/==/ Chapter Seven /==/

"Explain NOW Ozpin!" snapped James Ironwood as Ozpin seated behind his desk hosted the holographic conference call between himself and the other Headmaster's. "Where did she come from. When did you bring her to Beacon? Who is she and WHY weren't we told of her existence?"

"It is very concerning that you held information from us Ozpin." added Theodore, the Headmaster of Shade. "You created this little group, relentlessly pushed for greater communication between the Academies. So PLEASE let us in one what you could have possibly thinking to push to to keep us in the dark on this development. I would also wish to know how long she has been known to you... considering you've had me directing my hunters and staff to continuously search for the Summer Maiden."

"I echo Theodore's and James' sentiments, and would also like to add that this is an insult Ozpin. As Theodore mentioned. This circle of information sharing was your idea... it feels as if you don't trust us."

Leo Lionheart commented.

"You want to know WHY I chose to do what I did?" Ozpin watched as the holograms of the three Headmasters nodded. "Because it IS as Leo put forward, I have a trust issue... Amber was ambushed... targeted for her powers... only we four, plus our most trusted associates KNEW her identity and location. So SOMEONE leaked that information, and until I KNOW it was none of the three of you, I will continue to play things close to me chest. I will NOT risk another incident like Amber's"

"How dare you insinuate such a thing!" snarled James. "I would never... Atlas would never!"

"Really? Can you say that of everyone under your command James? How many do you have in your own circle of confidants?"

"One. Winter Schnee."

"I am affronted by you Ozpin... but I can also understand your reasoning. Yes what happened to Amber is terrible and leans itself to the indication that what we discuss and share may not be as secure as we all assumed." Theodore stepped in, with a calmer demeanour than James. "But with that said. She was at Beacon... she was safe, as no one would think to directly or indirectly attack an academy filled with skilled and combat capable individuals. So you should have told us you had possession of a second Maiden... even if you with held her identity from..."

"I am not satisfied." Leo cut in. "It is a weak excuse, based on assumptions! Anyone could have discovered who and what she was. Are we so blind to not acknowledge that SHE would have agents in the field. Amber was wandering in the wilds... someone who knew what to look for could have easily ferreted out the information you have accused one of us leaking!"

"It is not an excuse, and while you bring up a valid point Leo... it has happened, and now I need to move into a phase of damage control." Ozpin's eyes narrowed. He noticed Leo's fidgeting. James' and Theodore's body language while agitated was much more relaxed. "She has been exposed because of that fucking video."

"I want full disclosure, Ozpin or I will have Atlas boycott the Vytal." James informed the gathered individuals. "It is supposed to be a symbol of cooperation between the kingdoms. What you have done is not cooperation."

"James?" Ozpin asked.

"I am firm on this. Fuck your reservations. We have the right to know everything you have withheld. If this request is not met, I will do what I just said."

"As leery as I am to agree with James, I am of a similar mind. If we are not fully brought into the know, as it were... Shade will also refuse to take part in the Vytal."

"I'm assuming you have a similar threat, Leo."

"No I have a real threat." the lion faunus informed the group. "I will inform all the families of students you have that are from Mistral... of your duplicity and less than upfront actions without going into detail. I would expect a fair number of transfer requests to be on your desk in short order... including Ms Nikos."

"She's slated to be the next Fall Maiden! You can't Leo." Theodore interjected himself before Ozpin could answer them all.

"I am serious, and I don't care. We can just as easily move that horror movie contraption you plan to use, here to Haven and follow through with the plan. In fact I think we should do that. Two maiden's so close together could force her hand into direct action against the academies."

"That I WILL NOT allow Leo. Amber is staying where she is. As for Ms Nikos... I would be sorry to see her go, but she is NOT the only candidate for the aura transfer, she is just out first pick."

"Despite what has happened and has been insinuated. I can not agree to moving the machine or Amber. She was in too fragile a state when first put in the machine five months ago. She would no doubt have declined further over this amount of time. A transfer to another school would kill her, and release the power to whomever had stolen a portion of it." James crossed his arms over his chest. "And Ozpin is right. Nikos is our first choice, not our only choice."

