Heart's Embers

by SugarLoaf12

It's been fifteen months hasn't it? Living from day to day, moving from place to place. Looking for the next payday, the next target... the next fight. I thought living outside their war would be easier. But sometimes knowing... is all it takes to leave you wondering "What if" I think back to why I left and I know I made the right choice... Ozpin be damned.

35. Solace

Disclaimer: I own nothing!

"Speech"

Thoughts

---

Chapter Thirty-Five: Solace

"Believe me, Radcliff. We had no idea Raven Branwen was involved, and she certainly wasn't there on any orders of mine"

"Then it's just a coincidence you never saw any of my messages, General?" he asked unconvinced.

Ironwood sighed deeply, getting to his feet, never turning his attention from the screen "No, that would be an entirely different problem"

Radcliff grumbled "I'm sure. Either way, we got our stores back but now there's no one to stop the Grimm from destroying our town"

"I am prepared to send you whatever forces I can spare to secure your position... or to assist with an evacuation, should it come to that"

"So they can huddle for warmth in the streets of Mantle like the rest of your refugees? No, we're providing protection for them here. Retreat is not an option"

"You may not be given a choice... but I hope you're right"

Radcliff nodded "General, I..." he took a moment to take a deep breath "I appreciate what you've done for my people... please make sure you tell them for me too. Especially the Schnee"

"Weiss" Ironwood corrected "I'm certain she'll be pleased to hear you've forgiven her for her family's misdeeds" he added with a smile.

Radcliff huffed "Good luck, General. I don't know what's caused the Grimm to become emboldened or who those men with them were... but I know you'll do everything you can to stop them"

"I always do"

"Don't I know it" he chuckled "Take care of yourself, alright?"

"You too, Radcliff"

As soon as the screen vanished from his sight, his metal hand formed into a fist and slammed into the desk "What the hell is she playing at?"

Qrow stepped forward "No one could've known Raven would be involved"

"I'm not talking about Raven" he placed both his hands onto the desk heaving out a deep sigh "Pietro"

Dr. Polendina cleared his throat "After careful analysis of the body you brought back, we were able to figure out exactly how these soldiers were being controlled"

He removed a small silver remote from his pocket as the windows became sealed by shutters lowering over them, darkening the office around them. In the center of the room now sat a holographic image of a brain with several modifications made to it.

"Is that...?" Weiss asked.

"Yes, his brain" Pietro grimaced "Most of these modifications control the dead neurons and sends electrical signals to the brain, controlling the actions of the body. However this..." he pointed to a small object at the stem "...moderates the brain's communication to the rest of the body"

"They're controlling them" Winter frowned "Every action they make is not their own"

"It would seem so, it's likely the people implanted with this technology have no option but to obey. The chip itself seems to respond to a frequency I've been unable to isolate given the condition of the subject. However, I was able to learn this technology in conjunction with the other mortifications makes the subject in question incapable of rejecting a command given on the frequency established with the chip's interface, doing so sends signals to the prefrontal cortex. Making command rejection impossible"

"How?" Jaune asked.

"The prefrontal cortex is responsible for the cognitive evaluation of pain" he answered.

"Then... anyone who rejects the command..." Ren shuddered.

"Is put through agonizing pain until the command is accepted. Yes"

"Is there anyway to overcome it?" Blake asked "Ignore the pain?"

"From what I can tell, any rejection only increases the pain threshold. However the chip itself has one flaw, it overheats when forced to give increasing levels of stimulation to the cortex"

"Then if someone ignored the pain long enough it would malfunction!" Nora said excitedly "So there is a way to counteract it"

"No, I am afraid not" Pietro sighed.

"What? But you said-" Ruby started.

"I said it overheats, but that's exactly the problem. The brain can only survive temperatures of 108° before irreparable damage is done. However the chip is electronic, it would only start to malfunction at 120° or more, likely higher temperatures would be required to render it useless..."

"But no one could survive that temperature" Oscar frowned.

"Precisely. Which makes it's only flaw worthless. Anyone who rejects the commands for too long would die long before the chip malfunctioned, and that's if the subject doesn't go into cardiac arrest from the elevation of the heart rate and blood pressure in response to the pain itself"

"Then what about removing it? Could the chip be removed from a living person to return them to control?"

"It's possible" he rubbed his chin thoughtfully "Living subjects likely wouldn't need this much modification. Most of this is just to make the body capable of moving at all, stimulating dead parts of the brain and spinal column... but it'd be extremely dangerous. The likelihood of someone surviving the removal procedure isn't promising given the chip's position. Operating on the brain stem would be extremely dangerous"

"What would be the chances?" Ironwood asked.

"50/50 at best" he answered "But without analysis of a living person with these modifications, it's impossible to know for sure. The chips used on the corpses could be different, even unrefined models of the same technology"

"You seem awfully familiar with the design" Jaune pointed out.

"I should be. It's remarkably similar to the technology used in our Knights, if a bit less refined"

"Then someone from Atlas made this" Ironwood sighed.

"Most likely, or someone who had access to a Knight's blueprints, which wouldn't be hard for Salem to get her hands on after all those we lost in the fighting at Beacon"

"Anyone could have these implanted in their brain, there's no way we could possibly check everyone in the kingdom" Yang pointed out, a twinge of fear in her words.

"There is one way" Winter assured.

"How?" Qrow asked.

Penny frowned "Martial law" even the words seemed to disgust her as she said them.

The group look to Ironwood who's frown matched Penny's own "I..."

"A-are you actually considering that?" Oscar asked worried.

"No, of course not" he assured them as he stood straight "It wouldn't change the situation here or down in Mantle... not for the better. But still, we need to do something"

"What do you propose?" Winter inquired.

He thought for a moment "How long would it take you to isolate the signal, Pietro?"

"Impossible for me to say, the chip is a receptor, not a transmitter. It could be a waste of time"

"What about unknown frequencies? Is it possible to flag them in our system?"

"Penny can process more information than any one of our security stations, but even she'd have a difficult time processing all that-"

"Difficult but not impossible, right?"

"Well not if I establish equipment at the checkpoints to scan for unregistered frequencies. It'd be a ridiculous invasion of privacy, and without permission from the Council-"

"Unilateral decisions during wartime are necessary. Given what we've learned here today, we can't be certain the Council is unaffected, and telling them anything could risk our security"

"Then what do we do?" Pietro asked.

"Start implementing your scans into the usual ones checking for weapons or contraband. Penny can process the information and only forward anything that raises concern to me directly. I have no desire to intrude on the personal lives of our citizens. They have enough of the burden on their shoulders as it is"

Winter nodded "Considering it's being implemented into the security scans, it won't even require a vote from the Council"

He sighed "I still don't like it"

"Neither do we... but it's better than martial law" Ruby offered with a smile.

Ironwood smiled back "Now, as for the findings on the Grimm" he turned his attention back to Pietro.

"I haven't exactly been able to do a proper rundown on it yet, but preliminary analysis from Penny seems to indicate it has a similar function to the chip installed in the soldiers Ms. Rose and her team encountered"

"Why would Salem need technology to control the Grimm? She can already manipulate them as it is"

"It doesn't seem like something to control them, General" Penny chirped "Ruby reported the Grimm she and her team faced was faster, smarter, planned ahead. It's possible the technology was intended to grant the Grimm higher brain functions, not render them subservient"

"It did talk to us... even if it was rudimentary speech" Weiss added.

"Salem is trying to make the Grimm more lethal. That's just what we need" Winter grimaced "I can spread the word, tell our forces of the danger"

"Do it. I want every advantage we can get against them, and make sure to include a report about Chimera's soldiers. If they don't go down for good-"

"Headshots only. Understood, Sir" she saluted.

Winter turned on her heel and exited the office "We'll get started on our end" Pietro motioned for Penny to follow who did so dutifully, leaving only the Huntsmen behind.

"Now... onto the matter of your sister" Ironwood said looking to Qrow "Is she going to continue to be a problem?"

"Hard to tell. We know she's not on good terms with Salem, and Cinder is on the lookout for her, but we don't know much else. Apparently her entire plan was to convince Yang to her side"

"And now that she knows that'll never work, there's no way she'll waste her time on me again" Yang added.

"If her only intention was to convince you to abandon your post... then why would she..." his hand reached up to his chin, stroking his beard in thought.

"She was taking everything Corinth could give in return for protection to show Yang how easy it is for Salem to convince people to her side by exploiting their desperation" Weiss explained.

"It didn't work, of course. Catalina helped us stop her, even as afraid as she was" Blake added.

"Then we should be grateful she had the strength to stand up to her" Ironwood folded his hands behind his back "But I am more concerned as to her actions at Embermane"

"You mean when she saved Slade's life" Qrow crossed his arms "Yeah, I've been thinking about that a lot too"

"That portal that got him back to us is the only proof we have she was there, but how much of his story can we trust?"

