"Thank you for taking the time to escort us, Ms. Goodwitch, it really means the world to me knowing that an esteemed huntress will be around for my family's protection," Willow said as the private bullhead of the SDC roared to life.
The Schnees were stopped at a midway point to refuel and resupply, but the chilly weather of Atlas had decided to stick around, thus Willow and Winter were dressed in thick woolly jackets.
Jacques, Weiss, and Whitley had left home two days earlier as they'd been offered by Carmel to ride in the Arc's personal bullhead, and given Jaques ambitious nature, he saw no reason to stick around and had his and Weiss' bags loaded as soon as possible.
"He's probably going to undermine my decisions with the Mistralian businessmen again..." Willow lamented, then blinked when she felt a soft squeeze in her left hand.
"Are you alright, mother? You're doing the face again." Winter said and tilted her head at her mother's scrunched brows and twisted frown.
"It's nothing to worry about, Winter," Willow said assuredly. "I'm just a little wound up that's all, but I'm sure once we get to Vacuo all will be better."
"Rest assured, Mrs. Schnee, that while in my care no harm will come to you." Glynda smiled at Winter who offered a bright grin in return.
"Mrs. Schnee," Klein greeted his superior with splendid form and told her that the bullhead was ready to depart.
"Let's not waste any time then," Willow nodded and led the way up the ramp and glanced at her mansion one last time before the white doors slid closed.
"Can I watch the flight from the viewing windows, mother?" Winter asked, her eyes glancing near the front of the bullhead where reinforced sheets of glass offered a pristine view of the world below the clouds.
"Of course, dear, just be sure to get some rest. It'll be quite a while until we've reached our midway stop." Willow said and watched as her child skipped to her desired spot.
"She's a sweet girl," Glynda commented and stood beside her fellow noblewoman. "I'm sure you're very proud of her."
"She reminds me of myself in some ways." Willow sighed wistfully and brushed a stray bang from her face. "Though I've heard from Klein that she can have quite the sharp tongue."
"Say..." Glynda pursed her lips and let out a long breath. "This team that you've enlisted to be your guardians in Vacuo..."
"Team STQH, that was the name that Ozpin described the last time I called him," Willow confirmed with a proud voice.
"I've also heard that there's a supposed magician on that team, but why would a man carry such an epithet? Magic is only spoken of in fairytales isn't it?"
The Schnee giggled and Glynda tried to match her enthusiasm, but deep down she was rather worried. How long had Hawkins been gone now? Almost a week and a half, but despite her efforts to call him, Glynda's scroll always went immediately to Hawkins' voice mail.
"In fact, my children were very excited to hear that they'd be meeting an entire team of hunters and huntresses. Especially STQH, since three of their members are in the top 100 of the World's Hunter Monthly magazine."
"Yes..." Glynda didn't want to admit it, but she was a tad peeved that Winter hadn't shown the same enthusiasm given the mystical witch held the 3rd highest spot in that magazine.
"Ah, but you live in Vale, don't you?" Willow asked. "I'm sure you must have met all of STQH's members. What are they like?"
Glynda slapped on the sincerest smile she could muster and tried to come up with descriptions that did not come off as backhanded compliments. Then again, Qrow proved to be the hardest hurdle as trying to make a careless drunk not sound like a buffoon required a very vague description.
"Ah, yes, the Red Reaper. That's Summer Rose, isn't it? I recall Mr. Ironwood praising her for her vast knowledge of weaponry and dust mechanisms. Though I can't say I really share the same enthusiasm since my expertise lies in finance and management." Willow giggled but furrowed her brows at Glynda's awkward expression.
"Is something the matter?"
"N-No," Glynda said after clearing her throat, "It's just the final member of team STQH is... interesting to say the least."
"Really? How so?" Willow tilted her head as Glynda became more ambiguous.
Bearing witness to the inner turmoil that morphed Glynda's usual stern demeanor, Willow felt a bit guilty that she'd never really interacted with the Goodwitch family. Though, to be fair, her grandfather Nicholas had never spoken highly of that certain house. Or Caitlin Goodwitch to be specific.
Nonetheless, social conversations were a rarity for Willow nowadays, especially ones that were genuinely friendly. Thus, Willow prodded for more information, to at least regain the jolly atmosphere she and Glynda shared a few moments ago.
"The last member of STQH, his name was Hawkins, wasn't it? Is he not like the upstanding members of his team?"
Okay, perhaps Willow needed to be less blunt, but at least Glynda had started talking again.
"Yes, he's the replacement for STQR's former member and performs the tasks given to him with determined precision and a meticulous manner. If I were to be truly honest, Hawkins is the most efficient person on his team." Glynda's lips twitched into a short smile as she reminisced her shared experiences with Summer's stoic partner.
