The air in Ozpin's Safehouse was tense, thick with anticipation and unease. Ozpin sat at his desk, a cup of now-cold coffee by his side, as he waited for the inevitable. The Council's auditor had arrived, and today was the day every financial and operational decision he'd made would be scrutinized under a microscope.

The door opened, and Glynda Goodwitch stepped in, her usual calm demeanor replaced by a visible tension.

"They're here," she said quietly.

Ozpin nodded, standing up and adjusting his suit. "Thank you, Glynda. Please, send them in."

Moments later, a stern-looking man entered the room, flanked by two assistants carrying thick folders and a laptop. The man's eyes were cold, calculating, and he exuded an air of authority that was hard to ignore.

"Ozpin," the man began without preamble, "I am Maxwell Brice, the lead auditor from the Vale Council. We have a lot to go over, so let's get started."

Ozpin gestured to the chairs. "Please, have a seat."

Maxwell sat down, his assistants taking places beside him, ready to record every detail. He opened a folder, revealing a meticulously organized stack of documents. "Let's begin with your funding. According to our records, Beacon Academy receives an annual budget of 50 million lien. Can you confirm this?"

"Yes, that is correct," Ozpin replied.

Maxwell nodded, making a note. "This budget is allocated for various expenses, including staff salaries, student resources, maintenance, and safety measures. However, our investigation has revealed several discrepancies. For instance, there are numerous transactions that seem... questionable."

Ozpin remained composed. "All transactions were made in the interest of the academy and of Vale in its mission to train Huntsmen and Huntresses."

Maxwell's eyes narrowed. "Interest of the academy of Vale or not, these transactions need to be justified. Let's start with this one — 50,000 lien for 'special equipment' purchased from an unregistered vendor. Care to explain?"

Ozpin leaned forward slightly. "The equipment in question was necessary for specialized training modules. The vendor was unregistered because of their unique expertise not being available through conventional means."

Maxwell's expression remained unchanged. "Unique expertise? Or untraceable funds? This is just one of many instances where your spending is dubious at best. We noticed that you have quite a lot of inheritance, Professor… Moving on, let's talk about safety concerns. Beacon Academy and Vale have faced two major breaches in the past five years. Given the substantial budget allocated for security, how do you explain these failures?"

Ozpin's jaw tightened. "The threats we face are unprecedented. Grimm attacks are becoming more sophisticated, and there are other forces at play. Despite our best efforts, some breaches are unavoidable."

"Grimm attacks are indeed unavoidable. That is fact. But it isn't just that," Maxwell raised an eyebrow. "The people of Vale have trusted you with their safety and their tax money. You were the headmaster, and yet, under your watch, Beacon and Vale has been compromised twice. The funds allocated were meant to prevent exactly this kind of situation. Your failures have cost the people of Vale not just money, but their peace of mind."

Ozpin took a deep breath. "We have continuously adapted our defenses and protocols. The nature of our enemy is ever-changing, and we are doing everything within our power to stay ahead."

Maxwell's lips formed a thin line. "Everything within your power? According to this report filed by Mediator, Jaune Arc, alongside evidence of your transactions, you have misappropriated funds that were meant for the academy. Personal expenses hidden under operational costs, extravagant purchases without clear justification—these are serious allegations."

Ozpin's eyes flashed with a mixture of anger and frustration. "I'm sure that Mr. Jaune Arc doesn't have the full picture. The expenses were for operations critical to our mission, operations that required discretion."

"Discretion?" Maxwell's tone was icy. "Or secrecy? There's a difference. The facts remain unchanged: you have endangered your students, and the management of the academy's funds has been, to put it mildly, absurd. And please, Headmaster. If there's one thing that many of my colleagues in these trade know is that Mr. Arc, with his experience, is remarkably thorough, especially in cases of corruption, his work in the kingdoms is a masterful play of diplomacy… but seeing that you have this opinion… then it seems we were right indeed… this negligent attitude is just... unacceptable."

One of Maxwell's assistants interjected, presenting a document. "Mr. Brice, there's also the matter of the initiation process and other events years ago."

Maxwell glanced at the document and then back at Ozpin, his eyes full of incredulity. "You make kids do what in the forest before any form of training actually begins? Catapulting a bunch of teenagers into a forest full of Grimm is an idea only the insane would come up with. What was the rationale behind this, if any?"