"Excuse me?" Yang asked "You think he lied to us?"

"Slade stayed behind and yet returned mostly unharmed. How do we know he wasn't reporting to Salem's forces before Raven showed up? How do we know he hasn't been playing us this whole time?"

"Slade wouldn't do that!" Ruby argued.

"It wouldn't be the first time he's kept secrets from us, and it wouldn't be the first time he's done work for one of Salem's associates. How can we be certain he was ever on our side? He went to Salem rather than trust in us to prove his innocence, that-"

"Don't make light of his sacrifices because he wasn't willing to let others judge him! How could he have known we'd believe him? After what Winter did? After how he's been treated by her? Anyone would've been scared!" Yang shouted.

"We have all sacrificed in this war against Salem. Slade has endured much, that's true. However-"

Yang's Aura flared as she cut him off "He's one of us! The longer he's gone the easier it is for you to forget that, but I haven't! We should be trying to help him, not putting out warrants for his arrest! You can't control what other people do! I am so tired of all this crap-!"

"ENOUGH!" Ironwood slammed his fist into the table, making the dent deeper "Ruby, Yang. I want to speak to you both... alone"

"James-" Qrow tried.

"Now" his glare told him it wasn't up for discussion.

Everyone looked at each other with worried looks but none of them spoke up. Qrow stood in his place as the others filtered out carefully sending their looks of concern to Yang and Ruby as the exited. After a moment of silence, Qrow took a deep breath and followed behind them. Ironwood's angered glare never dropped even as Ruby's sheepish look became worse and Yang's flaring anger never ceased.

He removed a small remote from his pocket and pressed a button on it, the end of it emitted a single light out of it, a blue grid scanning up and down the sides of the room, encircling each of them. Once the scan was finished the results appeared on a holographic model of the room atop the button, with three red dots on it. He placed the remote on the desk with a satisfied nod.

"Thank you, Penny" he mumbled.

"General-" Ruby started.

"No. I am the one talking here" he stepped around his desk and walked toward them stopping inches from the sisters.

"Go ahead, talk" Yang seethed.

---

Qrow looked out at the city below him, the sun providing a gentle warmth in contrast to the cold wind howling from his place atop the Academy. The bustling city was silenced by the wind, or soaked into the ice and snow covering the outside. He let out a low sigh, rubbing his hands together in front of him. The distinct clicking of heels graced his ears, but he never turned to see his visitor.

"Do you need something?"

"Thought you could use a drink" a small cup with a lid on it thrust into his sight.

"I don't really do that anymore, Winter" his hand politely pushed it back.

"Relax, it's just tea" she held the cup up to him and pulled the top off, steam rising out of it.

"You thought I could use tea?" he asked with a quirked eyebrow.

She gave a light shrug "It's cold out here. Besides, it's always calmed my nerves, and you seem tense"

"Yeah..." he took the cup from her "Guess I am. Thanks"

"You're quite welcome" she leaned her hip against the stone "How are you holding up? I know family matters can be... hard"

"What would you know about it? I don't see your family trying to kill you"

"Finding out you don't fit in with the people who raised you? Walking away from everything you grew up with, knowing you've disappointed the ones who loved you?" she quirked her eyebrow questioningly.

"Uh... well, when you put it like that..."

"I know what that's like, more than you might think. It's a hard choice, Qrow. I know Raven was hoping you'd go with her when she left, but you stayed"

"Yang needed me. I couldn't leave, even if I didn't buy into all this stuff about Salem"

"And if you didn't have Yang or Ruby? If you didn't have Salem as an excuse? Would you still be a Huntsman?"

Qrow answered without hesitation "Always"

Her lips upturned slightly "Good. We're lucky to have you... even if you are a stubborn ass"

"Oh, I'm the stubborn one?" he asked as he straightened.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Beg all you like, but it doesn't change the fact that you're the stubborn one out of the two of us"

"Me?! I'm not the one who instigated a fight in an Academy courtyard by destroying property in one of your drunken fits!" she shouted as she straightened.

"I was nowhere near drunk enough for that to be one of my fits!"

"So you admit it?!"

"What does it matter?! I'm sober now!" he said throwing his arms out.

"Delightful! So you have no excuse for your oafish tendencies!"

"You're the one who's always giving me attitude!"

"ATTITUDE?!"

"YEAH, ATTITUDE!"

"I'M JUST TRYING TO KEEP YOU FROM GETTING YOURSELF KILLED!"

"SO AM I!"

"THEN WHY ARE WE YELLING!?"

"I DON'T KNOW!"

She straightened out her clothes with her hands and collected her thoughts before speaking again "Qrow. I am happy you're sober now, and I only came out here to make sure you were alright... I didn't intend to start a fight"

Qrow snorted "Yeah, well... I, probably shouldn't have turned it into one" he relented.

"I apologize. You've been through a lot lately, and my... attitude, isn't helping anything"

He waved her off "Don't worry about it, I shouldn't have shouted at you. Sorry"

"It wasn't me you're mad at, I can tell that much... do you... want to talk about it?"

"I'm not much good at sharing, Ice-ahem, Winter" he finished awkwardly.

"You weren't very good at being sober either" she pointed out with a small smile "Sometimes the hardest things to do are the things we need to do the most"

Qrow crossed his arms "Who do you talk to when things are hard?"

"Weiss... and Penny"

"Penny? Really?" he chuckled.

"Don't laugh" she nudged him "She's a good listener, and she doesn't judge people"

"I suppose" he laughed "I just can't see her being very good with feelings"

"Oh she isn't, she's got a lot of questions about them" she laughed "But she listens, that's the important thing"

"Yeah..."

"Who would you talk to, if you wanted to talk, I mean?"

"Summer... or Raven" he answered.

"Oh..."

"Yeah... kinda hard to do now. I still talk to her grave, whenever I'm home"

"I'm sorry"

"I just wish I knew what happened..."

Winter sighed "Would you... be willing to discuss it with me? I wouldn't be opposed to... talking"

"Really?" he scrunched his eyebrows together.

"As long as you're civil" she added quickly "I don't wish to be jabbed at the whole time"

He smiled "I could do that"

She returned the smile "I'm glad"

"Does that mean we're friends now?"

"We were already friends, Qrow" she laughed.

"When are you going to start braiding my hair? Or talk about boys?"

She punched him in the shoulder "Bite your tongue. I am not a child"

"But you're just as fun to embarrass. I remember all the times I-" he stopped, his face dropping at the thought of his nieces.

"Qrow? What's wrong?"

"Yang yelled at James"

"She... what?" she asked surprised.

"We were talking about Raven, and Slade came up... Yang, you know how she is, got fired up and told him off... he wanted to talk to her and Ruby... alone"

"Oh" Winter frowned "One of those talks then"

"Yeah, probably tearing into em. Ruby for not keeping her in line as team leader, and her for insubordination"

"They're both under a fair bit of stress themselves. And they're young... the General will understand that"

"I hope so... because if he's not willing to try and help her get Slade back from Salem... I can't see the conversation going very well. I haven't seen him that mad since we fought at Beacon"

She rolled her eyes "You're still an ass for that"

"Probably" he shrugged "But I'm with Yang on this one. I don't know what's going on, but I've doubted Slade before... and it's never turned out the way I thought. I'm not making that mistake again"

She nodded "I've thought ill of him as well... and then he went and saved my life"

"Well he was ordered to" Qrow smirked.

"I think we both know Slade doesn't follow orders he doesn't like. It still surprises me how the General trusted him so easily when their attitudes conflict so regularly"

"I don't know, but it sounds to me like James is smarter than I've given him credit for. He listens to the opposing viewpoint at least, even if he still thinks his way is the right way"

"Well at least he files his reports on time"

Qrow groaned "Why would I need to file reports when everyone else does it for me?"

"Qrow, your last report was just one word. Report. Then you added a picture of a... rather rude gesture"

"James never said anything about it"

"Because he knows you're someone he can count on. Flawed or not, you'll be there to back him up when he needs you"

"As long as he keeps up the work he's been doing"

She smiled "Still, I'll take Slade's reports over yours any day. At least he provides statistical data, Grimm movements, training recommendations for the others, even the occasional research data for Pietro. Even if he is a bit... unprofessional"

"Ha!" Qrow shook his head "He's always had trouble with authority, hates people who don't listen to others. Probably the only reason he likes James, at least he listens"

"I'm sure they've had many arguments as well. The General and Ozpin fought often, but they both respected each other enough to give the other space to operate their way"

Qrow nodded "You're probably right" he stretched his arms over his head and let out a sigh of relief "I should go, probably gonna need to help Yang simmer down"

"Let me" she offered, unconsciously placing her hand on his.

