"Normal Speech"
"Thoughts"
"Supernatural Speech"
"Supernatural Thoughts."
Hey guys sorry for the late chapter update. Finally got a Beta…only to lose him afterwords. Apparently as a Beta he decided he had free reign to change what he wanted in the chapter, and I do mean plot not dialogue, as he wanted. He then requested/told me that I must change, get rid of the supernatural elements, and make Jaune have superman powers…. YYyyeeeaaa it didn't last and I got delayed since I had to scrap the entire chapter and restart it since I didn't trust him, hence why Ultimate Weapon got two extra chapters before this one came up. To be honest after the whole restart happened I kind of lost the will to start it for a while. But now the chapter is here and I'm raring to go for the next one! Till next time guys.
Journey: Rise of the White Wolf
Arc: Parent Teacher Conferences...this might get messy.
Chapter 26: My Daughter is my Daughter….wait what?
When John awoke on his daughter's couch he already knew what he had to do…and he didn't like it. After thirty years of ensuring the supernatural enemies that John had acquired over his long life were dead. He missed a large portion of his daughters life, only being able to drop in every so often. He never missed a birthday though being able to send a card and gifts….but how he hated that. Yes to be fair his daughter almost died numerous times due to his enemies popping literally out of nowhere.
But that didn't mean he thought it was right. Then the war came and he lost even more time, than the witch came back and she was even worse! In the end John missed a lot, but now less enemies would attack his daughter's family, not to mention his daughter finally achieved a level of skill that allowed her to effectively combat those same enemies. It's been a long time for John and the man just wanted to slow down and enjoy his time with his family.
But than his retarded nephew decided it was a good idea to lose his silver blade and break his other one, because of course he had to be born with the flames of a paladin. Load of crap that was. Now he had to bind Crocea Mors to his nephew. Monty he was too old for this.
He got up and straightened his back. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and approached the kitchen. He heard a bunch of footsteps rushing down the stairs. Loe and Behold his daughter.
"Hey Sarah."
Sarah smiled and hugged her father.
"Hey dad."
The whispered tone she held in her voice gave John a warmth no fire could. He smiled as he hugged her back.
"I'm back…and I do plan to stay."
Sarah nodded.
"I know…it was hard, you being away and everything. I won't lie I think you were pretty dumb just leaving…but I knew that you were trying to protect me."
John sighed.
"I didn't want your family suffering just because some morons a century ago thought it would be cool to hold a grudge….or was it three centuries ago?"
Sarah laughed a bit as she separated from her father but the tears in her eyes told John this wasn't over. For the first time in a ridiculous length of time…John found he didn't mind.
"I know you left to protect me, I KNOW THAT….but why didn't you stay! You always said we were stronger together yet…you left?"
John sighed.
"You were with me before the Confederation decided to rear its head, hunting down beasts. But when the war hit I knew it was your chance to get the education that you wanted, to have a stable life, rather than one on the road. But when Hama turned out to be alive thanks to her magic…I knew she would attempt to go after you."
Sarah's eyes narrowed.
"I could take her."
John smirked.
"Oh you would have kicked her ass no problem. But the risk that she could still take you over somehow was too big for me….or taking over the kids."
Sarah immediately went pale at the thought.
"I…I know you have some good points but I still feel this anger at the fact you left. I love you dad and I'm happy you're staying and I can't wait to catch up…but no more leaving…no more keeping me or my family distant from your life to keep us safe. I know Aunt Joan and the others always contact me on my birthday but I know the real reason they don't visit is so some of the supernatural don't start bothering my family."
John grimaced. She was always smarter than she looked, and Sarah looked pretty damn smart to begin with.
"It wasn't you I was worried about."
Sarah smiled.
"I know. Walter and the kids. I wanted to train them but with everything that happened and me trying to get things straightened out…I never had the time."
John smiled.
"I noticed that you started your own practice. I understand Sarah, it's not a problem. But…do you think the kids are ready to learn…do you think they'd even understand?"
Sarah grimaced.
"I…I don't know. But I'm more confident now to breach this topic with them now that there is viral proof that monsters are real. Also I received a letter from Asclepius."
John rose an eyebrow.
"Seriously? What the hell you met him once? What does he want?" asked John.
Sarah smiled awkwardly.
"I know? Makes me wonder what it was he sent. After that check up when I was a kid we never had contact. Also how did he know where I lived?"
John shrugged.
"Probably the family registry. So you gonna open it?"
Sarah nodded.
"Of course. I'm thinking we can open it when we meet up with Joan. I know you barely understand medical terms. I'd prefer Elise but didn't you say she was busy with Arthur?"
John grunted.
"A lot of Arcs took contracts last night. Elise is doing her first joint hunt with Arthur. Hopefully it works out."
Sarah smiled and then checked her watch. She groaned as she stomped her way upstairs.
"We're gonna be late kids come on!"
John laughed as he flipped out his phone. They were making good time. John began to make some preparations when his daughter came back down.
"…Making other plans already?"
John could tell the slight annoyance in her tone, not that John blamed her. He was back in her life for a day and the possibility he was going somewhere again had to be annoying.
"Yes, I'm reforging a blade for your cousin Jaune."
Sarah blinked.
"Oh…I thought?"
John smirked.
"I ain't taking no contract for a long time lass. As I said, I'm here to stay."
Sarah took a deep breath.
"Thank you" she whispered.
John walked to his daughter and encased her in his arms.
"I'll be back in a few hours."
Sarah smirked.
"Why not take me along? I remember everything you taught me, I should be able to help."
John rose an eyebrow.
"Weren't you going somewhere with Walter and the kids?"
Sarah groaned.
"Stop calling him that his name is Elliot!"
John rolled his eyes.
"He prefers Walter doesn't he?"
Sarah just grunted, not unlike her father, and looked away. The resemblance between the two was unnaturally canny.
"But you didn't answer my question."
Sarah rolled her eyes.
"We were just going out for breakfast. I'm pretty sure they wouldn't mind a detour."
John shrugged.
"Wait don't you have work?" asked John.
"Dad it's the weekend, I have those off."
"…I knew that."
Sarah gave her father a blank look before yelling upstairs for her kids to hurry up.
"You sure they don't mind coming?"
Sarah gave her father the stink eye.
"Unlike you I don't plan to overthink this. They'll come with us, meet in person the rest of their relatives where we all can answer any question they want."
