Howdy! Another long chapter for you guys.

Took me a while to figure out where exactly wanted to go with this story, but after days of brainstorming I finally found it.

So for those wondering about the timeframe that the story takes up - Jaune has been in the past for an amazing ten months!
Four months being a student until the battle of the Docks; six months since becoming a King.
Which means the Vytal Festival Tournament is coming soon, which also means their first school year is almost over!

Disclaimer: I don't own RWBY

Chapter 34: Ex Nihilo Nihil Fit

"Good job, Weiss. You've done it again."

Weiss stood before her mirror once more, realizing she was starting to talk to herself more than her own teammates. Staring at her long flowing white hair, she pressed her hands against the porcelain edges of her sink, thinking and wondering what exactly was going to happen to her and her team. Aside from the brisk ride in the Levies and the tense ride home in the Charité, the weight, the pressure was only building. She couldn't even change out of her armor and into her school uniform without fumbling and struggling to get a grip on her emotions. Blake disappeared to look after the wounded train passengers, taking Cardin and Velvet along for good measure, and Yang was off in the courtyard of the school probably trying to get news reporters off their grounds.

As they returned to Beacon, Atlas was in uproar with some soldiers at the docks ready to try and apprehend the Fireteams that stepped from Levies. There was shouting, there were threats, there were even drawn blades and activated Dust. Fireteams that were respected across the southern half of Vale were bickering like undisciplined children. Atlesian soldiers, Atlas's finest, acted like trigger happy fools, ready to open fire at a moment notice. No one was in their right mind. The nonsense they yelled, the hatred flowing between the two armies only got worse. In the city, she could hear people jeering at Sienna Khan and her army of Faunus, and some were seen trying to throw muck and trash at the new fleet of airships now hovering ominously over the city.

The Espérer and the Paix had their weapons armed with the captains of both ships asking, almost begging for fire commands. It didn't take long for the rest of their airship fleet to arrive with their air wings already launched and gun batteries loaded. The events kept replaying in her head, over and over again. She couldn't believe it – she almost really started a war between the two weaponized nations. Attacking Ironwood had merit but she didn't need to. She didn't need to attack Sienna either, who was more than ready to rescind her offer to Jaune; something they couldn't afford when Adam Taurus was running around Vale murdering hundreds with every week that passes. Not only that – more people were arriving in Vale for the Vytal Festival Tournament, which she knew was still up in the air.

As if all the problems of the Kingdom weren't already laid out – refugees still poured into the walls of the Great Kingdom. With Jaune in the forefront of every interview, of every press conference and standing before the people of Vale so openly; someone this close to him, a member of his own sister team, only spelled danger to his cause. Clenching her fists, she bashed her fists into the sink, coughing up a sob.

It wasn't long before the Council had sent delegates to Beacon as well, their personal airships arriving at the docks blocking LAHAT and Bullheads from landing as well. Needless to say, it was all one big clusterfuck that only grew bigger and bigger and she found herself in the crosshairs of the international community. The CCTN went wild within hours, reporters were on Beacon's grounds, despite Ozpin's requests against it. After all, he was a headmaster, what was he to the masses and the council who was still in charge.

Jaune though, didn't seem fazed by the whole ordeal. He walked through the crowds ignoring their cameras and flashing lights. People in the city were protesting that Atlas or Jaune, of all the people, to be at fault. The people were divided almost by the river entirely – north of the river defended Atlas and practically stayed behind the council and their lawful requests. South of the river however, refused to let them slander their King. They demanded Atlas to leave Vale and never return. They waved banners of Vale proudly, they even waved Arc and Winchester symbols and paraphernalia. Their division could start the war that no one wanted.

Cursing herself, Weiss knew who was really at fault. Flashes of her glyphs in action, the ice shooting from the symbols, the crystals latching onto their bodies. The faces of both the White Fang and the Atlesian Footmen burning in her mind. The searing glares of both Ironwood and Sienna could spark any flame into existence. It was surprise that they didn't melt the ice. She shook violently in her nightgown. She knew what tomorrow would hold. Confined to her dorm, even her classes were putting her grades on hold. Cameras, lights and the CCTN would show her face to every television and every scroll all across Remnant. She knew it would only be hours before Atlas heard of her actions. It wouldn't be long before Atlas learns of how Jaune disrespected their beloved General. Clutching the sink, she collapsed, feeling her knees wobble out from under her.

It wasn't a matter of if, but when her father finds out. There wouldn't be anything to stop him from coming over and whisking her away. Or worse, forcing things she wanted no part of onto her. Taking several deep breaths, should already hear him screaming at her, berating her, disciplining her. She knew the kind of backlash that could happen to the SDC. Stockholders were in Atlas; shareholders were in Atlas; most of their customers were in Atlas. The damn Atlesian Military was their biggest benefactor and the source of most of their income. With all the research and development made by the General and his top scientists, she could see the value of the SDC going down.

And once again, she was at the epicenter of it all.

It's the start of the second semester. Please. I just wanted to get through this without issue. But no, here I am. What in the living fuck have I gotten myself into?

Forcing herself to her feet, she jumped in surprise at the knock at the bathroom door. "Who is it?"

"It's me…"

Crawling over to the door, she leaned against it. "Did I mess up, Ruby?"

There was silence. "Nope. I don't think you did."

"Everyone else says I did."

"People who weren't there, are saying that." Ruby quickly followed. "What would they know?"

"The General is probably shouting at Jaune right now and Jaune is probably…"

"Don't worry about him." Ruby could be heard chuckling. "I know he can handle himself. You, though…are you okay?"

"Do I sound okay?" Weiss scowled as she leaned her head against the door. "I just feel I acted poorly out there…"

"Well, a lot of people are angry…"

"But what would they know, right?"

"That's the spirit, Weiss!" Ruby cheered.

The heiress winced, backing away from the door. "Keep it down, doofus."

"Sorry!" She could practically imagine Ruby cringing with a dopey look on her face. "I uh, wanted to keep you company while Yang and the Fireteams try to calm the protests in Vale. I know I should be out there helping the troops, but I feel I should be here to take care of my partner. I know you're probably used to all the cameras and lights and action – but you are going to be speaking to everyone of both Kingdoms, maybe even all four Kingdoms."

Weiss looked at the door with surprise. "I…thank you, Ruby. That really means a lot to me, but you really don't have to stay here. I'm gonna be stuck here for as long as the news teams need to set up the studio. I…I honestly can't be bothered by anything right now! I messed up. I keep messing up. After everything, I really thought I was moving forward."

"Nope."

"What?" Weiss turned to the door. "What do you mean nope?"

"Nope. You don't mess up." Ruby's response was so juvenile. So…her.

"Look at all that I've done!" Weiss could feel her voice reverberating back and forth through bathroom walls.

"So, it's okay for you to shout but not me?"

Weiss blushed. "S-Sorry, Ruby."

"I'm just playing." Ruby could be heard snickering. "Yeah, what happened was a mistake, and could have gone so many different ways…but it happened anyway. I don't know what's gonna happen next but regardless I think you'll know what to do. You have to."

"What if I don't know what to do?"

"Nope."

"Not this again. I get it from Yang all the time."

"I got it from my Uncle Qrow." Weiss could only imagine the beaming smile on her face. "But, yeah. Nope. You can't doubt yourself. You have to know. I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say everything pretty much rides on your shoulders."

"Ruby…how?"

