So, this is the last chapter before my break. That means no more chapters until Relic comes back on the 29th. As always, dates at bottom are accurate.

This chapter is a little shorter than usual. I'm really stretched for time at the moment. Need this week off. Still, things will be rounded up.

Beta: College Fool

Cover Art: Kegi Springfield

Chapter 97

"Yang Xiao-Long leaves with me. The only thing you get to decide is whether we leave peacefully, or over the bodies of those who get in our way."

The words were left to echo about the chamber, to reach the cameras and those outside and the many thousands more watching, to permeate into their minds and bring a chill that would root them to the ground.

It certainly did that much with the Councillors who, having just had their lives threatened by the Grimm, no longer knew what to say or do. The silence was oppressive, which was a shame since he had nothing to say that could fill it.

"What are you doing?" Weiss hissed in his ear. "This is going south faster than a conversation about grandchildren with your mother!"

Jaune grinned. "That's kinda the point."

"What!?"

"Get ready. Things are about to get worse."

"WHAT!?"

Jaune turned away from the horrified Weiss Schnee and nodded briefly to Yang, who got the message and winked back. It wasn't what he'd wanted when he first came here, but like Remy said, it was time to think like the person he'd been trained to be. Cinder had shown him time and time again that sometimes it was better to seek forgiveness than ask permission – except that you didn't care so much about the forgiveness, and `permission` meant legality.

"Order! Order!" The lead councillor slammed a hand down on his desk. "Enough! Never in our tenure has someone dared to threaten us in this very chamber. You may rule the Grimm, but you do not rule here, Crown Prince." The title was delivered mockingly.

Jaune stared them down. "Yet."

"Excuse us?"

"I do not rule here yet. That might change, if you continue to push me."

"I think you overestimate the power of your Grimm."

"I think you live in a fantasy world," Jaune returned.

"Enough of this. You have made a mockery of our Kingdom, our Council and our people. Nothing will be decided here. Leave if you wish, but she remains. She is a prisoner of Atlas."

"So," he whispered under his breath, "You really want to go through with it. Fine."

Whether they believed it or not, they were sticking to the narrative of Atlas being invincible. Admirable in a way. A foolish, arrogant way.

"You are wrong that I've mocked you, Atlas. You have done a fine job of that yourselves. I came with the hand of peace for the first time in centuries. You chose to spit in my face." He paused to let the camera crews focus on him. "You may have been wrong about the mockery, but you were right about one thing. This farce ends here."

"What do you-"

"Council of Atlas!" he boomed, cutting through their angry protests and shouting in one go. "You seem to be working under the misconception that you can decide our fate in any way. This is incorrect. We are leaving."

Weiss stiffened. Yang grinned.

The head councillor slammed a hand on the table. "You fool. You're in the middle of Atlas! You can't leave without our permission."

"Since when have the Grimm needed your permission, Councillor?"

Jaune clicked his fingers loudly.

The Grimm that had been kneeling around him stiffened suddenly. As one, they turned on the audience, eyes burning.

Jaune pointed one hand to the lead Councillor. "Kill them all."

Chaos erupted.

Screams and curses echoed around the Council chamber as the Beowolves lashed out at their prey. Meanwhile, Jaune grabbed Yang by the arm and tugged her towards the corridors they'd come through, pushing a shocked Weiss in the same direction.

"W-What are you doing?" Weiss gasped. "We can't attack Atlas!"

"Trust me!"

"You're asking for that at a time like this!?"

"Oh, get a move on Weiss-cream," Yang said, shoving Weiss ahead of her. "Not like staying behind to say sorry is going to improve matters." Behind, gunfire opened up as the soldiers dealt with the Grimm. "Those Grimm aren't going to buy us much time."

"They're not the only Grimm," Jaune said.

The corridor they burst into proved that true, as two soldiers were busy wrestling with an Ursa, the large creature pinning each down and roaring angrily. It was biting at the air, roaring at the top of its lungs. Its great bulk covered their retreat as they ran by.

"Weiss, you know the way out?"

"A-Any direction is a way out," Weiss said, panting slightly. "It's a circular building. Just pick a direction!"

Good enough. The three of the sprinted down the corridor, taking a quick right as some soldiers appeared ahead and saw them. "Remy, I need a distraction."

"On it."

One of his tentacles began to thrash wildly. Two more wrapped about it and tore it off his body – the sharp tugging pain not unlike a hair being pulled from your scalp, except twenty hairs at once. The limb fell behind them, bleeding profusely. From that blood, a number of Nevermore began to form and flap about wildly.

