A.N: Happy new year, everyone. Holy smokes, 2020. So first of all, super big announcement for anyone who missed it. Age of Heroes: The Hero and the Disciple, is now available on Amazon's Kindle Store, under my pen name, Nicholas Drew. for $7.99, the book is yours. Once you read, please remember to leave positive reviews to help me gain traction on the site. Anything on where I can improve can be sent via PM as always, as I'm always looking to improve.

Also, I want to make a personal offer to any artists out there. If anyone wants to perhaps draw cover pages for the works I have on this site, or even just fanart of scenes and characters, just PM me and we will discuss the details. I'll of course do my best to advertise the images on my profile and in my chapters when they are done.

It's the New Year folks, so I want to do a few things differently, rather than just stay stagnant.

But enough plugging and offering, let's get started on Chapter 24 of Wild Hunt.

Chapter 24: Welcome to Atlas Academy

As Ozpin's private airship landed on Atlas Academy's runway, Hansel Kobalt gazed out to see a familiar face standing there to greet him. James Ironwood had an unreadable expression on his face as he gazed up at the airship. Hansel heaved a sigh. "Ah damn," he muttered, "and here was me hoping he was on some sort of business trip and I'd get to deal with a proxy."

"Who are you talking about, Professor?" Weiss asked curiously.

"General Ironwood," Hansel muttered, "Damn it, why did I hope for a little bit of luck for once? I got my hopes up for nothing."

"You...don't get along with General Ironwood?" Blake sounded surprised.

"Have you met the guy?" Hansel frowned. "He is absolutely impossible to get along with. Especially after the shit he pulled at the Vytal Festival. His lack of popularity with the people right now is a situation entirely of his own making."

"Sheesh, Teach." Yang frowned. "Usually you've got this amount of vitriol for the bad guys. You can't seriously put the general on their level."

"Just did. And have been for years." Hansel responded simply. "Don't try to talk to me about things you don't understand, Xiao Long. Try working with the guy for years, watching him idiotically act like the big man in charge when he understands nothing, and then have to help clean up the mess he caused by idiotically undermining his own allies. You try that, and then get back to me on how you feel afterwards."

Yang just gave Hansel a deadpan expression. "...All you had to say was the first part of that little rant of yours." She reminded him.

Hansel responded with a deadpan look of his own before he took a deep breath. "Okay," he said, "let's face the music, kiddos."

"Err...so, Professor." Ruby spoke up. "Any advice on how to handle ourselves in this? We're...kinda new to acting like representatives for our school."

Hansel looked over his shoulder at Ruby as he moved to the airship door. "Just don't do anything I would do." Hansel told Team RWBY making them nod in understanding. After all, Hansel was not exactly what you would call the most conventional of men. Especially in social situations. Therefore, not doing what he would do made sense.

Then, Hansel's next statement made them sweatdrop. "But also," he said, "don't do anything I wouldn't do."

Team RWBY looked at Hansel in disbelief. Hansel held two fingers close together. "There's a little gray area that you all work in." He told them.

He has to be trolling us. Yang concluded. He has to be!

And with that, Hansel opened up the door to the airship and stepped outside to two lines of soldiers standing at attention to welcome the "delegates" of Beacon Academy. At the very end of these lines was General James Ironwood, standing tall. Flanking him was Specialist Winter Schnee. Weiss had to resist calling out to her older sister.

Ruby, for her part, was admittedly intimidated as she walked with her teammates and teacher through these lines of soldiers. She looked at them all, unable to stop herself from wondering how strong they were compared to her. These were professionals, men and women whose sole job was to serve and protect their kingdom with all their strength. And here she was. Just a student who felt very out of her depth compared to all these people. Perhaps this was what her teachers were talking about when they tried to tell her she still could not hope to compare to them just yet. She still needed to grow.

Ruby yelped as she bumped into the back of Hansel. "S-sorry." Ruby muttered. Hansel ignored her.

Ruby looked past Hansel to see him silently staring down Ironwood, who was staring right back at him in silence. Her eyes widened. She could immediately tell that it was just as her teacher had claimed. He did not like Ironwood. And from the look on Ironwood's face, the feeling was mutual.

Ironwood then cleared his throat. "Hansel." He said gruffly.

Hansel almost called Ironwood by his name, but thankfully remembered his manners and Ozpin's request for him to maintain his professionalism...even if Ironwood did not. "General Ironwood." Hansel replied.

Blake winced at Hansel's tone. Even if Hansel was managing to be professional, he still could not disguise the fact that he hated Ironwood's guts. "Your flight was smooth. That's good." Ironwood noted before looking past Hansel. "And these are the students you've brought for this exchange…"

Ironwood trailed off, recognizing them. A small smile curled on his lips. "Well now," he said, "Team RWBY, it's been awhile, hasn't it."

Ruby smiled happily, forgetting the tension between Ironwood and Hansel. "It has," she said with a wave of her hand, "it's great to see you again, General."

"Likewise," he said, "it's...Ruby, yes? I don't think we've had a chance to talk since your fight with that woman at the CCT during the school dance."

Ruby's eyes widened at that memory, putting two and two together.. "G-general!" She said frantically. "That was her! That was Cinder!"

