"…I'm telling you, I have no idea where Tai is," Raven insisted as she held her scroll up to the side of her face. "I think he said he had friends in town that he was staying with tonight."

"Really?" came Summer's voice over the line. "That doesn't strike you as weird, that he didn't tell us?"

"We're his team and friends, not his babysitters," Raven replied as she rolled her eyes and heaved a sigh. "I'm sure he's fine, and I'm sure he'll text us soon to check in."

"Yeah, maybe," Summer replied with a sigh of her own. "I just don't like us all being so unaware all the time. Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine," Raven said quickly. "It's just been a… stressful week, to say the least. Give me a night in Willow's dorm so I can just meditate, study, and sleep in, and I'll be back tomorrow, ready to go."

"Raven… you don't have to come back tomorrow, if you'd rather have a weekend 'away' from Qrow and I. We're not offended. We just want what's best for you."

"I know you do," Raven agreed as she pinched the bridge of her nose and closed her eyes. "And… thank you, for that. It's comforting to hear."

"Of course!" the other girl said in an upbeat voice. "We'll see you when we see you, then."

A long pause occurred as Raven simply gathered her thoughts. Part of her wanted to insist that she would be back in the morning, but another had very different ideas.

"…Raven?"

"Sorry, I… I'm a little distracted," Raven apologized as she shook her head and opened her eyes. "Are you… sure you wouldn't be upset with me if I took two days alone…?"

"Take two days," Summer answered with a bit of an edge in her voice. "Now, it's no longer an offer- it's an order. You've been looking awful lately."

"I know. Thank you. Sorry," Raven said quickly as she bit her bottom lip. "See you Monday."

Raven hung up her scroll before Summer could answer and folded her arms across her chest while looking down at the tile floor of the hallway. After a few seconds of silence, she slowly looked to her left at Taiyang, her face full of guilt.

"…they know, don't they?"

"…I have a feeling they might know," Taiyang confirmed as he rubbed at the back of his neck. "But honestly… I don't care. Summer's right- you do look awful, lately. It's not your fault, given how you've been fe-"

"I know, I know," Raven interrupted as she raised her hands to ward her friend off. "But still. At this rate, I'm going to snap before midterms."

"No, you're not, because I'm not going to let that happen," Taiyang said as he closed the distance between them and looped an arm around Raven's shoulders. "Now, come on. Let's go find a blanket in Willow's closets, cuddle up on her couch, and watch some stupid TV together."

Raven looked up at Taiyang with weary, bloodshot eyes, and her shoulders visibly sunk as the corner of her mouth upturned ever so slightly.

"…that sounds… incredible, honestly. Thank you."

"You don't need to thank me," Taiyang replied as they began to walk in tandem. "You just need to keep being yourself. That's all I need in return, Raves. I like you, and I like being around you."

Raven gently slipped her hand around Taiyang's waist with a tired smile. "I like you, too."

"They're totally boning," Summer said with absolute confidence as she slipped her scroll into her pocket and crossed her arms. "I just hope they have the decency to wash Willow's sheets."

"You've been hanging out with Kali too much," Qrow offered from his position laying upon his back atop his bed. He turned the page of the weapons magazine he had in hand and bent a knee as he rested his foot on the mattress. "Raven's not the type to trust someone like that this quickly, and I don't think Tai's stupid enough to make a move, either. As much as she needs to get laid, I'd be shocked if it happened before she settles down. If she settles down."

"Well, you would know better than me," Summer replied with a shrug. "Lotta romance in the air, lately. It's actually kinda nice."

"How do you mean?" Qrow asked, feigning disinterest while simultaneously dreading the answer.

"I think you know. Raven and Tai, Barty and Yatsu, Kali and Roman. You and Willow," Summer finished with a knowing smirk as she sat next to Qrow upon the bed.

Qrow closed the magazine and sat up immediately, keeping his eyes off of Summer. "Alright, first of all, you didn't hear it from me, but Roman got hit with the 'we're just friends' speech from Kali. He's pretty torn up about it, and it seems like Kali's pretty oblivious that he's infatuated with her, so you need to back off on that one."

Summer's expression immediately changed to a crestfallen one as she folded her hands atop her skirt.

