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Chapter 17

Tensions Rising

A couple of days later I was on another mission with Penny and Ruby. Only this time Qrow and Clover were joining us. It was nothing major. Just a supply run to the mines. Penny and Ruby were in the front with the Atlesian drone driving the truck. I was in the back with the Luck Birds listening to my music while Clover was kicking Qrow's butt at cards. I swear he cheats.

Anyway I'm jamming out to a guitar solo when I feel something nudging my foot. Opening my eyes, I see Qrow jerking his head to where Clover is at. Hotshot is pointing at his ears and I get the message. Turn my music down. I comply and am now able to hear what the two of them are saying.

Clover shows his hand. "I win again. Maybe we should call it quits?" he suggests.

"Shut up and deal," Qrow mumbles with a shake of his head.

"You know your niece here is one of a kind," Clover remarked, gesturing to Ruby.

"They all are," Qrow agreed. "Been through a lot together."

"It's a good thing they have someone to look up to and help them get through it. Not everyone is so lucky."

Qrow just scoffed. "I don't know about all that." There was a small pause before he continued. "Thanks by the way for looking out for them. You and your team."

"What good is saving the world without another generation waiting in the wings," Clover stated. "Hopefully they'll leave Remnant better than we left it for them."

Qrow took the cards Clover handed him and started to look through them. "Once upon a time, I would have drank to that."

"You shouldn't do that you know," Clover said concerned.

"Don't worry. I gave it up," Qrow tried to say.

"I meant deflect a compliment," Clover clarified. "Those kids wouldn't be here today without you, you know. You have more of an effect on them then you realize."

Time for some fun.

Bopping my head to a song that I wasn't actually listening to (not that they know that) I started to sing.

"I wanna know what love is

I want you to show me

I want to feel what love is APTH!"

I threw up my hands to protect myself from the onslaught of cards that Clover flung my way. I wasn't quite in time though as some of them wound up in my mouth. Much to Penny and Ruby's amusement. I spat the cards out and looked towards them. Qrow's reddened face was hidden behind his legs. Clover, who's cheeks were a deep pink, pointed at the cards at the ground and ordered "52 pick up. Get started."

I joined Ruby and Penny in on the laughter and started to pick up the cards. Ruby's laughter died down and she called out to her uncle in worry. "What's going on? Grimm?" Qrow asked as the three of us got up and looked out the window. I tensed as I saw Robyn, Joana, May and Fiona standing in the middle of the road with a makeshift gate. What were they doing?

Clover ordered us to go out so we could talk to her while Penny stayed in the truck and 'keep an eye on our six' as Clover puts it.

"Affirmative. I will plan for six possible outcomes," Penny stated.

The others gave her weird looks and I gave Penny a small pat on the head. "Penny, sweetie, that's not what he meant," I said. "He just wants you to watch our backs."

"Oh. But what does your backs have to do with the number six?" Penny questioned.

"I'll explain later," Clover said as he started to make his way outside.

I hung back, feeling nervous. "Maybe I should stay back here with Penny," I suggested.

"I don't want Robyn to have the numbers advantage in case a fight breaks out," Clover said. "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah. It's just I've been helping Robyn out with the repairs on the wall and honestly forgot to mention that I'm kind of on Ironwood's payroll at the moment," I explained.

Clover's face softened and held his hand out to me. "Don't worry. I'll make sure Robyn understands." I took his hand and he helped me out of the truck. Clover took the lead and started addressing the huntresses. "Robyn! Well if it isn't Mantle's hometown hero. Is there a reason you're blocking an official military transport?"

Robyn looked past Clover and spotted me. "Agatha? What are you doing here with them?" she demanded.

I gestured to Qrow and Ruby, figuring that since they weren't soldiers it could get Robyn to calm down. "Just helping my friends out with some stuff," I explained. I walked past Clover and held my hand out. Robyn, surprised, came closer. Her friends kept a close eye on mine. She took my hand, activating her semblance. "I swear I didn't mean to keep this from you. It just slipped my mind." Our hands glowed green and Robyn let out a sigh of relief.

