I do not own RWBY

Walking into Nic's shop she wasn't expecting him to throw a metal case at her head, so she did the only logical thing, she ducked letting her father take the blow to the face. The stunned expression on his face caused her to giggle as he struggled to resist the urge to toss it back at the old man. In the end, he simply stomped up the counter and slammed it down causing the old faunus to snarl. A smirk tugged at her lips longing to break free, but she ignored it.

"You could kill someone with this thing!"

"You're not welcome here you drunk," Nic shouted right back with rage on his face. His hand went for the gun under his counter. The rifle might not be what it was twenty years ago, but it would still get the job done. The grimm that had met his gun during the attack learned that quickly, but he'd also tested his aim with chakrams on the beasts too. So, if Qrow decided to cause trouble he would have more than bullets to worry about.

"It was two years ago stop being such a jerk," Qrow screeched sounding like he was losing his mind.

"Stumbling into my store and trashing the place was unforgivable," he snarled looking ready to jump over the counter.

As much as she would love to watch them try to kill one another; it would be interesting, she didn't want the store to be destroyed. Cutting in before they could pull out their weapons, she laid a hand on both their shoulders pushing them apart. For a moment Nic resisted then his eyes found her own. The dark amusement in her gaze was unable to hide the rage still simmering under her skin. She was out for blood and anyone who got in her way would meet the same fate as those she was hunting. Backing down slowly he wondered if her father had realized just how unstable she was.

"Nic I need your help," Ruby said once her father had gone off to grumpily browse the weapons around them. Looking over her he frowned at the when he saw the tear in her jacket.

"I'll fix your jacket, freeloader," he said making her nod and take it off. Handing him the jacket she took the chance to hand him her list as well.

"I want to place another order," she stated. Watching him look over her list she kept a smirk on her lips.

"Do you know how much this will cost," he asked sounding like he wanted to cheer and beat his head on the table at the same time. Narrowing his eyes, he noted the way her hand twitched meaning her smirk was fake. She was hanging on by a thin string of sanity.

"I'm paying the bill," Qrow said from his place beside the spears. He did not mention that it would be Ozpin's money they were using. Nic hated him but the man absolutely loathed Oz although he had no idea why. Grinning Nic nodded and Qrow glared, so it was fine when his money was involved? Turning away from the man before he decided to attack, Qrow huffed.

"I'm getting taught how to use a sword do you have any suggestions," she asked ignoring the exchange entirely. It wasn't worth it.

Nic eyed her for a moment. Usually, he would make a comment about her becoming a walking armory, but this wasn't the time, so instead, he nodded. There were many weapons that would suit the girl although. Offering her a small smile he said, "Something small like you. Not a rapier though, you're too wild to learn the style. Maybe a katana or Kodachi."

Yeah, wild was a good way to describe her fighting style. Feral was a better description. She wasn't exactly the sanest person when she cut loose so a rapier wouldn't suit her at all. Letting a dark smirk cross her face she felt a bit of the anger fade away.

"I'll also need all my orders in less than a week's time," she stated. Nic blinked before grinning.

"Your plotting something," he stated. Ruby matched his grin.

"Just to check in on my friends," she said sounding innocent. Nic set the paper down on the counter and leaned forward chin resting in his hand; he would love to watch the chaos that followed on her heels. If he was right then she would go to Atlas first; he almost pitied James.

"Blake Belladonna was seen boarding a boat heading to Menagerie two days ago and that rides at least three weeks. Cardin Winchester, Jaune Arc, and Pyrrha Nikos headed to Atlas while your Snowflake friend was carried back to her golden cage," he said before leaning forward to whisper, "also Roman Torchwick left you a message as well; he said to head to the Lion Den to find him."

Nic watched the two for a second more before leaning back in his chair. She knew exactly what he was talking about; those lessons he gave her on the black market's spider web of locations was turning out to be very useful.

"Thank's Nic."

"I'll need to be paid in full if you want a rushed order," he warned and Qrow sighed before bringing out his wallet.

