Welcome To Beacon.

Outside Beacon, a large and unnerving ship descends upon a landing pad. Two Bullheads fly by as and ant-like swarms of people walks on the paths around Beacon. On the top of a tower Ozpin and Glynda are looking through the window into Ozpin's office. Neither of them looking to thrilled about all the ships flying around outside the school.

"Ironwood certainly loves bringing his work wherever he travels" Glynda said.

"Well, running an academy and a military makes him a busy man. Ozpin said as three more Bullheads fly in "But yes, those are a bit of an eyesore" A chirping beep sounds repeatedly. Ozpin turns to see a hollow-message "Access Requested" on his desk "Come in".

The doors slide open to reveal James Ironwood walking inside speaking cordially "Ozpin!".

Ozpin stands at attention "Hello, General".

"Please, drop the formalities" Ironwood said as both approach and shake hands as Glynda also approaches "It's been too long. And Glynda! It has certainly been too long since we last met".

"Oh, James!" Glynda said in a not so cordially tone as she gives a personable wave and then drops all pleasantries "I'll be outside.

She walks away and Ironwood turns back to Ozpin "Well, she hasn't changed a bit".

Ozpin turns to his desk "So, what in the world has brought you all the way down from Atlas?" He picks up a mug and a kettle, pouring as he speaks "Headmasters don't typically travel with their students, for the Vytal Festival".

He turns and offers the cup to Ironwood who gladly accepts it "Well, you know how much I love Vale this time of year" He takes a canteen from his inside coat pocket and pours its contents into his mug "Besides, with you hosting, I thought that this might be a good opportunity for us to catch up".

Ozpin walks around to his desk, kettle and a new mug in hand, he sits and pours himself some coffee "I can certainly appreciate the quality time between friends, however, a small fleet outside my window has me concerned".

Ironwood slowly dropped his friendly nature "Well, concern is what brought them here".

"I understand that travel between kingdoms has become increasingly difficult" Ozpin said.

Ironwood finally cut to the chase "Oz, you and I both know why I brought those men".

Ozpin takes a small sip and sets down his mug with a sigh "We are in a time of peace. Shows of power like this are just going to give off the wrong impression".

Ironwood sets his mug down "But if what Qrow said is true...".

"If what Qrow said is true, then we will handle it tactfully" Ozpin emphasizes this as he holds up an index finger "It's the Vytal Festival. A time to celebrate unity and peace. So I suggest that you not scare people by transporting hundreds of soldiers halfway across the continent".

"I'm just being cautious" Ironwood defended.

"As am I. Which is why we will continue to train the best Huntsmen and Huntresses we can" Ozpin said.

"Believe me, I am" Ironwood turns and walks away. He stops near the door and looks back at Ozpin "But ask yourself this: Do you honestly believe your children can win a war?"

He continues on his way to the exit as Ozpin looks down sadly "I hope they never have to" Suddenly Ozpin remembered something "Oh, sorry for keeping you, but I need to know. How is Ingrid doing?".

Ironwood stopped and a small smile appeared on his face "She is growing up strong and beautiful. She will make a splendid Huntress soon".

Ozpin smiled at that "And how are things between you two? Taking over as her father after the... tragic mission that took the life of our close friend, is no easy task".

"It wasn't. Losing her father hit her unbelievably hard. Took weeks before she was even willing to leave her house. But she was strong and managed to pull through. And after everything her father did for the world, I just couldn't allow his daughter to grow up with no parent. I had to take her in" Ironwood said, remembering the tragedy that claimed the life of Ingrid's brave father, and a close friend to both Ironwood and Ozpin.

"You did the right thing, James. I can't think of anyone more worthy of raising her now" Ozpin said.

"Thank you" Ironwood sincerely said before leaving.


In the Beacon Academy library, Team RWBY are playing Remnant: The Game. Weiss looks a little confused on what to do and Yang was very focused, while Blake is obviously distracted, and Ruby has has been contemplating her next move. While the girls play, Team JNPR are sitting by another table, Ren and Pyrrha are studying, while Nora was taking a nap. Pyrrha clears her throat and then confiscates a comic book Jaune is reading, trading it for a textbook. And nearby Lucina and Severa were locked in a tense game of chess. Bernadetta was reading a book, while Lyre watched her teammates' game with a sleepy face, being so bored she spent more time stealing glances on Weiss.

