Argh, I've just found out I need to do that stupid event and speech again in March. The same one I did earlier this year. I pushed it onto my assistant editor since she was constantly asking for more responsibility, more authority and a promotion, but she immediately balked and has quit as a result! Handed in her resignation yesterday.
Wtf!?
You know, you can just say "Actually, I'm not ready". Not all backtracks need to include a resignation. This isn't politics ffs…
Although, if I'm honest, I'm not overly fussed. She kept demanding pay rises for basically doing minor admin work, bare minimum effort, and not being willing to do any work outside of her comfort zone. You think I wanted to do public speaking? Of course I didn't! You just kind of… panic and do it. Get it over with. Also, stop taking business advice from Youtube videos. I don't care if they say "demand pay rises all the time, because your salary HAS to grow", that probably assumes you're willing to work hard and be worth the pay rise. Not just sit around doing the bare minimum.
Bah!
Baaaahhhhhh!
Beta: College Fool
Cover Art: Kegi Springfield
Chapter 90
The roaring wind and distant sounds of thunder greeted the Atlas morning as cold air swept in from the ocean, blanketing the continent in thick, silvery fog. It pooled around the base of the mountains, creating a second cloud layer that crept up to snow-capped peaks. The temperature was low, easily below zero, and every breath Jaune released sent out a cloud of mist.
The Mantle Plateau Summit was named thus for being a mountain which had lost much of its mass, leaving behind a roughly flat surface, as if some giant beast had taken a blade and shorn it in two. It was a famous landmark of sorts, a favoured spot for tourists, or a convenient halfway point for thrill seekers looking to scale the mountains behind.
This day, it would serve as a meeting point between the Grimmlands and Atlas, if Atlas took the decision to meet with him. Jaune had half-expected an attack instead, an air strike or booby trap, but that looked increasingly unlikely now.
Not unless Atlas wanted to slaughter the eighty or so innocent people arranged on the plateau.
Jaune turned to Weiss, who stood on his left as Ruby did on his right. The two of them were cowled with crimson cloaks, hoods drawn up to conceal their faces. They were the kinds of cloaks the Seers wore, which Weiss had not been happy about, but compared to the possibility of their faces being splashed across the news, they'd accepted.
Weiss was here due to her knowledge of Atlas, Ruby because he couldn't turn her down when it was Yang's life in the balance. He might have brought more, but Qrow suggested he didn't over do it lest Ironwood get antsy. He was, according to Qrow, prone to following his gut instinct when threatened, and would definitely feel so with eight or more hooded figures nearby. At least with Ruby and Weiss being relatively short, they didn't cut quite such imposing figures.
They were probably pleased for the hoods as well, since there were quite a few people taking pictures of them, some on scrolls, others on large cameras, and there was even a full news team arrayed off to the side, currently focused on a reporter who had his back to them, no doubt talking about what was going on to a live audience.
"What are all these people doing here?" Jaune whispered to Weiss.
"You broadcast the date and time for this meeting. Did you expect no one would care?"
"No, but I thought they'd have the common sense not to wander out here alone and gawk at a potentially dangerous Grimm King."
"Then you underestimate the stupidity of the average person. Out of the three hundred thousand or more living in Atlas, there are bound to be at least a hundred idiots with no regard for their own lives." Weiss nodded to three or four cloaked figures who were on their knees, bowing to Jaune and chanting in a tongue neither he nor Weiss could understand. "Or fanatical conspiracy theorist cultists."
"Since when did I have cultists? I don't want to start a cult!"
"What do you think we count as?" Weiss asked, earning an amused giggle from Ruby. "But no, there have always been some maniacs who worship the Grimm. Your appearance has probably sparked a few more. I wouldn't concern yourself with it or even acknowledge them. You'll only make it worse."
Jaune rubbed his hands together and groaned. Bad enough he was feared, he really didn't want people trying to sacrifice virgins to him.
"As for the TV crews," she said, sighing. "I expect they see it as a safe risk. You're unlikely to kill them before you meet with Atlas, and if things go well in the meeting they'll be safe. If things go badly, well, they likely believe Atlas would fall anyway."
"That's morbid," Ruby muttered.
