The Next Morning at Beacon
The crystalline lights of the great hall had long since dimmed, replaced by the soft morning sunlight streaming through the tall windows of Beacon Academy. In Ozpin's office, the atmosphere was considerably less festive than it had been the night before.
General James Ironwood paced behind the chairs, his military bearing rigid with barely contained frustration. "They were here..." he said, his voice rising with each word. "Ozpin, they were here!"
The general's fist slammed against Ozpin's desk with enough force to rattle the coffee cups, the sound echoing sharply through the circular office.
"We're very much aware of that! Thank you, James," Glynda Goodwitch replied tersely, her usual composure strained by the morning's revelations.
"Fantastic! You're aware!" Ironwood's sarcasm was cutting. "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?!"
The elevator's alert chimed, cutting through the tension like a blade.
"Come in," Ozpin said calmly, though his grip on his cane had tightened almost imperceptibly.
Ruby Rose stepped out, looking considerably more composed than she had during her frantic investigation the night before, though there was still an underlying tension in her posture. "Sorry it took so long. Someone accidentally hit all the buttons on the elevator on the way up here." She paused, then quickly added, "It wasn't me."
"Thank you for coming, Ruby. How are you feeling?" Ozpin's voice carried the gentle authority that had always made students feel both comforted and slightly nervous.
"Okay, I guess. I'd feel better if my bad-guy-catching record wasn't O-for-three," Ruby replied with characteristic honesty.
The silence that followed was heavy enough to make Ruby shift uncomfortably.
"Okay, so that's the tone we're going for, got it," she murmured.
Ironwood stepped forward, his expression softening as he addressed the young huntress. "Ruby, I feel it's appropriate to let you know that I think 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."
"Thank you, sir," Ruby replied, straightening slightly at the praise.
"Now, the general here has already informed us of the events that... transpired last night," Ozpin continued, "but now that you've rested, we were wondering if you had anything to add."
Glynda leaned forward slightly. "Was anyone else with her? Did she look familiar to you at all?"
Ruby's brow furrowed as she tried to recall details from the chaotic encounter. The truth was complicated—she and Roy had fought someone who looked remarkably like Cinder, but Cinder had been dancing with Valvaderhn at the time. She couldn't very well explain that without revealing Roy's involvement or the political complications of the elven celebration.
"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 clothing lit up whenever she attacked."
It wasn't entirely accurate—the woman had fought with fire, not glass, and her dress had blazed rather than simply lighting up. But Ruby needed to maintain some distance from the truth while still providing useful information.
"Save for the glass, that sounds like the woman I fought the night we met Ruby," Glynda observed, her expression growing troubled.
"Embedding Dust into clothing is an age-old technique. It could have been anyone," Ironwood pointed out, though his tone suggested he wasn't entirely convinced by his own words.
Ruby's eyes widened with what she hoped looked like sudden realization. "Wait. You think this girl is connected to Torchwick and the White Fang?"
"It's possible. But we still lack the required evidence to link the two together," Ozpin replied carefully.
"Actually, I..." Ruby hesitated, knowing this was where she had to be most careful. "I think I remember her saying something about a hideout, or something, in the southeast. Just outside the Kingdom."
This much was fabrication, but it served the dual purpose of directing attention toward a region where real threats might be found while deflecting from the more complex truth of what had actually happened.
"Interesting," Ozpin murmured, and Ruby couldn't shake the feeling that he saw through more of her story than she was comfortable with.
Glynda's eyes sharpened. "I thought you said the intruder never—"
"Thank you for your cooperation, Ruby," Ozpin interrupted smoothly. "Why don't you go and spend some time with your team? You have a big day ahead of you."
"Any time," Ruby replied, heading toward the elevator with relief.
"And Miss Rose," Ozpin called after her, "please try and be... discreet about this matter."
"Yes sir," Ruby nodded, though she was already dreading the conversation waiting for her with her teammates.
As the elevator doors closed behind Ruby, the three adults remained in tense silence for a moment. Finally, Ironwood spoke.
"Well there we have it. We send as many troops as we can to the southeast, find out exactly what's going on, and eradicate any forces that stand in our way."
Glynda's frustration erupted. "Why must your answer to everything involve a triumphant display of military bravado!? You treat every situation like it's a contest of measuring di—!"
"Glynda!" Ozpin's sharp interruption cut off whatever colorful comparison she'd been about to make.
"Well, he does," she muttered, though with slightly less venom.
Ozpin stood slowly, his cane tapping against the floor as he moved to the window. "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 mustn't be so bold. Nor can we risk the spread of panic."
