At this point I think I'm just pumping out chapters as an apology for abandoning y'all after so long lol

So, here we go with the second half of the War Arc. If it doesn't become blatantly apparent by the title series; this half is about fear. So far, throughout the story, we've seen everyone else afraid. We've delved deep into every character that really deserves a scene and we've really neglected to see the main characters, really struggle.

A little bit of this is based off of some divisive subjects that have propped itself up in this story time and time again; how far is too far; what defines justice; who is to blame and who will serve the time - these are questions that a King, or really, anyone in any true position of power will have to deal with. I don't want people to suddenly think, oh Jaune is being too passive, Jaune has god powers, Jaune has hax, blah blah blah - there's a reason we haven't seen anything substantial into that sense until now. Remember; fear. That is the theme. In this story, more often than not, the Grimm are just the physical manifestation of all fears - not their definition.

Oop; oh yeah, I play around with time and POV's in this chapter, similar to some of my Naruto works on this site. Anyone who's familiar with how I do complex scenes; it shouldn't be anything new.

Disclaimer: I don't own RWBY

Chapter 42: Deny Your Fear

"Rosemary…you can't be serious?!"

Doré punched a wall, denting her fist through the metal surface, "t-that's bullshit and you know it!"

"There has to be something we can do!" Claire was quick to mediate, but Doré was inconsolable.

Rosé, however, stood up, careful not to wrinkle her dress, "Doré, getting angry isn't going to help the situation. Claire, dad and Jaune were adamant, there's nothing we can do."

"But Jaune is King!"

"A King not recognized by the Council!" Rosé scolded, "Stop…please just stop shouting. You're wasting time getting worked up. We're all angry, but taking your frustrations out like this is pointless. Dad's already having his own trial; we can't make things worse for him or us, if we interfere with Rosemary's pending trial."

"I knew we couldn't trust that fucking Argent," Doré scowled, pacing left and right, "I wish Jaune went to us before letting Orion waltz around. We're his sisters; we're Arcs, we know better than anyone what kind of people the Argents are. For all we know, he showed up hoping to find damning evidence to put dad in prison."

Rosé immediately stepped in, "no, Doré; don't you dare do anything. We are not jeopardizing dad's or Jaune's position. Not now."

"I'm sorry but I'm with Doré," Claire crossed her arms, "we've sat by too long and let the Argents take control. We've trained since we've returned to Vale and Vacuo. I'm not about to let everything we've built, everything Jaune, has built, fall apart because of old rivalries."

"And what do you intend to do?" Rosé asked, "what do you think you can do, that Jaune already hasn't?"

"Before all of that," Violette said, from the table. She stopped, hearing Margaux and Aurore sputter, "none of you waited for Rosemary to speak for herself. It's her trial, not yours."

"Thank you, Violette," Rosemary sighed, "but we're not getting out of this the way we hope. Not only am I under investigation, but so are Carolina and the Reds and Blues. The Argents are looking into every possible angle to hurt dad and Jaune. I'm afraid we've played into their hands doing nothing to the Argents. I'm under house arrest here in Orléans until the right judge is found by the council. Without dad on the council right now, we only have uncle Tan and mom to step in and try to mitigate the situation."

"We're in a bind right now," Rosemary said, "even with most of Vale under our control, we don't have all of Vale. Worse yet, Jaune had hoped when he disbanded the White Fang, Glade would be a new staging point against the Brotherhood, but they stepped in giving the city to one of their allies, elevating the House of Alivia to High Council positions. We're running out of time and support from high places. Dad said we shouldn't do anything and let things play out themselves and Jaune said he'd listen to him. If he's going to; I will. If I will; all you should too."

"Rosé has Tukson; we have training, Violette, you're not safe at school," Doré said, "who knows who you go to school with? Who knows who's in league with the Brotherhood, or the Argents? It's too dangerous to keep going there."

Violette sighed, bumping the two toddlers in her arms, "you're right, but I have no choice, Doré; I'm about to get my master's degree; I can't just quit now! My life in danger be damned. I've already invested too much to just drop it."

"Violette, this is more than that! You could be in danger! You're our sister…we're not losing each other again. Not after everything Jaune said would happen!"

"Stop shouting, Doré," Rosemary glared, "you're upsetting the babies."

"Fine, I'll stop shouting," the girl whipped her bangs back, "but I'm not going to stop thinking of a plan. We're not going to let them get away with this. Oh, I just thought of something."

"Doré!" the four women groaned.

"Look!" she raised her hands in defense, "Headmaster Theodore and General Ironwood are working together, from what Jaune told us. Since Fireteams CNDR and NDGO are a thing, the Headmaster and General are trusting us to work in between kingdoms for the next few weeks. Ever week, we will switch between Atlas and Vacuo to increase relations between the two Kingdoms, while ensuring the King's Fist is viewed in a positive light. Neb and I are already planning some things to do while we're in Atlas."

"Just because the General and Jaune are allies, doesn't mean we can just do what we want, Doré," Claire pinched the bridge of her nose, "this is the mentality that got us in trouble with the Headmaster in our first year. Don't get me wrong; I want to do something for Jaune and dad, but I'm not about to cause an international incident, doofus."

"So, what; we're gonna do nothing?" Doré gave her a dumb look, "Rosemary and dad could spend the rest of their lives in prison! Treason is one of the highest crimes in the Four Kingdoms! The only reason they haven't come after Jaune was because of his army!"

"Don't forget; we're Fireteams and Rosemary is a Lieutenant and dad's a councilman," Claire reminded, "they know what to do. All we can do is trust them."

"F-Fine," Doré hissed, looking away from her sister, "I just…there's only so much I'm willing to take. I won't sit back for long, Claire. I'm sorry, but if shit goes to shit and we're still sitting back diddling our assholes – I'm going to do something, whether you approve or not."

"Doré," Rosemary reached out.

"Rosemary, you just said they're planning to investigate the Reds and Blues, and Carolina!" she snapped back at her, "whatever it is that the Argents hope to find, they're going to learn about Project Freelancer and next thing you know, several of dad's allies will be thrown in prison, mother will be thrown in prison. Carolina and the Reds and Blues would be executed – you would be executed. I'm not going to let this continue if dad is pronounced guilty. Either you're with me, or you'll stay out of my way."

"Just…" Rosemary said, sighing as she relented. Violette immediately sputtered, looking at the eldest with wide eyes.

"Y-You can't be serious, Rosemary!"

"I don't know what to do! What do you want me to do?!" Rosemary slammed her fists into the table. The babies immediately flinched at her anger, "I went to save that Argent from the Alivia because Jaune told me he was worried. To protect Orion and to force his family into acting, he released the propaganda. So far, they're playing their cards close to their chests and this campaign has backfired. But we're still trying to get something out of this."

"Orion Argent told us his sister has pretty much disappeared," she said, sighing into her knuckles, "she's missed five briefings and has already been declared AWOL. Her team however, still shows up for missions, briefings and training sessions. It could be nothing, but Jaune has Orion keeping tabs on LVDR. With how scared Ren told me he is, Orion doesn't seem like the type to just fall back on his family. He's genuinely looking for a way out."

"That doesn't mean we can just trust the fucking Argent," Doré hissed, "but if Jaune's going to use him, then I guess we've got nothing left to do but wait."

"Really?"

