Interlude 1: Neon Coloured Sky

Time frame shift: Team VIEW Year 1 - Volume 7

Character Change: Kairi-Tsugumi Basil - Ruby Rose

Location: Atlas Academy

"SAL-U-TATIONS!" Penny says jogging the sleeping Team RWBY awake. Sliding the covers off Team WBY climbs out of bed and prepares for another day in Atlas.

"Penny, are you going to do that every day?" Weiss drones through a sleepy yawn.

"You'll get used to it Weiss, it's consistent at least." Blake says slipping out of her covers with a small stretch.

"I'm sorry, friend Weiss but it's best to start the morning as early as possible." Penny says in her usual cadence.

"Penny, can you please give us five more minutes?" Ruby drawls sleepily

"Ruby, might as well start the day." Yang responds, starting to brush her hair.

"UGGHGH" Ruby groans getting out of bed.

"I told you staying up late playing games with Jaune and Oscar was not a smart idea.'' Blake yawns, beginning to brush her teeth.

"Ugh I know but that new Raging Ninja game is so good! Seriously, the new character is super fun. He's a freaking PURPLE NINJA!"

"So they added Blake to the game?" Penny queries.

This gets a small laugh from the cat faunus before she spits into the sink, "Should I ask for royalties?" Blakes says jokingly.

The four members of Team RWBY end up sharing a short laugh before getting ready for the day and taking their respective seats in the briefing room.

Jaune walked in a few minutes later carrying his and Marrow's normal cups of coffee, "Morning guys."

"Morning." The four drone out as a Clover and Qrow walk in.

"Morning everyone, it's time for another day of work." Clover says addressing everyone in the room. "As you know, work on the Amity project is moving along. The general needs three people to follow along with one of the supply trucks and make sure there's no interference from the Grimm. I need two volunteers to go with me on this one." Clover says stoically

"I'll do it." Harriet chimes in from the back.

"Count me in as well." Qrow says before Clover looks at him and shakes his head.

"Sorry Qrow, but the General has requested that you take the next mission. It's about teaching students at Atlas." Clover says sorrowfully,

"Ah, so he wants me to teach some brats?" Qrow says smirking.

"The mission is getting two huntsmen to go in and talk about working outside Atlas, hence why the General wanted you considering you have the most experience." Clover responds.

"I'll go help with the escort then." Ren says in his normal tone.

"Great, on to the next mission. Like I said before, the general is asking for Qrow and another one of the new huntsmen to give a small lecture today for the students of Atlas Academy. Lieutenant Schnee will be joining you later." Clover continues with the report.

"What's the purpose of the lecture?" Blake asks quizzically.

"We're hoping to provide an outlook of typical huntsmen who are not aligned with the Atlas Military. Whole purpose is to show the students that joining the military is not their only option." Clover responds.

"But do they really have that option?" Nora retorts.

"Yes, not every graduate of Atlas Academy joins the military, Miss Valkyrie." Harriet responds shortly.

"Harriet, lay off." Clover says, trying to prevent a fight, "So who wants to help Qrow?"

"I'll do it." Ruby responds.

"Alright, next mission is once again the preschool crossing guard job. Jaune, you up for this one again?" Clover drones out.

"Yes." Jaune responds between sips of coffee.

"Gonna bring home another casserole?" Yang teases.

"He might want to, Murt and Lute are in charge of the cafeteria today…" Winter jokes stepping into the briefing area.

"Lieutenant Schnee, glad you decided to join us." Clover gives a small salute.

"What's so wrong with them working the cafeteria? Those two are probably some of the best professors at Atlas." Marrow questions

"Oh, I forgot you never had to deal with the pay dispute… *Sigh* breakfast was the only time I saw Eckhart eat an actual meal during that." Winter reminisces.

"That would have been your first year Lieutenant Schnee. It's surprising that those two are still there." Elm chuckles.

"All of them are, though Murt should probably retire, he's 64." Winter chuckles, "We can reminisce later, I was just stopping in to see who would be giving the lectures with me."

"That's going to be me and the kiddo, Ice Queen." Qrow responds

"Great…" Winter says, rolling her eyes, "I'll meet you both in the lobby at 1300." she continues before exiting.

The rest of the briefing was short, just some simple huntsmen missions such as clearing out saybrs. The most interesting was that Sherfira Industries requesting a huntsman to tune their new combat AI against… Weiss was skeptical that it would work. As 1300 approached Ruby and Qrow approached the lobby of the grand Atlas Academy.

"Uncle Qrow, have you ever taught here before?" Ruby asks.

"Nope, only taught at Shade and Signal." Qrow responds.

