Halo, it's time for the newest chapter. Enjoy the reading.
Beacon's fall shook entire Remnant, including Atlas. Although the residents of the upper town weren't worried about the fate of the people living in Vale, but the loss of their investments there. Adding to their discontent was General Ironwood's embargo, which restricted trade with the other kingdoms, further reducing their revenue and increasing their discontent.
Councilor Peralta was the only one who dared to openly confront the general and take serious measures against the embargo and the people of Atlas saw hope in him, especially the rich people of Atlas.
Unfortunately, the councilor traveled to Mistral on a personal matter and only the news of his tragic death was heard in the Atlas council. This caused serious confusion in politics, because after Ironwood, Peralta was the most influential and many of his allies began to vie for the new councilor position.
The political game is based on money and unscrupulousness, so Jacques Schnee, who had a way out of both, quickly rose to the top of these greedy elites and managed to get him nominated in the next election, hoping that Jacques would get Ironwood to stop with the embargo and continue their business and don't be afraid of their luxurious lifestyle.
Much to the annoyance of Jacques and the rich people of Atlas, he found his rival, Robyn Hill, who nominated herself for the position of councilor on Mantle's behalf and won the support of two-thirds of the population as a hero of the common people.
However, Jacques didn't run out of tricks.
- Who can tell me what propaganda is? – Jacques invited his richest and greediest supporters to his own home and shared his next plan with them at a meeting table, how they could get as many supporters as possible. - Nicholas Schnee had a five-page speech, - He took out a copy of his father-in-law's speech. - which he put people on his side. – With a single, light movement, he interrupted the five-page speech and threw it aside. - Two pages will be enough for us and do you know why? - He paused, leaned closer to his men and answered his own question in a half-whisper. - Because people are stupid. If I say Ironwood is gay, they'll believe it.
- Is he really gay? – One of the politicians frowned in confusion.
- What? – Jacques had already seen that the former's statement was very true, even for his own. - No! I just made that up! - He sighed tiredly when he realized that he had to explain everything to them. - This was only an example of propaganda.
- I don't understand!
- You said it before!
- Now what's the truth!
- All right! - Jacques raised his voice a little to order his men. - So that everyone is aware of this, propaganda is a tool with which we can manipulate people's opinions. – The politicians stared at him like a herd of sheep. - I can tell you from personal experience that the people of Atlas can be made to believe any amount of nonsense as long as the right person says the right things. For example, when you convince a faunus worker to donate the rest of his family money to the Schee Dust Company. You accept the money, you put your hand on his shoulder, eye contact is very important and you thank him sympathetically and tell him that you think of him a lot. After that, you leave and when no one sees you anymore, you laugh at the fool, because you cheated him of his last fortnight. – The politicians had a good laugh at Jacques' presentation. - At the moment, we need to get votes, not money. Until the election, we need to convince as many people as we can to vote for me. They're going to say something about who they're going to vote for, let's say Ms. Hill and most importantly, we have to convince them that who they want to vote for is wrong. With the White Fang, Ironwood's name, or wanting to declare war on the rest of Remnant. With your permission, I would like to illustrate with an example, from which you will learn how to do this.
Jacques no longer needed to pull out his Scroll and dial a number at random. The Scroll rang and as soon as the typical "hello" was heard, Jacques began his speech.
- Have a good day and thank you for picking up, - He took on his most gentle and flattering voice. – I have a question, who will you vote for in the election? I'm calling from the Atlas Council, completely independently, because we are preparing a survey.
- Well... - A bored male voice spoke on the other side. – I'm thinking about Robyn Hill, because she helped my family with her Happy Huntress and she has a very nice hair...
- Listen him through, - Jacques closed the bottom of the Scroll, which prevented the person on the other side from hearing him, but still said in a whisper. - I don't care, but you have to listen through him.
- ...I think I'll vote for Robyn.
- Thank you for being honest with me, but it's lunch time soon, could you tell me what you're having for lunch?
- My family and I are having noodle soup for lunch, because it is very delicious.
- So, you eat noodle soup? - Jacques feigned shock. - Did you know that according to Robyn Hill, everyone who eats noodle soup is nothing more than stupid scum?
- I can't afford better, since the embargo, my salary has dropped quite a bit.
