?"

Instead of answering her with her voice, Weiss just walks in and sits down on the other bed, while Yang averts her eyes. She sighs and then they try to talk under for eyes. 

Yang:" I know she's our teammate. But I'm not gonna change my mind. I'm sorry I just...I don't think you know what it's like to be left. You have a giant family. Recitals to perform at, dinners to attend...! I didn't have any of that. My mom left me , Ruby's mom left too. Tai was always busy with school and Ruby couldn't even talk yet. I had to pick up the pieces. I had to keep things together. Alone.......Weiss, if you have anything to say, just say it."

Weiss:" When I was 10, my dad finally admitted to my mom that the only reason he married her was for her family name. It was actually on my birthday. He missed the big dinner, she got mad, he finally snapped. I think she already knew. Looking back, I think I knew too. But hearing him say it finally pushed her over the edge. First it was seperate lunches and dinners, opposite balconies at my recitals. A glass of wine here, a glass of wine there. Then it was no dinners, no recitals, a bottle of wine here and, you get the idea."

The two now sit next to each other and Yang finally turns towards Weiss, who ended her story for the moment.

Yang:" I'm really sorry. I...shouldn't have assumed."

Weiss:" You're right though. I don't know loneliness like you do. I have my own version. And I'll bet Blake has her own version too."

Yang:" She doesn't have to be alone though. I was here for her, we all were. She chose to leave us."

Weiss:" Why do you think she did that?"

Yang:" Hmm?"

Weiss:" The entre time Blake was at Beacon, she was afraid to open up to people. She tried to keep her past seperated from us. She tried to protect us. Eventually, the walls she put up just came down. And the moment they did, the one thing she was afraid of actually happened. The universe proved her right."

Yang:" No one blamed her for anything. If she had just talked to us, she would have known that! How could I be there for her if she doesn't let me? What if I needed her here for me?"

Weiss:" I know it's not easy. I wish she hadn't left too. The only thing we can do now is to be there for her when she's ready. When she comes back."

Yang:" If she comes back."

Weiss:" She will....Yang, you, Ruby and even Blake are more like family to me than my brother or even my own father. I would do anything for you three and I'm willing to bet that Blake feels the same way. So, when she's ready, I'll be there for her. And I know we're nt as close, but I'm here for you too."

A short silence falls upon them and Yang takes a deep breath as another knock is heard at the door, grabbing the girls' attention. In comes Ruby who has a face full of concern.

Ruby:" Is, uh, everything okay?"

Yang:" Yeah...It is."

Relief is washing over her and she walks in towards her sister and friend. Then we see Qrow who is in his own room as well, sitting on his bed. Even for him, it's hard to believe how the journey went since the Fall of Beacon. Fighting off everything in his path, reuniting with Ruby and the rest of Team JNPR, getting grazed and infected with poison, making it to Mistral, meeting with Leonardo, reuniting with Kain and the things he heard from Ozpin. He just looks out the window as Oscar gets his attention.

Oscar:" Hey Qrow, Oz wants to talk to you."

The grown man doesn't say anything, he just gets up and follows Oscar into the living room while holding his flask. The two sit down and begin their own conversation.

Qrow:" Things aren't looking good, Oz."

Oscar/Ozpin:" Ever the optimist. While I wouldn't say our current predicament is...ideal, I think we can both agree that the situation could be much worse. Humanity is a resilient force."

Qrow:" Oz, Pro huntsmen like that just don't bite all at once. Salem's powerful. It seems like her hreach is growing by the day. What does that say about humanity?"

Oscar/Ozpin:" That there are indeed a misguided few who have filled their hearts with mallice. It doesn't take a great number of people to cause harm. But I still believe there are far more people in the world willing to prevent it."

Just after that, Rzby emerges from around the corner, breaking up the talk for a moment.

Ruby:" Um...Excuse me?"