"I got you this time, team leader" Severa declared.

Lucina smiled calmly "You said the same thing in our last five matches".

"Quiet you! I've been studying your tactics all this time! This time I am ready to win!" Severa said with determination.

Lyre yawns "I have no idea why you girls keep playing this game. It's so boring".

"It's a game that tests your mind, Lyre. Sometimes your mind can be your greatest weapon, so you always keep it sharp" Lucina answered.

"Who needs a sharp mind when you have sharp instincts?" Lyre asked, proud of her instincts that she developed through years of survival "What do you think Bernie?".

Benadetta looked up "Sorry, what are you talking about?".

Lyre sighs "Never mind".

"Now I got you!" Severa said as she moved one of her pieces "Ha! What'cha gonna do now?".

Lucina moved a piece "Checkmate".

Severa looks at the board for several moments "ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? ARGH!".

She hits the board, sending it flying across the room and almost hitting someone if they hadn't ducked. It was enough to take Team RWBY's attention away from their game for a minute.

"Umm Blake, control your girl" Yang said.

Blake gave her a look before sighing and got out of her seat and walked over to Severa who was in the middle of a rant for loosing another match against Lucina before Blake simply pinched the muscles in Severa's shoulders with her fingers. This made Severa's rant stop as she could barely move, and when Blake finally let her go, Severa collapsed on the table. Blake learned a short time ago that if she got a good pinch on Severa's shoulder muscles, it would completely immobilize her.

"Loose with some dignity, Severa" Blake said in a tired tone before walking back to her team.

"She needs to show me how to do that" Lyre said, impressed with how easily Blake could handle Severa.

"Yeah, it would come in handy" Lucina agreed.

Jaune approaches team RWBY "Hey! Can I play?".

"Sorry Jaune, we've already got 4 people" Ruby answered.

"Besides, this game requires a certain level of tactical cunning that I seriously doubt that you possess" Weiss said in a slightly mocking tone.

"Uhh, you attacked your own naval fleet 2 turns ago" Yang reminded and Weiss makes an annoyed sound.

"Bring it on, Ice Queen! I'll have you know that I have been told that I am a natural born leader!" Jaune said in confidance.

"By who? Your mother?" Weiss asked.

"A-and Pyrrha!" Jaune added.

Pyrrha waves "Hello again!".

Jaune began begging with both hands folded together "Come on, let me play your hand for a turn!".

"I'm not trusting you with the good citizens of Vacuo!" Weiss refused.

Jaune looks at her "Why not? You've trusted me with way more important stuff before. I mean, you told us all that Blake is secretly a Fa-".

Pyrrha darts over and slaps a hand over Jaune's mouth "Fun-loving person, whom we all admire and respect".

Everyone looks nervously at Blake who looks obviously annoyed that her secret is out.

"Right. That. Ladies, enjoy your battle" Jaune bows as Pyrrha walks away.

"'Sup losers" Sun appears holding his fingers in a peace sign, next to him was another boy with blue hair.

"Hey Sun!" Ruby greeted.

"Ruby, Yang, Blake... Ice Queen" Sun said.

"Why does everyone keep calling me that?" Weiss asked annoyed.

"Lucina, Severa, Bernadetta, Lyre" Sun greeted the other team who's members he knew thanks to their little adventure.

"Yo Sun!" Lyre happily greeted her fellow faunus, while her teammates gave small waves.

"I never got a chance to formally introduce you to my old friend" Sun said.

Said friend looked around "Uhh, aren't libraries for reading?".

Ren throws his arms up "Thank you!".

Nora pops her head up "Pancakes!".

"Shut up. Don't be a nerd" Sun said.

His friend shakes a finger at Sun "Geh, geh, geh, geh! Intellectual, okay? Thank you. I'm Neptune".

"So Neptune, where are you from?" Weiss asked.

"Haven" Neptune said as he approaches Weiss "And I don't believe I've caught your name, snow angel".

"Um, I'm Weiss" Weiss said.

"Are you kidding me!?" Jaune said in disbelief.

"Pleasure to meet you" Neptune said.

