Authors Note: Thanks to anyone taking the effort to read this. I apologize my grammar isn't the best. I know the story seems very Ironwood centric now and he'll always be a main character but in the next couple chapters we'll switch focus to Jaunes point of view. One question I had is on the topic of weapons. I'm not giving Jaune Crocea Mors as I don't think it will fit the design I want to shape Jaune into in the story. He will be using a shield though and I was curious if anyone had an opinion on him using an energy shield vs a metal shield. I'm not sure at the moment so if anyone has an opinion and wants to comment I'll take it into account. Thats all for now!

If one were to look up from the streets of Mantle today they might notice a military bullhead flying low over the city and entering Atlas airspace before coming down to land on an academy docking space. This of course isn't an uncommon occurrence given Atlas academy's nature of being the nation's seat of both political and military power. This particular bullhead is important to us however due to it being the private transport of Captain James Ironwood.

He had been woken up several minutes ago by the pilote telling him they were approaching for landing and had gotten himself around and presentable as necessary for his position. He had his rest but now it's time to get back to work. Barely has the bullhead touched down before he's striding down the ramp coat flattering behind him in the harsh Atlas weather. He makes his way inside the academy welcoming the warmth and familiar surroundings. His counterpart in Vale might find the surroundings spartan and emotionless but to James they speak of discipline and strength. He walks down the white and grey halls past paintings and busts of past headmasters, famous huntsmen, and figures of Atlasian legend.

There are few students in the halls due to his arrival being during class hours. However the few he does see salute to attention to which he responds with a distracted nod before continuing past. He eventually makes his way to his office where he changes out of his coat and stores the armor he had been wearing due to the nature of the mission he returned from.

Atlas academy serves as both a training center for huntsmen and for soldiers in Atlas. But as much as they are combined more than in other nations they are still separated. The top most floors consist of the academy grounds while the farther you go down the tower the more active military personnel you will come across. This was intentionally designed both to have a line of defense between the children and teens in training and anyone who enters the building but also due to Atlas' history of rebellions needing to be quelled in Mantle due to political unrest.

Jaune is being treated in the military med center so after changing Ironwood boards an elevator to go down to see how he is doing. The med center is not as large as a conventional hospital like you might find outside in Atlas proper but it's larger than expected due to all the military use and the occasional overflow of student injuries. As much as aura helps prevent accidents, training teenagers in combat is still a rather difficult and dangerous job. As Ironwood enters the center he's quickly flagged down by a staff member and led to Jaunes' room where a doctor is waiting for him.

The doctor nods to him, "Good evening Captain, I hope your flight back went off with no difficulties. But on to the reason you're here, Mr. Arc has proven so far to be in fairly solid condition. He has lacerations up and down his chest, with a few extending onto his arms and neck. Thankfully none went deep enough to hit any organs and he avoided having any arteries hit. However all the same he did lose a lot of blood which is why we already ended up giving him a transfusion. Thankfully his family is all on record due to their dual citizenship in Atlas. That went off without any issues as did tending and bandaging his wounds, however" and here the doctor started to trail off and refused to meet Ironwood's eyes.

Ironwood felt his heart sink and he quickly took a step forward grabbing the doctors shoulder. "What? What's the issue with Jaune doctor?"

The doctor let out a sigh. "Well you see that's the issue Captain. I can't say what the issue is because we don't know for sure yet. Mr. Arc took a lot of damage yes and the blood loss was enough to cause him to pass out. However he still hasn't returned to consciousness and we're not sure why. It's been enough time that if it was just blood loss he would be awake by now. From what the report says and from the wounds he was only struck by a beowolf, not a species of grimm containing anysort of toxin. Our best guess at the moment is he struck his head in some manner and we're just not seeing it on our scans yet. Now while this isn't a reason to panic, yet at least. It's still something that I find concerning and I would like to deal with."

Ironwood looked at the doctor. "You want to activate Jaunes' aura I'm guessing? I know it's possible but he's also only seven. From what I understand most people who have there's activated have it done at around 11 or 12 to coincide with their entrance into combat school. Is there any downside to activating it so young?"

The doctor grimaced. "Yes, typically people wait till at least 11 to activate a child's aura, and there is a reason for it. But I can at least tell you it's not a physical reason. The problem is children are by nature rather clumsy. This stage is where they're still learning and developing their physical references to the world. Suddenly giving them what basically equates to a constant force field can sometimes lead to children engaging in reckless behavior and developing rather rash tendencies."

Ironwood gave a tired chuckle. "Yes, well as an educator I can certainly understand that reasoning. I'm assuming with what you've said that you think it's worth the effort of having to watch him more carefully to activate his aura now and hope it can heal whatever is causing him to remain unconscious?"

The doctor nodded. "Yes, while like I said I don't think he's in any immediate danger I am concerned and the better the situation is resolved the better I think. The risk of activating his aura is as you said certainly negligible as long as you're aware of what may happen and you watch him and teach him well. And given that it might fix the unknown problem I would recommend it."

Ironwood gestured into the room. "Lead the way then please."

Ironwood followed the doctor further into the room proper and stood next to Jaunes bed. He had bandages wrapped over most of his chest and some on his arms and neck. However now that he was cleaned up and treated he looked much better then when Ironwood first saw him at the manor. He was relieved to notice this and how much more color there was in Jaunes skin after the transfusion. He stared at the boy with curiosity in his eyes pondering if he was making the right choice here. He sighed while thinking to himself that somehow it was more difficult taking care of one child personally then all the ones he was in charge of as headmaster.