Oscar/Ozpin:" Ah, Miss Rose. Join us. We were just about to gather everyone to discuss our next steps."

Ruby:" Oh, uh, great."

Qrow:" Something on your mind, kiddo?"

Ruby:" Uh, it's...If it's okay to ask."

Qrow:" Of course."

Ruby:" Well, uh...We've been talking about the Relic in Haven...And the Spring Maiden, but...what about the Fall Maiden?"

Oscar/Ozpin:" Cinder?"

Ruby:" Does that mean Salem has the Beacon Relic?"

Oscar/Ozpin:" Very astute, Miss Rose. I was wondering who would be the first to ask. No. Thankfully, she does not. It's true that the Relic at Haven is very much at risk and for now, that should remain our primary focus. Let's just say I made finding the Relic at Beacon a...bit more challenging than at the other schools."

Ruby:" That's good to hear."

  Oscar/Ozpin:" It is. But let's not forget the challenges that still lie before us. Now, is there anything else we can help you with?"

Ruby:" Oh, uh...I did have one more question...."

  Oscar/Ozpin:" No, my cane is not a Relic."

Ruby:" I have no more questions."

Kain:" You may not, but I have several questions still. Then again, I suppose they can wait for another time."

The surprise is big as the three of them look at Kain and his outfit. They didn't expect him to be up so early either, but his expression exclaims that there is nothing positive about his behavior. 

Qrow:" Hey there, buddy. How are ya'?"

Kain:" Different. Just different...I heard you wanted to discuss the next steps, so where is the rest?"

Ruby:" Give me a minute. I'll go grab them."

So Ruby goes upstairs again and Kain takes a seat across from Qrow. The tension went from 0 to 100 in only a few seconds as the bigger man lays his eye on Oscar, who is still controlled by Ozpin at the moment.

Qrow:" How did yesterday go for you? I noticed you were back quite late."

Kain:" It was fine...Killed some Grimm, got my outfit torn up a bit, feeling a bit of pain in my lower spine and rib cage. Nothing serious that could prevent me from fighting."

Qrow:" That's good. I expected nothin' else."

Kain:" Yeah...Seeing how you checked in on me over the years whenever you could...I appreciate your help, birdbrain."

Qrow:" Hey, I'm not a birdbrain. I'll have you know that I'm very smart."

Kain:" I know...Just messing with you..."

  Oscar/Ozpin:" *clears his throat* I think we should move on to the important matters, shouldn't we?"

Qrow:" Sorry, Oz. It won't happen again."

And so the rest of the group comes down and gathers in the living room. A lot of commotion is going on as to what's going on, but that is silenced by Ozpin raising his hand and stopping any words from coming out.

 Oscar/Ozpin:" Thank you all for coming down here. Me and Qrow have talked about some steps to how we will get to the Relic below Haven academy. It's not an easy way, but we will get it when the time comes."

Qrow:" I asked Professor Lionheart to wait for us in the school's main hall. He will guide us to the vault and aid us in opening it to get the relic out of it."

Jaune:" And what will we do with it? I mean we can't just keep it with us the whole time."

Kain:" Good point, Jaune. That's something I'd like to hear about as well."

Qrow:" Right now, we can only hope to get it at all. Our objective is to keep it sfe from anyone else.If it falls into the wrong hands, we may have less of a chance to defeat Salem than we have right now...I know this is confusing for the most of you, but trust me: once we have all the relics in our hands, the gods will do their work."

Kain:" *whispers* If there ever were any."

  Oscar/Ozpin:" Hmm, Kain? Is something the matter?"

Kain:" No, of course not!"

A reluctent sigh is heard and Ozpin turns to the rest again to explain his plan further while Kain grips his head. He feels a slight sting and hunches over, gritting his teeth. It never was this intense before, but it worried him for a while already. The others only notice when a pained grunt is heard from the big man. Qrow immediately rushes to his side and kneels down to his eye level.

Qrow:" Kain, are you alright? Is everything ok?"