"You can't..." Leo tried to counter.

"I can and have, but that aside, full disclosure Oz... or I will withdraw Atlas from the Vytal, which you know means the lack of more than just Atlas students competing."

"So will full disclosure ease you concerns? Allow us to move forward with our original plans for the Fall Maiden?" Ozpin watched as the other three headmasters nodded in agreement. "Very well. She came to our attention about four months ago, and has been here residing in Beacon all of that time. I have Glynda working with her, in an effort to help her develop her powers."

"Who is she?" James asked for all three headmasters.

"She is Jaune Arc."

"An ARC! Do you truly understand how powerful and influential that family is?" Leo exclaimed.

"Oh, I intimately have first hand experience with the amount of clout they have. But there is more... and this is information has just come to my knowledge... from an irrefutable source." Ozpin paused, he really did not want to let them know, but maybe it would impress on them all that he was jsutified in his previous actions to withhold information. "She is Jaune Arc... Jonathon Arc's daughter, and I have been told they do recognize her as his heir."

"Fucking hell Ozpin! Ansel is basically a kingdom in itself!" Leo cursed. "What have you done!"

"I have..."

"I am sending a contingent of Atlas forces to Beacon. Specialist Winter Schnee will be the ranking officer. She will be my official representative and have the right to act in my absence. This is non-negotiable; and in the spirit of full disclosure... this offer will be extended to Ansel and the Arc family. While Winter will work with you and Beacon; their primary duty will be to secure the school and SUPPORT the Arcs in the protection of Jonathon's heir."

"James?"

"Oz... Leo is right. Ansel is basically a kingdom, the only reason they haven't been recognized by Atlas as such is because of their open support for Menagerie to be declare a kingdom; and their public and vocal stance against the SDC's labour practices."

"I can not offer such supports, as I do not have control of Vacuo's militia, nor do I have any hunters that I can spare... there are things happening in Vacuo that require my full attention. But I will not withdraw Shade's support or attendance from Vytal. That is the best i can currently do. If the situation changes I may be able to send an advance team."

"I... I have a duo, partners that are working alone as their teammates are ill. I will put through the paperwork and requests for an early transfer to Beacon. They will effectively become students of Beacon until the conclusion of the Vytal."

"And the catch?"

"You will make every effort to see that they are attached to Lady Arc as a protection detail. I will send you their particulars shortly."

"Leo I..."

"No Oz. This like James has stated. Is non-negotiable. I do not have the authority of you or James in regards to direction of the Mistral army, aside from an advisory role. What I do have is control and access to the resources of Haven and as such I am sending a protection detail, and informing the Arc family of my actions."

"As I can't officially resist, without creating a disastrous diplomatic incident, that would no doubt draw grimm to Vale's walls and threaten the outlying communities... I relent. However this has to all be arranged through official channels, and if the Arcs refuse..."

"We understand." the three headmasters replied one after the other.

"Is there anything else, that we need to discuss?" Ozpin asked. His mind, emotions, and patience frayed.

Each of the three shook their heads before logging out of the holographic meeting. Once he was alone, Ozpin dropped his head with a thunk to his desk. He winced at the light impact, his headaches returning with a vengeance. He would have to relay all this to Jasmine before things became public, and he had another shit storm to weather.

/=/

The scroll in Cinder's hand smoked and cracked. Lionheart's report was worse than she could have imagined. Though he had managed to find and in for Mercury and Emerald to attend Beacon much earlier than planned; her original thoughts of just having Emerald kill off this maiden had now been sidelined. Amber was a vagrant, unknown and family-less. There would be aside from Ozpin and his lackeys to miss her. This new maiden however... was a figure who would be missed. She was an Arc, and while the name seemed familiar to Cinder it wasn't until he expounded on whom she actually was that Cinder realized the inherit risk.

She would be surrounded by defenders, and had the power of basically a kingdom at her beck and call. Though her sudden death would throw the world into even more chaos; promoting the boiling emotions that her Queen required for her plans, it became a question of home. There were many ways it could be achieved, but the risk of a failure, and the sheer amount of protects this girl would have, would cripple her actions in Vale.