John opened his mouth. His daughter glared so heatedly her own eyes turned orange.
"Don't. Walter is coming too."
John sighed and found a seat on the couch.
"This will be fun" he muttered.
But even as the annoyance circled in his chest John smiled.
"Strong willed like her mother. Besides it's not like Ozpin won't mind."
-Two hours later-
"Alrighty everyone ready? What about you lass?"
Nyx rolled her eyes. She wore her dark hair in a bun, dark eyeliner surrounding her bright blue eyes. She wore blue shirt with dark jeans as she blew some hair from her eyes.
"Cool" said John "What about you two? Ready?"
Walter was more business ready as he wore his usual white dress shirt and dress pant ensemble. Ryan seemed to follow his sisters example as he kept to a casual shirt and jean combo. Sarah wore an old plaid shirt that was bright red and white, her usual outfit for the weekend.
"Well I believe I am yes. I must say it will be good to finally meet your more transparent relatives Sarah."
Sarah blushed a bit at Walter's jab.
"Sorry."
Ryan shrugged.
"Eh they can't be that bad right? I mean dad's side of the family is flat out crazy."
To the shock of John the murmurs of agreement were unanimous, even from Walter.
"Monty Elliot the hell happened with your family?"
Walter Grimace.
"A long story. And it's Walter now, please.""
John rose an eyebrow and shrugged.
"Alright then…Walter. Ok pile in the truck we're heading off."
Nyx rolled her eyes and sighed.
"Yea, where to?"
John smiled.
"To Beacon Academy!"
Ryan and Nyx eyes went wide.
"….Oh" muttered Nyx.
John laughed.
"Good to see the trip won't be a 'complete waste of your time! Don't worry breakfast will come after I'm done my business there."
Nyx blushed as John repeated what she muttered to her brother not minutes ago in the house. The family piled into the car. Walter, Nyx, and Ryan were in for a rather wild ride.
-three hours later-
For all of Nyx's problems with her grandfather, she had to admit he had a cool workplace. She was surrounded by humanities future warriors although…they could be less…douchy.
Sure enough when John and his family arrived Nyx was quick to gather the attention of the students. As she got through the hallways following her family she noticed in particular one brown haired boy leering at her. He wore an odd chest piece with a chicken on it. Nyx grimaced at the boy, hoping that was enough to turn him off.
Ryan glared at the boy as he kept creeping closer to Nyx.
"Oh Oum" thought Nyx "Here we go."
Yet the boy seemed to recoil as he noticed her parents and her Grandpa all glaring at him. Nyx smiled and waved him goody-bye.
"Good riddance" muttered Ryan.
Nyx chuckled as she hugged her brother.
"Didn't think you cared bro."
Ryan rolled his eyes as Walter walked back.
"You'd think he'd notice you were with family."
Nyx shrugged.
"It's like mom said, idiots are everywhere."
John laughed at Nyx's scorn as he keeps leading his family through the hallways until they reached a set of doors that led to the front of Beacon. Nyx and Ryan were surprised to see a whole group of people. Joan, David, Oobleck, and Jaune with his team were all waiting. Joan was carrying a box filled with dust and other materials. Two of which was John's hammer and chisel.
There were greetings abound as Nyx and Ryan stared and stared and stared at the red head Pyrrha. However, their star struck expressions were short to last as a blonde woman approached them.
"So you are Sarah's kids."
Nyx swallowed nervously as her brother shifted in the spot. Talk about awkward. Joan smiled as she grabbed the two in a hug.
"It's good to see you both. I hope that we will grow closer but I will warn you, you're going to learn some things today about your family. I hope you take it well."
Nyx and Ryan looked at each other. This entire day had been nothing but weird.
"What did she mean by that mom?" asked Ryan.
Their mother sighed as she looked at her father.
"Are you sure they are gone?"
John smirked. It sent a shiver down Nyx's spine at the dark intent behind that smile.
"Oh they are all dead. I made sure of that. Then Joan made double sure….then Malcom….then Elise…then Diana of all people….well everyone made double sure of it. If any one of my old enemies are still alive I won't be mad. Honestly I'd be impressed."
Sarah sighed. She then looked around, sure enough nobody was around. She assumed Oobleck was in the know or Joan wouldn't have said anything.
"…"
Nyx and Ryan stared at their mother.
"….Monty this is harder then I thought" muttered Sarah.
Walter came up to Sarah and held her shoulders.
"Just start, the rest will flow out naturally."
Sarah gave a small smile and then took a breath.
"Ok. Nyx, do you remember when your grandfather first sent his gifts to you?"
Nyx and Ryan looked at each other.
"Um…when I was around 6 right?"
Sarah smiled and shook her head.
"No sweeitie. He had sent a gift every year, in person, until you were about five years old."
Nyx stared at John who seemed intent on letting his daughter tell the story. Instead he kept his hands busy double checking the materials for reforging Crocea Mors. It was obvious to those that knew John that he was nervous, his hands needing to move and do something.
"Ok, I'll bite" said Nyx "what happened?"
Sarah grimaced.
"We were attacked."
Nyx eyes widened.
"Wait…"
Suddenly the memory resurfaced. A dark thing in her vision, screeching, yelling in a language she didn't understand. Her mother wielding a sword, her father grabbing a gun, a large shape smashing into whatever the creature was but then…she got hit by something.
"Oh my Oum" muttered Nyx "you mean that wasn't a nightmare!"
Sarah sighed.
"When you woke we thought it was better to let you think it was simply a Nightmare. The world wasn't ready yet to confront what was truly out there and you were barely keeping yourself together when you were younger. So me and your father agreed to keeping it a secret until you were a little older and less likely to spill about it to your friends…I'll admit I kept putting it off…I'm sorry."
Nyx stared at the ground. Then she looked at her mother. She wanted to be mad, she did. But if she was being honest with herself that memory still gave her the occasional nightmare. To realize that it was an actual memory, however hazy, and not some concoction created by her brain…Monty it was hitting her hard. But then the video on youtube resurfaced in her thoughts. She remembered watching the blonde boy across from her get skewered. It also hurt that her mother would think that she would just talk about something like….on second thought no she was right.
"I…I'm mad" said Nyx "but…but I'm not…I'm just confused. But I get why you did it. I don't fully agree with why you've waited so long but I get it…so he left because that thing was after him?" stressed Nyx.
