Fall of the Valkyrie Chapter 1

PROLOGUE --- "The bigger the heart, the darker its corners."

Jaune, Nora, Pyrrha, and Ren pleasantly sit together on the edge of a Beacon rooftop. Everyone seems to be merrily taking in the amber-gold afternoon sunset, the rapid gusts of wind whipping against their skin, and the company of all their closest friends. Pyrrha and Jaune are happily holding hands, flaunting their shining engagement rings. Nora is cheerily poking Ren's cheek with her arm locked around his.

After a while, Pyrrha and Jaune stand up from their usual spot, dust themselves off, and walk back to their dorms.

"Pyrrha and I are heading in. Don't stay out too late you guys." Says Jaune, walking away.

Nora lies backwards swinging her legs over the edge of the building and says "We won't!" while waving goodbye upside down.

Next to her, Ren is staring at the sunset in his usual stoic, bored demeanor. Nora takes notice of this and sits up with her hands supporting her. She begins to ponder what she can do to lift his spirits.

"It's so pretty, isn't it?" Nora asks with a smile so bright it makes the glistering sun in the distance seem like a shadow.

Ren looks at her through the corner of his eye. Her usual carefree nature almost appeared to be as close to the edge as they currently were. On Ren's face forms a lopsided grin before he opens his mouth to ask
"Nora, how do you do it?"

"Do what?
"Stay so carefree and happy all the time."
"Hmmm..." She takes a moment to think of a reasonable answer.
"Well first I think about all the bad things that have happened, like my mother and my grandmother dying..."
Ren's head fully turns to look at her. That bright smile still stuck end-to-end to her plump blushing cheeks.
"Then I just count all my blessings! Or at least I try to. There's too many to count without some sort of biiiiig computer!"
"Yeah? Like what?"
"Well, I have Jaune and Pyrrha. Penny, Ruby, Weiss, Yang, Blake... umm, all my friends and teachers at Beacon. Oh! and tomorrow we're graduating and becoming official hunters and huntresses and that's a BIG plus!"

Ren rests his head on his chin and focuses on the sunset once again. The last bits of ember light peek over the horizon and Just as it sets Nora grapples Ren into a hug that seems strangely more like a choke-hold.
"And I have you, best buddy!"
"Nora! Stop! We're gonna fall off!"
 After a moment Nora weakens her grip, still holding onto Ren. By this time, the sun has fully set and rays of gold light are barely visible.

"Hey."
"What?" Ren asks looking at her. A finger finds its way to the tip of Ren's nose.
"Boop!"
Ren can't help but smile. That always makes him smile.

"C'mon, let's head back." Ren says as he stands up from the edge of the rooftop.

Nora hasn't budged. Ren's not sure if something might be worrying her or not.

"There's a lot of darkness in the world, you know. That's where the Grim come from, isn't it?"
"Well, that's what the legends say. Human darkness manifested as soul-less beasts."
"But there aren't very many Grimm left anymore, huh? I guess humans have gotten pretty bright! I'm surprised too. Humans and Faunuses always seemed pretty dark at first glance, and sometimes even on the inside they were pretty mean. We've met a lot of people like that along the way, haven't we?"
"Yeah, I guess we have..."

"And yet..." Nora somersaults backwards into a standing position and spins around on her heels,
"We're still happy! I guess that means humans can't be all that dark. I bet that's the reason the Grim are going away. It's too bad though... Now that we are true hunters, we won't be around each other as much... We'll be doing missions and stuff in far away places."
Ren notices Nora's bright smile dim a little.
"Hey, it's alright. We can always keep in touch and meet up in our hometown."
"I guess so. Just promise me one thing: No matter what you won't give into to the darkness, right Ren?"

Ren opens his mouth to answer her, but his vision of her becomes distorted. Ren can hear her calling his name repeatedly, as if she were a broken record. As his name begins to echo, he struggles desperately to tell her how he feels. The scene before him breaks away like shattering glass and he begins to hear a different voice calling his name.

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Ren opens his eyes from the darkness, and takes in the ambient lights coming from the transport vehicle he is in and the bright city street lights. Someone is nudging his elbow and he turns to find Pyrrha sitting next to him in the van.

