So, this was inspired by a conversation I had in Reddit so I tried to put my spin on things. Unfortunately because of my schedule right now I only have time to end it as a two-shot, more of a introductory scenario. I might explore more of it in the future but that remains to be seen.

SPOILERS for those who haven't watch V3. This is a slight AU as you see. It takes place a few months after the Vytal festival. The next chapter will hopefully answer some questions you may have. For now, enjoy!


Qrow took in the scene around him grimly, a serious look shifting over his normally relaxed posture.

Scorch marks raked across the floors and walls of the chamber, leaving behind severe abrasions and craters against the surface of the granite floor, charred black due to intense heat. Several of the concrete pillars were blown into chunks, leaving behind an uneven pile of rubble lying scattered across the room.

It was a gruesome spectacle, one that Qrow was not entirely unaccustomed to seeing but still nevertheless unnerved him. It was clear that a battle took place here, and a hard-worn fight at that, leaving it vague as to who the clear victor of the duel was.

Curiously, the only structure that wasn't entirely affected by the aftermath of the battle was the large metallic wall near the end of the corridor. The top of which reached to the very ceiling of the room, hidden among the darkness above. The only accessible point through was the round metallic door made of reinforced concrete, secured with numerous metal bolts surrounding the door frame. An identification scanner was installed beside the vault door as an added security measure.

"Have you found anything?"

Qrow shifted his gaze from the room to the blonde dueling instructor that was approaching him.

He shrugged, "None more so than what you already know. Not exactly a lot here that can tell us who or what did this. Or if they succeeded in what they came for."

Glynda pursed her lips, a frown creasing her forehead as green eyes briefly flashed over to the carnage before meeting his once more. "I think we can clearly guess as to whom the perpetrators were and what it is they came for."

Qrow grunted, pulling his flask from his pocket and unscrewing the top. He ignores Glynda's look of disapproval as he takes a swig.

"You contacted Jimmy, yet?"

She sighed, took off her glasses and began wiping them against her sleeve. "James will be arriving in a few hours. I managed to convince him not to bring his army with him when I told him it was an emergency."

Qrow snorted in amusement. "Well, that's a miracle if there ever was one."

"At the very least we can contain the situation here for the moment and keep rumors from spreading across Vale," she said before sliding her glasses back onto her face. "For now we must inform the other staff members of what had happened. I've placed the academy on lockdown. No student is allowed to leave the premises until further notice. There is a slight chance that the intruders could still be here and if so they must be captured at once."

With a flourish of her cape, Glynda turned and left the room, leaving Qrow with the debris and smoking remains of the chamber.

Qrow gave one last glance at the scorched ruin behind him and started walking towards the door when something caught his eye.

Slowly he walked over to the far-side of the room, evading the larger slabs of concrete that block his path. There, nudged between a half-fallen pillar and the floor, barely visible through the limited light of the room was a familiar sight.

Crouching down to one knee, Qrow brushed off the smaller rocks out of the way and picked up the long, black walking cane with an embellished handle patterned in gold-colored gears. It was the last piece of evidence that confirmed what he already knew.

Wherever you are, I hope you know what you're doing, Oz.

~0~

Early morning found Qrow and Glynda lounging about in the Headmaster's office at the top of Beacon tower, waiting for the third member of their group to arrive.

Qrow tried to stifle a yawn, sipping on the cup of coffee instead to block the incoming urge and trying to keep himself awake. He couldn't help but feel irritated. The entire night was spent scouring the school perimeter for any sign of the intruders but not one trace of evidence was left behind to give them a clue on who they were dealing with.

The most that they could identify was based on a report from the nearby airbase that informed a bullhead was stolen some time during the day before, but ultimately it proved fruitless in their search.

And to make matters worse, he ran out of alcohol some time during daybreak and the school apparently has a 'no alcohol consumption' policy within the campus.

Qrow snorted, thinking it was amusing that the school thought that enacting policies banning alcoholic beverages would discourage the students from smuggling some inside campus. Back in his day he was a professional at delivering essential items that made their school life a whole lot more interesting.

