"Where one tragedy happens, more are to follow. We are always targeted in our most vulnerable moments. That is how Grimm work." - Introduction to Grimm Studies, Professor Peter Port

Blake found Violet on one of the rooftops, still wearing his Zero costume and mask. He was overlooking the ghetto where a desperate battle was being fought just hours ago.

"We've received 57 applications to join the Black Knights," Blake said.

Zero remained silent.

"At least those were the ones deemed fit to serve. We turned away another 20 or so."

"Chances are a good number of them will leave us in the first few days, they're not used to military discipline." Zero said pensively, "Though more will also join us as time passes. Overall it's a solid start. With how sudden we were, there was no time for Atlas to organize infiltrators, so the first few days of applicants will hopefully be uncompromised. Tell Glaston to keep track of who signs up in the first three days. They will make up our core of loyal troops."

"Glaston? Is he in charge of recruiting now?"

"He will be in charge of administration while we're unavailable. He lives in the ghetto, so he should know how to deal with the people here."

"We're staying in Vale? I assumed we would be moving the main force into the countryside. At least that's what the White Fang does."

"Our present forces are too weak to survive the Grimm there. And soon it will become very difficult to go in and out of the city limits. We'll be safer here, they won't attack us for a while."

"How can you be so certain of that? They must be infuriated at what happened today. Two massive terrorist actions back to back? The rest of Vale must be crying for our blood as we speak."

"Oh, but that is to our advantage, Blake." he smiled behind his mask, "So much fear and anger. Such an outburst of negative emotion is sure to provoke the Grimm into attacking Vale."

"I see… So between defending the city perimeter, and maintaining order in the rest of the city, they won't have the manpower to mount another attack?" Blake said.

He nodded, "Indeed. In the meantime we can get set up, and maybe even perform several raids on undermanned police positions. Hell, the White Fang is sure to do the same, so they'll be in an even worse position. All this will make the security forces look weak, in turn increasing fear and Grimm attacks."

"I see the reasoning behind it, but… It feels wrong. They're defending us against annihilation and we're taking advantage of them."

"War is rarely nice, Blake. They accepted this responsibility when they occupied Vale. Besides, something tells me the recruits will be impatient and will leave if we don't deliver them victories soon."

"I suppose you're right." she sighed, "I'm still holding you to what you said in the van. You're not becoming like the White Fang, are you?"

"You'd know best. I trust you can be honest about such things with me?"

"You know you're not the first person to have told me that. How did you know of Adam anyway?"

"Excuse me?"

"Adam. When you confronted me at Beacon, you spoke of how I left my friends behind, and people who were… more than friends."

She never told me when I asked her in the alley, only that she remained in the Fang because of a loved one. "I… I never got the name. Just the broad picture of who you were."

"You also never told me how you got that information. I doubt your friends from Signal infiltrated the White Fang just to ask around about me." She narrowed her eyes at his mask.

Violet sighed, "Maybe they did. Maybe it was just a lucky guess. Maybe you let things slip just like you did on that day." Blake wasn't convinced, but before she could ask more questions he took his mask off and pulled his phone out to make a call.

"Hello, Ruby."

"Vio, where are you?" Ruby was interrupted by a screaming Yang who took the phone, "Violet where the fuck have you been? We tried to call you a dozen times already."

"I already said we were held up, there's a total lockdown here. We just figured we'd stay in downtown Vale."

"Then why didn't you answer the phone, jackass? And you could have made your way here on foot, you know? It's almost nighttime, where the hell are you gonna sleep?"

He chuckled, "Actually, Blake and I booked a hotel room already. See you in class tomorrow sis."

Yang was speechless, "A… A hotel room? You- Don't you two dare do anything! I'll have both of you killed the next time I see you." She hung up the call.

Blake was not amused, "What the hell was that about?"

"I didn't have the time to answer their calls while this was all happening. And they were asking a lot of uncomfortable questions, so I distracted them with something more exciting." Just like what I'm doing with you.

She facepalmed, "Oh, what have I dragged myself into. It's almost as if you take some sick pleasure from torturing us."

