Chapter 23

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We stepped out from the car, the wind whipping past us as we made our way to the front of the train. The rest of the team was already on top, ready for anything. But as we approached, we saw the end of the tracks, a solid wall of rock blocking our way.

I could hear the faint growl of the White Fang soldiers closing in, and the train was still racing forward.

Weiss: "Hold on tight.

Before anyone could react, she raised her hands, and a thick wall of ice shot up around us, encasing the entire group in a shimmering shield.

The crash was deafening. The train collided with the wall of ice, and the world around us turned hazy. The alarm blared loudly, my ears ringing as I tried to shake off the disorientation.

Through the fog, I felt a strong hand on my shoulder. Weiss. She lifted me up, her grip firm as she helped steady me. Her eyes were intense, scanning the surroundings.

We were in Vale. Civilians scattered nearby, some looking confused, others running in panic. But that wasn't our immediate concern. The sound of growling and shifting movements echoed through the streets as the Grimm began to appear from the shadows.

Weiss: "Stay focused. We've got this."

I nodded, drawing my dual daggers, the weight familiar in my hands. My tiger semblance activated, the fur on my arms and neck bristling with energy.

I stood tall, feeling the adrenaline surge as I readied myself. The Grimm were closing in fast, but I wasn't backing down.

I looked to Weiss, her weapon already in hand, ready for whatever came next.

We didn't need to speak-Weiss and I moved as one, fluid and precise. My daggers slashed through the air, cutting through the Grimm with practiced ease, while Weiss' glyphs sent them flying. I could feel the tension in the air as the creatures swarmed around us, but there was no fear, just a quiet focus.

The first wave came fast-Beowolves, Ursa, and a few Nevermores swooping from above. My legs shifted, tiger-like strength surging through me, and I pounced on the nearest Beowolf, tearing through its hide with a quick swipe. The Grimm collapsed to the ground as I spun, dodging the swing of an Ursa's claw. I slid under its strike, slashing across its chest with my dagger, before driving it into its heart.

Weiss was beside me the whole time, her graceful yet brutal moves a perfect counter to my force. A Beowolf lunged at her, but she summoned a glyph beneath its feet, sending it spiraling back into a nearby building. She didn't waste a moment, slashing through another with a well-placed ice attack.

Just as I took down the last of the smaller Grimm around us, reinforcements arrived. Team JNPR's fight cries rang out as they dove into the fray-Jaune's shield deflecting blows, Nora launching herself like a cannon into the enemy, Ren's calm precision cutting through with his arrows.

Sun and Neptune arrived, their weapons already in motion. Sun's bo staff was a blur as he knocked Grimm back, while Neptune sliced through the air with his sword, a streak of blue that cut through the chaos.

Team CFVY wasn't far behind, their coordination and speed cutting down Grimm left and right. They were like a well-oiled machine. Velvet's camera flashed, taking a shot of the chaos while she defended with her impressive speed.

But even with all of us working together, the Grimm just kept coming. Their numbers were relentless.

From above, a loud roar echoed through the sky. The Nevermore had returned, circling us like vultures. I growled low, ready to face whatever came next, but before I could make my move, a sharp crackle of energy rang out.

The battlefield fell silent, save for the distant echoes of groaning Grimm and the hum of shattered metal. The last of the creatures had been dealt with, scattered and broken across Vale's streets. The once-chaotic scene was now a strange kind of stillness, a lull in the storm.

Weiss stood beside me, her breathing steady, though her icy exterior had cracked only slightly, revealing the same exhaustion I felt. Her eyes met mine for a moment, and I could see the same thought in both of us: it was over-for now.

Team JNPR was catching their breath nearby, Nora's usual cheer subdued but still there. Jaune and Ren had their backs to the wall, surveying the surroundings while Ruby and Blake tended to the injured. Sun and Neptune were chatting, trying to lighten the mood as if the chaos hadn't just unfolded around us.

Glynda had already begun organizing the Atlus Military, who were now sweeping the area for any remaining threats. Their presence was a steady reminder of the danger we had all just faced, and the danger still lurking.

Afterwards, Team RWBY and Zwei are sitting on the edge of Beacon's landing platform, overlooking the City of Vale from across the lake.

Yang: Well, we did it.

Blake: We did it.

Weiss: If we don't get extra credit for that, I'm gonna be seriously disappointed.

Yang: Weiss, a two-headed snake literally crushed a bakery. I wouldn't count on it.

Klaus: I loved the sourdough they make, Guess I have to wait till the shop is fixed.

Ruby: we didn't solve everything. A lot of people were hurt, and we still don't even know why they did this, or who that mystery girl was.

Weiss: Well, not every story has a neat and tidy ending.

Blake: We might not have all the answers, but we do have a lot of dangerous people behind bars. And I think that's something we could be proud of.

Ruby: Yeah! And if anyone tries something like this again, we'll be there to stop them.

Yang: (lying down on her back) Yay, teamwork, camaraderie, good guys, go team, alright, good job... So, what now?

Weiss: I suggest training for the tournament, but I guess we have that covered at this point.

The sun dipped low on the horizon, painting the sky in soft hues of orange and pink. The chaos was finally behind us, and the world felt still for the first time in what seemed like ages.

Then I felt it-a gentle touch against my hand. I glanced down to see Weiss had reached for me, her slender fingers interlacing with mine. Her thumb brushed softly across the back of my hand, the subtle movement grounding me more than any words could.

Blake: So then...

Ruby: Uhh... Time for bed?

Yang: Please.

Blake: Absolutely.

Weiss: Yes.

Yang: I'm going to sleep forever.

Klaus: I miss my bed so much

A/n: A short one but hope you enjoyed it

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