#➹ | And the only solution was to stand and fight ❞ ( v. canon divergence)

[auratold]

She's alive. He has to keep reminding himself of that. Has to soothe his racing core whenever he sees her falter in her steps. Ren knows Pyrrha is strong, knows she can recover from this. But his own innate instincts want him to fret over her and kill any who look at her and-- Ren is more human than grimm. Has to remember that.

He only lets those possessive, fiercely protective grimmling instincts take over in the dark of night, when he can safely curl his tail around Pyrrha and put his head on her chest to listen to her heart to remind him it still beats. When his eyes look just a touch more red than pink, when his claws rest on the groups blanket Like tonight, where his frame curls up against her and his head carefully rests in it's usual place while trying not to disturb Jaune himself on the other side.

Ren worries a bit more than usual though when Pyrrha's frame shifts to accommodate them both. He can't help it, she needed rest and he might have bothered her-

"Sorry, didn't mean to wake you up."

Sleeping amongst her teammates tended to quell nightmares of Beacon before they started. Jaune, Nora, Ren- their presence was soothing, never failing to bring a sense of security and home. But neither that comfort nor her aura could damper the lingering pain from her healing wounds. Pyrrha found herself shuffling slightly as she woke, a jolt of pain from her chest registering before the gentle pressure to the side of it, Ren's head no doubt.

"Mm, you didn't wake me, it's alright." Pyrrha starts, her voice thick with sleep. She doesn't want to admit that pain did, doesn't want to worry her teammate. Gods, she's put them through enough, the three of them having to watch her slow recovery from wounds that should have taken her life. Instead, she draws even breaths, focusing on the simple in and out motion than the flare up of pain that had woken her before turning slightly to look at Ren. "Are you okayt? It's bound to be late."

[pyrrhaicvictory]

Basics -

NAME Pyrrha Nikos GENDER Female AGE Verse dependent, 17 during V1, 20 in AU at canon’s current point Birthdate April 24th Orientation Panromantic Team JNPR Semblance Polarity Partner Jaune Arc

POSITIVE TRAITS. She’s able to maintain her composure, even when troubled. Pyrrha cares deeply and is loyal to those close to her. She is patient and compassionate.

NEGATIVE TRAITS. Pyrrha tends to bury her feelings from others when stressed or upset, even those she trusts deeply. She withdraws, hiding what is really wrong. It’s a habit originating from her inability to form relationships as a child, one that is difficult to break.

MENTAL AILMENTS. During her years studying at Sanctum, Pyrrha was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. She does have a history of occasional panic attacks. In verses where she survives the fall of Beacon, Pyrrha is eventually diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

PHYSICAL AILMENTS. Pyrrha has chronic pain as a result of the injuries she sustained during the Battle of Beacon.

History -

She enters the world one spring morning, the only child of two Mistralian hunters. From a young age, watching her parents switch off accepting missions across Remanent, Pyrrha knew she wanted to become a huntress. Her athletic nature was one that began as a young girl, for as soon as she was able, Pyrrha voiced her desire to learn to fight. With her father more than happy to teach her, Pyrrha picked up on everything he taught her quickly, her semblance manifesting at a young age. Once old enough to truly begin pursuing her goal of becoming a huntress, she attended Sanctum Academy.

The four years spent at Sanctum proved to be excruciatingly long. Pyrrha found herself feeling separated from her classmates from the first day. Her abilities placed her clearly above the others, prompting attention she didn’t wish for. She fought to ignore it, befriend her classmates and continue her studies like any other aspiring hunter. But once her tournament winnings began to bring her fame the divide only seemed to grow. The nickname, The Invincible Girl, haunted her as those around her began to only see her for her strength, and nothing more.

Upon graduating, she chose to leave Mistral behind entirely and start anew at Beacon Academy. Pyrrha and her parents hoped that doing so would allow her a chance to step off the pedestal she despised. Perhaps a fresh start was what she needed. They are overjoyed to receive Pyrrha’s letters, full of recounts of the time spent with her team. The smile on her lips during their periodic video calls was brighter than they had ever seen. Until the world watched as Vale crumbled.

