Got this one quicker then the last, So please enjoy.
The bullhead that picked them up hovered over the landing pad at their destination for a few minutes before gently landing. It had been a couple of hours since they got on their flight and Jaune couldn't have been happier that it was over. As soon as the door opened enough for someone to squeeze through, he'd done so and ran over to the nearest trashcan he could find to throw up his breakfast. Motion sickness it might have been or all the nerves in his body starting to freak out all at once because of what he had gotten himself into.
This was a real mission, not some vacation or training simulation but an honest to Remnant mission. He didn't know why he was freaking out now but maybe, just maybe it was his brain's way of making sure he was still sane. Jaune cleaned what little spittle remained on his mouth and turned to see his team walk past him without batting an eye or even looking in his direction. Well maybe not all of them. Penny appeared at his side and looked down at him.
"Friend Jaune are you still feeling unwell? I could carry you to the nearest resting station if you desire".
Although Penny wasn't very good at expressing concern like any normal person he did appreciate her trying for him. Jaune stood at full length and gave her a small smile, "it's fine Penny but thanks for asking. You know despite me being terrified out my mind about doing this mission I'm glad your here with me. It always helps to have a friend you can trust". Penny smiled brightly at his confession. "I feel the same way friend Jaune, in fact this is probably the best time I've ever had outside my father's laboratory".
Jaune raised a brow, "I'm surprised your dad gave the ok for you to be here. With you being...what you are I assumed your dad would've kept you close by at least until you gained a better understanding of the world".
"My father was less then pleased with the General's decision to have me join this mission". Penny frowned for the first time in her new body. "But the General believed that with you here I might learn to be more...normal" she said with more certainty in her voice. Jaune didn't know if he could really help Penny out with such a thing but looking at everyone else within the team he was about as normal as you could get. Excluding Ilia at the moment since he didn't know her all that well.
"Well if there's anything I can help you with all you need to do is ask". Jaune froze and remembered something very important, "as long as it has nothing to do with the birds and the bees" he stressed. Penny tilted her head and wore a confused expression on her face obviously indicating that something he said confused her. "I meant nothing on the making's of love or anything close to that nature" he corrected for her understanding. Penny's eyes brightened as she put two and two together. "I understand, thank you friend Jaune".
The two rejoined the rest of the group in time for the arrival of the captain of the ship they'd be riding on. To everyone's surprise - except for Winter obviously - the captain wasn't any older than Winter herself. Rick Castle was the man's name or Captain Castle to those who served aboard his vessel. He stood just a little taller then Winter with sleek black hair and blue eyes. The smile he flashed them could have made even a Grimm feel warm inside and it seemed to win him some points with the heiress.
I'm glad your all are here" Rick said happily as his eyes took in the five. "When I heard specialist Schnee of all people had taken on the mission for defending the defense shield, well I just had to see it for myself". Rick walked up to Winter and held a hand, "it's a pleasure to see you again".
Jaune knew something was up in that moment because Winter seemed hesitant to shake the man's hand. He watched in silence as small bits of displeasure appeared in her facial expression and broke through the specialists stoic mask for but a brief second. With Year's of practice the specialist easily calmed herself and let etiquette kick in. With a smile - one that comprised of a slight tug on either side of her lips - she shook Ricks hand with a firm grip, "yes, I'm sure it is. The General no doubt informed you that my inclusion in this mission along with my sisters is to be kept a secret, correct?
Captain Castle nodded in response. "I'm well aware of the dangers especially with news of the White Fang looking to reopen a branch within Atlas once more". This was news to them all except Ilia because she had been the one to deliver the info to the General in the first place.
Weiss looked concerned herself because if this new branch wanted to make a splash then having her and her sister would definitely get the point across. Thankfully with her sister's confirmation it seemed like this mission was only known to a select few. It didn't fully ease her worries but it did help the heiress relax a little so she wouldn't be looking over her shoulder every few minutes.
"Good, if you know that much then I suggest we get to work before someone can leak our plans" Winter said. The captain seemed to get what she was trying to do and merely nodded at the suggestion. "Then if you all are ready we can depart at once, I've already received clearance to set sail upon your arrival and all the equipment was loaded before hand". Rick motioned for them all to follow him and soon after they arrived at the docks where they boarded the ship and were well on their way out to sea.
