Alrighty! I'm back, and not feeling like absolute shit.
So, a quick couple of announcements. There's about two chapters worth of content for this arc left after this chapter. At which point I'll be stepping away from this fic to sort out the next arc for a couple of weeks at least. More word on that when we arrive at that point in a couple of weeks time.
In other news, I've posted a new fanfic called Remnant's Rusted God. It's a crossover fic starring Jaune in the Overlord universe. You can find it if you check my profile. Still need to update that one day and put something interesting for random people to see. Oh well, maybe in a little bit.
As for the new fic, I should hopefully have a new chapter out within the next day.
Without further ado, let's go!
Arc 2 – Chapter 25:
Three days had since passed, and Vacuo's representatives had still not showed. As such, with all parties still not present, there were no current peace talks. That left a whole of downtime for the envoys since, without any idea of how the talks would go, there was no point in committing to any deals, bargains, pacts or trade agreements.
Was it more profitable to open construction and mining deals with Vale, or was it better spend the money on gearing up for continued fighting.
Would Atlas enter the fray and ally with Mistral, or would they side with the underdog that purportedly was Menagerie? It was no secret that Atlas and Vacuo failed to get along.
As such, while representatives and business moguls like Sleet and Jacques socialised with the other representatives and broached topics of potential deals and treaties, no-one on either side was ready to fully commit.
To counter the growing irritation of the numerous envoys, the council had decided to invite everyone on a tour of the city, showcasing Vale's wealth to the more business-minded, the culture to the leaders, and the military prowess of the army to impress the envoys, but also hopefully act as a deterrent.
Needless to say, James was hardly impressed, though he said nothing, content to let the Mistralians act all snide and haughty on his behalf.
The main group this posturing was intended for was the Menagerians after-all. Alexander hoped to impress them with shiny formations of pikemen, and well groomed warhorses in a hastily erected military parade.
Ozpin would concede it certainly looked impressive, but Vale posed no real threat to the other Kingdoms if subtle intimidation was intended.
In terms of sheer military scale and technological prowess, Atlas was the world powerhouse, with an active military size easily dwarfing Vales own. Mandatory military service from the age of 17 had long been in act for many decades, requiring all citizens to undergo three years of basic service before release into the civilian world.
It was a practice that effectively ensured everyone in Atlas could be called to arms if the need ever rose. A practice that likely would never need to be considering Atlas field an active duty military of well over 1.5 million troops of various branches.
That alone was another reason for Menagerie to want to open up peace talks, because if Atlas ever decided to shift its neutrality to one of a defence-pact with Mistral, then the course of the war would drastically change.
It was also the sole reason that Atlas underwent over a century of everlasting peace with the other Kingdoms. No-one was game to poke a stick into the biggest person wielding the biggest stick of all.
However, that military was justified. While Vale, despite its burgeoning economic crisis, had fertile lands and an expansive frontier, it was far from the most dangerous kingdom.
Atlas was perpetually frozen, with uninhabitable tundra surrounding them, and hyper aggressive Grimm hordes wandering and preying on those who ventured outside of the safety of their homes.
It had no choice but to sustain a large army, as the alternative was wasting years on training Huntsmen. It was simply more cost efficient to field a large army that could yield greater impact over an area, rather than specialise in small teams of highly skilled warriors. Though, that was not to say that Atlas didn't field its own Huntsmen. If anything, one could argue that Atlesian Huntsmen were some of the most skilled in the world, a worthy rival of Beacon's own.
On the flip side, Mistral was much more lax in terms of an active military, relying instead on various mercenary groups and state-controlled Hunters to fight their wars. Actual Huntsmen seldom got involved in the fighting, mostly because Mistral didn't actually have enough to afford to toss away frivolously in war. The whole situation with Menagerie was mostly being fought in Vacuo, so there was no real sense of urgency in the Mistral government's eyes to send Huntsmen out to fight.
At least, that was until Menagerie decided to bring the fight directly to Mistrals shores upon learning that Mistral was supplying Vacuo with money, materials, and even mercenaries in exchange for slaves and captured goods.
Lemon and Javi made it a point to not acknowledge Meg and her aides as they toured the city with Ozpin and the Vale Council in tow.
As for what they were touring right now was the Beacon administrative complex, with the Hunter barracks nearby.
Rosaline had made the 'wise' suggestion of having the envoys witness a display of skill by the Valean Hunters. The council had agreed, taking it a step further and proposing that Ozpin show off the Huntsmen as well. A suggestion which he had protested, but was ultimately overruled in.
Currently, several Hunters could be seen training in outdoor amphitheatre while all the envoys watched with mild curiosity. James looked dispassionate about the overall mediocre display, while Lemon supressed a yawn.
