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RWBY belongs to Rooster Teeth

Chapter 9: Ledger

The week since the discovery of a cult in the caves of Patch had been trying. Agreus was tired and frustrated. Information about the rather ineffective cult had been scarce. He had learned that they called themselves the Council of the Midnight Harvest, and they worshiped homicidal, psychopathic, doctor, Doc Harvester. Beyond that, information was scarce. They may have been rather ineffective as a cult, but the same did not hold true for information and dealings.

The frustration only mounted with the news about Vermillion. Turns out, her stay with the cult had been rough. Her condition was unstable at best, and she was under constant watch at a Pyre funded hospital. Amber and the Arcs had yet to be told, but with everything else on Agreus's plate, that was rather understandable. To top it off, Summer had called to inform him that he really needed to return to the cave system.

The only thing about this whole operation that eased Agreus's frustrations a bit was the disguise. The people on the island simply believed they were renovating the theater. It provided an adequate cover. However, Blackflame's frustrations were only exasperated with the discovery of cells. The small prison near the surface was a simple set of holding cells. One of the alcoves that branched off from the main chamber led to an entire wing of barred cells.

Each cell showed evidence of human or faunus occupation. Terrible conditions, but human and faunus occupation nonetheless. Jeremiah was overseeing the search of the cells. They had managed to find an office like room. Inside this room was where Agreus sat, looking through the source of his frustration and fear.

It was a large, old leather-bound book. Inside, written in neat ornate script, was a table filled with names and numbers. It didn't take long for Agreus to realize what each number meant. It was a price. The Council of the Midnight Harvest's main money-making method was human trafficking. Names, ages, prices, nationalities and sold dates littered the table. No mention of the recipients.

Agreus recognized precious few of the names in the table, but that wasn't what had him worried. The latter half of the book contained what Agreus had dubbed the Council's high value targets. It was in these pages that there were more detailed bios of the people that Council wanted. Some of the names actually had Agreus concerned.

Headmaster Ozpin

Grimm Queen Salem

Jeremiah Briarheart

Weiss Schnee

Summer Rose

Ruby Rose

Taiyang Xiao Long

Yang Xiao Long

Vermillion Arc

Next to a few names, written in red ink were the words Sacrificial Lamb.

One of the more worrying things about the high value target list was how detailed the bios were. Exact accounts of daily routines, pictures that were no more than a week old, up to date and accurate medical histories, semblance, and aura details, even body measurements. The Midnight Harvest had certainly done their homework.

He turned a page again to look at the bio of his wife. A knock on the door to the office drew Agreus's attention. He turned to see Summer standing in the doorway.

"Sir, we've cleared out the entirety of this cave system. No useful information." Summer said.

"And yet, here we are." Agreus stated.

"Sir?" Summer asked.

"I found the gold mine." Agreus said passing the ledger to Summer.

"What is this?" Summer asked, as she opened the book to the front page.

"It's a ledger of transactions the Council has conducted. What we have here is a list of people that this cult has kidnapped and sold or are planning to kidnap and sell." Agreus answered.

"They're a human trafficking ring then." Jeremiah stated as he stepped into the room.

"Indeed. I've spent the last couple hours poring over that list. I recognize precious few names there, but the last few pages, I'm sure you'll find most interesting." Agreus said as Summer turned a page.

A tense silence filled the room as Summer kept reading through the names. Her brow furrowed as she flipped once more. Agreus noted her eyes noticeably widened as she flipped to the pages that he had indicated.

"TAIYANG!" Summer yelled, her voice ringing through the cavern.

It took all of two minutes for said huntsman to appear.

"Yes, love?" He asked as he ran into the room.

"We have a problem." Summer said as she thrust the book into his hands.

One quick explanation later, and Taiyang was seething with rage. How dare these people target his precious daughters.

"It would seem that this is a bigger issue than we had originally thought." Agreus stated.

"How many people are in the book, brother?" Jeremiah asked.

"By my count, several thousand." Agreus answered. "They've got a large operation if they have this many names. I'd reckon the only reason we caught them is they got careless and didn't know about me."

"They didn't know about you?" Summer asked.

"Vermillion is still listed as an Arc. No change to her last name." Agreus answered.

"You seem to be taking this rather well." Taiyang noted.

"Honestly, I'm just relieved Amber isn't in there. However, both you and your daughters are. Along with multiple others that I would like to see unharmed." Agreus stated.

"Will you excuse me to talk with my husband for a minute?" Summer asked.

"Of course." Agreus granted as the two ducked out of the room.

"So… what is our plan of action?" Jeremiah asked. "I for one believe we should inform Ozpin about this."