- Of course, your salary is low. Didn't you know it was because of General Ironwood? I suggest you vote for Jacques Schnee instead. Do you know what happens when you do that? Cheap faunus won't take your job.
- I understand, but Robyn Hill is quite convincing and has done a lot for those in Mantle.
- Maybe you're voting for Ms. Hill because you have faunus heritage?
- I'm not a faunus, if that's what you're asking.
- But of course you're a faunus, I hear you're such a dog. You don't have to believe me, but I know it about you. But more importantly, do you know what General Ironwood wants to do with the faunus? He's clearly going to send them to the front lines as expendable stormtroopers in the pointless war against Remnant. So, I wouldn't vote for Ms. Hill, who is clearly plays along with the general.
- I think I understand, but I still don't want to vote for Jacques Schnee because I hate him. Because of him, my family ended up on the street and he took a lot from us.
- I understand, - Jacques, it almost seemed as if he really felt sorry for the man and put his hand on his chest, but the sly smile revealed that he was just acting now. – but if you don't vote for Jacques Schnee, but for Robyn Hill and she becomes a councilor do you know what will happen? War will break out, led by General Ironwood. Do you want Ironwood to send you and your children to war? Think of your children. What would their lives be like in General Ironwood's war? War is a terrible thing, but what is even more terrible is how it affects children.
- You're right, General Ironwood is a terrible person and I'm definitely not going to vote for Robyn! Thank you for opening my eyes and helping me realize that I am a faunus!
- Sir, you are very welcome. You have already taken the first step towards a better future for Atlas. I just want to know now that you know what kind of person Robyn Hill and General Ironwood are, who will you be voting for?
- Well, now that all this has been revealed, I have no choice but to vote for Jacques Schnee. This is the right decision, thank you.
- There's really nothing to do, I thank you for looking at the world so objectively.
- General Ironwood is a terrible man! He controls everyone! I am also talking to my family to vote for Jacques Schnee!
- Sir, I want you to know that I consider you a very great person, because you did a lot for Atlas. You are a wonderful patriot and Jacques Schnee himself is looking forward to shaking hands with you.
- It's an honor and it made me very happy.
- Thank you and see you soon. – With that, Jacques pushed out the Scroll and looked at his politicians with outstretched hands. - See? It's that simple. - He looked through the confused face of his supporters. - You don't have to worry, - He took out a stack of papers from his briefcase and gave it to one of them and they started distributing it among themselves. – everything is written on this paper, you just have to practice the presentation yourself and reach as many possible voters as possible. For yourselves and as many people as you can bring into it.
For months, Jacques' propaganda speeches, posters, and scams reached as many people in Atlas as possible.
The frozen tundra of Solitas was a picturesque spectacle, the sight of the endless ice and snow fields and the mountains made one almost think deeply. A delivery truck bumped along, on a well-trodden path clearly frequented by other vehicles.
- Are you serious? – Roman already exited from the fifth propaganda advertisement on his Scroll, which contained Jacques Schnee's propaganda. - Here we are in the middle of nowhere and this bastard's face is still showing up.
Jacques devoted a lot of money and time to spreading propaganda and fake news and no one in Atlas went by without running into it at least a dozen times.
- You tell me, I'm already dreaming of Jacques Schnee.
Another Happy Huntress, sitting with Roman in the cargo hold of the truck, answered. She was of medium height, fair skin, dull brown eyes, and part of her dark blue hair was short, down to her neck, while the rest was worn in a very long, waist-length braid. She wore a light brown long coat with the Happy Huntress brooch on the right chest, a gray shirt underneath and a dark brown top, dark brown pants, boots and gloves.
- Not a day goes by without being called at least six times about who I will vote for, - The woman explained apathetically and nervously while taking out her Scroll, they could feel how fed up she was with Jacques' exaggerated propaganda. - wherever I look, I see Jacques' posters, I keep hearing Jacques' propaganda speeches on the TV, he rears his stupid head in all the advertisements of the online videos. I can't even eat a sandwich because I'm afraid I'll swallow the leaflet.
- How is it, May, that it is impossible to make you laugh, but you can make us laugh all the time! - Joanna, the second Happy Huntress, who was driving the truck in the passenger compartment, looked back at her sour companion.
- Would you believe that I don't do it on purpose. - May just narrowed her eyes and leaned back, clasping her hands behind the back of her head. - I'm simply sharing my opinion and thoughts.