Ozpin tried to maintain his composure. "The initiation is designed to test the students' ability to adapt, work together, and handle real-world situations. It is dangerous, yes, but it is also a necessary trial to prepare them for the realities they will face as Huntsmen and Huntresses."

Maxwell shook his head, his tone dripping with disdain. "Necessary trial or reckless endangerment? There's a fine line, and it seems you've crossed it. Mr. Ozpin, you'll be hearing a lot more from the lawyers and auditors about this. I suggest you get a lawyer who will side with you because you'll need all the help you can get…"

The room fell into an uncomfortable silence. Ozpin felt the weight of Maxwell's words pressing down on him, the reality of his situation becoming all too clear. He was not just facing an audit; he was facing the potential collapse of everything he had worked for.

Maxwell closed his folder and stood up. "This is just the beginning, Mr. Ozpin. We will be conducting a thorough review of all your activities. Until then, I recommend you prepare your defense. Good day."

With that, Maxwell and his assistants left the room, leaving Ozpin and Glynda in a heavy silence.

As the door closed behind the auditors, Glynda turned to Ozpin, her face etched with concern. "Ozpin, what are we going to do?"

Ozpin leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. "We need to prepare, Glynda. Every decision, every expense will be scrutinized. We need to gather our own evidence, counter their claims, and prove that everything we've done was for the greater good."

Glynda nodded, determination replacing the worry in her eyes. "I'll start compiling the records. We need to show them the full picture, not just the selective evidence presented by Jaune."

Ozpin sighed, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "This... is truly problematic."

Glynda's expression softened. "He's young, Ozpin. He doesn't understand the complexities of what we're dealing with… but he's good at what he does. We need to focus on the task at hand and deal with the fallout later."

The following weeks were a blur of paperwork, meetings, and preparations. Glynda and Ozpin worked tirelessly to compile their defense, gathering every piece of evidence they could to counter the auditors' claims.

One evening, as they pored over documents in the dimly lit office, Glynda looked up from her work. "Ozpin, we need to address the initiation process and the following events. It's one of their main points of contention."

Ozpin nodded, his expression weary. "I know. But how do we explain the necessity of it to people who don't understand the threat we face? Mr. Arc does not understand Salem as I do."

Glynda leaned forward, her eyes intense. "We need to show them the results. The students who have passed through Beacon and gone on to become successful Huntsmen and Huntresses. We need to demonstrate that the initiation, while dangerous, is crucial to their development."

Ozpin considered her words, a spark of hope igniting within him. "You're right. We need to present our successes, not just our failures. We need to show them that our methods, unconventional as they may be, work."

The day of the first formal hearing arrived.

The council chamber was filled with officials, lawyers, and auditors, all ready to pass judgment on Ozpin and his management of Beacon Academy and of the Kingdom of Vale.

Maxwell Brice sat at the head of the room, his expression stern and unforgiving. "Mr. Ozpin, you have been called here to answer for the numerous discrepancies and safety concerns that have come to light. Do you have anything to say in your defense?"

Ozpin stood, his demeanor calm and composed. "I do. Everything we have done at Beacon Academy and for Vale has been in service of our mission to train the next generation of Huntsmen and Huntresses and the protection of the Kingdom. The funds we have used, the methods we have employed, all have been to prepare our students for the harsh realities they will face. Vytal Island was facing a threat we've not seen in years and I stand by my defense that it was necessary to proceed with the mission."

Maxwell raised an eyebrow. "Including catapulting them into a forest full of Grimm with no prior training? Allowing students to get away with collateral damage? Endangering Vale by not listening to the fair advice of an expert like General Ironwood, who, through you own passivity, has suggested time and time again to work on security?"

Ozpin met his gaze steadily. "Yes. The initiation is designed to test their ability to think on their feet, to work together, and to face real danger. It is a controlled environment where we can monitor and assist them if necessary. It is not without risk, but it is a necessary risk. As for the other incidents… it was a brave attempt by talented students who simply went and done their duty. Let us not forget that Atlas had lost control of its knights."

One of the council members spoke up. "And what about the misappropriated funds? The extravagant purchases and unregistered vendors?"