Rosaline cared little for their thoughts, however, but was instead gauging the reactions of Meg and the Albain brothers.
The brothers were impossible to read, and Meg was no different. She maintained an impassive expression, and her eyes lazily trailed over the combatants.
Rosaline looked increasingly nervous as she failed to get any sort of reaction out of the faunus. However, Ozpin saw differently.
He caught the subtle shifting of the Albain brothers eyes as they seemingly conferred with themselves, and he picked up the way that Meg's eyes followed the Hunters movements.
He also didn't fail to pick up how lithe and strong her body was, and the way she walked.
While she held no weapon on her body, he could hazard a pretty accurate guess that she was likely trained to fight, what with the confidence in which she walked, and how she seemingly seemed to always keep an eye on her surroundings, as if expecting an enemy to emerge.
He trusted Glynda had picked up on it as well, even if she kept such observations to herself. It wouldn't do to gossip about one's guest right in front of them after all.
"As you can see, Vale harbours a deep tradition of chivalry, rooted in generations of warriors that helped found our very Kingdom," said Rosaline, trying to keep Meg's attention.
She inclined her head.
"Your warriors are skilled. I can see their training is vigorous." Her delivery was anything but impressed, but she was cordial enough to at least appear to not be bored.
"Forgive me for sounding weary, but we have already seen a display of your military earlier," she added.
"This display seems rather… underwhelming… compared to earlier?"
The Vale councillors murmured amongst themselves in a mixture of embarrassment and outrage at her words, but were quickly silenced by Alexander.
"They are but merely another service branch. One specialised in keeping the peace and combatting the Grimm."
Meg almost seemed to roll her eyes at that but caught herself.
Curious, thought Ozpin.
"They are far from our strongest units," quickly added Rosaline. "That would be our Huntsmen."
Meg quirked an eyebrow.
"Huntsmen? I thought they were the same thing?"
Sensing an opportunity to impress, Rosaline pressed onwards.
"Far from it. What you see here is a paltry display in comparison to their feats," she smiled.
The Albain brothers exchanged looks.
Ozpin internally cursed.
Huntsmen weren't to be paraded around. And they certainly weren't meant to be put on display as a show of strength to boost the Council's own ego.
While their display of skill could serve as a better deterrent to Menagerie, he felt it was better to leave that avenue of strength to Atlas. The Kingdom with the largest military in the world and an eagerness to show it off.
Vale should be strictly viewed as a cultural centre to open up relations and forge ties. Not be seen as another bloodthirsty nation for everyone to feel afraid of.
"Perhaps we are getting too ahead of ourselves here," he interjected, disrupting Rosaline's flow who subtly tried to send a glare his way. He ignored her behaviour, capturing the attention of everyone now, including the faunus.
"The purpose of our Hunters and Huntsmen is certainly not to wage war, though they are more than ready to heed the call if ever we should have most unfortunate need to. Rather, their primary role is to combat the Grimm. The survival of Humanity is, and always has been, the utmost important creed by which we live by. There is nothing to be gained by fighting with each other."
He would never be able to stress that enough it seemed, especially these days when everyone seemed to be itching for a fight.
"So, the bloodthirsty warriors that Mistral has sent to hunt my people with, the ones that we have heard repeated claims of being labelled as Huntsmen, are in fact not interested in seeking war?"
Ozpin wanted to frown at the disbelieving tone Meg used.
Really, Mistral? Was conquest so necessary for you?
Apparently so, and if anything, the Mistral envoys seemed unapologetic.
"Your people were raiding our shorelines," shrugged Javi.
"Thus is the nature of war. I hope no hard feelings are met?"
Meg's lips thinned in disdain.
"Would you say the same if we were the ones kidnapping your people and selling them into slavery? Because I think our response has been most certainly just."
Lemon stepped forward with a smug look on her face.
"Then you shouldn't be complaining about retaliation."
Meg looked furious, and the Albain brothers looked suddenly a lot more stone-faced under their hoods.
Ozpin was quick to intervene, including physically, by placing himself between the two parties. James' lips thinned and he shook his head at the scene.
"Let us not get hasty with our words. There is much to discuss yet, and we haven't even received our diplomats from Vacuo yet."
He let his words sink in before continuing.
"While I appreciate there much bad blood between you all, we are here now for the sole purpose of peace talks. Or was that all a lie?"
Meg sent a glare his way, but otherwise kept most of her stormy ire directed at Lemon, who seemed to bask in her anger with an arrogant smirk.
"We are interested in peace. But if some people want war, then the Sovereignty of Menagerie is more than willing to oblige…."