John turned to lock eyes with his granddaughter.
"Hell no" said John "I left to hunt down whoever sent that revenant. Then I hunted down the ones who were all connected to it. It took me a while and at the end of it all it was that damn witch again. Thankfully she should be dead, permanently. I have a feeling I should feel flattered."
Joan stared at her brother.
"Really John you're not the first one to get a secret society hell bent on killing you. You're not special."
"Now see, that...that hurts."
Sarah smiled a bit, happy that the distance she had to keep from her other family members was coming to a close. The only reason the other Arcs stayed away was to ensure that the supernatural had no reason to bother Sarah or her family. They couldn't be too sure that whoever they happened to meet was under the Witch's direction. Sarah was strong and could easily defend her family, but Sarah wanted a normal life for her family, one where they could enjoy a quiet and safe life until they were old enough to decide what it was they wanted to do. Sadly being near her supernatural family would ensure conflicts and danger. Walter and Sarah were ready….but her children were not. Now though? Now it was a different story. Now they had the capacity to understand and make a choice.
"Ok" said Ryan "Where was I in all this?"
Walter gave a weak chuckle.
"Well you were just a baby son."
Ryan gave his family a pissed look.
"Oh so Nyx gets all the cool supernatural stuff and I'm left completely out of it? Oh, come on."
Nyx glared at her brother.
"It wasn't cool Ryan."
Ryan faltered a bit at his sister's tone.
"Ok yea not my smartest move but is there a reason that we were targeted?"
John sighed.
"We hunt the supernatural but every once in a while we get a nut who seeks true immortality. We Arcs happen to be the most accessible species that are technically immortal."
Joan ignored the jaw drops that occurred from Nyx and Ryan. She shook her head as she looked to her brother.
"You really got to learn to stop dropping bombs like that."
John shrugged.
"Well the reason they were attacked was so a witch could pass her soul onto their mother or their bodies to prolong her ridiculously long life."
John ignored the choking sounds his grandchildren made and the glare his daughter sent his way as he then took a wiff of the air around him, looked around and then narrowed his eyes at the church of Oum kid. He was looking at them (glaring) through a window. Thankfully in this instance the kid didn't matter too much. John took off his black bracelet and let his true form shimmer through. Nyx stared at her grandfather. The differences were small to be honest but it was the eyes and the hands that let her know this man wasn't human…and for some reason that calmed her.
Her mother's "birth" parents as they liked to call themselves muscled into Nyx's life. It turns out Hiram and Iliiza Trus once took care of Sarah for about nine years. They were horrific, ignoring their daughters needs and health. The mother was a drug addict and the father was a dealer. They had "fostered" her mother simply for money and have been trying to muscle into their lives for the same thing. Money. Her grandparents befriended her and tricked her into almost signing papers that would have given them her stock in her father's company. Stocks that would have sold a lot of money….or given them a lot of control in the company. Thankfully her mother stopped this before it reached its conclusion. It was then that Sarah went into detail about how John and Rachel had raised her away from her "parents". That story was the sole reason that Nyx did not give her grandfather more problems.
Yet…this man wasn't human, he wasn't like her other grandparents…he was an…..
What a second.
"Wait were Arcs!?"
Sarah rose an eyebrow.
"Well, yes. I took Dad's fake last name to avoid the press about being part of a Royal family."
Walter chuckled.
"I took the name because I didn't want to bother with my family. Too much drama with them to be honest and not a family I want to go back to. Hence the name change."
Nyx Kent stared at her grandfather. His bright orange eyes flared with energy.
"He…you" said Nyx pointing at her mother "you have the same eyes…the same hair."
Due to the stress Nyx's own eyes started to glow a faint orange. Ryan too shared this quality. While the boy was silent, learning that he was related, however lightly, to a Royal family, that he was once subjected to monster attacks, and due to logical processing coming to the conclusion that he may very well be attacked again was hitting him hard.
"Uh…since when could they do that?" asked John.
Sarah gave her father a confused expression.
"Why couldn't they do that? I'm their mother."
John stared.
"But…I thought you said you got help?"
Sarah looked confused.
"I talked to my doctor yes and he prescribed some pills to help with keeping my blood volume up but that's about it."
John stared. That shouldn't be possible homunculi couldn't…John then ripped the letter from his daughter's hands and tore it open. Sarah went to reach it but stopped when looking at her father's reverent expression. John's eyes went back and forth with precision as he read the page quickly. Jaune stood their eating a candy bar as he looked at Pyrrha.
"Man this is better then T.V….but do you think I should ask for him to hurry up and make my sword?"
For his efforts Pyrrha elbowed Jaune in the ribs. Joan seemed fearful for her brother when she heard his heart rate increase.
"John what is it?"
John stared at his daughter.
"….you….you're mine" muttered John.
Sarah seemed confused.
"I know that. No matter what Hiram and Iliiza say otherwise."
John gave a smile.
"I mean you're MY daughter. Read it. This isn't a letter….this is a D.N.A test."
Sarah went rigid and ripped the page from her father. Joan, Walter, and David all read over her shoulder.
"According to test results" said Sarah "Homunculi subject is properly stable after failed possession spell due to interference from John Arc and Rachel Summers. However, side-effects have shown to be present in the changes of her physical appearance. After study this change was induced not because of magic but…because….because of D.N.A."
Sarah stared at her father. John gave a smile.
"It never mattered to me that you weren't related to me by blood. But this…this means that you won't age Sarah…you will be staying alive for a long time as well as your children. Keep reading."
Sarah with shaking hands kept reading.
"D.N.A present in subject appears to be a blending of two donors similar to natural reproduction. While certain parts of Arc D.N.A are missing, resulting in lack of physical enhancement, she has also gained a soul thus resulting in aura, and a healing factor remains intact allowing for immunity to diseases…and aging.
Conclusion: This woman is the daughter of Johnathan Arc…and Rachel Summers."
Sarah looked at John.
"I'm….i'm free" muttered Sarah "All this time that witch couldn't take me or the kids over….wait" said Sarah.
John's smile evaporated as he came to the same conclusion.
"Wait" muttered John.
Walter laughed as he slapped his wife's shoulder.
"Well isn't that funny!" said Walter "I mean we were all worried that Witch would be able to transfer her soul to you or the kids but it turns out that was never a problem!"