-> Verses

Tags.

➹ | These will be the days we never forget ❞ ( v. before the fall ) ➹ | The leaves are falling all around ❞ ( v. a choice to make ) ➹ | And the only solution was to stand and fight ❞ ( v. canon divergence) ➹ | Autumn roars through her veins ❞ ( v. fall maiden ) ➹ | the invincible girl ❞ ( hc )

[auratold]

She can't help the sigh that escapes her as they sit here in the house in Mistral. In their initial days in the kingdom, Pyrrha had been present alongside her team and friends, attending the meeting at Haven Academy alongside them. But now, with every huntress and huntsman Qrow had attempted to find turning out to be deceased or missing in action, the situation at hand was not in their favor. Staying back was what they all agreed was best for her.

Her injuries had improved enough to return to training alongside the others, but there's much work to be done. Strengthening muscles around her Achilles tendon, restoring stamina and endurance... all of it was going to take a great deal of time, no matter where she'd stood before. "I understand I have a great deal further to go in my recovery before I am ready to return to combat." It's going to take a long time, there's no way around it. "But it's difficult staying here while you all fight."

@fatedmuses

@auratold/@heroftruth asked: i can't do this alone. (For Qrow from Pyrrha)

"Well, it's a good thing you're not alone, isn't it?" Qrow said, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You have lots of people willing to help you kid, myself included. I know they'd all be happy for you to lean on 'em."

[auratold]

Everything was still hazy as she blinked her eyes several times, trying to focus on the man next to her. After a few tries she could see him clearly and moved to push herself up. Pain coursed through her at the movement, sparking from her ribs and extending upwards towards her scar as she took in a sharp inhale. Just how hard had she taken that hit? "Hurts," Pyrrha started, fingertips rising to assess the damage. Her ribs were bruised at least, and it wasn't helping matters with her still healing injury. Even with all the strides she has taken in her recovery, a hit of that caliber would be enough to reignite pain. "I am assuming the grimm have been dealt with? I don't think I will be able to continue fighting right now."

continued @scareqrowbranwen

[auratold]

Qrow was trying not to let his mood affect training with Pyrrha, but he was finding it hard to focus. Finally, he sighed, shaking his head. "Maybe we just call it a day, huh?"

Even with Aura, wounds took time to heal. The one's she had endured in the fall of beacon had been no exception, recovering fully had taken until they had reached Atlas. After which, Pyrrha refused to let up on training alongside her team members, rwby, and Qrow. Gaining strength beyond where she had been frequently a worry in the back of her mind. The elder huntsman had always proven to be invaluable help to her, having saved her life when he got her off of that ruined tower. His continued help with training only extending how thankful she was.

Tonight, however, she could see he wasn't as engaged in their training session. With a nod she withdrew her weapon. "We can stop here. Is everything alright?"

[auratold]

~ | Character Files: Pyrrha Nikos

Though the pressure's hard to take It's the only way I can escape It seems a heavy choice to make ⎡never let me go, never let me go. ⎦

A study on: separation from your peers, a crushing burden upon your shoulders, surviving what should have killed you, recovering, & moving forward when all hope seems lost.

Basics -

NAME Pyrrha Nikos GENDER Female AGE Verse dependent, 17 during V1, 20 in AU at canon’s current point BIRTHDATE April 24th ORIENTATION Panromantic TEAM JNPR SEMBLANCE Polarity PARTNER Jaune Arc

POSITIVE TRAITS. She’s able to maintain her composure, even when troubled. Pyrrha cares deeply and is loyal to those close to her. She is patient and compassionate.

NEGATIVE TRAITS. Pyrrha tends to bury her feelings from others when stressed or upset, even those she trusts deeply. She withdraws, hiding what is really wrong. It’s a habit originating from her inability to form relationships as a child, one that is difficult to break.

MENTAL AILMENTS. During her years studying at Sanctum, Pyrrha was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. She does have a history of occasional panic attacks. In verses where she survives the fall of Beacon, Pyrrha is eventually diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

PHYSICAL AILMENTS. Pyrrha has chronic pain as a result of the injuries she sustained during the Battle of Beacon.

