BGM: Whispers of Hope by Gothic Storm

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[I could not reach Professor Glynda Goodwitch for an interview, but I received a package from Beacon Academy few days after the call to the academy. It contained several pages of neatly handwritten notes. They did not exactly answer my questions regarding the March of Ice, the first international operation, as well as the first official communication between two kingdoms since the beginning of the war. However, they did provide rare insights to events that contributed to its existence. They also revealed information regarding some of the most notable figures of the era, which is otherwise impossible to be revealed.]

May 20, Q.A. 82

Qrow made quite an entrance last night. He is as insufferable as ever, but at the very least, he brought some good news. It is a relief to know Ozpin is alive, and that the Guardians stays operational. Of course, he has to stay hidden from the public eyes for the time being, lest the Vindicate learn of his survival. Still, this news has brought a ray of hope to the despair overflowing the city. Truly, I might not be able to hold out for much longer at the rate things are going.

Today ended with another grievous development. The south-west border of the kingdom fell. Over 75% of the Agriculture District now became infested by Grimm. Several Huntsmen sustained serious injuries, including Bartholomew. He may never be able to see again.

Before last night, there seemed to be no hope for the future. Our struggles appeared purposeless and futile. Many had already reached their breaking points, resigning to what they considered inevitable destruction of humanity and civilizations. I am ashamed to say this, but deep down I agreed with them, and I would likely fall into the same forlorn darkness before long.

Now, the knowledge of our allies out there, fighting to bring back the peace and prosperity renewed my resolution to carry on. If I cannot fight alongside them, at the very least, I shall honor them by holding on to the hope, however small it is, and fight until I draw my last breath.

August 5, Q.A. 82

After the recent failure of Operation Patchwork, the wind of revolution stirred within the kingdom of Vale. Few nights ago, when the kingdom mourned for the lost soldiers, General Whitehurst was found dead with a bullet hole on his forehead. There was no evidence of foul play, and the police believed the General had taken his own life. Perhaps the man felt it was the only way to atone for the miseries he had caused, or perhaps he knew there would be nothing left for him in this kingdom. EIther way, there is no point speculating now.

After his death, the league of totalitarians dissolved and the government reformed. General Lloyd Prince assumed command of the units originally under General Whitehurst, in addition to the Whisper Corp, though the existence of the existence of the remains but a rumor to the general service remains but a rumor to the general public.

I do wish he will do a better job at separating political agendas from the war effort. It is to my understanding that several Beacon graduates (and undergraduates) have been recruited by them. Should they choose to force my students to become tools for their power struggle, I will make them regret being born. This I vow. It is to my understanding that several Beacon graduates (and undergraduates) have been recruited by the agency. Should they choose to force my students to become tools of their power struggle, I will personally make sure they regret being born. This I vow.

On a lighter note, Bartholomew's condition has improved further this month. The Medics believe he may be discharged from extensive care within the next few days. However, I will stand by my decision of banning him from the front line. He shall work exclusively with the Scholars for the time being, at least until he learns how to fight without sight.

I will do everything within my power to ensure the well-beings of my students and colleagues. As Beacon's acting headmistress, it is now not only my desire, but also my sworn duty to protect them.

September 17, Q.A. 82

Even though the rumor of Ozpin's death has been circulating within the borders of the four kingdoms for well over a year now, this is the first time Beacon makes a public statement regarding the matter. I suspect Ozpin has been well aware of this situation, and has planned to "confirm" the supposition from the very beginning. It did not elude my mind that he might have even been monitoring our morale from afar, something that many would consider suspicious and manipulative. However, it is not my place to doubt his judgements and decisions.

That being said, I still resent him for assigning me the task of public relation and leadership, regardless of whether they are only temporary. I have not the requirements. I possess no charisma or wisdom to inspire or encourage others. It filled me with dread to be standing on the podium, making that speech, and witnessing the distress settling on the faces of the audience, all the while knowing I have deceived them.