Kain:" I---It hurts...It feels like...my head is gonna break. B-bring me some...painkillers."

Qrow:" Could anyone?"

Then Ren gets up and walks into the kitchen, looking through the house's medical department. In the meantime Kain takes deep breaths and tries to relax a bit. The headache really came out of nowhere and with the former experiences, it will stay or reappear sooner or later.

Qrow:" Relax, you'll be fine 'til we meet up with Leonardo."

Kain:" Beware...he is not...the same...Argh, I can feel it."

Oscar/Ozpin:" It's partially true. Leo has been acting different than before. Though I see no trouble on the horizon so far, I'm quite uneasy about this."

Ren comes back with some painkillers and a glass of water, handing them to Qrow who helps Kain get everything down. It's not often that a mighty warrior displayes syptomes like these, so they should be handled with a lot of care and better be looked after. Especially since Kain is a valued member of any huntsman organisation.

Qrow:" You should rest now, Kain. I will get you when the time to meet up with Lionheart comes."

Kain:" Thanks, but...I think...Oz is right at one thing...A part of me...will be lost...Aaarrghh."

Kain is slowly and carefully getting up, stumbling towards the stairs and heads to his room. A look of concern now plasters many faces as Qrow takes his original place and rests his heas in the palm of his hand.

  Oscar/Ozpin:" So it begins. I thought it left him more time..."

Qrow:" You mean his semblance or whatever this person is. Yeah...I think we should be extra careful with him. This beast is not to mess with unless your desire is to die...Oh Oum, why now of all times?"

Oscar/Ozpin:" I do not know the answer to that, but we can only hope that he will find a way to harness another power inside his body. Hiscombat style is quite similar to Mister Arc and Miss Xiao Long. I thought long and hard about it, so maybe he just needs to find his true self within the qualities he already possesses. This phenomenon we're experiencing at the moment has occured only twice before. I wish to not reveal how it ended with the first two victims."

Ren:" Will he be alright?"

Jaune:" What does this mean for us?"

Oscar/Ozpin:" Rest assured that the majority of our group will come out of this unscathed. I'm not quite sure if Kain can handle another loss like this though. This is somehing serious. A semblance is something to be with you your whole life. It should help you in any kind of situation."

Yang:" Well, it's good if that psychopath side is gone, but Kain won't be much of a fighter without a semblance. Sure, he has his weapon and his aura, but that's it."

Qrow:" Don't be such a downer, kid. Maybe he will claim a power that's better suited to him and his style. Maybe then, he will be one of the greatest huntsmen to ever walk the face of Remnant....Not saying that you kids can't be that too. I just mean we will all go down in history as a big part of this world."

The discussion goes on again and again as more things are brought up and everyone has questions about different things. Breakfest time already passed, but that doesn't bother anyone at the moment. They are more interested in what their headmaster has to say while Kain is laying on his bed, eyes closed and trying to escape the vivid images in front of his own mind. The prison is shown again as the red lights flicker and an alarm goes off, only for him to hear. He looks himself up and down and notices a prisoner's uniform on his body.

A faint whisper in the wind speaks to him while his feet carry him towards the prison entrance.

?????????:" How do you sleep at night? Knowing that you caused so many people so much pain and suffering in just a few years of your life? Is this what you wanted? You did this. You were the cause of death for the innocent."

https://youtu.be/O168AzIGY7Y

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We're getting closer to the end of Volume 5, so I have a question for you guys.

1) If Kain gets a new semblance, what should it be?

I would like to see your suggestions in the comments or you can message me privately too. I'm anticipating at least a few people to come up with something.

 2) How should Kain find out about his new semblance?

That is up to you as well. The backstory of it can be however you want as long as it makes sense. You can give a short description or a long one.

I'll give you guys a week to come up with something, so I have some time to prepare.

Hope you like the idea and leave a comment and/or a like.

Have a nice day

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