"Oh… that's… not great, honestly. They always seem so happy together, and they compliment each other so well. I thought that if any of us were going to fall into a commitment this year, it would be those two," Summer said quietly.

"Yeah, you and me both," Qrow grumbled. "As far as Winter? Look, she's gorgeous, sophisticated, kind-hearted, and all-around incredible, but she's also way out of my league. It's not something I'm focusing on right now, especially with Raven being so off-balance, lately."

"That sounds suspiciously like a convenient excuse," Summer pointed out. "You're a great guy, Qrow, and I think she'd be lucky to have you."

"Lucky, huh?" Qrow asked before letting out a sharp breath. "Funny how you all keep saying that. And speaking of excuses, you're stalling again, Summer. It's been a week. We don't know how long Tai's gonna be away, whether he's with Raven or not. We've got an opportunity right now, so why not practice a bit?"

Summer groaned and fidgeted upon the bed before fixing Qrow with sad eyes.

"…do we have to?"

"Yeah, we have to," Qrow replied with all the sympathy he could muster. He sat up straight and pushed himself off the bed before walking to the other side of the room and standing with his hands in his pockets. Summer copied the motion and moved to the opposite wall.

"Qrow… I'm scared," Summer admitted as she gave her friend a worried look.

"I know. Honestly… so am I," Qrow admitted. "This isn't normal, whatever this is… but I'm on board for figuring out what we can about it before getting Tai, OKRA, or any professors involved. Take a few deep breaths, and when you're ready… just go for it."

"Okay," Summer replied quickly. She took several deep breaths as instructed and shook out her hands, mustering up her courage while mashing her lips together. "I'm sorry if this hurts, or something."

"Raven didn't mention any pain," Qrow reassured. "Just shock at being relocated so suddenly."

"That's a fancy way of phrasing 'being thrown across a forest clearing at instant speed," Summer joked. "Okay, here we go…"

Qrow focused his full attention on Summer as the girl huffed out one last, heavy breath and closed her eyes. Upon opening them again, her aura rippled down her body fast enough to appear as a blinding flash. Immediately after noticing the change in her aura, Qrow found himself staring at her from the opposite side of the room. Summer quickly doubled over and held her knees, breathing hard.

"That's… incredible," Qrow remarked as he began a slow approach toward his leader. "I didn't even have time to think between seeing your aura drop and finding myself over here. Are you alright?"

"My… aura dropped?" Summer questioned as she finally looked up at Qrow. Her face was incredibly pale, and her eyes were unfocused. Qrow picked up the pace in response, and just barely had time to catch the girl as she fell forward, her knees quaking.

"Whoa! Keep it together, Summer. I've got you!" Qrow insisted as he began to guide her to the nearest of the four beds in the room. "Talk to me, girl."

"I feel… really dizzy," Summer lamented as Qrow helped her into a sitting position. Without a second thought, she leaned her head into his shoulder and became dead weight against him. "Trying to stay conscious."

"Good. It'd be helpful for both of us if you do," Qrow reminded as he wrapped Summer in a tight, one-armed hug. "Just talk. Tell me how you're feeling, specifically."

"…out of it," Summer offered. "Almost like the second we swapped places… we swapped brains."

"Hey!" Qrow replied as he gave Summer a little squeeze. "I may not be the smartest on STRQ, but I'm not a total moron. At least your sense of humor's intact."

Summer grinned and closed her eyes. "I'm also pretty hungry."

"…is that new after the teleportation, or are you just saying you're hungry?" Qrow inquired.

"…just saying," Summer admitted. "I don't think it would be smart to try again tonight. I'm barely awake right now."

"That's not great," Qrow warned. "I'm with you on just taking it easy tonight, but… we need to work on this. Figure out what it is we're dealing with, here. Did it feel any easier than last time?"

"Easier?" Summer asked as she raised a brow. "Both times, it's just… happened, when I wanted it to." The girl paused as her aura rippled back up her body in a shimmering sheet of silver.

"…that was over a full minute," Qrow pointed out. "You'd be leaving yourself totally open for that long, at least, if you tried this out in combat again. Promise me that you won't use it without us around, while you're safe."

