The sound of her morning alarm caused Weiss to stir, her eyelids fluttering open as the sun's rays began to peek through the window. With a yawn, she sat up in bed and rubbed her eyes, taking in her surroundings. An empty Atlas Academy dorm room.

It had been a few weeks since the spar between the Master Chief and Harriet, and she had found herself getting used to her new life. It was easy getting back into a school routine and classes were challenging, but she was able to handle them. The only thing she still wasn't used to was this empty room, eyeing the unoccupied bunk beds. Her mind drifted to the shoddy bunk beds that her friends had made at Beacon, and she chuckled. Right now Blake would have exited the bathroom, her hair still wet from a shower. Yang and Ruby would both be sprawled out on their bunks, each groaning for a few more minutes of sleep, while Weiss would have been fully dressed and ready for class. It was a bittersweet memory.

"Get a grip, Weiss," she muttered to herself.

With a sigh, she grabbed her scroll and opened it, the time 6:00 am flashed brightly, and she groaned, knowing she would have to get up soon. As she slid out of bed and made her way towards the bathroom, her mind began to wander, toward the Chief. She wondered what he was doing. Every now and then she'd see him in the halls, where he'd always politely nod. But other than that, she rarely saw him.

Finished with her morning preparations she stood in front of the full-length mirror in her dorm room, her face a mix of anxiety and determination. The Atlas uniform fit her perfectly, with its military style and sleek white and blue color scheme, the silver trim and buttons glistened in the dimly lit room, and she couldn't deny that she looked stunning in it.

But this wasn't what she wanted. Joining Atlas Academy had been her only option to escape her father's controlling grasp, but it had never been her dream. But as she looked in the mirror, memories of what she had lost came flooding back, she could hear the faint echoes of her teammates' laughter, the sounds of a team being happy and together.

"I'll find them again," she promised. "And when I do, I'll be the teammate they deserve."

As she straightened her skirt and checked her appearance one last time, her scroll chimed, indicating that it was time to leave. With a deep breath, she exited the room, and made her way towards the school's mess hall, her eyes filled with a newfound resolve.

With a tray of warm food in hand, she scanned the room, searching for a place to sit. It was still early, so the room was relatively empty, with only a few people eating breakfast. A few members

of the Ace Ops caught her eye, as well as Team FNKi but she ignored them. Her eyes landed on an empty table near the corner, and she decided to take a seat.

She sat alone, the only sounds being those of the kitchen staff cleaning and the clinking of silverware as the other students ate. She tried to ignore the feeling of awkwardness and isolation as she ate, watching the other students from the corners of her eyes as they chatted and laughed together. It was all too easy to feel marginalized and alone, and she couldn't shake the feeling that she didn't belong here.

Suddenly, she was snapped from her thoughts as a familiar, feminine voice broke through. "May we sit here?" Cortana's voice crackled through Chief's helmet, as he loomed over the white-haired huntress.

"Chief?" Weiss's voice was full of surprise as she looked up at him. He was dressed in his usual armor, with the only change being the addition of a silver and blue Atlas patch on his left shoulder. His face as always was obscured by his helmet, and she could see her own reflection in the visor, her face looking surprised and slightly flustered.

"May we sit here?" Cortana asked again, her voice tinged with impatience.

"Uh... Yes, of course," Weiss answered, a slight blush coloring her cheeks as she gestured toward the empty seats across from her.

Chief grabs the seat next to her, the chair creaking under his weight. The pair sit in silence, Weiss stealing glances at him every now and then, before finally speaking up."It's been a while since I've seen you around," she says, trying to make conversation.

"I've been busy," Chief replies simply, his attention focused on her.

Weiss nods, a slightly disappointed look in her eyes. "I understand," she says, her voice sounding dejected. the impulsive feeling that eyes were on her. She felt a chill run down her spine, as she could see the stares of her peers burning into her."Why are they all looking at us?" Weiss asked, lowering her voice.

