A low groan escaped his lips as he pushed open the door to his flat, tenderly pressing a bag of ice against his forehead as he drudged forward and fell back on the couch, nursing the mother of all headaches. His mission was supposed to be simple, some information gathering on that Mandalorian child that was in Vale who'd been ID'd as the Mand'alor's daughter. Nothing more, nothing less. He wasn't supposed to get into any fight, nor interfere in any fight unless it looked like the kid was about to get schwacked. But when Glynda appeared out of nowhere and started attacking the child, he knew he had to intervene and deescalate the situation. He'd almost made it too, if another Mandalorian hadn't appeared out of literal thin air and intercepted him.
He supposed it must've looked bad, like he was about to pile into an already fairly even fight to tip the odds further out of the Mandalorian Princess's favor, but for crying out loud, there'd only been one Mando he'd encountered before this one who consistently get the better of him in a one on one confrontation, and that was Marcus. This one was a young buck, but if the signet was anything to go by, they were in the man's clan, possibly even their son if the similarities in fighting style, stature and how their aura felt were anything to go by. He'd guess they were around eighteen or nineteen, but even if they were young, it was crystal clear they weren't a seasoned veteran of battle, given the boy had fought him to a standstill. Sure, the battle was inconclusive, but it had drawn both of them very far from Goodwitch and the Mand'alor's daughter, and only ended when they were forced to scatter from the incoming police sirens.
"Oh, hey, you're back earlier than expected. Cross another Mando again?" A soft, young and feminine voice called from the hallway, drawing his eyes back to a girl of fair skin, ample bust, lilac eyes and golden blonde hair. He chuckled lightly as the girl, the sole remaining child of his late partner Taiyang, didn't seem concerned about seeing him roughed up as much as he was. He supposed it was only natural, in his line of work it wasn't uncommon to cross Mandalorians, and every time he did, he came back roughed up, more often than not some fresh injuries that would scar, too.
"Yeah. A young boy around your age, but crazy skilled. First time I've been driven to a stalemate when fighting one as opposed to outright losing or barely winning, though... not sure which of us would win if we were to have a rematch though. In any case, you holding up, Yang? Know some days are still harder than others and all..." He spoke honestly, with a sideways grin as his niece stepped out of the hallway and into the kitchen to start preparing dinner. It was the usual routine, she usually made dinner since she could actually cook something more than just spaghetti or fried spam and rice.
"Heh... well, in any case, welcome back home, Uncle Qrow. Hope you aren't cross with beef stroganoff, 'cause that's what I'm making tonight." The girl, his niece Yang Xiao Long, joked while pulling everything she'd need out of their respective cupboards, cabinets and the fridge. It took about a minute, but she did eventually move onto the later half of the remarks from her uncle. "And I'm... alright. Went to my usual monthly therapy appointment today, it's still... difficult, but it's easier than it used to be. I just wish Ruby were still here... wasn't fair what happened to her."
"I know, firecracker. I know... still, she's in a better place now, even if she was taken too soon. I'm sure that one day we'll be able to fully heal and move on, but until then, we-" he was cut off by his scroll blaring loudly in his pocket, the emergency ringer that sounded even if he muted the device. Grumbling lowly, he pulled his scroll up and opened the device, a confused expression settling over his face as none other than Ozpin's portrait appeared on screen. Using the emergency ringer for a call on an unsecured channel was unusual, to say the least, but he supposed there were stranger things to have happened... whatever they might be. He just hoped it wouldn't make him miss dinner, since after that last altercation, he was starving.
"Heya Oz, what's up?" He popped off first as he answered the call, honestly unsure of what he was going to hear.
"We found her." Qrow was silent at the declaration, raising a hand to sweep back through his hair before sighing lowly.
"Oz, what do you mean "we found her?" Who are you talking about, Amber's assailants?" He questioned, although his boss was quick to correct him.
"No, no we're still working on that. No, it's Ruby. We found Ruby. She's alive." He was struck silent by the declaration, jaw gaping slightly as he tried to make sense of the myriad of emotions that had been elicited by the news.
"Oz... that's both a terrible, and incredibly cruel joke, you know that?"
"I am not jesting, Qrow. Ruby Rose, or rather "Dha Ruby," now, is Mand'alor the Invincible's adoptive daughter, and I need you in my office as soon as humanly possible." He knew his boss's tone too well, that this wasn't a jest, bringing a slight tear to his eyes before he forced himself to recollect himself. Regardless, he fell back on the couch as he felt his legs waver, unable to properly comprehend the news despite understanding his standing orders.
"...is she going to be there?"