"But not incorrect, at least from their point of view. It doesn't matter in the end since Jaune doesn't intend to kill them. Let them have their moment, it only works to our advantage."
"If Atlas meets with us," Jaune pointed out.
"They'd be fools not to."
Possibly, but then Weiss had already said people could be foolish. Jaune was hardly an exception. This could have all been avoided if I stayed with Mom and didn't go to Beacon. But then he'd have never met everyone, grown as a person and met Yang, had Yin or any of the other things they'd done. It was still his fault, but Jaune couldn't bring himself to regret it.
Choosing this spot for the meeting, though? That he regretted.
His ensemble was more for show than practicality, the long and flowing cloak thick and warm, but hanging off his back and down into the snow, providing no warmth other than blocking the wind from behind – had it been coming from behind. His royal clothes were little better, thin silks and satin with his breastplate over the top, which had already started to collect frost. Whatever Grimm physiology he had, it didn't do much to protect him from the cold. He wanted to shiver and shake, but had to stop himself, if only so the people watching didn't think him afraid.
Ruby and Weiss, for all their complaints about the thick robes back in the Grimmlands, were totally fine with the cold. Ruby had her hands linked, one sleeve meeting the other like the pose of a wise man in Mistral, except that Ruby was probably just rubbing her hands together to stay warm. Weiss was far more used to Atlas and stood calmly, ignoring the cold through sheer force of will.
If Ironwood is going to bomb us, I hope he uses fire dust.
At least no one felt confident enough to approach and talk to him, or worse, challenge him to a fight to defend Atlas or some such nonsense. They took pictures, pointed, and some watched quietly, just wanting a front row seat to their fate or perhaps to bargain for their lives if the deal with Atlas fell through.
Or maybe they just wanted to kill him. There had to be at least one person here who had an axe to grind over what the Grimm had done.
Fun times all round.
"There's a Bullhead coming," Ruby said.
"Finally," Jaune cursed, "I'm freezing here."
"Remember, you can't show any fear, discomfort or nerves," Weiss said. "You are the Crown Prince of the Grimm. You are Royalty. You are in complete control, even if you don't feel like you are. Be firm, forward and haughty."
"G-Got it."
"And don't let your teeth chatter!"
"W-Weiss, it's l-like minus thirty out here."
"The Crown Prince of the Grimm does not feel the cold."
"T-The Crown Prince of the Grimm begs to differ."
"No, he does not," she stressed, expression meaningful. "Not if he wants to make an impression." Weiss looked up as the Bullhead pulled around and began to slowly descend, a single vehicle, but clearly stamped with the emblem of Atlas. "It's time. Ruby and I will stay quiet unless spoken to. If you need to buy time, pose a question to one of us."
"Preferably Weiss," Ruby urged.
Weiss sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Thank you, Ruby…"
"Hey, you're team leader."
"We're hardly in Beacon anymore."
"Leave it be, Weiss," Jaune whispered as the vehicle came closer. "We all know you'd end up annoyed with out idiocy if we were in charge and you'd take over anyway."
"You should not be proud of that fact!"
"Shh. They're coming."
The crowds on the plateau began to spread away from the obvious landing point, the Bullhead hovering for a good few minutes to allow it. They chattered as they did, the conversation reaching a fever pitch as the news crew pointed their cameras up, the reporter shouting over the noise. It was all a blur of different voices to Jaune, and his eyes were fixed on the Bullhead itself.
The wind struck it once or twice as it descended, but the pilot was experienced and rode it out, waiting for a brief lull to touch down. Pistons bit down, securing it in place on the treacherous ground. A hatch on the side opened and several armed soldiers came out. They kept their weapons pointed to the ground and quickly fanned left and right, not leaving the shadow of the Bullhead itself. No motion to attack, at least not yet.
And then, with a frown on his face, General Ironwood himself appeared in the doorway. His tall and imposing figure made the door seem small by comparison and he stood there, making the perfect pose for numerous pictures as he regarded the plateau, the crowds and finally Jaune. The man took a step forward, heavy boots crunching in the snow as he stepped out of the aircraft.