The fang would be of no use in this endeavour. While she could use the reputation of the Schnees as a way to fan the fires of rage and hatred, she doubted they would raise a hand against a family that openly supported and fought for what they sought. Of course this was all information that she had to look up a,d while there was not much in way of data on Ms Jaune Arc, there was plenty on Ansel and their public stances.

"Ansel, Atlas and Vale." she growled as he hand tightened further on her scroll. "That is too much strength concentrated in the one place I need the least. Ozpin's over confidence and lack of foresight in seeing the smaller picture was key. But now!"

Noticing how she was mangling her scroll, she dropped it on the table beside her, before moving and taking a seat at said table. She would have to change her instructions to Emerald. Conversion or seduction to their cause was looking more and more like the path they would have to follow.

Unless Cinder began to think as her fingers drumming on the top of the table. If I use that imp of Roman's. An assassination forcing the powers to move to a new host would be beneficial. Her death would drive the kingdoms at each other's throats as they tossed blame upon each other; and if the power moved to a peasant, an unknown she could be run down and taken without notice. She would still need to inform Emerald of the changes to the plan; but there was another opportunity presenting itself.

Emerald would be at Beacon, she could act in Cinder's place. While Cinder wanted to be the one to end Amber's life, she didn't need to. She already had part of the maiden's power. All that needed to be done is have Amber die. Emerald could do that easily. Hell even Mercury would be capable of such an action. Amber just needed to die, and if it could happen while Beacon erupted in utter anarchy due to the death of Ms Arc, even better. They could move their plans up. Move on to other targets. Consolidate power. Yes her Queen wanted the relic associated with Beacon, but with the maiden power fully hosted, she could return when Beacon was even weaker and take it. Yes, that was it. Emerald and Mercury could feed Cinder this Jaune's routines, or even attempt to influence them so Neo could strike, and remove the obstacle. Giving them the chance to strike at Amber.

There would be no attempt to sway the young woman to their side. It was better, quicker and more efficient to just remove her from the equation completely.

"Emerald!"

/=/

"Nat? Is there anything wrong?" Jasmine Arc asked her husband as his face appeared on her scroll. She had just shooed Coco out of the room, with instructions to go get herself cleaned up and fed; along with a little tease about how Coco can't help Jasmine change Jaune's clothes. She would have to wait until their wedding night to see the goods Jaune had to offer. Coco was fairly red faced, and Jasmine laughed while instinctively wrapping the young woman in a motherly hug.

"There have been developments."

"What sort of developments?"

I have just received an official communication from the Atlas military."

"Atlas Military? Are they asking for assistance from the ASDF?"

"No they are offering us assistance, as in a protection detail for the Lady Jaune Arc."

"How would they?" Jasmine's eyes moved from surprise to glaring anger. "That fucking asshole! He outed her!"

"Regardless, they know and have made the request through official channels, and I'm am going to accept it."

"Nat, she's not been through the Right of Passage to become the Lady of Ansel. That is still four years away."

"No, traditionally it would be four years... we can declare her at anytime to have her recognized. It wouldn't change anything really. She still wouldn't have official powers as they would remain with us until she is twenty-one. We would serve as her Regents until that time."

"Are you sure this should be done?"

"I am."

"It will put even more attention on her? Attention she is not handling well."

"I know."

"I'm still kicking that old coot in the balls when I see him." Jasmine hissed. "He had no right to out her like that!"

"I will be having a conversation with Ozpin soon, right after I formally address Atlas' offer." Nat sighed, and then gave his wife a weak smile. "How are they?"

"Both still sleeping. I expect Glyn to awaken soon. As for Jaune... it was bad Nat. Real bad, we just about lost her... Glyn just about lost the only real thing she cherishes in her life."

"As soon as medically possible, I want you to move out of Beacon."

"You want use to move to the estate?"

"Yes. It is secure, considered sovereign territory, and has the room to house the platoon General Iron has offered as a protection detail."

