"Alright," Ruby said, rubbing her hands together as the leaders of teams RWBY and JNPR strode down hallways of Beacon Academy early Friday morning. Few students were about the halls, most still in their dorms or outside doing pre-class physical training. "We've got a big meeting ahead of us, and it wouldn't do us to make a bad first impression with the General, so let's hit the checklist one last time."

Jaune affirmed, "Sounds good to me."

"Slides?"

"Checked and newly updated with fresh charts." Weiss had worked late into the evening compiling fresh statistics and revisions. Ruby was thankful for the effort, though a bit unsettled by how gleeful Weiss looked when neck deep in figures and statistics.

Ruby continued, "Samples?"

"Full complement of the usual suspects." Jaune said, patting his pack. Not too hard of course, magically stowed or not some of those materials were a potential hazard if their containers broke.

"Weapons?" Ruby whispered.

"Packing and ready. Unofficially." Jaune said, mindful of any nearby professors or students looking to score some points with said professors by reporting armory violations.

"Alright. Refreshments?"

"I've got coffee from Vale and Atlas, alongside several choice pasties and finger foods fresh from the common room. Still wondering why our common room possesses a high end coffee machine however." The presence of the machine had long been a subject of debate within the student body. The only clue as to its origins were the initials "BO" etched into the side.

"I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. Or like, any horse in the mouth." Ruby had a bad run in with one at the Vale Zoo as a child. It was the last time she wore her hair long.

"I understand the sentiment. I think."

"Freshly pressed uniforms with our best cape?"

"Check. Well, except for the cape, I don't think I look very good in one." Jaune had tried one on at Ruby's insistence early in the year, but found the look really didn't suit him.

"Eh, no one's perfect." Ruby shrugged.

"Salutations Fellow students!" Ruby and Jaune paused their conversation and turned toward the exclamation, and found a certain red haired exchange student to be the source.

"Oh, hello Penny!" Ruby said, returning the greeting with a wave. How's your study of vale culture coming along? I've not seen you much in class as of late so I haven't had a chance to follow up."

"Progress is exemplary, thank you for asking!" Penny said with pride. "How are your inquiries on the subject of art history progressing?"

"They are...progressing one could say". Ruby was unsure of just how much she could say about that subject. "We've recently uncovered some additional information we still need to research."

Penny nodded. "Let us hope your research brings you to a satisfactory conclusion."

"Thanks." Ruby said.

Penny turned to the team leader present. "Salutations to you as well Mr Arc. I have not yet had a chance to converse with you, I am pleased to meet your acquaintance."

"Just Jaune is fine, it's a pleasure to meet you as well Penny." Jaune offered her a hand which Penny gladly accepted. "Ruby speaks highly of you, and I hope we can be just as good of friends."

Penny beamed with joy "You desire friendship as well?"

"Of course! Anyone who's friends with RWBY is someone I'd be proud to call a friend as well."

"Excelsior!" Penny said, throwing up her hands. "New friends and new opportunities! Today is as they say, a good day."

"Oh? Embarking on something new?" Ruby inquired.

Penny nodded with enthusiasm. "According to the headmaster it should be both challenging and enlightening, a true test of my skills as a huntress and invaluable to the future of Atlas and Remnant. Given General Ironwood is rarely the type to exaggerate, I am quite excited for the opportunity."

Jaune smiled, "Well then good luck and congratulations, Penny. I'm sure you'll do Atlas proud."

"Thank you, Jaune!"

Ruby checked the time. " I'd love to catch up with you some more Penny, but Jaune and I need to hurry if we are to make our own appointment with destiny, so to speak. See you soon, I hope."

Penny stared blankly for a second then resumed her normal cheerful expression. "It appears it's time for my departure as well, Ruby. I hope to see you soon as well, my friends!"

Jaune and Ruby departed with a wave and resumed their journey, only to pause a moment later.

[Jaune to Ruby: she's still behind us, isn't she?]
[Ruby to Jaune: yep.]

Ruby turned to face her friend. "Penny?"

"Yes Ruby?"

"Would you by chance be headed to Professor Ozpin's office?"

"Affirmative! Is that your destination as well?" Penny asked cheerfully.

"Sure is." Ruby said, sharing a look with Jaune.

[Ruby to Jaune: I think we know the identity of our new liaison.] Jaune laughed in confirmation.

"Then today is indeed a good day. Let us proceed then, my friends, to our destination!" Penny linked arms with the two and all but dragged them along with her, a noticeable pep in her step.

[Jaune to Ruby: She's a fun one, isn't she?]
[Ruby to Jaune: You have no idea.]

"So Penny, what exactly did the headmaster tell you about this new endeavor?" Ruby asked.

Penny smiled. "I was given a full briefing on the subject, though I cannot speak to the details in public, Ruby. The matter is rather hush hush."

"That's certainly true." Ruby had to admit. "So you know who you will be working with, then?"

Penny looked around suspiciously before whispering "hush hush Ruby. I'm sure we will discuss this more once we arrive at our destination."

A followup died on Ruby's lips as it became clear that Penny would speak no more on the subject.

[Jaune to Ruby: Well, at least we know she can keep a secret.]

Ruby shrugged in response as they continued down the hall toward what promised to be an interesting meeting.

/-/

"Salutations General Ironwood, professor Ozpin!" Penny exclaimed as the elevator to the headmasters office opened, finally dropping the hands of her companions in order to snap off a textbook atlas academy salute. "Student Polendina reporting as ordered."

"Ah, the girl of the hour has arrived." General Ironwood said, "and not alone I see."

"Professor Ozpin, good morning." Ruby said, echoed by Jaune.

"Good morning to you well, students." came Ozpin's reply. "I'm sure you are both familiar with my guest." the header said, giving Ironwood his queue.

James Ironwood walked the short distance from the headmasters desk to the trio, offering a hand to Ruby. "General James Ironwood, headmaster of Atlas Academy and commander of Atlas forces''

Ruby took the offered hand with a smile, "Ruby Rose, leader of team RWBY, Reaper and Guildmaster of the Noble Roses. A pleasure to meet you, General."

"The pleasure is mine, Ms Rose. Your reputation precedes you."

"All good, I hope."

"Indeed. To say I'm impressed with what you have accomplished so far would be an understatement. You've done remarkably well given the responsibility placed upon your shoulders."

Ruby smiled. "Thank you, General".

James released her hand and offered it to Jaune. "And you must be Mr Arc."

"Sure am… Sir." Jaune added after a moment's hesitation. "Jaune Arc, leader of team JNPR and a firebrand of the Noble Roses. It's great to meet you, General"

"A pleasure to meet you as well, Mr Arc."

"I must admit everything about your guild is something of a source of wonder for me." Ironwood said as he led the student trios back towards Ozpins's desk. "I've been eager to meet with you ever since I learned about your organization. You have my sincere thanks for taking the time to meet with Ozpin and myself today."

"The pleasure is all mine, General." Ruby said with sincerity. "On behalf of the guild let me extend our thanks for the actions you have taken on our behalf. We are eager to get back into the field and hopefully get some answers to some of the mysteries we've been investigating."

"I'm sure the grimm are quaking in fear at the thought of you resuming the hunt." Ironwood said with confidence, before his smile fell. "As for the other matters, our investigations are progressing, though not at the pace I'd prefer. Nonetheless, I expect we will have answers for those matters in time."

"Any assistance is more than appreciated, General. We'll keep digging on our side as well as inform the headmaster of any new discoveries."

"Thank you for that, Ms Rose." Ozpin said.

As Ruby and the headmaster spoke, Jaune took the time to retrieve refreshments from his pack, laying them out on the desk to Penny's barely disguised astonishment.

"Care for some coffee, General? I have blends from both Vale and Atlas"

"I'll have some of the Vale bend, thank you." Ironwood gave Jaune an affirmative nod as he poured the General a fresh cup of coffee. "Would you like any sugar or creamer, General?"