"I don't have answers." She said truthfully. "I can only sit here and trust in you and trust that you'll know what to do."

"So…I just face it head on like Yang would?"

"Eh…" She could practically see Ruby cringing. "I-I wouldn't exactly say that. Maybe something more…Weiss-y."

"Weiss-y?"

"Y-Y'know – classy, pretty, snowy, wintery, gorgeous, smart–" Ruby started to ramble, listing off compliments that she came up with off the top of her head.

"Oh, shut up. That's enough; I get it now…" She couldn't help but blush at all the things the little red hooded girl said. It honestly lifted her spirits. "What happens now?"

"I don't know." Ruby answered. She was silent for a while. Before Weiss could reach for the door, a weight fell onto it, pushing against her. "Just…whatever happens, I'm not leaving you. RWBY and JNPR are in this together, no matter what. Who knows, this might be a blessing in disguise?"

"Yeah…" Weiss whispered. "Ruby? You know, you're really good at this."

"At what?"

"Making people feel better."

"Oh…right." Ruby giggled. "I got it from my dad since my mom…he always did his best to take of me and Yang…"

"Just so we're on the same page, we're talking about the same guy that gave you a glass of warm milk and motivational cat posters to cure you when you were sick?" Weiss narrowed her eyes at the door.

"Y-Yeah, same one." Ruby dejected. "He's a great dad!"

"A bit dull, but yeah, I can see the appeal." Weiss smiled. "Ruby?"

"Yes, Weiss?"

"I…thank you for everything, Ruby…and…I…I love you. Where would I be without you?"

Ruby gave a half-hearted chuckle. "You know I'm always here for you…and I love you too, Weiss. Be safe, okay?"

"You attacked my people out there, General."

"You interrupted an operation that I was planning for months! None of you should have been there to begin with! Some insight to your plans could have sufficed!" The general shouted back.

Jaune stood unimpressed, his arms crossed over his chest. "I know you're not talking. You come to my Kingdom and expect everything to be laid out in some fancy little report, bulletined and labeled. You forget – this isn't Atlas and I am not one of your lackeys. You should have spoken to me first before acting so stupidly. If you didn't show up with your damn machines, I almost brokered real peace with the White Fang. Sienna Khan offered to pull the White Fang from our side of Sanus. I was this close to ending Human-Faunus hostilities for good and what do you do?!"

"Oh, they'll leave Vale, but not Atlas? Not Mistral? Vacuo? What of them?" Ironwood clenched his fist.

The blond though, scoffed and almost stifled a laugh. "The fuck is my title again? King of Vale. Not king of Atlas, Mistral nor Vacuo. What happens in those Kingdoms is none of my concern, you ignoramus. You do as you please with your nations and I'll do as I please with mine!"

"He has a point." Leonardo Lionheart said. Standing beside Ozpin, the hologram of the Lion Faunus almost twitched when Jaune's voice bellowed. Jaune looked at the old man with a knowing glance. Leo had enough shame to look away.

"Still, Ironwood was well within his rights to act, Your Grace." Theodore, the Headmaster of Shade added. Standing tall and stout, the muscled man had his arms behind his back with a large spear leaning on his shoulder. "When the Council invited him to Vale to investigate the murders and the growing Grimm presence, they must have had reason to do so. Your army is quite impressive but clearly, not impressive enough."

"Your Council called me, not you." Ironwood added. "And if you haven't noticed, your army isn't the true army of Vale, else, the Council wouldn't have found it necessary to call upon me and my forces. Last I checked, you aren't even the official King of Vale."

"This isn't about measuring dicks, General. It's about respecting another Kingdom's sovereignty. This is the same shit that started the Great War eighty years ago." Jaune hissed. Turning on his heels, he knew the subject was still sore for many people but he didn't have the luxury of caring for their feelings. "You blasted a train filled with innocent people."

"The White Fang had saboteurs."

"And that gives you the right to endanger the lives of almost a hundred innocent men and women?! Who gives a shit if they were former White Fang? My mom was former White Fang! My own Queen is former White Fang! Are you saying; you'll blast them to smithereens too?! What went through that metal head of yours to approve that attack?! You could have killed them all!"

"Contrary to what they might have told you, they're up to no good. You can't trust them after everything they've done in Vacuo." Ironwood said, pulling out a round flask.

"They are as big a problem as General Ironwood makes them out to be." Theodore quickly added. "The Faunus Mafia as we've simply come to calling them, is well, highly trained in warfare and guerilla tactics. They've managed to fend off several of my Huntsmen teams and they've carved out their own little piece of Vacuo with many officials turning a blind eye. With resources as scarce as they are – they're siphoning power and water away from the people who desperately need it. It's not even Human-Faunus relations at stake – innocent civilians are struggling to get by."

"Then what was the point in coming after me?" Sienna finally asked with her arms crossed over her chest. "You've established they have nothing to do with me, yet you attacked us."

"You're the most wanted criminal in the world, Khan. Don't think that because you want to have peace, you're off my list." Ironwood scowled. "You attacked Vale six months ago."

"Wrong." Jaune said. "If you've read the reports from that night instead of jumping to your own conclusions, then maybe, you might have learned that little snippet."

Qrow could be heard against the wall cackling as he sipped away at his whiskey. "He's taking shots and he scores!"

Sienna ignored the Branwen. Turning to face the General eye for eye, she continued. "Adam Taurus has been a thorn in the White Fang's council for months before the attack. He did that of his own volition. You think we're as organized and prepared as you are in your fancy kingdoms behind your fancy walls – let me tell you something General, we had to make do with what we have. I don't expect your ice-cold Atlesian heart to understand. My people are being slaughtered by someone we thought was on our side. Adam Taurus is nothing more than a power-hungry traitor with visions of grandeur. I came to Vale to speak with the only sane person here. Jaune Arc, the King of Vale, because he faced Adam, he beat Adam and he continued to beat Adam even after the bull disappeared."

"And it just so happened that he arrived in Vale. You are willing to throw down your arms after everything, just to get your hands on Adam Taurus?" Ironwood asked almost incredulously. "Well excuse me if I don't believe you. Someone like that would be a perfect warrior for your cause. Who's to say that once he's handed over that you won't just release him onto us? If I remember correctly, he was your favorite tool to use against Humans in Vale."

"That was before he was corrupted." Jaune walked to the table giving Ozpin a look. "It's about time that we actually consider the threat of the enemy we're facing. Headmasters, General, High Leader. Most of you know what we're really facing, the real reason for Ironwood's army being brought. You know damn well, James, that you could have brought just one airship, but instead you brought three. What kind of war are you intending to fight with Salem?"

"Your Grace, High Leader Khan is still–"

"I'll let it pass, Theodore." Ozpin raised a hand. "Speak freely, Jaune."

"Salem isn't afraid of your army, James."

"And you think she's afraid of yours?"

"It's not her I intend to smoke out." Jaune hissed. "Salem's pawn walks the streets of Vale if she hasn't wised up and gotten out of dodge yet. Judging by the killings across Vale, I doubt she's left. She's only biding her time and preparing for the right moment to strike. It took a whole lot of bullshit to make her show her face after the Fall in the future. I know for a fact, that she's lurking somewhere. If Salem called her back, she refused to listen to her call and Adam, is leading the hunt for her. Haven't you wondered why the rest of Team RRGE hasn't showed up to save Reggie yet? It's been…how many months again, since the Battle of the Docks? Don't you find it strange?"