"A platoon? That's like 50 personnel."

"Yes, lead by a Specialist. Specialist Winter Schnee." Nat noticed the dangerous glare of his wife. "Jas she has officially cut ties from the SDC and her family. You WILL hold your feelings in check."

"That is not going to be easy."

"It will be much easier, once Atlas is forced to agree to some counter terms, I will be putting forward as concessions for accepting their request."

"Concessions? Like what?"

"A public inquiry into SDC labour practices..."

"That will not go anywhere."

"Dosen't matter. The negative PR such a inquiry will cause should give Jacques a bloody nose."

"If that. He's a fucking rat, and his children are almost as rotten as him. I feel sorry for Willow, trapped in such a hell. We should..."

"Jas, we are not going to launch a covert operation to kidnap Willow Schnee, so you can talk her into getting a divorce, and suing to regain control of her family company."

"SDC's tin soliders are nothing, compared to..."

"Enough Jas." Nat wanted to laugh at the angry pout his wife of twenty-six years displayed. "Anyway the other concession will be that Atlas also proivide security of the a Menagerie representatives that will be also in attendance at the estate, for diplomatic reasons."

"Nat, you're playing too heavy a hand."

"I have already drafted and sent the official invitation to Ghira and Kali. No taking it back, and if Ironwood balks, at having to provide security for the Menagerie delegation while also protecting the Lady of Ansel; he will give his organizations reputation a black eye."

"What happens when both sides decide not to take their offers?"

"Nothing. Jaune and Glynda will have the details they are entitled to, regardless. If Atlas and Menagerie agee, great. If not the Ansel Self Defense Forces will be there anyway. I'll be sending Noir to administar them."

"So you want the twins and Violet to return, to Ansel then?"

"Just the twins. Violet shall remain with you, though I would have liked it if you had taken a proper detail with you. You shouldn't be taking such risks, Jas."

"Our family needed me. I had to act."

"Regardless, you need to protect yourself as well as everyone else."

"As talented as the ASDF are, I had my girls. I was more than safe."

"Noir will also be in charge of you personal detail as well. I have already instructed Violet of her responabilities."

"And those are?"

"Once Noir arrives with the three squads of ASDF, Violet will become our... troubleshooter."

"You are expecting trouble."

"I always expect trouble, dear. It's part of the job of being a Lord, Magistrate and father."

"Jonathon should've been here with Glynda and Jaune. That fucking mission... fucking Tyrian Callows."

"I am getting reponses to my invitation and counter offer. I need to address these. Be safe honey, make sure Glynda and Jaune know we love them."

"I will, I will."

"And one more thing..."

"Yes?"

"Please as the current Lady of Ansel, go address Headmaster Ozpin's lack of decorum."

"With pleasure darling. With pleasure." Nat blew her a kiss before hanging up the video call. Jas sighed, as she put away her scroll and set about to change Jaune's clothes. Her brows knit as her eyes fell on the bandages wrapped around her wrists. "What drove you to that, baby?"

/=/

Glynda's head ached, her body was stiff and sore. She could almost swear she was suffering a hangover with how she felt. Opening her eyes she immediately shut them again to cut out the bright lights. Taking sevreal quick and deep breaths, she opened her eyes slowly and tried to recall where she was, and what had happened.

"Jaune!" she screamed as she thrust herself up right, only to suffer a sudden wave of nausea and vertigo at the movement. She felt a pair of hands quickly grab and steady her.

"Aunt Glynda, please take it easy. You are just recovering from a serious head injury." came a soft voice, that she instantly knew.

"Violet? You're here?"

"I am, as is Vert, Jade and mother." Violet answered as she continued to steady Glydna. "We arrived yesterday during the chaos."

"Chaos?" Glynda looked at her niece, and then her green eyes grew wide, rimmed with fear. "Jaune?"

"She is in the room next to yours." Noticing the growing panic in her Aunt's eyes, Violet quickly added, "She is safe. Mother is with her. Jade watched over her last night, and there is a girl; Coco I beleive her name is, who has been hovering around her."