Following behind him, Winter and another soldier came down, Winter stepped to Ironwood's right, the soldier to his left. Each was armed, but they kept their weapons holstered. They marched to a point roughly in the centre of the plateau and came to a stop. They had left the safety of their Bullhead and armed escort, which, he hoped, made their intentions clear.
"Let's go," Jaune said. Before he did, he turned to the huge form of Kevin who was clutching to the side of the mountain, his huge snout looking down on them all. Jaune had a moment to reflect that perhaps it wasn't really him scaring the reporters away at all. "Stay here, Kevin."
The dragon huffed loudly but followed its instructions.
"Still can't believe you called it Kevin," Ruby mumbled as the three of them moved forward.
"Cinder was the one to name him."
"But Kevin…?"
"She was twelve at the time. And she might have thought Mom joking when she offered to let her name a dragon."
The idea of a twelve-year-old Cinder Fall seemed to shock Ruby to silence, fitting perhaps as they finally came upon the party of three from Atlas. Jaune came to a stop a good ten or so feet away, close enough to talk, but far enough to keep some distance between them. It might have been easier were there a table between them, and he wished he'd thought to have Kevin bring one. It was too late now.
"General Ironwood," Jaune greeted with a little nod.
"Jaune Arc." Ironwood offered no hand but did look Jaune up and down. "To think you were a part of her group. Ozpin never suspected a thing, least of all that you would infiltrate his school so easily. Nor did I."
Jaune forced himself to meet the much taller and older man's gaze. Ironwood, despite the differences in power between them, still intimidated him. It was something about the piercing look in his eye or his stern demeanour. It was like standing before the most disapproving father ever, except that this father could respond with the combined forces of Remnant's strongest military.
To show weakness would be to undo everything. Jaune let one hand fall to rest atop the pommel of his weapon. His fingers curled around it, but he did not draw. The Atlas contingent tensed.
Jaune's eye twitched.
"I do not see my fiancé among your number. Is she upon your Bullhead?"
"She remains our guest in Atlas."
"That goes against the spirit of this meeting."
"Yang Xiao-Long is safe and under my personal guard," Ironwood said quickly. "We are not refusing your request." Demand, more like. "But this is but an initial meeting. Atlas is prepared to talk, but it would be folly to bring her here now."
Folly because Atlas would lose the only bargaining chip it had.
Jaune resisted the urge to growl, afraid of what effect it might have on them. Instead, he took a deep breath and stood a little taller, speaking like the rulers he'd read about when he was younger did. In hindsight, basing it on fantasy novels might have been a bad idea, but it wasn't like he had any other ideas.
"I can't say I am pleased by this, Ironwood. But I shall deign to play your games for now." Jaune stretched the word out, speaking loudly for the reporters nearby. The crowds were deadly silent now, listening intently to the conversation between them.
Ironwood knew, and had kept his voice low, no doubt trying to cheat them out. "I would never play games with the safety of my people."
"Nor I with mine," Jaune pointed out. His teeth were gritted, and Winter looked bothered by it, though Ironwood held his ground and gave nothing away. In truth, he was only doing it because of the fricking cold.
If I don't grit my teeth, they'll chatter like mad.
"You're angry," Ironwood said, misreading it. "I can understand why. I can assure you that our assault on your fiancé was… unintentional. I was under the impression we were rescuing her, that you had taken her without her consent."
"And who told you this?"
"An old friend…" Ironwood's eyes flicked to the news crews, clearly unwilling to give a name before them.
Ozpin. Of course it was Ozpin.
Naturally, Ironwood didn't want to admit to taking military advice from a dead man, let alone a child claiming to have said dead man floating around in his head. The General would be tossed out before he could even blink if that got out.
Sadly, Jaune wasn't sure Ironwood being out would help them, so he couldn't really use it.
"I see," he said instead. "If I were you, I'd keep my guard up around friends who betray you like that. If they can do it once, they can do it again."
Ironwood's face hardened, "Something I have already come to understand."
"How about we dispense with the games," Jaune said, waving his hand, the other still latched to his sword. "We both know why you're here, to delay me from any assault on Atlas. It will buy you time, but not indefinitely. I can only assume you've come with more than that. Speak. I'd rather we be candid."
"Where is my sister?" Winter interrupted.
