Advance
0700
Gylnda's Apartment, Atlas
Glynda's living quarters were exactly what Winter expected. Rows of books coupled with dark wooden furniture and the occasional rug and potted plant reminded Winter of a library or a cafe she would find in the middle of Vale.
It made Winter feel conscious about her own living quarters, and how devoid of personal life and touch it was in comparison.
Qrow and Winter had arrived in the morning. The meeting had been requested by Ozpin, and while he did not disclose the nature of the meeting, Winter could guess.
As they sat down around Glynda's wooden dining table sipping on hot tea and coffee, Winter took a moment to breathe. The muscles in her body had loosened significantly, and her new sense of purpose had cleared the dark clouds in her mind.
Two other scrolls were on the table projecting holographic videos of two other people.
Winter recognized them. She had seen General Ironwood talking to these individuals before, albeit that was a very long time ago.
Leonardo Lionheart, the headmaster of Haven Academy glanced left and right, his hands fidgeting with something out of the frame. The headmaster definitely has seen better days. His hair was almost completely white, and Winter could see deep dark circles under his eyes.
Headmaster Theodore of Shade Academy, by contrast, looked a lot better. His loose dark hair had flecks of grey and white, but his eyes were sharp. The tight clothing he wore accented his well-sculpted figure, something Winter had heard he was fond of showing.
"Winter Schnee," Ozpin nodded to her, "allow me to formally introduce you to Professor Theodore and Lionheart,"
"Legionnaire Captain Winter Schnee, at your service," Winter said sharply. She felt Qrow flinch beside her. Perhaps it had been too sharp and formal. She added, in a softer voice, "We have been acquainted in the past."
"Indeed. I've seen your face before, girl," Theodore smiled, "James kept you around all the time. Truthfully, I thought James had kept you around because of your family name, like some sort of trophy."
Winter bristled, and she felt Qrow bristle beside her too. Slowly, she nodded, "Yes, Professor Theodore. I was General Ironwood's adjutant for most of my early career."
"I'm glad to see actual skill and ability behind the name," Theodore laughed, "no wonder James kept you."
"If I may be so bold to ask, Ozpin," Lionheart began, "why her?"
"You kidding me, Leo?" Qrow jabbed a thumb at Winter, "You have her to thank for even talking to Ozpin at all."
"One rescue operation proves no-" Leonardo began, but Glynda cut him off.
"I can provide full reports of combat operations undertaken by Winter and her men, if you so wish, Leonardo," Glynda said coolly, "but know this. Whether she knows it or not, she had been in the thick of fight while you hid in your academy."
Lionheart sputtered.
"Glynda, my dear," Theodore said, "such strong words. Let's not give our new recruit a bad impression now, hmmm?"
Ozpin cleared his throat. Everyone fell silent.
"As you may all be aware, my return has not gone unnoticed by our enemies." Ozpin began.
"That's putting it lightly," Qrow barked a harsh laugh. That earned him a sharp look from Glynda.
"Once again, I must thank Ms. Schnee and her men," Qrow nodded to Winter, "they have guaranteed my safety, and have gone above and beyond what is expected of them in the face of this threat."
Winter inclined her head.
"Tyrian Callows is dead," Glynda stated, "his body has been incinerated with wood harvested from Forever Fall to prevent ritual resurrection. No doubt, this is a major blow to Salem and her forces."
"You killed him?" Leonardo asked incredulously, "You killed the ripper of Anima? Truly?"
"I cannot claim full credit," Winter clarified, " it was one of my men that dealt the finishing blow."
Leonardo frowned, whereas Theodore just folded his arms, unimpressed.
"This is terrific news, no doubt about it," Theodore said, "but unless we are also recruiting the rest of Winter's men, then-"
"We are," Glynda said, "Winter and her men were instrumental in denying the enemy of their objective last week. The actions of her and her squad have no doubt saved many lives."
Winter grimaced. Not enough.
"Good. Good," Theodore said slowly as if savoring the news like wine, "your men must be good."
"Very," Winter allowed herself a wolfish grin.
"Have you been brought up to speed on what we are facing, Ms. Schnee?" Leonardo asked, "This isn't the run-of-the-mill Huntsman contract."
"I know of the Maidens and Salem. I have gleaned what I could from the interrogation of Adam Taurus," Winter said, "but details elude me."
"A good enough start," Theodore nodded, "I assume you do not know of Salem's inner circle, then."
