It had been a week or two since the first day of classes, and team RVMT had fallen into a monotonous, but not uncomfortable routine consisting of classes, homework, and training. Roy was fine with it, however others on his team were not.

Louie stretched and sprawled on his bed, letting out a dramatic sigh. "Ugh, is it just me, or do you think it's been, like, sooo boring lately?"

"Boring? I'd say it's been downright dull," Mars remarked, flipping through a book on herbal medicines. "I miss the excitement of initiation."

"Only you would miss that, you weren't the one who blew himself up" huffed Louie.

"Or gracefully battered through a wall, courtesy of big Gizzy, the friendly neighborhood Grimm bear," remarked Arthur, his tone was sarcastic but his face held a playful smirk.

Roy leaned back in his chair, contemplating Louie's words. "Initiation had its thrills, that's for sure. But we can't have crazy adventures every day. Besides, we're here to learn and become Huntsmen. It's not always about high-flying antics."

Arthur, also sprawled out on his bed, but with a history book in hand, sighed. "I wish we could go back to the first day when all we had to worry about was figuring out who's the most clueless in class. Now it's all about Dust, Grimm, and the intricacies of teamwork."

Louie closed his Dust book with a dramatic thud. "Well, what if we inject some excitement into our routine? I've heard there's some nice clubs down in Vale. How about we head down after classes tomorrow, it's a Friday?"

Mars put his book down, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Count me in. It's better than drowning in history books and theoretical combat discussions."

"Should we invite team CRDL?" Roy offered. The two teams had established a tight bond, setting up routine cross team sparring sessions every Tuesday and Thursday night.

Louie chuckled, "Nah, inviting CRDL would turn the club into a total sausage fest. We can't be scaring off the ladies, now can we?" He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

Mars rolled his eyes at his partner. "Yeah, Louie, because you've had such stellar success here at Beacon."

"That's because all the girls here are racist!" he protested.

"Half the girls you've gone up to were faunus" Arthur deadpanned.

Louie shot back, "Well, then they're discriminatory because I'm short!"

Mars couldn't resist, "Maybe they're just saving their necks from craning downward."

Roy jumped in, "Or maybe it's your dazzling personality scaring them away."

Louie feigned offense, "Hey, my charm is an acquired taste."

Mars raised an eyebrow, "More like an endangered one."

The relationship dynamic in team RVMT was cut throat, as in no one's ego was safe or left unbruised. And any chance for one to develop was promptly crushed by the rest of the team. In a playful way they kept each other in check and humble. Roy liked the arrangement.

But that wasn't to say that Louie's girl problems were because he was unattractive. More than likely it was because of his height, among the first years he was the shortest boy in the class. He was only a little taller than Weiss Schnee and Ruby Rose and that was as long as the two weren't wearing heels,... which was never.

"So, Louie, any special plans to steal Weiss Schnee's heart then?" Arthur said with a cheshire grin. "You two have such a… passionate relationship"

Louie rolled his eyes, "Please, I'm not the one dragging personal vendettas into combat class. You'd think someone with all her poise and grace would have better things to do."

"Says the guy who's giving Arc tips on how to court her" Roy pointed out.

"All is fair in love in war" Louie smiled. Roy didn't feel too bad for Weiss, but he felt a little sorry for Jaune. In the end he was also getting hurt by being rejected by her so vehemently.

Mars, quietly listening in, added, "To be fair, she's not the only one. Yang seems to have a personal quest to make your life difficult, Arthur."

Arthur had been on the receiving end of many "pranks". Some included buckets of water, one time his uniform went missing only to return dyed pink, and on another occasion his seat in Grimm Studies had glued applied to it. Professor Port didn't notice or didn't care that Arthur had waddled out of his classroom, chair attached to his backside, in the middle of class.

Arthur scoffed, "She just can't let go of what happened in Goodwitch's class. Besides, Louie's right; we've got better things to focus on than their drama."

Roy smirked, "Well, you did cut it a bit close with that impromptu hair trimming incident. I think Yang's just keeping you on your toes."

"It was a minor trim, and she acts like I committed a crime." Arthur paused before a shit eating grin marred his face. "Besides, I bet she secretly admires my impeccable taste in hairstyles."

"Impeccable taste? I'd call it bold." Mars commented.

Arthur shot Mars a mock glare, "Bold is just another word for adventurous, my dear friend."