"Thank you but that won't be necessary. I will help myself to one of those pastries however." Ironwood said pointing to a plate of breakfast bars, pastries and cookies the guild had prepared.

"Help yourself." Jaune said as he offered the plate, Ironwood selecting one of the less sweet looking options before turning his attention to topping off the mug of headmaster Ozpin.

"Penny?"

"No thanks, I do not require sustenance at this time."

Jaune shrugged, "Suit yourself". Jaune set the dishes aside and readied some of the other materials that would be required for today's meeting.

"This really is quite remarkable." Ironwood said, eyeing his food and drink critically. "Might I ask where you acquired it?"

"Our own personal recipe for the pastries. The coffee is the normal stuff we get as students here, except brewed with water that's a bit special." Ruby explained. Ironwood understood at once, familiar with the effects of enchanted water due to his prior meeting with Glynda.

"I was aware that you brewed certain concoctions that increase your effectiveness against select targets, but I didn't expect that to extend to common food items."

"Outside the water used, everything is your standard foodstuff." Ruby explained, "The results however are delicious, filling and loaded with essential vitamins, minerals and buffs. We even get guild profession experience for making it. Curiously it applies to foodstuff that doesn't contain any summoned or otherwise exotic materials. The effects appear to be a side effect of the guild preparing the item in question."

"Curious indeed. " Ironwood, said, mulling a thought in his head. "I wonder if the action which enchants the foodstuff is subtle enough to escape your notice, or perhaps an unconscious act to begin with?"

"Dad's looked into it, but I'm not sure he's got a solid theory on what exactly is going on there." Ruby was pretty sure they had blown a few months worth of grocery money in testing, and the family was still grinding through a guild bank full of perfectly preserved meals.

"Now, I do believe we are here to discuss some new business, are we not?" Ozpin said, redirecting the conversation but making a mental note to examine the subject of enchanted cooking. "I'm sure the young Ms Polendina may be quite lost in our current conversation."

"Not to worry Headmaster Ozpin, I have been fully briefed on this matter and am following the conversation without issue, reserving any questions or comments for the opportune time."

"That's very considerate, Ms Polendina. James must have the utmost confidence in your and your selection to inform you of this matter prior to your meeting with guildmaster Rose." Ozpin said plainly, eyes on General Ironwood as he spoke.

"I have the utmost faith that Penny here will perform her task in an exceptional manner and maintain a positive working relationship with the guild, given her past interactions with Ms Rose's team."

"It was Penny who originally helped us out with the Lady of Zephyrs investigation at the temple complex in Vale." Ruby reminded the headmaster, "She's someone I consider a friend, and i'm rather happy that she was chosen, as i'd expected someone older and more scary like. No offense, General."

"None taken, Ms Rose." Ironwood assured her. "While Penny is my liaison and thus will report on her actions and progress, do not think of her as a sign that I do not have trust or faith in your ability to lead. Rather, her main purpose is to be a line of communication between your guild and myself. People would start asking questions if a non-atlas student regularly met with myself after all. As to any political issues your guild may raise, please do not concern yourself with such things at this time. I ask you to leave such matters to your headmaster or your professors, whom I assure you are firmly in your corner."

"Understood, General." Ruby said. She was not naive enough to miss the subtext of the generals declaration, but she was thankful she wouldn't have to deal with such things, at least not yet. "That being said I do have a few questions given she's a student and all."

"Please proceed." Ironwood said.

"Will the rest of her team be joining us, or just Penny herself?"

"I will be flying solo as they say, Ruby." Penny said. "Though I am attending the festival as part of a team, I am not a regular member of that team, merely filling a vacant spot for the time being."

Ruby tried not to dwell on the implications. In this business a team had vacancies for one of two reasons: someone washed out, or someone died. Ruby hoped it was a case of the former.

"Won't your team notice your absence? I mean we do a lot of guild activities and I know from experience how difficult it can be to keep this sort of thing from your friends and classmates." Said distance had resulted in a lot of strain on her friends and classmates at Signal. More so now that she was separated by distance and schedule. Ruby tried to write to her friends on a weekly basis, but it wasn't the same as daily face to face interactions.

Penny shook her head. "I am already called away for various activities and thus the team is used to my sporadic absence."

Ruby again found that unusual, but elected not to inquire further Best not to pry too much into another student's matters, especially one being backed by the Atlas's general and headmaster. Ruby did catch Professor Ozpin's eye raising at the statement however.

"In addition we will announce this afternoon an expansion of the survey operations program." Ironwood announced. "In the spirit of the Vytal festival and international cooperation, one team from shade, atlas and haven will be added to the program, in addition to several additional teams from Beacon."

"And let me guess, Penny's has been selected to represent Atlas"

"That is correct, Mr Arc." Ozpin said.

"Penny will participate both as part of her team and well as a solo member attached to a guild team, depending on the mission."

Jaune followed up. "May I ask which teams will represent Haven and Shade?"

"Shade will be represented by Team NDGO per recommendation of headmaster Theodore." Ozpin said, "As for Haven, headmaster Leonardo has put forth team CEMM, though one of their members has yet to arrive."

"May I make a suggestion?"

"By all means Ms Rose."

"I'd like to propose that SSSN represent Haven. Sun was with us at the docks when we faced the White Fang and he was with Blake when she discovered the Mesmer illusion and whatever spell they used to help Torchwick escape." Ruby explained. "While he's asked us a few times about what happened, he's been fairly tight-lipped with the issue when speaking to other teams."

"A reasonable request." Ozpin said, looking to Ironwood for any objection, the General signalling he had none. "The final members of Mr Wukong's team have arrived and having seen magic first hand he may be able to identify traces of it in the field, should his team run across any similar effects. In terms of their academics and standing team SSSN are above average and expected to do well in the tournament. As far as selection criteria are concerned, they do meet all necessary requirements. I see no reason to deny your suggestion."

"Thank you, headmaster." Ruby said graciously.

"Let us hope Mr Wukong keeps any discoveries while partaking in the survey operations in confidence, should he encounter any." Ironwood stated. "We'll make a note to provide all teams with instructions on how to report any strange or unusual happenings as secrecy is an unfortunate necessity for your guild's activities at the current time".

"On that subject, have no worries about my involvement in these matters, Ruby " Penny said cheerfully, "I am quite adept at keeping a secret. "

"That's reassuring, if this business is anything it's a garden for secrets." came a voice from behind the students.

"Uncle Qrow!" greeted and enthusiastic Ruby.

"Professor Brawnwen." came more respectfully toned greetings from Penny and Jaune.

"Hey kiddos." Qrow said as he ruffled his niece's hair then took his place near Ozpiz's desk. "Sorry i'm late, Oz, had a few stragglers from Atlas ask some questions after class yesterday, spent all night revising the class syllabus as a result. Really starting to remember just how lacking students combat education can be in places. I swear you take away their weapons and suddenly they are as helpless as newly born babes." Ironwood huffed softly, well aware of Qrow's unorthodox instruction methodology. While it clashed with Atlas's more rigid and disciplined approach, James couldn't argue with the results. Qrow classes had become quite popular with certain students, mostly those from Vale or Vacuo, who appreciated the rough and unorthodox lesions he imparted.

Ruby grumbled, but remained silent, well aware of her deficiencies in the realm of unarmed combat.

"It's alright, Qrow." Said Ozpin. "We were just getting started."

"So what's next on the agenda? Oh, mind if I?" Qrow said gesturing to the provided food and drink.

"Go for it, professor." Jaune said, filling up a fresh mug for the professor as Qrow selected some cookies.

Ruby took out her scroll and brought up the meeting agenda. "We were just about to review what all Penny had been briefed on." Qrow said nothing, mouth being full of cookie but waved Ruby to continue.

"Alright, let's see here. Slide presentation?"

"Reviewed and memorized. I'm quite fond of the data presentation, though I have questions about the inflationary effect of the rewarded currency."

"I too have been wondering about that one." Ironwood added.

