Heart's Embers

by SugarLoaf12

It's been fifteen months hasn't it? Living from day to day, moving from place to place. Looking for the next payday, the next target... the next fight. I thought living outside their war would be easier. But sometimes knowing... is all it takes to leave you wondering "What if" I think back to why I left and I know I made the right choice... Ozpin be damned.

32. Fear

Disclaimer: I own nothing!

Hey guys, sorry this took so long! I've been running double shifts at work while my boss is out on maternity, since we were understaffed as it is and just ended up not having the time or drive to write the rest of this chapter until now. Hope you guys enjoy it.

"Speech"

Thoughts

---

Chapter Thirty-Two: Fear

The Atlas Academy Library. A repository of books and other sources of archived information. Within this quiet place of study was Slade Stroud, moving from shelf to shelf looking for the material he desired. The windows were covered in a thick layer of snow as the blizzard outside roared with life.

Slade mumbled quietly to himself "Power of love, no... Power of Dust... nope" his face contorted to one of confusion "Power of baking? Seriously?" he shook his head in annoyance.

"Long night?" Ironwood called from behind him.

"Longer than I'd like" he answered without looking back at him as he pulled a book from the shelf.

"Can't sleep?" Slade turned to meet Ironwood's gaze. The clear bags beneath his eyes were answer enough "Me too" he sighed.

"Do you need something, General?" he asked stepping past him.

"No, I was coming to check on you" he answered turning to follow.

"As you can see, I am doing great" came Slade's snarky reply

"So I see..." Slade took a sip from his flask "You can't drown your problems with alcohol"

"Watch me"

"Slade..."

"General if there isn't anything more, I'd like to get back to my reading" he shook the book in his hand at Ironwood.

"That business with Mr. Thombs really has you wound up"

"He killed my teammates years ago. He's scum"

"Yes, but there's more to it than that isn't there? I can see me just saying his name has you on edge"

"Blake could've been killed. Yang, Ruby, even Weiss were all there too. All of them could've been killed and I would've been responsible"

"I would have been responsible" Ironwood argued "I'm the one who sent you all on that mission, the blame of any outcome rests solely on my shoulders. Not yours"

"He killed my teammates, General. They had several years more training than Yang-" he cleared his throat "They all need to have more experience before they're ready for someone like him"

"They're not the ones I'm worried about right now"

"Are you implying something, General" Slade asked in a venomous tone.

Ironwood shook his head "I'm not going to force you to talk to me... I know you must be going through a lot right now, I certainly didn't help with everything I dumped on you about Winter a few nights ago... but you should look after yourself too. You'll be no good to anyone if you drop from exhaustion during a mission" he wore a deep frown on his face, the concern in his voice made clear.

Slade was unnerved by his sincerity, he turned back to face him "You're not mad?"

"About what?"

"I didn't tell you about Raven, or Elise. Then I almost got myself killed when Hunter and Cole showed up"

"Their return aside; I meant what I said, Slade. There was no reason for you to believe they were even real to begin with. I trust your judgement, I hope you trust mine" he smiled.

"I do... most of the time" Slade smiled back at him.

"That'll have to do" he chuckled "I understand what is going on with you"

"You do?" Slade quirked his eyebrow not sure he understood what Ironwood meant.

Ironwood smiled "You were trying to keep your friends safe, but in doing so you placed yourself in more danger than you could handle. You were fortunate Raven decided to help you, whatever reason she may have had"

"So what? You expect me to leave them on their own next time?"

"I expect you to trust them" Ironwood sighed "Part of being a Huntsman is trusting in those around you, you know this. You let your emotions get in the way before. There was no reason you couldn't retreat with the others. You would've outnumbered Hunter by the ship and given yourselves more than enough time to escape the encroaching Grimm"

"What choice did I have!? Running would've put all of them in danger!" Slade argued.

"They're always in danger!" he shot back. Slade was surprised by his tone, he looked away, knowing Ironwood was right.

"Just... try and get some sleep alright? We need you at your best right now"

"I'm not tired, General..."

"You're angry, I know better than anyone how dangerous that can be. You need your rest. You can't take responsibility for everything that goes wrong, Slade. Not everything goes to plan while on a mission"

"I know that I..." Slade took a deep breath, calming himself "I know, General. I just don't want to see them get hurt"

"Nor do I. Which is precisely why I trust you and Qrow to make them ready. And I trust them as well. They've proven themselves already, I wouldn't have made them Huntsmen otherwise" He gave a warm smile "At least try to get some rest"

"Only if you get some as well" Slade smirked.

"Honestly, I'm too tired to argue" he laughed "Goodnight, Slade" he turned to leave.

"Goodnight, General"

---

The sound of metal clashing against metal echoed through the academy training room. Qrow stood to the side of the arena, his arms crossed as he watched Slade facing RWBY and JNPR with the exception of Blake.

Ren sliced the blades on the end of StormFlower for Slade's chest. He blocked using his gauntlets, and fired his left one at Nora as she came from behind him. She was forced to roll out of the way of the attack. Slade grabbed Ren by his arm and pulled him toward Nora, kicking his legs out from under him, causing Ren to roll on his side.

Yang launched herself toward Slade with the help of one of Weiss' glyphs, pulling her fist back to strike. Slade prepared to defend himself but was surprised to find Yang was knocked over by Ruby using her Semblance to get herself close enough to Slade to strike.

"Ruby!" Yang and Weiss shouted.

"Sorry!" she called back following through with her strike for Slade's chest. He flipped sideways over her scythe and struck her across the face with both heels, one after the other. Ruby was knocked onto her back.

Slade sighed exasperated "Ruby, you need to focus"

"I know, I know. I didn't mean to hit Yang, I should've seen her"

"I'm not just talking about that, Ruby. You were so focused on them you didn't anticipate my counterattack, which I was clearly telegraphing to you"

"Oh..." Ruby rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly "Sorry..."

"All of you have improved remarkably fast over such a short time. But you can't afford to lose focus"

"Relax, it's just training" Nora laughed.

"This time" Slade narrowed his eyes "Next time it could be one of you with a broken arm instead of Blake" everyone winced at his mention of Blake.

"You're right, we all need to be more careful" Ren agreed.

"But..." Jaune started getting their attention "If you are going to make a mistake. Better to do it during training than in an actual battle"

Slade didn't want to admit it, but Jaune was right "Alright, back into positions. We're going to try this one more time"

"I hope you don't take this too personally, Slade. But you look terrible" Ruby pointed out.

"Again" he deadpanned.

"She's right, are you sure you wouldn't rather Qrow take-" Weiss agreed.

"I'm fine. Again" he cut her off.

Slade moved into a combat position as Yang, Ruby, Weiss, Jaune, Nora and Ren did as well.

Slade leapt over Nora's hammer, his heel connected with her chin pushing himself back toward Ruby with the strike. Twisting through the air, he kicked Ruby backward, she rolled on her side before using her Semblance to get some distance on him.

Slade continued to unleash a barrage of strikes into Nora's abdomen as she attempted to strike back. He was forced to dodge each swing of Magnhild. Ruby lined up a shot on him with Crescent Rose, a confident smirk on her face.

"Gotcha" she fired.

Slade moved out of the way of Magnhild just as it crashed into the ground flipping over the weapon, causing Nora to be knocked down by the round fired from Ruby's weapon.

"Uh... oops"

Ren fired StormFlower at Slade, forcing him to deflect each round with his left gauntlet. Removing Defiance from it's holster, he fired a single round. Jaune moved in front of Ren and blocked the shot but found they were both thrown backward by Slade's Semblance.

Yang charged Slade swinging her leg up toward his face, Slade blocked with his forearm. They traded blows, neither of them managing to get a hit on the other. Catching Slade by his shoulders, Yang thrust her knee up into Slade's abdomen only to meet his right thigh, as he blocked the strike.

Yang wrapped her arm around his left and flipped him over her shoulder, Slade rolled to his feet, using the momentum to his advantage. Yang swung her leg up toward his face as Ruby rushed behind him with Crescent Rose ready to strike. Slade caught Yang's leg with both hands and swung her around into Ruby, knocking them both over.

Weiss launched shards of ice at Slade, forcing him to move out of the way. Slade fired the grappling hook from his right gauntlet. It wrapped around the end of Weiss' arm, she launched a streak of fire from her blade as she swung. Slade leapt up over her, retracting the line on the grappling hook, pulled Weiss toward him before she could cut it with her blade. Slade caught her by her shoulder and slammed her onto her back as he landed.

Nora charged with Magnhild ready to strike. Slade used his Semblance to grab her hammer from over her head and unbalance her, knocking her onto her back with minimal effort.

Yang slammed into him with enough force to knock him through the air, Ruby fired Crescent Rose at him as he soared. Flipping around the gunfire, he fired Defiance at Ruby, forcing her to deflect the rounds.

Nora leapt onto his back, using Magnhild to keep him trapped in her grasp. Slade grabbed her by her hair and slammed her into the ground. Weiss used lightning Dust from her blade and streamed into into Slade shocking him painfully.

Nora absorbed the lighting as well activating her Semblance. Nora leapt from the ground, catching Slade by his shoulder. She slammed him into the ground, keeping her boots on his legs, keeping him still. She pinned his hands to the ground "Gotcha"

"How do you figure that?" Slade asked.

"With my Semblance active I could cave in your skull smashing my head into yours. I won't though" she grinned "That wouldn't be very friendly" she stood up offering her hand toward him.

"Anybody without my Semblance would be trapped in a situation like that. You could easily convince them to surrender or just finish them outright if necessary" Slade accepted her hand, getting up off the ground "I'm impressed"

"Thanks" she smiled.

"I'd be more impressed if you didn't take so much abuse beforehand"

Nora gave him a look of confusion "I don't understand. I beat you didn't I?"

"You did, but Weiss had to help you to do it, and neither of you did that intentionally did you?" he looked to Weiss.

"I wasn't thinking about it when I did it, no" Weiss answered.

"That's not even mentioning that Jaune could've enhanced your Aura at any time and made you that much stronger when you utilized Weiss' Dust"

"That's right, and Slade would've never been able to catch me with my Semblance. I could've been the perfect distraction" Ruby pointed out.

"Didn't help you before did it?" Nora asked elbowing her playfully.

"Hey" Ruby giggled.

