Winter Schnee's private airship was an imposing vessel, designed for both comfort and command. The interior, with its sleek design and advanced technology, reflected the high standards of the Schnee family while flying Atlas colors. Inside a spacious conference room, Team RWBY — comprising Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao Long sat around a large table, their faces a mixture of defiance and guilt.

The doors to the conference room slid open with a soft hiss, and Winter Schnee entered with her usual air of authority and precision. Her icy blue eyes surveyed the room, lingering momentarily on each member of Team RWBY before she took her place at the head of the table.

"Team RWBY," Winter began, her voice cool and controlled, "we need to discuss your recent actions."

Winter stood tall, her posture rigid with disapproval. "I am extremely disappointed in your recent conduct," she started, her tone cutting through the silence like a blade. "You have impeded in an investigation, impulsively and recklessly, possibly compromising the opportunity that we have to bring people to justice."

She paused, allowing the weight of her words to sink in. "Jaune Arc, despite his affections for alcohol, is a respected mediator. His findings regarding the White Fang rally were vital to the situation at hand. Your interference not only put him in danger, but also jeopardized a critical operation."

Winter's expression hardened as she continued. "Your actions have had serious repercussions. The primary suspects in the lynching of Atlas soldiers outside of Mistral have evaded capture. This failure isn't just a minor setback; it has potentially grave implications for the security of Atlas, Mistral, and Menagerie's friendship. "

Blake flinched at the mention of her homeland.

She began to pace around the table, her footsteps echoing in the silence. "Moreover, your rash behavior may have severed our only lead—a clue that could have pointed us to those responsible for the bombing of the Mistral to Argus armored train."

Winter stopped and faced the team again. "The White Fang rally was important. It wasn't just a gathering of radicals, it was a strategic meeting of its members. Information gathered there could have led us directly to the culprits behind the armored train bombing."

Her voice grew colder, each word a sharp rebuke. "By acting impulsively, you not only disrupted an opportunity, but also put countless lives at risk."

Winter's stern gaze swept over each member of Team RWBY. "Your recklessness is inexcusable. In our line of work, there is no room for impulsive behavior. You must learn to think strategically and control your emotions. You are all grown women. Adults. In a few months you will all become respected Huntresses that Remnant will rely on."

She took a deep breath, her voice steady but unforgiving. "I expected better from you all. Your actions reflect not just on yourselves, but on the teams and individuals who rely on you in the future."

Ruby Rose, the team leader, looked down, her silver eyes filled with regret. "We... we didn't mean for things to go this way," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "We thought we were doing the right thing."

Weiss Schnee, Winter's younger sister, stepped forward. "Winter, we were trying to help. We didn't know the full scope of the situation."

Blake Belladonna, her cat-like ears drooping, added, "We didn't intend to. We wanted to stop the White Fang, too."

Yang Xiao Long, her fiery temper subdued, said, "We made a mistake. We understand that now. But we can't change what happened."

Winter stepped forward with a somber expression at their rather shallow remarks. "Your past actions have proven reckless," she said, addressing Team RWBY. "Arc had a plan. He was close to getting the information we needed. Your intervention, however well-intentioned, disrupted everything. It makes me question what even brought you to that place."

Blake looked away. Winter caught that.

She looked at them with a mix of disappointment and resolve. She sighed as she put her hands on her back. "We have much work to do to salvage this situation. Track down the escaped perpetrators. We also need to re-establish our connection to the White Fang's circle, which would be undoubtedly difficult now that they know that their fellow members were captured. It was a stroke of luck that Arc had found a trail."

She paused and then met their eyes. "Team RWBY, right now we are in a precarious situation. If we handle this recklessly, this could end with a war between Atlas, Mistral, and Menagerie."

Weiss frowned, crossing her arms. "Pardon me, Winter. But if this situation is as delicate as you claim, why, then, are we entrusting it to Arc? His decision to pursue the White Fang rally on his own was nothing short of reckless."

"Had he not already subdued most of the White Fang when your team arrived?" Winter responded calmly. "Despite his unconventional methods, Mr. Arc has been instrumental in maintaining a stalemate. It is no exaggeration to say that his diplomatic skills are the reason we are still in negotiations. Under normal circumstances, the appropriate action would be to deploy a company of Atlas soldiers and Huntsmen to neutralize the White Fang. They are terrorists. And yes, Ms. Belladonna, I understand the White Fang's past, but their present actions are indefensible."

