The arrival of two Huntsmen, flanked by stern-faced local police officers, was enough to seize the attention of everyone in the opulent hotel lobby. Conversations ceased, and eyes widened as Glynda Goodwitch, exuding an aura of steely determination, strode in with confidence radiating from her every step. Behind her, a tall, broad-shouldered man clad in armor commanded the room's respect for his imposing presence.

The Madame, the Glass Unicorn's proprietor, with her practiced veneer of cordiality, immediately sensed the gravity of the situation. Her usually composed face showed a flicker of uncertainty as she stepped forward to confront the intruders.

"What is the meaning of this?" she demanded, her voice edged with a mixture of authority and fear.

Glynda didn't waste a moment. She produced a warrant, her expression unyielding. "We suspect you are involved in illegal human trafficking," she declared, her voice as cold and sharp as ice.

The Madame's eyes widened in indignation. "This is outrageous!" she protested, her voice rising.

Jaune stepped forward, his expression a mask of grim determination. "Please step aside. NOW."

The Madame opened her mouth to argue, but the words died in her throat. Her defiance crumbled under the weight of their combined presence. It was at this moment that two children, impeccably dressed, emerged from behind her and clung to her thighs, their innocent eyes wide with confusion.

Glynda's gaze softened momentarily at the sight of the children, but she quickly refocused. "Officers, search the basement," she instructed, her tone leaving no room for hesitation.

As the local officers moved to carry out her orders, Glynda adjusted her glasses with a deliberate push and turned to Jaune. "Let's search ourselves too," she said, determination in her voice.

Jaune nodded, his aura flaring as he concentrated on inspecting the hotel. They moved systematically, examining each room with meticulous care. It was in a secluded part of the building that they discovered something amiss—a section that did not appear on the floor plans. Glynda's sharp eyes caught sight of a hidden mechanism. With a firm pull, the concealed door slid open to reveal a horrific sight: cages filled with small children. Some were dressed in fine clothes, while others wore rags, their faces etched with fear and hopelessness.

An officer gasped, pointing to one of the children. "I recognize this one. It's one of the Atlas children missing."

Jaune stepped forward, his expression hardening. With a show of raw strength, he tore open the cage bars with his bare hands. The children, initially hesitant, saw the warmth in his calm smile and rushed to him, clinging to his legs, their voices a chorus of desperate grievances.

Glynda, not wasting a second, activated her Semblance. With a wave of her hand, the remaining cages were ripped open, allowing the children to escape. Cries and sobs filled the air as they poured out, some running to the officers, others simply collapsing in relief.

The Madame, witnessing the unfolding chaos, attempted to flee. But Glynda's Semblance caught her effortlessly, lifting her off the ground and holding her in midair.

"Stop there, scum," Glynda commanded, her voice laced with contempt. "We have questions."

The Madame's own children, horrified at seeing their mother suspended in the air, rushed at Glynda, their tiny fists pounding on her legs as they pleaded for her release. Police officers quickly intervened, pulling the children away as they cried out in protest.

Jaune stepped forward, his expression a mixture of anger and sorrow. "How could you do this?" he asked quietly, his voice trembling with barely controlled rage. "To children?"

The Madame, still suspended in Glynda's grasp, glared down at them, her defiance returning despite her predicament. "You have no idea what you're interfering with," she spat.

Glynda's grip tightened, and she brought the Madame closer, her eyes burning with fury. "Enlighten us," she said icily. "We're all ears."

As Glynda and Jaune interrogated the Madame, the local officers continued their search, uncovering more hidden horrors within the hotel's lavish façade. Each discovery was a testament to the depth of the Madame's depravity. Glynda's anger grew with every revelation, her resolve to bring justice to these children strengthening.

In a locked room adjacent to the hidden cages, they found detailed records — ledgers meticulously documenting transactions, names, and destinations. Glynda scanned the documents, her heart sinking as she realized the scale of the operation. This was not the work of a single madwoman, but part of a larger, more insidious network.

"Jaune, look at this," Glynda said, her voice barely above a whisper, as she handed him a particularly damning ledger.

Jaune took the book, his eyes scanning the pages. His jaw clenched. "We need to shut this down. All of it."

Glynda nodded, her mind racing. "We will. But first, we need to get these children to safety and gather as much evidence as we can."