Despite his team leader's protests, Qrow garnered a reasonable amount of lien that year thanks to his honest works and was able to treat his team out on town by the end of the school year. Those were the days.

Qrow was disrupted from his musings when a beeping sound came from behind him.

Glancing back from his leaning position by the window, he could see Glynda typing away on Ozpin's desk.

Her eyes shifted back and forth on the hologram screen as fingers skimmed across the keyboard. There were several tabs open on screen containing files, security footage, and messages from the past few days. She had an earpiece on and spoke in hushed, urgent tones to someone on the line.

Glynda paused briefly at the pop up that appeared on screen and immediately clicked the blinking icon. A security footage tab appeared showing live video feed of the courtyard. The camera zoomed in to the landing pad several meters off near the edge of the cliff.

At first there seemed nothing out of the ordinary with the footage. There were several guardsmen that can be seen patrolling the area right after the attack but were not the main focus of the camera. The video zoomed in further beyond the landing pad, straight to the blurry image of Vale in the distance – and caught something in view.

A tiny speck, almost a blur shape was materializing straight from the clouds, barely visible even with the morning light provided. The airship was unlike traditional design and was sleeker and darker in nature. It made quick progress to the landing pad. Docking personnel seemed to take notice of the incoming airship as several men ran across the pad holding glow sticks to marshal in the landing vehicle.

"That would be James," Glynda pointed out as she removed the earpiece and placed it on the table. Qrow thought he could still hear someone speaking through the device but was effectively shut down.

"Well who woulda thought, the man actually knows a thing or two about subtlety," Qrow muttered to himself as he returned his gaze towards the window. Faintly, he could make out the airship that just finished its descent but the tower prevented a clear sight on its occupants exiting.

"I believe those are the prototype stealth ships he mentioned months ago that his engineers were working on." Glynda shook her head, trying to ease the tiredness gained from a full night's work. "We'll have to get ready. There's no doubt that he'll be upset at what happened here."

"You mean the fact that he gets to prove Ozpin right?"

Glynda shot him a warning look. "Qrow…"

"What? I'm just saying. He's been pestering for months about adding security to the Vault and now that something's happened he can hold it over everyone's head," Qrow grumbled.

"James may be bullheaded, especially when he's right, but he wouldn't use that to deliberately antagonize others. Especially considering the situation as of now."

Qrow's dismissive scoff only expressed his doubt but said no more as he took another sip instead.

It took far longer than expected but after several minutes of waiting the lights leading up to elevator in Beacon tower began to blink, signaling an arrival.

When the elevator doors slid open, Qrow was surprised to see not only the General's tall form but also a head of ivory white exiting through the doors.

Familiar steel blue met scarlet red and scowled at him through stiff, professional bearing.

Qrow merely smirked, winking in response to the greeting which only served to vex the Atlas specialist even further judging by her deepened scowl.

Ironwood wasted no time in getting to the point. "What in the world happened down there?" he demanded as he strode into the room, his normally calm, professional demeanor eroding in the face of heightened alarm.

Qrow and Glynda exchanged quick glances from where she stood next to the desk. She nodded towards him. "I'm guessing you've seen the damage?" Qrow asked.

Ironwood nodded briskly. "It was…" he trailed off, clenching his gloved hand as he tried to describe the state of destruction that was left behind in the chamber.

Qrow nodded grimly. "From what we've been able to gather, Oz was ambushed some time during the night when he went down to check on the Vault. Security cameras were disrupted and the elevator was locked around ten to eleven."

"We were only alerted that something was wrong when the entire building shook off from a massive tremor coming from beneath the school." Glynda interceded. "It was too coincidental to be an earthquake. I arrived as soon as I could but the perpetrators were already gone. The damage was…" she grimaced, "extensive to say the least. I contacted Qrow immediately and placed the academy on lockdown."

Ironwood remained silent throughout the exchange, but the anxiousness was visible across his face. He stood in front of the desk, hands placed on top of the table as he hung his head. Slowly, he looked up and turned to Qrow. "And Ozpin?"

Qrow sighed and uncrossed his arms, leaning away from his position by the window. Holding the cup in one hand, his other reached behind him and pulled out Ozpin's cane. From his peripheral vision he noticed blue eyes widen slightly when he presented the familiar item.