"Yeah…if you guys really trust Jaune, I have no excuse not to," she looked away, "I just thought that after everything we've done and built in Vale, we could have a moment to think and breathe like we did before Jauney went to Beacon. I just feel…I don't know how to describe it; I feel like something bad is going to happen. I don't know what's coming but it's something huge – something that none of us are going to recover from. It's not going to be pretty."

"Jaune is trying to stop that from happening," Claire said, "all we can do is wait and see."

"Girls!"

All heads turned to the doorway. Marie suddenly burst into the room, sweat on her brows, pushing through to the table. Eyes darting wildly, she grabbed a tv remote, snapping to the flatscreen on the wall. Quickly, she pressed a button and VNN came to life on the screen.

"This is Lisa Lavender at the High Court of Vale. We have received news regarding the Trial of Claude Arc v. The Kingdom of Vale. Despite the overwhelming proof painting the old 'Shield of Orléans' as a traitor; the jury has remained thus far, undecided on judgement. With lawyers switched out for the third time, there is word that the High Council is growing impatient with the complete indecisiveness of the jurors called in. I'm not here to make assumptions, but the only time a jury was changed in a court case was Lady Browning v. the Kingdom of Vale, twelve years ago."

"Here he comes," Lisa fixed her blouse and blazer. Reporters and camera crews rushed up the steps of the High Court as the doors opened. The first to arrive on the scene, was the pale skin, silvery-platinum haired, amethyst eyed, patriarch of the House of Argent. His pressed suit of Atlesian tailoring, the Mistrali bronze pins and the tied hair at the back of his head. Fists clenched, he immediately relaxed as the first flash of a scroll made him flinch to reality, "Lord Argent, is there anything you wish to say for VNN and the viewers across the CCTN?"

"Vale's judicial system is broken," Alexios glared at the woman, "the Council grows tired with the delegation and demands that his Honor comes to a decision soon unilateral or not. Change the jury if you must, change lawyers again; but the Council wants this farce decided and over with. A decision has to be made."

"If the Lord Arc were to be indicted, who would take his place on the Council?" another reporter for the Daily Vale, asked, "Will the Lady Marie Arc take over his position?"

"The lord and lady of House Carbo will happily take their place," Alexios said in response, "Claude Arc and his son, Jaune Arc, are traitors to the order of the Silver Tower of Vale. Not only has this man allowed his son to take control and crown himself King without progressing through proper channels, but the dead of over two thousand Faunus in the city has been unveiled to us. For someone who supposedly has the Princess of Menagerie as one of his Queens, you would think he would spare no resource to avenge these citizens of our Kingdoms."

Lisa visibly raised a brow at the declaration, but it would seem no other reporter really noticed, "this is news to all of you, I see. This is my message to this King of Vale; you try to slander my son's name and the name of the Brotherhood. Give it time, your powerbase is built on lies and corruption. I, with the Silver Tower and the heads of every House of this Kingdom, will unravel your web of lies – starting with your father and your sister! This is not a fight you will not win!"

Beyond the mountain walls that surrounded Orléans, through deep valley troughs and fields of bronze and golden wheat stalks; the great walls of an ancient city stood over the glowing horizon. Vale; a city older than any records remembered; its banners waved over the tallest skyscrapers and over the buildings of administration. From the lowest streets to the highest floors; people watched and waited with bated breath. Cars were stopped in the winding highways, from main street to the Redwood Bridge. Industrial came to a skidding stop as factory workers and those who gained from the King's Fist, couldn't keep their eyes and minds away.

In the HQ of the King's Fist, the command center was in turmoil. High Command was shouting, giving commands with others, some with deeper sentiments prepped their gunships for war. But in the glass bowl overlooking the city and all that the King's Fist had built, Jaune sat, his elbows against his knees and hands clasped together. Eyes narrowed at the tv as Lisa continued to speak, asking questions and receiving answers from the pale-skinned Argent. Every word, every syllable, only served to piss him off.

"Alright, turn it off," Blake said, "turn it off!"

"We're not gonna let that shithead get away with this." Cardin growled. Pushing off the couch, he paced the room, "I thought having Orion on our side was going to change things; nothing's changed, Jaune! They're going to put your dad in prison and have him executed. Once they're done with him, they'll come after mine! Didn't you hear him ignore the question of your mom; that threat to your mom?! Gods…just imagine what they'll do to mine?! Our youngest sisters, Jaune!"

Cardin hissed, throwing his fist around, shattering a vase. The fern and soil spilled across the floor, making the poor computer techs jump in their seats, "we should've fucking killed those bastards as soon as they stepped foot on Beacon!"

"You're preaching to the choir, Cardin, but we trust that Jaune has a plan!" Blake was quick to respond.

"It's easy to say that there's a plan, why don't you share this plan?!" Cardin scowled.

Blake rolled her eyes, "because the situation is too close to home, Cardin! That's why! No one blames you for the actions of the Brotherhood, but all of you, all of CRDL has personal stakes in this fight. Jaune can't act brashly if he wants to save his dad and his sister."

"If we don't act at all; we're giving them a free pass to do whatever the fuck they want!"

"That's not even close to what Jaune's doing!" Yang stepped in.

Coco pushed up her shades, "Cardin's out of line, but he's right. I thought the goal leading up to the Tournament was to rebuild, rearm and repair. We were preparing to keep the momentum rolling, but since the tournament ending, we've done nothing but go and save people for the sake of making the Brotherhood look bad, instead of outright gunning for them. The most we've done in this war is arresting Pallidus Alivia and a bunch of his troops. That's hardly a victory."

"Finally, someone gets it!"

"It takes more than killing our opponents to fix our problems," Weiss glared, "I thought you of all people would get that, Cardin."

"T-That's…"

"I've had it up to here with people telling me I don't understand a situation! It's not different!"

Jaune lowered his head at the words, hands pressed tight against his burning forehead. Cardin, with Coco and his team, immediately began to argue with some of the more pacifist commanders. Back and forth, they turned on one another, unpacking frustrations that have been growing since day one. They made good points on either side of the argument, drawing other Fireteams into the mix and several soldiers of the King's Fist. Ruby, despite her words, no one was listening, even devolving to making threats and low-blow insults. Shaking her head, she scowled. The anger growing within the command center was choking the air from her lungs.

Silver eyes watched Jaune set the remote on the coffee table and walk away, head held low. It would seem she wasn't the only one that needed air. Dropping Weiss's hand, she left the command center and entered the hangar bay, flinching at sparks and the loud industrial roars of machines and aircraft beginning to take off into Vale's airspace. Negativity was spreading throughout the city and she knew what would happen next. She snapped back to the glass bowl, finding Yang and Blake in a corner, the latter trying to calm the former. No one was listening.

"Lieutenant Rose," Marsha said, "what in the world is happening?"

"I-I don't know, Marsha," she shook her head, "everything's gotten out of hand. Do what you can in the city to calm the people down. It doesn't take an empath to feel the negativity in the air. No arrests, no shooting; just calm the people down. We don't need another Battle of Vale so soon after the first one."

"Yes ma'am," Marsha saluted. Throwing her combat helmet on, she motioned for Fireteam MSTN and Lightning Squad, jumping into their Levy's and taking off into the skies.

