Thank God FF finally unfucked itself.

Anyway, we're back.

The side of Amity Arena they took Jaune Arc was eerily quiet, the occasional distant echo of footsteps was the only interruption. Glynda Goodwitch stood unobtrusively near the corner, her senses keenly tuned to the conversation unfolding a few paces away. Jaune Arc and Headmaster Ozpin sat across from each other at a small table, the ambiance filled with an air of unspoken tension.

Jaune looked different now. There was a quiet confidence in his demeanor, a stark contrast to the uncertain boy who had once stumbled through his early days at Beacon Academy. Ozpin initiated the conversation, his voice as calm and measured as ever.

"How have you been, Mr. Arc?" he asked, his eyes studying the young man with a blend of curiosity and concern.

Jaune's smile was amicable, but there was an edge to it. "I've been doing fine, Headmaster," he replied. "Despite being expelled, I've managed to do quite well on my own."

His words hung in the air, carrying a hint of reproach.

Ozpin remained composed, nodding slightly. "It was the appropriate decision at the time," he said, his tone neutral. "Beacon was in a dangerous position, and frankly, you were untrained. When you were knocked out during the attack, it was necessary to ensure your safety and so I made the choice to expel you while we were undergoing a tumultuous time. Granted, it was not personal, but out of concern for your relative safety."

Jaune accepted the explanation without a trace of emotion, merely nodding in acknowledgment. "I understand," he said, his voice devoid of bitterness. "But I'm here now, a huntsman despite it all."

There was a moment of silence, broken only by Jaune tracing the rim of his drink with a finger. Then, he pressed on, his gaze unwavering. "What do you actually need from me, Headmaster Ozpin?"

Ozpin leaned back slightly, his fingers interlacing. "I'm here to talk about you, Jaune," he said softly.

Jaune's eyes narrowed slightly. "Then let's not beat around the bush then," he said, his tone direct. "What happened to Raven Branwen?"

The mention of Raven caused a barely perceptible twitch in Ozpin's demeanor, a flicker of something in his eyes. Before he could respond, Glynda intervened. "We can't share that information," she said firmly.

Jaune nodded, his expression neutral. "That's alright," he said, though his words carried weight. "But let's not forget a fact, Headmaster, Professor. Raven Branwen is a murderer and a thief. She should be kept in a cage with that collar still on. Is that collar still on?"

"It is," Ozpin's expression tightened, but he maintained his composure. "But Miss Branwen is making amends for her crimes on her own terms," he said.

Jaune shook his head slowly, a sigh escaping his lips.

Ozpin joined his fingers, leaning forward slightly, his voice taking on a more pressing tone. "There are matters concerning the that we need to discuss," he began, attempting subtlety.

Jaune, however, swatted the pressure aside with a composed demeanor that made Glynda raise an eyebrow in silent approval. "Raven Branwen possesses powers similar to Pyrrha," Jaune stated, his voice steady. "I saw them in Menagerie when she was fighting Grimm… curious."

Ozpin wasn't surprised. "What do you think those powers are?" he asked, his tone probing.

Jaune's lips curled into a playful smile. "Perhaps someone has a Semblance that grants them such powers?"

Ozpin's eyes narrowed, cutting through the feigned innocence. "What did you see in Haven, Mr. Arc?" he asked directly.

Jaune leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "I learned a lot from Haven," he said, his words vague.

Ozpin studied him for a moment, his gaze intense. "Such information is dangerous," he said.

Jaune met his gaze evenly. "I understand," he replied. "But didn't I hand over dangerous information yourself, back then?"

Ozpin's smile turned dangerous, a calculated expression that made Glynda tense inwardly. Jaune blinked once, unfazed.

Ozpin launched into a long tirade about the perils of dangerous information, his words carefully chosen.

But Jaune simply listened in impasse like a student hearing a teacher's drawn out speech.

It didn't work.

Jaune wasn't fazed nor distracted.

"That's why I think that such information is dangerous."

"And some information, when it gets out, breaks people," he said quietly. "They act like a turtle retreating back to its shell."

He responded with words that struck Glynda as curiously pointed at Ozpin himself.

The words lingered in the air, a subtle accusation. Glynda's gaze flickered between the two, sensing the undercurrents of the conversation.