"Ren. Wake up, Ren. We're here." Pyrrha says pointing out the car window towards an Inn with a lavish western decorum.  After wiping some condensation off of the backseat window, Ren is able to make out a sign reading "Hotel Esmeralda" in bright, neon-green cursive.
Hesitant to face the chilling cold just outside the door, he adjusts his scarf and tenaciously rubs the palms of his hands together. Pyrrha is busy fiddling with a file folder and a briefcase, no doubt organizing the information documents she brought with her.
"Ready?" Ren asks, to which Pyrrha gives a sigh and a nod.
Ren sheepishly opens the car door and, as expected, is met with a blood-freezing chill.
"Why does Atlas have to be so cold this time of year...?"

After dislodging his feet from underneath a large duffle bag and stepping out of the car, he extends a gentlemanly hand to assist Pyrrha in stepping out. She gracefully accepts the gesture. Upon stepping out of the car Pyrrha takes a moment to straighten her hair and sweater, then stretches her arms in the air. Even through her thick mid-winter clothing it's easy to make out her beautiful figure. The city lights reflecting off of the glistening snowflakes hit her face and hair and cast just the right shines and just the right shadows that amplify the color of her gorgeous cream skin and deep scarlet locks to their fullest intensity.
Ren, as a man, can't help but enjoy the sight for a moment.
"Glad to see you haven't changed." Ren says.
"What do you mean?"
"Nothing in particular." With a lopsided grin he reaches into the vehicle to pull out his and Pyrrha's luggage then pays the driver. Ren had always recognized Pyrrha's beauty. Though he was never romantically interested in her or any other girl, Pyrrha still had a way of standing out. She would always do something- make a gesture or speak words of wisdom- that made her beauty significant.

"Shall We, then?"
Ren hefted the luggage and followed Pyrrha into the Inn. As the door opens, the two are relieved to be swathed in warm air and the sound of merry making and clanking glasses of ale. To their left is a restaurant bar, to their right, a large stairway draped in a warm-looking bronze carpeting, and directly in front of them is the check-in desk where a busy looking elderly Faunus man is arguing profusely with a young boy organizing room keys against a black board. As Ren and Pyrrha approach the front desk, the young boy takes his position, ready to serve a new customer while the old Faunus shambles off into an office room.

"Hello, and welcome to Hotel Esmeralda. How can I be of service to you?" Says the boy with a smile. Ren stands in the background still holding the luggage while Pyrrha handles the exchange.
"Hi, there should be a room reserved under the name Arc, Jaune/Pyrrha."
"Ah yes, Mrs. Arc. That's a two beds, one bath, right?"
"That's the one."
"I see. It seems a Mr. Jaune Arc has already arrived. I'd assume he's in the cafeteria right about now. Oh, sir, please let our staff handle your luggage." A quick succession of snaps from the adolescent summons a tall, broad-shouldered, balding man who, without struggle, relieves Ren of two large duffle bags and a suit case.
"Room 205 please, Nelson." Commands the young boy. With a grunt and a nod the man begins making his way to the second floor of the building.

"Here is your one-night-free complimentary meal ticket, and your room keys. Also, tonight we have a special on a Faunus home-cooked dish that I think you will like. So please enjoy your stay."
As Ren and Pyrrha take their items, the boy retreats into the old man's office passing along a few mysterious words on his way in. Ren had noticed them but couldn't quite make them out. Possibly just a remark on the arrival of special guests.

Avoiding eavesdropping, Ren meets Pyrrha's side.
"So, what do you think?" Asks Pyrrha in a playful manner.
"... I think this place has good service. What were you carrying in those bags? Rocks?" Retorts Ren, as he circulates his shoulders.
"Haha, not far from the truth, I suppose. It's equipment. We aren't here on vacation, you know."
"Yes, I know. Still, it's not everyday I get to spend time in lavish and warm living quarters with good insulation and a couple of old friends I haven't heard from in years. After you." Ren says opening the door to the restuarant.

They step into the room, and inside there is a live band playing a beautiful late-night score, families, both Human and Faunus laughing and dining, couples enjoying each others romantic company, and a rather long line leading towards the serving area. The two of them proceed to stand in line without hesitation as the line does not look like it's moving along very quickly.

"Keep an eye out for Jaune. He should be in here somewhere." Pyrrha implores.
"And speaking of old friends, how have you and Jaune been?" Ren says, as he surveys the room. He can't seem to distinguish Jaune from the sea of faces.
Pyrrha hesitates to answer for a moment, which begs Ren's attention.
"...That's a good question..." She finally answers on an open end.
"...I see." Ren replies with empathy. "Well, I'm still glad to see you both again."
Ren decides it best to drop the subject.

