Author note at bottom of chapter.

Arc 2 – Chapter 27:

The meeting between the various Kingdom delegates and Menagerie had resumed, and almost instantly, the very first question asked was of course about the Grimm. Ozpin beat his allies and other delegates to the punch by speaking up first. However, rather than accusing Menagerie of foul play, his approach was different.

"What is Menagerie's official stance against the Grimm?" he asked, and almost everyone leaned in, curious to hear what Meg, or the Albain brother's response, would be.

It was clear that they were anticipating a question of such a nature to be inevitably asked. Particularly after Emhyr's outburst.

"The Territory of Menagerie recognises that Grimm, if left unchecked and uncontrolled, can pose a significant risk factor for our populations."

Such an answer seemed to appease some of the more junior of the politicians and nobles present, but the more seasoned and veteran ones saw it for the deflection it was. Meg was not finished however.

"While it is clear, to our understanding, that all of your Kingdoms suffer from much larger Grimm populations, and are more threatened by them, Menagerie has a relatively low Grimm population to contend with."

Now that was some rather interesting news. If these negotiations did indeed succeed, there would no doubt be an expressed interest to see whether or not this was true, and if so, if there were any particular methods employed to keep such a population low.

"As such, Menagerie does not consider the Grimm to be a truly significant threat worth investing in, as for our nation they are merely an annoyance."

Such casually thrown words seemed downright ludicrous, and even offensive, to the many people gathered.

All Kingdoms had to contend with Grimm. And despite how easy a Huntsman might make it seem, they were in fact quite an oppressive threat. Menagerie's Grimm population must be quite low. Which begged the question.

"If they are so low and manageable, then why not simply deal with them and remove them once and for all?" asked Ozpin. Unless, perhaps there was a Grimm pool nearby for them to spawn. That would complicate things, but surely Menagerie could destroy it? Meg made it sound as if the Grimm were easy to deal with.

"The simple fact is they have use for us. Both as a deterrent from invaders, but also as labour."

It was so silent you could hear a pin-drop.

"I beg your pardon?!" uttered Javi with disbelief.

"We utilise Grimm to serve us, much like you utilise other animals such as horses."

James looked consternated.

"Grimm are not animals. They are vicious, and they grow only more temperamental as you expose them to more people."

The other councillors and diplomats looked ready to throw a fit. Corsac spoke up.

"Perhaps we should clarify our statement."

Fennec continued on his behalf.

"The Grimm native to Menagerie are much more docile compared to the ones found abroad. As such, they are far easier to control. We can direct their actions to be more productive and batter suited for us, such as plowing fields, digging trenches, or even carrying materials."

Corsac bounced off his brothers words.

"We have many measures implemented to ensure their passiveness. Even if they were to become agitated, our Wardens would ensure they are brought back in line."

"Warden?" came the voice of Sleet.

"One of many special individuals that serve us to control the Grimm. Each Warden is assigned an Overseer to ensure they don't fall out of line themselves."

Ozpin felt uneasy. This was too much. One did not just simply control the Grimm. Not naturally. He should know.

"And how exactly does a Warden control the Grimm?" he pressed.

Meg spoke with thin lips, clearly not enthused to be talking about the subject.

"That information is something we cannot share at this point in time," she refused.

Confidential, or something that would unsettle everyone and ruin their chances at peace? Though that might be very well shot out the window with that statement.

Seeing the discontent and wariness everyone else was exuding, Fennec spoke up.

"However, should an everlasting peace treaty be agreed upon, we may be willing to open up and share our methods and expertise in exchange for something of equivalency."

Meg sharply added, shooting Fennec a warning glare.

"However, that is not the point of these discussions right now. But if an agreement is reached, then we might discuss such matters."

There was a tense pause. It was finally broken by Ozpin who spoke up. There was a stern glint of displeasure in his eyes, and everyone that knew him could tell he was not particularly happy with this information, if judging by the tone of his voice. Then again, anyone not familiar with him would be able to reach the same conclusion.

"Miss Scarlatina. It appears we might perhaps we might be at an impasse. While I cannot speak for the other Kingdoms, Vale will not tolerate the presence of Grimm. At all. They are too dangerous. And the fact that Menagerie appears to be so recklessly attempting to use them brings forth serious security concerns."

