Save the world? Fuck that, I want to make money! (RWBY SI) ch 48

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"Sir," a voice spoke up. Ironwood stood before his office window, arms folded behind his back, and his gaze out into the wider skyline of the reunited city. He turned around to see a holographic image of Clover standing tall. He nodded as he walked up close, his attention affixed on the hologram. He had refused to sleep until he had confirmation that the Relic was in their keeping. It was a pity that the Summer Maiden wouldn't be able to come with them but as both Theodore and Ozpin had put it, her whereabouts were lost. Between the two however, the Relic of Destruction was much more important. 

"Yes, Specialist?" Ironwood asked. 

"The Lance of Solitas has entered our airspace. They will be docking and sending the package to us soon," the Specialist informed him. 

​Ironwood allowed himself to relax slightly. "Good. Keep me informed about its progress." He rumbled. Clover saluted and cut off the connection, leaving him alone in his office. 

Mostly. 

"James," came the smooth voice of Ozpin. Ironwood turned to his computer as an image of Ozpin remained. The Headmaster of Beacon and Remnant's immortal warrior had refused to sleep, anxious as he was about the Relic's safety. Now, he visibly relaxed. "You may go and get some sleep. It would not do for Atlas's Commander-in-Chief to be without it." 

He had fully set aside his political power for weeks now, maintaining only his seat as well as his responsibilities as the headmaster of Atlas Academy. Now, he was as the military should be, General of the Armies. "I cannot, Ozpin. I have to plan for Vytal. It is coming close after all." 

The Vytal Festival, 

First, it was a simple island on the north of Vale. It had a thriving port-city considering it was quite literally at the very center of the world. When the Great War broke, it was able to secure its independence by attacking anyone that tried to even sail into it. At the end of everything, it had the honor of hosting the peace summit that ended Remnant's deadliest war. From the end of Vytal, an idea had been floated to commemorate the event that restored peace to the scarred planet. From there came the Vytal Festival, both a place to share the cultures of four kingdoms as well as the place to let the best Huntsmen beat the ever living snot out of each other in a massive floating arena. 

​The new Vacuan King had given his assent that Vytal was going to continue despite his coup d'tat. Vytal was simply far too important to cancel and so much time and effort had gone into planning for it that they might as well come along with it. 

"You can afford one day to sleep in, you know," Ozpin advised him. Ironwood sucked in a breath. "The Relic is yours. There is nothing else to be worried over for now."

"For now," Ironwood agreed. He fell back on his chair, rubbing his strained forehead. "We need more allies, Oz. I don't hold as much power as I did before. With the new laws in place, I am going to be scrutinized much more thoroughly. Should it come to certain operations, I better have a damn well good reason sending men there. I cannot just say state secrets and be done with it." 

​Ozpin hummed, leaning back against his chair. It had been a headache with Ironwood deliberately letting go of many of his governmental powers. He would not begrudge Ironwood for pursuing such a thing as it was still his choice and a man surrendering his power for the greater good was admirable. Still, it had been incredibly useful considering the shadow war they waged against the forces of darkness. "Do you have someone in mind for this?" Ozpin asked. 

"I do," Ironwood assented quickly. "He has already worked with us before. I propose we bring in Alexander Wayland into the truth." 

Ozpin paused. Alexander Wayland, now that was someone to consider. An inventor, eccentric but publicly and privately a good soul. Well, that was all Ozpin knew really. However, he still wanted to hear Ironwood's assessment. "That is an interesting proposal, James. Why him?" He asked. 

"He already has worked with us before, as I said. He assisted us during the crises with the Fleur and he has lent us his Shields in this fight. It is only natural we bring him in further," James reasoned. "I can also vouch for his character that he is someone that can be trusted. My Specialist, Winter, has only nothing but praises for him." 