"You? You want to talk to Yang? Right now? She's liable to knock you through a wall"

"I can handle myself, Qrow. And believe it or not, I don't think she needs her uncle right now. I think she needs a woman"

"Oh..." he looked down to her gloved hand on his. Her hand quickly shot back to her side when she noticed his gaze.

"Trust me, I won't push her. I promise"

Qrow nodded "Okay, I trust you. Just... don't say anything bad about him before she calms down. It's hard to get her to back down once she's fired up"

"Noted" she smiled as she turned on her heel.

"Hey" he called after her, she looked over her shoulder back at him as she stopped in the doorway "Thanks for the talk, Winter"

Her smile widened "My pleasure, Qrow"

---

Ironwood stood over Ruby and Yang, his sapphire eyes blazing with fury. Yang's own crimson orbs glared back at him while Ruby's silver ones held apprehension to them. After a long moment of silence, his anger drained, his gaze filling with sorrow and guilt. He took a deep breath and sighed, sounding almost relieved as a small smile tugged at his lips.

"I owe the two of you an apology"

Yang's flaring Aura died off immediately, her lilac eyes returned with a shocked look "What?"

"I have placed an incredible burden on your shoulders, all of you. And here I am expecting you to just keep jumping through hoops without an explanation... I am sorry for that"

"General, I'm not sure I understand-" Yang started.

"Then allow me to explain" he turned to his desk making his way back over to it "Several days ago, when you were reporting back from your mission to apprehend Cinder, Slade proposed an idea"

"What kind of idea?" Ruby asked.

Ironwood sat in his chair "Ozpin's kind of idea" he answered "I'm not known for my subtlety, but in this case, brute force hasn't been getting us anywhere. So, he decided we needed a look inside enemy lines"

Yang and Ruby's eyes widened in shock "He... chose to join Salem?" the blonde asked.

"He wanted to give us eyes inside Chimera, but first he needed to find them. The plan was to interrogate Amaranth McLaren. She knew everything that happened in Atlas. If Chimera was here, she'd have known where. Or at least, given him somewhere to start. Unfortunately, it seems Salem may have anticipated our move and sent forces in to kill her before we could learn what we wanted. Thankfully Arthur wasn't killed, but it gave us the perfect reason to reflect Slade as a traitor"

Yang frowned "You didn't fight very hard to get the Council to give you time to investigate, did you?"

"Not nearly hard enough" he answered with a small smile "None of us expected they'd reach out to him first, but he took the opportunity when it was given to him"

"How do you know? I mean, I want to believe Slade would never turn on us, but if Salem implants that chip in his brain..." Ruby let the sentence hang.

"It's a risk, but I trust in Slade's abilities. He would never allow them to do that to him, it would compromise his entire operation. Besides, he's never given Salem access before, why start now?" Ironwood answered.

"Then we're just hoping he'll pull through?" Yang asked "Forgive me, General. But that doesn't sound like you"

"Slade has yet to fail me, even when I didn't fully trust him, he earned it. I am now repaying that trust, but for his sake... I can't let anyone know the real reason for his departure"

"Then why are you telling us?" Ruby asked.

"Because you placed your trust in me" he answered simply "Yesterday, before your encounter with Raven, I recieved an unusual report from our communications tower. Technical readouts at first glance... but they were accompanied by a cipher"

"Cipher?"

"It means the message was encoded" Yang explained.

"Oh"

Ironwood couldn't help the short laugh from leaving his lips "It took me a few minutes to decipher, but the message was clear once I'd decoded it. It was only two words" he held up his hand with two fingers "I'm in"

"Slade" Yang smiled.

"Then he's okay!"

Ironwood nodded as he stood "When the time comes, Slade is going to report what he can to us however he can. But what I am waiting for, is coordinates"

"For what?" Ruby's head tilted questioningly.

"Chimera's base of operations. Once we have those coordinates, we'll mount an assault and exfiltrate Slade from their ranks. If we can pull this off..."

"Then we'll have crippled Salem's attack force" Yang nodded in understanding "That's not a bad plan" she knocked her fists together with excitement.

"I can't take all the credit. It was mostly his plan, but he's counting on us to follow through with it"

"We won't let him down"

"Of course not" Ruby agreed.

Ironwood nodded "With all of that said, I trust you'll keep this to yourselves. He believed it was critical none of you knew the plan going forward, especially Qrow"

"Why?" Yang asked.

"Because he believed of all of you. Qrow and you" he pointed to Yang "Would be the only ones who'd be willing to go against me to try and rescue him. But even knowing now, I know there isn't anyway you can leave the city without my knowledge... and you wouldn't get very far"

"But Qrow could" Ruby understood.

"How does one stop a bird from leaving a flying city?" Ironwood chuckled "I worry I have asked too much of Slade, but... there's no way to pull him out now. Not until he's ready"

"What's his mission exactly? Sabotage the base? Recover battle plans?" Yang asked.

"Both. He's to recover whatever intel he can and sabotage the base for our assault. Hopefully it'll reveal our inside man and help us defend against any retaliatory attacks Salem throws our way"

"Then we won't be receiving any further missions, will we?" Ruby questioned.

"Not unless it's an emergency. Most of the Huntsmen I have left are able to handle the bulk of assignments for now, I only sent you to Corinth with Qrow because I needed something to take your minds off Slade. Unfortunately, that mission became much more than I anticipated"

"You can say that again" Yang scoffed "Mom wasn't exactly what I was expecting"

Ironwood sighed "I'm sorry for keeping you in the dark, and for asking you to keep this from the others. I don't like relying on secrets, not like Oz did. But until Slade is safely back with us..."

"We understand, Sir" Ruby smiled.

"Thanks... for trusting us" Yang said hesitantly.

"You've all more than earned my trust. I only hope you all feel the same"

"We do" Yang assured "Sometimes I just let my anger get the best of me"

He let out a small laugh "We all do, at times. Now, I expect you both to return to your teams looking very upset about the lecture you just recieved from me. Just not too upset"

Yang and Ruby shared a laugh "You can count on us, Sir" the silver-eyed girl assured with a dutiful salute.

Ironwood's warm smile widened "Seeing you salute just seems so... out of character for you, Ruby. You don't need to do that, you're not one of my soldiers after all"

"Uh, yes, Sir" she said with a small blush of embarrassment.

"You're both dismissed"

---

Something terrible was going to happen. I knew it, the signs were all there, but he wouldn't listen. He thought he knew what was best, he thought he could ensure our safety. But this was not the old enemy he knew, it was something far worse than the Grimm. He didn't know how to fight it, how to fight something that would use your strength and turn it into weakness, something that would destroy your very being, something that will use your desires, pure or dark, and twist them into something disturbing.

There fear is enough to make me want to run. It's paralyzing, silencing, worse than grasping hands in the dark. It's too palpable, too foreign, and yet, so intimate. This was not what they wanted, this was not why they came here... it's not what they deserve. There was a prophecy in the old days, one most dismissed and others clung to for fear of it coming to pass without witnessing the signs... the Brothers are light and dark, good and evil, our creators... and our destroyers. They would abandon us for our folly, but none of that mattered to us. We thought it nothing more than the ramblings of frightened old men.

Wake up

I've seen them all fall before, Huntsmen and Huntresses... heroes without equal. I've seen pure hearts blackened by loss, anger, grief... fear. I've lived my whole life, numerous as they've been, bringing people together. Fighting desperately to unite the world and push back this dark future I've dreaded for so long. I've made promises and told lies all based on faith, hope, that things would turn out better in the end. I've swallowed my doubt, buried it as deep as I could manage, because doubt is better left unspoken. Because action, even the wrong one, is better than frigid indecision. Uncertainty has been our undoing before, and it could be again if I am not vigilant, if I give too much to the wrong ones...

I've told no one. I understand our enemy more than anyone, and sharing the information I hold would only play into her hands. It would create panic, draw in the Grimm, incite violence from those like the White Fang. It would bring fear and anger, all because I was too weak to stay away. The Relics hold no answers, the Maidens delay the inevitable, but for how long? So I continue as if there is nothing wrong, I attend meetings, discuss admissions, sift through reports and consult with the other headmasters. They ask for answers, and I give them answers, but never the whole answer. Only enough to satisfy... sometimes I can feel myself lying through my teeth before I even notice.

Wake up!

The truth is, I don't know how to stop this, or whether it's even possible. I was given the task of saving everyone, but all I know how to do is send them to their deaths, so others might live without fear. But it is not enough, it never has been. All of it was worthless, none of it mattered. The smoke rising from the city, the black queen in my systems, the Wyvern darkening the sky. It was in that moment that I realized I had made a terrible mistake, that I had been a fool... all of this was playing right into her hands from the beginning, and I wondered where it all went so wrong?

