So sorry for the short ass chapter. I wanted to set up what happens next in the story and wanted to get a chapter out. So thanks again to Patriot-112, Venom Snake 117 and I Eat Ass Thrice A Month for beta reading this. My buddy Venom snake needs a beta reader! So if anyone would like to beta read for him it'd be greatly appreciated! Read and Review!
Guest 1: It was pretty heavily implied from season 4 but ya damn right that I was right about the spring maiden!
Guest 2: I added it for comedic affect bud. Also to add something funny that actually happened to a buddy of mine this weekend.
Winter approached Atlas's border and was immediately met with two other airships loaded with missiles, ready to fire.
"Incoming airship. Identify yourself or be destroyed."
"This is Atlas specialist WInter Schnee! Designation 459! I have information for general Ironwood!"
The two airships stowed their weapons and spoke over the comms.
"Specialist Schnee, you are clear to dock at bay 278. Welcome home ma'am."
Winter gave out a sigh of relief, and Qrow patted her shoulder in reassurance.
"Good work snowflake. It looks like Jimmy's gotten paranoid during these last six months."
"I agree Qrow. The general has been acting too irrationally and putting the entire nation of Atlas on house arrest is going too far. We need to reason with him to stop this and to help with the fight against Salem."
Qrow nodded and took a long swig from his flask, much to Winter's disapproval.
"Can you cut back on the drinking at least?" She asked in a hopeful voice, and he smiled back at her.
"Part of my charm babe. Better get used to it." He kissed her on the cheek and went down below to get the rest of the group ready. Qrow looked at Jaune and chuckled to himself. The Arc boy was spilling his guts out into a large trashcan while his girlfriend patted his back and wiped his mouth with a cloth.
"Why...does...Oum...curse me?" Jaune moaned in agony as he threw up again for what seemed like the twentieth time. Pyrrha smiled sheepishly and continued to comfort him the best she could.
"Alright kids, we'll be touching down at any second. Get your shit together and be ready to get out."
As soon as they touched down, Jaune sprinted out of the airship and started to kiss the ground.
"Sweet sweet land! Oh how I've missed you!" Jaune cheered in relief while the rest of his friends shook their heads. Pyrrha walked over to him and pulled him up to his feet.
"Jaune, everyone is staring at you." She whispered to him, and he looked to see that Pyrrha was right. All the dock workers were staring at him with weird looks, and Jaune regained his composure immediately. The group walked off the docking pad and were met with another Atlas soldier.
"Good to see you specialist Schnee! We have already informed the general of your arrival. He is eager to speak with you about what happened in Mistral!"
"Thank you Lieutenant. You're dismissed," He saluted her and walked away. Winter led them toward the exit, and standing outside said exit was Ironwood. He looked extremely ragged. Hair out of place, uniform wrinkled and worn and had bags under his eyes. The general looked like he hadn't slept for a week.
"Winter. It's good to see you again. And...Qrow. I'm surprised you're here as well." He spoke in a cautious voice, and Qrow shrugged.
"Though I'd come give you some information Jimmy. How about we find a more private place to discuss all of this?"
Ironwood nodded and led them toward his quarters. The room was large enough for everyone to stand in and Ironwood sat down at his desk.
"Alright then Qrow, tell me what you know."
"First off, you know that Mistral was attacked right?"
Ironwood nodded, and Qrow continued.
"We were able to repel the invasion, but the enemy still got ahold of the relic. Leo betrayed us, and he ended getting killed by one of Salem's inner circle."
"I told Ozpin that Leo was weak and couldn't protect Mistral! I TOLD HIM!" Ironwood screamed and smashed his robotic arm through the desk. Everyone recoiled back from his sudden outburst.
"Calm the fuck down Jimmy." Qrow growled, and Ironwood glared back at him.
"You look like a fucking mess Jim. When was the last time you slept?"
"That's irrelevant. My kingdom needs protection, and I'll sleep when that task is complete." Ironwood stubbornly stated, and Qrow groaned in annoyance. Winter stepped forward and looked at her leader.
"Sir? Qrow is right. You need to rest and calm down. Why did you close Atlas's borders? You're keeping the entire nation under house arrest!"
"I appreciate the suggestion Winter, but I am fine. Atlas's borders being closed is to protect our people. Now, continue Qrow." Qrow rolled his eyes and continued speaking.
"Yeah, I bet they feel real safe not being allowed to even leave. I found out from my sister where Salem's base of operations is, the spring maidens location and that Salem is actively hunting down all maidens."
Ironwood's eyes widened, and he tapped his fingers together, taking in what Qrow said. He stood up from his chair and looked out the window behind him.
"That's good news Qrow. Thank you. I'll help, but I must ensure the safety of Atlas first." Qrow's eye twitched violently, and he slammed his fist onto the ruined desk.
"Are you fucking kidding me James?! This all of Remnant were talking about here! Your precious kingdom is dead if she gets ahold of all the relics! We need to get Vacuo and Vale in on this so we can kill that bitch! Achilles Nikos is the headmaster of Haven, and he is with us to kill Salem!"
"My people's survival is more important!"
"THAT"S EXACTLY WHAT LEO SAID BEFORE HE DIED!" Qrow screamed back, and Ironwood grew silent. Winter stepped between the two men
"Sir, we need to make sure the relic is under maximum security. If that is completed, Atlas is safe. Think it over after a good nights sleep sir. You're obviously sleep deprived and exhausted." Winter reasoned, and Ironwood calmed down. He nodded in defeat and looked at Qrow.
"I'll think it over. I'm sorry Qrow, but my people need to be safe before I make any move to assault against Salem. Once I can assure that there is no longer any lasting threat, I'll help you with every tool at my disposal."
"Alright then. I'll take it. Got a place to stay for my group here?" Winter spoke up as soon as Qrow said this.
"I do. I have a house large enough to keep everyone here. We'll have to take a car to get there though."
"Yes! No airships!" Jaune yelled in happiness, and Pyrrha giggled at her boyfriend's antics.
Chapter done! See ya til next time!