- But you always do it so funny!
The third Happy Huntress, who was in the hold with Roman and May, was the shortest of the group, a cute sheep faunus girl with pale skin, dark green eyes, short, fluffy and curly white hair and a pair of sheep's ears that she wore a pair of earrings. She wore a light gray, long, knee-length vest with the Happy Huntress brooch, a green sweatshirt held together with an orange belt, dark brown pants, and knee-high boots and fingerless gloves, on which she wore plate armor up to her upper arms.
- It's hard to think about, - Robyn, who was sitting in the front seat of the passenger compartment and looked at the tundra with her head on her elbows. - how many people could be helped from the amount of money spent on these propaganda and fake news.
- The rich, narrow-minded *ssholes of Atlas are only interested in their fame and luxurious lifestyle. - May said as if she knew exactly what she was talking about. - As long as they don't benefit from helping others, they won't lift a finger. - She clenched her fists angrily. - They would feel sorry for a glass of water from a person on the verge of dying of thirst.
- Don't you regret leaving your family? – The little sheep faunus girl knew well that May came from a rich Atlas family.
- Are you kidding me, Fiona? - May just raised one eyebrow at her question. - If I was still with my family, I would have to pose in stupid, fancy clothes and high heeled shoes on a daily basis, go to idiotic balls with my cousin and listen to rich b*tches' complain about their nail polish and lipstick color not matching each other, the arrogant bragging of idiotic businessmen , about what kind of flannel suits they have and I should have learned which fork to eat salad and dessert with.
- It sounds horrible. - Joanna said looking back at the road.
- I haven't regretted leaving them for a minute. - May didn't even think for her old, rich life. She felt much better herself among the Happy Huntresses.
- You remind me of another girl, - it was a familiar story for Roman. – who was also unhappy with her rich family and ran away instead.
- A vengeful ex! - Fiona cheered excitedly, and everyone looked at her curiously.
- Is this your tip for today? - Roman asked while smiling.
- Why do you think that? - May just turned to the faunus girl indifferently.
- Totally makes sense! - Fiona bounced excitedly in the hold. – Your appearance is well-groomed, you are aware of certain rules of etiquette and what I think is most important, you often flirt with other women as a game, but you never try seriously because you still have feelings for her.
- You make a good point. - Robyn turned back too.
- The other option, - Fiona playfully spread her arms. - you're just gay.
Everyone but May started laughing and Joanna stopped the truck by the time they reached their destination.
- Don't laugh because she figured it. – Roman's words made the laughter subside a little.
- What?! - Joanna shook her head in confusion.
- The angry ex? - Robyn inquired.
- Or the gay thing? - May added.
- Both. – Roman just stood up and opened the door of the cargo hold and jumped out into the snow. - Are you coming?
- You're just kidding, aren't you? – Fiona wanted to make sure she won the game. - I've been trying to figure it out for weeks! – After Roman, she also jumped out of the truck.
- Seriously, - May smiled for the first time in weeks, or rather, after Roman's introductory joke. – are you hiding from your ex-girlfriend?
- Her name is Neo and if you knew her, it wouldn't surprise you. - Roman grabbed the end of one of the metal barricades.
- Was it a rough breakup? - Joanna took the other end and together they took her to the narrow road, between two mountains.
- Some even died. - Roman said vaguely.
- Wait, I just won?! – Fiona realized a little late, while she and May brought another roadblock, that she had won the game she had been playing with Roman for weeks.
- Yes, Little Lamby. - Roman stroked her curly hair in agreement. - You won.
In recent weeks, Roman has worked a lot with the Happy Huntresses, helping to protect the residents of Mantle from the Grimm and assisting in several small robberies, the profits of which they shared with those in need. He felt a little strange that he committed a crime for a good cause, but it felt good to revive his old criminal past and he provided serious help to the people of Mantle, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough to get the people to safety.
Although Robyn, with her Semblance, had determined that Roman was only helping her for his own selfish interests, she couldn't figure out who or what he wanted shelter from. They had a bet with Fiona that if she guessed, he would tell, but she could only guess once a day.
- They're coming! - Robyn warned them.
It didn't take long for the road to be completely blocked off, the truck hidden, then May and Joanna walked off the road, May, using her Semblance created a field that made them invisible and lay in wait.