/
Jaune walked across the deck and looked over the edge, it was very underwhelming to say the least. He expected to ride on a type of battleship since these parts were pretty important but instead he was stuck on a freighter. Although it wasn't what he expected he could see the thought process that went in to choosing this ship. If by chance this new White Fang branch was looking for a good target to establish their presence in Atlas, attacking a cargo ship that carried goods for both faunus and humans wouldn't do them any good.
The only problem with the whole thing was that now they'd be targeted by pirates or Grimm. Still, better pirates then terrorists he supposed.
The young Arc leaned away from the railing and looked over the deck. The rest of his team had gone below to find their quarters while Winter was up in the bridge with the Captain. At least that's what he thought at first until he noticed the specialist coming up beside him to lean over the railing. "Lien for your thought" he asked so there would be any uncomfortable silences between them. Winter let out a small sigh before standing up straight, "everything is as it should be with no foreseeable complications".
"And yet that's not what's troubling you".
Winter watched him from the corner of her eye for a brief second before looking out to sea once more. "It's a personal matter" she said hoping he would drop the subject. Jaune leaned over the rail and stared out at the moving tide, "you told me the success of any mission depends on how well a team can communicate and work together remember". He looked over at her and raised a brow. The specialist smirked at the reminder, "I suppose I did didn't I".
Winter placed her hands behind her back with a look of amusement taking over her features. "Tell me, you are quick to use my own words against me but have you heeded them yourself? I don't believe you and Weiss are getting along any better than before".
Jaune couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed about that fact but it wasn't entirely his fault either. Weiss had made it a point to never remain in the same room as he for more then a minute without someone else there to talk to. Even worse than that was the fact that he didn't even know what to say to her if he even got the chance in the first place. "Your right of course, I just... I don't know where to start to fix the things between us".
Winter nodded in understanding, "if I know my sister as well as I think I do, she won't grant forgiveness easily". Jaune chuckled. "That's an understatement, she's been holding my failings over my head since the first day we trained together". The specialist sighed the sigh of the damned, "she grants forgiveness as often as a Grimm grants well wishes". Hearing that got the young Arc laughing while Winter cracked a smile of her own.
Jaune linked his hands together over the railing and tilted his head towards the specialist. "My problems aside, you still haven't told me what's wrong".
Winter stood silently for the longest time before finally breaking her silence. "Captain Castle is the eldest son of one of the board of directors within the Schnee dust company that my family owns. A long time ago, back when I was in Weiss's position I was approached by his father Doug Castle with the intent of unifying our families together. Although I didn't know it at the time my father had made arrangements with the Castle household for that such eventuality".
Jaune remained silent but noticed the far off look on his teachers face.
"Seeing as I'm not a mother of three and a stay at home wife, you can guess how things transpired" she said with a forced calm that bothered the young Arc. Jaune's mind raced as he began to put the pieces together, "I take it Captain Castle is still chasing that possibility"? Winter nodded and her eyes hardened, "it's not the first time something like this has happened and it definitely won't be the last. But you would think they would have lost interest by now when I stopped being the heiress and joined the military".
"Maybe he has genuine feelings for you" the blonde answered honestly. Winter shook her head at the response. "I have looked into his daily activities in the past and apparently he had three other individual's that he took to bed with him back when he chased after me. I am not another notch to be added to someone's belt so I took the liberty of breaking any agreement my father proposed" she growled. Jaune was at a loss for words but beyond that he was a little heated by the news. Winter was his teacher but also a friend in a way, and those who sought to hurt or use them automatically were bad in his book.
"If you need any help with him, I'm here for you".
Winter was a little surprised at the offer but appreciated it none the less. "Don't worry I've handled people like him before but don't you think it's a bit early to be offering your help? You have yet to complete your training and are much younger than I am". Jaune shrugged his shoulders and smiled, "some help, no matter how little is better than none at all". The specialist nodded in agreement and surprisingly felt that her young student meant what he said. He had proven himself a keeper of his word so there was little trouble in trusting him to have her back when or if needed.
The sound of heels clicking drew both of their attentions to the heiress slowly approaching them. She looked like she was hesitant to interrupt their conversation but upon seeing them look towards her, she spoke up. "Sister" she greeted and then proceeded to ignore the blonde entirely. "We are stationed here to act as guard's for this mission, right? Then shouldn't we be doing just that"?
Winter appreciated her sister's concern but knew what she was doing. "It's true we are stationed here to guard the ship but we share that responsibility with the crew that has agreed to watch over things during the day so that we could do so during the night. I have also placed Ilia as a lookout since she's good at keeping a low profile". At the mention of Ilia's name the heiress's face scrunched with displeasure. "I don't understand how I'm supposed to trust that girl, she's one of their kind".