Ozpin cut in with a stern voice. "Then I would kindly suggest that you do not needlessly antagonise each other. There will be time aplenty to air out your grievances and share your history when everyone has arrived. In the meantime I would suggest, if the animosity you feel is so great, that you instead retire to your quarters, and come the morning, we can all re-engage in civilised talk, like civilised adults. Without petty accusations," he levelled a stern look to Meg who looked a mixture of offended and betrayed.
"And without needless antagonism," he switched his glare to Javi and Lemon.
It felt like he was dealing with children, and his disappointment conveyed as much.
"And to answer your question regarding Huntsmen, miss Scarlatina, no we are not interested in seeking war nor spoils of war."
Fennec, or was it Corsac, spoke up. It was the one with ears.
"Forgive Viceroy Scarlatina," she stiffened ever so imperceptibly, "we intended no offence to you, our host, Headmaster."
The other faunus brother continued, almost as if they were taking turns in speaking.
"We are merely stating our concerns considering the limited information we have been provided…"
"…and contrasting it with the actions observed and reported to us," finished Fennec.
Ozpin felt his stern demeanour soften slightly.
It didn't excuse the current tensions, but it was better than nothing.
However, before anything else could be said or construed, the footfalls of someone rushing towards them could be heard.
"Councillors! Councillors! A message from the palace!"
Everyone turned to face the young squire, a boy of fourteen and dressed in colourful robes.
Rosaline eyed the boy carefully.
"Speak," she commanded.
"The diplomatic envoy from Vacuo has arrived!" he bowed respectfully.
Everyone exchanged glances. Some of surprise, others in relief.
"Well," said Ozpin. "It would be rude of us to keep them waiting."
Several of the councillors and representatives spared a chuckle at Vacuo's expense.
Their tour cut short, everyone agreed to return back to the palace. And so the entourage, escorted by Vales Royal Huntsmen, began their journey back.
By the time they returned, the sun was at its zenith.
The palace loomed in front of them, and as they walked by the manicured grass fields leading to its steps, the Vacuoan envoys could be seen chatting with several Valean Councillors. Those who decided not to join everyone else on their tour. The city, nay the kingdom, still needed to be run, and that couldn't be done if everyone was away from their duties.
It had taken half a week for the Vacuo delegation to arrive, and apparently by boat no less.
Vale city technically did have a port, but it was more of a river mouth that led to the sea, rather than an actual proper coastline. The reason being was it offered better protection from the ocean-faring Grimm as they had to travel more inland. That, and the river, while deep, was too shallow for some of the rumoured monstrosities that lurked below the ocean surface.
Everyone was understandably miffed at their spectacularly late arrival, but there was also relief. Now that they were here, it was essentially a day away from beginning the peace talks. After all, it was courtesy to allow foreign diplomats a chance to rest and recover after such a long journey. Though, many certainly wouldn't have minded to see the Vacuoans put to work almost immediately and endure negotiations. Especially after stalling the talks for so long as it was. Unfortunately, Vacuo, next to Atlas, was arguably the hardiest of all the Kingdoms. Perhaps even more so than Atlas. They likely wouldn't even be phased by the prospect of having to jump straight to work.
Speaking of Vacuo, it was a rather small group, and they were all dressed head to toe in white robes with brown sashes and wrappings. A mixture of hoods, cowls and turbans could be seen. A practice to ward off sand and the sun from their inhospitable land.
As the approached the envoys at the top of the stairs, Alexander let his contempt be known, even if it was a growl under his breath.
"Do they have no sense of propriety? We're in a civilised city, not the damned desert."
"Do try to be more friendly. They might not be allies strictly speaking, but they aren't enemies either," chided Ozpin gently. Alexander paid him no heed however.
"Great. There's even more of the sandfuckers," he muttered as another congregation exited the main foyer to greet them, all dressed in identical attire.
Glynda was less forgiving and subtly jammed her elbow into his breast-plate. It failed to hurt him, but it did catch his attention.
He scoffed, but otherwise relented.
"Greetings, Headmaster. Generals," bowed the foremost member of the Vacuo delegation.
It was impossible to describe his features as they were obscured by a white cloth mask and wrappings around his head.
They returned the bow, while the Vale council-members and nobles took their turn exchanging greetings with them.
It was a formality that everyone played a part of so as not to instigate anything. There was no love between the two Kingdoms because of their vastly differing cultures, views and experiences.
While Vacuo was harsh and unforgiving, breeding a might makes right mentality, Vale was soft and weak in comparison. It certainly didn't help that most nearly everyone viewed Vacuo as a land of barbarians and savages.
"Welcome to Vale…" trailed off Arthur Rainart, and the foremost Vacuoan in robes took that as his cue.