"Make sure they don't-"

"I know. I've got this."

"Thanks."

"They'll keep the soldiers busy," Jaune called to the girls. "We need to get up top."

"The roof? You have a Nevermore waiting?"

"Something like that."

Weiss nodded and pointed left on the next intersection, taking them to a set of elevators and also a staircase. The former wouldn't do, but Yang darted in and slammed all the keys to go up anyway, jumping out before the doors closed. "Keep anyone following," she said.

Nodding, Jaune followed the two of them onto the staircase and ran up it, taking the steps two at a time. Down below, they could hear soldiers following – or maybe just coming to the floor they'd been on, trying to reach and protect the council chambers. As they passed a window, Jaune got a look outside, at the hordes of civilians who were being protected by armed Atlas soldiers.

The Grimm were being cut down before they could get close and cause any damage. The civilians were frightened, naturally, but they didn't run or panic. Voices over speakers demanded they stay still, stay with the soldiers who would keep them safe. Atlas discipline was in full effect.

Still, it worked as a distraction. Atlas had to look after its own people. They didn't have the time to do anything else or focus on chasing them down. Civilians came first.

Yang burst through the door out onto the rooftop – and came to a sudden, startled halt.

General Ironwood stood on the roof, arms crossed before a Bullhead that had brought him up. He had his gun in one hand, but it wasn't aimed at them, rather at the floor. His face was set in a grim expression, his eyes hardened chips of ice.

"Damn it," Weiss hissed.

Jaune stepped forward. "Leave him to me."

"What?" Yang laughed. "No way. There's three of us. We can overwhelm him."

"No." When she looked ready to argue, he nodded past Ironwood. "That's our ride out of here. You and Weiss need to capture it and convince the pilot to take us where we want to go. A Nevermore would get shot down. Even Kevin might be in trouble. If we fly out in Ironwood's Bullhead, though…"

"The automated defence systems won't target us," Weiss realised. She eyed Ironwood. "Can you take him?"

"I don't need to beat him. Just need to hold him off until you're ready."

"Got it." Weiss grabbed Yang's arm. "Come on. I'm unarmed, so I need you to help."

Yang was reluctant, but let herself be pulled away, ready to circle around and attack the Bullhead once Ironwood was engaged. "Give him hell, Jaune!" she called. "I was stuck in some stupid-ass research cell because of him."

Jaune nodded, eyes locked onto Ironwood's.

The General didn't try to stop Yang and Weiss as they went around the perimeter of the roof. He wouldn't have had much chance against the three of them anyway, and it was obvious who the biggest threat was.

"By order of Atlas, and for the crimes you have committed, you are under arrest."

Jaune shrugged and drew Crocea Mors, sweeping it left and right to loosen his muscles. "The Royal Family does now bow to the demands of rival Kingdoms." He cracked a smile. "Especially not the petty ones."

Ironwood grunted. "Cute."

There were no more words. Ironwood swept to the side, flung his coat back and opened fire.

The first shot bounced off Jaune's shoulder and knocked him back. He used the force of it to spin, planted a foot back and then pushed off in a reckless charge. He had to close the distance fast or Ironwood would never let him. He took three more shots – the first to the chest, and then both to his left knee when Ironwood realised the shots weren't breaching.

It was a clever move. A fourth shot hit him in the same leg, an extreme show of marksmanship, and aura or not – Grimm bone or not – the sheer force of the hits made him buckle. He tucked his head down and rolled onto one shoulder, minimising himself as a target, not that it did much good. A shot hit his back, another his thigh.

His tentacles swept out and closed the distance.

Ironwood caught one and tugged it to the side, planted the barrel of his gun against it and pulled the trigger. Viscous blood burst and the limb was severed in one go. Despite that, it had already started to wrap its way around his right arm, the cybernetic one. He tried to tug it free, but the dying limb had wound tight and stuck fast.

The other tentacles hit him in the chest, knocking him back.

Ironwood rode it and landed a few feet back. He wiped a little grime from his chin, ignored the tentacle wrapped around his right arm, and tossed his gun over to his left. Changing his stance, left foot forward, he aimed and opened fire once more.

This time, Jaune was better prepared and brought Crocea Mors up, holding it between both hands and before his face. The impromptu shield worked for what it was, forcing Ironwood to aim lower. His legs, however, were now protected, and the shots that impacted there bit into his tentacles instead. No less painful, but far less of a problem. He caught the widening of Ironwood's eyes, and then the curse as he swung up and down with Crocea Mors.