"Then when I was in Menagerie, Adam Taurus showed up and took with him through Salem's portals, almost thirty Faunus, a small army maybe. Who knows what's happened to them – if I were a betting man, those who survived whatever Salem did, they turned out just like Adam. Twisted, corrupted and shells of their former selves. If you think Adam was bad before, he's a different kind of monster now. I don't doubt that Salem has made him into one of her pawns like WTCH and RRGE. If she plays her cards right, she'll have another team like RRGE running about."

"RRGE? WTCH? Salem?" Sienna furrowed her brows. "What the fuck are you on about?"

"How do I male this as simple as possible?" Jaune sighed. "The Grimm have a leader. The Grimm Darkness, the Mistress of Distress, the Queen of all things Evil. Salem. She…has been plotting for a long time to find the Four Maidens to take the Four Relics from the Four Huntsman Academies. Are you following me so far?"

"T-The Maidens like…like the fairytale?" Sienna almost scoffed. "But y-yeah, I follow…"

"The Relics were more than just some fancy terminology in religious scripture. They are real, actual, physical things." Jaune continued. "To get to each Relic, the Maidens connected to each Relic are required to bypass every defensive mechanism and all other traps that were made to protect something that important. The Last King of Vale, my ancestor, saw to it to make things as difficult as possible. However, the Headmasters of every Academy knows where the relics are being held."

"That's where I go into the maidens." Jaune turned. "As of now, the Fall Maiden is beneath Beacon Tower, struggling to stay alive. Salem had a lieutenant, a member of Team WTCH – Arthur Watts, Tyrian Callows, Cinder–"

"T-Tyrian C-Callows?!" Sienna backed away. "That can't be!"

"Y-You know him?" Jaune asked with a raised brow.

"He…he's one of the greatest warriors of the Faunus Revolution. I was a child when I learned he died during one of the many battles that were fought. How in the world?" Sienna looked to the floor. "Sure, he was a loner, didn't tell many about himself, but he was a vicious fighter, a fine killer and while some wonder if he fought for Faunus, or fought because he enjoyed the slaughter, I wouldn't peg him to side with someone like that!"

"Oh, honey." Jaune chuckled. "You don't know a damn thing."

"Clearly!" Sienna shouted. "Go on…I need to know more."

"The C of WTCH is Cinder Fall. She was orphaned by Grimm in one of Sanus's many, many, many, outlying villages. She, from what I've manage to gather, was whisked away by Salem when offered a chance to go against her destiny to die at the hands of the Grimm. That alone fed her already damaged mind and made her into putty for Salem to use and mold into any way she saw fit. Cinder Fall…in the future, kills my partner, Pyrrha Nikos. She leads Grimm into Vale and attacks Beacon Academy with a Grimm Wyvern. And with the Fall of Vale, every Kingdom, every nation and continent falls like dominoes."

"Wait, wait, wait." Sienna raised a hand. "I didn't think I heard you right at first, but now, future?! What the fuck?!"

"Gods, this is going to take forever." Ironwood cracked his knuckles. "Why waste your time on her? We have to look for Cinder Fall."

"Sienna Khan isn't our enemy anymore. She is powerful and skilled in her own right. After all, she's been a nail in the Four Kingdom's side for five years. She is someone we could benefit having on our side. If she could do that to four kingdoms imagine what she could do to Salem. Sienna, I don't tell you all of this on a whim, I feel you're important to the greater scheme of things."

"You haven't explained that future shit."

"You were right to come here to hunt for Adam Taurus. In the future, almost a year after the Fall of Beacon, he comes to you with Hazel Rainart, the H in WTCH, with the offer of help from Salem. You were smart to deny him that and well, he kills you."

"H-He kills me?" Sienna asked with wide eyes. "W-What the fuck?!"

"Yeah. He said something about enslaving humans and doing unto us what they did unto you. Clearly, you disagreed with him and rebuked him and even denounced him in front of the White Fang. Little did you know, they supported him more than they supported you. In your death, the White Fang follows Adam and besieges Mistral. Many, many, many Faunus die in the war. Ghira Belladonna raises an army on Menagerie to help stop the new High Leader and as the battle continues, I kill Adam."

"Without you, Adam uses the White Fang and all Faunus who are now being hunted down for the destruction of not only Beacon, but Haven too? It was almost another Faunus War. You were the only thing that stood between all-out war and extermination. Right now, the Faunus are nervous, especially since you decided to arrive in my Kingdom with an air fleet. Not the best choice of action but yeah, I get it, I guess."

"So…" Sienna looked between the men and Glynda standing next to Ozpin. "What are you saying?"

"I need to make a new team of people that are skilled in subterfuge and spying and well, being a nuisance. Salem is probably looking for other allies since the White Fang that followed Adam fled Vale completely, running to Glade or Vacuo. Can I blame them? No, not really. Those who remain in Vale are in danger because before he and Torchwick were taken, the White Fang were in a joint venture stealing Dust from across the Kingdom. All under order by Cinder. Thing is, we haven't seen or heard of Cinder since the battle and well, I have no idea where she is. As I said before, judging by Adam returning, changed by Salem, that could only mean one of two things – he's been sent to help Cinder, but judging by the White Fang massacres, I highly doubt that that one. Then onto the one I'm leaning most on; he's been sent by Salem to seek out Cinder himself and bring her back to wherever their castle is. That, is what I'm guessing. Cinder isn't someone who'll retreat after a single defeat. Her ego is too big."

"Speaking of Cinder." Jaune took a deep breath. "Before you interrupted me, she holds half the power of the Fall Maiden."

Holding his hand out, golden antlers appeared on his forehead. Ozpin immediately shot to his feet, ready to speak. The two holograms of the headmasters flinched, reaching out as well, even Ironwood, his eyes bulging in his head. Sienna watched the world suddenly turn white. The walls of the inner sanctum disappeared, the great windows watching Vale in the distance were gone and all she saw was a white void. Reaching for her chain whip, a golden hand rested on her hands, filling her with soothing energy, calming her immediately.

"Don't. There's no need to." Jaune's voice echoed with the tone of multiple voices.

"W-What is this?!" Sienna nearly shouted. "Explain!"

"I am Jaune Arc of the House of Arc and I need you to calm down. Everyone is tense right now and will probably lose their shit when I relieve my power, but who gives a shit. I know I don't. Listen, I'm going to be quick about this. There are a few other people I need you to gather."

"Why me? Why not your Queens or the Huntsmen you have in your employ?!" Sienna asked incredulously. "You have so many resources but you're asking me. I don't want to fight anymore! You created a home for Faunus, you made the people of the Four Kingdoms respect Faunus and almost love them! With the Belladonnas in Menagerie and one of them being your QUEEN, there's nothing to fight for anymore! You took that from me!"

"Then I'm giving you something else to fight for. It's not for the Four Kingdoms; it's not for any Kingdom." Jaune snapped. "It's for the World, Sienna. Salem would have used you and tossed you aside after using your blind hatred to her advantage. You're just a tool to her, Sienna, and Salem used you and Adam to your fullest extent, driving Human-Faunus relations into the dirt. Whatever you think you were trying to create; it would never come to pass with the way you're going. After all, she sunk Anima after letting her White Fang supporters escape."

"Anima…sunk?" Sienna gasped.

"Yeah." Jaune looked away. "Using one of the relics she attained, she destroyed Anima. She drove her energy through it and sunk an entire continent beneath the waves of our oceans. Millions upon millions died and the Great War began with that act. You however, could have stopped it if you were alive to see it. Now, you can do what you can to stop it."