After a few minutes of standing in line, Ren and Pyrrha manage to finally reach the seating service. They are greeted by an adorable, rabbit-kin, faunus girl who seems far too enthusiastic for her position. Ren asks if "A scrawny, blonde-haired, blue-eyed, 26 year old human male" has arrived and the girl promptly directs them to a table in the furthest most secluded corner of the room. Upon noticing their approach Jaune hurriedly rushes up from the circular table to greet them.

"It's been far too long, Ren!" Jaune shouts and pulls Jaune into himself for a brotherly hug.
To Ren's surprise, Jaune has grown a lot more muscular and a lot taller over the years.
"It has, hasn't it?"
"Almost 5 years since our graduation."
"And 4 since your wedding."
With a hand on Ren's shoulder Jaune implores that Ren take a seat with him. Pyrrha, who is already seated, has yet to say a word.
"Boy, don't we all have a lot of catching up to do?"
"Sure," interjects Pyrrha "but it will have to wait. We have work to do." With an annoyed scowl Jaune complies.

Everyone's faces turn cold. They were only called together to address the urgent matter at hand. They know that. And somewhere, deep in their hearts, they know they likely would have never seen each other again, if not for this mission.

"Was everyone briefed by Ozpin before coming here?" Ren asks.
"Only the bare minimum details, as always." says Pyrrha.
"Yeah. I out-rank both of you, and even I know very little." Pyrrha scowls away from Jaune's comment. "We've been receiving reports of attacks happening in the Bloodwood Forest, North of Atlas. However, the details of the reports don't make sense. Pyrrha, lemme see those files you brought with you, if you would." requests Jaune.
Pyrrha pulls out the files in the briefcase she'd brought with her as Ren and Jaune focus on her attentively. Three manila file folders smack the table and Pyrrha begins to look through the files. A number of case studies, black-and-white photos, and witness testaments with censored material clutter and spread across the table. Pyrrha meticulously scans through the papers before giving one to Jaune and another to Ren.
"As you can both see, this is all sensitive material. I'm not sure exactly what it all means, but I am sure it's something the brass wants to keep contained. Some of these files are labeled Tier-1, so of course 90% of them are censored."
As Pyrrha continues to explain their position, Ren studies the photo Pyrrha handed to him. There is an aging young man with a lantern standing in front of a wrecked cargo bus being lifted by a wench. Closer inspection of the picture reveals that the bus has a number of large gashes torn through it, as if it was made from was tin foil or some other weak alloy, and torn open by an animal. A vast amount of supplies, ranging from food, to clothing, to disassembled weapon parts, lay scattered in the snow around the wreck. Some of the boxes look crushed, but Ren's keen eye noticed a pattern in the crushed boxes.

"Guys, take a look at this picture." Ren says holding it up for them.
"Crashed cargo bus. And those slashes look none too familiar." Pyrrha analyzes
"Almost like a pack of Ursas came by and-- No, that's impossible."
"Keep it down!" commands Pyrrha "If... if this is what it looks like it is..."
"Then the brass was right to keep this under the table." Jaune says, finishing her sentence. They shared a look, and for a moment Jaune reminisced about how often they'd done that. Over the years they'd gotten quite good at it, but the atmosphere of the situation made the moment bitter sweet- in more ways than one.
"There's more." Ren adds, "Take a closer look at the damaged cargo boxes. Only the weapon and dust storage containers are emptied."
"You're right... but why would--"
"Boys, look sharp. Service is coming."

The three of them quickly gather all the files and try to play it cool. Jaune over-exaggeratedly pretends to be sleeping, Pyrrha nervously whistles a tune, and Ren sits with his fingers crossed on top of the table, trying his best to look casual. The young waiter approaches their table with a smile.

"I thought you were working the front desk." Ren declares. He seems to be the only one who noticed the server was the same young man from the lobby.
"I can work more than one shift, can't I? So, what will it be for the three of you tonight?"
Pyrrha and Ren start to shuffle through the menu's the young man had laid across the table, but are surprised to hear Jaune order for them.
"We'll each have tonight's special." Jaune's two bewildered companions start to question him, but fall silent when he waves his hand at them. He had been their leader and their friend for years, so they knew when to trust his judgement. Obviously there was more going on than they knew.
The server takes a moment to scribble down their order before asking,
"And is there anything else you'd like with that?"