None of that mattered anymore, there was nothing to be changed... as always, she would come back. Again, and again, she would rail against me from the shadows, force me to play my part as gatekeeper of what is and is not safe to know... and I don't know what to do.

WAKE UP!

Slade shot up out of the bed panting for breath "What the hell was that..." he breathed softly.

Memory

"But not mine, Oz's memory"

Yes

"Why?"

His question was met with silence. He let out a disappointed sigh, unsurprised she remained silent. He stood from the bed and approached the large metal door. He knew it would still be locked, but he managed to see through the space between the door and the wall, only catching sight of the rifle of the guard outside. He'd assumed the guards would change shifts eventually, but was unsure if they even needed rest, as he knew some of them were just walking corpses.

Without a second thought, Slade removed his cloak and propped it up on the bed with the pillows inside it serving as a decoy. If he moved fast enough, he hoped he'd be able to make it back before anyone noticed he was gone. Once he'd finished setting up the decoy, he moved to the right side of the room and used his Semblance to silently remove the bolts holding the vent cover in place. He moved it to the side and slid in feet first as quietly as possible, then replaced the vent cover behind him.

He quietly moved through the small vent using a small hand held mirror to look out through the openings to find what he was looking for. It took him several minutes to find an empty room, and he entered in the same manner he'd left his "room" and went straight to work. Moments later he emerged into the hallway, disguised in a suit of unused armor. There were cameras in every hall, he was just thankful there were no camera's inside the rooms. An oversight he was sure would be remedied if he was caught.

It didn't take him long to reach the first security station, he moved through it as though he belonged, so no one stopped him. Using his Semblance, he knocked over one of the station's monitors, stopping just long enough to play the part of a surprised passerby, his hand swiping over the desk just out of sight of the camera. As he walked off past it, he tucked the stolen Scroll into his sleeve, concealing it as best he could.

On the left Elise's voice warned.

Slade stopped and tucked into the left side of the hall, opening the unlocked door. After a moment of checking for camera's he removed the Scroll, checking it over quickly. There was an incomplete map of the complex, but enough to tell him what he needed. He quickly entered the vent inside the room and followed the map to where he needed to be. Once there he was nearly overwhelmed by the roar of energy inside the room, he opened the vent and took a quick look around, spotting only one guard.

The generators around him thundered with energy, electricity coursing throughout the four pylons jutting out of each of them. If it wasn't for the helmet over his head muffling the sound, he wasn't sure he'd be able to stand the sheer volume the generators were emitting. He replaced the vent cover and then leapt down behind the guard, then hung himself under the scaffold he stood upon, climbing through the room from below. The lightning arced up toward him but was restrained by the pylons. Whilst avoiding the guard, Slade moved through the room, planting explosive charges on vital support structures or the energy capacitors on each of the generators.

He'd planted nearly two dozen of them before he made his way to the vent on the opposite side of the room, making his way through it and exiting in yet another empty room. Once out into the hall, he made his way down it until he reached a secure room. Four guards stood outside, the large door, with no obvious access in sight. He quickly passed by the room and located a nearby door, entering it, he found it to be a weapon storeroom. Fighting was out of the question, if he'd compromised his position now, he'd never have another chance at this.

He pressed his hand against the wall using his Semblance to search for his best route of entry. Once located, he used his abilities to force the floor panel closest to the wall up, revealing a cooling vent traveling directly beneath the room. He lowered himself carefully inside and replaced the panel using the newfound path to make his way deeper inside, entering the sealed room carefully. He stared in mild amazement, he'd never seen such a large room filled with only one massive computer inside. This had to be the computer archive he was looking for, hopefully with more waiting for him than Chimera records.

He removed the Scroll from it's hiding spot and made his way over to the computer panel. Connecting the device to it, he started sifting through the data records. There were no passwords or locked files, seemed Chimera hadn't expected anyone to be able to break into one of their compounds like this. While searching, he found three other connection points throughout Remnant. There was one in each kingdom, but now three of them had gone dark, all of their files transferred to this one base. It amused him how arrogant someone had to be to store all the files in one location, until he remembered Sable's words to him.

"I've already done enough to help you get here, don't waste this opportunity"

He wondered if this was what he was referring to, but he couldn't think on it long. He'd wasted enough time as it was with the first task. He started downloading anything he deemed relevant; Grimm activity, troop numbers, blueprints and schematics for Atlas defenses and the Academy itself, there was no definitive battle plans in the system or any recorded communications from their man inside the Academy, but he did find a direct link to the Schnee Dust Company, something he planned on pursuing upon his return. One message in particular caught his attention, he needed to get this back to Ironwood, and quickly.

With the intelligence he was after all safely tucked away, he disconnected the Scroll and wiped all traces of the data logs from his time using the system. He then moved back into the vent he'd gained access through and tucked the Scroll into a small corner before replacing the panel as he exited the vent. It didn't take him long to retrace his steps, skipping over much of the base until he'd reached the storeroom not far from his own quarters. He undressed from the armor and placed it back in it's place, then reentered his room through the vent, reapplying the bolts keeping each vent in place as he went.

Once inside, he thought he was caught, the sound of his door unlocking reaching his ears. He rushed to the bed and threw his coat on over him as he tucked himself back into it just as the door opened "Stroud" Sable's voice called as he entered.

Slade groaned "You my alarm clock now?" he asked.

Sable chuckled and motioned for his men to lock the door. Once they were alone he folded his hands behind his back "A message was sent from this base on one of our back channels to the Atlas communications tower"

Slade rolled over, looking him over as he sat up "You want to know if it was me?" he asked.

"It wouldn't matter if it was, the message was merely one of our technical reports on one of our weapons, a weapon Atlas soldiers already possess. Now, my concern is why someone would send such a simple unencrypted report to Atlas, knowing it would go unnoticed?"

Slade shrugged "How should I know? I'm not really a technical guy"

He snorted "You know more than you let on, Stroud. But I am not here to accuse you, merely to warn you"

"Warn me of what?"

"She's watching you" he removed his Scroll from his pocket and placed it on the table beside the bed "I have a mission. I won't be gone long"

"You're giving me your Scroll?"

"What Scroll? I lost mine days ago, must've lost it while out on a mission" he turned to leave.

"Thank you" Slade said softly.

"Don't thank me, I'm not the one putting myself in danger, Stroud. Just don't waste this opportunity... I won't be able to give you another. One message, that's all you get"

"I understand"

"Then make it count" his hand moved to the handle "Oh, and a word of advice. If you're going to pretend to be asleep, at least do so without your armor on"

"You assume I would ever sleep without my armor with all of you waiting just outside my door"

Sable chuckled "Fair point"

"What's your mission?" Slade asked.

"Unfinished business"

---

There was a rundown building sitting on the edge of a lane full of markets, it sat between two towering structures, rust encroaching upon it. Within the dank building, leaking water drip by drip to the floor, stood fuming Neopolitan, her fingers tapping against her forearm. There was a a sudden slam from behind her, an equally infuriated Cinder came marching in.

Neo fixed her with a knowing look, as if saying "She got away?"

"Don't give me that look, Gutter-Rat!" she snapped.

Neo scowled and started signing in frustration "How many times do I have to tell you? I. DON'T. KNOW. WHAT. THAT. MEANS!"

Neo threw a scalpel at her, lodging into the wall behind her as she moved out of the way. Cinder's nostrils flared, but she took the time to remind herself of her position. She needed Neopolitan, she needed her talents, and she needed her to do what she could not. She took a deep breath before speaking once again.

"Message. Recieved. I... apologize"

Neo huffed silently and removed her notepad out and started writing "Did you find her?"

"No" she hissed.

"Why not?"

"I was... intercepted"

"The General?"

"Ruby" she spat "She and her irksome friends got in my way, and they outnumbered me"

"Did you kill her?"

"As I said, I was outnumbered. Besides, I've reserved that pleasure for you" she promised with a deceitful smile.

"Why?"

"She humiliated me... but she has not taken something or someone so dear to me as your... dalliance"

Neo glared "Don't"

Cinder rolled her eyes "Where is Emerald? I expected her to be waiting with you"

Neo shrugged "I don't have her on a collar"

She snarled "So much for loyalty..."

Cinder started pacing, her mind racing with possibilities, she knew their options were limited. Anything she did now would be heavily scrutinized by Salem, and she knew she was watching. Emerald needed to report back to her with what she could learn, but even still she hoped she knew to keep her mouth shut about certain things. After a moment, she formulated a plan of action, resting her chin on her knuckles.

"Perhaps it's time we bettered our own position"

Neo quirked her eyebrow at her "I have a plan" she answered her silent question.

