Weiss took a step forward, then another, as if the moment itself had embarrassed her.
She then shook her head an muttered, "Never mind, forget I said anything."
She moved to pass them.
Blake frowned immediately, but she said nothing as Weiss brushed past. Jaune however reacted on instinct and reached to catch Weiss by the arm, not hard, but just enough to stop her momentum.
"Weiss," he said gently.
She froze.
Jaune met her icy blue eyes when she turned back, his expression open and earnest, lacking the usual depth he wore so easily. "Come on. We're your friends. And Blake is your teammate. Whatever this is… you do not have to keep it to yourself, you know?"
For a moment, Weiss looked like she might chastise him.
Instead, she looked away.
She pulled her arm free, smoothing her sleeve as if to erase the contact. "There are things in Atlas involving my father. Things which I am not certain I'm comfortable with anyone else knowing."
Her voice was steady, but her shoulders were tight. She turned again, clearly intent on ending the conversation.
Jaune hesitated, then spoke anyway. He could see it in her posture, in the way she held herself. She was uncomfortable, but not closed off. Not yet.
"Weiss," he said carefully, "you really don't look like someone who just wants to forget this."
She stopped again.
Blake, who had been silent until now, tilted her head slightly. "Is this about the Schnee Corporation being one of LUCID's suppliers?"
Weiss stiffened.
She turned slowly, blue eyes narrowing as they locked onto Blake. "You know about that?"
Blake shrugged lightly. "It is not exactly hidden knowledge. LUCID's logistics are complicated, but if you look hard enough, the patterns are there."
Jaune blinked. "Wait. The Schnee Corporation supplies LUCID?"
Weiss let out a slow breath. "Yes."
Blake continued calmly, as if explaining something mundane. "LUCID operates under a separate jurisdiction of the military, but it still requires funding and materials. A large portion of its runic technology and infrastructure comes from Atlas. Specifically, from the Schnee Corporation."
Jaune frowned, processing that. "Huh... so when people joke that you're basically royalty…"
"It's... probably not too much of an exaggeration," Weiss said dryly.
She sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "I suppose this isn't truly hidden knowledge. The only secret is LUCID's existence itself. Everything else is… available, if you know where to look."
She leaned back against the wall, arms folding loosely across her chest. "There's a bit of trouble in Atlas. Or rather… something annoying that I am expected to deal with."
Blake waited. Jaune waited.
Weiss hesitated, then spoke again. "My father is holding a ball."
Jaune echoed, slightly speechless. "A... ball?"
"Yes," Weiss said flatly. "A connection ball. One of the kind reserved for the wealthy elite who are aware of the Dream Realm and its existence. People who have ties to LUCID or interests aligned with it."
Blake's expression darkened slightly. "So not just a social event."
"No," Weiss agreed. "It is political and business oriented. Full of people who pretend to be allies while measuring how much they can take."
Jaune scratched his cheek. "Sounds… fun."
Weiss huffed despite herself, then sobered. "I didn't want to go alone. That is why I offered the invitation."
She paused, eyes flicking away for just a second too long.
Jaune and Blake noticed.
There was more she wasn't saying.
Jaune crossed his arms, leaning back slightly. "Okay.... but that is not all of it, is it?"
Weiss closed her eyes briefly, then opened them again. "The situation is a little complicated."
"That usually means bad," Jaune said lightly.
She gave him a look. "In this case, yes."
Weiss straightened, voice quieter now. "My sister, Winter and I… we do not agree with some of the practices my father is involved in."
Blake raised an eyebrow. Jaune did the same.
"What kind of practices?" Blake asked.
Weiss hesitated, then shook her head. "Research. That's all I'm willing to say for now."
Jaune studied her for a moment, then smiled faintly. "You know, whatever he is involved in, I doubt it is more complicated than my own family's situation."
Weiss blinked, then laughed softly despite herself. "Probably not," she admitted. "But it is still equally unpleasant in its own way."
The tension in her shoulders eased just a little.
She straightened fully now, chin lifting as she met their gazes again. "Well... I suppose the invitation still stands. Atlas and the ball. I would prefer not to face it alone. So, having the two of you there would... probably make things easier."
Jaune glanced at Blake who met his look, then they both nodded their agreement.
Jaune smiled. "Guess we're going to Atlas."
Weiss exhaled, something like relief flickering across her face.
Weiss exhaled slowly once the initial agreement had settled between them, then straightened with purpose. "Before anything else," she said, "we are going to need permission from Director Goodwitch. Our Dream operation area would have to be switched to Atlas."
Blake nodded immediately. Jaune did as well. That much was obvious. Any change in operational region, especially one that crossed jurisdictions, required oversight. LUCID did not encourage surprises, particularly not the kind that involved relocating active operatives to an entirely different kingdom.
"Let's go, then," Blake said simply.