Louie teased, "Adventurous that's certainly a way to describe her, but beware she might be plotting more of her revenge as we speak."

Arthur leaned back, crossing his arms, "Let her plot. I've got more important things to worry about. Like acing that Remnant History test."

Their relationship with team RWBY was strained to say the least. Currently an unofficially rivalry had formed between the two, one the team of boys were woefully unmatched for. It was fueled almost entirely by the acts of Yang and Weiss against Arthur and Louie. With the former at least being at least a little playful and the latter being at times down right vindictive.

The rivalry, if you could even call it that, was only as close as it looked because of the other teams' deficiency as opposed to their own merits. The two sisters on RWBY weren't the most academic minded and as such actually dragged down RWBY's theoretical scores and therefore ranking to below their own.

But when it came to combat scores however, they were getting trounced, no nice way to put it. The only fact that it looked even remotely respectable was because Mars was pulling more than his weight in contributions, which inflated their teams overall grade.

Generally Mars was a generally quiet and polite individual, but in the arena Mars was a monster good enough to hold a candle to even the heavy hitters from JNPR and RWBY. While working as a team out in the Emerald Forest during the weekends he voluntarily took the role of tanker for RVMT, but during Miss Goodwitch's combat class he had no such restrictions.

He wasn't the best, obviously not with Pyrrha Nikos in the class, but he was probably the fighter everyone least looked forward to fighting. He fought hard, and hit harder. Strength that didn't come from a semblance meant every swing or every punch he landed was equally painful and common. Plainly put he was a stat monster, a wall of steel that punched back.

Him and his partner were complete opposites in a way. The tallest and the shortest, one of the quietest and one of the most vocal, a faunus and a human, a ranged combatant and melee one. It was kind of shocking how well they got along, but it was just boys being boys Roy guessed.

The sounds of an alarm broke him from his musing. Along with the Intercom system blaring into their room. "Team RVMT please report to the Headmaster office immediately, I repeat team RVMT please report to the Headmaster office immediately" the voice of Miss Goodwitch echoed.

The four teammates swiftly made their way to Headmaster Ozpin's office. Upon arrival, they found the distinguished headmaster calmly sipping his coffee behind his desk. Headmaster Ozpin glanced up, acknowledging their presence. "Sit, Team RVMT," he gestured to the chairs before him. "I trust you're well."

Roy nodded, "As well as can be, sir. What's the urgent business?"

Ozpin set his coffee aside, leaning forward. "There's been an incident. An Atlas transport bulkhead went down outside Vale's walls."

Louie raised an eyebrow, "Atlas? What were they doing coming to Vale?"

"They were transporting supplies and cargo," Ozpin replied. "The last known location of the crash site is here in" He pointed his finger to a map of Vale, to an area a couple miles from the wall "Your mission is to investigate and rescue any survivors. Expect challenges – this isn't a routine assignment." His face softened as he look over them "I must express my regret that I find it necessary to send you on such a critical mission so early in the school year. Ideally, these situations would be handled by experienced huntsmen, but the circumstances are far from ideal. At present, there are no available huntsmen in Vale to handle this matter."

"The reason I chose your team and not any others is because I believe your skills and strength our more tailored to this mission than any other team at Beacon."

"Mr. Rogers" Ozpin continued, directing his attention to the team leader, "your heightened senses will be essential in navigating the night. The Grimm are more dangerous in the dark, and your ability to detect them before they're upon you could make all the difference."

Roy nodded in acknowledgment, he understood the weight of relying on his semblance, especially when facing the unknown dangers that awaited them.

Louie, the team's more carefree and flamboyant member, was next in Ozpin's gaze. "Mr. Vermillion, your semblance will also play a vital role. The crash site will likely be to dark for human eyes to see, and your team will need a reliable source of light. Your ability to glow will provide visibility and help your team respond to any potential threats."

Louie grinned, a mix of confidence and excitement in his expression. "Leave it to me, Professor Ozpin. I'll light up the night for us!"

Ozpin sighed, his gaze focused on the swirling liquid in his cup. "Your team has shown promise and exceptional skills. I have faith that you will approach this mission with the seriousness it demands." He placed the cup down on his desk. "If the situation should turn dire, I expect you all to prioritize your survival over everything else."

No more jokes or banter. Team RVMT had a real mission, one that involved the lives of those stranded and themselves. There was no lifeline like initiation where they had the professors to come in and save them if need be.

