Chapter 30

As Ruby approached the Templar camp, it was to find quite a fuss. Some soldiers were packing, others were standing around looking notably lost, and still others were in a rough crowd around the middle of the camp. The guard androids saluted as Ruby entered, the soldiers paying her no mind as she approached the milling crowd, raised voices coming from within.

"I cannot simply abandon my duties to soothe your sore ego." Ironwood bellowed.

"My sore ego?" Glynda scoffed. "I don't recall being ambushed by my own soldier, with my equipment no less, and if I recall correctly it was you who lost the prisoner."

"Via unforeseeable circumstances." Ironwood countered. "We had no way of anticipating such an attack."

"You were hunting a vampire." Glynda jabbed. "It never occurred to you that Cinder could have enthralled a wayward scout?"

"I trust my soldiers to resist." Ironwood defended. "Evidently trust is not enough, and I will be instituting additional protocols for future vampire hunts. After a period of confinement and treatment, Specialist Zedong will be debriefed, and her experience will help prevent any repeat-"

"Typical, instead of taking responsibility, you shrug off the blame and say it won't happen again-" Glynda started.

"I am taking responsibility!" Ironwood yelled, pointing to the forest. "I will tear the forest to the ground if I have to, I will hunt down this Mercury-"

"You will not touch a tree, let alone the forest." Glynda cut him off. "The spriggans of this isle have remained peaceful for centuries. I will not have that peace broken by a boneheaded Templar with a chip on half his body!" Glynda hissed, and for the first time, Ruby saw a flicker of fury on the general's face, his right arm tensing, clenched fist shaking.

"Ruby, I'm so glad you're here!" Penny's voice came suddenly from her right.

"Fortunately you missed the boring windup." Blake drawled from her left. "Believe it or not we've only been here half an hour."

"What happened?" Ruby asked.

"Ironwood wants to stick around, Glynda wants him gone, drama ensued." Blake replied.

"Who's Mercury?" Ruby asked.

"Another accomplice." Blake answered. "Salem offered him as compensation, but for all we know he's escaped the island already. With all the chaos I'd bet he has."

"But General Ironwood is not concerned with likelihoods." Penny explained. "He is not pleased with this failed operation."

"And now he's digging his heels in trying to scramble back some lost respect." Blake added.

"What good is respect when it causes conflict?" Ruby asked.

"Conflict earns respect in the human world, or loses it." Blake shrugged. "Especially so for the Templars."

"The Order is flawed in the regard, righteous in belief, yet victim to the same petty human weaknesses." Penny murmured to herself, crestfallen. Blake smirked at the observation, but Ruby was left concerned.

"We can't let this continue, what if something happens?" Ruby fretted. Glynda and Ironwood were growing more aggravated by the minute.

"It has been some time since I witnessed Glynda demolish an upstart." Blake chuckled.

"Blake." Ruby groaned. "Penny?"

"I have an idea." Penny declared, not without some uncertainty. "But I may need your support." She lay a hand upon Ruby's shoulder, who covered it in her own, meeting her eyes and nodding. Ruby looked to Blake, who regarded the two with her usual bemusement, quirking her brow and gesturing for them to continue. Penny drew herself to her full height and stepped forward. "Excuse me sir." She interrupted.

The squabbling pair snapped to Penny, Glynda regarding her with vague annoyance, Ironwood schooling himself to address her coolly. "Yes Penny?" The general asked, far softer than expected after the heated words he had just exchanged.

"If I may, I have an idea, a compromise, that would benefit all of us." Penny spoke. "With Master Witch Glynda's approval of course."

The witch seemed curious, her stern expression softening. She too crooked her brow. "You may speak."

Penny paused, her shoulders heaving as if releasing a breath, addressing Ironwood first. "Allow me to stay in your stead, dedicated to protecting this island, assisting in its defense, and in the hunt for Mercury." She requested before turning to Glynda. "Master Witch, though my allegiance is no question, I am not a Templar. I do not share their views, nor their vows, nor do I condone all of their methods. I merely wish to protect the people in my own fashion, people I have come to care for, who have shown care for me that few others have rivalled...if you would allow it." She looked between the two leaders, awaiting judgement.

