Chapter 43

Happy Hunting

"Speech"

'Thoughts'

Flashback

"Scroll Communications / Tv"

Location / Date / Time Change

"This is Alpha Squad. We are in position, proceeding on foot. You all got fancy new Scrolls. Keep an eye on your Aura levels and give us constant updates. Clover and Qrow out."

RWBY closed out the scrolls as Blake looked up at Yang who was staring at her. "Sorry, it's just... still getting used to the new hairstyle." She pointed out, making Blake brush her hair.

"You should try it some time. Natsu might like it." Blake teased.

"I did not sign up to be a freaking baby sitter." Marrow complained.

"We said the same thing about you." Mary teased as she walked forward.

Weiss brushed some snow off a metal container showing her company name as the walked forward to the mine, Ruby holding her arms as she shuddered in cold. "It's freezing out here."

"Without an Aura to protect you or heating, the cold of Solitas will kill you in a few hours." Weiss explained.

"How do you think Natsu is holding up?" Yang asked. "He is cold-blooded, after all."

"He'll be fine." Weiss said. "Ragyo tailor made each of our outfits for us. If the Dust in his outfit doesn't keep him warm, nothing will."

With Qrow and Clover

"Gotta say, it's still weird to be working with other Huntsmen." Qrow confessed as the two walked down a mineshaft.

"But you were on a team before, weren't you?" Clover asked.

"A long time ago." He replied in shame. "Just found that working alone works better."

"Well, I think that's a shame." Clover sighed. Qrow suddenly tripped over the ground and Clover quickly caught him. With a smirk on his face, he set Qrow back up before returning to his earpiece. "Alpha Team here, give me an update."

Gamma Team

"I don't want the two of you fighting in here." Lightning ordered Natsu and Gray, who glared at each other. "One wrong move and you'll both blow us all sky high." She turned around and put her hand to her ear. "Gamma Team here. The connecting ice tunnels seem clear. We should be coming up on the actual mine any second."

"I always thought Huntsmen missions were gonna be more... exciting." Ryuko confessed before glancing at Vergil. "So uh... what do you think?" She asked, giving a small twirl.

"It... looks really good." He confessed, a small blush on his face.

With Team RWBY

"Bravo Team here. We hit a little snag." Mary confessed, staring at the massive caved-in wall. "Looks like something caused a cave-in at the main entrance. Not sure if it was recent or something that was part of the original accident." Blake went wide eyed and started looking around. "We'll need to look around a bit before we get back."

"You okay, Blake?" Yang asked, seeing her partner.

"I... I just realize where we are." The Faunus confessed, catching her team's attention. "This mine was closed after an explosion. My friend, Ilia lost her parents in this mine. It's what made her join the White Fang in the first place."

"I remember this disaster." Weiss spoke up. "Or rather, how furious how my father was. He didn't care about the lives lost, he was only concerned with getting more Dust and more money. I..." She let out a sigh and stepped forward. "I wish I could take back the years of abuse my family has done to the Faunus. And my complacency in it."

Blake smiled and rested her hand on the heiresses shoulder. "Atlas society is designed to set up the Faunus to failure." Marrow explained as he walked over. "And humans are willing participants. They benefit by ignoring us, and there are even those who abuse us...

"Anyway, I didn't come here to solve major societal issues. Mary found a gap in the wall, but we need someone small enough to fit in. And someone who can see in the dark." He turned to Blake and she nodded walked forward. Mary showed her the entrance and she crept into it.

"All right, Blake. Just take a look around." The Faunus girl reached up behind and pulled out her weapon, shifting it into gun form. "Any Dust in the immediate area?"

"I see mine carts, debris, but no Dust." She reported as he looked around.

"Great, then come back. Mary has her launchers ready to blow us a hole into the mine." Marrow explained.

"Alright, heading ba-" The Geist suddenly popped up and forced her to jump back.

She fired off her gun, alerting the others. "Everyone, stand back!" Mary shouted as she aimed her massive rocket launchers at the wall and pulled both triggers. The rockets shot out and hit the wall, exploding the stone and letting the others race in. They fired at the spirit and it flew further into the mine.

