The travel back to Beacon was done in silence. Five students in a police Bullhead sitting quietly as police officers watched them sternly, waiting to see if any member of Team RWBYZ would have anything to say. Each of them couldn't help but look guilty, though Yang was the only one itching to talk.
"Sooo… my bike, is that impounded? When can I get that back?" The officers glared at her and said nothing. "I'm just saying 'cause I don't want it getting scratched or anything. And you gotta make sure it get's the premium wax, otherwise it dulls."
"Yang will you stop, I don't think the police are going to wax your bike for you."
"But it needs it!" Yang looked genuinely heartbroken at Weiss's words. "You gotta take care of it like it's a baby, constant love and affection, with routine maintenance of only the best kind."
Weiss cringed and looked like she wanted to argue more, but Ruby cut her off before she could even begin. "You won't convince her Weiss. She spends almost as much time on Bumblebee as she does on her hair."
"And the results speak for themselves." Yang flicked her hair to show it off, and none of the girls could find themselves willing to argue against that. Even Zuko had to admit, that as ridiculously long as she kept it, Yang kept her hair in great condition.
Now that he thought about it, lots of the girls had very long hair. Weiss and Pyrrha both had their long ponytails, and he swore he had seen several others with long hair like it. Was it just another part of this world's fashion?
His thoughts were cut off as the Bullhead landed at the Beacon grounds, and a sudden tenseness gripped the students. The door opened, the officers stepped out, and the students followed to see a group of very disappointed people waiting for them.
Ozpin, Glynda, Iroh, and even General Ironwood were standing with disappointed expressions on their face. Glynda had a coffee cup in her hands even bigger than Ozpins, and judging from the tired expression beneath her icy gaze she had been woken up from what must have been a very pleasant sleep to come deal with them.
The situation had already been explained to them, so the officers stepped aside and handed Team RWBYZ over to the Beacon staff.
"They're all yours professor, you have a good night."
"Thank you officer." Ozpin turned to face the team as the police returned to their craft and began to leave. "Well well well, this has certainly been an eventful evening."
"You hurled a truck holding an Atlesian Paladin down the street!" Ironwood cut in with a furious temper. "Do you know how many people you could have killed!?"
"Hey that Paladin was only there because you lost it." Zuko didn't know where Blake found the spine to say that back to the general, however she quickly lost it as Miss Goodwitch glowered at her.
"Perhaps it is best that we discuss the evenings events in the morning." Iroh stepped in with a calming aura, encouraging them all to take deep breaths. "We can take the night to collect ourselves and ensure that we have calm minds."
Glynda glared down at the coffee in her hands, now all but assured that she would not return to sleep.
"A wise idea Mr Lee," Ozpin replied, "perhaps it would be for the best. Team RWBYZ, please return to your dorms and come to my office at 8 o'clock. Do make sure you are not late."
A few meagre 'yes sirs' were the teams response as they began to make their way back to their rooms, Iroh walking with them and leaving the Beacon staff and general to discuss amongst themselves.
"My my Zuko, you certainly made quite the ruckus tonight. I thought when you asked me for dark clothing that part of your plan was to not be seen?"
"That was the plan. Things didn't exactly go as expected."
"Wait a second, you knew he was going to sneak around tonight?" Weiss couldn't believe it. "And you approved?"
"Oh yes, why Zuko used to sneak off the ship many times when we would dock at various towns and villages. Sometimes the men would notice, but usually not, he's quite good."
"He is actually." Blake admitted. "I barely saw him when he was sneaking around, where did you get so much practice?"
"I uh… used to sneak around the palace a lot to avoid Azula as a kid." Zuko blushed as he admitted it. Being scared of his little sister sounded so embarrassing when phrased that way, but if they had met Azula then they'd understand. Besides, he wasn't scared, just cautious.
"Wow, I didn't have any chance to sneak away from Ruby at our house, way too small. I always had to go to the woods."