Glynda stood, presenting a stack of documents. "These expenses were for specialized equipment and services that could not be obtained through conventional means. We have documented every transaction and can provide evidence of their necessity."

Maxwell glanced at the documents, his expression skeptical. "And what about the breaches in security? Twice, Beacon and Vale has been compromised under your watch, despite the substantial budget allocated for safety."

Ozpin took a deep breath. "The threats we face are unprecedented. Grimm attacks have become more sophisticated, and there are other, more insidious forces at work. We have adapted our defenses continuously, but some breaches were unavoidable. We are dealing with enemies that are constantly evolving and of someone who has been controlling them... which I'm sure that you've heard by now."

Maxwell's gaze hardened. "Enemies or not, the people of Vale have trusted you with their safety and their money. Your failures have cost them dearly."

Ozpin's voice remained steady. "We have also protected them. Every Huntsman and Huntress we train goes on to defend Vale and the other kingdoms. The funds we receive are an investment in the safety and security of our world."

"But the fact remains," Maxwell argued. "You've failed in your duties, FORMER Headmaster."

The room fell silent as the council members considered Ozpin. Finally, Maxwell spoke again. "We will review the evidence you have presented. However, this does not absolve you of the responsibility for the mismanagement and safety concerns that have occurred under your leadership."

Ozpin nodded, his expression resolute. "We will cooperate fully. Our mission has always been to protect and serve the people of Vale and all of Remnant. That has not changed."

As the hearing adjourned, Ozpin and Glynda left the council chamber, the weight of the proceedings hanging heavily over them.

"We did the best we could," Glynda said quietly.

Ozpin nodded, his mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead. "We did. But this is far from over. We need to be prepared for whatever comes next."

Glynda grunted.

Ozpin managed a small, forced smile.

The Safehouse in Vale was unassuming — a nondescript building nestled among other similarly inconspicuous structures. Inside, the air was thick with tension. Ozpin sat at a table, his tired eyes scanning the room as if expecting an ambush at any moment. Audits were hell and the worst part of it was the audit was all legal. But the silence over Vale was what worried Ozpin the most.

"Does the world already know?" Ozpin asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Glynda sighed, her gaze steady. "Surprisingly, no. Only a few Councilmen are aware of Salem's immortality, and they understand the implications. But that doesn't mean they've stopped auditing you for everything. Even the smallest faults are being blown out of proportion."

Ozpin nodded, a pained smile on his lips. "Of all the moves I thought Jaune Arc would make, who would have thought it would be as troublesome as an audit?"

"Simple? Ozpin, you're going to be bankrupt at this point. All your funds, even the 'inheritance' from your previous incarnations, are being thoroughly investigated because they found patterns!" Glynda's eyes narrowed. "You were lax with your files, Ozpin. Every legal firm under the Council of Vale, and those who dislike you, are after you."

Ozpin's smile widened, though it lacked any genuine mirth. "Jaune Arc borrowed the blade of the law and pinned me down with it."

Glynda frowned, a flicker of confusion crossing her features. "What is Jaune's goal?"

Ozpin leaned back, contemplating. "He wishes to pin me down. Any action to resist would make me appear more guilty. He's testing the waters. And as you've seen, Jaune has the relic. He's openly showing it, as if baiting Salem. He plays a dangerous game, Glynda. It brings more anxiety than this damn audit…"

Glynda's expression turned grim. "It has been troublesome."

Ozpin's tired smile returned. "Indeed. It has become troublesome. Even James has gathered his forces to cleanse Sanus instead of listening. Even Raven is gloating."

Glynda shook her head, worry etched on her features. "I'm concerned about the situation."

Ozpin's gaze turned inward, assessing their predicament. "The one good thing about this is that I'm free from responsibility, but I'm also unable to act without everyone noticing. The knight had me clasped down while the Queen and her pawns are still roaming."

The room fell silent, the weight of their circumstances settling over them like a shroud. Ozpin's mind raced, searching for solutions, strategies, anything to turn the tide in their favor. Glynda watched him, her own thoughts a whirlwind of anxiety and resolve.

"Do you think he knows what he's doing?" Glynda asked after a moment, her voice tentative.

Ozpin's eyes met hers, a glimmer of uncertainty in their depths. "I don't know. But Jaune Arc is not the same naïve boy he once was. He's grown, learned... and he's become a formidable opponent."

