Yeah my life sucks for now because I'm stuck doing 12hr shifts until further notice. I hope it ends soon cause spending most of my day asleep sucks, especially since it means I end up neglecting my dogs. Oh, FYI I happened to find this other dog running up and down the street and decided to adopt her when she took a liking to me. Her name's Tali, named after Tali'Zorah from mass effect just like my other pup.
When he decided to destroy the wall and the Grimm army along with it Jaune didn't really think about what would come after. Him sitting at the mouth of the town with Crocea Mors in it's lance form on his lap in a wooden chair definitely wasn't one of them. It had been a few days since the battle and he was taking full responsibility for his rather reckless plans by guarding the opening to the village with his team. They all took turns keeping an eye out for any signs of Grimm but just like yesterday everything was pretty clear for the most part.
"Tell me again why we're being punished? If I remember correctly we saved the entire town from an army of monsters and yet here we are being ostracized for our good deeds". This was the second time in ten minutes that Ilia was complaining and right on cue Ciel answered for them all. "Yes we did save the town but we also caused untold amounts of damage and collapsed the roads into the caves that happen to be this towns life blood". She sighed and took a sip from her can of coke, "because of that the least we can do is make it up to the people with guard duty".
Jaune couldn't have said it better himself and it was why he agreed to it when Ciel brought it up. It wasn't like the people actually hated them or anything but it was to quite down those who would have voiced those opinions anyway. Between dying at the hands of the Grimm or being alive another day to be angry, he knew what his choice would be. Even some of the soldiers seemed to agree with their decision, which was why most considered them heroes that saved the town.
Jaune threw his head back and looked at the sky. Communications had finally come back online the other day so he was keeping an eye out for a bullhead from Atlas to come get them. Unfortunately the skies were clear and hope began dwindling with each passing second much like yesterday. Honestly he just wanted to go home now and put all this crap behind him, maybe even fall asleep in class if he got the time for it. Now that he thought about it it felt like the only time he actually got time off for all his hard work was when he was at the academy.
"It's about time"!
Jaune snapped out of his thoughts and noticed Ciel and Ilia up on their feet and waving their arms to try and catch someone's attention. Who they were trying for was in the distance and slowly approaching their destination from above. A bullhead came into view and was followed by several other airships including one very large battleship. It was probably back up to help the town and provide assistance. Winter was pretty adamant about getting the military to aid the town because of what he did.
Her way of taking the blame for things apparently.
The airships touched down a good ways away from the town and started to let out both soldiers and Mechs that marched over to them. To everyone's surprise the General of Atlas himself led the march and dispatched soldiers to secure the town upon their arrival. When Ironwood laid eyes on them he approached, flanked on either side by two members of the Ace Ops, both Clover and Harriet. Although they weren't soldiers, he and the rest of his team saluted the General as they arrived.
"At ease" Ironwood said with a small smile. He looked over the four of them that were present and then behind him towards the vast tundra. "The last time I visited this area I remembered there being a large and heavily defended wall" he pointed towards the mouth of the town, "right there". Ironwood turned back to them and eyed the blonde knight. "I take it something strange occurred around here that suddenly had that impressive wall vanishing without a trace"?
Although the General posed it as a question Jaune knew that Winter probably reported everything that happened already. Before he could answer Ironwood cracked a smile along with Clover and Harriet. "Under normal circumstances for causing so much damage to a town you'd be fined and have your huntsmen license suspended, luckily the Commander of this lovely town vouched for you and explained what happened. Hmm, wiping out a Grimm army, yes I think under such circumstances this can be overlooked somewhat".
Jaune let out a breath he didn't know he was holding, as did the rest of his team.
Ironwood looked away from them as soldiers and civilians started coming out to see what was happening. "And to think you were here for a such and rescue mission" the General thought out loud. He looked back to team AASP's leader once more, "everything that transpired here will become classified. With what you've done here, if word got out that you have such power it could cause tensions to rise between the other kingdoms".
Ironwood turned away and whispered his next words just loud enough for them to hear. "A single person with the power to wipe out an army...what strange times we live in".