Ozpin glanced at Qrow, "Go ahead, Qrow. I know you have been keeping tabs on our targets of interest, but as you may guess, I am a bit outdated."
"We have several confirmed names. Those haven't changed for a long time," Qrow nodded, "but, there are several new additions to Salem's inner circle, but I do not know much about them. They are as much of an unknown to you as they are to me."
"Names and identities of the confirmed members?" Winter asked.
"Arthur Watts. A very prominent Atlas scientist. He was involved in the Fall of Beacon, and I suspect he was partially responsible for Tyrian's infiltration."
Winter frowned, the name rang a bell but couldn't put a finger on it. "A prominent Atlas scientist? Surely Atlas Intelligence would have known."
"Unfortunately, no," with a flick of her hand Glynda shared the dossier onto Winter's scroll, "like Tyrian Callows, most if not all of Salem's agents are officially dead."
Winter glanced over the image of a mustached man. He did look like the intellectual type, and the mustache uncomfortably reminded her of her father. Officially, he had died from what was known as the Paladin incident. The first batch of prototypes of a Paladin had been possessed by an elder Geist, which Winter surprisingly knows of. She had been on standby to support the Ace Ops, but it had been resolved without her support, albeit at the cost of one of the Ace Ops.
"No one looks for a dead man," Winter whispered. Her throat tightened.
"Exactly" Theodore suddenly said, "Leo. You remember when that bastard was captured, don't you?"
Leonardo nodded, "Yes. A tragic day too. We lost a good Huntsman for nothing. Poor Pickerel, may the Brothers rest his soul. Officially, Tyrian died from an airship crash. We know better."
"Precisely," Qrow nodded, "Two other members I know of include Hazel Rainart and Cinder Fall. Their backgrounds, I do not know much of."
Winter felt her heart drop. While her expression didn't change, she felt Qrow's eyes linger on her for a few moments. He had the uncanny ability to detect her subtle shifts in mood.
"Any information on them?"
"Hazel is a graduate of Beacon Academy," Ozpin smiled sadly, "I lament the day he decided to take the path of darkness. As for Cinder Fall, she was there at the Fall of Beacon, and there she acquired the powers of the Fall Maiden."
This, of course, Winter already knew. Adam Taurus had been forthcoming on any information he had on Cinder Fall. However, she wanted - no, needed- confirmation on something else.
"What's Cinder Fall's background. Does anyone know?"
Ozpin shook his head, "Nothing, unfortunately. Just one of the many citizens of Remnant corrupted by Salem."
Winter inwardly cursed. She had hoped for a confirmation. It was ultimately irrelevant. Personal connection and feelings aside, the mission doesn't change.
"I assume each of them leads their own specialized team too," Winter said, trying to keep her voice level, "they couldn't be working alone."
"Indeed not, but they are secretive if anything and our resources are limited," Glynda said.
"Limited?" Winter asked, "Surely not."
"That is what makes our mission difficult. The world is not ready to accept the existence of magic, much less ancient beings like Salem. We cannot utilize our entire arsenal, hence our little circle," Ozpin explained.
"Then judging by our lack of resources, do we even know where Salem is?" Winter asked. The lack of information was astounding. She had learned in her career that victory often relies on information, and they were definitely losing on that part.
"No," Ozpin admitted, "even back when I was headmaster of Beacon Academy, it remains the same. Public knowledge will only serve to compromise both of us. She knows it, I know it."
Winter sighed, but she understood. Humanity has the tendency to destroy things unknown to them, especially things that are a threat to their way of life.
"We do not have solid leads, but we have a direction," Winter said, "Adam Taurus has confirmed his involvement with Cinder Fall, and given their objective in Atlas, it is safe to assume Salem's involvement."
She turned to look at Lionheart, who flinched under her gaze, "barring direction action in Menagerie, the only direction we have pointed to Mistral. The criminal group known as the Spiders were involved in the White Fang infiltration. I believe it is best to start looking there. With permission, of course." She nodded towards Ozpin, Glynda, and Lionheart.
"Raring to go, aren't we?" Theodore maintained his smile, but there was no warmth in them, "they did say you were Jimmy's bloodhound."
"Theo," Qrow growled, "enough." Winter simply rolled her eyes.
Ozpin regarded Winter, as if he was trying to read her mind, "if you think that is the way forward, then by all means. Glynda, Leonardo. Please ensure Ms. Schnee has as much support as you can muster."
