Winter stared down in contemplation at the papers in her hands. With the ticking of her clock breaking the silence, the Schnee read line by line of the handwriting in front of her again and again. Weiss had written to her yet again. The image of seeing her younger sister thinking of the words to say and tapping her pen thoughtfully brought a warm smile to Winter's lips.

It had been a few months since Winter departed from Beacon and shook the hand of that consistently drunk of a man named Qrow. A handful of days beyond that and Winter's thoughts of that moment had completely disappeared. Her body and mind was buried in her work once again as she oversaw the production and test-ability of the automated soldiers Ironwood so desperately needed. In the midst of working, Winter would receive letters now and then from Weiss - filling her older sister in on the events that going on at Beacon. Each letter was more of the same: exams, training, the occasional academy festivals, and her team's daily shenanigans. But the fact that Weiss continued to send updates of her life to Winter brought a pleasant feeling.

Given that she only thought of Weiss as her family now - this choice of contact meant a lot to Winter.

"If only I could respond just as well..." Winter said with a sigh. Her eyes darted over to her trashcan that was piled with crinkled handwritten paper.

Winter would be lying if she said she hadn't been thinking about what Qrow said to her.

"Weiss is strong. But she also needs more of her sister than the drill sergeant side you have."

The Schnee folded the letter neatly and tucked it into her coat pocket, groaning as she brought her glove-less hands to her face. She was trying her best to reach out to Weiss, just as Weiss was to her. But...for some reason, it was difficult to finish any letters she wrote. She couldn't figure out why.

Qrow's words had no effect on her before, but now they have buried deep into her skin refusing to give way.

"Damn it, Qrow." Winter muttered as she stood up. Her gaze caught on to the shattered moon up high, her sky blue eyes focusing on the floating fragments.

The clink of ice filled Qrow's ears as he placed his glass down. The moment he did so, the itch of a sneeze suddenly appeared, his eyes widening as he let it rip two times in a row. Qrow shook his head in confusion while he rubbed his nose, knowing for sure that he wasn't getting sick.

"You catching a cold there?" The bartender inquired as he wiped recently washed glasses.

"Definitely not. I can't afford to be sick." Qrow said with a laugh, pushing his fringe back with a hand. The bartender let out a chuckle as he eyed the Branwen's outfit, already aware of his position as a professional Huntsman. Qrow put down some lien and waved to the bartender as he began to make his way out of the bar he frequented.

"Have a good night!" The bartender called out as Qrow exited, the man throwing a peace sign behind him as he left.

Now walking along the streets of Vale, Qrow gave a yawn, stretching his arms to the sky. Feeling his joints pop, he let out a sigh of satisfaction as he hung his hands behind his neck. Glancing up at the fragmented moon, he smiled.

"You never change do you?" Qrow spoke towards the moon, amused by how much has passed at Beacon ever since the incident with the Grimm in Vale.

After Winter had left and the situation that occurred with the Grimm was dealt with, things at Beacon seemed to progress. All the students began preparing for exams with one of the biggest academy festivals coming up. Ozpin of course called Qrow up to his office frequently to discuss more of what the White Fang might be up to. And how could he not think of his nieces? Team RWBY was growing and gaining more confidence and strength in themselves as each day goes by.

Qrow was proud to see how far Ruby and Yang have come.

With a grin on his lips, his thoughts suddenly wandered over to his old team once more - the light in his eyes dying a bit as memories resurfaced. Heaving a sigh, Qrow hung his head and shoved his hands in his pockets as he walked in the direction away from Beacon academy.

"And off we go." Qrow muttered before breaking off into slight jog, using the shadows around him to his advantage.

As he passed a pillar, his physical form disappeared as he transformed and flew into the night.

"Winter? Have I made myself clear?" James Ironwood said as he met Winter's hardened gaze seriously. The general and the Atlesian specialist stood next to a small running airship. It was the dead of night, the rest of Atlas Academy asleep.

"Yes, General." Winter replied as she stood straight, her arms by her sides. Ironwood held her gaze for a moment, before his serious facade slipped away and he gave the woman a small smile.

"I expect your safe return then. Contact me should anything important occur."

"Of course."

With that, Winter boarded the small airship and sat near the window. As it took off, she spotted General Ironwood standing alone in his white uniform until he vanished from view. Now surrounded by the silence of the aircraft, Winter took a deep breath to calm her racing heart. It wasn't her first time going on a mission like this. However each time she found herself alone her heart always shot into overdrive. She only ever placed the blame on nerves. Though deep down, perhaps it had something to do with her distant relationship with her father - and Weiss.

Shaking her head, Winter forced herself to focus on the task at hand to keep her thoughts still. She was the only operative in this mission. She had to do well.

Winter clasped her hands together in her lap as she mentally went over what needed to be done. Ironwood had received information that some portions of the White Fang had somehow stolen prints and tech for the new production of Atlesian military grade weaponry. Not to mention the reports of stolen crates of Schnee dust as well. All Winter was required of was to scout and ensure that this information was true, to retrieve any stolen prints, and to apprehend the culprits if possible.

Easy.

Winter closed her eyes when she heard her name in the earpiece she was wearing.

"Miss Schnee, it is time. We will be a few clicks south in a safe location. Please inform us of when and where you wish to depart." The pilot said, his tone monotone and clipped.

As the aircraft landed, the side door opened. With the black of night staring straight back at her, Winter released a slow breath and stepped out.

Far above her was the sound of flapping wings.

Hi again! Shocked by another update? haha me too. I guess since I'm in that pre-class college limbo where I'm just trying to fill my day, I can write as much as I want :)

Let me know what you think of this one! Enjoy and thank you for reading!