Joan sighed and rubbed her eyes.
"Doesn't that mean John never had to leave?"
John's eyes flared with bright hatred as fire erupted from his runes.
"Oh no" muttered Jaune.
With a swiftness attributed to all Arcs Joan and Jaune covered their ears.
"AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!"
-Ozpin's Office-
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Ozpin jumped right out his chair as the noise hit him, sending his coffee flying and landing all over him.
"…..owww' wheezed Opzin.
-Vale Airlines-
"We are now passing over Vale, please enjoy the ve-"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Everyone in the plane all gripped their seats at the sudden intrusion of noise. All except two.
"Hm. So they finally read it."
The woman at his side sighed.
"Asclepius I told you it might have been a better idea to send the data earlier."
Asclepius sighed. He was a white-haired man with a well-trimmed beard that reached his collar bone. He looked to his wife.
"Vera it was thanks to that data that we were able to perfect the procedure."
Vera sighed and placed her hand on her husband.
"I know. But still, thirty years may have been a while."
"Bah" said Asclepius "They're immortal, thirty years is nothing."
"…Asclepius."
"Yes hun?"
"They didn't know she was immortal until you sent the letter."
"…..oh right."
Vera shook her head. Vera had short black hair and trimmed glasses on her face. She wore a blue business suit as she looked at some data on her scroll.
"It seems you may have your hands full with this patient."
Asclepius sighed.
"Of course. Why else would my brother call on me. Can't believe I have to do this to a Fall though…ugh."
Vera shook her head.
"Enough with your grudges Asclepius. It's unbecoming of you."
Asclepius sighed.
"Yes dear."
Vera narrowed her eyes.
"Sarcasm to."
"….dammit."
-Back with John-
"HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
John took a deep breath as he quelled his rage.
"This! This shit right here is why I hate people!"
Joan nodded, knowing better then to intrude on John's bitching. John lifted the crate filled with the required materials and began to make his way to the woods.
"I'll be back in a couple of hours, Ii'll finish up Jaune's sword and we will be on our way."
Sarah gave a blank look and rolled her eyes. Honestly its like he forgets she was here to help and that Joan had his tools and materials.
"Jeez he still gets overly angry doesn't he."
Sarah's words would have held more weight if her eyes were not a scorching orange. Walter gave a weak smile as he watched his wife follow her father.
"Well kids let's go. At least you'll be able to watch your mother's favorite hobby."
"That is?" asked Ryan.
"Forging. I watched her, only once. It was a sight to behold. Usually it would take many weeks of proper technique to forge a weapon and all its parts. But what your mother and grandfather do accelerates the process and gives their weapons some rather weird abilities. Come then we will get some food, wherever you want."
Nyx rubbed her arms. She was still reeling from the whole reveal and honestly knew her father was trying to distract her. Ryan too was facing something similar.
"FINALLY!"
Nyx jumped as she watcher her…cousin cheer.
"Come on guys lets go."
Joan sighed as she watched her son drag his friends with him. Ren sighed as he realize Jaune's energy was only surpassed by Nora. He gave up as he followed Nora, who was marching right along Jaune, and Pyrrha who seemed midly interested in the whole process. Perhaps watching the forging happen may give Pyrrha the names for her silver weapons.
Nyx swallowed as she took a step forward. She decided that it was ok. She was going to yell and scream yes but she knew that she was willing to take the risk with her…grandfather. He might be different. She felt her brother hold her hand in support as he nodded. She squeezed back and together the two separate and followed their mother.
-With John and Sarah-
"You got the lines ready?" asked John.
"Yes Dad. Jeez you make it sound like I've never done this before."
"Well sorry that I'm not used to working with actual help."
A storm that was brewing above their heads cracked with copious amounts of thunder.
"Oh shut up Malcom!"
The cloud shaped itself into the middle finger as a bolt of lighting struck near John.
"Dick" he muttered.
Sure enough inside the cloud was Malcom. Lightning arced off Malcom's body as he twisted the storm clouds around him. He used the movement of the clouds and his own runes to generate immense electrical energy. What its use was would soon be revealed. John and Sarah were working in the old ruins that Joan and showed her son. Inside this ruin was a pedestal sitting on the circular stone that had engravings that all met on the pedestal.
There were three pillars, each with their own engravings, that were now glowing each in different colors. Yellow, Green, Blue. The power of Quen, Axii, and Aard respectively. In the hands of the Arcs these were subpar magic. But when drawn to their original dust roots, these powers responded to the elements. Earth, Wind, and Water. These were the places of power that John was drawing from. After freeing the power of Igni John could have also used the place of power in Beacon Academy, but he had enough fire for this weapon.
"Alright" said John "let's get started."
John noticed that Joan had used Quen, her other complete rune aside from Aard, to create a makeshift bench for everyone to sit on. Joan's use of quen allowed her to create immense physical barriers. She used it to both protect people and trap monsters. In Joan's hands the sign was versatile and long lasting. In this case she created a barrier that mimicked the size of a bench.
"Always nice to have spectators' muttered John.
He turned to his daughter as he reached behind him. Crocea Mors seeped through the air behind John due to his runes. John picked up his hammer and let his aura flow. Oddly enough instead of the black and red twisting colors the hammer shone a brilliant blue tinted white. He placed Crocea Mors on a pedestal. It resembled the basic shape of an anvil yet stood taller than the standard slab of metal. This pedestal was directly linked to the ruins.
With a heave of his arm John hammered Crocea Mors. The light of his hammer illuminate the once invisible runes on Crocea mors. They were intricate and were not the kind that the Arcs used on their bodies.
No. These were runes that John was familiar with. These were runes for weapons, armor, and other inanimate objects but they were shoddy at best. It took three runes to achieve what John could do in one. He'd fix that.
"Alright. Got what we needed. The metal must be receptive to dust to house this many enchantment and from what David tells me it also responds to aura. Would have liked to replicate it for shits and giggles but Jaune's already prissy enough about it."
Sarah laughed as she got to work igniting this ancient forge. Her aura, crimson in color, filled into the lines that were in the pillars of this ancient forge.
John flipped his hammer to the spike end and smashed it into Crocea Mors. The sound of glass shattering echoed through the forest as the runes on Crocea Mors disappeared into streams of energy. John took a deep breath. His eyes glowed even more so than usual as he drew upon his hell sigil. Small orange cracks appeared along John's neck and face as he spewed out fire. His daughter Sarah was the ultimate assistant.
