The Story Of Zwei (Good End)

The ending is shorter than the bad end because it wasn't the original request, so I didn't put as much detail into it.

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							Good End

Everything stopped.

The fighting.

The world.

Her heart.

Or so it felt.

As the dreadful alarms continued to shout their warning of danger, Ruby was forced to look it right in the face.

An uncaring snarl curled Cinder's lip as she let the arrow stay embedded for a moment. Even from here past the fog, Ruby could see the cruel crimson as it leaked from Zwei's belly. His little paws were still scratching defiantly at the air, his whimpers rising up in broken sounds.

All eyes were on Cinder. Everyone had witnessed the horrid deed she'd just committed.

And there was at least one person who wasn't about to let it go unpunished.

Ruby could tell that the woman was bracing herself to yank the arrow out of her beloved dog, and she knew all too well that such an action would only let him bleed out more quickly.

Ruby screamed so loudly her voice cracked.

"NO!"

Her legs were trembling at the sight of such horror, and her chest was knotted with fear, disgust, and dread.

But that didn't stop her from moving.

She wasn't about to let Cinder bleed out her beloved dog without making a damn good effort to try and stop it.

She forced her feet into motion, and her hands naturally went for her weapon. An anguished and yet furious cry tore from her throat as she extended her scythe towards Cinder.

The woman was taken by surprise at the sudden charge. She didn't have enough time to bother trying to extract the embedded arrow. Crescent Rose was upon her in seconds, a furious flash of red and silver metal that sought her blood.

With a snort, Cinder released the arrow and jumped back, leaving Zwei to whimper as the weapon still impaling him was moved.

Ruby screamed louder than she'd ever made any kind of noise before. Wails of grief bled into her voice as she swung her weapon at her adversary full-force.

As a Beacon student, she'd been trained not to aim to kill at a human opponent unless absolutely necessary.

But right now, Ruby wouldn't have even cared if she'd cut Cinder in two.

With another scream, she swung again, forcing Cinder to jump back and disappear into the fog. Ruby screeched again, flinging Crescent Rose after her. The blade cut through the smoke for a moment, creating a temporary line in midair before the fog filled it back in.

By now, her shoes had stepped into a puddle of liquid red. With her eyes swelling with tears and her heart about to break, Ruby forced herself to look down at him.

"Oh... O-Oh no..." She dropped her scythe, letting it clatter loudly to the ground, a string of whimpering pleas tumbling from her quivering lips. "No no no no no-"

She dropped to her knees at his side, forced to look at the cruel black arrow still protruding from his poor belly. His fur was caked with blood, and more of it was oozing out by the second.

She could tell that the arrow had pierced his old wound from many years ago, when an Ursa had cut him open and only Blake's selflessness had spared his life. The old wound had been punctured anew and was eager to bleed.

Not knowing what more she could do, Ruby reached out and pressed her palms around the wound. Zwei whimpered and lifted his head a bit, his pained eyes flashing with recognition now. He gave a happy little yip, though it was raspy and thin.

Ruby sobbed, doing her best to crack a smile as she reached out to gently pat his head.

"Zwei... my good boy..." She choked back another sob in favor of finding her voice. Ruby inhaled deeply and then cried out for her team. "Yang! Weiss! Blake!" she wailed. "P-Please-! ...Please help..."

Her posture slumped forward helplessly, and the tears took over. Hot and laden with grief, they fell down her face in rivulets, her back and shoulders shaking uncontrollably. Her limp fingers curled in and out of Zwei's fur. One hand continued to pet his head. The other tried to apply pressure on the wound as best she could manage.

Ruby could barely make sense of anything for a long minute. The tears made her vision blurry and stinging, but her eyes stayed on Zwei. The things she heard sounded muffled, distant, as though they were happening somewhere far away.

Somewhere along the lines, the alarms stopped blaring, the fog cleared, and there was an order shouted to retreat.

And then, the next thing she knew, there was a shaking hand on her back.

Ruby jolted and looked up, blinking away more and more tears. Her team stood beside her now, bruised and battered, even more so than they'd been after their most recent mission.