Glynda crossed her arms, her frustration evident. "We can't just sit here and do nothing. We need a plan, Ozpin."

Ozpin nodded, his mind already working. "We need to gather information. Find out who else knows about Salem and what their intentions are. We need allies, Glynda, now more than ever."

Glynda's expression softened slightly. "And what about Jaune? What do we do about him?"

Ozpin's smile returned, this time tinged with sadness. "We watch him. Closely. And we wait. Jaune is playing a dangerous game, and we need to be ready for whatever comes next."

The Safehouse fell silent once more, the gravity of their situation hanging heavily in the air. Outside, the city of Vale grew darker, the only light coming from a single lamp on the table. Ozpin sat in quiet contemplation, his mind replaying the events that had led them to this point. Glynda, ever vigilant, glance outside the window, her eyes scanning the streets below for any sign of danger. Then she saw a familiar figure appearing, giving a signal to Glynda.

Qrow Branwen, disheveled and clearly troubled, appeared at the Safehouse door. Glynda let him in, her eyes wary.

"Ozpin, we need to talk," Qrow said, his voice urgent.

Ozpin gestured for him to sit. "What is it, Qrow?"

Qrow ran a hand through his hair, his frustration evident. "It's Arc. Salem's agents are making contact with him."

Ozpin's heart sank. This was worse than he had anticipated. "Do you have proof?"

Qrow nodded, handing over a series of documents. "He's going to meet with an Arthur Watts at the helm. I don't know what his endgame is, but it's dangerous. He has the damn Council convinced to allow him this!"

Glynda scanned the documents, her expression darkening. "We need to act, Ozpin. We can't let this continue."

Ozpin's mind raced, weighing their options. "Indeed, we need to confront him. I understand that Mr. Arc has his own way of words, but Salem and her followers are manipulative. She has turned good men into worse and although I do not doubt his morals… she… has her ways."

Qrow's expression was grim. "And if we wait too long, he might tip the scales in Salem's favor."

Ozpin knew he was right. Time was of the essence, and their window of opportunity was closing fast. "Gather our allies. We need to prepare for a confrontation. But we do it on our terms, not his."

The days that followed were a blur of preparations and clandestine meetings. Qrow and a few trusted allies worked tirelessly to gather information and devise a plan. Ozpin and Glynda kept a watchful eye on Jaune, tracking his movements and interactions.

Finally, the night of the confrontation arrived. Under the cover of darkness, they moved to intercept Jaune at his meeting. The air was thick with tension as they approached the meeting place on the outskirts of Vale.

Ozpin, Glynda, and their small team of allies positioned themselves strategically.

They watched as Jaune entered with Lie Ren and Nora Valkyrie, his demeanor calm and collected. Inside, a group of Salem's agents awaited him.

Their enemies.

"Now," Ozpin whispered, giving the signal.

They moved in swiftly, catching Salem's group by surprise. Jaune's eyes widened as he saw them, but he didn't appear shocked.

Instead, he seemed resigned, as if he had anticipated this moment.

"Ozpin," Jaune said calmly, hand still resting on his Crocea Mors. "I knew you'd come."

Ozpin stepped forward, his expression a mix of sorrow and determination. "Mr. Arc, what are you doing?"

Jaune's gaze was steady. "Meeting Salem's followers for a discussion so I may have a meeting with the Queen of Grimm?."

"Quite rude," Arthur Watts snorted, glaring at Ozpin and his followers. "Was this an entrapment plan, Mr. Arc?"

"You know how they are," Jaune said tonelessly. "I was hoping to do this peacefully. So, may I ask what you're all doing here?"

The area fell silent, the weight of his words hanging heavily in the air.

"We're here to stop you from a making a mistake," Ozpin said resolutely.

Jaune looked at him calmly. "Hmm… I don't see why you'd want to stop me from negotiating. Truthfully, this isn't your business and yes, I understand they are criminals… but we needed to have this meeting to proceed with this discussion."

"You're playing a dangerous game, Jaune," Ozpin said softly. "One that could cost us everything. You don't know her."

Jaune's eyes remained professional. "Perhaps. It's a shot in the dark. But it's better than being afraid, hiding in paranoia and fear. You're letting your fear dictate you, and where has that got us so far? A thousand years and you have yielded no results. I'm sorry, but that's just unacceptable."

