Part of this chapter consists of voice-overs while story elements happen. I am more used to write things for visual media and noticed it passed over here so sorry for any inconveniences.
0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
A couple of days had passed since all headmasters were warned about the situation. Plans were being reviewed by each one to apply to their own kingdom. All was going as normal until Raiden and Fujin, still wearing janitor overalls, stormed into Ozpin's office.
"Professor Ozpin, it's a matter of urgency!" Fujin said when they made sure no one else but Qrow and Raven was in the room. While the video files about the invasion were available once converted, it was the third folder with corrupted data that proved to the most concerning once the first few files came through.
Of all the dining rooms at The Night Beatle, the Bull Room was the one with the biggest table, a shiny silver one, as it was designed mostly as a conference room. The black chairs with silver horns emblems contrasted against the soundproofed red walls. Sitting down was Roman, Lil' Miss malachite, and the members of the criminal syndicates present at the original meeting, concerned, knowing that if Hotaru had called for all of them to meet at the same time then it must be a serious matter.
Shortly after the Atlas smugglers arrived, Hotaru and Ryu entered the room with the businessman sitting on the chair closest to the door.
"Sooooooooo… knowing you don't like the original crew hanging out in your house; let's cut the chase, shall we Big-H? Why are we here?". Roman asked.
"As you all must know, this is a zaphyre" Hotaru began to explain as he pulled the device out of his pocket. "Almost a week ago, this became the most sold product in the market. Unknown to you, for now, however, is this". The zaphyre then displayed a projection of the first page of many newspapers. They had different headlines, but with the same message: Zaphyres were not to be used on huntsmen academies. Some went on a deeper detail and used the word 'banned'.
"Oh! I've seen this li'l ol' trinket of yours, hun!" Miss Malachite said with joy before noticing something. "But I thought you were on good terms with them headmasters…" with that, her demeanor turned threatening. "Care to elaborate, sug'?".
"Do not concern yourselves over that matter. It's just retaliation for taking away one of Beacon's rising stars. I am sure they are just twisting our hand to give her back" he quickly answered, calming some of the more reactionary members. "I am also sure they are willing to use their political influences to harm our sales claiming it to be a threat of some level, so I want you all to make sure they reach the hands of every citizen no matter how far or small the settlement".
"Annoying…" one of the Atlas smugglers said loudly. "But doable".
"And… do we get something else?" Roman asked, putting his chin ever his hands.
"Each circle gets twenty-five percent of the total earnings they make".
The room went silent, but everyone present saw the greedy grins on each other's faces.
"Throw in one of them zaphyres in amethyst and you got yourself a deal" Miss Malachite answered.
"Good" Hotaru confirmed after checking the smile on Ryu. "Actually… there is a second thing I need you to do for us".
'The Eye of Atlas presents: Opposite views'
A title card reads before showing a bold and pale old man with thick glasses.
'With your host and moderator: Sieg Blanc'
"Good evening, and welcome. Today's topic remains the same as last night: The sudden tariff increases on imported products; but just for those from Seido Industries, to be more precise? Joining me are Verd Menger, PhD. and dean from the Atlas Economic University, and former councilman for three terms, Hai-iro List". Sieg announced as the two men were shown on separate frames. Verd, a young man with light green hair brushed back and wearing a green three pieced tuxedo, while the former councilman was a dark-skinned, bald, slightly overweight man in a fancy white shirt and suspenders.
"Thank you, Mr. Blanc" Verd responded politely but retaining a stern look.
"Sieg" Hai-iro greeted with a smile.
"Let's skip the formalities, shall we Mr. Blanc?" Verd asked rhetorically. "What we have here is a clear interference of the markets led by General Ironwood to favor the scroll manufactures since the zaphyre marks an end to their monopoly".
Councilman List rolled his eyes at the younger's accusation. "My young fellow, don't you think you are overreacting a bit? A safety fee for products from abroad is a small price to pay for a company such as Seido Industries. Besides, you must agree that the zaphyre has not been tested for safety reasons, don't you?" he asked in return.