Hansel facepalmed slightly at Ruby's behavior. Already, she was kinda breaking protocol. Ironwood had raised a curious eyebrow at Ruby's franticness before nodding in understanding. "It looks like we can add breaking and entering to her long list of crimes. It explains a lot, at least." He mused. "Thank you for telling me, Ruby."

"Anyway, now that I think of it, it appears I've met almost every single one of you at different points." Ironwood mused. "Weiss, it's always nice to see you."

"Likewise, General Ironwood." Weiss gave a brief curtsy to the general. She then decided it was appropriate to address her sister. "And Sister, I am happy to see you here as well. I had honestly assumed you would be out on assignment. This is a very happy surprise."

"Do not think you can use this as an excuse to slack off on your studies, Weiss." Winter curtly told her before smiling slightly. "But...it is nice to see you."

"And Yang, I don't think we've spoken since your fight in the singles rounds." Ironwood noted before giving Yang a guilty, somber expression. "I apologize. We let ourselves be tricked by their manipulations and your reputation was ruined as a result. As adults, we have a responsibility to protect the next generation. We failed when we dragged your name through the mud without considering the possibility of this being the enemy's plan."

Yang smiled, grateful for what Ironwood had said to her. "Water under the bridge, General." She said. "I'm just going to take it out on Mercury next time I see him. And I'm going to break his leg for real when that happens."

"Yang…" Blake groaned at Yang's behavior.

Ironwood then looked at Blake. "And now that I think of it, I don't think we've had a chance to introduce ourselves yet. You're Team RWBY's 4th member. I believe your name was...Blake, correct. Blake Belladonna? I only saw you during the festival's team matches."

Blake snapped to attention. "Yes, General." She said, trying to hide how nervous she was in the face of the man who led the army of the most prejudiced of the four kingdoms.

"General," Ironwood's attention was brought to Hansel, "I trust all living arrangements have been worked for this week."

Ironwood nodded. "Yes, Hansel, they have." He promised. "We have a spare dorm room prepared for your students, and Oz and I have reserved you a personal suite at the hotel fifteen minutes out."

Yang's mouth dropped open. "Hotel suite?!" She shrieked indignantly. "Teach, what's this about a hotel suite?"

Hansel was shockingly calm in the face of Yang's accusatory shouting. "Yeah, hotel suite." Hansel nodded. "Professor Ozpin paid for a hotel suite at a nearby hotel."

"No fair! No fair! No fair!" Yang shook with anger. "We've gotta stay in a dorm room and you get to live it up in a freaking hotel suite!"

Ironwood sweat-dropped at Yang throwing a tantrum out in public. Hansel remained calm in the face of Yang's anger. Her eyes were bright red with rage. "It's not like this is a vacation. I'm on duty, Xiao Long." He reminded her.

"If you're on duty, you should be staying at the academy with us!" Yang waved her arms.

"You four are the ones who are supposed to be getting something out of this." Hansel reminded her. "I'm not the one who's supposed to learn at this academy."

"This is unfair!" Yang whined. "This is cruel is what it is! How are we supposed to learn when our professor gets to stay in a suite, living a life of luxury?"

Boy, these kids are just great at diplomacy. Winter deadpanned. I'm glad Weiss has at least remembered her manners, but I'm a little bothered by the fact she hasn't imparted any of that on her teammates...

Hansel heaved an irritated sigh and flicked Yang across the forehead, making the blonde brawler yelp in pain. "You're going to learn this week at Atlas because that's a direct order from your professor, otherwise you're sparring with me for a week."

"I will gladly fight for my rights." Yang said with stupid pride.

"Shut it, Xiao Long!" Hansel said sharply.

Yang pouted, making both Blake and Weiss smack her across the head. "That's enough, Yang." The two said in unison.

Ruby chuckled in embarrassment. "Sorry, General Ironwood, sorry Professor. Umm...enjoy your suite, Professor."

"Umm...yes, Specialist Schnee, if you would be so kind as to escort Team RWBY to the dorm rooms?" Ironwood ordered. "Professor Kobalt and I have much to discuss."

Winter sighed. "Girls, please follow me." She ordered. "And no more outbursts, please."

Blake and Weiss both covered Yang's mouth. "Understood, Specialist." Blake nodded.

"Yes, don't worry, Sister." Weiss promised with an awkward smile on her face.

As Blake and Weiss dragged the pouting Yang away, following Specialist Schnee, Ruby gave Ironwood a polite wave goodbye. "It was great to see you again, General." She said kindly. "I hope we get to talk once more."

Ironwood raised a confused eyebrow at her statement as Ruby joined the rest of her team. "Not to burst her bubble, but even if she is technically a diplomat, the chances of us meeting during this week are pretty slim." He muttered.

"You'll get used to her...or maybe not." Hansel sighed. "I think she's just being nice."

"If you don't mind, Hansel, we can have your luggage sent directly to the hotel."

"Just as long as they don't screw with it." Hansel frowned before gesturing to a bag swung over his back. "But I'm keeping my personal bag with me. That's nonnegotiable."

"Hansel, they're professionals, I seriously doubt anyone would deliberately mess with your luggage." Ironwood assured him.