Summer hesitated just long enough for Qrow to release his hug and give her a serious glare.

"Summer."

"But what if there's a situation where one of you is in d-"

"Summer," Qrow repeated, his expression stern and voice full of authority. "No. You're not throwing yourself into danger for one of us again. Last time was a fluke, since we didn't even know what you were capable of doing. Now, though? None of us would want you to sacrifice yourself for our benefit. Swear to me that you'll master this before using it in the field again."

Summer pushed off the bed and began to walk toward the kitchenette in silence. Qrow stayed in place for several seconds before he followed along, his footfalls quick and heavy.

"Summer, you're not being fair at all by just ignoring the fact that the three of us care a-"

"I don't feel good, Qrow," Summer reminded as she pulled open the refrigerator door and removed a glass pitcher full of water. "This isn't a discussion I want to have right now."

"It's a discussion we need to have," Qrow insisted. "Are you really just going to stay quiet and do what you want without warning us, if it's a life or death situation?"

Summer set about placing the pitcher on the countertop, before pulling a glass from a nearby cabinet.

"…want a glass?"

"…you're unbelievable," Qrow replied while shaking his head. "So now I've gotta worry even more about you than I already do."

"Why would you worry?" Summer questioned. "With this… second semblance, I get it, but before all of this? What's there to worry about?"

"Let me count the ways," Qrow sassed as he leaned up against the wall with folded arms. "Your team consists of a bad luck charm, a girl on the edge of lashing out at all of us, and a guy riding everyone else's emotional roller coasters day in and day out. You're seeing the future in unwilling spurts, you're throwing yourself into working for John with us against what you initially wanted, and you prefer to be alone when you're stressed out and can't take it anymore, effectively shutting us out from helping you."

"Like Raven does?" Summer countered as she filled her glass and took a long, slow sip of water, her eyes unblinking as she stared Qrow down. The boy was the first to look away, and he threw his hands up in resignation.

"Fine, you've got me there, but I worry about her, too," Qrow confessed. "I worry about her a lot."

"She's your sister. That's your job, and I bet she worries about you, too," Summer replied. "Besides… you're right. I do go off on my own and think things through when I'm feeling uncomfortable, or at a total loss as to what to do. Did it not occur to you that right now, when things seem tense and potentially catastrophic, that I'm instead staying here with you?"

Qrow paused and folded his arms once again.

"Now that you mention it… what does that mean, in this context?"

"It means that I'm not as worried about this as I am about other things," Summer explained. "The only promise I'm willing to make you right now is that I will master this, and I'll figure out what it is, and why I can do it. If I need to use it as a trump card, I will… but it's absolutely a last resort. I know I'll be able to get through this situation with the three of you at my side, and I also have an advantage. My first semblance lets me see into the future, for a bit. So… I can predict what'll happen if I swap with someone, before I do it."

Qrow sighed and moved to retrieve a glass of his own before holding it out for Summer to pour water into.

"Alright, fine, that's a solid plan in theory, but we'll still have to cover you. Not only that, but… your little predictions don't always come true, do they?"

"They're accurate more often than not," Summer reminded. "Though… once it all came back to me, I realized that I never saw Raven's sword jam in my vision of her getting jumped by that beowulf. In the future I saw, it just came out of the bush and took her by surprise. Nothing went wrong with her weapon at all."

"That's one hell of an important detail for your crystal ball to leave out," Qrow mused. "What about those other, more long-term predictions you were getting? Any more of those, lately?"

Summer took a long, torturously slow drink of water as she kept her eyes on Qrow.

"…one," she said simply.

Qrow raised a brow, taking a sip of his own.

"…care to share?"

"…nope," Summer replied as her cheeks tinted a furious scarlet. "It's something about you, actually, but… I think it would be better as a surprise."

Qrow watched as Summer drained her glass completely while she maintained a devilish grin.

"Well if I wasn't worried enough before, I definitely am now," Qrow said. "Can I even have a hint, or something?"

"Just keep being yourself, and I predict you'll get very lucky, one day," Summer said mysteriously. "I'm going to go lie down for a bit, and maybe try to sleep off this gross feeling."

"Want some company?" Qrow offered as he finished his water and set the glass beside Summer's in the sink.