"Professor, we've been briefed, but we still don't actually know what the cargo that we're supposed to recover is?" Roy pointed out.

Ozpin jaw tightened, a hint of frustration shadowing his usually composed demeanor. "Atlas would not tell me and I fear I will not know until the four of you have made it to the crash site," he admitted, his displeasure evident. "However, it has been impressed upon me that it needs to be recovered."

Mars, usually silent, spoke up, "Do we have any clues, Professor, about what it might be? It might help us prepare better."

Ozpin's gaze hardened, another rare display of visible frustration. "Atlas has always been a kingdom shrouded in secrecy. They believe knowledge is power, and they guard it fiercely. Sometimes, even I find their reluctance to share information infuriating."

He let out a deep breath "Alas I have no further information to give you". He sounded apologetic. "I can only ask that you be careful".

They boarded the bulkhead flying towards the crash site. Louie, who had been the most casual of the group, standing on the ramp to the cargo hold clenched his fists and looked at his teammates with a serious expression.

"Alright, guys. We might be diving into some serious Grimm territory. Let's stick to the plan, watch each other's backs, and get back here in one piece," Louie said, his usual playful tone replaced by a more determined one.

Roy felt his throat dry, but returned a nod as he made eye contact with the rest of his team.

/-/

Ozpin sighed, gazing out of the window in his office, the city of Vale sprawled below. He turned to Glynda Goodwitch, who was standing by the door, her expression expectant.

"Glynda, I don't relish the idea of sending students into harm's way, especially so early in the school year. However, we find ourselves in a situation where their unique skills are needed," Ozpin began, his voice a mix of weariness and determination.

Glynda, arms crossed and eyes sharp, couldn't help but voice her concerns. "Ozpin, Team RVMT is still green. They lack the cohesion and experience that other teams possess. Sending them on a mission like this—it's risky."

Ozpin, sipping his coffee, turned his back on her, hiding his face. "Glynda, my dear, experience is often earned on the field. Besides, we need them to become more than they currently are."

She furrowed her brow, "Are you suggesting that they are on the same level as RWBY and JNPR?"

Ozpin's face turned cryptic in the reflection of the window, "No, Glynda. I am suggesting that they might become something different. Something unexpected."

Glynda shook her head, "I'm all for nurturing potential, but let's be realistic. RWBY and JNPR are the standard."

Ozpin sat down and slumped forward a little in his chair, his eyes narrowing slightly. "True, but sometimes the untested can surprise us. We've seen it before, haven't we?"

Glynda paused, realizing the point he was making. "You're saying this is a test, then? A way to see if they can rise to the occasion?"

Ozpin nodded, "Indeed. RWBY and JNPR have faced their trials and tribulations. Team RVMT, however, is still an unknown variable. This mission will serve as a crucible. If they can handle it, perhaps they can be more than we initially thought."

Glynda sighed, recognizing the challenge ahead for her students. "You have a habit of using these young souls as pawns, Ozpin."

Ozpin's gaze remained steady, "Not pawns, Glynda. Pieces in a much larger game. Let's see how they move."

Glynda's shoulders lost their tension. "Just be cautious, Ozpin. We've lost too much already."

Ozpin nodded, his eyes turned down looking in the direction of where Amber's unconscious body lay beneath Beacon. "I am aware, Glynda. I am well aware".

/-/

Mars felt the vibrations of the airship as it descended, the hum of the engines buzzing in his ears. The forest below was a dark mass, barely visible under the dim light of the shattered moon. He clenched his fists, preparing for the jump.

Beside him, Louie's figure began to glow, casting an ethereal light in the night. It was an eerie yet comforting sight. Louie, standing out amidst the darkness, became a beacon for the team. Mars couldn't help but appreciate the strategic advantage of having a living source of light.

Roy, with his enhanced senses, gauged the altitude and distance to the crash site. "Get ready, everyone!" Roy's voice was barely audible over the rush of wind as he braced for the jump.

As the airship drew closer to the intended drop zone, Roy signaled with a quick hand motion. Without hesitation, the team leapt from the moving bulkhead, hurtling towards the forest below. Mars took the lead, his trajectory pinned like a missile aiming for a precise landing.

The wind whistled past, and the ground rushed up to meet him. In the last moments before impact, Mars twisted his body, his boots connecting with the forest floor. He kicked up dirt, roots, and rocks, the impact muffled by the dust.

