" ": You talking

' ': You thinking

* *: Narrator/Voice-off

Your POV:

"Well, would you look at this, yet another mistake to add to your dangerously-long list, Oz. What are the odds ?"

Ironwood: This is no time to joke around. There were here. Ozpin, they were here !

Glynda: We're very much aware of that, thank you James.

Ironwood: Fantastic, you're aware. Now are we going to do something about it or should we just stay the course and continue to ignore what's right in front of us ?!

*Beep beep beep*

Ozpin: Come in.

Ruby: S- Sorry it took so long, someone hit all the buttons on the elevator on the way up here... It wasn't me.

Ozpin: Thank you for coming, Ruby. How are you feeling ?

Ruby: Okay, I guess... I'd be feeling better if my bad guys catching record wasn't 0 for 3... ... ... Okay, so that's the tone we're going for, got it...

Ironwood: Ruby ? I feel it's appropriate to let you know that what you did last night is exactly what being a huntress is all about. You recognized a threat, you took action, and you did the very best you could.

Ruby: Thank you sir.

Ozpin: Now, the General here already informed us of the events that... Transpired last night. But now that you've rested, we were wondering if you had anything to add.

Glynda: Was anybody else with her ? Did she look familiar to you at all ?

Ruby: I... I don't know... She was wearing a mask. And she never said anything to me. But I know she fought with glass... I don't think that was her Semblance though. Her clothes lit up whenever she attacked.

"Hm... Somehow, that sounds familiar..."

Glynda: That sounds like the woman I fought the night we met Ruby...

Ironwood: Embedding Dust into clothing is an age-old technique, it could've been anyone.

"Still, that's something. As thin as it is, it is a lead nonetheless."

Ruby: Wait. You think this girl is connected to Torchwick and the White Fang ?

"Well, it's a possibility we can't yet cast aside."

Ozpin: We still lack the evidence to link the two together.

Ruby: ... Actually, I think I remember her saying something about a hideout or something, in the South-east... Just outside the Kingdom.

'... Clever one, there.'

Ozpin: ... Interesting.

Glynda: I thought you said the intruder never said anything-

Ozpin: Thank you for your cooperation, Ruby. Why don't you go and spend some time with your team ? You have a big day ahead of you.

Ruby: Anytime !

Ozpin: And Miss Rose. Please try and be... Discreet about this matter.

Ruby: Yes sir...

Yang: What happened ?!

Ruby: Um, well, hehe... Um...

Ironwood: Well there we have it. We send as many troops to the South-east of Vale, find out exactly what's going on, and eradicate any forces that stand in our way.

"While I share your eagerness in taking care of this situation as swiftly as possible, General, I think such a display of power would only result in an unnecessary blood bath. If it really is the White Fang there, we've had reports of brand-new paladin models being used."

Ironwood: We must cut that problem at the root while we can. We can't afford to take any risks that they could escape.

Glynda: Why must your answer to everything involves a triumphant display of military bravado ? You treat every situation like it's a contest of measuring d- !

Ozpin: Glynda.

Glynda: ... Well he does.

Ozpin: She's right. As much as I too would love to end this situation once and for all, we must remember that this may go beyond Vale, beyond Beacon. And if this truly is part of some master plan for which we know not the final move, we must not be so bold, nor can we risk the spread of panic.

Ironwood: ... I have served you faithfully for years. But if you mean to tell me that your plan is to really hold the defenses and wait-

Ozpin: It is not ! You're a general, James. So tell me, when you prepare to go to war, which do you send in first ? The flag-bearer, or the scouts ?

"Conveniently enough, I'm supposed to go investigate the Grimm situation in this quadrant very soon. If I didn't know any better, I'd be certain someone has given me this very specific mission so I could look into that whole White Fang thing as well."

Ozpin: Whatever makes you believe this ?

Ironwood: ... Very well. I'll trust your judgement on this matter for now. But seeing how he's only there officially to investigate the Grimm, surely there wouldn't be an issue if I were to send someone to investigate that hideout. After all, Atlas is directly involved in this matter.

Glynda: I don't think one of your soldiers would be best suited for this task... Or even your aide...

*Beep Beep Beep*

Ozpin: General, I suppose this is who you were referring to ?

Ironwood: Indeed. I guarantee of their skills, and they aren't properly apart of the Atlas military. Historian and Archaeologist, Miss Shirona.

???: You give me far too much credit, I merely have an interest in... History... H- Huh... ?

"Hm ? W- What ?! Wait, you... H- How ?!"

Ironwood: How surprising, do you already know each other ?

"... You shouldn't be here..."

Cynthia: Neither should you...

"How did you even manage to get here in the first place ?!"

Cynthia: Turnback cave. I followed the usual path and found another road.

"... ... ... Excuse me for a moment."

Ironwood: What has gotten into him all of a sudden ?

"Oh, so it really is... I really did forget to close that gap after coming here... I guess being greeted by a fireball to the face and then dragged away makes you forget about these... Let's just hope no one else found it... That-"

Weiss: That was a risky move.

Blake: No, I think you handed it well.

Ruby: I hope so...

Yang: I'm sure everything will be alright, Ruby. Oh, I know what'll cheer you up ! Dad send this to us, I thought we could open it together !

Ruby: Something from home !!

*PLOP*

???: *Bark* !

Ruby: ... ZWEI !!

Blake: He sent a dog ?!

Weiss: Through the mail ?!

Yang: Oh he does stuff like this all the time.

Blake: Your father or the dog ?