"Good you're here on time." Winter says glaring at Qrow.

"Ice Queen, I am always right on time. If you catch my drift."

Winter rolls her eyes and mutters something about spayed under her breath before coughing and addressing them, "We're going to give a short lecture to the second and fourth year students during their Huntsmen Law course. Your job is to provide a simple example of what it is like to work as a freelancer… Saying that out loud makes me worry." Winter responds.

"Why?" Ruby asks.

"You're younger than every student here and Qrow's probably only taken jobs for Ozpin." Winter grimaces.

"Luckily for you, I have taken on missions without Ozpin asking me to." Qrow responds.

"How many? And how long ago?" Winter queries

"Best I don't answer that question." Qrow responds.

Winter shakes her head and motions for them to follow her, following behind Winter they see multiple student's wearing drab gray, black and white uniforms. Compared to Beacon everything looks dull and soulless… almost militant. Stopping somewhere on the second floor Winter turns and enters a room numbered B-201. Inside it's a typical lecture hall however instead of the wooden paneling it's metallic accents and the chalkboards are futuristic holo-screens. Near the front of the room sits a small mouse faunus with flowing icy hair reading from their scroll and smiling.

"Professor Basil, it's good to see you again." Winter says giving a smile.

"W-w-Winter! I-i-it's goo-good to s-se-see you a-aga-again." Basil says getting up and hugging the eldest Schnee. "H-how's l-life?"

"Oh it's going fine, I'm surprised you haven't retired especially considering you've got two kids now." Winter says smiling.

"I c-c-considered it… but you k-kn-know me, i-idle life w-was never r-re-really my s-st-style. Besides, I'll retire when you take this position from me." Basil says with a laugh.

"Is that so professor?" Winter says with a smirk

"Yes, even after 10 years I still think you're one of my best students." Basil jokes.

"Only one of them?" Winter raises an eyebrow.

"Well your partner is probably my favorite student in general and Miss Soleil has shown great promise." Basil responds looking serious.

Winter narrows her eyes, "Is that so? Well I'll take a look at her file. We should meet in your office after this to catch up."

"We should meet in yours as mine is currently a mess." Basil jokes

'Makoto?" Winter jokes

"Yep." Basil replies, earning a laugh from Winter and herself.

"Anyhow Mrs. Basil, These two will be the huntsmen giving the lecture today." Winter says motioning to Ruby and Qrow.

Ruby gives a quick wave, "Hello my name's-"

"Ruby Rose, first year at Beacon academy despite being 15 years old… Now two years later you're a licensed huntress on special orders from the General." Basil responds staring straight into her soul.

"Sheesh, someone did their homework." Qrow responds.

"And you're Qrow Branwen." Basil says glaring at him with anger.

Qrow blinks twice before asking, "Did we meet before?"

"Thirteen years ago, you tried to flirt with my wife." Basil says in anger.

"Holding onto a grudge there, shortstack." Qrow responds

"When I called you out on it you said it should be a threesome." Basil says, raising an eyebrow.

Qrow goes pale at the comment from the mouse professor, Ruby and Winter both look on in a mix of shock and horror.

"I did not need that image in my head." Winter says, shaking her head.

"How ab-about we put that behind us and focus on the future… like the lecture." Ruby says getting slightly embarrassed.

Basil looks unimpressed, "Yes let's."

The four end up discussing that Basil will explain how the huntsmen freelance or hiring system works then Winter will talk a little bit about positions in the military then Qrow and Ruby will talk about their experiences and freelancing jobs.

"Are there any questions?" Winter says looking at Ruby in particular.

"Why do I feel like I'm being singled out here?" Ruby responds.

"It's because you're the greenest here." Qrow says.

Ruby crosses her arms, "I understand what's going on…"

"Good, cause we've got five minutes until the fourth years come in." Basil says taking her position at the front of the class.

The lectures for the fourth and Second years really were not that bad. Things were a little awkward when the second years came in and Ruby ran into Ciel, and the entirety of Team FNKI but truth be told it was quite simple… Qrow did most of the talking. To be fair it was to be expected as the missions that Ruby had taken were mostly for Ironwood and those didn't seem to really be 'freelance missions.' In the end Ruby was sulking slightly by the end of the mission.

"I've seen my student's do that a million times, what's eating at you Miss Rose?" Basil asks.

Ruby jumps slightly, "I guess I'm questioning why Ironwood had the mission be two people when Qrow could do it by himself." She responds with a shrug.

"I think he wanted this to be a learning experience for you." Basil says reaching over and grabbing her scroll and removes the case, "After all I've been taught valuable lessons by my students even though I thought my days of learning were long in the past."

