Destiny No More

Chapter 56

Their return to Beacon wasn't heralded with triumphant applause or a waiting crowd, partially due to the covert nature of their mission, but mostly due to the late hour. It was near daybreak, though Pyrrha couldn't find the strength to look at her scroll for the specifics. The battle hadn't taken long, the fighting lasting no more than thirty minutes, but the waiting had been infinitely longer. Not to mention the time it took for the police to gather statements and officially allow them to leave the scene.

The local law enforcement had been... displeased, with their late night activities, but Pyrrha couldn't find it in herself to care. The White Fang had been operating in full uniform, something that was impossible to miss unless someone was intentionally ignoring it. If the police refused to act, she would do what she had to. She was just grateful Qrow and Winter seemed to share in that mentality.

"I struggle to see the use of division between the military and law enforcement when they are so unwaveringly incompetent." Winter muttered. She and her soldiers had been required to give statements as well, though if the questions they asked them were anything like the ones they asked her, she could understand her disappointment.

"Not every Kingdom has a guy like Jimmy to oversee their military, separation of powers is a good thing." Qrow defended Vale, but even to her it sounded weak.

"On that we shall have to disagree." Winter replied, and though Pyrrha expected some kind of argument to break out, neither of them seemed willing.

From what Ruby and Weiss had told her in her last life, Qrow and Winter had been at each other's throats over Atlas' presence at Beacon. It was interesting to see how different that was now, though she figured it was difficult to say how much had truly changed without having the context. It was possible something had happened between them before that hadn't happened in this life. Whatever the difference was, they seemed far more accepting of the others' view point.

"I suppose we should report to the Headmaster." Winter sighed, the mask of discipline she wore falling away for a brief moment at the mere thought.

"We could do that." Qrow smirked. "Or we could go get drunk, then save the boring stuff for tomorrow."

Winter rolled her eyes. "Barely back from the mission and you already want to start drinking."

"I think it's a good idea." Pyrrha joined in, blushing slightly when both of them looked at her. Qrow seemed a bit surprised but his smile remained, Winter simply raised one finely kept eyebrow. "We've got a tradition to uphold."

Qrow's smile fell a little bit. "Yeah. Everyone made it back this time, that's cause for celebration."

Winter looked at him for a moment. "Yes, that is indeed a good reason to celebrate." She turned away, looking back at the Bullhead that had dropped them off. "Though I don't know if traveling back into the city is ideal."

"Don't worry, I know where the teachers keep their stash." Qrow's smile grew beyond smug. "Port might not approve, but he needs to stop drinking before lessons anyways."

"We can use my room," Winter said. "They are designed for four people after all, with one there is quite a bit of space."

"Party at Winter's house." Qrow nodded. "I'll fetch the liquor."

"I'll help." Pyrrha followed Qrow.

"I'll send my room number to your scrolls." Winter stepped off in a different direction with a wave. "Don't take too long, or I might just lock the door."

"Don't worry, I can climb through the window!" Qrow yelled back, earning a muffled threat as the three separated out. "Now then, off to Port's class."

Pyrrha stumbled. "Wait, you were being serious about him drinking before class?"