Ironwood did not look surprised, the frown on his face further deepening at the sight of his old friend's weapon.

His uncovered hand reached into his coat and pulled a military standard flask, not dissimilar to Qrow's own. Ignoring the surprised looks of the others, he unscrewed the top and held it out in offering.

Qrow quickly regained from his surprise and raised a brow at the gesture. He glanced at Ironwood, who still wasn't looking at him then back to his cup, his lips turning up at the corner slightly. He held his arm out as the General poured the dark amber alcohol into his drink.

He took a huge a gulp of his drink as the strong liquid mixed with caffeine burned like sweet acid down his throat. Qrow sighed appreciatively at the distinct taste of Everfall whiskey. Jimmy may be a stubborn mule with a stick up his ass, but he has good taste.

Ironwood himself took a deep swig of his flask, a far cry from his personal strict policies on fair consumption of alcohol. Both women in the room looked at their counterparts reproachfully but were thoroughly ignored.

"Our best case scenario right now is that Ozpin was injured during the fight and has now been taken hostage." Ironwood began as he tucked the flask back to his pocket. For a moment he looked older beyond his age, eyes sunken, the gray in his hair more prominent. The lifetime of military service seemed to catch up to him. "We can assume that the enemy failed in their assault since the Vault was not penetrated thanks to the additional security."

Qrow was tempted to make a comment but one stern glance from Glynda made him rethink his decision.

"We can't be certain if the assault on the Vault was their main objective," Glynda said, keeping one eye on Qrow. "The attack was bold and daring, unlike the calculated steps they've taken to follow in the past. They had much to risk coming here in the fall of night just to claim the package."

"Perhaps time is running out for them," Ironwood suggested. "They failed to make their move during the Vytal festival and in doing so they must have set back their plans by a significant amount. They're getting impatient." He turned around and leaned back against the ornate desk, rubbing his chin in thought.

"But that begs the question," Glynda persisted, moving closer to Ironwood. "Was she that confident in her powers despite having only half of the package that she was willing to fight Ozpin for access to the patient?"

Both turned their attention to Qrow, who had the most experience in dealing with the enemy and was responsible in preventing them from harvesting all of the Fall Maiden's powers.

He shrugged lightly in response, knowing as much as they do. His contacts haven't been able to tell him anything useful lately. It's as if they've gone underground in the recent months following the Vytal festival.

"Without proper information we can't know for sure how powerful she is even in her current state. It's all guesswork from here on out." Qrow remained quiet for moment. "But what I do know is that they were meticulous enough to capture the previous host off guard and reduce her to a comatose state. And that was before she acquired part of the package. We can't brush off the possibility that they have a contingency plan in case they failed at what they came for."

Ironwood nodded thoughtfully. "You're right. If they couldn't get to her then they would have to settle for the next best thing." His eyes flickered towards the cane in Qrow's grasp.

Qrow has known Ozpin for the longest time. He wasn't kidding with his nieces when he said that they go way back. He knew how proficient of a huntsman he is despite spending most of his time managing the school delegations and sitting behind a desk. He was not one to make decisions in the spur of the moment.

If needed be he would lose on purpose to fool their enemy into thinking they have the upper hand. But he wouldn't go down without a fight. Their current situation, however, didn't require for that necessary action yet. The other half of the maiden's power is still within their boundaries and the enemy hasn't made any significant moves that would suggest dire retaliation is needed.

He wouldn't risk his position for something trivial as keeping a half-maiden from getting past the firmly protected Vault. Especially since the enemy is currently working on misleading information.

Which could only mean that his disappearance was not deliberately planned by him, and that he is now quite possibly trapped in the lion's den. The thought doesn't exactly help in improving their situation right now.

In their focus towards discussing the immediate threat, they failed to notice the fourth member in the room listening attentively to the conversation, taking mental notes and figures as to what they were deliberating about. Her pursed lips were the only indication as to how confused and irritated she was in not being fully informed of the situation. However, she managed to retain her professional bearing this time and kept quiet, not garnering any attention to herself that might lead to her dismissal from the room.

