Chapter 29: The Summit Part 1
The lights switched off, being replaced by the glowing red of emergency lights. The vibrations of the engine stopped as Jenkins slammed a fresh clip into his dust powered assault rifle. The commanding officer, Erwin stood up as he gripped the safety railing. "Alright guys. We've been asked to help support the Atlassian security force in this sector. We'll be having Knights and Paladins as backup, but don't let that get you soft."
Jenkins gripped his gun even harder. The protests were getting even nastier when the Hunters had shown up. He could feel the sweat underneath his gloves.
"Remember, we're here to keep the peace. Keep a cool head."
The hissing of the back doors popped.
"However, you have the right to defend yourself."
Jenkins' leg trembled uncontrollably as he brought down his hud visor that was attached to his helmet. Erwin placed a hand on his shoulder. "First mission?" Jenkins looked up at the commanding officer.
"Yessir." He nodded hesitantly.
He felt a strong hand pat him on the shoulder. "This'll be a walk in the park. The hunters here have been rather peaceful." Jenkins nodded as the ramp descended. Jenkins stood up as he rushed down the ramp as he could here his commanding officer shouting orders as soldiers rushed down the ramp.
He looked around, scanning his surroundings. A barricade was set up surrounding the summit building. He noted how there were several vehicles with soldiers rushing out. Paladins shored up the gaps. He could see a great many people on the other side of the barricade. Whether it be ordinary humans, faunas, huntsmen and nonhuntsmen. Some of them were chanting slogans, others were carrying banners, signs. He could make several people standing, who looked heavily armed. He could feel their eyes staring right at him.
He heard a rumble of a vehicle approaching, slowing to a stop, the vehicle's door opened up to reveal a more elderly man in black and green attire who walked with a cane. He looked over to Jenkins, pushing up his glasses and giving a small smile. He noted a blonde woman wearing a purple cape carrying a riding crop who walked one side of the elderly old man. On the other side was a younger man with slicked back black hair and piercing crimson eyes.
He felt something tap his helmet. It was his commander. "Eyes on the crowd." He stared at the crowd. Jenkins nodded and assumed his position along the barrier. He noted a huntsman staring right at him through orange hair that drooped down past the eyes, his almost glowing with an intense red. Suddenly the air felt extremely cold as he gripped his rifle even tighter.
The flight to Menagerie tired Qrow as he walked to through the door. He looked outside seeing hundreds of people, huntsmen and non-huntsmen, behind the barricade. Maybe they did have a chance to convince the kingdoms.
Armed guards stood at attention as they entered the rather exquisite hotel. As a man in a white uniform, black hair that was graying along the sides.
"Ozpin." The man stepped forward.
Ozpin smiled as he embraced his friend. "Ironwood."
Ironwood. Oh how Qrow hated Ironwood. The man was arrogant, prideful, and self-centered in Qrow's opinion. The audacity of daring to claim two council seats, that of the military and head of Atlas Academy. He was quick to submit the school under the military's jurisdiction to consolidate his power.
Or that was what Qrow had seen. Ironwood held his arms out towards Glynda who just rolled her eyes while she crossed her arms. "You haven't changed one bit," Ironwood said amusedly with a slight chuckle in his voice. Inevitably, Ironwood attention shifted towards Qrow.
"Qrow!" He slapped the huntsmen on the back. "How've you been?"
Qrow rolled his eyes as he squirmed away. "Fine till just now." The edginess in Qrow's voice only made him smile even more.
"Now that pleasantries are done. If you'll follow me." Ironwood gestured with a slight bow. The three from Vale followed the Atlassian through the Summit building. Qrow didn't like it in the least bit, too much open space, too many windows, a sniper could easily do something. The four of them stepped onto the escalator. "I see that Menagerie has seen major improvements with Summit being announced," Ozpin noted looking outside of the large glass wall take in vast Summit Complex which held modern hotels, embassies, academies, and residential areas.
"We needed neutral ground that wasn't affiliated with any of the Kingdoms. Menagerie seemed like the ideal spot. It also improved the locals' way of life." Ironwood noted casually as he stepped off the escalator followed by his three guests.