"Winter!" Ironwood barked.
"It's fine." Jaune held up his hand for silence. "If she is concerned for her sister's safety, I have no problem with her asking. Weiss is safe. And close by." Jaune allowed his eyes to obviously shift to his left, not something anyone watching could see, but enough for Winter and Ironwood. "You can be assured of that."
Winter caught the hint. Her eyes followed his, meeting the pale chin and jaw poking out from under the hood to his left. Weiss nodded subtly but said nothing, clearly wanting to maintain her disguise in front of everyone.
"I see," Winter said. "Tell me, is she content with her decision?"
"She is," Weiss whispered.
Winter relaxed. "Then I have no complaint. I apologise for interrupting, General."
Ironwood's gaze was affixed on Weiss. "It is fine, Winter," he said. "Think nothing of it." His eyes trailed higher, meeting Jaune's once more. "You've collected quite the group of like-minded individuals, Jaune Arc. I am both surprised and a little concerned."
"I haven't forced any of them if that's what you believe. They genuinely believe in me…" He smiled when Weiss snorted beside him. "Or at least in the cause I'm working toward."
"And what might that cause be?"
"I'd rather keep that to myself for now," Jaune said. Talking of peace now wouldn't mean much, not with a dragon behind him and Ironwood here by force of threats. People would never believe it. "I want Yang back, Ironwood. What is it you want?"
"I want nothing more than the safety of Atlas' people."
Jaune clicked his fingers. "Done."
"W-What?"
"Were those not the terms of your agreement?" Jaune asked, feigning confusion. "I believed you were stating terms to which I have agreed. In return for my fiancé, I would bar any and all Grimm from aggressive actions toward the city of Atlas."
Ironwood gawked at him.
The crowd started to whisper madly.
"Safe?"
"No more Grimm?"
"Is this for real-?"
"Our Lord hath spoken, all hail unto he, the destroyer, the one, the tentacle."
"All praise the tentacle…"
"You heard it here, ladies and gentlemen. So bold an offer, but one that might assure the safety of Atlas for generations to come! But can it be trusted? We'll hear from an analyst later but for now-"
"I agreed to nothing," Ironwood said quickly, then winced as the plateau became deadly silent. Suddenly, a lot of the people – both there and no doubt watching on their televisions – were very interested in what Ironwood was turning down. "Though that's not to say we would not consider such a proposal, naturally," he quickly added, reading the mood. "But it's too early to make such decisions, especially when we know so little about you. If you will pardon any offence, we have no proof you will keep to your word, or that you would be capable of stopping the Grimm in such a manner."
"You have seen me order the Grimm around, General."
"Yes, but we don't know how far that power extends. How long it lasts. What if we agree to this and the Grimm attack the moment you leave? What if you betray us? We have no way of proving either and expecting us to make a decision on such a lack of information, without even discussing it before the Council, is too much. We live in a democracy. I cannot unilaterally make these kinds of decisions."
Jaune raised a single brow. "Would it be better if I came before your Council, then?"
The question, innocently posed, seemed to cause Ironwood something of a PSTD-inducted flashback. He looked physically ill at the very thought and quickly, almost violently, shook his head.
"No! Absolutely not!"
"I would promise not to harm them."
"It's not them I'm worried about. Nor you," he added. "Our Council meetings can be… heavy on the discussion. Which can become quite heated…" He winced. "If you attended one, I believe any attempts of peaceful resolution would be lost. Allow me to act as a spokesman instead."
"I can put up with heated discussion."
"I'd rather they not insult you to your face," Ironwood said frankly. "Not when all the people of Atlas are in the balance."
Ah, that made sense. Jaune snorted, hoping to disguise his runny nose as amusement. He planted his right hand on his hip, wishing desperately that he could use it to drag his royal cloak around his body and cuddle up into a little ball.
Seriously, why did anyone choose to live in Atlas?
"If that is your wish, I shall honour it." he said. "This doesn't really fix anything, though. I desire Yang back by my side. Releasing her would go a long way to improving relations between our Kingdoms."
"That's another thing," Ironwood said. "Your Kingdom. It's not formally recognised. Any deals made between us would not mean anything on the international level if no one considers you an actual Kingdom."