Ironwood blocked the blow on his handgun, twisting it sideways to catch the blade between the grip and trigger-guard. His legs flexed, taking the force with an extreme show of strength. He grunted and diverted it to the side, stepped into Jaune's guard and slammed his fist into his gut.

The pain was enough to make Jaune retch. It wasn't a normal blow. The cybernetic arm had something more to it, because the fist twisted agonisingly, digging into his stomach like it wanted to grip his spine. Spittle flew from his mouth.

"Surrender," Ironwood said.

"Never!" He reared back and flung his head forward, cracking it into Ironwood's face. His remaining tentacles gripped the cybernetic arm and pulled it aside, while he swung Crocea Mors around in a wide sweep.

With no time t react, Ironwood took the blow on his aura, drawing a knee up so that his leg took it rather than his ribs. Aura sparked across his body nonetheless. He reacted quickly, however. With a click and a hiss, his right arm detached itself from his own body, letting him fall back a pace. The move was so sudden that Jaune hadn't expected it. As the heavy arm fell, his tentacles pulled him forward, pushing him off balance.

Rather than make distance and shoot again, Ironwood reared back with his other hand and delivered a devastating blow to Jaune's cheek.

The whole world seemed to mute for a second. He lost his eyesight entirely. When it came back a moment later, or when his eyes refocused, it was to see another fist come in and strike his nose, breaking it.

"Argh!"

His free-hand snapped out automatically, slamming into Ironwood's metallic chest and hurting his fingers even more. His sword found better purchase, aiming for Ironwood's head. It didn't hit with the blade – the man was too close – but the cross guard and hilt slapped Ironwood across the cheek, the metal digging into his skin and knocking him bodily aside.

He fell to the left, caught himself on one foot and surged back with an uppercut into Jaune's stomach.

"F-Fuck!" Jaune bent over the fist. His lungs gasped for air.

Ignoring it, he dropped Crocea Mors and gripped Ironwood's head with both hands. A brief flash of concentration was enough to grow a bone Grimm-plate on his face. He smashed it into Ironwood's with enough force to crack it.

Ironwood stumbled back, bleeding profusely from his nose and a split lip.

They traded another few blows. Crocea Mors was kicked away by Ironwood in the scuffle, but one of Jaune's tentacles knocked the gun away, too. For every blow Jaune rained on the man, he gave another back, fighting one-armed with such ferocity that Jaune wondered if it wasn't a voluntary handicap. Ironwood fought like a boxer on the defence, though he was no stranger to kidney shots when attacking. Or using his elbow.

They broke apart panting. Ironwood was bruised and battered, his shirt torn in places. Jaune was little better. He brought a hand up and wiped some blood away from his lips. Somewhere in the fight, he'd lost his royal cloak. It had been dragging him down and Ironwood had sought to use it against him. He'd had to ditch it.

"N-Not bad," Jaune gasped.

"You fight well yourself," Ironwood said. Somehow, he was less winded.

Behind them, the Bullhead's engines whirled to life. "Jaune, come on!" Yang yelled.

"Looks like my ride is ready."

Ironwood grunted. "Seems it."

The two sized one another up, their eyes narrowed.

And then Ironwood stood. He let out a sigh, brushed his shoulder free of dust and cracked his neck to the side.

Jaune did the same, stooping to pick up Crocea Mors and sheathe it. "You fight like a real bastard. You know that?"

"When you've fought in the battles I have, you learn to be brutal." Ironwood chuckled and picked up his arm, attaching it once more. He worked it in a circle to see whether he had full motion and nodded when he was happy with it. "Well, I have to go and see to affairs."

Jaune nodded. "Don't let me stop you."

The two walked past one another.

When he reached the Bullhead, Yang and Weiss were staring at him, mouths open. "What?"

"B-But he… he just…"

Weiss' eyes narrowed. "What the hell is going on here!?"

"We're escaping," he said, sitting down and strapping himself in. He let his head fall back on the seat with a groan. "God, he hits like an Ursa. I knew he was tough to be a General, but I didn't expect it to be that bad. I almost got my ass kicked."

"AHEM!" Weiss had her hands on her hips. "Explain!"

"Explain what?"

"That!" she shrieked, pointing back to where Ironwood had left him. "And that!" she added, pointing to the pilot they'd taken hostage.

