A.N: Oh my God, yes! We're finally at the last chapter of the Atlas Investigation Arc! We're about to leave Namek! We're about to leave Hueco Mundo! The 4th Shinobi War is about to end! I'm probably overreacting, considering this arc was nowhere near as long as any of those arcs, but I do think the joke fits.

Hope everyone enjoys the chapter.

Chapter 47: Farewell, Atlas Academy

The mood could be described as grief-stricken in Team RWBY's dorm room. Weiss Schnee was staring at a wall with a blank, depressed expression on her face. Zwei tried to snuggle up to Weiss, giving her little kisses in an attempt to get her attention and make her feel better; he could tell Weiss was in a bad mood.

Blake had her arms folded and was leaning against the wall. Her expression was grim, having grown to respect Winter over the past week. The very thought that there was someone out there who was strong enough to leave her in such a state was horrifying. Yang was uncharacteristically solemn as well. Her eyes were on Weiss. She found herself thinking how Ruby would take it if the same thing that happened to Winter happened to her.

Speaking of Ruby, she herself had left the dorm shortly after a quick checkup from Florence Sclater. The other girls had only heard part of her statement before she left. Something about Charlie.

Ruby was currently meeting with Charlie in one of the school infirmaries. Atlas Academy's infirmaries were currently and completely empty, as was nearly the entire school, as its students were preoccupied with cleaning up the aftermath of Gray Jackal's attack. Ruby twitched her fingers. She felt very nervous about her dreadful but necessary role as the bearer of bad news. She began by being completely upfront. Rainn Biggs, the man Charlie knew as Glen White, was dead. The man he knew as his mentor was dead.

Charlie's expression turned solemn at this. "Dr. White…well, er, I guess he never was Dr. White, huh?" He muttered in grief.

Ruby looked hurt at the sight of Charlie's face. He looked like a puppy that had been kicked repeatedly. What do I even say in this situation? She wondered. How am I supposed to make this better?

"Did I accomplish anything these past few months?" Charlie wondered out loud. "If Dr. White…Rainn Biggs was just using me to keep the heat off of him, did I actually learn anything? Am I just a failure after all?!"

Ruby knew she could not stay silent. She could not let Charlie talk about himself like that. She had to say something. What was she going to say? Don't know, it would seem she would just have to improvise.

"Charlie, I don't think that's true at all." Ruby shook her head.

"Ruby," Charlie sighed, "you don't have to spare my feelings. Rainn Biggs…he used me. If what I said wasn't true, then what even is the truth?"

"This," Ruby began, "Charlie, maybe it's true that Rainn Biggs was an awful man. Maybe it's true that he used you, but I don't think he didn't care for you."

"And why do you say that?" Charlie asked with a blank expression.

"Because he was willing to share everything he knew about his organization with us after we beat him." Ruby replied. "And he only agreed after I told him that he deserved to be treated like a human, and that as a result, he owed you an apology."

This seemed to begin to resonate with Charlie. "Charlie, even if Rainn Biggs was unrepentantly evil, I think he truly grew to care about you while you were together."

"Please, if nothing else, don't ever doubt something like that." Ruby pleaded.

At that moment, tears began to well up in Charlie's eyes. "You…you really believe that, don't you." He whimpered, choking up. "I guess…I can try to believe that as well."

Ruby let a small smile fall on her lips at this. "So much has happened today, my mentor is a traitor and now he's dead. Winter, a woman I've known my entire life, a woman who's like another sibling to me, is fighting for her life in a hospital. And to top it all off, I have injuries from something I don't even remember. It's too much, Ruby."

"But," Charlie smiled slightly, "I suppose I can take comfort in your words…because I don't think you're the kind of person to lie. It makes me glad you're so close with Weiss."

Ruby's expression turned somber at the mention of Weiss. "Ruby," Charlie said seriously, "please look after her. You, Blake and Yang, you girls are great for her, more than you could ever know."

"She…she means a lot to me, so please…"

"Say no more," Ruby smiled before adding bluntly, "you love her, don't you?"

Charlie turned red at this. "I…I…I…" He sputtered in embarrassment.

Ruby shook her head. "You don't have to confirm it, it's pretty obvious. It's just too bad Weiss can't really see it." She admitted. "That said, I can see her going for you, it's clear you mean a lot to her, too."

"So, when you do work up the courage to tell her how you really feel, Charlie, you've got my blessing as her bestie." Ruby promised. "Just work up that courage, and I'll support you the whole way, I promise."