Yang's eyes were full of sorrow and pain, and Ruby knew her heart was breaking as well. Blake had Weiss' arm slung over her shoulder, and the heiress was barely conscious. But she saw the horrors that had befallen their beloved companion and had to look away. Blake was shaking her head, trying not to look, but unable to peel her gaze from him.

Ruby sniffled and choked on her breath, then tried again.

"We-We've gotta do something-"

Yang dropped heavily to her knees beside her sister. Then she reached out, placing both of her hands over Ruby's to steady them on Zwei's trembling body.

"We will," she promised.

Carefully, Blake lowered Weiss and herself down to the blood-soaked floor on the opposite side of Zwei's body from where the sisters had crumpled.

Blake's ears were flattened against her head at the awful sight, Yang was biting back sobs almost as much as Ruby was. Weiss was coughing and swaying against Blake's side, but that didn't stop her from thinking as quickly and logically as possible.

"Aura..." she rasped. "Give him as... as much as we can spare. Close the wound as we extract the arrow."

The directions were simple enough, but performing those actions would surely be an agonizing process.

Nonetheless, they were all resolved to do it.

They all unlocked their auras and began transferring as much as they could spare to Zwei without endangering their own wellbeing.

Each girl managed the flow of healing energies and directed it towards Zwei, specifically at the wound in his belly. The little corgi whimpered repeatedly, but at the very least, those sounds of pain told them he was still alive.

Yang ducked her face into her shoulder to wipe away some of the grime, sweat, and tears.

"C'mon, boy..." she rasped. "Don't die on us..."

"You can do it, Zwei," Ruby encouraged him. "Hang in there. Please..."

The dog gave a meek little bark and sniffled. Ruby sobbed again, but she didn't relinquish the flow of her aura.

After a moment or so of intense concentration from the four of them, the flow of blood spilling from the dog's wound visibly began to lessen and slow.

At that point, Weiss mumbled something to Blake who then declared it louder.

"Now," she said. "We need to start extracting the arrow."

"I'll do it," Yang volunteered.

Ruby nodded quickly, uttering silent thanks to her big sister for always dealing with the hardest parts of the messiest situations.

Yang kept one hand on Zwei's belly, where the arrow met his fur. With that hand, she continued to emit a gentle flow of her aura. Combined with everyone else's, it would numb or at the very least lessen the pain he was feeling.

With her other hand, Yang gripped the arrow tightly. She inhaled a deep breath, then let it out much more slowly.

Then, she began to pull.

Zwei cringed at the sudden pressure on his wound, and his jaws parted in a weak wail of pain. Ruby sniffled and reached out to caress his head.

"It's okay..." she mumbled. "You're guh... gonna be okay, boy."

As she, Blake, and Weiss continued to spare whatever aura they could, Yang continued to pull at the arrow. Cinder had forced it through until the tip had pierced through his opposite flank and met with the tiled floor underneath.

It took her several minutes to get it most of the way out.

All the while, whenever she budged it, the others would pour in their aura to help close the wound and slow the bleeding.

Zwei did his best to hold still despite the excruciating pain that was throbbing through his tiny body. Sometimes he yelped or whined, but Ruby was always there to comfort him and kiss his head, murmuring loving phrases to him.

Before long, Yang cleared her throat and grunted a warning to the rest of them.

"Last one."

With that, she gave one final pull and the arrow was out. A spurt of blood followed it, but Yang quickly covered the open wound with her free hand.

All of their hands were piled together now, covered in the blood of their treasured companion and pet.

Together, they transferred as much aura as they could. Zwei was panting meekly beneath their palms, his eyes having closed many minutes ago. Ruby kept bending down to kiss him and cry into his fur.

Before much longer, Yang could tell that the wound was closing up, and she dared to remove one of her hands so she may pull Ruby close to her with it. But the blonde girl noticed right away when Weiss' hands trembled beneath her own and suddenly slipped.

"Whoa!" Yang reached out to steady the girl, just barely stopping her from falling over. Weiss stubbornly shook herself and repositioned her hands over Zwei's wound. Yang gave her a disapproving look. "Hey, hold it, princess. You need to stop. Now."

Weiss snorted and tried to refocus on her task.