"Why?" The tigress asked, shaking in her cloak. "Why choose me?! I don't want any part of this!"

"Whether or not you want a part of this, you're in this now. There are others like you who want no part of this game, but thanks to fate, you, just like them, have been forced into it against your will. You can't escape the truth because Salem will come for us all eventually. Menagerie burned; Anima sunk; Solitas melted; Vytal was obliterated; half of Sanus drowned in blood and fire and Vacuo became the world's largest mass grave. Salem doesn't care about you or your ideals. Salem doesn't care for Human or Faunus; Salem doesn't care about life or death; she claims to be above it all. She thinks she's beyond the shackles of mortality and I intend to prove her wrong."

"Then why do you need me?" Sienna asked once more.

"Your skills to fight beyond the confines of conventional warfare is exactly the kind of skill that I need. My forces are able to fight real wars, real battles, but you, you're the type to strike where it hurts, you can draw out important targets; you can make Salem show herself. If not Salem, then her braindead lieutenants; RRGE, ACID, WTCH and whoever else is in her employ."

"I'm still not convinced, King." Sienna glared. "If I were to join you and fight for you–"

"You're not fighting for me. You're fighting for Remnant." Jaune corrected.

"Fine. Who would be on my team if I were to do such a thing?"

"I have a few names of people that I've been thinking of since returning to the past." Jaune said. "Winter Schnee, Atlas Specialist. Being a part of Atlesian Special Forces, she's skilled in subterfuge and sabotage. She's one of the best specialists in Atlas and with Jimmy finally getting off his fat stick, I'll be able to convince him to borrow Winter for a while. Then we have Raven Branwen."

"Raven Branwen?" Sienna gasped. "Who cares about the Schnee, Raven Branwen?! How in the world are you going to get Anima's most wanted bandit queen to join you?!"

"Well, her daughter is one of my Queens." Jaune responded with crossed arms. "Yang Xiao Long, daughter of Taiyang and Raven. Her skills as the Bandit Queen of the Branwen Tribe already slates her to be one of the greatest guerilla fighters in Remnant. Her skills, her powers and abilities make her a dangerous woman with all kinds of tricks up her sleeve. And she used to work with her brother Qrow under Ozpin. That alone makes her worth my attention.

"And the last, Neopolitan. She is imprisoned in Vale covered in all kinds of state-of-the-art binds and chains."

"Wasn't that one of Torchwick's goons?" Sienna asked with furrowed brows. "Didn't you imprison her? Why do you want her free?"

"Well, James had a point. The Council doesn't recognize me as the King. The northern half of Vale doesn't recognize me as King either. Only the southern half does and lo and behold, the docks were in the Northern half. Those in charge of the VPD won't listen to me north of the river, but hey, I'm not really bothered. Neopolitan learned a lot from Torchwick and her skills are perfect for this team I want to create."

"If the team were to be made, what would you have us do?" Sienna asked.

"If it was made, then your mission would be simple. Salem has contacts across the world and they use the CCTN and travel like anyone else. Their faces are not hard to find. Given how insane the White Fang and the Brotherhood are – looks like your personal war isn't over, High Leader. Your connections have gone deeper than you'd like to admit."

"You can't blame me." Sienna turned away. "We were down, we were beaten; we had to find help anywhere we could!"

"And that's why you're going to use those connections to help me learn where Salem is." Jaune nodded. "Do this for me and you'll be absolved of any crimes Vale convicts you of. Your men will be given a safe haven and new homes and new names and be given a choice to live in Vale or live in Menagerie. With my ties to Ghira Belladonna, it won't be too hard to do. The White Fang will be no more if you accept."

"The White Fang…" Sienna took a deep breath. "Why did you choose me?"

"Because you were wasted potential." Jaune said. "You could have been turned before if you were given a chance to speak. You were wasted by one man's obsession for power. Not this time. You want the best for your people, you want to be equal. In this world, in my world, you are equal. You always have been. Join me, Sienna. End the White Fang, here and now and start a new page."

"How do you intend to convince Raven Branwen?" Sienna finally spoke after almost a minute of silence. "How do you intend to get Winter Schnee? The General seems like he has a few bolts loose. He doesn't seem like the type to share."

"Raven, I have a letter that you're going to give to her. Winter, I'll deal with that myself. With her personal airship, Winter, you and Neo will travel to Anima and speak with Raven yourselves. Sound good enough?" Jaune asked.

"We'll be free?" She asked once again.

"Yes."

"You won't send your forces after me?"

"No. You have my word."

"We'll be absolved of whatever crimes we're convicted of?"

"I promise."

"I…I accept."

"Then act naturally. Don't do anything that'll make Ozpin know. If you can't tell, I'm not exactly on Ozpin's or the Headmaster's sides."

"Why?" Sienna asked.

"Not exactly the time or place to talk about it. One day, you'll know. Just…avoid Lionheart. While I've spoken to him and told Ozpin of the future; I don't exactly trust that cowardly lion. He betrayed us in the future, he's the one who opened the gates and allowed Adam Taurus to enter Haven. To be fair, he was butchered by Adam in his rage and that lead to Adam dying, but hey, he still betrayed us. While I don't doubt that Salem still has some kind of dirt on him, Ozpin may have decided to take advantage of his fear and use it against Salem."

"Hold up, hold up." Sienna raised her hands. "I thought you guys were on the same side?!"

"No." Jaune's answer was curt. "We may be against Salem, but we're hardly on the same side. This world was created to Ozpin's design. Lionheart may or may not be a pawn of Salem, even after I've called him out. Ironwood is working on his own agenda and I can't even begin to fathom what's going on in Headmaster Theodore's head. We're all fighting for different things and at the same time, the same thing. Salem is our common enemy, but the lengths we're willing to go to defeat her is what differentiates us…do you understand?"

"Like myself and Ghira." Sienna slowly nodded. "I wanted to fight, he wanted to speak. We wanted the same thing but…we just couldn't agree with the methods."

"Exactly." Jaune said. "The thing is, I want them to be my allies, I want them to be on my side, but they're stuck in their own ways and I'm not going to stoop to Salem's level and force people into my side. Ironwood can care for Atlas all he wants; Ozpin can fight and maintain his circle for all I care; Lionheart can continue working as a double agent – all that matters is if they get in my way."

Sienna watched him for a few moments. Her eyes narrowing slightly. Something rubbed her the wrong way, but she just couldn't put her finger on it. "What are you trying to gain from all of this? Building the army, militarizing Vale, Healing Menagerie…fixing Human-Faunus relations with an almost religious fervor. I don't understand. The way you talk about your supposed allies, the way you speak of men and women who fought beside you both now and in the future…you speak as if you don't trust them. What are you trying to achieve?"

"Salem's death. Cinder's death. Hazel's death. Doctor Watts' death. Tyrian's death. I want revenge for all that they did to me and my friends." Jaune answered honestly. "I want to rip everything from them. I want to destroy everything they wanted to create. I want my face to be the last thing they see before they leave this plane of existence. She wanted to watch us burn; the tables have turned this time. I will rend their defenses; I will tear their monuments down. When it's time…Salem won't know what hit her."

"Then why haven't you done it?" Sienna asked.