"Anyway," Ironwood changed the subject, "walk with me, let's talk for a bit. I want to discuss just what you're trying to accomplish this week."

Hansel frowned slightly, not looking forward to this talk at all. "Yeah, sure, let's talk."

Ironwood winced at the tone. Then, out of instinct, he found himself responding in a biting tone of his own. "I see that Oz still hasn't taught you manners and diplomacy." Immediately, he regretted that statement.

Hansel scowled, almost responding with anger of his own, only to remember his promise to Ozpin. "Yeah, well," he said, keeping his composure, "people don't really like talking to me anyway. Why would I want to learn how to properly talk to people if that's the case?"

Ironwood heaved a sigh. "Yes...I suppose there is some truth to that statement." He acknowledged, mentally kicking himself for saying something so insensitive.

"Now, Hansel, I'm only telling you this because I want this whole diplomacy trip to succeed just as much as you and Oz do." Ironwood told him. "But, at least try to act a bit more friendly with the rest of the faculty...along with any high ranking officials who stop by at Atlas. For starters, I have a meeting scheduled with Circe Ithaca. If you happen to meet her..."

"I already met her." Hansel cut him off. "She's the aunt of one of my students. You know, Pyrrha Nikos?"

"Oh? I guess I should've expected that." Ironwood nodded. "Now, diplomacy aside, I do believe that you have a second reason for being here at Atlas."

Hansel looked around, noting the presence of many different people as they made their way to Ironwood's office. "If you don't mind," Hansel said, "I'd prefer to avoid talking about that business until we're at your office."

"What?" Ironwood frowned. "Hansel, don't be unreasonable."

"General," Hansel said curtly, "I'm being perfectly reasonable. Now, have you at least planned out the curriculum my students will be following?"

"Oh, of course." Ironwood nodded. "We've fully integrated your team of students in this week's curriculum."

"Meaning?" Hansel asked. "Give me specifics, General. I'm well aware that this school does things differently from Beacon. So, I kinda need specifics."

"Ah, yes of course." Ironwood nodded, pulling out his scroll. "As I've mentioned before, your students will be fully integrated into our training program over the week. That includes a 10k run in the morning before breakfast, intensive physical training in the afternoon, various classes spread throughout the week, such as military history and theory and Dust and Semblance application. I worked very closely with the faculty to create a weeklong schedule that would give the students the most accurate depiction of what a common week at Atlas Academy looks like."

"Good," Hansel nodded, "I expect you to send me a copy of the schedule, so that I can send it to my students in turn."

Ironwood looked at Hansel in slight surprise. "What?" Hansel deadpanned.

"I'm...kind of surprised." Ironwood admitted. "You at least seem to be taking the job seriously."

Hansel rolled his eyes. "Professor Ozpin has faith that I can prove myself to be a decent teacher. So I owe it to him to try at least." People assuming the worst like that just annoyed the crap out of him.

"Ah, yes, Professor Ozpin." Ironwood nodded.

Hansel frowned, catching the tone in Ironwood's voice. Guess he still hasn't gotten over the shit that went down in the Vytal Festival. Hansel accurately guessed. Fucking prick. He's got some nerve acting like this after what he pulled.

The duo then arrived at a single door. "We're here." Ironwood told Hansel before he quickly entered a code on a nine-digit panel. The door opened and both men stepped inside.

Ironwood took a seat at his desk. "Please, sit down." Ironwood calmly ordered.

Hansel frowned. He wanted to tell Ironwood he preferred standing. That way, he was not on this guy's level. How Hansel desperately wanted to just look down on him and demonstrate the fact that as far as 'near-world-ending' mistakes go, he was above Ironwood in that sense. However, Hansel once again remembered his promise and took a seat across from Ironwood.

"Now then," Ironwood said in a business-like tone, "this investigation you are running. This is about the terrorist cell Gray Jackal, isn't it?"

Hansel nodded. Ironwood heaved a sigh. "Okay, well I can't tell my subordinates that. They're not going to cooperate with an investigation about a terrorist organization that is widely regarded as a myth."

"Yeah, well, fighting myths is kind of what we do from the shadows, isn't it?" Hansel reminded Ironwood. "If you and I can accept that the Grimm are being lead by a psychotic witch with a hate boner for humanity, I think we can accept that this so-called myth is also true."

Ironwood sighed. "Yes, I suppose there is some truth to that." He acknowledged. "Hansel, before we continue this, please remember to exercise discretion in discussing Salem."

"Why? Professor Ozpin is fine with discussing Salem freely when any of us are in private like this." Hansel pointed out.

"Yes, well, you never know who could be listening in." Ironwood's mechanical fist clenched from instinct.

Hansel rolled his eyes. "Let me guess, you haven't made any headway into finding out how Cinder's cronies hacked into your mechs?" He noted. "And you're worried she got to someone who currently resides in Atlas."

He's going to hate what I'm about to tell him if that's the case.

Ironwood sighed but did not respond, telling Hansel exactly what he needed to know in that regard. Ironwood then spoke up on a different subject. "Just tell me now, Hansel." Ironwood ordered. "What is it about Gray Jackal that has brought you to Atlas? What is it that Oz has kept me in the dark about this time?"