"Nonsense. I won't stop... until-"

"Weiss." Yang's voice was earnest, enough to have the heiress looking away from Zwei and up at her now. She was a little baffled to find Yang was cracking a small, exhausted smile now. "It's okay, Weiss. He's gonna be fine. The bleeding's stopped."

"She's right," Blake confirmed. "The wound's completely closed now."

As soon as Weiss realized it was true, she allowed Blake to gently pull her hands away. Yang did the same for Ruby, removing her little sister's hands from their dog to pull her into a hug instead.

Zwei was unconscious now, but still breathing, and the puddle of blood around him stopped expanding.

Ruby collapsed into her sister's arms, bawling with relief. Yang cried as well, petting all up and down her sister's back.

"It's okay," she soothed. "He's gonna be alright. We did it, Ruby."

Ruby simply continued to blubber uncontrollably into Yang's shoulder, squeezing her tightly and with great relief.

Weiss finally slumped against Blake, and the Faunus girl wrapped one arm around her shoulders. Weiss had been past her limit before in the battle, and now she was even further past that. Blake was surprised she was still conscious.

"Rest," she murmured. "Just lean on me. Breathe. It's okay."

This time, Weiss willingly closed her eyes and did her best to comply.

Blake, however, continued to use her one free hand to share her aura with Zwei. She'd been the one to save him when the Ursa had ripped him open, and the images of that gory scene still haunted her to this day. She couldn't help but think his current wound might not have been so dire had it not overlapped the old one.

Blake sniffled, ducking her face into her shoulder as she continued to let her aura flow onto the little dog.

Even though Yang was intent on comforting her sister at the moment, she was perceptive enough to notice her partner wasn't thinking clearly. Yang lifted her gaze and softly called out to her.

"Blake. Hey..."

With one hand, Yang reached out to cover Blake's quivering knuckles. Her lavender eyes sought out that familiar gold she loved so much. Wearily, Blake lifted her head, her ears still trembling slightly.

"Yang... I-"

"You did it, Blake," Yang stopped her. "We did it. Together. He's gonna be fine. So take it easy, okay? Please?"

Gently, Yang pushed Blake's hand away from Zwei, so that the Faunus girl was forced to keep the last remnants of her aura for herself. Zwei was still unconscious, but his breathing was strengthening by the minute.

Blake held her partner's gaze a moment longer before she began to cry as well. Yang offered a tearful smile.

"It's okay," she said, addressing all of them, and yet no one in particular. "It's okay."

The four girls sat huddled around their loyal companion, sobbing and clinging to one another.

It was no surprise that when their allies discovered them sitting in a puddle of blood like that, they assumed the worst for Zwei.

Team JNPR had fended off Cinder and the other attackers as best they could in the minutes after Zwei had been attacked. But shortly afterward, Ozpin's reinforcements had arrived.

James Ironwood and his forces had swarmed Beacon's campus, heavily armed and ready to fight. They'd captured many of the terrorists and chased off the others who managed to slip past the army and retreat on their own Air Ship.

When Pyrrha found the four sobbing girls, she knelt down and explained all of this to them.

Presently, she was exhausted as she spoke, and reluctant to smile.

"It's over now," she said at last. "Headmaster Ozpin and General Ironwood have confirmed the threat has past and all questionable persons on-sight have been detained. They're searching the school now to care for injured students and staff." Pyrrha swept her gaze around at the four of them, noticing just how battered and enervated they were. "I'll take you four to the infirmary. Come on."

"W-Wait!" Ruby gasped. "Zwei... Pyrrha, t-take Zwei, please!"

The crimson-haired girl hesitated, and her eyes flashed to Yang's. The blonde could tell her friend was skeptical about Zwei's wellbeing, but Yang was thankful she was able to crack a smile and nod to Pyrrha.

"Yeah," she said. "Please take him."

Blake was nodding as well, and had Weiss been conscious, Pyrrha guessed she would've been doing the same. She now could see that the dog was still breathing despite the dangerous amount of blood that had been spilled. But nonetheless, she wasted no time in gently cradling the corgi in her arms and lifting him up.

