Goodwitch: "You have a twisted mindset if you think anyone could match Topaz, James."
Ironwood: "What do you mean Glynda?"
Goodwitch: "You asking that just proves how little you actually knew of Topaz. Topaz was a skilled fighter yes, probably one of the best, but he possessed something that not many others possess."
Ironwood: "And that would be…?"
Goodwitch: "Selflessness."
Ironwood: "That's it?"
Goodwitch: "That's it? James, how many people do you know would throw their lives into danger to save someone they care about?"
Ironwood: "…"
Goodwitch: "You were there the night Beacon fell James. You saw just how terrifying it was. Do you know how many students are still alive because of Topaz?"
Ironwood: "No, how many?"
Goodwitch: "I would say a good half of the students that survived saw Topaz at some point that night. And the biggest kicker is that Topaz regrets not being able to save more."
Ironwood: "He had a big heart."
Goodwitch: "Yes he did, and no number of soldiers or warriors will ever be as capable as he was."
Emma: "If you could change things General Ironwood, would you?"
Ironwood: "What do you mean by that?"
Emma: "Would you listen to Grandfather?"
Ironwood: "No, I wouldn't. He disappeared the night Topaz died, and no one has seen him since. To be completely transparent, that one decision has caused me more issues and instability than any other decision I have ever made throughout my career."
Emma: "Did you even think of getting confirmation about what Grandfather promised you?"
Ironwood: "…"
Goodwitch: *sigh* "Really James? I'm disappointed in you."
Ironwood: "I'm rather disappointed in myself."
Emma: "How do you plan on making things right?"
Ironwood: "What do you mean?"
Emma: "Topaz isn't around anymore because of you. He did a lot for you and Atlas, how are you planning on helping your people without him?"
Ironwood: "I… I'm not sure. I would do anything to undo my mistake, if only I just ignored my greed."
Tired of hearing what he was hearing, Topaz internally debated about whether he joins the meeting or leave. It was evident that General Ironwood wouldn't try anything against Emma and Professor Goodwitch. Topaz makes his way out of the room he was listening from and stands outside of the door to the meeting room. Letting out a sigh, Topaz turns to leave and finds himself face to face with a very drunk Qrow.
Qrow: "Damn alcohol, always showing you what you want to see. Well, Topaz of my imagination, I'm sorry I wasn't there for you when you needed me mosht."
Topaz: "There's no need to blame yourself Qrow. There wasn't anything that could be done about it."
Qrow: "Shtap lying to me! Topaz!"
With one final shout, Topaz watches Qrow fall face first onto the ground with a heavy thud. Rubbing his forehead to try and ease the approaching headache, Topaz sighs once again and turns to continue on his way. But before he can go anywhere, the door behind him opens up and Professor Goodwitch steps into the hall.
Goodwitch: "What is going on out here?! Qrow?"
Ironwood: "Did I hear you say Qrow is here? Qrow, I need to talk with you, and you cannot run away this time."
Trying to catch Qrow, General Ironwood rushes into the hallway and sees Qrow lying on the ground. Topaz tries to sneak way while General Ironwood wasn't looking, but as soon as he shifted his weight to move, General Ironwood turned and saw Topaz standing there.
Ironwood: "T-Topaz… is that you?"
Topaz: *sigh* "Yeah, it's me."
Ironwood: "You're alive?"
Topaz: "Last I checked."
Ironwood: "How? I saw you fall."
Topaz: "General Ironwood, my semblance can do more than you could even imagine. That fall posed no danger to me."
Ironwood: "Then why let everyone think you died?"
Topaz: "You had me arrested, which led me to be paraded around the school like some sort of trophy. Your head was so far up your ass from your greed you were willing to do anything. Why on Remnant would I go back."
Ironwood: "I guess you have a point. I am sorry for everything Topaz. I don't expect your forgiveness, or anything like that."
Topaz: "I'm not going back General Ironwood."
Ironwood: "Why not? Don't you want everyone to see you are ok?"
Topaz: "No."
Ironwood: "What about your family? What of Neo and Ariel?"
Topaz: "Where do you think I've been since that day?"
Ironwood: "…Fair point."
Topaz: "Just a warning for you General, if I find out that there wasn't a breach in your security, and that you in fact, did send those robots, you will have made an enemy."
Ironwood: "I swear on my life that it wasn't me."
Topaz: "Better not have been."
Ironwood: "If you won't return to Atlas, what will you do then. You'd just abandon all those innocent people in need of help?"
Topaz: "Are you really trying that General Ironwood? You of all people can't say anything about abandoning the innocent. Last I checked Mantle is all but forgotten in your eyes."
Ironwood: "I have not forgotten about the people of Mantle Topaz. They just are not my priority."
Topaz: "Sure. I never said that I wouldn't help those who need it, I'm just going to focus more on my loved ones before anyone else for a while."
Ironwood: "But-"
Topaz: "That's enough General Ironwood. I refuse to hear a lecture from you after everything you've done. It's time I put myself first."
Goodwitch: "I agree with him James. I think if anyone deserves some time off, it's Topaz."
Ironwood: *sigh* "You're right, I'm sorry Topaz. Your help will be greatly missed, but you will always be welcome in Atlas should you need a place to stay."
Topaz: "Thanks, I guess. Atlas is not a place for faunus though, that I know for sure now."
Ironwood: "You are probably right. I'm working towards fixing the issues within the upper echelon of Atlas, but it isn't a task that can be done overnight. Now if you'll excuse me, I should return to Atlas as soon as possible."
Goodwitch: "Take care of yourself James, and don't forget that you are in charge of everyone in your area, not just Atlas."
Ironwood: "I know Glynda, and I will try. It was really good to learn you are alive and well Topaz, I hope to see you again. And it was nice meeting you Emma. Goodbye."
Topaz: "Goodbye General Ironwood. Don't tell anyone what you learned today."
Ironwood: "Your secret is safe with me Topaz. Would it be alright with you if I disclosed it with your friends?"
Topaz: "Sure, and tell Winter that I'm alright as well. But only teams RWBY, JNPR and Winter. No one else."
Ironwood: "I understand, and thank you. Winter and I haven't exactly been on speaking terms since the incident."
Topaz: "Good to know I left a good impression on her during our missions."
After their goodbyes were said, General Ironwood left the room and began to make his way back to Atlas. Topaz and Emma made their way towards the rooms Professor Goodwitch game to them and went to bed for the night. Waking up the next morning, Topaz met up with Emma outside of their rooms, and the two made their way to the cafeteria to grab a quick bite to eat before making their way back to Patch. After a warm breakfast, the two meet up with Professor Goodwitch in the administrative building to say their goodbyes.
Topaz: "We are about to head out Professor Goodwitch. Thank you for allowing us to stay the night."
Goodwitch: "There's no need to thank me for it Topaz. It was honestly a relief to learn that you were alive and well."
The door to the building is suddenly thrown in, and an overly excited Qrow walks in.
Qrow: "Glynda, you would not believe the dream I had last night, oh hey Topaz. Well anyways, in the dream I was coming to stay here because of the shitshow that Atlas is becoming, when suddenly I saw Topaz standing in the hallways. Man, that drink I had on the way here was a good one if it made me think of him."
Topaz: "…"
Goodwitch: "…"
Qrow: "WAIT, TOPAZ?!"
…