Here it is! It's a bit convenient I forgot to post the last chapter right away because now you don't have to wait as long for part two!

Feel free to leave a review with comments, feedback, just nice messages, whatever you want! Thank you!

The room remained silent for what felt like an eternity, though Ruby was positive it was more like just a few seconds. The two student teams had gathered in front of Ozpin's desk, Ruby standing beside Jaune at the forefront, Pyrrha standing behind them, while Weiss was at her side. Yang and Blake were the furthest from Ozpin, and by extension, his guests from Atlas, something Ruby was positive was no coincidence, while Ren and Nora were beside Jaune, though it was hard to consider the shorter of the two present, going by how she was asleep, leaning on the Mistralan boy's shoulder.

"First of all, I would like to thank you all for coming at this early hour." Ruby's mouth remained clamped shut, teeth clenched as General Ironwood addressed the group, the only other sound in the room a muffled retort from her sister, complaining about the time. "I know that you are all students, but unfortunately, be it intentional or through circumstance, you have been pulled into the conflict between the Kingdoms and the White Fang."

That sounded, well, not quite how Ruby would put it. Yes, they were involved in fighting some sort of conspiracy that was pitting the White Fang with Roman Torchwick as allies against the Kingdoms, but Ruby was hesitant to associate that with the White Fang as a whole. "While Roman Torchwick remains detained after your efforts over the weekend, the threat lingers. He and the White Fang got access to my machines, and we need to know how."

"That is, however, a discussion for a later time, James." Ruby nearly missed the way the Atlesian General flinched ever so slightly, eyes darting towards the headmaster as he muttered a brisk "of course", Ozpin focused on the students. "While I requested that both of your teams at least take a couple weeks away from your… extracurricular activities, General Ironwood would like your help with a few questions, as well as get you introduced to the Atlesian Specialists that will be directing things."

"Approximately two weeks ago, an Atlesian convoy moving goods to Vale was attacked by the White Fang." General Ironwood announced, stepping in front of Professor Ozpin's desk, hands folded behind his back as his gaze drifted across the students gathered before him, Ruby ducking her head slightly as he passed her. "I believe you came across some of its goods over the last weekend."

"The Paladin?" Ruby's eyes widened as she looked up at the Atlesian General, hands clenched tightly in her lap at the thought of fighting Torchwick again. She felt her chest tightening, as though the machine's grip was around her again, her breathing only calming as Jaune slipped his hand over hers, offering a gently reassuring squeeze. "Th-they might have more of them?"

"I'm afraid so." General Ironwood offered a sympathetic smile, eyes heavy with regret. "If we're unlucky and they managed to avoid damaging any of them, the White Fang made off with a full dozen, of which only one is now accounted for."

"So they could have eleven more of them?" Jaune sounded horrified, though Ruby could do he was doing his best to stay brave. She couldn't blame him, of course. Not after what had happened. "We could barely handle fighting one of them! E-Even if we were all together at the time, I don't think we could take a second one."

"They are intended to replace Huntsmen in certain operations, Mister Arc. That is part of why Professor Ozpin requested the aid of the Atlesian Military in this matter." The General noted, turning his gaze towards the two Specialists standing at attention off to the side. "Specialists Reed and Schnee are two of our best operatives, they will be able to do the heavy lifting. What I need is for all of you to provide what information you can to aid in the smoothest possible operation."

Beginning to pace slightly, the Atlesian's gaze briefly stopped on the disguised Faunus at the back of the room, before he continued. "I understand you had some information that led you to the White Fang rally Torchwick was displaying the Paladin in." He stopped again, Ruby noticing his eyes focused on Blake, the General clearly not particularly concerned with subtlety. "If any of you can provide more information on the White Fang, it would be greatly appreciated."

"Um…" Ruby could tell that Blake was hesitant to speak, looking back at the older girl as her sister took the Faunus' hand, offering a supportive smile. "I… I don't think they'll be holding another rally for the next few weeks, not after the disaster we managed to turn this one into." Blake gave a forced laugh, before sighing. " I can try to send messages to a few people who are… less than satisfied with the way Ad- with the way things are going, but after what happened to Tukson… the way he was used as an example of what happens when you try to go against the mold… I'm not sure anyone will be willing to tell me anything."