Ruby sighed, turning back to her query. Jaune was seen a short distance away, sitting over the ledge of one of the terraces. Activating her semblance, she appeared next to him in no time flat, plopping beside him with a resounding grunt. Neither said a word, not even making any moves to acknowledge one another's presence. A wing of five Hornets dropped from their latches and hovered into the Vale's airspace. The low, powerful rumble of the Paix's engines shook the HQ. Its shadow cast down upon the skyscrapers surrounding Tarsier Pavilion.

People were angry, people were shouting in the streets. Lifting her scroll, news notifications were blowing up across her screen of protests in even the most remote alleyways of the city. Cars built up on the Redwood Bridge, people were stuck; but they protested anyway, filling into every crevice they could find. Police departments refused to stop them, lowering their guns and recalling their riot squads. It was madness; it was worse than the protests during Jaune's PR campaign before the Tournament. Everyone was up in arms and it wasn't getting any better.

"Ruby…" Jaune finally said.

She turned to him, "did…did I mess up?"

"Nope," her response was quick.

"I…" he sighed, lowering his head once more, "everyone's turning on each other. I was afraid of this happening…I brought us together because of the threats that needed to be dealt with. Now with no threats, no greater enemy to face; they've pretty much forgotten any alliance we thought had. The White Fang are done; the Tournament is over and we've declared to all of the World that we are here and we're not going anywhere. But now…what's left? I can't just bomb Dale and Glade into submission; that's going to turn the entire world and the city against me and leave countless millions to Salem's Grimm, which is the one thing I'm trying to avoid."

"I have said this so many times; we lost against Salem because we couldn't unite," Jaune said, "the King's Fist is more than an army; it's a statement to that witch, that we are not hers to toy with. It's a declaration that we are not enemies of each other, but of her. It's a symbol of unity…but look at them in there…"

Cardin beat his chest, bellowing at the Colonel. Shouts could be heard, even through the cacophony of the hangar bay. Despite the sparks, despite the roaring engines coming to life and the shifting of gears and latch bays; they could hear them shouting. Huntsmen, decorated in their actions and skills, were acting like children. Generals and commanders who earned their stay, yelling back, like children. Ren, however, could calm them down with a simple burst of his semblance, but for some reason, the Commander of the King's Fist decided not to, as if he was weighing the debate himself.

"Why don't you say anything anymore?" Ruby asked.

"What do you mean?" Jaune turned to her with a confused expression, "I'm talking right now."

"That's not what I meant. When Orion was getting chewed out, you didn't speak. When we had our talk as a team, you didn't speak. When Cardin lost his marbles, you said nothing," Ruby numbered off, "usually, you'd be quick to step in and stop the arguments, but lately, you've been passive…ever since you've, y'know…un-alived Cinder. You've been letting them scream their heads off for some reason and I don't know…it feels off."

Blue eyes, flaked with red, sighed weakly. Keeping his eyes forward, he stared at the reflections of the King's Fist Fleet; the Paix was in the distance, blaring sirens, with the Prévenance and Bonté following close on its starboard and port side, respectively. Banners of Green, blue and black, simmered off of their wings and extensions, showing all in the King's Fist and his supporters, that he was watching and he was listening. Broadsword airwings sprang to action from their hangar bays, streaking across the cloudless sky.

"I'm feel strange, Ruby," Jaune sighed once more, leaning back, "team leader to team leader…the way you calmed everyone down, the way you controlled the emotions we've been bottling…that is the reason we trusted you as the one to lead us in every life I lived. Despite being younger than us–"

"It's literally only two years," Ruby huffed.

"Sorry," Jaune chuckled weakly, "I guess I should just cut to the chase, huh; I'm saying that I appreciate you a lot. I hope you know that, Rosy."

"I can't take all the credit. We'd be lost if it weren't for you, Jaune-Jaune," Ruby smirked, "don't sell yourself short. Everything you see around you, is because of your leadership and your abilities to bring us all together. It's…it's hard, knowing that it might look like our fates are sealed, but Nora was right – it's up to us to spit back at Fate and tell it, that it won't have its way this time. Not this time."

"What do you think I should do?"

"Well, I think you should be a King."

With those words, Jaune's face lit up. Color returned to his paling face, returning to its light tan. The light in his crimson flaked eyes, returned, deepening the blues, increasing the reds. Pushing off the terrace, he gave her a nod, pulling her to her feet. Together, they marched down the steps, bellowing commands to men and women working around the clock. Salutes, praises and affirmations from the men and women who bowed at their feet, the two continued to the glass bowl, just as Cardin swung the door open, huffing and puffing his rage. Before he could speak, Jaune pushed him back into the room.

"Jaune?" Cardin asked, wiping the sweat from his brow, "what's the deal?"

"That's the King," Colonel Blanche glared.

"No, it's fine," Jaune raised his hand, "I have been too complacent with our victories lately. No more. Everyone, the Argents wish to slander our name and the hard work that went into making the King's Fist what it is today. They wish to step on the sacrifices of our friends, our brothers and sisters, who gave their lives against the White Fang, against the Grimm invasion and against the gangs and syndicates that once ruled their lives before we cleaned up the streets. These Argents don't know the strength in your arms, or the strength of your backs! They don't know the sweat you've poured for this city! They especially don't know your pride; your power nor your undying will!"

"No more," Jaune said, "they want war, we'll ensure they get one, but we will do nothing until after my father is proven innocent and he has been returned to Orléans. Rosemary is under investigation, as are Carolina and the Reds and Blues. I don't intend for the Council, nor the Argents to get away with undermining our authority. Wait, and prepare, my friends…the war has only just begun and the Brotherhood just played their hand."

"Looks like the Air Fleet is calling in," the Colonel nodded, "good speech; it's been a while since we've had one, your grace."

"Cardin," Jaune said, grabbing the man's arm, "summer break is here; make sure you get back to Viridian Hollow and keep watch of any Brotherhood activities in the region. Coco, how do you feel about having a vacation with CRDL?"

She pushed up her shades, "I don't have a problem with that; my mom's been wanting to expand to a new city anyway."

"Good," Jaune nodded, "Greene, get word to my sisters in Vacuo – I want them to work with the Headmaster for any project or command he wishes. With my express request from General Ironwood to work with Headmaster Theodore, after the events that have transpired, they agreed to keep to their side of Remnant, leaving Fireteam KRWN uninhibited in their quest in Mistral. I will personally contact Fireteam SSSN and ABRN to hopefully get some reconnaissance done in the cities and towns in Mistral's constituency. The councils of Vacuo and Mistral are deep in syndicate pockets, even going against huntsmen and huntresses completely. That can work in our favor; especially with the Brotherhood's hold on every government, except for Menagerie."

"Blake, get in contact with your parents and request aid," Jaune turned to the Faunus Princess, "with their control of the Kuo Kuana Guardsmen Corps, now the Kuo Kuana Army; he must have special forces and saboteurs who were once White Fang. Those are operatives we cannot ignore. General Ironwood has promised to send a task force of surface ships to help Menagerie protect its shores while it builds its navy."

"As the Argents build negativity with their actions," Jaune turned to the war table in the center of the room, "Salem finds her window of opportunity that much sooner. The longer we wait and fall for the Argent's games, her chances to spring into action increase exponentially. We've already seen but a taste of what she could conjure during the Battle of Vale – I can feel it. Ren can feel it."