"And why do you think that?" Agreus asked, a dark look passing over his face.

"I recognize a few of the names in this list as past, present and future Beacon students." Jeremiah answered.

"Future?" Agreus asked.

"Yes. A few of the names are prospective students. They've applied to attend for the upcoming term." Jeremiah stated.

"Interesting. Then you can have the pleasure of informing Ozpin." Agreus stated.

"I presume you will be making a trip to Atlas to meet with Jacques, then?" Jeremiah inquired.

"Yes. Jackie boy will be informed. As will Amber and Orion. I will inform them myself." Agreus replied.

"Excellent." Jeremiah stated.

"One more thing. Jeremiah, when you return to the manner. Issue a kill on sight order for the Council of the Midnight Harvest." Agreus said.

"Are you sure?" Jeremiah asked, not even slightly shocked by the suggestion.

"Absolutely. These people have threatened my family. They will receive no mercy. The Pyre will assume kidnappers to be part of this cult, for the time being." Agreus ordered.

"Of course, sir." Jeremiah said. "Though… our men won't be enough."

"Come again?" Agreus asked.

"Most of the people in this list aren't Valean. I would hazard a guess that this cult is more widespread than the Pyre." Jeremiah explained. "As such we're going to need more men… expendable men."

"Expendable men?" Agreus questioned.

"Yes, people we can throw at the problem, if for nothing else to keep them distracted." Jeremiah stated.

"Like Atlas's mechanical army, you mean?" Agreus stated.

"Exactly." Jeremiah said.

"Then tell me, do you know of someone who might be able to hack into Atlesian systems to take control of their army?" Agreus queried.

"Well… no, not personally." Jeremiah admitted. "But I know the pseudonym of a master hacker and I know someone who knows him personally."

"Then spit it out." Agreus commanded.

"Well, he goes by the name The Devil's Wit, and it just so happens his cousin is our resident chemist, Adrian Ravencroft." Jeremiah stated. "At least, that's what Ravencroft claims."

"Interesting. When we return to the manor, send Adrian up to meet with me." Agreus ordered.

"Will do brother." Jeremiah responded. "Shall we be off?"

"Yes." Agreus said, grabbing the ledger.

The two exited the small room. Summer and Taiyang stopped the two.

"Lord Blackflame, Summer and I have decided that you may conscript Ruby and Yang into the Pyre." Taiyang said. "We just have one request. Would you allow us to spend more time with them, to protect them and train them for this threat?"

"That is doable. Qrow can help you as well." Agreus answered. "However, may I ask why you've decided so quickly?"

"Protection." Summer answered. "It's kind of an open secret in Vale, but the Pyre offers the best protection to those who come seeking employment."

"She's not wrong." Jeremiah muttered.

"Fair enough." Agreus spoke. "Now, Jeremiah and I must be off. We have business to conduct."

"Thank you, sir." Summer said as Agreus and Jeremiah left the prison.

They walked out of the caves in silence. Their bullhead was in the forest by Summer and Taiyang's home. The two quickly made their way to it. The journey back into Vale proper took too long in Agreus's mind. The Midnight Harvest may not have known about Agreus before, but they certainly would now.

They set down by the manor. Agreus handed Jeremiah the ledger and returned to his main office. He greeted his secretary and began drafting the kill on sight order against the cult and kidnappers.

A few minutes later, someone knocked on the door. Five seconds later a tall lanky man wearing a long white lab coat entered the room. Adrian Ravencroft sat down across from Agreus.

"Lord Briarheart said you wished to speak with me, Lord Blackflame." Adrian stated.

"Indeed. I've been told you know someone who can help the Pyre." Agreus stated.

"Possibly." Adrian replied.

"I've been told of a person who goes by the name The Devil's Wit." Agreus stated.

"I don't think I've heard of him." Adrian said, sweat forming on his brow.

"Well, that's a shame. I would hate for my source to be wrong, or to find out you're lying to me." Agreus said. "After all, my source informed me that The Devil's Wit is not only a master hacker, but also your cousin."

"Sir, I-" Adrian began.

"According to you." Agreus interjected.

"You're looking for my cousin, Lagrange." Adrian said, defeated. "I hoped you wouldn't find any of my family."

"Too late for that, I'm afraid." Agreus said. "Now, I would like for you to have him meet me. Tomorrow at the airfields, seven am, by the latest."

"If I may, you're not going to kill him, are you?" Adrian asked.

"Unless he's broken Pyre laws, no." Agreus answered. "I just need his hacking capabilities."