He laughed a little, "I admit, I do enjoy teasing Yang. It's a lot of fun."

"It won't be when she beats me into a pulp."

"Relax, she'll calm down in a day or two."

"I'm her partner for heaven's sake! Do you have any idea how awkward it'll be if she thinks we're-"

"Oh quit it, Blake. If she really does start bothering you I'll give her a serious talk. She can be mature about things when needed." He put his mask back on, "Now let's get back to HQ, we've got a lot more work to do tonight."

"The Black Knights, what a sick joke." To say that Glynda Goodwitch was having a bad day would be an understatement. Not only did many students not show up to class today due to a city-wide lockdown, but the students that were present paid no attention to her, preferring to chatter amongst themselves about that Zero clown that crashed a TV address. The elevator doors finally opened and she stepped out into Ozpin's office.

"Welcome, Glynda," Ozpin said, "We were just waiting for you." A projector in the office displayed a video call with none other than General James Ironwood, the most powerful man in Atlas.

"I just wish it was under better circumstances." James said, "Now. Ozpin, would you care to explain what exactly happened today in Vale?"

Ozpin seemed uncharacteristically tired, "You know as well as I do. I trust you've seen the videos yourself."

"Oh, I have seen them. What I want to know is why 94 of my men have been reported as killed or missing in action today?"

"There were 53 Vale PD casualties as well, you know that?"

"That doesn't make things better. And as I understand it, they refused to cooperate with our troops on the ground. I thought you said the city was safe, Oz."

"They caught us by surprise. We will be better prepared next time. Unlike you, I will not take this opportunity to curtail even more civil liberties."

James took offense at him, "You're the only person that can spin getting your people killed into a virtuous act. Your civil liberties mean nothing if people keep dying. We need to take decisive action now, before this spirals out of control. I have already sent three whole regiments to Vale, alongside several air wings. They should arrive in three to four days."

"Ready so soon?" Glynda said, her eyes narrowing. "You've been waiting for something like this to bring more troops in, haven't you?"

He did not feel the need to justify himself, "Unlike Ozpin, I take security seriously."

"We had plenty of security today, Atlas wouldn't have fared much better. Furthermore, an entire army arriving in Vale will only vindicate that Zero man's words."

"Words that wouldn't have been heard had Ozpin censors at the ready to cut the broadcast." She knew the man for a long time, and she could tell it took everything for James to not shout at them.

Ozpin took a long sip from his mug, "If you really want to help, your army can take positions along the perimeter of Vale and defend against the new surge in Grimm attacks. Our newly freed forces will increase city security when you arrive. The council will agree to that much without a fuss."

James sighed, "I've known you for a long time, Oz, so I'll trust you for now. Even so, if the Vytal festival is to be hosted next year, I insist that we put some of our elite huntsmen agents into the city to hunt for that Zero maniac."

"I understand. Do as you must." Ozpin said before cutting the video call.

"He can't be serious." Glynda said, "He's already treating this like it's a war."

"That's just how James is. His heart is in the right place, but I'm afraid he'll escalate things too much, too fast." he took another sip of his mug, "And considering what happened last month with Amber, I'm afraid those Black Knights will be the least of our worries. Perhaps this is all for the best."

"Violet."

"Violet!"

"VIOLET!" The shouting of Professor Oobleck jolted him awake. He looked around in confusion, his arm reaching for his absent weapon before realization set in.

"A year younger or not, I must remind you that sleeping in my class is unacceptable."

"I… I'm sorry professor. I was just very tired."

"That is no excuse, Violet. Drink some coffee or don't come here at all. Now, since you've been so quiet this semester, can you name me the causes of the Great War?"

He's really doing this to me? Oh to hell with it, if he wants a history lecture, he'll get one he won't forget. He sat up, and spoke politely, "Of course, professor. The Great War was caused by increasing faunus enslavement and Atlesian expansionism."

Some of the people shifted uncomfortably, including Oobleck. "Incorrect. The great war was caused by an attack from the kingdoms of Vale and Vacuo, who stoked faunus revolts in a bid for world dominance. You ought to know the distinction between a stated reason for war, and the actual cause."

