Team RWBY sat in their dorm room, still in their pajamas. Ruby sat on her bed, reading, with Blake doing the same on hers. Yang was polishing Ember Celica at a desk, and Weiss sat in the spot where the sun came through the window, painting her nails light blue.
"You guys wanna go get breakfast soon?" Yang asked.
"Sure, just let me finish this last nail," replied Weiss. Ruby and Blake murmured their agreement, still engrossed in their books.
Eventually they all got dressed and went down to the cafeteria and got some food. They sat at their usual table, which still felt admittedly empty to Teams RWBY and JNPR.
"I miss everybody. I wish they hadn't left after the Vytal Festival," Ruby sighed.
"Well, maybe we can visit Team SSSN in Mistral someday!" replied Yang cheerily. "But I miss them, too." While Weiss took a sip of her coffee, her scroll went off in her pocket. She pulled it out, and scanned the screen. After noticing that her eyebrows scrunched together, Blake spoke up. "What is it?"
"My sister just texted me. There were seven attacks by the White Fang on SDC facilities yesterday," she replied, barely containing her fury, "And one such attack left my uncle short a hand."
"Oh." was all that Yang had to say in reply. Blake turned away, and Ruby looked for a moment like she was going to give Weiss a bear hug but then decided against it.
"Winter also said that several foremen from SDC mines in Mantle were found tortured and executed the day before yesterday. They.. She said they were barely even recognizable as human."
"Weiss," Ruby started, but Weiss jumped up from her seat and walked away. "I need a minute," she called over her shoulder, her voice cracking. Ruby got up to go after her, but Yang grabbed her arm. "Don't," she cautioned. Weiss could be a force of nature when she was angry.
Ruby sighed, sitting back down. "I'm just.. Worried about her. There's been a lot more attacks lately and it's really starting to get to her."
"I think it got to her a long time ago, Ruby, I think it's just getting worse," Blake put in.
"I guess so," she replied glumly, "but I still want her to be happy."
"At least it's Saturday and she doesn't have to put up with any classes." They finished their breakfasts and went back to their room, but Weiss wasn't there. They sparred in the gym for three hours, and went into Vale for the rest of the afternoon, figuring that Weiss wanted her space, which was usually true in this kind of situation. When they got back to their dorm, they found her asleep in her bed. After a long day, nobody could stay awake for very long, and they soon crashed, too.
A series of knocks on the door dragged Ruby from sleep. "Ah.. Whuh? Who.. Who is it?" she called out. She could see the sun coming in through the window, but none of her teammates were awake yet.
Professor Ozpin entered the room, and Ruby suddenly felt more awake.
"Professor Ozpin? What's wrong?" She sat straight up. "Is it about Weiss?"
"To an extent, yes, it does concern Ms. Schnee. However, it is of concern for the rest of Team RWBY as well."
"What does it have to do with me?" asked Weiss, still groggy from sleep.
"You'll find out soon enough. Rest assured, it is nothing you must know immediately. When you've all dressed and had breakfast, meet me in my office."
Half an hour later, Team RWBY stood in front of Ozpin's desk, awaiting their interrogation by not only Ozpin but also Professor Goodwitch and General Ironwood. At breakfast, they had all speculated what it might be about, save for Weiss, who stayed almost dead silent.
"Well, what is it, Professor?" asked Ruby nervously.
"General Ironwood and I have been in contact with the Atlas Council recently about the recent escalation of White Fang attacks on Schnee Dust Company property, which you all have surely heard about. What you may not have heard about is the number of attacks on Atlesian military facilities, government offices, and civilian businesses. Most interestingly, however, is that scores of witnesses reported seeing humans with remarkable combat skill leading the White Fang in their raids." He leaned in and set his coffee down on his desk. "Does this sound familiar to you?"
"Sounds like Torchwick. Except he's in prison, right?" asked Yang.
"Precisely. However, we've known since the beginning that he's not working alone. He always works for somebody else. Whether it's the woman who fought with dust and fire, or the short girl with an umbrella and mismatched hair, or the White Fang, he's not alone, and isn't in charge."
"Specifically, he's in the custody of the Atlesian Armed Forces, as a prisoner of war," corrected General Ironwood. Professor Goodwitch simply rolled her eyes.
"Yes, of course. Now, the Atlesian Council has kept much of this under wraps, as they don't want to be perceived as weak by the other kingdoms, however, we were informed about it in the event of a similar escalation taking place here." continued Ozpin.
"Where do we come in?" asked Ruby.
"Excellent question. Since the attacks here in Vale have all but dissipated, General Ironwood will be taking all but one cruiser with him back to Atlas." He stood up. "We would like for you to go with him." Team RWBY's mouths fell open.
"To Atlas?" exclaimed Ruby. "But what about our friends here, and our training?"
"You girls already have exceptional skill. In fact, you're the fifth most successful team, out of every team in the school, first years to fourth years. But most importantly, you know our enemies better than anyone. Even Atlesian Intelligence is at a loss compared to you four. You've fought with them, learned from them, and foiled their plans many times. It's outstanding, truly.
"So, by my suggestion and with the approval of the Atlesian Council, we're sending you to Atlas. You will attend the hunter school in Atlas, Pharos Academy, to allow you to continue your formal training, however, you will still be students of Beacon. It will also give you a base of operations. Knowing you four, you'll find something, and act on it. I'm sure that both myself and the people of Atlas can count on you."
"And, should you ever need it, I will lend what help I can. I too will be taking the fight to the White Fang and those who lead them, so whatever supplies you need will be at your disposal," added Ironwood.
"I.. I'm just not sure, Professor. We'll miss our friends."
"And that's why you have Scrolls, Ms. Rose. While you may not be able to see them very often, you will certainly be able to talk to your friends here at Beacon, fear not."
Glynda Goodwitch spoke up for the first time. "Remember, Ms. Rose, you are huntresses-on-training, which means you must act like huntresses. You cannot turn this down and remain at Beacon."
"Can we talk about it for a little while?" asked Ruby.
"Of course, you may discuss it in the hallway outside my office," replied Ozpin. The girls shuffled out into the hallway.
Blake was the first to speak up. "I think we should do it. Vale needed our help, and now Atlas needs it. We'll miss Vale and Beacon, yeah, but it's our duty to help the people of Remnant."
"I agree," said Yang, "but the idea of Ruby being so far from home makes me nervous."
"Well, when we become huntresses, I'll be doing that anyway," Ruby pointed out.
"Yeah, you're right, but it still makes me nervous. At least I'll be there to watch out for you, though."
There was a brief silence. "What about you, Weiss?" asked Ruby.
"..I agree with Blake. This is our chance to get back at the White Fang and Torchwick and whoever he's been working for… Even if you three didn't want to go, I'd take the chance."
"Wooo! Team RWBY is going to Atlas!" exclaimed Ruby cheerfully.