New Career, New Normal

Hello everyone and welcome to the next chapter of Team WA Volume 2! We have one guest review to answer this week: DCDGojira: How will Jen react to seeing Maria again, keep reading to find out. So let's get to the new chapter!

The City of Atlas: Atlas Academy

"Eyes up all huntsman and huntresses," said Clover as teams RWBY, JNR, the Ace Ops, team WA and their parents all sat in the briefing room for what would be one of many, many mission meetings. "It's time to get you all used to the new normal here in Atlas." Those few words didn't even begin to describe what life had become for all of them.

Much like back at Beacon, they all awoke early in a school dorm in Atlas academy. But unlike Beacon, there were no tests, no classes, and no set lunch hour. There was training of course and in a way they did have instructors in the form of the Ace Ops and Beacon's veteran huntsman. But otherwise it was wake up, go to a briefing, accept a mission and report back once it was accomplished before heading to the next. Rinse, lather and repeat.

The main missions consisted of helping out the progress of Amity tower, mainly by traveling on and guarding the supply routes and keeping the launch site clear of Grimm. Next, in order of importance, was guarding the perimeter of Mantle along the breached sections of its walls. A massive amount of construction material was being diverted to Amity tower, leaving many other projects on hold or back order. So when possible, they helped guard the perimeter along with regular security.

And when all of that got to be a little much, there was always a smaller assignment like escorting civilians, working security, or any number of odd jobs to help out the people of Mantle and Atlas in their day to day lives. It was encouraging to learn that the people were appreciative of their efforts if the number of casseroles Jaune was bringing back were any indication. In all honesty, the new job was a little overwhelming at first. But as each day passed the newly named huntsman and huntresses were able to find a kind of steady rhythm to their occupation.

Currently, Wayne was patrolling the perimeter wall with Weiss while Aegis and Yang were much further ahead on a different section. "I still find it astonishing you were able to survive being raised by those two," said Weiss as she looked out into the distance were some cerulean flames were burning and an occasional explosion was going off.

"Well my folks obviously never went full force on us during our training," said Wayne as they continued to walk and scan the perimeter, "it's only because they're out here that they can cut loose like this. Dad doesn't have to worry about burning down a forest in an icy tundra and Mom can blast the landscape apart without worrying about ruining the scenery."

"How is it your Mother can even make explosions like that," asked Weiss as she saw an especially powerful one go off, "her gauntlets contain dust but they don't fire rounds like Yang's do."

"Near simultaneous dust activation," explained Wayne as he held a finger up, "As you may know, a good bit of damage from an explosion comes from the blast shockwave. My mother uses this principle by activating and holding the wind dust around her fists right before activating the fire dust. She can only hold it like that for a couple of seconds before needing to let the wind and flame expand naturally, greatly augmenting her blows by simulating the behavior of an explosion."

"How did she even learn to do something like that?" Questioned Weiss, "Simultaneous dust activation in general is extraordinarily difficult."

"She wanted to imitate her mother, my grandmother," continued Wayne, "You'll recall her semblance allowed her to store up and release air pressure. It took years to develop but Mom's stubbornness and patience eventually paid off when she used that trick to pass her own final exam to become a huntress."

"It's little wonder you and your brother inherited so much destructive-ten o' clock," said Weiss as she spotted some approaching Sabyrs and Beowolves that had managed to avoid slaughter by Jen and Tobias.

"Guess that means it's back to work!" said Wayne as he and Weiss jumped down from the wall and cut through the first few Grimm who'd been attempting to reach the hole near their section. Another couple tried to go around them, only to be stopped by the former heiress's summoned knight, who quickly stomped and cut down the oncoming Grimm. Wayne moved in and cut through another coupled that had leapt at Weiss with their fangs and claws bared, dismembering them before they'd even hit the ground. The two stood back to back then, rotating as Wayne fired his Crescent Fangs in SMG form while Weiss moved in and cut down any that managed to get within striking distance of her blade.

