"Ladies and gentlemen! Boys and Girls! Welcome one and all to The Vytal Festival!" the announcer roared. A wave of cheers returned in the form of one great noise rumbling in the air. No individual voice could be distinguished among the masses. Cheers rang out from students and citizens alike for their favorite teams to win it all.

Watching it all from above, James leaned against the railing. Lonely? Yes, it always was up top. But it gave him a moment to breathe. To calm himself before the tournament fully began. Every day for months had been spent preparing for this moment. So why am I so nervous? Usually, he'd try to calm down with a smoke or if the stars were out he'd climb as high as possible to gaze at the constellations. Both options were out of the question. "Thought I might find you up here" the voice of a familiar man reared up from behind.

Ozpin James thought, recognizing the voice. Turning around and smiling, Ironwood outstretched a gloved hand to shake. Deputy Headmaster Ozpin returned the gesture. His face had become a comfort over the past few weeks. That of an ally. Perhaps even a friend. James hoped the professor felt the same way.

"I didn't exactly hide" he countered. His tone was friendly, however. Ozpin chuckled and stood by the Captain to gaze out at the tournament. The number of people was staggering. All cobbled together the crowd was an ocean of colors mixed and then swirled around. In a way it was a representation of the individuality the Vytal Accords sought to build and the Academies fought to preserve.

"True, but you can only brood in so many places." Ozpin held a hot cup of cocoa in his free hand. Unlike James, who'd prefer warm coffee, Ozpin liked hot chocolate. "The festival is missing its star, you know." James nodded slowly. Understanding that his presence was wanted, Ironwood wanted to get moving but couldn't. He stayed put. Fear gripped him until Ozpin rested a calming hand on his shoulder. "I know you're nervous, Captain. I am too. But we must press on."

Ironwood finally responded at the sound of Ozpin sighing and his boots walking away. "How do you do it? Handle the pressure I mean. Of having their lives in your hands." Ozpin stopped, turned back around, and walked to James. Humming, he looked down. The first teams were preparing for their battle. Two Beacon teams were in and STRQ were certainly favorites to win. Oz wondered if James was the type to root for a team or not. Probably not. He was absolutely focused on the task at hand.

"Well," Ozpin started, searching for a way to put his thoughts to words. "I can't say how similar our line of work is, but I can say I have felt that pressure. Knowing that your decisions can cost lives." Ozpin sipped his cocoa before speaking again. "But someone has to make those decisions, no? I believe that's the best way to handle it. I don't think it'll ever get easier. Just more tolerable." James listened and furrowed his brow.

Am I capable of making those choices? Of making the right choices? Only the roar of the crowds answered him and the cold silence of the tundra out in the wilds of Atlas. "How do you know?" he snapped up and said all too quickly. "How do you know you're the right one to be making those decisions?" Ironwood had a sad, desperate look on his face. Ozpin was surprised. He wasn't expecting this on such a day.

"You don't. You just have to trust yourself. That the decisions you make are the right ones." It was clear that James wasn't looking for that kind of answer, but he didn't press it.

Swirling thoughts gnawed at him. What can I do? What should I do? His advice isn't helping. "What if I make the wrong decisions? What if I fail? People will die." James sounded near panicked. Had anyone else seen Atlas's best like this then his reputation as humanity's strongest soldier would be up in flames. Small wonder he'd fled to such a spot. "I became a huntsman to protect people. Protect everyone. To be their hero!"

"Sometimes you can't. Sometimes you'll make a mistake, many mistakes, and people may die. Will die. Trust me. I've made more mistakes than anyone." Sage advice, though it didn't do much for James. An already miserable look was replaced with a downright aghast one. "Captain, I've never seen you this way. Surely the Festival isn't in that much danger?" Ozpin pressed, well, and truly worried for Ironwoods' well-being. James was silent, looked left and right before speaking, and then informed him of the severity

"There is going to be an attack on the Vytal Festival." Oz was taken off guard. Who was so foolish to attack the might of Atlas and during a festival dedicated to peace at that? Ozpin rubbed at his chin, thinking rapidly. This was news to him.

"Any attack might ruin peace talks."