"Thank you, Miss Belladonna. Your father would be proud of your actions, I'm sure." The Faunus' eyes widened at Professor Ozpin's words, before Yang pulled her into a one-armed hug, giving a gentle smile Ruby could only describe as "loving, but trying to hide it." The kind of smile Yang gave a lot when she talked to Uncle Qrow. "While the White Fang is one avenue to explore, the information that Mister Arc and Miss Rose provided is also something to look into, General. Assuming you have any operatives who can act in less scrupulous areas."

"Ah, yes. The Thief and the Butcher, you said they were called?" The Atlesian man looked to Ruby, who could only manage a meek nod. She was sure he didn't intend to be, but there was something eerily intimidating about General Ironwood, something she couldn't quite place. "Hopefully we'll be able to turn up some information on them soon. With Torchwick detained, we've found ourselves at a deadend as far as he goes. Perhaps if the Council would acquiesce to my request that he be transferred to my custody, we could get somewhere sooner."

Even Ruby could tell that particular jab was aimed at Professor Ozpin, who didn't even deign to acknowledge it as he took a sip of his cocoa. "Given that is all we can really do for now, General, perhaps it would be best to give formal introductions for your Specialists? They will be overseeing this operation, will they not?"

"Yes, that would be a good idea." General Ironwood didn't look particularly thrilled to have Professor Ozpin interrupt him, but he didn't fuss about it, instead looking over to the two Atlesians at the side of the room, before stepping back and standing opposite Professor Goodwitch, at the headmaster's right.

"Atlesian Specialist Cedar Reed, formerly of Team CARP." The man a few inches taller than the General spoke up, stepping forward, Weiss' sister following. "I will be the commanding officer for this operation. If you have any questions or information, please don't hesitate to talk to me."

"Atlesian Specialist Winter Schnee, formerly of Team WHTE. I'll be the executive officer for this mission." Weiss' sister explained, eyes slowly drifting across the two teams, barely even holding back the disdain in her eyes. "I'll also be overseeing any additional combat training you might need for this."

Ruby sank a little as the haughty Atlesian met her eyes briefly, taking a deep breath before speaking. "Um… if we're going to be working together, should we introduce ourselves as well?"

"Ah, that'd be a great idea!" Cedar announced with a wide smile, which almost looked out of place given the frosty expression his companion had. "I should probably know your semblances, too, so it'll be easier to coordinate things if you're brought along for any missions."

All eyes turned to Ruby, the short girl giving a nervous squeak. "Um. Right. My name is Ruby Rose, I'm the leader of Team RWBY. My semblance allows me to turn into rose petals and move really fast." She didn't mention that she'd had a couple strange experiences with it recently, since it still seemed to be working for the most part, at least. "I call it Petal Burst!"

"My name is Weiss Schnee, not that it's a surprise, given you know my sister." Weiss said, stepping forward and offering Ruby a smile, as her partner gave the Atlesian a wide-eyed, grateful look as she took attention off of her. "I think you have an idea of how the Schnee Family Semblance works, if you've worked with Winter at all."

"But you haven't been living up to your capabilities with it, yet, are you?" Winter's biting words caused Weiss to flinch, her eyes darting to the ground in shame. "How far along are you in your training with it?"

"I have been advancing nicely with Time Dilation," Weiss responded, her voice that fake-proud that Ruby hated to hear from her partner. "And my Gravity Glyphs have been exquisite."

"And your summoning?" Summoning? Ruby hadn't heard of that. Maybe it was something Weiss practiced on her own sometimes?

"You know I can't." Weiss replied softly, Ruby wishing she was closer to her partner so she could try to reassure her some. Winter gave a dissatisfied, but unsurprised, huff, which was interrupted by her coworker giving a somewhat exaggerated huff.

"Thank you, Miss Schnee. I'll be sure to keep in mind your skill with Time Dilation, that could be very useful in a pinch." Cedar noted, turning his gaze then to Blake, who looked a bit hesitant to speak. With Yang's support, she managed, and they got through the rest of the introductions soon enough. Having noticed Jaune's embarrassment at not having a semblance yet, Ruby and Pyrrha both gave him reassuring smiles, the blonde a little relieved to at least have their support.