(Cardin)

Slamming his hand into the wall he didn't even feel better when it splintered. The rustle of fabric as his team moved away didn't even calm him slightly; he wanted the world to burn. Glaring at the doctor in front of him caused nothing but his own anger to rise. The brown-haired teen simply raised an eyebrow daring him to make a move part of Cardin wanted to rise to the challenge. Instead, he took a deep breath and reminded himself that Ruby would be here soon; she would know what to do.

Not only did he feel empty without Ruby at his side, but Atlas was turning out to be annoying. His team had followed him to the Academy without hesitation despite the horror they'd seen at Beacon. He wouldn't have blamed them if they'd chosen to return home instead. Their show of loyalty had made him feel warm and fuzzy for about five minutes then he'd remembered the situation. Ren and Nora were across the hall recovering from Beacon although he doubted, they would ever be okay. To make things worse Weiss was being held captive by her father who had no idea of the ticking bomb he'd brought home. As a leader Weiss would only stay put so long before she shattered the bars of her cage; Cardin wanted to be there when she finally had enough.

"What do you mean you can't fix my eye," he asked through clenched teeth. Cardin had already known it couldn't be fixed but hearing it out loud somehow made it feel real. There was always a chance to get a prosthetic, but it was hard to remind himself of that fact.

"Mr. Winchester I suggest you control yourself," Ironwood stated. The man couldn't blame him for his actions, but he also knew who would win the fight Cardin was pushing for. The wound running across the boy's face was horrible, and thanks to Aiden it'd already turned into a scar as well. A large jagged line across his face interrupted only by the black eye patch he was wearing; he understood all too well how the boy felt. Sighing he stepped forward putting a hand on the boy's shoulder. He spoke calmly, "I know this is hard, but you will get through this."

Cardin slumped a hand coming up to touch his scar; the mark that would always remind him of his loyalty. He'd gotten this keeping a promise, so even now when he wanted to destroy the world out of rage, he knew he'd do it all over again. Ruby had needed him, and he'd kept his oath the only person he blamed for this was Adam. Even then he had to admit the man would make a good addition to Ruby's pile of criminals. Slapping the general's hand off his shoulder, he had no desire to be understood by the man, he said, "don't pity me, old man. I'll survive just like I always have."

Instead of getting angry Ironwood chuckled finding the boy's ferocity amusing; in truth, this boy reminded him of himself when he was young and stupid. Stepping back the general said, "good you will accompany me to Schnee manor tomorrow then like you requested."

Good, then he could meet with Weiss. The girl no doubt was going insane not being able to see her team. He couldn't wait to see the look on her face when he showed up in an Atlas uniform. As the general left, Cardin turned to his team. They would need to step up their training in order to survive what was coming.

"Next week we start training. There will be no mercy from me either."

"There has never been," Russel complained laying down on his bed. Cardin smirked at the words. Mercy was for people too weak to kill; his team had no place for mercy that would get them all killed.

"Cardin," Nora called getting his attention.

The boy turned not at all surprised to see the two team WYVN members at his door. The girl had changed from the happy cheerful berserker to quiet and distant; he hated it. It most likely had to do with the loss of her arm to grimm not that either of the two wanted to talk to him about it. Ren stood beside her with an arm around her shoulder. They were both worried about their leader and unable to leave the Academy to check on her. Mostly because Nora was still under observation and Ren wouldn't leave her side. Until Ruby arrived, they were his responsibility, and he wouldn't allow anything to happen to them. He could see the silent plea in their eyes regarding their leader.

"I'll get her back for you," he promised already knowing why they were here. Ren nodded while Nora clutched his shirt with her hand. It was hurting them both that Weiss wasn't here for them. Yang herself would be in Atlas in a little over two weeks according to the last message she'd sent, but right now, they needed their leader back.

"Thank you," Ren said simply before hesitating. Neither of them wanted to be alone right now and their room felt far to empty to sleep in. Nora shifted on her feet looking worried before he spoke again, "Can we stay in here?"

"Yeah, take my bed, I'll take first watch."

They were in unfamiliar hostile territory with an injured comrade and outnumbered one to one hundred. He just wished that the puppy was here where he could watch over him. Pulling out the desk chair he prepared to stay up all night again. There was no way he would wake his recovering teammates when he could stay awake. Watching the door wouldn't help much if they were attacked, but it did give them a sense of security all of them desperately needed.