"I know… Menagerie is striking. Soon. But that's not all. General Lagune wants a war. He and the other brass don't know that I know about Kuo Kuana's plans. They didn't tell me."

"That means… they were never here for peace talks to begin with."

Ironwood nodded. Ozpin understood. The military wanted the attack to happen, to trigger a war and initiate a first strike themselves. Assassinating peace delegates was a surefire way of starting one. "That's why… people might, no, they will die. People I swore to protect. Clover and I have done everything we could but… I don't know if it's enough." James buried his face in his hands, vulnerable and afraid, even if he didn't want to show it. "Please. Don't tell anyone. I'm trying to balance my loyalty and my duty."

"And that's admirable, Captain. But…" Ozpin sighed and then smiled kindly. Fatherly even. "But you must understand that if we only worry about whether we can save people or not, the time will pass to save anyone at all. We're huntsmen. You are a soldier. We have a duty to try. To fight and protect the people the best we can in the best ways we can."

My duty. Ironwood thought deeply, reflecting on the professor and his words of wisdom. My duty is down there. I can't brood forever. Willow had said that to him once. I have to get it together. Dulled, empty eyes appeared subtly the next time he blinked and led him to push off the railing and walk past Ozpin, who took it as a sign that Ironwood was pulling himself together and heading to the Festival.

"If it helps, Captain, I believe you are the kind of man to trust with those choices."

Ironwood stopped in his tracks and slowly faced Oz. Softly, a smile broke across his face. "Really?" James questioned, aimed more at himself than Ozpin. Strong and capable, there was still so much doubt in him and it showed when he spoke.

"Unquestionably."

James extended his hand and chuckled so lightly that the wind threatened to overtake him. "I told you to not call me Captain all the time. James is what my friends call me." His meaning was clear. Ozpin found it both surprising and touching how the captain had opened up enough to trust him.

"Well then. Lead the way, James."

The first round had begun already when James and Ozpin arrived at their seats. The lateness of the Deputy Headmaster and Captain Ironwood did not go unnoticed, but nothing was said to them as they arrived. James had spotted Clover and given him a nod. His shadow moved into action, ensuring things remained safe during the first day. They gambled that there wouldn't be an attack the first day, betting whoever was planning it wouldn't risk it. Not when several high-ranking Atlesians were due to arrive tomorrow.

Team STRQ, the pride of Beacon, was taking the fight to Team CHRN of Mistral. In an effort to reduce stress he tried to actually watch and take in the fight. Thankfully he already had a vested interest in watching STRQ perform. James wanted to get a good measure of those kids, but Summer in particular. Smaller than her teammates, the first-year leader had his eye. How would she lead? What was her style? Could she control her teammates? All were yet to be seen. Ironwood leaned forward and crossed his hands, resting his chin on them.

Ozpin could tell what James was thinking. "I assure you, this team is quite capable." Ironwood smiled but remained unconvinced. Team STRQ was filled with good kids but too many huntsmen and huntresses were just 'good kids', nothing more. Would STRQ be more of the same? Time was the answer to that.

Cheering rang out in droves, an unstoppable thunderstorm of noise and energy. Team STRQ had fans, but so did Team CHRN. Qrow winked at a gaggle of girls, drawing an indignant "Ugh" from his sister. The two announcers, professors at Atlas Academy, were continuing to hype up the crowds.

"Listen up team!" Summer commanded, though her voice was far too adorable to demand it. "We're going to be using our team attacks!"

Team attacks? James thought. The concept wasn't foreign to him. A number of teams at Atlas had developed organized team attacks based on their partners, names, and all. His own team had some, though they were hardly used. James recalled all those times Willow made him go through their partner attack during the training. A smile grew across his face for a moment, yet Ozpin noticed it all the same.

"Something amusing?"

Ironwood shook his head. "Just thinking of my academy days," he said, pondering on the past for a second. James switched the subject back to STRQ. Their fight had begun and they were now racing into combat. Summer Rose had a halberd that clashed against her foe's aura. Mecha-shifting, she revealed a large rifle. Raven was right behind her, her sword letting loose a rain of ice dust. James rubbed his chin while he watched. "Tell me about them," he asked, "Their style. Their ability. What they're like." Ozpin hummed, wondering what to tell his new friend about his students.