"I think that will conclude things for the morning." Professor Ozpin noted, taking a look at his watch. "It seems you still have plenty of time before classes. Perhaps we shouldn't have called them here so early." Ruby couldn't help but think that was a jab at General Ironwood, who at least had the grace to look a little sheepish at the implication. "Thank you, Teams RWBY and JNPR, for your cooperation in this matter. Now remember, I want you to continue taking the next couples weeks off. Then you may begin training with Specialist Schnee, if you wish."

"Thank you, sir." Ruby dipped her head slightly, a polite smile on her face. "We'll be sure to do as instructed. With Torchwick behind bars, it should be easy enough to handle some time spent relaxing, without worrying about his next plot." With that, the group departed, albeit it still took two turns, given the size of the gathering. It was a bit awkward, Ruby, Jaune, and Pyrrha waiting over by the elevator as the adults in the room waited for them to depart, Weiss having gone down with the first group this time.

Aside from holding hands and smiling, they couldn't really… express affection at all, given where they were, so all three let out relieved sighs as the elevator returned, their cheeks matching up in embarrassed blushes as they stepped on and began their descent down. "So, um… I think that went well?" Ruby asked nervously, looking up to her boyfriend and girlfriend. "I-I was expecting a lot more questions."

"I'd agree, I think it was good for them to keep us aware of what was happening." Pyrrha nodded, smiling gently as she wrapped an arm around the younger girl, eliciting a surprised squeak. "Are you okay? I noticed you were looking a little pale in there."

"I-It's okay. Jaune noticed and helped me out." Ruby said softly, turning to look at the blonde, reaching out an arm to pull him towards the two, smiling wide as he nervously joined the hug. "I just… th-there's a lot of those Paladins, a-and I'm worried. What if more of you get hurt?"

"Hey, it'll be okay." Jaune gently reassured her, joining Pyrrha in a one armed embrace with Ruby, the younger girl letting out a sheepish whimper as her partners tried to comfort her. "I-I know it's scary. I'm pretty scared, too." He confessed, Ruby surprised by his admission. "I-I don't even have a semblance, and I'm still so far behind you guys. I-I'm so worried I'll hold you back and get someone else hurt."

"You won't." Pyrrha's tone was blunt, harsh even, but one that Ruby knew was because the older girl was concerned about Jaune's confidence, not because she was mad at him. "We'll keep training, all of us will. And when we're able, we'll work with Weiss' sister, as well. You have great potential, Jaune, I'm sure that you can reach it."

"I… if you're sure." Jaune mumbled, not looking like he really believed it.

"Pyrrha's right! You're already a lot stronger than you used to be, Jaune." Ruby insisted, looking up at the blonde and offering a wide smile. "And you're smart, you'll be able to come up with good plans when I can't, and that's really important."

"I, uh, well…" Jaune's cheeks turned a scarlet more befitting of Pyrrha's hair, Ruby giggling a little at the flustered look. The elevator let out a soft "ding", informing the trio that they'd arrived, doors sliding open to reveal the other five waiting.

"Wow, sis, what're you getting up to in there?" Yang asked loudly, cackling at the embarrassed squeak Ruby gave in response. "Maybe we should have gotten going so you all can keep cuddling."

"Yang!" The younger redhead pouted, though she didn't leave Pyrrha and Jaune's side. "Let's just get going to breakfast." The group complied, Ruby's older sister laughing heartily as they departed, though she quickly sped up to walk beside Blake. Ruby gave a sigh, looking up at Jaune and Pyrrha sympathetically. "Sorry about her. I don't think we'll even have a chance to escape her joking around like that."

"It's fine, Ruby." Pyrrha said, looking down at the shorter girl, emerald eyes filled with warmth. Ruby found herself blushing as Jaune had earlier, but unwilling to avert her eyes. "I think tolerating Yang is the least we can do if it means spending time with you."

"Aww, well, I mean, I-I'm not all that great." Ruby mumbled, blushing awkwardly. "I, um, I'm really glad, though… I-I know I've said it before, but… I'm really glad- that you like me."

"Of course we do, Ruby." Jaune reached over, ruffling her head, something she leaned into a little. "You're a wonderful person, kind and friendly and sweet. I don't know why anyone wouldn't like you, but I'm glad that you like us back."

"We should do something." Pyrrha stated blankly, the other two looking at her with perplexed expressions. Realizing she hadn't really completed the thought, Pyrrha giggled lightly. "Sorry, I was thinking aloud. Would you two like to do something over the weekend? Maybe we can finally go to an arcade in Vale?"