Lyre had an annoyed look as she tried, and failed, to hide her growing jealosy. Much to her surprise, and everyone else as well, Weiss was the one who spoke up.

"If you are flirting with me, I regret to inform you I am not interested. No offence" Weiss said as polite as she could.

"Oh, sorry, no worries" Neptune said in good nature... which could be a sign this isn't the first time a girl has turned him down.

"Right, well, I think I'm done playing actually. I'll see you guys later" Blake said as she shoves Sun aside and leaves the room.

Everyone gave her concerned looks, and Severa was the one who got back up and followed her.

Nora shrugs "Women".

In the hallway, Severa quickly caught up with Blake before she could get to far "Blake wait!".

Blake stopped and fought back a sigh "What is it, Severa?".

"You know full well what. Something is bothering you, spill it" Severa said.

This time Blake did sigh and began to leave "It's nothing...".

Severa grabbed her arm "Blake, you promised".

Blake looks at her, remembering she promised Severa not to hide things from her anymore "I know, I'm sorry".

"What's wrong Blake?" Severa asked, sounding really concerned.

Blake turns and rubs Severa's cheek with her hand "Severa, I appreciate your concern. I just have a lot on my mind right now. I will tell you when I'm ready, ok?".

Severa didn't like her answer but sighed and decided not to puch the issue any further for now "Alright. Can I at least keep you company?".

"I would like that actually" Blake said with a smile.

Severa smiled back with a blush as she followed Blake to team RWBY's dorm. Once there, they sat on Blake's bed. Severa had her arm around Blake's shoulders, while Blake leans on Severa's chest, listening to her heartbeats. Blake remembers the events that occurred at the docks and a conversation she had with Ozpin in reflection to those events. Listening to Severa's heart did help keep Blake calm... as it felt like Severa's heart was beating for her.

They remained like this for a while until Severa glanced at the window and sighed "It's getting late. I guess I should be gone before your team shows up".

"I guess... wish you could stay longer" Blake admitted. She was really comfortable like this.

"Come now, we can do this again anytime we want. You just let me know" Severa said with a smile.

Blake smiled back and they leaned in for a kiss. But just before their lips touched, the rest of team RWBY enters, discussing the board game, but stops as they noticed what they had just walked in on.

"Oh! S-Sorry! Are we interrupting?" Ruby asked with a blush.

Yang only smirked "Wow, didn't know you two had moved to that stage already".

Severa blushed bright red as she got up "N-No! I was just keeping her company and... ah forget it, I was just leaving anyway. Bye Blake".

"Bye..." Blake said with a blush of her own.

Severa hurried to leave but Yang stopped her for a moment "You have nothing to be embarrassed about. You did a good thing".

"Thanks" Severa said before leaving the room, allowing the door to close "Well that was awkward. Better head back to my dorm".

She was about to leave but stopped when she heard Team RWBY talking. Curious she decided to listen... and what she heard, she did not like. Blake finally explains that she is worried that the local Huntsmen and police cannot handle the White Fang and Roman Torchwick. She goes on to say that she thinks their enemies are planning something big and points out that their enemies are not going to wait for them to graduate. Ruby asks her teammates if they want to work together to stop Roman and the White Fang, and they agree. Knowing this could end badly, Severa decided her team needed to know. If Team RWBY were really going to do this, then there is no telling what could happen to them. And Severa was not willing to risk it.

She began hurrying back, until she stopped when she almost ran in to someone "Wow!".

"Careful there, that could've ended badly" Came a smooth and almost scary. The voice belonged to Cinder, who was with her own team.

"Never seen you guys before" Severa said as she looked at them.

"We came from Haven to compete in the Festival" Líf said calmly.

"I see... well sorry for almost running in to you, butt I'm in rush" Severa said.

"By all means, don't let us keep you" Cinder said with a friendly... but also creepy smile.

Severa had a strange feeling about them. But she didn't have time to worry about that for now. She needed to hurry and tell her team what RWBY were planing. So she hurried away, unaware of the mysterious team real identities... or their true intentions.

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Another moment between Blake and Severa. I really enjoy writing moments between them, as it allows me to show that while Severa is the most aggressive member of her team, she is a real softie when it comes to Blake.

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Tell me what you think.