"It's legit currency, we've checked. Source unknown, of course." Qrow clarified. Ironwood added an investigation as to the source to his mental followup list.

"Alright" Ruby checked it off the list, "Moving on, sample grimm remains, and enchanted materials?"

"The sample remains are currently the talk of the town in the blind studies we have initiated. As for the rest, I am quite fascinated by artificing and its applications."

"Yeah, that is one of my favorites too. We'll have Blake and Nora give you some hands-on training later during orientation if you want to join the ranks of the guild's artificers."

"I look forward to it." Penny said cheerfully.

"I'm sure they'd be happy to have you." Ruby said, checking off another box. "Ability demonstrations?"

"I've only seen some snippets from combat footage the headmaster provided." Penny admitted.

"Video is cool, but seeing it in person is way, way more impressive." Ruby put away her scroll. "Alright, i'll go first, then Jaune can demo after me." Ruby rubbed her hands as she readied herself to cast.

"Actually hold off for a second, Ruby." Qrow said, causing his niece to abruptly cancel her spell, the necrofire dying into black rose petals. "Let's let Jaune go first while you and I have a brief chat about what we want to show Jimmy and Penny here."

"Oh? Okay, take it away, Jaune." Ruby said with a flourish before joining her uncle off to the side.

"Alright then" Jaune said as he stepped back a bit and summoned a tome which phased into existence in his hands in a meld of blue light. "Everyone ready?"

"Please proceed, Mr Arc." Ozpin said, drawing agreement from Ironwood and Penny, who was positively hopping in anticipation. Ozpin noted the tome bore the same sigil the guild had come to associate with healing arts.

Jaune drew a breath as he started, the book hovering in the air a second as a circular emblem radiating blue light and covered in runes appeared above his head, the book exploding into a ring of spectral pages that orbited his body. With practiced ease Jaune took hold of some of the pages and flicked them toward the center of the space between him and the headmaster's desk. A wave of blue fire radiated forth like azure sunshine and washed over the assembled group in a quickly expanding circular wave. Visions of the warm sun reflecting off the waters of the Shallow Sea flashed before their eyes accompanied by words spoken in a classic Faunus pentameter before the mirage-like daydream vanished, leaving them feeling full of vigor and easing any aches from the day.

As fast as the book had exploded it reassembled, landing back in Jaune's hand before he dismissed it, the book phasing back into nothingness.

Penny applauded with enthusiasm, joined a few seconds later by a clearly impressed Ironwood, though his clapping was noticeably more reserved.

"I have to admit, that was quite the interesting display Mr Arc." Ironwood said, "That was some sort of support magic I take it?"

"Correct " Jaune said, "That's one of the abilities I can cast when that particular tome is in an active state. Grands boons to endurance, health regeneration and speed."

"Boons?" Ironwood asked.

"It's what the system calls a positive effect. Those which have a debilitating effect are described as conditions."

"I see."

Jaune scratched his head. "I'm still working on applying that ability in combat, Grimm are an obvious distraction when trying to use a few of my abilities."

"Understandable." Ozpin admitted. The Grimm had a way of drawing one undivided attention. "As for the boons you described, endurance and regeneration are understandable, but by what quantity does it boost one's speed?"

Penny waved her hand in front of her face several times. "Speed increase is approximately 33%!"

"What she said." Jaune wasn't sure how Penny reasoned that out. 'She must really be in tune with her body' he thought.

"I swear I heard a voice, and beheld some sort of visage as the spell activated" Ironwood had trouble recalling exactly what he had heard and seen, the effort akin to recalling something from a dream.

"The Azure Sun." Ozpin said in recognition. "An old poem from Menagerie in its early days of settlement. It's part of a stanza about the healing effect of the midday sun reflecting off the clear blue waters of the shallow sea."

"Interesting." Ironwood contemplated the symbolism. "Are all your abilities based on similar prose?"

Jaune shook his head, "it's really quite varied source wise. Each of the tomes are themed about some aspect of virtue: courage, justice and resolve, but the actual stories and themes come in many forms from all over Remnant. Each tome has both a passive effect and an active set of effects which can be used a limited number of times before the tome has to regenerate its effects."

"I'd love to partake in reading the tomes given the chance, they sound like fascinating case studies on human and Faunus virtue." Penny stated.

"I'd enjoy giving them a review as well, Mr. Arc." Ozpin added.

"I've been trying to transcribe them as they assemble from my studies. I'll send you a copy for review once I'm finished"

Ozpin nodded, while Penny was obviously excited by the prospect.

"I'm actually surprised you felt the effects of the boons the ability applied." Jaune admitted.

"You were not previously aware of its effects on non-awakened individuals?" Ironwood asked.

Again Jaune shook his head. "It's not like we have an opportunity to test it on such people, for reasons that are pretty obvious." Outside of headmasters and now Penny, everyone who knew about the guild was part of the guild so far as Jaune was aware.

"Understandable." Ironwood admitted. "I suppose it was obvious however, given enchanted items have an effect on the rest of us, as do your various other concoctions."

"Though again such original formulations are not tested on non guild members." Jaune clarified. " What we have given to other students of faculty are produced outside the guild itself, from analogous materials."

Ironwood sipped his coffee and filed away the information for later investigation. "Channeling the examples of our ancestors to fuel magical abilities. Quite fascinating magic, Mr Arc."

"Thank you, General Ironwood. Professor Xiao long has really been a boon in helping me understand my profession. His is similar in mechanics to mine, though it differs in exact implementation."

"Tai's stuff is even more impressive, believe it or not. ". Qrow said returning with his niece, "though largely because he's had more practice with it. The kid here is certainly amazing however."

Jaune smiled at the praise. "So I take it Ruby is ready for her demonstration?"

"We've got something in mind, yeah, should impress the boots off Jimmy and our new recruit here, though I've got to ask the general for a favorite before we get started."

"Anything, Qrow" Ironwood responded.
"Gonna have to ask you to hand over Due Process for a bit."
"You want me to surrender my weapons? What for?"
"Think of it as peace of mind. I trust you to the ends of Remnant Jimmy, but Ruby's magic is no joke, and it can have, let's say a chilling effect on people." Qrow's tone relayed the seriousness of his words. "With what she's got in mind, I don't want to take any chances".

James looked to Ozpin, who nodded in agreement. The general drew his arms and laid them on the headmaster's desk, Qrow moving them aside.

"An unorthodox request, but i'll accept it."

"Alright Ruby, introduce to your friends and mine your pal, Tiny" Qrow moved back a few steps, giving Ruby some space.

"It's been a while since we let them out to play." Ruby cracked her knuckles and tossed back her cape with a flourish. "I'm sure they'll appreciate this."

"Tiny are two creatures?" Jaune inquired, not familiar with the minion in question, Ruby having not yet summoned it either in training or in the field.

"No, it's one. I'm just not sure what exactly to call them." Jaune was sure he wasn't the only one who felt the ominous vibe in the room. "Everyone ready?"

"Ready and positively shaking with anticipation, Ruby." True to her was hoping slightly up and down, the general muting her movements with a hand.

Ruby gathered her mental focus and started her incantation, the room's temperature dropping as green necrofire danced around Ruby, the young reaping pulling on some unseen chain with both hands and great effort.

The world split upon in a rush of cold and all but two of the assembled found themselves involuntarily shifting backwards. Qrow held his place, knowing what was coming while Penny seemed frozen in a smile, looking on with curious intrigue.

From unseen depths the creature climbed forth at its master's call. It was large as an Ursa, an abomination of skinless flesh, bone and dread. Its body was a mishmash of various bones, horns, fangs, and muscle, all seemingly out of place and proportion, arranged without regard to function and fueled by magic. The creature stretched its arms wide and reared back as it scanned the room for any threats before adopting a more relaxed stance, awaiting command from its summoner.