"Really?!" Ruby exclaimed, bouncing with giddiness before realizing how loudly she was reacting. "S-Sorry. I would love to go, if you're also up for it, Jaune."

"Of course!" The blonde agreed, cheeks dusted with pink as he nodded. "I'd love nothing more. Maybe I'll finally be able to beat either of you at something!" Jaune chuckled, the other two joining him in a laugh. "Come on, let's get to breakfast."

Roman groaned as he massaged his face, grateful he'd not lost any teeth in the latest of August's… encouragement sessions. It wouldn't do to have any permanent damage to this mug, after all. Being one of the best criminals in Vale meant he needed to have a good look for the cameras, and letting a bunch of cops sully that wouldn't be acceptable.

The sound of footsteps approaching drew his attention to the slit on the door, the redhead limping his way over to peek through. "I thought we were done with today's session. Did August get lonely?" He gave an uncomfortably wet laugh as he looked at the cop on the other side, only for the forced smile to slip off his face as they blinked, revealing brown and pink eyes, a genuine one replacing it. "Neo…"

Sliding to the ground, back against the cell's door, Roman shut his eyes, listening as Neo tapped a finger against the metal slab of a door. It was an old method of communication, developed about 40 years before the Great War, during one of the Faunus uprisings in Mantle, different combinations of short and long taps - dots and dashes - corresponding to different letters. One of many forms of communication they'd taken up, especially with how easy it was for Neo to replicate them with her semblance from afar.

We have a plan to get you out.

"Oh? Matchstick decided she'll need me after all?" Roman chuckled, giving a smirk, despite the lack of an audience. More tapping ensued.

Not the witch. Taurus.

"Bully boy? Really!" That elicited more than a chuckle, the thief giving another wet laugh, followed by a pained groan. He felt his daughter put her hand against the door, shaking his head as he took in a few slow breaths. "It's fine. Just went for my ribs today. I'm surprised he's willing to bail me out, after all the grief I give him."

You're useful. And it's convenient, with where you are.

"Ah! Planning on breaking out the whole gang, is he?" Roman chuckled, readjusting his position against the door. "Well, that makes more sense than just breaking out little old me. I assume Matchstick isn't going to be a problem, is she? She's agreed to this?"

Yes. Only because she still needs you for something later. A few seconds passed, before tapping picked back up again. Don't ask what. You know she won't tell either of us.

"Fair, fair…" Roman sighed, starting to stand up with a groan. "Thanks for the heads up, Neo. You should get out of here, now, before you raise any suspicion. I'll be fine, just gotta hold out a bit. I lasted longer back in Mantle before I found you, so don't worry a bit."

It was silent for a moment, before the diminutive girl tapped on the door one last time. Love you, dad. As he heard the sound of her footsteps getting further away, the redhead sighed loudly, making his way to the other side of the cell. Despite what he insisted to Neo, he was not in great shape. August was not letting up on him, and it wasn't as though any cop was going to say anything about his mistreatment, given the attitude they'd had towards him. Still, better not to break, both for the sake of keeping Cinder off his back, and because he knew the moment he spilled, he'd be taken out back and shot.

When he got out of here, the first thing he was going to do is find out how to get back at Little Red. Well, maybe he'll thank Bully Boy for helping out, first. Second thing he was going to do is find out how to get back at Little Red. That stupid brat had gotten in the way of things far too much, and he wasn't going to stand for it any longer. Her, that cat, monkey boy. All of them had gotten in the way far too often, but getting him arrested? That was a humiliation he wouldn't stand. Laying down on the small mat that was allegedly his cot, Roman let out another sigh. The worst part of this was they wouldn't let him have a damn thing to smoke. At this point he'd be tempted to settle for a cigarette, but those bastards wouldn't even slip him one of those. This was going to be a long wait…

Ruby had a small smile on her face as she rested her head against Pyrrha's shoulder, snuggled up against the taller girl as the three of them sat on the roof of the dorms. Jaune was on Pyrrha's other side, so Ruby and him had resolved to simply hold hands across Pyrrha's lap, so they could share some affection. Luckily, Professor Peach didn't have any more homework for Dust Science today, so Ruby wasn't forced to spend all evening with Weiss in tutoring. That was probably for the best, honestly, given her partner's irate attitude after her sister's comments in the morning.