"Emhyr. Warlord of the Western Plains of Vacuo. And descendant of Malik the Sunderer." He left it at that, more than content to allow Arthur to do the talking.
While the Vacuoans seemed proud, it was clear such a title only exemplified the animosity the Menagerians felt towards them, if the general shift in their stances and demeanours were any indicator.
Rosaline took over, and frankly, Ozpin was more than content to let her do so. He had enough of politics for one day as it was.
"Councillor Rosaline Tully. I see you have met Councillor Rainhart… and Councillor Winchester," she added upon seeing the older stern man nearby.
"Indeed. We were just talking, in fact," spoke Emhyr. Was it Ozpin, or did everyone in politics sound haughty and arrogant these days?
"Hmm," nodded Rosaline. "I'm sure there will be plenty to discuss tomorrow now that we are all present."
"What? Don't we get the grand tour?" remarked Emhyr snidely.
"Vale would be more than happy to host a private tour for one as esteemed as yourself," offered Rosaline, ever playing the role of simpering mediator. Or was it kiss-ass, privately mused Ozpin. It seemed to be her only way of building power and connections.
It was then that Emhyr peered over her shoulder and caught sight of Meg and the Albain brothers.
Even though his facial features were covered, it almost appeared as if he frowned underneath his mask. He redirected his gaze towards Rosaline and Ozpin.
"I would certainly hope so. We wouldn't want the impression of our allies favouring these…" he trailed off, and Meg bristled.
"These what?" she snapped.
He seemed to hum for a second, before callously retorting.
"Well, I'd say animals, but you already are." That garnered a round of chuckles from the Vacuoans. Unfortunately, Meg didn't seem to share the same opinion.
With a snarl she practically leapt forward, hand outstretched to reach the bastards throat.
The laughter quickly morphed into surprised gasps as Meg was upon them. Or she would have if not for Ozpin.
He saw the attack coming, and with masterful ease, he stepped forward. With an outstretched hand, he clamped down with an iron grip on Meg's arm and yanked her back, while shoving his cane out force distance between Emhyr.
Meg's eyes widened slightly in shock at being intercepted so quickly and efficiently, while the Albain brothers and their guards were quick to open up their legs and adopt more defensive stances, ready to leap in and aid their superior.
"Vale is a neutral Kingdom. So correct me if I am wrong, but is that not the reason why you all agreed to hold peace talks here? Or was that all a lie, and you are hoping to make a mockery of our hospitality?"
It was not every day Ozpin sounded so thoroughly disappointed, his voice strained with frustration as if he were admonishing children.
Meg locked eyes with him, and they narrowed. It was silent, as if the two were measuring each other.
Finally, Meg yanked her arm out of Ozpin's grip with a huff.
"Get your hands off of me," she sneered.
He obliged, shooting her a warning glance before retracting into himself, his cane coming back to rest in front of him as he directed a stony glare in Emhyr's direction.
"The same goes for yourselves," he admonished, though it was far harder to gauge the Vacuoans reaction.
"Cease the petty insulting. If you seek war, then pack yourselves back onto the boats which arrived and leave. Vale has no need for unnecessary posturing and war."
Convinced by their silence that they would not try and incite anything further, Ozpin sighed, straightening his glasses.
"There will be plenty of time to discuss your differences and grievances tomorrow. Preferably, civil discussion," he stressed.
"Now. If there is nothing further to add, let us all move on from this unseemly display. Can we do that?"
The more junior of the Vale Council looked absolutely shocked at the way Ozpin spoke down to both parties as if they were unruly children. Rosaline held thin lips, while the Atlesian representatives certainly did not look impressed at the display.
The Mistralians watched with mild interest, curious if blood would perhaps be spilt yet.
Alas, it was not to be, and Emhyr pulled away with a laugh.
"Sure thing, Headmaster. I'll expect that tour at some point before we leave however."
With that, the Vacuoans all decided to migrate indoors, talking and laughing amongst themselves.
The Mistralians were quick to follow suit, realising nothing else was going to happen.
General Ironwood shot Ozpin a sympathetic look as he and the Atlesian representatives went indoors with everyone else.
Meg walked past him, and his lips thinned at her brusque attitude.
"You move fast for an old man," she begrudgingly bit out.
Ozpin frowned.
"While I have been in my profession for a long time, I'd like to think I'm not that old."
"Hah. Whatever you say, greyhair."
The faunus entourage moved inside, leaving Ozpin to question if her words were ones of respect, or insult.
That was how Qrow found him, lazily strolling up to him after having barely gotten out of his avian form but two minutes ago.
"Shit, Oz. You keep some interesting company these days," he wryly said, hands in his pockets.