"You don't negotiate with terrorists, eh?" Blake sneered. "Or is it because of their faunus?"

"The White Fang is a threat. You can justify your reasons to the dead, Ms. Belladonna. The White Fang you knew is long gone."

The atmosphere in the room was heavy with the weight of Winter's words. Team RWBY felt the full impact of their actions, the gravity of the situation clearer than ever.

Winter regarded them with a composed demeanor. "Team RWBY, you are now young adults. Perhaps Beacon has shielded you from the repercussions of your actions thus far, but it's time to consider accountability. I do not wish to see promising Huntresses compromised due to recklessness. I will be informing Beacon of this incident, and I trust that while you are in Mistral, your team will focus on your assigned mission to hunt Grimm. Any further unauthorized intervention from all of you will be considered an act of diplomatic sabotage. This stance is supported by the principles enshrined in the Kingdoms Charter, which mandates that all member states resolve their international disputes through peaceful means and refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. Do we have an understanding?"

"Yes, Ma'am," the Team said.

As Winter dismissed them, the members of Team RWBY left the room with their shoulders slumped.

The soft hum of the airship's engines filled the hallway as Team RWBY exited their room. The metallic walls reflected their footsteps, and the occasional flicker of the overhead lights added to the sterile atmosphere. Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang exchanged tired glances, each lost in their thoughts about the recent mission and the chaotic events at the White Fang rally. Their mission had taken a toll, and the tension of the unresolved issues weighed heavily on their minds.

"Let's head to the bar," Yang suggested, trying to lighten the mood. "We could all use a break."

Ruby nodded, her cape swishing as she adjusted her pace. "Yeah, maybe some cocoa would help."

As they approached the bar, the faint sounds of laughter and conversation grew louder. The door slid open with a soft hiss, revealing the airship's bar area. The room was dimly lit, with clusters of tables and a long counter lined with stools. A few other crew members were scattered about, engaged in quiet conversations or nursing drinks. Most of them were staff and crew of the airship.

In the center of the room, sitting alone at the bar, was Jaune Arc. He was hunched over a drink, the amber liquid catching the low light. His posture was relaxed, almost too relaxed for someone who had been through what they had. As the door closed behind them, Jaune looked up, his eyes briefly meeting Weiss's before flickering away. He raised his glass in a casual greeting.

"Hey, guys," he said, his voice lacking the usual warmth. "Fancy meeting you here. Miss Winter's done with you?"

Weiss's expression hardened as she marched towards him, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. "Arc, what are you doing here?" she demanded, crossing her arms. "And why are you drinking again?"

Jaune took a slow sip from his glass, seeming to savor the taste before responding. "Just relaxing, Weiss. It's been a long day."

Weiss's eyes narrowed. "Relaxing? After what happened at that place? How can you just sit here and drink like nothing happened?"

Jaune sighed, setting his glass down. "Look, Weiss, we all deal with things differently. This is my way."

"Your way is to drown yourself in alcohol?" Weiss retorted, her voice rising slightly. "That's irresponsible and dangerous."

Jaune shrugged, his expression indifferent. "Maybe. But it's my choice."

Ruby stepped forward, trying to diffuse the tension. "Weiss, let's not make a scene. We're all tired."

Blake and Yang exchanged glances, their concern clear. Yang approached the bar, leaning against it as she looked at Jaune. "How did you even end up working as a Mediator for Atlas, Jaune? That doesn't seem like you."

Jaune looked at his drink for a moment before answering. "It's a long story, Yang."

Blake frowned, her curiosity piqued. "We have time. We're not going anywhere."

Jaune sighed again, this time more deeply. He ran a hand through his messy blond hair, his eyes momentarily distant. "After Beacon threw me out, I needed a purpose. Something to focus on. I knew some people who had connections with Atlas. They offered me a job as a Mediator. It seemed like a way to make a difference and it turns out I fit right in."

Weiss scoffed. "And this is how you make a difference? By drinking yourself into a stupor? You are a Mediator and a Huntsman, apparently."