"This...is a sudden request Penny." Ironwood noted.

"I am aware of that sir." Penny nodded.

"I'm surprised you have grown so attached to this place in such a short time." Ironwood continued.

"In a way, I have Miss Glynda to thank for that." Penny smiled at the witch. "In disabling me, in allowing me to stay in Ruby's company, I found friendship, and understanding." She bowed to Glynda, who glanced at Ruby, receiving a smile.

"Should you stay, you will be given no authority, but for that which the people entrust you." Glynda advised. "Said privilege should be respected, not expected."

"I only desire to protect the innocent Miss Glynda." Penny insisted.

"The people of Patch self govern, gathering to discuss and vote on issues as a whole." Glynda explained. "Authority figures such as myself and Port are consulted only when our expertise is required. We, and by extension you, will hold sway under these specific circumstances. Otherwise, we exist to serve."

"I understand." Penny confirmed. "I vow never to overstep my bounds." She promised, laying a hand across her chest, where her heart would beat were it still present.

Glynda sighed, chewing her lip in consideration. "And what are your thoughts on this?" She addressed Ironwood.

The Templar wore an equally contemplative expression. "Is this truly what you wish?"

Penny nodded. "I had hoped I would find purpose among your ranks, however as time progressed, I never felt...comfortable. People fear us, people fear me, and I cannot escape that by your side. I don't think I belong here General, I apologize for wasting your time."

"Bringing you along was no waste of time Penny." Ironwood spoke softly. "You forget your father and I are friends. Without him I would not be standing here this day. I knew you might not belong with us. You are too kind hearted, lacking the temperament we drill into our recruits. I had hoped with experience you might find your own path, but I did not expect it would be so soon."

Penny felt a surge of relief at the General's approval, smiling up at him. "I like this island sir. The people are growing used to me, the children find joy in my presence. I would appreciate the opportunity to start my life anew here." She looked to Glynda once more. "Please, allow me this chance. I won't let you down."

Glynda met the automaton's pleading gaze as firmly as she could. She could not just deny her, it would be cruel to refuse outright, and accepting might rid her of Ironwood. But Penny was still an unknown, and a very unique case. Under any other circumstances she would fascinate Glynda, but for the time being she found herself uncertain, for a myriad of reasons. She looked to Blake, for once seemingly intrigued. The aspect nodded toward Ruby. "I take it you vouch for her Ruby?" Glynda asked.

Ruby nodded, clasping her hands. "Penny is like me. We came into this world alone and afraid, learning to exist day by day...but until now neither of us have known anyone like ourselves. It's comforting to know we're not alone anymore. I'll miss her if she leaves...I don't want her to leave." She ended with a murmur.

Glynda sighed, nodding. She looked to Ironwood expectantly. "Is this agreeable?"

"I..suppose so." Ironwood turned, noting the audience that had gathered, pulling himself to full height. "Resume your duties." He ordered, and the soldiers hurriedly dispersed. "Penny will require a recharge station. I will have the engineers dismantle one of our own, but it will need a secure area to protect it."

"It need not be large." Penny noted. "A bathroom, or a shed will suffice."

"Hmm, I have a location in mind." Glynda mumbled. "Will there be anything else?" She looked between Ironwood and Penny.

"Thank you." Penny smiled. "This means the world to me, from both of you."

"So long as you find what you seek." Ironwood returned the smile.

"So long as you behave." Glynda grumbled.

"I vow-" Penny started.

"I know, I know." Glynda sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "I need a drink."

Pyrrha arrived at Port's forge carrying a heavy backpack. Her armor had suffered considerable battle damage and was in need of repair. She had insisted the heavy load was not a problem when Ruby offered to help her, but now, as her leg ached, she increasingly regretted her stubbornness. Pyrrha was just days removed from serious injuries, yet she already tried to act as though she were in perfect health. The bandages still ringing her head and leg belied her self deception.