Ozpin felt his eyes slide over to the lanky man.
"I see you're back, Qrow."
"Yeah, well, I've got news. Figured you would probably want to hear this. Not to mention," he glanced over to the newly renovated inner wall in the distance behind him.
"I heard some rather unsettling rumours concerning Vale while I was away."
Ozpin nodded grimly.
"I can't claim to know what the rumours are, but I can certainly say there were some rather interesting events while you were gone."
Qrow's lips thinned as he grimaced.
"Shit."
Ozpin gestured for him to follow.
"We'll talk in my office. Fetch Glynda, and the General."
Qrow's lips curled as if he had just stepped in sewage.
"Since when have we been involving him? I thought you didn't trust the guy?"
"Ah, my apologies. I meant the newly appointed General Ironwood, of Atlas."
"Never met the guy," he shook his head.
Ozpin cracked a wry smile.
"Well, you are about to."
In the month since meeting Maria, things at the pub had quickly stabilised and become much more familial for everyone. Most notably, Ruby was in high spirits as she buzzed around and offered to help everyone with whatever they wanted. She was eager to make herself useful to Hei and the others, especially now that her eyes were adequately disguised.
Hardly any of the pub's patrons paid her a second glance now.
Seeing that she was so eager, Hei had her begin working under the twins and Tony to help with keeping the place clean. That involved lots of sweeping, wiping of countertops, doing dishes, and helping scrub laundry.
She hardly complained at all, even if she hated the laundry the most. Tony was a slave driver when it came to removing any and all stains, and he settled for nothing less than perfection.
Melanie had slowly backed off on her remarks and glares towards Ruby. However, that didn't mean she was eager to keep company with the younger girl. Not at this stage.
Unfortunately, she wasn't going to get the choice when Ruby quietly followed her and Miltia out to one of the large rooms in the back one day.
Ruby let out a shocked gasp as she watched Melanie wheel on Miltia and start throwing a combination of kicks and punches. Only, Miltia didn't complain. Instead, she perfectly countered each blow.
It didn't take long for the kicks and punches to begin appearing as repetitive. They were always identical strikes, and they were matched by identical counters.
After several minutes of this, Miltia finally peered over his sister's shoulder and locked amused eyes with Ruby who was silently watching them from behind the doorway.
"I see we've got an audience Mel."
Melanie stopped and followed her sister's gaze, only to scowl as she saw Ruby.
"Aren't you supposed to be helping Tony right now?"
Ruby stepped out into full view, wearing a clean shirt and pants.
"Why are you fighting?" she asked, pointedly ignoring Melanie's question.
Miltia chuckled.
"We're not fighting. We're sparring."
Ruby looked at them strangely.
Melanie sighed.
"It's practice, so when we do get into a real with someone, we can not only hold our own, but also kick their ass, and maybe even their teeth in."
That seemed… oddly sensible actually, Ruby realised.
"So it makes you stronger?" she probed.
Melanie shrugged, losing some of her hostile edge.
"If you know what you're doing. At the very least it will build some body muscle and up your endurance."
Miltia piped up.
"Would you like to give it a go?" she offered, gesturing for Ruby to step forward.
Tentatively, she stepped forward, and Melanie walked off to lean against the wall and watch.
"So, what do I do?" she asked the older girl uncertainly.
Miltia walked up to her now that she was in the centre of the room, the single dust lantern hanging directly above them and creating a perfect ring of light. As if it were the borders for which they could not stray from in their fight.
She placed her hands on Ruby's shoulders and started to guide her body. Ruby complied with the movements.
"Let's start with a basic stance. Outside of your basic fitness, a good, grounded, footwork is the single most important thing. Widen your legs a little. Like this," she demonstrated, and Ruby mimicked the stance.
"You want your feet to be spaced a little bit apart. This will give you a stronger grounding so you're harder to knock down, but it also means you can generate a bit more power in your strikes."
Miltia stepped back to examine Ruby, still talking.
"It also lets you have greater control of your directional movement. You can leap forwards, backwards, or even to the side with greater speed."
Melanie called out.
"I'd say speed is another important thing. No point in being strong if you're too slow to move or react."
Ruby listened attentively.
"So, how do I attack?" she asked. Her punches against Shion were pathetic, and she got hammered down to the ground. That feeling of uselessness was still sickening.
Melanie gave a short bark of laughter.
"Haha. Kid, you're not gonna be attacking. Not in your current state anyways."
Ruby scrunched her face up in annoyance, and Miltia chuckled.
"Well, let's see what you got then?"
Ruby pushed forward. She said to leap forward, right? And Melanie said speed was everything. That must be the key then.
