Two days earlier~

Ako's heart pounded in her chest as her escape pod hurtled through the atmosphere, flames licking at its metallic exterior. The emergency sirens blared, drowning out her thoughts, but she remained determined. She had to survive. She had to find her sister.

With a deafening crash, the pod made impact, piercing through the thick foliage of the Emerald Forest. Ako gasped for air, her body aching from the impact. She quickly unbuckled herself from the seat, adrenaline surging through her veins. As she stumbled out of the wreckage, a Xenomorph warrior emerged from the shadows, its elongated limbs ready for battle.

Reacting instinctively, Ako slashed behind her causing a scar to appear on the Xenomorphs chest. The Xenomorph screeches and leaps into Ako, causing the two to go through the pods door.

Dirt and leaves flew into the air as the two combatants rolled and grappled, locked in a deadly struggle. She evades the Xenomorph's slashing claws to the best of her ability, earning a claw mark on her mask. She eventually kicks it off into a tree.

The Xenomorph's acidic blood splattered across the forest floor, hissing and sizzling as it made contact with the vegetation.

As the Xenomorph scrambled to its feet, it hesitated for a moment. Then, with a final screech, it disappeared into the depths of the forest, blending seamlessly with its surroundings.

Ako took a deep breath as she watched it run off into the forests depths. She looks at her body and finds herself trembling from the adrenaline and the strain of the battle. She knew that she had to keep moving,

As the adrenaline subsided, Ako took a moment to gather her bearings. The forest was alive with the sounds of unknown creatures, the creatures of Grimm. Their calls echoing through the night. She engaged her cloaking and cautiously began to walk, her footsteps muffled by the lush greenery beneath her feet.

To her surprise, Ako stumbled upon more escape pods scattered amidst the forest. The realization that others had crash-landed here sent a shiver down her spine. She knew she couldn't face the challenges ahead alone, and she longed for the support of her fellow Yautja warriors.

It wasn't long before Ako's wish was granted. Emerging from the shadows, her fellow Yautja materialized, their cloaking technology rendering them almost invisible. Their eyes gleamed with a mix of relief and determination as they recognized Ako.

???: Are you alright, Ako?

One of the Yautja asked, concern etched on their face.

Ako nodded and I cloaks along with the other Yautja.

Ako: I'm fine. Just a few bruises. But we have more pressing matters at hand. We need to regroup and come up with a plan.

The Yautja nodded in agreement, their expressions solemn.

???: Our sensors tracked another escape pod...however, it landed on a different continent.

Ako growls.

Ako: ...Good luck to our brother or sister...for I fear he or she is alone in that regard...Our situation is nonetheless dire than theirs though. We need to gather information and devise a strategy.

As the Yautja gathered around, Ako noticed the weariness in their eyes. Ako speaks up again.

Ako: We must remember that time is of the essence, must I remind you that my sister is still on our trail..?

She explains which causes the two male Yautja to perk up and growl.

Ako: What are your names?

The taller one stands up straight.

???: Vo'toad.

Ako nods and looks at the other one who had a darker skin tone.

???: Utoen.

Ako nods to them both.

With grim determination, the Yautja began to discuss their plan of action. They knew they had to gather information about the planet and devise a strategy to outmaneuver their relentless pursuer, Ako's sister. Speaking of Ako, her mind raced as she considered the possible paths they could take. She knew they needed to strike a balance between offense and defense, ensuring their survival while remaining one step ahead of their enemies.

As the moon hung high in the sky, casting an ethereal glow over the forest, the Yautja dispersed into the darkness, their cloaking devices concealing their movements. Ako's senses heightened as she scouted the area, her eyes scanning for any signs of danger or clues that could lead them closer to their goal.

Present~

Amy walked out of her psychology appointment feeling a mix of relief and introspection. The sessions have been helping her more and more, delving deep into some of her past experiences and emotions. As she stepped onto the busy sidewalk, her mind was still processing the insights she had gained.

Lost in thought, Amy suddenly felt a jolt, as if she had walked into an invisible wall. Startled, she looked up to find Blake, standing in front of her. Blake's warm smile put her at ease.

Blake: Hey, Amy! Long time no see.

Blake exclaimed, her eyes filled with genuine concern.

Amy: Oh...hey Blake.

Amy helps Blake up and they begin to walk together. The two girls begin to converse with one another.

Blake: How's everything going? I heard Draco's been doing well.

Amy's eyebrows raised in surprise. She hadn't expected Blake to be aware of the changes in her team dynamics.

Amy: Oh, Draco...It's been an interesting transition, to say the least. He's bringing a fresh perspective and some new tactical ideas. So far, it seems to be going well.

Blake nodded, listening intently.

Blake: That's great to hear, Amy. How's your psychology appointments fairing too?

Amy smiles slightly.

Amy: They've been helping...although, I still really miss (Y/n)...

Blake's bow bends forward slightly as her chipper attitude seems to fade along with her smile.

Blake: Yeah...I know the feeling...His mum's been doing okay too. Her and I talk at her book store from time to time...the stench of red wine sort of keeps the mood down though.

