"Damages are still being assessed, stay tuned for further updates."

James clicked off the monitor as he turned to face Ozpin.

"Alright, I see what you mean. We'll be looking into how someone could have possibly gotten hold of a Paladin."

Ozpin sipped at his coco. "Please do. We're extremely fortunate you never brought the whole of your army when you arrived, otherwise this little incident could be seen as a provocation."

James nodded, letting out a sigh. "Yes, I have you to thank for that. As far as I can tell public opinion points to it being the White Fang. Nobody knows how they got their hands on it, but at worst the people see it as negligence on our part. Still bad, but it could have been worse."

"Indeed, as I stated before our current situation requires a level of finesse that an entire army wouldn't be able to provide."

James felt himself grumble at that. He was thankful for Ozpin's suggestion beforehand about keeping things low, but it irked him just how much of a hold the White Fang had over Vale. Worst of all they had access to high level equipment which had yet to be released. How they did this remained unknown, but James was sure he'd be able to find out eventually. Right now it was best to do damage control, which had already been started earlier.

When he first arrived at Beacon he had exchanged pleasantries with his old friend, even sharing some words with Glynda - much to her perceived annoyance - before getting down to business. Ozpin however told him it was best to explain the whole situation with all of them present, and Qrow still had yet to arrive. That was last night, he never showed, even now he had yet to make an appearance.

At least the soldiers were getting settled in, their ship was parked in a spare dock at the other end of Beacon. With only the one ship present it looked more like Atlas had sent a small aid to the protection effort provided for the festival. Vale itself had employed it's own defenses, and as far as the public was concerned Atlas had sent a small gift to the kingdom.

It made their relationship look strong, but also displayed a minor show of favoritism as Atlas had never sent aid to the other kingdoms during their time hosting the celebration. That was fine, they could send a small detachment to future festivals from now on. Doing so would strengthen the bonds between all four kingdoms and allow for increased trade opportunity, something James was all for.

Ozpin looked over to him. "Have you seen Qrow by any chance?"

"No, will this be an issue?"

The headmaster of Beacon shook his head. "No, it simply implies that the task I gave is more... time consuming than I'd anticipated."

"Really? If I may: what task did you give him?" He questioned as the man smirked slightly.

"Nothing major, just to keep an eye on someone. I sent him a message earlier this morning to go collect that someone, a special young man I wanted you to meet."

Now that got James attention, it wasn't everyday Ozpin called someone special. And considering the fact that he hadn't mentioned anyone of the sort last night had the general on edge. Who was this someone? What were they to the headmaster? Were they dangerous?

James calmed himself, he was overthinking this. The headmaster wanted him to meet this 'young man', so clearly he wasn't a threat to them. Although what he did to earn Ozpin's attention was still unknown, but James was sure that it would be explained later. He only needed to remain patient, the answers would be gained over time.

Ozpin took a sip, giving him a look as he spoke again. "And how have your soldiers been handling things?"

"They've been doing well. Our smaller numbers limit us in certain ways, but we've managed to settle in." He answered as Ozpin seemed to relax.

"That's good, I'm glad you kept things on the down low. I half expected you to fight against the idea."

James twitched slightly. "Yes... I would have, but the fact that you were going on the offensive had me reconsider. When you suggested making any moves of the sort it implied that the situation must have changed.

Ozpin sighed. "Indeed things have changed, however as it turns out the threat I perceived turned out to be a... rather unique opportunity instead."

James raised an eyebrow. "How so?"

Ozpin smirked once again. "Well, it has to do with the young man I mentioned. Once Qrow arrives with him I'll explain everything."

James felt himself sigh inside, it all hindered on Qrow now.

What was taking him so long.

.

.

"That should be everything." The soldier stated, looking over the clip board once more.

"Good, and were there any issues?" Clover asked as the woman shook her head.

"None as far as we know. Equipment is fully functional and morale is high."

"Right, carry on then. I'll go let specialist Schnee know of the report." Clover told as the soldier nodded and left.

Letting out a sigh the man made his way through the ship. Everything was going smoothly all things considered, but he still wasn't used to being in charge of such a large group. All the things to look out for, the responsibility as a whole was a huge weight on his back. Yet he grit his teeth and dealt with it... metaphorically of course. This would serve as a great chance to experience what the general went through, as well as help prepare himself for later missions down the line.

At least he wasn't the only one in charge, the specialist was overlooking the group alongside him. Honestly she seemed to be more comfortable with the idea, then again she had been working alongside the general for years now so she was probably used to it. Considering the fact he was only used to working with his team... yeah, it was a big leap.