"Summer Rose is a natural leader," Ozpin began. Both men watched the fight while the professor spoke. "Her leadership is one of hope, and encouragement." I see… James thought, keeping his eyes closely on Summer. "However…" Ozpin began to trail. "She lacks experience. Her teammates are…"

Ironwood could see that for himself. Summer Rose had called for Qrow and Raven to move in from the right but neither seemed to listen. Qrow moved in recklessly and left Taiyang to fend for himself. An opening was created and Team CHRN exploited it. One of them locked down Raven and Qrow while the other two circled around and isolated Xiao-Long. "I understand," he replied, nodding while Ozpin merely pursed his lips.

Young, naive, and foolish like every huntsman and huntress before her. Just like he was in his first year. I bet you were the same way too Ozpin!

Despite being focused on, Taiyang didn't lack fighting skill. His two ax-guns weren't anything to take lightly. In fact, none of them appeared to be weak. Qrow and Raven were locked down but were clearly putting their opponents on the back foot. Summer Rose was no slouch either. She was running laps with her speed and kept whittling away the aura of her enemy. All three would win their fight.

But Xiao-Long won't. Aside from being cut off and outnumbered, he could tell Taiyang was their weakest link. The way Qrow and Raven fought was sheer skill and finesse. Summer was agility and reflexes. Taiyang looked like raw strength. James had learned the hard way what only relying on pure physicality would get you. Tai fought admirably, he fought valiantly, and he lost. His aura dipped below the safety limit and a loud horn signaled his disqualification. "They're strong. All of them. But they're fighting alone" Ironwood finally said. He'd seen enough. The way Qrow and Raven were fighting meant they'd win the match soon. Xiao-Long had brought one of CHRN down but was fuming at his aura break and being abandoned by his teammates.

His prediction came true when the final bell rang and Team STRQ had officially won the first round. An impressive showing individually, but as a team? The masses certainly loved it, but both Headmaster and soldier were left disappointed. Ozpin sighed deeply. "I had spoken to them a great deal on the importance of teamwork. Though it seems I wasn't insistent enough. They will learn, in time."

"They have potential though. I can see it in all of them. Those two," James raised a sharp finger towards Qrow and Raven, the former noticing and waving before being swarmed by his partner. "The Branwen twins. They were fast and precise. At this age too. CHRN never had a chance."

Color him impressed. "And you're sure they're first years?" James japed, earning a chuckle from the teacher. Ozpin seemed proud, though, behind the veneer of the serene professor was a glint of smugness derived from his impressive students. James couldn't fault him for that, he'd have felt the same way in his shoes.

"That concludes the first match of the Vytal Festival! With this, Team STRQ enters the doubles round! Next up is Team AMBR of Haven vs Team CHLK of Atlas!" the announcer roared. Another wave of cheers ripped through the crowd. James leaned deep into his seat. Today was going to be long, albeit enjoyable. That was until his scroll vibrated and a message from Clover.

C: Heads up

Ironwood's blue eyes shot up and saw the approaching figures, both impossible to miss. Ghira and Shido Belladonna with a pair of military police guarding them. The crowd around them had forcibly moved aside, a series of jeers, boos, and slurs being hurled towards the Belladonna twins. Shido locked eyes with James. My move, I presume. Ironwood elbowed Ozpin, alerting him to their arrival. Beckoning the diplomats over to the many empty, reserved seats, Ghira and Shido took him up on the offer and sat.

"Gentlemen," Ozpin began. "Welcome to the Vytal Festival. I'm afraid you missed the first match, but there are still thirty-one to go!" Ghira was star-eyed, shifting his full attention to the fighting that just started. Shido was more intent on playing with his prey. James was not going to allow that.

"It is no issue. We watched it from the screen. Professor, your students are quite skilled" Shido spoke politely, eloquently, clearly the son of an orator. "A pity mine could not partake."

There it is. Shido thrust with his verbal blade right away, and now James was rushing to parry. Ozpin got the first word in, however, mere moments before James could respond.

"I am sorry your students could not join. However, they are free to watch and glean any knowledge they can from the tournament."