"At most, I can give support with Huntsmen resources," Lionheart shifted in his seat, "I'm going to need your Scroll IDs to grant Mistral access. Tread carefully, though. While the Spiders are notorious in Mistral, you are an outsider. The Mistral council won't view whatever actions you take here in a favorable light."
"I will forward my team's IDs," Winter nodded, "As for the Mistral council, that is to be expected. We'll keep it quiet."
"Atlas Academy's Huntsmen resources are a given. However, military support might have a bit of an issue, as usual," Glynda inclined her head, "the council might make it difficult, especially now."
"If the Atlas council becomes an issue," Winter said, "please remind councilwoman Hill that…she owes me, and she owes my men."
Glynda paused. It looked like she wanted to say something, but decided against it, "Of course."
"Is that wise, Ozpin?" Lionheart asked, the edge of anxiety in his voice, "Qrow, you must remember what happened to your team last time you went on the offensive."
"Don't remind me," Qrow sighed. Winter risked a glance at the man. She had felt his semblance flare. Somewhere in Glynda's house, a light bulb popped in a surge of electricity.
Qrow shot the woman an apologetic look.
For a moment Winter felt the overwhelming urge to touch him, to reassure him. She decided against it. It would be improper.
"Leo, my friend," Ozpin fixed the man with a stare, "are you against this course of action?"
"O-of course not, Oz," Lionheart said after a pause, "I simply advise caution."
"You are right to be wary, Leo. Salem is much more adept in the game of shadows than I am, unfortunately," Ozpin smiled bitterly, "With the Great War, we were betrayed. With team STRQ, we were outmaneuvered. With Beacon, we were outplayed."
"The knife in the dark is often more devastating than an army in the day," Winter said.
"Fancy," Qrow forced a laugh, "read that off a book?"
"Yes," Winter said flatly, feeling her face flush, "The art of warfare."
She added in a small voice, "It was really good."
She smiled when Qrow's smile turned genuine.
"Penned by Warrior-Scholar Wu during the Mistrali Three Dynasties Era a thousand years ago. My son, in one of my cycles," Ozpin pointed out nonchalantly, "and he is right. Which is why I'm taking another page out of his book."
"Damn," Theodore muttered, "you get around."
Winter and Glynda shifted uncomfortably, holding in coughs.
Ozpin ignored him, "The best defense, is offense. We need to actively strike at Salem and her forces to keep her on the back foot. We need to eliminate her inner circle to draw her out of hiding. Even if she does not rise to the bait, it will set her back for a couple of decades."
"Assassinations," Winter said simply, "we can handle that."
"Oh, I like this one," Theodore grinned, "she's got fangs."
Qrow growled and glared at Theodore.
Leonardo shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
Qrow tore his baleful stare away from the Vacuoian Headmaster back to Winter, "Careful, Winter. You barely survived Tyrian."
Winter nodded, "We fought on his terms, and we bled. If we fight on our terms, we'll bleed less."
Glynda pursed her lips, "I would not normally say this, but heed Qrow's warning. They are not individuals to be trifled with. That, and Cinder is a Maiden."
Winter nodded, "Admittedly, I do not know the extent of a Maiden's powers. I can only make threat assessments based on what I know."
Ozpin nodded, "Understandable. Know this. A maiden at the height of her power can decimate your unit even if you were at full strength. Physical attacks will have limited effectiveness. Modern technology may level the playing field, but in the past, they were literally invincible."
"How do we combat this, sir?" Winter asked.
Ozpin smiled. It was the smile of a person explaining to a child the most obvious thing in the world, "The solution is simple, Ms. Schnee. We find our own Maiden."
"There is something on your mind, Glynda,"
Glynda Goodwitch blinked in surprise. She pursed her lips as she hesitated before nodded.
The Headmistress of Atlas Academy sighed. She took off her glasses and wiped at her eyes. She suddenly looked very old, "I've been thinking of James a lot recently. It's never easy to bury the caskets of your students be they from Atlas or Vale. When Winter and her boys went into the mansion, I-" She stopped herself when her voice thickened. She swallowed, and let the silence hang.
"They made their choice as Huntsmen, as soldiers," Ozpin said in a soft voice, "both paths are full of perils. You should know that."
"Doesn't make it easier to accept." Glynda put her glasses back on and cleared her throat, "and that is not the only thing I'm hesitant about."