Fennec curled his lips downwards.

"I assure you, we are anything but reckless."

Corsac spoke up next.

"We have implemented the strictest of measures in place, so your fears are not warranted."

It mattered little. The conversation at the table was now abuzz with chatter of the implications of Grimm being controlled. And that was even if such statements were true.

General Ironwood spoke up, his voice equally hard.

"Atlas stands with Vale. And I happen to wholeheartedly agree with Headmaster Ozpin. The Grimm are not creatures of reason. They thrive on fear and misery, and do nothing but bring it with copious amounts of death and destruction. Creating a perpetual cycle of death."

Ozpin shook his head in disappointment slowly.

"As Headmaster of Vale's Huntsman in its entirety, it is against our very core tenants that Grimm, irregardless of their size, shape or form, are permitted to exist. My duty as a Huntsman is to the survival of humanity. No matter the cost. And these Grimm you are housing are threatening that very survival."

He leaned forward.

"In order for there to be peace, Menagerie MUST dispense with the use of Grimm in any shape or form. I will not accept any other outcome."

The faunus all looked affronted, and just when it seemed the negotiations would fall through, the King of Vale himself spoke up.

"It should be noted, that the Headmaster's concerns, while valid, are not entirely representative of Vale's own. As such, I would implore you to excuse his words."

Ozpin's head snapped to the King. He refused to look back at him, his eyes locked directly on Meg.

"I beg your pardon?" He was ignored however, and the King continued.

"In order for a peace treaty, I would propose that Menagerie permit a diplomatic team to visit your lands, so we can see these Grimm and the methods used for ourselves."

Ozpin could not believe what he was hearing.

"To what end?" negotiations be damned, he was not going to allow such a catastrophe waiting to happen be permitted to unfold!

"Grimm cannot be naturally controlled, and frankly, any ideas to do so will only end in disaster. My decision is final."

Rosaline whispered something into the Kings ear before speaking up. Her simpering voice made him want to gag sometimes.

"Headmaster, this is an international matter, not one solely decided by just one person."

James spoke up with a stern tone.

"I beg to differ. Any and all matters of Grimm fall to the Huntsman leadership to decide. And as a fellow Headmaster of Atlas' Huntsmen, I happen to agree. This is playing with fire. No, it is beyond that. There is no real benefit."

Henry spoke up with a disgusted voice, shaking his head.

"At best we would have unsavoury elements that would dare seek to control such malevolent forces for themselves. At worst, we would have an unparalleled catastrophe unfold within our very lands."

Ozpin felt relieved to hear that some people were exhibiting some common sense.

"This is not a threat, however. At least, not an immediate nor imminent one," argued the King, and Ozpin felt himself stiffen.

This was ridiculous. The King was more than well informed as to the threat the Grimm posed. Even more so than the rest of the council.

"You cannot be serious-" he began, only to be cut off by the King again.

"The Headmaster would perhaps like a small break to compose himself, lest he jeopardise these talks."

He reeled back, betrayed. After all these years of drilling in these threats, and the fool decided to actively go against him?

Only then did he glance at the smug features of Rosaline, who was seated right next the King. He still refused to look at Ozpin.

All eyes were on him and his outburst.

Ozpin was furious.

However, it was also clear that this was a matter long considered concluded. His words held no sway anymore. Rosaline had clearly poisoned the Kings mind. Her and her consortium of greedy fools.

Clenching his hands, he stood up and gave a half-hearted incline of his head. The gesture was forced, and everyone could see the contempt oozing from it. It took everything right then and there to stop himself from lashing out.

"Yes. Perhaps I should." There was no point in contesting His Majesty's words. It was clear they would not be changing. Especially not with that living problem whispering into his ear.

He walked away from the table, barely meeting James' concerned glance.

It was several hours later that James walked outside, finding Ozpin leaning on a nearby railing. He didn't even turn to face him, somehow already knowing who it was.

"So, how did the negotiations go, James?"

His voice sounded tired.

James pursed his lips as we walked up to the hunched Headmaster, arms behind his back.

