Pyrrha was still waiting for Shine and Wally to return when Qrow startled her by appearing out of nowhere almost, at the window. It was unlocked, though shut, so he must have opened it somehow.

Pyrrha jumped back.

"They aren't here." Qrow slipped into the room easily. "I thought so. I knew they accepted Jimmy's order too easily. Where are they?"

Pyrrha was silent.

"Are they with Hill?" Qrow asked.

"Of course not," Pyrrha said. "I'm not sure exactly where they are."

This much was true.

"Are you dumb?" Qrow asked her gruffly. "Maybe you think this wasn't fair, but if they push Ironwood's buttons like this, he's only going to restrict them more."

"He shouldn't be treating them like criminals," Pyrrha said.

"He's worried that they're going to warn Robyn and become accomplices," Qrow said. "They can't afford to make themselves outlaws--they don't have anyone to stick up for them."

"They could have us," Pyrrha said quietly.

Qrow tilted his head. "You like them."

"With all due respect, Mr. Branwen," Pyrrha said, "can you blame me?"

Pause.

Qrow chuckled dryly. "I guess that's a good point... Still don't make any sense."

"I guess you finally believe me," Pyrrha said.

"I can't exactly see this being an act," Qrow said. "I hate to say it, though, but, that doesn't mean you'll be sticking around. We've seen that this stuff can be undone... Don't get your hopes up."

"I guess the power that brought me back can be the judge of that." Pyrrha was less bothered somehow by his saying this than she would have been even the day before. "It's not your concern, is it?"

"You seem different than before." Qrow frowned. "I don't remember you being so mouthy at Beacon."

"I remember you being more so than you seem to be now," Pyrrha replied archly. "Perhaps we have both altered for the same reason. We're no longer in the same company and circumstances. I also know you lied to me."

"I didn't lie," Qrow said.

"You certainly didn't tell me the whole truth," Pyrrha said. "I may be a lot of things, Qrow, but I am not that stupid."

"No...I guess I shouldn't be surprised." Qrow shuffled. "Look...for whatever it's worth, if I could go back and change what we told you, I would. But I can't. You made your choice then. It wasn't fair, but we all thought it was the right choice."

"Did you really think that?" Pyrrha looked out the window. "Or did you just want to try to keep the power, however possible?"

It was to Qrow's credit that that question stung far more because he felt like that was a repulsive idea than because he was being called out on it. Pyrrha, trying to gauge his reaction, thought she saw some real regret in there.

"I thought it was the right choice," he said. "It doesn't look so simple now, does it?"

"No," Pyrrha shook her head. "Qrow, this maybe speaking out of turn, but I don't know what else to try... Miss Schnee did not take our advice well."

"Told ya," Qrow said.

"Perhaps if it came from someone who's known Ozpin and the General longer..." Pyrrha began.

"No." Qrow shook his head. "No, no, no. Trust me, I am the last person to ask. Schnee hates me and, even worse, thinks I'm a giant moron. It won't do any good if I back you up. I'm too much of a known rebel. All the Atlas Specialists care about is rank and responsibility."

"Perhaps that's not true," Pyrrha said. "Winter seems better than that to me, but she's so stubborn, like you said, determined to see this through, even if she knows it's not a good idea...but perhaps that's because we have no better options. If there was anything else we could suggest..."

"This comes down to choice," Qrow said. "Who are we to tell them that it's wrong to do this? We almost did it, you and I both. Because we thought it was necessary. They still do. What good is us saying it's not?"

"Both you and I have the strongest reasons to feel that's not a good excuse now," Pyrrha said, with warmth. "We were involved directly with Ozpin--you for much longer than I, and see how he lied to you. Ironwood is misleading Winter, or else he's using her. Maybe he doesn't see it that way, but it cannot be anything else if he's asked her for this much. We are hoping it won't come to that, but, Qrow, if it does, and we could have prevented this atrocity, and we didn't because we wouldn't say anything about it, what will that be like?"