The Master Chief just stared ahead, but Weiss could almost feel him shrugging under his armor. "We're not exactly the most inconspicuous pair in the room,"

"Wait...was...was that a joke?" Weiss asks, a mixture of shock and disbelief on her face.

Unable to see the Chief's expression, he speaks up. "I've been known to make a few on occasion."

Weiss is surprised. She wasn't used to seeing this side of the Spartan. He was always so stoic and serious, but there was a hint of amusement in his voice that made her smile.

Cortana's voice crackled through his speakers. "Good ice breaker Chief, I'm proud of you."

"So," Weiss begins, eager to keep the conversation going, "Not that I'm not happy to see you, but what brings you to the mess hall? It's not exactly your usual haunt."

"You've not been informed?" the Master Chief's voice is neutral, but she detects a hint of curiosity.

"Informed of what?"

"We've been put on a mission together, the details have yet to be disclosed. I thought you would have known."

"Wait, we're going on a mission? Together?" Weiss can't help but be shocked, but the prospect excites her."The three of us?"

"That is the idea."

"But...why me? You've got the Ace Ops. And the military. And...well, literally anyone else. I'm still a student. What can I offer that they can't?"

"The General was impressed with the results of our teamwork during the trial. And, he thinks your unique skills would complement my abilities."

"He thinks so?"

The Master Chief nods, and Weiss can't help but grin. "This is perfect! I didn't think I'd be able to leave Atlas anytime soon, but now..."

Maybe just maybe she'd find her team sooner than she thought."But..." Weiss continues, her voice trailing off, "I guess there's a catch, right? No such thing as a free lunch. Or mission. What do I have to do?"

"All the General said was that you needed to be prepared for anything. I assume you'll be briefed along with me later."

"I guess that's true," Weiss sighs, before perking up, a determined look on her face. "Alright. Whatever the mission is, I'm ready for it!"

Weiss could only let out a sigh as she and Chief walked the streets of Mantle. This was not what she had in mind when the idea of a mission popped into her mind. She was hoping for action or adventure, not this.

The air was cold, and the wind was biting. There was no snow, but there was plenty of slush and mud, and the city itself seemed to be falling apart. Gazing at Chief's large form, it seemed he was taking the mission in stride.

"So, why are we doing this again?"

"To keep the peace. This is a dangerous part of the city, and the local police are stretched thin. The general wants us to be seen out here, showing a presence." walking the streets many of Mantles residents gave plenty of room for the two to pass.

"So, basically, we're a security detail." Weiss deadpans.

"More or less."

Weiss sighed. This was definitely not how she had expected her first mission to go."Isn't this a bit beneath you? I mean, you're a Spartan. A war hero. You shouldn't have to walk the streets like a beat cop."

"There's no shame in keeping the peace," the Chief replied."And it's a great way for me to get a more accurate picture of the situation on the ground."

"Yeah, I guess."

They continued their patrol, passing through the streets of Mantle. It was a bleak and depressing sight. Many of the buildings were crumbling, and there was a sense of desperation in the air.

"Seems this place doesn't have the same benefits as Atlas." Cortana's voice chimed through the Spartan's helmet.

"No, it doesn't," Weiss said, shaking her head."I've heard about the situation down here, but seeing it in person is something else."

"You know, Chief," Cortana chimed in. "I'm glad we decided to join the Atlesians. Things are really messed up here. We can make a difference."

"Agreed," Chief said, his voice filled with conviction.

"It's good to see that you two are so passionate about making a difference." Weiss smiled. "I'm glad I got to meet you both."

The trio continued their patrol, Weiss doing her best to keep up with the Spartan's long strides. it was somewhat amusing watching civilians scurry away from the armored giant, and she couldn't help but smirk, but it was also clear by their reaction they recognized who she was as well.

"Is that Weiss Schnee," she overheard a young man say to his friend."The daughter of that rich guy up in Atlas."

"Wow, what's she doing here?"

"Maybe she's come to rub her money in our faces," the young man says sarcastically.

"Hey, watch it," the other man warns, giving him a shove. "Her father could buy and sell our whole block in a heartbeat."