She met the ground face first as Miltia sidestepped her effortlessly, only to turn around and shove her to the ground. Or did she get tripped? It didn't matter as she was currently laying face-first on the hardwood floor.
Melanie couldn't help but laugh.
Miltia was at least more sympathetic.
"While I would agree with my sister and say speed is crucial, try to at least have a plan in mind and not just charge in aimlessly."
Ruby groaned as she stood up. Once she got her bearings, she dropped back into the stance she was shown.
"Again," called Miltia.
She charged forward, but this time she tried to uppercut the older girl.
The reward for her efforts was her arm being locked into a sudden arm-bar, and a palm being roughly shoved into her face and smashing her onto her back as her feet were lifted off the ground.
"Maybe let's just start with the basics…" offered Miltia as Ruby slowly stood up.
"You up for that?"
Ruby's only response was to nod resolutely. She needed to get strong. If this is what got the twins strong, then she needed to do it. No matter how many times she ended up on the ground.
Miltia smiled approvingly, however Melanie was not as kind.
"Ha. We'll see about that."
Ruby only just hardened her expression. She would prove them wrong. She would get strong.
Roman winced as he saw Ruby nursing bruised limbs later that day and a swollen lip. She was scrubbing dishes with DJ, but she otherwise looked content.
Walking past the kitchen he went onto Hei's office. The man himself was talking to Tony as they hunched over a desk with several stacks of paper.
"Is she alright out there?" he tossed a thumb over his shoulder, and the other two looked up at him.
"Who?" asked Tony.
"Ruby. She looks like she went through the ringer with the twins."
"That's because she did," Tony replied stone-faced.
Roman hummed in consideration.
"Huh. Guess Neo will be happy to have a new victim to train with. She's always complaining about the twins being too weak."
Tony narrowed his eyes.
"Neo can't talk. How could she complain in the first place?"
Roman looked wistful.
"In ways you can't imagine, nor don't want to."
Tony's nose wrinkled.
"Spare me the sordid details."
Roman gawked.
"Excuse you?! Get your mind out of the gutter!"
Hei interrupted them.
"Let's get back on track."
Tony cleared his throat.
"Right. So yes, we have enough in our finances to apply for the discount at the market. As long as we commit to the bulk buy."
Hei nodded. "Good." However, Tony let out a sigh.
"I still don't see why we can't just pay them the funds directly and let them deal with transportation and storage. Where would we even put it all?"
"Storage is fine. Maria said she will send someone up to come pick it up for us."
"Yeah, but we still have to get it here in the first place Hei," Tony frowned.
It was Hei's turn to sigh.
"And I keep telling you, if we purchase it ourselves, come the end of the financial year, we can write it off as a business expense and claim some, if not all of it back. That way we won't be haemorrhaging money all the time."
Roman clued in to what they were discussing.
"Aren't we technically losing money at this point anyways?" he contributed.
Hei sent him a scowl.
"No. We're not. It's just we're not showing any significant profit at this point either. And we won't until tax time. Which, we just happened to miss."
"And I'd argue that's a good thing," stressed Tony.
"Carter ran the place when they came knocking, so that means we get a reprieve until next year. Gives plenty of time for you to finish establishing our credentials as a legitimate business."
Hei groaned, rubbing a palm down his face.
"Why does this always have to fall back onto me?" he despaired.
"Because you're our boss is why," stated Tony uncaringly.
"You know we can still get audited right? We supply alcohol, and in case you aren't aware, Vale is pretty fucking stingy about that," Hei snapped back.
"And that's why we have you to deal with it," replied Tony without any mercy, content to dump that particular responsibility onto him.
"You're an asshole at times, you know that," Hei grumbled.
"I aim to please boss."
Hei shook his head, turning to face Roman.
"Anyways. Onto other things. How's Ruby faring?"
"Like I said. She went through the ringer by the looks of things."
"I don't mean that. It's good she's picking up some lessons with the twins, but I'm more interested in how her lenses are holding up?"
Roman mimed an 'oh' expression.
"Well, I mean, we haven't had any customer complaints so far, and no apocalypse has coming crashing down on top of us yet, so I'd call that a win in my books."
"And there's no complaints from Ruby is there? No pain, no strange urges, no sudden fatigue or illness?" Hei pressed.
"Sheesh. You're such a worrywart Hei. Kid's doing fine. Honestly, I'd be more worried about what the twins are putting her through. Especially Melanie."
At Hei's expression, he elaborated.
"She's opened up to the kid a little more, but I still think she's upset about what happened at Saint."
Hei sighed, lowering his gaze guiltily.
"Aren't we all? It's still a lot for her to process. She lost everyone there, and she nearly lost her sister. I think it's going to take time for her to move on from that."