"Good I was afraid... wait you said safe, but not well. What happened? Is she hurt? I need to see her!"

"Calm down please auntie!" Violet reverted to addressing Glynda in a less formal manner, hoping to spark happier memories of when she was in Ansel.

"I need to know, please?" Glynda's eyes began to trear up, as Violet prevented her with light prerssure from leaving her bed. "Please, is my baby okay?"

"Jaune is okay, but things have happened with her. Mother will speak to you about them. So calm down, she is safe, and as soon as both of you are well enought to travel, we are moving from Beacon."

"Moving? Where? Why?"

"Yes, to our estate here in Vale. Mother will speak to you about in detail, but Jaune's parentage has been made semi public, and Father is not impressed with beacon's treatment of you and Jaune. So steps are being taken to ensure your safety and status."

"Status? I don't..."

"Mother will explain it all. Please stay in bed, Auntie. I'm going to let mother know you are awake, and would like some answers. Okay?" Violet removed her hands as Glynda nodded.

/=/

"Nathaniel, Sienna has asked to take part in this discussion, I hope that is not a problem." Ghira gave his longtime friend a weak grim.

"I have no issue with Ms Khan being part of the discussion, she does hold an office of a sort."

"That's High Leader Kahn, hum..."

"I suggest, Ms Khan you do not finish that bigotted statement, and that you show proper decourum during these talks. Ansel does not recognize your leadership, but we do recognize that you hold an office in Menagerie's government structure. So I suggest you act with some dignity. If you can't than please leave." Nathaniel Arc scowled at the tiger faunus, his icey blue eyes narrow.

"My appoligies Lord Arc. I'm used to less hospitable meetings, and acted without consideration."

"Understood Ms Kahn."

"So is this a joke? Seriously Nat, Ansel is asking for a diplomatic delegation from Menagerie? What is going on? Why now?"

"Things have moved in strange and unexpected ways. Jonathon's heir, his only daughter has been revealed through unofficial channels, and as such we need to take action."

"Jonathon had a daughter? Why didn't you tell me and Kali? Where is she?"

"You had enough on your plate, Ghira... considering." Nathaniel once again gave Sienna a look of disapproval. "She's currently at Beacon under the watchful eyes of my wife and her mother."

"When can we meet her?"

"You already have. Many times."

"We have? I don't recall. Are you sure?"

"It's Jaune."

"Jaune is Jonathon's? Did he know?"

"No, he passed without ever knowing." Ghira and even Seinna grew somber at that thought. "Anyway. You have recived my official invitation, and I assume this conference is to address it?"

"It is. I have no one to send, aside from Kali. I have too much work, and we don't have the population size that can afford to send anyone besides Kali and one or two other people, who would have questionable loyalties." Ghira shot Sienna a side look.

"We would be happy to host Kali, you know that is without issue. What about Blake? She and Jaune are of the same age. I'm sure the pair of them would be delighted to get to know each other again. They haven't seen each other since they were like six!" Nathaniel noticed how Ghira and Seinna both became stiff. "Did somethign happen with Blake?"

"She ran away to the Fang."

"And then ran away from us." Sienna added. "We don't know where she is."

"I see. When was the last time anyone saw her, and where?"

"Outside of Vale five months ago. She was..." Sienna paused, looking like she didn't want to openly admit to a White Fang attack.

"I will assume she was taking part in an SDC raid?" Nathaniel asked, while shaking his head. "I will let Jasmine know about the situation with Blake. Maybe she could leverage some assistance from Vale or Beacon in helping to locate her."

"You would do that? With no demand for something in return?" Sienna looked at Nathaniel as if he had grown a second head.

"Why would I ask for something in return, when all I am doing is offering a good, and longtime friend help in locating a family memeber? You have a very low opinion of humanity, if you are willing to paint us all with the same brush that you use on Jacques Schnee. To be honest it is rather insulting and a bigotted view."

"I appoligize, I haven't had many opportunities to work with others who didn't have alterative motives for thier assistance."

