Jaune wasn't sure what to think when Ozpin called him to his office. He hasn't done anything wrong. Right? ...right?
If asked, he'd blame Nora for whatever it was he did.
...no no, he couldn't do that to her.
Blaming Yang was the better option.
He opened the door and stepped in. "Ah, Jaune. Come have a seat," Ozpin greeted. Jaune did so and noticed Glynda standing to the side. "Now then, Jaune, the reason I summoned you here is that I have an unusual request."
"Uh… ok?" Jaune shrugged. "What is this request?"
"Well, since the Vytal Festival is being hosted in Vale this year, General Ironwood will be visiting the Kingdom. In fact, he's making a temporary stop in Vale for a week in a few days. Every Festival, he and I have a little… war game per-say."
"A war game?"
"Essentially," Glynda chimed in, "they all will display a piece of information, usually just a sentence or a phrase, on their computers and the goal is to find out what the other's info is and tell it to them. Whoever does it first wins."
"Ok," Jaune nodded. "And you want me for this because… ?"
"For one simple reason: your semblance," Ozpin said. "James would expect some special agent or spy, but there's no way he'd expect a puppy."
"...ok I can see that. But wouldn't it be better if you had someone else?"
"We do have someone else," Ozpin said. "Unfortunately, Ironwood had caught on to his tricks."
/
Two years ago
Qrow flew alongside Ironwood's battleship. Below, the general was addressing several ranks of troops. This was going to be easy.
"Now remember to keep a sharp eye. Ozpin's agents could be anywhere, and double-check to make sure you have non-lethals loaded," Ironwood said. This wouldn't be a problem for Qrow. It's not like he had a way to tell them that he was a bird.
"One more thing men: Do you all remember that old crackpot theory that birds are actually government drones?" That earned a few chuckles from the troops. "Well, Ozpin decided to be a funny guy and create drones that look like birds. So if you see a bird fly near the ship, it's most likely a drone."
"Like that bird?" A soldier pointed up at Qrow.
"...yes, like that one."
Qrow didn't know what scared him more, Ironwood's grin, the ranks of soldiers snapping their rifles at him, or the fact that some of the point-defense gatling guns were turning his way.
/
Qrow was fine, only a few shots hit him… granted, with him being a bird that meant the bullets were almost the size of him so it hurt more, but he was fine.
"Ok, so you want me to help with a military war game. Question is, why should I-"
"You'll get a pass on all homework and tests for a full week," Glynda said.
"Deal!"
"Good," Ozpin smiled. "Alright, here's the plan..."
"Status," Ironwood turned to his ensign. "Anything unusual?"
"Negative sir, everything is all normal," she replied. "Though, some of the men went out of their way to make sure I mention that they didn't see any birds. I don't know why."
"Don't worry about," he chuckled, "just let me know if something out of the ordinary happens." He turned to leave.
"Oh, one more thing sir. You got a message from one Professor Goodwitch. She requested a meeting with you."
"Glynda? Hmmm… alright, give the location and put an extra pair of guards outside my office."
"Aye sir," she told him the location and saluted as he left.
Ironwood wondered what Glynda wanted with him. she wasn't one for unexpected visits. He reached the Beacon conference room and waited. He checked his watch and saw she was a few minutes late. Something was up. Glynda Goodwitch WASN'T late.
There was a knock on the door. "James?" Glynda called.
"Glynda? Yes, I'm here," he replied.
"Ok good," the door opened and she walked in. "Sorry I'm late." Before he could reply that it was no big deal, she turned back around and motioned to someone. "Come on boy, in here," she said in a soft, higher-pitched voice… something that should have been a sign of the apocalypse.
"Glynda?" He followed her eyes downward and saw something small and fluffy enter the room.
"James, this is Jaune," she said. "Jaune, say hi."
"Arf!" The puppy rushed over and started inspecting him, looking him over and giving his boots a quick sniff here and there. Ironwood stood perfectly still, not really sure what to do.
"Uh… hi." He said, earning another bark. "I didn't realize you got a dog."
"He's a new addition," she explained. "Don't worry, he won't bite."
Taking the hint, Ironwood leaned down to try and scratch his head, making Jaune sniff his hand before trying to bite down on it. Ironwood's reflexes were faster.
"Jaune, no! Come! Now!" She raised her voice and Jaune obeyed, ears flattened against his head immediately walking up to her and laying on his back, exposing his little belly. The deputy headmistress sighed, scratching his tummy before standing back up "Apologies for that. I'm training him to bite Qrow, but so far he does it to anyone with black hair. It's a work in progress." Hearing that made James chuckle.
"Smart dog. Very smart dog." Glynda smiled back at his words before continuing
"Anyway, James, the reason I called you over is because I need a favor. I need you to watch him for a few hours for me," Glynda said.
"Watch him?" James Ironwood: Headmaster of Atlas Huntsmen Academy, lead commander of the Atleasian Navy and Army, veteran and slayer of many Grimm and enemies of Atlas, was being asked to babysit a puppy. "I…" he looked down at the dog. His tail was wagging and the tip of his tongue stuck out of his closed mouth. "I don't see why not."
"Splendid! Thank you. Now, Jaune," she crouched down to talk to him and the little guy put his front paws on her knees, (Ironwood would not be blamed for not averting his gaze sooner, it was her fault for putting her cleavage in front of his eyesight of the dog), "the nice man is going to watch you for a little while mommy gets some things down." She patted his head. "He'll take good care of you. Make sure to be on your best behavior."
"Arf!"
"And if anyone gives you trouble, remember this: you are Jaune Goodwitch, and you take shit from nobody." Her facial expression and voice turned back to neutral during that last part. Ironwood almost laughed at Jaune's reaction to that: the tail wagging and happy panting stopped as he tilted his head to the side with a droopy ear.
"... paw," Glynda held a hand out. Jaune enthusiastically gave it a high five. "Good boy," she ruffled his fur before standing up. "I really need to get going now, see you two later." Glynda quickly left.
Left alone, Ironwood and Jaune started at each other for a few moments.
"Ok, let's go then, Jaune," he held the door open and they left.
Walking by his side, Ironwood didn't notice Jaune turn around to see a hidden Glynda. They shared a smile and nod of the head.
Phase one complete.
To be continued