"Is this an official order… or what?" Adrian asked.

"Yes, Mr. Ravencroft, this is an order from the highest level of the Pyre." Agreus said. "Whether you like it or not."

"I can have him here by tomorrow." Adrian conceded.

"Excellent. Now, I also wish to know about the progress on the poison used in the last round of Harvester killings." Agreus continued.

"Well, as I'm sure Lord Briarheart imparted, you know that the poison used isn't in any database. Through the help of a friend of mine, we were able to find its source." Adrian said. "Eris. A woman whose semblance allows her to create poisons and venoms, including one that is unique to her, that our fourth victim was injected with."

"Interesting." Agreus muttered. "That will be all, Mr. Ravencroft. Keep up the work. You are dismissed."

"By your leave, Lord Blackflame." Adrian bowed as he left.

…/…

Jeremiah hated Ozpin's office. It was uncomfortably loud, spacious, and annoying. Jeremiah much preferred the quiet calm that was his brother's office, but you can't get everything you want. And Agreus's petty grievance with Ozpin barred the head of the Pyre from peaceably meeting with the Headmaster of Beacon.

And the elevator. Jeremiah hated the elevator. He much preferred stairs where he could go at his own pace. But of course, the infernal Headmaster was officed at the top of the tallest tower with no stairs. Then again, with how high up Oz's office was, it was nice to not have to spend the energy to walk that high.

A small ding signified the office was open. Jeremiah strode through, Midnight Harvest ledger in hand.

"Jeremiah Briarheart, a pleasure." Ozpin greeted.

"Headmaster." Jeremiah curtly replied.

"To what do I owe a visit from such an auspicious member of Valean society?" Ozpin asked, barely hiding his disdain for Briarheart and his brother.

"There is no need to stand on pointless ceremony, Headmaster. It is just you and I right now. Agreus shan't be joining us. And despite my aged body, I can still move with the best of them." Jeremiah cut in.

"Fair enough. Why are you here?" Ozpin asked.

"Because of this." Jeremiah answered setting the ledger on Ozpin's desk.

"A book?" Ozpin asked.

"A ledger. The Pyre has recently discovered the existence of a cult that had a base in Patch. They dabble in a manner of despicable activities, primarily human trafficking." Jeremiah said. "I thought it prudent, and Agreus reluctantly agreed, to inform you."

"And why would the leader of a terrorist organization inform me of anything?" Ozpin spat.

"The Pyre is not a terrorist organization." Jeremiah stated, unamused.

"Sorry, my bad." Ozpin replied sarcastically "Why would a tyrant inform me of anything?"

"Petty insults aside," Jeremiah began. "You are in that book. Along with several past, present, and future Beacon students. Agreus doesn't like you, and you don't like him, but even he can recognize your skill and ability to protect your own. This ledger details the selling and possible acquisition of many past, present and prospective Huntsmen and Huntresses."

Ozpin narrowed his eyes at Jeremiah. "So, the great Sanguine Pyre is asking for help?"

"You don't get it, do you?" Jeremiah asked.

"I get that the Pyre is a group that is out of control. You proclaim peace through tyranny. You execute people in the streets. You kill those who disagree. And only when it is advantageous to you do you ever deign to reveal information to me." Ozpin snarked.

"WE FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS TWO HOURS AGO!" Jeremiah thundered. "WE FOUND VERMILLION ARC ALIVE AND IN THE HANDS OF THESE PEOPLE! YOU ARE ONE OF THEIR HIGH VALUE TARGETS!"

Ozpin leaned back. He had never heard Jeremiah or Agreus this furious.

"But since the 'oh so great' Ozpin doesn't like the Sanguine Pyre since we don't agree with your every idea, then you can write this off as little more than a hiccup!" Jeremiah ranted. "WAKE UP! This isn't a fantasy. We are dealing with a threat that is arguably worse than the Grimm! Set your petty grievance aside and work with us. We are trying to root out a massive human trafficking operation turned cult."

"Calm down, no need to get testy." Ozpin interjected.

"No need to get testy?" Jeremiah asked, incredulous. "Look around you, Ozpin. The Pyre is Vale now, and we are trying to work with you. YOU are the one who's pushing against the flow here. Why can't you just help us?"

Ozpin said nothing. Jeremiah sighed and picked up the ledger. He turned and called the elevator.

"I thought you would see reason, but I guess it is too much to ask of a stubborn old fool. If you won't help us, then Pyre will take matters out of your hands. A week before the next term starts, there will be an envoy from the Pyre. They are to be Beacon's new security." Jeremiah said as he stepped on the elevator.