General Ironwood had seen many horrors in his career, but nothing, not even the Grimm, bane of man's existence, triggered the same feelings of revulsion and existential dread as the creature that now stood before him. Despite having tapped his semblance, Ironwood found himself reaching for his gun, finding only an empty holster before recalling the wisdom of Qrow's earlier request.

"How positively abominable." Penny said with a chipper voice. The others in the office were speechless in agreement.

"Tiny!" Ruby said with joy. "Sorry it's been so long. So, how are things in the other world?"

The creature made some sound in response, though none present could really classify it.

"Same old same old, eh?" Ruby said, though it was unclear to the others if she actually understood whatever the creature had vocalized.

"What, exactly, is this creature Ms Rose?" Ozpin said diplomatically, as if he hadn't bore witness to the greatest act of Necromancy he'd yet seen.

"Oh sorry!" Ruby said, remembering her manners. "Everyone, this here is my flesh golem, Tiny. Say hi, Tiny!" Ruby commanded, the creature waving an arm at the gathered people. Only Penny waved back.

"I am Penny Polendina." Penny said, extending a hand. "A pleasure to meet you, Tiny." Tiny looked to its master for a second and upon getting approval extended an inverted jawbone hand, Penny grabbing ahold of one of the hand's 'fangs' and giving Tiny a proper three pump Atlas style handshake.

"I admit, I'm rather surprised you are taking this so well, Penny." Jaune said, "I've got some experience dealing with Ruby's 'terrible babies', but wow, Tiny is on a whole different level of disturbing. No offense intended." Jaune said.

Tiny shrugged. "Eh, he gets that a lot, no worries." Ruby translated.

"Tiny is Ruby's friend, and any friend of Ruby's is a friend of mine." Penny explained. "Even if they are a horrifying mockery of life."

"She gets it!" Ruby exclaimed, Tiny motioning in agreement.

"Certainly makes things easier going forward. "Qrow added, "No one wants a repeat of the turkey incident."

"Still waiting to hear that story, FYI." Jaune said.

Penny concurred. "I too would be interested in that tale."

"As would I." added the headmaster.

"First of all, while it's a hilarious story it's not really an appropriate tale given today's objectives. It's just your average tale of youthful experimentation, and totally not my fault as I didn't know I could do stuff like that back then, and there is like no reason for certain adults to continually bring it up." Ruby said, Tiny pointing a claw at her in a 'What she said' gesture in support of its master.

Ironwood forced down his revulsion of the minion before him and tried to guide the conversation back onto topic. "It's certainly an imposing display of your abilities, Ms. Rose. Are all your…conjurations akin to this one?"

"Tiny here is by far the strongest in terms of durability and attack power, at least among the more fleshy minions. Bubbles, my shadow fiend is more like a specter, and unlike Tiny here I didn't have to supply any parts to summon him."

"Are you saying you built this creature Mr Rose?"

"Not so much built as it magically possesses a huge pile of random bits and pieces I had on hand." Ruby explained. "I kind of have to supply body parts or bones or such. Grimm, animal carcass, leftovers from slaughter houses or butcher shops, really doesn't matter. It's all just source materials until the magic gets at it. Once a minion is created I can store them on the other side till needed. Well, except for the ones that dissolve after a set period of time. Or you know, explode."

Ozpin had some questions about that last description but tabled them for now. "I'm surprised you don't receive more questions as to what business you have with such materials."

"We just told them it was for some artisanal dog treats." Ruby explained with a shrug. "Shops and restaurants around Patch were just glad to get rid of the stuff, especially since we paid them for it. After a while it became just some normal thing around town, people reserving a box or this or some scraps of that for us."

Qrow followed up his niece, "After a time we had enough spare scrap to run a legit dog treat company as a side gig, selling treats to local families and businesses around town."

"Not that I needed much to start with, plenty of dead animals and grimm to give me most of the materials needed." Ruby said, looking upon Tiny with pride in her eyes. "Tiny is about the most powerful thing I could summon up to this realm on a permanent basis. There are some larger stuff i've seen 'parts' of, but those require constant effort to keep here. Once summoned a wall that looked like a giant rib cage, no clue what sort of being that belonged to"

"I remember that, scared the crap out of Tai."

Ruby nodded at her uncle. "I've sensed more powerful specter things like Bubbles, but I don't seem to be able to summon them up yet. There are also some presences there that are way, way beyond anything I can imagine."

"Probably best they stay right where they are, Ms Rose." Ozpin said. "Be sure to inform me before you attempt any such summons, less we invite something neither of us has the ability to rein in."

"Understood, headmaster." Ruby said.

"On that note perhaps it's time you dismiss your minion, Ms Rose. I'm sure the General has a clear idea of your profession's power and abilities now."

"Oh? Yeah sure." Ruby turned to her minion. "Catch you later Tiny, i'll be sure to let you get some fresh air next time. Maybe slaughter a herd of Ursa, you seemed to enjoy that."

Tiny nodded vigorously and made some skin crawling sounds the group assumed meant he concurred with Runy's assessment. With a few moments of incantation and accompanying necrofire, Tiny tore its war back to the realm from whence it had been brought forth, the room growing noticeably warmer in his absence.

"Thank you both, that was certainly an enlightening display of your respective professions. It must be quite the challenge to develop both these abilities and your standard huntsman abilities as students." Ironwood said, thankful that the creature had departed.

"It's a never ending challenge, that's to be sure." Ruby said, "But hey, what's life without some difficulties right? All we can do is train when and how we can, and maintain discretion so long as possible. I'm sure when the time comes for disclosure we'll be better equipped to handle what that entails, and navigate the resulting issues with the help of those older and wiser than we."

"Quite the mature view, Ms Rose." Ozpin said. "While I cannot guarantee what the future holds, I can promise you that you will not face it alone."

Ruby smiled brightly as Qrow and Ironwood smiled in agreement with Beacon's headmaster. "Sounds good to me."

Ruby checked her list, marking off the completed task. "Alright, looks like we've come to the main event: Penny's awakening!"

"Excelsior!" Penny exclaimed.

Ruby stood tall and proud, and after conferring silently with Jaune for a second, gathered herself to speak.

"The Noble Roses is more than just a name, it's a statement of our principles. It is the duty of every guild member to use their new abilities not for fame or fortune, but for the good of all Remnant. Whether Human or Faunus, young or old, all guild members are dedicated to the goal of protecting life on this world from the horrors which stalk us from the shadows. Though our powers and abilities vary greatly member to member, all of us are united in this singular pursuit.

Our foes are without number, and they do not threaten the kingdoms alone. Adversaries of a more human nature are their unwitting allies, foes who would look upon our abilities with envious eyes should they learn about them. Opposing these threats is not a task we undertake as an individual: the guild stands together. We fight together, train together, research together, and support each other in all our various means. Only so united can we be the bulwark against the darkness that would otherwise consume us all."

Ruby took Penny's hands. "If you wish to join us in this pursuit, with all its danger and intrigue then the Roses would be glad to have you. Ultimately the choice is yours, and yours alone."

Penny looked to the General for a second, who gave his approval. As Penny turned back to her friend, Ironwood's eyes narrowed, focusing intently on his student. The general was clearly interested in what happened next.

Ruby swore she never saw a smile as bright as Penny's at that moment.

"I would be most delighted to join your guild, Ruby."

"Then welcome to the Noble Roses, Penny!" Ruby said as she sent an invite to Penny, a dialog box appearing before the young huntress's eyes a second later. Penny showed only the slightest bit of surprise before raising a hand and pressing accept.

Penny said nothing as her hand drifted down to her side, her smile never fading as she became utterly still, the only movement being the way her eyes darted around, focusing her and there at a pace Ruby could hardly track.

As the silent seconds stretched the air in the room became heavy. Ironwood's curiosity for the process was very obviously changing to a visage of concern. "Is everyone alright, Ms Rose?"

"I think so, General Ironwood." Ruby brought up her UI and started checking guild related panels. "I see her on the guild roster, and her nameplate likewise has been updated, everything looks like she awakened without issue." Ruby fired off a few messages to Jaune, who was likewise checking things out and seeking advice from Glynda, who had little to offer besides urging patience and to leave managing Ironwood to Qrow and Ozpin should things start to spiral out of control.