With the weather getting colder and colder, Port had moved his operation inside the building. Pyrrha entered to find it stuffy and hot, though an open window provided the occasional chilling breeze to balance things out. The blacksmith was hammering away on a sword and did not notice her. "Hello." Pyrrha greeted.

Port looked up from his work. "Good day Pyrrha!" He boomed. "It's wonderful to see you on your feet!" After one last strike, he put the blade aside, wiping off his hands as he moved to the shop's counter. "What can I do for you today?"

"My armor is in need of repairs." Pyrrha replied. She placed the backpack on the counter and started unpacking it. "One of my greaves was punctured, and the other has some dents that need to be smoothed." She laid the armor out. Port frowned at the neat hole in the right greave. "My shield also took some hits. The core is undamaged, but it'll need new bronze facing."

"I only wish I had been of assistance...I found myself sleeping off a rather hearty lunch that day." Port sighed, shaking his head. He grabbed a tool, running it along the rim of the shield. After completing the circuit, the bronze facing detached. It showed several partial punctures, each with silver and lead embedded in it. "You acted recklessly, charging a sniper like that...uphill no less!"

"I did what needed to be done." Pyrrha protested.

"You could have died." Port noted.

"When I chose to become a Huntress, I accepted that I might die protecting the innocent." Pyrrha countered. "I vowed to-"

"I should have made you promise not to throw your life away." Port cut her off.

"Would you have done any different?" Pyrrha challenged. "You always told stories of charging into battle against hopeless odds, of taking on missions that seemed suicidal."

Port frowned, slumping onto a stool behind the counter. "I fear my braggadocio bestowed the wrong lessons."

"What do you mean?" Pyrrha inquired.

"Do you know why I have a mustache?" Port asked.

"Because it's a symbol of manliness, of all that is good, virtuous and strong!" Pyrrha did her best impression of the old Huntsman. "And the ladies love it!"

Port suppressed a chuckle, and failed to hide his smile. "If only." He reached into his mouth, wincing. With a click, he pulled free the dentures that replaced most of his upper teeth. "It's a bit of vanity, yes, to cover up a horrible scar. I'd hate to scare children just by my appearance."

"I...had no idea." Pyrrha admitted.

"In my youth, I was as reckless and impetuous as my stories would imply, but my actions were not without consequence." Port explained. "Sure, decisive action and headlong charges usually carried the day for me, but not always." He slipped the false teeth back in, seating them with a click. "I was in Vale, far from any cities, hunting a group of bandits that had been preying on travelers. I found the brigands, three of them. After stalking them for a time, I saw my opportunity. They were enjoying a meal, a freshly killed deer, and not paying attention to their surroundings.

"I leapt from the shadows, shouting and swinging my axe. One of the bandits jumped up and fled, but the other two hastily grabbed their weapons. They were not nearly fast enough. I cut one down with my axe, and felled the other with my blunderbuss. I looked off in the direction the third had run, and saw to my surprise that he had stopped. He began drawing his bow, arrow at the ready. He was terrified, shaking, and I knew I had him. With a grin I rushed at him, expecting he would flee in terror rather than try to fight.

"I was wrong. He loosed his arrow, and though his hands were unsteady, it flew true, striking me in the face. He must have thought he killed me, because when I came to, he was gone. Only pure luck saved me, he was using the wrong type of arrowhead and it got jammed in the bone before it hit anything important. But it cost me my teeth, and my good looks." Port allowed himself a quick laugh and a fond smile. "It did teach me a valuable lesson though. Never assume that being stronger, fiercer, braver, better, will be enough. A coward with an arrow can fell the greatest hero just as easily as an Ursa Major. The same goes for an enthralled sniper."

"But if I hadn't stopped her-" Pyrrha started.

"I know, it was a difficult situation, but I hope you'll learn from it." Port nodded. "As a Huntress you are a shield and blade, protecting the innocent, slaying those who would do them harm. There are times when you must put your life in danger. But you will do no one any good by throwing your life away. Your weapons will not wield themselves. I can repair your shield and your greaves, that is simple. Replacing you is impossible."