"Whatever," the young man scoffs. "She's still a Schnee. They're all the same."

Weiss ignored the comments as she kept pace with the Master Chief, but she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at the way the people of Mantle treated her. It was clear that they viewed her as a symbol of everything that was wrong with the world.

"Your name carries a lot of weight in these parts," the Master Chief's deep voice cut through her thoughts, and she looked up at him.

"Yeah, I know," she sighed, her shoulders sagging slightly."It's not always a good thing, though. Most people only see the Schnee Dust Company when they look at me. It can be hard to break out of that."

"I understand," Chief said, his tone sympathetic.

Weiss couldn't help but feel a small swell of gratitude towards the Spartan. Even though they were from two different worlds, he seemed to truly understand what she was going through. "You've been judged on your past before too, right?"

"Many times."

Weiss nodded, before looking back at the street ahead of them, a determined expression on her face."I don't care what people say about me. I'm not my father. I'm going to do what's right, and I'm going to make things better. No matter what it takes."

Chief simply gave her a nod, and they continued their patrol in silence, the Spartan occasionally scanning the surrounding area for any threats. Weiss found herself feeling more comfortable in his presence than she had in a while, and she couldn't help but smile a little.

Reaching the wall that separated Mantle from the harsh tundra outside, the Spartan stood there, Weiss doing the same, looking at the large structure, its sheer size impressive, even from this distance.

"I can't help but wonder what lies beyond that wall," Cortana mused.

"A lot of Grimm and cold weather," the Master Chief replied simply, and Weiss chuckled.

"How unfortunate for life to be confined to one little bubble," the A.I. spoke.

"It's not all bad," Weiss chimed in. "People can build communities and live together. Sure, things aren't perfect, but they could be worse."

"Perhaps," the AI replied, a hint of skepticism in her voice. "But I've seen so much out in the universe, it's hard to imagine being content with living in such a small space. But then again, I'm not human."

"True," Weiss conceded. "Still, there's something to be said for having a home to come back to. A place where you can feel safe and loved. That's not nothing." But she never had a real home, not really. Not since she left for Beacon.

"I suppose," Cortana replied, her tone still somewhat dismissive.

Chief just nodded, and the three of them stood in silence, looking up at the wall and the unknown that lay beyond it.

The trio continued their patrol, doing their best to keep the peace and ease the tensions between the residents and the Atlas Military. As the day drew to a close, they found themselves at the end of their route.

"Well, that was a waste of time," Weiss sighed, shaking her head.

"It wasn't a total loss," the Chief countered. "We helped a few people, and we got a better sense of the situation here. Not to mention, we're helping maintain the peace."

"I guess," Weiss replied, unconvinced. "But it's just... I thought this would be more exciting. You know, action and adventure."

"Baby steps," the Chief replied, placing a hand on her shoulder. "We'll get there eventually. The fact that the General pulled you out of classes is a good sign. He clearly sees potential in you."

"Do you?" Weiss asked, meeting his gaze.

"I do," the Chief said, nodding.

Weiss couldn't help but smile. "Thanks, Chief. I appreciate tha-"

Weiss was interrupted as commotion caught their attention. A middle-aged man stood in front of a shop yelling obscenities at the Faunus behind the counter. The shopkeeper, a young woman with rabbit ears, was attempting to calm the man down, but to no avail.

The pair began to move towards the scene, the Chief moving with purpose while Weiss was more tentative.

"Let's go see what's going on," Chief said, his voice determined.

"Yeah," Weiss said, a sense of uncertainty in her voice.

"You thieving Faunus! I'll show you not to mess with me," the man shouted, his voice filled with rage.

The shopkeeper raised her hands, trying to placate him. "Sir, please. I haven't stolen anything. If you'd just let me check the books, I'm sure we can sort this out."

The man didn't listen, instead knocking over the cash register. "You're a damn liar! It's tough enough being a human in this city, without you Faunus taking what's rightfully ours"

"Sir, please. I don't want any trouble. Just take your money and go." The shopkeep pleaded, trying to diffuse the situation.

