Okay, so, I got my medical records back which is great and I'm going in today to finally receive results of my blood tests. Wish me luck. I'm always so panicky around this stuff. Like, the human body is amazing and all, but if something goes wrong then you can be left with a body actively fighting against you. It's scary.

I'm also not super good with blood, which is ironic since I volunteered as a first responder for several years and had to attend a few car and motorbike accidents and saw loads of blood. I actually think my squeamishness came from that rather than before. I used to be fine with it but seeing all the blood and the reason for it being everywhere either shook me or, and this might be digging deep, resonated with anxiety. Being a first responder was a lot of anxiety waiting by the special phone they give you because you're wondering if you'll be called out that night, if there will be an accident, and whether or not you can afford to take a bath, make dinner, etc, because what if a call comes and you need to go? It was a volunteer role (with lots of training) and you basically had an area and a night. Mine were Tuesdays, so I'd be on edge every Tuesday staring at the phone hoping it wouldn't go off.

God, I have nothing but the most respect for paramedics and ambulance workers who have to do it all the time.

Okay, wow, I guess my nerves are showing in how much rambling this is! Wtf. Let's write.

Cover Art: Terakali

Chapter 34

"He made contact with the media!"

"I think it's really more that the media made contact with him," Ozpin said far more calmly than Ironwood. "I've seen a recording of the interview and it wasn't all that bad. You handled it well, Mr Taurus."

Adam nodded, accepting both the praise and the subtle reminder that he was in the room. The room being, yet again, Ozpin's office, and their company being just as familiarly General Ironwood, Winter Schnee and Glynda Goodwitch. The setting was getting old by now and the content was no better.

"What was said doesn't matter," Ironwood said. "What matters is that Lisa Lavender was able to reach him in the first place. He is to be under our watch – controlled and monitored at all times. That he can reach out to the people of Vale is a problem in the making. A disaster waiting to happen. What if he wanted to pass on a coded message to the White Fang?"

"I take full responsibility for this, sir," Winter said with a stiff salute. "The target was under my watch when he made contact."

Adam couldn't help but roll his eyes. "Is this little drama over yet?" he asked, voice thick with sarcasm. Ironwood and Winter glared his way. "I was asked questions and I answered them. Peacefully, I add. Would you have rather I talked about how Atlas collared me?"

"I would have rather you not answered at all!" Ironwood spat. "Or at the very least allowed us to organise this. Your answers could have been vetted, a journalist chosen and briefed."

"Controlled, you mean. Just like Atlas to be afraid of the truth, of the word of men and women unafraid to speak their minds. Your authoritarian mind is shining through, General."

"Atlas is a democracy!"

"Truly? Is that why the General of the army is also the headmaster of its huntsman institute, who also holds two seats on its council? Yes, that sounds like a wonderful democracy right there. And who else should hold a seat but Jacques Schnee, a man who bought it."

"As though you are even remotely objective in this." Winter said. "You hate Atlas. We could cure every disease known to mankind and you would find reason to complain."

It was his turn to frown. He did hate Atlas, that was no secret and perhaps he let that fact colour his expectations. Still, he wasn't wrong. At best, Atlas was an oligarchy masquerading as otherwise. Control was split between a small group of powerful people who could influence and lead others. Adam had heard it sad that was what all democracies fell to eventually – the law of oligarchy, it was called. That even the most well-intentioned institutions would eventually become filled with close friends and allies, eventually corrupting until power was consolidated and traded like currency.

The White Fang were no better. That was something he had reluctantly come to accept. There were factions within the group; Sienna's faction, the Albain faction who had even tried to recruit him, and then even more radical factions beyond. It was probably the same in Vale, Mistral and Vacuo as well.

That didn't mean he couldn't – and wouldn't – criticise Ironwood for being the worst example of it. At least with the White Fang it could be argued as ideological disagreements. Ironwood was a picture perfect example of someone who played the system to keep himself in power. He might argue that was for the betterment of the people of Atlas, and he might well believe it, but it didn't change the fact.