The General left those last words with him as he walked off to speak with his right hand specialist. Team FNKI gave the General a salute before moving on to see their group. "So...what did the General have to say about all this? Hopefully it wasn't anything too bad cause, come on, you guys kinda did save our bacon back there. It was a desperate time for all of us especially since we never saw such an attack coming". Flynt's face took a more serious expression, "if I'm being straight with you, we'd all be dead right now without you guys".
The rest of team FNKI agreed with their leader which brought a smile to Jaune and his teammates faces. "It wasn't anything too bad, the General is just worried how the rest of the world is going to react to someone having a power like mine that can do this much damage on their own". Jaune shifted his lance back to it's sword and shield form before drawing his blade to reveal it's burnt and cracked state. "I think once he learns how I can only use it the one time it might put him at ease, then again it's not really something I'm eager to do again if I'm being honest".
"What was it like anyways? You know, having all that freaky power running through you like that" Neon chimed in.
Jaune stared down at his sword and thought back to that moment before trying to put it into words. "Cleansing, or maybe enlightening. I don't know, it's kinda hard to put into words but all I know is that I felt really good and like everything in the world was right all of a sudden". His hand tighten around the handle, "I lost myself in the feeling and forgot what I was supposed to be doing for a moment".
The others looked concerned for a moment so Ciel asked the big question, "what snapped you out of it"? Jaune sheathed his sword and chuckled. "Your probably gonna laugh at me but the only reason I remembered what I needed to do was because I saw all of you pass me by". When the two teams started to catch on Jaune confirmed their thoughts, "That's right, I had a friendship moment". Just like he had thought, everyone around him started laughing at him with some even making fun of him for loving his friends so much.
/
In the distance Ironwood watched the two teams having their laughs with each other...it was enough to cause a small smile to form on his own face. "You must be proud of them" he asked specialist Winter Schnee who stood at his side seeing the same thing he was. She couldn't deny it. She was incredibly proud of what they had all done and knew that the people here today would always remember how this first year team saved them all. Her thoughts must've shown on her face because General Ironwood had to comment on how pleased she looked.
With the teasing out of the way the Generals expression became more serious as he asked, "how's the people's attitude towards your team"? She knew why he was asking but couldn't answer since in that moment another figure cut in and answered for her. "The people see that team, or more specifically the red head and your little knight, as heroes straight out of those old fairy tales we used to hear about as kids James". Ironwood and Winter, along with the two Ace operatives with them turned to see Commander Rudolph standing behind them.
Winter's eyes widened in surprise having not only not known someone was close enough to eavesdrop but close enough that she should have sensed him by now. Years of training and dangerous missions should have prepared her well enough and yet she remained frozen in shock that this could happen. Commander Rudolph's eye slid from the Generals to Winter's before he let out a small sigh. "No need to be so tense little lady, me and your boss have history and if memory serves it was all good". Commander Rudolph stepped forward and held out a hand which Ironwood took with a smile.
"It's been far too long partner".
"Hmph, you know as well as I that we ain't partners anymore. Those days hunting rouge huntsmen throughout Atlas are behind us like the color revolution".
Commander Rudolph joined the four of them in watching the two teams of hunters in training. "James, tell me are you planning to take what the boy and that girl did and keep hush about it"? Winter didn't quite grasp the history between the General and the Commander but knew what the man was asking about was above what he had clearance for. She made to put a stop to the man's questioning but like with the Commander, Ironwood cut her off and spilled the truth. "That was the original plan but something tells me you have a better idea then that".
Commander Rudolph smirked and nodded, "of course I do but first tell me, is that old fox still on the council"? The look on James face was all the Commander needed to see before he too grumbled in displeasure. "Well if that's the case I think it's better if you don't try and hide this. If that old bastard sticks his nose into things he's more then likely going to dig up the truth one way or another, and then he'll spin it in his favor. If that's going to be the case I say use it while you have the chance". General Ironwood sighed and looked to his old friend, "you know what that'll do to the boy, right"?
Rudolph crossed his arms and grunted. "That boys name has been getting around lately...hell, even way out here we've heard of him. It doesn't take a genius to realize that someone is trying to pull him to there side with fame and fortune. But at this point it's the hand the kids been dealt, so if it's going to happen it best be the person who has the people's interest at heart".