"I get why you're upset, kid, but not everyone is going to see it your way," Qrow said. "Schnee especially. Think about it, you had people around you that might have swayed your opinion a little, if you'd talked to them, but you see it's not the same here. Atlas is not big on sentiment--or putting your emotions first."

"But your own soul..." Pyrrha said. "You never wondered at all why we thought that was acceptable? Or is it...you still do? Even if you think it shouldn't be forced... But what about this Fria? We're forcing it on her."

"We are not doing anything," Qrow said. "We can't stop it. That's my point. They're going to do what they're ordered to do. Jimmy won't change his mind. If anything, if he learned the truth, he'd probably double down."

"But--" Pyrrha was interrupted just then by the lock on the door clicking open.

To her horror, Ironwood himself came in.

"Where are they?" he asked, once he saw them.

"I guess they stepped out," Qrow said. "Your lieutenant forgot to lock both doors."

If he said that because he knew Winter had been right behind the General and heard him, then he certainly succeeded in making her angry.

Ironwood saw that there were, in fact, two exits and turned to give Winter a severe look.

"I didn't realize that these rooms were connected..." she sputtered. "The ones in the officer quarters are all separate."

"They're student dorms," Ironwood said. "To save energy we have them share bathrooms." [That does make sense.]

He put a hand to his eyes. "They should have stayed anyway. I had a mind to talk to them. Something has come up to change things. Look." He handed Qrow an envelope.

"What is this? Schnee is having a party?" Qrow squinted. "And he expects us to go?"

"Mr. Schnee?" Pyrrha asked.

"Yes..." Ironwood said. "Hill will be invited also...so I'm calling off the arrest for now. If we make more of a scene there it won't look good. Besides, I'm hoping to negotiate with her on the spot instead."

Pyrrha wanted to say, "So do exactly what Shine suggested earlier today?" but bit her tongue. That would only make it worse for them.

"And where have they gone?" Ironwood asked.

Pyrrha backed up a little, since he was talking to Qrow.

She pulled the paper out of her pocket and used her Semblance to move a metal capped pen into her hand from the desk. Pretending to be checking her scroll, she started scribbling a note.

No one noticed her do this except Winter, but she didn't acknowledge it.

"I'm not sure," Qrow shrugged. "I only just realized they were gone. Maybe they went to a movie."

"Or maybe they went right to Hill to warn her," Ironwood said. "Which, in light of this invitation, will not look good if she declines to show up thinking it's a trap! Why did this happen?"

"Seems like this isn't really our fault," Qrow said.

Winter shot him a death glare, but Ironwood turned to her, and she straightened and looked down. "It's my fault, sir... I'll take responsibility for them."

Pyrrha finished her note and then pictured the World Walkers... To her amazement, it did vanish... It was almost frightening.

She hoped they read it fast.

"That won't matter," Ironwood said. "I intend to have a severe talk with them when they come back--if they come back. I cannot believe this act of insubordination. To think I was considering letting them off now."

Pyrrha thought she saw a flash of light in the bathroom.

A moment later, Shine and Wally walked in, and for all that, they looked calm enough.

"Oh, hey, guys," Wally waved.

"Where did you go?" Ironwood didn't beat around the bush. "You were instructed to stay here. I could have you arrested for this."

"If you were lucky, we'd let you do that," Shine said.

"This is not the time to be back-talking," Ironwood said. "You are not helping yourself. Now, you have 5 seconds to give me an explanation of where you've been, and I'll decide the amount of disciplinary action."

"Technically, James, we never went out the door," Shine pointed. "If that makes you feel better."

"It doesn't," Ironwood said.

"Can you prove we left this room?" Shine asked.

"You're telling me you were in the bathroom the whole time?" Ironwood asked.

"Did you check the bathroom?" Shine asked.

Pyrrha looked at Qrow.

"No..." he said.