Yang staggered to her feet, helping Ruby up as well. Her little sister was still trembling all over, not from the vicious and unexpected infiltration and the ensuing battle, but because of what had happened to Zwei. She was used to combat, but not to losing a friend in the midst of it.

Yang just kept reminding her that Zwei was alive and that they were all going to be okay.

Blake was struggling to get Weiss on her feet, as she was too weak to carry the heiress.

Ruby swallowed and wiped her eyes before doing her best to put on her leader's expression again. She went to help Blake, pulling one of Weiss' arms across her shoulders to help share the heiress' limp weight.

Yang kept one hand on her sister's back, and the other on the gash in her own side.

Together, they hobbled after Pyrrha toward the infirmary wing.

Ruby couldn't remember much after that.

As soon as they got close enough, nurses and medics rushed out to meet them. Someone carefully took Zwei from Pyrrha's arms and brought him somewhere else.

Yang was led to one of the beds to sit down as they tended to the worst of her wounds.

Blake was coaxed into a chair and was urged to swallow a few pills.

Weiss was laid down onto a bed where they pressed an oxygen mask over her mouth to help her breathe.

And then someone took Ruby to a bed as well, asked her a multitude of questions she couldn't be sure she answered or not, and then she slumped back onto the pillows and slept for a long time.

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It was several days later when Ruby and her team were finally discharged.

The four of them had been in and out of consciousness throughout that period of time, but it was always the same whenever one of them woke. They'd ask how their teammates and partners were doing, ask if they were okay, ask if the school was safe and if their friends and teachers and the other students were okay.

Ruby had been placed in the same room as Weiss, and as the hours and days went on, she watched the nurses progressively remove the oxygen mask until Weiss could safely breathe on her own. As soon as Ruby was allowed to get up from her own bed, aching and limping as she was, she sat on the edge of Weiss' and kept her company.

Whenever her partner opened her eyes, they'd smile at one another and talk softly. Ruby asked the nurses how Yang and Blake were doing, and she passed on the news of their recoveries to Weiss.

It wasn't long before their teammates were knocking on their door and limping in, dressed in the same hospital robes with their hair down and smiles wide. They embraced each other and shared news of Beacon's triumph and recovery.

And when the four of them were finally strong enough to eat hearty meals and walk on their own, they were given clean uniforms and allowed to leave.

. . .

Ruby had just finished changing in the small bathroom in hers and Weiss' room. She emerged to find her partner sitting on one of the clean, neatly-made beds.

Yang and Blake had arrived as well.

The three of them looked up, offering her reassuring smiles.

After everything that had happened, there was still one place they needed to go, one companion they needed to see.

They helped one another up, chuckling sheepishly at how unbalanced they felt or whining playfully about the aches in their backs.

Together, they exited the room. A nurse met them in the hallway and knew exactly where they wanted to go. She led them down a few more hallways to a smaller portion of the medical wing.

Rather than beds that could fit people, now the rooms had sizable cages padded with soft blankets and lined with pillows.

The girls were led into one room in particular. The nurse bent down to open up the door of one of the cages there.

Ruby burst into tears and fell to her knees, opening her arms as Zwei came scampering up to her. His belly had been sewn up and wrapped around with bandages, and his collar had been temporarily removed.

Right now, he wasn't Beacon's highly-praised animal companion - right now, he was her sweet little doggie.

Zwei yipped gleefully as he jumped into Ruby's arms, whimpering happy sounds as he licked every inch of her he could get at. His tail was going faster than a propeller, his paws wiggling as he tried to climb up to get ever closer to her.

Ruby just kept crying and laughing in between heartfelt phrases for him.

"Good boy... that's my good boy."

The others slowly knelt down beside her, joyously embracing both Ruby and Zwei. They showered him with affectionate kisses, scratching his chin and back all the while.

They stayed that way for a rather long time, long enough that the nurses left them for the time being.

It was warm all around, tears shedding relief as hearts soared with joy.

Zwei excitedly took a turn in each of the girl's laps, nuzzling and licking them to no end as they praised and coddled him.

When at last they couldn't cry anymore, they opted to help each other to their feet.