"Jaune's right," Ren nodded, "I have been sensing a huge increase of Grimm activity. Scouts in outposts deep in Sanus have thus far, confirmed my suspicions. Like before the Vytal Festival Tournament; her movements have not slowed down, nor have stopped; they have only grown more numerous and larger in scope. Greater Grimm are increasing in number, making it harder for our divisions already in the field to combat. Last week, the Second Division of the First Army encountered a Grimm horde that numbered in the tens of thousands. We nearly lost the King's Pass and the City of Dene against the Albus Mountains. If it weren't for the Paix and the Bonté, the division would have been overrun."

"In southeastern Sanus, against the city of Magnus, a horde of Grimm nearly annihilated their defenses until MSTN and Lightning Squad with the Second Army's fourth and sixth divisions, pushed them back, but they weren't completely defeated. Thankfully, the defenders of Magnus could handle the rest of the Grimm, so we were able to call back our forces. To the Glimmering Sea between Sanus and Anima, Admiral Haddock and the First Surface Fleet engaged a juvenile Jormun, flanked by a host of Ravagers and Sea Feilong. Needless to say, without the Charité and the Prévenance, we would have lost our only surface fleet. Time and time again, our Air Fleet is proving to be the trump card against Salem's forces and it won't be long before Salem realizes this."

"Hmm," Ren said, "the Ankōshoku Clan might be in danger."

"Salem wouldn't send Grimm to Wind Path; it's too defended and too hard to traverse without aerial Grimm, something the Ankōshoku already have no problem dealing with. She'd need to mount an invasion of several thousand, but that would garner the attention of the King's Fist and Haven Academy."

"No, I doubt she'll waste Grimm like that, especially when we're in the position we're at," Jaune said, "there are gangs and syndicates that have escaped our crusade in Anima. Many of whom, could be easily bribed or coaxed into siding with Salem, whether they know or not. It's a good thing we sent Fireteam KRWN out there – I know they can handle it. If anything, they could hide their actions with the Branwen Tribe and any other tribe that's allied with Raven, to declare war upon them at random. Get Lil' Miss on the line. I want something from the Spider."

"Yes, your grace, at once," a computer tech nodded. Typing away, they pressed a key and a holographic screen ignited on the other end of the room, revealing the burly woman known as Lil' Miss Malachite. She sipped at her tea with a knowing smirk on her face, "oh, if it isn't the King of Vale. To what do I owe the pleasure, sugar?"

"I want a list compiled of every syndicate and gang that I haven't killed," Jaune said, "every bandit gang, every idiot who calls themselves a King in the wilderness of Anima – I want to know everything about them, down to their birth certificates. I've already sent a Fireteam your way, so don't think you can skimp me on information. And before you ask, yes. One hundred-thousand Lien has already been wired to your offshore accounts in Menagerie."

Before Lil' Miss could say anything, her scroll made a blink beside her. Lifting it up, she smirked, "it's always a pleasure doing business with you, King. I'll have a list compiled within the next twelve hours. Just make sure my daughters are safe, will you? Oh, and please have Junior call me some time, I'd like to give the Xiong a few words about our unfinished business."

"Another time, Spider," Jaune rolled his eyes, "and be a good girl and don't screw with my Fireteam. They're going to be more than happy to end your little operation. Am I understood?"

"Why of course, sugar," she smiled as the call ended, "you should know by now that I'm on your side, as long as the Lien keeps flowing."

Orion walked through the pristine white halls, a bored look on his face. Dressed with a thick designer pea coat, he watched the men and women drifting through the exhibits of the museum. A place filled with ancient relics and artifacts of defunct kingdoms; the mission benefactor hoped ONYX would ensure the safety of the exhibit on its opening day. Amethyst eyes examined the creations, of old pottery and rotted paintings. Tools were made of stone and wood, with very distinct bite marks lining the edges of what were believed to be spear shafts and spearheads. Rei, however, was entranced by the history of Remnant displayed for all of them to see.

From ancient weapons to ancient bowls, her red eyes sparkled with excitement, practically jumping from his side to each exhibit and glass case. Taking a deep breath, he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. A glint caught his attention. He turned up, giving a soft nod at the source, finding Xue and Yuki in a terrace of metal bridges overlooking the entire exhibit, all two hundred displays. With local security doing their own patrols, he thought it would be a good idea to split the team in two, so they could clear more ground.

"So, like…what do you think the benefactor is afraid of? Most of this is priceless," Rei gave Orion a glance, "I don't think that even the most confident of thieves would think to steal something like that pot over there."

"To be fair, Rei, we've barely started our patrol of the exhibit," Orion shook his head, "who knows, we might find something that could mean a great deal to some people. It could be an ancient painting with cultural significance, or a weapon, or a tool that proves the existence of an ancient race."

"Or, it's an artifact of Faunus people, that belongs in Menagerie," Rei murmured.

"Rei," Orion frowned, "I didn't…"

"It's fine, Orion," she waved him off, "gods, I'm getting better at killing a mood, aren't I? Look, you know how much I love history. I like to learn about the things my forefathers have done in the Great War; what my great grandparents and grandparents did in the Faunus War…Remnant isn't just human history, y'know?"

"Of course not," Orion smiled, "let me ask you something, Rei."

She leaned in as people continued to flow into the museum. Men and Faunus, young and old, hundreds began to crowd between old bones of giant megafauna and stare at the model exhibits of early man fighting creatures of Grimm; those ancient animals the size of even the biggest cars and trucks, fighting off Grimm who mimicked their appearance. Pressed against glass, children ooh's and aah's, with their breath misting against the panes. Parents ran about, trying to stop their crotch goblins from spilling too far.

"If…if we weren't going to give up being huntsmen, what would be your goal as a professional huntress?" Orion asked, "I mean…why did you even want to be a huntress to begin with?"

"Isn't it obvious?" she turned to him, "I wanted to change the way the people of Atlas and Mantle saw Faunus. I would have joined the White Fang, but I thought I was too young to be attacking other people. Don't get me started on the lack of Aura, much less a semblance. It wasn't until I found myself assigned to your team after a councilman spoke to me and the others personally, that I unlocked my aura and semblance. In a way, without Brotherhood intervention, I might not have known what I can really do."

"I don't know, I guess I really wanted to do something for my people," Rei hummed, "I mean just look down at Mantle and to the crater; thousands of Faunus who were chosen specifically for the animal traits they have, slave away, but because they're paid the bare minimum as decided by international law, they aren't, by the flimsiest of semantics, slaves. We both know that's a steaming pile of bullshit."

"Yeah," Orion frowned, "I'm sorry."

"Gods, you really need to stop apologizing for things that you have had no control over," Rei gave him a soft peck on his cheek, "we've been through this since team orientation. We aren't going to be blamed or pitied for things that have happened before we were even born. It's not your family's fault that my parents died in a Dust Mine accident. It's not your fault that you're the twin brother to a psychopath, or spawned from the shitty demons your parents are."

"Wow, thanks,"

"At least we know that the apple can fall far from the tree," Rei smirked, "so, why did you want to be a huntsman? No, wait, let me guess."

"Rei, come on, you already dragged me, I don't need you to stomp on me too."

"Oh, come on, Orion," she smirked, "it only hurts if it's true."

"Alright, that's fair; continue."