"That's even more reassuring to hear you compliment such an outstanding hunter. However, I've only heard this Hawkins fellow's first name. The hunter registry doesn't mention anything about his history or his education. I'd be lying to say that I'm not suspicious of his character." Willow hummed softly.
"After all, when a member of a famous hunter team isn't mentioned... well, the most plausible reason is that they have a poor history in their field of work..."
Glynda's nose scrunched at this observation.
"Hawkins is a quiet fellow who keeps to himself. He seldom seeks praise and is a good listener who offers input when asked."
Willow's mood increased a great deal at this revelation.
"Is that so?" Willow beamed. "Then perhaps I should keep an eye out for him when I meet STQH."
Again, Glynda's brows furrowed, but she had no reason to be suspicious of Willow's intent. The Schnee was a complicated woman, at least that's what her mother had told her, but from Glynda's observations; Willow was a kind woman who seemed more lonely than anything else.
Hmm... lonely. That was also a word that could describe Hawkins' character, but there was something else about the gloomy atmosphere that hung around him that left Glynda puzzled.
Yes, the idea that the loss of his former lover was a crutch that was hard to abandon. Then again... in the six years that Glynda had known Hawkins, the magician had never mentioned anything about his past life.
There was a time that Glynda had mustered enough courage to bring up the topic of Hawkins' past relations, but the only name that she'd ever heard was Faust. That didn't sound like a woman's name.
Glynda blinked and saw the concerned expression on Willow's face. Had Glynda been silent for the past five minutes? Or was she mumbling under her breath while the Schnee was talking to her? Whatever the case, it was important to get back on track and return to her huntress duties. The next stop to Vacuo was only a few hours away, and it would do the mystical witch some good to have a short rest.
/-/
"Are you sure that Hawkins wasn't lying?" Summer crossed her arms and glared daggers at Tai, who could only shrug and explain what Hawkins had told him.
Three members of STQH gathered on the bullhead platforms of Vale, the winds were often disturbed by the strong turbines of the airships coming in and taking off.
"Who's this Madame Shyarly?" Summer pouted.
"I don't know, Summer, not until we meet her at least. But given the description that Hawkins left me, she should be easy to find." Tai sighed. It wasn't his fault that he was the only one to answer the magician's call a few days ago, and he made sure to inform his teammates of every single detail.
"Shyarly is supposed to arrive with Ms. Rumpole, Shade Academy's right hand, right?" Qrow stroked his stubbled chin and looked at his surroundings.
Unlike Vale or any of the other two kingdoms, Vacuo's bullhead ports were rather small and didn't house more than twelve airborne vessels at a time. Though given most Vacuan's were satisfied with being left alone, it made sense that their council's money rarely went into international transportation.
"That's what Hawkins said," Tai confirmed, praying to Oum his fellow blonde hadn't lied to him.
"It's what he said, but is it what he meant?" Summer growled and wrinkled her nose.
"For the last time, Summer, I have no idea... but I'd bet my next paycheck that Hawkins was telling the truth," Tai said for what had to be the hundredth time.
"Or maybe this shark faunus is just a distraction so that Hawkins can risk his life all by himself!"
Qrow and Tai shared a facepalm as Summer rambled about team etiquette and the importance of cooperation. However, her rant was cut short by the timely arrival of Shade Academy's right hand, and a certain shark faunus.
"Summer Rose, leader of STQH, I suppose?" Ms. Rumpole's tone was stern as she identified the huntress and the two hunters behind her.
Summer coughed into a fist and adjusted her cloak. Pushing a stray hand out of her face, she confirmed Ms. Rumpole's statement and shook hands with her.
"Is there something on my face?" Ms. Rumpole asked as Summer curiously stared at her. The red reaper wasn't that tall, to begin with, but Ms. Rumpole was even shorter than her. Madame Shyarly on the other hand...
Was stunningly beautiful, and exceptionally tall, even if she was seated in a wheelchair; it was obvious that she was the tallest out of everybody present.
Shyarly had a mature demeanor about her, and it took all of Qrow's and Tai's willpower to not let their eyes wander. Well, at least Tai for that matter as Qrow was more than willing to check her out.
"My name is Shyarly, it's nice to meet you all." The shark Faunus said in a tone that was smooth as silk. "Hawkins has told me how dependable his teammates are, and I'm more than grateful to be under your care."
"Oh... have I not mentioned the change of plans?" Ms. Rumpole sighed as her private conversation with Theodore in the last half hour of her's and Shyarly's shared journey resurfaced.
"You see, team STQH has been reassigned to guard Mrs. Schnee of the SDC."
Shyarly's brows vexed at this revelation. She was a complete stranger in Vale and knowing that she could be forced under the supervision of someone she hadn't even a description of... well, Shyarly assumed that all she could do now was pray for someone decent.
"Which means you'll be under the care of another, and though she lacks her other members, Ms. Goodwitch is a huntress of world renown who has never failed a mission to date." Ms. Rumpole concluded.