Hansel narrowed his eyes. He knew that last query was a jab at the professor. He then reached into his personal bag. "What can you tell me about this?" He asked, taking out the wristband that had killed Anthonio Corleone and slamming it onto Ironwood's desk.

Ironwood took one look at the wristband and immediately paled in horror. He looked at Hansel in shock. "Where did you get this?" He demanded.

"I found it, on Anthonio Corleone's person." Hansel leaned in, glaring at Ironwood. "Imagine my surprise when a freaking wristband had stored up a necrotoxin that was injected into the fat bastard. Then, when I had Oobleck run some tests on it, he matched the designs of this tech with the Kingdom of Atlas, which is strange because I don't think there's been any news about new fashion items that can actually kill you as well."

"Hansel, I-" Ironwood began.

"No, I don't want to hear any excuses." Hansel slammed his fist on Ironwood's desk. "What I want from you is the truth. What is this, and how did it end up on Corleone?"

Ironwood took a look at the wristband, then at Hansel's angry face. He heaved a sigh. "Well, Barty was right, this is Atlas tech." He admitted. "Well, more specifically, it would've been, had we demoed it to the public. Unfortunately, the prototype was stolen, and fearing the backlash that would come if this was found on an innocent person, we decided to scrap the project and deny that it ever existed."

Ironwood chuckled bitterly. "I guess I should be glad." He mused. "I always knew it was one day going to get some poor schmuck killed. At least it ended up being a monster like Anthonio Corleone."

"Why was this designed?" Hansel demanded.

"It was meant to serve as a deterrent for prison breaks." Ironwood explained. "Off the record, it was a last-resort-option to make Salem's operatives to speak on the off-chance we catch one."

"If you ever catch one." Hansel muttered, rolling his eyes.

"Last I recall, both Cinder Fall and Adam Taurus escaped from your grasp as well. As far as I'm concerned, we're in the same boat, Hansel." Ironwood frowned at him.

Hansel glared at the general before he heaved a sigh. "Do you have any leads on who stole it?" He asked, staying professional and getting back on track.

Ironwood shook his head. "No," he said, "someone hacked our security monitors, destroying all footage of the hours it could've been stolen."

Hansel folded his arms. "Well, I can at least pinpoint the group in charge of your culprit at least." He admitted. "Gray Jackal. Corleone was doing business with them. And considering this ended up on him, I'm guessing they slapped it on him to avoid loose ends when it became necessary."

"Even if Gray Jackal was responsible for what happened, that still doesn't explain how they managed to get past security without issue." Ironwood pointed out. "Per standard protocol, we've been going out of our way to make sure our secret projects stay secret. No one could've possibly gotten in and out of the storage area unless they were Atlesian Personnel."

"And therein lies the answer to your question." Hansel told Ironwood. "I'm sorry to tell you this, General, but you not only have Salem's operatives on the inside, but you now also have a Gray Jackal agent smuggling technology to them."

Ironwood's eyes widened. "If I had to guess, I'd say this wristband was just a test-run. Whoever the inside-man is already knows I'm here, so they probably won't make any moves just yet. I don't think I need to tell you this, but eventually, they're going to move onto bigger things. General, your 'vault of secret projects' is being used to supply Gray Jackal weapons nobody knows how to fight against."

"No…" Ironwood muttered.

Hansel then glared at Ironwood. "I don't think I need to tell you what a colossal fuck-up this is." He growled.

"Excuse me?" Ironwood glared back at Hansel for that accusation.

"It is," Hansel insisted, "do you realize how hard it is going to be for me to investigate this now instead of-oh, I don't know-a day after it originally happened? All because you made the decision to cover this up to avoid 'embarrassment', instead of just communicating with people who would've gladly helped you in this."

"Don't talk about things you don't understand, Hansel." Ironwood snapped in frustration. "You're not burdened with an administrative position like myself and Oz are."

"Maybe not, but from my perspective, you're only making things worse for yourself." Hansel countered.

"Atlas cannot take another scandal!" Ironwood yelled. "After everything from the Vytal Festival…"

"Another situation of your own making, by the way." Hansel interrupted.

"Like you're one to talk!" Ironwood shot back. "You weren't even around until Salem's allies made their move! You have no right to criticize me when I actually tried to do something ahead of time!"

"Yeah, great job by the way." Hansel was on a roll now as he responded with biting sarcasm. "You deployed a test-run for synthetic aura users with perfect human appearances, which could easily be taken as Atlas attempting to infiltrate other kingdoms, by the way. You brought an almost-entirely mechanical army that could be hacked into with the right amount of skill. And, as I'm sure the professor warned you about, your entire army made everyone nervous as hell!"

"The Atlesian Army is a symbol of strength, security and peace." Ironwood insisted.

"Try telling that to the civilians who got shot at by Atlesian mechs!" Hansel yelled. "Try telling that to the people who had to watch as all those airships get taken out by good hacking and an army of Grimm! There are a lot of reasons not to trust you, Ironwood, but do you know what I think? The biggest reason why you shouldn't be trusted is that you just. Don't. Get it!"