Weiss's way of thinking was understandable because she was like that at first as well and being under their father's influence probably didn't help either.
"Ilia's a faunus"?
Winter turned to Jaune and saw the surprised look on his. "Yes she is. That won't be a problem for you I hope"? It took all of a second to digest the information before answering, "I don't see why I would have a problem with that, she still one of us". Winter nodded, happy to hear her student's answer where Weiss on the other hand exploded with anger.
"This ignorance is exactly what I expected from a buffoon like you. Have you even taken a second to think about what would happen if she was a White Fang spy? No! Of course you haven't" she said with a huff. Jaune's eyes narrow on the heiress as his anger started to rise. "You may be right about that but have you considered the possibility that maybe you might also be wrong? Just because she's a faunus you automatically assume the worst from her, you see the heritage but not the person".
Weiss glared hatefully at the blonde. "Who are you to talk all high and mighty?! You've not seen what their kind have done to my family, close relatives captured and killed, board members gunned down just for being associated with our family name". The heiress stepped into his personal space and grabbed his collar. "Don't act as if you know anything, you have not suffered the way me and mine have".
Winter wanted to step in and break it up but knew if she did then the two would never get passed their differences.
"I finally get it" the blonde said as he grabbed hold of the heiress's wrist and began to squeeze. "I knew there was a reason I didn't like you despite you being Winter's sister, and now I know why. You think the world revolves around you and that your the only one with problems that matter. Well here's a news flash for you your not the only one who has been hurt by all this". Weiss tried to pull her hand away but Jaune had a death grip on her. "I may not have seen what happened to your family and I'm sorry for all that happened to you, but that doesn't give you the right to treat others the way you have been".
Jaune released her wrist and met her glare with one of his own. "The faunus have suffered the same if not worse then you have just for being themselves, but instead of trying to see things from their end you ignore it without a care. You blame them for the actions of a few, that's the same as them blaming you for what your father has done". Weiss was left shocked just like her sister while Jaune let out a sigh in frustration. "Ilia is a part of this team and our team can't work unless there's trust, so until she shows me otherwise I will not allow you to bad mouth her when she isn't even here to defend herself". When the young Arc finished he excused himself and headed down below.
Weiss rubbed her wrist and huffed angrily. "I can't believe he would dare to compare my actions to those of the faunus".
"He is not wrong" Winter said, gaining the attention of her sister, who looked at her with confusion. "You will find many faunus inhabit this world just as you and I do. Some of which would help you for less then nothing while others would sell you out to their terrorist organization in a heartbeat. Yet with these two opposing treatments we still lump them all together. Do you know why"? Weiss shook her head slowly. "It's because we were taught to treat them that way by our father".
Weiss looked down at her feet and contemplated her sister's words. Before she could lose herself to her thoughts the specialist placed a hand on Weiss's shoulder and gave her a gentle smile. "Now that you have time away from father, why don't you formulate your own opinion and see how well that melds with your current view of their kind" she said before leaving her sister on the deck alone.
/
Jaune found his quarters quickly enough but chose not to stick around for long and made his way back above and to the rear of the ship. The night rolled around which only made the sea look even more beautiful when it reflected the moons light off it's surface. It was just too bad he couldn't focus on it at the moment.
An explosive sigh escaped his lips as the blonde rested his forehead against the ships railing. "What the hell's wrong with me? We're supposed to be using this chance to overcome our differences and come together as a team and here I am picking a fight like an idiot". Jaune closed his eyes and thought back on Weiss's words. "Who are you to talk all high and mighty"? That was the question now wasn't it? The truth was that he didn't even know about the conflict between the faunus and the Schnee until he studied here in Atlas.
Back in his home village there wasn't any of these kinds of problems to deal with. His family got along with everyone and he even had a faunus friend in his old school along with a few faunus neighbor's who treated him no differently from anyone else. Looking back on those days he couldn't help but wonder if it was because his village was small that they came together so well. Living away from the cities meant having to rely on each other in order to survive, and you couldn't do that if you were always at each other's throats for the smallest reasons.
"I can't just pretend that Weiss is right though. Faunus or not, everyone should be treated how you wish to be treated yourself otherwise your just adding to the problem". He wouldn't stand for it but he knew the heiress was as likely to change her mind as he.
"It's good to see not all Atlesians think alike".
