The sun was just beginning to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the quiet streets of Vale. The bustling city, so often alive with energy, was starting to wind down for the evening, but not for the young warriors who got accepted into Beacon. They were preparing for something far more important than a peaceful night's rest.

Nyra stood at the edge of the city, her gaze fixed on the towering silhouette of Beacon Academy in the distance. The academy was a beacon of hope and strength for the next generation of Huntsmen and Huntresses. But for her, it was a place of legacy, pressure, and unspoken expectations. Her black skirt swayed in the cool evening breeze, the dark red tulle beneath it catching the light like the flicker of a flame. The corset around her waist cinched tightly, but it was the weight of her bloodline that felt heavier than any armor.

Summer Rose's niece. Qrow Branwen's daughter.

The words echoed in her mind as she stood there, alone, surrounded by the ever-present buzz of anticipation. The pressure of her family's legacy—the weight of their names—pressed down on her like the blade of a scythe.

But there was something else in her chest, burning brighter than the expectations, something she wasn't sure she could name.

Footsteps approached from behind, the sound faint but distinct. Nyra didn't need to turn around to know who it was.

"You're early," Ashen's deep voice cut through the silence. His tone was warm but laced with concern, his usual protective instinct not far behind.

"I need some space," Nyra replied quietly, her voice barely audible over the rustling of leaves. "Just… thinking."

Ashen stood beside her, his presence comforting, like the calm before a storm. His greatsword, Solbrand, was slung across his back, the weight of it barely noticeable to someone as strong as him. The blade glowed faintly with the residual heat of his Semblance.

"I know the feeling," Ashen said softly, understanding far more than he let on. He had his own burdens to bear, but he wore them differently.

A few moments passed before the sound of another set of footsteps reached them.

Ren Nikos approached, his storm-blue eyes scanning the horizon, the familiar, yet often unreadable, look on his face. His bright red hair swayed lightly in the breeze, and the dark green of his tunic contrasted against the ever-deepening twilight. His expression was calm, but there was something brooding beneath the surface.

"You're both still here," Ren remarked, his voice more of an observation than a question. He stopped next to Nyra, glancing at her with an almost imperceptible nod.

"Just thinking," Nyra repeated, her eyes still fixed on the distant academy.

Ren shifted slightly, his stance like a still river before a storm. "If you're going to do it, don't let them see the cracks."

Nyra met his gaze then, and for the briefest of moments, their shared understanding passed between them. She could see the same burdens in Ren's eyes—his own unspoken pressure to be more than just the brother of Pyrrha Nikos.

Ashen smirked as he clapped Ren lightly on the back. "You've always been good at hiding cracks, huh?"

Ren gave him a sidelong glance, a ghost of a smile tugging at his lips. "I hide more than cracks."

The team was together now, their silence a comfortable companion as they waited for the night to fall fully, their training and preparation looming on the horizon. The storm of their futures was just beginning, and despite all their differences, they were united in purpose. Nyra's grip tightened on the strap of her scythe, Umbrafall, resting against her side. Her heart raced with anticipation, but beneath that pulse of fear was something else. A flicker of something brighter—something that wouldn't be smothered by her family's legacy.

She would show them all and as the first stars began to sparkle in the sky, the team stood together in silence, ready for whatever challenges would come next.

The walk back to Nyra's house was calm, with only the faint sounds of their footsteps echoing on the cobblestone streets as the sun dipped beneath the horizon. The team moved in a quiet, comfortable silence, the bonds they'd formed over the years stronger than words could express. Still, there was a certain weight in the air, something unspoken that lingered between them. It was the anticipation of the upcoming week—their initiation into Beacon Academy.

Nyra led the way, her boots clicking rhythmically as they neared her home. The house was modest but cozy, nestled at the edge of Vale's quieter streets, a place of refuge from the chaos of the world. It had once belonged to her parents, and although her mother, Liora Rose, had kept it running after Summer's death, there was a lingering sense of history here—of love, loss, and legacy.