"Menagerie has agreed to peace with Mistral, and both sides will sign a treaty. The terms are still being worked out, but at this point it is inevitable."

"Really? It's that simple?"

"Hardly," said James.

"Mistral is keen on learning how they are controlling the Grimm, if their claim is true. And your King and his aides want in on it. They're already talking of the possibilities of bilateral trade agreements. Though I suppose you already realised that," he offered sadly.

Ozpin hummed noncommittally, offering a faint shrug.

"Vacuo, however, has refused to come to the table and agree on anything other than the explicit capitulation of Menagerie. Of course, that is not going to happen."

It was James' turn to sigh, and he took to leaning on the same railing next to Ozpin after running a hand through his hair.

"Vacuo has pulled from the talks. They refuse to recognise Menagerie, and as such, it is likely they will resume war. Either that, or they'll close off their borders entirely to the rest of us. They see all the other kingdoms as complicit in abandoning them. Even though that is not the case. They refuse to give up their captured slaves. Mistral, however, has agreed to back out of it and return any prisoners they captured or bought."

Ozpin frowned.

"How very considerate of Mistral. Menagerie won't take kindly to Vacuo, however, I presume."

James shook his head.

"You don't know the half of it."

He let out a deep exhale.

"I don't trust them."

"Who, Menagerie?"

James scoffed.

"Them too, obviously. No, Mistral. They're up to something. They agreed way too quickly, and were far too keen on an interkingdom alliance."

Ozpin cast his fellow-in-arms a brief glance.

"So where does Atlas stand?"

James pursed his lips and looked away from Ozpin, almost shamefully.

He let out a sigh of his own and pushed himself off of the railing. James was quick to follow and speak.

"We stand against the Grimm. We always have, and always will. However, our alliance with Vale is not one I can just casually rip up. We have too many trade deals and Dust exchange initiatives. Jacques would lose out on international clients, and in turn our own economy would see a massive recession. We would need time to reorganise our infrastructure."

"But you are still going to ally with Menagerie," accused Ozpin.

"We're not allying with Menagerie," stated James firmly.

"Oh?"

"As much as peace is ever desirable, the fact is Atlas came into these talks willing to help mediate peace, and potentially foster new deals. The fielding of Grimm changes the whole dynamic. Even if the applications were useful, it is simply too dangerous to be formally allied with Menagerie. As such, Sleet and I have agreed that the best course of action for now is to adopt neutrality. With all of the other kingdoms. At least until we can get more information."

Ozpin narrowed his eyes.

"Atlas is stepping back."

"Vacuo wants to continue with war. I'm not going to drag our Kingdom into it. Mistral is scheming right now, and I don't trust their designs to be mutually beneficial to us. And Menagerie is too much of an unknown and wildcard, no matter how civilised they appear to be," the Atlesian General argued.

"You seemed to cosy up to them on the flight over," pointed out Ozpin thinly.

"Please don't be like this. You are making it out to be worse than it actually is."

"Then what exactly is it then? Hmm?"

James was silent.

Ozpin seethed.

"You are the Headmaster of Atlas Academy. You are a Huntsman! Our duty is to humanity, first and foremost. And right now, our efforts are being undermined by greedy councillors and opportunistic vermin."

"Atlas stands with Vale, despite these events. I stand with you," reassured James.

"If only it was Atlas giving me cause to be worried. It's not you who I am concerned about. It is this backstabbing, self-serving, self-mutilating, selfish, and ignoble council that I am on that is pissing me off," growled Ozpin.

James didn't show it, but he was taken aback by how unhinged Ozpin was acting right now.

"This council, James, has done nothing but hinder me. It has cost lives! And while that snake Rosaline continues to whisper lies into the Kings ears, she and her allies will continue to undermine my efforts to keep us all safe."

He snarled, and James took a brief step back, letting his peer rant.

"Can't they see?! The Grimm are growing bolder, and claiming more territory from us. Vale is going to collapse soon if we don't ramp up our own response. And yet, every single step of the way, that useless bastard posturing on the throne refuses to listen to my advice, and instead will take on the words of those self-serving narcissists."