"What kind of plan?"

"We need a bargaining chip to ingratiate us in Salem's eyes. We don't need another interruption like... before" her hand hovered over her healed wounds, light scarring all that remained.

Neo tore the page off and started onto the next one "How exactly do we do that? You were the one who lost Raven"

"I didn't lose anyone, you-" Cinder bit her tongue "I told you, I have a plan"

She snorted "Raven's powers or the woman herself wouldn't have gained us any favor from her"

"That's true, but the Relic however..."

"You want us to steal the Relic from them? In the middle of the Academy?"

"You've gotten inside before, haven't you?"

"Getting inside is easy, but after last time, attacking any of them would make getting out impossible"

"Then we'll need to be careful, choose our moment carefully"

"I notice you're not the one volunteering?" she wrote fixing her with an unamused look.

"Oh, don't worry about that. I will be doing my own work for this plan, you know, in case it doesn't work"

Neo furrowed her brow "You don't trust me to succeed?"

"I don't trust them not to meddle, but if I succeed in my task, then it will not be for naught. Besides, I already know where to make contact with her should we recover the Relic"

---

Yang and Ruby sat on the edge of their own beds within their provided dorm, both of them were less tense than they'd been in days. Both of them grateful Ironwood would reveal the truth to them about Slade's mission, but even still, it did not serve to reduce their concern for their friend. Ruby sat swinging her legs one after the other, both of them staring at the snow collecting on the window.

"So..."

"So..." Yang repeated.

"What do we do now?" Ruby asked as her gaze turned to her sister.

"You mean about Slade?"

"About everything? I trust Slade, and I'm glad to know Ironwood does too, but..." she shrugged.

"He's alone out there" she frowned.

"Yeah..." she placed her hands behind her head and dropped back onto her bed.

"Guess he was right about one thing, now that I know he's still on our side, just working from the inside... I'm even more restless"

Ruby sighed "I know what you mean. Even before I knew, I couldn't believe he'd just turn on us like that, it's so unlike him"

"Yeah, but there's nothing we can do. We don't even know where he is, and we have no way to figure it out without him reaching out first"

"So we just do nothing..."

"As much as I hate it, yeah. Nothing" she sighed "You know I've never been great with waiting"

Ruby giggled "I remember you never even waited for us to finish singing before you'd blow out the candles on your birthday cake"

Yang laughed "How could I? Uncle Qrow was always getting the words wrong"

"You know he did that on purpose right?"

"Oh, I know" Yang giggled "Didn't make it any easier for me to wait"

"I miss Dad"

"Me too, Ruby. I know we call, but..."

"That's become harder with..."

"All the Grimm destroying the communications towers in the kingdom are making it hard on everyone to get anything through"

"Yeah, I suppose so. But that's not like seeing him in person"

"We'll see him again, once Atlas is safe"

"That's if we win"

"You don't think we will?" Yang asked surprised.

"No, I do... but I'm afraid. Salem can't die, so why does she always do things so carefully? Why bother?"

"I wonder about that too, if she's so powerful and can't die like the rest of us, why does she always manipulate from the shadows? If everyone knew about her, we'd panic, sure. But once that was done, wouldn't we just band together?"

"And if everyone knew she couldn't be killed?" Ruby asked.

"I... I don't know"

"Yeah... that's what scares me. It makes me understand why Ozpin always kept things hidden from so many people... why he lied"

"Lying doesn't help anyone, Ruby" Yang argued.

"And the truth isn't always easy, Yang. I'm not saying I agree with Ozpin, but that doesn't mean I don't understand there are people who would sooner run to serve Salem than try fighting her, even without knowing everything about her"

"Crazy people"

Ruby laughed "Well, that certainly explains Tyrian"

Yang scowled "Yeah, that's true" they both fell silent, both of their minds drifting to deeper concerns "I Just wish he would've told me"

Ruby frowned "He didn't tell anyone, couldn't. It's part of the mission"

"That he decided was a good idea" she shot back.

"Yeah, but he's done some crazy things before. He'll probably be fine, we have to trust him"

"It's not him I don't trust, Ruby. It's Salem"

Ruby's frown deepened "I-" she was cut off by a knock at the door "Uh, do you think Ironwood knows we're talking about it?" she asked somewhat nervous as Yang got up to answer the door.

"No way, probably just Qrow coming to check on-" Yang started to reply as she got to the door, stopping only when she saw the person in front of her "-us"

Winter stood in the entryway with her hands folded behind her "Yang, Ruby" she nodded to each of them.

"Winter? What're you doing here?" Ruby asked.

"I heard from Qrow you two were..." she cleared her throat "I've been on the receiving end of one of Ironwood's lectures more than once"

Yang crossed her arms "Is this the part where you start one of your lectures?"

Winter frowned "No, Yang. I am not here on official business"

"Then why are you here"

"I heard what caused the... argument. I was hoping to see if you both were alright. I know this business with St-ahem, Slade has been rather hard on you both"

"We're fine" Yang answered quickly "Ironwood set us straight, even if we might not like it"

Winter quirked an eyebrow "Truly?" she looked to Ruby for confirmation.

"It was a, uh, important talk" Ruby answered carefully.

Winter seemed to catch her meaning, even if she didn't exactly know why "Well, that's good to hear"

"Is that all you wanted then?"

"Actually, I was hoping to speak with you, Yang. Privately"

"Yikes" Ruby winced.

"Don't be dramatic, I'm not going to yell at her, or lecture her on protocol... not this time anyway" she assured.

"And yet somehow, I don't feel better" Yang frowned.

Ruby jumped down from her bed "I'll just be going then, check on what the others are doing. You know, team leader stuff" she laughed nervously before zipping past them at blinding speed.

Winter snorted "I am not that intimidating am I?"

"I think the word you're looking for is 'intense', Winter"

"I am not-" she caught herself "Ah, perhaps I can be... difficult" she admitted.

"So if you're not here to lecture me for yelling at Ironwood, what are you here for?"

"I've had my own arguments with the General"

"Really? I wasn't sure you were capable of disobeying Ironwood"

"I've never ignored an order, but it doesn't change my opinions on what we do. It just means I trust him to do what's best"

"And if he ever stops?" Yang asked.

"He won't... but if he ever did, I know where I'd stand. That's all anyone can ask of another"

"You'd oppose Ironwood if he started acting like Lionheart?"

"I'd take him down myself if necessary, but that won't be a problem"

"I hope so..."

"Regardless, I wished to speak with you, woman-to-woman"

Yang paled "Oh, god. This isn't about Qrow is it?"

"What? No!" Winter's stoic mask broke at the mere thought "I was referring to your infatuation with Slade!"

Yang laughed at her reaction "Then why didn't you just say that?"

"I did, in a way you apparently didn't understand" she rubbed her eyelids with mild exasperation.

"We are not having this talk" Yang insisted.

"Of course, because there's nothing going on between the two of you" Winter stated unconvinced.

"There isn't"

"Of course"

"Stop that"

"Stop what?" she asked innocently.

"I know what you're doing"

"What have I done? I have merely stated what I have seen"

"Then you're seeing things"

"The sidelong glances?"

"I don't know what you're talking about"

"The humming?"

"I do not hum"

"Then evidently I need to start protecting my head better during my sparring matches with Nora"

Yang gave an exasperated sigh "You're not going to let this go, are you?"

"Not likely"

"Why?" she groaned.

"Because you're either incapable or disinclined to admit how enamored you are with him"

"I am not-"

"And no one else is willing to force you to speak of it"

"But not you?" her eyebrow raised.

"Of course. I do not care much for such niceties. You clearly need to speak of it with someone, and if you're unwilling to do it yourself-"

"No, god. Please, not with you. You're going to make it weird"

"So you admit there's something there after all"

"Ugh"

Winter's lips upturned "I know I can be a bit... much, at times"

"Most times"

"Sometimes" Winter stressed "Look, it's clear to all of us how he feels, and despite your attempts to dissuade me, it's obvious you feel the same"

"As obvious as your inclination toward my uncle?"

"Do not change the subject"

"You didn't deny it"

"Nor did I make any admission, we're speaking of you, not I. You have spent a great deal of time with him"

"I like his company, like all of my friends. Is that so wrong?"

"I am not that dense, Yang"

"Do we really have to do this? Is it even a problem anymore? I mean, he's been branded a traitor now, right?" she asked hoping to end the discussion.

Winter frowned "Perhaps, but does that change how you feel about him?"

"I never said I felt any way about him"

"Still denying it then?"

"Are we done?"

"And if he were to return to us? If he was brought back into the fold and no longer the traitor others believe him to be?"

Yang's eyes widened slightly "Do you... really think that's possible?" she asked hesitantly.