Ironwood massaged the bridge of his nose and sighed once more, wondering how using a child the way they were was now the growing pass time for Atlas's higher ups.
Commander Rudolph gently smacked Ironwoods chest with the back of his hand to get his attention. "I'll make some arrangements so don't drop the ball on me, you hear"? Ironwood nodded and watched as his old friend walked off to handle his business. When the Commander vanished around a buildings corner, Winter, who had been quiet during their little conversation, decided to ask. "I had no idea the two of you were so acquainted with each other - (acquainted enough to share top secrect intel with apparently) - have you known each other long sir"? Ironwood smiled fondly at the question, "far longer then most, he was my partner back in our academy days after all".
Winter's eyes widened in surprise, she never heard anything about the Generals old team from his academy days, let alone that any were still around to this day. Her eyes turned back to where the Commander vanished. To think a man that was on the Generals team would be out here in this village of all places. You would think that he would have been a high ranking officer in the military by now...or maybe he was, if what he said earlier was true. That did beg the question, if one teammate of the Generals was alive then what about the others?
"Sir".
"Hmm"?
"Are the rest of your teammates...around as well"?
Ironwood crossed his arms behind his back, looked up to the sky and sighed. "I'm sorry but there are some things better left in the past where they lay". The hint was enough so Winter changed the subject to something a little more lighthearted. "The teams are looking forward to going home soon, or perhaps you'd prefer us to stick around to help with clean up"? The General thought about it for a second but ultimately shook his head, denying the additional help. "The soldiers I brought to deal with the aftermath should suffice, plus your teams mission is over. They need to report back to Atlas immediately and continue their studies if they are to become the heroes the world needs them to be".
Heroes, huh? After what she witnessed here she could certainly believe it. "Will one of the airships you brought along be transporting us back"? Ironwood nodded, "all of you will be heading back to Atlas with me while Clover oversees operations here in my absence. With Harriet here as his second in command there shouldn't be too much trouble that they can't handle together. Well, not unless another army of Grimm appear out of nowhere".
The General had just arrived here not that long ago and yet he was going to leave this place with them? "Sir, is there something the matter"? The specialist asked, the concern in her voice easily noticable. General Ironwood eyes narrowed slightly as he looked towards the tundra where the wall used to be. "Your reports of communication and security breaches that had the gate to the town opening for the Grimm have been on my mind since earlier. In the past 25 years nothing like that has ever occurred in this settlement, excluding when new equipment was being installed. For it to happen now when the town faced it greatest threat since it's inception...well, it doesn't feel like a coincidence to me".
Winter raised a brow at his word's. "Sir, it sounds like your suggesting that someone deliberately helped the Grimm to try and destroy this town. Besides bandits wanting supplies, there's nothing to be gained from seeing this place overrun with Grimm. Even if it was bandits, the amount of Grimm around would have made it too dangerous to even approach this location afterwards".
Those were all good points. Exactly what he would've expected from his right hand specialist, except for the fact that she neglected the other piece of information Jaune and his team put forward. Winter thought it unlikely that such a Grimm with that kind of intelligence could exist despite the fact that she saw it all but commanding the Grimm that assaulted the front gate. After all it was publicly known that Grimm were mindless monsters that moved on instinct alone. And to an extent the act of working together with others has been seen mostly by beowolfs due to their pack mentality.
But he knew the truth.
He knew about Salem and her desires for the downfall of humanity, as well as all that they've created. To hear of another creature with the ability to command the Grimm showing up here, coupled with the breaches in security. It spoke of a carefully planned attack that should have seen this village destroyed before they could mobilize a proper defense. He could imagine the negativity that would have arose if Shelters fall was released to the public. A place that stood for over a hundred years suddenly gone over night would've proven that nowhere was safe, even Atlas with all it's defenses.
Was it supposed to be a message to him from the Grimm Queen? One that said he should fear her if he knew what was best for him and those he protects. If so then the defeat of her newest creation, along with her Grimm forces would send it's own message. One that said no matter what she unleashed, they'd be ready and willing to fight. Now, If only that was true. If they were truly ready at any time then they'd have taken the fight to Salem herself and ended this thing already. At least that's what they should've been aiming for, and would have if not for Ozpin procrastinating so much.
Ironwoods body stiffened slightly as his eyes widened with a certain realization.