"You're...you're right." Pyrrha relented. "I was a fool." She bowed her head.

"Chin up!" Port encouraged. "Look on the bright side. You're alive, you've learned a valuable lesson, and-"

"And I've got one hell of a story to tell." Pyrrha met Port's smile with one of her own.

"Exactly!" Port laughed.

"There is the matter of my scar though." Pyrrha noted. "I wouldn't want to scare children either."

"I could make you a helmet." Port suggested.

"No, too bulky, would restrict my senses." Pyrrha shook her head. "Perhaps...a circlet, like the one I wore when I first came here."

"Really?" Port quirked his brow. "I'm getting on in years, and my memory isn't what it used to be, but I believe you called it a 'vain and pointless symbol of a decadent culture.'"

"I did say that, didn't I?" Pyrrha grinned. "I was just a child back then. I've matured. Now I see it as a vain and pointless symbol of a decadent culture, but also a part of my Mistrali heritage."

"And it doesn't hurt to be vain every now and again." Port added. He gestured to the bandage wrapped around Pyrrha's head. "When you're healed up I'll take measurements."

"I'll draw up a design." Pyrrha suggested.

"Perfect." Port paused for a moment, thinking. "Are you by any chance heading to Penny's new home?"

"I am, why?" Pyrrha asked.

Port reached under the counter, picking up a crate and placing it before Pyrrha. "I completed the door handles she ordered. Apparently robotic hands aren't very good at gripping knobs."

Pyrrha and Port shared a chuckle at that. "I'll be sure to deliver those." Pyrrha agreed. "Oh, do you have a spare bearskin by any chance? Penny expressed a desire to have a rug."

"Of course, I have plenty!" Port headed into the back room, returning with a rolled up rug.

"What do I owe you for all this?" Pyrrha asked.

"Nothing, nothing, it's free of charge." Port refused payment. "Consider it compensation for your service to the people of Patch."

"You're going to end up out of business with that kind of generosity." Pyrrha warned.

"I only return the generosity that is shown me." Port smiled. Pyrrha picked up the crate and slid the rug under her arm. She winced as she put pressure on her injured leg. "Perhaps I should help you carry all this."

"No, no." Pyrrha shook her head. "I'm fine." She walked to the exit and found herself stymied by the closed door. "Oh...well...I suppose I could use a little help."

Port walked over, taking the rug from her and opening the door. "That's another important lesson. Never be afraid to ask for help."

Patch's two settlements embodies many things, but consistency was not one of them. Over the decades many different people had constructed various buildings using all manner of designs and techniques from all over Remnant. The later generations had built on, over and around the early buildings, resulting in a mish-mash of aesthetics that ultimately balanced out. It helped that importing materials was expensive and inconvenient, so most were sourced on the island. That meant that regardless of the design, everything ended up looking at least a little similar.

Among these buildings was a small cabin on the edge of town. No one remembered when it was built, let alone who had constructed it. It was obviously abandoned, though of sturdy construction, if rough around the edges. Somehow it had weathered decades of storms without being blown down. Perhaps it was the craftsmanship, perhaps it was Patch's strong wood, or perhaps Glynda's wards had preserved it. Regardless, it stood battered but unbroken, a perfect fixer-upper, and Penny's new home.

Over the course of a few days the cabin was slowly repaired. A patched roof and new wood siding rendered it safe from the elements once more, shutters were replaced, and the interior cleaned and painted. The wood flooring was in surprisingly good shape, needing only a thorough cleaning, sanding and a new coat of lacquer. Then came furnishing, and the town showed its generosity and welcome with a wealth of donations. A simple bed, table and chairs, a cupboard and two chests of drawers, curtains, rugs and blankets. Offers of kitchen utensils and food were turned down graciously. Penny was never anything less than joyful as her new home, her first true home, came together.