"It was a preemptive strike, professor." He cared little for the consequences, it was enough that he spouted barely disguised state propaganda all day, but forcing him to listen and repeat it pushed him over the edge, "Atlas defeated the much more populous Mistral two years prior, and was mobilizing its army again while making claims to border areas with Vale's dust reserves. Their intentions couldn't have been more clear."

The atmosphere in the room suddenly became very tense. Pyrrha and Blake were looking at him with concern, and Yang groaned when she realized what was happening. Oobleck calmly put down his coffee mug before speaking in a somber tone, "Again, every state has its ways of justifying conflict. Vale was no exception. Now tell me at least, what were the consequences of the Great War? What happened after the so-called preemptive strike failed, and the Vale-Vacuo alliance dragged Remanant into almost a decade of war."

He knew he was going to regret this. Still, he chose to double down, "Atlas was triumphant. They made Vale into a puppet state, and assumed the role of world hegemon."

Several gasps filled the room. Oobleck sighed, "Violet. First of all, I understand you're all excited about yesterday's… events, shall we say. But I would recommend you stop uncritically swallowing terrorist propaganda. Need I remind you that as of this morning's council session, the Black Knights have been designated a terrorist organization?"

"That's not a historical argument, Professor," Pyrrha was tugging at his arm in an attempt to get him to calm down.

"Tell me this then, Violet. If Atlas was in such a dominant position, why did they abolish faunus slavery as well as their monarchy?"

"They had to placate the people as Grimm attacks threatened to destroy their exhausted kingdom. Even so, the faunus in Atlas face quite similar working conditions as they did back then, and many opportunities are taken from them. As for the monarchy, Atlas has always been de facto ruled by the military. The figurehead king abdicated under duress, and a farce of a republic was-"

"That's quite enough, Violet. Sit down, we will talk after class is over." He avoided everyone's looks as he waited for the bell to ring. When class was dismissed a few minutes later, he waited for the Professor to approach. Violet was delighting in his troubled expression, not to mention how fired up he was for another round of heated argument. "So, Professor, what shall be the consequence for me daring to insult our not-occupiers?"

Oobleck was less than thrilled, "Listen, Violet. I am not your enemy here. Really, I'm not. But sometimes you need to learn when to keep your mouth shut."

"So, you don't deny me being right?" Violet spat.

"I do, in fact. But even if I didn't… It's not that simple. Looking decades into the past for conflicts to bring into existence again… It serves no purpose."

"It's an injustice!"

"You said Atlas had to take drastic measures to placate the population for fear of Grimm attacks destroying them. It was the wisest thing you said. It was the wisdom by which humanity survived until now."

"Survival as mere existence is meaningless."

"Things have been steadily getting better without violence, even in Atlas. Just last year, faunus were allowed to join the armed forces, for example."

"In limited numbers and under humiliating conditions. And being cannon fodder is a dubious honor anyway. It is as you said though, these changes happened because of an external threat. Once it was Grimm, now it is rebellion."

"I hope you realize the White Fang won't spare you if they win. And the so-called 'Black Knights' likely won't make it through the year. You know, I've seen the rise and fall of at least a dozen such resistance groups during my lifetime."

Violet felt that they were at an impasse, so he relented rather than escalate further, "I understand. Forgive my naivete professor. This won't repeat again."

Swallowing his pride hadn't been easy, but he was glad to be out of the classroom. What the hell was he thinking? He was supposed to keep a low profile. Hopefully, they just thought he was being an idealistic young student and not a terrorist leader.

On his way to the dorms he saw Blake, who gave him an accusatory look.

"Hey Blake. I'm sorry for losing my cool. He was just…"

"Yeah. He was being an ass. Though I think you may not be cut out for this whole secrecy thing," she chuckled.

Violet did the same, "Yeah… That reminds me," He handed her an old-looking device. "A burner phone. I'll use this for business communications. I've already given them to the others."

"Thanks. I imagine it'll ease some anxiety."

"Of course. It would be awkward if someone looked through our phone records."

"Yes… Speaking of awkward things, I've been avoiding Yang all morning."