Maybe this was the chance they've all been waiting for. Never before has anyone with a semblance as strong as Jaunes ever shown up to support them. Here and now though they did, if only they could get him up to the right level of skill and strength, then even Ozpin would be forced to reconsider. Of course he hated thinking of the young Arc as a mere weapon but maybe that didn't have to be the end result. What if he brought the young Arc into the fold as Ozpin did him? The idea held merit and even more then that the trust was there between them.
The boy owed him a lot for the opportunity he was given, even without that Jaunes dedication to do what was right would surely have his sword pointing at the Grimm Queen. Ozpin would be against it obviously, but then again Ozpin brought them in and sent them out without a support base to fight back if Salem's flunkies came around. This could be a chance to change that as well, plus he wasn't going to be this young forever. It would help to have people carrying out his mission after he was gone, if it lasts that long. Or in the unfortunate circumstance of him meeting his end came up somewhere along the way.
He needed to bring it up later when he contacted the other headmasters to brief them on these new developments.
"Sir"!
Ironwood looked to see a soldier of his running up to them. "Report" he said when the soldier was close enough. "Two small packs of Grimm, likely survivors from within the mountains making their way around from the east and west, sir"! It only took a second of thought before the General was ready with his orders. "Take two teams to intercept from above and have two more teams to form a perimeter in front of the towns entrance, should any get past the gunships". The soldier struck a salute, about faced and jogged off with his finger pressed to the side of his helmet. The Grimm wouldn't survive the gunships but it never hurt to be extra careful.
Commander Rudolph returned in time to see the soldier jogging by and raised a brow. "Trouble I take it"?
"Just a few Grimm, nothing to worry about" the General assured his former teammate. The two exchanged a few more words before Commander Rudolph placed a flash drive in Ironwoods hand. "The security footage from every camera connected to our main base from yesterday. If used in the right manner it could potentially start that boy and girls career off in spectacular fashion. Not that they need it with everything that's going on already". Ironwood tossed the flash drive up slightly and caught it when it came down, "and I may have just the way of going about it".
Ironwood turned to his Specialist, "assemble the teams while I call for pick up, we'll depart as soon as they get here". Winter saluted her General before doing as she was told. After which, they all were on the first flight out of the tundra and back to the floating kingdom of Atlas.
/
There was definitely a lot of things to do in the coming days but first thing was first, the emergency call needed to be sent out.
As soon as the General and the others arrived back in Atlas he ordered everyone to keep what happened in Shelter under wraps until he called for them. Then when he confirmed that they all understood his orders he marched up to his office, locked the door behind him and ordered his secretary to hold any and all calls for him until he otherwise said so. After which he spent the next few hours going over everything on the footage several times over. When he presented his findings to the others he was going to need all his ducks in a row to keep Ozpin from wiggling out of the proposition he had in mind.
Connecting a line to all the headmasters within Ozpins inner circle. It took a minute but eventually Ozpin, Theodore and Leonardo answered his call and appeared in his office, in their own desks in front of him. Normally this type of call was reserved for when highly classified Salem Intel was gathered. Since his discovery of the knew Grimm was indeed a Salem problem, it all fit together rather nicely.
Ozpin poured himself a fresh cup of coffee from a thermos and took a quick sip. Nobody moved or spoke until the old wizard finally settled in and looked to them to start. Theodore took the lead and looked to Ironwood. "This must be serious if you've called everyone of use here. Speak. What has the General of Atlas come across to warrant such a call"? Ironwood tapped away on his terminal and brought up a freeze frame of the Grimm Knights assault at Shelter, being extra careful to cut out just who was fighting it.
"W-what is that"?! Leonardo inquired as he leaned in closer to get a better look.
Ozpin stoppped just short of taking another sip from his mug as Theodore sucked in a sharp breath and squeezed his hand into balls of fists.
It was clear to all what they were looking at, but Ironwood decided to explain it to them anyways. "This is a new Grimm variant that Salem has created recently. One of my team of students crossed paths with it and managed to get a few details about the creature they encounter. Besides it's appearance taking a more humanoid form for better combat efficiency, it's most notable attribute is it's ability to command any and all Grimm like it's creator". Ironwood hit a key on his terminal and another image appeared, one from the camera on the outer wall showing the mass of Grimm waiting in the tundra.