Jaune whipped around. "What always happens in history when people join sides to defeat a big enemy? They always turn on one another. When united in purpose to fight a common enemy, foundations like that are weaker than a castle built on sand. An alliance made needs to be made with the future in mind. When the big baddie as gone, a vacuum of power always follows. History is funny like that. Get rid of the big enemy, another one will wriggle itself out of the woodwork. Who knows, if you didn't come here; you might be that enemy. Raven could be that enemy. The Brotherhood could be that enemy. Maybe, Adam could be that enemy. There is going to be conflict, yes, but if I do this right, there won't be one that could threaten the world again like Salem. Do you follow?"

"A-A…Grimm-less world?" Sienna shuddered. "Is that even possible?!"

"Maybe." Jaune answered vaguely.

"Oh? Now, you choose to be ambiguous." Sienna hissed.

"We'll continue this on a different date." Jaune sighed. "We've been in here for a while. For everyone else, not even a second has passed. Don't make any sudden movements and act natural. Ironwood won't be trusting and Lionheart might go and report this to his mistress, Salem. Just…you'll think of something, I'm sure."

Golden light rushed out before her, blinding the world around in her a powerful pale void. White horizons were replaced with the skylines of Vale, north and south of the great river. Windows and their steel shingles appeared, blocking off the blaring warmth of the setting sun. A desk formed, a man with silver hair and round lensed glasses followed it with two holograms on either side of him. A tall man with broad shoulders and metallic appendages, phased into existence. Before she knew it, the white light died and the men and woman standing in attendance were mid shout.

As soon as it disappeared, their voices came as one. Jaune's antlers vanished and he was back to being the same boy King as before. Sienna was the target of their gazes, each one examining her and almost mentally interrogating her. Taking a deep breath, she looked between them, all different colored eyes wondering what her first words were going to be.

"W-What did you two talk about–"

"His Grace says the truth." Sienna nodded at Jaune. "I've agreed to his terms. Headmasters; General; Your Grace…I will be on my way."

As she began to walk, Ironwood prepared to move, but the crimson glare from Jaune kept him planted. "Let her go. She agreed to my terms. She's no longer under your jurisdiction. Are we done here? I have interviews and public relations to get through."

Taking a deep breath, her hands shook staring at the man in front of her. Blue listened to his words and listened to that of the Faunus beside him. Blake wasn't one to lie, nor was she one to lead others astray; Cardin though, she knew nothing about him, aside from his burnt-orange hair and his name. She didn't know what to say. It was strange, she came to Vale to find him, but he ended up finding her. In the hospital where she was, wires were attached to her wrists and the patches on her chest. She didn't find any reason for it, since they said that most of the people that were in the train were generally unharmed.

Looking around the hospital room, there were many others in casts and bandaged. Humana and Faunus. While no one looked as bad as Blue was used to seeing when in Vacuo, it was still disheartening. Sitting on beside her, Blake Belladonna, Adam Taurus's partner and hero of the Fang, and Cardin Winchester, the man she saw on television. He was nervous, but for some reason, he was there with another, Velvet, she said he name was.

Blue wanted to know more, but a raging headache ripped through her temples and across her forehead. The folds of muscle clinching and agonizing, she kept her mouth shut and her vibrant eyes closed. Letting their questions beat against her ears like tidal waves to a levy, she simply laid there and let them ask away. What answers they were looking for; she didn't entirely know. She looked at them, Blake was far more beautiful than ever before, freely revealing her cat ears to the people around them.

Blue remembered what Blake was like in the White Fang. She was cold, calculated and cynical. The Blake that sat beside her was smiling, laughing and even spoke more than a few sentences. It was nice to have a conversation with the Belladonna. Turning her eyes to the couple beside her, Cardin and Velvet looked to be inseparable with engagement rings on their fingers. She tried to speak but once again, the aching pain of her wounds made it nearly impossible to do.

"Blake." Cardin said, whipping out his scroll. "I have to go. My father is at Vale with Dahlia. She…she might show herself again."

"Go." Blake nodded. "Don't worry about me and Blue. If she makes an issue, don't be afraid to call. I'll gather the members of RWBY who can and meet you at the docks."

"It's fine, Blake." Velvet smiled softly. "CFVY will be with us – I doubt that bitch will think to stand before Coco."

Shooting to his feet, several men and women, nurses and even wounded soldiers, nodded and bowed when they could. Cardin simply raised a hand and continued on through the hospital room with Velvet clutching his hand with a vice-like grip. They were afraid and there was little they could do to hide it. In that bed, someone that drove Cardin to near insanity – Velvet didn't even think she was real for a while. To see the blue eyed, mutilated Faunus made her blood boil and her stomach twist. It was real. The Brotherhood wasn't a group she was even knowledgeable of until she met Blake and Cardin.

Walking through the hospital walls, Cardin held his head low. He was stuck in another rut, his indigo eyes were once proud, were glazed in shame again. She knew she couldn't blame him. She was his first victim that opened the floodgates to years of ignorance. She sighed in defeat, clutching his arm. Ignoring the men and women holding on to their IV Bags and their wheelchairs, something caught her attention, making her bunny ears twitch slightly.

Whipping out her scroll, Yang was calling her? She answered and pressed the phone to her ear. "Yang? What's wrong?"

"The Brotherhood!" She shouted. "They interrupted the protests! Get to Blue, now! The Argents haven't been seen and Fox said that they aren't in their dorms either!"

She froze, the scroll slipping from her hands. Looking to the giant man beside her, Cardin looked like he was in a daze. His brows began to furrow, ever so slightly. Standing at the end of the hall, a man wearing a billowing white cloak could be seen. He was almost seven feet tall, his bald head reflecting the lights of the ceilings above them. What made him truly unique were the claw markings across his face, too small to be Grimm. They had to have been from some wild animal…or Faunus.

"Cardin." The man said. "A surprise to see you here, Brother."

Suddenly, Velvet watched the world around her shimmer, almost as if they were stuck in a prism with kaleidoscopic designs in their reality. The people sitting on either side of the hallway were frozen, as if the world was paused for their perusal. As the shimmering continued, all that remained were the tiles below and the ceiling boards and lights flickering ever so slightly. She stared with wide eyes and Cardin visibly tensed, taking a threatening step toward the bald man.

"I am not your brother!" Cardin shouted back. "What are you doing here, Pallidus?!"

"Why, I'm here for that Faunus wretch." He said with a twisted smile. "Take your minx and go on your way. My fight isn't with you – it's with her."

"Blake?" Velvet managed to meep.

"Not the Belladonna spawn – no. We would rather not have a war with the King of Vale. The one we seek is the one who managed to survive. Her Eminence doesn't like that she's still around. Consider this a favor, we heard how you've been in mental anguish since her return. Mens Sana In Corpore Sano, Brother Cardin."

"How I feel is none of her concern." Cardin growled. "Tell her that! I made myself clear to her the day she showed up at Beacon. I want nothing to do with her!"

"Her Eminence did say you would say that." Pallidus simply frowned. "It's a pity. Though, I can see why. She has been…odd as of late. But I cannot delay any longer. I have my orders and I must comply. I will say this one more time before I am forced to act. Get out of my way. That wretch needs to be disposed of."

"No." Cardin had a change of demeanor. "If she sent you, she wants this to be done as quickly and as clean as possible."

"Brother Cardin." Pallidus said once more. Backing away slightly at his glowing aura. "You don't want to do this. Not here."

"You're right. I don't." He narrowed his eyes. "Unlike the King of Vale, I can't vaporize your shiny ass, but I will stand before you with everything I have. You tell me, Brother. Are you ready to piss her off? With the control I have over my semblance I can break yours in an instant!"