"Then maybe you can tell me why Ironwood needs these supplies," Robyn requested.

I nervously drew my hand back from Robyn's. "Why do you ask?"

"Because Ironwood keeps asking for the supplies we've been getting from G.O.E. The only reason he hasn't is because the notes clearly state that the supplies are meant for me but he keeps badgering me to give them to him."

I hung my head and groaned in annoyance. Seriously James? Do you really need to be so greedy? "I'll say something to him," I assured her.

"Or maybe you can just tell me what Ironwood is doing with Amity Coliseum at the old SDC mine," Robyn insisted.

Clover came up next to me and gently pulled me away from Robyn so he could get in between us. "I see you've been scoping it out. However as a future councilwoman you should be focusing on the upcoming election instead of harassing Huntsmen. Now it's time to let us pass."

"I think you've misjudged the situation. One way or another I'm going to find out what Ironwood's doing," Robyn said.

"Then I suggest you wait until the general makes it public," Clover told her.

Robyn just smirked. "Now where's the fun in that?"

The other huntresses gripped their weapons tightly. Looking back, I saw Ruby and Qrow ready to draw theirs. I felt my human form trembling as I backed away from Clover. "Can we not fight? Please?" I begged quietly, looking at the ground and holding my arms together. "I know you guys don't really care for each other. But you're all my friends. So please. Don't fight."

I looked up at Robyn and to my relief, her face softened. "I'm sorry Agatha. I didn't mean to upset you." She told the others to open the gate and we returned to the truck.

Clover turned around and called out to Robyn. "Good luck in the election," was all he said. Robyn nodded and we drove off.

"That was a close one," Qrow muttered.

"You're telling me," Clover said before wrapping an arm around me. "Are you okay Agatha? You look pretty shaken."

"I'm fine. Just freaking cold outside that's all," I said. Qrow placed his hand on one of mine and I leaned back trying to calm my heart.

We delivered the supplies and flew back to Atlas. Ruby, Qrow and Penny went off to meet up with the others while Clover and I went to talk to the general. At his office Clover debriefed him of what happened. Ironwood listened and dismissed Clover after the report but I stayed in the room.

"Something you want to say, Agatha?" Ironwood asked.

"Yeah. Why are you insistent on taking the supplies G.O.E gives to Mantel?"

"We need to get Amity Tower in the air as soon as possible," was all James said.

"Yeah but Mantel needs the supplies to keep the Grimm out," I argued. "You can share."

"What's more important?" James asked me. "Reuniting the world? Or appealing to a few city blocks?"

"Um, both," I answered. "With the way things are going, there won't be anyone to reunite with. You can't just say one way is the right way. There are several different paths that can arrive at the same goal."

"Well if this G.O.E is willing to spare parts for the wall then why aren't they sparing more parts for the tower? Won't that make everyone happy?" Ironwood asked.

Dammit Jim, I'm a Goddess. Not a hardware store!

"There's a difference between helping people and spoiling them," I said. "Like I said. You've got to find the right balance." Ironwood had nothing to say so I continued. "Look, I get that you want to stay ahead of Salem. Especially after what happened in Vale. But you can't let your fear of failure cloud your judgment."

That was the wrong thing to say as Ironwood slammed his fist on his desk, leaving a dent. "I'm not afraid!" he declared.

I took a step back out of shock before composing myself. "You say that like it's a good thing."

Before anymore could be said or done the computer on the desk dinged. "General Ironwood. You're going to want to see this," a voice called out.

"Celestials give me strength," Ironwood mumbled.

Great Tree give me strength.

We walked to the computer to see what was going on. It looked like Jacques was going to make a public announcement. Ironwood made sure to send a link of the report to Winter and the two of us watched.

"If I'm elected Councilman, I've made it no secret I will be opposing General Ironwood and his senseless embargo that is crippling all of Atlas. It is my belief that these measures are not only reckless, but criminal. With no shipments allowed to enter or leave the kingdom, I know many are suffering. And my family has been weathering the same storm as many of you."

Maybe not the same but Ironwood's embargo has to be costing him a lot.