"No, we're forming an alliance with the Mandalorians, and Mand'alor wants to discuss terms and conditions. Ruby will be attending Beacon this year, but only if we can meet or satisfactorily negotiate Mand'alor's demands. Qrow, Ruby being alive is important, but it's more important that she's a bonafide Mandalorian Princess, and that Mand'alor is open to the idea of an alliance. This is the break we need, you must understand that." Qrow could only groan at this, but he knew he was right. As important as his personal feelings on the matter were, the prospect of an alliance with the most technologically advanced and heavily armed faction on the planet was far too good to pass up.
"Ugh... if it involves her, why isn't she gonna be there?"
"She's returning to New Mandalore. Gathering school supplies for the coming year and likely replacing destroyed armor. Glynda managed to shred the couple plastoid plates she wore."
"What the hell is "plastoid?" I thought Mandos wore Beskar?"
"Apparently it's a different material that Mandalorian Apprentices often use for armor. And before you ask, apparently they start as "Foundlings," and once initiated, they become an "Apprentice." After they've finished their journeys and trials, they become true Mandalorians. Mand'alor has been explaining that to me on our way to the office." Qrow could only brush his hand back through his hair once more in a stressful manner, before pushing himself upright and turning his gaze towards Yang in the kitchen for a moment, locking eyes before deciding to finish the call.
"Alright, that's enough for me. I'll explain the situation to Yang, then I'll be on my way." With that, Qrow ended the call and pocketed the scroll. Another deep sigh escaped his lips as he prepared himself for another difficult conversation.
"Not gonna be around for dinner, huh? What did Headmaster Ozpin want?" If there was anything he hated, it was delivering news that was such a mixed bag, but he supposed there was really no avoiding it.
"Yeah... Yang, look, I got some... difficult, news for you... still not too sure how to feel about it myself..."
He wasn't surprised to hear Qrow had informed his niece of Ruby's survival, but he was at least glad he'd not taken her here for this important meeting. It was already nerve-wracking enough that he had to share the space with Mand'alor, no need to make this even more difficult by bringing Yang into the fold to discuss the difficult topics ahead of them this eve. That being said after the topics of terms and conditions concluded, whenever it would be that such a thing does happen, they'd have to address the elephant in the room... or rather, the devil in it. Ruby's devil powers were a delicate topic to discuss, especially given their existence was a closely kept state secret. Even if the Mandalorians knew fairly little of these matters, they apparently knew enough to potentially destabilize a fair amount of world order were they to go public with this information.
But before they could do that, they had to find a way to appease the most dangerous man in their world's history. It wasn't just the Mandalorians he could sic on anyone foolish enough to force his hand that had the potential to usher in the apocalypse, he himself was a walking calamity, coiled and ready to strike at the drop of a hat. It was no secret, everyone in the world knew not to evoke the Mand'alor's fury, for even for all the men and weapons at their disposal, Midnight himself was the planet's apex predator. Such knowledge only made the situation they were currently in more nerve-wracking being that not only were they close enough for him to touch, but the other major factor of the negotiation was the man's daughter. Even if he was reputed to be a patient man, the fury of a father who's child has been hurt, used or abused was NOT to be underestimated.
"We'll start this matter with the conditions regarding my daughter's attendance." Midnight spoke as he halted in the center of the room, arms crossed over his chest as both himself, Qrow and Glynda continued on to stand behind his own desk. It was about midnight now, namely of the time and not the person in the room, with the moon looming high overhead, visible out the front of the giant face of the clock window. The schoolyear hadn't yet started, and most of the student body was busy spending their summer break out of the academy, so they hadn't any worry of the odd student or two seeing Mand'alor and panic-gossiping around the academy to stir trouble.
"Of course, Mand'alor. Simply name your terms and conditions, and we'll try to negotiate what we cannot guarantee." Ozpin replied smoothly as he sat down upon his chair, elbows propped up against the arm rests and fingers intertwined as he focused his attention in on the man.
"It's simple, really. Exemption from wearing the Beacon Uniform, exemption from mandatory disarmament out of classes, legal immunity for Disruptor usage, and both myself and any other Mandalorians when present to be entitled to observe any combative exercises be they in-class matches or outbound assignments. I also want Vale to abolish the laws outlawing possession and usage of disruptors and graviton weaponry." Ozpin couldn't help but cringe slightly and suck in some air as the Mand'alor named his last condition. Truthfully, the usage of disruptors and graviton weapons had been outlawed by the council, with punishment for mere possession being confiscation and 20 years in a maximum security prison without parole, and usage being a summary execution. He couldn't just "abolish" the laws regarding them... but he supposed there was one thing he could do.