Seriously…? Jaune scowled and was about to tell Ironwood where he could stick that idea, but Weiss beat him to it.
"Actually, the Grimmlands has been recognised internationally."
Ironwood, and even Jaune, froze.
"It has?" Winter asked nervously.
"Of course. Atlas' own laws state that it does not negotiate with unrecognised Kingdoms or organisations, which was why they never formally met with anyone from the White Fang or Menagerie, despite the latter being a self-Governed island with its own laws and systems."
"That is debatable," Ironwood stated. "If Menagerie were to denounce the White Fang, we might acknowledge them."
"You will have to now," Weiss said sweetly. "The Grimmlands has acknowledged them and struck up both a trade agreement and a mutual protection pact. The deal was ratified only yesterday," she added, "Signed by Ghira and Kali Belladonna and co-signed by Sienna Khan of the now reformed White Fang. Ambassador Blake saw to the deal."
"Would that be Blake Belladonna?" Winter asked sarcastically.
"I'm not sure why that would matter," Weiss deflected with a demure smile. "The last names are an odd coincidence for sure, but I know you would never suggest another Kingdom made deals with anything less than complete impartiality."
"Of course not." Winter rolled her eyes. "How foolish of me."
"M-Mutual protection?" Ironwood's eyes were wide, no doubt at the sudden influx of work – and complaints – he would be receiving now that this was out in the open. Menagerie was not popular with the Council, nor some old war hawks. "It hardly matters. Neither Menagerie nor you have been acknowledged, so the deal is not one recognised by Atlas or any of the other Kingdoms."
"Ah, but you have met with us here," Weiss continued. "You have accepted and attended a diplomatic engagement between Atlas and the Grimmlands. You have met with the Crown Prince, addressed him, suggested at making deals with him." Weiss' smile grew as Ironwood's face fell. "By your own laws, you cannot do such with an unrecognised Kingdom or organisation."
"Which means," Jaune finished, "That by coming here, you have formally recognised the Grimmlands as the fifth Kingdom of Remnant, witnessed live on your own channels, and no doubt broadcast across the world." Jaune bowed his head sarcastically. "You have our gratitude, General. This saves us much time and needless arguments."
"You… You…" Ironwood's teeth gnashed together. He was trapped. "It seems you are," he grudgingly admitted. "Very well. This is still but a preliminary meeting, however, a moment to show that we are willing to talk, to discuss. Any release of Xiao-Long will come with conditions."
Jaune's eyes narrowed. "What kinds of conditions?"
Ironwood appeared hesitant for a moment, and with good reason. "Your mother…"
"Is the Queen of the Grimmlands," Jaune interrupted. "Think carefully on what you might say next."
"I understand this, but you must also understand… she has killed a lot of people."
"Actually, she has not slain anyone for at least a hundred or more years."
"Then the Grimm have killed, but she is still responsible. If you are a Kingdom, then they are her people – her citizens. In a sense. That they have illegally entered onto our land, attacked out people, killed our people…"
"As a previously unrecognised Kingdom, we could not be expected to recognise your land," Jaune pointed out. "Especially when you do not even inhabit it. How do you claim land obviously owned by the Grimm as your own? By what logic do you lay claim to a forest or mountain that you cannot even step foot into?"
"It is within our borders…"
"Lines you drew on a map. Or in your case, just claiming the whole island is yours because you're the only city on it. Perfectly logical." Jaune let the sarcasm hang in the air. "By our history, you are the invaders. We've simply been kind enough to put up with you for this long."
Not exactly true – or even close – but he was putting on a show for the cameras, and really, the more Ironwood was on the back foot, the less time he could spend putting Jaune on the back foot. There were holes in his arguments, loads of them, but if Ironwood was too busy patching up the holes in his to ask?
Well, Weiss had taught him well.
"I'm willing to let bygones be bygones, though. The Grimmlands is willing to gift you the land you have claimed, and to enter into diplomatic relations with you. This despite your recent attack on us and the kidnapping of the Crown Princess. As such…"
Jaune grinned.
"We're even willing to recognise Atlas as a legitimate Kingdom."