"You and your sister awakened your semblances at the same time," Rei said, unlatching her arm from his. Turning to him, she raised a finger, "your parents seeing the opportunity, put you both through intense training to ensure that you both evolved your semblances to their fullest extent. While Larissa succeeded in every endeavor, you failed and kept failing. Feeling left behind, you were constantly there to clean up the mess she left behind, including some…things. Being a huntsman and leader of your own team, you hope to be the one to mitigate any damage she does in her career as a soldier or a huntress for the Brotherhood. How did I do?"

"Three out of five," Orion nodded, "I'm impressed. But I never felt behind Larissa; I always thought we were equals – she just didn't share the sentiment. Also, I'm not my sister's butler or servant; whatever she does is of her own mistake and I'm not cleaning up after her. I never did before and I refuse to, now. I thought you knew me better than that, Rei?"

"Really?" she giggled, "I could have sworn…"

"This is why you're not a mind reader," he laughed, shaking his head, "Larissa is…we're twins, but despite sharing everything except gender, we're so unlike one another, it's concerning. Maybe at one point I had the same hate for Faunus as she did, I can't remember a time where it ever regressed to her level. I wanted to be a Huntsman because it was a way to stretch my legs, use the skills my parents made me learn. This time to protect people, instead of hurting them."

"Now, that begs me to ask; if you weren't a Huntsman, what would you be?" Rei turned to him.

"Oh damn…that's a tough one," Orion blushed.

"Do you want me to start again?" Rei giggled, "this is turning into the Rei show. Fine, if I wasn't a huntress…I'd have worked in some restaurant until I saved enough money to move to Menagerie. Healed or not, it was always my goal to go to the land of my people. Be among familiar faces for once. If not a hostess, I don't know, a nurse or something and do what I can to help in the Crater, or one of the auxiliary units that don't have aura, in the military. I've always wanted to serve and help. Now, I think that deserves an answer, don't you?"

"I…if I wasn't a huntsman, I think we both know what I'd be."

"If you had a choice," she said, "now, imagine the Argents weren't some power-hungry psychopaths and your sister was a homicidal maniac…what do you see?"

"I…I'd be a painter," Orion said, "maybe even a museum curator like our benefactor. Like you, history is just so interesting, especially Remnant's. So much has been lost over time, that we may or may not have lost something inherently us, after all the wars and the Grimm incursions that swept across the planet like a plague. What many don't talk about, is the Grimm invasion that nearly obliterated Mistral and Vacuo during the Faunus War. There are artifacts, archaic practices in the forging process of weapons and armor to infuse ones aura; there are ancient weapons that no one even remembers…so much knowledge lost in the destruction we dealt to one another."

"See, there's some of the passion I've missed," Rei smiled, "I swear it's like you lost something in Vale."

"It's not that I've lost anything," he replied, running to her side, "I just feel…how do I say, I'm conflicted."

"About what?" Rei gave him a confused look, "if it's about betraying your family, there shouldn't be a discussion about it."

"It's about trusting the King," he couldn't believe the words coming from his mouth.

"Where was this doubt when we were in Tarsier Pavilion?" she raised a brow.

"Because I was desperate," Orion said, "I've been doing a lot of thinking since then. As the trial gets worse and the protests keep getting larger and larger, and the King doing nothing, it's like a repeat of what happened before the festival even began. Refugees already angry with the lack of action by the Valean Council, now angry at the council for even thinking of investigating his father – people who've probably never even heard of the name Argent or Arc, are calling for the deposal of either House. With my words being said across Anima and Sanus, with no way to stop it, fourth week in a row, the Brotherhood grows impatient with me and my sister."

"There was little to no editing done to the audio, Rei," Orion said, "I don't hate them for recording the conversation; I'd have done the same, but it's what I said to my father afterwards. With everything happening in Vale and the pending trial for Pallidus Alivia, one mistake could cost both parties everything. With my father immediately having Rosemary Arc and several Lieutenants of the King's Fist under house arrest or outright arrested for trial, I'm afraid that mistake is coming soon. I know I told the King that if I was given a choice, I'd fight against the Brotherhood and my family but the closer we get to a boiling point, I don't know if I can do it."

"W-What?"

"These are people I grew up with; these are people I know," Orion said, taking her hands into his own, "Rei, listen to me. Not all of them are the blind idiots we have dealt with. After all, I was able to change – I have enough hope in people to know that no matter what they believe, they can be taught a new way. People can change. All they need is a proper lesson, they need to be taught the opposition. This is what the Brotherhood and what the White Fang didn't understand. Life isn't black and white; why do you think the White Fang surrendered and disbanded? They learned that the King taught his people a new path, he showed his people that Faunus were people too. That's what Sienna understood and that's what the Brotherhood doesn't want to understand."

"And you're going to teach them?" Rei almost laughed, "Yeah, and I'll owe you a decade's worth of salary if you can get Larissa to sit down and listen. After what happened to Ciane, I doubt the skank will ever realize the wrong she's done. You're living in a dream, Orion. I love you, but gods, you're being naïve."

"Guys, I hate the break up the philosophy debate, but a group of nobles just came in," Xue said over their comms, "oh gross, it's one of the blue-hairs."

"The Marigolds?" Orion asked, "What are they doing here? Which one? If it's May, I have no problem talking to her; if it's Henry–"

Before Xue could respond, a man tapped him on the shoulder, "I'm looking for my old friend, Orion Argent. Have you seen him? He's about your height, looks kinda stupid?"

The Argent took a deep breath, rolling his amethyst eyes. Turning on his heels, he wore one of his patented fake smiles, "Henry fucking Marigold. What are you doing here, moron? Don't you know there's a minimum IQ requirement? As far as I'm concerned–"

"Shut the hell up, dude," Henry smirked, "how've you been? I heard what's been happening, you good?"

"As fine as I'll ever be," Orion shrugged, "my father's pissed, but what's new."

"Heh, I'll drink to that," Henry chuckled. Blinking with an empty look on his face, "speaking of which, where are the drinks? Don't tell me you're walking around this place without some alcohol. I mean…look at this crap. Who cares about some rotting piece of wood?"

"Is there a reason you're here, Marigold?" Rei glared, "we're a little busy."

The boy raised his hands in defense, "hey, calm your hops, sister. Trying to lighten the mood here. Obviously, I'm not the only one who needs a drink. Look, I heard what happened in Vale and saw some of the videos playing in Anima and Sanus. That takes some balls to call them out like that. Marigolds don't care about the Brotherhood, myself included, but hey, after all that shit you said…."

"Since you wanted to know," Henry gave Rei a glare, "I came here to check on my friend. I went to the Academy but I was told you were on a mission in the city. Here I am; making sure he's alive and breathing and making sure you haven't made him pull out his hair."

"W-What's that supposed to mean?" Rei glared, taking a threatening step.

Henry didn't budge, "It means you're annoying, Rei. Besides, museums are more fun with friends anyway, right?"

"Henry, I don't think I can fraternize when on the job," Orion quickly shot him down, "unless it's important, then please, enjoy the exhibit. If you have any questions about what you're looking at, every display has a plague that explains what it is. Surely, that won't be too hard to read. I know you struggle with big words."

"It's called dyslexia."

"You've never been tested, so don't give me that excuse," Orion waved him off, taking Rei's hand, "if you don't have anything to share, Henry, I'll be on my way."