"There is one other thing." Qrow and Ironwood looked up as Glynda spoke in a resigned tone.

The combat instructor looked tired. There were dark circles under her eyes and bits of her blonde hair was falling into places from the hastily tied bun. Her voice was flat when she said, "The council."

The effect of her words was instantaneous. Ironwood grimaced at the prospect of dealing with the executive branch of Vale's government right now while Qrow rolled his eyes, his distaste for politics a poorly kept secret within their group.

"They are requesting an update with Beacon's succession and have been pestering with calls regarding the anomaly that happened last night." Glynda spoke with an undercurrent of weariness seeping into her tone. "I managed to hold them off until you arrived so we can get our stories straight before reporting to them."

"Ozpin's disappearance leaves a temporary void open in the power struggle in Vale. The academy is going to need a replacement Headmaster to keep the educational department under control. The council will be filing in their personal preferences for the position." Ironwood spoke with certainty. "The process is typically long and arduous, with each members of the council having to cast their vote on a potential candidate along with the selected members of court. Potential huntsmen across the kingdom will be called in to participate in the selection process."

"As deputy headmistress it's possible that I may have a say in the proceedings but I can't be sure. It's been so long since Ozpin was appointed Headmaster that I can barely remember how the previous election went on."

"That's all fine and dandy but how about we focus on the real problem here," Qrow said exasperatedly as he took another sip of his cup, trying to ease the conversation away from the political shitstorm that was bound to hit once the council learns of Ozpin's disappearance. "The enemy doesn't really have much to gain by capturing Oz. He won't talk that's for sure. I can't even get him to tell me where he keeps his hidden stash of coffee beans in this office. Now that being said–"

"General Ironwood, sir!" A voice suddenly came from the fourth occupant of the room.

She flushed briefly at the surprised looks turned to her, as if just realizing that she was in the room, before casting the discomposure aside and straightening herself. "Permission to speak freely?"

"Permission granted, Schnee." Ironwood replied bemusedly after a few moments of silence.

"Sir, there could be a connection between Ozpin's disappearance and the selection of a new Headmaster for Beacon."

The atmosphere changed drastically as the entire attention of the others was now transfixed on Winter.

Ironwood waved her on. "How so?"

Winter gathered her thoughts for a moment before speaking. "As you mentioned, Ozpin's unofficial leave gives the Vale council no choice but to elect a new Headmaster for Beacon. The selection process itself will take an extensive amount of time to conclude, and would require all huntsmen candidates to take part including the senior staff in Beacon, which leaves the academy relatively unattended.

"The interval between the election will be enough time for the enemy to launch another potential assault on Beacon, leaving only its students to guard the school. And if not that, it's possible that they would try to insert one of their own men in the running for the Headmaster position. If they are cunning as you say they are then it is not above them to resort to bribery or blackmail in hopes of getting one of their own to ascend in the candidacy ranks. When their lackey gets chosen–"

"–then they gain full access to Beacon along with its facilities, confidential files and the CCT." Ironwood finished, his eyes widening as the full extent of the implication dawned on him.

"Not only that, they would also have the authority to replace the school facilitators for any reasonable purposes and change the curriculum of the students entirely." Glynda had a look of disgust on her face alongside a begrudging admiration for the strategy. "With that kind of power they could dismantle the system from within, leaving it vague as who to blame for the bedlam it would be sure to cause."

"This must be their plan," Ironwood said with certainty, and paced back and forth across the room, arms crossed behind his back. "A bold undertaking, but very beneficial in the long run. It has to be."

Glynda returned back to the seat behind Ozpin's desk. Her mind racing with possible solutions to counter this newfound probability. "We need to prepare our briefing with the council. It needs to plausible without provoking their suspicion. James, your presence will help our account since they trust you enough. I need you here with me when they call."

Ironwood nodded. "I'll have my men working on a list of potential hunstmen qualified enough for the position and examine their profiles as soon as possible. We need to find a way to prevent or intervene the election long enough to find a solution. Knowing the council, we may not have much time before they push their influence."