"Always," the girl replied before walking back out into the room proper. Qrow replied with only a smile and moved to follow Summer.

"…Kali? You've been… unusually quiet, ever since we got out over the city," Willow tried as she looked up at the back of her friend's white leather jacket.

The faunus remained pressed up against the window of the plane as they soared silently over Atlas. Glittering, snow-white spires pierced the sky from atop the buildings below and scattered blue and green lights flickered and blinked atop radio towers, rooftops, and within lamp posts on the streets. The entire city seemed to glow, as if it had been built within a constantly shifting aurora. Tiny, mobile dots of every color of the rainbow shifted about upon the streets, and Kali found her eyes drawn to the constant ebb and flow of traffic.

"…I have never felt so conflicted in my life," Kali said softly as she swept her eyes along the roads and began to read what signs and billboards she could from their elevation. A portrait of Camilla Schnee holding an expensive-looking crystal bottle of perfume emblazoned on the side of a building caught her attention, though her focus was on the Schnee woman's eyes instead of the bright pink product. There was no life to them, as though she were a corpse dug up and frozen in place for the advertisement.

"The whole city's… absolutely gorgeous and teeming with life… and yet it feels so dead. Robotic. Clinical, almost," Kali pointed out with a sigh. "It all looks so fake."

"You're not wrong," Willow said softly. "The view can be overwhelming the first time, yes, but… you eventually get used to it. You can get used to anything as being normal up here, and that's a major part of the problem. It's an echo chamber of endless noise and one-upsmanship, disguised as sophistication."

"The first step toward fixing a problem is acknowledging it, or so they say," Jacques replied from his seat next to Willow. "It is rather striking, visually, but I'd have to agree with Kali. Something about Atlas seems off, even from up here. Vale, as you now are very much aware, Vale is alive, and no one can deny it. Buskers, businessmen, children running along the streets… it's an entirely different world from the perpetual traffic jam and neon lights below us now."

"Wait until we land," Willow warned. "You two are just seeing the exterior. The pretty face and robotic shell that suggests too much money and too little sense. The heart of Atlas is rotten. A festering, decaying husk of an organ that the rest of the world puts on a pedestal for reasons I still don't understand. You're the only two people I've ever met who haven't been lured in immediately by the pretty lights and outward lies of the city."

Kali's ears flattened as she removed her hands from the glass of the window and turned in her seat to face Willow.

"Hey, are you alright? Really. I've never seen you this tense and quick to criticize," Kali pointed out.

Willow jumped slightly as Jacques put a gentle, gloved hand upon her shoulder.

"She's right- you are tense, Willow. Whatever rot we find within the Schnee manor or clinging to the guests within it, we'll help you remove it over time. After all, is that not why we're really here?" Jacques asked with a knowing look.

"It is," Willow confirmed. "I just hope that neither of you lose sight of that. It's so easy to get lost in the lights here, and dazzled by the promise and grandeur of the legendary floating city. This place changes people, Jacques. I'm really nervous about all of this, even if I am essentially just going home for a bit."

Kali fully turned and folded her arms as she sat, looking over Willow.

"…still, this isn't normal for you, Wil. I thought you were pretty comfortable with Atlas, or at least, your actual home. What's bringing all of this on?"

Willow considered the notion and turned in her seat to look out the window just as Kali had before.

"I believe… I believe my time away from Atlas has helped open my eyes a bit to how things really are, up here. Walking your streets, eating your food, simply talking to the people of Vale has been so much more pleasant, engaging, and comforting than any memory I have of home. I feel like I don't belong here at all, now, and I'm terrified that my family is going to feel exactly the same way," Willow admitted as she shivered.

"Willow," Jacques began as he transitioned his hand from her shoulder down into her lap, to rest atop her hand. "If speaking from the heart and raising issue with the status quo is enough to break you apart from your family, then they don't deserve to have you. We'll figure something out, but I wouldn't suggest rushing in and declaring yourself independent of Atlas and its corruption, either. We aren't all-in on trying to make sweeping changes, this early in the game."

"Qrow said the same thing," Willow said in a low voice. "You're both right. I need to rein it in and stay composed. Please, keep me in check if I start to stray."