"I have served you faithfully for years..." Ironwood's voice carried a warning edge. "But if you mean to tell me that your plan is to really hold the defenses, and wait—!"
Ozpin turned abruptly, his usually calm demeanor cracking slightly. "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 bearers, or the scouts?"
Team RWBY's Reaction
The door to Team RWBY's dorm room burst open as Yang, Blake, and Weiss practically tackled Ruby the moment she appeared.
"What happened?" Yang demanded, her lilac eyes bright with concern and curiosity.
"Uh... well, um..." Ruby laughed nervously, her mind racing as she tried to figure out how much she could safely reveal without mentioning Roy or the elven politics involved.
"Ruby," Weiss said with that particular tone that meant she wasn't going to be put off by evasion, "you disappeared from the dance for nearly an hour. People noticed."
"And then you came back looking like you'd been in a fight," Blake added quietly, her amber eyes perceptive as always.
Ruby sank onto her bed, realizing that her teammates deserved some version of the truth, even if she couldn't give them all of it. "I saw someone who shouldn't have been there. Someone who was tampering with the CCT system."
"What?" All three of her teammates spoke in unison, their concern immediately shifting to alarm.
"I confronted them, and we fought. They got away, but not before I learned that something bigger is happening. Something connected to what we've been dealing with all year."
Yang's expression darkened. "You went after a threat by yourself? Ruby, that's—"
"I wasn't alone," Ruby interrupted, then immediately regretted the admission.
"Who was with you?" Weiss asked sharply.
Ruby's cheeks flushed as she realized she'd backed herself into a corner. "Roy... Prince Roy was with me. We both saw the intruder, and we both thought it needed to be investigated."
The room fell silent as her teammates processed this information. Finally, Blake spoke.
"That was a risky move."
"No, I think you handled it well," Yang said after a moment, though her tone suggested she wanted more details than Ruby was providing.
"I hope so," Ruby replied quietly.
"I'm sure everything will be alright, Ruby," Yang said with forced cheer. "Oh, I know what will cheer you up!"
Yang produced a cylindrical package the length of her forearm.
"What's that?" Ruby asked, grateful for the distraction.
"I don't know yet. Dad sent it to us. I thought we could open it together!"
"Ooooh! Something from home!"
Ruby zoomed over to Yang and wrapped herself around Yang, trying to take the cylinder from her. The package opened, and another cylinder, hairy and black, fell out onto the floor and started to shake. The object suddenly transformed into a corgi. Team RWBY leaned in, staring at it.
The animal barked twice. While Weiss and Blake continued to react with great shock, Ruby and Yang react excitedly, with Ruby jumping in the air.
"Zwei!" Ruby shouted joyfully.
"He sent a dog?" Blake asked, bewildered.
"In the mail?" Weiss added, equally confused.
"Oh, he does stuff like this all the time!" Yang explained with a laugh.
Blake disappeared, reappearing on Ruby's bunk. "Your father or your dog?"
"Are you telling me that this mangy... drooling... mutt is going to wiv wif us foweva? Oh, yes he is, yes he is! Oh, isn't he adorable!" Weiss cooed, her composure completely abandoning her at the sight of the corgi.
"Please keep it away from my belongings," Blake said from her perch.
Glynda's voice crackled over the intercom: "Would all first-year students please report to the amphitheater?"
"Well, we can't exactly leave him here while we're gone for the week," Weiss observed practically.
Ruby set Zwei down and he walked over to Blake on the top bunk, barking once.
"Look, there's a letter!" Yang announced as Zwei arrived in front of her. She read aloud: "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 you should need. Love you both, Taiyang."
Dozens of cans of dog food spilled out of the small package, piling up around Zwei. A can opener fell from the package, bouncing off Zwei's head.
"Well, that settles it! Come on girls, Zwei will be here when we get back!" Yang declared.
"Oh, I'll miss you so much, we're going to be best friends, I can't wait to see you," Weiss said to Zwei as she left, her speech deteriorating into incomprehensible baby talk.
Meanwhile, Blake jumped down from Ruby's bunk and leaped across the table, carefully avoiding Zwei.
Ruby stared at Zwei for a moment, then smiled sneakily.
The Mission Briefing
Ruby was wearing a large backpack as she entered the auditorium with other students. She put it down next to other students' luggage before rejoining her team, who were standing in front of Team JNPR.
"Quiet! Quiet please," Glynda called out. "Professor Ozpin would like to share a few words before we begin."
Ozpin stepped forward to address the assembled first-years.