"Oh no, I have been threatened," the pilot said, with a remarkable lack of concern or fear. "Guess I'd better give in to your demands and get you out of here. Woe is me." He flicked a few dials, yawned into one hand and started to pull the Bullhead up.

"He's our prisoner," Jaune said.

Yang and Weiss looked unimpressed.

Jaune laughed. "Alright, alright. Well, it all started after Yang's dad left…"

/-/

Ironwood looked up from his desk and reached for a gun.

"I pray that this is not your idea of a prank. It would be an ill-advised one."

The strange creature did not reply, its long, string-like tendrils flailing around under the door for purchase. Had it not been for the individual already in Atlas, Ironwood would have already sounded the alarm and locked down the entire building. Curiosity got the better of him, however.

The door got the better of the Grimm. With a sigh, Ironwood pushed the button to open it.

The creature was a strange thing. A floating, round orb with several long limbs that fell down like red rope. The ends were spiny, indicating weapons, while the head itself had a few armoured plates on it. Ironwood didn't feel particularly threatened, given its slow and ponderous approach. The thing almost seemed embarrassed. Or as embarrassed as a Grimm could be.

"I presume your master sent you."

The orb… bobbed. Ironwood realised that asking a yes or no question to a creature without a neck probably wasn't the best of ideas. He was about to stand and find Mr Arc himself, when the creature's head began to pulse with a red, mist-like smoke.

"Hello. Can you hear me?"

Ironwood hummed. Curious. "Yes."

"Is that Ironwood?" the Grimm asked in Arc's voice. "I hope it's Ironwood. Otherwise this is going to be really awkward conversation."

"Yes, it would be. Fortunately, you've found the right person. Might I ask what you're doing, Crown Prince? If someone were to see this, there would be much to explain." It would be seen as a conflict of interests on his part, even if he hadn't done anything. Considering how tense matters were in the chamber already, he didn't want to be asked to leave. Those idiots could drag Atlas into a war it couldn't win if he wasn't there to mediate.

"I was hoping to talk about the Council with you."

"What about them? I warned you how they might be."

"You did. I… underestimated their stubbornness."

James was not surprised. Few understood the subtle nuance of the political spectrum, which often made no sense to those not involved. It wasn't like any other job. An engineer, doctor or teacher could simply focus on doing a good job and be rewarded. Results-based work. A politician was rewarded only on perception, which meant you could single-handedly solve world hunger, but if it wasn't a vote winner, you wouldn't be thanked for it. On the other hand, do something the public didn't like, even if it was comparatively small when placed against your successes, and you'd be out faster than Peter Port at a polygraph convention.

"I'm beginning to lose hope that I'll be able to leave with Yang," Jaune said, and James' muscles tensed.

"No harm will befall her. I assure you."

"I appreciate the words, General. And I appreciate you looking after her. But I'd like to make something clear." The boy's voice hardened. "I am not leaving without her."

Panic worked its way into James' body. Visceral and raw. Until now, the leader of the Grimm had been both co-operative and peaceful – adjectives he'd thought to never use – and James was grateful for that. The thought of it changing, and in the middle of Atlas no less, was not a kind one.

"Mr Arc, please. There's no need to take any reckless actions."

"I think there is. I'd like to lay my cards on the table. If you would do the same?"

"Yes." Anything to protect his people. "Please, let us both be frank."

"Thank you." The Seer floated over to the chair across from James and worked its tendrils around it, sitting atop it. It almost looked like a floating head atop an invisible body. "My Grimm surround Atlas in numbers more than capable of destroying the city. If we attack, Atlas cannot hold."

What a way to start off, James thought. He felt lightheaded. "Yes. I realise this."

"Good. What you may not realise, is that this has always been a bluff."

He stilled. "What?"

"Not the danger or the capability, but the intent. I never intended to attack Atlas and never wanted to. Didn't you find it odd I was willing to meet with you? To put up with all the delays?"

He had, but he'd assumed it was Weiss' work in calming Jaune down.

"Killing innocent people is the last thing I want, and something I was never prepared to do. I thought Atlas would surrender Yang to us. It's an easy decision, after all. She's not even one of your citizens. We thought it would be an easy trade that Atlas would like to make."

"That is…" Naïve, optimistic. "That is wonderful." All of that and more. James tried not to collapse back in his seat and show his relief. "Thank you, Mr Arc, you've no idea how much this means to me. Even if the people will not realise-"

"But I'm beginning to think I don't have a choice but to attack."

And suddenly, the tension returned.