The sounds of another fight a short distance away told the two that Yang and Aegis were also engaged in a little scuffle of their own as one of the less fortunate Grimm was sent flying all the way from their area to land on top of one of the Sabyrs attacking them. After cutting through a few more of the Grimm, the huntsman and huntress used a combination of a flaming slash from Weiss's sword and an energy wave through the ground from Wayne's foot to incinerate the remaining Grimm. The two fighters glanced around for another few moments, insuring there were no other enemies nearby before Weiss pulled out her scroll. "Is everything settled over there?" She asked.

"You should know by now a few Sabyrs and some Beowolves are no problem for us," Yang replied happily from the other end of the line as they saw her waving in the distance.

"I'm just glad we had something to do this time around," said Aegis, "with the rate at which Mom and Dad roasted the last group of Grimm there was nothing left by the time they got to us."

"That should be good news," said Wayne, "If there's enough Grimm that a large number get past them, then it would mean the situation is already out of control."

"Well the good news is our time for this mission is coming to a close," observed Weiss as she noted the hour, "it's about time for our rotation." Wayne was about to reply to that when his own scroll rang.

"Is something up Dad?" he asked with a hint of concern in his voice.

"In a way," said his father, "I managed to talk Ironwood into letting us have exclusive access to one of the less expensive training rooms."

"I take it you're expecting to break one or two things while we're in there," said Wayne.

"You could say that," replied Tobias, "It's only gonna be the four of us and don't breathe a word about it to the Ace Ops. Ironwood knows what the deal is but no one else needs too."

"If it's that important, consider my lips sealed," said Wayne, "Just send me the training room number and we'll be there." His father said a few final words before ending the call and sending him the requested message.

"What was that about?" Questioned Weiss with a hint of confusion in her voice.

"Just a private training session," replied Wayne as he put his scroll away before cringing a bit at the slight pain in his shoulder.

"I thought you had the doctors look at that, are you alright Wayne," asked a concerned Weiss.

"They did," replied the huntsman, "but none of the medicines they tried seemed to work. It probably didn't help that I had to use aura shadow again at Argus."

"You need to take it a little slower then," urged Weiss, "You've been doing a fair number of missions back to back with the rest of us but if your shoulder gives out during a fight, then what?"

"It's not as big of a deal as all that," Wayne assured her, "it just gets stiff every now and then these days. I'm sure it'll be back to one hundred percent soon."

"Soon isn't good enough," said Weiss, "I don't know what this special training session of yours is going to be like, but after that, you take your free time."

"But I can't just-," Wayne started to argue before Weiss cut him off.

"You can and you will," she said, "There's enough of us right now that you 'can' take some time to heal a little. I know you're eager to show you earned your title as a huntsman but I will not let you have the shortest career ever just because you knowingly went out into the field with an injury."

"I second that," said Jen as she and Tobias approached, apparently deciding to rush over instead of walking back. "Besides, you're both going to need a break after what we've got planned."

"Okay I only heard about the last part of that sentence," said Aegis as he and Yang walked up, "but I already don't like where this is going."

Atlas Academy: Sealed Off Training Area

"So what's the big deal having us in a room with all of the security cameras switched off?" Questioned Aegis as he and Wayne sat down on one of the pillars with their parents sitting across from them.

"The rage mode and the aura shadow," answered his father with his arms crossed, "I know you've been using them in combat."

"We didn't really have any other choice at the time," said Wayne with a sigh, "I know you never wanted me learning it in the first place, but after the breach in Vale and especially after Beacon it was clear we'd both need to get a lot stronger to fight Salem. And it's saved my life more than a couple times now too."

"We know," said their mother, "one of the reasons we requested Ironwood to shut off the cameras is so that no one else learns what's about to transpire here."

"As you know the rage mode is somewhat common knowledge among the Faunus," said his father, "but my family, the De Wolfe's, have been actively trying to hide the aura shadow, passing the knowledge on only when we find someone we think capable of handling it and keeping it a secret."

"Does this mean you're gonna attempt the resealing ritual," asked Wayne with a note of concern in his voice, "Because if you try that I'll-."