"Appoligy accepted." Nathaniel responded, with a slight nod in Sienna's direction. "It is a shame that Menagerie won't be able to provide a larger delegation, considering..."

"I have a suggestion." Sienna spoke up.

"You ARE NOT sending White Fang opportives as representatives of Meneagrie! I wont allow it! It'll have Atlas on our doorstep in seconds!"

"I..."

"Ghira, let her voice her suggestion. It will not hurt to listen to it. Go on?"

"I was going to suggest that Kali go, with ONE of my operatives. She is trained, but has never been off Menegarie, officially or unofficially."

"I see go on."

"She is a spider faunus, and she is facing difficulties even here. I will vouch for her, and she will be instructed that she answers only to Kali."

"Okay, I have terms for you to consider."

"Nathaniel you can't! It will look like Ansel... like the Arcs are supporting the White Fang!"

"Terms?"

"Yes Ms Kahn. Terms that you will be required to fulfill if we come to an agreement in regards to your suggestion."

"And these would be?"

"One, ALL cells with in the borders of Vale will cease all violent actions. Lobbying and protesting will be acceptable, anything else will be considered a breach of our agreement."

"And what are the implications of breaching this agreement if we make it?"

"The White Fang will be decalred enemies of Ansel, and her allies. At which point the ASDF will launch active opporations to eliminate cells, along with moving to secure the safety of our allies, such as Menagerie... in short Ms Khan... attempt to make a joke of our agreement, and you will suddenly find that Chieftain Ghira Belladonna as access to and operational authority over, a Regiment of ASDF." Nathaniel let his icey orbs bore into Sienna, "That is a thousand highly trainied, equiped and motivated indivduals that will remove Ghira's headaches."

"Why that many? That is insane!" Sienna shouted, dumbfounded.

"Ansel long ago declared Menagerie an ally. We even have a self defence accord. One of the reasons Atlas hasn't tried any military actions against your home, as a reprisal for the actions of your organization, is out of fear of reprisal from Ansel."

"You said terms. There are others?"

"There are. You opprative will publiclly renounce her affiliation with the White Fang. She will also file a request for immigration to Ansel, which upon filing we will declare her a landed citizen."

"I don't understand the reasoning for..."

"She would then fall completely under the jurisdiction of the Ansel leagal system." Ghira offered.

"And if she is found to be acting for any reason on the behest of you Ms Khan or the White Fang she will be charged with sedition."

"And if she is found guilty of that charge?" Sienna asked.

"She will be hung." Nathaniel answered, his tone cold and hard.

"She won't agree..."

"Then she will not be allowed to join Kali. There is one final term for you to consider."

"And that is?"

"This oprative of yours will be expected to provide protective services for Jaune. She will possisblely need to put her life on the line to protect a human. If she is incapable of doing such, then we have wasted each other's time."

"I will have to speak with her about all of this."

"Understood. Ghira we will happily recive Kali as Menagerie's representative, and will guarentee her safety. She will be provided with a security detail." Nathaniel turned his attention to Sienna, "Ms Khan I await your response at your leisure. If you agree I expect you to meet the terms as I have outlined them in this discussion, if you do not, then there is no agreement and you are free from having to meet any requests I have made.

"I will speak to my agent, and see if she is amicable. I should have an answer for you before the end of the day, if that is acceptable."

"It is. You can contact me through Ghira, and Ms Khan."

"Yes?"

"I'm going to make a suggestion, just something for you to think about, in fact consider it friendly advice." Nathaniel gave her a stern look, "It would behove you and your organization to change your methods, but more to the point... it would be a tradgedy if any of your organizations' activities were to directly impact my family, or the people of Ansel. While we support equality and will willingly work towards a better world... we will beget blood with blood."

"I will consider your words, carefully Mr..."

"Lord." Nathaniel corrected Sienna."

"My appoligies... Lord Arc."

"Until we speak again. Cheieftain Belladonna. High Leader Khan." Nathaniel bowed his head to both before ending the video conference.