Ruby took her silent friend by the shoulders "you alright Penny?"

"I'm sure she's fine, Jimmy" Qrow said, sensing the rising tension as Penny remained motionless. "I'm sure she's just processing things, everyone reacts to this a bit differently."

"Hmm" Ironwood said, taking a step toward his student before freezing a heartbeat later as Penny's eyes fell still, and then radiant with undisguised joy as the silence finally broke.

"Ruby?"

Ruby let out the breath she had been holding. "Yes Penny?"

"Is…is this how you see the world?" Penny said as she started to look around the room with eyes filled with wonder.

Ruby smiled. "Sure is. The UI takes a bit to get used to, but once you get the hang of it you wonder how you ever got by without it."

"The interface is intuitive and informative, it will not be a concern." Penny said, giving Ruby a thumbs up before tilting her head as she examined her own hand.

"That's good to hear." Ruby said, aware of how high tech Atlas was. Penny was bound to be familiar with all the computery bits the kingdom made use of.

Penny turned round, taking in everything in the room, her eyes darting to and fro as if it was the first time she'd ever seen the world.

Ruby had never seen anything like it. No one in the room had, with even Ironwood's normal stoicism softening ever so slightly at the sheer childlike wonder Penny was radiating.

"So everything is cool, Penny?" Ruby asked her friend.

"Its, its…stupendous!" Penny exclaimed, throwing her arms around Ruby and swinging the guild leader around, Ironwood and Jaune taking a step back to avoid being hit as the two twirled and spun, Penny laughing jovelly and Ruby half screaming. The whirlwind of joy ceased a few seconds later, Penny depositing her friend back on the ground. Ruby took a second to steady herself as Penny suddenly started examining the headmaster's cane with a quizzical look.

"So Penny." Ruby said, her dizziness wearing off, "Can I ask what your profession is?"

Penny paused for a fraction of a second. "It appears that the system has classified me as an Engineer like my father." Ruby was about to ask how she knew her fathers guild profession, but stopped when she realized her friend was probably referring to the real world profession of engineer.

"Engineer eh?" Qrow said. "I guess that explains your fascination with the Long Memory there. What sort of abilities does your UI have listed?"

"I do not see any ability icons at this time, professor Branwein." Penny said as she shifted to examine Ozpin's desk.

"Reminds me of Nora before she built her gyros." Jaune said. "Anyone care to wager if 'Engineer' and 'Scrapper' are related professions?"

"Pretty sure that would be a suckers bet." Ruby said. "Still, nice to know what that icon means, and when you compare it to other students with the same I suppose it becomes obvious in retrospect." Every other student the guild knew with the icon were of the mechanically inclined sort, several being well known as go to's for questions about mecha-shifting weapons or technology in general.

Following that logic Ruby had a hunch she knew a third technology referencing icon, though no one had yet revealed its name.

"Well if engineering is her calling she's certainly a subject of the right Kingdom." Ironwood said, "If you need any supplies or materials to help you master your new profession Penny, please do not hesitate to ask."

Penny ended her examination of the weapon and furniture and snapped a salute at the general. "Understood sir."

"With that bit of excitement, I do believe our business with you students is at an end for the time being." Ozpin said, noting the time and knowing of the students' schedules. "Unless there is any other business you wish to discuss?"

"Only the usual, headmaster." Ruby said.

"I'm afraid I still lack any news for our inquiries with Argus, though such records can take time to parse given age and format."

"Not to mention the issues with communications in general, it takes ages to get anything back from my sister there." Jaune said. Argus lacked a CCN tower, relying on repeater relays to carry messages. It was a flaky system at best.

"That is also a concern, times being what they are." Ozpin replied. "As for the other issue, i'm afraid I still have nothing to offer in terms of better accommodations for your guild meetings. Though I understand how Penny's addition will serve to increase the burden on space, it is something we will simply have to contend with until after Vytal. Once the foreign students return to their academies I may be able to better accommodate the request."

"Understood." Ruby said, a slight hint of disappointment in her voice. RWBY and JNPR's dorms were feeling smaller and smaller these days with all the guild related materials the students had brought into their rooms.

"If that wraps things up, I suppose we should pack up and head out, right Ruby?" Jaune said, offering one last round of refreshments before stowing the remaining treats for later.

"Looks like it. Thank you all again for the help headmasters, and i'll be sure to take good care of Penny here." Ruby gestured to her friend and newest guildmate.

"Let us depart to our shared academic endeavors, guildmaster!" Penny exclaimed, giving a thumbs up. A second later Penny tiled her head as she examined said thumb in great detail, flexing her hand and turning it over.

"Actually, I think we have separate classes this morning." Jaune noted.

"Correction: let us depart for our varied academic endeavors!"

"One last thing, if I may Ms Rose." Ironwood's request brought the exiting trio to a halt.

"Yes?." Ruby replied.

"Let me express again my appreciation for both your cooperation and your humility in this matter." Ironwood said. "All things considered a tremendous weight and responsibility has been set upon your shoulders, one that stands to effect not just Vale, but all of Remnant in ways I feel we don't fully understand. Despite this you have shown your willingness to both rise to the occasion and seek aid from others to overcome those trials you have felt exceed your ability. For one your age to have accomplished and overcome so many trials is nothing short of exemplary. You have my sincere gratitude and I look forward to watching your career with great interest."

Ruby smiled. "Thank you, General. Though all this is a bit crazy at times, when it comes down to brass tacks I'm just a girl with a scythe who loves her family and friends and hates the grimm. What makes me strong isn't that I have all these fantastical powers: It's because I'm not alone. When confronted with a tremendous weight, one can either try to shoulder it oneself and be crushed, or seek help and spread the load. The strength of the Noble Roses is in such bounds, and so long as I remember that, then I'm doing what I need to as their leader."

"Well said, Ms Rose." Ironwood's sentiment was echoed by Ozpin and Qrow.

"We shall be the rock on which the wave of grimm breaks upon, Guildmaster Ruby!" Penny enthusiastically exclaimed, fist in the air.

"Yeah, I'd say Penny is going to fit in just fine." Jaune said with a smile.

"Sure looks like it." Ruby said. "Now, I believe we have class to get off to, yes?"

"Affirmative!" Penny said as she resumed her march to the elevator, The students gave one last wave to the headmasters and Qrow as the doors started to close, the adults returning the gesture before turning their attention to whatever business they had to attend to before classes started.

/-/

"Oh, hi Velvet, Fox." Ruby said as the trio exited the elevator, pulling Penny away from her examination of the elevator's control panel. "Fancy running into you two this morning. What's up?"

Velvet waved her hands in a fluster, as if she'd been caught somewhere she wasn't supposed to be, though standing in the hallway with one's teammate was perfectly acceptable given the crossroads position the main elevator was located in. "Oh you know, just looking for some shutter chances with Fox here."

"I've a knack for sniffing them out." Fox said dryly.

Velvet winced from her gaff but quickly recovered, drawing her camera. "Care for a picture?"

Penny excitedly grabbed her friends in a hug and smiled brightly, matched a second later by Jaune and Ruby. Velvet quickly snapped a set of photos and returned her camera to its case. "Thanks, I've been working on my photography lately."

"A beautiful and renowned art form, Ms Scarletina." Penny said. "Could you send me a copy of the picture? I've been told you have an exceptional talent for photography."

"it's not that sort of camera I'm afraid " Velvet said, wincing a bit as Penny's smile faded somewhat. "But hey, I could take one with my scroll if you'd like?"

"Absolutely! Thank you!" Penny said, grabbing her friends again in a crushing hug. Velvet snapped a few more pictures and quickly transferred them to the trio.

"Thank you again Ms Scarlatina." Penny hopped with joy as she looked upon the image on her scroll. " I shall suitably cherish this"

"Velvet's fine, and you're welcome." Velvet replied.