"There's no need to get dramatic," said his mother, "we didn't bring you here to reseal your aura. We brought you both here because we want you to be able to master them."

"You mean you're really going to teach me how to shift flawlessly," said Aegis excitedly.

"And you're sure you're okay with helping me to fully master a technique that you hate," Wayne had to ask.

"You know I disagreed with you learning the technique for two reasons," said Tobias, "One: I was nearly driven insane by it a few times when I was learning to control it and two: I figured having as strong of a semblance as yours made you more than capable of taking on whatever the world was gonna throw at you. But recent events have shown us all otherwise."

"So what did you have in mind?" Asked Wayne, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity.

"For now, deep meditation," said his father, "even deeper than normal. You need to communicate with the darkness that has formed inside your mind and attempt to ascertain what part of your negative emotions that you're holding onto."

"I thought the whole point was to summon the emotions in the first place," said Wayne, "and then you conquered them to stop the voice."

"Yes, but the lesson you never quite got too was how to conquer them," said his Father as he turned to his wife. "Jen, take Aegis over there and get to his portion of the training. Wayne and I will be here for a minute."

"I hope you're ready for a beat down son," said Jen as she and Aegis got up to leave. Wayne was fairly certain he heard his younger brother gulp.

"Now then," said his father, drawing attention back to himself, "begin your meditation and remember, summon only enough to hear the voice. We're not fighting just yet." Wayne nodded his head as he closed his eyes and worked to bring forth the state of mind required for the aura shadow. As usual, he called forth his negative emotions and allowed them to flow through his being.

When he opened his eyes again, he was on something of a snowy outcropping and sitting across from him in the shadows of a cave, was his darker self. "Welcome back," said the Shadow Wayne, "congratulations on your little Argus adventure, reaching Atlas and of course becoming an official huntsman. Truthfully now that you've achieved your main goal it's a wonder you're still in the fight against Salem, especially now that you know she's immortal."

"I hope that isn't your idea of a joke," said Wayne, "You should know very well that I'm still in the fight against Salem because protecting the world is something a huntsman does, meaning now that I've achieved my goal I'm even more inclined to fight against Salem."

"Well in that case my answer is the same as it's always been," replied his dark duple-ganger, "accept my power fully and become the force of destruction you were meant to be. Even if Salem can't be killed, you still might be able to become stronger than her. Imagine it, achieving a strength so unrivaled that even the master of the Grimm gives pause, knowing she faces an opponent that can cause her more pain than anyone."

"I do plan on gaining something along those lines, admittedly," said Wayne seriously, "but I didn't come here to let you take over. I'm here because now that I've got the chance I plan to shut you up permanently. I will have your power but you will not be the one in control. So tell me, what part of my negative emotions is it that continues to sustain you?!"

"Oh, you want to know that," said the Shadow Wayne as he stood up and drew his own, red and black, twisted versions of the Crescent Fangs, "then I'm afraid you'll have to beat it out of me." Wayne managed to draw his own weapons just in time as his double launched himself forward at full speed. A resounding metallic clang shattered the silent space of his mind as they began exchanging blow after blow. Unsurprisingly, it was like fighting a mirror image of himself as they struck, parried, dodged and countered with the same moves, quickly reaching a stalemate in terms of martial skill.

"Alright, try this," said Wayne as he charged and unleashed a few combinations of his semblance. Shadow Wayne simply responded with his own red versions of each attack used, matching them in both power and ferocity.

"I know every fighting technique you have because I am you!" Proclaimed his Darker Self, "If you want to win you have to get creative!" He rushed into the fray again with a semblance charged kick that Wayne countered his own semblance charged swing, causing an explosion which separated them before they both reengaged. As they clashed again, the world around them suddenly seemed to shatter as the elder Ursario brother felt him getting pulled back to reality.

"Wayne, wake up Wayne!" came the voice of his father as the huntsman's eyes fluttered open to reveal him, on the other side of the room laying on the ground.

"How did I get over here," He asked, "And, what in the world happened!" It was a good question as he noticed that much of the room had several gashes burnt into it while other parts of the floor and walls were on fire. Even some of the moveable platforms were wrecked as their normally glowing blue lights had ceased to function. In short, a good section of this particular training area was a mess.