All the while Glynda helped prepare the cabin for Penny's needs. The dismantled charge station was integrated into the bed. Penny need only lie down and plug a cable into her arm, and power would be drawn from solar crystals stored beneath. Ironwood had donated a solar panel to keep them charged, and the excess power would go to the new lighting fixtures. Penny did not require the lights, the dark did not bother her, but any late guests would appreciate them.

"And...a little flourish...we're done." Weiss mumbled, half to herself, as she finished painting an ivory cursive 'Penny' on a plaque beside the front door. Penny had bashfully expressed this little desire upon the door's restoration. Her excitement for her own domicile was infectious enough that even Weiss joined to indulge her, assisting in the interior decorating, helping to pick colors Penny would find comforting. She settled on a deep forest greet to coat what little of the walls were not covered in some sort of hanging.

"Oh, it's wonderful!" Penny squealed, clapping her metallic hands. "It's perfect, thank you Weiss!"

"It was my pleasure Penny." Weiss preened. "Was that the last touch?"

Penny looked over her home, an odd assortment of new and old, a few planters hanging from the balcony roof, warm light emanating from within. She felt a flicker within her being, and a smile grew across her face. "I believe so."

"I still think it needs a proper hearth." Yang groused.

"Shall we perform a ribbon cutting?" Blake asked with a smirk, conjuring a tendril of dark and weaving it into a strip of fabric.

Penny giggled. "I appreciate the thought, but I do not have scissors." Weiss rolled her eyes, drawing Myrtenaster and offering it to the automaton. "Oh, oh I see. I have some of my own." Penny chirped. With a click, the plating of her left arm split open, and from it a dagger floated free, suspending midair for Penny to take, the plating clipping shut behind it. "Thank you for the offer Weiss."

Rolling her eyes again, Weiss sheathed her blade. Flanking the door, Glynda and Blake held the ribbon between them. Penny heaved the closest thing to a breath she could muster, and swung her dagger through the cloth, the silver infused steel slicing through it effortlessly. "Welcome home." Glynda greeted, the ribbon dissipating in her hand.

"Yeah!" Yang cheered. "House warming party!"

Penny giggled, bouncing in joy as she opened the door, rushing into the small domicile and taking it in once more. She had entered the cabin before of course, but had been staying in Glynda's living room, saving the first night's inhabitation for the home's completion. She did not need to charge often, especially if she was not taxing herself. Her soul's natural energy greatly extended the period her automaton body could operate, and theoretically could sustain it entirely. But it would be unwise to rely upon it. A constant drain on her energy would have negative effects, of a similar sort to what mages faced.

"I remember when I first moved here." Glynda reminisced. "It took years before the house felt like a home."

"You mean when you released me?" Blake drawled.

Glynda scoffed. "Please, you were hardly leashed in the first place, padding over my notes, waving your tail in my face…"

"I wanted attention." Blake mock pouted.

Glynda rolled her eyes. "You always want attention."

"Your attention." Blake clarified.

"If I paid attention to you all the time, I'd never get anything done." Glynda huffed.

"Liar." Blake smirked.

Sighing, Glynda turned to Penny, who now sat upon her bed, running a hand across the mismatched blankets. "Penny, how do you feel?"

Penny looked up, a small smile on her face. "It's strange. I never really thought I'd be here." She admitted. "I'd dreamed of having something like this, a little home, all my own, surrounded by a paradise to explore...friends to explore it with...I...it's so sudden to confront that dream in reality a-and...I…" Her voice grew hoarse, a strange tone corrupting it. Her hand rose to her cheek, before clenching into a fist. She stood once more, making her way to Glynda. "Thank you for giving me this...for everything."

Penny bowed her head, hands clasped meekly before her. "I'm so happy! I've never felt this way before. It's so strong and powerful a-and I can barely express it!" She stepped forward, wrapping Glynda in a hug, a little firmer than the witch would have liked, but given the circumstances, she elected to endure and return the embrace. "Thank you so much, I won't let you down I promise!" Penny's broken voice warbled into Glynda's chest.