"In that case, thank you Velvet for the wonderful and tastefully shot photograph".

"You are very welcome, Penny."

Penny turned to Jaune and Ruby. "I'm afraid we must part ways here friends, as our destinations would appear to be in opposite directions."

"No worries Penny." Ruby said , "I'll see you after classes wrap up today. "

[Ruby to Penny: remember to bring your weapons and an outfit for enchanting, if you have a spare.]

[Penny to Ruby: affirmative!]

Penny waved and quickly set off down the hall. The remaining four turned and headed toward their shared class.

"So, what are you three up to?" Velvet said, trying not to sound natural. "Hopefully you were not called to the headmasters office for anything bad."

"Nah, I leave the troublemaking to my sister." Ruby hand waved away. "Our teams just got the okay to resume survey operations, heading back into the field tomorrow in fact. Penny's team also received clearance, and she had a few questions for us as we had more experience in the program."

Velvet's ear twitched, along with a raised brow from Fox. Penny was an unusual choice to attend such a meeting, not being her team's leader.

"I had heard your teams hadn't been deployed in the last few weeks. We were all surprised to hear it, I hadn't heard of any incidents that could have resulted in your suspension from the program." came the rabbit faunus's followup.

"Honestly it was nothing to be concerned about. Headmaster thought we could use some leave time in preparation for Vytal and to catch up on academics." Jaune explained, relaying the agreed upon cover story. "So time spent in the program was exchanged for a lot of team sparring and tactics reviews, not to mention catching up on a few assignments."

"I'm amazed you didn't raise a fuss at being grounded" came the rarely heard sound of Fox's voice. "You lot have been in the program since day one, with the perks to show for it."

"The perks are nice, but hey? Everyone needs a break or two every once in a while. Your team has been in the program nearly as long, and with third year missions and academics on top of the program i'm sure you can understand the need for some downtime." Ruby was used to comments related to the guild's very public showing of its amberite and other materials and wasn't surprised to have the subject brought up. "I've actually heard other teams have started receiving their allotments of amberite, has CFVY put in an order yet?"

Velvet couldn't argue against Ruby's first point, but was happy to divert the conversation to the second. "We have in fact. Yatsu's new sword should arrive this afternoon according to professor Mulberry. My partner's really quite excited to start practicing with it." Velvets partner wasn't the most expressive at Beacon, but rare was the huntsmen who wasn't keen to get their hands on the material in question.

"Good to hear." Ruby brighted as she started to discuss her favorite topic, "it's fascinating stuff. Conducts aura a wee bit different compared to other materials."

"So we've heard." Velvet admitted. She, like every other student in the program, had been given a primer on the substance by the Headmaster, in preparation for receiving their own samples. Jury was still out on what utility it might offer Velvet or Coco, but Fox had put in an order for a weapon for evaluation's sake. "I imagine you've learned a great deal about it due to your experience, given you were the first two teams to receive some. Ditto for some of the first to be issued aura-gen, but I suppose that is due to the contributions of Nora and Blake."

"They really put in some overtime there, but the core of that discovery is still Professor Peach's." Jaune said, knowing just how into chemistry Nora and Blake had been since their awakenings. "Amberite is actually a related discovery if you can believe it."

"Bit of dust here, some semblance there, and blammo, one dead grimm and makeshift amberite discovered. Headmaster Ozpin took it from there and with a bit of genius concocted a formula that was reproducible. The rest, as they say, is history." Ruby explained, again referring to the official story of how the substance came to be. "Our teams received the first samples as a way of rewarding the discovery. I guess we were just sort of fortunate in how circumstances lined up."

"Quite fortunate indeed." Fox said. "At least it resulted in a fair bit of work for the rest of us, securing sections of the Emerald Forest for harvest and development has been a major undertaking. My partner's pocketbook, and the local boutiques who profit from said pocketbook, greatly appreciate it."

"No argument there." Velvet added. Photography was an expensive profession, not to mention Anesidora's ongoing cost of use. The extra cash had been very useful for team CFVY

"On that note I think Coco's outfit should be ready by the end of the week, right Jaune?" Ruby said, turning to her friend.

"Oh? Oh yeah, Ren did say he had his part finished. I'll let you know when she can swing by to pick it up."

"I'm sure she'll be pleased to hear that." Fox said, "Coco's been chomping at the bit to try it on."

"Ren may be new at leatherworking, but he's got a talent for it. The tailored parts are also top notch, not to toot my own horn." Ruby barely resisted the urge to brush some dust off her shoulder.

"I'm sure she appreciates this. Oh look, we've arrived." Velvet said, thankful that Doctor Oobleck's class was in sight.

"Guess we should get to it then. Was nice talking to you two again. We should hang out sometime, schedules pending." Jaune said, Ruby in agreement.

"Sounds like fun." Velvet said, only a little unsure of herself. "Catch you later!" Velvet hurried into class about as politely as she could, trailed shortly by Fox who paused just a moment as he passed the two, before resuming his journey to his seat. Jaune and Ruby quickly headed to their own, exchanging their usual greetings with their teammates and partners, as well as silently debating and exchanging pleasantries and greetings with their newest guild member in guild chat as they waited for class to begin.

"Now students, I apologize for the inconvenience but I'll be deviating from the normally planned lecture today in favor of one inspired by an interesting line of inquiry by Ms Nikos." Doctor Oobleck said as he began to write on the class blackboard, a note of excitement in his voice.

That got a few mumbles from the assembled students. Dr. Oobleck was notorious for sticking to his schedule, and few had any idea as to what could be so exciting that he'd change things up.

Guild chat lit up in an instant.

[Yang]: Anyone have an idea what's got Oobleck in a fluster?

[Pyrrha]: I think so. Jaune and I had asked a few questions related to our profession research's while back, and it would appear today is when we'll get our answers.

Now that had the guild's interest. Pens and notebooks were readied to record any information the good doctor could provide.

"Now, can any of you tell me the eight virtues of a huntsman?" The professor inquired as he wrote the same on the blackboard. Ciel's arm shot up.

"Yes Ms Soleil."

The Atlas student stood and spoke with clear conviction. "Valor, humility, honor, honesty, justice, compassion, sacrifice, and loyalty." Ciel earned some nods of approval from some of the more academically minded students in the audience.

"Well done Ms Soleil." The professor said as he listed them on the blackboard. "It is these guiding principles that govern the behavior of the modern huntsmen or huntress, and our adherence to them is what separates us from those who would use their gifts for less honorable pursuits." Oobleck didn't have to elaborate on that point. Remnant was filled with bandits and others who had turned their skills from hunting grimm to filling their purse with stolen goods, or worse.

"Now, who can tell me the origin of the aforementioned eight virtues?" Oobleck said, following up on his earlier question.

"Oh, me, me!" Ruby said, waving an arm.

"Ms. Rose" Doctor Oobleck acknowledged.

"They were written into the academy's charters by the founder of the Academy system, the Hero King of Vale himself." The name drew whoops of pride from the Vale and Vacuo natives, and more than a few eye rolls from Atlas and Mistral students.

"Indeed his majesty did codify them into our Academy's charter, but what would you say if I told you that the King of Vale was not the original source of the eight virtues?"

"Probably something like: Wha?" Ruby said, earning a few laughs from the class.

Oobleck nodded, "An unsurprising response, Ms. Rose." Ruby blushed as she faded back into her seat, resisting the urge to hide under her hood. "Moving on, is anyone here familiar with the name "Sunspear"?" The professor wrote the name on the blackboard alongside the eight virtues.

Pyrrha sat tall in her seat, recognizing the name, a few Shade students doing the same.

[Pyrrha: Ears open folks, looks like we hit paydirt.]

"Um" Dew said, scratching her head, " I think it's a tavern on the southern side of Vacuo?"

"True, and quite the lovely establishment at that, though not exactly what I was referring to." Doctor Oobleck said, earning a shrug from the Shade student and laughs from her peers. "Anyone else?"

