I want to apologize in advance, this was a tricky chapter to work with. I did the best I could and, while I found it tough, was needed to kind of bridge the gap.

So, enjoy with a large grain of salt.

Willow struggled to watch as Klein worked on the poor young man. It was a strange call at an odd hour of the night but the older gentleman was swift and he began to work without question.

The Winter Soldier's arm stump was the most important and the butler retrieved a pair of scissors to cut the bandages that covered. Willow could see that any form of bleeding had been stopped almost instantly from the sheer cold of Atlas and that the wound had been closed after being reopened. Klein moved to clean off the wound best he could before daring to redress it. The head of house could also see a purple bruise forming on the left side of his midsection and a red, raw spot likely from some kind of dust usage. And, taking into account that it wasn't all over his chest and was focused on a singular point, she had to guess that it was a lightning dust infused weapon.

"It's a miracle you are alive, boy," Klein stated as he continued his work. "Whatever happened to you, any longer out in that cold and you would have died."

The soldier winced but didn't utter a sound. The lack of anesthetics left him to endure the pain but it was nothing he wasn't used to. He was sure those "debriefs" were the cause of the pain every time he tried to look back.

"I survived. It's what I've always done..." The blonde replied stoic.

Klein glanced up at him. "Let's hope you continue to do so without risking your life like you have."

That was another thing. With the adrenaline gone, the young man now had time for everything to officially set in as well. What he had done would inevitably make him a target of the Atlas military. He didn't know why he had done what he'd done and he didn't know why Ironwood had done what he did. For now, however, that would have to be the past and that he couldn't keep his focus on it if he was to keep surviving. He would find the answers when he found the time but, until then, he had to fight and he had to kill.

It was how he was taught by The General, after all. Jobs not done till the targets aren't breathing.

Willow, however, thought differently and continuously tried to figure out what had just happened. She initially thought that this young man was James' best soldier. She thought him to be The General's right hand. He was always at his side, he had become Ironwood's shadow. There was always this unspoken connection between the two that seemed all too meshed. It had been strange but truly effective.

But now, that same boy sat on her bed and was being tended to. Just after he had broken into her home and told her not to trust the man who he had once served under.

Her hands trembled, barely holding on to the wine glass in her hand. The bottle had been lost once she placed it down but she had actually lost the desire to drink as she tried to grasp the situation before her. She looked down into the dark red liquid to see her disheveled face looking back at her.

Klein continued his work in silence. He cleaned the wound the best he could before bringing out a fresh set of bandages. He dressed it in a wrap that was far better than what the scientist had thrown together in their panic and, once finished, closed his medical bag and stood up. He wiped the few beads of sweat from his brow before spinning on his heel.

"That should do it for now. Will you be alright with him, Madam?" He asked, facing the matriarch.

"Yes, Klein, thank you," she confirmed with a nod. "I'll call you if I need anything else."

He nodded before looking back at the young man. "You would do well to try and not agitate those wounds again. Any more before they properly heal and the injuries will become more...permanent than they already are."

The soldier nodded. "I understand. Thank you, sir."

"Sure." And with that, the small man made his exit, his shoes clicking as he did.

The door opened and closed, leaving the two alone once again. Willow didn't know what to say, now that the two had returned to the initial silence. She wanted to ask questions but they kept racing around in her head that she didn't know what to say first. The shock of his sudden arrival still hadn't left her and the fact he came to her at all was still left unanswered.

"Thank you."

She paused. "Huh?"

The soldier looked up at her. "I said thank you."

She looked at him and only looked at him. She must have been making a face as he sighed and turned back to look into her eyes.

"You helped me."

"It was nothing," she replied, almost instinctively.

"It means something to me," he muttered. He raised his hand up to the dog tag around his neck. "It's...different. A lot different than what I know and it is appreciated."

The drink in her hand felt heavy. If she had somehow felt like drinking before, the feeling was drowned immediately by the look in the boy's eyes. The lost and blank look as if he was broken and confused. Her casted and smothered motherly instincts almost resurfaced as the she wanted to comfort him sparked but she needed answers as to why such a thing had happened to him.

"Where's James?" She asked first.

He winced at the mention of his former Chief Commander.

"I don't know." Was all he said.

That wasn't a good first sign.

"Why are you in such a state?" She asked next.

"I..I ran away..." He answered hesitantly.

"Why did you run?"

He hesitated again. "...I don't know exactly why I just know that I did."

"To survive?"

"It feels like more than just survival."

Her lips thinned. Not in the way where she thought he was lying. More so, the fact that he truly looked confused and that, in turn, confused her.