As Weiss snorted and Ruby bit back her giggles, Ironwood ground his teeth together.
"The Council will need to discuss this," he eventually said. "No deal can be made right now…"
Not what he wanted to hear, but there wasn't much he could do. Vale worked on the same Council system as Atlas, so if he tried to run roughshod over this, all he'd be doing was showing the world that he didn't care for their rules. That he didn't respect them as equals.
As much as he hated it, the whole point of this was to show people he could be dealt with peacefully.
"That's understandable, General Ironwood. I'll allow it." At Ironwood's surprised relief, Jaune continued, "It's not my intent to start a conflict here when my fiancé's life would be in danger. Ideally, I would like a resolution that serves both our goals in a quick and peaceful fashion."
"I would prefer that as well," Ironwood said, cautiously optimistic. Or perhaps just eager to believe it for now. "I'll admit, you're not as I was led to believe."
"I hope that's a compliment."
"It is, Jaune Arc. The last time we met, I believe we fought."
They had, back in Vale, when Jaune had been forced into a meeting with Adam Taurus that had been cut short by Ironwood's attack. It had been a close call. "I don't believe I harmed any of your men at the time, Ironwood."
"You did not."
"In fact, I later dealt with the other man involved, killing him to protect Beacon."
"You did," Ironwood admitted. "Something that confused many people. I assume that was a conscious decision on your part. He critically wounded your fiancé, did he not?" The man's face darkened as he realised the implicit threat he had just brought to the fore. "I'll repeat, she has not been harmed thus far. I will personally ensure she remains that way."
"Then I will trust you with her protection, General. But only you." Jaune extended a hand, his right hand. The left was still on his weapon. The meaning clear both to Ironwood and those nearby. "In exchange, as a gesture of peace, I will order all Grimm to absent a five-mile radius of the city and even to avoid attacking any villages and towns across the continent. Naturally, should anyone attack them, they will act in self-defence, but this should serve as a demonstration of my control."
And, of course, Atlas would be foolish to not accept so generous an offer. And it was generous. Insanely so. The kind of thing the average person longed for. Complete safety from the Grimm, even if it only lasted for a few days.
It was so generous an offer that those on the plateau were driven to silence.
The cameras focused intently on Ironwood, waiting for his reaction.
Trapped, the General did the only thing he could do. Reaching out, he shook Jaune's hand, expression one of forced calm. Cameras flashed, news presenters shouted, and some people even cheered at what they saw as Ironwood saving them from Grimm annihilation.
Of course, the image of the two shaking hands would also be immortalised, cementing the Grimmlands – and Jaune's – status as a recognised and legitimate Kingdom. After all, if the General of Atlas could be called out, negotiated with and forced to shake hands, then what right did any of the other Kingdoms have to complain?
"You're playing a dangerous game," Ironwood said, voice hidden under the jubilant cheers.
"It's not a game to me, Ironwood. It's a matter of life and death. Mine, my mother's, my family's and also Yang's. On the other side, the lives of everyone in Remnant." Jaune's hand tightened around Ironwood's. "You'll forgive me if I can't afford to be anything but serious."
"As you will me," Ironwood said. "I have to do what is best for my people."
"Then I'd strongly reconsider if what `Ozpin wants` is best for Atlas. No war lasts forever, Ironwood. Eventually, one side wins, the other loses. But either way, both suffer. I don't want to hurt people, to destroy the Kingdoms, but I want my family and friends to be killed even less. It's cruel, but just like the people of Atlas mean more to you than those of Vacuo or Mistral, my family means more to me than all the people in Atlas. If your Council pushes me, or if Yang is hurt…"
"Message received." Ironwood stepped back. "I will convey your proposal to the Council and, if I may say, I will encourage them to open up negotiations. I do not wish for a war."
One he could not win, he didn't say.
"Neither do I, Ironwood. Neither do I." Jaune nodded and spun on his heel. "Good day."
/-/
Ironwood let out a breath he knew he'd been holding. It was all he could do with everyone still watching him, some in awe, others pure adoration. To those watching, it must have seemed like he personally averted the apocalypse.