Charlie could not believe what he was hearing. His body relaxed and his smile became more genuine. "Ruby…you really are a wonderful person." He complimented. "Thanks a ton for coming to Atlas this week."

"You should go back to your teammates though, I'm sure they probably need their leader." Charlie told her.

Ruby nodded and said her goodbyes. She took one last look at the infirmary sign and remembered her brief visit. "Interesting, you were clearly in a fight, considering your Aura was drained from natural exertion, and yet there are very few scratches on you." Florence Sclater had said to her. "You said you fought alongside Hansel Kobalt, right?"

"Hmm, it's just a theory, but perhaps Hansel was actually protecting you throughout the fight. It was probably not obvious, considering the heat of the battle, but I think he was trying his best to keep your enemy's focus on him as the bigger threat. Or perhaps the enemy was exhausted from fighting already."

"Either way, make no mistake, Ms. Rose. You survived against an old veteran and you should be proud of that. But don't act like it was a big accomplishment. You were working with a skilled Huntsman yourself and he was probably focusing the most on Hansel."

Ruby sighed at those words. I don't want to admit it, but she's right. I really had to rely on Professor Kobalt throughout that fight. I helped him, but I certainly wasn't a big difference-maker. Our teamwork was terrible too.

I have to get stronger, Ruby realized, I have to get stronger so that I don't have to rely on Professor Kobalt forever. So that the next time we fight together, we can actually help each other as equals. And maybe one day…I can actually be strong enough to protect him instead.

I want to be a Huntress that anyone can rely on. The only way to do that is to get even stronger. Ruby concluded. Just you wait, Professor. I'm going to become so powerful that I'll catch up to you before you know it. And one of these days you and all of Remnant will be relying on me instead. Because that's who I want to be.

Meanwhile, a somber Hansel Kobalt made his way to Ironwood's office upon request from the general. He saw no guards at the door. They must be working in clean-up detail. So, he knocked. "Come in, Hansel." Came Ironwood's voice on the other side.

Hansel entered and saw Ironwood at his desk with an Atlesian Specialist with some sort of fishing rod at his back. "You wanted to see me, Ironwood?" Hansel asked. The specialist's eyebrow twitched at the informality.

Ironwood nodded. "I thought we should debrief on everything that has happened and discuss our next moves." Ironwood gestured to the Specialist. "First, allow me to introduce Clover Ebi. He's an Atlesian Specialist and leader of the elite team, the AceOps."

Clover walked over to Hansel and held out his hand. Hansel took it and shook it firmly. "Your reputation precedes you, Kobalt." He said. "It's a pleasure."

"Same to you," Hansel nodded, "I've heard of the AceOps. Next to Winter, you guys are the best Atlas' military has to offer."

"I'm sorry we couldn't get here in time," Clover sighed, "perhaps if we had been here sooner, Winter might not have…"

Hansel shook his head. "What happened to Winter is only the fault of the one who attacked her." He claimed.

"You're right," Clover sighed, "I shouldn't dwell on that. Winter wouldn't have wanted me to."

"Anyway, I hate to bring more bad news, but this is part of the debrief." Clover took a deep breath. "The Winter Hermit, Klaus Rot, is dead. We found his body on the way back to Atlas."

Hansel's eyes widened. The Winter Hermit, the ninth strongest Huntsman in the entire world, was dead. "That's impossible! The only way someone could have killed Klaus Rot is if…" Hansel trailed off as it hit him. He knew the answer. He saw the answer.

"If the only S-Class criminal did so." Clover noted. "With the reports we received about the Headless Horseman flying around in Atlas, we can infer that they killed Klaus."

"Damn it, just what the hell was that thing doing here?" Hansel wondered.

"You saw them?" Ironwood inquired.

"They're the one who killed Rainn," Hansel admitted, "and after he was going to tell us everything he knew about Gray Jackal too. It's so damn frustrating."

Ironwood hummed at this. "Is it possible the Horseman has some sort of connection to Gray Jackal?"

"I'm honestly struggling with the Remnant Boogeyman being a real and dangerous terrorist cell." Clover admitted. "To think they were real and operating in the shadows, and not just some crazed urban legend."

"If the Horseman is connected with Gray Jackal, then their threat needs to be taken more seriously." Hansel admitted. "Especially if they plan to become more active. The Horseman was barely active after they killed Ashley Hollow twenty years ago."