"Go on, Glynda," Ozpin looked at her quizzically, "perhaps time has changed you, but you were never this hesitant to speak your mind with me."
Glynda sighed, "It's Lionheart, Ozpin. I do not trust him as a point of contact for Winter."
"What has Leo done to deserve your ire?"
Glynda huffed, "Nothing. He has done absolutely nothing. At least Theodore put some effort in maintaining some contact, Leonardo?" She shook her head, "When you were gone, it was like he vanished from Remnant."
Ozpin smiled. Perhaps it was the face of the young man, but Glynda shivered at the smile, "My dear Glynda. The man is much more involved than you think."
1200
Haven Academy, Mistral
Leonardo Lionheart hated Ozpin.
He had respected the man a long time ago and was proud to have fought alongside him. He had been proud to become the headmaster of Haven Academy, and he had cherished the illusion that he was making a difference in Remnant against an ancient and powerful evil, even when the cost was sometimes too much to bear.
But, an illusion is still an illusion.
All of those children, dead and gone by the order of Ozpin...and Lionheart had been his accomplice.
He stared at his scroll. The mail icon was blinking. A message from Winter, no doubt containing the scroll IDs of herself and her men.
He leaned back into his office chair and sighed. His shoulders suddenly felt heavier. It was the same every time. The wretchedness of his own actions disgusted him, and it clung to his soul like tar.
His finger hovered over the email. He hesitated. He did not want to see the faces of the young men and women that will soon disappear from the world.
Lionheart opened it anyway. He read through their records, and he nodded. Somehow, knowing that these people had some blood on their hands made it easier. It shouldn't have, but it did.
A new message blinked up.
An anonymous sender, but Lionheart knew who it was from.
Lionheart clicked open the message. It simply read: Well done. We'll take it from here.
The message automatically deleted itself when he closed it.
Lionheart hated Ozpin. But, he hated himself more.
2 weeks later
1600
Mantle Port, Mantle
Cardin didn't always dread this moment. Time and time again for the past few years he had eagerly jumped into the airship without a single drop of hesitation. The pointlessness of city life, the ignorance of the civilians to the dangers of the outside world, and the arrogance of the ruling elite rubbed him the wrong way.
Things have changed, however. Somehow, this time it was more difficult than before.
He had chosen the last possible day and the last possible flight to Argus that was available. The rest of the team were already in Argus preparing, and doing some last-minute training.
Cardin knelt down and ruffled Miya's hair. Miya smiled sweetly at him. Cardin could see she was trying to put on a brave face. He realized she always looked like that before he went off to work. Sometimes it would be days before she could see him again, sometimes weeks, months.
Whitley stood a good distance away, giving the pair some privacy. Cardin nodded to the man and to the hooded figure of Ilia lurking in the shadows.
"I'll be back soon, okay?" Cardin flashed a smile, "be a good girl and don't cause too much trouble."
Miya nodded. She hugged him, much to his surprise, "I love you, papa."
Cardin hesitated. She's never done that before.
He gingerly hugged her back, and pecked her on the forehead, "I love you too, Miya. I'll call when I can, okay?"
It still feels weird, to be finally called "papa", and for him to admit that he loved this little girl he rescued in a dead settlement. It only took a damned terrorist attack for him to admit that he cared. Now Cardin was afraid that he might care too much.
Cardin stepped onto the airship, his body on autopilot. He turned back and waved at Miya. With Whitley walking up to her, Cardin realized how small she looked. She hopped up and down, waving back.
A sigh of resignation escaped his lips.
"Damn," he muttered, "what did I get myself into?"
1700
Argus columbarium, Argus
"Hey Nora," Ren said as he approached her plaque. He placed down the flowers in front, and chuckled, "Yes yes, I know. I should have been more careful."
He tapped his metal teeth through the rip in his cheek, "Eating still takes some getting used to, but it doesn't hurt much."
A pause, before he reconsidered, "Alright, yes it hurts. Just a bit, though. A dull cold ache like a cramp that you can't seem to get rid of."
He lapsed into silence. Almost as if hearing her response. He knows it's all in his head, but he could almost feel Nora's concerned look. For a brief moment, he felt warmth on the side of his face.
"I've done it, Nora," Ren smiled wistfully, stroking the carved stone with his fingers, "I almost died, but I got the bastard that…that killed you."