"Jokes aside, you have to trust your friends. Work with them, use their strengths"

"I trust my friends just fine, but they can't take a hit like I can"

"So you getting hurt is better than giving us a chance to help?" Ren asked in annoyance.

"Hey now, c'mon" Ruby tried to calm him down "You know she doesn't mean it like that. We're all friends here and none of us want to see anyone get hurt"

"Of course not, but just because we're friends doesn't mean we all have equal strengths! You can't argue-" Nora started.

"That's enough!" Slade shouted shutting them up "We're going to keep doing this until you get right"

"Even those of us who know what we're doing?" Yang asked with an innocent smile.

Slade looked back at her unamused "ALL of us"

Yang grumbled but got back into position with the others.

"Whenever you're ready" he motioned for them to attack.

Jaune and Yang charged right for him, Slade fired his gauntlets at Jaune forcing him to hold his shield up to block. Jaune attempted to bash his shield into Slade as he reached him, Slade caught the top of his shield with his right hand.

"Too slow!" Yang called as she swung for his head. Slade twisted around the strike, her fist slamming into Jaune's shield, sliding him back. Yang wore a shocked expression as Slade struck her across the face with his fists, first the left, then the right. Yang pulled back away from him and fired Ember Celica, forcing Slade to duck beneath it. Balancing himself on his hands, his heel connected with Yang's chin, throwing her through the air.

Ruby soared beneath Yang using her Semblance, swinging Crescent Rose for his abdomen. Slade ducked beneath the strike and wrapped his right leg around her weapon. Grabbing her by her shoulders he flipped her over his just as Jaune returned to attack with Weiss coming from the other direction.

Slade leapt over Jaune's head and caught his sword-arm in his left hand, performing a knifehand strike to the back of his neck, stumbling him back.

"Ow! Hey!" Jaune rubbed his neck "That really hurt"

"You're too slow, the consequences are much worse in actual combat. AGAIN" he stressed the final word.

"You seem on edge, kid" Qrow called from behind him "I can take over for a bit-"

"I'm fine. Go again"

Yang nodded swinging right for his head as Weiss came to back her up. Slade dodged and caught Myrtenaster in his hand. Slade swung her around into Yang, slamming their heads together.

Nora rushed Slade from behind only to pass right through him stumbling as she did. Slade caught her by the back of her neck and jammed his elbow between her shoulder blade, knocking her to the ground painfully.

"Woah! Slade!" Qrow called in shock by his brutal way of fighting them.

"What's your deal!?" Yang yelled getting to her feet.

"We're just supposed to be training!" Weiss agreed.

"Slade!" Qrow placed his hand on his shoulder "You're being too rough, ease up on them-"

"They need to learn to be stronger" Slade brushed him off "They're not going to improve if I'm going easy on them"

Qrow sighed "Kid, you're tired, lack of sleep isn't going to help anyone. You need to get some rest-"

"I SAID I'M FINE!"

Everyone looked at him in shock "Clearly" Qrow narrowed his eyes. Taking a deep breath he offered a different option "Why don't we try a group exercise with Slade rather than against him" he looked toward Penny.

"I can do that!" her eyes shimmered lightly and the room became filled with a dozen holographic Atlesian Knights.

"Yang, Weiss, Slade. You'll be working together, the rest of you take a break"

"I don't have time for-" he stopped when he noticed Qrow's glare. Slade grumbled, moving beside Yang and Weiss getting into a combat position while they others moved to the side of the arena.

"Whenever you're ready, Penny" Qrow called, earning a nod back from her. The Knights began firing at the group.

Yang used her metal arms to deflect their bullets while Weiss moved around behind her. She used the Dust in her blade to launch a stream of fire through the knights, destroying several of them "Yang, use-" Slade stepped ahead of her, she stopped when she noticed what he was doing. Slade used his Semblance to snatch the knights off the ground and smashed them against each other. He fired Defiance into the remaining standing knights just as Yang was about to strike them.

"Hey! I had them!"

Slade turned and looked at an annoyed Qrow "Happy?" he asked.

"Hardly"

"Can we get back to the important training now, please?"

"You need to take a break"

"I don't have time for a break, I need to get them stronger. I need to get stronger. Wasting time-"

"Look at them" he gestured to the ones sitting out "They're exhausted, they need a break as much as you"

Slade relented "Fine" he turned away from them "Call me when it's important, and not before" he stormed out of the training room.

"What is with him?" Yang asked annoyed.

"I don't know, firecracker" Qrow sighed.

---

"I promise this isn't going to hurt a bit" Pietro smiled up at Winter, a seam ripper in his hand.

"I'm not worried about pain, Doctor" Winter rolled her eyes "I just want these damn things out of me"

"Not to worry, Specialist. I'll go as quickly as I can" she lifted her clothes to expose the bandage. It was removed quickly by his skilled hand, he got straight to work.

Blake watched silently, unsure if anything she could say would help or only prove to agitate Winter. Blake's ears perked up as the door opened "Hey" she waved from her place on the bed.

"Hey, Blake!" Ruby waved energetically, she zoomed over to her bedside leaving Yang and Weiss with their hair blowing backward in the doorway "Felling any better?"

"Ms. Belladonna is doing wonderfully" Pietro answered as he continued to remove Winter's stitches "Her arm has healed up quite nicely thanks to Mr. Arc's assistance"

"I can't wait to get out of here and back to training" Blake noticed the hesitant looks on her friends faces "What's wrong?"

"Slade's turned into a complete ass since he got back. He's running us all ragged" Yang answered.

"What's gotten into him?" Winter asked surprised.

"Well..." Weiss shifted her gaze from her sister to Blake "I think he's beating himself up over you getting hurt. He hasn't been sleeping very well"

Ruby nodded "Kinda reminds me of when you were refusing to go to the dance" she giggled.

"Then he just needs someone to snap him out of it like Yang did for me" Blake smiled.

"General Ironwood already tried" Pietro sighed as he finished up with Winter "Someone is going to have to put his head back on straight"

"Qrow knows him better than anyone, how about him?" Winter offered straightening her clothes back out.

Yang sighed "I can do it, Qrow's been busy training everyone-" Weiss wagged her finger in her face, stopping her.

"No, you'll only get upset and start a screaming match. I'll get him back to his old self"

"Whatever" Yang rolled her eyes.

"I'm sure you'll do fine" Ruby offered supportively.

"Of course I will" Weiss offered a reassuring smile.

Blake got out of her bed hesitantly using her injured arm "That hurt less than I expected"

"You're healing faster because Jaune helped you, of course it did" Ruby smiled at her friend.

Blake returned the gesture "Right"

"Mr. Branwen asked to see you when you're done here, Specialist" Pietro informed.

"Did he say why?" she quirked her eyebrow.

"He did not. It is possible he wishes to ensure you've recovered well after your previous mission" Winter wore a small smile in response.

"Of course, thank you" she nodded, never dropping her smile.

Weiss wore a mischievous grin "I don't believe I have ever seen you smile so much" she pointed out.

Winter frowned "I'm not smiling"

"Well now you're not, but only because I pointed it out. This wouldn't have anything to do with a certain... rescuer of yours would it?"

"Qrow?" Winter was taken aback "What would ever give you that ridiculous idea?"

"You two were rather close when you got back"

"Not by choice" Winter argued.

"Uh-huh" Weiss smiled knowingly "So you just let him hold you because you couldn't do it on your own?"

"I fell, he caught me. He was being helpful... I indulged him" Winter answered matter-of-factly.

"Yes" Weiss had a playful smile "That's why you're blushing"

"I beg your pardon!?" Winter shouted, stopping in her tracks.

"You're blushing" Weiss laughed, pointing to her cheeks.

"I am not a giddy schoolgirl, Weiss"

"That would be easier to believe if you HADN'T just blushed" she giggled.

"Ugh"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa" Yang waved her hands in front of her face "Time out"

"You and Uncle Qrow?" Ruby asked sharing her sister's surprise.

"Don't start this please... It's bad enough I have to watch you and Stroud make eyes at each other, let alone this"

"I do NOT make eyes" Yang protested.

"Seriously?" Blake asked from behind her.

"What?" Yang gave Blake a confused look.

"You're going to pretend everyone doesn't see the yearning looks and doe eyes?" she quirked her eyebrow with a knowing look.

"I don't yearn" Yang crossed her arms over her chest.

"He does" Ruby giggled.

"Ruby!"

"What? It's true!" she protested.

"Now, now" Pietro tried to calm things down "Leave the poor girls alone. I am sure they can manage their own... affections themselves"

"Doesn't mean I'm wrong" Weiss smirked.

---

Slade pulled another book from the library shelves walking back over to the empty table, he started reading. His reading list was quickly becoming longer and longer, he was looking for any information he could find on legends and fairy tales related to the Maidens. The process hadn't been as informative as he would've liked, which didn't help his mounting frustration or his drowsy state.

"Sleep deprived AND reading books? Who are you? Blake?" Weiss' voice called from behind the book.

Slade looked up, seeing her leaning against a nearby shelf with a smirk on her face "Oh that's right, you wouldn't get that joke"

"Can't you see I am busy" he shot back venomously.

Weiss flinched from his tone. Despite her playful demeanor, he wasn't in the mood to speak with anyone. He continued reading in hopes she would get the hint.

"You haven't been coming back to the dorms, Qrow hasn't seen you in days outside of the training room, you've practically been living there"

"Stating the obvious now are we?"

"You know what-" she stopped herself, still clearly annoyed by his crudeness.

"If you're here to yell at me for earlier, go ahead. I don't need small talk"

Weiss fixed him with a cold stare, clenching her fists slightly. She managed to compose herself, relaxing her hands as she calmed down.

"I didn't come here to start a fight. I want to talk" Slade slammed the book shut.

"Then talk"

"Ironwood was pretty shaken after what you said yesterday"

"Keeping it from him wasn't my best idea, I admit" Slade sighed.

"No, no! I didn't mean, I just... ugh... look, let me start over, okay?"

Slade leaned back in the chair, crossing his arms, he waited for her to continue. She placed her hands on the table.

"You didn't want to come with us originally, I know that. I know you changed your mind, but you decided to stick with us all the way here. And now you're worried about losing us, right?"

"Are you going somewhere with this?"