Ozpin thought about it. He had kept his circle small but with powerful or influential individuals. Alexander Wayland would bring in Royal and Imperial as well as its considerable strength in the form of the Silver Shields company. "I will think on it," Ozpin promised. He still had to mull over the wisdom of it after all and if he would, how much to tell of the man. He can be trusted to keep secrets considering Ironwood had selected him and his Shields to transport the Relic. 

"Can you secure a meeting between him and I? I would personally like to get a measure of him," Ozpin asked. Ironwood nodded. "He is still in Patch overseeing the construction of his facility although it will be a little strange for the Headmaster of Beacon to fly over there just to meet him. Perhaps in Vytal, the two of you can meet?" 

"That would be best and the most natural," Ozpin agreed. "Although, he is still an heir, James. He still has to answer to his father."

"You will not have to worry about that, Ozpin," Ironwood smiled. 

"Oh?" Ozpin asked, raising an eyebrow. 

"There are plenty of positions that must be filled with the reorganization of government," Ironwood revealed. "Theo Rider has reached out to him and has offered the office of Finance Councillor. He has agreed." At the top, the Chancellor which was Theo Rider. His Vice-Chancellor, Yeaman, and the subsequent lower Councillors occupying the positions of Foreign Affairs, Economics, and other important areas of government. 

"I see," Ozpin commented neutrally. "Though a businessman occupying an important office..." He let out something unsaid, the controversy of letting a businessman occupy a governmental office. It was possible critics would say that Solitas has set aside Jacques Schnee only to replace him with Gerard Wayland. Thankfully, Wayland was not a fool. 

"To avoid controversy, he has offered to retire from his position and his son will succeed him," Ironwood added. 

"We will have ourselves a mighty ally then," Ozpin murmured. 

"Do you approve then?" Ironwood asked. 

Ozpin paused.

Then nodded.

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They landed with a dull thud. Darkness at first then the artificial lights of Solitas burst in as the rear doors opened. May was the first to rush out, kissing the ground and sobbing. Fiona ran next, depositing herself onto a thick mound of snow, laughing without care. Robyn and Joanna followed behind, much more dignified but still relieved. 

They were finally home.

​The flight from Vacuo did not go uninterrupted. Two Vacuan bullheads had been sent after them after they had been discovered though they were quickly dispatched. The first with her dust arrows and the second one getting cut in two by Qrow with his scythe. Afterwards, it was a matter of heading to the rendezvous zone with their Solitan transport. A lengthy flight later and they were once more back on Solitas. A quick drop-by of the relic to Ironwood's fortress then they were back at Mantle. 

"I am going to have to report back to your boss and her boss," Land grumbled, referring to Cheng Ming and Alexander Wayland. "In the meantime, you lot stay here while I process your leave. Try not to fuck up, would you?" 

"We won't," Robyn promised. After their subsequent humiliation, she was rather interested in enjoying her freedom again. 

"See to that," Land said as he turned away, walking deep into the bowels of their Headquarters. Robyn nodded, watching the massive building brimming with banners, towers and heavy weapons emplacements on the walls, roofs, and the aformentioned towers. Indeed, it had been a far cry to what she had remembered. Hell, everything else had changed. When she and the others had left Mantle, the city was rusting, ruined, and poor. But now?

It was shining. The fires of industry burned from restored or newly established factories. Lights shone not just from the newly built manufacture centers but from newer housing, newer and expanded boulevards. Once more, Mantle was a city, not a ruin. 

"It's good to be back," Joanna commented, a slight smile on her lips, as she spied the shining lights outside their walls. Beyond, Atlas was no longer an ivory tower in the sky but back on solid ground, its spires gleaming with artificial light. 

"It is," she agreed, feeling the familiar chill creep up on her. She was still wearing the utility overalls from Vacuo. Now, she wanted nothing more but to go get cleaned, sleep, then wait for their eventual release from exile. She took a breath, savouring the chill air sweeping into her lungs. It was good to be back home. 