"Yes, we should get that sorted sooner rather than later."

Blake nervously opened the door to her team's room. She was greeted by a scowling Yang, while Ruby was busy showing off her disassembled weapon to Pyrrha.

"H-hello Yang," Blake said. Violet walked in from behind her, a smile on his face.

"Hey sis! Miss me yet?" He gave an enthusiastic wave.

Yang's usual lilac eyes turned red, an indication of her rage-triggered semblance. She stood up and approached Violet, staring at him for a few moments before speaking in a cold voice, "You."

"It sure is me sis. What's up?"

"Don't give me that crap, Violet." she slapped him, "What have you two been doing last night?"

He rolled his eyes, "It was nothing, Yang. I was just messing with you."

"Like I buy that. I'm not a dumbass, Vio." She turned to face Blake.

"What? He's telling the truth. Get your mind out of the gutter. I wouldn't lie to my partner."

"Right…"

"What's this all about?" Pyrrha joined in, "Is… is something wrong?"

"No," Violet said, "Yang is just being a little overprotective."

"Is this about history class? I see how you are passionate about those things, but insulting professors won't lead you anywhere."

"That's not it," Yang said.

"You just can't handle me doing my own thing, Yang. You're not my mom, you know?"

"No, it's not that Vio," Only now did Violet notice just how hurt she looked beneath it all, "It's just… You've been acting so differently these past few days. What's gotten into you?"

"Who knows? Maybe I'm just growing up. It was you that said we ought to make a lot of friends here."

"You're being so distant. It wouldn't have anything to do with what happened in Vale yesterday, would it?"

He might have gone a little overboard, "Yang. I may be a little reckless, but I'm not a damn terrorist. Quite the opposite. And I recall you scolding me for fighting against the White Fang last week."

Pyrrha let out a gasp, "You did what?"

"That's right… Blake and I encountered a bunch of White Fang guys a while back. We got them pretty good too." he gave a satisfied smile at that.

"I see. I suppose if you're telling the truth… That is a very noble act."

"Regardless. Yang, get your act together. I'm old enough to make my own decisions."

He turned to leave, but Yang did not let him. "Hey, Vio. If… if you're still serious about that whole thing, I can join you."

"What?"

"I'm also tired of watching news reports of terrorist attacks. Just this morning, the White Fang blew up a hospital. I wouldn't mind coming with you if you're investigating them."

He looked over to Blake, who shrugged, "I… I'll think about it. Now let me be."

Violet went back to his favorite brooding spot on the Beacon rooftops. All in all, it was an excellent week, bar his outburst earlier today. The Black Knights will continue growing, though losing some promising huntsmen in training yesterday was unfortunate. Hopefully, he could substitute them with Beacon students soon.

The mere thought of Pyrrha's semblance disarming an entire Atlesian company filled him with glee. But getting Yang or Ruby involved was a non-starter. He'll have to figure something out if he's to work with half of Beacon's students while going behind their backs.

He noticed footsteps coming from behind, he really ought to get Blake to drop her worrying. His heart skipped a beat as he was instead met by none other than Headmaster Ozpin, his usual spectacles and mug of hot chocolate making him radiate an irresistible warmth that he simply knew had to be false.

"Erm… Hello headmaster."

"Hello indeed, Violet." Ozpin approached him, "How's your day been thus far?" He wasn't fooled by the friendly act. He knew why that man was here.

"Could have been better. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Oh, nothing in particular. I make a habit of talking to my students, hearing their concerns, and offering advice."

"I'm not an idiot, Professor. I know why you're here. Oobleck told you."

Ozpin sighed, "Would you believe me if I said I didn't intend to talk about that? But yes, he did tell me you made some very… interesting accusations."

"And? What about it?" He cursed himself for not carrying the Mordred with him. His eyes darted around, checking for escape routes just in case.

"Nothing." Ozpin gave a soft smile, "You have a strong sense of justice, Violet. I see that you care very much about the world around you. Such conviction is admirable"

"But I'm not the only one with such a passion. Is that the issue?"

"Yes, you are not. I won't lecture you on morality, but know that if the fires of rebellion grow, we might not survive the long night after."