"Not because I want to, but because Atlas is calling my bluff. I'm in a bad spot now. If I do nothing, I lose all agency. No one will take me seriously and I won't be able to make peace between the Kingdoms. Also, I won't be able to leave with Yang."

"We might yet be able to broker an exchange," James offered.

"Do you really believe that? I've asked we both lay our cards down. If you genuinely believe that, then tell me how. I am willing to listen."

The silence was telling.

"There's no way," Jaune said. "Is there? Atlas needs to be seen as the winner or, failing that, they need to be seen as the heroes. It's a part of how your Kingdom works. The military might of Atlas, the defence against the Grimm. Fight the good fight."

"Yes." James had never liked to say it like that, but it was true. "It's an arrogant approach, certainly at a time like this, but it is what the people of Atlas believe in. It's a part of our culture."

"If you'll forgive me saying, it's a stupid culture."

James shrugged. At times, he would not disagree, but there wasn't much he could do about it.

"Problem is, I can't be seen to lose either," Jaune said. "The Grimmlands is in a precarious position. I'm sure you can understand why. Everyone is watching here, waiting to see who comes out on top between us. I won't accept a loss because it would mean an alliance against us. Atlas won't accept a loss and will keep pushing until I declare war and wipe you off the map."

Ironwood wasn't sure what to make of the casual confidence there. Not `a war that will cost us both` but a war that would `wipe Atlas from the map`. No doubt. No question.

"We might be able to reach a compromise…"

"That would be ideal," Jaune said, "But the problem is that I don't think there is a middle-ground. Either Yang stays here, or she comes with us. The result is very binary. She can't even be released to another Kingdom, as she would walk away and come back to me. There isn't a middle option."

"You could stay with her," James offered.

"We both know that isn't an option, General."

Yes, they did. If Atlas held the Crown Prince and Princess of the Grimm, it would be too much political power. Too much temptation. Someone in the Council would seek to use them, and the people would call for their execution.

Salem's son was prepared to talk and deal with humans. Salem was not. If anything happened to her children, Ironwood knew her wrath would crash down on Atlas. The streets would run red with blood.

"You wouldn't have come here without an idea," James said. "I'm all ears."

"I may have a suggestion. It's a risky one, though."

James sighed. "Right now, I'm willing to consider anything."

"Anything, General?"

"Anything…"

/-/

Weiss waited for more to come. When it did not, she threw her hands in the air. "And a war was what you came up with!? What were you thinking? Did your Seer infect him with idiocy?"

"The Grimmlands and Atlas were already at war," Jaune said, sitting back in the Bullhead. "It's not really starting anything if it was already in place, and didn't you notice something about all the Grimm I set loose on the Council?"

It was Yang who answered. "They weren't killing anyone. That Ursa outside had two soldiers pinned, but it was just roaring and tossing 'em around."

Weiss' eyes widened.

"Exactly," Jaune said, winking. "As of right now, the Atlas military will be dealing with the last of them, showing their `bravery and courage in the face of impossible odds`. A certain General is going to be hailed as a hero for protecting not only the Council, but all the civilians outside."

"That explains why Ironwood was willing to allow this," Weiss said, "But not what the point of it all is."

"It deals with the issue for one. Yang is free, and we're gone. We've managed to find a middle-ground where no one side loses."

"Yeah, by both sides losing."

Jaune shrugged. "It still works. Ironwood and I realised that the big thing wasn't one side winning, but one side winning over the other. Atlas refuses to be seen as the loser and we can't afford to. This way, while neither of us wins per se, we get to claim success for doing what we came to do, and Atlas gets to claim success for successfully fighting us off."

"Atlas fights the good fight," Yang realised with a laugh. "The military looks like big damn heroes. Ironwood is a tactical god – not to mention he thought me one on one and forced me to retreat, or so they'll say. The people get to imagine their Kingdom fought off the Grimm, and the Council doesn't lose face by capitulating to your demands."

"Meanwhile, the Grimmlands – with its disposable and endless ranks of Grimm – gets to claim we achieved everything we cared to achieve. The Crown Prince walked into Atlas and walked out with his Princess. No one could stop them."

Politics, he'd come to realise, was not about doing what was right or wrong – or about achieving success or not. It was optics. Marketing. Perceived success. This way, the Council of Atlas got to look like they stuck to their guns and refused to deal with the Grimm. They kept their voters, if not their pride. Ironwood got to bolster the image of the military, the Grimmlands came out as co-operative to a point, but willing to push if needs be, and no one died.