The bald man took a deep breath. Velvet watched him shudder in distant thought. He looked to the men and women laying against the walls and the now violently glowing Cardin; the orange energy pulsating against his body glove. He knew he was bluffing but Cardin wasn't known to be the best of their order for nothing. "F-Fine. Word of advice, Brother; she won't stop. I am merely the first. I know those she sends after me won't be as understanding. Take your Faunus minx and be on your way. I won't be a bother."

"Tell Larissa she can kiss my ass." Cardin hissed.

"Larissa?" Pallidus questioned. "While she coalesces her power in the Brotherhood; she is but a child in a game beyond realization. Cardin…you play the same game. If you're not careful you will bite off more than you can chew."

"I don't give a shit for your warnings, Pallidus." Cardin sneered. "You've mucked this hospital enough. Also, Audentes Fortuna Iuvat. Fate is on my side."

As the man disappeared, so did the prismed mosaic of glass-like vision. Rubbing her chocolate eyes, Velvet was amazed. Whipping around, looking at the men and women moving as if nothing had changed, Velvet couldn't believe what she saw. No one looked like they even noticed the shouting or even cared that they were standing in the center of the hallway. Worse yet, King's Fist infantry burst through the Hospital doors, looking left and right. That man was actually gone. What the hell?

"That was Pallidus Alivia of the House of Alivia in Dale. They are minor nobles on the Valean Minor Council, sworn to the House of Argent who sits on the Valean High Council. Pallidus is special because unlike his other family members, he actually went through combat school and unlocked his semblance – what you just saw. He can erect a pocket dimension of sorts for a short time that blocks off all outside connection."

"T-That's a thing?" Velvet asked with wide eyes.

"He is a very calculating type of person but he struggles with working under pressure. So, if my memory serves me right – when his semblance activated, he created his first pocket dimension shutting everyone and everything off from distracting him, giving him enough time to recollect himself. He's dangerous when he wants to be…we were lucky today. I don't think we're going to get the same chance again."

"The Brotherhood…" Velvet's brown eyes glazed slightly. "They're full of those types of people, right?"

"Yes." Cardin sighed. "Pallidus is far from the worst, but he's nowhere close to being a slouch. If Larissa or anyone in the Brotherhood wanted him to come here, then they aren't playing. I need to get to Jaune as soon as possible. Larissa and Orion can't do this on our turf."

"Wait, then what are you proposing? Ironwood already made tensions between Kingdoms horrible. If you attacked two Atlesian students, no matter how horrible they are, who knows what might happen? Atlesian students and soldiers are pouring into Vale right before the Festivities really go into full swing before the Tournament in a few weeks. Is that the kind of fire you want to light right now?"

"What would you have me do, Velvet?" Cardin asked, tears welling in his indigo eyes. "I let Larissa ruin that woman's life once – I can't sit back and do nothing again!"

"Cardin…" Velvet put her hands on his face, holding him still. "Look at me…Jaune already has a lot on his plate. Not only that but if we did anything to antagonize them, who knows what they might do to us – to your parents…"

His face paled. Velvet almost winced at how cold his skin had become. Shutting his eyes slowly, he leaned forward, pressing his forehead against hers. "I…I can't escape this, can I?"

"It doesn't matter." Velvet sighed. Pressing her lips against his own, they broke slowly, almost unable to do so. "You're not going to suffer this alone. You have your team, mine and most importantly, myself to stand beside you. I don't care what you go through, even if we have to face that insufferable woman. I just want to make sure that we do it right. The bad guys don't care for rules when they're the ones who make them. Yeah, some would say that we should go against it and break their rules but think about it."

Velvet sighed, pulling him close. "If they can't attack you – they'll attack you from any angle they can. I don't profess to know what the Brotherhood is like when it comes to former members, but from we know of Blake and how Adam reacted at the Docks and how he reacted in Menagerie…I can only assume that the Brotherhood doesn't like it either."

"Velvet…" Cardin sighed. "I…when I left, I kinda left Larissa hanging. She isn't one to really take kindly to that kind of thing. She thought we were going to be together, but I refused to be part of her sick games. What I did to you and other people in Beacon is child's play compared to the things she tried to make me do. When she spoke of getting me further in the Brotherhood, I told her I wanted out. I wanted to get out as soon as I could and did everything under the table. In a way, kinda like how Blake left the White Fang. Some, I'm sure, still see me as a member. A rogue one, but a member nonetheless. "

"You really know how to screw things up, don't you, birdy?" Velvet groaned.

Cardin stifled a laugh. "Hey, you chose to be with me. Starting to get second thoughts?"

"I didn't say that…"

In a private lounge hidden by spruce trees and shaped flora a woman sat at a lone table by herself. Columns decorated the lounge, archaic runes and symbols were etched into the bases and into the summits. A remnant of a world older than the world before the Great War. Larissa calmly sipped tea, staring off into the city from the shade of her umbrella. She heard the protests and even saw the airships zooming overhead – she even heard the gunfire and the explosions from the Forever Fall. As expected, Ironwood acted on his own sense of justice, something she had a problem with, even in Atlas.

As much as her brother liked to tease, she didn't exactly hate the Faunus. After all, Neon Katt of FNKI was a damned animal and she found her somewhat manageable, if not annoying. Contrary to what some would even believe, she didn't exactly hate animals. She even found some of them adorable. She hated to admit it, but Velvet Scarlatina, Cardin's minx, was actually cute in a way. Thinking of her large bunny ears and the way they tilted slightly, her mind was immediately whisked to the tortured servant back home in Dale. Maybe that's why Ciane doesn't look as cute?

Taking another sip of her tea, she sighed in defeat. Her brother was in Vale talking with the locals and trying to figure out the protests. Fickle, she thought. Loyalties were fickle and like dust in the wind when given enough to fear and hate. Good thing they were in Vale and not Dale or Viridian Hollow – the Grimm threat could have been so much worse. Leg over the other, she turned her eyes to the scroll active on the table, a hologram of a man hovering over it. "What do you want, Doctor?"

"I wanted to ask something." The man simply answered. There was a phasing of signal, but the man reformed.

"We're in my private lounge in Vale." Larissa frowned, staring at her teacup. "What do you want?"

"What are you planning?" The man asked. "First you seek me out and then your father comes to my office in Sanus. If you're trying to strongarm my research–"

"It's not your research – it's your tech I'm after, Doctor." Larissa turned her amethyst eyes to the hologram. "My father can do and ask what he pleases. What I want is the tech. My parents have led the Brotherhood for too long and it's about damn time someone knocked them from their place."

"And you think the council will just let you do this?" the man asked once more. "If you want to rise up and take their place, you have to do it within the confines of the law of our order."

"To hell with the rules!" Larissa sneered. "We followed them long enough under my parents and look what we've come to? Faunus running amok in Vale, the Brotherhood losing any shred of respect we had. It won't be long before I see the SDC backing out of any deals for fear of losing value. Especially since the King of Vale is one of his largest customers, second only to the Atlesian Military. If we lose our main source of Dust, how are we going to keep our position in Dale?"

"I see." The hologram hummed softly. "What do you propose?"

"My mother has lost her mind." Larissa turned her eyes away once again. "My father is too blinded by his hate for the Arc House. Beyond the politics, we should be working on spreading the prosperity of humanity to the rest of the world, like what the Brotherhood was supposed to do. My mother is just so…her. I can't stand listening to her; I don't know how the Arcs or the Winchesters do it on the daily. What I propose, Doctor, is quite unorthodox. Normally I'd ask you to get in the way of my parents and make things as frustrating as possible."