"Don't let it get away!" Yang shouted as she lead the others forward. The ground started shaking before giant Grimm bugs called Centinels spiraled out of the ground, hissing at the group. It lunged at Yang and she punched it back, only for the segments to bend forward and green acid come out of the mouth.

It hissed at the blonde and even more of its kind dug themselves free of the hardened dirt from every angle, even behind. "That's disgusting." She declared before her teammates charged.

Ruby launched herself froward as Blake jumped around the tunnel and sliced through the Grimm. Weiss swung her sword as Yang fired rounds from her gauntlets. Behind her, Mary pulled out a black pistol and shot at the bugs as Marrow unleashed rapid fire with his weapon.

Two Grimm reared up at Yang, hissing at her. Her gauntlet rotated and she started punching the beasts, red rounds sticking to them. She pulled her fists back and the clicked her gauntlets, triggering the rounds and exploding the bugs heads. "Maybe don't do that in a mine filled with unstable Dust." Mary warned, waving her pistol.

Ruby swung her scythe and stabbed another bug with her spear. The creature hissed at her and she smirked, pressing a button on her scythe. The staff portion and her gloves started glowing with Gravity dust before she swung her hand, the scythe blade beheading the bug. She aimed her scythe and started shooting down the tunnel when Marrow rushed past her.

He jumped and fired at another Grimm before rolling. He jumped again and transformed his weapon into a giant serrated boomerang before hurling the weapon, missing one before it doubled back and sliced through the thick hide. Marrow caught it and slammed it down in a Grimm. He looked up to see two more jumped and spiraled at him like a drill.

Smirking, he raised his hand and pointed it at the two. "STAY!" He snapped his fingers and the Grimm suddenly froze in place. Mary smirked as she walked forward and grabbed the insects by the mandibles and slammed them into the ground before shooting both through the head.

"Nice. Strength Semblance?" Yang asked as she walked forward.

"Semblance?" Mary asked back. "Never unlocked it. That was all natural." She raised her hand to her head and activated the communicator. "Bravo here. We made contact with the target, but it fled deeper into the mine. Engaging with a legion of Centinals."

Gamma Team

"Let's move, people!" Gray shouted before they jumped down an ice slide. They hit a section of the mine and a group of Centinals rose out of the ground. Gray smirked as he reached behind him and pulled out two mid-sized swords from his back. He jumped over the creature and stabbed backwards, killing the one out of the ground.

Lightning slid to a stop and bashed one coming out of the wall with a red and black shield before stabbing it with a matching odaichi. The creature faded and a third rose up from behind, only to get blasted by a shotgun. "Watch your back." Gray chuckled as he rested his other sword on his shoulder.

NVAR slid to a stop and Lightning turned to them. "Keep up the pace. You don't want to get left behind." She warned them, stabbing another Grimm as it started to rise up.

Bravo Team

A Centinal flew forward before another one crawled forward, only to get impaled by an airborne Waxing Thorn. "Not bad, kid." Mary chuckled as she walked forward. "But..." Gripping the spear, she twisted it and the creature hissed only to get shot in the head by Mary's gun. "You hit the wrong spot."

She pulled the weapon out of the ground and tossed it back at Ruby, who fumbled a bit before catching it. "Work on your throwing arm."

"This is Alpha! We've engaged the target!" Clover shouted over the coms.

Alpha Team

Qrow shot at the specter, only for the whisp to fly around the tunnel. "All squads, head to our position!" Clover shouted as he pulled out his fishing hook and flung the blade at the beast. The whisp turned and the hook went through its bottom mist, letting the Grimm possessed a chunk of Dust infused ice.

More chunks flew out and started hovering around it, forming legs as Qrow ducked. Clover raced forward and whipped his hook around, trying to attack the beast. Qrow noticed a chunk of ice pushing against a metal support. "Get back!" He shouted before the metal snapped, creating a sink hole for the golem to escape.

"Damn it." The Ace Op huffed as he recalled his pole and Qrow raced over. "Target has escaped. Proceed heading east. Good eye." He said, kicking a pebble down the hole. "That could have been bad."

"Nothing 'good' about it." Qrow said in response. "My Semblance brings misfortune. Some times I can't keep it under control."