Damn. I can't say if it's a curse or a blessing that you spoke first Ozpin. It certainly lessened the pressure on him. Ever since Shido had arrived, Ironwood found the faunus suspicious and untrustworthy. Intel said an attack was coming and Shido Belladonna was the most likely candidate, either as a vessel or a planner. Assuming the worst of a faunus who hadn't done anything, certainly, but James had to set aside that personal guilt for the sake of the innocents at Amity. War was the last thing he wanted.

"I'm afraid my students are no longer here."

What?

Shido noticed the flicker of surprise in Ironwood's eyes and continued. "I had taken them back to Menagerie in the past few days. They were crestfallen."

"I'm sorry they weren't able to compete. I spoke to them briefly. Good kids" James finally said, getting his words in before Ozpin had the chance to speak again.

"Ah, Captain," Shido with a hint of underlying venom, subtle and hard to detect. "It is good to know you understand our struggle. Faunus students are just as capable as being huntsmen, no? I'm happy to hear humanity's strongest soldier agrees. A pity nothing could be done to let them participate."

Wary of any traps, Ironwood advanced. It was clear by now this has turned into another mental battle. Who would crack first?

"I'm afraid nothing could be done about it; I doubt anyone could convince the council to change their mind on it."

Shido was a large man and hearing him chuckle was akin to the sound of a train. James found it unnerving. "Nothing can be done? Surely you don't think sitting aside is the best option?" Shido poised the question directly to Ironwood. Ozpin wanted to jump in to save the soldier but James refused to be cowed.

"Maybe there is. But that's not something I am able to do."

"I'm certain, but if everyone tells themselves they can do nothing, then nobody does anything" Shido waved his massive hands in the air as he spoke, each time he made a firm statement his hands balled into fists. His white fur bristled and James peeked a few glances at his claws sliding out. The polar bear faunus remained calm, however.

"I have a duty to follow my orders. I don't exactly get to make policy."

"And what if you could?" Shido shot back instantaneously. James looked to Ozpin briefly and realized the professor was unable to give any aid. This was his battle to fight and he had to fight it alone. "What if you were General, Captain Ironwood? Would you make it that my husband and my daughter could live anywhere? That we were not constrained to one island? That my students could attend your precious Atlas Academy?"

James answered without a thought. "Yes. Of course, I would." What sort of question is that? All focus on the match had ended. Neither man even noticed the third match had started. Only Ozpin, who was comfortably listening to the pair while enjoying the tournament.

"And how would you go about with these changes in Atlesian law, captain?" The question was simple, but in truth, it was a trap waiting to be sprung. James was walking into it with gusto and didn't even realize what he was about to do. Shido knew exactly what he was saying.

"How else? I'd use my position on the council to pass the laws needed" James said matter of factly. To him, it was obvious what to do. If he were General, he'd move to pass pro-faunus laws, end the restriction on Menagerie and expand their rights within the Kingdom.

"And if the council doesn't wish to pass such laws?" Shido said, springing the trap. Ozpin had just seen what James had walked into but knew the captain was going to keep marching toward the inevitable destination. There was little he could do to help.

"Convince them" Ironwood retorted, patience growing thin at the faunus and his apparently pointless rhetorical. What is the meaning of any of this? Don't they pass laws the same way on Menagerie? James wouldn't claim to be an expert on faunus legal matters but they appeared as democratic as any other kingdom.

"Ah, and if they remain unconvinced? Then what do you do?"

"I'd-" James began before the words died in his throat. The trap was sprung and James was caught in it with no way out. What would I do? Force them to pass the laws? But that would be a violation of democratic principles. I'd be a dictator. James remained silent, sulking in the glow of Shido and his satisfied look.

"Now, what should we faunus do if the Strongest soldier cannot save us from our plight?" Shido left his question hanging in the air, ominous and unanswered. There was no threat behind it, at least not one that was apparent. Yet it did no favors to the man by James. Ironwood frowned, unable to respond and was left thinking about their conversation.

Faunus liberation is the right thing, but at what cost?

His conn-link blinked twice before a buzzing sound alerted him to an incoming comm. Arthur was on the other side, rescuing him from any more pitfalls laid by Shido.

"James," Arthur began, worry evident in his voice. "We have a problem."