Making his way down the ramp to the docking area below Clover was able to spot the specialist. She looked to be directing some of the supplies away, most likely to be spread amongst the others in their lodgings. At first they though they'd all be staying on the ship, yet word came from the general that Beacon had some spare rooms left over and had given them permission to use them.

Most of the rooms had been reserved for the student guests arriving to partake in the festival, but there were much less than they anticipated. It was decided that they would all be sharing the rooms between them. To make full use of the situation they took rooms close to their stationed patrol routes, allowing them to be actively on duty as quickly as possible. At first they were apprehensive about the idea, until the general - as well as Beacon's headmaster - assured them it was fine.

Clover made to stand before the woman, posing his question as to keep his mind off the stress.

"How are things here?" He asked as she looked over to the soldiers.

"Acceptable, we're keeping a good pace. Given another hour I'd say we'll have everything in place. And how are things inside?" She questioned.

"The same, everything is prepared. No technical faults have been found as of yet." He answered as she let out a content hum.

"Then we shall move on, they'll call if they have any issues. It would be best if we check with the patrol to make sure they know their routes and schedule."

And so they took off, moving around the school and taking note of the others. Most of the student body gave them a few looks, but ultimately left them alone. Clover couldn't help but hold in a chuckle at the way everybody looked at them, it was like school all over again. He distinctly remembered looking up to the soldiers as he moved between classes, always being filled with awe at how cool they were.

But now, being in the military he was able to see that they weren't all as stoic as he once thought. He knew more than a few who would goof around from time to time, a direct contrast to how he saw them back then. However he'd quickly come to learn that these small moments of silliness were to be treasured. From time to time he found himself being able to relax from seeing these - frankly ridiculous - scenarios being carried out by the occasionally bored soldiers when nothing major was happening.

It was also inspiring, to see them one moment joking with a friend only to instantly have their weapons drawn the next. They were ready to drop everything should the situation arise. Even when they were relaxed they had been trained to jump into action, a habit that he learned was essential to their line of work.

The two however found their attention caught as a man stumbled around ahead of them.

"Qrow?"

"You know him?" Clover asked as the specialist started over to the man. Following along he was able to see that the guy was... a little worse for wear.

The man seemed to stumble a bit before picking himself back up, catching a glance and turning to face them.

"Oh great, it's *hic* it's captain tight-ass here to whine at me." Qrow let out, almost falling over again.

"Is he... alright?" Clover asked as the specialist waved him off.

"He's drunk, ignore him." She spoke as she set her attention back to the man. "What happened to you Qrow? You're worse than usual, and that's not a sentence I ever thought I'd say."

"Bullshit, that's what happened. Headmaster's got *hic* got me looking after a kid, and the *hic* the little shit has disappeared on me. Speaking of, have you seen him? Spooky kind of guy, reeeeal edgy *hic* lookin." The man stumbled again as he tried to keep his balance.

"We'll need more to go off than that." The specialist replied as the man leveled a stare... or at least tried to as he swayed on the spot.

"No, *hic* no you don't. You'll know him when you see him. Now if you'll *hic* excuse me I need to get back to *hic* lookin." With that he was off, stumbling and falling all the way.

"Should we be worried?" Clover asked as the specialist shook her head.

"He'll be fine, he'll pass out more than anything else." She responded.

"What about the kid he's looking for?"

"We'll keep an eye out, if the headmaster assigned Qrow of all people to watch him then I'm sure he can take care of himself." The specialist answered as they continued back to the ship.

Clover wasn't so sure, but this was the headmaster's idea. If that man was assigned to look after the 'kid' then what gave himself say over their decisions?

And besides, what was the worst that could happen?

.

.

Beacon was a lot larger than I first anticipated, more so now that I took the time to properly look around.

The others and I had split off after last night, they wanted to look over the information they gained and I had already given them everything I had that was relevant. This left me to realize just how in over their heads they were about the whole situation. The fight had been against one of the enemy, and if that was how difficult it was then what would they do if more arrived.

We'd been lucky that the rest of the Fang never made any moves against us. Of course Adam had never been too keen on Roman's help anyway, but even so I was sure the man was given a detailed account of what happened by now. What they would do with that information evaded me, but I was certain it was nothing good.

I found myself broken from thought by the sight of Blake. I had just entered the library when I saw her sitting at one of the tables, notes in hand, and looking... more than a little worse off. To say she was unkempt would be an understatement, with her hair ruffled about and clothing sporting what looked like patches of sweat I was certain she wasn't looking after herself well. Out of curiosity as well as a mix of concern I found myself walking over to the young woman, intent on making sure nothing was bothering her.