The warmth vanished, as if in shock. He stared at the carved letters of Nora Valkyrie but seeing her face instead.
"He said something about Ruby and Jaune. I know in my heart, that they are most likely gone too. I want to hope, though. I want to find them, Nora. I don't care if it's just dried bones I find, but I want to find them. Now that I'm on this path, I'll find out sooner or later."
He got up, his vision catching the shadows of Russel lurking in around in the back. He was trying to find the assigned spot for Blake Belladonna. It was a small request, but Ren appreciated the strings Winter pulled to grant him this favor.
"I know it's weird. But, I found Blake. Well, rather, what remains of her. I don't know," Ren hesitated, unsure if it was his right to divulge what happened, "She is at peace now, that is what matters. Thought you may want some familiar company."
"I won't be back anytime soon, Nora. I still have to go see Pyrrha, and I have a train to catch," Ren smiled, brushing his fingers over her name as he had done so many times before, "I'll see you soon. Boop."
2000
Argus Forward Base, Argus
There was a certain beauty to the night ocean that Russel could never put into words.
The endless expanse of black. The gentle rush of waves. The gnawing sense of uncertainty of what lurks beneath the deep.
He had read somewhere that before the tides rose much higher, from a time when the moon was full. As he gazed up into the night skies, watching twinkling stars and the shattered moon, he wondered how a full round moon would look.
Certainly less beautiful than it is now, he concludes. There was a beauty to the damaged and the broken, as twisted as that concept would seem.
Russel took a long drag on the cigarette. He barely tasted the smoke, nor feel the burn of the fire dust scorching his throat.
Movement behind him. He recognized the footfalls like he recognized all his team's. Every living being walks differently, although it has been a while since he heard this pair.
"Hello, Ciel,"
"Russel," She sat down beside the man. After a few moments of comfortable silence, she spoke, "It's been a while since we did this."
"It has," Russel turned his head, "trouble sleeping?"
He felt her nod, and to his surprise, shudder.
"Something is eating at you," Russel said.
"Something is."
"You don't want to talk about it, though,"
"I don't."
Russel grimaced. He could hazard several guesses ranging from Ciel's childhood to her multiple near-death experiences. Or maybe she was worried about going back into the field again.
Russel guessed it was a little bit of everything. The interrogation with Adam would have inevitably dragged up some bad memories. The operation at the manor had almost seen her injured, and that would no doubt make her doubt her own abilities on the field.
Russel isn't too worried.
"It's about Adam, really," Ciel confessed.
Russel's heart sank, "What's up?"
"We've been fighting the White Fang for a while," Ciel sighed. She paused, waiting for a quip from Russel that never came. She shook her head, "I want to hurt him. For all our fallen brothers and sisters. At the same time, I don't."
"Most people are naturally kind at heart, Ciel," Russel said, "You are no exception."
"Even Tyrian?"
Russel snorted, "Hence why I said, "most"."
Ciel laughed, but he could hear that it was forced. She fell silent once more.
"I promised leniency to him, Russel," Ciel said softly, "it feels like a betrayal to…to all of us. They didn't show any mercy to us."
Russel nodded. He vividly remembered the rescue mission. He remembered zipping up the bodybag of Ciel's partner in the Bullhead as Ren tried his damnest to regulate Ciel's failing Aura. Ciel had been catatonic, and her arms had been carved into ribbons, but she was the lucky one.
"The leniency we're showing him is him not getting waterboarded every waking moment," Russel barked a laugh, hatred suddenly gripping his heart, "but ultimately it's out of our hands now. Maybe one day he'll get the rope, maybe he'll just rot in there. Life moves on, and we're still here."
He could feel her stare, "You are handling this awfully well, Russel."
"I'm not, but.." he smiled, knowing she could see in the dark. He fished out a packet of cigarettes and offered one to her, "let's not dwell on the past. Let's not even think about the future. Let's just enjoy what we have now. The stars are particularly beautiful tonight."
Russel didn't see her smile, but he felt it. She plucked a cigarette from his pack and let it hang on her lips. Before Russel could reach for his lighter, Ciel leaned in.
The fires of cigarettes lit their faces in a dull orange glow.
Ashes and embers trailed in the darkness.
Ciel shifted back, taking a long drag and letting out a breath of smoke. She didn't cough this time.
The smoke drifted briefly in the air, before dissipating in the ocean winds.