Everyone went quite as they took in the site.
"We mourn the loss of your students old friend" Ozpin commented with a hint of sorrow in his voice. The rest of the headmasters echoed the sentiment but Ironwood held a hand up to stop them before anything else got misunderstood. "As much as I appreciate your heart felt thoughts I'm actually glad to inform you all that they are wasted at this moment. The incident was resolved with few casualties and more then a little property damage that we are working to fix at the moment". The headmasters looked shocked at the news, and why wouldn't they? Grimm incursions like what happened in Shelter normally only brought tragedy and death along with it.
Theodore cupped his chin in thought for a moment as he eyed the General of Atlas. "I hope this isn't a round about way of getting us to praise you for coming to that town's aid when they called you for help. That would be pretty vain if you ask me". Ironwoods linked his fingers together in front of him and was more then happy to deliver the truth. "Actually the military wasn't even aware of what was transpiring until the day after, after all of this was already over".
"And yet you seem pleased for some reason".
Ironwood nodded to Vacuo's headmasters. "I am indeed, because of this one incident we've now got something that could prove to be a boon in our fight against Salem". General Ironwood unlinked his fingers and clicked on a key that brought up a security cameras footage of Jaune standing still with his sword held out in front of him. Ozpins eyes narrowed slightly but before he could protest, Jaune began to glow with a white light that grew brighter with each passing second as the footage went on. After a while the light changed and the young man's skin and hair began to change with it.
Jaunes hair went from blonde to white while his skin turned gray with a shiny luster like a car. Shortly after the transformation, a group of soldiers along with his team passed by before he raised his sword and swung. The screen went white a moment later but everyone waited to see what happened next. Seconds passed and the light started to clear. Ironwood brought up a few more screen that showed different angles of the wall...or at least what was left. The tundra was visible but all the Grimm were nowhere to be seen.
Leonardo sat back in his chair slack jawed while Theodore finally released a breath he didn't know he was holding. Ironwood tapped a key and closed each screen before linking his hands in front of him once more. "The boys name is Jaune Arc and within the months he's been here under my care he's grown considerably in mind and body. Honestly once people see this I don't doubt his name will go down in the history of Remnant as the most powerful huntsmen to ever exist. So long as he's nurtured correctly, I believe with his power we finally take the fight to Salem and be rid of her for good".
"No". Ozpins voice cut through the conversation and brought all eyes to him. "Salem is far more powerful then any one individual, trust me I know and I've tried on more then one occasion. As such we continue to stay the course as before and continue to consolidate our power while we expand the kingdoms reach outward".
Theodore nodded along with Ozpin before looking to the General of Atlas. "I understand your frustration Ironwood but Ozpin is correct, one individual, a kid no less, isn't going to be enough to change the fact that Salem has more strength then us. As a huntsmen and General no less you should know combat capability isn't all that's needed to win a war". Ironwood placed both hands on his desk and rose to his feet, conviction in his eyes never once wavering. "Your right I do know that, but I also know that every war has to come to an end sometime. We, and those that came before us have stood against Salem time and time again, bringing peace and stability while she slinks into the Grimmlands after every defeat".
Ironwood walked around his desk until he stood in front of his and held his hands out wide. "We have fought for generations and won by putting an end to her plots and the numerous agents she gains over those times of peace. But that's the problem, we've won on more then one occasion but never seen a true end to this conflict. Where we have to constantly fight and win, Salem needs only to win once for this to all be over. We can't let that happen obviously, so we need to end this ourselves".
Theodore and Leonardo looked away in frustration, knowing that he was telling the brutal truth of it all. The only one who didn't look fazed at all was Ozpin, but then again the man had life times to learn how to control himself so that was nothing new.
"There is more then what I've shared so far" the General continued, "Jaune Arc's abilities go even beyond what I've shown you today". The others finally met his gaze as he began to list out the numerous advantages the young Arc could bring to there fight against Salem. "Healing" he started off with, "we've witnessed that his semblance has the ability to restore a person's aura with his own, as well as heal injuries that might have occurred due to aura loss. In fact he's even gone so far as to save a person's life from the brink of death with this ability".