Robyn, Fiona and Roman just stood in front of the roadblock and just waited for the military truck that was going to get close enough.
- Alright guys, - Robyn prepared to take out a more serious military target if necessary to get supplies for Mantle. – it's time to show what we can do.
- Robyn! - The truck stopped and Robyn focused only on the Captain of the Ace Ops, Clover. - Isn't the the Hero of Mantle City? Do you have any reason to obstruct an official military shipment?
- Clover, I'm glad you're here. - Robyn greeted the captain. While Robyn's attention was focused on the captain, Roman saw two familiar figures.
- Little Red, I didn't think we'd see each other again so soon. - Roman was happy to see Ruby and Qrow again, though he was worried that their goals had diverged.
- What are you doing here, Roman? – Ruby was worried in advance that she and Roman would become enemies again. - Don't say you've become a bad guy again!
- Yes, Clover, - Robyn joined in, confidently placing her hands on her hips. – could you help me understand why this truck is hauling a bunch of construction materials and equipment into the middle of nowhere instead of using it to repair Mantle's outer wall? Are you lost?
- That could easily happen, - Clover laughed nervously. – here on the tundra, everything is the same. Thanks for looking at us. We're on our way. - He turned to get back into the truck, but Robyn stopped him after a frustrated sigh.
- I hope you will be honest with me. - Robyn's words made Clover stop, she lowered her head and closed her eyes. - What is Ironwood doing with Amity at the old SDC mine?
- Oh, that's! – Clover forced a smile on her face and, as if he had just remembered, turned back to Robyn. – We only conduct annual routine inspections.
- The next Vytal festival will not be in the near future. - Robyn clearly saw through Clover's lie. – Only automated drones and some Atlas scientists were allowed to be here and Amity gets valuable materials that Mantle desperately needs to protect us from the Grimm. This seems to be more than a routine check.
- It's a valid question, - Roman just smiled and leaned on Melodic Cludgel, while seeing the disappointment on Ruby's face that she didn't agree with what they were doing. – who's the bad guy now?
- You don't understand! – Ruby felt bad, since Roman was right that she wasn't helping people right now.
- And what? - Roman just held out his hands. - Aren't Hunters and Huntresses supposed to protect people, to the end? - He reminded her of her own words. - Or has that changed since we parted ways?
- You figured this out well. - Clover crossed his arms as he realized there was no point in lying.
- We can't repair the wall without the supplies on the truck. - Robyn got to the point. - I think the people in Mantle deserve to know what they're being used for. - She stepped closer to Clover. - It doesn't have to be complicated. Just say it. - She stopped and extended her right hand to Clover, indicating that she wanted to use her Semblance, which Clover was well aware of.
- I have to pass this out. – Clover refused and Robyn lowered her hand in frustration.
- Won't you tell us, Little Red? Roman turned to Ruby again. - Would you tell to your old friend Torchwick why our roles have been reversed?
- Yes! - Robyn demanded the answer more and more aggressively. – Why are you endangering Mantle because of Ironwood's pet project?
Ruby, whose thread was broken, tried to explain things in a flurry.
- We're trying to help Mantle! Just… - Before he could continue, Clover quickly stopped her so she wouldn't reveal an important secret.
- Enough, Robyn! - Clover tried to remain diplomatic, but as his voice tightened, it became clear that he didn't shy away from violence. - As a candidate for Councilor, maybe you should focus on the election instead of harassing the army. Now, it's time to let us through.
- You seem to misjudge the situation. – Robyn's face hardened and she too was ready to fight. - One way or another, this shipment will go where it is most needed. Mantle.
- Then I suggest, - Clover made one last, desperate attempt to resolve the conflict peacefully. – try legal channels, as a Counselor. If you got elected.
Robyn and Clover locked eyes for a moment before Robyn smiled confidently.
- And what's the fun in that? - Robyn signaled to May and Joanna to prepare for the attack.
- I didn't want it to get this far. – Roman raised Melodic Cludgel and everyone immediately reached for their weapons when at the last moment, the door of the truck's cargo area burst open and Penny flew out.
- Robyn Hill, - The robot girl landed on the driver's cab of the truck and took out six floating swords ready to use. – I politely ask you to call back the Huntress who are approaching the back of the truck!