"So manufactured scrolls in Atlas are safer just because they come from here?".
"Well… not necessarily, but the academies already work well with the scrolls, so I see no need for them to be changed".
"Are you really that blind, councilman?" Verd asked, making Hai-iro look at him with indignation. "But now that you mention it, let's talk about how ALL academies seem to now be against Seido Industries".
Students in Atlas look annoyed at message screens showing that the use of zaphyres is forbidden while soldiers take away the devices in a box.
'Zaphyres already sold and delivered are immediately confiscated by faculty, even if they are just for entertainment or personal use, not academic'.
The Happy Huntresses are spying on a warehouse outside Argus from behind some bushes as a truck is being loaded with suspicious-looking crates.
They are, however, discovered by a perimeter patrol who let them go but confiscate their cameras.
'Huntsmen activities close to locations of the company have tripled in the last weeks. Are we really supposed to believe it's just a coincidence and not them trying to incriminate Seido Industries under orders of higher powers?'
Former councilman List, however, responds to that allegation.
'Atlas already has a restriction on the sale of the device, yet the number of people getting a zaphyre increases by the day. You must admit Seido has something to do with that!'.
Unknown to the huntresses, however, is that the merchandise - two crates filled with the zaphyres they were looking for - was hidden in the forest and being picked up by Junior and Lil' Miss Malachite's henchmen.
'I believe in the proper authorities investigating those accusations; but as of now, this is just a persecution against the company'.
Verd says to his adversary.
'Are you telling me you are one of those who believe all kingdoms are acting against Seido now?'
"Let's look at the evidence, shall we councilman? Many lands that Seido acquired legally for construction are suddenly receiving notices to stop any kind of operations" Verd argues.
"Have you seen what they are showing at their exhibitions, Mr. Menger!? I am thankful they are not building weapons factories in the cities! It's too dangerous!" countered Hai-iro.
Hotaru, Ryu, and Kollector are sitting in the Dragon Room. Looking at the TV screen that showed them live footage of authorities from all kingdoms putting yellow tape over the gates of their properties.
'Those lands are far away from any settlement, be it a city or a village. The kingdoms surely had no problem selling them in the first place; now, all of a sudden, they are concerned. Besides, how do you know they want to build a weapon's factory?'.
An alarm goes off in Hotaru's computer, showing that the fully functional code for the Global Cyber Initiative has been completed.
'Whatever it is, if it is discovered that weapons are being produced and or stored in dangerous places then it all must be halted for the safety of Remnant'.
Smiling, Hotaru then goes through his drawer and takes out a document filled with blueprints and titled 'Guardsman Academy'.
"I don't remember you being so diligent about safety when the SDC acquired those unstable mines. Either you have become more paranoid over the years, or… did the results of that accident please you?".
"If you are suggesting corruption or still spreading rumors that I am against faunus rights, then I hope you have a good lawyer close by!".
After that intervention from Hai-iro, Cieg Blanc talked again. "Speaking of the lands for yet unknown purposes, I guess this is a good moment for us to move to another topic then; the rumors about Seido Industries building their own huntsmen academy. Thoughts, gentlemen?".
"Wonderful!" Verd exclaims happily while looking at their host.
"Horrendous!" Hai-iro yells punching the table, also looking in Sieg's direction.
Both men then look surprised before staring at each other in disbelief.
Back in Salem's castle, a virtual map of Remnant is displayed, showing life feeds of Tyrian on Vale and Hazel in Mystral.
'A huntsman, or huntswoman, is not a job made for profit. People put their lives on the line to fight Grimm for the safety of all kingdoms!'
Hai-iro defended.
'Well, maybe it should! Are you really telling me, and all people watching this, that if someone or something, with a wonderful track record of showing positive results, is now willing to help against the Grimm, we should all turn our backs on them!?'.