History -

She enters the world one spring morning, the only child of two Mistralian hunters. From a young age, watching her parents switch off accepting missions across Remanent, Pyrrha knew she wanted to become a huntress. Her athletic nature was one that began as a young girl, for as soon as she was able, Pyrrha voiced her desire to learn to fight. With her father more than happy to teach her, Pyrrha picked up on everything he taught her quickly, her semblance manifesting at a young age. Once old enough to truly begin pursuing her goal of becoming a huntress, she attended Sanctum Academy.

The four years spent at Sanctum proved to be excruciatingly long. Pyrrha found herself feeling separated from her classmates from the first day. Her abilities placed her clearly above the others, prompting attention she didn’t wish for. She fought to ignore it, befriend her classmates and continue her studies like any other aspiring hunter. But once her tournament winnings began to bring her fame the divide only seemed to grow. The nickname, The Invincible Girl, haunted her as those around her began to only see her for her strength, and nothing more.

Upon graduating, she chose to leave Mistral behind entirely and start anew at Beacon Academy. Pyrrha and her parents hoped that doing so would allow her a chance to step off the pedestal she despised. Perhaps a fresh start was what she needed. They are overjoyed to receive Pyrrha’s letters, full of recounts of the time spent with her team. The smile on her lips during their periodic video calls was brighter than they had ever seen. Until the world watched as Vale crumbled.

-> Verses

Tags.

➹ | she is a storm that never wavers - a fire that ended too soon ❞ ( m. Pyrrha Nikos ) ➹ | These will be the days we never forget ❞ ( v. before the fall ) ➹ | The leaves are falling all around ❞ ( v. a choice to make ) ➹ | And the only solution was to stand and fight ❞ ( v. canon divergence) ➹ | Autumn roars through her veins ❞ ( v. fall maiden ) ➹ | the invincible girl ❞ ( hc / Pyrrha Nikos )

[auratold]

Despite the fatigue that is settling in, she can’t help the small laugh that escapes her own lips following Jaune’s own. “I know it isn’t the mission assignment you wanted, but interacting with the children and letting the public see huntsman on duty without a crisis happening is important.” Public trust matters after all, and the tension in Mantle has been palpable.

She can see their dorm as they turn a corner, relief flooding her. As much as Pyrrha doesn’t want to admit it, she’d ready to lay down. “It will be strange being at the Academy while everyone is out, but I’m glad you’ll have a break to come back for a bit.” 

"Uh, monday tomorrow, so I'm on preschool crossing guard duty in the morning," Jaune said with a small laugh. Of course crossing guard duty hadn't been what he'd thought he'd be doing as a huntsman, but it was... well not fun, but important! And the kids were always entertaining. The moms not so much.

"So I can come back after that to check up on you before I have to head back in the afternoon."

[auratold]

pyrrha tags drop 

[auratold]

They’re all okay. The relief that floods her at those words is unmeasurable. All these weeks anxiously searching for any sign, any clue, anything that would explain where they were. All the sleepless nights missing her partner’s presence. They were safe.

“I missed you more that anything.” A sigh slips from her lips, just taking a moment to enjoy his touch. “You should come inside, I’m sure you’re exhausted.”

Jaune leans into her hand, smiling. Brothers he missed her so much. Missed this so much. He brings a hand up to rest over hers, thumb rubbing over the back of it soothingly.

"I'm... alright. Team RWBY is alright. We're all back, we're okay." He assures her. He can't help but stare for a moment, taking in all of her. Pyrrha's always been beautiful, but never more beautiful than right here in this moment.

"Brothers I missed you," he whispers.

[auratold]

She nods her head, giving a small smile in response. "That's me, you're Marrow if I'm not mistaken?" It had been some time since someone brought up Pumpkin Pete's to her. It felt like a lifetime ago now, she hadn't even graduated from Sanctum when the sponsorship was accepted.