"Look, I know you think you're doing what's best for us right now. But you're pushing everyone too hard, even yourself"

"Blake could've died, Weiss. Any of you could've... If Raven hadn't showed up I WOULD have died" he stood "I'm trying to make sure we're all strong enough next time so it doesn't happen again"

Weiss shook her head "I know, but you should follow your own advice. Trust your teammates. I know you're just trying to keep us safe. We're trying to keep you safe too, Slade" Weiss frowned "We all care about you too, you know"

Slade sighed deeply "Is... Yang alright?" he asked hesitantly.

"I think you of all people know how tough that is to answer. She blames herself for what happened to Blake, and not being there to help you"

"Yeah..."

"I know you're worried about her, about all of us. But we're going to look out for each other... all of us. And we're going to look out for you, too"

"...Yeah"

You really should apologize his sister's voice was stern.

"She's only upset if you keep telling yourself she is"

"Yeah. I mean, no-you're right. I've been acting like an idiot"

"You certainly have been" Weiss elbowed him playfully "Doesn't mean we still don't like you. Everyone makes mistakes"

"Thank you, Weiss" Slade smiled "I appreciate you coming to talk to me"

Weiss smiled lightly in response "I should probably get going, Qrow is going to be missing me in the training room. Anything you want me to pass on to them?"

"No, thank you. I think I need to apologize to them myself"

her smile widened "I think that's a great idea"

Maybe a nap isn't such a bad idea

---

Ironwood sat in his office chair, rubbing his fingers against his temples. A crisp knock at the door called his attention back from his mounting headache "Come in" he called.

"General" Jaune greeted as he entered the room with his team, Weiss and Yang.

"Ah" Ironwood smiled at the sight of them "Your timing couldn't be better"

"You did call for us, General" Yang pointed out with a small smile.

"Of course" he stood from his place "Last night there were reports of an explosion in an apartment building within the city. No one was hurt but several residents also reported screaming and the sound of gunfire"

"Do we know what caused the explosion?" Weiss asked curiously.

"eye witness reports seem to indicate Cinder Fall"

"Cinder!" Jaune's eyes widened.

"Finally some good news!" Nora exclaimed.

"Indeed. You're to capture or eliminate Cinder Fall. Normally this is a task I would leave to a more elite group of Huntsmen, but we're stretched thin as it is and by all reports Cinder was last seen being carried"

"She's injured" Ren concluded

"It would seem that way, yes. Now will be the only time we can move against her and take her down without a fight"

"Do we have a location?"

"Not on her, no. She disappeared after leaving the building. Penny is combing through hours of security footage to find where she went but we can't wait for her to find an answer. I want you all to head to the apartment and find out what you can from my men there, hopefully by then we'll have something more substantial"

The door swung open "I know a guy in the city, General. He won't talk to anyone else but me, and he doesn't exchange information to anyone unless you meet him in person" Slade told as he entered the room.

"Slade, I did not call for you"

"I'm aware, but as you said you're stretched thin. You need Huntsmen ready to work and I don't have anything pressing keeping me here"

"You need rest, Slade"

"And I plan on getting it, but I won't be able to rest knowing my friends could be getting hurt or worse off on their own"

"We'll be fine" Yang glowered.

Slade took a moment to take in Yang's posture. Told you, apologizing to her would help

Quiet you

"Regardless, my informant won't talk to any of them even if I told them where to go. He'll only talk to me"

"Why am I just hearing about this man now?" Ironwood asked.

"He doesn't know about Salem and he certainly won't know about Cinder's unique 'condition' but he may know where she went. Anything that happens in this city doesn't get past him"

"Then why didn't you try speaking to him earlier?"

"As I said, he may know where she went. He wouldn't have known Cinder was in the city before, we only knew because Neo tried to kill Ruby"

Ren nodded in understanding "But an explosion surely would catch some more attention"

"Exactly"

"Will he know anything about our infiltrator?"

"It's unlikely he'll know anything we don't already know, but I would be happy to ask. His intel doesn't come cheap"

"Then speak with this man and learn what you can. We will speak more of him later, time is of the essence"

"I agree. Jaune and the others can investigate the building and see what they can learn. I will meet with my informant and see what I can get from him. All going well we can find Cinder before she knows what's happening"

"I'm coming too. You have a habit of starting fights when you're on your own" Yang stepped forward.

"As I recall the number of fights I've been in has only gone up since I met you" Slade smirked.

"Were it not for this informant you wouldn't be going at all" she argued.

Ironwood cleared his throat "That may be, but he is going now"

Slade wore a deep frown "I'd be going anyway" Ironwood narrowed his eyes at him "I mean no disrespect, General. Neo is working with Cinder, chances are she'll be there with her. I know her better than anyone, if there is even a chance of being able to convince her to abandon Cinder, I'll take it"

"Then we have a plan of action" Ironwood nodded in approval "Do what you can and keep an eye out for anything unusual, this could be a trap" Yang crossed her arms over her chest in annoyance, glaring at the back of Slade's head.

"I recommend you keep Ruby close then" Slade offered.

"I agree. Winter will be keeping an eye on her while you are gone. Be cautious, even injured Cinder is still a formidable opponent and she is a Maiden as well" Slade fixed Ironwood with an uneasy look at his words, but didn't argue.

"We'll be careful, General" Ren assured with a small salute.

"I'll get Bumblebee and meet you guys out front"

"Try driving normally this time, will you?" Slade joked.

"No promises" she deadpanned.

Slade quirked his eyebrow "Something wrong, Yang?"

"No, do you have a problem?"

The others looked between them awkwardly.

"You're upset. Why? Because I'm coming with you?"

"So, what if I am?"

"I'm trying to help here-"

"By getting yourself killed! We could've handled this-"

"This isn't about whether you can handle her or not. I'm just trying to see to it the job gets done, Ruby is still in danger as long as she is out there"

"I know! That's why you should be back here, helping to keep her safe. Ironwood didn't ask for your help"

"That may be, but I seem to recall at one time you did"

Yang's hands closed into fists, Ironwood stepped in before anything more could be said "You both have a mission to get to, I suggest you leave this discussion for another time"

"He's being ridiculous!" Yang argued.

"Me? I am just trying to keep my friends alive. ALL of them"

"You-"

"Enough!" Ironwood shouted "Slade is just trying to help. After your last mission, I wouldn't reject aid in whatever form it comes in Ms. Xiao Long"

"Whatever" she turned to leave the room pushing Slade out of her way.

"She'll come around" Jaune rested his hand on Slade's shoulder "I'm sure she's just upset about this morning"

He sighed "She's right to be" Slade smiled up at him "Thank you, and... I'm sorry for earlier. I was out of line"

"Apology accepted" Weiss gave a reassuring smile.

"Think nothing of it" Ren agreed.

"It's alright" Nora shrugged "I make mistakes all the time and they still keep me around"

Jaune stifled a laugh "See? All is forgiven"

"I still need to apologize to Yang and Qrow. Ruby too"

"There will be plenty of time for that later" Ironwood sat in his chair "Get going, we don't want to let Cinder keep ahead of us"

"Right" they all agreed.

---

Deep inside Chimera's mountain base was a lab that looked more like a manufacturing plant on the inside. People inside were strapped down to tables as machinery tore into them removing parts and replacing them with metal prosthetics or drilling into their heads planting mechanical parts inside. Some of the bodies on the table were corpses instead of living subjects. Anyone still conscious was screaming from the pain, but it couldn't be heard through the thick glass.

Salem watched through the glass a small menacing smile on her face. The sudden sound of metallic breathing alerted her to the presence behind her "How're the subjects coming, Mr. Wolf?" she asked.

"Each member of Chimera has been altered with cybernetics to ensure they're unable to reject orders they're given. Others don't need such motivation, but we install it nonetheless" he answered as he caught up to her.

"Does it work?"

"It does. Once they stop screaming that is" he chuckled.

"Then they're completely obedient? Is it possible for them to be reprogrammed?"

"Not unless the chip itself is removed, and that cannot happen. Anyone of our men who don't return from a mission are terminated immediately. They don't feel pain or remorse anymore, it has been completely cut out"

"How many do you have?"

"Thousands" he answered following behind her "We've been receiving bodies from the Schnee Dust Company for a few months now and have converted the bodies into able bodied soldiers. Seeing as they had been previously deceased, there is no concern over them attempting to rebel"

"Good, then they should be ready to face the Atlas military alongside my Grimm"

"Of course. Grimm won't even bother with them so long as they don't attack first, which they won't. They follow orders from only those you have designated. Only you and I can countermand those orders"

"What of the others?"

"Others?"

"Those living among your number, will they have problems fighting alongside the Grimm?"

"They will have no choice, the chips in their brains won't allow insubordination of any kind. Resisting makes the chip... very painful"

"Are they aware of what's going on?"

"They are, the living ones anyway"

"Is there any chance of someone breaking through the compulsion from the chip?"

"It's possible..." he pondered aloud "They'd have to be incredibly strong willed, pain inducement stops most from resisting. Test subjects who resisted for too long ended up frying their brains"

"Good. Ironwood's forces will not be a match for my army, especially if the soldiers are as obedient as my Grimm"

"What of the fleet? Surely you don't intend one ship and a few Grimm to take them all down?"

"They won't need to" Salem grinned "I have everything well in hand, you need only concern yourself with my desires. I will handle the rest"

"Of course, Ma'am" he lingered behind her, considering something.

"Was there something more?"

"What do you intend for Hunter?"

Salem stopped in her place "He believed it wise to attempt to kill Stroud without my permission" she had a dark look in her eye as she turned her head toward him "He shall be facing the punishment for his actions" they continued walking.

"Of course, your grace. "

"Attempting to bootlick, metal man?" Mercury smirked from his place against the wall, his hands in his pockets. Tyrian, Cole and Hazel stood opposite him.

"Don't overstep your bounds, boy" Sable warned, fixing him with a glare.

"Enough" Salem folded her arms behind her back "Report"

"Everything is ready" Cole stood at attention.

"Good, inform the others. Tyrian, head back to the city and make sure Arthur is ready. Mercury, Hazel. You'll be going with Cole, he'll brief you before he departs"

"What about Emerald? She's been gone for awhile" Mercury asked.

"She is precisely where she needs to be" she motioned for them to leave with her head "Go"

"We already lost our man with the Dust company. I hope your silent partner doesn't get cold feet" Mercury smirked. He was suddenly forced to his knees painfully, he reached for his throat as he struggled for breath. Salem's hand was out to her side as if holding him.