"While I cannot quite abolish the laws outlawing disruptors and graviton weapons, I can make the Kingdom of Vale a sanctuary for their usage by Mandalorians. As much as I'd like to meet this request in full, I do not have the power to completely abolish these laws, as they're International laws, not Kingdom... as for the other exemptions, that's it? That's all of your demands? You aren't going to demand she be a team leader or anything like that? That's a fairly small number of exceptions for what's effectively a Mandalorian Princess."
"No. These conditions save for the ones regarding disruptors and graviton weapons are Religious exemptions. Our weapons and armor are a part of our religion, we would not see ourselves disarmed and without fangs to bear in any situation. For anything else, I expect her to be held to the same standards as any other student." His explanation was short, to the point. Fitting they supposed for a man such as himself, but they didn't miss the slight sharpness in his tone in regards to the last part of his comment. "And my daughter is no "Princess." I do not name my heir, the title of Mand'alor is earned, not inherited."
"I meant no offense, Mand'alor, I'm merely surprised a man of your caliber and with your kind of pull would request so little. Nevertheless, I assume there are other things you desire that aren't directly related to her?"
"Yes. My kin will be establishing a covert within the city, an Enclave at your academy and Signal, and we'll be assigning Task Force Mythos to operate in Vale." He was glad that nobody was drinking anything at that moment, because the assignment of that unit of Mandos would've had them spit it all out at once in shock. Task Force Mythos was a Mandalorian Special Operations group that had become something of a Boogeyman during the Atlas-Mandalorian War, having gained notoriety for slipping behind enemy lines for assassination and sabotage, seeming as if they were everywhere at once, and for infiltrating and conducting numerous high-stakes missions in Atlas during the war. During the short but devastating conflict, Mythos had inflicted catastrophic damage upon the Atlesian Military's industrial complex, crippled the fleet and almost completely wiped out all of Atlas's Special Operations groups, and ultimately forced Atlas to surrender after taking out most of the military's highest ranking officers. It wouldn't be a mistake to say the damage they'd inflicted still hadn't healed, as their Special Operations Division and Navy were still barely even a shadow of their former selves.
"I do hope you aren't intending to sic Task Force Mythos on us, Mand'alor." Qrow spoke out, setting his hands on the desk as he narrowed his eyes upon the man before him. He hadn't ever interacted with Midnight before, not in person at least, his closest interaction being his couple encounters with Marcus.
"The Mando'ade is many things, but backstabbers we are not. They're here to keep an eye on my daughter and assist in the capacities you'd described. I thought you would've been pleased to know such an accomplished unit would be assigned here."
"Don't take it the wrong way, Mand'alor, but it's not quite we're put off by you assigning an accomplished unit to Vale, it's what this unit is famous for that has us somewhat worried." Ozpin tried to reign it back in and elaborate as to why they'd be worried, but it only drew a short guffaw from the Mandalorian.
"Then consider their presence a warning as well, for if you think to stab us in the back. The sons and daughters of Mandalore are hardworking and honest people. We do not play games of treachery, for there's no honor or glory in such. If we are betrayed, we'll do what we must to see our betrayers' legacy reduced to ash and dust. That's all there is to it." The three of them could only nod in response, even if uneasily and filled with some measure of uncertainty. Yes, the Mando'ade were well known to be an honorable people, and acts of treachery were anathema to them, but it didn't ease their worries much when dealing with a group as dangerous as Mythos.
"Well then... I believe we've squared that topic away then. Shall we move onto the next?" Ozpin offered, opting Midnight to gesture with his right hand as he uncrossed his arms for him to proceed. Another glance to his left and right confirmed the readiness of his two colleagues present in the room with him, and so now came the time to talk about the devil in the details... albeit literally, in this case.
"You claim to have knowledge of devils and the Demon World."
"Yes, although I must ask that outside of the Mando'ade, this information remain strictly confidential. Now, where to start..." Ozpin began, scratching his chin slightly as he thought where to begin if to satisfy Midnight. It took a moment, but he ultimately settled on addressing the most obvious part of the equation. "Right... the Demon World. It is the realm of both devils and demons, a plain of existence both separate and parallel to our own. Little is known about this realm and nobody has ever actually travelled into the realm but there is some documentation on how to enter it, albeit I'm unsure whether or not these methods described would actually work... nevertheless, it is a world of otherworldly powers, distortion in reality itself, and dark mysteries man hasn't yet even begun to explore."
"Distorted reality sounds somewhat interesting, but I'm more interested in these demons and devils. My kin and I have battled the demons of this world once before in Alexandria, but the way you've been using "Demons and Devils" as separate beings, I'm assuming there's some major difference?"