The exchange had become more than a simple discussion — it was now a battle of wills, each word a calculated move.

After a brief silence, Jaune shifted in his seat, his demeanor unchanged. "I'll ask again, Headmaster. What do you need from me?"

Ozpin sighed, a touch of weariness slipping into his expression. "I'm simply curious about you, Mr. Arc. How you've grown, what you've learned."

Jaune arched an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Curious about me, huh? Alright then, let's take this conversation in another direction. Tell me, Headmaster, what's your favorite fairy tale?"

Ozpin tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing with a hint of suspicion. "Why do you ask?"

Jaune's smile was easy, almost playful. "Just making conversation. Since we're here, might as well talk about something less… contentious."

Ozpin considered the question for a moment before responding. "I suppose if I had to choose, it would be 'The Story of the Seasons.'"

Jaune's eyes sparkled with genuine interest. "Good choice. Mine would be the Girl Who Fell Through the world."

"And what's your least favorite?" Ozpin asked curiously

Jaune's gaze sharpened slightly. "I find 'The Infinite Man' rather distasteful. It has… troubling connotations. It always struck me as more of a cult story than a fairy tale. Don't you think so?"

Ozpin nodded slowly, a thoughtful expression on his face. "And why do you favor 'The Girl Who Fell Through the World'?"

Jaune leaned back, his gaze turning introspective. "Because it's a classic. There's something timeless about it. A tale of discovery, of finding strength in the unknown world."

The two men regarded each other in silence, the tension in the room shifting, morphing into something less hostile, more contemplative. Glynda watched with keen interest, sensing a subtle change in the dynamic.

Ozpin's voice broke the silence, softer now. "It's interesting, Jaune. The stories we hold dear often say much about who we are, what we value."

Jaune nodded, his expression thoughtful. "True. Stories have a way of shaping us, don't they? They teach us lessons, give us hope."

Ozpin's eyes dulled. "Indeed. They remind us of the past, guide us towards the future."

For a moment, the two men shared a silence.

Jaune's gaze hardened. "But let's not get too sentimental, Headmaster. There's still the matter of Raven Branwen and the 'Semblance' that grants… powers."

Ozpin's expression shifted, the hardness returning to his eyes. "Yes, there is. And it's a matter that requires careful consideration."

Jaune leaned forward, his eyes blazing with determination. "Then let's consider it carefully. What's your plan, Headmaster? How do you deal with those who have powers like Raven and the threat she poses? Pyrrha, I can trust her, Winter, she's disciplined and won't misused it. But you put the power of that kind to an even more dangerous person… it becomes a different story."

"So you know that Winter Schnee has it?"

"She's my friend. And she wasn't exactly hiding it to me."

"Interesting," Ozpin's fingers tapped lightly on the table, his mind clearly at work. "Raven Branwen is a complex issue. She's powerful, unpredictable. But she's also valuable. Her knowledge, her abilities… they can be useful."

Jaune's expression darkened. "Useful? Sir, from what I know and saw of her. She's a danger to everyone around her. She led Grimm to kind, innocent people."

"I understand," Ozpin met his gaze evenly. "And that's precisely why we need to handle this delicately. She's not someone we can simply lock away. Her Semblance makes it easy for her to escape"

Jaune's voice was a low growl. "And what about the Maidens? What's your plan for them?"

Glynda flinched at the direct mention of the Maiden. Jaune Arc knows. She saw the gaze he had on them.

Testing.

Probing.

She felt her gaze sharpened and she saw Ozpin's as well, sharpening.

"So you do know about the Maidens?" Ozpin said, tone devoid of tone.

Jaune smiled vaguely. "It's not hard to get curious when you find something like that on someone who betrayed humanity as a whole next to a Grimm that floats without even bothering you as if it was just a drone," He paused, his expression turning more serious. "Lately, I've been seeing Grimm being controlled. At first, I thought it was just Dr. Merlot again... but recently, I've been thinking about it thoroughly."

Ozpin's expression hardened, his voice taking on a subtle, arrogant edge. "That's not a matter you should be concerned with."