The man turned towards her, a dark look in his eyes. "Oh, I'm not done with you yet."

Before the man could take another step, the Chief was already looming over him, his massive frame casting a shadow over the would-be criminal.

"Is there a problem here?" the Chief asked, his voice stern.

The man, not realizing who was towering over him, scoffed as he turned. "Yeah, this sticking Fau-" the man froze as he came face to face with the Spartan.

"I- uh, well" he stammered, the anger quickly leaving his body as his face paled at

the sight of the towering Spartan.

"I...um...we... I mean..." the man tried to speak, his voice shaky.

Weiss stood by Chief, her arms crossed."I think you need to leave," the former Heiress stated.

With a shaky nod, the man did as instructed, and hastily left, tripping over himself as he ran down the street.

"Thank you, miss. I don't know what I would have done if you both hadn't come along," the shopkeeper said, her voice full of gratitude.

"It's no problem," the Chief replied, his tone steady.

"Yes, of course. You're very welcome," Weiss said, her tone far less steady than the Spartans.

Bending down, Chief picked up the cash register and placed it on the counter, his strength on full display.

"Oh, thank you. That was very kind," the shopkeep said, smiling."But I'm afraid that man has been causing trouble for a while now."

"What do you mean?" Weiss asked, curious.

"He's been harassing Faunus shops for a while, demanding discounts and threatening them when they don't comply."

"That's awful," Weiss said, shaking her head.

"We'll have the authorities keep an eye out for him," the Chief said, his voice confident.

"Thank you," the shopkeeper replied, relieved.

"You're very welcome," Weiss said, giving her a reassuring smile.

As Chief and Weiss exited the store, the sun setting on the horizon. They were silent for a moment, taking in the evening sky.

"I was informed of tense relationships between the Faunus and humans, but seeing it in person, It's hard to believe people are so hateful," Cortana's voice rang out.

"I know, it's disgusting," Weiss agreed, her voice filled with contempt. "I don't know how they can treat others like that."

"Especially with the Grimm around," Cortana added, shaking her head. "If the people of this world can't work together, we're never going to survive."

"Well, that's what we're here for," the Chief said, his voice filled with determination.

"To keep the peace and stop the Grimm," Weiss finished.

"Exactly," the Chief replied. "Now's Let's head back, it's getting late."

After giving their reports to the General, the Master Chief and Weiss walked the halls of the Atlas academy, a comfortable silence between the pair. As they reached the dormitories, Weiss paused.

"Tired?" the Chief asked, stopping.

"No, no, just thinking," Weiss answered, a thoughtful expression on her face."I'm happy we helped that Faunus woman today, but... I can't help but feel like there's more we could be doing."

"It's only our first mission, it'll take some time for things to improve. But I think we made a difference today."

Weiss sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I guess so. It's just... I've spent my whole life learning how to be a Huntress. But now that I actually have the chance to put those skills to use, I feel like I'm barely making a dent. Like, I'm just treading water, and there are people important to me

out there who I could be helping, but I'm stuck here, walking the streets of Mantle and trying to keep the peace."

"Baby steps, remember? You have to start somewhere," the Chief reminded her.

Weiss shook her head her ponytail swishing with the motion. "You're right, but it's hard. I'm ready to do more. To be more. I'm ready to save the world, not just keep the peace."

The Master Chief's visor pierced through her, a heavy silence filled the air, the sound of the air vents filling the hall. "If you truly believe that, then I'll help you."

"You will?" Weiss asked, hopeful.

"I will," the Chief affirmed. "I promise. Now get changed and meet me at the training grounds."

Weiss nodded, a determined look on her face. She quickly went to her dorm room, changed into her combat outfit, and headed to the training grounds. When she arrived, the Chief was waiting for her, his expression unreadable through his helmet.

"Ready?" the Chief asked, his voice steady.

"Ready," Weiss replied, her voice filled with conviction.