"You have proof of this"? Theodore asked.
Ironwood nodded, "Winter Schnee, my right hand specialist had been fatally wounded on a previous mission. The mission that saw Adam Taurus brought low by mister Arc in fact. In her report she'd taken and wound to her gut that would have seen her bleed out long before any medical attention could have been administered. Jaune Arc's semblance healed the wound with no complications at all and even restored a good deal of own aura at the same time. Since then he's grown leaps and bounds at controlling his ability to produce faster results".
Leonardo raised a hand and spoke when the other looked to him. "Surely there must be more then that if your endorsing this young man so greatly".
Ironwood acknowledged Havens headmaster and provided his trump card to the meeting. "Jaunes semblance also has the ability to increase the power and abilities of any man or woman's semblance to a degree beyond what they could generate alone. I've seen it on many occasions where he provided support for a teammate and granted them enough power to change the course of any battle they found themselves in". He was of course thinking back during the training period that Winter and the Ace Ops provided.
Seeing Weiss's semblance pushed to those levels had his eyes nearly popping out of his head at the absurdity of it all. Luckily it seemed his trump had the effect he was looking for because even Ozpin couldn't hide the shock from his face. As such he decided to drive his point home with the last bit he'd been holding for just this moment. "Also where every person has a limit to the amount of aura they have at their disposal, Jaune Arc does not".
"What do you mean"?
Ironwood turned away and click a key on his terminal and brought up the footage of Jaune holding his sword in front of him. "Jaune has broken the mold we know and can use his semblance on himself to boost his own aura reserves to unparalleled levels. As you've just seen for yourselves". The clip played and Jaune began to glow as he built up his aura. The clip stopped with another tap of a key on the terminal before Ironwood looked back to the others.
"Have you already taken steps to prepare him"? The words came from Theodore as Vacuo's headmaster watched the General with a focused gaze. Ironwood nodded to the man, "I have him doing mission to easier prepare him for the future, but I didn't want to make any hasty moves without first informing all of you first". Theodore and Leonardo nodded with gratitude at the decision.
"Even with these knew developments we should still remain as we are" Ozpin said, rejoining the conversation once again. Before Ironwood could object to Ozpins plan of action Leonardo spoke up surprising them all. "Actually Ozpin I agree with General Ironwood on this one" he said to the surprise of all. Leonardo withered under the gaze of the other headmasters for a moment before he coughed into his fist and put on a braver face. "Ironwoods plan won't happen right away, isn't that right James"?
The lion faunus waited for the General to nod, once he did he continued with his thoughts. "Knowing James as well as we do, he's no doubt gonna wanna take some time to prepare the boy as well as his men. That should be more than enough time to gather our forces as well. The academies haven't been this strong in generation's and with every kingdom pooling their strength together...well it just might be possible to pull this off".
Ironwood watched the headmaster from Haven academy for a long second. In truth he didn't have the highest of opinions of Leonardo because of how easy he was to roll over whenever Ozpin wanted something. That he stood against Ozpins status quo strategy before anyone else showed that he at least had somewhat of a spine. Leonardo threw in his lot with him and now he had the momentum for the moment. "I couldn't have said it better myself" Ironwood said with a small nod to Havens headmaster. "Salem's forces are already on the move, we can't afford to wait too long or we'll lose this opportunity".
Ozpin disagreed as expected of him. "It is because Salem's forces are on the move that we must stay the course" he argued, trying to get through to his colleagues. "Salem's forces have only shown a small hint of a much bigger scheme, or did you think this new Grimm you presented us was just a one off? And then there's Ambers situation to consider as well. That she was attacked not so long ago should be a cause for concern".
"It could have been a test of sorts? Maybe she's realized that since she's never even gotten one relic in all this time, that maybe she is in need of better subordinates. Grimm smart enough to control hords of other Grimm could pose formidable if they formed a chain of command with Salem at the top" Theodore thought out loud. "As for the Amber situation, you already have that in hand with looking for a new Fall Maiden".