"You started moving on your own," said Tobias, "Or to be more precise, your body started moving on its own while you were fighting inside of your mind. I didn't think it'd be this severe but I hadn't anticipated you actually being able to fire off your semblance in that state."

"So you and I were fighting out here while I was battling in my mind?" Surmised Wayne, making sure he had all of the facts straight.

"Well not all of this damage was us," said his Father as he pointed a thumb over where Jen and Aegis were, "those two did a pretty good number themselves."

"Did anyone get hurt," Asked Wayne with obvious concern in his voice.

"No, we're all fine," replied Tobias with a small smile, ignoring his younger son yelling that he was hurting pretty good from fighting their mother. "But it's clear to me now that you're holding onto your negative emotions more tightly than I thought."

"So the harder one fights in their meditative state, the stronger the negative emotion present?" Questioned Wayne.

"Something like that," replied Tobias as he started leading Wayne towards the entrance with Jen and Aegis not far behind, "We'll try again in a bit. For now, get some rest. I didn't think this session would be that intense and your shoulder needs the break."

"Has Weiss been talking to you two about that?" Asked the elder Ursario part in humor and part actual curiosity.

"Even if she wasn't you know the both of us are concerned about the injury," said his Father, "scars from a maiden, no one really knows what that could do to a person these days."

"That's fair enough I suppose," replied Wayne before another realization hit him, "Oh, before I take some of my free time there's someone I think you and Mom should meet if you haven't already."

The Lab of Dr. Pietro

"My goodness is it really you," said Maria Calavera as she looked over Jen's face, "the last time I saw you, well I couldn't really see you at all last time so I guess this technically counts as my first time seeing you."

"I'm more amazed that you're still alive," said the bear Faunus woman while kneeling down to be at eye level with the former huntress, "I tried tracking you down a few times over the years but everyone said you were dead."

"Not quite," said Maria, "I just got really good at keeping a low profile. Throw on a few years and some mechanical eyes and suddenly no one recognizes you."

"Well most people don't know your scent," said Jen, "but Mother and I remember, and you are without a doubt the grim reaper we met that day."

"Your family seems to be making a habit out of helping me out and vice versa," said Maria, "to think I'd run into your sons on a train ride and then into you in Atlas of all places."

"Our sons are the reason we're here in the first place," Tobias pointed out, "but I for one would like to say it's an honor to meet the legend in the flesh."

"Oh I'm not much of a legend anymore," admitted Maria, "but I still help out in my own way."

"Would it be alright if you told us how exactly you ran into our sons?" Questioned Jen. Maria happily agreed as she began recounting the events that led up to their little train crash and trek up to Argus.

"I guess even Mom and Dad had people they looked up to when they were training to be huntsman," said Aegis as the two brothers stood off to the side watching the exchange.

"The stories of famous huntsman and huntresses have inspired countless people over the years," said Wayne, "and our luck notwithstanding, it's not every day you get to meet the person behind some of the stories you loved growing up."

"Yeah, but I feel like Mom and Dad are gonna be here for a while," Aegis pointed out. Both of them had come to recognize the tone of their parents when neither had any intention of ending a conversation any time soon.

"Well luckily we're on free time for the moment," said Wayne, "so I'll be heading down to Mantle for a bit to check out this little place Nora told me about. Call me if anything comes up."

"Just don't strain yourself," Aegis called after him.

"Right, I'll try not to strain my shoulder while I'm cutting up a steak or whatever it is they have to eat down there!" Wayne called back with a wave.

Mantle: Local Restaurant

As it turned out, he didn't wind up eating a steak or even need to use utensils for his meal, a simple chicken sandwich. Though the real reason he'd come down to Mantle wasn't just to have lunch but also to get a better feel for the atmosphere of the city. The election for the council seat was soon approaching and Wayne was curious about some of the gossip going around. Not to mention, he'd been told repeatedly to take it a little easier, so he figured a bit of sightseeing was in order.