"You don't say." Clover chuckled. He looked up and found a metal strut bent out of shape. With a flick of his wrist, he wrapped the line around the beam and pulled it down, filling the hole. "My Semblance is good fortune. Lucky you..." He teased before activating the comms. "Bravo, Gamma, we cut off the target. Drove it deeper into the mine. Qrow and I won't be far behind."

Gamma Team

The six person team raced into a massive opening and slid to a stop, staring at the sheer quantity of Dust crystals around them. Ruby and her squad entered from a shaft across and underneath them. "Everyone, be careful." Lightning ordered through the comms. "Every kind of Dust is active in this room. One wrong move and we could ruin the launch sight."

"What about vaporizing us?" Marrow asked, only to get no answer. "How is that always second with you?"

"Didn't they say the target was supposed to be in here?" Aerith asked as she looked around. A chunk of fell from the ceiling and everyone looked up to see the golem hugging the roof before it dropped to the ground. The impact kicked up dust and Ruby looked up in concern.

"It added Dust to it's body?" She asked in shock. "How can we-" Marrow and Mary raced forward as Gray and Lightning jumped down.

Gray rushed forward and pulled his hands back, a freezing mist rolling off. "Now Freeze!" He slammed his hands forward and a chunk of deep blue ice appeared, sticking the foot to the ground. "Good luck trying to take control of that." Lightning raced over and old conveyer belt before jumping at the creature.

Instantly, her sword was out and it sliced through a chunk of dark energy. "Marrow!" The Faunus raced over and froze the Dust in time before it hit the ground. Setting it down gently, he turned and fired at the creature as the others watched the fight in amazement.

A chunk of Dust suddenly flew off and into the air, only get caught by an arriving Clover. "What would you do without me?" He chuckled before throwing the crystal at Qrow. He walked over to the edge and fell backwards as his team battled the now one-armed construct.

Clover landed on the ground in time to see the second arm sliced off by Gray. He rushed forward and jumped off the beast, his hook latching onto the mask. He wrapped his free around the the wire and pulled as hard as he can. He yanked as hard as he could and pulled the spirit out, shocking the eight teens.

Lightning positioned herself under the spirit and closes her eyes. Instantly, she opened her eyes and she was in the air, the Geist sliced in half. The golem started crumbling and the Ace-Ops turned and quickly began gathering the Dust chunks before they hit the ground and exploded.

One final chunk flew through the air and Mary went to catch it, only for Ruby to zoom in and tumble into a chunk of ice, the Dust firmly in her hand. "Damn, kid. You really are fast." She chuckled as she walked over and helped Ruby usp.

"Wait until she can see what she can do with her eyes." Yang chuckled.

Qrow finally jumped down and landed next to Clover. "Lucky catch, huh?"

"No, that was pure talent." Clover replied before tapping his ear piece. "Atlas command, the target is done. Mission accomplished." He turned to the group and waved them forward. "Come on, let's get out of here."

The Ace Ops lead the way as the two teams kept behind them. "So... that was pretty cool!" Ruby cheered.

"Do you think we can ever be like them?" Aerith asked.

"Not likely." Vergil said, confusing and disappointing the others. "We can only be like us."

"...Was that a joke?" Ryuko asked. "Cause it wasn't funny."

"No, I... never mind." He replied as they reached the entrance of the mine. Once outside, the group watched as Amity Colosseum floated forward.

The others straggled behind and started talking within small groups. "Well, no matter what happens, I just wanna have my friends back's, just like they do." Ruby said.

"Friends?" Lightning asked, having heard the entire conversation. "We're a team, not a cliche in school."

"But... when you've been through so much with each other, it changes things, doesn't it?" Natsu asked as the teams walked forward.

"We get along, but we keep personal and professional lives apart." Lightning replied. "They keep me alive, and I do the same. We don't get them mixed up." She walked away, leaving the group in shock of her cold nature.

"Speaking of jobs, we have one for you." Clover said as Ironwood stepped out of a ship. "At ease, you guys." The Ace-Ops walked towards the general.

"So... that was depressing." Aerith said before turning to the others. "Anyone up for something fun when get back to Atlas?"