"Keep your comments to yourself, unless you'd like them to be your last" Salem released him, Mercury scurried out "Mr. Wolf" she turned back to him.

"Ma'am?" his metallic breathing echoed through the hall.

"There have been... developments"

"What kind of developments?"

"I know who the Winter Maiden is" Salem handed him a file, he opened it and read through the contents quietly.

"I assume you need her alive?"

"I do, but you will not be hunting her. I need the others brought up to speed on this development. Tyrian especially"

"I understand"

"Continue as planned. Ruby Rose is still your priority. You have done as I asked with Cinder. Now you may handle your... personal obligations to ensure nothing is at risk"

"Thank you, Ma'am" he gave a small bow before turning to leave.

Salem opened the door to her left and found Hunter gasping for breath on the ground "Please... I'm begging you... I've had... enough..." he panted out.

"I will be the one who determines that" Salem unleashed a powerful blast of fire from her hands, he screamed in anguish.

Hunter dropped to the floor as soon as she stopped "Have mercy... please..." he begged.

"You're lucky asserting further control over your mind makes you less effective, or I'd have already have done so"

"Please... I'll never disobey you again!"

"I know you won't, remember Hunter" she knelt down to his level "I'm the only reason you live, I can just as easily send you back"

The sound of his screams could be heard through the halls, the soldiers walking by increased their pace to stay clear of the room.

---

Yang parked Bumblebee in front of the bar, she dismounted along with Slade. Looking up toward the sign, he read aloud "Cheers and Beers" he shook his head with a small chuckle "This does seem like his kind of place"

Yang huffed "You're sure this is where he'll be?"

"This is where he told me to go" Slade answered "He'll be here" he took a moment to observe the others on the sidewalk. Everyone who passed them sent them glares when they thought he wasn't looking. Others whispered amongst themselves, he could only pick up their tone. It was clear they weren't happy to see them.

"You coming or what?" Yang asked at the door.

His head snapped over to her "Yeah, sorry" he made his way over to her. They entered the building together, the wood floor was surprisingly clean considering the amount of people inside at the moment. Slade watched as the other patrons glared at them upon entering. Several people from the bar turned to watch them enter, most sending daggers their way. A few of them were drunk enough to be ogling Yang.

She reached for her pocket as they approached the bar, he caught her by the hand "I'd keep your license away if I were you" Slade warned.

"Why?" she followed his gaze, a look of realization crossed her features "You sure they don't already know?"

"No"

"What can I get for you two today?" The raven haired bartender asked as they approached.

"We're here for business, not pleasure. Tell McNamara that Stroud is here to see him" the bartender reached for the gun behind the bar and showed it to Slade.

"I've never heard of any McNamara" she pointed it right at Slade "I'd advise you get out of here before we have a problem"

"This friend of yours, not so fond of you is he?" Yang asked.

"C'mon" Slade held his hands up in surrender "I promise, McNamara knows me" he forced a smile.

"Uh-huh" she nodded "What's his going price for information then?"

"He doesn't have one, his rate is dependent on the customer or rarity of the information"

The bartender put the gun down "He's in the back" she gestured to one of the empty booths "Take a seat over there and wait for him"

Slade nodded and turned to head that way, Yang followed right behind him "What the hell was that?"

"Security" Slade answered with a smirk "He's not the type of guy to stick his neck out for just anyone, likes to put on a bit of a show when new people come looking for him"

"Who is he?" they both sat in the empty booth

"He's one of Miss Malachite's 'spiders'. That's what she calls her top operatives. He has more names than anyone you've ever met. Whatever name he gives, isn't his real one"

"How do you know?"

"The first time I met him he was a Faunus... he's not a Faunus"

"Oh" Yang looked surprised "He's that good at blending in is he?"

"Aside from his informants, it's how he gets his information. Let's just hope he's in a good mood today"

"And if he's not?"

Slade didn't answer.

"If his name always changes, why use the name you did?"

"It's the name he told me to use when asking for him" Slade smiled.

"Forgive me for being so forward, my dear... but you're more radiant than a sunset in Vacuo" a voice called from behind Yang. She turned her head enough to look at him "Berry McNamara At your service" he gave a flourishing bow.

McNamara was a tall red headed man with brown eyes and shoulder length hair. There were two small fangs on each side of his mouth. He wore a long brown coat with a fur lining on the top along with on the edges of his brown boots and blue vest. There was a white shirt and a blue bowtie beneath the vest.

"I'm sure you say that to all the girls" Yang crossed her arms over her chest.

"Nonsense, my dear. I can't remember the last time this dark place seemed so bright and lively-"

"Give it up, old man. She's not your type" Slade laughed "Going with the Faunus cover again are we?"

"Ah, Slade Stroud" the man smiled "It's been far too long, when was the last time we saw each other in person?" he asked, but continued without waiting for an answer "Sorry to hear about Roman. He was a man of refined tastes and a terrible card player" he sighed deeply "I will truly miss having him at my parties"

"And all the money he kept losing to you" Slade shook his head "If Neo could talk she'd have been screaming at him the whole time"

He laughed loudly "Quite right. That little minx always tried to keep him on a short leash, mute or no she always knew how to make an impression" he pulled up a chair from a nearby table and sat down promptly.

"Now, I know this isn't a social call, my boy" he cleared his throat "You mentioned trouble, and I am always prepared to help. For the right price, of course"

"Of course" Slade tossed him a small sack. Untying it, the man smiled at the sight of Lien inside.

"We want to know where Cinder Fall is hiding" Yang told him.

"Yes, Stroud here was equally emphatic about that. Having met her, I completely understand your desire to be rid of her. Cinder is well known among the underworld. She's earned death marks across the four kingdoms for everything from armed robbery to kidnapping. She was rumored to have had a hand in the fall of Beacon but... Well, you didn't hear that from me"

"I was there, I know what she did" Yang growled.

"Hmmm" the man rubbed his chin thoughtfully "You have my sympathies for anyone you may have lost... it was a tragic day. No one seems to know who Cinder is working for, but I know she's not one to take orders lightly. Whoever it is must have something on her or be truly terrifying"

"We know who she works for" Slade stuffed his hands into his coat pockets "We need to know where she is"

"She's hurt too many people, she needs to be stopped" Yang agreed.

"Oh my..." he wiped his brow "Beauty, intelligence and fine moral values. What's not to like about that combination" he winked at Slade "You've caught yourself a fine woman there, Stroud"

Yang and Slade both blushed furiously, he cleared his throat "Mind on the job, Berry"

"Of course" he nodded with a mischievous smile on his face "As soon as you mentioned Cinder's name, I alerted all my best informants. I've got an interesting lead for you"

"What did I tell you, Yang?" Slade removed his hands from his pockets "He can find out almost anything, we'll have Cinder in no time"

"I'm still waiting to here what he's turned up" Yang shrugged.

Berry handed Yang a card "The address she is hiding out in" he winked "How's that for you?"

"We'll see when we find her" Yang smirked.

"I can see why you keep her around" Berry chuckled "Neo was seen with Cinder, I do hope you don't plan to hurt her"

"I don't" Slade assured him "Did you turn up anything about our other inquiry?"

"Unfortunately there is nothing to turn up" he sighed "Whoever it is you're looking for is in the academy, but I couldn't even begin to guess who it is"

"I figured as much" Slade sighed "Keep looking. If you find anything-"

"You'll be the first to know" she smiled confidently "If there is anything to be found, I will find it"

"I know you will"

"Excuse me, darling. There's a man with far more Lien than sense. I really shouldn't let him leave with all his money" he winked at them "Until next time"

"There's no card games here, how does he intend to take all his money?"

"He owns the bar, Yang" Slade chuckled.

"Oh..."

---

Yang and Slade were on the back of Bumblebee, racing through traffic toward the building McNamara told them to check out. The bike slowed to a stop right outside the building. Atlas soldiers were discreetly moving civilians away from the building.

"Looks like the other residents have already been evacuated" Slade pointed out.

"We can thank Jaune's quick thinking for that" they dismounted just as an armored vehicle stopped behind them. Weiss, Nora, Ren and Jaune all exited.

"What's the plan?" Weiss asked looking between Jaune and Slade.

"This is your mission, Jaune. Make the call"

Jaune smiled "Right. We've already got civilians evacuated, so Cinder should be the only one in there. Hopefully Neo isn't with her. Weiss and I are going to head in through the main entrance. Nora and Ren will take the back entrance while Yang and Slade take the roof. We need to make sure she has no way to escape"

"Those are some pretty big windows" Ren noted.

"Could someone fit out them?" Nora asked.

"It's possible" Weiss tapped her chin thoughtfully.

"I sincerely doubt Cinder would be able to make it up four floors to escape from the roof. Someone should stay out front in case she tries to use the window" Slade concluded.

Jaune nodded in agreement "I suppose you're right"

"We can cover the front" Ren volunteered "Yang should take the back"

"Got it" Yang agreed moving toward the back of the building. Nora and Ren moved to either side of the main entrance.

The amount of eyes on you since you arrived has increased exponentially Elise warned.

And how exactly do I know you're not just Salem trying to trick me? he received no response from her figures

"Be careful, Cinder isn't likely to be alone" Slade warned as he made his way to the side of the building before using his grappling hook to get atop it quickly.

Jaune and Weiss entered the building, using the elevator to head up. Weiss seemed nervous "Are you alright?" Jaune asked concerned.

"Yeah... I'm just not sure I'm ready to face her again"

"Because of Haven" Jaune nodded in understanding "I'm nervous too" Weiss smiled at him.

"We'll be fine though, I know we will. Because we're going to face her, together"

They exited the elevator weapons ready, they moved through the hall "What room number did you say it was?" Jaune asked just below a whisper.

"326" Yang answered.

"Got it" They moved past several doors until they reached the one they wanted.

"Ready?" Weiss asked.

"I'm ready" he smiled.

Jaune moved to kick the door open, Weiss looked down and noticed the bottom of the door had a faint red hue coming from beneath it.

"Jaune!" Weiss tackled him out of the way just as a fireball launched the door off it's hinges.

"What's going on up there?" Nora's voice asked in their ears.

"Thanks" Jaune picked himself up quickly as Cinder exited out into the hall "We're alright"

"Cinder" Weiss glared.