"Yes. Demons are something more akin to drones for the most part, apart from beings such as Greater, Arch or Demon Peers, although there's only 11 of the latter as far as my understanding extends. With greater ranking comes higher intelligence, greater autonomy and individuality. When a demon meddles with our world, it's usually either a horde of lesser demons that have been summoned by cultists, or the darker machinations of a Greater Demon, or on much rarer occasion, an Archdemon... Demon Peers to my understanding have their own agendas, but have never even tried to manifest in our world. Now... as for devils..." Ozpin explained, before turning to Qrow. Truth be told, Qrow understood devils much better than he himself did, as he'd passed down all his knowledge of them onto the man, and he'd been further researching them ever since Ruby's birth. As far as all things went, Qrow was the foremost expert on Devils in their world to date.
"Devil rankings aren't nearly as straightforward as Demon rankings, and there's no such thing as a "drone" kinda devil. Unlike Demons, every devil, no matter how weak or strong, has a name. For Demons, it's only particularly strong demons that receive names, such as Archdemons or Demon Peers. Also unlike most demons, Devils cannot manifest a physical body in our world. While a blessing for us, it's an indicator of a Demon or Devil's power, as having so much power makes it so that no artificial body can handle absorbing the essence to act as a host. It's why Greater Demons, Archdemons, Demon Peers and Devils need sacrifices to be summoned, and a host to have physical form." Qrow spoke quickly, listing off everything in an easy to understand and follow manner. He cleared his throat as he finished, before stepping back so as to not draw too much attention to himself.
"The Mando'ade aren't entirely unaware of the nature of devils. We've done some of our own research in the last ten years and some Mandalorians have even conducted Devil binding rituals to enslave their powers. The ritual used takes place in a specially prepared room that acts as a sort of crossroad between realms that allows the summoned Devil to assume a physical form, albeit only within said room unless it manages to win the fight and takes over the host." Midnight's admission of this shocked them somewhat, but Qrow felt he shouldn't be surprised. With everything at their disposal, he supposed the idea of a Mandalorian summoning a Devil for the sole purpose of giving it a total beatdown to enslave their powers wasn't too far fetched.
"And how many Mandos have lost in this ritual?"
"None. The only fair fight is where everyone loses, so extensive preparations are made beforehand to ensure the summoner has every advantage then can muster. Failing this, the Honor Guard intervenes." They could only chuckle at that, knowing well that for most Devils the Honor Guard were an easy counter. After all, the Honor Guard were the most elite of the Mando'ade, and had the most advanced equipment by a large margin.
As technologically advanced and skilled as the entirety of the Mando'ade were, all else paled in comparison to the Honor Guard. Every piece of their equipment was an artistic masterpiece and a technological marvel even by Mandalorian standards. Their gear was entirely unique to them, and both their weapons and vehicles were exclusive to their ranks, their power reflecting their elite status appropriately. In previous altercations with the Mando'ade, even mere rumors of a single Honor Guard's presence had become enough for their organization to back off and entirely stop whatever it was that might've pissed them off enough to send their Elite.
"Well, regardless of this information, it only paints you and yours as an even more formidable factor on the board. But, and this is a very important caveat, I need you to promise this information will be kept confidential. Only Mandalorians and the Kingdom Governments should know about them being more than mere fairytales." Midnight merely waved off the concern, before unfolding his arms from over his chest and resting his hands on his hips
"If that were an issue, the rest of the larger world would've been tracking all our knowledge of this sort years ago. If that's everything immediately important to this stuff, there's one last caveat I want made before I sign off on this... alliance." Ozpin raised his brow at the Mand'alor's declaration, but gestured with a free hand for the man to continue. "I want the criminal records and charges of all Mandalorians dropped everywhere you can authorize it. Alongside all else, if you can manage that, I'll be willing to sign off on this alliance."
"That... shouldn't be a problem. I can clear all your kins' criminal histories in Vale, and as I'm tracking, you do already have some sort of arrangement with Vacuo?" Midnight's slight nod and recrossing of arms gave him all the confirmation he needed, bringing a slight chuckle out of him as he rose up from his chair. "Mistral and Atlas I can't do anything about, but I'm sure the former will come around eventually, and I think Atlas just needs some more years to heal before they'll be open to the idea... if that's all, then I do believe this concludes this meeting?"
"I've nothing left to say. Mythos will be in the city before the week is out." A collective sigh of relief passed down all parties aside from the Mandalorian in the room, prompting Ozpin to put a hand forward for Midnight to meet. He had to suppress a wince as he took the offer, nearly crushing his hand to a pulp without any real effort, but with their alliance now fully agreed and finalized, now all they needed do was sit back, and adjust as things played out...