"Honestly..." Blake yawned out as she walked forward. "I'd rather just go to bed."

"Come on guys! I wanna go sightseeing!" Ruby cheered.

"Ruby, you explored an entire continent on FOOT." Weiss pointed out. "I think that's enough sightseeing for one lifetime. Besides, it seems like the others are going to be busy." She motioned to the side and Ruby turned to see Natsu walking away with Yang and Ryuko with Vergil.

"Guys..." Qrow spoke up, catching the teens attention.

Ironwood turned to the group and spoke up as the Ace-Ops walked away. "Can I see the team leaders? There's something I want to discus. You too, Qrow."

Ruby, Qrow and Natsu walked forward, confused by the request as Clover saluted and followed his team. "Something wrong, sir?" Natsu asked.

"Sadly, yes." Ironwood flipped his Scroll and a projection appeared. "Another body was found in Mantle. The third one this week. The only thing they have in common is that they all have spoken out against me. It didn't look like a pattern at first, but now it's undeniable."

Ruby covered her mouth in shock as Natsu looked away. "Your opposition dropping dead in Mantle is not a good look for you." Qrow pointed out.

"I could care less about my 'public image'." The general replied, closing the screen. "But it's causing unrest. I think someone is trying to frame me, and by extension all of Atlas. And sadly, it seems to be working."

"Well, I don't wanna be that guy..." Natsu mumbled, rubbing his arm. "But the Dust embargo hasn't exactly help your public image either."

"I won't deny that." Ironwood replied, rubbing his forehead. "Things in Mantle have been... hard to managed. I'm not blind like some people think I am. And that is what I want to talk to you about." He turned and looked up at the future satellite. "With the launch of this Tower and tensions down in Mantle, I think there is a lot of good your teams can do here."

An alert came on his ears and he pressed the button. "...What? Already? Why didn't Ragyo- He's here? Fine... let him land. I'll handle him."

"More Mantle problems?" Qrow asked in confusion.

"No." The general replied as an airship flew into view. "This is an Atlas one." He walked over to the landing pad, the teams behind him. Weiss flinched at the far too familiar symbol emblazoned on it, before Ryuko held her hand.

The rampart lowered and the door opened, letting Jacques march down in anger. "Let me get this straight, James. In addition to this ridiculous embargo of yours crippling my business, you also decided that you have the authority to commandeer PRIVATE property!?" He asked as he stared into Ironwoods face. "When the council hear of this-"

"Didn't Ragyo tell you?" Ironwood asked, interrupting him. "As YOU abandoned this mine after the results of your negligence, it became public land. As such, I made this the site of a classified military operation. And that means it didn't require a vote."

"Didn't require a vote!?" Jacques repeated in anger.

"If you want to run for Council, I suggest you brush up on their laws." The general replied. "Now, I've allowed you to land here ONCE as a curtesy. The next time won't be as friendly."

"You seem to be forgetting who your friends really are." Jacques warned. "I WILL win that Council seat, and then you-" He spotted Weiss and came to a sudden stop. "And now I find you parading my missing daughter in these schemes of yours!?" He asked as he pushed past James. "How long has she been back in Atlas?! Did Winter-"

"It was MY decision to come here." His daughter spoke up, walking over to her father. "Just like it was MY decision to leave. Or did you abandon that as well?"

"You think I'm one to forget, girl?" Jacques asked back. "You seem to forget who your father is."

"Believe me, I know just what kind of man my father is." Weiss replied.

"How dare you speak to me that way! I have half a mind to-"

"Back off." Ryuko demanded, stepping into his face. "She's not your punching bag anymore."

Jacques felt Ironwood glaring behind him, forcing the father to calm down. "You know, your mother was devastated when you left." He said, making Weiss' eyes go wide. "She wouldn't come out of her room for days. You know how she gets."

Ryuko glared at the father as the others stared in shock and Jacques turned to Ironwood. "I knew that one day you would over-extend your reach. I didn't come here to start a problem, I came here to thank you." Weiss glanced over and felt Ryuko grip her hand as the others stepped forward. "For personally giving me the noose to hang you with."

He turned back to Weiss and found her surrounded by the others. "So these are the friends you left everything behind for?" He asked, eyes fixed on Blake and Natsu in disgust.