"Do you have any ideas?" He shook his head. "Is there a reason you were put in a position to run?"

"I failed my mission."

This confused her. "How does that-"

"I was sent to kill Adam Taurus. I failed and-..." The soldier stopped himself and shook his head. "The General didn't respond well during my debrief. He put his gun to my head and tried to kill me."

Willow gasped and the drink fell from her hand. Neither noticed nor heard the shatter as it hit the floor, spilling the drink and sending glass shards skidding across the floor.

"But why would he..?" Shs trailed off.

"It was because I recognized Adam Taurus."

"That doesn't-"

"No, I recognized him. Almost like..." He closed his eyes to try and remember but it wasn't even a moment later before a jolt of pain shot through his skull and he cried out.

Willow was at his side immediately. Other concerns be damned, the boy needed her and she would not falter now.

"Are you okay?" She asked, taking hold of his hand.

"It's fine. I'll be alright," he replied as he cracked open his eyes to look back at her. "You could say it's what led me here."

"Huh?"

"Something is wrong with me. Something in my head," he explained, looking down at his hand. "Whatever happened, whatever I know about Adam, Ironwood tried to kill me for it."

"That doesn't sound like James," Willow whispered. It was more to herself than to him but the Winter Soldier heard it.

He closed his hand around hers and their eyes met. "Maybe not before but The General isn't himself anymore. You are one of few who are not within his power."

"But I..." She looked away and he could see the fear in her eyes.

The Winter Soldier looked up at the giant portrait of Jacques Schnee that hung above his head. He swung his feet over the side of the bed and stood, albeit still a bit slow. Willow followed him, pulled to her feet by the young man.

"You're afraid," he stated. "Was it also why Jacques took over instead of you?"

She removed her hand from his, wrapping her arms around herself. "There was so much expected of me. So many responsibilities and decisions. Jacques did what he could and cared little for what others thought of him."

"Ironwood dared not cross him though. It wasn't until..." The boy's eyes glossed over momentarily.

"You don't have to say it," Willow muttered, head down. "I've...come to terms..."

"By drinking?"

"Heh," she chuckled melancholy. "Sometimes it feels like the only escape. With Jacques or without Jacques, you'd always find me at the bottom of a bottle."

"And yet the same problems persist."

"I can at least have a moment of peace."

"You can not mistake silence for peace. If you want to truly rid yourself of the problem, you must face it head on."

She slumped back on the floor and sighed. "That's easier said than done."

"I know, trust me I do," he replied. He then placed a firm hand onto her shoulder and she looked up to him. "But you do what you can and take it one step at a time."

"B-But my father's legacy and the pressure. I don't want to ruin what he poured his life into."

"No one achieved anything focusing on some legacy. They stopped listening to others and made their own." He paused, feeling a sense of deja vu. His head felt another small split and he winced. "Or...something like that."

Willow was still unsure but his words had provided some form of comfort.

"And my thoughts still stand that the drinking won't help you in the long run."

This made the matriarch's eyes widen as she turned back to him. "Excuse me?"

"The drinking," he repeated. "You have to stop. Especially if you're taking the mantle of CEO of the Schnee Dust Company. Eyes will be on you and you will need to be completely focused."

Willow's jaw hung slightly ajar as she looked at the blank expression of the Winter Soldier. Then, as she slowly realized he was serious, she folded her arms and pouted. The young man had a hard time wondering what that funny feeling in his heart was that fluttered at seeing the expression. Or why it was somewhat familiar to him.

"I think I preferred you when you didn't say anything," she grumbled.

The Winter Soldier removed his hand and turned to grab his cloak. "Yes, well, I'm sure we're past that point. Now, I must be on my way. Thank you, again, for helping me."

The matriarch dropped the little act and looked back at him. "You think they'll come for you here?"

He slipped on the remains of the cloak. "I am not sure. What I do know is that The General has always done what he deemed necessary to get the mission done. If I'm to become his new mission, he will try to find a way to find and kill me."

The mother of three looked at the young man for a brief period.

"You don't have to concern yourself for me," he told her.

"I don't. And yet I still do."

"I don't know why."

Willow smiled softly. "Neither do I."

*Ring*

The duo froze. They looked over to the nightstand where Willow's scroll laid. It was ringing and the image of Winter Schnee showed on its screen. It was a younger version of her, more than likely before she enlisted in the military.

The Winter Soldier turned to her and nodded. The matriarch made her way over to the device and picked it up. She swiped across the screen before lifting it to her ear.

"Hello?"

"Good evening, mother. Are you well?"