"Umm, I'll take a DeathStalker Stinger, with lemon,... and a Strawberry Vice Sundae with chocolate chips and rum for the lady." Jaune requested as he kept his eyes trained on the server. For a moment Pyrrha seemed stunned, but her shock was quickly dethroned by defiance.
"I can order for myself, 'boss'!" Pyrrha sneered as the venomous words fell from her tongue. When she'd realized her outburst had gained her the attention of the rest of the group, and a few of the neighboring families, she felt ashamed and quietly scolded herself. Where she's from, it's unbecoming of a woman to be so harsh and outspoken anywhere outside of a battlefield, but years of mental conditioning fell apart at the simple act of her husband ordering food for her.
Ren was starting to get a sense of just how deep any suggested marital problems they were having has gone, and he deeply wished Nora were with them. Ren was never the type to express empathy, but Nora could always see right through him, and Pyrrha, and Jaune. She was all that held the team together so many years ago.

Pyrrha composed herself from her outburst, and everyone around them calmed. Jaune still avoided looking in her direction, but she was staring at the back of his head expecting some kind of response. She sucked in her noticeable anger and calmly said,
"I'll just take what he ordered." Ren noticed Jaune slightly smile at those words, as if he had won something over her, and felt pity that this is what such a formerly close relationship had come to. Warriors are now children picking on each other for fun.

"Okay... and what will it be for you sir?"
"Oh, uhh, I'll just have a glass of water. No ice."
"Alrighty, I'll be right back with your order." The young man finished writing down the orders, then tore a piece of paper from his writing pad and placed it in Jaune's hand. Jaune looked at if for a bit then closed his eyes in understanding as the young man sauntered off.

"What's that about, Jaune?" Ren asked.
"...there is no ' tonight's special'. It's code."
"For?" asked Pyrrha.
"'For' an informant. This is the closest inn to the Bloodwood Forest and if we're to investigate the strange attacks then we need information. Much more information that these walls of blacked-out text can afford us. Not to mention transportation."
Jaune places the paper in the center of the table. Ren and Pyrrha note that it reads "Midnight", denoting the time at which their informant will consult them. A time a which the restaurant is supposed to be closed and all customers should be on their way.
"You're a lot more prepared than I thought." notes Ren.
"Well, this is all standard operating procedure for Vale's Garrison Chief Investigator. What have you been doing all this time?"
Ren ignored the arrogance in his question, and answered,
"I've been working as a freelance mercenary for a while."
"Really?" Jaune and Pyrrha seem impressed. "And how has that worked out for you?"
"It's good work. Sometimes very dark, sometimes a bit less harsh. It's a good use of my skills, ever since all the Grimm in the world had receded. The pay is decent and I've managed to make it this far without letting too many innocents get hurt or making too many decisions I've regretted."
"That's good to hear. Wish I could say the same." Pyrrha remarked.
"Hmph."  Jaune looked like he was prepared to say something, but instead dejected himself.
"So what have you been up to, Pyrrha?" Ren asks.

"I traveled for a while. Went back home and became a combat teacher for some of the younger trainees. My students were all really adorable and I treasured each and every one. Recently though, I've been working for a private security firm. It's rewarding work, but sometimes it's a pain to have to deal with a bunch of stuffed-shirt bureaucrats and high-class white-collar millionaires in the Schnee Corporation. I did get to meet Weiss again, for a short time, and she hasn't changed a bit. Just as abrasive as ever. Still, it's nice to have a reunion like this. We haven't seen you in ages Ren. How come you never call?"

Ren didn't know how to answer. He couldn't think of a legitimate reason for spending the majority of the last five years alone with almost no contact with people he'd grown so fond of. The last time he'd seen Jaune and Pyrrha was at their wedding.

"I guess I just needed some time to myself..." Is what he settled on.
"I understand." Jaune says. "So what about Nora? What's she been up to?"