"I'll make sure this gets to the right people. Honestly, I'm not looking forward to the panic this is going to cause. The death of a Legend will frighten people, and lead to more Grimm attacks. But Oz would tell me that hiding it would be an insult to Klaus' memory, especially since he died bravely killing an army of criminals and then fighting Remnant's most dangerous criminal."

"If I may, sir, as long as we frame it correctly, we may get lucky and turn this into a positive." Clover offered. "You may want to talk things through with your PR guys."

"Yes, you're right." Ironwood nodded. "You are dismissed, Clover. Go and help the rest of your team with clean-up."

"Sir," Clover saluted, "Kobalt, it was nice meeting you. Thanks a ton for protecting Atlas while we were away."

Hansel nodded as Clover left Ironwood's office. "So, what else did you want to discuss with me, Ironwood?" Hansel asked.

"Well, between Clover informing you about Klaus' death and the outcome of your battle with Rainn, I think the only thing left is this," Ironwood rose from his seat and walked up to Hansel. He held out his hand of flesh. Hansel was taken aback by this, but took it. Ironwood shook Hansel's hand with a smile. "Thank you for all you've done this week, Hansel. It's thanks to you, we managed to avert a major crisis that threatened Atlas, and maybe even all of Remnant. Who knows what they would've done with our experimental tech."

Hansel sighed. "The thanks shouldn't just go to me, sir. My students helped in the evacuations and protections of the Atlesian people…and one in particular really did her damndest to involve herself in my fight." He admitted.

Ironwood chuckled. "That they did, I have half a mind to convince the council to give them medals for this…but it would probably encourage a bit more bad behavior, huh?"

"And also," Hansel continued, "Winter was a huge help as well."

Ironwood sighed. Hansel could tell that Winter's condition was really hurting Ironwood. "I never realized how close you two were."

"I…mentored Winter when she joined the academy." Ironwood admitted. "She considers me more of a confidant than her own parents."

Ironwood's expression soured at the mention of the two elder Schnees. "What is it?" Hansel asked.

"I've been trying to inform the Schnee family of Winter's condition." Ironwood admitted. "It…hasn't been going well."

"How is that even possible?" Hansel immediately hated where this was going.

"Simple, I called Jacques' office. His receptionist picked up and tried to connect me to her. All I got from the receptionist was a message from Jacques: 'fuck off and don't bother me while I'm working.'"

"Sounds about right." Hansel growled, remembering his encounter with Jacques back at the Vale Hospital. "Wait, where does that leave the mother in all of this?"

"Well, I called the Schnee mansion to try and inform Willow Schnee. The butler–gods bless him–was very reluctant to inform me that Willow was passed out drunk in a gazebo and would therefore be unable to receive any messages."

Instantly, Hansel's mood shifted. It shifted so quickly that Ironwood actually flinched from the frigid glare that adorned Hansel's face. A lot of things made Hansel Kobalt angry. Shitty, dysfunctional families were among them. Dysfunctional families hit a little too close to home for him.

Ironwood took a deep breath. "I'm going to have to go there personally to inform them." He admitted. "I'm not looking forward to it…but I was planning on discussing something with Jacques anyway."

"You hoping to get him in a shitty mood so he's more agreeable?"

"You once asked me if I was a general or a politician," Ironwood reminded Hansel, "and while I'm not proud of the latter…I truly believe that I can be of help in Ozpin's fight–and yours as well–against the dark forces of Remnant. So I need you to have faith that what I'm about to do regarding Jacques is good for the people of Remnant."

Hansel took a moment to study Ironwood's determined expression. He then sighed and nodded. "Just no more robots hiding in plain sight." He told him.

Ironwood chuckled. "Tell that to Pietro, he's rebuilding Penny after all."

Hansel groaned before coming to a decision himself. "Let me come with you."

Ironwood was taken aback by this. "Hansel, with all due respect, diplomacy isn't your strong suit. I mean, a good cop bad cop routine is one thing, but that only works-"

"I'm not interested in talking to Jacques. Believe me, nothing would make me happier than to ignore his existence entirely." Hansel admitted. "I want to talk to Willow. Think of it as a parent-teacher conference…for the parent."

Ironwood was a bit uncomfortable letting Hansel deal with something like this. "She's had it very rough, being married to Jacques, Hansel." Ironwood told him.