"Hello kids" she grinned "How nice to see you both again, Haven was so much fun after all"

"We know you're injured" Jaune steadied his blade "Surrender and we won't harm you"

Cinder laughed "Surrender? To you?" she earned a growl from Jaune, she laughed all the harder for it. Her hand went to her right side as she winced in pain.

"Surrender" Weiss insisted with an angry glare.

"And ruin all the fun?" she asked with a menacing grin "My associate at the academy let me know you were coming for me, I prepared this welcome just for you"

"Your hospitality needs work"

Jaune moved to strike Cinder as an blade of fire formed in her left hand. She blocked his strike and swung a second blade in her opposite hand toward him. He blocked it with his shield.

Weiss moved to intervene clashing blades with her as Jaune did the same with her opposite hand. She slide her blade backward, allowing her to elbow Weiss in the face, stumbling her back. Using her left leg, she knocked Jaune onto his back, sweeping his legs out from under him. Cinder launched a wall of fire at Weiss, she narrowly managed to deflect it, slashing through the wall with Ice Dust cutting right through it.

Cinder shattered the window in the apartment with lightning from her hand, the wind around her rushing through and catching the ice before sending it back toward Jaune and Weiss. Weiss stabbed Myrtenaster into the ground, creating a wall of ice to block the glass. Jaune leapt through the ice as it shattered from a fireball striking against it and slammed his shield into Cinder, throwing her onto her back.

"Surrender, Cinder" he pointed his blade to her throat.

"Cinder?" she asked shifting into a vision of Emerald "Is that who you think I am?"

"What?!" Jaune and Weiss stared in shock. Emerald flipped back to her feet and rushed down the hall away from them.

"Stop!" Jaune called as they chased behind her.

"Cinder is escaping, Emerald is with her. Be careful" Weiss reported through her earpiece. Two blades of fire suddenly emerged from the ground beneath them, breaking it. They fell through the floor only for Cinder to stab the blades into the ground, dropping them back to the first floor.

Yang, Ren and Nora all rushed to their side "What happened?" Ren asked.

"Cinder, above us!" Jaune answered.

Nora and Yang leapt up onto the next floor to find it empty. Ren helped Jaune and Weiss to their feet.

"There's no one up here" Yang called back.

"Keep looking"

"Slade, keep your eyes out. Cinder is on the move" Ren explained.

"Got it" he nodded.

The door to the rooftop was kicked open by Cinder. Slade pointed Defiance toward her, she glared silently.

"You've got no where to go. Give up or I will gladly take you down"

Cinder charged toward Slade, flipping forward as he fired at her, dodging the bullets. She kicked for his head, forcing him to block with both his arms. She performed a backhand spring away from him as he slashed his wrist blades toward her chest. Balancing herself on her hands, she kicked at Slade's shoulder. Slade flipped backward over her.

Immediately, Cinder thrusts a blade of fire toward him and Slade spins his heel to meet it, a small shockwave was created between their strikes, pushing him back several feet. Slade fired his gauntlets at her feet, but she leaps over it impaling her blade into the ground as he rotates around it, avoiding the strike. The two of them trade blows, Slade using his armored boots to block the blade as she deftly avoided each of his strikes. Slade managed to land a blow on Cinder's shoulder at the cost of her also striking him with her blade, pushing him back.

Slade twisted down onto one knee, aiming Defiance right at her, using his opposite arm to keep his aim level. Cinder and Slade remained in place, silently waiting for the other to make the first move.

Not as aggressive as usual is she? he thought to himself.

"You're not Cinder" Slade turned his gun up away from her, standing straight up. The image of Cinder in front of him changed to reveal Neo, she held the blade of Hush in her right hand and the umbrella in her left ready to strike.

Slade sighed, holstering Defiance "I know you blame Ruby for what happened to Roman, rightfully or not... it doesn't change what happened"

Neo's expression never changed watching his gauntlets for any sign of a threat to her "I really don't want to fight you, Neo. I have no intention of stopping you if you plan to escape... so... how do you wanna play this?" his wrist blades retracted.

Neo considered his offer for a moment, she sheathed the blade and placed Hush over her shoulder. Slade breathed a sigh of relief.

"Ceasefire it is" he smiled "You look good... all things considered"

Neo gave him a small bow from where she stood, followed by a grin "I do don't I" she signed.

"Slade, are you there? Where's Cinder?" Jaune's voice called through his earpiece. His hand reached up, pressing two fingers to his earpiece "I hear you, Jaune-" he stopped upon noticing Neo's worried expression "She's not here, but keep your eyes open, she could be hiding"

"Got it, thanks for the heads up. Weiss and I will do another sweep of the bottom floor while Nora and Ren keep to the rooftops, can you handle the rest of the building?"

"Don't worry, I'll let you know if I see her" he turned off the receiver on the earpiece "You can relax, I'm not going to be turning you in. We're friends remember? Least I can do is try and look out for you now that Roman..." he stopped, his expression turning sour at the thought, Neo's matched his own "I can't say I know exactly how you feel, Neo. But I cared about him too, despite the circumstances... I wish he was still here too, even if he would've had to be my enemy"

Neo looked up at him, she seemed to be considering discussing it.

"Do you... want to talk about it? You know I'm a good listener"

Neo sarcastically rolled her eyes, a small smile on her face to his poor choice of words.

"Right... you know what I mean" Slade chuckled.

"I do" she signed "Doesn't mean I want to"

"I understand" Slade sighed "I know Roman was working with Salem, and I know he was scared of her... but what about you? Why're you helping Cinder?"

Neo's expression said it all, she wasn't happy to be working with her either.

"Look, Neo. I know Roman meant a lot to you, and I'm not gonna ask where Cinder is, I know you wouldn't tell me even if I did... but helping her isn't going to do anyone any good. She wants the relics and the Maidens just like Salem does" Slade approached her placing his hand onto her shoulder "Killing Ruby isn't going to change what happened and it isn't going to make you feel better"

Neo flashed him a look of anger, she pushed his hand away harshly turning away from her.

"You think I don't want Cinder to suffer for what she did to my family? That I don't want to cause Salem the same pain that I felt when she had my friends killed!? That I didn't tear Hunter and Cole apart for what they did!? It took everything I had in me to let Raven go when I found her, after what happened to..." he stopped, his anger threatening to boil over "I wanted to kill Cinder so much when Roman went down, hell I thought you had died with him dammit!" he shouted.

Neo turned her back on Slade, unsure what she should do.

"Killing Ruby isn't going to make it any better for you, Neo. Trust me, I know... it feels good but only for a short while, then it just leaves you feeling empty inside... all over again" his hands clenched into fists "I'm tired of losing people I care about. If you keep pursuing this one of you is going to end up dead, and I don't want to see that happen to either of you"

Slade moved in front of her forcing her to look at him "Roman was afraid of these people for good reason, Neo... He thought he could protect you if he worked with them but now he's gone, what do you think is going to happen to you when Cinder is done with you? You think she's just going to let you go?"

Neo tensed up a bit but didn't push him away this time.

"Ruby didn't kill Roman, blaming her is only going to get you killed one way or the other. Salem wants Ruby alive, if you kill her, she'll kill you. Please..." Slade stopped at the expression on her face "You already know that... don't you?"

He was met with silence, but even more deafening was the tears streaming down her face. She pressed herself into Slade's shoulder, silently sobbing. He caressed her back gently, soothing her with his voice. She fell to her knees and Slade went with her. He just held her, for what seemed like forever, eventually she released her grip on him and wiped away the last of her tears "Thanks" she signed with a small smile.

"Anytime" Slade matched her smile "What're you going to do?"

Neo stood up backing away from him, she never answered his question... but he knew.

"I see" Slade sighed "You know I'm going to stop you if you come after Ruby" she nodded "We'll have to fight you know... and it won't just be a sparring match" Neo looked down at the ground, a small shake of her head "There's no way I can convince you to stop this?"

With a flash she disappeared from sight, Slade's hand clenched into a fist, he punched the ground beneath him "Dammit, Neo"

"Anybody see anything?" Jaune asked.

"All clear up here" Slade answered.

"Nothing down here" Yang added.

"I think we're all clear. Cinder is gone" Ren concluded.

"Dammit" Nora groaned.

"She'll be back, Nora. Don't worry. She's not going to get away forever" Weiss assured her.

"Ironwood isn't going to be happy about this" Slade sighed.

"Cinder said her friend in the academy told her we were coming" Jaune informed them.

"If there was any doubt before, there isn't now" Weiss replied.

"Let's do a quick sweep of the nearby area with security and see if we can't find anything" Slade proposed.

---

"We're talking about the security of the kingdom here, James!"

"That is a load of garbage and you know it!"

"I beg your pardon?!"

"Mrs. Schnee, please-"

"No!" she shouted interrupting him "I refuse to allow this, the council will never accept it!"

"I hold two seats if you've forgotten" Ironwood glared "I'm trying to do what is best for the kingdom, not just your company"

"This isn't about my company! We've already lost millions! If my husband were here-"

"Your husband is the one who suggested it" Willow stared at Ironwood in shock.

"Ahem" Slade cleared his throat from the doorway.

"Slade, you're back" Ironwood looked to him in surprise "Where are the others? Is everyone alright?"

"They're fine, General. I told them to get some rest, but Jaune took Nora and Ren to help security patrol the area for any sign of her"

"Who?" Willow asked curiously.

"Military matters are classified I'm afraid" Ironwood stepped forward "I don't believe you two have met" he gestured between them "Slade this is Willow Schnee, Willow-"

"I know who he is" she crossed her arms "He's a criminal who should be locked up"

"We've talked about this-" Ironwood groaned.

"It's alright, General" Slade interjected, he gave a polite nod in her direction "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Mrs. Schnee"

"The pleasure is all yours" she sneered.

Ironwood glared "We will continue this another time"

"Fine"

"I can have Penny show you out-"

"I don't need that damned machine anywhere near me. I can handle my own affairs" she growled making her way toward the door, she stopped right beside Slade "You may have everyone else in this place fooled, Mr. Stroud. But I know what kind of man you are, and when you finally show your true colors..." she smirked letting the sentence hang as she left. Slade watched as she left, the door swinging back.