"We will, but first and foremost, we'll have your back," Kali replied. "If your old man or anyone else starts some shit, we'll make sure it comes down on us, and not you. Who cares if we're not allowed back?"

Jacques cleared his throat, looking rather pointedly at Kali.

"I care very much, actually… but your general idea is correct. We'll redirect any scorn or blame you receive. Speaking of, call me insensitive, but what's our plan for getting a faunus into a high-class party at the Schnee mansion without causing an immediate outrage?" Jacques asked. "I can't imagine most of the guests will simply look past your ears and leave you alone, Kali."

"Oh, I've got that covered," Kali said confidently as she reached down into her purse. The faunus pulled out a thick, black length of material and brought it up to her head. She worked quickly to tie it into a fancy bow, before stuffing her ears up and into the folds. "Ta-da!"

Jacques merely stared, dumbfounded at the very cat-ear like accessory before he slowly turned to Willow, who was wearing a sheepish grin.

"…you knew about and approved this plan."

"I did, yes," Willow confirmed. "It's not like she can get away with wearing a hat all night. It's cute, and not too obvious. Maybe just obvious enough that people won't think much of it, if you know what I mean."

"Hiding in plain sight," Kali added as she stood into a stretch. The faunus lurched forward as the plane began a sudden descent, and she barely managed to retain her balance as she let out a sharp gasp.

"We're here," Willow said with trepidation. "Everyone, just be natural, but respectful, and let the attendants follow their routines. I'm sure they'll take care of everything for us, and… I honestly hope that my father isn't waiting for us. I don't want this to get awkward immediately."

Kali made sure of her footing before walking forward and squatting to meet Willow's eyes. She remained unblinking as she spoke, and her voice adopted an incredibly serious tone.

"Willow. If you don't listen to anything else I tell you this weekend, listen to this- your family isn't you. Whatever your dad says or does, especially to me, once he finds out I'm a faunus… that's on him, not you. I know you're a good person, and I know you don't agree with what's going on up here. That's more than good enough for me," Kali reassured as she rose to stand once again.

Willow rose with her, and pulled her faunus friend into a tight hug.

"Thank you, Kali. I can only hope that Adam one day feels the same…"

"Adam… he's a work in progress," Kali offered as Jacques rose to stand as well.

"Aren't we all?" he asked rhetorically. "I will admit, I've never been quite so nervous to meet with a potential client or contact before. Of course, I'm not planning to talk business or anything shady on this initial trip. Simply to make contact and see what there is to see."

"Thank you. This is going to be hectic enough, as it is. There's also… Roman, Jay, and Robin to consider," Willow pointed out. "Roman informed me that his father is desperately pushing him to make an attempt at courting me, and we're both going to avoid such a thing at all costs. If you see me being cold toward him, please… do what you can to make him feel better. I know he's already miserable up here, as it is."

"Leave Roman to me," Kali offered. "I'll take his mind right off of you, once his asshole dad isn't looking."

"…the Winchesters have no idea who I am, or that I've come here alongside you," Jacques pointed out. "I'll keep them distracted as best I can, especially if they try to make a similar move. I'm sure a potential marriage-based merger between Winchester Military Technologies and the Schnee Dust Company is something that their father has considered and encouraged."

"Robin did make a pass at me, not long ago," Willow replied as the plane finally touched down. "Of the two, Jay is the far less offensive option, but I'm not looking, nor am I interested in either of them. I would greatly appreciate any effort to keep them at bay."

"Then effort you shall receive," Jacques reassured as the door on the side of the plane slid open. "Lead the way, and we'll follow your movements and mannerisms."

"Here we go," Willow commented as she heaved a sigh and walked out of the plane.

The heiress descended the folding steps attached to the side of the aircraft out onto the helipad resting at the edge of an absolutely massive field of asphalt. The parking lot ended with a roundabout just before the Schnee manor itself, which was lined with hedges, two sculptures of the Schnee snowflake emblem, and a massive fountain featuring statues of the gods of light and darkness in the center of the walkup to the gargantuan building.