"And that gives her an excuse to just drink her days away and neglect her kids?" Hansel countered. "Having a shit life doesn't give you the right to do whatever the hell you want. I know that better than anyone."

Ironwood sighed. "Do what you must," he relented.

Perhaps in the end, the best way to help someone in Willow's position is to send someone with no personal connection, no bias, and all honesty. No matter how bad it hurts.

"I'm heading there tonight. I suppose we'll go together." Ironwood steeled himself for what he hoped would help the Huntsmen of Remnant in the long run. But damn if he was not putting himself at great personal risk here.

Night came quicker than Hansel thought. Before he knew it, he was riding with Ironwood to the Schnee Family manor. The duo soon arrived at the large mansion. Hansel became visibly uncomfortable at the sight of the large home. It reminded him way too much of his childhood estate. Ironwood noticed this and spoke to Hansel. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Hansel took a sharp breath, "just…some bad memories flared up. That's all."

Ironwood looked sympathetic. "You know, I've often wondered…but it can't have been pleasant growing up in that household, huh?"

"Is it really that obvious?"

"When families fall on hard times…sometimes children are the unfortunate targets of that anger. It's awful, really."

"...You're only half right, Ironwood." Hansel said curtly before exiting the car. Ironwood quickly realized Hansel had no interest in talking and that they should probably focus on their business with the Schnees.

Ironwood exited the car as well and the two made their way to the front door of the Schnee household. Ironwood quickly rang the bell. The door was opened by a portly, mustachioed, bald man in the garbs of a butler.

"General Ironwood!" The butler gasped.

Ironwood gave the man a sad smile. "Klein, nice to see you again."

Klein Sieben's expression was somber. Light brown eyes were red from crying. "I…take it you are here about Lady Winter." That was not a question. It was a statement. He knew for sure why they were here.

Klein then noticed Hansel's presence. "Oh, and I suppose I should welcome you as well sir…er, who are you?"

"Hansel Kobalt," Hansel nodded curtly, "I'm Weiss Schnee's combat instructor at Beacon Academy."

"Oh, her teacher?" Klein was surprised. Hansel raised an eyebrow. Klein had no comment on his family name, how interesting. "A pleasure to meet one of Lady Weiss' teachers. How is she?"

"She's taking Winter's condition very badly." Hansel admitted bluntly.

"I'm glad someone in this family is," Klein's eyes turned red, surprising Hansel. His expression turned furious, his voice changed to a cockney accent. "That rat bastard. I tried to tell him when he came home from work but he just stormed past me into his office. And the missus still hasn't woken up from her drunken stupor. And young Master Whitley can't be reached at boarding school right now."

"Can you point me to the gazebo where Mrs. Schnee is sleeping?" Hansel requested. "I'm more than happy to wake her up."

"And I'm just here to discuss Winter's condition with Jacques." Ironwood revealed. "Believe me, I fully intend to make him aware of his daughter's current state."

"Take a left at the end of the main hall. Third door on the right will take you to the gardens where Mrs. Schnee's favorite gazebo is." Klein told Hansel.

Klein then turned to Ironwood. "As for you General, you know where the coldhearted one's office is. You can take yourself there, yeah?"

"I intend to." Ironwood nodded. "Hansel, let's both meet back at the main hall once our business is concluded."

Hansel nodded and began following Klein's directions. Meanwhile, Ironwood made his way to Jacques' office where he would no doubt find the man working. When he reached the door to Jacques' office, Ironwood did not bother knocking. He simply announced his presence. "It's me, Jacques."

Ironwood received no answer. So he simply entered Jacques's office to find the head of the SDC sitting at his desk, glaring at the general. "You call me while I'm working and now you show up at my home unannounced?" Jacques looked visibly offended.

Ironwood glared back. He had no time for any of Jacques' bullshit. "Your oldest daughter is fighting for her life in a military hospital, Jacques." He snarled. "That was why I was trying to contact you."

Jacques was briefly taken aback by this. He then leaned back into his chair. "Such is the life of a soldier." He claimed.

"She's your daughter, Jacques!" Ironwood yelled.

"A daughter who ran away from her responsibilities to join the military, taking on the risks of fighting and dying for her kingdom. This is why you have multiple children when you're a man in my position." Jacques said callously, leaving Ironwood seeing red.

"Now, if that's really all you came to say, please leave me to my work." Jacques tried to shoo Ironwood away."