As they approached the door, the familiar scent of something savory wafted through the air, signaling that dinner was nearing completion. Nyra's stomach grumbled, reminding her that they hadn't eaten since their early morning training session. "Home sweet home," Nyra murmured as she opened the door, stepping inside.

The warmth of the kitchen immediately surrounded them. Her mother stood at the stove, the soft sizzle of food filling the air. Liora Rose—a tall, graceful woman with hair that cascaded in gentle waves—flashed them a welcoming smile as she turned around. She had always had an air of quiet strength about her, a trait Nyra admired but often felt was too far out of her own reach.

"Welcome back, you lot," Liora greeted, her eyes lingering on Nyra for just a moment longer. "Did you have a good training session today? You seem a bit… distracted, Nyra."

"I'm fine, Mom. Just thinking about next week, I guess." Nyra shrugged, trying to push down the anxiety building in her chest. She didn't want to burden her mother with her concerns—at least, not yet. Initiation was looming, and the weight of her family's legacy pressed heavily on her shoulders.

Liora didn't say anything immediately, but her gaze softened. "I understand," she said quietly. "Dinner's almost ready. Why don't you all sit down, relax for a bit? Sylve's been keeping me company."

Nyra's eyes brightened at the mention of her teammate. Sylve was always the calm, collected presence in their group, the one who could balance the fiery energy of Nyra and Ashen with her cool-headed demeanor. Nyra didn't realize just how much she'd come to rely on Sylve's steady influence until recently.

As they made their way to the dining room, they found Sylve waiting by the table, her platinum hair gleaming in the soft light. She wore her usual outfit—overbust corset dress that starts as a deep icy blue at the top and gradually fades to white near the hem, with a delicate frost pattern spreading across it. Her crystalline blue eyes lifted to meet them as they entered, a slight smile on her lips.

"Good evening," Sylve greeted. "I hope you didn't run into too much trouble on the way back."

"Nothing we couldn't handle," Ren replied, giving her a brief smile. "Ready for the big week?"

"I think we're all as ready as we can be," Sylve said with a soft chuckle. "I'm sure you're all prepared, but there's something to be said about facing the unknown."

Nyra dropped her bag by the door and settled into her seat at the table, her thoughts turning inward for a moment. The upcoming initiation was a challenge they'd all been waiting for, but Nyra couldn't shake the nerves creeping up her spine. It wasn't just about proving herself at Beacon—it was the pressure of living up to her family's legacy. Summer Rose had been a legend in her own right, and her father, Qrow, was a force to be reckoned with. Nyra knew the whispers would follow her—the daughter of Qrow Branwen, niece of Summer Rose.

The pressure weighed heavily on her.

"Dinner smells amazing, Liora," Ashen said, breaking the silence. His voice was warm and steady, always putting others at ease. He took his seat beside Sylve and grabbed a roll, tearing it in half. "What's on the menu tonight?"

"Roast, potatoes, and the usual mix of veggies," Liora answered with a smile. "And a little something sweet for dessert."

The mood lightened immediately, and they all dug in, the conversation shifting to lighter topics. Liora inquired about their plans for the weekend, and the team filled her in on their training schedules. As always, Sylve was an excellent conversationalist, drawing everyone into the discussion with ease. Even Nyra found herself laughing, momentarily forgetting the tension building in her chest.

But there was one question that hung in the air, unspoken.

"Have you thought about what you'll do after initiation?" Sylve asked casually, but Nyra could sense the underlying meaning in her tone.

"Yeah," Ashen chimed in, his gaze softening as he looked at Nyra. "Once we're in, we'll be teammates for real. We're all in this together."

Nyra met their gazes, her heart swelling with affection for her team. They were right. This was their moment to make their mark on the world, and they would do it together. No matter what happened with the legacy of the Rose name, she knew one thing was for sure—they had each other's backs.

"I think," Nyra said, her voice steadying, "we've got everything we need. The rest will come."

Sylve's eyes twinkled knowingly. "Good. Because initiation is only the beginning."