"This is a waste of time." In the end it was Goodwitch who spoke. "Both parties here can't be objective. Nothing has come of this meeting, and I doubt anything will. The interview has already aired so there's no point trying to suppress it."

"Mr Taurus has worn your collar and followed the orders of his escort," Ozpin added. "He has cooperated thus far with your demands. Or do you disagree with that, James?"

"He has not yet been uncooperative."

Adam scoffed.

"Then that is all that matters. Please return my student to his dorm, Miss Schnee, and allow us all a chance to retire early. I won't hear anymore of this today. Citizens of Vale, of which Mr Taurus currently counts, have a right to their speech. He exercised that today with Miss Lavender."

"Prisoners do not have the same rights as free people."

"In Atlas, perhaps. This is Vale and you will respect our laws."

"Of course." General Ironwood stood stiffly. "I have done nothing but. Winter, return him."

"Sir." Winter took his arm. "Come, Taurus."

"I'm not a dog," he said, wrenching his limb free. He heard the tut from Goodwitch, who no doubt thought it would have been easier for him to let it go. Easier for her. "And I don't appreciate being touched by your kind."

"Humans?"

"Don't put words in my mouth. I'm on a team with them, and unlike you I don't judge people without getting to know them first."

Weiss would have called bull and shit on that if she were one to swear. He'd judged her horribly at first and would admit he'd been wrong. Still, it was a joy of its own to see anger flicker across Winter's face. Another victory to him. His week had been full of them, Lisa Lavender's interview being one more, and by the end of the week and the festival when nothing happened, he'd make Ironwood himself unclasp the collar and admit defeat.

/-/

"How'd it go?"

"Same as always," he replied to Yang. "More complaining, more whining, more of Atlas trying to control the narrative." He scoffed. "Apparently, my interview with Lisa Lavender was an attempt to pass on coded information to the White Fang."

"Wow. Seriously? That's grasping. You got anything to add, Weiss?"

"I may have been born in Atlas but that doesn't mean I understand every little thing that happens. They're paranoid, I imagine. In their minds it's not without good reason." The only good Schnee tilted her head toward him and said, "Good interview by the way."

Adam inclined his own back, subtly pleased. "Thank you."

"You were awfully relaxed during it. I don't think I'd have noticed if I wasn't trained to act the same way. Have you been on TV before?"

"I did a few local shows in Menagerie."

Yang and Ruby perked up. "Really?"

"Hmm. Menagerie doesn't have a CCT as it's not recognised as a proper kingdom." And never would be so long as Atlas had a say. "That means we have our own channels."

"Is there a White Fang channel?" Ruby asked curiously.

"There are some controlled by them, yes. It's not blatant by any means, more news leaning in their favour, carefully picked stories and things. Propaganda," he admitted. "I was influential enough that the higher-ups decided it would be good publicity to have me do a few interviews and even a talk show."

"You're kidding." Yang rolled onto her front, feet kicking up behind her and chin balanced on her hands. Her eyes were alight. "You did a talk show. You of all people?"

"I did."

"No way. With questions from the audience?"

"Yes."

"No. Way." Yang enunciated each word. "Mr Broody himself on a midday talk show. I need a recording of it."

"I hope you don't find it offensive, but I really can't imagine you doing well in that kind of thing." Weiss said.

How was he meant to take offence when he'd been awful? The show hadn't been a train wreck, but it had been close. The host had to write off Adam's impatience and temper as part of his rugged attitude. The poor ratings had been part of the reason Sienna forced him through training to be better, and the beginning of his "redemption arc" on the big screen.

He'd seen it all as a waste of his time. The young Adam back then hadn't understood the hearts and minds philosophy, and he'd always felt he could bring down Atlas alone if he just had one good team to work with. As he'd grown, both in age and wisdom, he'd realised Sienna was right.

"It was awkward at first. I got better. How was my interview taken?" he asked. "I was too busy being interrogated to find out."

"Eh. Good and bad." Yang answered with a grin. "People on the fence are cautiously optimistic, those that liked you like you more, and those that hate you are saying you're pretending to get people's guards down."

"So, what you're saying is that nothing has changed…"

"Pretty much."

