Author's notes: Greetings my lovely people, Vex here with the final chapter of The Stray!

It's been quite some time since I've been able to say the words 'final chapter' let me tell you. But regardless, this is it, and I'm loving it. Although, in this chapter I have noticed that Ruby seems a bit OOC (if that's the right thing to call it), or at least she becomes more so through the chapter.

That'll be something I have to work on...

But anyways: final chapter, hope you enjoy.

- Vex out!

The Stray - Final Chapter - Dazzling RWBY

The same dark, empty room, just like the ones before it. Open the door. The same room once again. Again and again and again. An endless labyrinth from which there was no escape.

It was so familiar to her at this point but the child's mind couldn't comprehend it. Where was she? How did she get here? Why was she there? Questions a child should never have to ask themselves, she was constantly returning to.

Not every night. No, some nights she would have a light beside her. Bright and warm to keep her company. Not tonight though. Tonight she was alone, alone in the never ending maze of rooms, searching for that which she would never find.

''Mommy? Mommy where are you?''

Door after door, room after room; no matter how long she searched her mother was nowhere to be found.

Her heartbeat increased, pounding away in her little chest. The girl broke out into a run. She barreled through door after door, room after room, calling out for her lost mother. Cries turned to screams as fear took a hold of her mind.

Door after door, room after room.

She tripped, falling on her face. She lay there as tears burst forth from her eyes. Lost, sobbing for the mother that she would never find. She screamed out, all alone.

''Ruby.''

The girl's eyes opened. She was in bed, just as she was hours before when she fell asleep. A man stood over her, worry and sadness etched into his face. He drew her into his embrace. ''It's okay, Ruby. It's okay.''

She sobbed into his shirt. ''Uncle Qrow, where's Mommy?''

''I'm sorry,'' was all he could say. It was all he would ever say.

Ruby Rose's eyes flickered open from her dream. She yawned and stretched, brushed the traces of tears from her eyes, then turned her eyes to the room. The rays of sunshine streaming through the window seemed to be the only positive thing to see.

Blake: gone.

Yang: gone.

Weiss: soon-to-be gone.

''Morning Weiss.''

''Hm? Oh, good morning,'' Weiss replied, uninterested. That was how she had been for the past few days, always guarded and never engaging in conversation.

''Do you know where Yang is?''

''I think we both know where she is.''

It was true. She was almost certainly in Vale searching for Blake, even after Ruby had dragged her back at midnight the previous night after virtually demolishing a club. Yang's energy levels were still as high as ever. The same could not be said about her control, which disappeared whenever she was stressed or angry.

It was a distressing situation: having a friend go missing for a week.

''Weiss, do you think-''

''Sorry but I have to get going. Work to do. See you later.'' She slammed the door behind her, leaving Ruby all alone.

She sighed and climbed down from her bed. This was how it had been since Blake left. Yang would search. Weiss would ignore. Ruby would be alone. Was it so much to wish that Blake would come back and they could just be a team again? Things wouldn't be the same – especially after Blake's species revelation – but they could be together. Laugh, eat and work together just as the had for the months they had since joining Beacon.

''Would that be such a bad thing?''

With no idea what else to do, Ruby found herself knocking Team JNPR's door. A second later she was taken by surprise by a bundle of Nora that tackled her to the ground and started tickling her. Ren managed to pry his team-mate off eventually.

''Sorry about that. She got some coffee without us noticing,'' he explained, holding back the giggly psychopath.

''Don't worry about is,'' Ruby laughed as Jaune helped her back up and invited her inside. ''Thanks.'' She took a seat.

''Have we got a visitor?'' Pyrrah called from the bathroom.

''It's Ruby,'' Jaune called back.

The door unlocked and the red-head emerged, her hair damp from the shower she had just taken. ''Oh, good morning Ruby.''

''Yeah, isn't it just...'' she sighed.