It was also one of the rarer days when the sun happened to peak out from behind the clouds, making for a surprisingly charming outside atmosphere as the huntsman enjoyed his meal at an outdoor picnic table. Though he wouldn't be at this table alone for long. "Is this seat taken by chance?" Wayne looked up to see that the speaker was a girl sheep Faunus wearing a long brown vest which went down to her knees with a green, long-sleeved button-up shirt underneath. For whatever reason, she left the front open to expose her white under shirt while her arms were adorned with a type of furred gauntlet that ended in fingerless gloves on her hands.

"It isn't," said Wayne, "though it's also not the only empty seat around. Do you happen to need something?"

"Just someone to talk to for a moment," said the girl as she sat down in front of him, "and it's not often a huntsman stops at a place like this."

"Guess I've got that look about me now," said Wayne as he took another bite of his food, "so what can I do for you?"

"I was just hoping to ask about a few rumors I've been hearing," said the girl, "Oh, my name's Fiona by the way."

"Wayne Ursario," he replied as he reached out and shook her offered hand, "and what sort of rumors have you been hearing lately?"

"Oh where to even begin," she said with an innocent smile, "I guess the best place to start would be all those recent murders. Do you know if there's been any progress on that? It's making me scared to even go out at night knowing there's a killer on the loose."

"You probably don't have anything to fear," said Wayne, "It may appear random, but the killer is targeting anyone who's extra vocal about their opposition to Ironwood. It's a frame up job, one which could easily be perpetuated by those looking to gain support for a movement against him."

"But who would gain from something like that?" asked Fiona with a tilt of her head.

"Likely someone looking to take a council seat to go against Ironwood's policies," theorized Wayne, "You want my opinion, it's either Jacques Schnee or Robyn Hill."

"She wouldn't do that!" Fiona snapped suddenly before regaining her composure, "I mean, Robyn Hill is a champion of the people. She'd never stoop to killing her own just to gain more votes."

"I would hope not," said Wayne, "something like that would be more up Jacques Schnee's alley anyway. But even with that he's still not likely to win in the election."

"But you do have to admit," said Fiona, "it does seem suspicious. I've actually heard that Ironwood's got Amity Colosseum nearby and shipping all of the building materials meant to help fix the wall to it."

"That rumor is actually true," said Wayne as he rested his chin on his hand, "he's got a project going there that will require a large number of building materials and dust. But you knew that already. What you don't know is that it'll be quite something when it's finished."

"But what could require that much building material," asked Fiona, "and what do you mean I already knew?"

"Because you scouted out the area already," Wayne pointed out, "You haven't been able to get close enough to see the project, though, due to all the security around it. Which is why you're trying to subtlety pry it out of me, Fiona Thyme of Robyn Hill's Happy Huntresses." Her sheep ears drooped a little upon hearing this.

"So you knew," Fiona surmised as her expression turned from disappointment to a more neutral one.

"I was allowed access to Atlas Academy's alumni roster," explained Wayne, "figured as a newly licensed huntsman it would be good to know who some of the locals were. And, given my association with Ironwood and your recent barricade incident with my friends, Ruby and Penny, also good to know who some possible enemies might be. Not that I plan on getting into a fight with you or your friends."

"We don't want to fight you either," said Fiona, "but Mantle is hurting right now and we just want to know why?"

"And believe me when I say that we want to tell you," said Wayne, "In fact the plan is to tell everyone about the Amity Project when it's finally ready. But until then we have to keep it all a secret or it will attract the attention of some nasty characters."

"What sort of nasty characters would be interested in a floating arena," questioned Fiona with a confused tilt of her head.

"The same nasty characters who caused the fall of Beacon and orchestrated the attack on Haven," replied Wayne, "It's very possible they've already made it into Mantle or Atlas. Even if they haven't, though, the possibility is very high that if they learn of the project the kingdom will be targeted."

"But why would this 'Amity Project' be so important to people like that?" Asked Fiona.