Russel tasted his cigarette again. It was sweeter than he remembered.
2200
Argus Train Station, Argus
The team was already gathered when Winter arrived.
Argus train station was mostly empty. Most of the train lines had already ended their services for the day, apart from the Mistral City line. It was a three day journey via train, and the Argus Limited line was operating at half capacity due to Grimm attacks.
Winter glanced at her soldiers. They were all dressed plainly, nothing that really singled them out from the average citizen or huntsmen riding the train.
Ciel had a blue wool coat that hid her metal arms and concealed her pistol on her hip, though she still wore her blue beret. Ren couldn't conceal the bulky cybernetic that was his eye, but opted for a plain grey hooded jacket to obscure his face. Cardin had rolled the sleeves of his red plaid shirt up, wearing it as a jacket to obscure sight to the weapons strapped on his waist. Russel simply wore a loose oversized green shirt, his daggers and pistol stuck somewhere down his pants. The man also wore an old green flatcap, covering his unique hairstyle.
Winter herself hid weapons under her own heavy coat. Weapons and supplies were all stashed in large anonymous duffle bags and luggage, their professional Huntsmen chips exempting them from weapon laws in Mistral.
They didn't speak. Simple glances and nods sufficed. They boarded the train quietly, pushing past passengers dressed in overly expensive cold-weather wear and unnecessary furs.
The horn of Argus Limited blared briefly. Dust engines roared.
Mistral city awaits.
Winter had her own sleeper cabin, purely because each cabin only accommodated either one or two beds. The rooms were cramped, unlike the luxury suites at the front of the car. Cardin could barely fit in there and had to sit on his bed to let Ren through to his. Ciel and Russel had already settled in theirs.
The speakers softly informed of their immediate departure, but Winter tuned it out of her mind when it started to drone on about irrelevant subjects.
In the privacy of her room, she flicked open her scroll.
There were no leads on where the Maidens were, much less Salem. Their existence was something that Winter could not yet grasp, so she ignored them for now.
What she did understand, were the White Fang.
To no one's surprise, the White Fang, or at least Adam Taurus, had some understanding of the Maidens.
"Cinder Fall, that bitch," Adam had huffed once her name was brought up. He shifted in his seat, his shackles rattling with his movement, "I do not know who she works for, but the White Fang have done many operations for her in the past."
"Including Beacon?" Ciel's voice was distorted from the recording.
"The Breach of Vale, the Fall of Beacon," Adam nodded. His piercing blue eyes flickered over the camera for a brief moment, "she had all the White Fang factions under her control."
"Including the Belladonnas?"
Adam laughed, "The Belladonnas were hardly a fighting force. Delusional pacifists that refused to lift a finger to defend themselves much less the others under their rule. It wasn't a surprise their fighters ran like cowards. We practically walked into the capital."
Adam's laughter stopped abruptly, and he grimaced. He shook his head, "No. I'm talking about the Albions, Khan, and other splinter groups including my own.
"How did she convince you?" Ciel asked, "Cinder Fall is human. Were your causes aligned?"
"Initially I refused exactly because she is human," Adam nodded, "she wanted my men to die for a human cause. Our interests were aligned, sure. But none of us wanted to be led by a human."
"Then?"
"She killed us," Adam shuddered at the memory, "Twenty-three people died in that instant. We resisted, but it was so one-sided it was not even funny. As it turns out, she only had half a Maiden's power. It's not a force to be trifled with."
They had a bar for registered Huntsmen.
It was empty, save for the bartender that had drifted off behind the bar. The polished wooden interior was lit by warm lights, and carpeted with fine velvet. The seats were large and cushioned, enough for Cardin to briefly entertain sleeping here instead of his cramped room.
The window curtains were drawn and shut, not that there is much to see in the dead of night.
Cardin's footsteps were drowned out by the constant noisy chugging of the train wheels. On the walls were holographic projections of the registered Huntsmen on this train as well as jobs and contracts available in Mistral.
Four hours into the journey, and they were out of CCT range. But, while the information was out of date, it served its purpose well enough.
Cardin put in the designated ID codes Headmaster Lionheart had given the team, and downloaded the contract posted by Haven Academy. The contract itself is nondescript and generic enough to pass for long-term Grimm extermination role. This will grant them full access to Haven's resources for that duration.