Ruby, Qrow, and Clover turned in shock, but saw no one.
- Hm - Robyn just laughed. - fine. Joanna, May! - May turned off the invisible field, revealing themselves. - The Protector of Mantle, huh? – She thought Penny's appointment was ridiculous, since she does nothing to protect Mantle.
- Let us through. - Penny wanted to avoid the fight at all costs. - Please.
Joanna and May raised their fighting staffs, Fiona also prepared to fight and Roman, although he had no desire to fight Penny again, was prepared for things to go wrong and instead worked on an escape strategy.
- Fine. – Robyn realized that it wouldn't make much sense to fight the captain of the Ace Ops and Atlas' super weapon at the same time, despite the superiority of the numbers.
Fiona opened the barricade and Robyn signaled to let them through. Penny landed on the ground and got back into the truck with the others.
- Robyn. - Clover turned back one last time. - Good luck with the election.
As soon as Clover got in, they started the truck and continued on their way.
- Now what? - Fiona, although she was glad that there was no fight, was disappointed that they were leaving empty handed.
- I want to know why the Amity Coliseum suddenly became so important. - Robyn watched at the newest member of her team.
- I have no idea. - Roman held out his hand to offer Robyn the use of her Semblance. - And you can check it out.
- No, I believe it. - Robyn just sighed and motioned for the others to get their own trucks back and return to town.
The days of the RWBY, JNR and LLMM team were eventful, there was an alarm at 5 o'clock in the morning and everyone except Ruby was tired and gloomy, but in time everyone found joy in their new career as a Hunters.
- Attention, Hunters! – Clover, who woke up before everyone else, but never looked sleepy, was waiting for them in the briefing room. - Your first mission has arrived! Our primary task is to supervise the construction of the Amity Communication Tower. Which means that we have to protect the supply shipment from Grimm and bandits and of course, we have to protect the mine area itself. Redirecting all construction materials to Amity Tower means there will be serious gaps in defenses against the Grimm in Mantle. They will need our help at the border. Also, there's a lot to do in Mantle and I think you'll find that everyone appreciates having a Hunter around. Of course, you can spend your free time as you wish, anything that helps you to be alert and relaxed. - He turned back to the board, looking through the missions. - So, who's going to be first?
And the adventurous Hunter life in Atlas began, although the primary task was to protect the Amity Tower and its shipments, which RWBY and the Ace Ops first applied for, while the JNR and LLMM teams were tasked with protecting the city.
Jaune, who was tasked with escorting small children and patrolling the streets, couldn't help but be showered with compliments, gifts, and Scroll numbers by lonely single moms who were devastated when they found out he already had a girlfriend.
- He's tall, blonde, handsome and good with children. - It was clear to Nora why the moms adored Jaune so much.
Missions weren't enough for our heroes, as they wanted to improve their own skills, so they converted the Amity Coliseum into a training area, where the arena still functioned and still proved to be the best training system in all of Remnant.
And the Ace Ops didn't hesitate to deal as much as possible with the RWBY, JNR and LLMM teams, who developed at a rapid pace.
Even though Oscar couldn't hear Ozpin anymore, Ironwood hoped that if they're sparring together, it might help lure Ozpin out, although there wasn't much chance of that, it was a nice relaxation for the general and Oscar improved a lot.
By evening, everyone was dead tired in bed, except for Ruby, who was still bouncing like at the beginning of the day and couldn't stop telling Penny about their adventures.
This is how the days went by in Atlas.
- Hey, Ruby! - One day, Lance wanted to show her something special.
- What is that?
- Look, I developed my helmet. – In Lance's hand was his old cone-shaped red helmet, but the T-shaped lookout was covered with a resistant, light-multiplier lens, which allowed him to see better in the dark and the machine at the bottom was a gas mask and thus resistant to smoke and poisonous gases.
- Looks good. - Ruby liked the helmet.
- But there is something else. - Lance, covering part of the helmet with his hand, revealed a golden rose crest, the same one Ruby always wore on her belt.
- Is this… my crest? - Ruby looked at the crest with sparkling eyes.
- You got us this far, - Lance put on his helmet. - I thought, it will bring me luck if I wear your coat of arms.
- You honor me, Lance.