"This coming from you guys?" Jaune's gaze hardened slightly. "I said it's my way, Weiss. You don't have to understand it, but you could at least respect it."

Ruby put a hand on Weiss's shoulder, her voice gentle. "Weiss, let's give him some space. We can talk about this later."

Weiss opened her mouth to argue but then closed it, her expression conflicted. She turned away from Jaune, her shoulders tense.

Jaune watched her for a moment before turning back to his drink. "Besides, if need to be, I can just remove it with my Semblance."

The silence that followed was heavy, each member of Team RWBY lost in their thoughts. Eventually, Yang broke the tension with a soft sigh.

"Alright, Jaune. Just... don't drink too much, okay?"

Jaune nodded, his expression softening slightly. "I won't. Thanks."

Team RWBY lingered a bit longer before finding a table near the bar. They ordered drinks, though none of them felt much like celebrating. The weight of the day's events hung over them, and the oddity of Jaune's role added to their unease.

As they sipped their drinks in silence, each member of the team wondered just how much had changed. And whether they would ever truly understand the paths, they were now walking.

The conversation gradually turned to other topics, with Ruby trying her best to lighten the mood by recounting some of their funnier past missions. Yet, the shadow of Jaune's unexpected demeanor loomed large. Weiss, unable to completely let go of her concerns, kept glancing towards the bar where Jaune remained, nursing his drink in quiet solitude.

"He's not the same," Blake said softly, echoing Weiss's thoughts. "But then again, neither are we."

Yang nodded, her fingers drumming lightly on the table. "We've all been through a lot with P-Money's thing with you know."

Ruby's eyes softened as she looked at her team.

Weiss sighed, her gaze finally settling back on her friends. "It bothers me he's responsible for a such enormous affair like this."

Blake nodded. "Yeah, but your sister said he's doing well in his role."

That irritated Weiss even more.

Time passed, and the bar began to empty as other staff and crew retired to their rooms. Jaune remained at the bar, lost in his thoughts. Eventually, he felt a presence beside him and turned to see Ruby standing there, her expression kind but determined.

"Mind if I join you?" she asked, already sliding onto the stool next to him.

Jaune managed a small smile. "Sure, Ruby."

For a few moments, they sat in silence, the quiet hum of the airship filling the space between them. Ruby glanced at Jaune, noting the weariness in his eyes.

"You know we're worried about you, right?" she whispered. "Oh, and I'm sorry for what happened back then… but you were really durable!"

Jaune laughed. "I know. And I appreciate it. Really. Penny's been missing you. You should really talk to her."

Ruby was all smiles, then continued. "Really?"

"Yeah, really."

The conversation just died.

Jaune's grip tightened slightly around his glass. "How things are right now… it's not that simple, Ruby. There's a lot you guys don't know."

"Then tell us," Ruby urged. "So we don't mess up."

Jaune looked at her. "It's... complicated. And honestly, I'm not sure if I should talk about it. You guys have a mission to do, and I will be clear, Ruby. This isn't exactly as easy as kicking asses and taking names."

Ruby nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. "That's okay.."

Jaune's shoulders relaxed a fraction, and he gave Ruby a grateful look. "Thanks, Ruby. That means a lot."

As Ruby returned to the table with the rest of Team RWBY. Jaune Arc looked at them with melancholy before turning his attention to his drink. After some time, he thanked the bartender, and left the room with steady strides.

The following days aboard the airship passed with a mix of routine and reflection. Team RWBY continued their training and preparations, hunting Grimm, and focusing on their mission to reduce the Grimm population around Mistral. Winter kept them in the airship after talking with Vale's headmaster, hoping that they won't interfere with the efforts to navigate the situation between three nations.

And in those days, Team RWBY watched as Jaune Arc, the once dorky and socially inept boy from Beacon Academy, worked with a relentless drive. It was almost unrecognizable, this transformation in Jaune. His conversations, though professionally distant, were intense and purposeful, as if he were constantly digging for information, even from those he had fought against. Despite being on the same airship, he rarely spoke to them, and when he did, it was brief and formal. There was always something or someone else demanding his attention.

A week after clearing Grimm all over Mistral, during one mission as they were about to enter the city, they were approached by Ilia Amitola.

"Blake," Ilia said formally. "Do you have a moment to talk?"