"Typical."

"Change takes time," Weiss said. "You can't expect people to believe you after one interview when you have years in the White Fang under your belt. They're afraid. They don't know you and don't have a chance to know you. All they can do is base their decisions on what they are told and the limited information they have. Much of it bad," she added.

"People shouldn't judge without knowing all the details," Ruby argued.

"In an ideal world, no, but you can't expect people to just not have an opinion. That's not how it works. People have to make their minds up on limited information sometimes. Otherwise, no one would be able to decide on anything."

"Can we have a break from the philosophical?"

"I think this is more sociological…" Weiss said.

"Same thing! Sheesh!" Yang rolled onto her back and then kicked her legs out, standing. "My fight is tomorrow, and I can't be distracted by wondering what every other idiot in Vale thinks of our team. Not if I end up against someone strong."

"The competition is down to four teams," Adam pointed out. "It's going to be a strong opponent no matter who it is."

"I know. Pyrrha is obviously the rep for her team but the one from Atlas and Mistral could be anyone."

"The silver haired boy, Mercury, I believe," Weiss said. "He seemed more physically capable than his teammate."

Strength wasn't everything and yet in a competition like this, you couldn't afford to rely on a niche semblance, especially if that semblance had been revealed earlier on. That was why Weiss and Ruby weren't good matches to go further; their Semblances were powerful, but the other teams had days now to figure out what they were and plan ways around it.

In the end, you had to bring your most versatile combatant forward. Someone who could theoretically hold their own in a normal fight, but also adapt to any surprise semblances or weapons that came their way. That couldn't be Ruby no matter how hard she tried – she relied too much on her speed. In truth, he wasn't the best bet for this either. He was the best fighter on the team, and the best bet if Yang ended up facing Pyrrha, but his ranged options were limited, and he had his rather obvious blind spot.

"You'll do great!" Ruby said swiftly. Predictably. She would always be on her sister's side, and they all knew it.

"Don't let your temper get the best of you," Adam said, biased by all accounts to the girl he was dating, but still prepared to be frank. "Especially if you face Pyrrha. All the advantages are in her favour. You'll need to be at your best."

"Gee. Thanks for the support. Couldn't you say something a little more inspiring?"

"Winning here means little. No one will care who won the Vytal Festival in ten years' time. Do your best."

"Okay. Marginally better, but only marginally. Sheesh."

"I've never been good at pep talks," Adam admitted.

"We can tell!" all three girls said at once.

Adam chuckled.

/-/

Winter Schnee all but pushed Adam down into his seat in the stands. Her posture was stiff, and she hadn't said a word today – something told him she'd been criticised for the Lisa Lavender incident the day before. Poor pet dog had been told off by its master and was now sulking. He sneered silently before turning back to his team. Yang was nowhere to be seen, preparing and, he imagined, fretting in the changing rooms.

He really wished he could have offered more comfort. It wasn't his style. Should he have kissed her good luck? That was hard when you were surrounded by soldiers. I'm really not good at this, he thought dully. Yang deserves better. He made a mental note to try, even if that would mean having to brave asking someone how to be a better boyfriend.

Things were less complicated with Blake, but maybe they hadn't been. Maybe things had been just as bad, and he never noticed. Maybe Blake had wanted more, deserved more, and he – ignorant as usual – had missed all the signs. It was a difficult thought to experience so early in the morning on the semi-finals of the Vytal Festival.

"I hope Yang doesn't have to go first," Ruby said. "Then she'd know who her opponent is and have time to plan."

"Time to panic as well," Weiss said. "I'm sure she's hoping to go first so she can get it over with. Although if she's the first out…"

"Every fight will have a loser as well as a winner," he said.

"Yes but being the first out will feel bad even if it's no different from being the second." Ruby bit her lip. "Oh, I wish we could be down there. Why do we have to sit in the crowds when we could be cheering her on?"

"It is to prevent cheating." Winter Schnee spoke her first words without looking at any of them. "There are a wide array of Semblances an event like this. It's possible someone could influence a fight from the side lines if they wanted to."