At this point Qrow realized that he's not going to be of much help in this upcoming conversation. Recon and intel gathering were his shtick, alongside his other duties as a Hunstman. The intricacies of politics were not his cup of tea and it would only end up giving him a migraine if he thought more about it. Glynda and Ironwood were more than qualified enough to formulate a plan without him. He decided that a bit of fresh air might help clear his mind of the recent revelations.

"Where are you going?" Winter hissed as Qrow strode purposefully towards her.

"What's the matter, Ice Queen? You missing me already?" Her flushed cheeks and scowl only made his grin wider.

"Not on your life, Branwen," she retorted back.

"Pity," he smirked. Glancing over his shoulder, he called out, "If you need me I'll be taking a walk. All this bureaucratic talk is giving me a headache. Might check on the patrols again and make sure our patient is doing alright."

As he neared the elevator doors, Ironwood said something that made him pause in his steps. "Good. Specialist Schnee, go accompany him."

Qrow glanced back at him in surprise. Winter seemed taken aback as well.

"Look, Jimmy, this isn't really–"

"Sir, I think I can prove much useful if I stay–"

"That's an order, for both of you." Ironwood stated firmly, now standing next to Glynda.

When the combat instructor raised her head from the screen, Qrow looked ready retort against Ironwood ordering him around. She sighed internally. "In light of recent events," she interrupted before Qrow could speak. "I believe it would prove beneficial to this group if we expand our reaches."

She exchanged a silent look with Ironwood. It would be very unorthodox especially without Ozpin there to initiate, but they need the extra hand. Preferably from someone who they can trust to carry their weight with them in terms of skill and intellect.

Ironwood nodded, casting his opinion on the matter. It was decided then.

"Qrow," she called out, her eyes seeking him. "I believe Miss Schnee must be informed of our group and its history if she wishes to join us in our extracurricular activities. You have enough time to explain the details once she accompanies you on your walk."

Glynda turned away from his stunned face towards the Schnee heiress, who appeared surprised as well. "And what say you? Do you wish to join us? I'm sure from what you've gathered you must have an inkling in what we're talking about."

Ironwood stepped in. "We're not requiring you to place your lot with us," he reassured the soldier. "I will be assigning you back to Atlas to meet with our men provided with tasks where you will be equally as useful in our operations. There is no shame in declining, Winter."

Calling her by her first name seemed to jolt a reaction from the Specialist. Her eyes hardened. The need to prove herself along with the burning curiosity of what was going with the General, Qrow, and Glynda waged against the other uncertain factors in her head. There is now an open invitation in front of her to confirm her suspicions. If there was trouble involved centering around Beacon, then at the very least she will be close by to protect her sister against their foe if needed be.

Winter nodded and saluted to the General. "I accept the responsibility, sir. I have no qualms with joining."

"Welcome to the Inner Circle then, Ice Queen. I'd wish you luck, but you'll mostly need it, and especially not coming from me."

Glynda raised a brow at Qrow's snide response. She expected more resistance coming from him, considering he was the one who kicked Winter out of their previous meeting. But other than the defiant scowl etched on his face and the crushed cup in his hand, he made no complaints. The tone he used when speaking felt resigned, even. Like he expected this to happen.

Ironwood nodded, ignoring the sudden intrusion. "Then I wish you the best of luck with us. I fear we're all going to be busy in some shape or form in the upcoming days. Take this time to contemplate with your decision and rest on it. We'll be calling you both back in a few hours."

Glynda watched the two as they entered through elevator to leave. A plan slowly began to formulate in her mind. It was absurd in the highest degree to even think about, but it has its merits and will be an unexpected move coming from them. Not even their enemy could foresee this happening. But first it needed refinement before it can even be spoken out loud.

"Do you have something in mind?"

She glanced up, startled as James leaned down towards her, a questioning look on his face.

"What makes you think I have anything short of an idea planned already?"

His eyebrow raised until it reached his hairline, he wondered if she was humoring him. "We've known each other for a long time, Glynda. You get severely quiet whenever you're thinking deeply about something. Also, you tend to be less irritable with me when your mind is preoccupied."

Despite herself, she felt a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

"Perhaps I'll tell you later. For now, we have other important matters to discuss about."