Qrow looked out the window to see hundreds of angry, upset Faunas and Huntsmen chanting, waving signs. Good thing the building was sound proof. A shame, though. "You call moving hundreds of faunas off their land improvement?" Qrow muttered through gritted teeth.
Apparently, Ironwood overheard. "It is…. Regrettable, but yes. It had to be done. This is for the betterment of Remnant."
Qrow stopped in his tracks. "You call this improvement." Everyone stopped turning to face the huntsman who pointed a finger at the massive irate crowd. "You took the only place where Faunas had the right to govern themselves and turned it into a damned colony sponsored and funded by Atlas!"
"That is a lie." Ironwood stepped closer to Qrow "This was interkingdom operation. Everything you see here was supported by all the Kingdoms, considerations and compensation were given to the Faunas, but we needed an area outside of the four Kingdoms."
Qrow was seething angry right now. "Ironwood you aren't fooling anyone. The money pulled together for this little 'project' was done with Schnee backing. All of those troops are either Atlassian or being commanded by Atlassians. You just needed the other kingdoms to justify-" He jabbed his finger into Ironwood's uniformed chest. "Your expansion. So don't tell me that this was done in order to better the lives of the Faunas, that's bullshit."
"Qrow," Glynda warned.
"That is enough." Ozpin tapped his cane on the ground forcefully as it echoed throughout the building making the two men look at the headmaster. "We can settle this matter later. We have more pressing matters such as this Summit." He turned to look at Ironwood.
"I need to know if you are going to support the Kingdom or the Huntsmen."
You could see the conflict in the eyes of general and headmaster. After a few minutes, he looked at the Ozpin. "I'm sorry, but I need to support my Kingdom. As much as I want to help the huntsmen, I am sworn to serve Atlas."
Qrow rolled his head in astonishment. "You're sworn to protect the people of Remnant as a huntsman!" He shouted.
Ozpin held up a hand silencing his tirade. "That is enough Qrow. We know Ironwood is in a unique spot."
Ironwood wavered for a moment. "I'll do my best to help your cause as much as I can, but if I'm asked to choose, I have to choose my Kingdom."
Qrow was about to retort when Ozpin cut him off, looking down at him. "We understand James. Of course, we wouldn't want to force to choose between your kingdom and your… profession." Qrow shoved his hands in his pockets biting his tongue.
"If you'll follow me to the council room." Ironwood gestured. Ozpin nodded following. Glynda waited a few moments walking beside Qrow.
Something that Qrow did not need right now. "Glynda, I don't need a lecture right now."
The Blonde huntress shot him a cold glance, something that Qrow just rolled his eyes to. "I'm not here to lecture you. You're absolutely right, and Ozpin knows it as well. But we need to take a more diplomatic approach."
She was right, always right. "Yeah." He muttered as he followed behind Ozpin where they came across their destination. Ten soldiers, five on each side of the door lined up saluting. Where they here to protect the summit or to make the huntsmen get out of control?
*BEACON*
"Are you sure we're even allowed here?" Pyrrha asked as she followed Jaune, looking down the hallways making sure the coast was clear.
"I don't see why not. I mean it's a part of the campus." Jaune waved off her concern as he continued down the hallway.
"But we could get in trouble…" Pyrrha insisted as she closed the distance, walking side by side with Jaune.
"Pyrrha you worry too much, and besides who would catch us…"
"Me." A voice called out from behind. Jaune and Pyrrha froze. Yup, this is what Pyrrha was afraid of. They turned around to see the muscular blonde brawler in his typical leather tan hide jacket. She gave her lifelong friend a jab in the side with a sharp elbow causing him to "Epp!"
"So what are you two doing over in the teacher quarters?" Taiyang asked suspiciously eyeing up the two huntsmen in training.
"Uhh…. going for a walk?" Jaune raised a finger unsurely. "Yes! Going for a walk!" Tai shook his head disapprovingly.
"Try again."
"Going to see Raven," Pyrrha spoke up.
His lilac eyes narrowed. "Oh? And what for?" His tone filled with suspicion.
"Indeed. What for?" The said woman almost materialized out of nowhere causing everyone to jump back as the older woman smirked.
"R-R-Rae!" He stumbled in surprise clutching his racing heart. "I told you to stop doing that! You could give me a heart attack." She shrugged nonchalantly with an ever growing smirk.