Of course, Weiss definitely wanted to present all the knowledge and development she had acquired during her Mistral adventures to her sister, Winter, and on the training ground she summoned the giant ice knight with its two-handed broadsword.
Winter showed no sign of being impressed, instead summoning her own Beowolf of Ice, challenging her sister to a duel.
The ice knight and Beowolf clashed and the knight seemed to be physically stronger after kicking the wolf in the back, but the wolf was faster and dodged the blow of the large and heavy broadsword, leaping onto the knight's head and chest and decapitated it with a single blow, causing it to evaporate its whole body.
- Oh, - Jaune, who had stayed behind to support his girlfriend, was disappointed that she lost. - almost succeeded.
- "Almost"? - Winter wasn't that pleased with her sister. - There are an insanely many sloppy moves in her technique.
- I think she do with the knight very well. - Jaune helped the girl up, who just rolled her eyes at her sister's criticism.
- Indeed, she learned well how to work with them. – From Winter's mouth, this was already recognition as she turned to Weiss. - You made them to your own.
- Wow, that was almost a compliment coming from your mouth. - Weiss just smiled at her always strict sister.
- I didn't mean it! - Winter nailed it.
- Then we both made a mistake. - Both Winter and Jaune were surprised by the tone in which Weiss spoke to her sister, but Winter just smiled and laughed a little.
- You've grown up, haven't you? You are no longer the little girl who clings to her family name.
- And that's nothing compared to what she's achieved. - Jaune placed a hand on her shoulder.
- I haven't really had a choice since Beacon. - Weiss also took the boy's hand. - My father's world view didn't match mine and that Jaune and my friends did so much more for me than he ever did.
- Whatever caused it, I'm glad to see you've moved on. - Winter was proud of her sister. - Getting away from the Schnee name was the most benefit thing I ever did. - She stepped closer to the couple. - We can move on without it, - She put her hand on her sister's other shoulder. - together. - She turned to Jaune with her piercing stern gaze. - I'm still not sure about you, - The boy pulled himself out. – but in the last few weeks you have proven that Weiss is really important to you and for now, I accept that you are together.
- Wow, - Jaune's heart felt like a heavy weight had been lifted. - thank you, ma'am, I promise I will be worthy of your trust.
- I'm sure, - Winter smiled. — that General Ironwood would find a place for you both.
- We would be grateful, - Weiss wanted nothing more than to be respected by people for her own achievements and to have a serious place in Atlas with Jaune by her side, but something clearly hurt her. – but I'm not sure I could accept it. - She walked away with her head down and sat down on a platform.
- Indeed? – Winter didn't understand her sister's answer.
- Why not? - Neither does Jaune's.
- Because... our kingdom shouldn't be like this. – Weiss knew very well that because of the Atlas embargo, the trade of the other kingdoms is suffering a lot and many people are suffering because of it. Fearful and withdrawn. We should open our borders to help the world and not close ourselves off.
- You're right, - Jaune understood what his girlfriend was saying. – why would they follow us if we don't trust and help them?
- We will! - Winter clarified. - As soon as the storm passes, we will help. - Sighing, she turned to the side. - I know the general doesn't do everything perfectly, but he only does what he thinks is right.
- Everyone thinks they're doing the right thing, - Weiss remembered Roman's lesson to Ruby. – but usually they only care about themselves and if it's not in their interest to help, they won't. And there are even secrets.
- Ironwood doesn't hide secrets. - Winter crossed her arms confidently. - Not from me.
- Are you sure about that? - Weiss didn't share her sister's confidence.
- We thought the same about Ozpin. - Jaune reminded them.
Winter felt that there were no words that could convince them of the truth that Ironwood was trustworthy.
- Come with me. - That's why she decided that actions will speak louder than words. - I want to show you something.
They flew back to the Atlas Academy in a plane and the party was led through the most heavily guarded corridors, where scientists, engineers and soldiers walked up and down everywhere and all of them immediately saluted Winter as she passed them.
She led them down a set of stairs that were constantly monitored by cameras, which led to a long, empty corridor that was now only guarded by robot soldiers, but still monitored by cameras. Winter led them into an empty, dark room with only a strange glass window.
- Is this a detective mirror? - Weiss stated.
- A what? - Jaune touched the glass.
- A mirror that can only be seen through on one side, but nothing on the other side.