She admits. Sometimes she wishes her sense of smell was the same as a humans sense of smell.

As they walked side by side, Amy couldn't help but notice the genuine interest in Blake's eyes. It felt comforting to have someone who cared enough to ask about her well-being.

Amy: How about you, Blake? How are things going with your team?

Blake's expression turned sad as she held the books in her arms tightly against her chest.

Blake: It's been...rough. Weiss and I are either helping Yang and Ruby with study or breaking them up after they get into a fight.

Amy winces at this answer.

Amy: How consistent are the fights...?

Amy bit her lip and cringed as it didn't seem like an appropriate question to ask right now. Blake just sighs.

Blake: It's just nonstop. In sparring, we have to choose their partners for them cause Yang always goes after Ruby. That or one of us puts ourselves in Ruby's place.

Blake answers, not even taking into account of Amy's question being offensive in anyway.

Amy felt a pang of guilt for unintentionally asking a sensitive question. She quickly realized that Blake was going through a challenging time with her team, and her concern for her friends weighed heavily on her. Wanting to show support, Amy chose her words carefully.

Amy: I'm sorry to hear that, Blake. It sounds like things have been really tough. It must be exhausting trying to keep the peace and maintain harmony within the team.

Blake's shoulders sagged slightly, and she nodded in agreement.

Blake: Yeah, it's been a constant balancing act. We've been trying different approaches to resolve their conflicts, but it's been a struggle. We want them to work together as a team, but it feels like they're drifting apart.

Amy could see the frustration in Blake's eyes, and she empathized with her. Suddenly, an idea hit her.

Amy: Hey! How about My team, JNPR and your team go out to emerald forest for a bonding session?

Blake looked up at Amy, her eyes widening with surprise at the unexpected suggestion. She hadn't considered the idea of a joint bonding session with Amy's team, JNPR. The thought of bringing the two teams together sparked a glimmer of hope in Blake's eyes.

Blake: That's actually a really interesting idea, Amy. It could be a great opportunity for our teams to spend time together outside of the usual training. It could help ease the tensions between Yang and Ruby.

Amy smiled, encouraged by Blake's positive response.

Amy: Exactly! The Emerald Forest is a beautiful and peaceful place. Minus the Grimm. It could provide a calm and neutral environment for everyone to relax. Plus, engaging in team-building activities could definitely help Ruby and Yang's relationship.

Blake nodded, the weight of the idea sinking in.

Blake: I think it's worth a shot. Maybe Ruby and Yang just need a change of scenery and some time amongst other friends than just Weiss and I.

With that, the two immediately began to make their way back to Beacon.

Atlas~

An Atlasian ship takes off from the port and heads south. On the ship, Zack and his men are sitting in their respective seats. The men check their weapons and equipment.

Cisco: So boss, what's the mission..?

Everyone turned to Zack while had his arms crossed.

Zack: From what Ironwood told me, Vale has been experiencing power outages. On top of that, two days ago, two unknown objects fell from the sky. Investigation teams had been dispatched, Emphasis on 'had'. They haven't responded and been pronounced MIA.

Jason leans over to Michael and whispers.

Jason: Not the first time shit's fallen from the sky huh?

Cisco nods.

Cisco: All the interesting shit happens in Vale these days...

He admits.

Jenkins speaks up.

Jenkins: Sir, these objects...you don't think they might be related to...Hybrid?

Zack looks at Jenkins with a serious expression.

Zack: It's definitely a possibility, Jenkins. If these objects are connected to it, we need to be prepared for the unknown.

A soldier in the back scoffs.

???: Prepared for the unknown. What a fucking objective.

Cisco kicked the chair in front of him which has the scoffing man on it.

Cisco: Shut up, Michael.

Michael looks back at Cisco then back at Zack.

Zack: Our mission is to investigate the power outages and find out the truth behind these fallen objects. We need to ensure the safety of the people in Vale.

Michael: Boss, do we have ANY leads or intel on the situation?

Zack sighed, his brows furrowing in thought.

Zack: Unfortunately, the information is scarce at the moment. Ironwood has assigned us this mission on short notice, so we'll have to gather information as we go. Our first priority is to find the source of the power outages then locate the missing investigation teams.

Jason puts his hand up to which Zack acknowledges him.

Jason: Speaking of Hybrid before....where is he?

The other men noticed your absence. Zack sighs and rubs the bridge of his nose in frustration.

Zack: That's right, I forgot. Don't worry he's on the ship...in the cargo bay of the ship to be exact.

The men look at Zack as if he was crazy.

Michael: Dude...

Zack shrugs.

Zack: He finds comfort in tight or enclosed spaces. He refuses to use the spare bed...hehe. Scared the shit out of my wife last night when he emerged from the closet.

Everyone looks at each other. Meanwhile, you were in the cargo bay surrounded by crates and luggage. You were balled up with your tail laying flat on the cold metal floor. Your eyes closed and breathing softly through your nose. Oblivious to what would await you at Vale...

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Until next time :)