"Mm that's probably for the best, sadly the cereal isn't very good for you. I wouldn't mind going to the cafeteria, it's just about lunch time."

@auratold liked for a Marrow starter!

"Hey... Pyrrha, right?" Marrow said with a grin. "Pumpkin Pete's cereal box. Man, my mom never let me eat it because it was unhealthy and then when I went to Atlas Academy they had it in the cafeteria. I ate so much I threw up and was banned from eating it for the rest of my time here"

He wondered if he was still banned from eating it. Would anyone stop him now that he was an Ace Op? "Hey, should we go to the cafeteria like right now?"

[auratold]

"I'm sorry." Pyrrha starts, the apology swiftly escaping her lips at the thought of Ren feeling her pain. It's sharp, initiating in the center of her scar, and at times spreading along her chest as she inhales and exhales. She tries to hide these flares, not wanting to worry her teammates. Pyrrha doesn't want them to hurt alongside her, even just in worry, but they'd nearly lost her to her injuries and she knows they just want to help her.

Pyrrha knows the meaning in Ren's words, that he just wants to help her, but nothing and no one can take away the pain her body simply has to work through. Only Jaune's semblance has been effective in at least easing it to some degree at times. "He and Nora should sleep, we all need it. I'm sorry I woke you with this... hopefully it eases again soon."

"'s hard to sleep. Can feel your pain. Can't stop it, want to."

His claws touch his chest, the thrum of his Core under his heart churning his emotions and structural integrity. Finds his grip on language a bit lacking when he needs it most, shameful clipped English tumbling from his mouth. At least they've all had time to puzzle through his more Grimm based statements and can deduce that he wants to help her heal and can't, that his Core throbs in sympathy pain at random. The rest could tell Pyrrha was in pain, recovering, Ren was cursed by what he was to know what was probably a fraction of the same pain.

"...Sorry. Least Jaune sleeps deeper, huh?" Yeah, Jaune hadn't woken up when either had adjusted, still sleeping deep in the safe knowledge they hadn't lost Pyrrha.

[auratold]

He isn’t wrong, she took a hit of great force. Anyone would have been incapacitated by such an attack if their aura was too low. Having suffered such a critical injury years ago only made such an area an even more sensitive spot.

“I just hope this doesn’t set me back.” Pyrrha had worked her way through a few set backs in her recovery so far. Their trek across Anima and stay in Mistral had been scattered with them. But since her time in Argus while waiting with her team for RWBY to arrive, she’s made so many strides. "I want to be able to help everyone, and for my team to worry about me in the fights to come."

"Yeah, you could say that." He'd been worried for a few moments when she hadn't moved, and incredibly thankful when she did. "You got a grimm full force in the chest. That's enough to knock anyone down."

Never mind her, with a long term injury in that area. "You'll probably be sore for a few days, if you're lucky."

[auratold]

“Alright.” Pyrrha allows him to help her, knowing he’s just looking out for her wellbeing when she feels his hand rest at her elbow. There’s few she’ll drop her guard like this well, only her team, rwby and him. After all, if it were not for Qrow she would never have made it off that tower alive. He’d come for her in time.

As they start walking she breathes a sharp inhale, pain like this hasn’t come from her wounds for several months now. “I thought I was past it hurting this badly. That was a bad hit I took, wasn’t it?”

Qrow been doing this long enough, knows her well enough, that he can tell it's a struggle for her to get to her feet. He places a gentle hand on her elbow, hoping to support some of it for her.

"Sounds good. I'll be right here with you." But she's stubborn and prideful, about things like this anyway, and he doesn't want to call attention to it more than he has to. He gets it. She was still adjusting to this life, to no longer being the invincible girl. It had to be rough.

[auratold]

“I think I am far too drained to eat just yet anyways.” All she wanted was to curl up in bed with him at the moment, to rest and allow her aura to force the pain of her wounds back down til it rests in the background once more. “If we do touch Nora’s snacks I’ll replace them tomorrow while she and Ren are out.” There’s not much else she’s going to be able to do after all, Pyrrha will count herself fortunate if she’s allowed to return sooner than a few days.