"What do you mean?" Ruby ponders.

"I mean that just because you're a huntress doesn't mean you're done learning and growing. Even when you start teaching other's you still learn from them." Basil says looking back nostalgically.

"Umm… Mrs. Basil… I have a question." Ruby says looking down.

"What is it?" Basil responds curiously while also side eyeing Qrow and Winter bickering off to the side.

"Does the name Team VIEW sound familiar?" Ruby asks.

Basil gives a small laugh, "I don't think I could forget them until the day I die. But no, it's not my place to tell you about them." she then pulls something from her now empty scroll case.

"Oh…" Ruby looks down dejected before suddenly a torn picture is handed to her. "What's this?"

"A picture an old colleague gave me. Said that when you came to Atlas you'd start piecing things together." Basil says with a smile.

Flipping the picture over, Ruby sees it's a picture of her as a baby swaddled in her mother's arms somewhere in Vacuo, only thing giving a hint of what was on the other side of the tear is a gloved hand giving a peace sign. "I… I don't understand. What do you mean by 'came to Atlas'?" Ruby questions.

"You were on the list of high priority to try to get to apply here, we were ready to offer a full ride and such… if only Ozpin didn't poach you two years early." Basil says with a smile. "Your hint starts there with the name written on the back.

Ruby once again flips the picture over and sees only one word written there.

Zeliska

"I don't understand, who's Zeliska?" Ruby questions

Upon hearing that both Winter and Qrow stop dead in their tracks and get pale. Basil just smirks and continues, "A friend and a clue. Come now it wouldn't be fun if I gave you all the answers."

"I… I guess you're right… thanks… Thanks for the photo, Mrs. Basil…" Ruby says before getting up and rushing back towards her and her Team's Room.

Basil smirks before looking directly at Qrow, "Viralious told me to tell you 'get fucked' when she got that picture." This gets a bewildered look from Qrow and a silent smirk from Winter.

Once Ruby enters her dorm she immediately rushes toward the small bathroom mirror and grabs a magnet from the old minifridge that Winter had given them. Placing the magnet on the metal frame of the Mirror and stuck the picture to it. Looking at the small torn picture Ruby lets a small tear fall… it's the first time she's seen a picture of her mother and her not in the family scrapbook… and the first time in a year.

Character Change: Ruby Rose - Winter Schnee

Location: Atlas Academy: Winter's Office

Winter's office was realistically just a stock office for anyone at Atlas, only bit of personal flair was a small picture frame showing eight students graduating holding a small tea set. Sitting at her desk the calm eldest Schnee sat looking over papers as the door opened.

"Basil, it's nice of you to join me." Winter says looking up from the report she was reading.

"A-an-anything in-inter-interesting?" Basil queries.

"Unless you find the tax exemption status of the Amity project interesting then no." Winter jokes.

"S-sound l-like Eckhart's f-f-forte." Basil laughs.

"So Basil, what was it you wanted to discuss considering it's not to catch up since we see each other basically every day." Winter says seriously.

Basil breathes a deep sigh, "Straight to business as always Winter…" She then pulls a small envelope out. "This somehow ended up in my mailbox. The odd thing is it's from Vacuo. That shouldn't be possible with the borders being closed and all."

Winter grabs the envelope and elegantly opens it, unfolding the paper she reads the words carefully.

Dear Major General Winter Schnee,

I hope that this letter finds you in good health, I am sorry about not sending in my reports to you and Ironwood sooner but the borders being closed and the CCT being down have made it a bitch to actually do my job properly. Attached is the report for Ironwood so please be sure to give him it, now onto the updates.

Neon Red had made headway on the investigation into the Crown and found that Shade had ended up doing our job for us. While I'm a little bummed about not giving them the join or die treatment that Atlas is known for, not having to fight 'another' criminal organization is great.

Neon Blue is his normal self and is making sure our supply lines and communication networks are running smoothly. Believe me, putting him in charge of the Grimmheart was the smartest decision we've ever made. This ship isn't going down unless Salem herself comes knocking.

As for The rest of the crew, things are fine. Neon Camo is as much of an annoyance as ever but he's the best technopath I've seen. Neon Orange and Neon Teal have been asking about you and I'm honestly a little curious as well considering it's been about three years since this mission started… I think I've reminisced enough I don't want to bore you with the everyday drama and such.

I guess the last thing I should mention is that Neon Rust asked if the birdbrain was there yet? Just give Neon White your report and she'll make sure that the report gets to us in Vacuo somehow… Now then onto other important news

I've looked over Neon White's and your recommendations for new recruits and such so here are my approvals.