I should have expected the type of welcome she gave, when she turned around she sent me a scowl that would have others cowering before her.

"What do you want?" I never even had time to open my mouth before she spat out the question, I gave a sigh as I let out my own.

"I saw you over here looking frantic. Considering what happened last night I thought I'd check on you and your team." I answered as she scoffed at me.

"I'm fine, we're fine. We're perfectly capable on our own so we don't need to be checked on." Her words were filled with malice, yet it kept a low volume. Something was bothering her, and from how she was focused back on the notes it would seem that it wasn't me.

"Maybe not, but it doesn't hurt. I take it this is all the info you've gathered so far?" I questioned, tapping the top of the paper she was so diligently reading over. She flicked my hand away with a grumble.

"What's it to you? You already helped us last night, so you don't have any other reason to keep around us. It's only putting the pieces together now, so why not move on?" She spat defensively, agitated at the very the question.

That was the tricky part, she was right. I had told them all the information I knew, even went with them to get most of it. If they were just staying in Beacon and compiling it all then what need was there for me to stick around so close to them? Beacon was safe - and heavily guarded to boot - so there was no real reason I could think of. Yet as I looked over Blake I saw just how far she was pushing herself. It had only been a single night and somehow she had whittled herself away, looking as though she'd gotten into a fist-fight with an ursa.

Her team wasn't around at the moment, but I was sure even they would see her current state as hazardous to her health.

"The headmaster tasked me with looking after Beacon, you're all included in that statement."

"Beacon includes not only my team but everyone else as well. So far you've been hovering around us, particularly around me, unless you want to claim that meeting me in the library was pure coincidence." She growled, her eyes zeroed in as she gave a piercing glare.

What am I supposed to do? So far you're the only ones to walk directly into trouble!

She was getting paranoid and it was showing clearly now. But ultimately she was sort of right, I was keeping an eye on them. There was something about them, something that made me both worried and amused at their antics. They immediately ran head-first into danger, even after a near death encounter against myself, and I had a feeling that it wouldn't be the last. But there was also something else, something I needed to talk to Blake about. It wasn't exactly a great time, but hopefully it would occupy her mind for the time being.

"There was something I needed to tell you, a message of sorts from one Sienna Khan." Her eyes widened as she leaned in.

"W-what?!" It was hushed, but I could hear the confusion all the same. "W-why, how!?"

"Come with me, we'll talk somewhere private." I told as I turned, making my way from the library.

Blake followed, she kept her guard up the whole time, yet she seemed to be curious enough to not assume the worst. I lead her back to my room, motioning her in and shutting the door behind us.

"We can talk here." I gave as she warily sheathed her weapon.

"Well?" She asked as I let out a breath.

"As I'm sure you know I was working to get close to certain people in the White Fang, one of those that I succeeded with was Sienna Khan. She was the one to send me into Vale as a way to keep an eye on Adam. Things aren't exactly going smooth for her, and from what I can tell Adam is trying to take control from her."

"Take control?" She seemed downtrodden after speaking.

"Yes, and as such I was given the task of sticking close to him. Sienna wanted me to try and win his trust so we could use it later and hopefully take him down."

"It didn't work." Blake all but stated as I sighed.

"No, it didn't. With our little encounter back at the docks and with our fight against Roman I'm sure he knows I've left by now. He spoke of his distaste for traitors back when I was with them, of how he was betrayed by someone before, so the chances of me being able to get anything from him should we meet are next to nothing."

Blake looked away for a moment as I continued on.

"Sienna knows I'm not part of the Fang anymore, and at the moment she doesn't care. If Adam is left unchecked he'll cause damage on a near global scale. Unlike Sienna he's willing to do whatever it takes to reach his goal."

"Like you?" Blake whispered, causing me to halt for a moment and sigh.

"Yes... like me. However Adam's goals are a lot larger than my own. He wants vengeance, he speaks of earning equality... but I've seen the look in his eye as he talks about it. Sienna thinks he'll start a war between both Humans and Faunus, and at this point I'm almost certain she's right."

Blake looked back with a sigh as she questioned me.

"Alright, so what exactly does Sienna want me to know?"

"It's nothing too major really, she wanted me to tell you to give your mother a call."

Blake was taken aback. "What!? That's it!? Then why tell me the whole thing about the White Fang!?"

"Because you need to know it. Let's be honest here: you and your team are going to go after them no matter what the headmaster or I do, so it's only best that you know what we believe is happening in the group."

Blake gave an accusatory stare. "Then why not mention it back before we fought Torchwick? Why lie?"