"Really? And you just assumed we left?" Shine said.

"You were using the bathroom together?" Winter said incredulously.

"Uh...couples do stuff like that," Wally said.

"We're surrounded by nosy kids, and we share rooms with them," Shine said. "It's inconceivable that we'd want some time alone? At least we can lock the doors."

"I wouldn't want to hear this." Winter looked green.

Ironwood glanced at Qrow.

"Check the footage of the hallway," Shine said coolly. "You'll see that we never went out those doors. And I can assure you you won't find footage of us in the city at this time either. You people sure are quick to jump the gun."

"I...apologize," Ironwood said, after a moment.

Qrow himself didn't know if he really trusted Shine, but he didn't know enough about her portal powers to realize that she had enough range to have gotten out of the school that easily.

Winter only knew that they could do it, not how, or if it had to be to a specific place or people.

"Qrow, I don't appreciate you trying to get my officer in trouble without fact checking first." Ironwood turned to him. "Did you do that on purpose?"

Pyrrha held her breath.

"It was just a little fun," Qrow played it off cool.

"Fun?!" Winter erupted. "Why, you--"

"That's enough, Winter," Ironwood said. "Qrow, I thought we were past this."

"Geez, Jimmy don't get your metal arm bent out of shape." Qrow shrugged.

"I can't allow you to cause trouble like this," Ironwood said. "There has to appropriate action."

"Come on, Jimmy, I'm not really your subordinate," Qrow said.

"While you're working for my military, you are," Ironwood said. "I can't just let this go unaddressed."

"You know," Shine said, "we're involved here too."

A pause.

"Fair enough," Ironwood said reluctantly. "Would you like a formal apology from Qrow also?"

"I think I have a better idea," Shine said. "It seems Qrow and Winter have a hard time acting as teammates. Maybe they should have to do the apologizing."

"I have done nothing wrong," Winter said.

"Technically, you still messed up by not locking the door even if they didn't use it," Qrow pointed out.

"Shut--" Winter began.

"No, he's right," Ironwood said. "Both of you..."

"Still, it's a small thing," Shine said. "So nothing too dramatic, if you ask me...not that it matters. You're the General." She smiled.

Winter was certain it was a fake smile. "Sir, I think this is being blown out of proportion."

"Is it?" Ironwood said. "Actually, I think Likstar has a slight point. You and Qrow have continually refused to act professionally... If this goes on tomorrow evening, it could cause problems. I need to see some sign that you can at least respect each other."

"It won't happen again, sir," Winter said.

"Whatever," Qrow said.

"That was convincing," Wally snorted.

"I'll believe it when I see it." Shine rolled her eyes.

Ironwood glanced at them. "Hmm, not a bad idea. I'm assigning you two to work on the same shift tomorrow morning."

"Huh?" Qrow said.

"But, sir...?" Winter reeled like she'd been slapped.

"No argument," Ironwood said. "If you can make it through the whole assignment without a fist fight or some other nonsense, then I'll consider this whole thing forgotten about. Otherwise it'll be more team training, Winter, if you need to revisit that section of the course."

Which had to be a shameful thing to do, just by her reaction. "No, sir..."

"And, Qrow, try to set a good example for the younger huntsmen," Ironwood said, wearily, "if not for yourself."

"I think this is stupid," Qrow said.

"I think I'm letting you off easy," Ironwood said.

"At least he isn't making you clean the bathrooms," Shine said.

"With a toothbrush," Wally added.

"Ew..." Pyrrha made a face.

"That will be all," Ironwood said. "Also, one of you can debrief them on the party and their expected behavior. I have some matters to attend to."

He left.

Winter stared murderously at Qrow and then turned to them. "There is no way you were in the bathroom that whole time."

"I'm sorry, how long were you standing there?" Shine said. "Creepy."

"You can't prove a thing anyway," Wally said.