To think he's been cooped up here for this long? How the hell can he sit in one room for so long? Staring at scroll screens.

Arthurs' tech room was little more than the modified server room he'd shown to STRQ weeks earlier. The whirring of fans and blades inside each machine all blended into one constant and eventually faded into nothing more than background noise. The Doctor had set up his veritable battle station, a large link of monitors, scanners, and technical readouts. Everything needed to keep tabs on the Festival. Soundproof walls kept the tournament to a dull thudding rather than a cacophony of unbearable sound.

"And you're sure you saw no one?" James asked once more. It was impossible that Arthur missed something like this. He was too smart to let this happen.

"I told you, James. Absolutely none of the sensors picked up anything. No video footage. Absolutely nothing. I went over each about six or seven times before calling you" Watts explained for the last time, utterly exasperated. He was sitting at his desk, frantically swiping through touchscreens. "All I know is that there was an intrusion. It was brief and it wasn't remote."

Watts rubbed his chin, hands trailing all the way up to his mustache, twirling it twice before clasping his fingers together. Outside, the announcers cried out the winners of another round at the onset of a loud buzzer. "Not remote?" James queried. "If it's in Amity, maybe we can trace it?" Watts nodded at the thought and swiped up several touchscreens from his system. A tap of his one ring pulled by a faint digital map of the arena. Another press and the access point were flashing orange. Watts examined it, traced his fingers over it, and hummed. Then he frowned.

"Well, that isn't good. This says the access point was this room."

"What? Check it again."

Arthur hesitated but checked again, refreshing everything and looking through various lines of code on another screen. The results were the same. Whoever had broken in and accessed their systems had done it in broad daylight and in front of their eyes. "That's the score, James. Don't ask me because I saw nobody. But we're probably dealing with someone's semblance here." James narrowed his eyes and several thoughts passed through his mind.

"Pull up any semblance records on everyone we have working here. And the Belladonna's." Watts did as he was ordered, pulling up several instances of personnel data all while Ironwood leaned over his shoulder. James' teeth were grit, straining, and stressed. This is bad. "Can you tell what they did? And was it a foreign entry or… something we use?"

"Here," Arthur said as everything was pulled up. "It's not one of ours, I can tell you that. I don't know exactly what code it's using though. It's in our sound systems I think. Why the bloody hell would someone want our sound systems?"

Ironwood was deep in thought, half ignoring what Watts was saying now. Shido was definitely making his move, but he was two steps ahead. Ironwood had no clue when and where he was going to attack. "I have their semblances, James" Watts spoke up, snapping the captain back to attention. Shaking his head lightly, Ironwood bid him proceed.

Nothing. Nothing that could pull this off. Ghira had no semblance while Shido had an aura enhancing semblance, purely defensive. There were no other faunus here, given Belladonna took his team back. Dammit! Back to square one! "Keep me apprised Arthur." Watts nodded, though his eyes were already drawn to another stream of data. "And try to figure out what they're doing in our system."

James snapped his finger to the commlink in his ear to contact Clover. "Ebi" he said plainly. A certain coldness had taken over in his voice. "Report."

"Nothing out of the ordinary sir." Clover tried to keep his surprise at James' harsh tone to himself. It hadn't been the first time Ironwood had flipped that way, leaving nothing but questions for Clover and being surprised each time. "Did something come up?"

"Yes. Arthur found an intrusion in our system and it was right in our server room. It wasn't Atlas tech either. We have to be dealing with a semblance of a sort. I want you on it."

"Yes sir!" he heard from over the line. James let his breath go as soon as he had a second for himself. He had to push on. Eyes without their light marched back to the stadium to find Ozpin.

Luckily for James, Ozpin was still in his seat. Unluckily, he had been joined by Miss Schnee and her newly made companion, Jacques Gelé. Oh, great James thought before returning. Quickly, he noticed Shido was gone. James shot a quick message to both Clover and Arthur to keep an eye out for the faunus. In their place were his partner and her friend. "James! Welcome back! Professor Ozpin was just telling us you had a call to deal with!" Jacques said politely, wearing his cheap suit and sticking his hand deep into his box of cheap and greasy popcorn.

"What was it about?" Willow asked casually, only half paying attention, eyes on the match.