"But?"

"However, given my father's insatiable hatred and my mother's failing mental health…Timendi Causa Est Nescire. They compare us to the White Fang who chose to be animals as soon as that fool Ghira stepped down five years ago. Their ignorance caused the fear we feel in the Brotherhood ranks. Do what my father asks. Make sure what he wants comes in a reasonable time frame."

"Do you even know what he wanted of me?" The man scoffed. "What he wants is nearly impossible without my labs."

"Don't worry. With what the King of Vale is doing – you can continue your operations under his nose. He won't suspect a thing." Larissa said. "He'll be expanding across Vale, which will leave him stretched thin and easy to take advantage of his army. It's huge and well-armed and well-organized, I'll give him that much. The way he consolidated power and command evenly between himself and those who know how to lead, it's unheard of. Not even General Ironwood shares command with other Generals or commanders. And unlike the Brotherhood, their morale borders on fanaticism."

"The way he inspires his troops, his Huntsmen, his people – it's incredible."

Suddenly, the hologram of the doctor fizzed out of existence, catching her attention. As music and drums and loud thuds echoed from the distant city, Larissa carefully placed her cup down onto the table. A cold breeze rushed against her skin making her spring from her seat, aura active and semblance already crushing the umbrella above her. Trees rustled softly and bushes shuddered with the breath of nature. Her scroll fizzed slightly. Suddenly, a new hologram appeared, not in the shape of a man this time. It was in the shape of a stylized 'w'.

"Sorry for the intrusion, dear." An accented voice sounded from her scroll. "I couldn't help but overhear."

The shouting in the courtyard of Beacon had finally come to an end.

"Come on, come on." Weiss leaned against her desk. Watching the time click away on her clock, she felt she was on the verge of losing her mind. With half a thought to simply punch the clock to death with another to rip her hair from her head – she knew neither would do her any good when there was an army of reporters waiting within the city. She turned in her seat, turning on her television; of course, it would be Lisa Lavender, life with the protests in Vale.

The poor reporter couldn't even get a word in with all the shouting and the screaming coming from the wave of people behind her. People waved banners of Vale proudly, with others, the more militant of the horde, waving banners of the Arc family in Orléans. The golden arcs emblazoned proudly on white banners and cerulean banners. Then, with Cyril, who was reporting north of the Great River, there were people doing the exact opposite. People were waving the flag of the Four Kingdoms united, even Atlesian war banners.

Chanting began on either side with Huntsmen and Huntresses, military professionals and even police officers – their hatred for one another most certainly attracted the Grimm in the distance. Thankfully; the Paix and the Espérer were at the ready. Even the smaller Bonté was preparing for the next bout against the Grimm. From her room, she could see the airships flooding Vale's airspace, guns spinning and rotary cannons spiraling. Banners were in the sky and in the great river as warships, dreadnaughts and battleships floated by, steaming along the diamond surface.

As if things couldn't get any worse, her scroll suddenly rang a familiar tone. Her hand twitched, shaking as it hovered over the closed device. It only continued to ring, sending shivers up and down her admittedly sweating back. She knew that ringtone, it was one that she was dreading to hear since she stepped foot on Beacon ground. She thought she'd be safe; she thought she'd be free. There's no freedom from him. There's not freedom from his grasp. There's no–

"Hello?" She asked as she pressed the scroll to her ear.

"That's how you respond to your elders now?" His shrill voice sounded. "It seems you've lost your manners since going to Beacon."

"How can I help you, Father?" Weiss corrected.

"Much better." She could practically feel his disappointment. "Tell me. Are you fine? Are you sick? Is Vale and Beacon all that you chalked it up to be?"

"E-Excuse me?" Weiss questioned.

"Don't mind me if I'm worried for my daughter. After all, something must be wrong given that you're not a Queen of Vale yet."

"Excuse me?!"

"You know better than to raise your voice at me!" Jacques roared. There was a silence between them. Neither speaking, neither thinking. As she prepared to say her farewells, her father's sigh could be heard – she swore she could almost feel his breath against her ear. "For a man that has three queens already, one in your position would find it prudent to be among those queens. Especially since two of them are your teammates."

"I-I don't know what you're trying say."

"Do I need to spell it out?" Jacques asked, this time his tone growing soft. "Some business ventures are turning out for the worst and right now, what the Schnee Dust Company needs, is ties to something tangible. Right now, news of what the General has done has angered quite a few of my customers. I'm far from the only Dust supplier, and what I fear is that they will look for more…reasonable suppliers. I know you're far from understanding of the business judging by your choice in profession, so I'll make this as simple as possible."

"Soon, I can rescind my ties to Atlas. With the booming economy in Vale and the end of Dust robberies, Dust prices have finally stabilized in the region, thanks to that very same King. Let's just say, business ventures in Sanus may not have come to an end. If you're wishing to keep your title as Heiress to the SDC, you're going to have to add more to the table than say…your brother, Whitley. What can you do to further the Schnee name? What can you offer?"

Weiss looked to the walls of her dorm, from the posters to the Team RWBY paraphernalia. She looked to the window blocked by their television's holo-screen. She could see Yang and Pyrrha, the Queens of Vale on the ground trying their best to stop the protests. They fought and shouted back, using their semblances to protect those who were on their side and those who stood against them. It was growing chaos – it was insanity. But before all of that, before their place beside Jaune, she could remember their times together in this very dorm, reading, studying, playing. It…it felt like an eternity.

Images of the four of them joking and arguing over answers on homework or fumbling with figurines for projects fluttered by. Images of Team JNPR coming into view making her heart swell, ever so slightly. Nora and Yang trying to wrestle in the middle of the room white Ruby and Jaune cheered, much to the annoyance of Weiss and Blake. They moved about the room, one by one, innocent and children. Jaune sat against Yang's bed, tutoring her while Blake and Pyrrha went over notes from Doctor Oobleck's class. From the corner of her eye, she could see Nora and Ruby sitting on the floor at Ren's feet while he tapped a pointer against a white board filled with graphs and lists.

They were students, now they were warriors. When did she forget why she came to Beacon; when did she forget why she left Atlas and the SDC? She didn't know. She didn't know anything anymore. What she wanted more than anything was to prove her father wrong, to show her mother that the Schnee name was in good hands. She wanted to show Winter that she could handle herself as both a warrior and a woman and she wanted to show her brother that power comes from more than just a name. When did it all become so skewed? When did it all come to this?

Looking to the bunk beds, Weiss felt her heart melt, finding that everything she wanted as a child finally came to fruition. She had her friends…she had her family. Taking a deep breath, she shook the images from her head. She ignored the looks from the spectral projections of her dearest friends. The smile Blake rarely wore; the kind innocence and indomitable hope that glimmered in Ruby's eyes; the confidence that sparked in Yang; the knowing and always understanding of Ren; the kind-hearted warmth of Pyrrha; the boisterous joy that came from Nora and finally; the love the poured from Jaune.

She knew what she had to do.

A knock on the door caught her attention. She didn't even realize that her father had hung up. Turning to open it, she was met with soldiers of the King's Fist. Their armor was white and cerulean, their energy shields active and MA5D Assault Rifles slung over their shoulders. Neither said a word. Nodding to them, she walked through the halls of their dormitory. Ignoring the gawking classmates of theirs and the sympathetic looks of King's Fist infantry, she walked through the great doors of the building and into the cobblestoned courtyard of the great huntsman academy.