"Proof, I lacked proof. At the time it had no real impact on the information you wanted to gather, you simply wanted to know what their next plans were; which I didn't have. All that I've just told you was speculation on our part, it's a worry Sienna and I have about him. We think he might start a war, but we have no proof of it."

"We still could have used it! It could have helped us narrow down our search!" She argued as I shook my head.

"You'd find nothing. War is a combination of little events that spiral into a larger aspect. There are no clear cut signs of war, only some hints towards it, and later... a declaration. The White Fang is a terrorist organization as I'm sure you understand, all the little 'hints' that point to a potential attempt at war would look like their average violent assaults. Because of this there would be no way to prove it, people would just think we were exaggerating."

"We could have at least kept an eye out. Even if their was no proof it would have helped us be ready incase anything did go that way." Her words were calm, yet a ting of anger graced their passing.

"Maybe, but what would you do anyway? Nobody can single handedly end a war. Whether you knew our speculation or not the response would be the same: you'd try to stop it, to step in with no regard for yourselves." I gave as she let her shoulders sink.

"Fine, Thanks for the message I guess." Blake gave as she made her way out.

The door shut and I was left alone once more. I knew they would go after the Fang no matter what I told them, at least now they'll hopefully be more cautious. I let my thoughts wander, coming to a slightly odd realization

I haven't seen Qrow all day.

Not exactly a bad thing mind you, but the headmaster said we would talk again. Feeling like something may be wrong I left my room, adamant on finding the man and leaving Blake and her team time to themselves.

.

.

What's he playing at?

There had to be more to it than that, more than just speculation. And certainly more than just telling her to call her mother! Blake kept her stride steady as she made her way to their room, she needed some time to think things through.

What was he really getting at? Did he have some plan in mind, or was he hinting towards something? He's spoken about Sienna too, was she really losing control of the group? And why did he tell her to call her mother? Did he know about her, or was he being truthful about it being a message he'd been told to pass along.

Blake felt her hand itching towards her scroll, but she clenched it, returning it to it's rightful place at her side. She couldn't call her mother yet, she wasn't ready. What if her parents were still angry? She'd left them after screaming some particularly hurtful words on her part, how would she explain that?

Would they even want her to call? Blake didn't know if she could handle trying to speak with them. And what about the White Fang? They had been right about the group all along, but did she listen? No, she just yelled and ran, a habit that she was beginning to see a pattern in. Blake let out a sigh as she continued on, she would deal with it all later, she had enough on her mind as is.

Opening the door she was greeted to the sight of the others - minus Weiss who was working at the desk - huddled around something on the floor. Yang looked up with a playful smirk.

"Look who's decided to come back to us! Get over here Blake, we've been piecing together all the info we have on the White Fang." The blond girl stated as Blake kneeled beside her.

"When did you start doing this?" She asked as Ruby spoke up.

"Well... you looked really worried after we got back, so when you left for the library this morning I had the others come by and help sort everything we know so far." Her young leader waved over to Sun and Neptune, who each gave their own silent greeting.

"Yeah, you looked like you'd pop from all the stress. When the others came to us Nep and I thought they could use some help. Besides, it's no use to leave us out now when we've already gotten ourselves involved." Sun gave as Neptune smirked with a thumbs up.

Yang slapped an arm around her. "No point in stressing yourself out all the time, let us handle some of it. Besides, if you throw yourself into work too much you'll lose touch with those close to you. So no more all night research binging alright."

"You knew?" Blake asked as Yang gave a laugh. "Of course we did! You snuck off just as we all settled down. I was asleep when Ruby woke me and told me you left, she was up worried about us." Blake looked over to the young girl, who was squirming slightly.

"We couldn't just leave you to run yourself like that, so we thought if we all worked towards keeping tabs on the White Fang then maybe you'd take a breather every now and then. And the dance is coming up soon, as team leader I'm also ordering everyone to take that night off and kick back, that includes you!" Ruby pointed to Blake who was about to give her rebuttal when she stopped.

The Vytal Festival dance was held for all students and staff, both local and visiting were permitted to attend; meaning that Vermillion would also be there. As much as she wanted to keep fighting at the White Fang she couldn't help but think back to what happened last time she went on her own, and how she almost lost Weiss to their newest - albeit irritating - companion. Who's to say that they won't follow her again if she kept going the way she always had? A wave of guilt filled her stomach as she cast a glance to the others.

"Alright, fine, we'll take it slow" She let out as they seemed to hold a silent cheer.

It couldn't be too bad right? They were all working to stop the Fang now, and the usually violent group had been rather quiet as of late. Besides, someone had to keep an eye on the resident murderer to make sure he didn't hurt anyone. Ultimately one night wouldn't be the end of the world. Heck, she might even find it in herself to have a bit of fun.