"Not friends." Weiss responded. "This is a family."

The father glared at his daughter before turning and walking back into his ship. The aircraft took off and Weiss let out a sigh as it left. Seconds later, a truck pulled up onto the tarmac and Winter stepped out. "Oh, now you show up." Weiss teased. "You just missed father."

"I wouldn't say I missed him." Her sister replied as she walked over. "General, are we prepared to start?"

"Start what?" Ruby asked in confusion.

Amity Colosseum

All eight teens stood at attention as Ironwood and Winter stood across from them. "It's safe to say this building has significant history for all of us." The general spoke up as he stepped forward. "It's only fitting that we reconvene here. Now, when the world needs to be brought together once more. The road you've travelled from Beacon to get to here hasn't been easy.

"You fought for your school and your friends at Beacon, and then again for the innocent at Haven and Argus. You've faced down terrors most people can't even imagine. That is not the behavior of students, that's the behavior of warriors. Of Huntsmen and Huntresses."

He turned to Winter and nodded, making the operative walk forward. She tapped on her Scroll and one by one, the eight felt their own Scrolls vibrate. Vergil pulled his out first and opened it, showing an official Huntsman License with his name on it. "What is this?"

"You are all being granted your Huntsmen licenses." Winter declared.

"I know this is ahead of schedule, but Brothers know you deserve it." Ironwood explained. "My only regret is that this situation couldn't be a bit more ceremonious."

"I... we... we're honored, General." Ruby spoke up. "But you don't have to-"

"Please." The General interrupted. "With the threat of Salem still out there, and the tensions rising in our kingdom, I could use more trust worthy soldiers by my side. I should be so lucky to have all you." The others just stared in silence as he smiled at them. "I know, it's a big moment. And what better place to have it than here.

"When this tower is operational, and communications are back up, we'll tell the world about Salem and face down whatever comes our way, together." Ironwood let out a sigh as he turned around. "That's about all the pomp I have in me. If you'll excuse me, I have to get back to running this operation. Enjoy the cake."

He and Winter walked away as Penny wheeled in a cake on the ramps. "I can't believe it... with everything we've been through, I forgot I wanted this in the first place." Yang confessed.

"When Beacon fell, I didn't think this would be possible." Ryuko added.

"It kinda feels trivial now." Weiss added.

"Guys, lighten up a little." Qrow chuckled as he walked in front of them. "Enjoy yourselves for once, you've all earned it. Come on, there's a cake to kill."

The group started cutting up the large sheet cake left for them as Penny stood next to the cart. "Well... here's to being Huntsmen and Huntresses." Natsu chuckled as the group lifted their plates in a toasting manor. The eight began eating their cake as Ruby watched from the seats above.

"Big day for you, huh kiddo?" Qrow asked as he sat next to his niece.

"It's... an awful lot to take in." She confessed.

"Which part: Making it to Atlas, getting your license, or not telling Ironwood the whole truth?" He asked. "Or maybe all of the above?"

"All of the above." Ruby responded. "I'm trying to do what I think is right, but I can't tell if I'm actually doing the right thing. Or maybe I'm just as bad as Ozpin."

"Trust me, you're not the same as Ozpin." Qrow said back. "Oz kept all the secrets to himself, never told anyone. You're telling people the truth, but you're making them prove themselves first. I think that's a pretty big difference."

"I hope so..." Ruby replied as she pulled out her Scroll. "This says I'm a Huntress now. But I don't feel like I know more than I did back at Beacon."

"Trust me, kid." Qrow chuckled. "That feeling never goes away. Summer... would be proud of you."

Ruby smiled at the mention of her mother. Before she could ask anything, Yang called out to her. Quickly racing down the steps, the hooded girl reached the group and found them staring at a real mission board. "Oh, is it real!?" She asked in excitement.

"Yes, state of the art." Penny responded. "You can do all kinds of missions, now that you have your licenses."

"Anyone else smelling that fresh meat?" The group turned to see Gray, Marrow and Lightning walking forward to them. "Alright, let's knock that green off you newbies."