Ruby looked aghast at Yang's confession. "What!? You would hide from me? Betrayed by my very own sister!"
She made exaggerated stomps away from Yang, the latter chuckling at how cute she looked which did not help her attempted apology. "Sometimes I just wanted a little space y'know? I still love you!"
"Betrayer!"
"Is this what normal siblings are like?" Weiss asked. Unfortunately, the shrugs of response were of no help as; Blake had no siblings, Zuko's sister was Azula, and Iroh's brother was Ozai. There was no normal family among any of them.
~RWBYZ~
"He's still not answering." Cinder's exclamation was more in disbelief than any real concern. Emerald and Mercury had both been awoken to scour the news reports for any important details, but all were reporting that though sighted, Roman Torchwick and an accomplice had fled the scene of the crime.
"Think his scroll is broken?"
"If his scroll was broken Mercury, then it wouldn't still be connecting. He's just ignoring me."
"Then he's a fool." Emerald may have chipped in for brownie points, but Cinder certainly agreed with her assessment. "You want us to pay him a visit tomorrow?"
"Perhaps, though all this attention might make meeting up with him a bit more-" Her scroll buzzed, he was finally calling her back. "Or perhaps not. Hello Roman, so nice of you to pick up after I've been calling you for over an hour."
"Yeah, I'd say sorry but I'm far too sore to pretend right now." She heard the sound of groaning as he moved about. "Little yellow bitch sandwiched me between an engine and a giant robot. I think it's fair to say I've earned myself an hour's rest."
"Earned!? You just made a colossal screw up. Not only did you lose the Paladin, but it's been broadcast all over the news. Now everyone knows what the White Fang had at their disposal." This really was a worst-case scenario. All plans for a subtle build up of support and firepower had now been thrown out of the window. Now Atlas was going to be keeping a very firm eye on Vale and any plans.
"Hey, you wanted the Paladin being shown off to the White Fang to boost their numbers remember? It was only a matter of time before Atlas heard about it anyway."
"There is a marked difference between a rumour, and a wreck that still blocking off parts of the highway. How exactly did this happen?"
"You can blame your little boy toy crush for that."
"Zuko?" She was so surprised that she didn't even register the jab he'd thrown at her. She'd seen him earlier the very same day and suspected nothing afoot with his plans.
"The very same. Found him in the back of the truck halfway through our trip back, must have snuck aboard at the rally."
"You didn't search the vehicle before you left?"
"I had the grunts do a sweep, I was a bit busy giving speeches and strutting my stuff."
Running his mouth more likely. Cinder forced herself to calm, pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration.
"I put you in charge there for more than just your presentation abilities Roman. You are being expected to manage them beyond simply pointing and barking orders at them."
"What am I, a drill sergeant? If you want these people to be trained then bring in Taurus, don't expect me to be whipping these animals into shape."
"Taurus has other priorities and will be brought in when the time is right. And you are getting entirely too loose with that mouth of yours Roman. Do you need a reminder about why exactly it is that you're working for me?"
"Oh, I remember just fine. I do the work, or you'll kill me. Bit hard to keep that in mind when I'm almost pancaked in a truck though. I'll be sure to try and keep it in mind though."
Cinder fumed and opened her mouth to speak before the sound of a drink pouring in the background caught her attention. "Roman, are you drunk!?"
"Not yet but I'm working on it." There was another sound, what seemed like running water followed by splashing.
"Are… are you taking a bath!?"
"I got my ass kicked Cinder. I need my little beauty spa treatment. Stay and listen if you want, but I'll be finishing this bottle of whiskey long before I'm done in here."
She clicked off the call with a disgusted grunt. Really, she did not need that mental image of Roman getting black out drunk in a bath. She huffed and turned her attention back to the others, both of whom immediately snapped back to the work and pretended they hadn't just been listening to her call.