She’s not surprised to hear about the shock of Weiss’ appearance in Mantle, especially with the current political climate as a result of her father running for the council. It’s a relief that things had at least remained uneventful for them, Pyrrha figured it had to be hard enough on Weiss being back in Atlas.

“Are you scheduled for patrol tomorrow?”

"Pancakes sounds like a great idea." It wouldn't distract Nora forever, but Jaune was always willing to eat pancakes. Especially Ren's pancakes. The man had managed to perfect them.

"Probably not," Jaune agreed. And he wasn't about to argue with Qrow about it. Pyrrha would most likely need a day off after today, whether she wanted to take it or not. "Nothing exciting on our end, other than a few people being surprised at seeing an actual Schnee in Mantle. Ren and Nora left after we did, they won't be back for a little while yet."

They had staggered their patrols, so someone was always there in case of emergency. Penny could only do so much, even if she was a robot. "So we'll have to wait on those pancakes, unfortunately."

[auratold]

     The weeks without her partner had been challenging, a constant aching pain present in her chest that only grew with each day that passed. Pyrrha had gone through the portal alongside Ren to assist in defeating the grimm that were bound to be attracted. Their plan had been a solid one at first, evacuation of Atlas and Mantle underway, and she’d expected to reunite with Jaune and Nora before long. When Winter had crossed through without them and without team RWBY the grief was undefinable. Once the grimm were taken care of, everyone headed into the city, she’d learned of them all falling.

   Pyrrha held to believing that her partner and team RWBY had to be alive, refusing to believe otherwise- wherever they were. Even so, their absence was difficult for everyone. The nightmares that had plagued her so intensely after the fall of Beacon were back once more, her anxiety only briefly tolerable in the moments she spent training, trying to not dwell.

   Her night had been another restless one, not even the presence of her two team mates enough to soothe her. She’d been just about to give up on the idea of sleep all together and head to train a knock on the door got her attention. The only one awake, Pyrrha rose to answer it, cracking to door open to see none other than her partner outside. “Jaune!” The door was flung open at once, arms instantly wrapping around her partner as she darted forwards. 

Starter for @auratold

They arrive in Vacuo in the early morning. Before anyone is really up. Getting into the city gives them no issues, but finding his team is a different matter.

Finally, Jaune finds someone who can tell him where team JNPR is staying and he takes off as fast as he can.

It's weird, being 20 again. He still feels 40, but without the moderate to severe joint pain. He's not looking forward to that again. But he pushes the thought from his mind for now, there will be time to think about that later. Right now he just really, really wants to see his team. He missed them so much it was almost unbearable. Knowing he could see them again one day was all the kept him going at times.

He reaches the door to their room and knocks, maybe a little more eagerly than he meant to. He fidgets with his armor while he waits for someone to open the door. He's cleaner than he was but still kind of a mess. He hopes they don't mind.

[auratold]

From the moment his scroll is withdrawn, Pyrrha knows he’s messaging Jaune. There’s no hiding heavy hits from her partner, none of the people around her will let her try to hide pain. Too many times she has tried to do so. There’s no doubt in her mind that her partner will be waiting for her now once they arrive back in Atlas.

“I can walk.” She starts, moving to push herself off the ground. The action is messy her whole frame seeming to protest its own weight as she rises- but she does. Taking in a slow breath to push through the pain that sparks in her chest from the movement, Pyrrha keeps her eyes momentarily from Qrow’s. He’s going to see through her stubbornness, she just knows it, but she doesn’t want. to stay in the field like this. The longer she does, the higher the odds someone from another patrol group sees her like this. “I’ll be alright, I am just ready to get back.”

Qrow nods. He pulls out his scroll to send a quick message to Jaune before stashing it away again. The other can take care of her better than he can, he just needs to get her back to Atlas safely. And that's definitely something he can do.

"When you're ready, we can start heading back. The grimm are cleared out in this sector anyway." There were other patrols that could take care of anything else. At this moment, his priority was Pyrrha and her safety.