Ruby kept hold of Zwei, bumping him up onto her shoulder as she so often loved to do. Zwei laid there with his back paws dangling over the back of her shoulder and his front paws dangling over the front. His tongue lolled out as he panted happily, occasionally rubbing his head against hers.

Yang picked up his green and silver collar that had been left on a nearby table and slipped it around her wrist for the moment.

They thanked the nurses and doctors who had helped them, and then were off.

As the team slowly made their way back through the buildings, they passed by many of their friends and classmates. Underclassmen bunched in groups around them to admire the senior team, calling out words of praise, admiration, and gratitude.

To the girls' bafflement, some of the younger students even went so far as to ask for autographs. That ensured Yang would be talking about her "adoring fans" for many weeks to come.

Some requested to pet Zwei, and Ruby gladly let them. He was happy to lick all those new hands.

As they walked, they could see where certain parts of the campus were still being cleaned up or fixed since the attack. Classes hadn't started back up again either, so most of the students were wandering about outside at their leisure or resting in their dorm rooms.

After nearly half an hour of conversing with other students and listening to what was going on with the Academy, they finally neared the dorm buildings.

By this point, Yang was wincing at the ache in her side again, Blake was very nearly asleep on her feet, and Weiss was beginning to get lightheaded. Ruby had to admit she was liking the idea of collapsing into bed again as well.

They quite literally bumped into team JNPR, who were also bruised and bandaged much like they themselves were. But there were triumphant grins all around as they patted each other on the backs – in Yang's case, perhaps a little too hard, for she sheepishly left Jaune groaning.

Pyrrha was certain to hug Zwei as well, for she'd been the only other person to see how gravely he'd been hurt before. They were all glad to see the corgi back in business and happy again.

Team RWBY parted ways with their good friends of several years, and at last turned the corner to where their own dorm room awaited them.

However, it appeared there were two last people who wanted to speak to them.

Ozpin and Glynda stood in the hallway, expectantly awaiting the girls' return. The four of them straightened up as best they could and dipped their heads.

"No need at all for formalities," Ozpin said kindly. "It's good to see you're all looking better. We'll try not to keep you too long."

At this point, Glynda heaved a sigh.

"Allow me to apologize on Professor Ozpin's behalf," she said to the girls. "I'd advised him that we should wait and let you all rest, but he insisted on seeing you as soon as you were discharged."

"For a good reason," he continued. "I'd just wanted to ensure you were all on the surefire path to recovery."

"We are," Ruby said, speaking for them all. "But if there's something you need us for-"

"Absolutely not!" Glynda cut in abruptly. "You're all to rest for at least a few more days. Don't be absurd. We'd never ask you to do anything more than you already have."

"You see," Ozpin went on. "We came here to formally show our appreciation, and to recognize you for your services to Beacon Academy as a whole."

As he spoke, his gaze traveled around to meet all of theirs in turn.

"For nearly four years now, you girls have proven to be exceptional learners, fighters, and students in general. I merely wanted to tell you of my deep appreciation towards you all, on the behalf of Beacon Academy itself. And it is in your honor – and the honor of your exceptional companion – " he added, nodding to Zwei. "That I inform you there will be a school-wide announcement tomorrow. If you're well enough to attend the assembly, I would be honored to see you all there."

"Don't listen to him," Glynda huffed. "Should you need to rest and recuperate, don't worry about the assembly. We'll get the news to you some other way."

"No!" Ruby blurted. "We'll be there! Or at least I will be! I don't know how badly you guys are hurt, but-"

"Of course we'll be there," Weiss stopped her. "We wouldn't miss it, Professor."

"I'll be there, too," Blake added.

"Yeah, we're all good!" Yang reassured them. She gave Ruby a light pat on the back. "Don't sweat it, sis. We're fine. We can handle walking to the auditorium and back again."

Ozpin smiled again.

"I'm glad to hear it. And please bring Zwei along, if he's able."

Ruby grinned back at him.

"You bet'cha! I mean, yes sir! We'll all be there then!"

"I'm glad. Now then, we'll leave you all to get some rest. I'll see you tomorrow."

As the professors took their leave, the girls politely said their goodbyes.