"Today we stand together, united. Mistral. Atlas. Vacuo. Vale. The four Kingdoms of Remnant. On this day, nearly eighty 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 about much more than where borders fell or who traded with whom, but about the very idea of individualism itself. We fought for countless reasons, one of which being the destruction of all forms of art and self-expression. And as you are 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: color. It was their way to demonstrate that not only would they refuse to tolerate this oppression, but neither were the generations to come. And it is a trend that is held to this very day.
We encourage individuality, expressionism, and unity through diversity. As I have said, today we stand together, united. But this bond cannot exist without effort. Which is why today, while the rest of the world celebrates peace, Huntsmen and Huntresses will work to uphold it. As first year students, you will 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 work 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."
The CCT Investigation - Continuation
The Secret Assignment
As Professor Ozpin concluded his speech about unity and the responsibilities of Huntsmen, the first-year students began dispersing to collect their mission assignments. However, before Team RWBY could reach the assignment board, Glynda Goodwitch approached with a subtle gesture.
"Team RWBY, a moment please," she said quietly, guiding them to a less crowded section of the amphitheater.
Meanwhile, across the room, Odyn felt a gentle tap on his shoulder. He turned to find Professor Port standing behind him with an expression that was unusually serious for the normally jovial instructor.
"Prince Odyn, might I have a word with you and your team?" Port asked in a low voice that wouldn't carry to nearby students.
Odyn exchanged a quick glance with Roy, who had been helping Weiss adjust the straps on her pack. Something in Port's demeanor suggested this wasn't a routine conversation.
"Of course, Professor," Odyn replied, his training in diplomatic situations automatically kicking in.
Port led Team OHFZ—Odyn, Hailfire, Roy, and Zero—to a small alcove near the amphitheater's edge, where they were joined by Dr. Oobleck, who arrived with his characteristic rapid movements.
"Gentlemen, Miss Caldern," Oobleck began without preamble, his words coming in their usual rapid-fire delivery, "we have a rather unique situation that requires your particular skills and discretion."
Hailfire, her auburn hair catching the amphitheater's lights, immediately recognized the tone. "This isn't about a standard first-year mission, is it?"
"Perceptive as always, Miss Caldern," Port said with approval. "No, this is something rather more delicate."
Dr. Oobleck pulled out a scroll and activated a privacy screen around their small group. "Are you familiar with the concept of parallel operations?"
"Military doctrine," Odyn answered immediately, his tactical training evident. "When multiple units work toward the same objective through different approaches, often without direct coordination to maintain operational security."
"Precisely!" Oobleck exclaimed. "Team RWBY has been assigned a mission that, shall we say, touches upon matters of significant importance to both Beacon and the broader security of Vale."
Roy's expression grew thoughtful. "And you want us to provide support without them knowing we're involved?"
"Initially, yes," Port confirmed. "The young ladies are quite capable, but given recent events..." He paused meaningfully, and Roy understood he was referring to the previous night's encounter at the CCT tower.
"You're concerned about their safety," Zero observed, his blue-skinned features showing the analytical calm that characterized his approach to tactical situations.
"We're concerned about several things," Oobleck admitted. "Their safety, yes, but also the potential for this mission to escalate beyond what a single first-year team should handle alone."
Odyn's fiery orange eyes narrowed slightly. "What kind of mission are we talking about?"
Port and Oobleck exchanged a look before Port spoke. "They're being sent to investigate increased Grimm activity in the southeast—specifically in the region that Miss Rose mentioned during this morning's debriefing."
The members of Team OHFZ immediately understood the implications. Ruby had directed attention toward the southeast based on her fabricated story about the intruder's hideout. Now she and her team were being sent directly into what could be a dangerous situation.
"So our mission would be to shadow them?" Hailfire asked, her experience as a member of the elven vanguard giving her insight into covert operations.
"Your official mission," Dr. Oobleck corrected, producing another scroll, "will be to conduct advanced reconnaissance in the same general area, ostensibly as part of your accelerated training program. Your unofficial mission will be to ensure that Team RWBY doesn't encounter anything they can't handle."
Roy's jaw tightened slightly. "And if they do encounter something beyond their capabilities?"
"Then you reveal yourselves and provide assistance," Port said simply. "Better to compromise operational security than to lose promising young Huntresses."
Zero raised a practical concern, his analytical mind processing the logistics. "How do we maintain communication without alerting them to our presence?"
Dr. Oobleck's smile was almost predatory in its enthusiasm. "Ah, Zero, that's where your team's unique composition becomes invaluable. Prince Odyn and Prince Roy both have enhanced elven senses that far exceed normal human capabilities. You'll be able to track and monitor Team RWBY from distances that would be impossible for most Huntsmen."
"Plus," Port added with a knowing look at Hailfire, "Miss Caldern's experience with the elven vanguard means she's well-versed in stealth operations and reconnaissance techniques."