"Is there any place I can get a shower here? I smell like shit," came the grumpy voice of Qrow, walking down the transport ramp with his hands in his pockets. Land would be on the Huntsman's hide seeing him put his hands in his pockets but the old man was not here. Besides, Qrow would just ignore him. 

"You shower?" May snickered. Qrow ignored her, walking up and eyeing the grey bastion of the Silver Shields. 

"Yes, I shower," Qrow replied thinly, eyes narrowed at May. "I want that then I'm outta here." 

And by out of here, Qrow was going to find the nearest bar and get drunk. The memories of the sewer was something he wanted to forget. He considered about visiting a place to get a good time but these were Atlesians. They were far too uptight and stiff for his tastes. 

"There's bathrooms you can go get cleaned up," Robyn spoke up. "Though you will need to find new clothes for yourself," she added, glancing down at him.

"Oh, don't worry about that," Qrow said, waving her off. 

"Where are you headed, after this?" she asked, curious. All she knew about Qrow was that he was a trusted huntsman of Theodore. He wasn't Vacuan however and he wasn't particularly chatty in the flight back to Solitas. Qrow eyed her with a smirk. 

"Oh? Interested in me now?" he snorted. She shook her head, walking up before him, and smiled.

"Only making conversation. I am curious about you though. You aren't Vacuan," Robyn said, letting the implication hang in the air. 

"That's something for me to know and you to not find out," Qrow said lazily. He turned on his heels and made his way to the building. "See you later, girl scouts!" 

Robyn watched the rough Huntsman vanish into a side-entrance, the guards at the doors covering their noses as he walked. The sound of boots crunching against snow filtered in her ears as May walked up to her side with Fiona in tow.

"Prick," May muttered. 

"Quite," Robyn added quietly.

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The sound of the waves falling against sand greeted me as I woke. That and the warmth of a human body snuggling against me also did. I winced, the light of the sun bright and unwelcoming especially considering how early it was but it settled quickly. I turned my head to the side. Winter was holding me close, her chest rising and falling with soft breaths. She and I were both bare, her hair messy and unkept. Immediately, images of what had happened flooded into my mind. 

Honestly speaking, I hadn't slept or touched anyone since I came to be on Remnant. It was mostly plain disinterest rather than from lack of trying. Winter had been the only woman I had gone the extra mile. I wasn't anxious about that since I wasn't a blushing virgin in my past life but I wasn't one to say no to Winter. I mean, it's Winter fucking Schnee, who wouldn't want to go for someone like that? I did dig people who had strong convictions and her personality was attractive to me. 

I glanced to the side where my scroll lay. I sat up on our ruined blanket, earning a groan of displeasure from Winter. She still slept peacefully however and I wasn't one to disturb her rest. Returning back to my scroll, I hummed as I saw the many messages left for me. The rest, I filtered out. Only three messages were important to me. Firstly, I was asked to return to Solitas by father dearest himself. Something about an important announcement he wanted to tell me. Secondly, Land had reported success with the mission and was asking my go ahead to release Robyn and her idiots from service. Thirdly, Cheng Ming wanted to speak about something important once again. 

"W...whut?" Winter's voice spoke up from behind me. I set my scroll aside to glance down at her. She was stirring awake, her conscious self slowly realizing that she was naked. 

"Morning," I greeted her with a smile. 

She glanced down at her bare body, understanding slowly coming back to her mind. "We...we did it, did we?" 

"Yup," I mouthed with a pop. 

She sat up, joining me. A thousand thoughts appearing on her face. "Did...did you enjoy it?" 

I replied by planting a kiss on her cheek. She flushed slightly at that, turning away as I laughed. "I did. I loved the way you moaned," I answered honestly. 

"I s-see," Winter flushed even more at that, embarrassment clear on her pale face. "I did too..." she quietly added. 