They both remained silent until the door closed behind her "I'm sorry about her, Slade-"

"You have nothing to apologize for, General" he turned his gaze from the door "I can see where Winter gets it from" he chuckled.

Ironwood gave a small smile "You said they're still patrolling for Cinder, does that mean she got away?"

Slade nodded "Unfortunately it would seem she had help from Emerald"

Ironwood sighed "Then it would seem we know for certain she is still working for Salem"

"Yet Neo still wants to kill Ruby, and seems to believe Cinder will let her do it"

"If that is true then she's doing it without Salem's knowledge. We may be able to use that"

"I highly doubt Salem doesn't at least suspect duplicity on Cinder's part. She's no fool"

"Perhaps you're right" Ironwood sighed "I was really hoping for better news"

"I'm sorry I can't offer it"

"What about your informant? Did he know anything?"

"Aside from giving us the address Cinder was at, the only thing he could tell us was that someone in the academy is our traitor"

"So we're not any further along in our investigation with them" he shook his head stepping away from his desk, rubbing his index finger and his thumb over his eyes. He moved to the window, looking out at the city below.

"General-" Ironwood screamed in rage, punching the wall with his metal hand.

"Every time we have a chance at something it always goes wrong! Salem isn't hiding anymore, we still don't have a clue who the traitor in our ranks is and Cinder is still on the loose"

"Things haven't been going well, General. I can't deny that, but we can't let that stop us from doing our jobs"

"I've already doubled patrols, established checkpoints in both Mantle and Atlas, Cinder is still avoiding capture and Tyrian is still at large taking down one Huntsman after another"

"I know, but-"

"We need to declare marshal law" Ironwood sighed "If we do, then there is no where they can hide within the cities. There is nothing stopping us from-"

"All that will do is cause unrest within the cities. From what I could see out there today, everyone hates us right now, General" Slade stepped toward him "If the people in Atlas feel that way, imagine what the people in Mantle must be feeling. They've been getting squeezed more than anyone"

"What will any of that matter if they're still out there?" Ironwood turned away from Slade "You tell me, what is more important? Making people happy but keeping them out in the open? Or keeping them safe..."

"Don't do that, General"

"Do what?" he turned to look at him.

"You're making it seem more trivial than it is. You know as well as I do that Cinder and Tyrian aren't going to be found any faster if you send in the troops, and I understand we can't tell anyone about them or it'll cause a panic" Slade moved behind Ironwood's desk, standing right beside him, looking out at the city "People have trusted you for years, General. Now they're upset because of the embargo and closing the borders. But now the council knows, and they can help you. Try talking to them, get their help on this"

"I need more time-"

"THEY don't have more time, General. They may not know what is going on up here in the academy but we're not the ones who have to live with their struggles. We can go where we want, do what we want because we have access. Faunus have been getting horrible treatment down in Mantle because of the traitor, and they're not the only ones suffering. We need answers"

"And how are we supposed to get those answers!?" Ironwood shouted exasperated "Salem is one step ahead of us at every turn!"

"We try looking somewhere we haven't" Slade smiled.

Ironwood was taken aback by Slade's demeanor in the face of his anger. Ironwood sighed, calming himself down "What do you have in mind?" he made his way back into his chair.

"I believe our next stop should be behind enemy lines"

"How do you propose we do that?" Ironwood turned his full attention to Slade.

"You asked me to find out what I can about Chimera. Well so far no one seems to know anything about them, we've all heard stories but none of us ever thought there was anything to them"

"You intend to find them?"

"I intend to join them"

---

The sound of metal striking metal could be heard as Ruby and Winter practiced in the arena in the center of the room. Qrow and Oscar stood outside facing each other directly.

Oscar fidgeted nervously with his cane "Are you sure this is a good idea, Qrow?"

"The only way you're going to learn how to control your Semblance is if you practice with it, kiddo"

"But I don't even know how to use it" he argued.

"You think anyone knew how to use theirs before practicing? Ruby certainly didn't get as good as she is now without practice"

Oscar gave a small nod "You're right... but how do I start?"

"How did you do it the first time?" Qrow asked.

"I-I'm not sure. It just kind of... happened"

"Yes, yes, yes, but how?" Qrow extended his hand toward him "Think back to when you first did it, and try to replicate that feeling"

Oscar seemed hesitant "Wouldn't that be a bad thing? Last time Slade and I-"

"You're not going to hurt anyone, kid. My Semblance is nothing like Slade's and even if you manage to activate it, nothing is gonna happen"

He took a deep breath "Okay... okay" he slowly moved his hand out to Qrow's. Oscar closed his eyes and focused.

"There you go, now... what do you feel?"

"I feel, I feel... awkward" he admitted opening his eyes.

Qrow laughed "Well the two of us holding hands is awkward. But I meant for you to try and use your Aura"

"Right" he went back to focusing.

Oscar's face changed to a smile "Feeling anything?" Qrow asked matching his expression.

"Pride" he opened his eyes "I can feel the pride you feel for Ruby, and Yang. I can feel the love you have for them"

"They are my family" he looked toward Ruby.

Oscar's smile dropped "I feel guilty"

"Huh?" his head whipped back to Oscar in surprise.

"Guilt... you have guilt every time you look at Ruby. Why?"

Qrow looked away "It's nothing"

"No. It isn't. You feel guilty about her mother... you couldn't find her"

"Oscar" he warned.

"Everything alright?" Weiss asked from behind him.

"Everything is fine" Qrow answered quickly "Oscar is trying to master his Semblance" he looked around behind her "Where are the others?"

"Jaune and the rest of his team are still out on patrol, hoping they can find Cinder's trail somehow. Yang wanted to grab a bite to eat before she came to training"

"Yang..." Oscar said aloud "More love, more guilt, Raven didn't come home. You blame yourself for not doing more"

"See how fun this is?" Qrow frowned.

Weiss giggled "I should let him have a go at my father"

"I'm sure he'd love to!" Penny exclaimed from behind Weiss, causing her to jump in surprise.

"Penny!" she collected herself, struggling to catch her breath "Don't sneak up on people like that!"

"I did not sneak" she replied matter-of-factly.

"What do you need, Penny?" Qrow asked never looking back at her.

Penny moved her head around Weiss to look at Qrow "General Ironwood has requested Oscar's presence in his office at his earliest convenience"

"Me?" Oscar asked surprised "What does he want me for?"

"He did not say" she answered looking over at Ruby and Winter training, a small smile on her face "I'm glad to see Winter is doing well"

"We all are" Weiss matched her expression.

Oscar suddenly had a look of realization wash over his features "Oh"

"Oh?" Weiss asked, her brow furrowed.

"Sorry, I just didn't expect that"

"Expect what?" Penny asked tilting her head.

"Qrow, is that really how you feel?" Qrow ripped his hand away from Oscar.

"Don't concern yourself with how I feel" he growled.

"You were thinking about-"

Qrow grabbed Oscar by his shoulder "Now I am thinking about something else. Care to guess?" he asked annoyed.

Oscar wore a look of revulsion "I don't think it would fit there"

"We'll find out if you keep prying" he gestured toward his cane. Qrow seemed to calm down almost instantaneously "Woah..." he released his grip on Oscar, taking a small step back "Did you just do that?"

"I-I think so" Oscar looked down at his hand in awe.

"What'd he do?" Weiss asked.

"Used his Semblance to calm me down" Qrow smirked "Told you, I knew you'd get the hang of it once you gave it a shot"

He smiled up at him "Yeah, you did" his face contorted with bewilderment "What did you mean by 'beaver' when you were thinking about... uh, you know who"

"I'll tell you when you're older, kid"

Oscar frowned "No, you won't"

"No, I won't" Qrow smirked "You'd better get going. James doesn't like to be kept waiting"

"Right" Oscar shook his head.

"Beaver? Why would Qrow be thinking about-" Weiss asked aloud, a look of realization crossed her face "Qrow!" she shouted.

"What!? I didn't do anything!" he shouted in defense.

"What exactly is going on?" Winter asked making her way over to them.

"Nothing!" they both shouted. She quirked an eyebrow, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Riiiiiiiiight"

"Have you seen Slade?" Oscar asked Penny.

"He is in the General's office" Penny answered with a bright smile.

"You just looked at the cameras didn't you?"

"I did" she never dropped her sweet tone.

Oscar laughed "Thanks, Penny. I should go see what he wants"

"Of course. I just have one question"

"No I will not tell you who or what Qrow was thinking about"

"Then I have no questions"

Oscar smiled with a small roll of his eyes. He made his way out into the hall, quickly making his way toward Ironwood's office. The halls were empty, the sound of Qrow and Weiss' voices faded in the background as he got further away. Just as the door to his office was in sight, it opened to reveal Slade was leaving.

"There you are" Yang's voice called. Oscar stopped just below the steps up toward his office.

"Yang, did you need something-" Yang punched him in the face. He recoiled slightly from the blow, a light groan of pain making it's way past his lips.

"That's for training!"

"Forgot how hard you can punch" he muttered "Look, Yang-don't hit me again" he raised his hands defensively, she glared at him but nodded "I know we said we'd wait until after the mission for this but I didn't think you'd start swinging quite so soon"

"You deserved it"

"Be that as it may" Slade cleared his throat "I was hoping to apologize" Yang folded her arms over her chest, tapping her foot impatiently "Right... well" he cleared his throat once more.

"Get on with it"

Slade gave a firm nod "I'm sorry for how I was acting during training, I went too hard on you and the others and I shouldn't have. I'm sorry I was an idiot and almost got myself killed when Blake was hurt, I shouldn't have stayed behind" he watched Yang's expression carefully, her anger never faded "There's something else bothering you isn't there?"

"How observant" she rolled her eyes.

"Yang, I am trying here"

"You know what would make things easier for you? Me! If you just told me. If you trusted me enough to help you, but no! You always have to do things yourself, your way!"

"I said I was sorry, Yang. I know I screwed up-"

"You screwed up because you think we did first!"

"What?" Slade looked surprised.

"You don't even trust me, or Ruby, or anyone to do things ourselves, you just have to come and be the hero. You don't even let us try and handle things on our own"

"I know! I know that, I am trying to but-"

"No! No buts! You always just run away!" her Aura flared, lilac eyes turning to red and her blonde hair ignited "Normal people talk about how they're feeling, Slade! Why can't you just talk to me, or Qrow, or... or somebody!"