The dinner carried on in an easy, familiar rhythm. Liora made a few lighthearted comments about how quickly the team was growing—both in strength and in spirit—and Sylve chimed in with observations about the past few days' training. Nyra found herself getting lost in the conversation, a warm feeling spreading through her chest. The pressure she'd been carrying felt just a little lighter.

As they finished their meal, Liora moved to clear the table, but Nyra stopped her. "I got it, Mom. You've done enough for today."

Liora gave her a knowing look but nodded. "Alright, then. I'll be in the living room, just don't stay up too late. You've all got big days ahead."

Nyra offered a tired but grateful smile. "I won't." She watched her mother leave the room, her footsteps soft on the wooden floor.

Once the dishes were cleared and the kitchen was tidied, the team gathered in the living room. Ashen stretched out on the couch, leaning back with a content sigh. Ren stood by the window, staring out at the darkening city of Vale. He had a quiet air about him, the calm before a storm. Sylve perched on the armrest of the couch, her posture elegant and graceful as usual.

Nyra sat down in one of the armchairs, her legs curled up underneath her and ran her fingers through her hair. Her thoughts drifted again to the upcoming initiation. She wasn't scared—no, that would've been an understatement. But she had a deep, gnawing fear that lurked beneath the surface. What if she couldn't live up to expectations? What if, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't be the hero everyone thought she was destined to be?

Ren's voice cut through her thoughts. "It's normal to feel this way," he said softly, not turning away from the window. "You've always had big shoes to fill."

Nyra didn't need him to elaborate. She knew what he meant. The legacy of her mother, Summer Rose, was one of the brightest in Remnant's history. And then there was Ruby, her cousin—legendary in her own right. The pressure, the legacy of the Rose name, the expectations—it all piled up.

"You've always been good at this." Sylve's voice was a soft melody in the quiet room. "That's why you're here. Don't let fear take the place of what's yours to claim."

Nyra blinked, meeting Sylve's gaze. Sylve's eyes, usually so cool and composed, held an emotion Nyra didn't quite recognize—a quiet confidence, one that could match Nyra's own fierceness. It was rare for Sylve to speak like this, but in that moment, it was exactly what Nyra needed to hear.

"I'm not sure I can be everything they expect," Nyra admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've spent my whole life wondering if I can even live up to aunt Summer's name... let alone my father's."

The mention of Qrow brought a bitter taste to her mouth. She'd never had the chance to know him as more than the shadow of his unpredictable presence—fighting alongside him during a rare visit didn't count. He was always distant, always running off on his own missions. It left Nyra with the feeling that she'd been abandoned long before she ever had a chance to truly connect with him.

Ashen, who had been listening quietly, sat up, his intense amber eyes meeting hers. "No one expects you to be Summer or Qrow, Nyra. They just expect you to be you."

Nyra felt her heart tighten, and for a moment, the weight of her family's legacy seemed a little easier to bear. She was still her own person, and it was time to stop living in the shadows of others.

"You're right." Nyra's voice was steadier now, the tension in her chest beginning to fade. "I've been so focused on what everyone else expects of me that I forgot to think about what I want. This isn't about living up to a name—it's about proving what I can do."

"Exactly," Ren said, finally turning around to face her, his storm-blue eyes earnest. "We're all in this together, and we'll have each other's backs. Beacon won't know what hit them."

Sylve gave a small smile and nodded. "That's the spirit. Besides, with all the talent on this team, how could we fail?"

The air in the room lightened considerably, and for the first time in days, Nyra felt a genuine spark of excitement. Her team wasn't just a group of people she'd been assigned to. They were her friends, her family. Each of them had something unique to offer, and together, they would be unstoppable.

The sound of the clock ticking quietly on the wall reminded them all of the time, and with a shared glance, they realized how late it was growing. The initiation would come faster than they expected.

"I think we should get some rest," Ashen said with a yawn. "Tomorrow's another big day, and we can't afford to be dragging our feet."

"I'll go get the sleeping arrangements set up," Nyra replied, standing up from her chair. She looked around the room for a moment, her gaze lingering on her teammates. They'd become her second family—people she could count on no matter what.