To Ironwood, it certainly felt like he had – though through no ability of his own. He wanted to sag in relief but could not afford to under the public eye. He stood tall, ignoring the flashing of cameras as he turned to Winter.
"What did you think of him, Winter?"
"He is more human than I expected."
"Hm." Not what he'd meant, but now that she mentioned it, he could see what she meant. "Yes, you would expect someone part-Grimm to act a little differently. If I'd not seen proof of his Grimm form myself, I'd hardly believe it. He speaks like a human, even has the same mannerisms. It makes talking with him easier than I expected."
"If he has the same psychology, his offer might be genuine."
"If, Winter. I hope it is so, but it is still a big if." There had been much to notice about the meeting, many little things, little ticks. Ironwood was a seasoned politician as well as a soldier, more by necessity than desire. He knew how to read a man.
Some aspects of Jaune Arc had caught his attention. For one, the man seemed to hardly feel the cold. Ironwood was wrapped up in a thick Atlesian military coat, which was lined with layers of cotton and synthetic material designed to trap warmth and keep the wearer dry. Even so, he'd felt his toes curling.
Jaune Arc felt seemingly none of that, stood even as he was in thin silk clothing and a breastplate. Had it been him wearing that, he might have feared for his extremities.
"He kept his hand on his sword the whole time," Winter said. "Not once did he remove it, not once did it even twitch. He just let it rest there, as if he wasn't afraid to draw it at any moment and didn't care what we thought."
Ironwood had noticed that, too. How could he not?
"He offers friendship with one hand and a sword with the other. For now, the sword is sheathed, the hand extended. If any harm were to come to his spouse, I fear it might be reversed."
Winter sighed, "Then let's hope the Council doesn't muck it up."
"Don't be foolish, Winter. They wouldn't be politicians if they didn't try…"
/-/
"I'll admit," Weiss said, "You did better than I thought you would."
"Even if we didn't get Yang," Ruby moped.
"It was unlikely we would on the first meeting, but Jaune held his ground, played it up for the audience and ensured that the world saw Ironwood treating us as equals. That's a lot more than I expected. I'm genuinely proud of you."
"Thanks, Weiss," Jaune said, voice a little hoarse.
"You spoke well, too. I was worried you might fall back into old habits. I was prepared to stab you if you tried to rub the back of your hair in that stupid way you do when you're nervous."
"No fear of that…"
"The hand on your sword thing was a nice touch, especially how you held it so long without moving. A very clear message. It would have escalated poorly if you drew it, but you stayed disciplined."
"Y-Yeah…"
"You can take it off now, though," Weiss said, eyeing his arm.
Jaune sniffed loudly.
"Jaune?"
Slowly, he turned to her. Weiss got a face full of his raw skin, red eyes and running nose, where some moisture had already started to freeze solid. His eyes were watering badly.
"I can't," he whimpered.
"What?"
"M-My hand froze to the pommel the second I touched it…" he said, lifting his hand.
The sword slowly drew itself from the scabbard, attached to the skin on the palm of his hand.
"Help," he pleaded, voice pathetic.
Ruby rushed over, eyes wide. She took Jaune's hand and started to peel the metal away, apologising every time the `Crown Prince of the Grimm` yelped like a little child with their tongue stuck to a metal pole.
Weiss sighed. "I take back everything I just said…"
"Ruby, ow, ow, ow!"
"I'm sorry!"
/-/
"Ironwood is making a grave mistake."
"Is he? Looks to me like he averted a war…"
"And in doing so, he has sealed his fate and that of all the people of Atlas," Ozpin said, "Salem will destroy Atlas."
"Salem was going to destroy Atlas either way," Oscar said. "Or Jaune was, if they hurt Yang. Between being `destroyed now` or `may be destroyed later`, I think they made the obvious choice."
"Such is foolishly short-term thinking, Oscar. It is not looking at the bigger picture."
"Hard to look at the bigger picture when you're about to be killed…"
"Perhaps. My unique situation gives me more ability to do so, however. Atlas may have fallen, this is true, but in doing so, they would have sent a message to the people of Remnant. A message that Salem can be fought, that she can be resisted. Through their demise, they would have united all the other Kingdoms."
"Yeah, through their demise…"
"It is a worthwhile sacrifice."