"Couldn't they do it from the stands just as easily?"

"Not as easily. Most Semblances struggle over distance."

"Most," Weiss said.

"No system is perfect. The best you can do is limit the chances for interference and judge individual cases as they happen. The festival is held in the spirit of cooperation and to bolster relations between the kingdoms."

Nonsense. It was for showing off and profit. Maybe it had once been conceived of with the idea of peace, but nowadays it was a spectacle, a show, and whichever kingdom hosted it experienced a vast increase in traffic and wealth as a result. Hotels rejoiced, restaurants were packed, and homeowners would even rent out rooms to those willing to pay.

On the political side of things, it was a chance to brag about the academies of each region and the strength of the next generation. In a very real way, it was advertising. Huntsmen graduating from Beacon were more likely to stay in Vale, so the city was as good as saying "hey, look at how strong our huntsmen are. It's safer to live here than Mistral."

More people living in the kingdom meant more taxes, a stronger economy and more prospective huntsmen in the future. Everyone wanted to join the best academy after all, and why not judge that on a competition between them. Beacon had won the last two, he understood, and would probably win this one with Pyrrha under their banner.

"International cooperation isn't bad," Ruby said.

"Except it's only the four kingdoms…" Adam muttered.

"There are only four academies," Winter said. "If you are referring to Menagerie then it's not as though they could send any teams."

"We have huntsmen on Menagerie. They're trained by their parents or other local huntsmen and huntresses who have retired. It's no academy, I'll admit, but they risk their lives against the Grimm all the same. They could compete."

"Would they do well?" Weiss asked.

"They wouldn't be able to beat Pyrrha, but I'm confident some of them could reach the semi-finals. They're the same age as you. The tutelage is less specialised, obviously, but they're more apprentices than students, so they have a lot more real-life experience fighting Grimm."

"That sounds cool!" Ruby cheered. "Do they, like, have a huntsmen each as a teacher? Are they in teams like us?"

Winter appeared interested as well. Like much of Atlas, she'd probably written Menagerie off as an island run by the White Fang. Violent extremists or some pirate haven.

"It differs from person to person. The huntsman or huntress has the ultimate choice. Some have a single apprentice, but some look after teams of two, three or four. They also band together to teach classes – more practical than those at Beacon. They leave history and other theoretical subjects to the normal schools."

"They have to do both, then?"

"Yes. Studying under a huntsman is more… voluntary. Like a club or after-school career. For the most part it's free to anyone who wants to join, but again, the huntsmen have the choice on who they accept or refuse to take out on hunts."

"That sounds so cool!" Ruby had her fists clenched tight and her eyes were shining. Trust her to love the idea of hands-on training through combat. "I bet they're super strong!"

"If they're all but running their own academy, why not officialise it?" Weiss asked.

"Atlas."

Weiss and Ruby looked confused. Winter knew, and quickly stepped in before he could poison the issue with his view of the issue. "Menagerie is known to have close ties to the White Fang," she said. "Many of their recruits come from there. To formalise an academy requires assistance and approval from the other academies and kingdoms. Atlas is obviously reluctant to grant that so long as Menagerie plays host to terrorists. We have offered to accept them at the discussion if they will publicly condemn the White Fang and their actions."

"Which you know full well isn't possible," Adam said. "You might as well ask them to cut their own arms off."

"Why isn't it possible?" Ruby asked.

"The White Fang do exist in Menagerie," Adam explained. "No one makes a secret of that. The reason they have such success there, however, is specifically because the other kingdoms neglect it. Do you think the Grimm ignore Menagerie? We face just as many attacks as Vale does and yet the island receives no support. You've heard what happened to Mountain Glenn. How do you think Menagerie would have fared if it wasn't for those violent, bloodthirsty terrorists risking their lives to protect it?"

Not at all. Menagerie would have fallen long, long ago.

"Menagerie needs the White Fang," he continued. "We – or they – are quite literally Menagerie's huntsmen. They look after the island where Atlas refuses to, they patrol its waters where Mistral would leave them to die. Atlas wants Menagerie to renounce the White Fang, but that's as good as asking everyone there to feed themselves to the Grimm."