Finally, Ruby dug into her pocket to remove her scroll, which had been recovered and charged in the infirmary. She opened their door, revealing that it was just as it'd been several days earlier when they'd left it under the impression that they'd be going to classes for a normal school day.

They wasted no time in removing their shoes, stumbling in, and retreating to their beds.

Yang flopped down without a care in the world, though the force of the bounce did end up making her wince at a pain in her side, but she merely sighed into her pillow in great relief.

Blake sat down a bit more gracefully, pulling her legs up onto her mattress and leaning back against the pillows on her headboard, closing her eyes and exhaling slowly.

Weiss – who usually always made it a point not to sleep in anything but the intended sleepwear – didn't bother changing out of her uniform this time. She sat with painstaking slowness as not to aggravate her still-healing shoulder and laid down on her good side.

Ruby was the last one to reach her bed. She looked over her teammates to ensure they were all okay before letting herself relax.

Zwei hopped up beside her now, waddling about as though he'd forgotten all about the ugly wound beneath his bandages. Yang hadn't put his collar back on yet, so now as he stared innocently up at Ruby with those big round eyes, he looked almost exactly the same as he had as a puppy.

Ruby laid down on her back and patted her chest, making kissing sounds at him to invite him up. Zwei whined and crawled up onto her stomach. His paws tickled her, and Ruby giggled a bit, wrapping her arms around his back.

"Good boy..." she mumbled. "Let's... get some rest..."

The dog sighed and rested his chin on her chest before slowly closing his eyes.

Ruby took one last glance sideways at her teammates. They had already succumbed to their exhaustion, and the sounds of their soft breathing reached her ears.

However, it wasn't long before all else was drowned out by Yang's snoring.

Ruby smiled to herself, hugged Zwei a little tighter, and allowed sleep to wash over her.

-------------------

After a day of rest and a few indulgent meals, team RWBY was ready for the trek to the auditorium for the assembly.

Yang made sure to fasten on Zwei's collar before Ruby scooped him up over her shoulder and led them out.

It all seemed somewhat familiar, almost like the time Ozpin had called for a school assembly to appoint Zwei as the first animal companion, and to officially recognize that Beacon would start utilizing and training them.

They stuck together as they made their way through the hallways, where students of all ages were filing together and heading toward the auditorium.

Ozpin was already standing on-stage by the time they arrived.

Keeping Zwei balanced on her shoulder, Ruby slipped into the crowd, and her team followed after her.

"Wonder what all this hubbub is about," Yang wondered.

Weiss rolled her eyes.

"You know, if you'd just wait another moment, he'll tell you himself."

"Really, Yang," Blake said playfully.

"Oh, what was that?" Yang taunted with a grin. "Um, who was it again that got asked for five autographs and who was it that got asked for only four?"

Weiss glowered up at her.

"I told you, that was only because-"

"Because they were too scared to approach you," Blake filled in, nudging the heiress.

Weiss rounded on her.

"Who's side are you on, anyway, Belladonna?"

"Ye~ah!" Yang cheered. "That's my partner!"

"But, Yang also did kinda just sign that one boy's paper even when he didn't ask her to," Blake went on.

The palm Yang had held out towards her for a high-five promptly fell limply at her side.

Ruby chuckled at their friendly bantering, something that had never changed over their years together. She offered Yang a consoling pat on the back.

Being the leader of the team, Ruby had actually been asked for six autographs, but she hadn't told Yang about that.

She felt Zwei wiggle on her shoulder and Ruby reached up to pet him. He licked her cheek and padded his paws on the front of her shoulder.

At that time, Ozpin's voice spoke out over the microphone and requested silence. The chatting of the gathered students quickly died down into murmurs as all eyes were directed to their Headmaster. Ozpin cleared his throat and scanned the crowds before beginning his speech.

"Good morning, and thank you all for coming," he began. "As you all know, we are currently in the stages of recovery from the most recent attack on our prestigious academy. This is only the fifth time in Beacon's history that it has been successfully infiltrated, and I ensure you that measures are being taken to prevent it from ever happening again.