Tony nodded sympathetically.
"It's probably why she's taken to upping her sister's training."
Hei nodded.
"Well, it's certainly a better outlet for them than what some people choose to do."
Roman suddenly felt Hei's knowing look, and he glanced around. Tony was just as bad.
"Oh, what? Me?! Oh for-come one! We're not having sex!"
Hei shook his head.
"Honestly, I'd rather that. I'm more than aware of your excursions. The ones I keep telling you not to do."
Roman squirmed, but Hei wasn't finished.
"Honestly, you can't keep doing this. It will KILL you one day, Roman. And you might get someone else killed in the process."
"C'mon Hei. Give a guy a break. It's in my blood!"
Hei stared at him, before finally shaking his head in defeat.
"I don't know why I bother anymore."
"Look, I'm waaaay more careful now than I've ever been. Plus, Neo is always with me. Nothing's going to happen Hei."
Hei just stared at him.
"No more excursions. I mean it. I don't need any more incidents. I already have my hands full as it is. If you want money so badly, then get an actual job."
Roman huffed before doing an about face in the office and storming out.
Tony glanced at Hei.
"You know that's never going to work with him, right?"
"All I can do is try," Hei shrugged.
Tony quirked an eyebrow in response, but didn't say anything further on the matter.
Ozpin looked over at the small group standing inside his Vale office, while he remained seated in his gear-like chair.
Glynda was seated directly across from him, with General Ironwood sitting adjacent to her in the other remaining chair.
That left Qrow, who stood leaning on a nearby window-frame parallel with the desk, a stern frown marring his lips.
"Thank you for all attending, especially on such short notice," began Ozpin.
"Qrow, if you would like to begin with your findings?"
The dark-haired man grunted, pushing himself off the post, crossing his arms.
"Well, since you asked so nicely. You want the goods news first, or the bad news?"
Glynda shook her head, disapproving of Qrow's casual dawdling. At least in her eyes it was.
"How about from the beginning, Qrow," she rolled her eyes.
"Well," he started, ignoring her attitude.
"We lost another settlement. Myrewood. Place was overrun by the Grimm days before I got there."
"So soon?" exclaimed Gynda, before shaking her head.
Ozpin glanced at the map lying out on the table, and his fingers traced for the settlement in question.
His eyes narrowed.
"There is most definitely a trend right now."
"Yeah, no shit Oz," Qrow rolled his eyes.
"I had a chat with Nicholas when he rolled up, and after clearing the place out as best as we could, he came to the same conclusion. Something's directing the Grimm on this path."
Glynda and Ironwood peered at the map as Ozpin put a large cross on Myrewood.
The latest in a tracing arc of crosses that signified the frontier.
"These Grimm incursions seem to be a growing problem."
Ozpin shook his head at James' observation.
"These aren't incursions. Like Qrow suggested, I suspect something, or more likely, someone is leading them. The Grimm don't attack in such coordinated methods. To lose that many settlements with no survivors is… beyond troubling."
Qrow added.
"If it were normal attacks, the settlements would be more randomised. And there'd be survivors. Hopefully anyways. This, though? Nothing. A big fat fuck all."
James raised an eyebrow at his colleagues choice wording, and Glynda pursed her lips.
"Forgive Qrow. He's a little more wild than the rest of us," she said to James.
He ignored her, speaking up.
"So what do you suspect, then? A herd, or a horde of Grimm making their move?"
"You see, that's the thing," said Qrow, getting everyone's attention.
"Nicholas suspected the same thing, so the first thing we did was see where the next settlements were, and after splitting up, we headed in the direction of the next two towns that fork out from Myrewood. Rust, and Torfel. We scoured the whole surrounding woodside, and I can tell you, outside of the normal concentrations of Grimm one would expect, there wasn't any sign of a Horde. Hell, Nicholas sent some of his people to backtrack the other way. We probably combed over a hundred square miles between us."
Ozpin hummed.
"Were there any other specialised Grimm? Anything out of the ordinary?"
He desperately wanted to hope it might be as James suggested, a Grimm Seer. This level of coordination was frightening, and any other alternatives were disturbing.
Qrow shook his head sadly.
"Nothing. And you see, that's another problem. It was actually too quiet out there. Ya'know, for being the Frontier and all. You'd think it was more akin to the Emerald Forest outskirts."
James shook his head.
"But that makes no sense. I'll admit, I am not as well versed in Vales geography as you are, but any frontier is bound to be teeming with Grimm."
Qrow shot the General a thin look.
"Well, it wasn't. Outside of the twons already overrun, but even then there weren't enough to justify their take-over. Which means either the Grimm have packed up and left….?"
"…Or someone is summoning them," realised Glynda.