This was not just because she was skilled. While Sarah could forge remarkable weaponry, she lacked her father's zeal and invention for it. So while she could easily outclass most master class smiths, John remained the only grandmaster of the Arcs, for now anyway. No what made Sarah such a welcome addition to John's favorite past time, was her immunity to fire.
When John raised Sarah with Rachel they quickly realized that Sarah was a homunculus. Why she was left in the foster system was unknown. But the witch that made her quickly came back, intending to use her body to enhance her magic and extend her long life.
Long story short John and Rachel didn't agree with that. In the process of saving their adopted daughter from a would be permanent possession, John and Rachel interrupted the ritual. Doing so had the rather odd side effect of their souls passing through their daughter. This inevitably gave Sarah a soul of her own, one born from the sheer might and will of her parents. With a soul inhabiting her body Sarah went through changes. No longer was she a homunculus but rather a true human Arc hybrid.
She had the longevity and immunities of her father as John found out today and the sheer mystical might of her mother. But more importantly, to John anyway, she had inherited his immunity to heat.
In other words? John didn't have to worry about the heat.
"MONTY FRIGGIN OUM THIS IS HOT!"
John laughed at his nephews screams. Joan quickly made a barrier but John continued to stoke the flames. To his utter surprise his clothes began to fall apart from the heat.
"…."
"…..really Dad? You forgot the fire rat clothes again?"
John willed the flames to wrap around his lower body, creating something similar to a Hakama but it moved erratically like the fire it truly was. John looked at her.
"Says the one who planned to do this. Did you make a stockpile of fire rat fur? You know how hard those things are to track and find right?"
Sarah smirked as she began to use her aura on the pillars in preparation for the next half of the forging.
"I had a good teacher."
"….Flattery will get you everywhere."
Sarah smiled at her father and nodded. She was ready.
John looked at Crocea Mors, the once indestructible blade, now bare of enchantments, was red hot. John used his superior strength to hammer the blade into a longer shape, he than folded the metal into itself, then rehammered it still. He was forcing Crocea Mors into a more modern shape. A longer, thinner blade. John's supernatural strength made this process far easier and faster than usual. It didn't hurt that John did not have to worry about impurities in the metal, or accidentally weakening the metal either. Thanks to the enchantments that were unique to Crocea Mors the blade would still be as strong and as sharp as it was before.
John's family, aside from Joan, were wide eyed as they felt the ground shake with every blow of his hammer. The flames that ate away at the very air was already starting to burn the trees around him to ash. Nyx couldn't stop staring at her mother, who stood in the middle of this inferno without breaking a sweat.
"READY!" yelled John.
Sarah used her crimson aura to force the energy in the pillars into the ground. All at once the stones beneath their feet lit up.
First was Quen. As it reached the pedestal John had just finished getting Crocea Mors into its new shape. It was than that John's true talent emerged. Without missing a beat John twisted his hammer once more and used the spike to tear lines into the molten metal. Yet, these lines were not deep. No, instead they grazed upon it. The molten metal now had a golden lines that intersected like feathers. The hammer was the medium between John and the energy of the world. With this hammer and the runes that littered the floor of this old forge John was able to force the lines into the patterns/instructions that he wanted. David had originally given john some outdated means of forging Crocea Mors.
It sucked to be honest. Instead John would make this as strong and receptive to his nephew's aura as possible. Too bad his forge had to be obliterated for it to work. It wasn't designed for weaponry of this grade. Stupid magic. John sighed as he placed the final runes. Already the power of Axii and Aard were cooling the sword down. John snarled as the conflicting energy tore at his wrist. Bits of his skin was torn from his hands but was quickly replaced. In the original Crocea Mors it only had the runes responsible for its indestructibility. It was the metal that corresponded to a Paladins flames.
This time? John decided he'd do it differently. Once again John focused. The runes for sharpness echoed in his mind. He imagined two swirls of wind in his mind, and the energy listened, barely.
John lifted the blade. It was now barely orange, strong and steady, but not yet stable. The storm that was brewing above John cracked with thunder as the wind picked up. As blue lines intersected with the gold, a storm of wind on either side smashed into blade. John used this wind to grind the metal down. The force of a hurricane bringing the blade to a fine edge, John turned the blade around and did the other side. The blade was made thinner, the blade now three inches wide due to the sheer mass that was grinded away. A groove was put into the middle of the three inch deep blade, the final piece. With this the third ounce of energy, Axii, was put into place. Axii was used to calm the mind or even manipulate it. Therefore, how could it influence a blade?
It didn't, or at least not directly. In this case John used the power of Axii to stabilize the runes and allow them to coexist along with one other function. The greatest smiths known to man could merge two runes together.
John could do five. Granted one was useless in combat (Axii) but the sheer mystical might a weapon John created was immense, especially when used to empower someone.
There was one little catch.
It was widely known that runes needed to be recharged. Whenever a dust infused object was depleted of its energy source the corresponding dust was needed to refuel the enchantment. John found out how to make them permeant. In the case of flesh it was binding it to the soul.
In the case inanimate objects it was the simple case of a large surge of power that, in basic terms, essentially overcharged the runes in question, elevating their abilities. For four out of the five elements this was temporary. But for Axii, this overcharge was permanent and unlocked a second function. The ability to absorb the ambient radiation in the environment to constantly fuel the runes engraved on the object. Due to this ability basically feeding itself, the Axii rune always had access to this charging ability, thus feeding into the other runes, negating the need for recharging. The original Crocea Mors didn't need such extensive runework but in return while indestructible, it was admittedly not very sharp. As such this was a significant upgrade to Jaune's arsenal.
Just one hiccup.
This surge of energy needed to be immense. Aura was useless in this respect because no single individual, regardless of race, had the sheer power necessary to accomplish this. The Alpha's of the Arc clan were a possible exception but it was never tested.
As such John used Malcom's ability to enhance electrical energy. When given enough time Malcom could generate copious amounts of energy. This was going to suck. John looked around and locked eyes with his daughter. He gestured for her to get into Joan's barrier. She had never seen the actual finishing touches on a grandmaster level work.