Jaune spun on his heel, looking for the source of where the voice came from. He had thought he was alone and after looking around that seemed to still be true until the owner of the mysterious voice made herself noticeable. Ilia's skin was white in color to better blend in with the ship while she knelt to allow her clothing to blend in with the floor. She stood and changed her pigmentation back to it's original color. Her eyes watched him in expectation, believe deep down he was the same as the heiress.
"Ilia" Jaune said before sighing in relief "you scared the crap out of me you know that"? Ilia was a little taken aback by the blondes calm demeanor at her being there with him but quickly composed herself. "I didn't mean to startle you but Winter asked me to find you so we can stand as lookout for this section of the ship". Jaune nodded and looked out to the ocean once more, "that's fine with me...oh and I'm not Atlesians just so you know". Ilia let out a frustrated sigh, "well there goes my hopes of finding a decent Atlesians in Atlas, should have known better than that I guess".
Jaune looked back and saw that Ilia was actually troubled by his reveal. "Does it really matter that I'm not from Atlas? I would think that just finding a decent person at all would be enough"? Ilia shrugged her shoulders and joined him over by the railing, "normally it would be but in a few months time I'm going to be joining Atlas Academy and it would help to know that there are other open minded individuals in this kingdom. I've been here a little while and I've noticed that every time I reveal that I'm a faunus, people tend to start looking down on me or just straight up refuse to talk to me at all".
He didn't know what to say to that because he never had such actions taken against him.
"Well I suppose it's not too bad I think, I already had a feeling it was going to be an up hill battle from the start but hearing how you defended me and my kind from the heiress gave me a little hope".
Jaune's brow rose, "you were there when Weiss and I got into that argument"? The faunus girl nodded before looking down, "I wasn't trying to eavesdrop I swear but I kinda overheard when I was scouting around on Winter's orders. I was using my ability to camouflage while moving around the deck to catch anything or anyone suspicious when I heard you guys going at it. From what I heard I can understand stand why your having a hard time making up with the younger Schnee. If it was me I wouldn't have stood quite either".
Jaune chuckled to himself, "I could see that and besides, unlike me your actually a faunus so it must have annoyed you even more than usual". Ilia nodded in agreement but remained silent. Sensing the topic could get a little heavy the blonde decided to switch up the conversation. "So what's your thoughts on this mission? Winter said it would be an easy one but the news of this new White Fang branch has me a little worried. If what Winter and Rick said is true then what better target is there then a ship in the middle of the ocean with two Schnee's on board".
"Two Schnee's and a traitor maybe" Ilia whispered. The chameleon faunus shook her head looked over to the blonde. "If I were you I'd stay on guard in case of anything. Specialist Schnee said that their involvement was only known to a select few in the upper brass, so unless one of them turned traitor we should be okay. I said to stay on guard because every organization, much like the military always has at least one or two leaks in it's structure".
Jaune nodded along and pushed off the railing, "You know when I first saw you I thought you were the silent type to just hide in the background and would only speak when you had something important to say". Ilia smiled at his words and let her mind wander to the one person she knew who was really like that at times. "I can't do that unfortunately, not if I'm trying to change the opinions of the people in this kingdom". The young Arc was a little surprised and impressed that this person beside him was trying to do what most would believe impossible to do alone.
"Well if that's the case then let's make sure this mission get's done right" he said to the girl. Ilia nodded and was about to lead the way when her scroll began to ring. The faunus accepted the call when she saw it was from Winter, "ye-".
"ILIA THE WHITE FANG ARE-"!
*CRACK*
The connection cut off and the two looked shared a glance with each other. "We need to go help them" Jaune said, his voice becoming stern and his visage becoming more focused. Ilia was shock by the blondes sudden change and could only nod in response.
/
On the other side of the ship Winter and Weiss both had their weapons drawn and aimed at the terrorists that surrounded them. The bullheads the faunus arrived on boar the White Fang insignia and had come in a group of five with several soldiers ready to jump down. If that was all then things would have been much easier but unfortunately they hadn't expected a few of the terrorist to stowaway down below. Adam Taurus had been one of those few and got the drop on Winter, slicing her scroll in half to avoid her calling for back up.
Winter sneered at the bull faunus and released her second blade.
"Well done Adam" a firm but feminine voice praised. Winter saw the person who had spoken and felt a small tinge of fear race through her being. Sienna Khan, the leader of the White Fang had come to the battlefield and Winter was left completely unprepared and unsure if she could handle her alone.
And that is the end.