"It seems you have an in-house problem to deal with then," replied James.

"Oh, and I will deal with it. This disease has been allowed to fester for far too long," vowed Ozpin.

"Vale can't act against Menagerie. Your own council has agreed to a treaty with Menagerie. If you violate it now, you will invite war to your doorstep," warned James, fearing he might act out.

"I am not going to act against Menagerie. Not right now, anyways. There are more immediate concerns to deal with. Besides, unfortunately, there is not enough evidence for me to act. A confession is not enough. I will need to get Qrow to do some digging in menagerie. Unless you can spare some assets instead…?"

James pursed his lips in contemplation.

"Considering how the status quo is changing, I will most likely have to organise some covert operations to discern the truth."

Ozpin nodded approvingly.

"Good. I fear this interkingdom alliance between us all is going to fail soon. There are too many self-serving interests at play here."

The Valean Headmaster turned to face James, and instantly he could tell there was a serious glimmer in his eyes promising retribution.

"Always remember this, James. Our duty is to humanity first and foremost. As Huntsmen, we do not owe loyalty to any state or ruler, legitimate or not. Remember that well."

With that, the grey-haired man stalked off, leaving James with a growing pit of concern for not just his friend, but for what he feared he was about to do….

It was nearly a whole month before the Chieftain of Menagerie finally arrived. Much like the Vacuo emissaries, who had long since left, they chose to arrive by boat instead. Likely because they were still wary of the Atlesians and their airships. It was still relatively new technology to the world.

As the faunus entered the city, flanked by a massive procession of guards, they were in turn greeted by a full complement of Valean troops, dressed to the bells and back in the finest clothing and armour available.

Banners hung, the streets were cleaned, roads were blocked off, and all of the councilmembers were present to greet the mysterious Chieftain himself, who was rumoured to be the absolute ruler with the final say. If he signed the terms that Viceroy Scarlatina had agreed to, then the treaty would be in full effect, and there would be no more reason for the war to continue.

The world could return to building itself up. In Ozpin's mind, it could also finally divert its attention to the Grimm. At least, that was what he had hoped for. Things were too tenuous as it was now to rely only on hopes and dreams. That was all the more reason why it was important for Vale's new initiative to succeed.

Land was already being forcibly cleared to allow for the expansion of Mount Glenn, as the new city would be named. Its namesake was derived after the very mountain which it would be built around, offering it unparalleled security and resources if ever successfully established.

All of the other Kingdom's rulers were in attendance, with the exception of Vacuo. Such was a monumental landmark in the world's history. Another Kingdom was about to enter their fold. Allied against the Grimm, and united with the rest of humanity.

Of course, there was still animosity and resentment, especially with Vacuo. They felt betrayed and abandoned by the other Kingdoms. Emhyr had said so himself, and after cursing out all of the Kingdoms, he and his retinue departed back for Vacuo. Whether they would continue to fight against Menagerie was unknown, but the Mistral and Vale saw more potential in Menagerie currently than a barren husk of a Kingdom that could only offer slaves occasionally. Vacuo was no longer a tenable resource to trade with.

And Mistral was certainly harbouring some plans to try and recoup their losses, but they were more snakes in the grass. They thought they were being subtle about it. However, Ozpin was forced to concede that there was perhaps not much he could do to actually stop them at this point. Not until he could discern what it was they were up to.

And with the prospect that Menagerie might be using Grimm, it begged the question. Was it really worth stopping them? So far, they had not actually waged war against Vale nor Atlas.

He still had no evidence and concrete leads to go off of either. All he could do was try and gleam what information he could, and hopefully send Qrow to investigate. Barring that, maybe James might be able to acquire some intel on that front.

Only time would tell.

As the faunus entered the city, he caught a glimpse of the familiar faces of Meg Scarlatina, holding hands with a rabbit-eared child dressed with a fancy dress. The Albain brothers trailed beside her, and several more diplomats and representatives of the faunus faction could be seen.

They were talking amongst themselves. Some were modest and reserved, only casually glancing around. Others were more vocal, making pointed gestures to the surrounding buildings and architecture. A few glanced at the waiting party of leaders, exchanging looks and talking.