It was obvious the girl was troubled. Pyrrah turned to Nora who was currently bouncing on her bed. ''Shower. Now.'' Nora saluted, flipped off and dived into the bathroom, kicking it shut behind her.

''So what's up?''

Ruby poured out everything that had been happening over the past week. Blake and Weiss' argument, the truth behind why Blake ran away, her team quickly breaking up. No one besides those who had been in the room that night knew why Blake had disappeared so it was a shock, but they quickly accepted it.

''I see. So that's why things have been weird between you guys,'' Ren said.

''Ruby... this must be pretty tough for you.'' She silently nodded at Jaune.

''The question is: what to do now?'' Pyrrah turned to Jaune and raised her eyebrows slightly. He got the hint.

''Hey, how about you stick with us for now? Until things get back to normal I mean.''

''Oh, you guys don't have to do that, I'll be fine.'' Her weak protest didn't do much to convince them otherwise.

The door to the bathroom opened and Nora poked her head out, still wearing a grin that would make the Cheshire Cat turn green with envy.

''Nora, Ruby is going to be joining us for now. Be sure to make her welcome,'' Pyrrah said, knowing what the reaction would be. Nora cheered and grabbed Ruby. They would explain the full situation later. In her current state of mind, no information – regardless of the simplification of words used – would be able to penetrate Nora's mind.

With Ruby occupied and unable to stop her, Pyrrah stood. ''Right, I'm going to talk to Weiss. I'll see you all later.'' She left before Ruby had a chance to say no.

In the end, nothing appeared to have resulted from the talk tankfully. Ruby was sure that Weiss would have stormed up to har and scolded her for telling JNPR what had happend. Instead, she was able enjoy the time she had with JNPR in peace. Whatever they did seemed to be accompanied by a laugh and a smile, but while she liked being with her friends, she couldn't help feeling what she was doing was wrong.

''I feel like such a hypocrite.''

''What do you mean?'' Jaune asked as they left weapons training.

''I said that we're not allowed to be failures. That our teams depended on os to lead them. But here I am, running away...''

''You're not running! Listen, you said we need to put our team first and ourselves second. If that means giving them time alone, then that's what you do. Just make sure you're there when they're ready.'' No response. ''What is it?''

Ruby giggled. ''I was just thinking how much you've changed Jaune. Look at you, Mr Big Guy,'' she teased, nudging him.

Even with these bouts of self-deprecation, the second week with Blake gone was easier to deal with than the first. At least she didn't have any more of those dreams...

It was night. Rain drummed against the lounge window as Ruby, Ren and Nora were completing an essay for Grimm studies. Ren was doing his best to help a thoroughly uninterested Nora, who was more focused on balancing her pen on her upper lip, when the lights shut off.

''That's not good,'' Ruby muttered.

''We'll just have to wait it out.''

Rather than sit still and wait, Nora somehow managed to find a flashlight and began playing with it. The randomness with which she amused herself really was a sight to behold. It was almost a shame when the lights came back and Nora groaned, knowing that it was back to work... at least it did until the other two members of the team arrived.

''Guys, you'll never guess what we just saw!''

''Cupid's arrow?''

They blushed, looked at each other. ''Please don't make jokes like that Ren. Anyway, we were back at the room-''

''All alone, with no one to interrupt them.''

''REN!'' Pyrrah never shouted like that.

Jaune cut off the teasing by saying, ''Oh forget it – Blake's back!''

''What?'' A sudden strong breeze swept through the room and Nora was gone, finally having an opportunity to escape work. Ren took off after her.

''You're sure it's her?''

''Positive. We heard her and Yang talking in your room.'' Ruby broke into a run. ''Weiss is there too just so you know!''

''Thanks!'' she called over her shoulder to Pyrrah's warning. Her team was finally ready so it was time for their leader to make her appearance!

''Byyyyyye Blake!'' Nora yelled as Ren dragged her from the room.

''I'm sorry about her,'' he apologized. Noticing Ruby, he offered a nod before dragging Nora back to her academic hell.

Inhale. Exhale.