Pyrrha took a small step forward. "We don't want to cause any problems." Jaune stood by her side.
"But we were wondering if there was any way Raven could drop us off back at home. We wanna see." He glanced over at his red-headed friend briefly. "Our sister."
Raven tapped her chin as if deep in thought. Pyrrha looked over at Jaune who had the same worried expression. What if she said no?
"Do you have passes?" Taiyang asked, he didn't sound too happy.
They needed passes? That wasn't covered in orientation…. Pyrrha thought to herself. She should have suspected this. And here was Jaune thinking it would be a walk in the park. "Don't worry about it." Their mentor said finally with a reassuring smile. "I got it covered, unless a certain someone decides to say something to Ozpin…." She shot a look at Taiyang.
He held his hands up defensively. "I'm not going to say a word. Besides you know that Ozpin pretty much knows anything that happens." He placed two reassuring arms around each of the huntsmen in training. "I heard what happened. My sympathy goes out to your family. They were truly great people that didn't deserve this tragedy."
"Thank you, Mr. Xiao-Long." Pyrrha nodded in appreciation.
Tai let out a chortle, patting the redhead's shoulder. "Please, outside of class, just Tai, you're family after all."
"Thanks, Tai," Jaune said as the older blonde nodded in appreciation.
Raven shook her head, smiling. She won't lie, she was surprised at his willingness to accept the Arcs so openly. The fact that he considered them family was something that Raven couldn't describe in words. It was simply amazing that he could be so open. Sure he was initially angry at the fact that she had spent so much time with the Arcs, but after explaining it, he finally understood and even welcomed them.
The older huntress turned and walked off gesturing for them to follow. Jaune and Pyrrha followed behind with a Taiyang covering the rear. She opened the door to reveal her room which was spotless as if no one lived there. She walked if headed into one of the rooms. When she reemerged, she came out with her sword. "Ready?"
Jaune and his life long companion nodded simultaneously.
Quickly and effortlessly, she unsheathed her blade slicing into the air creating a swirling black and red portal.
Taiyang's jaw dropped as the portal swirled before him. "Ya know, I'm never going to be able to get over that," Raven smirked and moved up to the older blonde, wrapping her arms around him.
"I'll be back in a bit." She smiled warmly making Jaune and Pyrrha raised an eyebrow towards Jaune as if asking. You think they're a thing now?
He nodded ever so slightly For sure.
Pyrrha smile only grew larger. She deserves it.
The older woman broke away as turned to face her adopted children. "If you say anything, it'll be the last thing you say."
Jaune and Pyrrha gulped as the older woman walked past the two of them, rustling their hair.
Qrow hated stuffy big wigs; he always did, he always will. Politics bog everything down. It prevented things from getting done, and if anything, it helped those who would see the world burn. Just by holding everything up.
"I'd like to call this meeting to order," Ironwood said as he took his seat at the head of the table. The Valesian delegation sat opposite side of the general while Vacuo and Mistral sat on the other sides.
"Have we been given the authority to act on our perspective kingdoms behalfs?" Ironwood asked to which everyone nodded.
Qrow was already getting sick with where the this may be going "-that being said, we are here to promote prosperity and cooperation between the four kingdoms."
Qrow slammed his fist done on the table causing everyone in the room to shift their attention to him. "By putting an end to the huntsmen guild!"
"It was your guild that almost caused a war between two kingdoms!" The government ambassador from Mistral roared at Qrow. "Your damn schools are a breeding place for anarchists and rebels! You can't even control your own students! We heard about the runaway who almost killed another. Ozpin is letting anyone in these days!" His gaze quickly shifted to Haven's Headmaster.
"And you… You allow your own students to be brainwashed by fanatics and terrorists. Thousands of people paid for that."
"All because of a Mistralian…. I don't see why you need you drag Vacuo or Shade Academy into this." The Vacuoan ambassador muttered under his breath.
"It was your school that trained one of the most notorious rogues out there. Don't forget, we know you trained Adam Taurus…. And Tarce Grinbol. Don't forget how he almost caused the destruction of all of our kingdoms. The very same Tarce that was trained in Vacuo!" The Haven Headmaster venomously shot back.