'The academies serve the kingdoms, protect the kingdoms. Who do Seido Industries serve!?'.
Both Hazel and Tyrian shake their heads with concern in their faces having failed to find a mercenary army for Salem. Enraged, the witch slams the table and releases a scream that breaks all windows in the room.
'Aren't huntsmen required to be unaffiliated to any kingdom anyway?'.
'And wouldn't it be unfair for a kingdom to have two academies anyway?'.
'I would argue that in the fight against Grimm and for the safety of all, it's a price we must be willing to pay'.
The anchorman then decided to intervene again. "And that brings me to the final point of tonight: Security. We have seen a rise in crime in all kingdoms! Organizations and criminals once thought to be gone have suddenly reemerged in very well-organized strikes".
"Well, Sieg…" Verd began to say. "If huntsmen were more concerned about THAT instead of trying to take down a legitimate business, then we wouldn't be having to discuss this topic".
Torchwick, Neo, and some of their faunus allies are looking at a map that shows a town surrounded by others marked with the SSS. A few moments later, an explosion is seen and heard before they leave.
Back in the town, people are panicking as Grimm also destroy their defenses. Hours later, a group of huntsmen arrive and take care of the infestation only to then see the disapproval on the people's faces.
'We would like to believe they are an ever-present army to save us, but the truth is that they are not doing their jobs. Their already limited numbers are busy doing something else as we've discussed'.
The images of the village appear on the scroll of a local mayor who applied for a test of the SSS. He then looks out of the window in disappointment, however, when he sees the excessive number of video cameras and security personnel enforcing curfew and the more than twenty people already under custody.
'And let me guess: You think the Seidan Security System is actually a good thing?'.
The former politician asked.
'If it helps our fight with the Grimm, then I believe it is necessary to momentarily accept their conditions'.
Another mayor is reading the contract for the SSS after a bomb and a Grimm attack, but she then sees as a group of huntsmen is fixing a torn wall with a group of locals who are also taking care of the children whose houses got partially destroyed.
'A town agreeing to the terms of the SSS is basically handing over power to Seido Industries! Huntsmen are not perfect people. Neither am I, you, or any person in this world. But I do believe that if something is happening, then we must work with them and not against them. you say the SSS means safety for us, Mr. Menger; but we cannot just jump into a basket full of promises just because it sounds good!'.
Fearing what would happen if she signed that document, the mayor instead breaks it and goes to buy food and refreshments for everyone working.
"Well gentlemen, I hope you don't kill each other on the way out of the set!" Sieg Blank remarks as a joke, but both men do look at each other with anger. "Well… um… that is all for tonight. Thank you for watching".
Two weeks had passed since the ban on the trade of zaphyres. While the approval of all councils fell, Ironwood suffered the most with much of Atlas believing he wanted some sort of control over the kingdom; and that made their next moves more difficult.
As General Ironwood said, he was willing to fight Seido on every front outside of the military one. He was even willing to serve as a prototype of strategies the other kingdoms could imitate or modify when their time came. Right now, he was trying to figure out how to convince councilwoman Camila to join him in tightening the sale of Seido's dust in the kingdom. "'AM I' Mr. Cage?" the General asked, a little annoyed by the flamboyant and colorful ideas of their student/associate/media advisor.
"AM 1 or… Atlas-Mantle First!" Johnny answered back. "Why buy an unsafe zaphyre when you can buy a safety-approved scroll! Why buy second-rate dust that is most likely altered or contaminated by transport when you can buy it straight from the factory! And it's all certified with this shiny stamp!" Johnny said as he presented a sheet of stickers to Ironwood, Winter, Sonya, Jax, and Kenshi.
"Is this a cartoon of me doing a thumbs up…?" the General asked unenthusiastically.
"Even better! A 'super deformed' General Ironwood!" Johnny said enthusiastically as he changed the slide to show designs for male and female soldiers in the same style. "These little guys will be all over the cities telling people 'We are number one! We are number one!'. And come on, do you think this cute little face will lie to you? We even have a little Winter! Female outreach is especially important after all!".