Winter walked up to them and then forcefully turned him around. "Your clothes didn't have these tears and markings earlier today. If you didn't leave this room, what did you do to cause this?"

Then she plucked a leaf out of Shine's hair.

Shine put her hand up. "Hey!"

"There're no trees with leaves this close to the school." Winter crushed it. "Explain."

"Like we said, we never went out the door," Shine said.

"A very carefully worded answer," Winter said. "I don't believe you."

"Why didn't you say anything, then?" Wally said.

"I..." Winter hesitated. "I can't prove it..."

"And wouldn't it still be your fault even so?" Shine said. "Well, I'm sorry that you got in trouble, Winter... Technically you did kind of mess up though. And, Qrow, nice cover."

Winter shot Qrow a warning look.

"You're lucky he bought it," Qrow said. "And you'd better not have been doing what you weren't supposed to be doing."

"I should go report this," Winter said.

"Sure," Qrow said. "Report that we said nothing."

"I'm watching all of you," Winter warned, "and you, Miss Nikos, who I have a feeling was in on this."

Pyrrha shrugged. "I never saw them open the door," she said. "The last I saw of them, they were in here."

"Right..." Winter said, not convinced. "As for the party, you two are being included only because the General is hoping that Robyn will comply more when she sees people she knows with us. You are not to act as huntsmen, or do anything suspicious." She narrowed her eyes.

"What party?" Shine asked.

"Old Schnee is throwing a victory party," Qrow said. "Surprised he has the face to, considering how many people are pissed about this election, but the Schnees always do like to rub it in."

Winter frowned again. "I've had enough of this. You two had better stop all these games. Did you sneak out and warn Robyn?"

"Winter," Shine said easily, "we're a lot of things, but not liars. We have not spoken to Robyn since before. Nor do I have any wish to. I find her to be rather annoying. Does that help?"

Winter studied her. "I still think you're up to something."

"I doubt you'd ever guess it if we were," Shine shrugged. "We didn't go anywhere in Atlas today except right here, after you locked us in. That's all I can say. You don't have to believe it."

"That will be all," Winter said. She left.

"She let you off easier than I thought," Qrow said. "Slick, by the way. Now, where were you?"

"None of your business," Shine said. "We weren't interfering in government affairs, so there's no reason to tell you. We can go anywhere we wish, after all. Besides, are you sure we weren't just in the bathroom?"

"I had no imagination for not knowing where you were," Pyrrha said. "I...didn't think of that excuse, and I wasn't sure you'd make it back in time... I can't believe how you twisted that around."

"Everything we said was true," Shine shrugged. "Just not all of the truth. I guess Ozpin is old hat at that. However, if we weren't taking security risks, I see no reason to report our business to Atlas. They are not entitled to know what we do on our own time. I only got us put under room arrest so that no one would notice we were gone."

Qrow did a double take.

"And of course, I only got Qrow and Winter assigned to do teamwork building to avoid a more severe reprimand since you were helping us out," Shine shrugged. "You're lucky it wasn't worse than that. You shouldn't have thrown Winter under the bus."

"I was helping you two idiots out by deflecting," Qrow said. "Like he's going to do anything to her. Or Nikos would have gotten in trouble instead. Or me. Are you trying to get yourselves arrested?"

"There's not a jail in this world that could possibly hold us," Shine said. "But for fun? I'm over it. Once you hit 4 times, it's just so boringly predictable."

"I thought once was too many," Wally said. "But hey, being stuck with Ice Queen won't be so bad. She's pretty fun to mess with, right?"

"Are you kidding? It's like having a glorified baby-sitter who hates you," Qrow said.

"That sounds like your thing," Shine said. "At least it's not more painful. I'd hate to think what they do to people around here."

"And you think you're just working Jimmy, wrapping him around your finger?" Qrow said.

"He's impressively easy to manipulate for a General," Shine said.

"Not making us sound like the good guys," Wally said.