"That Team STRQ took out, with Raven Branwen killing the man outright." The Valesian Ambassador chimed hoping to settle things down.
"At what cost?!" The Haven headmaster asked incredulously. "STRQ leveled a quarter of the city. Or have you turned a blind eye to the wanton destruction that Ozpin allows in his school."
"ENOUGH" Ironwood slammed his fist down on the table earning silence in the meeting room. A meeting of kingdoms, a meeting of equals, Qrow scoffed, more like Atlas demonstrating its dominance. "Whether we like it or not, there has been a rise of anarchists coming from the academies. Whether we like it or not, Atlas has barely seen any due to more…. Oversight and control."
"SON OF A…." Qrow stood up as Ozpin reached to up to yank him down on the ground.
"Whether we like it or not.." He glared at Qrow. "We have proof that more government oversight leads to less anarchy and freelance hunters. With more accountability and a clear and cut chain of command, we can limit the threat of these freelancers, terrorists, and mercenaries pose on the stability." He clasped his hands behind his back as he started to pace around the room. "We can also promote unity between the kingdoms by eliminating confusion and misunderstandings that different cultures can cause." The headmasters shook their heads in disagreement besides Haven Academy. "We can now create an organization that is designed to keep close tabs on the huntsmen guild. We will be able to sort out those who mean to do harm with those who deserve to help humanity."
Sell out. He's too weak to stand up against Ironwood. "Atlas already has a plan in place." Ironwood went back to his seat tapping his scroll. Qrow felt his scroll go off, a message from the Ironwood. "In here, you will find the plan." Qrow opened the message, quickly scanning through the content.
Collective Charter
Section 1: Kingdoms will have a quota of men to send to this organization.
Section 2: Men will be commanded by other members from different kingdoms to promote unity and cooperation.
Section 3: Collective enforcers will be used police and maintain control over combat schools and huntsmen academies.
Skipping a few sections to the Huntsmen expectations, his eyes widened in anger as he looked Ironwood.
Section 41: Huntsmen will give up their huntsmen license and must resubmit for a Collective license or will be charged with treason.
Section 42: Huntsmen will be subordinate to Collective officials and officers or face charges of treason.
Section 43: Collective officials have the right arrest huntsmen or huntsmen in training if they are deemed a threat to peace and stability.
He read enough. "You sell out! HOW MUCH IS YOUR KINGDOM PAYING YOU TO BETRAY YOUR BROTHERS?!" Qrow roared as he slammed his fist down on the table cracking the table. The doors to the office slammed open revealing four guards all leveling their guns at Qrow.
Qrow whirled around to see red dots aimed at his chest. "STAND DOWN," Ironwood ordered. The soldiers hesitantly lowered their weapons as they slowly walked out of the room. "Qrow. Another outburst like that and I'll have you escorted off the premises, with force if necessary."
"You pompous pig, don't you see you're opening all of us up to the enemy if you go through with this?"
"What enemy?" The general looked skeptical.
"The Legion of Ash. Have you forgotten all of those massacres so long ago?"
"They're dead. The kingdoms have wiped them out." Ironwood waved off his concern. "We are here to prevent another group like them from rising again. Their last cell came from Beacon's Team JAWS."
"You fucking dunce." Qrow slapped his forehead. Ozpin stood up intervening pushing Qrow down into his chair. "The leader didn't die at Whitehill." Ozpin cleared his throat making the Huntsman shut up.
"Gentleman, you'll have to forgive my colleague." He shot a glare at Qrow. "He is... overzealous at times. He, as well as the rest of the headmasters, are afraid that oversight takes away the most essential aspect of being a huntsman; Freedom. Freedom to pursue any enemy, freedom to approach a mission, freedom to be creative. We're walking into dangerous territory. Oversight is taking steps backward, to the Great War, we are taking one of the huntsmen's unique tools, the ability to operate outside of the chain command to save lives and protect loved ones. This Collective may help to lower crime, but if our enemies find a weakness, it leaves all of us exposed. Freedom is what will protect us."