He was also looking for information. The Spiders operated all over Mistral, and sometimes would post up contracts under certain names and false fronts. While Cardin was all for kicking down the door of a Spider Den and getting information through violence, they did not want to announce their presence to the entirety of Mistral.
"Cardin?"
Instinct had his hand on his pistol in a flash, but recognition stayed his hand.
He turned, surprised, "Velvet?"
Velvet waved at him as she was led in by Coco. Coco lowered her sunglasses and gave him a hard look. Dressed in thick furlined coats flecked with snowflakes, he could guess they had just done patrol on the outer train. It was Grimm territory after all.
"You're not stalking us, are you?" Coco said softly, a hard edge to her voice.
"No," Cardin shook his head. He wanted to divulge that he was here with the rest of his team, but he held his tongue. It was a happy coincidence, but Cardin didn't want to give away too much.
They were on the field, after all.
The bartender jumped out of his chair, suddenly awake. With a practiced smile, he bade them welcome.
"One Old Fashioned, thanks," Coco nodded to the man as she strugged off her jacket. The Huntress pair sat at the bar, their weapons stowed.
"Nothing for me," Velvet shook her head.
"I thought both of you left Atlas the first chance you got," Cardin took a seat beside them. He shook his head when the bartender gave him a quizzical look.
"We did," Velvet grimaced, "but Yatsuha- I mean, the rest of the team is coming to Mistral City. We're visiting some old friends, too. Coco thought we might as well take on this security contract for a few trips while we wait for them."
"Train security pays well," Coco nodded to the bartender when her drink was placed in front of her, "and gives us a bit of downtime. I could use it after that shitshow. Plus, it would be good to see some old faces."
Cardin grimaced, "Yeah. I guess. Especially after that mess."
Velvet's eyes darted around. She hesitated, "Uh, I wanted to ask. Did…did you find your kid?"
Cardin smiled. He didn't need to force it, "Yeah, I did. She's staying with Whitley Schnee. Thank the Brothers we all got out in time."
"Oh good," Velvet returned the smile. It fell immediately as she frowned, "She's not with family?"
"No," Cardin gave an uncomfortable smile, "we're not related by blood, so no family to speak of."
"You adopted?" Coco arched an eyebrow, "that's irresponsible for a Huntsmen, especially if you take missions out of the Kingdom."
Cardin winced. He knew that, dammit. Miya might as well grow up without a father if he keeps with the Legion, and that was something he didn't want.
"Coco!" Velvet gasped, her eyes darting to Cardin's darkening face.
"What?" Coco frowned, "I'm just saying."
"You're right, Coco," Cardin nodded, "it is something I'm trying to fix. I only really started thinking about it a few days ago."
"You're still the same idiot meathead that doesn't think about his actions, then," Coco stared at him for a second, "Velvet might have forgiven you, but I remember what you were like."
Cardin snorted, "You might want to reconsider. I'm not easy picking. "
"Oh yeah? Name a time a place, buddy."
"I'm free right now." Cardin turned his head slowly side to side, eliciting several loud pops.
"Coco, please." Velvet glanced at the pair. She could feel Coco's muscles tensing up beside her.
"Cardin, stop picking fights with civvies," A voice snarled from behind.
Cardin broke eye contact with Coco, "Hey Ren."
"You were taking too damn long," Ren grumbled.
Ren glanced over to Coco and Velvet. He stopped, recognition glinting his eye. He pointed at them, scrunching up his face as he tried to dig up their names from memory.
"Velvet, Coco," He greeted finally, "it's been a while."
Cardin grinned when he watched the faces of the women. In unison, they narrowed their eyes suspiciously, the inkling of recognition worming behind their heads. Then, the widening of the eyes, which quickly turned to horror. Velvet even covered her mouth with both her hands, before hastily putting it down.
It was quite amusing. Even Ren let out a chuckle.
"You're that guy from JNPR, aren't you?" Coco whispered, her eyes flickering over his ruined face.
"Ren?" Velvet stuttered.
"I know. I got taller." Ren grinned, his smile pulled further by his scars.
1000
JiuZhan Station, The Wind Path, Mistral
During the first day, Argus Limited rumbled up into the Mistrali mountain pass. Here, the wind chill could rival that of Solitas. The mountain ranges were the tallest and most treacherous terrain offered by Remnant, and it had taken the combined might of Atlas and Mistral to carve out such routes.
It was breathtakingly beautiful. Pure white ice and unblemished snow reflected the dazzling sun, stretched over leagues of misty mountains.