"Wait," Henry said, grabbing his arm, "I overheard my cousin talking with her teammates over the CCTN. They were talking about some strange movements with air traffic recently, as far back as a month before the Vytal Festival Tournament. If you're really working with that King, my parents are hoping for something tangible; that maybe joining the Schnee's in leaving Atlas for Vale, is a good investment. I don't know, irregular air traffic is odd for a place like Atlas and Mantle."

"You think…you think someone's bringing weapons and supplies into the Kingdom? I didn't think you were even that important, Henry," Orion glared.

"Hey, that's why I'm good at what I do," he shrugged, "no one expects me. Just…just look into it, alright? If you're going to turn on the House of Argent, the Marigolds will back you. They just want some reassurances on your part that it isn't a bad gamble. I'm not a fighter, but there are many in my family who are, along with the guardsmen and security forces. Some are even strong like my cousin, May."

"I appreciate it, Henry," Orion said, "now if you aren't going to stay and enjoy the museum, I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

"Say no more, Corporal Argent," Henry gave a weak salute.

"Tell your parents that I'm willing to meet somewhere in private away from Atlas personnel. Sometime next weekend," Orion said.

"No problem, I'll let them know, Orion," Henry nodded, "till then."

As the Marigold walked away with his posse, Orion waited until they disappeared into the cold winds of Solitas. People paid them no attention as they passed him and Rei, gawking at the exhibits, pointing and flashing pictures. Others laughed and giggled with each other, as they saw some funny looking creatures and weirdly placed bones. As the world ticked by, Orion snapped out of his trance and threw a hand to his ear, "Xue, did you catch all of that?"

"Yup, it's uploading to my scroll right now," the girl responded, "it's auto-encrypting as we speak, changing its base code to throw off any hackers who might get curious. If someone in the Brotherhood wants to hack my shit, they won't get their hands on this. When we get back to the Barracks, I'll sift through the audio files and piece it together into something juicy."

"Good," Rei smirked, "make sure it can't be traced back to Atlas or Vale. Scramble its signature to somewhere in Vacuo or something. The King wants to slander the Argents, he's going to need some help without any Argents in Vale right now."

"Alright girls, let's just enjoy this night. It's easy money," Orion frowned, "just…just keep an eye out for any other socialites that pop up. I don't think I can deal with any more surprises. Henry is enough for one night. Besides, look at some of these animals; who thought there'd be a thing called a Titanoboa? Shit's huge."

"Are we gonna just ignore the fact Henry, of all people, just dropped that bomb on us and not someone like, you know, May? The only competent Marigold?" Yuki asked over comms.

"Don't forget that she hates Atlas," Xue added, "I mean…if you want, you could even go straight to the source to confirm what Henry said. Robyn Hill is always happy to work together for something better. Tell her about the King or something, I don't know. Something is better than nothing."

"We need a reason to go down into Mantle," Orion said, "the General won't let us to travel freely beyond the walls of Atlas for anything, much less to talk to Robyn Hill and the Happy Huntresses."

"I know, I know," Xue said, "that doesn't mean we can't try."

"Just give me a few days, I'll think of something," Orion sighed, "but for real, let's just…let's enjoy the museum. These places are for fun and enjoying culture."

"It's only fun when you're down there," Yuki huffed, "when're we switching shifts again?"

"Still have one more hour," Rei shook her head, "stop being impatient, Yuki."

Before Orion could speak, his scroll began to ring with a notification. Quickly fishing it from his pocket, he choked. Nearly dropping the scroll, Rei grabbed it, paling as her eyes scrawled across the words, "n-no fucking way."

"My father wouldn't go this far," Orion said, "he can't."

"Who else would do this?" Re said, with harsh whisper, as people murmured amongst themselves as their scrolls began to ring with notifications, "who else gains from chaos? Everyone around Remnant knows by now the situation in Vale. North of the River follows the Council, south of the river, follows the King. Protestors who support the King and Lord Arc were murdered, Orion."

"I can read too, Rei," Orion's breath hitched. Pushing away from her, he moved through the museum, trying to find a place to speak in private. Xue and Yuki ran from their positions above, most likely to find him. Ding, ding, ding. Blip. Blip. Blip. Notifications kept popping up, people turned their eyes away from the ancient history displayed in tempered glass cases, and to their scrolls, whispering, murmuring, turning their eyes toward him. He could feel it, he could hear it. Their eyes planted against his retreating form, the Argent marched away, with Rei hot on his heels.

"Orion!"

He could not respond as he was suddenly grabbed by her strong arms and thrown into a dark crevice between exhibits. Rei's eyes were wide, lifting the scroll for the boy to see. A live news report from VNN and Daily Vale; Jaune Arc was in the field already, running into fire and inferno, pulling people to safety. Ruby Rose of the Fireteam RWBY, used her semblance, spilling rose petals across the flaming fields, grabbing people as quickly as she could. Queen Pyrrha stood in the fires, using her semblance to hold fallen pipes hundreds of feet wide, to allow survivors to escape.

As the heroics were seen, the camera suddenly shifted away from what they were doing, changing POVs to on the ground. A reporter with the Valean Report, a competitor to the other news networks, rushing into the chaos, revealing burning men and women, children. Flesh turned to charcoal, people rolling about the singed concrete, screaming for help with nothing but a camera in their face. The chaos spread; people fought back, breaking through the Riot Police in the North Side of the River.

"W-What the fuck is happening in Vale?!"

Jaune took a deep breath, watching from the command center. Fires raged in the streets as people burned furniture and flags of Vale and the Silver Citadel of the Council. Across the river, he could see plumes of smoke rising from their own flaming streets. SWAT teams and Riot Police were deployed, trying to stop the protests from getting larger. Clenching his fists, Jaune punched the glass window, shattering it in one go, bringing with it, the smells of burning rubber and fire.

Ruby and Pyrrha stood beside him; silver eyes wide with confusion. Blake, Weiss, Nora and Yang had disappeared, last seen arming for combat and making their way to a LAHAT. They disappeared somewhere, probably joining the troops below to calm the situation, but it was only getting worse. CRDL and CFVY had deployed into the field with several other Fireteams going out to the Forever Fall and Emerald Forest, getting calls of extreme Grimm activity. While not as bad as the Battle of Vale; the reports are describing something similar. Every airship deployed, every vehicle in the field, except for the AT-TE's and Scorpion Tanks.

Wings of Hornets, Broadswords and LAHAT zoomed through the air, reminding the people south of the river, who was still in command; who still had control. Jaune moved from the command center and into the hangar bay, with Ruby and several soldiers of the King's Fist right behind him. Taking the Levy, he turned to Ren who had already drawn out his ram horns. Neither spoke, knowing the silent understanding between them. With a motion of his hands, the levy bay doors slammed shut, hovering up and into the airspace.

"Holy shit," a sergeant whispered breathlessly.

North of the river, flaming trials of Molotov cocktails flew over riot police lines, exploding against their APC's and armored vehicles. Men threw thrown about, trying to escape the flame and explosions. Thousands of people were int the streets, shouting, begging, crying for answers and change. Signs were lifted 'Lord Arc is innocent!'; 'Lieutenant Rosemary is innocent!'; 'No justice; No peace!'.

