Crows

Not even a day had passed since the foodfight when representatives of the other academies started arriving.

Not that they ran into each other all that much, almost as though they were avoiding the Beacon students. They might all be staying at Beacon, but they had separate lessons for the most part (or it might just be that there weren't that many first years from the other academies), which let them stay separate.

Aside from combat classes that was, which left a number of students asking why (not that they'd had a combat class since the first students arrived).

After all, by sparring against each other they couldn't help but give away their fighting style.

At least, to the representatives of Shade and Haven, seeing as Atlas was still not present.

In any case, even with the other students around things were finally returning to normal, as far as team RWBY was concerned.

And that was when the airships arrived.

It was while the team was in one of Ports lessons (what few of them hadn't been taken over by Salem), so everyone was distracted already.

But even Ports drone was insufficient to drown out the noise of their approach. With the size if the windows of the room it was impossible to see what the cause was, and the students fled the room to see what was going on, continuing to ignore whatever it was Port was saying.

From the improved vantage points they found the airships were clearly visible in their final approach, the lead vessel coming in to land while the others remained in the sky with Bullheads launching from their hangars to follow it in.

"General Ironwood must be escorting his students," Weiss gasped.

"His students? The general?"

"Ironwood is headmaster for the Atlas Huntsman Academy, as well as serving in the military. It... isn't really something we advertise. As the other kingdoms limit their military to volunteer militias the connection between Huntsmen and the military is somewhat... unique. Not that it always happens."

Ruby nodded, taking it in. "But why does Atlas have a military anyway? If the other countries don't need one..."

"There are... problems with keeping people employed. And as not everyone can become Huntsmen, and a number of those who could choose not to, it was decided that training a lot more people to a lower level, and giving them high tech standardised equipment, could help with both problems. At least, from what I was taught growing up."

Times like this it was useful having a team member from Atlas.

The airship finally landed, and the ramp unfolded to reveal a stern looking man flanked by guards, all in the same style of uniform.

As well as the clear guards there was someone who looked very similar to Weiss...

"Sister," Weiss gasped, making Ruby nod.

Called it.

"Didn't she tell you she was coming?" It was just like Yang to take the opportunity to tease Weiss.

"It's... possible she didn't know until it was too late to send a message, or wasn't permitted to for some reason," Weiss defended her sister.

"At least she'll be here to see you compete in the festival," Ruby said, hoping to brighten her mood.

"We don't know if we'll be competing yet," Weiss snapped immediately, much the same as each previous time a team member had been optimistic about their chances.

There was a noise from the courtyard, and the team returned their attention to the Atlesian arrivals, to see Ozpin, along with Goodwitch, walking out to meet Ironwood.

They spoke briefly, before the four of them headed back into the building, leaving the guards behind as students disembarked from the transports.

"Seems a large escort just for students," Yang noted. "And without any dignitaries among the students it seems particularly excessive."

"They could be here to do something about the White Fang," Ruby suggested. "To help keep order during the festival."

"Could be. I wonder what they're talking about?"

[]

"I saw the Grimm among your students," Ironwood began as soon as they were safely within the office.

"I have told you my reasons for acting as I have. And would you, under the influence of Mettle, have done any different?"

"I would have cut her down as soon as she showed her face!"

"I have already explained why that would not work."

"In any case I would not have aided her in infiltrating Grimm into my academy!"

"Which I didn't realise was what she meant."

"Enough!"

Both men flinched at Glyndas tone.

"We are not here to discuss a decision that has already been made."

"Indeed," Ironwood agreed. "We should be talking about how to use my forces to protect the festival."

"The council would never accept another kingdom taking over something so public as the Vytal festival. Even just the security arrangements."

"You've already demonstrated that you're security can be compromised. They will listen."

"General, your semblance," Winter reminded him.

"There's nothing wrong with-" he began.

"General Ironwood," Glynda snapped, making him flinch again.

He closed his eyes, reluctant though he was, and concentrated. Moments later tension faded from his body as he relaxed subconsciously, with his semblance deactivated.

"I... apologise for saying things that way. I still feel that you could do with my soldiers," he began, ignoring the responses of Glynda and Ozpin, "but I can understand the councils concerns, even if my semblance can't."

"Why were you even using it? I know how much you hate Mettle."

"With those Grimm among your students? Even with Mettle active I barely held myself back from attacking."

"I can understand in that case, but I will have to ask you to try and avoid my... less human students."

"There are those that might include faunus in that, or assume that we do at least," Winter commented.

"I was planning on spending my time checking Amity and ensuring its safety. I will be keeping my students separate though. As headmaster their safety is my concern, and I have already demonstrated my inability to remain within Beacon with the Grimm present."

Ozpin nodded. "I quite understand. And Winter?"

"Will be acting as my intermediary to Beacon."

"Giving her plenty of time to meet with her sister."

"That can wait until I've finished my duties," she immediately responded.

"Is there anything further you had to discuss," Ozpin asked his old friend.

[]

The excitement over the arrival of the airships faded over the rest of the days lessons, and all too soon the day started to feel like a normal one.

And as such, Ruby managed to convince her team to play a game, in the library of course, for 'team bonding'. Of course, for Weiss, the only reason she was there was to pass the time until her sister was available to meet with.

Her attempts at convincing Drei to play had been... variable, and unsuccessful for the game she had chosen that day, leaving the other three members of the team playing 'Remnant' together.

Naturally, just as they'd started to get Weiss into the game, there was an interruption.

"Is the library really the place for this?"

The team, including Drei, started at the question out of seemingly nowhere, Weiss startled the most.

"Sister," she started, standing almost automatically and upsetting the table they had been playing on. "It-it's not like that. I was-"

"Come with me. We need to talk," Winter responded, her gaze remaining fixed on Drei as it had been since she entered the library.

After a moments hesitation Weiss followed.

It had been too long since they were able to talk face to face...


AN: Sorry about the short chapter after a weeks inactivity. I have been unwell and had to visit the dentist, which of course nobody wants to do.