"With the help of my good friend General Ironwood, we will be installing a new security system into place as shortly as possible. This process, along with the refurbishment and reconstruction of damaged areas of the buildings, should take about one week. Therefore, classes at Beacon Academy shall be cancelled for one full week starting the day after tomorrow."

Instantly, gasps of surprise and glee went up amongst the students. Even Ruby was shocked by the unexpected but certainly not unpleasant announcement.

A thousand different thoughts jumped to the forefront of her mind, and judging by the baffled looks on her teammates' faces, the same was true for them.

But they could think about that later. For now, their Headmaster was still speaking.

"Consider it my thanks to all of you," he was saying. "For your obedience to authority during a crisis. And to those senior students who risked their lives in battle in order to defined this school. On behalf of all staff and administration, I thank you for your services. This recess is in thanks to all of you."

At that, the entire auditorium rose up in cheers. The terrifying siege attempt on the school had transformed into an unexpected vacation, and the time off would surely give the students some peace of mind.

Ozpin continued speaking after the applause went up.

"We have called for Air Ships to be ready in two days time to take you all back to Vale. Please check the emails I've sent to your scrolls and input the proper information if you would like to be taken to another city or region."

It was then Glynda stepped up to add a comment of her own.

"Classes will commence normally the Monday you all return. Don't slack off and get lazy just because of this vacation. You'll have plenty of work piled up for when you come back."

Some of the students groaned, but most chose to blissfully ignore that part of the announcement.

Ozpin advised that the students begin packing and making preparations for their upcoming recess, and then announced that everyone gathered was dismissed.

Ruby spun around to face her teammates and clapped her hands in excitement.

"This is awesome! We'll get our own mini vacations!"

"I should call Dad," Yang said. "Remind me when we get back to the room."

"What about you guys?" Ruby asked, looking to Blake and Weiss. "Are you guys gonna head home?"

By now, she knew enough about their family situations. Neither of the sisters were all that surprised when Blake shrugged her shoulders a bit.

"Do you think... we could do what we did last time?" she mumbled. "Would it be okay if I came to Patch with you guys?"

Ruby and Yang shared a quick glance and a smile.

"Sure!" Ruby agreed.

"We'd love that, partner!" Yang slung an arm around Blake's shoulders, and the girl's Faunus ears perked up.

"Thanks."

Ruby looked to her own partner.

"What about you, Weiss?"

The heiress pondered for a moment, rubbing her hand over her sore shoulder.

"Well... this is on fairly short notice. I'm not sure if my father would be able to make arrangements on time..."

"Sooooo~?" Ruby hummed knowingly.

Weiss sighed and offered a smile.

"If it wouldn't be too much trouble, I'd love to join you all in Patch."

"Yes!" Ruby squealed. "Yes, yes, yes! Team vacation! Ohhh, we haven't gotten to do this since sophomore year! It's gonna be great!"

Smiles appeared all around on their faces, and from Ruby's shoulder, Zwei gave an excited bark.

They engaged in a small group hug as people began filing out around them. The four girls began discussing what they should do now that they had no classes to attend to.

"We should rest up a bit more," Blake suggested.

"Maybe do a bit of laundry?" Weiss put in.

"No, we gotta pack first!" Yang declared.

As they tried to figure it out, Ruby stepped up as the leader and put her foot down.

"Okay, all that stuff's great!" she said, looking around to each of them. "Don't worry. We'll do aaallll of that and more! But first..." Ruby let out a little sigh and then presented her team with a beaming smile. "How about some lunch?"

The others all closed their mouths, shared glances with one another, and soon gave in.

They reflected their leader's smile all around.

"Lunch sounds perfect."

"I'm in."

"Yeah, now that you mention it, I'm starving!"

"Arf!"

At the final comment from Zwei, the four of them burst into merry laughter.

They all gave him a pat or a kiss on the head.

Finally, they headed out together, ready to prepare for the upcoming vacation they could all spend and enjoy together.

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A/N: Reminder that this will be the "true end" to this story, and the next fic, The Huntress' Vacation, will be based off of this and not the bad end!

Thanks to all who read! I hope you enjoyed this wild ride!

And again, a big thanks to ChuckleBrotherz!