"Goodnight, team," she said with a small smile, heading toward the back room to prepare for the night.

As Nyra closed the door behind her, she took a deep breath. The weight of her past still hung over her, but now it was her future that she was stepping into. The past couldn't define her. What mattered now was the journey she and her teammates would take together. It wasn't just about proving herself—it was about forging her own path. And she knew, deep down, that she would make it.

She would make them proud.

The house was quiet after Nyra's retreat to her room. Ashen stretched out, sprawled across the couch with his hands behind his head. He watched the flickering shadows dance across the walls, the quiet hum of the house adding to the peaceful atmosphere. Sylve was absorbed in the book she'd brought with her, her focus unwavering as she read through the pages, occasionally tapping her fingers on the cover in thought.

Ren was still by the window, his storm-blue eyes distant, watching as Vale's city lights flickered below. He was lost in his own world again, but it was a familiar sight to the others. Ren's quiet demeanor was something they had all come to understand over the last few months—he wasn't one to speak much, but when he did, it was with the kind of wisdom that came from experience.

"You know," Ashen started, breaking the silence, "she's been carrying this weight for a long time."

Ren didn't need to ask who Ashen meant. He just nodded, his gaze never leaving the window. "She has a lot to prove, even though she doesn't want to admit it."

"She doesn't have to prove anything to anyone." Sylve's voice was soft but firm. "The person she needs to prove herself to is herself."

Ashen chuckled, glancing over at Sylve. "You're not wrong. But you know as well as I do that sometimes, the hardest battle is against yourself."

Ren finally turned, his lips curling up into a small, almost imperceptible smile. "She'll figure it out in time. She has you all. And that's enough to keep her grounded."

Ashen sat up, his usual easygoing nature replacing his earlier seriousness. "And if she starts losing track, we'll pull her back. We're a team for a reason."

Sylve closed the book with a soft thud, setting it down on the coffee table. She met their eyes, her expression softening. "She's lucky to have all of us."

The door to Nyra's room creaked open just then, and Nyra stepped out, her long black hair cascading down her back like a shadowed river, streaked with vibrant red tips. She looked almost ethereal in the low light, her mind clearly still turning over everything they'd talked about.

"Can't sleep," she admitted, her voice soft and laced with a hint of weariness.

Ashen stood up, stretching his arms above his head. "Didn't think you'd be able to. Not with everything that's happening. You need some time to let it all settle."

Nyra hesitated, then nodded. She moved toward the window, standing beside Ren, who gave her a brief glance before turning back to the view.

"It's a lot," Nyra murmured, looking out at the sprawling city of Vale. The night was clear, the stars overhead bright and unwavering. For a moment, she allowed herself to forget about the pressure—the expectations—and just breathe.

"Yeah, it is," Ren agreed quietly. "But you're not alone in this. We're all here."

Sylve stood and crossed the room, her steps measured, her presence calming. She placed a hand on Nyra's shoulder, her touch steadying. "We'll do this together, just like we've always done. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, we're right here. All of us."

Nyra's heart warmed at their words, and the knot in her stomach eased just a little. It wasn't about her legacy, or her past. It was about this moment. This team.

"I know," Nyra replied, her voice stronger now. "I just... I want to make sure I don't let anyone down. Especially with everything at stake."

Ashen clapped her on the back, grinning. "You'll be fine, Nyra. We've got your back, just like you've got ours. Now get some rest—we'll need you sharp for the morning."

Nyra smiled at her teammates, feeling the weight of the world lighten a little. "Thanks. All of you."

They shared a few more quiet moments together, and eventually, the team made their way to their makeshift sleeping areas for the night. But as Nyra lay in bed, the events of the day still swirled in her mind, she found herself oddly comforted by the presence of her team. There were still doubts, of course—there would always be doubts. But for the first time in a while, she felt like she wasn't facing them alone.

As sleep finally claimed her, a thought lingered in her mind: Tomorrow would be another day—another chance to prove to herself who she truly was.

And for now, that was enough.