"I can see why Agreus holds such disdain for that man." Jeremiah muttered to himself as the elevator began its descent. A ding signified the opening of the door. Jeremiah stepped out and began his trek to the manor.

His scroll vibrating in his pocket pulled his thoughts away from the recalcitrant Headmaster. Jeremiah continued his walk as he took the call.

"Hello." Jeremiah greeted. "Who is it?"

"Lord Briarheart, I have news!" The boisterous voice of Darius Alister Trent exclaimed.

"Assassin Trent?" Jeremiah asked.

"Yes, though it is Councilman Trent now." Darius announced.

"You succeeded." Jeremiah stated.

"Of course, sir. The election was yesterday. I tried to call, but Ms. Noire said no one was in. So, I called now." Darius explained.

"Well, congratulations." Jeremiah said. "Were you able to get on the festival committee?"

"Well… no." Trent admitted. "And it's actually called the International Relations Council."

"Will you be able to get onto that council?" Jeremiah queried.

"In due time, possibly. The selection process for that council is a voting process done between the members of the council. And politicians are notoriously obstinate when it comes to persuading them to vote for their opponents." Trent explained. "Still, I should be able to get on the council soon."

"How soon?" Jeremiah asked.

"Well, best case scenario, I can get inducted soon enough to get the forty-eighth Vytal festival in Vale." Darius answered. "Though, the odds don't favor it. I'd place my bets on getting the forty-ninth Vytal festival. That won't be a problem."

"That will do." Jeremiah sighed, it wasn't what he wanted, but it was what he would get. "I'll speak with Agreus. He may not like having to hold off expansion plans for another two years, but if you can guarantee Vale gets to host the Vytal festival, then we'll allow it."

"Excellent sir, you won't be disappointed." Darius announced.

"I know. Now, I do have a new order for you." Jeremiah said. "Straight from my brother."

"Lord Blackflame has a new mission! Oh, do go on, I must hear this." Darius trilled.

"You are to draft a new law, Darius." Jeremiah began.

"Respectfully, sir, it's Councilman Trent." Darius interjected.

"Kidnappers and abductors are to be killed on sight." Jeremiah stated.

"Oh… harsh." Darius said in a subdued silence. "Any reason why?"

"Agreus will have my hide for this." Jeremiah muttered. "Alright, Darius, this information is confidential. Currently Classified to all but the highest in the Pyre, and those of our choosing by our discretion."

"That serious? Then why are you telling me?" Trent asked. "I'm a politician now."

"I'm telling you because I trust you more than most of the Pyre." Jeremiah stated.

"Really? No offense, but may I ask why you trust me?" Trent inquired.

"My reasons are my own. But to answer your original inquiry, the Sanguine Pyre has discovered the existence of large-scale human trafficking operation." Jeremiah stated. "One of the victims was Lady Blackflame, but the ledger we found contains information on a few thousand victims. Past, present, and future. I'd hazard that this new law is simultaneously cathartic revenge from my brother and a way to root out our new foe. For the time being, abductors are to be assumed as part of the Council of the Midnight Harvest."

"Huh… are they only in Vale?" Darius asked.

"No. Most of the names were from Mistral. I'd wager that's where they started." Jeremiah said.

"Interesting." Darius stated.

"I did find a name on this list that you will find familiar." Jeremiah spoke.

"My nightmare of a mother, I hope?" Darius questioned.

"No." Jeremiah stated. "The name is Jordan Trent."

"Ah, so they are what happened to dear old dad." Darius said, resignedly.

"So, it would seem." Jeremiah responded. "One more thing."

"Shoot." Darius curtly replied.

"Would you look into how they could get detailed personal information?" Jeremiah requested.

"I'd have to check in the public records office… off the books, of course, but sure. Shouldn't be a problem." Darius nonchalantly replied.

"Is there someone that runs that department?" Jeremiah inquired.

"The public records office is run by three people." Darius answered.

"I want you to look into them." Jeremiah commanded.

"Do you suspect them of conspiring against the Pyre?" Darius asked.

"Yes." Jeremiah replied. "The cult we discovered had a ledger. A ledger that included my name among many others."

"And the problem?" Darius asked.

"Along with names, the ledger included rather detailed bios of possible victims." Jeremiah explained.

"I'll look into it." Darius said.

"And Darius, keep it discrete." Jeremiah said.

"Of course, sir." Darius replied.

"Excellent." Jeremiah responded. "Thank you, Councilman Trent."

"Of course, Lord Briarheart." Trent answered before hanging up.

Lord Jeremiah Briarheart continued on his way back to Blackflame Manor.

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