"So, um, where do you want to go in Vale?" Jaune asked, looking at the two redheads with a timid smile on his lips. Ruby couldn't blame him, this was still kind of… new. Not the cuddling part, they'd been doing that since before things became, well, official. But it was different, now. Knowing that the affection went beyond platonic made it more… real, maybe? Ruby wasn't sure how to describe it, the feeling was still kind of foreign to her. Shrugging his free shoulder nervously, the blonde continued. "Aside from the arcade?"

"Oh, I have an idea!" Pyrrha announced, sounding a bit excited. "If you don't mind something a little fancy, nothing too fancy, mind you. I just know of a few restaurants in Vale that do Northern Mistrali cuisine like we had back home, and I'd love to have some with the two of you."

"That sounds like it could be nice." Ruby agreed, speaking softly as she snuggled a little closer to her girlfriend, who responded by hugging her a little tighter. "Your sandwiches were pretty good, but I'm interested in what else Northern Mistrali food could be like. We didn't really… do a big variety of food at home. We had some Southern Mistrali food when my uncle would visit, since I think him and Yang's mom were from Anima as kids. He doesn't really like to talk about it, though."

"Do you think they'll have fried squid?" Jaune pondered, "I remember when we visited Argus for Saph and Terra's wedding, we got some fried squid and it was really good. Cal-marie or something?"

"Calamari, Jaune." The taller redhead corrected with a chuckle. "Yes, I'm sure they'll have that, and many other dishes. I'll call home and ask my stepmother for advice and where to go, she used to live in Vale, so she might be able to narrow things down."

"Oh! D-Do you want to maybe, um… do you want us to be around when you call?" Ruby meekly inquired, looking a little sheepish as her girlfriend's eyes turned towards her. "S-So you can introduce us?"

"I wouldn't be against it." Though there was a little hesitancy in Pyrrha's voice, she offered the younger girl a warm smile. "I'll admit, I'm a bit nervous, but I know mom would be thrilled to know that I've found someone… someones. After all the stress that celebrity has caused my family, having some good news like that would be refreshing."

"Then let's do that. It's already pretty late in Argus, but we can call tomorrow during lunch." Jaune suggested, giving the taller redhead an encouraging smile. "I can call Saph and Terra, too. They'll be happy to know. What about you, Ruby?" The shorter girl jumped slightly at the mention of her name, looking a bit sheepish.

"I, uh, don't really have anyone else to tell. I think Yang already told dad." Her expression fell slightly, grip on Jaune's hand tightening. "I can visit the memorial here, to tell mom. I'm sure she already knows, but it's always nice to say it to her directly."

"We'll come with." Jaune reassured, offering a sympathetic smile. "We can even show Pyrrha how to help make cookies, and bring her some, like last time." At Pyrrha's silent, slightly confused nod in agreement, Ruby smiled gently, closing her eyes as she lay against the girl's shoulder.

"Thank you, it's… easier to go when I'm not alone. Even if it's just dad standing nearby, I feel a little less nervous." Jaune and Pyrrha exchanged looks, before giving each other a nod. Shifting around, to Ruby's initial dismay, they put the younger girl between them, giving her a gentle embrace as they sat. She wasn't sure what to say, if anything, so she just accepted the affection, grateful that they were concerned about her. The trio remained silent for a bit, before Ruby let out a reluctant sigh. "I know we're cuddling, but… it's usually time for you to start training. Do you want to just… skip it today?" She asked, feeling a bit reticent to mention it.

"If Pyrrha doesn't mind, I'd still like to train." Jaune admitted, offering a smile to Ruby. "You can hang out if you want. But no training until you're all healed up, okay?"

"That's okay, I can do some reading." Ruby offered, giving a halfhearted smile. "I could probably go over Oobleck's homework again, just in case."

"Be sure to ask questions if you have any," Pyrrha advised, placing a hand on Ruby's shoulder, giving a gentle affectionate squeeze. "We'll be right here to answer."

"I will, don't worry!" Ruby agreed, giving the duo a smile as they split from her, heading towards the door. "I'll hold down the fort while you get your things." Opening up her bag, she pulled out the history textbook, trying to find the section they were on in class. Humming gently as she started her reading, she didn't even notice the chime of her scroll, the redhead letting a relaxed sigh slip from her lips.