James shook his head.
"Even still, that wouldn't make any sense. If you're suggesting a Grimm Whisperer, that still wouldn't account for the diminished Grimm population," he argued.
"Unless," Ozpin rose a hand off the map.
"Unless we are dealing with a Grimm-Whisperer. If it is one that is more senior and advanced in their abilities, then they could be culling the existing Grimm population, only to summon them later."
Qrow shook his head.
"I doubt that Ozpin. These Grimm were your standard run of the mill red-eyed freaks. There were no silver accents at all on them."
"Even the ones at Myrewood?" pressed Ozpin.
Qrow shook his head.
Ozpin leaned back into his seat and stroked his chin.
"That doesn't mean we should discount the possibility," argued Glynda, eying everyone.
"With the incident here in Vale last month, it could be possible that there is indeed a link."
James looked perplexed.
"Incident? What incident? Ozpin?"
Qrow cast the Headmaster a similar questioning look.
"Yeah, Oz. Actually I would like to know myself. I've heard rumours, but I'd rather hear what actually happened."
Ozpin sighed.
"It's not like I was trying to hide it from you. A little over a month ago we had a rogue Arcanist lay siege to the inner wall, in what was likely an attempt to get into the palace. In the process, they acquired an army of local criminal elements, and what we believe to be foreign cultists. They massacred the Market District and caused much property damage, and killed many people."
Qrow shook his head with an angry scowl.
"Just… shit. Can't catch a break, can we."
James nodded sadly.
"That is most unfortunate."
"Unfortunately, it's more complicated than that. In the process, there was evidence of a Grimm Whisperer present. Now whether it is likely this rogue Arcanist or not is still under suspicion, but highly probable considering witness accounts."
That instantly changed the atmosphere of the meeting from sombre to alarmed.
"A Grimm Whisperer?! Here. In Vale City?"
James did not sound impressed, and frankly neither was Qrow.
"I understand the sentiment. We are still conducting an investigation into how these events came to be," frowned Ozpin.
"So what happened? Did you kill it?" demanded James.
Glynda scoffed.
"No. They escaped the city, and we haven't seen nor heard from them ever since. But not without killing two Huntsmen and crippling a third."
Qrow shook his head. The rumours were certainly bad, but they missed a lot of the other details. This situation was getting out of hand.
"As you can understand," began Ozpin, "with these growing threats, both on the frontier, and the attack we suffered earlier, it is imperative that these peace negotiations succeed. We need more resources and efforts focused on the real threat at hand, and not petty squabbling."
"Absolutely," nodded James firmly.
"You will have my support."
Qrow side-eyed the General sceptically.
"Not to be that person, but bringing a foreign army to another nations capitol and setting up camp is only going to make the situation worse. It'll worry people. They'll think there's going to be another war happening. And that sort of fear and negativity, especially from a population as large as our city, and as condensed as it is? That's gonna attract Grimm."
Glynda jumped in, agreeing with Qrow.
"We already had a spike in Grimm activity following the massacre. If the whole city is on edge, Beacon and the other Garrisons are going to be busy full-time just trying to stop Grimm from climbing over the cliffs of the Emerald Forest."
James leaned back in his own chair.
"It needn't be as overt as that. Atlas has Specialist teams that would be more than sufficient to help root out your problems."
Before the conversation could get any more tense, Ozpin cut in.
"I thank you for the offer, James. Unfortunately, internal politics with the Council will see such foreign aid as interference, and that will cause no shortage of trouble on its own as is right now. However, I will certainly consider your offer, and may even call on it in the future."
James nodded.
"That's all I ask."
"Needless to say," said Ozpin, his fingers steeping.
"I feel it pertinent to reiterate the threat a Grimm Whisperer poses. Especially one that is old enough to have much more selective control of its abilities, let alone one that could Morph."
Qrow stiffened, while James and Glynda were impassive.
"We cannot have a repeat of this incident in Vale, and we cannot allow these attacks to continue on the frontier. James, while I cannot have your people conducting work inside of our walls, or even near them, unfortunately, that doesn't mean that I wouldn't appreciate their assistance out further in the field. Away from the Council's eyes."
The General nodded, pleased that he was being involved.
"I can have a team organised to do some clandestine investigating. A search and destroy if need be, even."
Qrow snarked.
"Great. Atlas spooks. What's next, you gonna roll in a whole division and firebomb the forests?"
Jame's lips curled down slightly at the annoyed barb. Ozpin ignored it and carried on. The meeting lasted for another hour before everyone finally left.
One thing was certain, however. Things were probably going to get worse before they would get better. All everyone could do was hope their best efforts would prevent that from happening.
Next chapter: Monday 7th October