"Classified" Ironwood shot back, far more than intended. Willow glared at him, catching the look in his eyes and realizing what was going on.

"James.." she muttered under her breath, a sad, pained look painting her visage. Jacques noticed and gave Willow a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. Ironwood barely even noticed, too focused on his thoughts as he sat back down. Willow frowned and then sat back. "The matches have been nice, Captain."

Ironwood nodded in absent-minded agreement. Team STRQ was the only one he'd really paid any attention to. The rest were average, mediocre even with occasional flashes of brilliance. "James," he heard Willow say. Breaking his trance, James glanced her way and smiled.

"Sorry," he told her, rubbing his neck. That got Willow smiling again. Ironwood looked past her to Jacques. "I didn't know you were interested in the Vytal Festival Gelé." Jacques shrugged. Ironwood's jabs didn't bother him at all right now, not with Willow here. He was just enjoying his time with her. Jacques was considering finally asking her out very soon.

"I've been pitching some ideas to the old man, Willow had tickets, so I thought why not? I get to spend time with a close friend, no?" James had a hard time believing Jacques was anyone's close friend.

But he's here with Willow all the same. Willow was nodding in agreement with Gelé, making his story the truth. "Jacques is quite the businessman James. If my father had known sooner, he'd have promoted him earlier."

"Promoted?"

Jacques shook his head with pride. There was a certain smugness to him now that wasn't there before. "I clawed my way to the top like I said I would James. There are going to be big changes coming to the Schnee Dust Company once I get started. Upper management now!" Willow looked extremely pleased with Jacques who gave her a little wink. A flush of red briefly flashed on her face. Ironwood was quite surprised, though pleasantly in a way. Jacques wasn't the closest friend in the world, and frankly, James barely considered him one, though he couldn't deny the man had business sense.

Good for him. I should be glad.

"Congratulations then, Jacques. Here's to your uh, long and ah, fruitful career." His words awkwardly spilled out, unsure of how to properly go about giving his congrats to the man, leaving everything quiet and unfortunately uncomfortable. Ironwood merely coughed and looked at Ozpin for guidance. Oh.

The Deputy Headmaster was asleep. His glasses were pitch black, the kind that went darker when exposed to sunlight. Ozpin was so expertly seated that he looked as attentive as ever, eyes fixed on the games. But the moment Ironwood made a closer inspection, he found out the man was snoring up a storm. Just brilliant. Forced to turn back to Willow and Jacques without a clue on how to proceed, he decided to just wing it. "Enough about my career James! I've been told you're in charge of this whole thing!" Jacques blustered loudly to the annoyance of those around him. Willow showed little sign of stopping him.

James didn't appreciate how Willow seemed to enable much of Jacques' annoying tendencies whenever they were together. Sighing, he caved and spoke to them. "I'm head of Vytal Security, which I guess puts me in charge of this event, yes." The strain of tension and annoyance was on the edge of his voice.

"And what about your rank? Surely they'll be promoting you soon after all this!"

James hadn't thought of that. Dammit, Jacques. He'd been so caught up with the Vytal Festival and the attack that was imminent that he'd given no thought to his own military career. Would they promote me? James wondered. "Uh, hello?" Willow said, waving her hand in front of his eyes to grab his attention.

"Remnant to Ironwood, you zoned out for a second there James."

"Oh… right. I haven't given it much thought," the man said half-heartedly. Willow pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes. This behavior was unbecoming of her partner, semblance or otherwise. She knew he'd been under stress but….

Her face softened. It wasn't right to be judgemental of him without considering what pressure he was under, dealing with Vytal Security, at such a young age too. Willow gave him a kind, passionate look. Ironwood saw it and out of the corner of her eye, she saw him smile for a brief moment. "I-" The comm-link went off and James was on his feet and focused only on the task at hand once more. "Report."

It was Arthur and Clover. "I have a list of semblances from all our workers and soldiers here. Only nine have them and four are hidden. Semblance Privacy Act, if you recall. The other five are irrelevant, nothing that would be able to infiltrate the server room."

"And for the four?" he asked curtly. Willow looked at him, sadness in her eyes as he walked away to the side without saying a word. James didn't see it, nor did he glance back for a second.