For a prolonged moment, Jaune and Pyrrha stare at Ren.
"What are you both looking at me for?"
"Well... you and her were always really close. You'd been friends since you were in kindergarten." Jaune replies.
"So? I'm not her keeper."
"That's debatable..."
"Well, what about you two? Why haven't you tried contacting her?"
"We did. We tried to get in touch with everyone we met at Beacon when we invited them to our wedding. Even Ruby has been in close contact with us, even after Yang passed away. Yet, no one's had any direct contact with Nora since graduation." Explains Pyrrha.
"The last we even saw of her was when she presented her Grimoire Journal at that science hearing she was involved in 3 years ago and--"

"I know, I know." Ren says, cutting Jaune off.

"Ren, are you sure you're alright?" Ren scowls sourly at the questioning of his mental fortitude.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, I can accept not calling us, but--
"But what?!" He snaps. Pyrrha takes a moment to gather her thoughts before responding.
"But... Nora was... special to you."
"Nora was busy... and so was I. It's not like we could spend our entire lives bound at the hip. She was recruited by the International Science Committee for her grades and combat skills and we went our separate ways. It's not really a big deal."

"Alright. If you say so." Says Jaune putting the subject away. "Back to the matter at hand."

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HOURS LATER

The restaurant has entered it's graveyard shift. Everyone is gone, either in their hotel rooms on continuing on their travels, save Jaune, Pyrrha, and Ren who are asleep faced down at their table.
The alarm Jaune had set on his clock began to ring at the stroke of midnight, however the first to wake up from the noise, was Ren. After diligently rubbing his eyes, he noticed a short man in a chair had pulled up next to their table and was now asleep at well. This gave Ren pause, as he wasn't sure how to react in his startled awakening confusion. Jaune and Pyrrha began waking shortly after, and Jaune clicks his watch to stop the grating beeping coming from it.

"Guys, who is this old man?"
"Ah, that's our informant." Jaune relplies.
"Really? Are you sure"
"Yes. His names Mason Archibald. He's the owner of this hotel."
"Archibald? As in 'Atlus Councilman Archibald'?" Pyrrha asks.
"That's the one. He retired when the Grim started to recede. And now, as you can see, he just a tired old man."

"Who are you callin' old, you young little twat!" The old man shouts, hitting Jaune over the head with his cane repeatedly.
"Ow! Okay, I'm sorry I'm sorry!"
The stout old Ram-kin Faunus stands himself up in a dignified manner and Jaune and the others compose themselves as well.
"So what do you lot want?"
"We're here for some information, sir. I believe Professor Ozpin contacted you prior to our arrival regarding an investigation of the recent string of attacks on cargo dealers and travelers." Replies Jaune.
"Ah. I see. So you three are from Vale, here on a mission. Can't you youngsters ever just relax for a while?"
"Sorry sir, but from what we hear there's no time to relax."
"Alright then. I could never keep up with you anyways. The faster you're out of here the better."

The three of them were a little more than disconcerted by the belligerent old man they were being forced to accept information from. In an effort to get this over with as quickly as possible, Pyrrha brought out a few of her files and pictures and presented them to Mason.
"So what do you know about the recent attacks, sir?"
"I know plenty. Lots of people come and go through this hotel. Lots of mouths to listen to. I assume you already know that the most recent attack was in the Bloodwood Forest a ways north from the major city. Considering your rank and your foreign nature," he says, tapping his cane on Jaune's shoulder insignia, "I'd say you probably don't know too many details about the attacker or even the victim."

"And I assume you do?" Jaune says.
"Of course I do. I'm a former councilman. I've go connections in places you'd have to be twice my age to get, and just look at my fine hotel. Best hotel in Atlus! Guaranteed!" Mason says, praising himself.
"So, then, what exactly can you tell us about the attacks?"
The old man looks over the papers Pyrrha handed him.
"Well, I can tell you this: these weren't simple attacks. They were coordinated. Robberies. I know the man in this photo. Names Gregorie Sada. He's a traveling merchant, often comes here to sell this place some fine wares in bulk and to rest in between destinations. He's a good merchant. A bit cocky though." The old man continued his description of the merchant, as if he were taking a long stroll down memory lane.
The mans audience sighed with relief at the obvious suggestion that these attacks were coordinated.
"Robberies. That's a relief." Ren says.
"Yes. That rules out a number of frightening possibilities. Ursa's don't coordinate attacks, and Beowolves don't steal anything besides food." Jaune adds.
"What are you kids on about? Pay attention."
"Sorry sir, do you know what might have been stolen?"
"Judging from this picture, Weapon Gears and Dust. Dangerous combination I'd say. In fact, in most of the reports I've heard through the grapevine it's been just Weapon Gears this and Dust canisters that. If you're going to steal something, steal something interesting. Petty thief probably just sold it on the towns black market. I told Johnathan years ago we needed to do something about this cities illegal market place, but no one ever listened to old balding Archibald."
"Right well, do you know where we might be able to contact Mr. Gregorie?"
"Certainly. He's currently holding up near the edge of the city, on the path towards the Bloodwood Forest. He was slightly injured during the attack, so he hasn't been doing any traveling lately."