I imagine he would dismiss my disapproval with a calm smile. "What they do not know will protect, not hurt them." I can almost hear his voice, amused in the awfully admirable way that makes me wish I have the recklessness to slap him on the back of his head.

In most circumstances, his advice provides all the assurance one would need. Not today. Not when I looked at all their faces. Perhaps the magic failed because it lacked the magician. Or perhaps the illusion shattered simply because of the collective awareness of the people gathered there. I thought I was prepared for the congregation, but it exceeded my expectation.

For one thing, I certainly did not expect to see that many of my students during the assembly. Their presence suggested they are faring relatively well (though regrettably not well enough to my liking), and it brings some small comfort to know they still hold their duties as Huntsmen in such high regard. Small comfort, but comfort nonetheless.

I recognize every one of them. Mr. Rundstrom, Mr. Aksoy, Mr. Gorman, Ms. Leblanc, Mr. Rigo, Ms. Schwarz, Ms. Xiao Long, and many others.

I would like to learn about how all of them have been doing, both physically and mentally, but it is perhaps too ambitious. That being said, there are some in particular that I am concerned of. Specifically those who were present during the attack, and those who endured great suffering from the worst battles of this war thus far. I must remember to keep an eye on them.

As I recall each of their faces and names, memories of their respective times at Beacon replayed themselves in my mind. I can see clearly. Their embarrassments of getting caught passing notes in classes. The crazy ideas of team attack that didn't always turn out like planned. The hushed whispers beyond the door of their door rooms past curfew. The midnight calls during exam season when they forgot the time and the librarians didn't check the entire building before locking the doors. And of course, the food fights that destroyed large portions of the cafeteria.

I must confess that, while most of those events annoyed the staff (including myself) to no end as they happen, they feel… endearing, in our memories. I wish I could have taught them more when I still had the chance, before the war was forced on them. I wish I did better in conveying the knowledge, the skill, and the training they need to survive.

I wish that, after this war ends, I will see many of them back in the classroom again.

Undecimber 4, Q.A. 82

James arrived a few days ago. Things have been quite hectic since, and I have not the time to sit down and record the events until this very moment.

I was surprised when they phoned me at four in the morning, reporting a lone Atlesian airship landed on the outskirt of the Industrial District, and of James asking for a meeting with the Beacon staff. This reunion came so unexpectedly I feared it was only a dream, until I saw the smile spread across his tired face and felt his calloused hand on my shoulder.

He explained that Atlas was able to spare some resources and manpower, partially due to the lessening Grimm attack (thanks to the second most severe winter storm in the recent fifty years), and partially because of the insistence by several influential individuals. I have no doubt that one of them is Ms. Schnee.

Some of the councilmen remained suspicious of their motives, but fortunately we were able to persuade them to have more faith in the Atlesian assistance. Although, to be honest, I do not believe we have the luxury to not accept their generosity. The military supports, and perhaps more importantly the technical aids to reconstruct the CCT tower (as well as building a more reliable temporary communication system before the fallen tower is reclaimed), are just too valuable to be refused.

Maybe, the councilmen hesitated in putting their trust because it seemed too good to be true. To some extent, I agree it is a tad difficult to believe we are this fortunate to receive help, especially after almost three years of solitude and the stream of despair and hardship.

James and his soldiers set up camp near the Beacon headquarter. I am fairly certain the arrangement was made so that we, the Vale Huntsmen, could monitor their every movement and respond promptly should they wish to bring any harms. The notion seems foolish, but I suppose it cannot be helped, if it assures the councilmen.

I had a meeting with James last night. I informed him of Ozpin's survival and the activities of the Guardians in the distant land. He seemed pleasantly surprised. Hope and relief washed over his expression as the weariness in his smile dissipated. He agreed to keep our exchange to himself, but I suspect he would not be able to hide his elation at all. He is always straightforward with his emotions.

January 16, Q.A. 82

Another attempt will be made to reclaim Patch. The leadership felt strongly of the success this time.

The Atlesian army, the Beacon Huntsmen, as well as the Vale Councilmen were all present in the meeting last week. I expected all participants except for one, Ms. Schnee.