"Well, two of them are yours."

"Ours?"

"You and the strapping young Corporal, yes. Whatever semblances you two have you both thought it was best to keep it secret."

Clover hides his too? But… why? Is his like mine?... James felt himself getting excitable, just briefly. His friend and ally had a semblance like his own? Could he be someone to truly confide in? That could understand his own plight?

Maybe. He'd have to investigate later. Mettle refocused him rather sharply. "I see. And the other two?"

"One's an engineer and the other is a specialist" Watts read off the last two names. James could imagine the sound of Arthur kicking back in his chair with smug satisfaction. Though maybe not this time. This time is far too serious.

"Ebi. Figure out what their semblances are and take a squad with you. You have my permission to detain them if necessary."

Before Clover could let off a crisp "Yes Sir!" Watts interrupted again. The doctor was intent on being heard.

"I apologize for the intrusion but I believe you'd like to know where the Belladonna twins are?" Now there's that smugness. James was quick on the draw, asking where they were.

"Nowhere bad. They're at the third flight deck. I just found them. Want me to keep them on sight?" he asked half rhetorically. James settled on new orders.

"Ebi, scrap that. Keep a squad near Shido at all times. You take care of finding that engineer and specialists' semblances."

"Yes sir!"

Both went silent as the comms went down. Running a hand through his thick black hair, James sighed. Turning back he scooted his way to his seat to find Willow and Jacques gone. He grimaced. I must have driven them off. Hyper-focus had done it before.

"James?" he heard Ozpin say, now fully awake. Ironwood turned to face his new friend, smiling weakly. "What time is it?" the professor yawned and took a good look around him. Blinking a few times he snapped to check his watch and then slapped his own forehead. The first day was almost over and he'd completely missed a large number of games. "Which game are we on?" he asked, chuckling nervously.

The announcers answered him in turn. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the stage Team GREY of Beacon and Team PRSM of Vacuo! This match will put us in the final five matches of the day!" Ozpin sank deeper into his seat. James merely rolled his eyes, amused at his friend's embarrassment.

"There's your answer," James told him, cracking a smile. "Why don't we take a walk?" Ozpin considered it for a moment, gazing back down to the match at hand and then settled his eyes on James once more. Then he nodded, rising from his seat and grabbing his cane. Together, James led them out of the stands and toward the labyrinth of hallways.

Team STRQ was found rather quickly. Ironwood merely had to check his scroll to see that a group of Beacon students had been banned from the food stalls in order to find them. That got a good laugh out of both Oz and James. Once the professor and students were reunited, Ozpin bid the captain farewell for the day. The students walked off first but Ironwood grabbed Ozpin by the arm. His blue eyes were bleak, seriousness pervading in them. "Maybe… maybe you should take a sick day tomorrow."

Ozpin nodded, understanding perfectly. "So soon? Are you certain?..." he said, quite concerned.

Leaving James alone. Again. Sighing, he snapped a finger to his commlink. "Ebi. Report." James let Clover speak, the words passing through one ear and out the other. He'd spotted Shido, briefly, with his brother. Down a hallway, the Captain and the Faunus shared glares. Then Shido disappeared as fast as he'd appeared. The games were over soon. Was he going to his ship? Or was he doing something else?

"Sir?" Clover snapped him out of his trance.

"Yes, Clover?"

"Sir, I asked what my orders were? Both the engineer and the specialist had non-relevant semblances. I have my security squad tailing the Belladonnas as well."

Right. Right. "Alright. Meet me at my office." James sighed. More and more people were pouring out. The last games rarely held much attendance. Thirty-two matches were quite the ask for anyone. Tomorrow. They're going to attack tomorrow. It has to be. How many of these people will die? And how many because I can't do anything to save them? His hands shook for a moment, but only a moment, his semblance would not allow anything beyond that.

"It's going to happen tomorrow. 1900 hours. We're staying up to prepare everything. We get only one chance to prevent this tragedy, Clover." His resolve would not be shaken, nor broken. I WILL stop you, Shido.

"Then let's get to work," Clover replied, determination evident in his voice. James couldn't bother with moping and doubts. He had people to save.

A/N: Took too long to write. This is the last slow chapter of this arc. I promise.

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