With a flourish John stabbed the sword into the ground. This was both to ground it and to have the power of Quen rebound the energy back into the sword, rather than into the air. His true forge didn't need such a stupid step but unfortunately if he didn't do this, the blade's charge would dissipate in the atmosphere. John took a deep breath, focused, and slammed his hammer onto the hilt. A single burst of lightning tore through the sky and hit John's hammer. John himself went flying, his semblance active on his bones, his right hand burned not because of heat, but due to the dissonance of mystical and natural energy rupturing his hand. His metal bones prevented his hand from being vaporized from the synergy of this energy. He landed on the ground as the earth shook from the sheer force.
-With Ozpin-
Ozpin sighed as he brewed a piping hot fresh batch of coffee. He smiled as the aroma hit his nose. He sat down, enjoying the dark clouds in the distance. He turned aaway from the window, coffee in hand, and focused back onto work.
BOOOOM
His room shook. That combined with the sound caused Ozpin to jump in instinct….which caused him to tumble down to the floor. His hot coffee spilled on his pelvis, while his mug hit him in the head.
"…..owww".
Ozpin gave up as he let unconsciousness take him.
-With John and family-
John layed on the ground smoking. His black bone hand barely held together by skin and muscle. Slowly it was healing. Sarah was by her father's side, the heat from everything was quickly dispersing due to the remaining powers of aard. Malcom landed with a thump as he stared at his brother. It took all John had to keep the flames around his waist and legs going.
"You alright brother?"
John rose his metallic hand and gave a thumbs up.
"Good. Walk it off, you'll be alright."
John's hand fell to the ground, muscle starting to cover his fingers again. The ruins were…well they were ruined. While they were indeed the forges that John used in the past they were designed, first and foremost, for his average mystical weapons. They were not designed to handle the force of one of a lightning bolt infused and enhanced with Malcom's power. Yet what lied in the center…was Jaune's sword. Crocea Mors shone. It's hilt remained the same but the blade shone with new luster, white flames licking at the metal, it's power yet unclaimed.
John, helped by his daughter, stumbled up. Electricity still arced in his nervous system, causing him pain and a strong inability to move as of yet.
Jaune was already at his sword ready to pull it out. As he drew the blade Jaune's aura blasted into the sword, binding the two together. The sword shone brightly, its intersecting runes disappearing from sight as the blade stabilized.
Jaune gave it a few practice swings, loving the feel of the weapon in his hand.
"Oh…this is going to be awesome! "
It then slammed into the ground due to sheer weight.
"OH COME ON!"
John laughed his ass off, stopping every bit as the electricity short circuited him.
"Sorry kid. The sword matches it's strength to yours."
Jaune lifted the sword with a huff. It wasn't that heavy, it was just that Jaune was unprepared for the weight. But due to this some tactics would be viable now. Jaune smiled as he realized that his sword would be the ultimate practice weapon. Always being heavy enough to train with.
"Thanks Uncle John…hows the hand."
John sighed as his hand was mostly healed.
"It's more my clothes that I'm pissed about."
A package of clothes were thrown at his feet. John looked at his sister confused.
"Wha?"
Joan smiled.
"John I have known you all your life. Trust me, this isn't the first time you've forgotten your clothes aren't fireproof."
John sighed as he walked into the forest and out of sight. Oobleck sat there, stupefied, as he stared at Joan and Malcom.
"So it's true. You really were venerated as Gods."
Joan rose an eyebrow. She assumed Oobleck only knew of John's past alias.
"What makes you say that?"
Oobleck smiled.
"I have friends that live under the Asgard mountain. They've told me of their beliefs and their culture. In fact my doctorate was based upon their culture and my study of it."
Joan was thoroughly impressed.
"You know them? I had thought they hated all outsiders?"
Oobleck nodded.
"They hate outsiders that prove to be nothing but liars and cheats. The current chief of the tribe told me that their skill in crafting was passed down from a God that sometimes inhabits the mountains behind them. Their culture was interesting because they did not worship this God, in fact their belief system was centered around spirits. Yet they respected the Pantheon of Gods that moved through their area. It was odd and so increadibly fascinating. I have reason to believe that John was the god of that mountain. Whereas you and Malcom were also central figures in their stories."
Sarah smiled.
"Really now? Dad doesn't tell me much of how people viewed him."
Oobleck smiled. Finally someone that wanted to listen to one of his lectures. But first, courtesy.
"I hope you don't mind?"
Joan smiled.
"Go right ahead. I'll correct anything if you wish."
Oobleck smiled even brighter.
"Oh I'd like nothing more! Also thank you for the historian books that you've placed in our library. I'm almost done."
Joan rose an eyebrow.
"All of them?"
Oobleck nodded.
"…We gave you eight of the largest tomes we have two days ago?"
Oobleck smiled.
"I'm pretty quick. It's why I have eight doctorates."
Malcom whistled.
"Well he's smarter than me already."
Oobleck turned to Sarah and her family.
"Well the tribe I talked to is one of many that is spread across Remnant. They are a culture that live in harmony with nature. They detest the bandit clans that attempt to take their land and usually turn the kingdoms away from expanding before they actually need it. According to the tribe the lives under the mountain your father was referred to them as a spirit of fire and vengeance. While he lived among them he rarely stepped foot off the mountain. A particular myth describes that he usually only answers to someone who is having trouble in their craftsman pursuits. He teaches new skills in exchange for knowledge or food."
Sarah laughed.
"That sounds like dad."
"As such he was viewed as a kind spirit. It seemed they knew he wasn't a being from their beleifs and yet they still respected that he was some form of higher power. It wasn't unusual for a member of their tribe to request assistance, although it happened very rarely. He was known is Ignis Dei, the God of fire, and was venerated as a kind and vengeful spirit."
Oobleck was on a roll now.
"In one Myth a couple cried for help as they tried to escape a murder. Moments later a spear seemingly made of crimson light had murdered their would be killer. They also respected Joan in someway as a Goddess of war. The myths that I assumed are linked to her are few in number but they paint her as a harbinger for victory, as she had the power to place those that stood with her under her protection."
"What about me!" asked Malcom.
Oobleck went pale a little bit.
"um…I assumed you were the one they called Fulger right?"
Malcom nodded.
"They said you were and I quote an asshole."
Malcom laughed.
"HAHAHA! Seems about right! They never did like my lightning storms, since all the metal and everything."