"He just gave you fair warning Sienna, and the honour of addressiung you using the ridiculous title you gave youself. He has unofficially recognized you as the authority in regard to the White Fang. Do you understand what that means?"

"He sees me as the rightful leader of..."

"No, he sees you as the one responsible for the actiosn and direction of the White Fang, and that means you're the one who will personnally answer for any incidents that involve Ansel or Brother's forbid the Arc family." Ghira lifted his hand indicating the door to his study, "Now if you don't mind, I have to speak with Kali. Feel free to return when you have made your decision."

Sienna just nodded and escorted herself out. Her mind was rapidly sorting through hundreds of thoughts, but one was coming up more and more. Adam was in Vale, and Lord Arc's familywas also in Vale. She was going to need to corral him, or recall him. She couldn't, she wouldn't risk an incident. Ansel supported Menagerie, not the White Fang. If Adam was to launch an attack or operation and one of the Arcs was hurt or worse... for the first time in a long time she felt actual fear.

/=/

Glynda's breath caught in her throat as Violet wheeled her into the room that was housing Jaune. Jasmine moved and trapped Glynda's arms against the wheel chair, before she could get up. Squatting before the mother of her niece, she looked directly into Glynda's green eyes.

"She is safe. First and formost she is safe. Yes she hurt herself. BUT she is out of danger and she is safe. Remember that Glyn. She is safe."

"What happened?" Glynda whispered, tears already forming in her eyes. "What happened to my baby?"

"We don't know. Coco calmed her down when she was out of control, and trying from what we can guess, to leave Beacon. I think I know why she was out of control, but I want you to confirm it. Please?"

"Ozpin was going to hide her witha ritual... it was going wrong and when I went to stop him, he told me not to as I might kill my daughter."

"So it's what I though, that self important fuck!" Jasmine took a claming breath, before continuing, "And I take it that didn't go well? She lost control of that power inside her?"

Glynda just nodded.

"Was it Jaune who hurt you?"

"Accident. It was an accident. She lashed out at everyone in that room. Me and Ozpin. She didn't mean it."

"I know she didn't. Do you remember calling me?"

"I did?"

"Yes you did. You said Ozpin told her, and you asked me to find you baby. Do you remember any of that?"

"No, everything is a haze..." Glynda's eyes flashed for a second, Jasmine nowing the look of materinal anger intametly. "Ozpin?"

"Alive, for now." Jasmine answered. "Glyn I'm going to want answers about what has been going on. Truthful answers, not right now, but soon. For now I want you to concentrate on getting better, beacuse as soon as you and Jaune are healthy enough to travel we are leaving Beacon as a family."

"Why?"

"I told Ozpin who was Jaune's father. I was angry and wanted to make him squirm knowing that he'd really fucked up, but instead he let it slip and now others know." Jasmine gave Glynda's arms a comforting squeeze, "Not many, but enough that Nat has made a decision, a big one."

"I don't..."

"We're going to publically recongnize Jaune as Jonathon's. We're going to have a Right of Passage for her. She is going to be officially Lady Jaune Arc of Ansel. Nat and I will act as her regants until she's twenty-one, so she has plenty of time to come to understand her responsibilities."

"We can't make her public. Someone will see her with that power, she's in danger. We can't expose her like that." Glynda agrued her vocie still weak, but her eyes growing sharper, clearer.

"Too late. There was a news crew on the commons when she lost control. There is a video of her of her using wind, lightning, fire and ice."

"Did she?"

"No. Coco said she thinks Jaune was just trying to drive people off. No one was seriously hurt by her." Jasmine gave Glynda a small smile, "That girl has it bad for your baby, you know that?"

"I knew they were going to see how things developed."

"Well I'm telling you she's acting like Terra did after her first date with Saphron. That girl is smitten with your baby... but she also told us what Jaune had told her, as she was trying to calm her. Jaune thinks you abandoned her." Jasmine gave Glynda another comforting squeeze as the tears started to roll down her cheeks. "Once she's awake we'll talk withn her. Explain it all, we both know she'll be upset, but I will need you to be totally truthful with her. Every painful memory and reason has to come out, for her to understand."