General Ironwood was not convinced at all. Neither was Winter. "We already have a department that can make a more serious campaign, Mr. Cage" she began to explain. "Their results can also be considered successful; so why would we even consider this ridiculous approach?".
Johnny Cage's original energetic energy seemed to have vanished. He then took off his sunglasses and took a deep breath before moving forward with the slides almost at the end and then starting his explanation calmly. "Ok… brace yourselves because I am coming in raw. What do you see in this picture?" he asked, showing a one with giant Atlas soldiers standing behind a silhouette of the city.
"Atlas soldiers who are ready to protect the city" answered General Ironwood immediately.
"EEERR. Wrong! Right now, it would mean 'Do as we say, or else!'. How about this one?" Johnny asked as the poster changed to one where three different military units proudly stare into the horizon.
"Pride to serve?" Winter asked this time.
"No, how about 'We are better than you?". As General Ironwood was about to lose his patience, Johnny spoke once again. "Now don't get me wrong, if this was a full-frontal war where we need to support our boys and girls then we are game, but just look at these," he said before he changed slides once again to show a collage of images from Seido Industries. "Happy families, normal people smiling, hell, even Hotaru is in some of these doing cheesy stuff like serving a scoop of ice cream or helping a lady cross the street! Look! A cartoon version of him is explaining to children how the SSS works! The point I am trying to make is this: What Camilla will want is for you to at least try to make this power overreach look nice! Tu comprende?".
Winter hated to admit it, but Cage had a point; at least in that, they needed a kinder approach. General Ironwood, however, was still not convinced. "I am sorry, but I am not going to put myself, the army, and the academy in front of this circus act! I am sure I'll be able to convince Camilla my way".
Johnny was disappointed, but conceded, nonetheless. "How long do we have before her call, anyway?".
"We still have-" Winter tried to explain but was cut short by the incoming call of the councilwoman.
General Ironwood answered immediately and was now face to face with his fellow council member. "James, I hope you have a good strategy in your hands. I am happy you have finally decided to take a more protectionist approach to the way Atlas should handle outside businesses, but not even I would have gone so far as to what you are proposing. Gray is out of the picture; I can't reach him through his campaign numbers or anything else for that matter, especially since this has to do with Seido and he seemed to have developed a fear for the company. Worse, Brown has made it public that she will not join you in any way. James, right now more than two-thirds of the kingdom see you as an under wraps tyrant and most of us as your enablers; I am not willing to throw myself blindly over this crusade of yours unless you have something that will win us the people over!".
General Ironwood was surprised. What Johnny Cage told him would happen happened. That, however, left him even more speechless. He was ready to go all out on the glory and might of Atlas as the angle to take, but now he was unarmed. "Well… Camilla, you know that I've always preferred to show the kingdom as…" while Ironwood began to explain, everyone saw as the councilwoman started to get uninterested. As much as James hated to admit it, he had to tackle this differently. "But… I feel you are right… so that is why I… the people, actually, working with me came up with… AM 1!" he said while holding the sticker sheet. The General was sure Camilla would burst into laughter at any time; to his surprise, she seemed invested.
"Is that… a tiny version of you giving your approval?" she asked.
"… Yes…?".
"… Well don't stop now, go on!".
A mixture of shame and not really knowing what he was doing froze General ironwood in place while stuttering. Thankfully, help arrived just in time. "Councilwoman Camilla, it is such an honor; let me start by saying that is a privilege to meet such a prestigious and valid member of our kingdom," Johnny said, cutting James's stuttering.
"Um… thank you… and you are?".
"Oh, excuse me. Where are my manners; Jonathan Carlton, a student here at Atlas and part of the student body that helped to make…" he said as he grabbed a page showing the campaign's logo "Atlas and Mantle First!". Camilla seemed to be further invested. "If the good General allows me, I would love to tell our lovely lady what is it that we came up with".