"If lightening the punishment wasn't being a good guy, I guess nothing will help," Shine said. "Clear out of here, we need to get ready for bed."

Qrow left, not satisfied.

Shine and Wally filled Pyrrha and then Oscar in when he joined them.

They were amazed to hear what happened, but telling everyone the good news would have to wait, they thought, till a better time.

"But did Raven...?" Oscar asked.

"After what happened, she didn't say much," Shine said. "Just that we'd better be here. So I guess she was curious enough after that."

"I hope she shows up before the party," Wally said. "If we miss it because we have to go to this thing... I hope there'll be good snacks at least."

"The Schnees are nothing if not extravagant," Shine said. "But I'd pay money to witness Winter and Qrow actually have to work together. That sounds better than a party."

* * *

"You want us to take them with us?" Qrow was incredulous the next day when Ironwood was handing out assignments.

Winter didn't usually come to these, given her position, but here she was. Not looking happy.

All the Ace Ops knew she was in trouble but were too scared of her to acknowledge it. If it were Marrow, he'd have been hounded by them non-stop. [Pun intended.]

"Even if yesterday was a false alarm," Ironwood said, "I don't trust them for a whole day. I want you to keep them busy. Besides, Winter will be assessing their ability. I think it's time we found out how highly trained they are despite not being huntsmen."

Winter nodded, not looking happy still.

"So now not only do I get the Ice Queen, I get those two jokers to babysit?" Qrow welched.

"Try to act professionally, Qrow," Ironwood said, walking away.

"For once in your life," Winter added in a salty voice.

"Oh, look who's talking. And who was it that got us into this mess by being sloppy?" Qrow said.

"You could have kept your mouth shut." Sourly.

"But that wouldn't have been responsible, would it?"

Winter already looked ready to strangle him, but before she could do so, Shine and Wally joined them, looking peeved.

"Well, this is ironic," Shine said. "I'd normally love this, but I get the sense we're being watched."

"You're sharp," Qrow said carelessly. "Turns out you're still on the General's list."

"This at least will give me the chance to figure out what is going on with you two," Winter said.

"Uh, we're dating," Wally said. "I know, it's confusing because of the whole partners-team/ partners-romantically thing, but we're also a couple."

"Did I ask?" Winter asked.

"You asked what was going on with us," Wally said.

"I don't think Winter uses that phrase that way," Shine said.

"You will address me as Lieutenant Schnee or Ma'am while on the job," Winter said. "Preferably while off it also."

"I wouldn't do it on duty either," Shine said.

"That's going on your record," Winter said.

"Ooh, I have a record?" Shine feigned being happily surprised. "Hear that, Babe?"

"One of you was infuriating enough." Winter turned away. "Now I have three."

"I feel like a third wheel," Wally said.

"Or it's a double date," Shine hissed.

"I guess that's cool... Wait, what are we doing?" Wally asked aloud.

Winter was checking the assignment right now. "It better be something where there's Grimm. I need to kill something."

"Scary," Wally muttered.

* * *

Well, Ironwood had no intention of assigning Winter to actually do anything that dangerous because he wanted her to be the next Maiden, so their first order of business was supervising the unloading of supplies at the Atlas package delivery tubes, which were connected to Mantle.

"And we all just had to be there for this," Qrow griped.

"People have tried to rob us before," Winter said coolly.

"Whoa." Wally was looking around. "These tubes go right down to Mantle? That's so cool! You could fit a whole person in this. Shine, look at this. Wait, could we actually ride that?"

He zipped over to the desk. "Sweet, this looks way easier than the teleporter."

The staff looked at him in annoyance.

Winter watched this with irritation.

"How do you put up with that buffoon as a partner?" she asked Shine pointedly.

"I guess the same way you put up with Ironwood as a commander," Shine said, making Qrow almost lose his irritated stance.

"I beg your pardon?" Winter said.

"You should. You just insulted my man and my partnership at the same time," Shine said. "Don't do that again or I'll toss you down one of those chutes."