"I don't get it?!" Ironwood was now really close to blowing a gasket. "It's your foster father who doesn't get it! I was forced to take action because he refused to let me, or any of his allies, in on the whole truth and actually help! You will never understand what it's like to be in a position of power, knowing the things I know, and not be allowed to do anything other than follow his orders."

"For a general, you have no respect for the chain of command." Hansel snarled. "You undermined the professor! If you actually want to be trusted that badly, you need to start giving us a reason to trust you!"

"I undermined Oz because from my perspective, his methods weren't working!" Ironwood insisted. "And I still believe that! If Oz had listened to me from the start-"

"If Professor Ozpin had listened to you, Salem would've been on our doorsteps sooner!" Hansel yelled, shooting out of his chair and silencing Ironwood. "God, do you hear yourself? The Vytal Festival ended the way it did because your army was hacked into! Because instead of being the so-called 'symbol' you wanted it to be, all it did was scare people! And now, not only are you not accepting any semblance of responsibility for what happened, you're circling the wagons and are also making the same damn mistakes by letting the enemy just walk away with your weapons, and leave guys like me to clean up your damn mess!"

Ironwood's head hung low in shame. Deep down he knew it was all true, but his pride would not allow him to admit it. "Covering things up from the world because you're afraid of a damn scandal." Hansel rolled his eyes. "And what then? People start flipping the fuck out, wondering which of the four kingdoms is creating wristbands that just execute people on command? Why not just set up a sign for the Grimm that says: 'Buffet here'? Any one of us would've helped you find the culprit, Ironwood. We would've gladly helped you save yourself from any sort of scandal, because we are still allies and we need each other. But now, I have to play catchup with a traitor who's likely several steps ahead, who's had weeks to cover his tracks."

Ironwood could not argue with that. "And Professor Ozpin leads this group," Hansel took a deep breath before continuing in a calmer, even tone of voice, "because he's the only one of us who understands Salem and how dangerous she is. And take it from someone who's actually bought into his teachings about how dangerous that woman is, Ironwood, your plan was never going to work."

"You don't know that." Ironwood said softly.

"I do, because like the professor, I know that the enemies we fight aren't conventional." Hansel responded. "Your army is still trained to fight people. And believe me, I'm all for that normally. Humans are more monstrous than Grimm in many ways."

"But the fact remains that you deployed this army with the intent to fight people with an army of Grimm at their command." Hansel reminded. "Armies that fight people are trained to win battles and slowly break the morale of their enemy, forcing a complete surrender. But Grimm are different and you know that. They don't lose morale. They don't stop fighting, no matter what. You can't expect to fight and win against monsters the same way you do with people."

"Professor Ozpin is in charge because he understands that, because he doesn't think like a general who sends his army of men to fight other armies of men. He's a man who sends his army to fight monsters." Hansel concluded.

Ironwood was now dead silent. Hansel's eyes widened. He realized at that moment, in a moment of extreme passion, he had broken every promise he had made to Ozpin and Glynda. Hansel Kobalt, fucking diplomat of the year. He thought sarcastically.

Hansel sank back into his seat. "I'm sorry." He said softly, shocking Ironwood.

"Excuse me?" Ironwood looked at Hansel in surprise.

"Please don't make me repeat it a second time." Hansel groaned. "I said I was sorry."

Hansel sighed. "I promised the professor and Glynda I wouldn't argue with you and here I am doing just that on day one." He admitted. "I promised I wouldn't do it, even if you started talking harshly about the professor."

"You're right, I don't know what it's like." Hansel acknowledged. "I don't know what it's like to be in charge of an army. I don't know what it's like to have to balance daily politics with a duty like this."

"All I know is what I know. All I have to go by is what I believe is the right decision." Hansel acknowledged.

Ironwood sighed. "I'm sorry too." He admitted, shocked that Hansel was actually apologizing to him of all people. "I know how much Oz means to you. I know that any slight against him is enough to set you off. And I went ahead and said all those things anyway. I didn't mean to provoke you, but I did. Or rather, perhaps I meant to do it because I just don't trust you either, and you know that."

Hansel nodded. He was aware the general personally disliked him. Most people did not like him, so it did not matter much. He did not like the general either, so it especially did not matter. Not like he did himself any favors anyway.

"You are right though, I do need to accept responsibility for what happened. I can point fingers all I want. But it was my army that was hacked into. It was my army that fired on all of those civilians." Ironwood admitted. "And they were there because I ordered them to be. And in spite of all those attempts at undermining him, Oz still wants me in the fold. He still wants me to help against that...monster."

Ironwood took a deep breath. "Hansel, let me ask you something." He said. "Are you confident you can capture our mole in the allotted time?"

"Of course," Hansel nodded, "it'll be tough, but I can do it. There's bound to be a trail I can follow. And that trail should lead us right to who it is."

Hansel nodded. "Alright then," Ironwood said, "Hansel, I promise you, you will have our full cooperation in tracking down the culprit."

"That's all I want." Hansel nodded. "I don't like you, Ironwood, and you don't like me. It's best we accept that's never going to change between us."