Surprised by Johnny's actions, General Ironwood looked around the room to see if everyone agreed. They did. Johnny kept on explaining and gaining the favor of the councilwoman. In the back, Winter then began to talk with Sonya, Jax, and Kenshi. "Will he be alright on his own".
"Don't worry about him. Back home, I build the good stuff and he sells it. Helps that he can act too… but don't tell him I said that!" Jax told the white-haired woman.
Winter just looked confused at what the man said. "Actor? Is that hi hobby or something".
Sonya then looked at Kenshi and the blind swordsman answered. "You could say it's something like that…".
A month had passed since the banning of the zaphyres. Once everyone knew what Jaune and the ninjas were up to, some of the members of the other teams went to the rooftop to see how the teen was doing while also finding whatever they could about Seido on the news.
As the blond knight managed to successfully block well over half of the ice and fire projectiles that both grandmasters threw at him; Yang, Ruby, and Blake were watching reports on their scrolls while Nora, Ren, and Smoke were watching Pyrrha competing with other athletes in a 'charity' event of Seido Industries. "She has not gone through the Cyber initiative, don't worry" Smoke assured the other members of team JNR. "Trust me, she is still making mistakes on her movements; besides, we received confirmation that she will be kept for the breeding program" he assured the two teens; he then noticed the death glares Ren and Nora gave him before further explaining. "You know what I mean, her face is also very expressive, see? She will not be submitted to the process trust me".
They were then distracted by loud clanking noises and saw Jaune blocking attacks from the ninjas using swords. They were a step above basic attacks, but the blonde's reflexes were now developed enough to block them all; he even managed to deliver some attacks himself and making the ninjas jump back.
"That is all for today!" Hanzo told Jaune as he sheathed his katanas.
Jaune was panting, clearly exhausted by the continuous training routine, but instead of taking his weapons away, he quickly spun around with his sword and stopped just as the blade was right next to the blue ninja's neck. Sub Zero was calm and just raised an eyebrow. "He said the training was over, you didn't".
Sub Zero smiled at that. "Well said, dismissed".
Jaune then went to take a bottle of water and rest as Yang looked at the two other ninjas. "Are you sure we shouldn't be more concerned about the zaphyres?".
Hanzo sighed and stretched for a moment before answering. "The mind-control technology will take time before it affects a considerable number of people. If they can't make their own communication towers available, the process will take longer".
Yang was satisfied with that answer and both peace and quiet fell upon the roof.
"WHAT!?" they all heard Blake yell as loud as she could. Before anyone could ask what happened, she then began to rant and walk away. "I'LL KILL HIM! I'LL KILL THAT FREAK WITH MY BARE HANDS IF HE TOUCHES JUST ONE HAIR-!" she screamed before slamming the door open and quickly heading out.
Everyone then looked at Yang and Ruby, thinking they held the answers as to what was happening. Unfortunately, they looked just as confused. "Wait up Blake!" Yang said before running after her partner.
"We'll keep you informed!" Ruby assured the rest before heading the same way as her sister.
"Anything to report headmaster?" Raiden asked as he appeared in Ozpin's office.
Both teachers seemed to be waiting for something. Something unpleasant. "You could say that… we'll need your assistance shortly," Ozpin said massaging his temple.
"For what?" the thunder God asked.
As the elevator announced its arrival, Glynda continued. "You are about to find out…".
The doors opened and Blake marched towards the teachers emanating rage. "THIS IS AN OUTRAGE! WE MUST DO SOMETHING!".
"Miss belladonna, please be more specific about-" Ozpin tried to calmly instruct only to be interrupted by Blake slamming her fist on his desk.
"YOU KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT!".
"Miss Belladonna!" Glynda then said with her usual authoritative voice and slapping her riding crop on her hand.
After that, Blake heard Ruby and Yang enter. She turned to see the concern on their faces. "I'm sorry. It's just that…".