Weiss: Are you telling me that this mangy... ... Drooling... ... Mutt, is going to live with us forever ! Oh yes he is, yes he is ! Oh he's just adorable !

Blake: please keep it away from my belongings.

Glynda: Would all first-year students please report to the amphitheater.

Weiss: Well we can't exactly leave him here while we're gone for a week.

Yang: Look, there's a letter. "Dear girls, I've got to leave the island for a few days so I'm sending Zwei to you to take care of. Enclosed is all the food he should need. Love you both, Taiyang".

Weiss: What is he supposed to do with that ?

*Tunk*

Yang: Can opener, perfect. Well, that settles it. Come on girls, Zwei will be here when we get back.

Weiss: Oh I'll miss you so much we're going to be best friends I can't wait to see you again you're just so cute hmblblblbl...

Zwei: Bark !

Glynda: Quiet, quiet please. Professor Ozpin would like to share a few words before we begin

Ozpin: ... Today we stand together, united. Mistral. Atlas. Vacuo. Vale. The 4 kingdoms of Remnant. On this day, nearly 80 years ago, the largest war in recorded history came to an end. It was a war of ignorance, of greed and of oppression. A war that was much more than where borders fell and who traded with who, but about the very idea of individualism in itself. We fought for countless reasons, one of which being the destruction of all forms of art and self-expression. And as you're well aware, that was something many could not stand for. As a result, those who opposed this tyranny began naming their children after one of the core aspects of art itself: Colors. It was their way to demonstrate, that not only would they refuse to tolerate this oppression, but neither would the generation to come, and it's a trend that would be held to this very day. We encourage expressionism, individuality, and unity, through diversity.

Ozpin: As I have said, today we stand together, united. But this bond cannot exist without efforts, which is why today, as the rest of the world celebrates peace, Huntsmen and huntresses will work to uphold it. As first-year students, you'll be tasked with shadowing a professional huntsman or huntress on a mission. Some of you may be taken out of the Kingdom for several days, others may be working within the walls for the rest of the week. But no matter which path you choose, remember to be safe, remember your training, and remember to do your very best.

Ruby: This is perfect ! All we have to do is shadow a huntsman working in the Southeast !

Yang: Yeah ! We'll follow them around by day and give them the slip at night.

Weiss: Let's check search and destroy

Ruby: ... ... There we go ! Quadrant 5 needs Grimm clearing ! It's in the South-east !

Weiss: Wonderful. Any other ideas ?

Ruby: ... We mail ourselves there.

Ozpin: Well, that's one option. Unfortunately, we determined that the concentration of Grimm was too extreme for first-year students. It seems that particular region is rather popular. In fact, I have the sneaking suspicion that the four of you will make your way there no matter which job you choose.

Ruby: Whatever makes you say that...

Ozpin: i'm still curious as to how you all found yourselves at the docks last semester. i'm interested to know how you really leaned of a "hideout" in the South-east. And I certainly wonder why witnesses reported seeing robots and dances petals in a dance club some time ago.

Ruby: Uhh, Uhm... Well...

Ozpin: I doubt i'll ever find the answers i'm looking for. So, how about this ? Instead of waiting for you to break the rules, why don't we just.. bend them ?

*Beep*

Ruby: ... We won't let you down. Thank you, professor.

Ozpin: Do not thank me for this. Teamwork and persistence have carried you far, but you must understand. The things that await you beyond the protection of the Kingdoms will not care. Stay close to your Huntsman at all times, and do exactly as he says. He will be leading you on this mission, and he can have you sent back to Beacon if he finds your skills to be... Unsatisfactory. Good luck.

Yang: That wasn't exactly uplifting...

Blake: But it's the truth.

Ruby: It's gonna be tough, but I know we can do it. All we need is... Oh, my bag... I'll be right back.

Ruby: Where was it, where was... Huh ?

"Ozpin, for the third time this year, are you OUT OF YOUR FUCKING MIND ?!"

Ozpin: You don't have to worry. You saw first-hand what they are capable of.

"Oh I sure did, hence why i'm making sure you're all right up there. Might I remind you, the last time we let them do as the pleased, dozens were sent to the hospital with critical wounds from a fight the provoked by sticking their nose where they shouldn't !"

Ozpin: Then you should know like me they would've went there whether or not we let them.

"So your first reaction is to bend the rules and let students go to a high-danger zone instead of, oh I don't know, enforce the fucking rules you put there yourself ?! After all that talk about sending the scouts first, are you really treating this school like your personal reserve of child soldiers ?!"

Ozpin: This is what they train for. To be defender of this world.

"And what happened to the 'They're still kids' speech from two weeks ago ?! I'm not here to play baby-sitter, I was sent here to make sure millions don't die, I have no time to escort kids around ! And don't give me the 'they're not accompanying you', we both know the exact reason they want to go to South-east Vale !"

Ozpin: So what, would you rather run the risk of having them go there on their own without any supervision ? I let them go precisely because I know you'll be there to potentially keep an eye on them.

"... ... What is there about them ? So long, you've been suspiciously lenient any time Team RWBY did anything remotely dangerous, letting them off the hook with little more than a slap on the wrist. What makes them so special to you ? Because I'm pretty sure if Team CRDL or JNPR tried the same thing, you'd be way more stern on refusing it."

Ozpin: ... This is something that is not in your best interest to know.

"... ... ... Oz. Don't take the Gods' help for granted. I'm not here to help you."

Ruby: 'The... Gods... ?'