"As I said you'll all see once it's complete," replied Wayne as he picked up one of the straws at the table and undid some of the paper wrapping on it, "but to alleviate some of your worries I'll say this one last thing: Ironwood is just trying to help the world. Now then I'd best be going, oh, and before you try following me," Wayne put his mouth on the straw and shot the wrapper at the space above and to the right of Fiona's head. A sudden grunt came as another huntress, a woman with blue hair, materialized into existence, "Know that I've been aware of you since this conversation started."

"Ah, but how?" Questioned the blue-haired huntress as she rubbed her eye where the wrapper had hit her.

"You can hide your body," explained Wayne before pointing to his nose, "but that still leaves your smell and at this proximity, the sounds you make. I heard you breathing whenever things got silent."

"You could hear me breathing?" Questioned the huntress with a raised eyebrow.

"It's not so hard for a half-bear Faunus," said Wayne, "I might have more of my human father's looks but I got my bear Faunus mother's senses. They come in handy from time to time."

"I'll remember that," said the huntress as Wayne laid a few lien down and got up from the table. He'd made it about a block down the street before receiving a call on his scroll.

"Weiss, how is everything?" Questioned Wayne with a hint of mild surprise in his voice. It wasn't that they never communicated, but last he checked the ex-heiress had been in a training session with her sister.

"I think I might know something that can be done about your shoulder," said Weiss, "but I need you to trust me. Go to the nearby airstrip. There's a ship waiting there for you and they're gonna need to put a helmet with blinders on your head."

"Why on earth would they need to do that?" Questioned Wayne with a slight bit of caution.

"I promise I'll explain everything once you get here," said Weiss, "Just please trust me on this, my sister is risking a fair bit to help you out."

"I guess I'll be there as soon as I can then," replied the huntsman with a hint of hesitation on his voice before the call went dead. 'What are you getting me into this time,' thought Wayne as he made his way towards the military airstrip.

Secure Atlas Compound: Location Classified

As promised, Wayne had to spend the whole ride to wherever they were going with a helmet on his head that completely blocked his vision. It made it hard to tell how long they'd been flying until he felt the familiar swaying of the cabin as the airship dropped down on the landing platform. He then had to be lead into the compound by a pair of soldiers. It was only once they were all inside and the doors had closed behind them that Wayne was permitted to remove the helmet.

"Gotta say," he remarked as he handed the helmet off to one of the soldiers, "not exactly the best tour I've ever taken of that section of the city."

"And I do apologize for the measures taken but they are necessary," said Winter as she and Weiss signaled for Wayne to follow them down a long, white hallway. In fact, much of the building was white-walled and gave off the feeling of a lab with numerous terminals being used for data entry while personnel in both lab coats and military gear hurried from one spot to the next. Wayne was quick to notice the small army of security cameras that adorned each hallway. He also quickly lost count of the number of soldiers standing guard in practically every corridor. "Do you know where you are Ursario?"

"If I had to take a wild guess," mused Wayne as he continued glancing around while they walked, "this is the facility you mentioned having the Winter Maiden at."

"Surprisingly astute," Winter almost complimented, "you're right but how is it you figured it out so quickly?"

"Among the number of top secret things Atlas needs guarded, I can only think of two that would require this level of secrecy and security," explained Wayne, "If this was the vault there wouldn't have been a need to obscure my vision as, if I'm right, it's under Atlas Academy like the other vaults are under theirs. Not to mention the smell of antiseptic and medical supplies present means you're taking care of something, or rather someone, living."

"I see," said Winter, "I suppose given the number of antics you and your brother get up too I didn't expect you to have much in the way of analytical ability."

"Winter," Weiss almost scolded her, "I've told you before he's smarter than his younger brother."

"But it was practically a compliment," said Winter, "I was merely admitting that he was far more perceptive than I originally thought."

"Well the one thing I haven't perceived so far is why you've brought me here in the first place," questioned Wayne as he noticed some of the looks the guards were giving him, "because it seems pretty obvious these guys aren't used to you bringing company."

"Because I usually don't," replied Winter, "In fact what I'm about to do goes against a number of protocols we've set in place. It's only because Weiss gave a very convincing argument that I even considered bringing you here to begin with."