She needed a plan. She needed to get Roman back in line once he was a little more sobered up, and she needed to deal with Team RWBYZ. There was going to be a lot of eyes on them now, so she couldn't do much. But perhaps she could at least get a greater perspective on things?
Yes, perhaps it would be for the best if she simply learned what they would be doing next. And she of course already had just the way in. She typed away on her scroll as the news showed the faces of Team RWBYZ at the scene of the crash.
Fall4Me: Hey Zuko, I saw your face on the news, are you okay?
~RWBYZ~
The morning came far too quickly, and with it came the anxiety as the team made their way to Ozpins office. Zuko himself wasn't too worried, he doubted they were about to be expelled for what had happened. He also doubted that Iroh was going to be punished in his stead, the Beacon personnel just didn't strike him as the type of people.
By his side however, the rest of his team didn't seem nearly so calm. Weiss was composed aside from the tapping of her feet, the only sign of her nervousness. Ruby was very obviously upset, and Yang was doing her best to keep her spirits up with smiles. Though the smiles faltered whenever she thought Ruby wasn't paying attention.
Blake however… Blake was exhausted. She hadn't slept a wink through the night, staying up and doing her own research instead. Zuko had seen some glimpses of it, all of it relating to Torchwick or the White Fang. She was slumped, hunched over from exhaustion until the doors opened and she perked herself up forcefully.
Inside was a familiar sight. Ozpin, Glynda, Iroh, and Ironwood all waiting for them. He had spoken briefly with his uncle before they separated for bed and didn't fully understand why he was still present. Except immediately, he did. Iroh was here as his guardian, and he quickly realised something else that might be happening during the meeting.
"Good morning Team RWBYZ, I trust you slept well."
"Uh, well, you know…" Ruby twiddled her thumbs. "We slept okay. How are you?"
"I found myself rather busy in fact, discussing with the council about just what was to be done about the events of last night." Professor Ozpin mused. Though he spoke calmly, anxiety only built in the team. "As Huntsman and Huntresses you are afforded a great deal of leeway to take actions into your own hands, however as students you will find that this leeway is small. Had such actions been more discrete, perhaps the outcome of this could have been minimised. However, I'm afraid that the news has been showcasing a great deal of your road trip last night, and actions shall have to be taken. I am afraid that I have to contact each of your parents."
Shocked gasps came from the team save for Zuko, who simply looked to Iroh in confusion.
"You can't call our dad! Do you know what he'll do!?"
"I'm afraid miss Rose, that I already know what he shall do. I spoke to him earlier, and he said that he will be coming to Vale to visit and speak to you and your sister personally."
Ruby and Yang looked at each other in horror. Subtly, they reached out and held hands in mutual comfort.
"Miss Schnee, I'm afraid that I could not reach your father or mother, however General Ironwood has informed me that your sister Winter has been told of last nights events and will be discussing them with you in due time."
Weiss may not have been surprised that neither her mother nor father had cared to answer, but Winter's wrath had her deeply concerned. Winter would be so disappointed in her!
"Miss Belladonna. I was actually unable to find your parents contact details, as it seems you neglected to provide them in your enrolment."
Blake sighed in relief. She had written that she'd had parents of course, but deliberately left that area blank to avoid any kind of issues. She really hadn't been ready for talking to her parents since she had blown up at them and stayed with the White Fang. She had said some… terrible things.
"Sorry sir, I didn't realise that sir."
"Not to worry Miss Belladonna, mistakes happen. But you'll be glad to know that I did find their contact details eventually." She stilled. "You can imagine how surprised they were to hear from me, and we had a great many things to discuss."
"Um, well, I can explain-"
"I'm sure you can, however there will be no need. Your parents have insisted on coming by to visit their daughter in person."
"No…" Blake whimpered, looking like she was about to shatter into pieces of glass from the tension in her body.
"Oh yes. I believe they will be here in a few days, they were quite adamant about travelling as soon as possible."