The tension was palpable, a heavy weight that seemed to press down on everyone present. Ozpin's eyes were locked onto Jaune's, filled with a mix of concern and frustration. Beside him, Qrow clenched his fists, his expression hard. Glynda stood rigid, her eyes scanning the area, ready for anything. On the opposite side, Arthur Watts smirked, his disdain clear.

Cinder Fall's mocking smile added to the tension, her eyes gleaming with amusement at the sight of it all.

Jaune Arc stood between them, a calmness in the storm. He took a deep breath, ready to speak.

"Look, I understand what you're all thinking," Jaune began, his voice steady. "You think I'm being naïve, that I'm walking into a trap? But this meeting is our chance to end this without more bloodshed. To simply… talk."

Ozpin stepped forward, his eyes dark with worry. "Jaune, do you realize what you're doing? Salem is not someone you can reason with. She's turned good men into her puppets."

"I know who Salem is and what she does," Jaune replied, meeting Ozpin's gaze. "But I also know that we can't keep fighting her the same way. You've been at war for too long, and it's costing us too much."

Qrow's voice was sharp, cutting through the air. "So what? You think a tea party with the Queen of Grimm is going to solve anything? You're dreaming, kid. She's not going to change her mind because you asked nicely. Cut this bullshit, stop being a stupid bastard, and listen to those who know better than you!"

Glynda's expression was stern, her voice cold. "This isn't a game, Arc. You're risking everything on a fool's hope."

Jaune's eyes flickered with determination. "It's better than doing nothing. Better than hiding and letting fear dictate our actions."

Arthur Watts chuckled, shaking his head while Cinder's smile widened at the sight of everyone's arguing.

Jaune ignored their mocking looks, his focus unwavering. "This is our chance to make a difference. We need to try."

Ozpin's voice softened, but his concern was still clear. "Jaune, please. You're putting yourself and everyone else at risk. We will not allow you this. You need to listen."

"No, reason dictates I can't listen to you, Oz. You're... bias against you wife. Your emotions are interfering with your choices," Jaune shook his head. "I'm willing to take that risk. If there's even a small chance we can end this war, isn't it worth it?"

The tension was growing, and it was clear that a fight was imminent.

"Yeah, that's not going to happen," Qrow growled. "Stand down or we'll put you down along with these monsters."

Arthur Watts and his allies tensed up. Even Team RWBY, Pyrrha Nikos, and some allies they gathered were reaching for their weapons.

"It seems you don't understand it, do you?" Jaune's voice clearly cut through the air, the calm demeanor turned deadly, devoid of any patience. "This isn't a discussion. I advise all of you to stand down right now."

Jaune raised his hand, signaling for something. A spotlight suddenly illuminated the area, and above them, airships from Vale and Atlas appeared, their guns pointed at the gathering. Coming out of the treeline were Teams of Huntsmen and Huntresses, who had fought alongside Jaune Arc during the attack on Vale, surrounded the area, their weapons ready with their auras and semblance boosted.

Arthur Watts and his allies and Ozpin and his followers could feel the pressure from their aura alone, brimming with energy.

"What are you two surprised for?" Jaune chuckled lightly, a calm and confident smile on his face. "I came prepared. This meeting is going to happen. We can either do this peacefully, or we can escalate it into a full-blown battle. Your choice."

There was a moment of silence, the weight of Jaune's words sinking in. Ozpin looked around, seeing the determination in Jaune's eyes and the readiness of his allies. He sighed, realizing that Jaune was not going to back down.

Jaune, seeing Ozpin's reaction, turned towards Watts with a calm and professional smile on his face.

"Now, Dr. Watts, please send my regards to Salem. I'd prepare some special tea and biscuits and we shall meet on Amity when she has time.."

Arthur Watts looked at Jaune as if he was like a madman, laughed, and then bowed his head sarcastically. "Oh I will, Mr. Arc. You will not regret this choice."

Ozpin shook his head at Jaune. "You've made the wrong choice, Arc."

Then he looked at Jaune with full of mistrust and paranoia as he led his followers away.

"A shame that you'd not see it. You're playing into her hands.

Jaune ignored everyone and then made a call with his Scroll. "We're done here everyone, thank you for assisting me."

A choice was simply made.