Weiss' hand pressed up against the cold, glass window, her blue eyes gazing over the vast, open landscape that sprawled before them.
Atlas Academy dorms were different from Beacon's, more clinical, cold, and modern; the decor was plain, and there was no personality or real character in the room; she felt as if she was living in a hospital or asylum.
The sound of Yang throwing herself onto her bed, a loud creak of the springs and the mattress shifting under the sudden weight of its occupant. "Man, things are finally settling into place..." she murmured, stretching.
Weiss sighed, turning away from the window to look at her partner, "I guess..."
The rest of Team RWBY were also in the process of settling down for the evening, Blake had taken a seat next to Yang, a book already in hand, and Ruby was currently bouncing herself on her bed, trying to get comfy.
"Well, I don't know about you, but I'm just glad to have a proper bed again!" Yang remarked cheerfully, stretching her back, a series of pops and cracks sounding off.
Blake smiled softly. "It's been a while since we had some comfort..."
Weiss nodded in agreement. "It's true," she added softly. "We've been on the move constantly since leaving Haven."
"I'd say we've earned this," Yang added, rolling over to face her teammates.
"Yeah..." Weiss trailed off, not meeting anyone's gaze. Her thoughts were distant and unfocused as she stared out the window once more, a heavy sigh escaping her lips.
Blake tilted her head, her eyes narrowed slightly as she studied the heiress' face. "Is everything alright?"
Weiss shook her head slowly before nodding. "It's just..." she began hesitantly, taking a moment to collect her thoughts. "It's been quite a journey."
Blake's brow furrowed in concern, her mouth opened to speak, but Weiss interrupted her quickly. "But I feel we've misstepped here... We should have been more open..."
At that, the girls knew what she was referring to; it had been a few days since their meeting with General Ironwood and his inner circle, the Ace Ops, Winter, and Colonel Lamperouge. During which, the knowledge of Salem's immortality and Jinn were kept hidden.
"Dang it Weiss, not again." Yang grunted, sitting upright, "I just put all of that out of my mind, I'm trying to enjoy this time of peace."
The Schnee rolled her eyes, "I know, I know..." She raised a hand and shook her head, "And honestly, I don't blame anyone. I just wish we didn't have to keep lying."
"We've been burned too many times to completely trust Ironwood or his men," Blake interjected, her book forgotten as she crossed her legs, "We need to see how everything is here, and if we're putting trust in the right people..."
Ruby jumped from the bed, landing lightly on her feet; the red-hooded huntress had a stern visage, "I made that decision, and if it was the wrong decision, then that's on me," she stated flatly.
"A decision we can quickly correct!" Weiss exclaimed.
Since arriving in Atlas, they'd been treated fairly well, allowed to assist the Ace Ops in minor missions and tasks, given weapon upgrades, and even granted the title of huntress by General Ironwood. Keeping a part of the truth from him just didn't sit right.
"Look, Weiss..." Yang began, her gaze focused on her teammate. "I get that this is your home, but—"
"—You think it's because this is Atlas?" She asked defensively.
Yang's brow rose, "Well, I wouldn't be surprised."
Scoffing, Weiss' mouth fell agape, she shook her head firmly, her hands clenched at her sides. "No, that isn't it!" She snapped. "We can't afford to be making these mistakes. Ironwood, Winter, Colonel Lamperouge, The Ace-Ops, They need to know about Salem."
Blake leaned forward in her seat and rested her chin in her hand thoughtfully. "Maybe..." Her words trailed off as she stared blankly at a far-off point.
"Ugh... this is so stupid!" Yang groaned aloud while falling back onto the mattress, covering her eyes with one of her hands. "I don't want to think about all this, okay?"
"We have to think about this!" Weiss' voice rose by several octaves.
Ruby flinched slightly, her eyes flickering between both girls before settling on Weiss' angry expression. She moved quickly to diffuse the argument. "Look, Weiss. I get it, we all get it. But, for now, let's take some time to better understand what's going on in Atlas before taking action."
Crossing her arms tightly, Weiss inhaled deeply through her nose and then let it out slowly, trying to calm herself.
"Right..." The ex-heiress nodded. "I suppose that makes sense."
"Colonel Lamperouge is in league with your father." Blake suddenly interjected, "Doesn't that concern you?"
Weiss paused mid-thought, her eyes flicking over to meet Blake's. She didn't answer immediately, instead taking a moment to reflect on what her friend had just said. "...Yes..." She finally replied hesitantly.
"Oh yeah, that whole thing. That was weird." Yang commented idly, her tone suggesting she'd rather be talking about anything but this right now.
Blake nodded silently in agreement. "There's more to it than we know, I'm sure of it..." She murmured, glancing over at Weiss, who seemed lost deep in thought again.
"I know my father... he doesn't do anything unless there is something in it for him, especially if he's working with someone outside his circles." Her gaze fell back onto the window. "...He has a reason."
"Maybe the Colonel does as well," Ruby added softly.