Ironwood tapped his chin in thought. "Headmaster Ozpin is not wrong. However, say a huntsman goes rogue? How many innocents? How many soldiers have to die before they are stopped? They are some of the most experienced warriors that Remnant has ever seen, one is worth an entire battalion of soldiers. Even with the current system, huntsmen are too slow or too easily corrupted. The Collective offers us a way to screen out potentially dangerous huntsmen and efficiently eliminate them with precision.."
"Huntsmen with lapdogs?!" The Shade Headmaster protested. "This is ridiculous." Qrow could only nod in agreement.
"What do you mean eliminate them?" Qrow asked.
"By any means necessary." Ironwood casually commented.
"You mean put them down like dogs?!" Qrow slammed his fist down in protest.
Ambassador Mayfield of Vale cleared his throat. "Even so, how do you plan on doing this. As you said, huntsmen are some of the deadliest warriors."
"We have weapons in development that are currently classified. Besides, that we plan to establish our own corps of hunters that will have the sole purpose of enforcing the Collective policy.
*Whitehill*
A portal emerged from the other side as the black and red clad huntress stepped out of the portal followed by her two students. She couldn't but to smile when seeing the quaint Arc home that was a place of temporary refuge throughout the years, thanks to John and Joan. She watched as the blonde Arc knight open the fenced off gate and held it for Pyrrha and herself.
Jaune then latched the fence off and went to the front door knocking. After a few minutes, the door opened to reveal the matriarch of the Arc family. Her brown eyes wide with shock as she scanned the newcomers. Joan brought her hand up to her mouth as tears started to roll down her cheeks. She took a step forward wrapping her arms around her son as she pulled Pyrrha into the hug. "I missed both of you…" She brought them in closer, resting her chin between the two as she closed her eyes tightly.
Raven couldn't help to smile as she stood there crossing her arms, a fond smile overtaking her as she watched the family reunite. She noted Joan's eyes slowly open, still red from the recent tears, lock onto her. She broke away from the hug and stood before the Huntress as they looked at each other.
A lightning fast hand came across connecting with Raven's cheek with a resounding *SMACK* Raven stood there stunned. "Why didn't you tell me that you got a job at Beacon.. More Importantly…. WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME YOU GOT BACK WITH TAI." The smaller, slightly shorter Joan glared at her, making Raven terrified of one of her closest friends.
"I… uh…. Well you see.."
Joan wrapped her arms around the stunned Raven. "I'm so proud of you." bringing her into a tight a hug. "I'm so glad things are working out for you." She found herself embracing her friend in return. "You deserve some happiness."
"Thank you." The simple happiness in her voice was too clear to Pyrrha. She couldn't but to smile at Raven's recent upturn. Jaune led the way in the house leaving the two adults to get caught up as Pyrrha followed him in.
"Hello?" Jaune called out through the house. A thundering of footsteps came crashing down before Pyrrha could turn to face the onslaught, she found herself, along with Jaune, pinned to the floor by the youngest of Arcs, Abella, who was hugging… or pinning them to the ground. "I MISSED YOU TWO!"
"Hey….. Abella….." Jaune grunted as he tried to squirm free from her grasp only making the grasp only tighter in response.
"Jaune…. I think you're only making it worse…" Pyrrha whispered causing Abella to hold to them tighter. It was enough for the redhead to break out but this was too endearing to her, and well-being caught off by this was slightly embarrassing.
"Abella. Get off of them…. They just got home." Someone called from the living room, the harsh yet quiet voice made the youngest Arc relent. She loosened her group allowing the huntsmen in training to stand on their feet. "Well then…" Mabel stood in front of them, her brunette hair cascading down her shoulders. She walked over two of them, inspecting each one closely. "Well you both seem to be in good physical condition." She poked a little at Jaune's stomach. "However, you seem to be eating too much junk food."
"Hey! I-" He started to protest as she shifted over to Pyrrha.
"Peak physical condition. Jaune, you could learn something from her." Which made the redhead give a slight giggle as she wrapped her arms around Mabel.
"Good to see you, Mabel. How's school going?" She broke away, holding her by the shoulders.
She smirked. "Top of class." Pyrrha nodded approvingly, Mabel had always excelled in school, an admirable trait. She always considered herself smart, Jaune could be if he tried harder, but Mabel… she was on a whole other level.
"Where's Catoline?" Jaune asked as rustled her little sister's hair.