I wonder how she had convinced her father to let her leave the protection of Atlas and return to Vale. Adolf Schnee is notorious for his stubbornness and ruthlessness when it came to his family. It seemed unlikely he would allow his youngest daughter to travel abroad in such troubling time. But then again, she did come to Beacon prior to the war.

In fact, we were not the only people there. I believe some of the Huntsmen caught glimpses of our "hidden security" as well. I had the good fortune to find Ms. Belladonna before she could slip away, and it pleased me to know that she has not been mistreated in her current organization.

I informed her of the whereabouts of Ms. Xiao Long, hoping she would jump at the opportunity to pay her a visit some time, but she looked hesitant. I suppose it is reasonable for her to be concerned of the potential danger that might follow. After all, the White Fang did put a hefty price on her head, and an even more alluring one if she is alive.

Of course, her current co-workers will never betray her to the terrorists, but I do worry about the desperate citizens who might recognize her walking down the street. She seemed slightly surprised when I cautioned her to stay vigilant, but thanked me politely anyway.

I wonder what sort of impression I left in my students? Do they all think of me as a cold, distant instructor? They are not exactly wrong, I suppose. I care not whether they find me too difficult as a teacher, as long as they survive this war and come out of it in one piece.

Or perhaps I do care, but it is less important than making sure they are well equipped and well trained for the future battle. In any case, I will never regret my decision of being strict and stern.

January 20, Q.A. 82

[The last page is not a journal entry. It's a newspaper clip.]

Terrorists Disrupted Peace Speech

Terrorist attack interrupted a peaceful speech by Weiss Schnee, current heiress of the Schnee Dust Company. Fortunately, nobody was hurt. The terrorists were quickly dispelled and arrested by the army and the police.

Civilians expressed their worries that the attack would hinder the efforts for the two kingdoms to join force and repel Grimm.

"I don't care about what they are thinking," says a woman who went to the speech to express gratitude to the Atlesian support. "Didn't we have enough to worry about from the Grimm? We should welcome Atlas with open arms. Take your racisms home where nobody care. Stop dragging people down to suffer with you."

Representatives from the Atlesian government and the SDC arrived two weeks ago. The government announced the Kingdom of Iron and Ice had visited Vale with friendly intention. Earlier this week, officials from both kingdoms joined in a secret meeting. It is rumored that military support treaties and trade agreements were among the topics discussed. Some were worried that the Atlesian government would view this incident as a declaration of war.

Black Blood, the Human-based anti-Faunus terrorist organization, claimed responsibility of the attack.

"The Schnee should be the ones leading our crusade against those animals!" The terrorists insisted in the video they sent to us. "But they betrayed us, and death shall be the punishment for the traitors!"

The government refused to make any comments, and the spokesman from the Vale police did not confirm the identity nor the intention of the criminals.

"The incident is still under investigation," Cohen Huber, the spokesman of the Vale police said. "We will continue searching for the true perpetrators, and make sure they answer for this atrocity."

We were able to reach Ms. Schnee after the incident. She voiced her displeasure regarding the attack.

"The attack today is a cowardly, distasteful act of the extremists." She told our reporter. "I don't claim to understand their reasonings and justifications, and I don't wish to. However, I do want to emphasize the necessity for all Human and Faunus to unite against our true enemy, the Grimm."

When asked about her family's enmity against the Faunus, Ms. Schnee responded with the following.

"There were abuses and mistreats between my family and the Fauna race. It may not be my place to judge who was right and who was wrong, but it is my desire to rebuild the bridge between the two races. I care not what people will think of my attempt. Someone dear to my heart once told me, 'When the world says, give up! There will be a voice whispering gently, try it one more time. That is hope.' I do not intend to give up, no matter how hopeless it seems. After all, that is why we are all still fighting."

[Underneath the article is a short line. It appeared to be Ms. Goodwitch's handwriting.]

United we stand, divided we fall. Things severed shall be united and shall acquire of themselves such virtue that they shall restore to men their lost memory.