"Which is all the more reason we need to take the fight to her" Ironwood would argued. "The more time we waste the worse off we are. You forget that Salem is a humanoid Grimm, and like us humans she's capable of adapting and changing as time goes on. This new Grimm is a precursor to what's to come, and I for one won't stand by and wait for these monsters to come in force to destroy my kingdom and the people I've sworn to protect". Ironwood crossed his arms behind his back and held his head high as he spoke his convictions out loud for everyone to hear.
"I will sacrifice what ever it takes to stop her, even my own life if that is what it takes".
"Many have given their lives in pursuit of what your trying-" Ozpin started, only for Theodore to interrupt him mid sentence as he stood up from behind his desk. "And they have failed because they had been forced to go it alone" he said as he eyed Beacons headmaster. "But not this time". Theodore turned to Ironwood and matched his gaze. "I would rather die in the field then behind this desk if it meant sparing future generations of her evil". At that moment Leonardo voiced his agreement as well and Ozpin saw the way things were going.
"You won't win" he said angrily.
Ironwood turned to him with a disappointed look on his, "you don't know that for sure".
Ozpin scowled, "yes I do"!
"And how is that"? The General asked, a tiny hint of frustration in his voice.
Something snapped within but Ozpin knew that if he didn't reveal the truth here then everything he worked for would be thrown out the window. "BECAUSE SHE CAN'T BE KILLED"!
The words were damning, and everyone stared at him with varying degrees of shock and suspicion. Ironwood was the first to break the silence and asked him to explain himself. So he did. He explained more about Salem's curse and the gods ordeal, but made sure to keep some pieces of his past a secret still. "I didn't want you all to know because I didn't want any of you to lose hope in what we've been doing". The other headmasters stood in silence for a long moment but Ironwood spoke for what he truly believed in.
"I understand stand now" he said quietly before his eyes hardened on the old wizard. "And to a degree I believe what you did was right, but haven't we proven ourselves worthy of your trust by now"?
"James".
"We've dedicated the majority of our lives to this cause and even now I can still tell that your withholding information from us. Tell me Ozpin do you even truly trust us as we do you or is that our wishful thinking"?
The question was disheartening to hear but he'd take their disappointment over their failed crusade any day. "Of course I trust you. All of you" he said to the rest. The looks on their faces said it all. Ironwood released a sigh and turned away, walking back to his desk. "I wish I could believe that" he said just loud enough to be heard. Ironwood shook his and turned back to the others, "the attack on Salem is still a go if your with me" he said to Vacuo and Havens headmasters. Everyone looked surprised and Theodore had to ask, "what good would our assault do if we can't put an end to her?
Ironwoods eyes narrowed, "it's true she can't be killed but that doesn't mean she can't be beaten. Leave how we handle taking her down to me. I believe there is a way but I have some things to take care of first. When the time comes I'll be sure to share what I have but I must ask for your patience and trust".
"James please"! Ozpin tried but went ignored as the other headmasters nodded in agreement.
"Then until next time" Ironwood said as he cut the communication. Ozpin yelled his name once more but faded away a moment later. The General really wasn't in the mood to talk with his old friend right now but he knew they would have words sooner or later. His eyes scanned over the desk and fell on the small clock in the corner of his terminal. So many hours had passed and he bet a lot of paperwork got pushed back while he was busy, but there was still so much to take care of and so little time. Ironwood pulled out his scroll, looked through his contacts and clicked on a certain person's icon.
Ironwood placed the scroll to his ear as he looked out his offices window just as the recipient answered. "Doctor Polendina, there's something I need you to do for me".
/
Leonardo leaned back in his seat and let out a sigh, watching Ozpin and Ironwood go at it like that always stressed him out. "Did you get all that"? He asked the small icon of a C floating a little ways off his desk.
On the other end of the line Cinder sat on a soft chair in an unknown apartment with a glass of red wine in her left hand. They had been discussing their plans for the future when the emergency call had come through. To have listened to everything that had happened both delighted and infuriated her in equal measure. So Salem wanted to use her to end the world, did she. Well she could say with certainty that that wasn't going to be happening, but what could she do at the moment? A thought came to mind and although it would force her to revise her plan's, if she played her cards right then she could get all she wanted with her own power.
"Leonardo we have much to discuss" she said before taking a sip from her glass.
And that is the end of this chapter ladies and gentlemen. So many things happening behind the scene and our boy isn't aware of it at all.