The officers, now moving with renewed urgency, began escorting the children out of the basement. Some of the older children tried to assist the younger ones, displaying a resilience that made Glynda's heart ache. As the last of the children were led away, Glynda turned her attention back to the Madame.

"Who else is involved?" she demanded, her voice cold and demanding.

The Madame sneered. "You think you can stop this? You're just scratching the surface. There are people with far more power than you can imagine behind this."

Glynda's eyes narrowed. "And we will find them. But for now, you're going to answer for your part in this."

Jaune, having secured the ledgers and other evidence, joined Glynda. "The children are being taken to a safe place. They'll get the help they need."

Glynda nodded in acknowledgment, then addressed the officers. "Make sure every inch of this place is searched. I don't want any evidence left behind."

As the officers dispersed to continue their search, Glynda and Jaune turned their attention back to the Madame, who remained defiant despite her circumstances.

"Tell us everything," Glynda commanded, her patience wearing thin.

The Madame laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "Even if I did, it wouldn't help you. You're in over your heads."

Jaune stepped closer, his aura pulsing with intensity. "We've faced worse than you," he said quietly. "And we've won. Don't underestimate us."

The Madame, once composed and defiant, began to exhibit signs of a disturbing transformation.

Her eyes, once cold and calculating, now gleamed with a wild, frenzied light.

As if something simply clicked.

As the last child was led away and the officers continued their meticulous search, Glynda turned back to the suspended Madame. "Who else is involved?" she demanded again, her voice a steely command.

The Madame lips twisted into a chilling smile, her demeanor suddenly shifting. "You think you've won something here?" she hissed, her voice dripping with a newfound madness. "You are fools. All of you. You cannot stop what is coming."

Glynda's brow furrowed in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

The Madame's laughter rang through the room, a sound devoid of sanity. "The Queen of Grimm!" she exclaimed, her voice rising to a fevered pitch. "She is coming, and you are powerless to stop her!"

Jaune stepped forward, his expression darkening. "What do you mean?"

The Madame's eyes rolled back momentarily before fixing them with an unhinged gaze. "The Queen will flood this world with Grimm. She will end this despicable world that took my husband away!"

Glynda and Jaune exchanged alarmed glances. This was not the rational, cold-hearted trafficker they had been dealing with moments ago. This was someone on the brink of insanity — or perhaps already lost to it.

"You don't understand," The Madame continued, her voice fluctuating between a whisper and a scream. "The Queen of Grimm is a force beyond your comprehension. She will rise, and she will cleanse this world of its filth. Every human, every Faunus, every soul will be devoured by her children. She will set us free!"

Glynda's eyes narrowed, her grip on the Madame tightening. "Who is this Queen? How are you connected to her?"

The Madame's laughter escalated into hysterics. "Connected? I am her servant! Her voice! Her harbinger! She spoke to me after they took my husband — after this vile world ripped him away from me. She promised me vengeance, and she will deliver!"

Jaune's jaw clenched, his mind racing. "Your husband? What happened to him?"

The Madame's eyes filled with tears, though her crazed smile remained. "He was a good man, a kind man. The world chewed him up and spat him out. He was taken from me, and in my despair, the Queen found me. She showed me the truth — the rot at the heart of humanity. She promised to wash it all away with her endless tide of Grimm."

Glynda felt a shiver run down her spine. This was more than just a madwoman's rant. There was a chilling conviction in the Madame's words, a fervor that spoke of deep indoctrination.

"You're insane," Glynda said softly, almost to herself.

The Madame's laughter stopped abruptly. Her eyes locked onto Glynda's with a terrifying intensity. "Insane? Perhaps. But you will see. You will all see. The Grimm will come, and they will consume everything."

Jaune growled at the Madame.

The Madame's smile widened, revealing teeth clenched in a grimace of ecstatic madness. "The Queen has her ways. Dark, ancient ways. She will tear through the Veil between our worlds and unleash her armies. You think these children are the only ones taken? No, they are but a fraction. She needs them, you see. She feeds on their fear, their despair. It makes her stronger."

Glynda's mind raced. She had a feeling that this 'Queen' was the same person Ozpin had been telling her.

"You can't stop her!" the Madame replied, almost gleefully. "It's too late. She is already stirring, her power growing with each passing moment. Soon, the world will be overrun, and all your struggles will be for nothing."