"Or maybe they're both just evil," Yang mumbled bitterly.
Blake frowned. "Or maybe it's not that simple..."
"We're going down to Mantle tomorrow right to help around..." Ruby started, "Let's just see how things play out,"
Weiss sighed heavily and turned away from her team, her gaze focusing back out of the window once more. "Fine, but I'm telling you guys now, this doesn't sit well with me. Not at all..."
Climbing up onto her bunk, Ruby let out a yawn, "Just try and sleep, Weiss; we can talk about it later..." She muttered tiredly, pulling her blanket over herself.
Nodding silently to herself, the ex-heiress climbed into her bunk. "Okay," she whispered as she drifted off to sleep.
Sliding into her covers, Blake glanced around her shared dorm room, her ears perked at the low sound of a "Finally" from Yang's lips, the only other noise that of the wind gently caressing the building and rustling leaves in the distance.
Said Blonde had her hands tucked behind her head, staring upward at the bottom of Blake's bunk, her mind lost in thought. All the talk about keeping secrets made Yang feel a touch guilty. Not about the whole Ironwood secret-keeping, but rather her own...
She never told her team about her Raven... about the fact she was the Spring Maiden. Not that she didn't want to, but... It didn't matter anymore, did it? Raven was a non-factor and didn't have a role to play in this story any longer. Her team had enough to worry about with Salem, Ironwood, and Atlas itself. She didn't need to add that onto their plate, did she?
Raven would just be her little secret...
Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, the young leader was barely aware of her surroundings. Her silver eyes blinking, she yawned, stretching her arms above her head, her mouth opening wide, the cool Mantle air nipping at her skin. She felt her joints popping and relaxing, her body easing itself into wakefulness.
Her teammates were in similar states, their bodies slowly waking up. Teams JNR and RWBY stood on the tarmac of Mantle's largest military base; the sun had barely risen, casting a soft, orange glow over the cityscape.
Lelouch and Team BRIR stood a few feet away, Two armored trucks parked behind them. The colonel and his team had been waiting for the group, the former of whom had been scrolling on his phone, while the women of Team BRIR had been chatting amongst each other about minor issues and gossip. Upon seeing the group approaching, they all snapped too.
"Good morning," Lelouch greeted with a slight bow, his voice calm yet firm, almost mechanical sounding. "How has everyone been adjusting? I hope that your accommodations have met your standards," he asked cordially.
Everyone gave him their affirmations.
He smiled at them, "I'm glad. I apologize if we've interrupted your sleep,"
Ruby smiled softly at Lelouch. "I don't think anyone here is complaining!"
The young colonel nodded at her response and gestured toward the vehicles behind him. Two armored transports sat idle nearby; engines idling lowly and drivers waiting patiently for everyone's arrival.
Nora bounced in place, a wide grin on her face, her eyes shining. "I can't wait!" She exclaimed, practically vibrating in her enthusiasm. "What are we gonna do? Patrol the outer walls, maybe journey to some nearby mines?" she speculated a look of pure joy on her features.
Lelouch shook his head, his posture relaxed. "Grimm haven't been an issue in Mantle for some time, thanks to the military's constant patrols and security measures," he informed, "No... you'll be helping with community outreach and other services needed throughout the city; I'm certain everyone's skills and talent will find use."
"Oh..." Nora visibly deflated, shoulders slumping, her smile fading away as she stared down at the ground. The hammer user's expression turned pensive, then suddenly perked up, "Well that still sounds super cool!" she chirped brightly. "Nora Valkyrie is here to help!"
Chuckling softly, Lelouch nodded once more. "That's the spirit," he praised kindly.
Grinning broadly, Jaune stepped forward, nodding towards his friend before glancing back over to the colonel. "Let us know how we can help,"
Helmet turning slightly to look at Jaune, Lelouch nodded in response to the blonde knight. "We'll be divided up into two teams today, two members of Team BRIR in one truck and two in another," he explained. "Split however you'd like, and please try not to get too carried away."
The groups gathered around and quickly began dividing themselves up.
Weiss nudged Ruby in the side. "This could be our chance," she whispered, eyes darting between the groups of people. "See what makes the Colonel tick, what his goals and motivations are..."
The young leader bit her lip, nodding slowly, her gaze shifting from Weiss' own to Yang's. "You're sure?"
Weiss nodded once more, her lips thinning out as her jaw set firmly. "I am... If we learn more about Colonel Lamperouge, the more trust we can place in him. The more he could help."
Yang sighed and crossed her arms, "If you say so," she grumbled, though there wasn't much bite behind her words. "Blake and I will stick together, maybe we can get a better feel for Mantle's citizens and their situation."
Weiss nodded, "That works."
This day could help settle her unease about so many of her worries. And, if it turned out she was wrong... Well, at least they'd be helping Mantle in the process of discovering the truth, she thought to herself, her eyes drifting to Lelouch who was talking with the rest of BRIR.
She hoped they'd find something worthwhile...