It was strange, she was slowly getting used to being the center of attention. When she first arrived, almost no one bothered to talk to her. Maybe it was the private airship, or maybe, it was the team of personal servants. But as her tenure continued over the months, she felt she was slowly being outshined by her teammates. Now, reporters that managed to stay on Beacon grounds rushed to her, microphones and cameras pressed into her face. Thankfully, the infantry on either side of her held them back, both by hand and gunpoint. Their questions zipped into one ear and out the other at lightning fast speeds – almost as fast as Nora reciting foreign poems hyped on coffee.

Continuing her walk, she was quietly escorted into a LAHAT by the members of Team NDGO and CFVY. "You ready, Princess?"

"What would you do if I said I wasn't?" Weiss managed to croak.

"Well, you better pucker up, Weiss." Nebula frowned. "Atlas is pissed. North Vale is pissed. South Vale is pissed. Companies across the river are already preparing for their stocks to rise or fall. It's nuts. Absolutely nuts. You didn't even hurt the damn General."

"Whether or not she hurt him, she did attack him." Yatsu reminded.

"What about the infantry we attacked – the Atlas Machines?" Dew questioned. "What does the world expect us to do?! Atlas attacked Vale."

"You're preaching to the choir, honey." Coco sighed. "Yatsu is just…how do I say…impartial. Lawful good, this guy. He agrees wholeheartedly, he just can't bring himself to actually admit it."

"Well, whatever happens, Weiss; we've got your back." Octavia smirked. "Who gives a shit if Atlas gets pissed – we're ready to stand and fight."

"Hopefully, it doesn't come to that." Weiss reminded. "The goal right now is to stop a war from starting."

"Alright." Coco took a deep breath. "Just activate your scroll and Fox will notify us to move to your position. Get going, Princess. Good luck."

"I was born lucky, Coco."

Weiss stepped from the Levy, staring at the horde of reporters and Atlesian delegates. It's only been a few hours since the skirmish. How are they already here?!

Ignoring their fancy, glittering dresses and their well pressed and trimmed suits – ignoring their sneers and conniving expressions, she put her hands on the doors to the studio. She shuffled slowly, quickly escorted by a pair of makeup artists and outfit planners. They shouted and yelled at one another about delays and time constraints. Before she knew it, she was strapped to a chair, brushes slapped against her cheeks, her hair brushed and pulled, tangles and all the works forced free in rapid action, aggravating her scalp.

Just as she was getting comfortable, she was pulled from the seat and spun around before stopping at a series of mirrors. Behind her, a black drape had fallen protecting her from sight of the rabid cameramen waiting for the right shot. Her white and red dress was practically ripped from her body, leaving her nude before her own reflection. Before she could say anything, another dress, a navy blue with white-grey trimmings was slapped onto her, tightened, laced and buckled where it needed to be, covering her modestly. Her white heels were replaced with high heeled clogs, clicking as her feet slipped about the hardwood flooring.

The walls shifted and the mirrors disappeared, replaced with the blaring white of studio lights and flashing scrolls. A leg had folded over the other, patiently awaiting Lisa Lavender to arrive. People were anxious, getting as many pictures as they could of the SDC Heiress. After all, the last heiress was Winter Schnee, who was now an Atlas Specialist, one of the best; the elite of the elite. Weiss didn't know what to say, wondering what kind of questions they were going to ask. Most important of all, she was wondering if her friends were watching or if Atlas was watching. No doubt, they were, but thanks to their distance, she hid her hands into her dress, hiding the shaking and the nervousness.

Behind black stage curtains and beyond the glass windows she had her left to, a woman with lavender hair appeared, fiddling with her earpiece and notes. Crew members were scurrying like rats and before she could even ask, the woman walked forward, stage lights turning and landing on her and her alone. Theme music played and the life audience that Weiss didn't even know was present, began to cheer. Looking back toward the glass windows, she could see men and women of all shapes, sizes, skin tone and age, pressing against the windows despite the King's Fist infantry standing guard.

"Welcome to VNN, live with me today is Weiss Schnee, huntress-in-training; Lieutenant of the legendary King's Fist; The W of the infamous Fireteam RWBY; and Heiress of the Schnee Dust Company." Lisa pointed to her. There was a collection of violent cheers and there were those who jeered in the crowd, some even calling her a traitor. "After the events of today, the King has requested that I handle these public relations. Please, explain to us, to all watching on the CCTN what went through your mind to attack the General and the High Leader of the White Fang?"

"I didn't want to attack them." Weiss answered truthfully. "I didn't want any of this to happen, but it did. Consider this one of the many mistakes I've managed to accrue since becoming a member of the King's Fist. I've apologized profusely and wanted nothing more than to pay for my actions in any way I could. I have riches, I have time, I have all kinds of things I could give to absolve me of what's transpired today."

"Did the General take it?"

"Of course not." Weiss answered. However, something clicked in her head. The banners of Atlas waved in the windows and banners of the Arc House flowed as well. They were in constant battle, an equilibrium of some sorts. "Because I didn't offer any of this to the man who blasted a Valean Train."

People in the crowds gasped. "I don't know what the General has told you but those White Fang Saboteurs were no more than terrified and wounded Faunus. They wanted no part in whatever game, whatever crime the General was willing to pin on them. Some may ask, how can I trust them? Simple; if they were White Fang, if they were truly willing to sabotage the moment, why didn't they complete their mission when caught. Fanatics are saboteurs, not the average footman."

"What kind of reprimanding do you think will come of this?"

"Aside from the King scolding and maybe getting angry with me, but nothing I expect." Weiss looked to the cameras. "I understand my actions were out of line, if not a little too presumptuous of my power, but it's about time that I come out and say this. We wanted to wait until we were ready to share with the rest of the Four Kingdoms, but after the events of today, I came to the conclusion that even though the King is not here, I'm well within my rights to come out and do it."

"Come out and do what, Miss. Schnee?" A reporter asked. Stage lights turned, bathing her in an incandescent hue.

"I am the Fourth Queen of Vale. Ask the other Queens yourself – we've kept things quiet for almost a month and planned to keep it longer, but sometimes fate has a different path for you to take."

Jaune dropped his chopsticks, letting them clatter onto the dirt. Ren and Nora were awestruck by Weiss's bold statement. Beside them, Pyrrha almost had a knowing smirk on her face. She knew this was coming. Elsewhere in Vale, Yang and the procession of thousands of men and women, came to a halt when Weiss's interview was broadcast to the millions watching. The blonde didn't think that Weiss had it in her – clearly, she was wrong. In the Hospital, Blue and Blake were amazed at what the ice princess had just said.

However, none were as surprised as a little rose watching with wide eyes.

So, here we go.

People are moving and pieces are moving.

I don't know if I portrayed it properly but Larissa and Orion had absolutely nothing to do with Pallidus showing up and threatening Cardin and Velvet.

The stakes have risen and now, Weiss may have started something she might have no control over.
Who knows - it might just blow over and she'll be alright.

Translations:
Ex Nihilo Nihil Fit - Out of nothing comes nothing
Mens Sana In Corpore Sano - Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body
Audentes Fortuna Iuvat - Fortun Favors the Bold
Timendi Causa Est Nescire - Fear is the Cause of Ignorance

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