Runy stepped into the doorway and surveyed the inside. Weiss was sat on her bed, posture perfect as per usual. Her eyes were stony and glued to one spot. Yang was leaned against the windowsill with her arms folded and sure enough, there was Blake on her bed. A bow-less Blake with cat ears which twitched upon seeing Ruby.

''Welcome back Blake.''

She stared back blankly for a moment before quietly saying, ''It's good to be back.'' Yang smiled.

Weiss decided that they had waited long enough. ''Now that we're all here, where have you been?''

Blake proceeded to explain how she had been staying at her apartment in Vale, too afraid to return. This prompted the question of why she was scared, which lead to her recounting the recent robbery of a large Schnee company shipment.

''You just sat there and watched it happen?''

''Hey, it's not like she was the one who stole it!'' Yang had made it clear that she was on Blake's side in this conversation.

''But she didn't try to stop it either!''

Yang was starting to get that look in her eyes. ''I thought the Schnee company would have had better security than to let airships just swoop in and take their stuff.''

''Why you-''

''Stop it! This isn't getting us anywhere!'' That shut them up. Ruby turned to Blake. ''You had nothing to do with it did you?''

''No, I didn't. But-''

''Then I don't care! It's not your fault and that's the end of it!'' As she said this a tingle shot through her body. For the first time she felt as though she was truly in charge. She had absolute command of the situation. And it felt good.

''Alright then,'' Weiss took a stand. ''I want you to answer me one question.''

Blake rose to meet her, their eyes locking on to each other. ''What is it?''

''Are you now in any way connected to-''

''No, I'm-''

''Let me finish! Are you now – in any way – connected to the white fang or any of its members? In any way?''

You could cut the tension with the worlds most dull and rusty knife. This was the deal breaker: Weiss had made clear her position on the White Fang two weeks ago so if Blake was...

''Ever since I left them six months ago I have had no contact with anyone I once knew. That organization has nothing to do with me any more. All I want to do is become a Huntress and use my skills for good.''

The hard look in Weiss' eyes softened for the first time that night. ''Good enough.'' She held out a hand. ''Welcome back.''

''What, just like that?''

''Just like that.''

''You're not angry still?''

''Oh, absolutely. I'm positively fuming that you did nothing to stop them that night... but I can put that aside and give you another chance. But only on one condition.''

''And that is?''

''Tomorrow we are going to go to class together. After, you are going to apologize to someone who has been worried about you, and you will offer to study with her for the rest of the semester. Deal?''

Ruby... was speechless. Here was Weiss, one of the most stubborn people she had ever met, willingly putting aside something and letting bygones be bygones. Such a thing would be unthinkable if one hadn't seen it first hand. The two sisters in the room shared a look expressing their amazement.

''Deal.'' They shook hands and the rift that had formed between them was finally mended.

Yang mad a noise as though she had been holding in her breath through the whole exchange. ''Well, that was a thing.''

''We're not done yet.''

Ruby's statement drew curious looks from the other girls. ''What do you mean Sis? Look, everything's better now.''

Now, maybe. But what about next time something like this happens? What if I run away next?'' She stepped towards her older sister. ''Yang, I know it's hard but you have to keep in control. You can't go off trashing everywhere you go when you get mad.''

The youngest of the girls then turned her sights on Weiss. ''And you can't shut yourself off to everyone else around you. We're your friend so you have to learn to trust us. If you can't talk to us then who are you going to have left?''

Then it was Blake's turn. ''Blake. The same goes to you. You don't have to run away because of what's happened in the past. Talk to us. You've seen what happens if you don't.''

Blake cast her gaze down for a second then looked back. ''You're right, I'm sorry Ruby.''

''I too regret how I've been behaving. It was wrong and it won't happen again. I swear.''

''Weiss...'' Yang enveloped her sister in a hug.

''I wasn't thinking. I just wanted... I shouldn't have left you all alone. I should know better than anyone to not do that...''