"Anything is possible, Yang. He's been on the other side of the law from us before, and I believed the worst of him for a time, as you well know"

"Then he saved your life"

"Indeed, and that is exactly why I am not convinced he is truly against us"

"And if he isn't? What would you do?"

Winter smiled "I would trust that whatever reason he has will play out for the best in the end. For now, I choose to trust in the General and in all of you as well"

Yang offered her a small smile "Thank you, Winter. Maybe you're not so bad"

"A compliment?" Winter laughed "You may need to work on giving those"

Yang couldn't help but laugh "Really, Winter. Thank you"

"Think nothing of it, we're all on the same side are we not?"

"I can see why your Weiss' favorite family member"

Winter snorted "Such a low bar to clear" Yang laughed.

---

"Oh, oh! Father!" Penny called excitedly.

"I see, darling" Pietro assured as he approached the bed.

Watts groaned as his eyes fluttered open "Pietro?"

"Good morning, Arthur. I'm glad to see you're finally awake"

Watts forced himself up to a sitting position "How long was I under?"

"Oh, only a few days" Penny said much too cheerful for his taste as he quirked an eyebrow at her.

He snorted "Is that all?" his eyes shifted back to Pietro "What's happened? Last I can recall, Tartarus was breached by Chimera"

"Well, that did happen. I was hoping you could clear up exactly how you were injured. Security was compromised at the time of the attack, we've been unable to confirm Mr. Stroud's story"

"Stroud... what happened? Was he injured as well?"

"No, not quite. But his weapon was the one used on you... we were hoping you could confirm his story"

Watts nodded "I assume the General would like to be present for this?"

Penny zipped to the bed "Certainly! I've already notified him of your recovery"

"Good" Watts moved to stand.

"Wait just a minute, Arthur. You're in no condition to go anywhere" Pietro stated firmly and pressed him back down onto the bed "Your injuries may have healed-"

"I do not require you to doctor me, Pietro. I am keenly aware of what I can and cannot do on my own" he snapped back "This is important. I must speak with the General immediately"

Penny frowned at his tone "Father is just worried about you, Professor"

"And while I appreciate the concern, I cannot afford to waste time in bed while someone like him is still out there"

"Him?" Pietro asked.

"The man who attacked us, he took down his own men and almost killed me. Nothing adds up"

"Why send your own men in only to kill them?" Pietro wondered rubbing his chin.

"Maybe they didn't work for him" Penny offered.

"Don't be ridiculous, Penny. They had identical uniforms on" Watts shot back.

"No, it would make sense. Slade reported they were taken down by him as well, but with his weapon covered in your blood..." Pietro let the sentence hang.

"Wait... James doesn't actually think Slade did it, does he?"

"I can't say for certain, but the Council already marked him as a traitor when he left with your attacker"

"Left with?" Watts frowned "It seems I need to be brought back up to speed" he forced his way past them.

"Arthur, wait"

"I think I've waited long enough, Pietro" he called back as he reached the counter, his usual attire waiting for him there.

It didn't take him long to dress himself behind one of the infirmary's curtains as Pietro continued to try and convince him to at least allow him to check him over before allowing him to leave. Watts stubbornly refused and pushed past him out into the hall, where Penny quickly followed behind him.

"I do not require an escort, Penny"

"I just thought-"

"Then don't. I am certain you have enough to occupy your time without circling me like a mother hen"

"Oh... okay, I guess you're right"

Hearing the sadness in her voice he considered stopping to apologize but thought better of it with a shake of his head. His mind raced with fear, he knew this was part of the plan, to solidify his cover within the Academy. But Slade joining them was never something Salem had considered when she told him about the plan. His focus was brought elsewhere when he passed the dorms to find Oscar Pine and Maria Calavera outside them with Ruby Rose leaning against the wall beside them.

"I'm just saying, it feels like I'm being ignored sometimes. I know I'm not the fighter I used to be, but I can do more than fly a ship every now and then" the elderly Huntress griped.

"Even when you spend half the day sleeping?" Ruby asked.

"What else am I supposed to do? No one gives me anything to do!" she protested indignantly.

"Maybe Ironwood is concerned for your health. I don't see many other Huntsmen near the end of their life working for him" Oscar pointed out.

"Well you don't see any snot-nosed kids like you getting their licenses normally either. Besides, who says I'm old? Who says I'm dying?"

"I... don't think I said that"

"You did"

"I'm pretty sure I didn't"

"Now you're saying I'm deaf?"

Oscar groaned "Ruby?" he asked pleadingly.

"Oh no! You got yourself into this one. I'm not getting involved-" she stopped when she noticed Watts "Professor! You're awake!"

He grumbled lightly "Yes, I am awake, Ms. Rose"

"Are you alright?" Oscar asked.

"I am well enough. Is the General in his office?"

"He was when we left" Ruby answered.

Watts head tilted slightly "Is there a reason you're all out here and not congregating somewhere more..." he let the sentence hang.

"Winter wanted to talk with Yang privately" Ruby shrugged "Figured I should stay close in case she starts hitting things"

"Ah" Watts nodded "Then I'll leave you to it"

Ruby zipped right in front of him "Wait, you're the only one who was there with Slade, right?" she asked.

Watts rolled his eyes "Do not fear, I shall clear his name with the General"

Ruby rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly "I guess I'm not the first person to ask"

His lips upturned slightly "No, Ms. Rose. You're not"

"Well... I'll get out of your way then" she laughed nervously.

"Thank you ever so much" he drawled as he walked past her.

"He seemed in a bad mood" Oscar frowned.

"Trust me, he's always like that when Ironwood's not looking" Maria assured.

"How do you know that?" Ruby asked.

"He doesn't pay attention as much when I'm lurking around. I'm old and people underestimate what I notice"

"The real question is, why're you lurking?" Oscar asked.

"What would you do if you had nothing to occupy you all day?"

Ruby rubbed her chin thoughtfully "Uh, probably read my comics... or lurking in corners"

"Ha!" Maria laughed.

Watts turned the corner to Ironwood's office to find the General stepping out "Arthur, I just recieved Penny's message"

"General" he gave a half bow "It's good to see you"

"Not nearly as good as it is to see you, Arthur. You're the one who's been comatose"

"So I've heard. I hope you're not buying into this ridiculousness about Mr. Stroud"

"Ah... you've heard already"

"Of course I have. And I'd like to know what the hell made you think Slade would lie about what happened"

Ironwood frowned "I'd warn you to watch your tone, but in this case, you have the right of it" he sighed "I assure you, I did not buy into the Council's decision to brand him a traitor. But when he left with the one responsible... well"

"I believe I understand, what I don't understand is why he would leave with him?"

Ironwood nodded "We've been looking into that matter how we can, but without more intel on Chimera and the man himself, it's impossible to find anything more"

"Hmm... and I take it we've learned nothing about our... internal problem since I went under?"

"Nothing, but somehow Cinder learned the location of Raven Branwen"

"Then they're unfortunately playing this game very well. We'll have to step up our game as well"

Ironwood smiled "It's good to have you back, Arthur" he placed his hand on his shoulder "Take what time you need to recover fully, then I'll need you to report back to your work"

"I understand, Sir. But I'd like to get straight back into it. The kingdom isn't getting any safer"

He removed his hand from his shoulder "True enough. I won't stop you, but I do recommend you take the time to recover"

"Then you'll forgive me when I turn you down. I should return to my office"

"Arthur" Ironwood called stopping him "Be careful, from now on. I don't want to lose anyone else"

He nodded "Losing people is inevitable, James. But I'll do my utmost not to join them"

Arthur quickly made his way back to his office. Once he locked the door behind him, he proceeded over to his desk opening the locked drawer by punching in the code with the keypad. Once he'd pulled it open the spherical head of a Seer poking up, Salem's face appeared through the red smoke that manifested inside.

"Ah, Arthur" she greeted.

"Your grace"

"I trust you are well? I know your injuries were... necessary, but that doesn't make them hurt any less"

"I'm fine, thank you. But I am concerned about the news I've heard"

"You mean about Slade? Yes, it astonished me as well when he came to my side"

"You don't, actually trust him, do you?"

"I don't, he is under close watch. And he won't be working with anyone other than Mr. Wolf on that front. At least there's no chance of him convincing anyone to his side this way. What of Ironwood?"

"He doesn't seem to buy Slade's guilt, he seems perplexed as to his choice to accompany my attacker. It's possible Slade is planning something... or he could be desperate"

"Fascinating..."

"Is he with you now? In the castle?"

"No, I've left him in in Chimera's care. It's impossible for him to accomplish anything there. Too many eyes"

"Hmm... good, I was almost concerned he'd..."