Odyn considered the proposal carefully. As a prince, he understood the delicate balance between protecting people and respecting their autonomy. As a Huntsman-in-training, he recognized the tactical wisdom in having backup available for a potentially dangerous mission.
"There's one thing I need to clarify," Odyn said finally. "Will we be operating under Beacon authority, or are we expected to follow elven military protocols?"
"Beacon authority," Port confirmed immediately. "This is an Academy operation, not a political one."
"Though," Dr. Oobleck added with characteristic directness, "we certainly won't object if your royal training provides advantages that benefit the mission."
Roy spoke up. "What about Weiss? She's going to be on this mission, and..." He paused, clearly thinking about his relationship with his future sister-in-law.
"Miss Schnee is a capable Huntress," Port said firmly. "And she's proven quite adept at handling challenging situations. We have every confidence in her abilities."
"Besides," Oobleck added with a slight grin, "something tells me that if you four suddenly appeared to 'rescue' her, she might have some rather pointed words about your assumptions regarding her competence."
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Odyn couldn't help but smile at that. Weiss had indeed made her feelings about overprotective behavior quite clear during their relationship.
"So," Hailfire said, bringing the conversation back to practical matters, "when do we leave?"
"Team RWBY departs in two hours," Port replied. "You'll leave thirty minutes after them, taking a slightly different route that will allow you to reach the operational area from a different direction."
"Your cover story," Dr. Oobleck continued, "is that you're conducting advanced wilderness survival training as part of your accelerated curriculum. Anyone who asks will be told that your team is testing new protocols for extended operations in Grimm-infested territory."
Zero nodded approvingly, his tactical assessment complete. "That actually makes sense given our skill sets. It's a believable cover."
"Precisely the idea," Port confirmed. "The best cover stories are those that contain enough truth to be credible."
Roy's expression grew concerned. "What about communication with you? If something goes wrong, how do we report back?"
Dr. Oobleck produced a specialized scroll. "This will maintain contact with Beacon through encrypted channels. Professor Ozpin will be personally monitoring the situation."
"One more thing," Port added, his expression growing serious. "If you encounter the individual from last night's incident, your priority is to protect Team RWBY, not to engage. We still don't fully understand what we're dealing with."
The members of Team OHFZ exchanged glances, each recognizing the weight of what they were being asked to do. This wasn't just a training mission—it was their first real operation as Huntsmen, with genuine stakes and real danger.
"We'll do it," Odyn said finally, speaking for his team. "But I want it understood that if Team RWBY is in genuine danger, we won't hesitate to reveal ourselves."
"We wouldn't expect anything less," Port replied with approval.
Preparations
As Team OHFZ made their preparations, they did so with the efficiency that came from months of training together and the additional advantage of their diverse backgrounds. Odyn's royal military training, Roy's tactical education, Hailfire's elven vanguard experience, and Zero's analytical precision created a team that was well-suited for complex operations.
"Gear check," Odyn said quietly as they gathered in their dorm room. "We need to be prepared for extended field operations, potential combat, and emergency situations, all while maintaining stealth."
Hailfire was adjusting her equipment with the practiced ease of someone who had done this many times before as part of the elven vanguard. "I've got reconnaissance gear and stealth equipment. If we need to stay hidden from Team RWBY while tracking them, I can manage it."
"Communication and tactical analysis equipment secured," Zero reported, his methodical approach ensuring nothing was overlooked. "I've also prepared contingency supplies in case the mission parameters change."
Roy was examining his weapon, ensuring it was in perfect condition. "Communication equipment is tested and ready. I've also got additional Dust ammunition in case we run into serious Grimm resistance."
Odyn nodded, satisfied with his team's preparations. "Remember, our primary objective is reconnaissance and backup. We don't engage unless Team RWBY is in genuine danger, and we don't reveal ourselves unless absolutely necessary."
"Understood," his teammates responded in unison.
As they finished their preparations, Roy caught Odyn's attention. "You know, there's something poetic about this. Yesterday we were dancing at a celebration, and now we're heading into what could be a dangerous mission to protect the people we care about."
"The transition from peace to vigilance," Odyn agreed thoughtfully. "It's what we signed up for when we chose to become Huntsmen."
Hailfire looked up from her equipment check, her auburn hair falling across her shoulder. "Do you think Team RWBY suspects anything? They're not exactly known for missing details."
"Ruby might suspect something," Roy admitted. "She's more perceptive than people give her credit for. But she's also dealing with her own concerns about last night."
"Which is exactly why we need to be careful," Zero pointed out with his characteristic analytical precision. "If she's already on edge from the CCT incident, she'll be more likely to notice if we're following them."