"Do you think Weiss will come back," Nora asked softly gaining all their attention. Cardin watched them curl up on his bed and sighed at the anxiety in her voice. Nora was still shivering even as Ren cocooned the two of them in blankets; the two were really not built for the Atlas climate. None of them were, despite how high they turned the heater, it was too hard to get warm. In a show of gentleness, Russel stood gaining everyone's attention as he snatched the blanket off his bed and tossed it over the two. Cardin's lips twitched upward as he watched it. His team had become protective of the two lately.

"I'll drag her here if I have to."

(Weiss)

Walking down the hall of what was once her home, she hated the white that covered the walls and floor. Schnee manor had always been more of a prison than a home but now she truly felt out of place compared to how she felt at Beacon. When she was with her team, she felt free but here was the exact opposite. She didn't want to be here dealing with everything that she had been putting off nor did she want to listen to her father try and guilt her into being an obedient tool. She missed the colorful warm halls of Beacon. Keeping the glare on her face, she tried to ignore how upset she was; only she couldn't. If Yang was here, then she could at least make herself feel a little better.

She didn't like the idea of being summoned by her father either. Feeling her finger twitch, she glanced up just in time to see the man standing outside her father's office. He was wearing an Atlas uniform instead of a Beacon uniform. The idea made her feel so happy that he was here; that he had come to save her. She'd known that he would do anything for Ruby but she never thought he would come to her home to try and help her. If that was why he was here; he might just be here because he had nothing else to do. Eyeing the black patch on his face, she wanted to ask if he was alright but that would be a stupid question. Of course, he wasn't alright, none of them were.

"Hey Snowflake."

Yeah, that was definitely Cardin. Staring at him she frowned for a moment before shifting her eyes to the closed office door. Why was he here? Taking a hesitant step forward she paused; the urge to hug him was almost overwhelming but this was Cardin. The only person that he seemed to care about was Ruby. Seeing her caution, he smirked but his gaze softened as his semblance read her emotions. Sighing he opened his arms deciding that Weiss was more important than his comfort. That was all she needed to surge forward and wrap her arms around him.

The warm way he wrapped his arms around her was different than how he usually acted; in this moment he was more like a warm teddy bear than Ruby's berserker. She had no doubt he would kill her if she told him that. Resting her head on his chest she closed her eyes listening to his heartbeat as she struggled to regain control of her emotions. While he wasn't the person, she wanted to see the most it was still good to see him, even if it made her feel like a weak little girl. The way he shifted against her told her that she no longer wanted to deal with being hugged.

Mentally chuckling, she pulled away putting distance between them before he could toss her down the hallway. Looking him over again she tried not to focus on the dark twisted scar running across his face; if this was what happened to Cardin then she hated to think what happened to the others. The last she'd heard Ruby hadn't even woke up.

"Will you tell me about the others. I didn't get to see any of them before my father dragged me away."

"My team is fine, they're at the Academy running through training drills. Ren is doing fine although he's more quiet than usual, Nora lost her arm," he said. Giving her a moment to think over his words, he saw the guilt flash in her eyes, but she pushed it off just as quickly. There was anger replacing her guilt as he stated, "Yang and Ruby will be arriving soon. Blake ran back home. Pyrrha is still in a coma and Jaune is spiraling into depression."

For just a second, she was happy that Ruby was awake, and that Yang would be arriving soon, then she realized that Blake was the odd one out. The faunus was the only one not coming to Atlas in some way. Even Jaune and Pyrrha were in Atlas although it was more for the treatment options available than anything else. Taking a breath, she decided to focus on her own team.

"I assume that Ironwood will be replacing Nora's arm," she asked. If he wasn't then the SDC would foot the bill, even if she had to kill her own father to make it happen.

"Yep, one of the first things old Jimmy told us."

"It won't be the same," she stated. She needed to be with her team right now; they were the only thing that mattered. Looking at the door to her father's office she wanted to scream. Her fingers curled into fists as her temper skyrocketed; he was keeping her from her team. Sensing her anger, he grabbed her arm before she could do anything foolish.