"Hey I don't want to jeopardize your spotless record or anything like that," said Wayne, "If there's another way we can find it."

"There may not be another way though," said Weiss somewhat sadly as she stopped and stood by a window looking into a room. "The doctors say they've tried most known treatments for your shoulder but haven't found anything to help it. Now, I can't go any further. So I'll just say this, thank you for helping us Winter."

"If it makes my sister happy," replied Winter with a quick hug, "something like this isn't such a big issue. Now, come along Ursario." Wayne did as instructed as he followed Winter further down the hallway to an extra-thick looking metallic door. The elder Schnee sister keyed in a number of codes before looking into a retinal scanner that checked her eye before pulling off her glove and placing it on a palm-print scanner. After a few moments of waiting, the sound of several locks unlatching could be heard from inside as the door slowly swung open with a rather loud creak.

It was just as quickly shut behind them after they stepped into a room that resembled a small kitchen with a couple of sinks, drawers and cabinets. In one corner, though, was a pair of pods that reminded Wayne of the description Jaune had given him about the machines meant to transfer the maiden's power to Pyrrha. "Well now isn't this a surprise," said a sweet but frail sounding voice as Wayne's eyes were drawn to the far corner of the room where a woman was laying on a hospital bed, surrounded by what he assumed were state of the art medical monitors and an easel for painting.

"Hello Fria, how are you feeling today?" Asked Winter as she pulled out some packets and began brewing some tea.

"Feeling about the same as always," replied Fria, "but now I'm more than a little surprised. Is this young man one of your soldiers, or perhaps a very intimate friend?" Wayne actually snorted at that accusation as Winter walked over with a tray of tea.

"No Fria, it's nothing like that," said Winter in a friendly tone that Wayne wasn't used to hearing from her as the two sat down next to the hospital bed, "this is a good friend of my sister, Weiss."

"And just who might you be young man," asked Fria with a polite smile on her face.

"My name is Wayne Ursario, pleased to meet you," he replied as he very lightly shook the winter maiden's hand. It didn't escape his notice how frail she seemed as the woman did her best to suppress the occasional cough. "And I was told that you might be able to help me with something. But only if you're willing."

"I'm not sure what an old, bed-ridden woman like me could do to help someone like you," said Fria, "but if I can I don't see why not."

"Well it's about this," said Wayne as he pulled open his coat and showed her the injury Cinder had given him, "I received this wound from another maiden. All the outer damage is more or less healed if you don't count the black marks, but internally it's still causing pain. It's plenty bearable on most days but my friends keep worrying that my shoulder might give out on a mission at a bad time."

"Ah, so you're a huntsman then," said the winter maiden, "and quite a young one."

"I was made an official huntsman only a few days ago mam," replied Wayne, "if possible I'd like to continue being one. But again, only if you're willing and able to help me."

"Well most certainly, as long as you honor a request from this old woman," replied Fria.

"Certainly," said Wayne, "I'm not sure what I could do for you but whatever it is I'll give it my best."

"Now there's no need to be so dramatic," said Fria with a dismissive wave, "I'd just like to hear a bit about you. It's so rare for me to get any visitors besides Winter these days, so I'm just the tiniest bit curious how you wound up here?"

"That is something of a long story depending on where you want me to start," admitted Wayne.

"And time is about the only thing I've got left," said Fria, "and what better way to pass it than with an amusing story or two."

"I might have a few," said Wayne with a slight smirk. Fria simply laughed before placing her hand on Wayne's shoulder. The huntsman felt a sudden chill emanate from her hand that shot through his shoulder, numbing the persistent twinge that always followed a strenuous time these days. A soft glow pulsed underneath the winter maiden's hand as she moved it around a little bit over the afflicted area, causing the blackened veins to withdraw. By the time Fria was done, the pain was gone and all that remained on Wayne's shoulder was a dull grey area that seemed more like a birthmark than a scar.