"You all shouldn't be waisting energy with minor jobs." Lightning spoke up. "Our focus should be on ensuring the launch of the Amity Communications Tower."

"Well, yeah. But if we can help the people as well, shouldn't we do both?" Ryuko asked.

"That's right, kiddies." Gray chuckled as he scrolled down the Mission Board. "Okay, let's see... Ah, here we go. We got a dangerous mission protecting the gear we need from some bandits. Who's up for that?" Everyone raised their hand and he turned to Natsu. "You won't be getting this one. But don't worry. I got a special job for you."

Mantle

"...I hate Gray, so much." Natsu mumbled as he ushered kids across the street.

"Aw come on, it's not that bad." Yang said with a smirk as she helped a child up. "Besides, every little bit helps."

"Easy for you to say." He replied, just as he was hit with a rotten tomato. "This IS Atlas, remember? Not the most welcoming place for us Faunus."

Yang glared at the drunken men and instantly, they dropped their fruit and ran away. "Come on, the last of the kids are in school now. Let's get you cleaned up." She said with a smile.

"Please do, I hate tomatoes." He replied. The two walked away, looking for the nearest faucet or something to clean Natsu's face and hair. The two walked through the streets, looking for some kind of running water.

They rounded a corner and ended up staring at a massive hole in the wall of the city. "That's... a really big hole." Yang mumbled in fear.

"That's what happens when all of our resources are heading off to the middle of no where." The two turned around to see a large dark-skinned, green haired woman said behind them. "The hell is so important that we have to risk Grimm attacks?" She walked away and left the two alone, staring at each other in worry.

Days Later

Road to Amity

"So... not that I'm bored, but why can't we just deliver these things by air?" Ruby asked as she sat next to Penny in a truck. Everyone else was busy elsewhere, either training or helping with other jobs.

"These components for Amity Tower are too heavy for an airship." Penny explained. "We'd use more Dust than we can afford to spend. And the Grimm that will come after."

"It just makes for a long,... *yawn* long supply run..." Ruby mumbled out as her eyes started to shut.

"At least the tundra is scenic." The android replied. "...And this is a chance for us to bound, all over again."

"Oh, yeah." Ruby chuckled. "So, where do you wanna start?"

"I'd really like to learn about what we did back in Vale." The green-eyed girl said, making Ruby smile.

In the back of the truck, Clover laid down a winning hand in the card game against Qrow. "I win again. Maybe we should call it quits?"

"Shut up and shuffle the cards." Qrow replied, making Clover chuckle as he picked up the cards.

"Your niece is one of a kind." He confessed.

"They all are." Qrow said about the whole group. "They've been through a lot together."

"Good thing they had someone to look up to and keep them safe." The Ace Op leader chuckled as he started splitting the cards between the two men.

"I don't know about all that." Qrow replied. "Thanks by the way, for looking out for them. You and your team."

"What good is saving the world without the next generation ready to take over?" Clover chuckled as he played the last card. "Hopefully they'll leave Remnant better than we left it."

He slid Qrow a hand and the scythe user picked it up. "Not to long ago, I'd have drank to that." He chuckled.

"You know you shouldn't do that." Clover replied in concern.

"Don't worry. I-I gave that up."

"I meant deflect a complement." He countered, catching Qrow's attention. "Those kids wouldn't be where they are without you. You've had more of an effect on them then you realize."

"Uh... Uncle Qrow?" Ruby called out, catching the men's attention.

"What's going on?" He asked as the two stood up. "Grimm?"

"No... it's her again." Clover said as the two stared out the window at a young woman with tanned skin and violet eyes standing in the middle of the road Her light-blond hair is tied in a ponytail. She has a beauty mark under her right eye and another one on the left side under her mouth.

She wore a black sleeveless coat with gray accents over a red double-breasted sleeveless vest, a brown high neck shirt, and a light gray short-sleeved shirt with one right short sleeve that has a black cuff whilst the other sleeve is longer. She also had a brown belted waist clincher with matching brown pants tucked into black knee-high boots with dark brown cuffs. Around her neck she wears an olive green scarf with tattered looking tails hanging behind her. She also wears a pair of black archery styled gloves with the index finger missing on both of them.