Ironwood's metal hand clenched. He was now really resolved to have this conversation. "There's one more thing I want to discuss." Jacques looked at Ironwood with visible irritation. "I think it's time we renegotiate the details of our partnership, Jacques."

Jacques' irritated expression turned to a concerned one when he saw the look in Ironwood's eyes. He soon found himself afraid, very afraid.

Meanwhile, Hansel was soon in the gardens. He was met with the sight of a woman who resembled an older Winter and Weiss, passed out on a bench in a gazebo.

"Unbelievable…" Hansel growled under his breath.

Hansel then walked right up to the gazebo and shouted at the unconscious woman. "Wake up you damn drunk!" He exclaimed, drawing on Glynda's experiences in waking up a drunk Qrow Branwen whenever he was found drunk and unconscious in Beacon Academy.

Willow Schnee groggily began to stir awake. She then saw Hansel and put on a very irritated expression. Hansel's eyebrow twitched with anger. She had no right to get mad at him. "Great," she groaned, "rock meet bottom…I'm fantasizing about a much younger man coming into my life to comfort me."

"Oh don't flatter yourself." Hansel's eyebrow was twitching more in anger. "I'm pretty sure even your fantasy man would want nothing to do with you in this state of yours. I'm real, and frankly am here because I have to be, not because I want to be."

"Okay, dark fantasy of mine, who are you and why are you here?" Willow asked.

"My name is Hansel Kobalt, I'm your youngest daughter's combat instructor." Hansel told her. "And I'm here to give you some bad news regarding your oldest daughter. Winter is fighting for her life in a military hospital."

This actually got a reaction out of Willow. Her eyes widened. "What. Winter is…"

"Oh wow," Hansel folded her arms, "so the neglectful alcoholic has emotions other than depressed and moody?"

"Damn brat!" Willow snapped. "I'm her mother, of course I care about her!"

"Yeah, you care so much. So much, you were drinking to the point of passing out and couldn't be bothered to be told of your oldest daughter's condition." Hansel sarcastically told her. "You're mother of the fucking year."

Willow flinched at this, having no argument for that statement. Hansel was on a roll now. "And your other daughter, did you even realize that she was here for the week studying, or were you too busy drinking your days away to care about her too?"

"What the hell do you know?" Willow demanded defensively. "You have no right to judge me! You don't know what my life has been like!"

"And that gives you the right to just do whatever the hell you want? Even at the expense of others?" Hansel countered.

"Like you understand! My husband is a fucking monster!"

"My name is Hansel Kobalt!" Hansel reminded her. "I understand plenty about life dealing you a shitty hand!"

Willow flinched at the anger in Hansel's voice. "I don't give a damn how rough your life has been though!" Hansel yelled at her. "That does not give you the right to just do whatever at the expense of other people."

Willow shook in anger and sadness at Hansel's piercing words. "You're a mother, damn it. Don't get me wrong, you've got every right to hate your husband. I hate the bastard, and I've only met the guy once. You want to shirk your role as a wife, that's fine."

"But you're still a mother. You have no right to shirk that role just because the rest of your life sucks. It may not seem like it, but your kids still need you in their lives, damn it!"

Willow kept shaking. Tears started falling from her eyes. Hansel almost relented at the sight. However, he had to press the verbal assault. Otherwise, what he was saying would not stick. "What would you have me do?" She asked in a broken voice.

"Stop making excuses and take some responsibility for your life for the sake of your children." Hansel told her. "Stop acting like having a shitty life gives you the right to just sink into the background at the expense of the people who need you to be present in their lives. Keep going and trying, no matter how much it hurts. If you are a mother, you owe your kids that much."

"Why are you telling me all of this?" Willow asked.

"Because your youngest daughter is my student," Hansel paused for a moment, "and your oldest daughter is my friend. This is just me doing right by both of them."

Hansel turned away from the stunned Willow. "You wanna keep wasting away in a bottle, go right ahead. At least visit Winter once in the hospital." He said sternly. "I've said enough. I'm leaving."

Willow remained silent as Hansel exited the gardens.

Meanwhile, Jacques Schnee flinched in terror at Ironwood's ultimatum. "James, this is madness!" Jacques exclaimed.

"Those are my terms, Jacques," Ironwood said firmly, "either accept them, or all your dirty little secrets will be made public."

Jacques glared at Ironwood. "You've lost it!" He exclaimed. "You realize that I know all your dirty little secrets as well, right? You reveal all of mine, and I will reveal all of yours. Mutually assured destruction that will accomplish literally nothing!"