"Effective immediately, I am forced to shut down all nonessential SDC operations. If elected to office, I will make the changes necessary to fix what Ironwood has broken. I hope you ask yourself before the vote, can you trust anyone else to stop Ironwood? Will Robyn Hill be able to get your jobs back?" A group of reporters raised their microphones higher and tried to ask questions but Jacques just turned and walked away. The screen was cut off.

I rushed out of the office. "And where do you think you're going?" Ironwood asked.

I paused at the door. "Jacques just laid off a lot of people. Mantel is going to be pissed and people will riot. Robyn is going to need help to calm things down."

Ironwood didn't respond so I turned to face him. "Please, I'd like to think that you're a good person. That you're doing what you think is right. But remember that you're not the only one. There are other options if you open your mind to them. Just think about it okay." I left and headed straight down for Mantel.

It took all night but things started to calm down by morning. Several people were arrested and sitting on the sidewalk, their wrists bound. Others were lining up to cast their votes. Polls for the new council seat was today. A reporter made their way over to Robyn to ask about the riot since some of the people involved were her supporters. "I don't condone rioting. Especially when our city is being denied aid from Atlas despite G.O.E's support. But Jacques Schnee's latest stunt is holding the city hostage for his own political gain. So I understand their anger, but ask not to show their anger at the streets but at the polls today."

The news crew wrapped things up and Robyn went back over to us. We were setting up a warehouse for a big party to celebrate the day of voting and (hopefully) Robyn's victory. Clover messaged me earlier saying that me, Qrow and the kids were ordered to have the night off so we would be rested enough for what kind of Atlas we'll have tomorrow. I told him where I was going to be and invited them over but Clover said he was still on duty and had stuff to do. And Qrow claims he hasn't had any time to himself since arriving in Atlas so he's going to enjoy some personal time. I typed to both of them "Uh-huh, sure. Have fun on your secret date." and they gave me the finger emoticon in response causing me to laugh as I put away my scroll.

As the Huntresses and I got the decorations up, we kept an eye on the scoreboard for the votes. Robyn had quickly taken a massive lead at the beginning but Jacques was slowly creeping up as the day went on. The others told her not to worry but she still had her doubts. I don't blame her. Something felt off here. People were voting for Jacques despite his stunt last night? It just seems weird.

Finally the night had arrived along with the people and the party was in full swing. And I started tearing it up on the dance floor.

Party people gonna stay up late

Ooh, and celebrate tonight

Put on your dancing shoes

Put away those blues tonight

Oh tonight

I had drawn a bit of a crowd and they were cheering me on. It's been a long time since I've been able to dance like this and I was really enjoying it.

If you think your at the right place

Well then victory is in sight

And if love is what we're after

(Celebrate) Tonight's the night

Finishing up my dance I looked in the crowd and saw Ruby, Penny and Marrow over by the stage. That was surprising. I didn't know those three were coming over. And neither did the others as May came over asking Marrow why he was here. I was able to join the group alongside Robyn. "What's going on Wags?" she asked Marrow before noticing Ruby. "Oh and the pipsqueak is here too." Ruby did not like that.

"Hey come on Robyn be nice. She's a friend of mine," I said, coming up to Ruby's side.

"Oh Agatha. I didn't know you were here," Ruby said surprised.

"Yeah, I've been helping out with the decorations," I explained before talking to Robyn. "Anyway I never gave a proper introduction the last time. This is Ruby Rose. Leader of Team RWBY."

"Oh yeah, the little badass with the scythe and sniper rifle combo," Robyn recalled. "Headphones here told me a lot about you." Ruby sheepishly rubbed the back of her head blushing.

I addressed Marrow and Penny. "So what are you two doing here? I heard from Clover you guys were still working tonight."

"That's why we're here. General Ironwood wants us to be here as extra security tonight. To make sure there aren't any surprises," Marrow explained. He stared Robyn dead in the eye as he finished his sentence.

Robyn came closer to him and the two had a small stare down before she turned away. "Fine, but stay out of our way." The rest of us were surprised by this. "If I get elected tonight, we'll all have to learn how to get along."