"I'm scared Jas, so fucking scared." Glynda sobbed, spurring Jasmine to reach up and pull her forward into a tight hug.

"It's okay Glyn. We'll get through this all as a family, but it's going to be hard going. Real hard." Jasmine released Glynda from her hug and returned to lookign her directly in her tearful eyes. "You'll have to tell me and Nat everything that has happened her at Beacon, okay. And I mean everything, because you owe that bastard nothing for what he's put you and Jaune through. Nothing."

"You wont beleive it all."

"I don't care if I do or I don't. If you are telling me it, I will accept it as the truth. I need to know, so we can make plans. Jaune is going to become a very public figure soon, and by extension so are you. So we need to sort out the family stuff so you two can be the family you should have been. Okay?"

"What happened? Why is she here? You said Coco calmed her? Did someone hurt her? Who hurt her?"

"Jaune hurt herself."

"How badly?" Glynda asked the tears freshly flowing again.

"We almost lost her." Jasmine answered truthfully, wincing as she did.

She nor Violet were ready for what happened next. Suddenly both of them had been shoved aside to the floor hard. As they squirmed to recover Glynda psuhed herself out of the wheel chair, and stumbled to Jaune's side. She almost completely collasped, but managed to keep on her feet long enough to climb on to the bed, and pull Jaune's unconcious form to her chest. The sobs, where broken up by the odd whine, and breathless sentence. Jasmine watched her daughter get up, move the wheel chair aside, and then exit the room closing the door behind her. Jasmsine knew what Violet was doing. She was going to guard the door, and give the three of them the privacy Glynda and Jaune needed. Slowly Hasmine approached the two figures on the bed.

"Please don't leave me Jaune. Please? Mommy is sorry... she's so sorry. Please sweetheart, please don't leave me. I need my baby girl, I need to know she's safe and happy... don't please Jaune, please..."

"She's safe Glyn." Jasmine tried to comfort the distraught woman. "She's just sleeping. She's not going anywhere."

"Please Jaune, please... mommy's sorry... so sorry... please?" Glynda begged with breathless words, and tears streaming down her cheeks.

Jasmine decided to remain quiet at that point, as it was obvious Glynda wasn't hearing her. So she choose to just gently rub the emotional woman's back. Letting her know through soft touches that she wasn't alone. Jasmine let a weak smile cross her features as she saw Jaune unconciously shift in her sleep, nuzzling into Glynda's body. Noticing that Glynda had stopped mumbling, Jasmine stood up and moved to the foot of the bed. Gently lifting thier feet, she pulled the blanket loose and proceeded to drap it over the sleeping mother and child. After one last check, Jasmine turned down the lights and left the room.

"Oh, Coco! I thought you'd be with your team?" Jasmine asked as she nearly ran into the young woman, who if things worked out would probably quickly become a new addition to the Arc family.

"I came to check on Jaune." Coco replied, "I just..."

"Needed to make sure she was alright? That she was still here?" Jasmine gave the fashioniesta a warm smile as she nodded. "Well Jaune is fine, she and Glynda are sleeping right now. So let's mother and daughter have a little privacy for tonight, okay?"

"Mother and daughter?" Coco pulled down her shades and just looked at Jasmine with an astonished look, "Professor Goodwitch? Wait? I thought? She's Jaune's mom?"

"Shit." was all that Jasmine could think to reply with.

/==/

SO here I am attempting some world building. Trying to really show the extent of influence that the Arc family has, and how strong a power base Ansel is. Not sure if it is working, but it was fun to write.

Yes, I am playing it up as the Arcs are basically royalty, and the vision I have for this world... In Ansel even though Jaune's title of address is "Lady Arc of Ansel" she would be basically considered a queen, and Ansel is comparable to one of the four kingdoms, in size and influence.

I don't know but I might actually make Jaune a queen, making Glynda the queen mother of Ansel.

Yep, Jasmine outs Glynda and Jaune to Coco.

As always. Comments, reviews, and critiques are always welcome.

Sinecerly;

Jeremy.