"Don't. Going in there to yell at your father won't help," he warned. The frosty glare she sent him didn't intimidate him at all. She wasn't even slightly frightening in that blue dress that made her look like a princess. When she went to yell at him, he asked, "do you honestly think Ruby would allow you to stay here? That I would?"

It was the first time that he even slightly admitted to caring about them. The idea made her feel warm if only for a moment. Shaking her head, she sighed but relaxed. He was right that losing her temper wouldn't help. The only thing it would do was cause even more problems for both her and her team.

"Just stay strong. And if Ironwood can't convince your father to let you come to Atlas then I'll let Ruby deal with him."

The idea was amusing. She knew that Ruby would not only attack her father, but she might even destroy him if he didn't let her go. The younger girl was terrifying in her own adorable way. Ruby was protective of all of them and in a way, it made them feel safe. Despite not being around her much, Ruby made her feel safe.

"She's not an attack dog."

"No," he agreed although it was a struggle to do so. They both knew that all they had to do was mention someone hurting them in any way and she would destroy the offender.

"Yang's coming right," Weiss asked deciding to change the subject.

Her voice was vulnerable in a way that made him think she was a child rather than a huntress. Frowning he thought about how to make her fears go away but he noticed something before he could. The sound of footsteps was nothing compared to the rolling ball of anger and frustration that was slowly coming closer to them. Narrowing his gaze, he pulled her behind him, as he turned his eyes on the white-haired boy moving toward them.

Weiss stared at him in shock while he glared at her brother; she had no idea why he would be so aggressive to her Whitley. Part of her hoped it was simply because he was just tense because the boy had approached too quickly. Whitley blinked at the action.

"Hello, you must be one of my sister's friends from Beacon," he said trying to sound friendly. Cardin would have bought the act if he hadn't sensed the rage aimed at Weiss; he wanted to keep her safe. Hand twitching, he wished for his mace, in a way the boy was lucky it was him not Ruby who was here.

"Yeah, although I doubt, she actually likes me very much."

"Brother, it's good to see you," she said stepping around Cardin. His protective action while appreciated would not help either of them.

"I'm surprised to see you out of your room sister," he said softly. Weiss smiled serenely showing none of the vulnerability Cardin had seen in her less than a minute ago; she was far to good at concealing her emotions. When the boy tried to step forward Cardin growled hoping the warning sound would keep the boy away.

"Don't be so surprised, boy," he stated resisting the urge to snarl. Weiss winced already knowing he was about to start a fight she'd seen it happen enough to realize his tells. Cardin spoke clearly just in case the boy was hard of hearing, "seeing your friends die and get hurt isn't something you can just get over."

"I see," Whitley stated coldly. He really didn't like this man and was not looking forward to meeting any of his sister's other friends if this was how they all acted. Glancing at his sister he smiled and said, "I would be very careful sister, father isn't very happy today."

Nodding slightly at the warning she didn't remind him that their father was never happy nor did she tell him that she didn't care. Watching her brother leave she allowed her smile to vanish before rounding on Cardin who met her gaze evenly. Crossing her arms over her chest she opened her mouth to speak, "what was that?"

"I don't like him," Cardin stated. The raised eyebrow she gave was enough to know she was waiting for more of an explanation. She wasn't going to get one; he didn't want to advertise his semblance. Her eyes narrowed when he stayed silent, but she didn't argue instead she nodded slowly. She would trust his judgment just this once. Looking over at the door she forced a smile; time to face the devil.

"If I don't make it to my team in two weeks let Ruby lose."

"I will."

Stalking into the room with false confidence, Weiss didn't hesitate to let the door shut loudly behind her. It was time that she changed the game her father was playing or broke it entirely. Outside the room, Cardin chuckled feeling almost sorry for her father. The Weiss that went to Beacon was far different than the one that came back.