"That's where you're wrong, Jacques." Ironwood smiled. "I've taken care of the day where I may have to destroy the both of us. I've taken care to make sure those who come after me are untethered to corrupt bargains like I am. I've even left specific instructions to make sure that Atlas continues to prosper long after I'm gone and that our relationship with the other kingdoms improves over time."

Jacques' eyes widened. That was his leverage over Ironwood. If Ironwood did not care anymore, then he had the upper hand now. "The way I see it, Jacques, you need me more than I need you. But right now, the both of us can still accomplish great things in our positions as long as you do things my way now."

Jacques shook in anger and frustration at Ironwood cornering him. "Besides," Ironwood continued, giving Jacques a smug smile, "I'm giving you a chance to give the SDC a PR victory. Imagine for a moment, the grieving father who does all of this as a tribute to his daughter, who is fighting for her life at this very moment. I'm about to make you one of the most popular men in Remnant, Jacques. So be grateful and just follow my instructions."

Jacques continued to shake. Ironwood's smug smile remained as he left the office. "I look forward to your press conference tomorrow, Jacques." Ironwood said before leaving.

Ironwood could not help but feel really good about himself as he made his way back to the main hall. He saw Hansel leaning against the wall waiting for him. "How did it go?" Hansel asked.

"Quite well, you?"

"I think I managed to make a dent in that drunk shell of hers." Hansel rolled his eyes.

"I take it that you're ready to go?" Ironwood asked.

"More than you can imagine, I can't take another minute in this place." Hansel admitted.

The two began making their way to the front door. "Wait, please!" A familiar voice called out to them.

Hansel and Ironwood turned to see Klein, who's eyes were light brown again. "Umm…if you are Weiss' teacher…please tell her the servants miss her, and we all hope she's doing well."

Hansel nodded without hesitation. "I'll make sure she knows that."

Ironwood and Hansel both gave Klein a curt bow and exited the Schnee Manor. Tomorrow I'll be on my way back to Beacon Academy. Hansel mused. Honestly…this wasn't a bad way to end things at Atlas, in spite of everything.

Night passed. The next morning, Team RWBY was awoken by a knock at their door. They opened it to see Hansel. "The airship's here, get packed. We're leaving." He ordered.

Team RWBY nodded with somber expressions, still upset about what happened to Winter yesterday. Hansel sighed and decided to say something that would hopefully perk them up. "There's been no news about her condition worsening." Hansel told them. "That means she's fighting hard. As far as I'm concerned, that's all I need to convince me that she'll recover. Winter's a tough woman."

This seemed to perk them up, just a little. "Now get a move on, we've got a schedule to keep." Hansel told them.

With that, Team RWBY quickly packed and joined Hansel outside of their room. "You know," Yang tried to lighten the mood a little, "I'm actually going to miss that musty old room."

Everyone ignored Yang and continued making their way to the airfield. Then, when they made it to the airfield, they were surprised to see much of Atlas' student body standing at attention. Ironwood was smiling at them all. Then, Flynt Koal shouted loudly. "Salute!"

Team RWBY watched in shock as the Atlesian students saluted them. Ironwood looked proud of his students. He addressed team RWBY. "They insisted on seeing you all off." He revealed.

Ruby looked around. Flynt was there, as was Neon, and Penny's teammate, Ciel. Even Team GLDN was here to salute them, even though Gra looked a bit reluctant. Ironwood looked at Ruby. A smaller, more honest soul, eh Ozpin? Ironwood thought to himself, remembering when Ruby shamed Atlas' student body during that match between Hansel and Kay. If a soul like hers can change the hearts of so many with righteous anger alone…perhaps there's hope for relations between our kingdoms after all. Maybe even all of Remnant. Heh, a man can certainly dream.

If the whole point of this exchange program was to better unite us…then we've succeeded thanks to you, Ruby.

Team RWBY's expressions seemed to brighten as they made their way through the honor guard. Zwei was yiping happily. Even Hansel could not help but smile slightly at the wonderful sight before him.

As they made their way, Flynt's voice stopped them. "When you get the chance, turn on the news. There's some good news waiting for ya that they won't stop talking about."

Those words confused Team RWBY. Hansel's expression was unreadable, because he knew exactly what Flynt was talking about thanks to Ironwood. "Thank you all for giving your time to Atlas Academy." Ironwood told them. "You were all wonderful students."

