A/N: So, before we begin I would like to first say that I can see that quite a few of you were not happy with yesterday's chapter. I understand it, I took things to a pretty severe change from how they were going and pretty much made Ironwood's character flip on its head. The route I've decided to take I think will make the story a little more interesting and less mundane. I saw quite a few of you point out that Topaz's grandfather doesn't have the power that General Ironwood says he does, and you are right. Everything General Ironwood thinks he's getting from his grandfather will not come. They were all empty promises so that Topaz could be taken care of. Should I have extended everything into more than just the one chapter? Probably, but I am not going to change anything. To all of you that left suggestions for the story, thank you very much. I hope you will continue to support the story as it goes through this change. Rhino out.
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Ironwood: "I would like to start by thanking everyone for gathering here on such short notice. Sadly, the reason for this meeting isn't a good one. It is with great regret, that I must inform you all that Topaz Nemea has been reported killed in action."
Ruby: "What!? How is that possible? He was just here yesterday!"
Ironwood: "He was indeed. He was taken in for some questioning involving an outside issue that was brought to our attention. He escaped and fled while he was waiting for questioning."
Ariel: "Questioning? Really, is that all you have to say about it? Neo and I saw your men dragging him across the school like he was some sort of trophy."
Yang: "Care to explain that General Ironwood?"
Ironwood: "I will admit that some of my men aren't the biggest fans of faunus. Some may have taken matters into their own hands when dealing with him when I was not around."
Winter: "Excuse my outburst, but that is a load of bull General Ironwood."
Weiss: "Winter?"
Ironwood: "Specialist Schnee, if you do not refrain from interrupting me, you will be charged yourself."
Winter: "Go right ahead sir. I was there when you first ordered the arrest. You did nothing when your men did everything they could to try and break his arms. And you threw me out of the room when I said something about it. I don't know what you are up to, but you've changed."
Ironwood: "Ace ops, take specialist Schnee to her room, and make sure she stays there until I summon her."
Qrow: "I would prefer if she stays James. She seems to be the only one under your command that still seems to be mentally capable currently."
Ironwood: "Fine, let's just get back to the matter on hand, shall we?"
Qrow: "You have a lot of explaining to do James."
Ironwood: "Let me continue. After noticing that he had fled, I personally went after him to make sure things didn't get more out of hand than they already were, and met up with the one who accused Topaz of his crime along the way. We were finally able to confront him on the southern edge of Atlas."
Neo: "And who would accuse Topaz of doing anything? He has done nothing but help everyone. He's always been like that."
Ironwood: "I am not at liberties to reveal that information Miss Politan."
Neo: "What was he accused of?"
Ironwood: "Topaz was accused of kidnapping a girl from her tribe, and dragged to Gods knows where."
Ariel: "Topaz kidnapping someone? He would never do something like that."
Ironwood: "In such a precarious situation, none of us can know that Miss Tumaki. I'm no happier about it than you are."
Ariel: "You are no happier about it?! You are trying to tell me that Topaz was killed in action, after he fled from your custody. Don't you dare tell me you feel anything remotely close to what Neo or I are feeling right now."
????: "Now, now. Don't go tearing into poor General Ironwood so much little Neo, it's not his fault for doing his job."
Hearing a new voice enter the conversation, everyone turns to see just who it is, and see an older gentleman heavily resembling Topaz walking into the meeting room.
Neo: "You! What are you doing here?"
Ariel: "Do you know him Neo?"
Neo: "Yes, I do sadly. That is Topaz's grandfather, the one who forced him to be separated from his parents when he was young."
Grandfather: "How nice of you to recognize me. Yes, I am Topaz's grandfather, the former head of the Nemea Tribe of the deserts of Menagerie. That little mistake should not even exist, and I'm glad to have watched him drop."
Neo: "You bastard!"
Neo screams at him and lunges at the older man, only to be held back by Ariel and Yang.
Ariel: "Neo, I am just as angry as you are right now, but we can't do anything rash. Topaz would want us to play this smart."
Neo: "I know, but I can't help it."
Ironwood: "Mr. Nemea, I would ask that you respect the fallen, and not antagonize anyone."
Grandfather: "Fine, I'm only after the girl."
Ariel: "What girl?"
Ironwood: "The girl Topaz supposedly kidnapped, Emma Nemea."
Neo: "Emma?! She wasn't kidnapped, she asked Topaz if she could join us to get away from Topaz's grandfather."
Grandfather: "The girl lies, she's just covering for the little runt."
Ironwood: "Enough! The purpose of this meeting was to inform you all about Topaz, but it has gotten too out of hand. You are all dismissed."
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????: "So kid, just why are you heading out this way? There have been a lot of reportings of grimm in the area. And why all the secrecy about it?"
Topaz: "All I'm going to say, for both our sakes, is stuff happened in Atlas and I need some space from it all. And what better place than a grimm infested forest?"
????: "Alright, I guess. We will reach the drop point in five minutes, so start preparing."
Standing up and stretching, Topaz rolls his shoulders and makes his way to the side door of the airship. Tossing the pilot a small bundle of Lien, Topaz thanks him and jumps out the side of the ship.
????: "Uh… thanks? I guess."
Feeling the cool air rush past him, Topaz changes into a hawk once again and gently soars to the forest floor. Transforming back to normal, Topaz makes his way through the forest, keeping his senses peeled for any grimm. The only issue, he doesn't smell or hear any grimm, only the scent of humans lingers in the air. Trying his best to track where the scent is originating from, Topaz pushes through the forest, eventually coming to a clearing in the center of the forest. In front of him stands a large wall made from large logs. Bandits, interesting. Hearing the sound of a single set of wings flapping behind him, Topaz waits patiently.
Topaz: "So this is where you went. How've you been Raven?"
Raven: "So it is you, you little bastard. Why are you here?"
Turning to face the older woman, Topaz sees her crouching on a branch a few feet behind him, sword leveled at his throat.
Topaz: "Needed an escape from everything."
Raven: "So you came here? Sure, and I'm the Queen of Vale."
Topaz: "You don't have to believe me. I'm not here for you, or your tribe. I just wanted space from Atlas."
Raven: "Just what could happen to cause you to leave everything you had behind?"
Topaz: "You mean aside from Ironwood losing his mind? Too much happened at once."
Raven: "How's Yang?"
Topaz: "Her usual fiery self, but happier. At least she was the last time I saw her."
Raven: "Happier how?"
Topaz: "She's seemed more sure of herself since the fight at Haven, and she's back together with Blake, so that helps a lot."
Raven: "Who is this Blake? I don't like the sound of him."
Topaz: "Pfft. Blake is a teammate of hers. A nice cat faunus who has had her own share of issues."
Raven: "Whatever, as long as Yang knows I won't help her any longer."
Topaz: "I don't think you have to worry about that. So Raven, you are a long way from the last camp's location."
Raven: "Yeah, well when Salem's minions come knocking on your front gate you leave."
Topaz: "Makes sense. Alright, I'm leaving. Good luck with everything."
Standing up and turning to leave, Topaz prepares to leave Raven and her tribe alone.
Raven: "Stop! *sigh* I could use your help with something."
Topaz: "What could you possibly need my help with?"
Raven: "Follow me into camp, I will show you there."
Topaz: "Fine, not like I have much else to do currently. I just hope Neo and Ariel are ok."
Following Raven into her camp, she leads him through the center of camp and into her large tent. Setting her sword off to the side, she turns to face him.
Raven: "So, what exactly happened in Atlas?"