"It's easy for you to say that, Ozpin. You're not the one sacrificing anything."
"I have sacrificed much, Oscar. Any hope of a normal life being chief among many. Kingdoms rise and fall, as is natural. In a thousand years, Atlas and Vale may not even exists, and new kingdoms might stand in their place. This is human progression. But if Salem gains control over Atlas, she can impose a rule that lasts far longer. She could ensure a rule that lasts for centuries."
He could too, but people would question an immortal ruler that claimed to be human. He'd done what he could, but it was always best to work from the shadows and not cause any panic. Had people known Salem existed, they might have tried this foolhardy route before.
Still, he could not fault the boy for not realising that, or how much Ozpin had lost. Not just him, but others as well. He could no longer remember the name of the body he had last inhabited, the one known as Ozpin, Headmaster of Beacon.
He had been someone else once.
Before Ozpin awoke in his mind.
"That's assuming she takes over. They're not even mentioning anything like that. Jaune just wants Yang back. Which, I'll remind you, is our fault."
"If he is Salem's child, then any such allusions are a ruse and little more, Oscar. The Grimm are mindless beings of hate and cruelty. They cannot fathom such emotions as love, loyalty, or even empathy. At best, Jaune Arc is an automaton forced to act in a specific manner. I doubt he is even truly alive in a sense we would understand. And sadly," he said, letting out a mournful sigh, "I believe Miss Xiao-Long might have suffered the same fate."
It was a regret he harboured, that even after the loss of Summer, he would fail her children as well. Yang had been subsumed, possessed and lost to the Grimm, and Ruby – idealistic and foolish – had been drawn in by their pretty lies.
"I should have kept a tighter leash on the both of them."
"Like you are me?"Oscar asked angrily.
"It is a necessary sacrifice, Oscar. I do not expect you to appreciate it, but you will come to understand in time."
"Yeah, sure. Keep throwing those words around like they mean something. The way I see it, you just put Atlas in a position where it might be wiped out to further your agenda, and now you're walking away, no doubt to do the same elsewhere."
"Not quite. If Atlas truly does eke out a deal with Salem, they will prove too much of a threat to be ignored. I have relied on people all my life, trusted them, but it seems I shall have to place my faith in myself once more."
"You're going to get me killed, aren't you?" Oscar asked, with a resigned, almost bitter, tone. "Not even sixteen, and you're going to throw me away to suit your purposes."
"It is a-"
"Shut up, Ozpin. Just… shut up."
Ozpin sighed sadly but did as the child requested. He could understand the boy's fear. He could understand his anger, his despair. There was little he could do about it either way, not without giving up everything he had ever worked for.
This was for the best.
Oscar might not appreciate it, nor Miss Xiao-Long, Rose or even James.
It was regretful, but he would do what he had to do, not for the individual, nor even for Atlas, but for the whole of Remnant.
The Gods had cursed him to do no less.
"You've a lot of nerve showing your face here," a familiar voice hissed from behind him. A sword tickled the underside of his chin. "Give me one good reason not to cut your throat and be done with you."
"Because you know what would happen. I would pass on into another body, and then I would come back. Killing me does not spare you my presence." Heedless of the blade at his throat, Ozpin turned to face his assailant and planted his cane down. "Hello Raven. It's good to see you again."
"The same can't be said in return," the woman snapped. "You're not welcome here, Ozpin."
"No? Then what if I told you how I could be out of your hair forever, and how you might escape Salem's attention at the same time?"
Raven's eyes narrowed. "You want the Relic."
Ozpin smiled.
"I do."
We're approaching the climax, I suppose. This chapter was fairly light on the lulz, mostly because a lot of other stuff had to be pushed, i.e. the diplomatic meeting. I considered a Professor Arc-esque kind of thing where Jaune fluffs along, Ironwood overestimates him, and they basically hash out a deal by accident, but it didn't really fit this.
Jaune here is genuinely trying his hardest, and Ironwood is stalling, as would be expected of him.
Meanwhile, Ozpin is just trying to save the world.
Next chapter, we might even get to see what Big Sis Cinder has been up to.
Next Chapter: 8th November
P a treon . com (slash) Coeur