For the rest of the evening they spent their time mapping things out and setting potential theories into motion.

.

.

When I find that son of a bitch I'm gonna shove my boot so far up his ass...

Qrow was having a terrible evening, Oz and Jimmy were waiting on him and he still couldn't find the little shit. He'd looked all over town last night after grabbing a bite, he even came across a wreckage on the highway later but still the kid was nowhere to be found.

Whoever thought having bad luck as a semblance was a good idea clearly never thought too hard about it. His luck hit everything, and he meant everything; himself included. That's what it was wasn't it? It was his luck ensuring he would never find the kid.

Qrow let out a sigh as he took a seat on the bench, he was just about ready to call it quits and tell Oz he lost the kid when a voice woke him from his self-pity.

"Are you well?"

Son of a-

Qrow hopped to his feet, waving hysterically. "Where have you been!? I've been looking all over for you!?"

Vermillion raised an eyebrow. "I've been in my room."

Qrow was about to flip as it hit him. He'd spent all day looking throughout Vale, even dipping around Beacon a bit and not once did he decide to just go check Vermillion's room. He'd assumed the kid had left earlier on, not even bothering to knock on his door. The one time he assumed something on his own was the one time it came back to bite him in the ass.

He stuttered for a moment, grasping at his words before ultimately settling for a long sigh as he waved the kid along.

"Just, just come with me." He said as they made their way to the tower.

The occasional looks were nothing new, but it seemed that the students were more focused on him rather than Vermillion. Hey, at least they weren't questioning anything, it was a small win for once. They passed into the tower, Qrow gave a half-hearted wave and muttered Oz's name to the woman in charge as he made way for the elevator with the kid in tow.

The ride up was silent, broken only by the occasional grumble Qrow found himself letting out. The doors opened and he walked right in, getting flinches from everybody inside.

"Qrow, are you well?"

"Shut it Jimmy." He stated as he stepped to the side. "Here, finally found the kid again. Can I die now?"

"Sorry Qrow, but we still need you alive as of yet." Ozpin stated as he looked to Vermillion. "And how has your stay been?"

"Enjoyable I suppose, I'm still getting used to everything at the moment." He answered as Ozpin nodded.

"Swell, now that we're all here I'd like to introduce you to some people. Vermillion, this man here is a close ally and friend of mine: general James Ironwood" James held a stance of formality, sticking out his hand as Vermillion told hold and shook.

The general held a mixed look, not overly malicious as far as Qrow could tell, but it was... curious. It looked as though he was suspicious of the kid, to be fair everybody was suspicious of him. He was sure Oz never mentioned anything about Vermillion yet, so the raised eyebrows were to be expected. Whatever, Oz would tell them soon anyway so it was no major issue.

Glynda was pretty much the same, minus the shock value. She must have caught word of him from the students, or maybe even seen him walking around. Then again she would have reported it had she seen him, the kid didn't exactly look like your average Faunus.

"Pleasure to meet you." Vermillion stated.

"Likewise." James replied, taking a step back afterwards as Glynda came forward.

"And this is Glynda Goodwitch: combat instructor and my personal assistant." Ozpin told as Vermillion shook hands with her as well.

"Welcome to Beacon, I'm sure you'll do fine here." She stated as Vermillion nodded. Glynda took her place next to James.

"And you've already been acquainted with Qrow. These are my close allies, the people who aid in our effort against the Grimm."

"Against the Grimm?" Vermillion seemed confused as Ozpin nodded.

"Yes, now that you're here it's time to fill everyone in on what happened, as well as what's going on. But before that I'll need to fill you in on our current situation." Ozpin stated as he linked his fingers together.

"It's time you learn about what happened to Salem."

Author's note

...

And we end off another chapter. Most of it is just cooldown from last chapter, as well as a chat between Blake and V. The knight finally tells Blake to call her mom - the important part of the chat - and drops the ball on what Sienna and him were doing.

Blake still has little trust in him, but with it comes a stronger bond with her team. She's willing to let the others help her, and to take a rest as she sets out on a new goal: watching over V at the dance. Will anything come of this? Who knows.

Ruby's also been making a plan, both Sun and Neptune join the fray as well. So much scheming, so little time.

Qrow's pulling in the luck train; but hey, at least he's chuggin along. The Ozluminati - one of my favorite terms for them - are finally in play now, where this will lead is anyone's guess. Simple greetings for the moment, they'll get more acquainted later I'm sure.

And Oz, well... he's got something up his sleeve... probably.

Let me know what you think, and see you later.