Ironwood nodded in complete agreement. "But I also can't do this without your help and resources. So let's just cooperate in this investigation, find our traitor, go our separate ways, and go back to not being on speaking terms." Hansel gave a small smirk.

Ironwood chuckled before smirking back. "Fine by me." He said, holding out his non-mechanical hand.

Hansel gazed at the hand before taking it and giving the Atlesian general a firm handshake. "I still hate you, for the record." Hansel quickly added.

"The feeling's mutual, Professor Kobalt." Ironwood replied. "Though I can assure you, it's nothing personal."

"And with me, it's one hundred percent personal." Hansel freely admitted before dismissing himself from Ironwood's office.

However, before he left, Ironwood said one last thing to him. "Hansel, for whatever it's worth, I am sorry that things turned out the way they did. But I am a general of Atlas first and foremost."

Hansel could not resist countering that. "General, or politician?" And then, he was gone.

Ironwood sank deep into his chair upon Hansel's exit. "Gods, a mole from the Queen's forces...and a mole from Gray Jackal as well? What has happened to Atlas? Have we really become so careless that our foes were able to infiltrate our ranks so easily? Or is this an omen of a dark future for all of Remnant?"

Ironwood then thought back to Hansel's final words. "General or politician, huh?" He muttered, smiling bitterly. "I can't deny I haven't been wondering that myself."

Meanwhile, Winter Schnee continued leading Team RWBY to their dorm for the week. Team RWBY looked around, taking note of how...dreary Atlas Academy seemed compared to Beacon. Beacon was colorful and almost mystical. But Atlas sometimes looked like a prison with its dreary color choice. Gray, silver, black, dark blue, all so dreary.

Ruby Rose, however, tried her best to make conversation, wanting to befriend her bestie's big sister. "So...you're Weiss' big sister? It's very nice to meet you."

Winter nodded curtly. "And you're Ruby Rose, Weiss' superior." She said simply, not trusting herself to say anything else.

Winter had serious doubts about Ruby's leadership capabilities and her overall status. Sisters do seem to think alike…

"Last time I saw you," Ruby continued, "my Uncle Qrow was kicking your butt."

Weiss and Blake face-palmed at Ruby's statement. Yang snickered. Winter grimaced at the mentioning of Qrow Branwen. "That fight was a draw." She muttered under her breath. Yeah, she definitely had plenty of doubts towards Ruby after that.

"So, Winter," Weiss quickly changed the subject, "How have you been? We haven't seen or spoken with each other since the Vytal Festival."

"I apologize for that." Winter responded. "Unfortunately, after what happened, I needed to aid the general in damage control and investigating the culprits behind the attack."

"Any luck?" Blake inquired.

"That is classified." Winter responded. "Try to remember your place as students here."

"While we're on the subject," Winter continued, "allow me to offer you a free education on how to conduct yourselves the week you are here at Atlas."

"That's very generous of you, Winter." Weiss responded on behalf of Team RWBY.

"First, has your professor given you any advice on the matter?"

Team RWBY sweat-dropped in unison, remembering Hansel's advice. "He said...not to do anything he would do and what he wouldn't do." Blake admitted.

Winter rolled her eyes at such an idiotic response. "Does Professor Ozpin just attract oddities?" She muttered before sighing. "I...suppose that is decent advice from someone like him. I'm sure Hansel Kobalt is a splendid Huntsman with plenty of knowledge and experience to offer. Yet, considering his reputation, outright emulating him is a foolish idea."

"I'm afraid he's completely ignored what else needs to be considered in order to be proper diplomats. There is etiquette that needs to be considered."

"With that in mind, please keep everything I'm about to tell you in mind." Winter told them. "For starters, Atlas Academy begins its day at 6:00 AM sharp. No exceptions. If you are late, you will be punished."

"Professor Kobalt has already begun to educate us on 'military time' as he puts it." Blake acknowledged.

"Good, keep that in mind and you can at least hope to start off the day well." Winter informed them. "Second, you will reply to your instructors with either 'yes ma'am' or 'yes sir'. Any other response will be construed as disrespectful and you will be punished as a result."

"Third, you will treat the Atlesian student body with respect. You can only hope to obtain cooperation through mutual respect." Winter explained. "We practice discipline and respect at Atlas Academy and expect you to fall in line with our culture."

"Yeesh, talk about uptight." Yang muttered.

"Follow those three major rules, and your time at this school will be considered a success." Winter promised. "Please remember that you represent your school as well, so all actions you take reflect on Beacon Academy."

"Thank you for the advice, Sister." Weiss said in her respectful tone.

Winter then stopped in front of a particular room. "Ah, and here's your room." She said. "Standard issued dormroom for Atlas Academy students."

Winter quickly swiped what appeared to be an identification card and the door opened. She then brandished four similar cards. "These will serve as your room keys for the week." She explained. "Do not lose these. We can replace these, but it's an utter pain to do so. As I've mentioned before, any actions reflect on Beacon. And I mean any actions."

Team RWBY stepped forward and gaped when they saw their room. It was totally not as awesome as their room at Beacon at all. It was just a room with four gray walls and a roof with two bunk beds. "This room s-" Yang began before being grabbed by Blake, who frantically slapped a hand over the blonde's mouth.