Without a word, the two stepped into the training room, the doors shutting behind them

"498"

"499"

"500"

Panting, Weiss collapsed to the floor, exhausted from Chief's workout.

"Well done, you've improved greatly. Your form has gotten much better," Cortana praised her.

"Thanks," Weiss wheezed, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath.

The Master Chief looked down at her, his posture relaxed. "Take five, you deserve it."

With a sigh, Weiss rolled onto her back, the cool floor providing a brief respite from the burning in her muscles.

"This is torture," she groaned, closing her eyes. Weiss recalls all the training sessions she had been put through, her mind flashing back to the rigorous exercises and the brutal training that had followed. Sit-ups, push-ups, and endless drills, all under the watchful eye of the Master Chief.

"It's not torture," the Chief corrected her. "It's training."

"Well, it feels like torture," Weiss replied, her voice slightly whiney.

"You wanted this, remember?" the Chief's voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

"I did, but I didn't expect it to be so..." Weiss searched for the right word, her eyes flicking open to look at him.

"Demanding?" Cortana supplied, her voice amused.

"Exhausting," Weiss finished.

"You'll thank me for it one day," the Chief said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Weiss couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head. "You sound like Winter."

"You think so?" the Chief asked, his voice neutral.

"Yeah, you both have that same, 'I know best' attitude," Weiss teased, a small smile on her lips.

"Is that so?" a voice at the entrance to the training yard called out, startling the trio.

"Winter?!"

"Hello, little sister," The older Schnee greeted her, a warm smile on her face.

"What are you doing here?" Weiss asked, surprised. As she tried to get up on her own, her muscles ached in protest.

"I've come to check on you. Before I go to my mission, and to make sure the Master Chief here isn't working you too hard."

"No, no, it's fine. He's not," Weiss reassured her, trying to sound convincing.

Winter gave her a knowing look, before turning to the Master Chief. "And how has she been doing?"

"She's improving," the Chief replied, his tone neutral.

"Good," Winter said, a proud smile on her face. "Keep it up."

"Uh, Winter what's...your mission? If I may ask." Weiss inquired of her older sister, curious.

Winter looked away, her expression becoming serious. "Some troubling reports are coming in from Mistral, and General Ironwood wants someone on the ground to investigate."

"Mistral?" Weiss asked, her voice full of surprise.

Winter nodded, a hint of worry in her voice."I was supposed to go a few weeks ago, but was delayed due to someone's ship crashing into our kingdom."

Weiss flinched, her eyes darting to the Chief, who remained silent.

"And now, it's getting worse," Winter continued, her expression growing more grave. "They need someone who knows what they're doing."

"When are you leaving?" Weiss asked, a mixture of sadness and fear in her voice.

"As soon as possible," Winter replied, a sad smile on her face.

"Winter...you'll be okay, right?"

"I'll be fine," Winter comforted her, a reassuring smile on her face. "I've got a whole team with me, and we'll have each other's backs."

"Just be careful, okay?" Weiss asked a slight waver in her voice.

"I'll be as careful as I can be," Winter replied, her tone gentle.

Weiss sighed, her expression full of concern.

"I have to go," Winter said, her voice apologetic. "Take care of yourself, Weiss."

"I will,"

With a final wave, Winter turned and walked away, leaving the Master Chief and Weiss alone in the training yard.

"Do you think she'll be okay?" Weiss asked, her voice laced with worry.

"She's a capable soldier," the Chief reassured her. "If anyone can handle this, it's her."

"I hope you're right."

"Shall we continue? We have a lot of training to do if you're going to be ready for whatever's out there," the Chief's voice was filled with confidence.

Weiss groaned, her body aching from the intense workout, but she knew he was right. With a sigh, she stood up straight, her body screaming in protest, and prepared for the next round.

As she looked up at the Master Chief, his large form towering over her, she felt a spark of determination. She would continue to train and get stronger. And one day, she would be ready. And, for the first time since joining Atlas Academy, Weiss felt a real sense of hope.