Jaune's smile didn't waver. "It is when I encounter them and they hurt people near," he replied. He leaned forward slightly, his tone sharper. "And perhaps, Headmaster, you should be more concerned about Vale. Not Mistral, not Atlas. You focus so much on everything around you that you miss out on things right under your nose."

Ozpin's eyes narrowed. "Is that your take as a Mediator?" he asked, his tone laced with skepticism.

Jaune nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Sometimes it's best to be thoroughly focused on one task than to sloppily handle all the matters outside your domain. It's arrogant to believe otherwise."

A heavy silence fell between them, each word from Jaune cutting through the air with precision. Ozpin's face went stony, and for a moment, Glynda thought he might lash out. Instead, he went silent, contemplating the young huntsman's words.

The tension in the table was palpable, the silence filled with unspoken thoughts and unaddressed grievances. Glynda's eyes flickered between the two, sensing the shifting power dynamics. Jaune's quiet confidence was a stark contrast to Ozpin's calculated composure, and it was clear that the conversation was far from over.

After what felt like an eternity, Ozpin finally spoke, his voice measured. "You make a valid point, Mr. Arc. Perhaps we have been spreading ourselves too thin."

Jaune's expression softened slightly, though the edge remained. "I'm not here to undermine you, Headmaster. The Grimm, the Maidens... these are threats we can't afford to ignore."

Ozpin broke the silence, his tone more reflective. "As a Mediator, Mr. Arc, what is your advice to me?"

Jaune's smile was subtle but confident. "You should talk, nonetheless. Give a reason to do so."

A look of disappointment crossed Ozpin's face. "Sometimes there are things that can't be talked about," he advised.

Jaune laughed, the sound sharp in the quiet room. "Hah! That sounds like something you'd say to an ex-wife. Are you married, Headmaster?"

Ozpin's response was simple, almost detached. "No."

The laughter faded, replaced by a more serious tone in Jaune's voice. "Communication is key, Headmaster. Whether it's with allies or adversaries, understanding each other is crucial. Even if some things are difficult to discuss, avoiding them only creates more problems down the line."

Ozpin nodded slightly, acknowledging the point. "Perhaps you're right. But some secrets are kept not just for the sake of secrecy, but to protect those who aren't ready to bear the weight of the truth."

Jaune leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "I understand the need for discretion. But trust is built on honesty, even when the truth is hard to hear."

Glynda's gaze shifted between the two men, sensing the underlying tension and the struggle for common ground. The conversation had touched on deeper issues, revealing the complexities of leadership and the burdens that came with it.

After a moment, Jaune spoke again, his voice softer. "But as they say, we're all in this together, Headmaster. If we want to protect Vale, we need to trust each other despite our opinions of each other. That starts with open communication."

"Will you then take my advice."

"I may think about it. You always expect people to just be under you and it doesn't sit tight with me now."

"I see," Ozpin's eyes softened. "Very well, Mr. Arc. I'll take your advice to heart."

Jaune eyed him "Will you? The truth, when unveiled, is a sharp sword, Headmaster. It pierces hearts, severs the bonds of trust, and leaves the strongest of men in fragments. You'd be then sailing a ship with a compass that once pointed to a mirage while shouting at those who are still on to trust you.."

The two men exchanged a look.

Jaune stood up from the table, smoothing the front of his jacket with a professional air. "Nothing has changed, Headmaster," he said, his voice measured. "You really can't teach old dogs new tricks."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Glynda asked.

Jaune smiled. "Nothing, Professor Goodwitch. It was please to see you again, Ma'am. I'd like to stay, but I'm needed elsewhere."

Glynda for a second felt like she entrapped in those eyes.

Then he blinked.

With that, he turned and left without another word, the sound of his footsteps echoing through this eerily quiet corner of Amity Arena.

Ozpin watched Jaune's retreating figure for a moment, a contemplative expression on his face. Once Jaune was out of sight, he let out a soft sigh, joining his fingers as he leaned back in his chair. He turned his gaze to Glynda, who had been silently observing the entire exchange from the corner.

"Glynda," Ozpin began, his tone thoughtful, "what's your opinion of Mr. Arc's character?"