Villas and holiday destinations dotted the path, reserved for the wealthy of Mistral and Atlas. The isolation and general positivity kept the Grimm at bay, but Huntsmen get paid very well to protect such areas.
The train came to a stop at JiuZhan, a former mining town turned into a tourist attraction. Famous for its tea, food, and night markets, as well as the beautiful view of the raging Black River below. It was supposed to be a two hours stop.
With a small broadcast tower in the town establishing shoddy contact with the CCT, Winter sent an update to Lionheart, and a personal message to Qrow. Cardin took this moment to video chat with Miya. He stepped outside of the train to show her around via video.
The rest of the team, cramped in one cabin, gathered whatever information they could.
"Another Huntsman team reported missing in action," Russel read off his scroll, "seems like they were second years looking into criminal activity."
Ren grimaced. With age and hindsight, their sister team at Beacon, Team RWBY, did involve themselves in similar situations. Only they somehow miraculously came out on top relatively unscathed.
"Article came out a few hours ago," Russel shrugged, "Local Mistral tabloid, I think."
"Brave kids," Ciel commented, shaking her head, "you think it might be the Spiders?"
"Maybe," Ren shrugged, "report say anything about their mission or contract?"
Russel shook his head, "No. But given their size, good chance it is."
Winter set her scroll down, her message sent. "Thrush. You said, "another" Huntsmen team. Were there more before?"
Russel nodded, "Oh yeah. The article linked at least 2 more in this month alone."
Their scrolls suddenly vibrated.
It was a message from Cardin.
Trouble out the front.
Winter stepped off the train, the weight of her concealed revolver resting reassuringly under her jacket. Cardin was sitting on a bench, his eyes fixed on the source of the commotion out front. Winter sat down beside him.
"Report."
Winter could see them easily enough. A group of twelve, their weapons on full display, stood out like a sore thumb among the well dressed train passengers. They were talking with the two Huntresses assigned to the train, the ones Cardin had acquainted himself with.
Winter couldn't hear the conversation, but she could tell it was getting heated.
"People came out of nowhere, gathered and attempted to board," Cardin said, his body was still relaxed, "Ran into Coco and Velvet. Something is off."
Winter nodded. Gut feelings are good enough.
"Ren," She spoke into her earpiece, "eyes."
"Copy." Ren's voice crackled back. From inside the train cabin, Ren activated his semblance. Despite only retaining one eye, he could still see emotions through it. "Eyes on. They are on the edge, captain. This might get ugly."
"Be on standby," Winter ordered.
"Copy," Ren acknowledged.
"Copy," Russel grunted back.
"Copy." Ciel sent.
The Legionnaires were already on the move, grabbing weapons, ammunition, and moving into position.
Cardin eyed Winter, and she nodded. They walked up to the group.
"What's going on here, Velvet?" Cardin asked.
Velvet looked back at him. Her face was pinched and tense. She glanced back and Coco for a moment, "They are saying that Argus Limited has hired them to replace us," Velvet said, "but we would have gotten confirmation otherwise."
"Huntress Adel. Huntress Scarlatina." barked the Huntsman, "You have your instructions. How else would we know your names? "
"Bullshit," Coco folded her arms, "It's public information, asshole. Until we get an official notice from Argus Limited, we aren't moving nor can we allow you to get on the train."
"You are obstructing our jobs, Huntress," the leader snarled, "I say again, the current contract responsibilities with Argus Limited Train number 053 has been transferred to number 055," Winter could tell he was at the end of his patience, "stand aside or-"
"Or what?" Coco glowered, "Is that a threat? Are you really Huntsmen?"
The leader looked at his men.
"You haven't identified yourself, Huntsman," Winter spoke up.
The leader shot Winter a baleful look. The look of a man not often challenged.
"What?"
"You have not identified yourselves, nor your team names, nor have you shown your licenses. Surely this is standard procedure for a handover or even inspection."
"We're Huntsmen security-" He barked, stamping forwards angrily.
"You could be anybody. Bandits, gangsters," Winter gave a short laugh, "you will identify yourselves, or we are not going to do this at all."
Winter saw his eyes flicker over to her hair, then to her face. She saw the slight glint of recognition.
"You're Winter Schnee," The Huntsman said. It was not a question, just a firm statement.
It was a small detail, but it was enough for Winter.
Their guns swung up, then all hell broke loose.