He decided he really hated that vagueness of his, "I don't follow."

"Let's just say that things were much different when the Grimm attacked 30 years ago, Violet. In ways you might not grasp right now. Take it from someone who was there the last time around."

Wasn't he a little too young to be fighting then? Violet was pretty sure he was just exaggerating for effect, as all old people did, "There wouldn't be rebellion if there wasn't injustice. When was the last time you walked through the Vale ghetto?"

"I'm not blind to the world's suffering, Violet. It's just that sometimes there are other priorities, and I am but one man. All things considered, the speed of societal progress is quite fast on a historical scale. By the time you become a seasoned huntsman I'd wager such issues won't exist anymore."

"I… I hope you're right," He forced himself to smile, "Thank you, professor. For putting my mind at ease."

Ozpin gave him a sad look, "I'm glad to be of help, Violet. You'll make a difference in the world one day. And you'll never have to face the regrets that come with taking another man's life." He abruptly turned around and walked away.

With Ozpin gone, Violet became livid. Oh, I'll make a difference in the world alright.

But did Ozpin buy what he just said? Was he thinking of apprehending me? Does he suspect I'm just a sympathizer or Zero? Am I overthinking it?

He cursed his stubborn pride before resolving to figure out Ozpin's intentions and remove all doubt.

As Violet entered Junior's dance club, he was beset on all sides with suspicious looks. He noticed the guards had their hands near their holsters, just waiting for him to make a sudden move. He took a seat next to the counter, and waited for Junior to approach him.

The man in question was a hardy middle-aged information broker, and his voice was downright hostile today, "You have a lot of nerve coming here, Violet."

"And you have a lot of nerve showing your face in public," Violet said, "Considering how your men attacked me and my little sister. So I'd say we're pretty even."

"It was business. They had no way of knowing you'd be at that dust store. I'd suggest you take your complaints up with Torchwick, but that ship has already sailed." Violet could tell he was not in the mood for his usual snark, "Now, are you going to order anything or did you come here just to argue?"

"I'm here on business. Tell me, how much did Yang set you back?"

"50 thousand lien, why do you care? No amount of apologies will get me that money back."

"Very well then, you will have that money delivered first thing in the morning."

Junior was taken aback, "What? You're joking. You're not that loaded, Vio."

"I've always been punctual when it comes to money, rest assured I have enough. I like to cultivate my business connections." Violet smiled.

Junior chuckled, his anger seemingly leaving him, "Ah, so you do want something else from me. You didn't come here just to say sorry, did you?"

"Of course not. What I need of you is to find me a contact. I'll pay you well, and my budget for the contractor is generous, to say the least."

"Very well then, I've got something for everyone. What exactly do you need?"

"I need a hacker of sorts. Someone to make a virus to access government systems. I can put a USB anywhere they want me to, I just need someone to make the program itself. I will discuss further details with the contractor. I want only the best for the job."

"That all?"

He did feel a little inadequate during the battle without his scythe, but taking his unique weapon with him was too risky, "I'll also need a discreet weaponsmith."

After thinking for a while, his expression became rather serious, "I see you're getting yourself into some dangerous waters, Vio. You've grown a lot since you first came here two years ago, you know. So whatever you do, be careful alright?"

Violet laughed, "You're not concerned for me, are you? You're growing soft, Junior."

"I'd just hate to see you dead, kid. I'm not entirely heartless, you know?"

"So, can you find me someone or no?" Violet was dead serious now, "Ten thousand lien for you now, another ten thousand when the jobs are finished."

Junior sighed, "Very well, I'll find you someone good, kid."

AN: Now that things have been set in motion, I'd like the next chapter to focus a little on Beacon and the people there. I don't want the rest of the students to be passive observers, they will play a role in the story as well.

Also, I feel kinda bad making the Beacon staff into antagonists, but the story doesn't really work without it. I'm doing my best to make sure they're not one-dimensional in their characterization, there are good reasons why Ozpin does things the way he does them.

Oh and one more thing, RWBY never had the best worldbuilding so I hope the scenario I presented was somewhat interesting and nuanced.