Odyn stood, shouldering his pack. "Then we make sure she doesn't notice. Ready?"
His team stood as well, each member focused and prepared for what lay ahead.
"Ready," they confirmed.
The Departure
Team RWBY had already departed by the time Team ORVN made their way to the departure point. The plan was simple in concept but complex in execution: follow Team RWBY's general route while maintaining enough distance to avoid detection, then position themselves in the target area to provide support if needed.
As their airship lifted off, Odyn found himself thinking about the various ironies of the situation. Yesterday, he and Weiss had been planning their wedding at the Vytal Festival. Today, he was secretly following her on a potentially dangerous mission because the faculty didn't think her team could handle it alone.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Roy asked, settling into the seat beside his brother.
"Just thinking about the complexities of relationships," Odyn replied. "How do you balance protecting the people you care about with respecting their autonomy and capabilities?"
"Carefully," Roy answered with a slight smile. "And with the understanding that sometimes the best way to protect someone is to be ready to help when they need it, not to prevent them from taking risks in the first place."
Hailfire looked up from the mission briefing she'd been reviewing, her experience with the elven vanguard informing her perspective. "It's also worth remembering that Team RWBY chose to become Huntresses. They knew the risks when they made that choice."
"True," Zero agreed, his analytical nature evident in his measured response. "But that doesn't mean we shouldn't be prepared to help if those risks become reality."
The flight to their operational area would take several hours, giving them time to review their plans and prepare for whatever they might encounter. As the landscape passed below them, each member of Team OHFZ was lost in their own thoughts about the mission ahead.
The Unexpected Reunion
Team RWBY had been on the ground for approximately three hours when Ruby first noticed something was off. They were investigating signs of unusual Grimm activity in a forested area southeast of Vale, following leads that had emerged from Ruby's modified report about the previous night's encounter.
"Does anyone else feel like we're being watched?" Blake asked quietly, her faunus senses picking up on subtle signs that something wasn't quite right.
"I was wondering if it was just me," Yang admitted, her lilac eyes scanning the treeline around them.
Weiss paused in her examination of claw marks on a nearby tree. "It's not Grimm. The feeling is different."
Ruby's silver eyes narrowed as she considered the possibilities. Her encounter the previous night had left her more alert to potential threats, but this didn't feel hostile. It felt... familiar.
"There," she said suddenly, pointing toward a ridge approximately two hundred meters away. "Movement."
All four members of Team RWBY turned their attention to the indicated location, weapons at the ready. For a moment, there was nothing but forest and shadow. Then, a figure stepped into view.
Odyn emerged from the treeline with his hands clearly visible and empty, his expression resigned but not apologetic. Behind him, the rest of Team OHFZ appeared—Hailfire with her auburn hair catching the dappled sunlight, Roy maintaining his diplomatic composure, and Zero's blue-skinned form unmistakable even at distance—all equally non-threatening but obviously prepared for the confrontation that was about to occur.
"Oh, you have got to be kidding me," Weiss said, her tone a mixture of exasperation and affection.
"Hi, Weiss," Odyn said with a slight smile. "Fancy meeting you here."
Yang burst into laughter. "Did you guys seriously follow us on our mission?"
"It's not what it looks like," Roy said quickly, though his expression suggested he knew exactly how it looked.
"Really?" Ruby asked, her tone carefully neutral. "Because it looks like you've been tracking us for the better part of the afternoon."
Hailfire stepped forward with the tactical honesty that came from her vanguard experience. "Actually, it's exactly what it looks like. We've been assigned to provide backup support for your mission."
Blake's amber eyes narrowed. "Assigned by whom?"
"Professor Port and Dr. Oobleck," Zero answered directly, his analytical nature preferring straightforward communication. "With Professor Ozpin's authorization."
The silence that followed was heavy with implications. Team RWBY exchanged glances, each member processing what they'd just learned.
"So," Weiss said finally, her voice carefully controlled, "the faculty decided we couldn't handle this mission on our own?"
"That's not what this is about," Odyn replied quickly. "This is about the fact that your mission is connected to something larger and potentially more dangerous than anyone initially realized."
Ruby's expression grew thoughtful. "The CCT incident."
"Among other things," Roy confirmed. "There are concerns that what happened last night might be part of a broader pattern of activity in this region."
Yang's casual demeanor shifted to something more serious. "What kind of activity?"
Hailfire consulted her scroll, her vanguard training evident in her methodical approach. "Increased Grimm movements, reports of unusual individual sightings, and communication disruptions that might indicate organized hostile action."