Ironwood leaned over and rested his palm on Jaunes head before beginning to speak. "For it is in passing that we achieve immortality. Through this, we become a paragon of virtue and glory to rise above all. Infinite in distance and unbound by death, I release your soul, and by my shoulder, protect thee." He hesitated for a second then continued to speak. " By these words I free thee, may your soul fly free in the winds above, but may it grow with the strength of roots of iron."

The doctor looked at him confused. "Not to question you captain but I've never heard those last words used before in an awakening?"

Ironwood smiled gently. "That's because it's a phrase added solely by my family. It's been a tradition for so far back that no one knows why. But I thought while I may not be his blood father I am responsible for him now, so I should give him every protection I can."

The doctor hmmed. "While I can't say I understand the meaning of the words, I'm glad to see you taking such a quick interest in the boys' well being. He's been through quite a dramatic experience and when he wakes up he'll need someone who cares for him as a person, not a military commander. If you'll excuse my saying so sir."

Ironwood laughed. "No, no worries doctor I understand what you mean completely and no offense is taken. I've spent most my life as a soldier and I have no doubt it's left my bedside manner somewhat lacking in some areas. But his parents entrusted him to me and I'll do my best to not let them down." His face shifted to one of pain. "Speaking of which I better go deal with the other issues surrounding their deaths. My day isn't over yet. You'll contact me as soon as he wakes up, yes?"

The doctor nodded. "Of course sir, I'll keep my eye on him and let you know when it seems he's waking up."

With a nod goodbye Ironwood took his leave of the med center and started making his way back to his office. Well that's one thing done he thought to himself. Now to contact Oz and let him know what's going on and see if he has any insight about the situation. While normally he would be happy to talk to his admittedly eccentric friend these were less than happy circumstances and he had to force himself from dragging his feet.

Before sitting down at his desk James poured himself a generous portion of Mistalian whiskey to help things go smoother. He sat down and activated his computer and started a call to beacon. After a few seconds a familiar face popped up on the screen in front of him. Most would be slightly intimidated by a man of his status but James simply smiled tiredly.

"Hello Oz. It's good to see you even if I wish I was calling with better news."

Ozpin nodded, frowning. "A situation too familiar to us old friend. I assume by the fact that you're drinking so early in the evening I'll want another cup of coffee when hearing this." He sighed and reached off screen to grab a pitcher and poured it into his mug while gesturing with his other hand for James to speak.

James sighed. "It's bad Oz, real bad. All of the Arc family but two are dead, Saffron who's in her first year at your academy and their only son who survived by hiding and barely fighting off a beowolf leading to a coma. Not to mention early reports estimate about a 60 percent casualty rate for the villagers and most of the place was set on fire. And, well to be honest with you I think she's somehow involved Oz."

Ozpin's eyes that had been showing sorrow for the lives cut down so far suddenly sharpened to deadly intensity. "That's a heavy accusation James, what makes you think that that's the case he asked?" "Not that I doubt you of course,'' he continued, softening somewhat. But if you're right this marks a breach in the unstable peace we've been enjoying."

James nodded. "I understand Oz, no worries. But this wasn't just Grimm and I don't believe it was just a random attack either. Vytal was somewhat isolated but the village was well stocked with hunters and grimm rarely reach the island because of distance. Not to mention to me it looked like the grimm were just a distraction or were working with humans. I haven't gotten any interviews from witnesses yet but there was clear evidence of humans being there." He paused for a second. "It could be bandits I'll admit, but why would bandits clear up the bodies of their own force? They're wild dogs who care for gold and nothing else. No, I think these were trained individuals who knew what they were doing. They were there to kill the Arcs. Can you really imagine some random bandits taking down Vert and Lissa? Outside of STRQ and a few others, those two were some of the best of our generation."

The silence grew for a minute as they both looked at each other through the screen. James sat and sipped his whiskey while he watched Ozpin sit with his fingers clasped together. He had known Oz long enough to see when he was deep in thought and to give him time to put things together.

With an exhale Ozpin picked up his mug and downed its contents in one go before looking back at James. "Yes, he admitted, I can see your point. While I'm still not convinced this is her doing I don't believe it was random. The Arcs are after all an old family with numerous enemies. However the chance is too high to ignore, so I will be sending out a warning to members of the circle and our other close allies like the Arcs were."

James nodded satisfied with this. "I will be looking over things on my end. I have a team investigating at the village so perhaps more details will come to light one way or another about who was behind this. Of course I'll have to look into getting the people treatment and determine what to do with Vytal after the attack. It's too important historically and strategically to abandon but I doubt all the people will feel safe going back after the attack. I will of course send you details of the funeral so you can arrange for Saffron to attend. Speaking of, do you want to tell her as her headmaster or would you rather I make the call as family and the one who will be taking her in?"

Ozpin thought for a second before responding. "While you will need to speak with her soon I think it best she has someone in person telling her about the situation." He sighed. "It's late but I'll have Glynda get her and help me explain the situation to her. When young Mr Arc awakes I would recommend seeing what he knows as he might be the only living person on our side who saw the attackers depending on how careful they were. I'm sure it will be hard on him but we need to know as soon as possible. I'll keep you updated on my side please do the same on yours James. Oh and before I let you go do remember to manage the press on your side. They'll go after this story like vultures and the children don't need that."

James cursed. "Fuck, I didn't even think to how they might react. I'll keep an eye on it, thank you for reminding me. I'll let you go now and handle things on your end. I'm going to check and make sure Jaune hasn't had any changes and then try to get some rest before tomorrow. Good night Oz."

Ozpin nodded back before the connection cut out leaving the room silent besides a clock ever ticking. James finished his drink before calling down to the med bay and finding out that no there had been no change as of yet. After that James filed the initial reports on the incident before finally heading to bed.