"Fooled me? Not likely, Arthur. I've been at this game of cat and mouse for far longer than he, and with Ozpin helping them, well..." she grinned "Let's just say, I've got something in the works already"

---

Ruby's eyes fluttered open as the sunlight met her eyes. Rolling onto her side, she looked around at Yang, Weiss and Blake still sleeping in their beds. She stretched her arms with a yawn, then quietly dropped to the ground and dressed herself in their shared bathroom, getting herself ready for the day. Her stomach grumbled loudly "Hm, I wonder if they have any cookies in the cafeteria" she mused.

She could already hear Yang's voice "Ruby, cookies aren't breakfast. You need something healthy!" she shook her thoughts from her head "Pft. I'm sure it's fine" she quietly argued to herself.

Ruby snuck out of the room, careful not to wake her team. Within a few minutes, she made it to her desired destination location in minutes as she practically skipped with excitement down the hall. She stopped only when she smacked against a hard surface, backing up with a grunt "Ow..."

"Salutations!" Penny called.

Ruby smiled "Good morning, Penny. Did you come down for breakfast?"

Penny smiled brightly "I don't eat"

"Uh... right" she blushed from embarrassment.

"Oh, good morning, Ruby" Winter's voice called as she approached from inside the hall.

"Hey, Winter. Coming for breakfast too?"

"Actually, I just finished. I was going to see if your uncle was awake"

Ruby gave her a cheeky smile "For something specific? Maybe a date?"

Winter snorted "Please, don't. I was hoping for a sparring match"

"Date? I thought those were for people who liked each other. Did I miss something?" Penny asked confused.

"There's nothing to miss" Winter assured.

"Ooh! Are there cookies?" Ruby suddenly asked, remembering her original purpose.

"Why yes, they're on the desert counter. The one closest to the window" Penny pointed.

"Yes!" Ruby zipped past the two of them, rose petals flowing behind her.

"Cookies? For breakfast?" Winter asked as she turned back to follow Ruby "You're not five, you should eat something more nutritious"

"Ugh, now you sound like Yang" Ruby groaned as she plucked one from the tray taking a bite quickly "Mm!" she shoved it into her mouth, two more followed quickly after, swaying happily.

Winter found herself laughing "Ruby, you're adorable..." she snatched the tray of cookies up away from her "but you shouldn't be eating cookies for breakfast"

"Hey, not fair!" Ruby zipped closer to the window a cookie in her hand that she'd managed to steal from the tray.

Penny laughed as she approached Winter from behind "Ruby!" the Schnee called sternly.

Ruby stuck her tongue out at her. Behind her, a hand reached down and placed a disk twice the size of her head onto the window. Penny soared toward Ruby as Winter tried to use her Glyphs to propel Ruby away. Before either of them had a chance, the window was shattered by a powerful concussive blast, throwing Ruby onto her chest and knocking Penny and Winter away. The Academy blared with an alarm, red lights flashing through the room they were in.

Seconds later, four armed soldiers swung down by their hands into the room aiming their rifles toward the knocked over Winter. Penny's blades spun through the air, blocking each of the rounds fired at the Huntress as she got to her feet. Another man in matching black armor swung down into the room, and quickly worked to snatch the barely conscious Ruby from the ground by her hood, discarding Crescent Rose.

"Ruby!" Winter rolled to her left, getting to her feet.

The man in question opened a corridor of darkness behind him, dragging Ruby with him as he approached. Using her Semblance, she froze him in place with a blackened Glyph. He turned to glare at her just before Penny knocked into him throwing him out the window just to the left of the portal. The man flipped backward, releasing his grip on Ruby's hood so as not to choke her and slung her over his shoulder by her arm. He slid to a stop on the wall of the Academy, standing perfectly horizontal.

Winter slid past the first gunman, impaling her blade through his chest, she removed his pistol from his holster and fired into two of the other three. Twisting around the one on the end of her blade as he was thrown of the end, she used the pommel of her blade to knock the attacker over with a sweep of his legs, the blade in a reverse grip in her hand. She flipped forward, slamming her heel into his helmet, rendering him unconscious.

Penny soared toward the man holding Ruby and slammed her fist into his chest with all her might. His spine bent back from the blow, but the sound of broken bones never reached her ears, confusing her. His free hand caught her hand by her wrist as his back wrenched back into place, he lifted her with surprising strength and pulled her closer, catching her by the throat as he slammed her through the stone wall he stood upon.

Ruby grumbled as she stirred awake on his back "What..."

"I wouldn't move if I were you, Ms. Rose. That'd be a nasty fall" his synthesized voice warned.

"You!" her eyes snapped open.

"Hello again, Little Red"

A flock of miniature white Nevermores soared down at him from the open window. He brought up his open hand to block his face. Seconds later, he performed a one handed backhand-spring to avoid a strike for his chest, his opposite hand keeping a firm grip on Ruby. Sliding to a stop, he caught Winter's blade in his hand, keeping it from reaching his throat. Winter held herself on the side of the building with a Glyph beneath her feet.

"Specialist" he greeted.

"Unhand her, now!"

"Not likely-gurk!" Ruby had sent a shockwave of force using her Aura through his legs, causing him to lose his footing and for them both to fall.

"Ruby!"

Winter launched herself forward, catching her in her arms and twisting around, slowing their descent as they passed through several Glyphs before slamming into the ground, both of their Aura's sparking from the damage. Their assailant crashed to the ground with nothing to slow him down but the stone ledge he'd landed on.

Winter released her hold on Ruby and turned onto her side "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine" she replied a bit shaken, getting to her feet.

"That was reckless. You could've been seriously hurt" she chastised.

"But I wasn't. I knew you wouldn't let me get hurt" she smiled.

Winter's heart swelled with pride at her admission of trust "That's not the point, Ruby. Do you have any idea how angry Qrow would be if you'd gotten hurt on my watch? I'd never hear the end of it" her stern expression turned into a smile "I'm glad you're okay"

"Ow..." the metallic groan reached their ears as he stood to his feet.

"How in the hell..." Winter's eyes widened in shock as she turned to him.

"Sorry ladies, but it's going to take more than that to-" Penny crashed into him at blinding speed, smashing through the stone and into the road beneath them.

"Penny!" Ruby leapt down to her level.

"Ruby, wait!" Winter called as she followed after her.

Penny was thrown from the cloud of debris in front of them, rolling to a stop, the man in the armor stepping out shortly afterward. Ruby rushed to Penny's side to check if she was alright, the android's left hand snapped backward, exposing some of her circuitry and metal skeleton. Their attacker turned toward Winter, drawing his pistol from his shouldered-holster.

"This is your only warning, Schnee. Back off, I don't want to have to hurt you"

"Did you offer Arthur the same chance?" she snarled.

"I had orders to follow"

"Then why leave Slade alive?"

"I also had orders to take him alive, but seeing as taking him wasn't possible without witnesses. I made myself scarce. The Council did the rest"

"You bastard" Winter readied her weapon, taking the smaller blade out into her offhand "What have you done with him?"

"You should be more worried about what I'm going to do to you"

Winter charged forward, her Glyphs increasing her speed as she trust her blade toward his chest. He moved faster than she could track him, planting his open hand onto the ground, he swung his left leg around and kicked her in the back, launching her at her enhanced speed. Winter rolled on her face painfully, managing to catch herself on her heels, she flipped through the air, sliding to a stop as she landed. He fired his weapon single-handed after her as she stopped, forcing her to block each round with her blades.

Just as he noticed a presence behind him he felt cold steel pierce his chest causing him to cry out in surprise "Gotcha!"

"Qrow!" Ruby smiled.

"Catch, Pipsqueak" he tossed the condensed Crescent Rose her way.

The man on the edge of his blade laughed "Qrow Branwen, it's been awhile"

"Do I know you?" Qrow asked, reeling from the lack of blood on his blade.

The man twisted his waist around unnaturally, his legs unmoving "Oh I don't expect you'd recognize me, Qrow" his heel kicked into his chest, sliding him back.

"What the hell are you?!" Qrow asked disgusted.

"Trapped" he answered as his legs twisted to match with his upper body once more, removing the blade from his chest "Don't worry, I don't blame you for this" he gestured to himself "It was an unforeseen side effect of my associations"

"Who are you? How do you know me?" Qrow demanded.

"Here, maybe this will help" he placed Harbinger to his own neck "Last time we met, you used this to chop my head off"

Qrow's eyes widened "No... it can't be"

"You've seen Salem bring back the dead before, why not me?" he asked "Though to be clear, it wasn't Salem who made me like this, that was all Atlas' handiwork" he gestured to his entire body

"Atlas?" he asked "Who did this to you?"

"Chimera, one of Pietro's pet scientist made me into this abomination. Wouldn't have been my first choice, but I make the most of it"

"You... I can't believe..."