"Of course," Marrow agreed before he started to look a little nervous. "And well, before I ask this I just want you to know that the general didn't order me to ask you this. I just want to satisfy my own curiosity."

Robyn raised an eyebrow. "Okay?"

"Any idea on who's sending you the supplies for the wall? Ironwood's been looking through the logs and he can't seem to find out where the supplies are even coming from. Whoever's doing this clearly isn't stealing from Atlas, but there's also no record of any manifest coming in from the outside either."

That's no surprise. The supplies I've been making are copies from the supplies that are already there. I just duplicated it, along with some crates so I can put the supplies in and leave the note and bow. And I made sure to keep my tracks covered by freezing time as I'm doing this. You can barely see the security videos glitch before the extra supplies show up.

Robyn told Marrow what little she knew before the two parted ways and Marrow came to Ruby. "Scram kid. We've got a job to do," he said pointing to him and Penny. Marrow walked off and Ruby blew a raspberry behind his back to Penny and mine's amusement before Penny went to join him.

I followed Ruby through the crowd. "So where are the others at?" I asked.

"Well Blake and Yang are hanging out with Team FNKI tonight," Ruby started. Which took me by surprise.

"I thought Yang hated Team FNKI." Or rather she had a strong dislike for Neon which I don't blame her. That mouth of hers is going to backfire one of these days.

Ruby gave a shrug. "There out clubbing so she won't be able to hear them." I laugh as Ruby mentioned the others. "Weiss, Jaune and Oscar went out to the movies. And Ren and Nora..." Ruby paused as she noticed something in the crowd. Following her sight I could see Ren and Nora there looking like they were having an argument.

"Ooh, awkward," I mumbled.

Ruby sighed. "I should have just gone to the movies."

We turned away from them and I put Ruby into a friendly headlock. "No worries. You've got me to keep you company tonight," I assured her.

Ruby looked grateful at that. "Thanks Agatha."

On stage, Fiona was tapping on a microphone causing some feedback before she was able to speak to it. "Well that seemed to work." She cleared her throat. "I want to thank everyone for going to the polls today. This is Mantle's moment. I know that, like me, you're all thrilled that we chose Robyn as our voice in Atlas. No one has fought harder for Mantle than she has. And.." She pauses trying to choke down a cry. I couldn't help but find it sweet. "I know that Robyn will continue to fight on the Council." She then looked at Robyn on the edge of the stage asking for a few words.

Robyn walked over and took the microphone from Fiona. "I've never been much for public speaking, probably wasn't my best idea ever to go into politics." This caused us in the crowd to laugh. Mainly because we know how much of a lie that is. Robyn can give a good motivational speech. Better than Ironwood anyway. "Thank you so much, everyone, for choosing me. You said you believe in me. But I'm the one who believes in all of you. You've proven to me that as individuals, we are strong. But together, we're unstoppable. So no matter what happens tonight, win or lose, we will continue to fight for this city. Because it is this city that brings us together."

We all cheer as Robyn walks offstage and looks at the screen with the poll results. Jacques was at 46 now and Robyn was at 54. I clenched my hand in nervousness.

Please Great Tree. Let Robyn win this.

"Ten! Nine! Eight..." As the people counted down I noticed Ruby shift beside me a little. Turning towards her I saw her searching through the crowd with a panic expression.

"Ruby, what's wrong?" I asked, shifting my gaze to the direction she was staring at. There, in a hooded robe, was a tall man. His body was shaking with glee as he looked at us and we could see his face, his mad smile and his crazy, gold... familiar eyes.

It's him! The guy from my vision.

Ruby reached out to the stage crying out a warning but it was too late. The second the countdown for the polls ended, the lights went out. Instantly I activated my night vision and enhanced my hearing. People started screaming and I could hear the slash from a blade. Everyone started panicking and I felt Ruby get pushed away from me.

I didn't have time to check on her though. Besides, Ruby has proven that she can handle herself. I spotted the man in the middle of the crowd slicing everyone around him and quickly teleported in front the person that Party Poison here was just about to strike at next. Bringing up Yang and activating the shield to stop his attack. He glared at me and brought his tail down on me, I nimbly dodge it before delivering an overarching swing onto his head.

