WinterRose Running (RubyRose x Winter Schnee)

Chapter 2. Welcome to Beacon

Welcome to Beacon

Ruby awoke to the sweet-smelling aroma of bacon and pancakes wafting through her and Winter's uptown Atlas apartment. She quickly rolled out of bed and onto her feet, throwing on one of Winter's sleep shirts and making her way towards the kitchen. Rounding the corner, Ruby was met with the scene of Winter standing over the stove, making breakfast for the duo. She made her way behind Winter and gently hugged her around the waist, giving her a quick peck on the corner of her mouth.

"Good morning, Mrs. Schnee-Rose," Winter said, turning around in Ruby's arms to give her a passionate kiss on the lips.

"Good morning, Mrs. Rose-Schnee. I made us breakfast before we need to go."

Both women sat down at their kitchen island and began to eat. Ruby pulled out her scroll and started to review their mission for the flight in two hours. Looking up, she started to brief Winter on the objectives.

"So, we have our flight at eight AM to Vale, where we will be landing at Beacon's private airway. Once there, we will be meeting with the headmaster to discuss the situation with others in the know and find out our cover positions within the academy."

Glancing up from her meal, Winter stared at Ruby. "We both know you never review missions more than once. Why are you so worried about being posted at Beacon?"

Looking up from the mission document, Ruby got a contemplative look in her eyes before responding. "You know I'm not on good terms with my family, and this should be my sister's first year at Beacon. I'm just nervous, you know? I haven't seen her or Dad for five years, and you know the minute she sees me, he will know too."

Winter gave Ruby a look of sympathy and gently grabbed her hand, rubbing her thumb along the back. "It will be okay, Rubes. If you're so worried, we can ask Ozpin to not place her within our classes and avoid her being in our lunch periods."

Ruby gave Winter a small smile. "Thanks, Winter, but I'll be okay. It's not like she will be able to catch me even if she wanted to."

Time skip to the airfield

Winter and Ruby arrived at the airship field around seven-thirty in the morning, handing off their bags to the crew and making their way on board through the cargo hold. They advanced towards the main bridge, making small conversation along the way.

"What job do you think Ozpin will give you when we get to Beacon, Snowflake?"

Winter gave Ruby a glance, giving it a quick thought. "If anything, I'll either end up being the new Dust casting instructor or the dueling class assistant. What about you?"

Without giving it a thought, Ruby answered, "I'll probably end up in the forge, helping students make upgrades and new weapons."

Arriving at the bridge, they were met with General Ironwood at the helm of the airship, who turned around upon hearing the main bridge doors open.

"Special agents," he greeted.

Saluting and replying in tandem, they responded, "General Ironwood, Sir!"

"At ease, agents. Now, it's been a while since we've seen each other in person. Let's get the unofficial mission details out of the way, then I want to hear all about your honeymoon to Mistral."

The group made their way to the General's captain quarters and sat around his kitchenette table.

"Have you been made aware that this is not just an exchange program?" Both Ruby and Winter gave him a quick nod before he continued. "There is a greater threat besides the petty thieves in Vale. You are both being deployed to provide a greater sense of security, both offensively and defensively, for the Kingdom of Vale. I believe the Kingdom is being targeted by those under Salem's control, but Ozpin believes he has everything under control. The number of Dust robberies and Grimm attacks says otherwise."