"First of all, they go up towards us, so you couldn't do that," Winter said. "Second, if you think I would let you do that, you're missing a few brain cells more than I thought."

"First, I could always start at the bottom," Shine said. "Second, I think you're overestimating how much you could stop me."

"Is that a threat?" Winter said.

"Was what you said a threat?" Shine asked.

"I--you--" Winter began angrily.

"This is going on my report," Qrow said casually.

"Like h--- it is!" Winter got even angrier. "As if your report would be the one anyone would consider credible, Qrow."

"Hey, reporting on stuff was my job before this," Qrow shot back, crossing his arms. "Remember? Remember how you're new?"

"New?!" Winter said.

"If you two are going to fight again, I'm just going to go stand by Wally and watch the chutes," Shine said. "Call me if there's danger other than your impending dust attacks."

She walked away.

"I thought she thought it was was funny," Qrow muttered.

Shine did, she just wanted to watch from a safer distance.

"This is not going to remedy the General's opinion of our teamwork." Winter put a hand to her eyes in frustration. "At least try to act professional, Qrow."

"Hey, who started it?" Qrow said.

"You, always you," Winter said.

"As I recall, you're the first one to attack in our little 'tiffs'," Qrow said.

"If you would ever keep your mouth shut, maybe it wouldn't be so tempting to kill you," Winter replied.

"Oh, watch it, that sounds like insubordination," Qrow said.

"I outrank you," Winter said.

"Keep telling yourself that, Ice Queen." Qrow knew how to get under her grill so easily.

Winter was about 5 seconds away from trying to kill him again--or at least making it look like she was going to--but Wally interrupted them. "Are you fighting again?"

"No," Winter said.

"Aww..." Wally sighed. "I wanted to see it in person."

"What is wrong with you?" Winter said scornfully.

"Nothing. I can't enjoy a good fight?" Wally said. "I don't really like watching kids beat each other up, but I figure you two are both, like, 30, so it's fine. Way better than most of the League fights--we just punch stuff. I want to see the bird thing again."

"Bird thing?" Qrow said.

"The white summoning stuff." Wally made bird hand motions. "You can use those to fly, right? It's only like the coolest semblance ever--well, I admit, Pyrrha's is pretty cool too, but boring, am I right? Hey, Winter, could you summon a dinosaur if you want to?"

"You idiot, I can only summon things that I slay," Winter said.

"So if you killed a dino, you could summon it?" Wally said. "Dang, should have taken you with us yesterday."

"I couldn't--what is a dinosaur?" Winter said.

"It's like this big reptile thing," Wally gestured.

"And you've seen one of these?" Winter said.

"Well, it was more like a dragon, but sure," Wally said. "Shine says they're the same thing in legends."

"I see, and did you kill this dragon?" Winter asked.

"Sure," Wally said.

"When was this?" Winter asked.

"It was--" Wally stopped. "Oh, I see what's going on here. You're trying to trick me."

"If asking you a question is tricking you, I can't see how you're going to make much of a huntsmen," Winter said coldly.

"Okay, you got me." Wally held up his hands. "I really need to think before I open my mouth."

"I guess I know what happened yesterday," Winter said.

Shine joined them again. "No fight?"

"You have to be the second most annoying person I've ever met," Winter said pointedly.

"Did Qrow move down a slot?" was Shine's classic response.

"Hey!" Qrow said.

"He's number one," Winter said.

"Your father isn't number one?" Shine said. "Weird."

"I--" Winter said. Then, "Fine, you're the third most annoying person. Can you ever say something that's not blatantly disrespectful?"

"Depends, can you ever say anything pleasant?" Shine said.

"Were you fighting Grimm yesterday?" Winter changed the subject.

"Were we?" Shine put a finger to her chin. "I don't remember a very long fight of any kind yesterday. Might have slipped my mind. Babe, did we fight a Grimm yesterday?"