"It's great, Specialist Schnee, thank you." Blake told her.

"Don't thank me, thank the general if you get the chance to see him again." Winter told them. "But don't count on that happening. He's a very busy man."

"Now then," Winter continued, "I will be taking my leave now, as I am also quite busy."

"But Weiss," Winter's expression softened into a very gentle look, "I'm...very happy to see that you're here and still healthy. Seeing you at Atlas like this...was always a dream of mine."

"That being said," Winter's expression immediately returned to being harsh, "I do expect you to speak with me later this week. I want a full report of your classes, grades, and your interactions with your classmates. I especially want a full report on what and how your combat professor is teaching you."

With that, Winter dismissed herself. Weiss could not help but smile at Winter's behavior. "I really did miss her." She admitted. "It wasn't too long, but Gods I missed her."

Yang finally freed herself from Blake's grip. "She's even more of a hard ass than you are, Weiss." She noted.

Weiss laughed. "That's...just who Winter is. If you have the chance to get to know her this week, you'll see that she's actually a very kind and dedicated person. After all, she joined the military to escape father's control."

Yang then looked around the dorm room. "This is unacceptable though, I hope you three realize that." She said with a pout. "Knowing that Teach is living it up in a hotel suite just pisses me off, too."

"Yang, it's just like Professor Kobalt said, we're here to learn at Atlas, not him. So there's no reason for him to stay at Atlas with us." Blake reminded her. "And besides, it's only for a week. I think you can handle a week of living conditions like these."

Blake took a seat on one of the lower bunks, her expression tense. "You okay, Blake?" Weiss asked curiously.

"Yeah, sorry," Blake's 'bow' was twitching, "I'm just...still a little nervous about being here. Atlas isn't…"

"I know," Weiss heaved a sigh, "I wish I could tell you that there's a sense of professionalism at this academy...but I honestly don't know. I do think that prejudice against the Faunus goes away once they become high-ranking soldiers."

"Really?" Blake asked in surprise.

"Winter has worked with plenty of Faunus, for starters." Weiss explained. "There's apparently a group of specialists called the Ace-Ops that has a strong dog Faunus in their ranks. Atlas may still have a lot of problems, but I think the military has at least made strides in desegregating."

"And that Neon chick from the Vytal Festival seemed pretty upbeat for a Faunus going to a super-prejudiced academy." Yang added. "I'm not saying you don't have a reason to worry, Blake, but I think you need to keep an open mind."

Blake sighed. "I wish I could believe that, but...when I was in the White Fang, I had a friend who tried to blend in at this academy...it didn't go well."

Weiss' face fell. Ruby then got everyone's attention with the sound of a loud whistle being blown. Where she kept that whistle, they had no idea. "Okay, this is an official order from the team leader." She exclaimed. "Everyone turn those frowns upside down!"

"Eh?" WBY said in unison.

"The important thing to remember is that we're all here now." Ruby reminded them. "So we're going to do what we always do, and that's watch each other's backs."

"You're...strangely excited about this." Blake admitted.

"Of course I'm excited!" Ruby grinned. "We're going to spend a week learning from a different school! We can pick up new moves and concepts and get even stronger! I think that's a great thing!"

"Well, at least one of us is stoked about this whole thing." Yang folded her arms before smiling. "Guess that's just another reason why you're the leader, Rubes."

"There is one more thing that bothers me." Blake spoke up again. "Professor Kobalt's other reason for bringing us here. Do you really think he's going to find a mole that works for Gray Jackal?"

"Hard to say." Weiss shrugged. "Then again, the professor does strike me as the tenacious type. If anyone can find a mole, it'd be him."

"The question is though," Weiss continued, "will we follow his orders for once and stay out of this?"

Ruby noticed that question was directed at her and she nodded. "Don't worry," she said, "I have no intention of getting you guys in trouble this time."

"Thank you, Ruby." Weiss heaved a grateful sigh.

"Unless-"

"No! No unless!" Weiss snapped.

Ruby pouted. "Okay, okay, you've made your point." She said. "We'll just act like normal students this week."

"I'd prefer we just acted like normal students in general." Weiss admitted. "This is all just so exhausting."

Weiss' scroll then vibrated. She gasped in surprise when she saw who it was. "It's my sister." She said.

"What does Ice Queen Senior have to say?" Yang asked.

Weiss glared at Yang for that unflattering nickname before looking at Winter's message. "She says Atlas' dining room is still open if we want anything to eat."

"We probably should." Blake sighed. "Last thing I want is for us to be hungry while we're dealing with this Atlesian training regiment."

"Okay then, first Atlas mission!" Ruby cheered. "Eat!"

"...If I find out it's slop you'd expect from the military, I'm actually going to launch myself out the window." Yang groaned.

"Why?" Blake looked at Yang in surprise.

"I can't eat that stuff knowing that Teach is probably gorging himself on some seriously fine dining." Yang groaned.

"Oh my God, let it go, Yang!" Weiss snapped.

