D-RWBY: Volume 2

Help in Need

High above Beacon Academy, in the crystalline tower that served as the headmaster's office, Professor Ozpin stood silently at his window, watching the impressive fleet of Atlesian airships descend upon his school's landing pads. The vessels moved with military precision, their sleek forms casting long shadows across the academy grounds as students below looked up in wonder and concern.

"Ironwood certainly has a flair for the dramatic," Glynda Goodwitch observed from her position near the desk, her tone carrying a mixture of disapproval and resignation. "He's never been one for subtlety when it comes to displaying Atlas's military might."

Ozpin took a measured sip of his coffee, his expression remaining calm despite the obvious tension in the air. "Running both an academy and a military does tend to make one... security-conscious. Though I admit, this level of escort seems excessive even for James."

Three more Bullheads swept past the tower, their engines creating a low rumble that seemed to vibrate through the very walls of the office.

"Those ships are going to cause quite a stir among the students," Ozpin mused, watching the ant-like figures of people moving across the pathways below. "Not to mention the media attention this will inevitably attract."

A soft chiming sound drew their attention to Ozpin's desk, where a holographic display showed an incoming access request. Ozpin set down his mug and pressed a control, causing the office doors to slide open with a quiet hiss.

General James Ironwood strode into the room with the confident bearing of a man accustomed to command. His Atlas military uniform was immaculate, every medal and insignia perfectly positioned, and his cybernetic enhancements caught the light as he moved.

"Ozpin!" Ironwood's voice carried genuine warmth as he approached the headmaster. "It's good to see you again, old friend."

"General," Ozpin replied formally, though his tone was cordial. "Welcome to Beacon."

"Please, drop the formalities," Ironwood said with a slight smile, extending his hand. "We've known each other far too long for such ceremony."

The two men shook hands while Glynda approached from the side, her expression carefully neutral.

"Glynda," Ironwood said, turning to acknowledge her with a respectful nod. "You look well. It's been far too long since we last spoke."

"James," Glynda replied with a polite but distant smile. "I trust your journey from Atlas was... eventful?" She gestured toward the window and the fleet beyond.

Understanding the subtle criticism in her tone, Glynda excused herself with professional efficiency. "I'll leave you two to catch up. I have classes to oversee."

As the door closed behind her, Ironwood chuckled softly. "She hasn't changed a bit, has she? Still the master of the diplomatic exit."

Ozpin moved to his coffee service, the familiar ritual helping to ease the tension in the room. "So, James, what truly brings you to Vale? It's unusual for a headmaster to personally escort his students to the Vytal Festival."

He poured a fresh cup and offered it to his guest, the porcelain clinking softly as Ironwood accepted it.

"You know how much I enjoy Vale this time of year," Ironwood replied, though both men knew it was a deflection. He reached into his coat and produced a silver flask, adding its contents to his coffee. "Besides, with you hosting the festival, I thought it might be a good opportunity for us to... discuss certain developments."

Ozpin settled behind his desk with his own cup, studying his old friend with those penetrating eyes that seemed to see far more than they revealed. "I can certainly appreciate the value of face-to-face conversations between colleagues. However, that rather impressive fleet outside my window suggests this visit involves more than casual diplomacy."