"Well maybe that's because I'm not a normal person, Yang. If I wanted to talk about my feelings, I'd do so. I do not, therefore, I won't" Slade gave a wistful smile.

"Oh, cause bottling them up has done you wonders!"

"You're just angry I didn't choose to come talk to you. No, no. You don't get to be mad about that"

"I can be mad about whatever I want to be mad about! I'm sorry that we care so much about you that we had a small argument. It wasn't anything that couldn't be resolved if you had just talked to us! You don't always have to do things on your own"

"I know I don't" Slade shook his head "I didn't save Blake on my own, did I?"

"Yeah, but you almost got yourself killed in the process!"

"I see this isn't going anywhere. I don't have time for this" Slade turned to leave. Yang quickly moved in front of him, her arm stopping him.

"Don't walk away from me, we're not done!"

"I am not going to sit here and let you scream at me for something I have no control over"

"No control over!? You have perfect control over your own actions!"

"You're right, I do! But I don't control your mother's!" he shouted back. Yang was taken aback by his statement "Yeah, that's right. I know you're upset she followed us, that she chose to save me but didn't lift a finger when you needed help" he pointed to his head "You see I'm actually quite perceptive and this-" he gestured between the two of them "Has nothing to do with what I did"

Her eyes returned to their normal hue, her fiery hair dropped behind her "I... I..." she was at a loss, realizing he was right.

"You want to scream at someone, find someone else"

"Wait, Slade" she moved after him as he made his way down the steps. Oscar stepped back so they wouldn't see him.

"I'm sorry for snapping at you, for blaming you but-" she picked up her pace to catch him by the arm "I know I'm not wrong about this. There has to be a point where you trust us to do things on our own"

"Trust!? You think this is about trust!?" Slade shouted incredulously, turning back to her.

"Is that not what it's about?"

"Of course I trust you. All of you! I wouldn't still be here if I didn't"

"Then why do you keep pushing everyone away?"

"Because every time I care about someone they die!" Slade shouted back.

The sound of something clattering to the ground caught their attention. They both found Oscar standing there, his cane on the ground "Uh... hi" he greeted embarrassed.

Slade sighed in annoyance "How long have you been there?"

"Sorry, I didn't want to interrupt. And I didn't know how to leave without you seeing me"

"Oscar..." Yang groaned with a small smile at his awkwardness.

"Next time, interrupt" Slade stepped past him.

"Slade... I'm sorry" she called after him.

"I don't care" he never turned back toward her.

She looked down at the ground shamefully "Hey" she looked up at Oscar, his hand on her shoulder now "He'll come around"

Yang scoffed "If he doesn't hate me"

"Slade doesn't hate you" Oscar smiled "I heard him just now, he said he was pushing you away because he cared about you" Yang had a look of realization cross her face.

"He did... didn't he..." she smiled back at him "You're right, Oscar"

"Just... give him time. I don't think he was really mad at you either, I think something happened he's not talking about"

"Well that we know already. The people who killed his friends are back from the dead"

"I think there is more weighing on his shoulders than that. We should help him carry it, whatever it is" he removed his hand from her shoulder and moved to pick up his cane.

"Yeah" she furrowed her brow before asking "What were you doing here anyway?"

"General Ironwood wanted to talk to me. Don't know what about"

"I hope he didn't hear any of that" Yang groaned "I didn't even think about him when I came in swinging"

Oscar chuckled "I'm sure it's fine. Just be glad Slade's Aura wasn't drained or you might've left a bruise"

Yang laughed "Thanks, Oscar. I really appreciate that"

"Anytime, Yang" he nodded to her with a smile before making his way up the stairs. Yang silently decided whether she should follow after Slade as he knocked on the door.

"Come in" Ironwood's voice called. Oscar looked back to see Yang decided to give him time to calm down and smiled before entering his office.

"Oscar. It's good to see you" Ironwood smiled.

"General" he greeted with a nod as he entered "You wanted to see me?"

"I did" he stood up, making his way over to him "I need advice"

"From me?" Oscar asked surprised.

"Not exactly" he chuckled.

"Ah... Oz then"

"That's right"

"General I-"

"I know, I know" he kneeled down to his level "I'm not expecting anything, but you did say he would help when we needed him... I don't know if I was included in that circle, but if anyone would know what to do right now, it'd be him"

Oscar sighed "I can try, but I don't know if he'll answer"

"Thank you, Oscar. That's all I'm asking"

Oscar closed his eyes and focused Oz, if you're listening... we need your help

Silence seemed to be his only answer "Anything?" he asked hopeful.

"I..." Oscar shook his head "I'm sorry, General"

Ironwood sighed deeply "It's alright, Oscar. It's not your fault" he stood up straight and moved over to the window overlooking the city.

Oscar looked to the left of him and noticed an indentation of a fist in the wall, large cracks had formed out from it "Is there... anything else I can do for you?" he asked nervously.

"If you were in my place, and had to make a hard call... one that could mean losing a friend because you have no other options... would you do it?"

"Lose, as in... die?"

Ironwood closed his eyes "It's a strong possibility" he answered.

"Does this friend understand the risk?" Oscar asked.

"They do. In fact, it was their idea"

"But it's up to you to decide whether they can go through with it" he finished in understanding.

"Yes" he turned back to Oscar "Would you let them do it?"

"Honestly, I don't know. It depends on how dangerous it is. But I think we both know what Ozpin would do in that situation"

Ironwood looked to the floor "Right" he shook his head "Thank you, Oscar. That will be all for today"

---

Slade looked out at the city below him, it was quiet that night, only the howling wind could be heard from his place atop the academy. The sound of the bustling city below seemed to be all but drowned out by the wind, or soaked up by the thick layers of snow. The sharp smell of rain lingered in the air, indicating the snow that had been blown down from the mountains had melted in the winter air. The moon sat high in the sky, it's glow barely discernable through the thick clouds.

"Mr. Stroud" Jacques called making his way out to him.

"It's about time, Councilor Schnee" Slade turned toward him "I do not enjoy waiting. Least of all for someone I don't particularly like" He moved back from the railing "What is it that is so urgent?" he made his way to him, stopping in front of the man.

"You saved my life" he answered matter-of-factly.

"Is there a point to that rather odd observation?" Slade quirked his eyebrow at him.

"I wanted to thank you"

"No thanks necessary. I didn't do it for you" he stepped past him.

"Then why did you?" he asked curiously, following behind him.

"If you had died on my watch, Ironwood wouldn't have been pleased. That's reason enough"

"So you mean to tell me you only saved my life to make the General happy?"

"It wasn't the only reason, but yes. It wasn't because I care for your wellbeing if that's what you're asking"

"So clearly you're not like the other Huntsmen under Ironwood, you hunted bounties for over a year. Surely the paltry amount your making for the General isn't enough to keep you around"

"Your point?"

"What is stopping you from leaving? Why become a Huntsman when it clearly didn't interest you before? You left Beacon academy-"

"Why I stay doesn't matter, Councilor"

"It matters to me" he stepped in front of him, stopping Slade in his tracks "So long as the lives of my daughters remain in your hands I will continue to take an interest. Now why are you still here?"

"Aside from the closed borders and increased security? Have you forgotten there is no passage out of the kingdom? Even if I wanted to leave I couldn't"

"Yet you remain in the city working for Ironwood. There are any number of places you could've gone outside the city. I know a man of your skills shouldn't have any problem escaping the kingdom just as you were able to break your way in"

"I have tried to be cordial to you Mr. Schnee, allow me to be more direct. I have no intention of leaving this kingdom or this city. Have I made myself clear?"

"Crystal clear, Mr. Stroud" he frowned "If you will not tell me what is keeping you here, answer me this... why are you working with these children, my daughters? What possible reason do you have to remain with them?"

"Slade..." he turned toward the direction of the voice which called his name "Can we talk for a minute?" Ruby asked.

Slade turned back toward Jacques "My reasons are my own, question them again and my disposition will be far less sunny"

Jacques gave a small smile "Well, you saved my life and Winter's. So for now, I will trust Ironwood's judgement. But I will be watching you" he turned on his heels and walked away. Ruby made her way over to Slade.

"He really doesn't like you, even after you saved his life"

"The feeling is mutual" he turned toward her "You wanted to talk? Did something turn up?" he asked urgently.

"No, no!" she waved her hands in front of her "It's not about Cinder, they're still looking"

"Ah" Slade reached into his coat, his shoulders relaxing at the news "Then to what do I owe the pleasure, Ruby?" he asked removing a cigar from his pocket.

"I wanted to make sure you were alright. You haven't been yourself these past few days"

Slade gave her a knowing look "Why did she send you?" he took a seat against the wall.

"She didn't think you'd listen to her, not after your argument" she answered joining him.

Slade scoffed "She's right" he turned to look at her "She punched me in the face" he stuck the cigar in his mouth, lighting it with his opposite hand.

"After what happened in training today, you kinda deserved it" he feigned offense, she giggled.

"Are you angry?" she asked worried.

Slade sighed "I am, but not at you... or her"

"Then why are you angry?" Slade's eyes glazed over deep in thought, he was hesitant to answer "Slade?"

He huffed, crossing his arms over his chest tightly "Neo"

Ruby tilted her head curiously "She wasn't with Cinder today, right?"

"She was"

Ruby was surprised "You didn't say anything to Yang about that"

"I didn't say anything about it to anyone. Not even Ironwood"

"Why not?"

Slade took a long drag of his cigar "I wanted to help her, Ruby. I thought I could convince her to give up revenge, but..." he looked down sadly.

"She's intent on killing me" Ruby finished for him.

"I was so close, I was getting somewhere with her. But she still refuses to let it go, she never used to be like this"

"She needs someone to blame" Ruby understood "It's easier that way"

Slade shifted his gaze to her "How do you know?"

Ruby gave a sad smile "When Pyrrha died, it was so easy to be angry at Cinder. To hate her for what she did... I still do, but... I'm getting past it. Getting Penny back helped. But when Mom died... there was no one to blame. No one but her, and I didn't know what to do, what to think or what to feel... I was just, lost"

"I'm sorry, Ruby"

"Don't be" she gave him a reassuring smile "It was a long time ago, I'm over it"

"No one ever gets over losing someone you care about, especially someone like your mother"

Ruby wiped a stray tear from her eye "I wish you could've met her. She would've liked you... she was the best"

"I wish I could've met her too, Pyrrha as well. Who knows, maybe someday I will" he took his flask out and drank from it.