Next to her walked up a young woman with short and messy swept styled white hair and olive eyes. She has sheep ears as her Faunus trait with a small hoop earring on her left ear and a small bell earring on her right ear.

She wore an olive green sleeveless coat with dark brown lapels with the Happy Huntress' Brooch on the left lapel. She sports a green long-sleeved shirt with a white orange trimmed breastplate over it. She had on an orange belt, which holds her coat tightly around her waist. She also wore dark brown pants tucked into gray under the knee boots with the tops folded over revealing the white lining. The soles and toes of the boots are a darker gray.

She had dark fingerless gloves accompanied by white and gray forearm armored pads with the left arm covering up to her upper arm whilst the right only partially covers her forearm. "You two, with me." He told Qrow and Ruby. Penny, stay here and keep an eye on our six. We may need the element of surprise."

The truck came to a stop just before the two women, letting Qrow, Clover and Ruby walk out. "Robyn Hill. It's good to see Mantle's golden child." Clover called out as they reached the front of the vehicle. "Is there a reason your blocking an official military transport?"

"Clover, so glad you're here." The blonde chuckled. "Maybe you can tell me why this truck, which is supposed to be carrying construction equipment to fix Mantle's outer wall, is on the way to the middle of nowhere? And don't try to tell me your lost."

"You're telling me you've never gotten lost out here in the tundra?" He asked back. "Everything looks the same out here. But we'll be on our way now."

He turned and walked back to the truck, only to stop as Robyn sighed. "I was really hoping you'd play it straight with me." She confessed. "What is Ironwood doing with Amity Colosseum at the old SDC mine?"

"Oh... that." He chuckled before turning around. "Just an annual check-up."

"The next Vytal Festival isn't for another two years." Robyn replied. "Only automated drones and a few select scientist are allowed back here. And Amity is getting invaluable sources we desperately need in Mantle to protect us against Grimm. Seems pretty intense for a 'check-up'."

"...You've been scoping it out." Clover said.

"We can't fix the wall without the supplies on these trucks. I think Mantle has a right to know what is going on." Robyn declared as she walked forward. "It doesn't have to be difficult, just tell me." She held out her hand and Clover stared at it.

He looked up at Robyn and the woman smirked back. "I'm gonna have to pass."

She dropped the smile before glancing over at Ruby and Qrow. "What about you, pipsqueak? Five-O'clock shadow? Either of you wanna tell me why Mantle has to suffer for Ironwood's project?"

"We're trying to help Mantle!" Ruby shouted back.

"That's enough, Robyn." Clover interrupted. "As a potential councilwoman, you should be focused on the election rather than bothering Huntsmen. Now, let us pass."

"I think you'ce misunderstood the situation." Robyn said back. "One way or another, these supplies are going to where they're SUPPOSED to be, Mantle."

"Then you should do that through the proper channels as a Councilwoman, IF you get elected." Clover retorted.

The two glared at each other before the smirk returned to Robyn's face. "Now where's the fun in that?"

The two stared each other down, Clover's hand hovering over his weapon. Ruby and Qrow reached around and started to grab theirs when the back door to the truck burst open. Penny suddenly fly upward, green flames flying out from her boots, when she landed on the truck, her swords popping out of her back.

"She can fly now?" Ruby asked in shock.

"Robyn Hill!" The robotic girl shouted. "I would like to ask you to call off the Huntresses you have approaching the rear of the truck."

The others looked behind the truck and saw nothing. Robyn chuckled and looked up, her hand on her hip. "Fine. Johanna! May!" Suddenly two women appeared behind them, weapons at the ready. "Ironwood's little war machine... as vigilant as ever, I see."

"Let us through, please." Penny begged.

The Happy Huntresses gripped their weapons tighter, only for their leader to nod. Fiona pulled on the gate and let the road be opened. Penny landed next to the other four before they all climbed back into the truck and drove ahead.

Atlas

Training Room

Yang snapped her eyes opened and charged at Winter, her Maiden power glowing. Winter summoned a massive glowing Beowulf and it roared before charging. Yang dodged the claw strike and punched fire out of her palms, forcing it to cover. It growled at Yang before she closed her eyes and suddenly charged, a stone gauntlet appearing over her arm.