"In other words," Zero added with his characteristic analytical precision, "the kind of situation where backup is a sensible precaution, not an insult to your capabilities."
Blake considered this information carefully. "So what's the plan now? Do we work together, or do you continue shadowing us from a distance?"
"That," Odyn said, looking directly at Weiss, "is up to you. We're here if you need us, but we don't want to interfere with your mission if you'd prefer to handle it independently."
Ruby looked at her teammates, reading their expressions with the intuitive understanding that came from months of partnership. "What do you guys think?"
"Honestly?" Yang said, "Having backup doesn't sound like a bad idea, especially if there's more going on here than we initially thought."
"And," Weiss added with a meaningful look at Odyn, "I'd rather have you where I can see you than wondering what you're up to behind those trees."
Blake nodded agreement. "Eight people can cover more ground than four, and if we're dealing with organized opposition, the tactical advantage could be significant."
Ruby smiled, the expression transforming her face from serious to genuinely pleased. "Looks like we're working together. But," she added with a pointed look at all four members of Team ORVN, "next time, just ask. We're not too proud to accept help when we need it."
"Noted," Roy replied with visible relief.
"So," Ruby continued, pulling out her mission briefing, "here's what we know so far..."
The Joint Operation
With both teams now working openly together, the investigation proceeded much more efficiently. Team RWBY's direct approach combined well with Team OHFZ's more methodical tactical analysis, creating a comprehensive picture of the situation they were facing.
"The Grimm activity patterns are definitely artificial," Hailfire reported after analyzing tracks and territorial markers with her vanguard expertise. "Something or someone has been deliberately herding them into specific areas."
"Which explains why the reports were so inconsistent," Blake added. "The Grimm aren't following their normal behavioral patterns."
Zero was examining what appeared to be the remains of a temporary camp, his analytical mind processing every detail. "Someone was here recently. Professional setup, minimal trace, but there are signs of at least three individuals."
"Any indication of who they might be?" Weiss asked.
"Not specifically, but the equipment signatures suggest military or paramilitary training," Zero replied with methodical precision. "This wasn't random travelers or even typical criminals."
Yang cracked her knuckles. "So we're dealing with organized bad guys who can control Grimm movements. Great."
"The question," Odyn said thoughtfully, "is whether this is connected to the CCT incident or if we're looking at separate but related threats."
Ruby's expression grew determined. "Only one way to find out. We follow the trail and see where it leads."
Roy checked his equipment. "The tracks head deeper into the forest, toward the old industrial areas that were abandoned after the last Grimm surge."
"Perfect place for a hideout," Yang observed. "Isolated, defensible, and not many people around to ask awkward questions."
"Also perfect for an ambush," Hailfire pointed out, her vanguard experience making her acutely aware of tactical vulnerabilities. "If they know we're coming, those industrial ruins would give them significant tactical advantages."
Blake's ears twitched slightly. "Something's coming. Multiple contacts, moving fast."
The eight young Huntsmen immediately fell into defensive positions, with both teams integrating their formations smoothly despite having never practiced together. Their months of training and natural tactical instincts compensated for the lack of coordinated preparation.
"Grimm?" Ruby asked, her weapon already transforming to its sniper configuration.
"Beowolves," Blake confirmed. "At least a dozen, approaching from multiple directions."
"They're being driven," Odyn realized, his enhanced elven senses picking up additional details. "There's something behind them, pushing them toward us."
"A trap," Weiss concluded grimly.
"Then let's spring it properly," Yang said with a fierce grin, her gauntlets igniting.
The battle that followed demonstrated exactly why the faculty had felt comfortable sending both teams on this mission. Team RWBY's aggressive, adaptive style complemented Team OHFZ's more structured tactical approach, creating a combat effectiveness that exceeded what either team could achieve alone.
Ruby's speed and precision created openings that Odyn's strategic positioning exploited. Yang's overwhelming firepower was supported by Roy's tactical analysis and targeted strikes. Weiss's versatility and Blake's stealth capabilities were enhanced by Hailfire's reconnaissance skills and Zero's analytical battlefield awareness.
Within minutes, the Beowolf pack was eliminated, but the eight Huntsmen remained alert, knowing that the real threat was still out there.
"Movement in the ruins," Hailfire reported, her scope trained on the industrial complex ahead of them.
"Human signatures," Odyn confirmed, his elven vision picking out details that would be invisible to normal sight. "At least three individuals, positioned defensively."
"So much for the element of surprise," Blake observed.
Ruby's expression grew focused and determined. "Then we go in direct. All of us, coordinated assault, no holding back."
"Agreed," Odyn said immediately. "But we do this smart. Full team coordination, with backup plans in case things go sideways."