"Unfortunately she's in Basic. She won't be home until the holidays." Jaune's smile fell slightly.
Joan and Raven stepped in the house, the black and red clad huntress closing the door behind her. "Hey why are we in the hallway? Come on, get comfortable for a wee bit. I'll make you guys something to eat." At that Jaune and Pyrrha were dragged in by the other two siblings followed by a Raven who was being gently pushed in by Joan. She quickly put her sheathed sword along the wall as she was ushered into the living room.
Everyone got settled as Joan prepared some quick food for everyone. Jaune and Abel were on the floor watching cartoons together while Mabel and Pyrrha were on the sofa, Pyrrha telling the bookworm all about the fantastic adventures of Beacon, specifically initiation. Raven was watching over everyone protectively as she sat on the sofa opposite of the redhead and brunette. She scanned the window, watching all of the comings and goings of the people of Whitehill. However, she couldn't help but to admire the tranquility and calmness in the Arc household.
She couldn't help but to smile at the bonds that everyone had in the household. It was something that she longed for one day, and to her surprise, was getting closer to every day. With that thought, she could rest easy as undid her gauntlets and placed them on the ground beside her. With that, she stretched her arms and legs feeling joints pop as she got comfortable, and eased herself into the sofa, feeling the weight of her eyes slowly become heavier and heavier as she tried to resist, but alas she succumbed to well-earned sleep.
Jaune wrapped his arm around his little sister briefly looking around the room. Raven had quietly drifted off to sleep. Rather surprising to see her asleep, she was always awake around Jaune, but then again, people do need their sleep. He looked over to Pyrrha was happily talking to Mabel. The two always enjoyed talking for as long Jaune could remember. Jaune wondered how long it would take for the two break out a chessboard to play a high stake, high pace game of chess. It was odd to see how the two girls who had never been particularly close, had slowly become the best of friends over the years. He went back to the t.v. watching Abella's favorite cartoon, in Jaune's opinion, a classic. His favorite line from the gullible best friend of the main character was coming up.
"WHO YOU CALLIN PINHEAD?!" Jaune and Abella shouted with mirth along with the show. The two bursted out in laughter as they hugged each other in laughter.
Pyrrha looked over looking at the two siblings as their laughter died down. For a brief moment, Pyrrha grew concerned, fearing that the two would have woken up Raven. She glanced over to see one red eye pop open looking at the two siblings then back at Pyrrha, a small smile overtaking her again, as she closed her eye went back to her little nap. She could help but admire the woman, after being through so much, she can finally take a well-earned rest.
"So what's your team like?" Mabel asked uncharismatically interested, as she sat cross-legged in front of the redhead, resting her chin on interlaced fingers.
"Well…" Pyrrha tapped her chin in thought. "We're team JYPR, with my partner and leader Jaune." Mabel scoffed, rolling her eyes. "He's actually not a bad leader…." Pyrrha whispered. "But don't tell him that… We don't want him to get full of himself." Mabel chuckled looking at her brother with a sense of admiration.
"So what about your other teammates?" She asked leaning in.
"Well… believe it or not, they're both a part of Raven's family." Mabel straightened up not expecting that. "There's Yang" She nodded towards the older huntress. "Her daughter, she has the same temper as her, but she's really funny and kind as well. Then there's her sister, Ruby Rose, whose kinda awkward but in a good way, extremely energetic but also smart and polite. Before you ask, I don't want to go into details about their family" She gestured to the sleeping huntress. "That's her choice."
Mabel nodded, taking it all in. "Do you find it odd?"
Pyrrha cocked her head, not understanding. "I'm sorry?"
"That you found yourself all on the same team. You seem all seem to be connected to the Branwens somehow." She rubbed her chin suspiciously.
"But the process was all random." She tried to reason.
"Yet you end up with the closest person to you as a partner, two sisters who I assume are extremely close. All of you being raised or looked after by her…?" She shook her head. "That seems like too much coincidence."
She wasn't wrong. All of it did seem too coincidental. She wasn't going to argue with it, though; she wouldn't trade her team in the least bit. "So say we were put on the same team for some reason, which still doesn't answer why?"