Jaune turned to Glynda, his face grim. "This isn't just about human trafficking anymore. This is something much bigger."

"Or maybe she just lost her mind," Glynda nodded, her expression set in determination. "But first, we need to extract every bit of information we can from her."

They turned back to the Madame, who was now swaying slightly, her eyes unfocused. "Where is the Queen? How do we find her?" Glynda demanded.

The Madame's gaze snapped back into focus, her smile widening impossibly. "You don't find her. She finds you. And when she does, it's already too late."

Jaune's patience snapped. "Enough of this!" he growled, grabbing the Madame by the shoulders. "Tell us where she is!"

The Madame's laughter returned, softer this time, more sinister. "She is everywhere. In the shadows, in the nightmares of children. She is coming, and there is nothing you can do to stop her."

Glynda stepped back, her mind reeling. They were dealing with more than just a criminal network. This was a cult, a fanatical following of a creature from their darkest fears. And if the Madame was to be believed, the Queen of Grimm was already making her move.

As they moved to restrain the Madame and gather the evidence, Glynda couldn't shake the feeling of impending doom. The Madame's crazed words echoed in her mind, a sinister promise of destruction and despair.

"We will see," the Madame whispered as she was led away. "The Queen will come, and she will cleanse this world of its sins."

Glynda watched her go, a chill settling in her bones. The battle they had thought they were fighting was only a prelude to something far more dangerous. And as the first light of dawn broke through the windows, she couldn't help but wonder if they were already too late.

Glynda Goodwitch stood in the expansive and dimly lit chamber of the CCT booth, her mind racing with the events of the day. The towering screens around her hummed softly, casting a pale blue glow that mingled with the early dawn light filtering through the high windows. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. The gravity of what she had uncovered weighed heavily on her shoulders, but she knew she had to report everything to Ozpin. Her fingers tapped a series of commands on the sleek console in front of her, initiating the call.

A moment later, the screen flickered, and the familiar figure of Professor Ozpin appeared. He was seated behind his large wooden desk, his steepled fingers resting lightly on his lips. His eyes, sharp and perceptive, focused intently on her.

"Miss Goodwitch," he began, his voice calm but with an undercurrent of urgency. "What news do you bring?"

Glynda squared her shoulders, her determination unwavering despite the turbulent emotions swirling within her. "Professor Ozpin, we've discovered something deeply troubling at the Glass Unicorn Hotel. It's more than we initially thought."

Ozpin's eyes narrowed slightly. "Go on."

Glynda recounted the events methodically, her voice steady but tinged with the horror of what they had uncovered. She spoke of the hidden chambers, the children in cages, the detailed ledgers documenting transactions and destinations. She described the Madame's defiant demeanor, her descent into madness, and her chilling proclamations about the Queen of Grimm.

When she finished, there was a heavy silence. Ozpin's expression remained inscrutable, but Glynda could sense the wheels turning in his mind.

"This is indeed dire news," Ozpin finally said, his tone measured. "But it aligns with certain suspicions I've had for some time."

Glynda's eyes widened slightly. "You knew about this?"

Ozpin leaned back in his chair, his gaze thoughtful. "I had inklings, pieces of a much larger puzzle. The existence of a network of trafficking children is abhorrent, but the mention of the Queen of Grimm confirms a much darker threat."

Glynda's fists clenched at her sides. "You knew?"

Ozpin's eyes softened, but his voice remained firm. "I approved of it because I trust your abilities, Glynda. You've proven yourself capable time and again."

"I'm a fresh graduate, Ozpin," Glynda shot back, her composure cracking. "This is more than what I signed up for. Children in cages, talk of a Grimm queen — this is beyond anything we were trained for."

Ozpin's expression remained calm, though his eyes betrayed a hint of regret. "The world is a complex and dangerous place, Glynda. Our enemies are numerous and varied. I've had to make difficult decisions, and this was one of them."

Glynda's frustration bubbled over. "Difficult decisions? You sent us into a nightmare without the full picture! You want me to trust you, join you, but you still held back."

Ozpin's gaze hardened. "This is not a simple game of chess, Glynda. It is a fight for survival. Every move we make is a gamble, and we must use all the pieces at our disposal."

Glynda's jaw tightened. "And what about the children? What about the ones we couldn't save?"