Her father's look of shock quickly changed to anger at her apparent lack of manners, but she was past caring. If he wanted her to care, then he shouldn't have treated her like a pawn. Turning her attention to the general she couldn't stop the rush of gratitude she felt; he hadn't been obligated to help Nora. He'd simply done it because he was a good person, something her father had no chance of ever becoming. Ironwood was her ally. Offering him a soft, genuine, smile she held out her hand. The fact he immediately moved to shake her hand was enough to make her anger fade if only a little.

"General, I understand my team is at your school."

"Yes."

"Good then I will be joining them shortly," she stated glancing over at her father when he tried to open his mouth. Her cold gaze was daring him to speak just so she would get the chance to cut him down. Waiting until he slumped back in his chair she asked, "how is Nora really?"

"I'm more worried about her personality change than anything else," he said. The look of concern that crossed his face was real she could tell that much. Keeping the smile as he motioned to the couch, he'd stood up from she was a bit surprised. He was offering to talk to her like an equal, but he was an Atlas general; she was starting to like him. Sitting Weiss waited for him to do the same and bring her more news about her team. It was obvious that he felt a bit uncomfortable due to how stiffly he sat but she only gave him a gentle smile. Watching the tension leave his shoulders she felt a bit proud of herself. That feeling quickly faded when he said, "where once she was loud and wild now, she talks even less than her partner. Honestly, I don't know if giving her a new arm would even help anymore."

"I assume she's going through therapy?"

"Yes, all the Beacon transfers are," he said with amusement in his tone. That had not been a fun conversation to have with the teens. Ignoring the smile that tugged at his lips he said, "you will be required too as well."

"I see," she said softly. In truth she had no issue with going through therapy; it was most likely something that she needed but she couldn't even imagine Ruby agreeing. Holding back a laugh at the thought she asked, "is there any news on Pyrrha's condition?"

Shaking his head, the general looked away from her. In truth despite having put Aiden on the case, they had no idea why the girl wasn't waking up. He hoped that the doctor would figure it out soon despite the fact none of the teens would tell him what happened to her. Only Jaune knew what had caused the girl's condition and he wasn't talking.

Weiss frowned eyes narrowing as she considered the situation. Until she saw the others with her own eyes, she wouldn't be able to judge the situation. Her father watched the exchange closely and she could feel his eyes on her; not that she cared. He was not high on her list of priorities. Meeting the general's eyes, she said, "very well then. I'll see for myself how much Nora has changed when I come to the Academy in two weeks."

She didn't ask for permission nor did she regret her words. Watching the general stand and leave, she offered him a polite smile before turning her cold gaze on the man who raised her. It was too late for her father to stop her or tell her to be silent. She was no longer the pawn under his control. A smirk tugged at her lips begging to be set free but she pushed it down. Soon she would be free or this manor would be burned to the ground. Either way was perfectly fine with her. The only person she cared for in this house was her brother.

"You talk like I'd actually allow you to leave this house," he stated rising to walk to his desk. He acted as if he had all the control in the situation when she could kill him easily; before Beacon she would never have entertained the idea of murdering her own father. Rolling her eyes she actually found his attitude amusing; she'd faced worse than him at Beacon.

"You will," she said with more confidence than he was used to. The sharp look he sent her did nothing to curb her dark amusement as she asked, "so why did you call me here?"

"We're holding a charity concert for the people of Vale."

"Very well, I'll prepare."

Next chapter Ruby arrives in Atlas.

Right so the Atlas mini-arc is going to have three chapters then a transition chapter before we're off to Menagerie to deal with Blake. Also Ruby will still have a complicated relationship with Tyrian and Jay will be in the story. Our cute little fox will have an even bigger impact on Ruby than before by the way. Also, Adam will be meeting Ruby after the Menagerie chapters I'm thinking maybe we'll spend three chapters there to make it even with the Atlas chapters. After a while, it'll be off to Mistral to bring chaos to the semi-peaceful kingdom. Oh but if you meant 'will Ruby still fight Tyrian' then yeah that fight will still happen. The Atlas side arc will start after Ruby leaves for her trip with Raven's students just like it did in the first version of this story.

Moving on to something much more important; how do you guys feel about gender-bent main characters? As in, if I have Alice reincarnate into Bleach how would you feel about Ichigo being a girl?

Anyway stay safe and have a good day

-Shyla