Rival crowds protesting different things suddenly clashed at 23rd and Main off the way from the main strip and the Redwood Bridge. Ruby flinched as an explosion shook the levy passing by. The mobs were fighting one another with metal pips and sticks and stones. Signs were turned into shields; bodies were turned into walls. Beaten to bloody pulps, the police could do nothing but wait behind their riot shields and their gun barrels. The chaos was spreading.

Snapping at attention, he could see gunfire roaring across the summits and battlements of Vale's southern wall against the Emerald Forest. Explosions roared within the towering canopy of luscious green. Griffons and Nevermore somehow made it past the AA Guns, but were quickly intercepted by Broadsword pilots and daring Hornet crews. The ground battle continued outside the kingdom, with artillery emplacements within the city walls had turned their guns toward the incoming invasion.

Eyes turned to the air fleet, the Paix and the Prévenance, slowly turning away toward the Forever Fall Forest. Clenching the handle bars, he gritted his teeth as Grimm appeared to be flying from that direction as well. Their own compliments of fighters and VTOLs took off from their hangar bays or quickly turned to follow their home base. Griffons came to life, springing toward the city, but were quickly turned to dust before they could even make it through the first screening. Zipping across the sky, missiles and bullets flew across the clouded sky, turning great Grimm and even Greater Grimm, into forgotten tales before their bodies could even come close to hitting the ground.

Dashing in and out of streets and skyscrapers, the LAHAT landed on the ground, pushing dirt and debris away from the rioting civilians. They were angry and he understood that, but in their blind rage, they could not see the Grimm already trying to break through the city's defenses. Flaring his antlers to life, a wave of pink energy washed over the people, by the dozens. One by one, either opposing or allied, they dropped their weapons and glanced at one another, shameful and already regretting what they'd done. Jaune said nothing as he moved through the crowds, giving a speech as soon as his mind thought one up.

"This is not who we are!" Jaune bellowed, "we are men and women of this great Kingdom, we are brothers and sisters under these banners. We should not be acting like this and you know it! Get out of the streets and get back home – we are not going to humor this farce any longer! Your negativity has brought the Grimm bearing down on this Kingdom once again."

"Y-Your Grace," the people cried, lowering their heads before him, "we didn't mean to offend you! We just thought–"

"Destroying your own community over minor disputes is not indicative of my values! Just because we disagree doesn't mean we're going to go out and harm those who stand against us! That is not the kind of King I am; that is not the kind of people all of you are! Stop this!"

However, just as he said the words, an explosion ripped through the street. Flaring his aura, a barrier of energy surrounded him, expelling outward, protecting the civilians in his care. Fire, smoke and debris rushed between buildings and skyscrapers, embedding and melting at the mere touch of his powerful semblance at play. Dropping his defenses, he whipped around, wide-eyed and paling in color.

"R-Ruby…" Jaune said, "w-what just happened?!"

She didn't respond, eyes wide enough to pop from her head. She did not speak, but quickly snapped out of it to follow the Arc as he and Pyrrha sprang into action. As they found themselves on second street; there was nothing left to say.

People screamed in agony as their skin melted off their bones. There were wounded crawling away from the destruction, only to die mere seconds before reaching help. Others used the walls of buildings for support, but burned further as bricks and metal had superheated in the agitated Dust storm. Fire rained down from the epicenter, blacking the sky further. Plumes of smoke, rose, flooding homes, obliterated apartment buildings, collapsed tenements; Ruby couldn't breathe, feeling the heat prick and burn at her lungs.

"W-We have to do something," Jaune said, moving through the fire. People, despite their pain called out to Jaune, begging him to stop, but as he appeared with women and children, wounded blue collars, the boy King refused to stop now.

A creak was heard as he dropped of his latest haul. Snapping above, Pyrrha suddenly appeared, hands up and glowing a vibrant black. The pipe stopped mid-air, creaking as it was forced to stay static. Jaune gave her a nod, immediately barking commands to the soldiers who followed him. One by one they braved the flames, jumping into harms way to save any factory workers they could, breaking into nearby tenement buildings to free those trapped. In the chaos of the fire, Pyrrha raised a hand, focusing her Maiden powers.

Fire flickered with rage, only suddenly calm to her commanding hand. Little by little, the flames doused further, shrinking just enough to give Ruby some leg room. A blink from the silver eyed warrior and suddenly petals filled the district from the entrance to the Redwood Bridge, to Tarsier Pavilion. Movements that only seemed like red blips to the blinking eye, Ruby had saved over one hundred people with a single breath and she was only barely getting started. Flash, snap, break. The people were the priority.

With a battle cry, Pyrrha tossed the metal pipe away, letting her focus on the chaos abroad. Hands out, flames listened to her call, but for some reason, there was a tickle at the back of her neck. Snapping back, people were in awe. A man who was severely burned just sat back up without a scar on his face or body. Jaune stood up, moving to another, a Faunus, judging by the scorched Faunus features, immediately getting work. A white light and golden energy receding, the Faunus stood up, just like the first, no scars and features returned.

Pyrrha could only watch as more were healed and more fell to their knees with their hands up in reverence.

They were calling him a god.

"Alright, we're nearing the city," Ardit said, "might want to get ready for anything. I'm seeing a lot aircraft on the radar."

"How bad?"

"Hundreds," Ardit responded. He stood from his seat, walking across the aircraft, "whole airwings of air superiority fighters, those VTOL Hornets and LAHAT gunships spewing from the Five Air Ships. That's not even taking into consideration the air fleet Sienna Khan brought with her to Vale."

"I see…"

Clouds beat against the windshield of the cockpit. He could feel it; millions of souls, millions of lives, but one thing that took him by surprised, was the overwhelming negativity. Blinking, he wondered if the Grimm were attracted to it, or if they were smart enough to ignore the urges. Hanzo took a deep breath as he piloted the aircraft through the thick clouds over Vale. Ignoring the horns and the airwings of Broadswords and Hornets zooming past him, it would seem their airship wasn't an uncommon appearance in Vale. Breaking through the last layer of clouds, he nearly let go of the stick. The Yūrei behind him actually gasped at what they saw, rushing to the cockpit of the airship.

"You ever see a place like this, Hanzo?" Dawa asked, awestruck.

"No," Hanzo said, carefully regaining control of the airship, "gods…what a city."

Skyscrapers climbed to the heavens towering over the ancient walls of Vale. From the districts pointed out so directly, with industry in an odd yellow paint, while residential districts were oddly green. Great highways rose from avenues and broadways. Winding through entire districts, economic and residential, even cutting by smokestacks of industrial. To the South, the fields of farmland spread for several miles, stopping at the walls of the Kingdom, separating wheat, grain and rice, from the encroaching Emerald Forest. At the rear of the city, rising at the back of Beacon Academy, the Brass Mountains rose through low hanging storm clouds.

"I've always wondered how Vale survived all this time, but gods…look at those mountains," Ardit whispered, "no wonder the Grimm and our Queen haven't been able to break through after all this time."

"While Beacon is no Atlas," Afra whispered, "don't forget the Huntsmen and Huntresses from that school. They're some of the best, I mean, look at Team STRQ and the Fireteams of the King's Fist."

"A hint of pride for our enemies, Afra?" Dawa gave her a smirk.

"I'm from Vacuo; in the deserts you see strength and you can't help but respect it," she frowned, "don't think I care about these heretics."

"Enough," Hanzo said, "I didn't bring you three along to trade stories; we have a mission to complete. We will complete it."