"Believe it, old friend. Now, if you don't mind, I have a mission to complete" he gestured to Ruby "It's time I finished"

"Not on your life, pal"

"Qrow? Who is he?" Winter asked as she took up a position beside Ruby.

"Sable Wolf" Qrow answered bitterly "A traitor"

"The years have not been kind to you, Branwen"

Qrow lurched forward pulling his fist back to strike. Sable turned around the strike and knocked the hilt of Harbinger into his chest, throwing him onto his back from the force. "Qrow!" Ruby held the fully formed Crescent Rose in her hand and charged spinning it expertly as she struck.

Sable turned and did the same with Harbinger blocking the strike and the counterstrike to his left as she turned it horizontally. Sable flipped back over Winter as she attempted to strike from behind. No matter how Ruby tried, he refused to keep his full attention on her, keeping his footing away from Winter as she desperately looked for an opening. He flipped back to dodge Ruby's blade, then blocked a second with Harbinger, locking blades with her.

He turned his blade horizontally and planted his free hand onto her own weapon, balancing him on it as Winter charged. He spun, his arm never moving, around the strike and then kicked for her face, forcing her to block with her own blades. Sable caught sight of Penny's blades swarming behind him in the reflection of Crescent Rose. He flipped off the scythe and onto Winter's larger blade to avoid them, as they spun between them, Harbinger clattered to the ground.

Qrow was back on his feet and charged back into action. Without hesitation, Sable kicked Winter away from him and rolled into a strike to Qrow's knee followed by a kick toward his face. Qrow managed to barely block the strike with his forearm as he fell to one knee, catching his leg in his opposite hand. Ruby swung her scythe for his hands as he moved to catch himself on them. Moving just fast enough he pushed himself upward as she scratched the pavement, he used this opportunity to swing himself around Qrow, forcing him to release his hold on him.

He kicked Qrow in the back, throwing him into Ruby, knocking them both over "Well, I think this has been interesting enough for all of us. Why don't we-"

An explosion from beneath a nearby car, created by a Fire Dust enhanced Glyph, launched toward Sable. He turned to see it just in time to send it back with a powerful kick with both heels, denting the top of the car as he did. Weiss stood in shock as it careened back toward her. Seconds before impact, Nora and Yang caught the car, sliding to a stop in front of Weiss. Jaune, Ren, Blake, and Oscar surrounded Sable with their weapons drawn, Maria arriving beside Weiss, her short scythe ready in her hand.

"Are you alright?" she asked Yang and Nora as they set the car down.

"Whew, we're good" Yang breathed out.

"We've still got it!" Nora shouted with excitement.

"They just come out of everywhere, don't they..." Sable mused silently.

"Surrender, you're outnumbered" Jaune called.

"Well, it does seem you have the advantage"

"Don't try it, you've got nowhere to run" Ren warned.

Ironwood crashed to the ground, his metal fist slamming down into it as he landed. Standing straight he remove Due Process from their holster's and aimed for him "I wouldn't do anything rash if I were you"

Sable snorted "The Tin Man shows himself... well, that's an ironic name now that I think about it"

"Put your hands up. Now!" Winter ordered with her blade directed to him.

His hands raised "Fine, you win" a corridor opening around him "But I won't be staying"

"Stop!" Ironwood didn't move fast enough to catch him, but Qrow did.

"Qrow!" Yang shouted as he crashed into Sable's chest, causing them both to be enveloped by the corridor, leaving nothing behind.

The group just stared in shock "He's... gone"

Ironwood wasted no time "Penny, get to Pietro and see what he can do for your hand. But I want you to locate Qrow's Scroll immediately"

"Yes, Sir" she stood quickly, saluting with her injured hand. She looked at it sheepishly before flying off back into the Academy through the broken window.

"General" Winter saluted.

"You all did fantastic work, but now we have a possible location for their base. We find them, we find Qrow, we find Qrow, we might just find Slade"

"When do we head out?" Blake asked, eager to get their friends back.

"Immediately. I'll get one of our airships ready to support an assault. I want all of you on that ship" he turned to Oscar "Not you, I want you to keep that Relic secured"

Oscar frowned, but nodded all the same "Of course"

Winter picked Harbinger from the ground and placed it on her back "You heard the General. We have a job to do"

---

Sable and Qrow crashed to the stark white ground, dozens of armed soldiers in blackened armor rushed over surrounding the Huntsman. Qrow raised his hands in surrender, knowing he was outnumbered and unarmed. Sable got to his feet with a groan, rolling his shoulders.

"That was real stupid, Branwen. Did you think you'd accomplish anything following me?"

"I was hoping you'd bring me to Slade, so mission accomplished" he smirked.

"Why?" Sable removed Qrow's Scroll from him "Because of this? We have a signal jammer installed in the base. Your friends aren't going to find you here with this"

Sable tossed it back to him, Qrow caught it easily "You know you can't keep me confined forever. I will break out of here, and I will get a message to my friends"

"Believe what you will, Branwen. You're not going to get out of here so easy as that" he motioned dismissively to his soldiers "Take him to a holding cell. Make sure it's nowhere near Slade's"

"Ha! I knew he wasn't really on your side" Qrow laughed "We'll be out of here in no time. Just you wait" he called as he was pushed down the hall away from the man.

Sable sighed "I hope you're right..." he said low enough so no one would hear.

He made his way through the halls of the Chimera base for several minutes until he reached the end of a particularly long hallway past the operating rooms. He suppressed a disgusted noise as he passed, pushing the double doors open. Within seconds, the room was filled with black smoke, coalescing into a humanoid form in front of him. Sable knelt respectfully before the figure in front of him.

"You're not here in person, have you failed again?" Salem asked with a knowing look.

"My deepest apologies, Ma'am. I had her in my grasp, but she proved more resourceful than I anticipated. Her friends got in the way, I did not anticipate such a quick reaction at such an early time-"

"You failed. I do not care why" Salem cut him off "Is there anything else?"

"Qrow Branwen followed me through the portal. He is currently being detained in one of our holding cells"

"He followed you?"

"I was surrounded, Ma'am. He-"

"I do not care for your excuses" she snapped "I'm beginning to think you're not as important to my operations as I believed"

"Then just kill me and get it over with. You know damn well I have no desire to remain enslaved to you and yours"

Salem chuckled darkly "Oh my, rather audacious today, are we?"

"Do not mock me. If you do not plan on killing me, then get on with your punishment already"

Salem hummed in amusement "No, I believe making you suffer wouldn't make you more or less effective to me. Go, rest and plot out a new plan to capture her. I want Ruby Rose brought to me. Alive"

"I will accomplish the task you have set before me. But don't expect me to like it"

"You acceptance of the task is all I require from you, not that you really have a choice. And keep Mr. Branwen's presence to yourself. I don't want Slade knowing. Now go"

"Ma'am" he stood and turned to leave as she dissipated. Sable exited the room fuming, storming down the halls, refusing to look at anyone he'd passed.

It wasn't long before he arrived at his desired destination, he unlocked the door and swung it open. Slade looked up at him with the Scroll in hand, a picture of Yang sitting on the screen "Stroud" he spoke impatiently "Wasting your time on sentimentality?"

Slade gave a deep frown "You have files on my friends" he tossed the Scroll to him "You are concerningly well informed"

"You know someone is on the inside, are you surprised?"

"No, but that doesn't change my concern for the matter. I am disappointed to see his identity wasn't listed in here"

"I wouldn't have been able to give it to you otherwise. Can I assume you sent your message?"

"No, I don't trust your intentions. Maybe you're genuine, but I wouldn't take that risk regardless"

"Then how do you intend to..." Sable stopped when Slade crossed his arms over his chest with a quirked eyebrow "Nevermind, better for me not to know"

"As I thought"

"There is more I'd tell you, but unfortunately I've been ordered to keep it from reaching you"

Slade's frown deepened "Lovely"

"All I can say, is when you choose to leave this base... check the holding cells"

Slade winced "Please tell me it's not Ruby"

"I failed my mission... I can't say more than that"

Slade sighed "Thank you, Sable. I don't know if I can trust you, but I want to"

"Never trust me. I can never be an ally to you or any of your friends. But I resist her however I can... good luck"

Sable left the room, the door slamming shut behind him You can't afford to wait anymore, Slade Elise warned him.

"Yeah, seems like I need to move up our timetable" he mused quietly.

What do you plan to do?

Slade removed his knife from it's sheathe "Improvise"

---

Hey guys! This chapter took me a bit longer than I thought it would. Ended up being extremely busy until recently. Not to mention I was without power for over two weeks! Made finding time to write and edit a bit difficult. Hope you guys enjoyed it!