Willow turned back to the blonde and he nodded for her to continue.

"Yes, fine, why wouldn't I be?" She answered confused.

"There were some recent events and...General Ironwood believes you may be in danger because of your relation to him."

"That is...odd."

Winter sighed. "Yes, well, it is simply a precautionary measure."

"I'm sure I'll be fine but I'll increase security, just in case," Willow replied.

"Yes, that is all I could ask for." Winter paused before continuing. "However, General Ironwood wishes to know if he could send a few of his troops, as an extra precaution."

She tensed at the question and was about to quickly decline the offer. The soldier moved faster though and covered her mouth just before she could speak. Their eyes met and there was a brief silence as he tried to silently convey his words and nodded as well.

"Mother?"

He released her and she cleared her throat. "Yes, sorry dear. That would be acceptable and I appreciate his concern."

"O-Oh, okay then..." It was obvious she had not expected that answer.

"How soon shall I expect them?" Willow continued.

"They shall arrive by first light."

"Very well," the older woman replied. Then, after a second of thought, she added, "And thank you, General Ironwood."

There was a long silence.

"...You're welcome, Willow." The General had been caught and the call was abruptly ended.

The matriarch put the scroll back down and released a breath she had not known she was holding. Her heart was still racing and she couldn't stop the hand placed over her bosom from trembling.

"T-That was..."

"You did well."

"So you knew." She stated as she turned around to face him. "You knew he was there with her."

"It was a hunch. I am impressed you caught on so quickly."

"I am still a Schnee and wouldn't have gotten far without recognizing a few signs."

"Indeed, you are a Schnee," he agreed, nodding. It is also why many want to use you, including The General."

*Thwip!*

In a mere second, a rapier, made completely of ice, was shoved into his face. The point was a few inches from his eye and he took a step back in surprise.

"You say that as if it wasn't common knowledge," the matriarch replied, sporting a very confident smirk.

The soldier looked at the point before focusing back on her. "Color me impressed. Albeit, the showing was a bit excessive."

"Wouldn't want you thinking I'm as helpless as you believe."

"I'm sure the fire has always been in you," he nodded.

The rapier was removed from his face and brought to the older woman's side. "Who do you think was the one to teach Winter?"

"I never thought to question."

"Ah, right." There was a brief pause before she cleared her throat. "Well, it's best we get you out of here. Dawn is in a couple of hours and our window is closing rapidly."

"You've done more than enough. I am sure I can-"

"Stop." Her eyes narrowed, a serious look on her face that bode danger if he interrupted her. "You chose to come to my home and warned me of Ironwood's motives."

"There's a lot I have to correct for the things I've done while under Ironwood's 'service'."

"And you won't be able to start if you're caught before you can get out of the city."

"I was his best assassin for a reason."

"And my daughter is as stubborn as I. She will find you if he's ordered her to."

The Winter Soldier quickly realized it was a losing fight. "...Okay then."

Willow smirked again. "Glad you see it my way."

"What shall we do then?"

-Flash-

Willow hadn't felt so alive in a long time. After harboring and helping a fugitive she couldn't keep the smile off her face. Doing what was right, despite the fact it went against the law, had made her feel years younger. Who knew.

After years of a loveless marriage, alcoholic addiction, and constant scrutiny this felt much needed. Gone were the woes of carrying on her father's legacy and gone were the fears of what others would think. In that moment, Willow would do what Willow wanted and, as of now, she felt the need to continue her rebellious streak.

The matriarch stood at the top of the steps as a small unit of, roughly, ten soldiers and twenty Atlesian Knights arrived at the crack of dawn. Just as Ironwood had said.

"Good morning, Captain Ebi. I didn't know you were leading the unit," she greeted formally. She had even gone as far as to tie her hair up, apply some make-up, and change into her usual business attire.

Ironwood stared at the screen, hands laced over the bridge of his nose. He took note of the change in the Schnee's appearance and demeanor. While odd, he hadn't visited in some time due to the manhunt for Taurus. Still, her positivity seemed a tad unnatural. But he would watch on.

"Indeed. The General is very concerned for you and didn't want to risk any more casualties," the Specialist explained as professional as usual.

"I won't keep you then. The staff was made aware of your arrival. However, I'm still curious about all the fuss and the need for all the extra hands."

Clover didn't immediately reply and turned to nod to the soldiers. They did so in return before half of the unit dispersed across the grounds. Once they were a good distance away, the captain turned back to the older woman.

"As we said, it is a simple concern."

Willow nodded along and turned to head back into the estate. The remaining unit followed, Clover right beside the matriarch.