Ozpin sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly. "We do what we can, Glynda. Sometimes it is not enough, but we cannot stop trying. The children you saved today are a victory, however small."

Glynda shook her head, her anger giving way to a deep-seated weariness. "It doesn't feel like a victory."

Ozpin's voice softened. "I understand your frustration, but know that every effort you make, every life you save, it matters. Even in the face of overwhelming darkness."

Glynda looked down, the weight of his words sinking in. "You should have told us, Ozpin. We deserved to know what we were walking into. Even if we're not in your circle. It was children, Ozpin. CHILDREN."

Ozpin nodded slowly. "Perhaps. But would you have gone if you had known?"

Glynda hesitated, then met his gaze. "Yes. And we would have been prepared."

Ozpin's lips curved into a faint, sad smile. "Preparation is a luxury we often cannot afford. We must adapt, learn, and grow from every experience."

Glynda's eyes narrowed. "And what about this Queen of Grimm? What aren't you telling me?"

Ozpin's expression became guarded. "The Queen of Grimm is an ancient threat, one that predates much of our recorded history. She is a force of chaos and destruction, and her followers are fanatical. They believe in her promise of a world cleansed of humanity's sins."

Glynda could tell he was sincere, but she also sensed a lie in that tongue of his. "So she's real?"

Ozpin nodded gravely. "There have been signs, whispers in the shadows. The Grimm has been growing more organized, more strategic. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that there is a guiding force behind them."

Glynda's mind raced. "So what do you want to do?"

Ozpin's gaze was steely. "We prepare. We gather information, strengthen our defenses, and remain vigilant. This battle will not be won overnight, but with determination and unity, we can stand against the darkness."

Glynda's frustration flared again. "You make it sound so simple, but it's not. People are dying, children are being taken. This is more than just a battle, Ozpin. It's a nightmare."

Ozpin's eyes softened once more. "I know, Glynda. And it is a nightmare we must face together. Your bravery and resolve are what we need in times like these."

Glynda looked away, her emotions in turmoil. "I just… I don't know if I'm ready for this."

Ozpin's voice was gentle. "None of us are ever truly ready, Glynda. But we must rise to the challenge, for the sake of those who cannot protect themselves."

Glynda took a deep breath, steadying herself. "It's… hard to trust you right now. Especially when you keep this from us. It seems traveling and not joining blindly was the best course of action."

Ozpin nodded, accepting her words without argument. "I understand. And I will do my best to be more forthcoming in the future. But remember, Glynda, trust is a two-way street. We must rely on each other if we are to succeed."

Glynda met his gaze, her resolve hardening. "I will do what needs to be done. But I expect the same honesty from you. You speak of trust, but you don't practice it as much as you like to think you do."

Ozpin's eyes held a flicker of respect. "I respect your opinion, Goodwitch. I am… disappointed that I've lost your trust."

Glynda glared. "CHILDREN. OZPIN. You know, but did nothing. Or were you simply watching? Too paranoid to make a move?"

Ozpin looked down. "The Queen of Grimm is not an easy opponent to face, Glynda."

Glynda snorted. "I don't know if you're paranoid or cowardly. We'll talk when there's a need to be."

Ozpin leaned forward. "Then do you intend to destroy that network?"

"I planned to," Glynda said. "I'll take years. But I won't let this, Ozpin. I can't stay trap in the same tower and do NOTHING."

Ozpin slowly nodded. "I can respect that. May you have a good fortune."

With that, the connection ended, leaving Glynda alone in the dimly lit booth. She stared at the blank screen, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The weight of her newfound knowledge pressed heavily on her, but she knew she couldn't afford to falter.

As she left the booth, the first rays of dawn lightened the sky, casting a pale glow over the academy grounds. Glynda took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the day ahead. She would need to gather her strength, rally her allies, and prepare for the battles to come.

The fight was far from over, but with every step, she would strive to protect those who could not protect themselves. And with every victory, no matter how small, she would inch closer to a world free from the shadows of despair.

Glynda made her way through the halls of Atlas Academy, her mind still racing with the events she had just reported. Students passed by, their laughter and chatter a stark contrast to the dark revelations she had shared with Ozpin. She couldn't help but feel a pang of envy at their innocence, a longing for the days when she, too, had been blissfully unaware of the genuine horrors lurking in the world.