- You mean… - Jaune didn't really understand.
- Whoever is on the other side can't see us.
- And who's on the… - As soon as Jaune saw the ward on the other side turned into a smaller apartment, with a bed in the middle of it, with a tired, weak old woman attached to all kinds of machines, he was speechless.
- Good evening, are you feeling better? - Winter walked in on her.
- Good morning. - The old woman said hello, weakly, barely audible.
- It's evening. - Corrected Winter.
- Really? - The old woman was hardly interested. - Here, deep underground, it's easy to lose track of time.
- Would you like some tea? – Winter has already put a pot of water to boil in the kitchen and fetched two cups.
- I like hot tea on a cold day. It reminds me of my home. – As soon as the tea was ready, Winter took it to the old woman and poured it for both of them. - Is there cold outside?
- Yes darling. – Winter answered. - But it's always cold here.
- He is the Winter Maiden. - Weiss understood why this frail old woman had to be guarded so tightly.
- And those… - Jaune recognized the two containers across the room. - they want to transfer their power to someone else.
After they finished their tea, Winter came out of the room and went to the couple.
- She is, isn't she? – Weiss made sure and asked her sister.
- The Winter Maiden and she doesn't have much time. – Winter gave the answer. - She could die any day now. Until then, I'm the only person Fria can see.
- They want you to be next?! - Jaune understood.
- Ironwood chose you? - Weiss was also worried about her sister.
- Same as Pyrrha then. - It was a familiar situation for Jaune.
- How long have you known? – Weiss wanted to know since when her sister was chosen for this mission.
- Since the fall of Beacon. – Winter answered.
- And that doesn't bother you? - Weiss was annoyed.
- That's the only reason he kept her by his side. - Jaune as well.
- Yes, - Weiss also understood. - practically, he shaped your entire military career.
- In the beginning, it did bother me, - Winter admitted. – when the general offered it. But the more I thought about it, the more I saw it as a privilege. As a chance to do something really good for Atlas. For all of Remnant.
- But your fate was chosen by someone else! - Weiss protested. - Without your input!
- Practically, you were forced into it! - Jaune joined in.
- Maybe, but I made it my own. – Winter clarified and turned towards them with a confident smile. - And I'm very proud of it. This has nothing to do with our father or the general. It belongs exclusively to me.
- I think we both have to do the same thing, - Weiss, after a bit of thought, understood and accepted her sister's decision. – to find our own way.
- I think we have to. - Winter admitted, but the joyous moment was interrupted by the beeping of her Scroll. A message has been received from Ironwood. - Speaking of the family name. - She clearly got angry after seeing the message.
- What is that? – Weiss and Jaune were looking curiously at his Winter Scroll because the general had sent a video showing the latest announcement from the father of the two girls.
- If you elect me as a member of the Council, - Jacques made an announcement standing on a podium, while the cameras were constantly watching him. This wasn't a propaganda speech of the customs, but a serious announcement. – I make no secret of the fact that I will oppose General Ironwood and his senseless embargo that will destroy Atlas. I am convinced that these measures are not only reckless, but also criminal. By not letting shipments in or out of the kingdoms, I know that many people are suffering. And my family is just as bad as many of you. I am forced to stop all essential SDC operations with immediate effect. If I get elected I will make the necessary changes to fix what Ironwood has ruined. I hope everyone asks themselves before voting, can they trust anyone else to stop Ironwood? Will Robyn Hill be able to give back your work? They clearly collude with the White Fang terrorist organization and jointly want to start a war against the entire Remnant. Vote for me and I'll not only make Atlas safer, but you'll even get your jobs back.
As soon as his speech ended, dozens of reporters raised their microphones to ask the man a million questions, but he just waved them off and the broadcast ended.
- I'm afraid... - Winter's eyes widened in horror. – our father lit the spark that will burn this kingdom to ashes.
- What are you talking about? - Jaune didn't understand.
- Because of the Amity project, - Weiss explained. - there is no construction material to improve the city's defenses, and due to Ironwood's embargo, their salaries have become quite low.
- And with your father refusing to give Dust and closing his shops and mines… - Jaune slowly understood.
- This will cause a riot in Mantle. - Weiss finished.
Thank you for reading. Please sign it to follow and as favourite and don't forget to write reviews.