"Now that should about do-," Fria started to say before she was seized by a short coughing fit. Winter was quick to rub her back to assuage her coughing while handing her a cup of warm tea. "Goodness me, it's been awhile since I've done that."

"Amazing," said Wayne as he tested and flexed the muscles in his shoulder, "to think what a maiden can do when their powers aren't wielded by the depraved or the fearful."

"Weiss mentioned you've met two maidens up to this point," said Winter, "What do you think of Fria in comparison to those two."

"She's the friendliest so far," Wayne stated without hesitation, "the last two I've met have tried to kill me or at least threatened too."

"Now that is interesting," said Fria, "would you mind telling me about some of those times?"

"Gladly," said Wayne with a soft smile as he launched into what would be one of many stories. He and Winter wouldn't emerge from the secure room until several hours later to find Weiss waiting for them, reading something on her scroll. Upon seeing her sister and friend approach, Weiss stood up to greet them.

"Did it work, is your shoulder-," she started to ask before Wayne beat her to the punch and answered.

"Good as new," replied the huntsman as he rolled his arm a couple times to demonstrate, "I could probably shoulder-charge my way through a wall right now."

"Why don't we wait on testing that out," said Weiss before turning to her sister, "and thank you again for letting him see her. I know it was difficult for you to arrange all of this."

"As I said you made a convincing argument," replied Winter, "Wayne is only getting one visit and he's not a young woman anyway. So even if he does wind up in her final thoughts the power won't go to him on accident."

"I take it the plan is for them to go to you," said Wayne as he turned to the older Schnee sister, "her little miracle in there aside, she looks like she could pass any day now."

"Again your skills of deduction surprise me," said Winter, "Yes, I am to be the next winter maiden. I wasn't overjoyed with the idea at first when Ironwood proposed it to me."

"I can imagine," said Wayne, "that power may be great but it also makes you a target for anyone that wishes to use it for their own ends, Salem especially."

"I am aware," replied Winter, "but I've come to accept Ironwood's decision, moreover, I've decided that it is something I also want. You saw it for yourself, there's a lot of good that power can do for both Atlas and for Remnant. Which is why I accept the mantle of responsibility for it with pride."

"I have a feeling it's not gonna be as simple as all-," Wayne was interrupted as all three of their scrolls beeped. Winter pulled hers out to see that it was a message from Ironwood with a link to a live press conference, for Jacques Schnee.

"What in the world is he doing now?" Questioned an annoyed Weiss as the three of them watched the broadcast.

"If I am elected to a seat on the council," began Jacques Schnee, "I've made it no secret that I will be opposing General Ironwood and a number of his senseless policies like this embargo. It is my belief that these so-called measures he's put into place are not only reckless but downright criminal. Atlas's economy is being crippled by its current inability to send or receive shipments, causing suffering for all of us, my family included. It has become so that, effective immediately, I must shutdown all nonessential SDC operations. I will only be able to make the changes necessary to fix what Ironwood has broken if I am elected to the council, so I ask you all this: 'who else can you trust to stop Ironwood?'"

The feed went dead then as Winter's eyes suddenly showed more than a little concern. "I think Father…may have just set the spark...that will set this kingdom ablaze," She said. If the numerous riots that occurred almost immediately after Jacques's announcement were any indication, she just might be right.

It seems bad news must follow good news, because as soon as Wayne gets his shoulder fixed, Mantle starts rioting. But as said, these are just the sparks to start the blaze. Now, doom and gloom aside I'd like to say hello again everyone and I hope you enjoyed this latest chapter of Team WA volume 2. As always, feel free to leave a comment or review about what you liked/disliked or if you've got any neat ideas for future chapters. And before I forget, a quick announcement: I've been approached about writing a Kimetsu No Yaiba fic and I was wondering if anyone else would be onboard with the idea as I've already been suggested several ways to get the story moving. I'm also curious to know if I should continue posting side stories to my fic 'Armory of the Forgotten Hero', especially after the positive reception garnered by the first one. Let me know what you think about it in your comments and reviews and be sure to stop in next time as Wayne and Aegis's attempted night off doesn't go quite as planned. 'Til then.