As she reached the place, they were staying in Atlas City. She paused, her hand resting on the doorknob. She needed a moment to collect herself, to process everything that had transpired. The Madame's crazed proclamations about the Queen of Grimm echoed in her mind, a chilling reminder of the darkness they were up against.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open and stepped inside. The surroundings brought a small measure of comfort, but it was fleeting. She crossed the room and sank into her chair, her thoughts a turbulent storm.

The door creaked open, and Glynda looked up to see Jaune standing hesitantly in the doorway. His usually cheerful demeanor was replaced by a somber expression, and Glynda felt a pang of sympathy. He had been with her during the raid, had seen the same horrors she had.

"Jaune," she greeted, her voice softer than usual. "Come in."

Jaune nodded and stepped inside, closing the door behind him. He approached her desk, his eyes filled with questions and uncertainty.

"How are you holding up?" Glynda asked, genuinely concerned.

Jaune shrugged, his shoulders sagging. "I've been better. It's... it's a lot to take in. Some of those children did not look good. I've made the request with the General and he plans to let us handle it. Did you talk with the Headmaster?"

"Ozpin might have made it so," Glynda nodded in understanding. "He's expecting us to do the work, it seems. We saved those children, Jaune. That's what matters."

Jaune's expression hardened. "But what about the ones we couldn't save? What about the Queen of Grimm?"

Glynda sighed, her own fears mirrored in his words. "I know. And it is just the beginning. But we can't let that paralyze us. We have to keep moving forward, keep fighting."

Jaune nodded slowly, his resolve strengthening. "You're right. We can't give up."

Glynda offered him a small, encouraging smile. "Exactly. Will you be accompanying me?"

Jaune managed a faint smile in return. "Of course."

She nodded, her expression softening as a hint of relief washed over her features. "Thank you. If the Madame's ledgers are accurate, we'll need to make our moves in both Mistral and Atlas."

"It's going to take years… maybe five or more to dismantle this ring," Jaune said, his voice carrying the weight of the daunting task ahead.

"I have the time and the patience," Glynda responded with quiet determination.

Jaune's confidence didn't waver. "So do I."

For a moment, Glynda looked at Jaune, her gaze penetrating and full of unspoken emotions. She moved closer, the space between them shrinking as the air thickened with tension. With a passionate look in her eyes, she reached out, her fingers trembling slightly, and took hold of Jaune's arm. She guided him to a nearby couch and gently sat him down.

Glynda then sat beside him, the proximity intimate and comforting. She leaned her head on his broad shoulder, a gesture that spoke of trust and vulnerability. Her hand found his, their fingers intertwining in a silent vow of solidarity.

"Then I'm counting on you," she whispered, her voice laced with a mixture of hope and gratitude. "I'm sorry to drag you into this."

Jaune squeezed her hand reassuringly. "It's not a problem. I have the time and the patience," he repeated, his tone firm and soothing.

A serene smile spread across Glynda's face, a rare sight that illuminated her usual stern demeanor. "Then I'm counting on you, my partner," she said, her voice imbued with warmth and conviction.

Jaune simply nodded, his heart swelling with a sense of purpose and commitment.

They sat there in silence for a while, the gravity of their mission hanging in the air. The soft rustling of leaves and distant chirping of birds created a backdrop of tranquility, contrasting sharply with the turmoil and danger that lay ahead. Glynda's head remained on Jaune's shoulder, and he could feel the steady rhythm of her breathing, a soothing cadence that grounded him.

Their hands remained clasped, a tangible connection that fortified their resolve. Glynda's thumb traced gentle circles on the back of Jaune's hand, a small, repetitive motion that conveyed comfort and reassurance. Jaune responded by resting his cheek against the top of her head, the scent of her hair a mix of lavender and something uniquely Glynda.

Finally, Glynda pulled back slightly, lifting her head to meet Jaune's gaze. Her eyes were soft yet resolute, a mirror of the strength and determination that burned within her. "There's much to be done," she said, her voice steady and strong.

Jaune nodded again, his expression mirroring her resolve. "We'll get through it," he assured her, his voice unwavering.

Glynda was simply glad that she had someone she could rely on, someone who understood the magnitude of their task and was willing to stand by her side.

NOTE:

Thanks for reading.

Time skip incoming.