The Wolf, The Lion and The Dragon - (Vol.7)

Ch.2 A New Approach

Raiden's Pov

I gaze out the window of the police airship as it flies over Mantle. I then shifted to my girlfriend who sat beside me. Weiss gazed at me with sad light blue eyes, causing my heart to break. Nora Valkyrie chewed at the bolas restraining her wrists while everyone sat quietly, the only sounds being Nora's growling and the muffled chattering of the guards piloting the ship.

Ruby: "Where do you think they're taking us?"

Qrow: "I'm gonna go with jail."

Raiden: (Sigh) "As self-deprecating as that sounded, I think he may have a point. I have been arrested enough times to know that this is exactly how it begins."

Jaune: "I still can't believe that fishing pole guy took us out like it was nothing."

Weiss: "Welcome to Atlas. Those were Ironwood's Ace Operatives."

Josh: (Looking at Weiss confused) "Ace-Ops?"

An unfamiliar man sitting with the group finally speaks up.

Forest: "Hmm? You guys had a run-in with the Ace-Ops? Ironwood must really have a bone to pick with you."

Cyra: (Shifting her gaze over to the weird man) "I'm sorry...who are you?"

Weiss: (rolling her eyes) "They're not that big of a deal."

Forest: "Not that big of a deal!? The Ace-Ops are the elite-of-elite military Huntsmen and Ironwood's personal attack dogs."

Nora: "So they got you too, huh?"

Forest: "Pfft! I wouldn't let myself get caught by them. I'm here because I've been speaking out against Atlas' exploitation of Mantle, and General Ironwood is trying to silence me."

Pilot: "You threw a brick at our ship!"

Forest: (proudly) "It's worth it if it gets people talking about our cause!"

The pilot sighs in annoyance

Josh: (Looking at the others) "It's a weirdo."

Forest: (Turning on Josh) "I'M NOT A WEIRDO!!"

Blake: "Wait, "Our cause"?"

Forest: "Yes, the fight for better conditions in Mantle! Lead by the charismatic, talented, lovely Robyn Hill and her Happy Huntresses!"

The main pilot presses a button, causing the window between the cab and the back of the ship to begin slowly closing. Forest notices this, stands up and begins frantically shouting to the window so the guards can hear him.

Forest: "They were all top Atlas Academy graduates, who could've signed up for the military, but Robyn and the Huntresses chose to stay in Mantle. She's gunning for a seat on the Kingdom's council, and when she gets it, she's gonna put an end to Ironwood's tyranny!"

Oscar: "Happy... Huntresses?"

Yang: "Is that their real name?"

Weiss: "Don't you think "tyranny's" a little dramatic?"

Forest turns around to respond and looks surprised upon realizing who had just spoken.

Forest: "Easy to say for a Schnee heiress, living comfortably up in Atlas.

Weiss: (sighing sadly) "Not anymore."

The airship finally makes it up to the City of Atlas, and Ruby looks out at the city in awe, while Nora is once again chewing her restraints.

Ruby: "Whoa, it's gorgeous up here!"

Ruby's comment causes Jaune and Nora to leave their seats and look out the window with her.