Glynda straightened, her eyes reflecting a mixture of respect and concern. "Jaune Arc has grown considerably since his days at Beacon. He's no longer the uncertain boy who stumbled through his early training. There's a quiet confidence about him now, a determination that wasn't there before."

Ozpin nodded, indicating for her to continue.

"He's straightforward and unafraid to speak his mind," Glynda went on. "His insights about communication and trust are valid knowing his recent work, showing a maturity in his thinking. However, there's also a certain edge to him — a lingering sense of resentment over your past decisions. But he accepts your explanation without bitterness, but he's not willing to forget or let go entirely."

Ozpin's fingers tapped lightly on the table, his eyes thoughtful. "He spoke of Raven Branwen with a mix of condemnation and curiosity," he said quietly. "Do you think his interest in her and the Maidens is driven by a desire for justice, or something more personal?"

Glynda considered this for a moment before responding. "Jaune's sense of justice is strong, but there's also a personal element to it. His experiences have shaped his views, and his encounters with people like Raven have left a mark. He sees the threat they pose, but he also understands the complexities of their situations. It's a difficult balance to maintain."

Ozpin nodded slowly. "And what do you make of his comment about focusing on Vale rather than spreading ourselves too thin?"

"It's a fair critique," Glynda replied. "Jaune's perspective as a Mediator gives him a unique insight into the importance of concentrated efforts. He's seen the consequences of trying to manage too many fronts at once. His advice to focus on one task and handle it thoroughly is sound, especially in the current climate."

Ozpin's expression tightened slightly. "Do you think he's right about our approach?"

Glynda met his gaze steadily. "There's merit to his argument. While we can't ignore the broader threats, ensuring the safety and stability of Vale should be our priority. It's a delicate balance, but one we need to consider carefully."

Ozpin sighed again, a touch of weariness slipping into his expression. "Jaune's words have given me much to ponder. His growth is remarkable, and his insights are valuable. But his lingering resentment and his direct approach could also be problematic."

Glynda nodded. "He's a valuable ally, but one who needs to be handled with care. His experiences have made him who he is today, and while he's matured, there's still a part of him that's driven by past grievances."

The Headmaster's gaze turned distant for a moment, as if lost in thought. "Jaune's reference to the Grimm being controlled was particularly concerning. I was sure that he'd mentioned it as nothing more than Merlot's tricks, but no, he already guessed that it isn't that."

"Still, someone mimicking Dr. Merlot's is dangerous," Glynda said. "It's something we need to investigate further."

Ozpin leaned back in his chair, his fingers still joined. "What do you think his next move will be?"

"Nikos has said that Jaune has the making of a strategist," Glynda replied. "He has blossomed into that role of his. He'll likely continue his investigations independently, gathering more information before making any decisive moves. He values preparation and understanding the full scope of a situation before acting according to what Qrow observed in him during Menagerie."

Ozpin nodded. "We should keep an eye on him. His knowledge and experiences could prove invaluable, but we also need to ensure he's aligned with our goals and methods."

Glynda's expression softened slightly. "Jaune's heart is in the right place, Ozpin. He wants to protect people, just like we do. His methods might differ, but his intentions are noble."

The Headmaster sighed once more, his gaze returning to the table where Jaune had been sitting. "I hope you're right, Glynda. We need all the allies we can get in these uncertain times."

The conversation lulled, a heavy silence settling in the room. The exchange with Jaune had left both of them with much to consider, and the weight of their responsibilities felt particularly heavy in that moment.

Glynda finally broke the silence. "We should also consider how to better integrate Jaune's insights into our strategies. His experiences offer a perspective we might not fully appreciate yet."

Ozpin nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Yes, his growth and the path he's taken provide valuable lessons. We need to find a way to harness that while also addressing any lingering issues."

The two of them sat in contemplative silence, each lost in their thoughts. The encounter with Jaune had stirred up more than just old memories — it had highlighted the complexities of their current situation and the need for careful, strategic thinking.

Ozpin then stared at the horizon, his thoughts heavy with the weight of their conversation as then concluded something.

"He knows of the Queen, but has no name for her," he said quietly. "Or does he already know since the attack on Haven?"

Glynda frowned slightly. "What are you thinking, Ozpin?"