Oobleck sighed in relief.
"Yes it was quite interesting. As far as I'm aware they are the only belief system that appeared to accept the fact that there were Gods and spirits outside their belief system. It was quite odd."
Joan smiled.
"I remember their tribes. They were a kind people. They avoided war but were not afraid to fight if necessary. It was they who taught us Arcs how to live in nature. But we were also technically a part of their belief system, in a skewed way."
Oobleck rose an eyebrow.
"Really? How so. From what I have learned Ignis Dei is not a word from their vocabulary."
Joan smiled.
"That's because you probably used a translator, right?"
Oobleck nodded.
"Of course."
"Tell me Oobleck, does your culture have any recordings of different Gods and different pantheons."
Oobleck shook his head.
"Of course not, I add…oh my."
Joan smiled.
"Do not fret Oobleck, you were not wrong. We arcs are not beings that they worshipped. Instead we were beings they attributed certain aspects of nature to. They used us and many other beings to explain natural phenomenon in their earlier days. Now they use our existence as proof that there is more to the world than simply what we see."
Jaune chuckled.
"Really?"
Joan nodded.
"Yes. They played a large role in my life in the earlier days, and so they guard the relic that you need to begin the second trial."
Jaune nodded.
"Interesting. Can't wait to attempt it."
Joan sighed. Here her son was once again trying to rush it. Honestly.
"Oh Jaune you don't go to them."
"…They come to you."
Jaune narrowed his eyes.
"….that doesn't sound creepy at all."
Jaune turned to his team.
"So Ren ready to try and get the TV set up down in the chest? No offense but it's taking up too much space on the wall."
Ren smirked.
"You just want something to do when we're all sleeping."
Jaune chuckled.
"Too true."
Jaune than turned to Nyx and Ryan.
"I'll be seeing you guys sometime. Here."
Nyx and Ryan jumped as Jaune chucked his scroll to them.
"Load up my information. Give me a holler if you ever want to hang out."
Nyx opened her mouth but Ryan already threw Jaune his scroll back. As Jaune left Nyx's grandfather returned, clad in a ark blue shirt and jeans. He was affixing a black dust bracelet to his wrist once more. He looked to his daughter.
"Ready for lunch kid?"
Sarah smiled.
"Yea, I am."
Malcom laughed.
"HAHA! Is it just John or are me and Joan invited?"
Sarah laughed.
"Of course Uncle Malcom! Did you want to come Aunt Joan."
Joan smiled.
"Always. I know Diana would get us a seat at the Lunar Bar and better yet on the house as well."
Sarah blushed. Even as successful as Walter and her have been, the Lunar Bar was a tad too expensive.
"I don't want to intrude on aunt Diana, she already has a lot on her-"
Beep.
Sarah turned to see her father on his odd scroll.
"Yea hey it's me. What do you mean it feels like forever since you've been here? I saw you last week!? Anyway I'm bringing Sarah and the family along….yes the whole family….yes you can meet Nyx and Ryan…Monty I don't know we just started everything today. FINE oum I'll ask."
John turned to Nyx and Ryan.
"Quick what's your favorite thing."
Ryan blurted out Pizza. Nyx bit her lip as she admitted it was pasta.
"….you mean Ramen right?"
Nyx blushed even further. She loved Vacuo food but not a lot of places served it and her friends found it odd. Suddenly John had small tears in his eyes as he held Nyx's shoulders.
"Finally someone else. Your mother hates that stuff and when Rachel was still around she couldn't stand it either."
Nyx gave an awkward smile as John went back to his conversation.
"Yea you heard them…yea we're on our way. Ok that's a little much I mean Jaune just left so we can't invite him….what do you mean April and Jarred are already on their way!? How the hell did you even!? You know what never mind, I give up. You're the oldest for a reason."
John sighed as he turned to his family.
"Well that escalated quickly. Diana shut down the whole bar, apparently we're having a family get together."
Sarah rose an eyebrow.
"Really? Isn't everyone busy?"
John scowled.
"Apparently not…where's Joan?"
Sure enough Joan was gone…and than appeared with Jaune over her shoulder.
"The others decided not to intrude on family time. But I got Jaune."
John stared at his sister.
"….ok than I give up."
Malcom laughed.
"Smart move brother! Now off to the bar!"
Nyx sighed. Already her family turned out to be a lot bigger and crazier than she thought. But you know what? It could be worse.
-At the Lunar Bar, one hour later-
It got worse.
"YYYEEEEAAAA!"
Nyx ducked as another Arc was sent flying as they attempted to best her great Aunt Joan in an arm wrestle and failed.
"Next" laughed Joan.
Malcom laughed as he went against her.
"Alright Sister let us see if you have what it takes to best your older brother!"
Joan smirked.
"Bring it."
Malcom cletched his fist and with a mighty heave went against his sister's strength.
SNAP!
Malcom's arm laid useless on the table as his arm tried to heal.
"…Well that was quick!" laughed Malcom.
While Malcom had the most raw power that unfortunately did not translate to raw strength. Without electricity his strength would not increase. This time Diana, the oldest of the five siblings sat across her sister.
"My turn Malcom, you don't send a man to do a woman's job."
Malcom pouted.
"Just because you came out first doesn't mean you're the better twin Diana."
Diana just gave her brother a look. Blake Arc was running around trying to do damage control and prevent the Arcs from completely wrecking the bar. Mary was sitting in a dark corner with Erebus, while Joy was with Elizabeth trying Diana's new Parfait. Andrew, a dark skinned arc with the sides of his head shaved, was busy trying everything at the table.
"I can never get enough of this food. Diana, you truly are a maestro."
Diana smiled in appreciation.
"Thanks Andrew, good to see that you're taking some time off your walkabout."
Andrew grinned.
"Oum knows I needed it. Besides I heard we have contracts again."
Joan cleared her throat. Diana rose an eyebrow.
"You sure you wish to go against me, little sister."
Joan narrowed her eyes. When the two of them clasped each other's hands it was immediately known that it would be fair.
Sure enough Diana's sigil played a part in keeping Joan's strength in check. She absorbed her sister's aura, keeping them equal. Joan began to sweat as the two of them tried to over power the other.
"Are they ok?" asked Ryan.
The two kept going as Walter shrugged.
"I wouldn't know son. I have to say I'm surprised how…uh…rambunctious your family is?"