Better still, if Ruby did well in Atlas and Sun in Vacuo, it would send yet another message. That the Grimmlands and, by extension, Jaune Arc, was kind to his allies, co-operative to those who hadn't wronged him, and a threat to his enemies.

There was even a third benefit – that the Council of Vale would look wonderful for having prevented a repeat of the Atlas incident through their shrewd diplomacy. They'd look fantastic, which ought to not only make them more willing to deal with Ruby but trapped in a sense. Angering him or denying Ruby anything would come across as the height of folly. Political suicide.

"Never thought those lessons from Cinder would ever pay off, did you?"

"Honestly… I kind of didn't. I think I owe her a fruit basket."

Weiss and Yang were no less shocked – though that was directed at him. "That…" Weiss cut off, apparently lost on whether to tear him a new one or offer a compliment. Naturally, the latter would never happen. "That's all well and good, but how does this help us in the long run? There's going to be further conflict between our Kingdoms."

"A little," he admitted. "I've ordered some of the Grimm and a Goliath or two to make a show of approaching the walls. Ironwood has your sister there to man the defence. She's going to look very good as she drives them off."

Weiss' head spun.

"Of course, since it's now officially a war, Atlas is going to have to change the way it works."

"Yes, they'll declare martial law until the state of emergency is over."

"And who would lead Atlas at that time?"

"Ironwo-" Weiss mouth fell open. "No way." She shook her head. "No way…"

"Yes way. So, the hero who fought off the Grimm and even battled the Crown Prince of the Grimm to a standstill becomes the leader of Atlas. He can then bypass the Council entirely. And, well, if he managed to find a way to force the Crown Prince into accepting a peace agreement. Say, one that meant a sizeable payment of dust to the Kingdom of Atlas as reparations for all the trouble it caused…"

"You didn't…"

Jaune shrugged apologetically. "It was the best plan I could come up with, Weiss. I only had an hour."

"You organised a Coup d'état in an hour…"

"To be fair, I was a little rushed. I know you could have done better."

"Y-Yes, of course. A-Absolutely…" Weiss' head fell into her hands. She mumbled something about unfairness, advisors and how her head was hurting.

"I'll try to do better next time," he said, causing Weiss to growl and grip her head with both hands and whine through her teeth. "I was out of ideas, though. In the end, I decided to just ask what Cinder would do in a situation like that."

"And overthrowing a government was the answer?" Yang asked.

"Well, this is Cinder we're talking about…"

/-/

"WATTS!" Salem shrieked. "Watts!"

"I am here, my Queen."

"Watts, look! He organised a coup."

Watts nodded, a little proud of the young master himself. "He certainly did, my Queen."

"His first coup, Watts. His first coup! Q-Quick, fetch the scrap book. I need pictures."

"I shall collect all the newspaper clippings after the coup happens, my Queen."

"Yes, yes. Oh, he takes after his big sister so much. I knew having Cinder look after him would work out. My little boy, already overthrowing his first government. I'm so proud!"

/-/

"HA!" Cinder laughed, pointing at Tyrian. "He takes after me!"

Tyrian grumbled under his breath as the bitch, Cinder, danced on the couch, revelling in her victory.

Nicholas watched fondly, while Ozma groaned, realising what his last bit of meddling in Atlas had led to. "Technically speaking, since he got rid of Leonardo, he also staged a Coup in Haven, for all that he didn't stay behind to see a new headmaster elected."

"Didn't he technically do the same with your academy, too?" Nicholas asked casually.

Ozma's eyebrow twitched.

"He's got you there," Oscar laughed.

"Everyone's a critic..."

And there we have it. Jaune finds the odd middle-ground where neither Atlas nor the Grimmlands technically loses, while also channelling his inner-Cinder to show the world how you really overthrow a Government. All without shedding a single drop of blood.

Also, love how according to what people tell me of canon, we've already started to see some Atlas politicians making appearances and being as dickish as the ones here – or so I'm told. I could be wrong on that one. Damn it, though. White Sheep was supposed to be my most crackish story. A story that laughed at the idea of Salem just being a normal woman deprived of nookie, who has kids.

Now, given the lore, it's actually quite sad in a way…

Salem longs after what was lost and lives a life of despair and hatred until she finds love in the arms of another, raises a family, only to go through all the fear and panic again when her beloved son runs away to study at the school run by her ex, who was involved in the death of her first children, and who has now become her greatest enemy.

Next Chapter: 3rd January (TWO WEEKS)

P a treon . com (slash) Coeur