"Oh I know. You were very vocal about that," I smirked teasingly. She responded by smacking me in the side. I could only laugh at that. Scandalized, WInter turned herself away from me, refusing to look me in eyes. I replied by scooting over to her, hugging her from behind. She relaxed as she felt my warmth around her. 

"We are truly together now," Winter whispered. I rested my face on her shoulder. "Yup." 

"Are you..." she paused. "Are you bothered that I did not bleed?" She asked, turning her head to look up at me. Our eyes met. I raised an eyebrow at that, wondering what she met, before I realized what she was getting at. But to be sure...

"You referring to your hymen not bleeding?" I asked. She nodded, hesitantly. 

"Well...I am fine with that. We both are incredibly attractive young people. I wouldn't be surprised if you had done stuff before we got together," I explained. 

"I haven't done this with anyone other than you, Alex," Winter explained. I could believe that considering what type of person Winter was. I could remember back at the Academy that people were afraid to come near her considering who her father was. 

"As I said, I don't mind. All I care about is you," I repeated, planting a quick kiss on her cheek. She pulled back, beaming at me. Her smile was radiant, like a star fallen from the sky. Her eyes, it was something I could just get lost in. 

"You're staring," she laughed. 

"Can't blame me," I parried. "I love you after all." 

"I love you too," Winter whispered, leaning against me, her eyes never leaving mine. "Now...you weren't a slouch, Mister Wayland. I would love if we could do this again. Who taught you how to make love? I wouldn't be surprised if you have done this before." 

"Well, believe it or not, you're my first," I confessed to Winter's incredulous murmuring. 

"You're pulling wool over me," she muttered. I shook my head. 

"I am absolutely honest with you, Miss Schnee," I explained. "Again, I was far too busy with personal affairs to go and bring someone to bed. You are the very first person I have done this with." 

Winter stayed silent, looking deep into my eyes. I felt she was trying to ascertain the truth. She then spoke up after a moment's silence.

"You're telling the truth," she whispered, pulling away. 

"Mhm mhm," I nodded. A variety of emotions went through her face before finally, she decided on pleased triumph. 

"Someone's happy," I noted, leaning back on the carpet. 

"Why wouldn't I be?" Winter declared. "I am your first." 

"And you always will be," I said truthfully and honestly. 

"I will not be angry at you if you get a paramour, Alex. I can't always be there," Winter quickly said, her face non-plussed and neutral. However, the stiffness as she said it betrayed her true feelings. She froze as I pushed myself up, pulling her in and wrapping her into a tight embrace. 

"I went years without touching anyone. I can wait for you," I whispered. And I meant every word I said. "I already knew what I was getting into when I accepted you into my heart, Winter. I am yours. You are mine." 

​Our eyes met. Ice blue to volcanic red. "...Even if we can rarely meet? I serve the kingdom, you run a company." 

I planted a soft kiss against her cheek, putting my forehead against hers. "Even if. I hate sharing." 

​"You're making me want to ride you silly, you know," Winter whispered, her eyes fluttering in a way only women knew how. 

"As much as I would love that..." I whispered. "I'm out of protection." 

Winter glanced around, spying the empty rubbers lying around the sand. "Ah." she said simply. 

"And we do have to get back to work," I then added. "Father is recalling me back to Solitas. Something about an important announcement." 

"...I have to return to duty as well," Winter said tentatively. Silence fell with the both of us as we regarded our responsibilities. It was going to be a difficult relationship considering our responsibilities but I was willing to put up with it. I could wait, Winter could wait as well. I wasn't going to demand her to give up her dreams of a military career nor was she going to ask me to give up my position as well. We were both adults. We knew what we were doing. 

I reached up, planting a kiss on her lips. Winter leaned in, returning my fervor. We pulled back, a thin line of saliva connecting us. "I love you," she whispered. 

"I love you too," I whispered back. 

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A/N: Daw. That's fucking sweet innit.

Have the fluff, you bastards. Eat it.