Glynda stroked the automaton's hair, for all the good that probably did. "Don't thank me so much Penny. It was Ruby's word I placed my faith in."

"I know, but you've taken a risk in trusting me, and I appreciate that." Penny smiled, releasing Glynda. She frowned when she turned around. Weiss, Yang and Blake were present, but Ruby and Pyrrha were not.

Weiss looked out the window and groaned. "Oh, lovely…" She grimaced. Penny pulled aside the curtains of the main window, and smiled at the sight that met her. Ruby stood in the clearing her cabin faced, watching in wonder, as the first snow of winter fell from the sky, slowly blanketing the ground around her in scattered ivory.

"Hmm, that took longer than normal." Glynda observed.

"Rubes!" Yang called. "First snow?!"

Ruby jerked, spinning around, cloak flaring as she did. "It is! It's awesome!" She laughed, eyes bright with wonder.

Yang chuckled, turning to open the door. "I remember my first snow, hated the stuff." She gestured for the others to leave, Penny taking the lead, jogging past to join Ruby.

"I once thought I had my fill in Atlas, but Patch is far less...harsh." Weiss commented as she passed.

"The lack of dense forest has marred Atlas, and the pollution is corrupting what majesty it once held." Glynda followed, Blake tapping Yang's nose as she went, the fiery summon biting playfully at the digit.

Gathered on the deck, the group joined Pyrrha. She sat on its edge, resting her leg. "A part of me keeps worrying they'll catch a cold, but I don't think Penny is capable of one, let alone Ruby." Pyrrha laughed to herself, watching as Penny showed Ruby how to make a snowball. Penny threw hers at a nearby tree, much to Ruby's delight.

"Oh dear." Glynda laughed. "That spells trouble."

"Did...you just make a pun?" Weiss asked.

"You're hearing things." Glynda rolled her eyes. "Have you fed recently?"

"I haven't felt the need yet, and I heard you just fine!" Weiss protested.

"Of all the humans I expected to have a sense of humo-agh!" Yang suddenly recoiled at a hard, cold impact at the back of her head. She shuddered and spun around, revealing the melting remnants of a snowball evaporating in her hair. "Ruby!"

Ruby merely waved, holding another snowball in hand. "Yang, snowball fight!"

"I...ugh I'm gonna' get you!" Yang growled, jumping to the ground and scooping up some of the now heavily falling snow...attempting to at least. Her frustration caused her temperature to rise, and she melted the snow on contact. "Damnit R-aph!" Another snowball hit her in the face, much to the amusement of the others. "Rrgh come here you!" She roared, taking off in a sprint. Ruby laughed, gathering another snowball before fleeing, Penny giggling at the sight.

"That's my girl." Pyrrha admired with pride.

Glynda chuckled. "Goddess of Flame, brought to her knees by snow."

"If this is how she reacts to snow, how does she handle you Weiss?" Blake teased.

"Blake." Pyrrha roused.

"Thoroughly." Weiss answered casually.

"Weiss." Pyrrha groaned.

Blake grinned. "Oh? Do tell."

"Please, not in my company." Pyrrha requested.

Weiss smirked. "Or what, you'll get a little hot under the collar?"

"I expect better of you than teasing Weiss." Pyrrha chastised.

"What can I say-" Weiss started.

"Yang is rubbing off on you?" Blake finished with a smirk.

Weiss blushed. "That...is accurate."

"And on that note, I shall be returning to my patients." Pyrrha rose, easing weight onto her recovering leg.

"Don't forget to save Ruby before you leave." Glynda reminded.

Pyrrha looked to her summon, now wrestling about on the ground with Yang, melting the snow around them as they went. It was a fair stalemate, though for a moment Ruby sat atop Yang's back, holding her down. She stopped to wave at her mistress, grinning cheerfully.

Pyrrha smiled, waving back. "More than anything, I have faith Ruby can take care of herself."

Author's Note: That's it for the season. RealTerminal and I are now moving in to a new story entitled Sunrise.