"No no no…"
"Ozpin," Ironwood cut in, "as much as it satisfies me to see the team responsible in so much distress, there is still the matter of what is to be done as true punishment. A little parental discipline will not be sufficient to overlook the damage they have done. One of my paladins was hurled down the street as a result of their actions."
"I think I would place the blame at the feet of the White Fang personally." Ozpin shot back before relenting. "What you say is true however. I would first like to know just what led up the last nights events."
The team looked at Blake, who sighed and began her explanation. By the end of it, Ozpin only looked more annoyed alongside General Ironwood.
"Miss Belladonna, I appreciate that this may be a matter of concern close to your heart, however the law is not a responsibility to be taken into your hands solely. Had you shared this information with us then we could very well have avoided quite the fiasco."
"This isn't something new, Torchwick has been robbing dust stores for months now and you're still nowhere closer to catching him! Now he's working with the White Fang, and nobody seems to be doing anything."
"I assure you Miss Belladonna, actions are being taken." Ironwood growled, insulted at the idea that he was willingly standing aside and allowing the White Fang free run of an allied nation. "That you cannot see them, does not mean they do not exist."
Blake moved to argue again, only to be cut off as Iroh began to speak instead. "Perhaps we can use this as an experience for learning. The wisdom of age often clashes with the energy of youth, and Miss Belladonna's detective skills and insights have proven remarkably effective. I see a young woman who is eager to fight against injustice and believed that this was a task of her sole responsibility. All she needs is some guidance. A flower may wilt and die if neglected and become a poison to the garden. But if you show it the care and attention it needs, it may bloom to be strong and beautiful, rising up to be more than you could imagine." He put a hand on Blake's shoulder and looked her square in the eyes. "Miss Belladonna, if you would put some trust in us, we shall put trust in you. We shall prove to you that we are not taking such dangers lightly, all we ask is that show a little more care and honesty with us as well."
It was perhaps a little presumptuous of him to make such an offer on behalf of Ozpin or Ironwood, but it was what Blake needed to hear and so she nodded in acceptance.
"I don't recall agreeing to such a deal Iroh," Ironwood frowned, "she's supposed to be coming forth with any such information regardless."
"Perhaps, but I think you have not dealt with enough teenagers to know that she will not stop anyway." Ozpin, Glynda, and even Blake nodded their heads in agreement. "Besides, the greatest victories do not come from overcoming the hardest obstacles, but in achieving the greatest outcomes."
Ironwood could either fruitlessly bang his head against the brick wall of trying to get a teenage girl to do as he said, or he could give a little and get what he wanted. He sighed and relented.
"Excellent points Iroh." Ozpin cut in as he stood. "We can discuss further during your detention today."
"Detention!?" Ruby looked hurt. "But what about everything Iroh said!"
"Indeed, but your team still wrecked a truck and damaged a large portion of a freeway on the news. You will still need to face some punishment."
The team sagged, muttering their complaints but did not truly argue. They were quite lucky all things considered. They left in mixed spirits, thankful that it had not been worse yet also still upset about their parents being contacted.
"Man, dad's gonna come and embarrass us I just know it." Yang grumbled as they headed back towards their dorm. "I had a total cool girl reputation built up, now he's gonna ruin it."
"At least we get to meet Blake's parents, that's gonna be fun right? I bet they're really cool people Blake."
"Thanks Ruby, but honestly this is just going to be really embarrassing for me. How about you Weiss?"
"Oh, uh, yeah." Weiss looked away, suddenly reminded of the hurt she felt that neither of her parents had cared to answer Ozpin's calls. "Very embarrassed by my big sister…"
Zuko frowned, wanting to say something before his scroll buzzed again. He took it out and sent off a message updating Cinder on what had happened. He was really starting to get a hang of this whole 'messaging' thing. Maybe he should find something nice for Weiss to cheer her up, though as usual he had no idea on what.
Maybe Cinder would know?
HotStuff: Hey Cinder, are you available to meet?