"Tyrian, you need to break away from her. She's screwing up with the footage." I looked around trying to find where that voice came from and my opponent, Tyrian it seems, was able to kick me away and start to run off in a different direction, going after someone else.

I shot some lighting dust at him and was able to stun him long enough for me to reach him and the person he was attacking. They had run off and me and Tyrian were back at it again.

He tried slashing at me again but I countered with a side butt before I swung my leg up and kicked him in the abdomen. He swiped his tail at me again and I blocked that too but the force of it sent me back a few feet. I actually wound up right beside Penny who brought out her swords and aimed them at him. "Put down your weapon and surrender," she ordered the mystery man.

He didn't listen and a couple of people ran in between us and Tyrian. By the time they cleared, he was gone.

We then heard a scream behind us. It sounded like Fiona. Penny and I looked to see that she was down and Tyrian looked like he was going for Robyn. We both cried out and Penny tackled Robyn to the ground to protect her. I jumped on Tyrian to make sure he didn't try anything. We rolled around and he wound up on top of me. His right hand glowed purple and swiped at my stomach. My eyes widened as I saw my aura flicker and a big gaping hole appeared in my aura right where he swiped at. He took advantage of my surprise and stabbed me right where the hole was.

I cried out in pain, getting Penny's attention. She tried to throw her blades at the man but he just jumped up and vanished in the ceiling. Penny rushed over to me just as the lights came back on. Along with the television right behind us. "And the winner of the council is Jacques Schnee."

Tree damnit!

Penny ignored all that and placed her hands on my wounds. I tried to sit up but it hurt like hell. Penny pushed me back down. "Don't move," She instructed. "Your lower intestine has ruptured. You need to stay still until we can get a doctor."

"I'm fine. Nothing I can't handle," I insisted. My goddess powers were already working on healing it. Though I had to concentrate to make sure I was through with everything.

Ruby crawled up on stage and ran over to us. "Agatha! Are you okay?"

"I'll live," I assured her before calling out to Robyn. "How's Fiona?"

"I'm okay," Fiona assured.

Ren and Nora joined us. "What happened?" Nora asked.

"It was Tyrian!" Ruby cried out. "Tyrian's here." Ren withdrew his weapons and looked around.

"Don't bother. I saw him disappear into the ceiling," I told them. "He's probably long gone by now." We heard sirens blaring out, signaling another Grimm attack.

"We need to get to the streets," Marrow said before he turned to Robyn. "I'll send someone from our medical team to look after Fiona and Agatha."

Robyn nodded. "Thanks Wags." She then addressed her teammates. "Joanna, look after these two until help arrives. May you're with me. These guys are gonna need some help with the Grimm." May nodded and everyone rushed outside. As the kids joined them Robyn called out to Penny. The young android stopped to turn around as Robyn approached her. "Thank you for looking out for me," she said.

Penny gave a nod and a salute. "Just doing my job ma'am," she assured.

Outside P.O.V.

"Damnit!" Watts cursed, slamming his fist on the table. "That tin brat wasn't in position in time. No one thinks she's responsible."

"What about the footage? Is it still salvageable?" Tyrian asked ducking in and out of corners to make sure he wasn't followed.

"I'm afraid not," Watts answered. "If I try to edit it, then it will look like Penny was fighting that young woman. She'll easily counter what the videos will show. I have no choice but to delete the whole thing. At least we still have Jacques on the council seat. So not all hope is lost."

Tyrian growled. Mantle should be ready to rip out Atlas' throat by now. That woman just had to ruin everything! First he failed to bring back that silver eye girl. Then he learned he wasn't successful in killing Qrow. Things were not looking good for him. Though a question kept creeping up in his mind. How did that woman in the warehouse fight against him so well in the darkness? From what he could tell, she was human. He suppose he'll find out the next time they meet and he rips her throat open.

Because she will pay for making him fail his queen. Oh yes, she will pay.

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