The four Beacon students and their teacher entered the airship. "Take your seats, we're taking off." Hansel ordered gently.

The girls did as asked, and soon the airship was lifting off, on its way back to Beacon.

When they were in the air and leveled out, Yang spoke up again. "Let's check out the news, see what Flynt was talking about."

Blake pulled out her scroll and turned on her news app. "We're coming to you once again with the shocking press conference Jacques Schnee, president of the SDC, gave hours ago." Said Lisa Lavender.

The feed cut to Jacques Schnee standing behind a microphone podium wearing a somber expression. Weiss was shocked by the sight of her father. "I've called you all here today to announce a major change to the SDC in the coming years." Jacques began.

"Yesterday, I received some tragic news." Jacques told the people in attendance. "My oldest daughter, Winter Schnee, has been hospitalized after being attacked by an enemy of the peace. She is fighting for her life as we speak."

Weiss felt sickened at the sight. Her father was not being sincere. She could tell. "And because of that…I wish to say this. In honor of my valiant daughter, I am making this change to the SDC's prices. For the foreseeable future, all registered Huntsmen and military personnel will be able to purchase SDC products at a significantly reduced price."

"For real!" Yang exclaimed in shock.

"This tragedy and the Vytal Festival Incident has opened my eyes. The SDC can and must do more in this fight against evil." Jacques proclaimed. "Dust is the very lifeblood of our brave warriors. So, the SDC will do all we can to make it accessible to them!"

The feed cut back to Lisa Lavender. "That was Jacques Schnee, hours ago, making a stunning announcement about his company's future. Coming up, our business correspondent will discuss the impacts this decision will have…"

"I can't believe he actually did that." Blake admitted.

"He's doing it for himself. He's playing the role of a grieving father for PR." Weiss spat. "It's sickening."

"Maybe, but think about what may have caused a miser like him to do that." Team RWBY looked at Hansel in surprise at that surprisingly sage statement.

Ruby was beginning to grow suspicious. Did Hansel know something they did not? Then, Weiss' scroll began to ring. It was a number she did not recognize. Instinctively, she accepted the call. "Hello?"

Weiss was not prepared for whose voice came out of the other end. "Hello, Sweetie."

Weiss' eyes widened. "Mother?"

The rest of Team RWBY looked at Weiss in surprise while Hansel raised an eyebrow at this new development. "Umm…this is a surprise. I don't think you've ever called me." Weiss admitted.

"I know…I'm sorry about that." Willow responded without hesitating.

Weiss was so confused. What in the world was happening? "Weiss…how are you feeling? I know you and Winter were close."

"I'm…managing. I have my friends to support me." Weiss replied.

"That's good…um…listen…" Willow trailed off.

"What is it, Mother?" Weiss asked.

"I…want to apologize," Willow revealed, shocking Weiss, "I know I haven't been…present in your life for many years now. And to be honest, it's damn frustrating that it took what happened to Winter to make me realize that."

Weiss clenched the scroll tightly at this. "We all had to deal with Father. We just dealt with him in our own ways." Weiss said dismissively.

"That's…that's not an excuse…not for me." Willow admitted. "I had no right to just abandon you all to drink away my own sorrows. Not when I still had children who needed their mother."

Weiss felt like she had been stabbed with that statement. "What are you saying?" She asked.

"Weiss…I know I have no right to ask this of you," Willow quickly acknowledged, "I mean, for gods' sake, I didn't even know you were in Atlas all week. How much of a failure of a mother am I?"

"But even so…would it be alright if we could perhaps…try again? You don't have to forgive me…but I'd like to try and earn another chance to be the mother you deserve if you'd let me."

Weiss' eyes widened as tears welled up in her eyes. "You want to try again? Do you mean that?" She asked.

"Yes," Willow replied, "maybe…maybe next time you're in Atlas, you can tell me…and we can have lunch. I'd love to know what my little girl has been up to at school. I plan to do the same for your brother if he'd have me back in his life as well."

Tears started falling down Weiss' face. "I know I have a lot of work to do, Weiss. I'm a mess and a failure of a mother. But if you're willing to let me try, I'm going to do everything I can to be a proper mother this time." Willow promised. "I…won't waste your second chance."

Weiss started choking back sobs. "I'd…I'd like that very much." She choked.

"...I'll hang up now. I don't want to take up more of your time. We'll talk later, okay sweetie?"

"Yeah, I love you, Mother."

"I love you too, sweetie. Stay safe." With that, Willow hung up.