"Why do you do that?"

"Do what?"

"That" she gestured between the cigar in his hand and the flask "You smoke and drink all the time. Why?"

Slade opened his mouth to answer but stopped himself, he looked down at the cigar in his hand, mulling over the question "I started drinking when I left Beacon, it helped me sleep. Salem doesn't seem to like to bother me when I'm drunk, after awhile it just became a habit. It became a way to relax, to forget the pain of losing the people I care about. As for the smoking..." he gave a small laugh.

"What?" Ruby couldn't help but smile, she was happy to see a genuine smile on his face.

"Roman, he always used to shove these things into my mouth whenever I had a problem, or needed to talk. Soon enough I started getting them on my own, it always helped with the stress. Bounty hunting isn't the most stress free job, you know"

"Then why do you still do it?"

"Huh?"

"You said it helped, past tense" she tilted her head "Why not stop?"

Slade looked down at it again "Good question" he looked back at her "I honestly haven't felt like I needed to recently. These past few months while obviously stressful have been... oddly, fun" he laughed "It's been a long time since I've actually just had fun, real fun"

"Well we're fun girls" she laughed.

"I don't think Jaune or Oscar would appreciate that remark"

"What, and Uncle Qrow would?"

"Well he'd have to be fun to count wouldn't he?" Slade smirked.

"Ouch!" they laughed together.

"Thank you, Ruby. I really needed this"

"Anytime" they both sat silently for a moment before her curiosity got the better of her "So..."

Slade rolled his eyes with a small smile "What is it, Ruby?"

"You said you've been hearing your sister's voice..." his smile dropped into a frown.

"I did"

"Has she, said anything... helpful?"

Slade took a deep breathe, letting it out as he collected his thoughts "I don't know if I can really trust that it's her, but... she's been helping me with my visions, I think"

"You had another?"

"I've had a few recently, none that I've talked about. We have enough to worry about without me adding to it with ifs and maybes"

"But they're bothering you" Ruby deduced.

"My most recent one more than the others, yes. That one has been keeping me from sleeping" he admitted.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

He sighed "Not really" he gave a small shake of his head "But what the hell"

Earlier

Slade stood amidst the burning ruins of Atlas, the city having crashed down into Mantle. The Academy was the only building still largely intact, Grimm picked over the remains of the once great city, soldiers in black armor stood disinterested as they made their way through the ruins. High above the ruined city was a storm made of crimson clouds, as if the sky itself was bleeding, lightning as black as night illuminated the beast inside, it was so large he couldn't make more than a quarter of it at one time. It dwarfed the Wyverns encircling the storm. The body of Ironwood was hung from a cross made of black Gravity Dust crystals.

"This isn't destined to happen is it?" Slade asked worried.

It is closer than you think the voice of his sister answered.

"But we can stop this right?" he asked urgently.

It can be stopped, but only if you... her voice faded.

"What? If I what?"

James Ironwood she answered.

"I don't understand, you want me to listen to Ironwood, is that it?"

James... an image flashed in front of him, an enraged Ironwood stood with Due Process aimed at a shocked Slade, a single shot soaring toward him …Ironwood. The sound of a gunshot rang in his ears "James?" he heard his own voice ask. The image shifted to one of Slade and Ruby fighting in the halls of the academy "Slade, what're you doing!?" Blake's voice echoed.

"Goddammit! I'm gonna kill you!" Shouted Winter's voice just as the image shifted to one of her and Qrow clashing blades in Ironwood's office.

"How can this be stopped!?" he shouted desperately.

An image of Salem grinning menacingly over a weakened Yang appeared "You don't" Salem's voice seemed to answer.

Use the relic... Jinn can show you

"You want me to ask the final question? What if we need it for something more important?"

No... leave the question... use the relic

"How do I use it if I can't ask-" an image of a tree appeared before him, a massive tree taller than any building he'd ever seen. Below laid a forest laden with Grimm pools, none approached the tree, as if something was stopping them. Above it, the sun and the shattered moon could be seen at the same time.

Find the forest... don't trust the tree

"Don't trust the tree?" Slade's face scrunched in confusion "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

Oz...pin The crack of lightning flashed a pair of eyes and a malevolent smile across the trunk of the massive tree but it vanished just as quickly as it appeared.

Slade shot up in his bed struggling to calm himself down, Qrow stirred from his bed "Kid?" he asked still groggy.

"I'm alright, Qrow..." Slade slumped back into his bed "Just another damn nightmare"

"Hmm..." his eyes closed "Alright" he rolled back over "Just holler if you need anything"

"I will"

Presently

"Wow..." Ruby stared in disbelief "That was..."

"I know" he sighed "It didn't make much sense to me either... but, I hope whatever I saw never happens. It's not exactly like I can just ask Oz. I sure as hell can't tell Ironwood I saw him shooting me"

"Yeah, I'm not sure how he'd take that"

"I don't know what to think. I can't see a reason for either of us to be fighting outside of training, and that definitely wasn't the training room"

"I can see why this has been affecting your sleep"

"Yeah... I'd appreciate if you kept this to yourself for now. I don't want Yang to worry"

She smiled "I won't, don't worry"

"Thank you"

"You've had more than one of these?"

"Yeah, none as... vivid as that one. But it's not the first time I've seen Atlas burning"

"That's not going to happen. Not while we're still around" she said reassuring him.

That's what I'm worried about he thought to himself "I know... still... makes you think"

Ruby got to her feet "I'm going to turn in for the night, maybe read some comic books before bed. Haven't decided yet" she added with a shrug.

"You do that" he chuckled out "And, Ruby" she stopped, turning back to face him.

"Yeah?"

"If Yang asks, you can tell her I'm not angry at her. I just needed some space"

"You bet" she grinned, he smiled, turning away "Hey" she regained his attention, dropping onto her knees.

"What're you-oh" Ruby wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a hug. He returned the hug with his free arm.

"Don't worry about Neo so much. We'll find a way to help her. If anyone can convince her, it'd be you" she ended their embrace "Don't give up just yet"

Slade smiled at her "I won't"

Ruby nodded, standing up "Good night, Slade" she made her way back into the academy.

"Good night, Ruby" he looked back down at the cigar in his hand, placing the end of it into his opposite palm, he crushed the end of it "Maybe she is right" he tossed what was left into a nearby trash can. Reaching into his coat, her removed the rest of the cigars packed away and placed them inside as well. He looked down at the flask on his hip and sighed "It's gonna take some time to get rid of you though, huh?" he asked aloud, his scroll rang.

Looking down at the screen, he checked to make sure Ruby was far enough away not to hear "Slade" he greeted, as he answered the call "Good. I'll get started right away... I understand. Thank you" he placed the device back into his pocket. He quickly started heading the opposite direction from where Ruby went.

Ruby made her way back to RWBY's dorm with a bright smile on her face. She arrived just in time to watch Oscar make his way inside JNPR's dorm, she could hear Nora and Jaune talking so she knew they were back. Making her way over to Qrow and Slade's she placed her ear to the door, the sound of the tv told her he was asleep or very close to it.

Ruby opened the door to her dorm to find Yang on her bed, she poked her head up "Hey, Sis"

Yang spoke a mile-a-minute "Ruby, how is he? Is he okay? He's still mad at me isn't he? Damn it! Why can't I just control my temper-"

"He's fine, Yang. He said he is not mad at you, he was mad at-" she stopped herself "Somebody else"

"Oh..." Yang looked surprised "Then he's alright?"

Ruby smiled "Yeah, he is" she plopped down on her own bed.

"I hope so" Yang frowned "Sometimes I wonder if he's being honest with us or just trying to spare us"

Ruby rolled on her side to look at her sister "Yang. There are a lot of things I don't know. How to walk properly in heels, which set of ears Blake hears from, the definition of the word 'tussle'" she listed off on her fingers.

"Ruby" Yang laughed.

"But if there is one thing I do know, it's that more than anyone else in the world. Slade trusts you and Uncle Qrow. If he ever is going to come to somebody to help him, it'll be you two"

Yang smiled warmly at her little sister "Thanks, Ruby"

"Anytime" she yawned out.

Yang got settled into her bed while Ruby got her sleep clothes out of the wardrobe preparing to go to sleep along with her sister.

"Ruby?" Yang called as she finished getting changed.

"Yeah, Sis?" Ruby moved her head just enough to look at her.

"Do you think we could've done something more?"

"None of us were prepared for Hunter, Yang. Blake got hurt because she took a chance to take him down. It didn't work. Any of us could've been in her place, Slade included"

"No, I mean-yeah. I know, but that wasn't what I meant" Ruby titled her head at Yang "I meant for Slade, do you think we could've done more to help him?"

"You mean when he stayed behind?"

"Yeah..." Yang looked down at her feet "But I really meant all the time, every time he's gotten hurt helping us"

"Yang..." Ruby fixed her with a sympathetic look "Slade cares about people, even those who haven't earned it like Weiss' Dad" she wore a small smile "He obviously cares about all of us too, he'd gladly take a bullet or lose an arm if it meant keeping us safe. I wish he'd think of himself more, but it's just who he is. He doesn't hesitate to throw himself in harms way so that we don't have to. You wouldn't feel the way you do about him if he was any different"

"I know, just..." she threw her head back into the pillow, her arms behind her head "We left him behind"

"No, Yang. He chose to stay behind, just like Pyrrha did" she frowned "He could've died if Raven didn't help him, sure. But none of us were expecting him to stay behind"

"We still could've done something more to help him" she rolled onto her side to look at Ruby.

"Blake needed us too, Yang. Sure we could've went back and got Slade afterwards if we knew he didn't plan on coming. But then maybe we'd all be dead right now, who knows"

Yang frowned "You think I am worrying too much about something I can't control"

"I think Slade is the perfect example of what trying to do too much can do to someone. Next time, we'll have his back just like he had ours"

Yang smiled and gave a firm nod "Yeah, you're right" she rolled over and got comfortable in her bed "Goodnight, Ruby... and thanks"

"You're welcome, Yang. Goodnight"

They both got comfortable in their beds, the only sound to be heard was the faint breathing from each of them. Just outside the dorm on the balcony sat a single raven, watching the two girls before flying off into the distance.