She punched the beast and broke the jaw, making it fade away. "Another point for me." She chuckled before catching a water bottle from Natsu.

"Don't push yourself too hard." He said as he walked forward. "You don't know what these powers can do to you."

"I thought you were the expert." Yang chuckled back.

Natsu laughed back before looking up at Winter. "What's so funny?"

"You've grown up a bit, lizard." Winter chuckled. "Seems you just needed to find a reason to do so."

"I'll have you know I matured plenty." He replied. "More than you have. But... I guess Ironwood needs someone like you to keep him in line."

"I don't like what you're implying." Winter replied. "I know the general hasn't done everything perfectly, but-"

"He hasn't done anything perfectly." Natsu snapped back. "There are giant holes in Mantle's defense grid, yet he's sending all of his resources to Amity. People HERE are going to die once that message goes out, but I guess he doesn't care of they're not in Atlas."

"He's doing what he thinks is right." Winter replied.

"EVERYONE thinks what they're doing is right." Yang said, finally rejoining the conversation. "But, they're usually just looking out for themselves, keeping secrets."

"Ironwood doesn't keep secrets from me." Winter replied.

"Can you be so sure?" Yang asked. "Did he ever tell you why he wants you training with me and not your sister?"

Winter hung her head before walking over to the two. "Come with me. Both of you. There's something I need to show you." She ordered before walking away.

The couple shared a confused shrug before walking after the specialist. She lead the two down the hall, past students and scientists before reaching a heavily guarded room, surrounded by cameras and Knights. Winter lead them to a small room with only a glass window in it.

The two walked in and Winter left them, letting then approach the glass. On the other side they saw a hospital room housing a single elderly woman sitting in a bed. A door in that room opened and Winter walked in, confusing the two. Their voices were muffled by the glass, letting only bits of the conversation come through as the two had tea.

"That's the Winter Maiden, isn't it?" Yang asked Winter.

"She could pass any day now." The Specialist nodded. "Until that happens, I'm the only person Fria's allowed to see."

Natsu went wide eyed and turned to the Schnee. "...Ironwood wants you to be the next Winter Maiden..." He replied. "When she dies... how long has she been here?"

"Since Beacon fell." Winter replied.

"This has to bother you." Yang said. "You're basically waiting for this woman to die so you can take something from her.."

"It did, at first." She confessed. "When the general first proposed it to me, I found it outlandish and offensive. But the more I thought about it, the more I saw it as a privilege. A chance to do some real good for Atlas, for Remnant."

"But this was all chosen for you." Natsu said back. "You never had a say in this."

"Perhaps... But I choose to accept this now." Winter replied. "Just like Yang choose to become the Spring Maiden. This has nothing to do with family or orders. This belongs to me."

A beeping caught their attention as Winter pulled out her Scroll. A video started playing as Jacques walked out in front of a press mob. "Speaking of the family..."

"If I'm elected to Council, I've made it no secret that I will be imposing General Ironwood and his senseless embargo that is crippling all of Atlas. These measures are not only reckless, but criminal. With no shipment allowed to leave or enter the kingdom, I know many are suffering. My family has been withering the same storm as Mantle. Effective immediately, I am forced to close down all non-essential SDC services. Once elected to office, I will make the changes needed to fix what Ironwood broke. I hope you ask yourself at the polls 'who else can you trust to save this kingdom?' Robyn Hill, or me?"

Everyone started asking questions only for Jacques to ignore them and walk away, ending the broadcast. "I think... I think my father just provided the spark that will set this kingdom on fire." Winter said in a panic.

Well, a hell of a lot happened this chapter. It's like I tried to cram everything I could into this and make it work. I feel like it did, but who really knows. Some changes include: losing the montage (cause I have no idea how to turn that into story), exploring Mantle a bit (something that was sorely missing from Volume 7 and 8), and changing who trained with Winter.

If you're wondering why I'm not showing Jacques and Watts it's simple: as it was shown later as well, I only feel like covering it once. Is it lazy? Maybe. Also, seriously Ironwood. The fuck is wrong with you? You're basically keeping Fria like an old pet. That's messed up.

Beta read by TheExcadrillComics