"I don't think we fought much," Wally said. "There were those small ones..."

"So that would be a yes," Winter said. "I don't know whether to be relieved it wasn't a human or disappointed that you bothered to hide this at all."

"Why don't you pick the nicer one?" Shine said.

"I am two seconds away from removing your tongue," Winter said.

"Whatever," Shine shrugged. "I guess you'll never know, then."

"You keep pushing buttons and you're going to hit self destruct eventually," Qrow warned her. "Learn to help yourself there, kid."

"Don't call me a kid, Qrow. I'm at least as old as her." Shine pointed at Winter.

"But she's like, 30," Wally said.

"I'm not 30!" Winter said.

"Oh...29?" Wally said.

"She's, like, 23," Shine said, "I think... Let's see, she's 6 years older than Weiss. Weiss is 17 to 18.... Okay, so she's 24 maybe. Just a little older than me."

"Age does not matter. I outrank you," Winter said.

"Please." Shine rolled her eyes. "Get a new line, Winter."

Winter took a swing at her and knocked her a little aside. "Learn some respect, you ingrate."

Shine rubbed her arm. "You know," she said, in a much more serious voice that made even Winter wonder if she was about to get attacked, "while that may be effective in shutting me up, for now, it is not going to make me respect you. It just makes me angry, and I do not respect people who use force to cow others into submission."

"Welcome to the military," Qrow said.

"And that is why I never wanted to be in it," Shine shrugged.

"Is the idea of showing proper respect completely foreign to all of you?" Winter was getting fed up by now.

"No," Shine said. "Actually I think I understand it pretty well. You're angry because these ranks and titles represent hard work and skill and judgment, and we're all spurning it for seemingly no reason other than we just don't like authority. That bothers you, doesn't it?"

"I... Yes." Winter frowned. "And what is your excuse?"

"Other than it's fun to tick you off, I guess it's just that those things matter very little to me," Shine said. "Since we don't have the same moral code, I don't feel a great reverence for the work and skill that goes into these ranks. I appreciate the effort you put into it, and perhaps you should be proud of that, in a way...but that's all. I might respect an artist--it doesn't mean I like the art, or that I'd follow their orders. To me that's all there is to this. But not everyone feels that way. I just think you Atlas people worship the military a little too much. Might does not save you from everything, nor does it make right, as the old saying goes. Perhaps if you appealed to my ethics instead of your rank, I would listen."

Qrow nodded at this. "That's something no one ever says to Atlas."

Winter studied Shine.

"In that case, what do your ethics say about provoking people without a cause?" she said.

"That it's a sin," Shine said.

"Ouch," Wally said.

"But I did have a cause," Shine shrugged. "Still, perhaps you're right. I could ease up. Perhaps if you would stop throwing your rank in our faces every few minutes, I would consider addressing you with more respect. I don't see why you need to make us feel small."

"I don't have to coddle you," Winter said. "If you're not tough enough to take it, then you shouldn't be here."

"Those words will not age well, Winter," Shine said. "It's all well to say people should take abuse because that's what they signed up for. The question is, did they get a choice about it? We're born where we are--we can't all just leave when it's convenient."

Again Winter suspected she was referring to something specific, and she didn't like it.

But what could she say to it? Without outing herself, anyway.

Qrow wasn't missing how tricky Shine was, and it made him uneasy.

"Have you given the matter we talked about the other day any more thought?" Shine changed the subject abruptly.

"Let's not discuss this here," Winter said.

"There may not be a more opportune time," Shine said.

"It's not your place to demand things of me," Winter said.

Shine sighed. "Fine...be that way. Are we done with this yet?"

"According to this--" Qrow held up his scroll. "--we have one more stop. But you two aren't going to be able to join us for that one."

"They can wait outside," Winter said coldly.

"Huh?" Wally said.

"The Maiden," Shine whispered to him.

"Oh..."