"We are aware, Miss Belladonna" Ozpin assured her.
"Aware of what?" Ruby asked, scared of what made the usually stoic girl throw a tantrum.
Both teachers then gave Blake a look, almost as if asking permission. The faunus girl sighed before nodding in approval.
Ozpin then played a live stream on his computer that showed Hotaru wearing a vest and a short-sleeved shirt as opposed to his usual suit, meaning he was somewhere warm. The tropical background also reinforced that idea.
'… We cannot change the past, we can only look at the future, we can only share this world we live in, and I am glad that Seido Industries was trusted by you to lead the effort for Menagerie and its faunus population to be heard and known throughout the planet'.
"I once again want to thank the Chieftain and his wife for their willingness to make this happen. In Seido Industries we see no difference between humans and faunus; we can't pretend injustices don't happen just as we can't leave crimes unpunished, but we also believe in second chances and I am proud of every one of my employees; in giving them that second chance, in becoming a better version of themselves, and in becoming valuable people in whatever path in life they wish to follow" Hotaru said and was followed by thunderous applause.
Hotaru then stepped away from the podium and allowed Ghira to take the stage. "I must confess, I was not sure about this at first, but Mr. Taakoizu has convinced me that the war, the White Fang, the hate and all must be a thing of the past. With that said, we welcome the construction of the Guardsman Academy on our island with open arms and thank him for his invitation for our most capable youth to be among the first generation of students, as well as all their future investments in the island, its settlements, and even helping make the entirety of Menagerie habitable!".
With that done, both the chieftain and the businessman shook hands and allowed the cameras to shower them with flashes.
"Hold it! Back it up! Guardsman Academy!?" a dumbfounded Yang asked all present. "Can he do that!? Make his own academy just like that!?".
Ozpin and Glynda sighed. They looked at each other before Ozpin decided to answer that. "Under normal circumstances, no, he wouldn't even be able to build it. Even if their real intentions were still a mystery to us, we would oppose it. However,". The next part is what hurt Ozpin the most, recognizing Hotaru or Onaga's brilliance at finding loopholes. "We blocked them from further building on the kingdoms, Menagerie's special status gives them the independence to establish cooperation deals with Seido without the approval of Vale".
Blake then decided to intervene, knowing full well about the island's power limits. "But they can only rent spaces or already built buildings! For them to make that academy they would need approval from the kingdom!".
"If that was to be an academy in Menagerie, which it will not be…" Glynda said, shocking all girls. The woman then turned to look at Raiden. "The Atlas team sent this morning: the blueprints for the academy".
She then showed everyone the plans and Ozpin continued with the explanation. "They are building it in Menagerie, but it will not stay there… it will be a moving building". Ozpin checked once again, and the girls were in shock. "They are just renting a part of the island to build it on. Once it is complete, it will be moved to the sea where it will travel the world outside of the kingdoms' sea borders in the span of one year". Ruby, Yang, and Blake were still speechless. They hated to admit it, but Onaga and his group were geniuses. "Furthermore, we compared the building with the data master Hazashi recovered from The Pyramid," Ozpin said while looking at Raiden; after the headmaster pressed a button, red squares appeared over some sections of the blueprints.
"By the Elder Gods…" Raiden said in disbelief. "The factory…".
"Your source back from where you came says this means the code is complete. They are getting ready to begin the GCI" Glynda explained.
Worried, Ruby then looked at Blake once again. The cat faunus was still boiling with rage, which made sense since Orderrealm was targeting faunus, but the way she acted made it look personal. "Blake… why are you so upset?".
Blake was not sure of how to answer that. She then looked at the headmaster seeking council, and he just answered a quick "If you won't, I'll tell them, Miss Belladonna".
Blake sighed and looked at her teammates once again. "The Chieftain of Menagerie… is called Ghira… and his wife is Kali…" she said and both girls looked at her with no discernable emotion. "Ghira and Kali… Belladonna…" that did make them look confused for a moment. "They are my parents…".