Weiss smiled slightly. "You know, this is actually kind of nice. Having both teams working together."
"Don't get too comfortable," Yang warned with a grin. "We still haven't figured out who we're actually up against."
"One crisis at a time," Ruby replied, already moving toward the ruins. "Let's go get some answers."
As the combined teams advanced toward what was clearly going to be a significant confrontation, each member felt the satisfaction that came from working with capable partners toward a common goal. Whatever they were about to face, they would face it together, with the full strength of eight skilled Huntsmen united in purpose.
The mission that had begun as a simple investigation was clearly evolving into something much more complex, but none of them were backing down. They had trained for this moment, prepared for these challenges, and proven their ability to work together under pressure.
Now it was time to discover what threats had been lurking in the shadows of Vale, and to face them with the combined strength of two teams who had learned to trust each other completely.
A Quiet Moment in Mountain Glenn
The industrial ruins of Mountain Glenn loomed around them like the bones of some great beast, twisted metal and crumbling concrete creating a maze of shadows and potential threats. The combined teams had established a defensive perimeter in what had once been a small plaza, with clear sightlines in multiple directions and several escape routes if things went badly.
The evening had settled into the tense quiet that came before anticipated conflict, broken only by the distant sounds of Grimm moving through the abandoned city's outer reaches. Both teams had settled into watch rotations, with the enhanced senses of the elven princes making them natural choices for the more dangerous night shifts.
Odyn sat on a piece of fallen masonry that provided a good view of the northern approaches, his fiery orange eyes scanning the darkness with the patient alertness that marked experienced sentries. The formal attire from the previous night's celebration had been replaced by his combat gear, but he still carried himself with the unconscious dignity that came from royal training.
He heard the soft footsteps approaching from behind long before most humans would have detected them, his enhanced elven hearing immediately identifying the familiar gait. A slight smile touched his lips as he recognized the purposeful stride that belonged to only one person.
"Couldn't sleep?" he asked quietly without turning around, his voice pitched low enough to avoid alerting the others.
"Hard to rest when your mind won't stop racing," Weiss replied, settling beside him on the makeshift stone seat. She'd changed from her formal gown into her combat attire as well, but even in practical clothing, she maintained the elegant bearing that had first caught his attention.
Odyn finally turned to look at her, his expression warming as it always did when she was near. "Hello, princess," he said softly, the endearment carrying all the affection and devotion that had grown between them over the months since their engagement.
The word sent a familiar flutter through Weiss's chest, just as it had the first time he'd called her that. It wasn't the formal title that others might use—it was something uniquely theirs, a private acknowledgment of how precious she was to him. In a world where she'd often felt valued more for her name and inheritance than for herself, Odyn's use of 'princess' somehow made her feel both treasured and seen for who she truly was.
"Hello yourself, Prince Charming," she replied with a gentle smile, settling more comfortably beside him. "Though I have to admit, this isn't exactly how I pictured our next romantic rendezvous."
Odyn chuckled quietly, his gaze returning to the dark cityscape before them. "Industrial ruins, potential hostile contacts, and a watch rotation schedule. Not exactly the stuff of fairy tales."
"No," Weiss agreed, then paused thoughtfully. "Though there's something to be said for facing danger alongside the person you love. Rather romantic in its own way, don't you think?"
"Trust you to find the poetry in a tactical situation," Odyn said with obvious affection. "It's one of the things I love about you—you see beauty even in the midst of chaos."
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, both of them alert to their surroundings while simultaneously drawn into the intimacy of the quiet conversation. Finally, Weiss spoke again, her tone carrying a note of genuine curiosity.
"Odyn, can I ask you something?"
"Always, princess. What's on your mind?"
"The timing of this whole situation," she said, gesturing vaguely toward their current circumstances. "Yesterday we were discussing wedding plans with your parents, and today both our teams are in Mountain Glenn together on what's supposed to be separate missions. That's... quite a coincidence."
Odyn's expression grew slightly sheepish, though he maintained his watch on the surrounding area. "You've always been perceptive. It's one of your most dangerous qualities."
"That's not exactly an answer," Weiss pointed out, though her tone was more amused than accusatory.
"No, it's not," Odyn admitted. "The truth is, this isn't a coincidence at all. We were specifically assigned to provide backup for your mission."
Weiss considered this for a moment. "By whom?"
"Professors Port and Oobleck, with Ozpin's approval," Odyn replied honestly. "They were concerned that what happened at the CCT tower the other night might be connected to something larger and more dangerous than anyone initially realized."
"So they sent you to protect us," Weiss said, her tone carefully neutral.