They turned and began making their way through the corridors of the base. Teams passed by with purpose, heading toward simulation or briefing rooms. Jaune found himself nodding and exchanging brief greetings with a few operatives he recognized. A raised hand here. A quick word there. Familiar faces.
Weiss and Blake did not engage in the same way.
Weiss walked with her usual composed stride, chin lifted, expression neutral. Blake kept her hands in her pockets, eyes forward, observant but distant. They were known, certainly, but neither of them lingered in conversation. Jaune noticed it, as he often did. Weiss carried a reputation that made people hesitate and Blake carried an aura that discouraged casual approach. Jaune, on the other hand, somehow collected people without trying.
They reached Director Goodwitch's office not long after.
The door was open, as it usually was. Inside, Glynda Goodwitch sat at her desk, fingers moving with efficient precision across a holo screen. A three dimensional map hovered in the air before her, slowly rotating. It depicted Dream Vale and the surrounding regions, layered with data and shifting overlays. Red marks pulsed softly across the map, scattered in clusters.
Nightmare zones.
There were much more than Jaune expected.
Goodwitch did not look up immediately, though her awareness was obvious. Only when they knocked lightly and stepped inside did she lift her gaze.
"Yes?" she asked, tone calm but commanding. "What is the issue?"
Weiss stepped forward without hesitation. "Director Goodwitch, I would like to request a temporary transfer of our three Dream operation area. Specifically, to Atlas city."
Goodwitch's eyes flicked briefly to Weiss, then to Blake and Jaune. She leaned back slightly in her chair, considering. The map continued its slow rotation, red zones pulsing quietly in the background.
"For what reason?" Goodwitch asked.
Weiss explained. She spoke clearly and concisely, outlining the situation with her father, the upcoming event, and the need for her presence in Atlas. She did not include every detail, but she said enough. Blake remained silent, arms folded loosely, while Jaune stood slightly behind Weiss, listening.
Goodwitch tapped a finger against her desk, thoughtful. After a moment, she nodded once. "Hmm.. considering the new cross kingdom collaboration due to Sleepless, this can be done as a cultural exchange as well. This is acceptable."
Jaune felt a small wave of relief he had not realized he was holding.
"During your absence," Goodwitch continued, "your squads will be temporarily merged. Arc's team will operate jointly with yours. This will ensure coverage and continuity."
Blake inclined her head. Weiss nodded. "Understood."
"I will notify the Atlas branch of your temporary transfer," Goodwitch said. "Your clearances will be updated accordingly."
She paused, then turned her attention fully to Jaune.
"Arc," she said, fixing him with a sharp look. "Since you are accompanying them, this would be an appropriate opportunity to speak with General Ironwood."
Jaune straightened slightly. "Ma'am?"
"The information that you have," Goodwitch continued. "The General has expressed interest in meeting you for some time."
Jaune nodded. "Alright... I guess I'll speak with him."
"Good," Goodwitch said. "Consider it part of your duties."
She made a few final inputs on her holo screen, then dismissed the map with a flick of her hand. "Is transport required?"
Weiss shook her head. "No. We have a private jet prepared."
Jaune blinked. Blake glanced at him, one eyebrow lifting.
"A... private jet?" Jaune repeated faintly.
Weiss gave him a sideways look. "Yes."
Blake exhaled quietly through her nose. "Of course you do."
Goodwitch did not react beyond a slight tightening at the corner of her mouth. "Very well. You are cleared to depart."
With that, the meeting was over.
They exited the office and made their way back into the corridor. For a few seconds, none of them spoke.
"So... a private jet, huh?"
Weiss shot him a look. "Don't make it weird, Jaune"
"Sorry," Jaune cringed. "I can't help it."
Blake shook her head faintly, though there was the barest hint of amusement there. "Just accept it."
Weiss turned to face them as they walked. "Pack for at least a week, possibly longer, depending on how things unfold."
"A week..." Jaune repeated. "Got it."
"I'll have a car ready to pick the both of you up," Weiss continued. "2 p.m."
Blake nodded. "That works."
Jaune nodded as well. "Alright, plenty of time."
They reached a junction in the corridor where they would split off. Weiss paused there. "Don't be late."
Jaune raised a hand in mock salute. "Would not dream of it, ma'am!"
Weiss rolled her eyes and turned away, already tapping on her scroll.
Blake lingered a moment longer. She glanced at Jaune. "Atlas," she said quietly. "That's going to be… interesting."
Jaune smiled faintly. "That's one word for it."
They parted ways, each heading back toward their own quarters to prepare.
As Jaune walked, his thoughts churned. Atlas. Ironwood. Weiss's family. A ball for elites who knew of the Dream Realm. The shift felt sudden, but not exactly unwelcome.
He exhaled slowly and picked up his pace.
There was a lot to pack.
.
.
AN: Advanced chapters are available on patreon