None of that mattered however, as it was detracted by one key thing. Or rather person. Technically three people.

At the forefront of the whole procession, in plain sight, and directing all of the attention, was the Chieftain of Menagerie himself.

He was a mountain of a man. So large, that even Ozpin was taken aback by how much he stood out.

He was dressed in a thick fur-lined coat. His pants tightly clung to legs nearly as wide as a full-grown mans chest.

His black boots were polished to a shine, with gold and silver buckles reflecting the sunlight up above.

His chest was exposed in the slit of his open coat, revealing a main of chest hair so manly that Ozpin feared even his associate Peter Port would be shocked.

A mane of black hair was slicked back in a mullet, and a moderately thick black beard framed a clearly powerful jawline.

His features were that of a tired warrior.

If Ozpin were to hazard a guess, he would suspect the man was one too.

Beside him was an equally impressive woman, dressed in white robes with black accents. Golden bracelets adorned her wrists, and a silver locket hung just under her collarbone.

Where the man easily passed as human, albeit monstrously huge, the woman was clearly not. The black feline ears atop her head indicated just as much.

Holding her hand was a small child dressed in similar attire as the older woman, a girl no older than eight. She too sported the same black hair and feline ears, making Ozpin hazard this was the man's family, and therefore that was his daughter.

An interesting move, to bring children on a diplomatic visit, but probably one to garner sympathy and humanise them, Ozpin thought.

The procession came to a stop, scant metres away from the inter-kingdom alliance. The Valean King stepped forward with practised ease, his crown glinting in the sunlight, and his red cape making him stand out as a prominent individual.

"Welcome to Vale. We hope that after today, we can all enjoy the fruits of these talks. That we can become united as one, and that we can build a bridge, to cross into an even better tomorrow."

"Well said," agreed the giant man, his gruff voice firm, but also warm.

"I am Ghira Belladonna, Chieftain of the Territory of Menagerie. This is my lovely wife, Kali, and my beautiful daughter, Blake. We hope that we can move forward and come together as one, just as you have said."

They were hopeful words, but ones clearly practiced. No-one commented on that however. It was par the course to have prepared speeches, but even Ozpin would admit that, unlike his own associates and peers, Ghira's words seemed actually genuine.

"Please. It has been a long journey. We have private chambers arranged for you and your family. As well as your associates. You must be tired," simpered Rosaline.

Gods, Ozpin sometimes wished that woman wasn't on the council.

It was Kali who responded with a light chuckle.

"Oh thank you. That would be so lovely. We have heard many things about Vale, and the other Kingdoms."

"All of them positive, I hope?" asked the King cordially.

"Very." She inclined her head before turning her gaze to Ozpin.

"And you must be the leader of the Huntsmen we have heard so much about. Headmaster Ozpin, was it?"

He let a genial smile wash across his face as he bowed slightly.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Ma'am."

She raised a bemused eyebrow.

"Ma'am? My aren't you a polite one."

Rosaline cut in, directing all attention back to her.

"Vale is reputable for some of the finest chivalry and culture within the world."

Javi's smile was thin as he listened to the side, but he remained otherwise silent.

As Ghira and Kali conversed diplomatically with all the other leaders and representatives, Ozpin silently watched. His smile never faltered, and his eyes looked kindly as ever. Inside, however, he reviewed, he calculated, and he planned.

The future was uncertain. There were far too many factors at play.

As he glanced subtly over at Rosaline and General Alexander, he made up his mind. Even the King was becoming a hindrance to him.

It was time to start clearing out the board of pieces that could threaten his duty….

End of Arc 2:

So no Ruby and co this chapter. I wanted to focus on setting up all of the plot points that would play a role, and decided to focus on that this chapter. Actually, this whole arc was about that. As such, Ruby didn't get as much screen-time as I originally hoped for.

Reason being, it is kinda hard to write compelling chapters about a five-year old EVERY chapter without it becoming either too quick a progression or boring and irrelevant to the plot.

Perhaps I could have put more time and focus onto those smaller slice of life moments with Ruby, but I wanted to focus on finishing setting up this story with this arc. And I believe I have done just that. How well is a different story, of which I'm sure I'll read the reviews about in terms of execution.