"I must say, it is interesting seeing you..."He trailed off, the right words momentarily lost on him.

"Not drunk? More proper? Clear headed?" She offered, looking over to him out of the corner of her eye.

He coughed into his fist. "I wouldn't have used those words, per say."

"It is fine," she replied, raising a dainty hand to hide her growing smile. "I took some time to think and I had one of those epiphanies us older people get sometimes."

"Is that so..?" Clover trailed off as they walked through the hall. "I am unfamiliar with the feeling."

"Ah, you're still young. How old are you, Captain Ebi?"

"Um..." Clover cleared his throat. "Thirty-two ma'am."

"You still have time. Plus, I'm sure the military keeps things exciting."

"Oh, yes, very exciting," the Specialist replied with a hint of sarcasm.

"Well, this is my study. I'm sure you'll be able to find your way around?" She asked, back to the door.

"Yes. It will only be a moment before we have official patrols set up."

Willow tittered. "That is fine. And thank you again for this."

Clover nodded. "I do it for General Ironwood, ma'am. He truly is concerned for you."

The matriarch's smile warmed. "I'm sure he is."

And, with that, she slipped into the room and shut the door. Clover turned to the remaining soldiers and nodded his head. Wordlessly, they moved out into the large estate, leaving the captain on his own.

"Clover."

He moved his hand to his ear to press the talk button on his earpiece. "Sir."

"Do you see anything out of the ordinary?"

"Besides the one-eighty of the little lady?"

"There is a lot that can play into that. For now, focus on any evidence that might reveal our target."

"There is no word from the others. Is it possible he may not have come here?"

"The fact she is alive could be," Ironwood mused. He looked over the other screens, seeing no clear signs of their target. Not even a footprint. "If he's regaining his memories, I'm sure he would have killed her."

"Wouldn't that mean a step closer to your goal?" Clover asked, continuing down the hall.

"No, I will not kill senselessly. I am not like him in that regard. It is not the way."

"But sir, you would risk her denying you what you require," the Specialist warned.

"Every step has been calculated, Captain," Ironwood replied, his voice growing cold. "You'd do well to remember who is in charge."

Clover felt a chill run up his spine. "Y-Yes sir. I was only voicing my concerns."

Ironwood leaned back into his seat. "They have been noted but I shall worry about her myself. For now, keep an eye out. If he was there or if he is still coming."

"Yes, sir, but..."

"Speak freely, Captain."

"What of other possible targets? The council, the citizens, he is considered a terrorist after the massacre."

"Winter and the other Ace-Ops have their missions just as you," The General answered. "If there's even a tweet about him, we will know."

"Sir."

-Flash-

The Winter Soldier leaned back onto the wall of the Bullhead. His head relaxed against the metal as he finally allowed himself to truly relax. It wasn't comfortable but it was the best he had from the worst of situations. The surrounding crates of fire dust would keep him warm during the remaining cold fronts of Solitas. In fact, he was sure they were the reason he could finally feel himself drifting off.

Still, it was only due to the quick thinking of the Schnee matriarch that he was able to escape and finally get away. Ironwood would have had every exit covered and the harsh winds that came from the elevated city would have frozen him to death before he could find any hope of getting down. And then there was the entire force that would have been awaiting in Mistral and he'd rather not run the chance of having to fight Grimm in the areas that were unprotected.

"It will only be a few days till we reach the ship," the pilot spoke up from the front, staving off the young man's sleep for a little longer. "After that, it'll be 'smooth sailing', hehe."

The joke fell short on the young man but he voiced his appreciation of the pilot nonetheless. "Thank you, again. I know it must have been a surprise for Mrs. Schnee to make such a demand of you."

"You kidding, that's like a dream, man," the pilot laughed off. "It's like being spoken to by a celebrity. And she asked me for a favor and gave me a pay raise! It's like a dream!"

"Is that right," the soldier replied, leaning back as sleep started to take hold of him again.

"Though, I gotta know," the pilot spoke up again. He cracked one eye open. "What's your name, kid? You seemed pretty important to the missus."

The Winter Soldier nestled in on himself and thought for the moment. He had only heard the name once but how it had been used had been familiar and natural.

"I guess you can call me Jaune."

So, like I said, not a great chapter but a necessary one.

Jaune has gotten out of Atlas and the hints given to those paying close attention can figure out the destination and the timeline. So, do with it what you will.

As for Willow gaining some backbone quickly. It's better to show it now as she won't be coming back for some time and I'd rather show you guys who she will become as good Ole Jauney gives some form of encouragement.