Ciel Soleil: Approved and should be recruited at earliest possible time.

Di Vigne: Approved, her semblance could be useful.

Lazy Silver: Approved as she's an excellent marksman.

May Marigold: Approved, if you can finally convince her to join. Please do! Semblance is great for our line of work.

Fiona Thyme: Same as above.

Joanna Greenleaf: Might as well approve to see if we can get them all.

Robin Hill: Same as May and Fiona.

I will leave the recruitment methods and such to you, they will be stationed under your command and are able to perform whatever missions you deem mandatory. I trust you, Winter.

Attached in the envelope is 600 Lien as well, this is because I will unfortunately be unable to see you for your birthday this year but I still think you should get something special. I wish that I could return to Atlas and just put this mission behind us but Ironwood would have my head if I did that sadly. So please use this Lien to get something special, I remember you mentioned that necklace with the Snow Rose motif you saw during the Vytal festival. I looked into the stall and they are actually based in Mantle. They should be located at 2613 Thyme Square Mantle. I'm sorry about not being able to make it this year, Ironwood really ballsed this up with the closing of the borders.

There's more that I would like to say but they are not really meant for a letter or formal report so I'll save them for when this mission is finally over. I just hope that I can get out of Vacuo soon, the sand is starting to drive me nuts.

I hope that the sky continues to be neon coloured and the Tinman stays in the dark.

Sincerely,

Neon Violet

"I'll get you my report soon… He also mentioned that he hopes that the sky continues to be neon coloured and the Tinman stays in the dark." Winter says looking up from the letter to address Basil.

"Understood, read you loud and clear, Neon Black." Basil says with a small smirk.

"Code names are not necessary here, Basil." Winter says glaring at the mouse professor.

"I know but you used to get all flustered from it." She responds looking back, "So, what did he say about the recruits?"

Winter holds up a finger and speaks into her Scroll, "Would Ciel Soleil please Report to

Lieutenant Schnee's office." she says in a militant tone.

"I see." Basil responds. "Should I leave?"

"No, you're a member of this too… besides you're a bit better at this than me." Winter says reaching into her desk and pulling out a bottle of vodka.

Basil smirks, "So who else should we call up?"

Winter then pulls two three shot glasses out and places them on her desk, "Di and Lazy but they're currently sick if my memory serves me correctly. We'll do this again with them. Besides, Ciel needs to get the stick out of her ass." she says with a smirk.

Basil gives a short laugh, "I couldn't agree more."

After a few short moments there's a knock at the door which Winter tells them to enter. Entering the office is Ciel Soleil looking like the perfect model of an Atlassian soldier. "You wanted to see me, Lieutenant?" Ciel says giving a salute.

"At ease, soldier." Winter says and motions for her to sit, "Basil and I were looking over your record and we are planning on recommending you to a special program. Think of this like a preliminary interview." She then places a shot glass in front of her. "Now then Ciel, have you ever heard of Geists?"

Character Change: Winter Schnee - Ruby Rose

Location: Atlas Academy: RWBY Dorm

Ruby was currently sitting on her bed looking at her scroll searching for anything by the name Zeliska, the only person she could find was a student from Vacuo, but nothing seemed to connect them to Team VIEW! It was going on 7 PM and she had only recently gotten back from dinner with Ren and Nora. Weiss was surprisingly still on her mission which was surprising since it seemed like the easiest of all of them, Blake and Yang would most likely be an overnight trip considering it was for a small village outside of Mantle. Sighing, Ruby's just about to get out of bed when the door suddenly opens.

Entering is Weiss and… Ciel? Weiss looked like she was put through the ringer; small burns blemished her outfit and there her hair was a little disheveled. Ciel on the other hand looked as prim and proper as ever… Except for the fact that she was currently slumped over being supported up by Weiss.

"Weiss, what's going on?" Ruby asks.

"I found her like this and figured I shouldn't just leave her in the courtyard." Weiss responds, placing Ciel on Blakes bed.

"I understand, but why is she drunk?" Ruby asks knowing the symptoms all too well from her uncle's habits.

"I don't know… Ciel doesn't seem like the person to do that." Weiss responds, grabbing a towel from the bathroom and starting to clean her face. "At least it's a Friday so she doesn't have class in the morning."

"I guess that's good." Ruby says, twiddling her thumbs, "How was your mission?"

Weiss just gives her an icy glare, "Don't ask about it."

"Oh." Ruby says looking embarrassed before looking at Ciel who's already fallen asleep on Blake's bed. "Do you think she's going to be alright?"