"Atlas would protect Menagerie if it did as we asked," Winter claimed.

"Sure it would. In the same way it protected the faunus from discrimination before. Your words are mud to our people. Even those living in Menagerie who hate the White Fang would rather side with them than leave the fates of their children in your hands. And so, Menagerie won't be recognised, and we'll never have a proper academy, and we'll continue to struggle and suffer because Atlas wants to hold our safety hostage."

"It is… far more complicated than he makes it sound…" Winter said quietly. "There's a lot more to it. Strategic decisions, logistical problems, the Atlas council, and yes, the White Fang themselves. His version of it is a very narrow one."

"Is it inaccurate?"

Winter refused to answer.

"H-Hey," Ruby stammered. "The slots are starting." She pointed to the holographic image of a slot machine that would, for some bizarre reason, decide the combatants and the arena. Above it was a message highlighting that the day's arena was sponsored by some telecommunications company he'd never heard of.

Quaint.

The wheels turned while the commentators spoke, and the audience waited in anticipation. The first wheel came to a slow halt, working its way through individual faces until it landed on one.

"And our first competitor is Pyrrha Nikos!" Professor Port boomed. The crowd roared their approval. Pyrrha was both the bookie's favourites and the general publics. Everyone loved a winner. "And her opponent today is…" The slots came to a stop. "A-Adam Taurus…?"

The audience stilled. Adam froze.

Winter tensed.

"Ahah. There must be a mistake here," Professor Port valiantly talked through it all. "The registration shows that representing Team RYST is Yang Xiao-Long. Can I get an applause for Yang Xiao-Long!"

They tried. It was led mostly by the students and those in the crowd who were willing to play along. Despite that, it was his face that remained on the hologram. "I've been under your watch all day," he said quickly to Winter. "There is no way I had a hand in this."

"I… I am aware…"

"And the battlefield today will be… neutral! You're in for a treat this time, ladies and gentlemen. No terrain, no obstacles, only two fine huntresses in their prime going at it for glory and victory!"

The crowd began to cheer. There was a lot Adam could and would say about Port, but the man had a talent with rousing people. Soon, the audience were banging their feet in anticipation, chanting loudly. Most of it was "Nikos, Nikos, Nikos" but there were enough supporting Vale to chant for Yang instead. A lot of students from Signal had come to support someone from their school.

"If our combatants could come onto the stage," Port said. "Our first competitor, Pyrrha Nikos!"

The doors on the bottom of the stands opened. Pyrrha was the first out, tall and relaxed under the gaze of tens of thousands of people. It was nothing new to her. She waved politely, a smile fixed on her face that was every bit as photogenic as it was forced.

When she reached the arena, she stepped up onto it and bowed once to the left, then again to the right. Humble, or so the crowd must have thought. Adam knew she was just going through the motions. He had a feeling Ruby, and Weiss recognised it as well.

"And her opponent today, member of Team RYST and having already displayed her skills in the team and doubles rounds, let's hear it for Yang Xiao-Long!"

Adam clapped as loudly as Weiss did, though no one could have competed with Ruby's enthusiasm. The applause rippled out, rising in volume and then slowly, awkwardly, dipping off.

"Ahem. If Yang Xiao-Long can come out onto the arena. Worry not, folks, she's probably a little shy. Not every day you perform in front of such an incredible crowd."

"Where is she?" Weiss hissed. "What's going on?"

"I don't know." Adam's eyes narrowed. He gripped the railing and stood, immediately feeling Winter's hand on his right wrist. He tried to pull away, but she wouldn't let him. "Something is wrong."

Down below, an official peeked his head through the door Yang should be coming through, turned back to the cameras and shrugged.

"Ahah." Port laughed. "Just a small problem, folks. A moment of patience please."

"Yang wouldn't miss this!" Ruby said.

"We need to find her."

"You need to stay here." Winter hissed. "I am not having you running across Amity where I could lose you, especially not if something suspicious is happening. How do we know this isn't your doing?"

"Winter!" Weiss gasped.