Sarah was long gone as she was busy talking with Mary and Joy at the moment.
"…Always nice being ignored" muttered Walter.
He turned to his kids and smiled as Ryan and Nyx were talking with their grandfather.
"So what you shoot out fire and um…uh."
"Malcom" supplied John.
"Yea Great Uncle Malcom shoots lightning?"
John shrugged.
"Basically. Our abilities are derived more from our physiology than our aura. My semblance is an ability to turn my skin metallic."
Ryan whistled.
"That's cool."
Nyx seemed to stare awkwardly at her hands. Ryan and John seemed to hit it off no problems but here she was still being awkward.
"Are you…sticking around?" asked Nyx.
John smirked.
"Oh definitely. I may take a contract sometime in the future but I ain't leaving."
Nyx smiled slightly. She was still annoyed that this large portion of her life was basically hidden from her. But if what she remember had saw on youtube was any indication…it was a good thing she was kept from it. Still didn't change the fact that she was annoyed.
"So are you coming to the family interview than?"
John rose an eyebrow.
"huh?"
Nyx sighed.
"It's a family interview in a few days around 6:00PM at our school. Basically you come along with us and you get a tour of the school and the classes while hearing about our progress."
"Sounds boring" said John.
Nyx tried to stifle her laughter as Ryan looked to the ceiling.
"See at least one of you guys get it."
"I'll go" said John "Besides it be nice to see Sol."
Nyx rose an eyebrow.
"Sol?"
John smirked.
"Sol, unlike Jaune, doesn't mind waiting to hunt monsters. He's Diana and Blake's son. He was born a little after Jaune. Should be in tenth grade I think?"
Nyx's eyes went wide.
"Seriously? You mean Sol Elderedge the kid that gets shoved into lockers."
BOOOOM!
"HE GETS WHAT!"
Nyx turned around and sure enough Joan was bruied in the floor in a heap while Diana marches towards her.
"Is my son getting bullied!"
Nyx swallowed hard as Diana's hard stare drills through her.
"….Um…yes?"
Diana sighed.
"SOL! Get down here now!"
A gangly kid comes running down the stairs. At school he was awkward and timid…yet this was not the boy Nyx saw. Instead she saw someone that was brimming with energy and confidence. Sol had black hair like his father but retained his mothers' impressive height. He usually wore baggy clothes and yet in normal attire Nyx was surprised to find that Sol was ripped. He looked a little like Jaune but his face was longer and his eyes more open and expressive.
"yea ma?"
Diana motioned for him to come closer.
"What's this I hear about you getting bullied."
Sol rolled his eyes.
"It's not that bad, just a bunch of idiots that think they're cool for doing it. I'd-"
Before Sol could finish the entire room was in an uproar. Andrew was directing people as everyone was cleaning up and getting prepared for the stupidest thing.
"I got the shotguns! Joan grab the body bags, Malcom, the lemon juice, and for the love of god someone get the damn lime!"
Sol sighed as he rubbed his eyes.
"This is why I didn't bother telling you. It's because you'd send the whole family on a hunting mission for a few kids."
Diana crossed her arms.
"….point taken. Alright guys that's enough."
Andrew smirked.
"Oh come on I thought it was funny."
Diana gave him a blank stare as Blake wiped some sweat from his brow.
"Thank Oum they stopped destroying the place. You know how expensive it is to replace some of this stuff?"
Diana waved his concerns. But than stared at her son.
"You know its ok to stand up for yourself."
Sol shrugged.
"I know. Honestly it happens rarely. I don't really care that much and I don't let things get physical. They leave me alone since all I do is read a book when they talk to me."
He finally noticed Nyx and Ryan.
"Uh…"
John interrupted Sol.
"Long story short they are your cousins and yes they are just as immortal as us."
Sol blinked and then shrugged
"Ok. Nice to meet you guys! Finally it seems like I'll have people to talk to aside from Alexis."
Nyx smiled. Her friends, while numerous, were not people she would consider being close to. There were obvious exceptions. Ryan was in a similar boat and honestly Sol seemed cool and not hunter heavy like Jaune was. That and he went to his school.
"Definitely. I was getting annoyed at getting left out of the conversation over and over again."
Sol smirked…and than decided to take a plunge.
"You guys play video games?"
Nyx smirked at Ryan.
"We do."
Ryan scowled.
"I'll beat you this time."
Sol gestured for them to follow him and led the two upstairs to his temporary abode. His family was staying at the lunar bar for convenience sake. According to his mother they were looking into buying a plot of land to build their own house but had yet to find the time. Not that Sol minded too much.
"…wait don't we have the same thing at Beacon?" asked John.
His nephew perked up at this as he finished another bowl of chicken wings.
"Yea. Apparently Pyrrha's mother is coming by tomorrow."
"…huh. Well tell Ozpin I won't be there if it occurs at 6."
Jaune shook his head.
"No. Apparently its all day tomorrow during school hours. Weren't you at the teacher's meeting for that? Do you even have teacher meetings?"
John shrugged.
"Not really I get notifications. Must have ignored it."
Jaune sighed. Might as well get ready for tomorrow. Honestly he loved his family get togethers but for ocne he'd love to just sleep.
Ah who was he kidding he'd never be content with that. Besides it's not like Pyrrha's mom was going to be that bad…
Right?
End.
Yup, so I finally got the John centric chapter out and started, a smidge, on fleshing out the other Arcs. John was the easiest since he was the first one I introduced. I decided against the whole each Arc getting their own Arc. I thought it was dumb to be honest and would take too much from Jaune. Anyway Next time Jaune faces off against Pyrrha's mother. Yea like that's going to go well XD.
Armory (in this chapter):
Crocea Mors: Indestructible. The reforged Crocea Mors is now stronger than ever and is now capable of handling Jaune's new found power. Yet Jaune will discover that as powerful and convenient Crocea Mors can be a handful to wield properly. Rarity: Relic class
John's Hammer: made from the materil Mithril this hammer has the ability to direct mystical energy by its owners will, so long as it's in close proximity. Also nifty as a go to weapon if all else fails.
Pairing list:
Diana x Blake Arc
Joan x David
John X ?
Jaune X Pyrrha
Ren X Nora (it will happen soon don't worry)
Joy X Elizabeth
Mary x Erebus
Sol X Alexis