As Team RWBY went to enjoy what would hopefully be a nice meal, Hansel Kobalt reached the hotel he would be staying at: The Elysium Hotel, a very famous five-star hotel in the kingdom of Atlas. As he approached the door to the lobby, he was treated to the sight of a man being forced out by two Atlesian cops, flanked by a third.

"Damn you all!" The man screamed. "You fat cats! Wealthy pigs! She will set things right! Just you wait!"

"Oi!" Hansel called out to the third cop. "What's this guy being arrested for?"

"Who wants to know?" The cop demanded.

"A professional Huntsman," Hansel flashed his credentials at the cop.

The cop tensed at the sight of Hansel's name on the identification before responding. "Disturbing the peace and trespassing," he explained, "Forest here has been arrested several times for the past couple months for the same damn thing."

"Any particular reason?" Hansel asked.

"Apparently there's some woman trying to start a grassroots campaign down in Mantle." The cop replied. "Some lady named Robyn Hill. There's going to be an election for a council seat about a year and a half from now, and she's campaigning to claim that vacancy. And if all the reports, advertising, and street chatter are to be believed, Ms. Hill's made her intentions clear about fighting for Mantle's interests and keeping General Ironwood accountable to the people. Whatever the hell that means for those folks."

"Is that so?" Hansel raised an eyebrow in interest.

"Will that be all?" The cop asked. "We need to process this guy."

"Yeah, go right ahead." Hansel responded.

"You!" Forest yelled at Hansel. "You should know the injustice of this! You're a Huntsman, aren't you? You see the value in everyone, regardless of wealth!"

Hansel rolled his eyes and ignored the man's yelling as he walked away. "Hypocrite!" He heard Forest yell at him. "Hypocrite! Hypocrite!"

Never waste your time talking to crazies. Hansel sighed inwardly.

With that, Hansel entered the lobby and made his way to the front desk. The receptionist tensed upon seeing Hansel. Hansel gave the man a deadpan expression at this. "I'm checking in." He said. "I believe I have a reservation given to me through Professor Ozpin and General Ironwood?"

"Oh...yes, of course." The receptionist nodded, quickly moving through his computer. "Yes...you've checked in for seven nights and seven days."

"Sounds about right," Hansel nodded, "so, let's wrap this up real quick, eh?"

Because I can tell you clearly don't like that I'm here. Hansel added inwardly.

"Of course," the receptionist nodded again, typing in a few things real quick before handing a room key to Hansel, "your suite is on the 21st floor. Room 21007."

"Thanks," Hansel nodded.

"Oh and, er...if you don't mind, I'd like to make a request on behalf of the owners of this establishment…" the receptionist trailed off.

"What?" Hansel deadpanned.

"Well...we don't mind your patronage, since this was paid for by Professor Ozpin and General Ironwood," the receptionist explained, "however, please understand that your presence could create a very bad reputation for the Elysium Hotel. So if you could simply either remain in your room or not be in the hotel, and not show yourself in any of the hotel's various amenities, we would very much appreciate it."

Hansel narrowed his eyes slightly. "This is just to maintain a good reputation for our business, Sir." The receptionist assured him. "Surely you can understand the kinds of things that would be said about us if word got out we were serving a member of your family."

Hansel heaved a sigh, calming himself with a deep breath. "Just bring up room service whenever I want it, and we'll call it good." He said, looking over his shoulder to see that a bellhop had the rest of his luggage, delivered by the general's men. "Put it on the card this room was paid under."

"Of course, Sir." The receptionist nodded.

With that, Hansel lead the bellhop to the elevator. The bellhop refused to look Hansel in the eye as they rode up to the 21st floor. In fact, Hansel could tell that the man desperately wanted to say a lot of things to him. The glare he was doing a terrible job at hiding said it all. Hansel could not help but wonder if he was in any way affected by the Tragedy of the Flames.

They were now on the 21st floor. The bellhop now led Hansel to room 21007. "Here you are, Sir." The bellhop said through gritted teeth.

Hansel rolled his eyes as he opened the door to his room. The bellhop quickly entered, placed Hansel's luggage at the foot of a king sized bed, and then left. But not before giving the Huntsman a vicious glare. The door slammed, and Hansel was now alone.

Hansel sighed. "Sheesh," he muttered, "guess he didn't want a tip."

Hansel made his way over to the desk that came a part of the room, reached into his personal bag, and pulled out his laptop. He quickly made his way to the currently empty files he had on his assignment. Soon, Ironwood would be sending him everything he had on this thievery case.

Hansel rubbed his temples. "Gonna be a long, busy week." He muttered. "But, this might be the lead I've been looking for."

I've been on Gray Jackal's trail for a year now, hunting down criminals who had any sort of ties to them. Hansel noted to himself. I've destroyed entire underworlds, hidden research facilities, and yet I still haven't been able to get them.

Whoever's doing this is being trusted to directly steal from Atlas. That means, it has to be someone who's at least got some sort of pull or connections with the organization.

Failure is not an option here. I will win.

A.N: Sometimes I feel bad about how much shit I put Hansel through. Unfortunately though, I'm realizing more and more how he's literally designed to suffer and then grow. But that's what it means to be a major character. You have to design these characters you love, and then put them through hell in order for them to grow.

Hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. I'll see you all next chapter. Happy New Year!