"Oh, well... she sounds capable," Shyarly replied with a forced smile.
"Bullhead SDC-W2, now docking on platform 5." Rang the megaphone hitched to the lampposts.
"Hm, at least the noble of the SDC has decent punctuality." Ms. Rumpole nodded at the nearest ticket booth with a visible clock.
"Well, here's hoping that Glynda's in a good mood." Qrow hummed and shoved his hands in his pant pockets.
"C'mon, Qrow, our high-classed friend just came back from visiting her family. So we all know what kind of mood she's going to be in." Tai rolled his eyes and frowned.
"That's true..." Summer hated to admit it, but from what Thumbelina and Port described, was that the reason Glynda moved to Vale was to escape her parents and their anchoring expectations.
The engines of Willow's private bullhead whirring to a stop, the vessel landed then opened its sliding doors to reveal the Schnee, the Snooty Witch, and a dutiful butler.
/-/
"Hah, it's nice to be home again." Glynda sighed in relief and stepped off the bullhead's ramp with Willow and Klein trailing closely behind her.
"It's been some time since I've stepped on Valesian soil, the air here is so refreshing!" Willow said happily and glanced at the citizens and their families who met her eye.
A shame Winter had fallen asleep during the flight, but perhaps this was for the best as children were quick to become cranky when they lacked sleep.
"Mrs. Schnee," Ms. Rumpole stepped forward and offered a slight bow to the noblewoman, "I hope that your journey here was a peaceful one?"
"Oh, it was wonderful," Willow laughed, "and the company was more than grand."
The two falling into a bit of banter; the mystical witch and STQH along with Shyarly were left to themselves.
Glynda took the compliment gracefully, bid her new friend a polite adieu, then moved to stand with her fellow hunters and huntresses.
There was one, however, that Glynda did not recognize, which happened to be a rather tall, beautiful woman with short black hair, creamy white skin, and deep blue eyes.
"How's it going, Glynda?" Tai decided to break the ice and offered his stern friend a wide smile.
"Very well, thank you," Glynda answered. Though she curled a brow at Summer's mischievous grin.
"Am I missing something here?"
"Ah, don't worry about Summer," Qrow shrugged. "She's just happy that because you're here, you can take care of Shyarly while we hunt down Hawkins in Vacuo's wildlands."
Glynda blinked. "Hawkins is still in Vacuo? But it's been over two weeks since he left..."
"Which is why I'm worrying out of my mind!" Summer gripped the hem of her skirt and bit her lower lip.
"I texted Hawkins, and he promised to update me on his progress... but the messages stopped shortly after and I haven't heard anything from him since he contacted Tai."
Summer didn't feel the need to input her angered rant that led to tears for both her and her blonde partner.
"I... see." Glynda rubbed her temples and felt her nails dig into her palm. If Hawkins had simply asked, she would have gladly accompanied him after she'd returned from Atlas, or better yet, use the magician's excursion to avoid her meddling mother.
Then again, this was Hawkins. The man rarely bothered anybody, save for the people who went out of their way to interact with him, but within the passing years, it seemed he'd grown colder and more distant.
"So, best of luck to you, Glynda." Qrow scratched his head then gave a friendly tap on the witch's shoulder.
Willow and Ms. Rumpole had finished talking, and it looked as if all was in order to depart for the bullheads going to Vale and Vacuo.
"Don't worry, you can bet your career as a huntress that we'll bring Hawkins and Jaune back!" Tai waved, then hopped into the Vacuan bullhead.
"Say hello to everyone back home for me, and thanks a whole bunch, Glynda!" Summer beamed a radiant smile, but the thought of tracking down Hawkins turned it somewhat psychotic.
"Oh yeah, and make sure to bring Shyarly to Hawkins' house in the agricultural district, because according to Tyrion, she's his new sweetheart!" Qrow yelled, his voice seeming to be the loudest as the Vacuan bullhead doors slid shut and its engines roared to life.
"Best that we get a move on as well, Theodore and the other council members are bound to have a mountain worth of negotiations and paperwork to file through." Willow nodded to Klein who stood dutifully beside the open door of her personal bullhead.
"Thank you again, Glynda, and hopefully we'll see more of each other in the short future?" Willow smiled at the proud huntress but felt her lips falter at Glynda's fierce expression.
"Um... Glynda? Is everything alright?"
The huntress blinked and shook her head slightly, but the harsh aura around her remained.
"Of course, I wish you the best as well, Mrs. Schnee; and I pray your business in Vacuo goes swimmingly." Glynda's voice was strained and she barely managed to speak without sounding like an overly strict warden.
As Willow's bullhead departed, the wind from its turbines sent a wave of strong wind that brushed Glynda's blonde locks over her face.