"Because, Schnee, that is my teammate down there – my girlfriend!" He leaned in sharply, causing Winter's eyes to widen. The two soldiers reached for their weapons. "And if you think you can keep me from finding out what is happening, you have another thing-"

"Ahem." Port's voice interrupted him. "Well, there appears to be a small problem. Not to worry folks, each team is required to nominate a secondary in the case of any issues. I have Team RYST's right here. Ah. Is this right?" he whispered off to the side. "Are you sure? Ahem. Adam Taurus. Will Adam Taurus make his way down onto the arena."

"Bullshit!" he swore, eye flashing angrily. "Weiss was second and Ruby third. I never even put my name down! Someone has tampered with it!"

"General Ironwood. General Ironwood?" Winter slapped her comms device with one hand. "He's not answering – likely trying to figure out what is going on as much as we are." She mumbled something under her breath, looked around the increasingly agitated crowd and made a snap decision, releasing his wrist. "Go compete."

"What?"

"Go," she said. "Face Nikos."

Adam let out an angry laugh. "Are you making a joke? One of our team is missing. I couldn't care less about the damn tournament!" His words brought quick nods from Weiss and Ruby. "Announce our forfeit. We'll find Yang."

"And what if this is a stupid accident?" Winter demanded. "What if she's locked herself in the changing room or tripped and hurt herself but is otherwise safe and sound? The Vytal Festival is important. What's more, whoever placed your name on the list wants you to fight. Do you really want to see what happens if we deny that?"

He bit his lip. "I thought Atlas didn't give in to demands."

"We don't. But we do lay traps. There's more," she said. "I can't trust you enough to let you out my sight. Even if Ironwood answered, he would never let you leave the stands if something untoward was taking place. You can either compete while your teammates look for her, or you can forfeit and still be forced to sit here while they look. Whichever you choose, you're not leaving the arena."

He wanted to rip his hair out. Or hers. "Is this the damn time for your paranoia!?"

"This is the precise time for it. I have no reason to believe you're not involved in this; that this isn't some plan you and the White Fang intent to take advantage of. You won't be able to do that if you're down there under all our watchful gazes."

Damn her. Damn her and Atlas all. He had half a mind to tell her to stick her fear up her ass, but what would that do? His collar would incapacitate him the moment he tried to run away. Winter wouldn't care that it was to find Yang. In her eyes, she had the right to protect everyone here.

Weiss touched his elbow. "We'll find her, Adam. Don't worry. At worst, Yang is being kept busy by someone. You know she wouldn't go down in a fight. We'll find her. You represent Team RYST."

"Weiss…" He closed his good eye. Grimaced. "This is a farce. This is ridiculous. A huntress is potentially in danger and Atlas won't let me help because it can't get over its prejudices."

"You, Adam Taurus, are a dangerous criminal. You are a terrorist. Whether or not you believe yourself redeemed does not change what you've done. Nor does it make our caution prejudice." Snapping her fingers, she said, "You two accompany Team RYST. Find their missing teammate, secure her and then report back to me immediately. If she is in danger, take any steps necessary to protect her."

"Yes ma'am!" the two soldiers said, picking up their weapons and moving over to Team RYST.

"Is this enough?" Winter asked. "The moment I can reach General Ironwood, I will inform and have him assist in finding her as well. That will go a lot quicker if you stop arguing with me."

"Fine." Adam snapped his answer, turning and gripping the railing. He looked to Ruby and Weiss sternly. "Find her. And if this is something stupid…" He knew it wouldn't be. Yang wouldn't mess around with this. "I'll leave it to you. Be careful."

"We will," Ruby promised.

"Fight well," Weiss said.

With a quick nod back, Adam vaulted the railing and dropped. It was ten feet or more, enough time for his black coat to flap up above him before he struck the ground. He was unarmed, but a single command to his rocket locker would change that. Sweeping his coat back, Adam stalked toward the raised arena, buried under the weight of thousands of judging eyes. They looked at him as though they were watching a monster.

If Yang was hurt, they would see one.

Off to the doctors now.

Next Chapter: 6th July

P a treon . com (slash) Coeur