Odyn immediately recognized the potential landmine in that phrasing. "They sent us to provide backup if needed. There's a difference, and it's an important one."
"Is there?" Weiss asked, though her voice suggested she was genuinely curious rather than offended.
"Yes," Odyn said firmly, finally turning to face her fully. "Protection implies that we think you can't handle yourselves. Backup implies that we trust your capabilities but want to ensure you have support available if you encounter something beyond what any single team should be expected to handle alone."
Weiss's expression softened slightly. "That's actually a rather thoughtful distinction."
"I'm glad you think so, because it's exactly how I feel about it," Odyn said earnestly. "Princess, I've seen you fight. I've seen your team in action. You're all incredibly capable Huntresses, and I would never presume to suggest otherwise."
"But?" Weiss prompted, sensing there was more to his thoughts.
"But I also love you," Odyn said simply. "And the idea of you facing unknown dangers without backup available makes me... uncomfortable. Not because I don't trust your abilities, but because I couldn't live with myself if something happened to you when I could have been there to help."
Weiss felt a warmth spread through her chest at the simple honesty in his voice. "You know, most people would find having their fiancé secretly following them on missions rather presumptuous."
"Are you most people?" Odyn asked with a slight smile.
"Definitely not," Weiss replied, returning his smile. "And honestly? Knowing you're here does make me feel more confident about whatever we're about to face. Not because I need protection, but because I know I have someone I trust completely watching my back."
"That's all I ever wanted," Odyn said softly. "To be someone you could count on, in whatever way you needed."
"You already are," Weiss assured him, reaching over to take his hand. "You have been since the day we met."
They sat in comfortable silence again, fingers intertwined, both of them processing the conversation and its implications. Finally, Weiss spoke again.
"There's something else, isn't there? Something about the timing that you haven't told me."
Odyn's slight grimace confirmed her suspicion. "You really are dangerously perceptive."
"It comes with the territory of being raised by Jacques Schnee," Weiss said dryly. "I learned early to read between the lines of what people weren't saying."
"The faculty is concerned that the CCT incident might be connected to broader threats against Vale's security," Odyn said carefully. "And with the Vytal Festival approaching..."
"They're worried about our wedding," Weiss finished, understanding immediately. "About the security implications of having representatives from all four kingdoms gathered in one place."
"Among other things, yes," Odyn confirmed. "But princess, I want you to know that whatever concerns they have, they don't change how I feel about our plans. We're still getting married at the Vytal Festival, and it's still going to be exactly what we want it to be."
"I know," Weiss said with quiet confidence. "Because we won't let fear make our decisions for us. We'll be smart, we'll be careful, but we won't let the possibility of threats stop us from building the life we want together."
"Have I mentioned lately that I'm incredibly proud to be marrying you?" Odyn asked, bringing their joined hands up to press a gentle kiss to her knuckles.
"Not since this morning," Weiss replied with a soft laugh. "But I never get tired of hearing it."
"Good, because I plan to keep telling you for the rest of our lives," Odyn said, his voice carrying a promise that went far beyond the immediate moment.
A distant sound—the scrape of metal on stone—caught Odyn's attention, and his posture immediately shifted back to full alertness. "Movement to the northeast," he said quietly, his enhanced senses processing details that Weiss couldn't detect.
"Grimm?" she asked, her own combat instincts immediately engaged.
"I don't think so," Odyn replied, his expression growing concerned. "The pattern's wrong. Too deliberate, too coordinated. I think we may have found our human contacts."
Weiss stood smoothly, her hand moving instinctively to her weapon. "Should we wake the others?"
"Not yet," Odyn said, rising beside her. "But stay alert. If this develops into something more immediate, we'll need to move fast."
"Together?" Weiss asked, though it was more confirmation than question.
"Always together, princess," Odyn confirmed, his fiery orange eyes never leaving the darkness ahead of them. "Whatever comes next, we face it together."
As they stood side by side in the ruins of Mountain Glenn, weapons ready and senses alert, there was something almost ceremonial about the moment. Two people who had found love in the midst of chaos, preparing to face unknown dangers with the absolute certainty that they could count on each other completely.
The quiet conversation had revealed layers of trust, understanding, and commitment that went far beyond the immediate tactical situation. Whatever threats awaited them in the darkness of the abandoned city, they would meet them as partners in every sense of the word—two individuals who had chosen to build something beautiful together, even in a world that seemed determined to tear such things apart.
And in the distance, barely audible to anyone without enhanced elven hearing, came the sound of footsteps moving with purpose through the ruins, heading directly toward their position.
To be continued in Chapter 19: Mountain Glenn, Promises & The Breach? part 1