Beside him, Louie landed gracefully, almost floating down as if gravity had a softer hold on him. Roy touched down more quietly, his enhanced senses allowing him to anticipate the landing and adjust accordingly. Arthur, bringing up the rear, landed with a controlled roll, minimizing the impact.

The airship continued its descent, moving away from the crash site. The team gathered themselves, quickly orienting themselves to their surroundings. Louie's glow illuminated the area, revealing the dense trees and tangled underbrush.

Mars scanned the surroundings, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Alright, team. We need to move quickly. Grimm are drawn to disturbances, and the crash would have caught their attention. Roy, keep your senses alert for any Grimm activity. Louie, maintain the light, but don't make it too conspicuous. We don't want to attract unwanted attention."

Louie nodded, adjusting the intensity of his glow to a subtle radiance. Roy focused, extending his senses into the surroundings. Mars took the lead, pushing through the foliage with purpose.

The team navigated through the forest, Louie's glow casting intermittent shadows that danced among the trees. Mars led the way with calculated steps, each movement with thought to minimize noise.

As they approached, the smell of burning fuel filled the night. The bulkhead lay scattered across the forest floor, its once pristine exterior now marred by the violence of the impact. Roy signaled the team to fan out, keeping a vigilant eye for any signs of survivors or threats.

Roy's enhanced senses expanded, reaching out into the surroundings. "I don't sense any Grimm nearby," he reported, his eyes focused on the wreckage.

Louie's glow flickered slightly as he adjusted its intensity. "Should we check for survivors first or investigate the cause of the crash?"

Mars scanned the area, his eyes narrowing. "Let's split up. Roy and Arthur, search for survivors. Louie and I will inspect the wreckage for any signs of what brought down the bulkhead."

As Mars and Louie approached the damaged bulkhead, the extent of the destruction became apparent. Scorch marks, twisted metal, and shattered glass painted a grim picture.

"What do you think caused this?" Louie asked. Mars knelt down, examining the wreckage. "It's hard to say, but this damage doesn't look like typical Grimm attacks. There's a pattern to it, as if it was targeted."

Roy, Arthur, and Louie converged, their expressions mirroring Mars's concern. Roy spoke up, "We found no survivors, but there are signs of a struggle. It's as if someone attacked the passengers and dragged them away after the crash."

Mars's eyes narrowed and idea forming. "The White Fang?" he muttered, the realization settling in. "They must have known about the cargo."

Louie's glow flared, "The cargo? No ones told us anything about it. How do we know that's the reason"

Mars hesitated, glancing at his teammates. "Isn't it clear? This wasn't some random grimm attack. Someone wanted whatever was on this bulkhead. And we need to find out what it was."

As the team processed this, Roy's enhanced senses picked up a distant noise. "Footsteps. Someone's coming." Roy signaled to his team to retreat quietly. They seamlessly blended into the shadows, Louie's glow dimming to nearly nothing, ensuring their presence remained undetected.

The distant noise grew louder, and soon, the White Fang emerged at the crash site, unaware that they were being watched.

"Hurry up! We need to grab these supplies and move out quickly."

"Why are we even bothering with this wreckage? Just grab what's useful and let's go."

"Keep your eyes open. We don't want any surprises. Vales huntsman will be here soon"

After collecting parts and supplies from the downed bulkhead, The White Fang operatives departed, and Roy's team, maintaining their pursuit, trailed a safe distance behind.

After a while the White Fang grunts had lead Mars and his team to their camp. Tents were strewn about and many masked faunus walked around keeping watch.

The four of them cautiously approached the heart of the camp hiding behind tents and in bushes, as they made it to the center where a large figure was covered with a tarp.

"What is that?" Arthur whispered, eyeing the covered object.

Mars studied it intently. "I don't know, but it's big, must be the cargo everyones been talking about. Let's get a closer look."

The team waited for the opportune moment between the changing of White Fang guards. As the transition occurred, Roy motioned for Arthur to move forward.

Arthur slinked through the shadows, taking advantage of every available cover. He reached the covered object and carefully peered underneath the tarp. Arthur could see the intricate details of the combat robot. Its limbs, each equipped with powerful weaponry, lay dormant. The mysterious cargo was an advanced piece of military technology in the form of an Atlas Paladin.

Dun Dun Dun! They never explained in the show how Roman and the White Fang got the Paladin so I figured this would be some good background to add to the story.