"I made a mistake with Jaune," he admitted, his voice tinged with regret. "I saw his potential despite his forged papers and I allowed him in. But after the attack on Vale, when he was knocked out, I worried for his safety and expelled him."

Glynda snorted softly. "You just didn't want Pyrrha Nikos distracted from her duty. You didn't want her worrying about being killed because she's looking out for Arc."

Ozpin nodded, his expression somber. "Yes, and I genuinely didn't want a young man to die for a war he didn't ask for."

Glynda's eyes widened in surprise. "You actually meant that."

Ozpin smiled bitterly. "I've made so many mistakes, Glynda. More than any man alive. Perhaps it's because I'm old again that I see through this like now. Perhaps I need fresh eyes."

"Please don't kill yourself to get a new body," Glynda remarked dryly.

Ozpin growled softly. "I won't. I was sure that I should have died during that attack, Glynda... but I don't know... and... I don't want to erase another man's life. It's a curse I don't enjoy."

"And what about Arc?" Glynda asked, her curiosity piqued.

Ozpin leaned back, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table. "What about him? He's doing good work. He's done well in Mistral, Atlas, and even Menagerie. I read Qrow's reports, and they were... impressive. He made use of Team RWBY's tendency to commit to immediate action and used it against them to perform his ruse. Despite how Mr. Arc masks himself, the years of mediating have given him an edge that makes it feel like I was talking to a middle-aged man rather than a young adult in his twenties."

Glynda tilted her head slightly. "What do you mean?"

"He just feels that way when he wears that mask. Perhaps it's talent, or perhaps I've missed out on a potential asset," Ozpin mused. "Nonetheless, it doesn't matter as long as he's under James's command. We can still use him."

"Pretty much no respect for you," Glynda pointed out.

"And that's understandable," Ozpin replied. "But I am quite pleased that despite the setback, he became a Huntsman and an effective Mediator. Sigh, I really am old again."

"Do you think they will try in Vale?" Glynda asked, her voice tinged with concern.

"Yes," Ozpin said confidently.

"Despite what we have?" Glynda pressed.

"She's been silent. Her gamble in Mistral didn't work out. Qrow and Team RWBY harassed her pawns in Menagerie, and Atlas is stable. Team CFVY is pursuing the Crown."

"And do you think they'd try to attack Vale now? When we have Fall, Spring, and Winter with us?" Glynda's tone was skeptical.

"Oh, she will," Ozpin said, his voice grim. "Glynda... She has time and disposable fodder. She can summon the Grimm. Endless."

"The reports..."

"From what James shared with us? Yes, I believe they are gathering north of Vale in a horde unlike we've seen. She will come, Glynda."

"Why now?" Glynda asked, her voice edged with frustration.

"Because what's a better way to divide us than during a time of unity?" Ozpin replied. "She has grown impatient, and now she's making a move. All eyes are on us, Glynda. She might be going for a checkmate."

"Two relics and possibly four Maidens... and then there's you," Glynda murmured, her voice heavy with realization.

"Yes," Ozpin said simply.

Glynda groaned, the weight of their predicament settling on her shoulders. "I know it... your insistence to hold it here... you believe that if Vale falls, then Atlas will stand?"

"Atlas has a standing army and the Staff. Theo has the Sword if need be," Ozpin explained.

"And we have all the Huntsmen and Huntresses of Vale alongside their students. You are gambling with our lives, Ozpin," Glynda said, her voice laced with both admiration and frustration.

Ozpin nodded and said nothing. His eyes remained fixed on the horizon, lost in thought. The silence between them was heavy, each contemplating the uncertain future that lay ahead. The stakes had never been higher, and the path forward was fraught with danger.

Glynda watched Ozpin, her gaze unwavering. She took a deep breath, her voice soft but laced with an edge of frustration. "Your tendency to gamble with lives, Ozpin... it makes it hard sometimes to follow you."

Ozpin's lips curled into a bitter smile, a shadow of regret passing over his features. He turned his eyes to the horizon, the lines of his face etched with the weariness of countless battles and decisions. "Someone had to," he said quietly. "And for better or worse, it fell to me."

Glynda's gaze softened, understanding the depth of his burden but still feeling the sting of their reality.

For it was a weight no one could easily carry.