Before Mabel could answer, Joan walked in delivering plates to everyone. First to Jaune and Pyrrha, Mabel and Abella, she left a plate on the coffee table in front of Raven in case she was to wake up. "Thank you, Mrs. Arc." Pyrrha took the plate and started to eat the sandwich.
Joan sat on the same couch as Raven stretching her legs out as Jaune and Abella turned to face everyone. "So…. uh… How's Crystal been doing?" He asked hesitantly as Pyrrha put her sandwich down.
"Still no improvement…. If it were the mysterious donor…. She'd be…." She trailed off as she looked hollowly off in the distance. Pyrrha noted that Raven had stirred from her sleep taking the mother's hand.
"She'll be fine. I promise." The black and red-clad huntress reassured which made Joan give a saddened smile.
"You're the donor aren't you?"
She didn't answer.
"Raven! No, you didn't have to!"
The Huntress didn't answer.
"Why?"
Raven scanned the room without a word, her eyes darting around the room.. Pyrrha, without thinking, put down her plate and walked over to the huntress which prompted Jaune to follow. Without saying a word, she wrapped her arm around the huntress. As if to convey, thank you, which prompted Jaune to join in, then the rest of the Arcs. She hugged all of them back as if to say No, thank you.
They stayed like for a couple of minutes until Joan cleared her throat, trying to hold back tears of gratefulness. "Come on, eat, eat. That food isn't going anywhere you know."
Everyone went back to their original spots happily eating away, including Raven. Everyone broke into conversation getting caught up, talking about how simple things, school, grades, and even the occasional love interest. Being separated from family, no matter how long, made you cherish the small things Pyrrha realized as she quietly listened.
Joan went around collecting the plates. "I assume you're going to see Crystal?" Joan called out from the kitchen.
With no hesitation, except looking at Raven who gave a small sharp nod, he answered. "Yeah." He answered back.
"Good" Joan said as she back to the living room holding a small bag. "Would you mind giving this to your father then?"
Pyrrha walked back and retrieved the bag. "Of course not." She answered politely as Jaune stood up. Raven stood up stretching her arms. Mabel and Abella went over wish their siblings a final farewell, giving farewell hugs. After that was said and done, they went over hugging huntress who couldn't help but to smile as she hugged them back, admiring how much they had grown.
Joan did the same thing, hugging both Pyrrha and Jaune. "Pyrrha make sure Jaune is taking care of himself."
Pyrrha couldn't but light-hearted giggle. "... Of course Mrs. Arc. I won't let you down."
"I know you won't." She turned to face Jaune. "And make sure this young lady is staying out of trouble."
"I'll do my best." At that Joan turned around pulled Raven into a hug.
"Raven, I know I don't have to ask you this… and I feel guilty about this… but keep an eye on these two troublemakers.
Raven couldn't help but to return the hug whispering "As if they were my own." Joan held her friend at arms length.
"I don't know how we can ever repay you…. For everything."
A tear ran down Raven's cheek. "I could say the same to all of you." She pulled Joan into a hug.
Qrow was about ready to snap. At least there was a deadlock. The Valesian and Vacuoan ambassadors were still against the Collective formation. However, that didn't stop politicians from debating all the while the headmasters were actively protesting and being ignored.
"So if the Valesian government watches over their own schools, then the Kingdom won't be opposed to it?" Ironwood asked with a raised eyebrow.
"If the collective is formed, Vacuo will not be a part of it." The ambassador said.
"Unfortunately, we can't let that happen." Ironwood sighed. "This is dependent on all kingdoms, if one decides not to participate, then that could form an intentional or unintentional haven for rogues. Whether you like it or not, Vacuo will join."
"James," Ozpin noted slightly shocked at the bold proclamation. "That would be effectively declaring war… You can't force an independent kingdom to join."
"If you do this, I will make sure all huntsmen stop you." The Vacuoan Headmaster. "I'm done with this. He is no better than the dictators that ruled the kingdoms eighty years ago." He headed out the door.
"Garen." The Ironwood glared at the headmaster. "If you do this…. There will be no turning back, you will sentencing hundreds to jail… even execution. You'll be branded a threat to international security."
"I'm sorry." The Valesian ambassador stood up. "But you cannot force a kingdom to do something against their own will. If you declare war on Vaccuo, then Vale has no choice but to support Vaccuo.