"Yes, sir!" the three quickly saluted.

Black eyes narrowed at the city below, to the surface ships and cargo fleets steaming into the bay. He counted several bridges linking the two halves of the city, crossing the turbulent waters of the Great River. Cargo fleets steamed into the bay, however, blockaded by a task force of surface ships with massive batteries aimed out into the ocean waters. Eyes followed the river, beyond the airships hovering over the entire Kingdom, to the ancient Beacon Academy, the shining castle on its hill. He spied the icons of companies from the Four Kingdoms and captains dropping anchor just outside a border line made of bright, blinding flares. Lights were alive giving life to every street and alleyway north and south of river. However, it was the banners that each skyscraper displayed that told him where to go.

North of the River, the banners of the Kingdom of Vale were displayed from the side of skyscrapers and towers. Even the great bridges bore the banners until it reached the very center of the river. To the south, the banners of the House of Arc, those golden rainbows and the flaming eagle of House Winchester. It couldn't have been no later than eleven at night and the people were still gathered in the streets of either side of the river. Signs in their hands, flaming bottles in others, threatening and shouting at armored men and women who carried riot shields.

Hanzo focused, looking about the city's skies. The Five Airships of the King's Fist Fleet, were already deployed, spotlights alive and searching through the insanity of the streets below. Some pushed past police blockades and others made their own, weaponizing and fortifying the bridges for their own use. He didn't need to have super hearing to know what they were saying to one another. Glancing to the southside of the city, battalions and companies of the King's Fist were deployed, using their war machines to dissuade the people from further protest.

Narrowing his eyes, he noticed, even with their protectors in the streets, the people still didn't care and wanted violence. Throwing bricks, bottles and sticks at the King's Fist below. To the North, police fought back, beating the protestors with gas attacks and metal batons. It did nothing to calm them down. Dipping below, he matched the altitude of wooden airships that were seen being used by the White Fang fleet when they surrendered. Hundreds of these Mistrali looking vessels hovered through the airspace giving his small vehicle, along with several others, a path to land in the city proper without being searched by the King's Fist.

It would seem his worries were for nothing. A Griffon suddenly appeared over the walls of Vale. First it was just one; then it quickly multiplied into several hundred. Nevermore followed after it, with at least five other bird-type Grimm. Fighter pilots battled them with rockets and bullets, but with how numerous the Grimm were and how they could fire back; it would seem the air force of the King's Fist was not as good as Salem first thought.

Deep within the industrial district, Hanzo's aircraft hovered in, ignoring the security forces too engrossed with their scrolls, to care about their aircraft. Shutting down the engines, he turned to his compatriots, waiting for the bay doors to hiss open. A creak, a spat, steam burst free as the doors hissed open. Looking down, they were several hundred feet off the ground, but at least well out of the way of King's Fist personnel. Giving his team a nod, the three of them prepared themselves, pulling zipline tools from their backpacks.

He raised a masterwork bow, nocking a glowing arrow. Drawing the bowstring, he focused on his target, chaffing string and wire. Release. The arrow sung across the complex, silent in the commotion of the airspace, embedding into a water tower sitting on an apartment building. No words shared, they attached their tools and shot forward, thanks to Dawa's incredible strength. Springing up, rather down, thanks to Afra's semblance blowing sand in their wake. Coming to their destination, Hanzo cut the wire, sheathing the arrow.

Making a move, the four of them jumped from rooftop to rooftop. Arrows shot, ziplines used, they rolled about the pebbles of rooftops, eyeing the city and the protests below. He sheathed his bow and turned to his team. There were four of them, but why was there a fifth set? He blinked once more, realizing they were not alone.

"Alright, Tyrian, we're here."

"Took you long enough, Hanzo," Tyrian's laughter came from the shadows, "I was…I was getting lonely. I thought you'd be better than that, Alpha."

"I'm here now. What's the plan? Did you get a place for us to stay?" Hanzo asked, "we left the ship where you said to."

"Give me the keys," Tyrian smiled, "you've done your part; time for me to do mine."

Pressing a button on the jingling keys, Hanzo's eyes widened as the ship suddenly exploded. Red, orange, white. Tearing through pipes and processing plants, explosions ruptured to life, incinerating members of protest, roaring smoke into the sky. Before he could respond, he, Ardit and Afra were thrown off their feet, flying back into a wall until Dawa caught the three of them. Snapping to the Scorpion, the Faunus was cackling like a madman.

"W-What the hell are you doing, you psychopath?!" Afra snapped.

"Well," Tyrian smiled, fishing into a pocket. Holding a pin bearing the symbol of the Argent family. He snapped his fingers, igniting a pinch of burn dust powder. The pin blackened and turned from bronze, to a melted mess, but still recognizable. Without warning, he moved, springing back, cocking his arm. With a powerful cry, he threw the pin out into the inferno. Screams roared out into the city ambiance, mixing with the thuds of gas canisters and rumbling engines, "I'm doing my job, my dear Candida. Go, there is a place I have cleared for you in the residential district against main street and the Redwood. You have a perfect view of everything happening this side of Vale and ten blocks away from Tarsier Pavilion, the home of the King's Fist HQ."

A flash of white, gold and bronze was seen in the streets below. A flash of red and bronze followed afterward. People were screaming, people were howling like animals. They watched from above as the soldiers dressed in black armor and black weapons were making their way toward the flaming district. Hundreds of buildings obliterated, hundreds more compromised with untold hundreds dead. Up in the sky, news Bullheads had flashed their spotlights onto what looked like King diving head first into trouble to save the nameless masses. What made them pale; he was actively healing the victims of the attack.

"The mission was to discredit the King – not increase his public image!"

"Oh, you simpleton, you don't know the kind of damage this will cause," Tyrian smiled, "you have your plans – I have mine. You just can't seem to comprehend."

"Maybe if you'd stop smiling like that, and tell us what you're planning, you freak; we might be on the same page for once!" Afra cringed.

"Alright, that's enough," Hanzo said, nodding his head, "come on, let's go. We're burning moonlight here. We cannot linger. Tyrian…have fun."

"Hehe, with pleasure, Hanzo. I hope to see all of you real soon."

Some stuff I'd like to say. I love Monty Oum; he's one of, if not the main inspiration of mine to have caused me to write my own book series. But my god, the world of Remnant needs some serious TLC. The maps that are on the RWBY wikia for Sanus and Vale are incompatible at best, lacks proper information and just a bunch of random icons thrown about at best. Like, in one map, the main map of the Kingdom of Vale, it shows an asston of towns and cities, the City of Vale itself, and even another CCT Tower on the Eastern Coasts of Sanus, while in another map, one shown in the WoR episode about Mountain Glenn or something like that (I forget which episode, but it's on the Wikia); and it shows several more towns and villages and cities and the City of vale, against the western part of the map, while blatantly ignoring the eastern part. There's a lot of confusion in regards to that, because Roman's map of Vale, very obviously shows its river and bay coming from the Western side, therefore, saying Vale would be in the West, not East.

I intend to rectify all of that confusion to fit the canon of this fanfiction; bear with me. If you have any questions, please, do not be afraid to ask and I'll probably answer any questions about geography in an A/N or PM

You know the usual at this point; tell me what you thought!

Ja ne!

gottahavekyuubi