The Schnee manor itself was an impossibly long, intimidating building painted in purest white with deep blue accents. Various bright, dust-powered lights rested beneath the windows and balconies all along the structure's front and gave the entire building an ethereal glow against the backdrop of the night sky. A pair of armed guards could be seen patrolling the rooftop, though neither batted an eye at the aircraft or its passengers.

"…one family lives here," Kali said flatly as she stayed close to Willow's side. "You could fit the entire population of Kuo Kuana within those walls."

"I'm sorry," Willow said quickly. "I didn't choose this. I didn't…"

The girl trailed off as Kali took her hand and tightly entwined their fingers.

"No, you didn't, so this excess isn't on you. Besides, I'll get to live it up for a night, at least," Kali offered as her boots thumped against the pavement.

"Truthfully, I see no reason not to live large, if you have the means," Jacques protested from his place at Willow's other side. "While it is certainly a bit much, I would imagine that the living space does have a function for each of those rooms."

"It does," Willow confirmed. "Though… most people live without many, or even most of those functions. Like having staff waiting to retrieve their bags…"

A procession of suited men emerged from the manor's front entrance and walked swiftly toward and past the party of three, back toward the plane. The men all nodded or offered muffled greetings to Willow as they went, each paying no mind to her guests.

"…like I said before," Kali began. "Robotic. Lifeless. It's kinda creepy."

Jacques shook his head, and kept his eyes on the door as another, white-suited figure emerged from inside of the manor.

"If you ask me, they all look just as scared as Willow, for entirely different reasons. Is that him?"

"That's him," Willow practically whispered. "I… I don't know how I feel, right now."

"Go on ahead," Kali suggested. "Play it safe, and be family, for a bit. It's not a sin to miss him."

"Right," Willow acknowledged. "Please, don't stay too far behind."

Willow increased her speed, her heels clicking upon the cobblestone walkway as she made a beeline for the tall, imposing figure. She met her father just beyond the fountain and was immediately scooped into a tight hug as the man bent forward slightly to better embrace his daughter.

"Pumpkin," Arcturus Schnee said with a warm smile as he squeezed Willow tightly. "How was your flight?"

"Daddy," Willow replied as she returned the hug and sighed into the man's lapel. "It was smooth and comfortable, as always. Thank you for sending out a plane for us."

"Of course," Arcturus replied as he rose to his full height once again and straightened his suit jacket. The man stiffened slightly as he looked over Kali and Jacques, only to offer the pair a quick nod. "And you must be Willow's acquaintances from Beacon."

"Her friends," Kali corrected with a nod of her own. "Kali Moonglove, sir. It's a pleasure."

"Jacques Soleil," the man followed up as he clasped his hands in front of himself. "An honor, Mr. Schnee."

"I'm sure," Arcturus replied. "Weiland- show them to a set of rooms, near to Willow's. Unfortunately, I have quite a bit of planning and finalization to do before tomorrow's festivities, given that we'll be hosting. We'll speak more in the morning."

Willow's face fell slightly as she watched a tall, slender man slip out from behind her father. "Right… of course…"

Weiland Tourmal narrowed his deep green, beady eyes as he swept them over the assembled trio of students. He kept his hands clasped behind his back throughout the process, and barely seemed to move at all. The man stood slightly taller than Arcturus, and much thinner. He wore a charcoal suit and black tie, with a vertically striped vest that made him look that much slimmer. His black hair was graying at the roots and pulled back into a long ponytail that reached down to the small of his back. He spoke in a calculating, raspy voice as his sallow features shifted and stretched with his words.

"Come. Let us leave Mr. Schnee to his work. A pleasure to have you home once again, Miss Willow."

"Indeed," Willow replied with a forced smile. She shuddered as Weiland turned on his heel and began to walk, while her father took out his scroll and began to tap away at the screen. Willow and her friends moved to follow the butler, who looked over his shoulder at the heiress once again as they approached the doors to the manor.

"Will Miss Moonglove be sharing a room with you?"

Kali's eyes seemed to light up as Willow gave her a look, and the heiress shook her head softly as she allowed herself an amused smile.

"…sure. Why not?"

"Very good," Weiland replied as he led the way into the lobby. "Let us hope your friends find their stay to be pleasurable."

Author's Note:

Only one other major arc after the Atlas party left in Volume 1, but we've still got a long way to go.

-RD