"Atlas has grown too powerful for their own good." The Mistralian ambassador glared at Ironwood. "We cannot support a tyrannical power hellbent on the domination of others."
Qrow heart was about to leap out his chest. Ironwood's plan had come crashing down all around him.
*BOOOOOM*
The earth shook beneath them which caused everyone to freeze. Suddenly, doors were smashed opened revealing a very angry and very rare lion faunas in a pristine white uniform. "Lieutenant Franco, what are you doing here." As soldiers came rushing in.
Without missing a beat, the lion pulled out his bearded ax which seemed to be a pump action shotgun. "I'm here to save your lives." He grunted. "Take the tables and form a "U" around the door. I want all guns trained on that door."
Why did that name sound so incredibly familiar to Qrow. Franco…. Franco….. It didn't matter now, Qrow pulled out his own sword.
"What's going on out there?" Ironwood demanded.
"Sir there is a full-scale riot going on. The hunters are coming."
There was an eerie silence throughout the crowd gathered outside the perimeter as Jenkins walked along the barricade, rifle at the ready. Most of the protesters were waving their signs, it was relatively a calm affair.
Although this one guy was starting to put Jenkins on edge. The scraggly man kept watching Jenkins. He noted as the man brought his wrist up to his mouth whispering something. Then a grin.
Jenkin's scroll started to Vibrate, he quickly pulled it out and discovered it was a brief ten-second recording of the summit with Ironwood saying "This is dependent on all kingdoms, if one decides not to participate, then that could an intentional or unintentional haven for rogues. Whether you like it or not, Vacuo will join."
He looked up as everyone had their scrolls open. He listened as speakers around the compound proclaimed the same exact words. "Shit." was the only thing he could say. He scanned for the scraggly orange hair man but he was nowhere to be seen. "SHIT." Jenkins called out again. The hollering only grew in intensity and hatred. Some people started to push through the barricades. Huntsmen started brandishing their weapons. Faunas and other agitators started throwing rocks.
Then
*CRACKCRACK* Two large caliber guns went off simultaneously
A rock hit Jenkin's face guard causing to whirl around, leveling his assault rifle at the crowd trying to find the culprit. "Shittttt." He cursed again.
"Shit indeed." A sinister voice whispered from behind as he tried to move, but his body refused to. In fact, he realized he lost control of his body. He could feel his finger moving, pressing down on something. Jenkin's eyes went wide.
His gun opened fired into the crowd causing all the other soldiers to discharge their weapons. He watched as Faunas dropped to the ground either dead or dying as high powered, dust powered, bullets sliced right through them, the huntsmen were fine, but seeing innocents die was something they didn't let slide. He could hear the roars as huntsmen charged the blockade. He could hear the screams of his soldiers of the dying around him, his friends and strangers alike.
I need back up at Sector 3
Huntsmen are breaching Sector 4.
We've lost control of 6.
"Just so you know. You started humanity down the path of enlightenment this day." The sinister voice said. Jenkins felt a sharp pang of pain as he heard a snap, He couldn't feel his body as everything went dark, collapsing to the ground, the last thing he saw was his comrades being torn apart by huntsmen.
A/N
Hey guys! Been awhile for this one huh?!
Well let's not waste time, let's get into. The Summit. Atlas has officially supported the idea of an international organization designed to oversee all hunters... did they go a little far with this idea? How many kingdoms will go for it... OH WAIT! That protest? Turned into one bloody riot... Oh and this Collective organization... hmmmm...
And Jaune and Pyrrha seeing their family... touches my heart slightly... slightly... maybe?
I won't lie, I've been pretty writer blocked with this, I apologize with the combination of other stories and grad school... ugh... But I promise the next chapter will be out sooner.
If you guys liked the chapter, please let me know. I love seeing what you guys think. All feed back is greatly appreciated! Please, any and all feedback is greatly appreciated.
Alright Reviews!
OculiImperator: Good to be back in action mate, You should very much get into it!
Xander: Hey mate! Sorry for it taking so long!
Azumaofu: Sorry it took so long mate.
Guest: I'm sorry...?
Doctor Oobleck: Heck man, I love writing! I found a new hoppy. Let me tell you, I love my Raven compared Volume 4 xD