This arc I wanted to do the following"

1. Set up Ruby and Hei with a safe-haven home.

2. Eventually have everyone be accepting of Ruby despite the shitshow that was Saint in the last arc.

3. Tease a bit more about Aura, Wounds, and the Arcane without doing an info dump.

4. Set up the overarching world plot regarding Menagerie and Ozpin. While it might seem irrelevant now, it actually will play a rather important role in the upcoming chapters, specifically in relation to Ruby directly with her journey.

5. Introduce Shion and his faction. The massacre that happened will be revisited as a plot point in the future., It wasn't just violence for the sake of it, even though it certainly might seem that way. That was intentional, but perhaps my execution could have been better.

There are more things that play a role in foreshadowing, but they will become more clear in future chapters. I do have a plan in mind. In fact, if you come back to these chapters in the future, you might find the hints already there.

Now, next arc (Arc 3) is going to be different and more in line with what people probably want and expect of this story. A focus on Ruby and her perspective. I know I promised that for Arc 2, but as I was writing, I realised I had to deviate and spend more time on establishing these plot points and concepts so the story will make sense and create a good sense of mystery for you as the reader to be invested in.

Arc 3 is planned out entirely, I just need to write it. The Ozpin B plot is always fun to write, but now that I have established a lot of the concepts, I want to save a lot of that progression for Ruby to witness and discover on her own now. There will still be a Ozpin b plot to follow, but from this point of the story on, I want to write mostly from Ruby's perspective and how she is growing up to face the challenges in her new life.

This also means that we are going to get some time skips in this next arc, and some pretty significant ones at that. Starting literally on the first chapter of Arc 3. I still want to have some of the more lax moments and slice of life moments to show Ruby's character growth, as well as showcase how she is progressing. I had the twins start teaching her some basic streetfighting, but it was rather brief because of the focus on establishing all of the other plot devices and points needed.

I still tried to incorporate Ruby to show her growth and character progression, but considering the amount of stuff that has happened in so short a time, and she is only five mind you, it is somewhat unbelievable to have her mature and grow too quickly. I've saved that growth for Arc 3.

I still will do a little bit of the Ozpin B-plot like I said, but this time it will be more background b-plot, whereas Ruby will be the main star this time.

I am considering maybe upping the fics rating to M later on as there will be some stuff people might be uncomfortable with.

No rapey stuff if that's what you're fearing. Fuck, I kinda hate that trope that authors do. If it is relevant to progressing the plot, I guess, but I feel this story does NOT need to go down that route. Let's have the readers sympathise with the characters by dumping trauma on them. What trauma? Rape 'em. Like, really?!

No, rather, it is again to do with some of the story's themes and violence. While I have kept it somewhat sparing and relevant, I certainly do not hold back on descriptions, as Ruby gets older and more involved with the world around her, the violence will begin to slowly increase and become more frequent. So not only will the descriptions be explicit, but so will the consequences of said violence, and I think that might be what unsettles some people.

I don't like dumping violence just for the sake of violence unless it serves a plot purpose. Actions scenes are a separate entity, and of course they will always be prevalent. Everyone loves a good action scene :P

But more on that later as the story progresses, you tell me if you think this fic should be upped to M or it's fine as is.

Anyways, onto release dates!

I'm going to take a couple weeks off from writing this fic, and focus on my other one, Remnants Rusted God. Want to try and get another chapter out within the next week. Plus, I want to also start work on another Rwby fic, an AU kinda like this one.

I haven't got a title yet, but essentially it will be a more grounded story with a focus on martial arts and Aura abilities and mysticism, rather than fantasy and magic. Keep an eye out if you are interested. I intend to release the first chapter hopefully within the next two weeks.

As for when I'll return with this fic, I plan on debuting the next arc on:

Monday 30th December 2024. November/December is off-limits as STALKER 2 is releasing, and like hell I am missing out on that. I've waited years for this to release, and barring ANOTHER delay, I am not missing out on my return to the ZONE.

Let me know what you thought of this arc. What was your favourite part of the story, and what was the weakest?

See you then!

Next Arc Debut:

Monday 30th December 2024