Shyalry slumped and crossed her arms to protect herself from the wind, but when the strong breeze settled down, she felt an uncomfortable set of pale, emerald eyes on her being.
Shyarly cleared her throat and properly introduced herself. "Hello, it's nice to meet you. My name is Shyarly."
"Glynda Goodwitch," Glynda grumbled, she checked the nearest clock and gave a slight nod when the next bullhead for Vale wouldn't arrive until the next half-hour.
She turned back to Shyarly, who was still a tad muddled by the odd expression Glynda was giving her, but accepted the huntress' offer for coffee and and muffins and rolled her wheelchair after Glynda's quick strides.
"So..." Glynda took a sip from her latte while Shyarly plucked a piece off her chocolate muffin's top and savored the morsel.
"How long have you known Hawkins?"
This question made Shyarly blink. She swallowed slowly and took a few seconds to study the intent behind Glynda's expression and words. The shark Faunus didn't sense any malice, but there was something aloof with the way Glynda spoke.
In regard to Hawkins, the first word that came to mind was that he was a ruthless pirate with a brutal history that was well known to those in the grande line and new world. Then again... how many years had it been since the magician's name was in the newspapers? Also, Shyarly was no longer in the realm of the One-Piece, and Hawkins had precisely asked that she keep his history a secret.
It wouldn't do well to betray his trust.
"Only a short while, but he's a genuinely kind man behind that stoic face of his." The truth saddled with a compliment, Shyarly hoped her sentence was believable, but Glynda's visage only vexed further.
"I... see." The blonde huntress sighed deeply and eased back into her chair. Hawkins had never mentioned knowing anyone from Vacuo, so this statement seemed plausible. That, and Shyarly appeared to be a friendly individual, especially since Hawkins was willing to vouch for her.
"According to Tyrion, Shyarly is Hawkins' new sweetheart!"
What Qrow said refused to leave Glynda's mind. Was Thumbelina right in saying that Hawkins would find a beloved in that sandy kingdom? He... would've mentioned such a topic with how long they've known each other... right?
A ring from Glynda's pocket, she politely excused herself and frowned when she read the number on her scroll.
"Thumbelina?"
"Wow, guess Atlas must've been a bigger pain in the butt if your hissing like that, huh?" Thumbelina laughed as her voice echoed through the scroll.
"It was... unpleasant for the most part." Glynda felt a twitch of guilt in admitting this, but the truth was often the best relief for stress.
"Hey, why so quiet? If you need to let off steam, I'm all ears! Oobleck dragged me to the bookstores again, and of course, I'm stuck in the chatting area with a nice cup of coffee. So by all means, I've got plenty of time." Thumbelina's positivity eased her partner's tensed heart, but there was still an emotional storm to come that she was not prepared for.
"Thumbelina, remember when you made the joke about Hawkins..." Glynda said with a bitten lip.
"Huh? You mean the one about him eating straw to get his semblance?"
"No, the one before Hawkins left for Patch. You know, when you dragged him into the clothing store after getting his number?" Glynda's voice grew softer and her brows wrinkled.
"What are you..." Thumbelina set her coffee and scone aside as a bolt of realization struck her. "G-Glynda, you're not serious, are you? Hawkins isn't the kind of person to fool around with women like that! So what put such a silly thought in your head?"
"H-He's put a woman under my care... a shark Faunus by the name of Shyarly."
The line went dead silent.
"...Do you need me to interrogate this 'Shyarly' to get the whole picture?" Thumbelina had abandoned her happy-go-lucky demeanor and was now akin to a top-class soldier.
"Ms. Goodwitch?" Shyarly's sudden presence startled Glynda and the huntress lowered her scroll's volume.
"Our bullhead for Vale has arrived."
"Thank you, Shyarly, I'll be just a moment," Glynda replied and waited until Shyarly was out of earshot.
"Oh Oum... so Shyarly is a real person?" Thumbelina rubbed her temples and felt as if the world was playing a cruel prank on her. Her joke was supposed to be a friendly jab, nothing more! But now, she'd have to help her partner go on the offensive.
"I have to go, Thumbelina, I'll see you in Vale in a couple of hours." The mystical witch huffed and raised a finger to end the call.
"Oh... and Thumbelina?"
"Y-Yeah?" The peachette did not like the drastic change in tone.
"When I see you, I'm going to make sure you understand the consequences of making such foolish jokes about Hawkins' relationships or anything related to them."
Thumbelina froze as the call ended with a dull beep.
"Peachplum!" Oobleck called merrily with a stack of books snuggled in his arms. "I've finished my weekly rounds, so why don't we get a proper bite to eat?"
The book lover paused at the distressed face of his dearest.
"Peachplum?"
"Oh no... Glynda's going to kill me when she gets back! Ooberry, you have to help me!" Thumbelina wailed as she sobbed on her boyfriend's shoulder who staggered back to support both her and his books.