"The Kenyte tribe elders used to speak that name, some of the oldest even claimed to have met one." Fox said, stunning some of his classmates. "They were folk heroes of old, huntsmen of an irregular sort that stood against the grimm of their day."

"Outstanding Mr Alistair" Doctor Oobleck said. "The tavern and the folk heroes of the old desert are both reference to the same group: a militant order of huntsmen known as The Sunspear Order. It is from the creed of this organization that the eight virtues were taken." Oobleck drew a line connecting the name to the virtues.

"Upon joining the Sunspears a recruit was required to declare their allegiance to a particular creed, which was as follows:

'The Sunspears were born of a need to protect a world. By joining this order, we declare our dedication to the people of Remnant.

We will defend our world from every threat, whether large or small, martial, mystical, or supernatural. We will strike down foes and lift up allies. A Sunspear never fights alone.

We will live in accordance with the eight virtues: valor, humility, honor, honesty, justice, compassion, sacrifice, and loyalty.

We respect all but answer only to our own. We are the unbreakable wall to shelter the innocent, the unstoppable arrow to pierce the enemy, the unsuppressed voice of support and resistance.'

'I know these words' Pyrrha thought to herself as the coffee addicted professor wrote them on the board. 'I've heard them before, when I first met you.' Pyrrha had seen warriors recite it in the fractured images she'd seen of Komirs life, though there were some small differences in the exact wording.

'Your memory serves you well, herald.' Spoke Kormir spoke from the mists.

Doctor Oobleck continued his lecture. "The sunspears as I mentioned were a militant order of huntsmen and huntresses who originated in the kingdom of Vacuo some 200 years ago. Whereas most huntsmen of the day were bound to a kingdom, a village or settlement, the sunspears charged themselves to go wherever they were needed. They patrolled the desert, seeking out and destroying Grimm wherever they could be found, and providing aid to any person who needed it." The doctor noted this on the blackboard as he spoke.

"As word of their deeds spread, more and more recruits joined their ranks, and soon they represented a significant military power in the kingdom. The Sunspear Order established bases of operations and even started to expand into and attract recruits from the other kingdoms, an unheard of event in those days."

"If they were such big shots, then why haven't we heard about them before?"

"Excellent observation, Mr Winchester. While they claimed neutrality in political affairs, concerning themselves only with the Grimm and resisting banditry, the kingdom could not ignore the potential threat they posed and thus began to chip away at their authority and resources by enacting various regulations and limits to where and how the Sunspears could operate. Pressure no doubt compounded by the influence the other kingdoms had in Vacuo at the time."

Doctor Oobleck added these factors to the board and continued, ignoring the grumbling from some of the Shade students at the mention of foriegn influence.

"The order obeyed the laws they were subjected to and their numbers declined, though they proved to be quite resealant and maintained sufficient forces to carry on their vigilance, having so endeared themselves to the population as to sustain some level of recruitment activities".

The professor sighed, removing his glasses to polish them.

"When the Great War broke out, the kingdoms at last saw the opportunity to eliminate them once and for all. The kingdoms seized the orders foreign and later domestic bases in the name of the war effort, alongside much of the dust and other strategic materials they had accumulated. Starved of resources the order began to falter, and like sharks smelling blood in the water the kingdoms moved in for the kill. Soon they came for the Sunspear personnel as well, demanding that the order's members return home to aid their respective kingdoms' armies. While the order itself professed neutrality, it was impossible for members to ignore the threat their home villages and cities were under. The Sunspears found themselves dealing with mass dissertations and internal conflicts as morale and discipline began to break down. Unable to martial forces of any appreciable number, and internal order breaking down by the day, the Sunspear Order unceremoniously dissolved.`

Doctor Obleck sighed, "Tragic that an organization that had weathered the grimm and outlaws would fall to mere politics."

"Are we not to endure in any world?" Komir mused, in somber tones. Pyrrha raised a brow at that. 'Other worlds? ' She thought to herself. Pyrrha knew that the mists themselves were something of a parallel reality, as was the underworld Ruby drew power from, but she'd never considered that they could link to places other than Remnant.

"As society rebuilt from the ashes of the war, the kingdoms made sure that the histories that had survived or were to be written would speak little of the Sunspears, and took steps to prevent their recreation. The treaty of Vytal would go so far as to explicitly ban militant orders of huntsmen or other peoples, save for those who served directly under a kingdom's government. Atlas would later use these accords to justify their crack down on groups such as the White Fang, arguing they were in violation of such provisions." Oobleck explained, adding more notes to the blackboard on various censorship and reconciliation laws passed post war.

Blake clenched her fist, knowing well the charges many of her former comrades had been subjected to, including some she herself had help detain at the docks. In Vale such violations merited civilian punishment, while in Atlas one could find themselves in military custody.

"If the kingdoms opposed the Sunspears, why did Vale reuse their virtues for the huntsmen academies?"

"The kingdoms, Ms. Schnee, opposed the order's organization, not its ideals." Obleck explained.

"The Order's more noble ideals survived in many ways. Our profession's current model of education, license, and missions send us far and wide, going where we are needed to oppose the Grimm and provide aid. We organize as teams to provide mutual support. Currently only those who directly work for the military are provided ranks or commissions."

Weiss knew that all too well. Growing up in Atlas there was a clear line between civilian and military huntsmen, both in terms of missions undertaken and the respect each group earned from the Atlas Council. Said council made no attempt to hide their bias in how each was treated. Those Atlas huntsmen who forsook the academy-to-military pipeline found themselves facing notable backlash from Atlas high society.

"The Order also survives in one additional way, as someone familiar with their emblem can attest." Obbleck said, as he pointed to a drawing of the sunspear emblem.

Jaune's face lit up in recognition. "That's the Remnant Hunters Guild's emblem!"

"Indeed it is, Mr Arc." The professor confirmed. "While forbidden from organizing militarily, there was nothing preventing huntsmen from organizing in other ways. Former Sunspears founded the modern guild, which like the academies carried on their legacy and ideals. I'm proud to be a member of the guild myself, and quite pleased to see so many students as of late joining our organization. The guild itself is a valuable source of more than just fraternal ties and is in fact an excellent source of information, job opportunities, discounts on goods and services and more. Those interested in membership can feel free to see me after class." Some students rolled their eyes at the obvious sales pitch, but others took note.

"But what of Kormir? I noticed you didn't mention her." Pyrrha said.

"Ah yes, Komir. Thank you, Ms Nikos." Oobleck said, returning his attention to the blackboard. "Little is known about Komir, the Sunspears warrior philosopher and founder of the order, and what exists just adds to the enigma that was her life. Her background is a mystery, seemingly just appearing in a remote settlement deep in the desert and from there helping to organize the first Sunspear cohort. Kormir is said to have drilled them in more than just military matters, but also in philosophy and ethics. Under her instruction they were transformed from scattered desert warriors and hunters into an elite force to contend with the Grimm. Though heralded as the first spearmarshell of the sunspear order, the order's highest rank, there is no record of her ever seeing combat personally."

'But I've seen you fight, I remember it clearly.' Pyrrha thought, recalling images she remembered from her and Kormirs first meeting.

"The situation is far more complicated than the good doctor described. " came her unseen benefactor's response.

'How so?'

'Now that, herald, you shall soon discover yourself.'

A follow up question died on Pyrrha's tongue as the bell rang, drawing the class to a close.

"I'm afraid that's all for today, students. Anyone interested in learning more or attaining guild membership can feel free to drop by my office during office hours. Class dismissed. "
The good doctor rapidly gathered his things and zipped out of the classroom without further remark.

The professor having excused himself the rest of the students gathered their things and started to file out themselves, teams RWBY and JNPR no exception.

"So yeah, emergency 'study hall' after afternoon classes?" Ruby said referring to the public cover for their library based guild meetings. None among the guild present offered any disagreement in the flurry of party messages and whisper chat that was flying around as the guild compared notes.