Weiss started to sob. Ruby and Blake quickly embraced her to comfort her. "Now that I did not expect," Yang admitted.

"Perhaps she got a much needed reality check." Hansel shrugged. "That reminds me, Schnee, your servants hope you're doing okay. They miss you."

Weiss just sobbed harder. This time with tears of joy and relief. Ruby was now looking at Hansel with even more suspicion. Hansel then moved into the back of the airship to see what ingredients for lunch there were and to get some alone time.

Alone time that was quickly cut off by Ruby's arrival. "What did you do last night?" She demanded.

"What are you talking about?" Hansel frowned.

"Weiss' dad does something nice and now her mom wants to be a part of her life again. And you're acting like you know stuff we don't. You clearly did something." Ruby pointed out.

"And what if I did?" Hansel asked.

Ruby pouted. "You should've told me, you big jerk!" She flapped her arms angrily. "We could've done a whole good cop-bad cop routine to get both of them to act like decent parents for once! Weiss is my bestie so I totally would've wanted to help with that!"

Hansel was taken aback by this. He then found himself picturing the two of them doing just that to Jacques and Willow. The image was actually…pretty comical. So comical that he found himself reacting without thinking. And the reaction actually stunned Ruby.

Hansel Kobalt started laughing. Not a curt chuckle, not a sarcastic laugh, but full-blown belly laughter, to the point where he actually was clutching his stomach. Ruby's eyes widened. This was the first time she actually heard her teacher laugh like that. This surprise quickly turned into embarrassment when she realized he was laughing at her.

"Hey, stop that, meanie!" Ruby demanded. "I'm being serious, you know."

Hansel stopped laughing and smiled warmly at Ruby. She was not prepared for that. She was even less prepared for what came next. Hansel reached out and patted her on the head, tussling her hair affectionately. "The whole good cop-bad cop routine doesn't suit you, kid." He told her. "Just be yourself."

Ruby pouted at Hansel openly treating her like a kid. Still, she found herself unable to actually get mad and vocalize that anger. She instead found herself melting at Hansel's surprising display of affection for reasons she just did not understand.

Hansel then coughed awkwardly, turning away from Ruby. "That reminds me…I never thanked you for saving my life yesterday." He noted.

Ruby gasped at what Hansel said next. "Thanks…I mean it." He told her. "Now go sit back down with your teammates. I'm gonna prepare lunch for you girls, so start looking forward to that."

Ruby smiled brightly at Hansel. "Yes sir," she said obediently, turning to walk away.

"Oh, and Professor?" Ruby stopped, deciding to get one more thing off her chest. "You should laugh more often, and smile too. That suits you way more."

Hansel did not respond to Ruby. He simply allowed her to walk back to her seat as he came to something of a revelation. I think I'm done trying to force this girl to be something she isn't. Hansel admitted to himself.

Perhaps my role here…is to make sure she's actually strong enough to stand up for those ideals of hers…no matter how ridiculous they may seem. Hansel concluded.

Hansel sighed as he continued searching for ingredients. Geez there I go again, if I'm not careful, I'm going to start caring about these girls…and the other students too. In spite of this self-critique, a part of Hansel knew that it was not serious in the slightest.

The week-long ordeal of Atlas Academy had come to an end. It was time to go home.

A.N: I don't think there's a better way to end the arc than that last sentence. It is indeed time to go home. Gosh, so much was accomplished. Character growth, the course correction of a few notable characters from their canon counterparts, and some actual progress in an overarching plot in the form of Atlas and Beacon relations being improved thanks to Ruby giving the Atlas students a much needed reality check.

Speaking of reality checks, I want everyone to understand that while I empathize with Willow's plight, it doesn't excuse the fact that she herself is a pretty crappy parent in my opinion. The fact that I'm giving her a chance to redeem her character by actually being more present in the lives of her kids is me being generous. Like Hansel said, having a shitty life doesn't give you the right to do whatever you want. And sometimes the best way you can help someone is a bit of tough love.

So what was your highlight of the arc? There's a lot I certainly liked. And I've certainly seen your reviews and messages and am happy that a lot of you like what you see as well. For me, after twenty chapters of seeing Hansel at his worst (with a few bright spots), an arc that shows his best qualities was a great change of pace. Empathetic, but very blunt. Harsh but loyal. And very protective.

Hope everyone enjoyed the Atlas Investigation Arc. Next time something completely different.