Relieved that they might be able to find someone easier to talk to, Jaune decided that he's satisfied with the information he's been given.
"very good. Thank you sir, I think that's all the information we'll need for now."
The three of them stand up to bow in respect for their elderly informant.
"Well at least you young'uns don't completely lack manners. Not like my grandson. Can't even arrange keys properly." The old man says, on his way out of the restaurant

"Right, now all we'll need is some transportation arrangements."
"Don't bother, kids. Old man Archibald's got you covered. Ozpin requested a favor that I have a transport ready for you. It'll be waiting for you in the morning."

"Alright then guys. Looks like we're all set. Our next order of business--"
"Is to go upstairs and get some sleep." Says Pyrrha.
"Agreed." Says Ren.

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It wasn't long before the three of them had entered their hotel room. They were only there for the night so no one bothered unpacking, aside from a change of clothes for the next morning and bathroom supplies so that they could wash up. After everyone had taken a shower and was satisfied, Ren couldn't find his bed fast enough. Right next to the windowsill, under the moonlight. However, looking across from him, he noticed Jaune laying out a sleeping bag in the center of the room, and Pyrrha already lying down in the bed she'd chosen. Naturally this struck Ren as strange.

"Jaune... are you gonna sleep on the floor?" Ren asks.
"...I don't know. You tell me." Jaune replies in a snarky tone.
Before returning to the sleeping position he's comfortable with, he noticed Pyrrha, alone in her bed. She seemed to already be asleep, but from what Ren could see, she deliberately placed herself off to one side of the bed, and used only one pillow. Ren was a little saddened by her obvious loneliness, and a little angered by Jaune's deliberate ignorance.

Putting away his feelings, as always in his stoic, bored demeanor, he turned away from the sight, and went to sleep.
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Epilogue-

Before Jaune could fall asleep, he felt a presence slide it's way into his covers. It was obviously Pyrrha entering his sheets, for whatever reason. The feeling was oddly foreign, even though they'd spent some of the better years of their lives sleeping together. The cognitive dissonance between being happy she was there, and not understanding why she was there, not to mention both of their harbored feelings of anger towards each other, gave him pause. Not knowing how to react, he simply ignored her.

"Don't ignore me, Jaune." Pyrrha said. They lie under the sheets faced away from each other.
"What do you want, Pyrrha."
"We haven't talked to each other in nearly two months and that's all you want to say?"
"That's nowhere near all I want to say to you. I just want to know what you have to say to me. After all, ladies first, right."
"...Why didn't you sign the divorce papers...?"
"Why didn't you?"
"Because..."
Pyrrha and Jaune, laid there quietly for a while. Pyrrha was slightly on the verge of tears, but as a warrioress, she wouldn't allow herself to be shamed like so.
"Pyrrha, you filed the divorce... do you even truly want one?"
"After what you did to me--"
"Don't you dare put it all on my. It takes two to tango, and you are just as at fault for what happened as I am."
"You embarrassed me in front of my family. In front of my clan's high elder." Pyrrha argued.
"Well maybe if you hadn't been so jealous, and hadn't spent so much time with you new "friend" that wouldn't have happened."
"Maybe if you weren't so damn power crazy and had just talked to me, you wouldn't be so insecure."

Both Jaune and Pyrrha were ready to burst at this point. Pyrrha blamed herself for entering his sleeping bag in the first place.

"After this mission is over... so are we."
"....Fi--" Jaune couldn't manage to get the word out before he started to choke up. He covered his mouth to hide the noise.
"Get some sleep, Pyrrha. He wave work to do in the morning."

Pyrrha angrily slipped back into her own bed.

Across the room Ren stared up at the moonlight, worried for the cohesion of his, former, team and wished deeply,
"I wish Nora were here."


END OF CHAPTER 1