/=/

Afternoon classes over, the teams sans their newest guild member met up in one of the libraries private team study rooms. Penny had regrettably declined attendance,having some other conflicting engagement until a bit later. As the door shut, the students took their seats and brought out their notes from Oobleck's class.

"So, like anyone else's mind like totally blown here?" Nora said, with appropriate hand gestures.

"Ancient armies, inter kingdom conspiracies, and hidden connections between the past and today." Yang said counting off on her fingers. "If this was a movie, i'd have called it out for being nonsense. But from Oobleck? I'm all in here."

"Does anyone else find the timing of all this to be strange?" Pyrrha said, "Two figures, both connected to you know what, shrouded in mystery and active at the same time period in the past. That can't be a coincidence"

"Not just the past, but the present as well, as we both are aware." Ruby said, making the connection. "Well, in one fashion or another, or at least people with the same names, and physical appearances."

"Which is impossible, given the time scales of their respective initial appearance. It's not possible for anyone, human or faunus, to live that long." Weiss added, drawing reluctant agreement from her friends.

"True, but we don't know just how the mists function, nor if you know who is alive or if they are passed" Pyrrha clarified, "She doesn't exactly talk about herself much and If anything, she prefers to talk about myself, the state the world, and so on."

"Hopefully she's a bit more chatty if we tailor our questions right. After all, she's the only direct connection we have with whom we can communicate, regardless of how clammy she is. No offense."

"She says none taken." Pyrrha noted, relaying the remark from her benefactor in the mists.

"This all makes me wonder how many more people from that era are around, in some form or another today. Or rather, how many references to them we just haven't come across." Jaune said, with genuine curiosity.

"Talk about a needle in a haystack." Yang added. "Where would we even start with a search like that?"

"The only place we can: with what we have." Weiss said. "The professor has given us several additional connections to cross reference, as well as a time period where this all started. In both cases we have a person of interest who has a mysterious background and seemingly vanished only to reappear centuries later. What we are looking for are people of similar mysterious circumstances who also appear in some way today. "

"We also have a trend going: each known person of interest appeared in a separate kingdom or geographical area." Nora added. "What are the odds this holds true for the other kingdoms as well?"

"While interesting, that is still a large amount of ground to cover, especially when dealing with ancient tales from across the world. Separating myth from fact is not going to be an easy task." Offered Ren, following his partner's line of reasoning.

"Perhaps Doctor Oobleck or the headmasters can assist here as well." Pyrrha Suggested.

"Actually, maybe we should hold off there. With the headmasters I mean." Yang said unexpectedly.

"Why is that?" Weiss inquired.

Yang straightened up in her seat. "Well it's like this: The headmasters, being the head of their respective academies and sitting on the kingdoms councils had to have known the name "Sunspear" and yet Professor Ozpin hadn't raised the subject before, despite knowing about Pyrrha's misty benefactor. Pretty suspicious if you ask me."

"Are you suggesting they are withholding information?" Weiss sounded aghast at the very idea of it. "Remember what Professor Goodwitch told us after the docks: we can trust them. To date they have been nothing but helpful."

"On some matters, yes." Blake added, finally breaking her silence. "But those things were related to matters the kingdoms have an interest in such as the white fang or materials advancements, or that which ties into the source of our abilities such as the matter with Dwayna."

Blake stood and paced before her friends.

"But here things are different. The Sunspear Order would violate the Vytal Treaty as Doctor Oobleck explained, and we are already dangerously close to being classified as a militant order ourselves given the guilds structure and the effect we have on kingdom power dynamics."

"The first thing the headmasters requested after learning about us was a liaison, after all." Jaune added, seeing Blake's point. "Not that I don't trust Penny or Professor Goodwitch. The professor has proven herself to be a trustworthy ally, and Penny seems to be nice enough all things considered."

Blake continued "The headmasters have to look out for the kingdom's interests, as well as ours as students. Protecting those interests may mean not involving us in matters that could make things more difficult down the road, even if it results in a roadblock in understanding our abilities. If word got back that Professor Ozpin had introduced us to the concept, it could result in trouble for both us and the headmaster if the rest of Vale's council found out."

"Which could jeopardize his position, and result in who knows what sort of eyes falling on us." Ruby didn't know much about the rest of the council, but certainly didn't want them looking into their affairs or worse: trying to use the guild to their own advantage.

"If that's the case, then maybe Doctor Oobleck has given us a way to bypass the headmaster, whose hands may be tied by outside interests." Ren said, drawing the group's attention. "Oobleck made both the Sunspears and their history a subject of open debate around campus. I'd suspect that with all the commotion around them among the student body, we'll have all the cover we'd need to make inquiries ourselves via other more academic channels. Granted we'd still have to be sure we don't cross any lines that get us in political trouble."

Ruby mulled the idea around, finding it reasonable enough. "While I trust the headmasters and believe that Professor Ozpin was not acting in any sort of malice, it's probably prudent we don't rely on him for this matter. What would life be without its challenges, Am I right?." Ruby's comment earned her a few chuckles. "Thankfully we've become pretty adept at investigating this sort of thing on our own. Pyrrha hit up the good Doctor and see if either he or your benefactor can give us any additional details or point us in the right direction. RWBY hit the stacks here in the library and see what shakes loose, Ren and Nora help out. Let's hope a few volumes here and there slipped through any kingdom meddling, after all OoBlek learned about this somewhere. Also keep an eye on the news feeds for any unusual activities related to the white fang or any past names suddenly recurring in the present. We may have a new mystery on our hands, but as we all know, the white fang nor torchwick are sitting on their hands, despite being out of the news. Jaune, I'd ask you to focus on the second point, historical names showing up again. You've stumbled across one once, maybe your luck will hold."

"Sounds good." Jaune said, "I'll also see if I can cross reference any of the events in my tomes, maybe some clues are staring us in the face there."

"Let me know if anything comes to mind I should run by Doctor Oobleck there, Jaune. He is our history professor as we all know."

"Thanks Pyrrha, I'll keep that in mind."

Ruby nodded satisfactorily. "I'll handle orientation for Penny and get her up to speed and set up equipment wise, as she'll be heading out with us tomorrow. She's also got a knack for researching stuff and I'm sure she'll get a kick out of this. Likewise I'll relay what we've learned to the adults in the guild, and see if they have any ideas. Who knows, maybe they would have run across something of note during their careers academically or as huntsmen."

"Sounds like a plan, sis." Yang said standing up and brushing down her skirt, the others following instep as the guild filed out the door to get started on their tasks.

It was time for the guild to get to work.

=/=

Authors notes:

Well hello again folks. I didn't expect this one to take quite so long to put out, it's been sitting half done on my good drive since like, July of last year. Life has a nasty way of shifting priorities, and well, writing fell by the wayside.

On the up side, I did get some nice art of Glynda commissioned: .

Next commission will probably be Penny. Once i decide on an appropriate outfit/armor for her. I'm really learning toward something based off the one Scarlet wore.

Drawn by the very talented Zinfian, Here is Glynda sporting more or less what she'd be wearing by the time of the breach. It's an actual outfit from Guildwars 2, the astral scholar outfit. Imagine the lighting effects only show when she's using dust/semblance.

I am aware that End of Dragons has now been released, and as a result we have nine more elite professions. Worry not, those will be folded into the story in time, as i've already mentioned in universe that specs are not necessarily set in stone. Mechanics of this change to be revealed later.

Next chapter should get us back into action, and will hopefully get this ball rolling toward the events of volume 2, which i've been dying to write for a while now. I'm having to stretch the timeline here a bit compared to the show, as Volume 2 is actually a very, very short amount of time set some weeks to months after volume 1.

So right now we are in some lull of time between the events of volume 1, and the "paint the town" investigation. As at that point things roll very fast in the show and it's like a week from that investigation to the dance to the breach. I've got a few things that need to be set up before then, so the white fang investigation will really kick off in about three chapters or so.