"Probably, but I think she'll be confused in the morning." Weiss says finishing washing her face, "But she'll appreciate not just being left in the courtyard. Anyhow, did anything interesting happen today?" she asks

"Oh, Professor Basil gave me a picture of my Mother and me and gave us a clue about Team VIEW." Ruby says proudly.

"Alright… Didn't realize it was a mystery but what's the clue?" Weiss asks.

"Zeliska." Ruby says quickly.

"Bless you." Weiss responds.

"No, it's a name: Zeliska." Ruby says, waving her arms.

"I don't know anyone by that name… maybe we could check the records in the library again?" Weiss says.

"That sounds like a plan." Ruby says getting up before looking at the sleeping Ciel. "we should probably put a rain check on that until Ciel is doing better… I don't think leaving her alone like this is a great idea…"

"You're probably right." Weiss says.

"Movie night?" Ruby asks hopefully,

Weiss rolls her eyes then smiles, "Fine, what did you have in mind?"

"Valerian Chainsaw Massacre 3?" Ruby asks hopeful.

"No you dolt! How about a musical?" Weiss responds flabbergasted.

"You're no fun." Ruby pouts.

"Look, how about The Nightmare Before Nondescript Winter Holiday? That way we meet in the middle." Weiss says maturely.

Ruby nods and the two have an impromptu movie night.

A/N

This is a short chapter but it's just meant to give a flash forward and set up parts that are going to happen further in the story. As for what actually happened in this story, it is written in a way that it can technically have happened in Volume 7, as for the actual actions it's just to give the Ace Op's and Team RWBY some lines in my story, writing for them is a bit harder considering I am always second guessing if my depiction is within lines of their canon appearances. So onto the actual content!

The bedroom and briefing scene is simply fan service and giving a glimpse into the normal routine of the gang during the montage of Volume 7, I tried to have some of the thoughts/opinions shown in the Volume bleed through especially with Nora in this scene. On to the actual lecture, you may notice that it wasn't included technically as I didn't feel like trying to work freelance laws to work in remnant, I am already behind with these chapters (My buffer went down to 1 when this chapter was completed!) and it would have just been fluffy world building. Don't feel too disappointed as Team VIEW will have to take Huntsmen Law their second year so if that interests you look forward to that.

The interactions with Basil and Ruby and Qrow were a blast to write. Again, Basil is one of my favorite characters to write, the main reason her stutter isn't appearing as much is because most of her scenes recently are her putting on a confident show. Don't worry, it's going to return in full force soon. The little interactions and hints about the future are nice and should give you an idea of some future plot points.

On to a big point of the chapter, Ruby getting the clue for Zeliska, moving forward these interludes are going to have the main focus of team RWBYJNRQO trying to piece together the secrets of Team VIEW and learn a bit more about what occurred 14 years ago and how it could have ramifications in the present day. Like I had mentioned before, I have actually planned out how this affects the timeline in the show proper so consider this a little glimpse into that.

Interlude chapters aren't going to happen all the time, mostly whenever I need a buffer or come up with a great joke. They might appear in some of the short stories especially if a really good joke pops up. But like advertised, the vast majority of chapters are going to be featuring Team VIEW during their first year at Atlas. Moving forward with what actually happened. Basil and Winter show a little bit of what happens in the future with the letter that they get. Technically Everything that is mentioned in that letter has already been laid out so it's up to you to figure it out, the Neon naming scheme is a reference to the great game Neon White. I recommend playing it, other than the naming convention there are no other references to it in this chapter. As for references the last one is that the two characters mentioned in this chapter that are not from the show proper or this story previously are just names based off of modded characters for One Step from Eden that I like the playstyle and modded cards. They are not going to appear or if they do it's going to be minor (I say as I came up with a Team name and reason why Penny and Ciel were partners in the Vytal Festival… Team CRDL (Cradle) for those wondering…)

As for the end of the chapter, it's just me making jokes and giving Ciel screen time as she's somehow becoming one of my favorite characters… I have no fucking idea how that's happening truth be told. Legit I don't know how… but it's happening so if anyone knows good Ciel fanfics other than Event Horizon lease let me know cause fuck it.

Anyhow, this is where I would like to thank my editor, AmoebaHewdraw. Who has been playing Pokemon Violet for 16 hours every day since Christmas to when this chapter was written.

AmoebaHewdraw's Note: Not every day. Besides, those Smolivs, Mausholds, and Tinkatons aren't going to train themselves! I think my favorite genre of Pokémon is funny little guys…

Next time we will be back to our regular scheduled shenanigans with Team View but Until Next time Xcom Out