''It's fine. Just so long as you're back now.''

Outside, JNPR smiled as they heard this said. They removed their ears from the door.

''Looks like things will get back to normal now,'' said Ren.

''Sure does,'' Nora agreed as they returned to their room.

Jaune and Pyrrah shared a private smile together. Pyrrah took her partner's hand. ''It looks like you're not the only one who's gotten used to being a leader.''

The blonde chuckled. ''Yeah, I'm happy for them. Good job Pyrrah.''

''I didn't do anything really.''

''Don't be silly, there's no way Weiss would have given up so easily-''

''Ah, you can thank Velvet for that. I really didn't have to do anything.''

''Do you two want us to give you some more time alone?''

''Oooooh, kissy kissy.''

Ren and Nora's heads poked out from behind the door, observing the moment.

''You guys...''

The teasing was relentless.

The next day...

... and that's pretty much everything that's been going on.

Things are looking better already. Oh, oh! I'm pretty sure Yang likes Blake! (Don't tell her I said that) ... well I think she does anyway. Ooooh, it'd be so cool if they got together!

Anyway, how's things back at Signal? We should totally meet up sometime! Write back soon.

Your friend, Ruby

She looked over the letter recounting what had been going on over the last few weeks - omitting the part about the White Fang. 'The gang might do something drastic if they got the worng idea...' Ruby thought. She checked the time and her eyes widened to the size of plates. ''Oh, I'm late for class!''

She ran off, no longer the little girl lost in her dreams, but a Huntress-in-training whose team was waiting for her.

Ladies and gents, I want to thank you for reading this story and I hope you enjoyed it. I'd love to hear what you thought of it and if there's anything you think I should make sure to avoid in my next story.

I've been SilentVex, thank you and good night!

...

Vex: Is what I would say but we're not done yet. Now you've all probably been wondering what the hell these little bits at the end of each chapter have been. Well my little lambs allow me to releive you of your ignorence. This is a new segmant that will be present at the end of my RWBY stories - a sort of post-story interview if you like. (Pause) Now You'll be happy to know that I've arranged quite a special host for these segments, one who I'm sure you'll like.

(Crappy homemade fanfare starts to play.)

Vex: So, I'd like you all to join me in welcoming the host of Penny For Your Thoughts - (Winks) See what I did there? - please join me in welcoming your host, Penny!

(Crappy applause track plays as 'Penny' enters.)

'Penny' (Grinning awkwardly): Ehehe, hey there... uhh.. guys. I'm Penny and I... uhh...

Vex: And you're pleased to be here right?

'Penny': Yeah... Yeah! What he said. It's cool to... be here...

Vex (Sees how uncomfortable she is): Right, well. We're going to cut this one short. Thanks for doing this 'Penny' and-

(Door flies open and Yang enters, looking for Ruby)

Yang: Ruby? Ruby are you... (Sees set) here? What the hell is going on here?

Vex (holds hands out in a calming gesture): Yang, stay calm. I can explain.

'Penny': Told you it wouldn't work. ('Penny' takes off her wig and turns out to be Ruby.)

Yang (looks from Vex to Ruby then back to Vex): Why are you making my sister cosplay as Penny?

Vex (panicking): Because Nora took Penny somewhere and I had no better ideas!

Yang (cracks knuckles, grinning): Why didn't you just wait for her to come back?

Vex: Because I have no idea when that'll be!

(Yang looks at Vex as though he's an idiot.)

Yang (to Ruby): Come on, let's go. (Grabs her hood and drags her away)

Ruby: I'm sorry!

Vex (slouches back in a chair as the door slams.): Just great...

(Door swings open again, this time Nora and the real Penny enter)

Nora: (Yells) We're baaaa~aaaaack!

Vex: (Facepalm) God dammit Nora...

...

If you have any questions that you would like Penny to pose to the cast of RWBY send me a private message. Alos, please let me know if this sounds like a really stupid idea - I have been known to lack good sense when it comes to ideas such as these.