Well, I'm back from my event and not a moment too soon. It looks like the UK will be going back into national lockdown due to coronavirus. That's doubly frustrating because I just arranged three tenancy agreements for our office, renting out our downstairs offices to companies to bring in some extra money, and now they'll likely be closed and telling me they can't pay rent. It's not my money so no reason for people to panic, but it is the money of the company I work for and run, so… yeah. Double blow for us.
Anyway, on with the chapter.
Cover Art: Jack Wayne
Chapter 129
It was the night before they'd have to go back to Beacon that he made his move, and it was only that late because of how difficult it was to plan his approach. Emerald had been made aware of what was going on and had been surprisingly okay with the idea. He wasn't sure if that was because it was all but happening anyway and this was making it official, or if she'd developed some fondness for her pseudo-sibling.
He had a feeling it was the former, not the latter.
Once dinner was over, Emerald excused herself to take a bath and Vernal took her chance to get what she wanted. "Let's train!"
"Not straight after dinner," he said calmly. "I thought we could talk a little."
"Ugh." Vernal slumped back in her seat, excitement fading. "About what?"
"About the future. You know I'm heading off to Vacuo once Beacon starts."
"All the more reason to train now. You won't be able to run the ASH Gym while you're gone."
One track mind. He rolled his eyes. "We'll train after this talk, and the longer you drag it out for, the less time for training you'll have." He watched her lips seal up. "Right. So, I'll be going to Vacuo and you two will be heading back to Beacon. Looking forward to it?" Vernal shrugged. Jaune sighed. "You're not Neo. Speak. Use your words."
"You said the more I talk, the less training I get…"
That wasn't what he'd said at all and she knew it. Why did she have to be so difficult? Because she grew up in a shit situation, he reminded himself. The Branwen tribe was not internationally recognised for its contributions to the childrearing.
"When you go back to Beacon our deal will be off," he continued. "That means you'll be back to living in your motel room outside of school."
"What of it? I can handle it!"
"Wouldn't you rather not? You could stay here more often."
"Obviously! Wait, is this the point where you offer me a job?" Vernal brought a hand up to her mouth and laughed into it. "I figured as much! Those scrubs in the ASH Gym are so weak I could train half of 'em myself!" Leaning forward, she jabbed a finger at his chest, smirking fit to split her face in two. "Didn't think you'd be so much a pussy that you'd need my help, but I guess it's expected. I am your first and best student. Fine," she said with a loud and fake sigh. "I suppose if you need me that much I can-"
"I'm not asking you to work for me, Vernal."
"Hah? Then what-"
"I'm asking you to become my daughter."
"…" Vernal's mouth opened and closed for the longest time. Her eyes were wide and almost afraid, darting left and right. "W-What?" she stammered. He'd never heard her do that before. She laughed hysterically. "W-What was that? I heard that wrong, right?"
"I want to adopt you."
"Yeah, that's what I heard – the fuck!?" she yelled. "W-Where is this coming from all of a sudden? No! A hundred times no, creep!"
A rejection? Jaune leaned back, surprised and a little hurt if he'd admit it to himself. He'd expected Vernal to be embarrassed and loud, but he hadn't expected her to say no. Had he read the room wrong? Had she moved on? I thought she said she had wanted me to take her with me. Did she just mean as a student and nothing else?
"You don't want to be adopted?"
"Pft. No! Why would I? I don't need some idiot acting like he owns me." She eyed him strangely, turning half away. "Or is it that you want to hear me calling you my dad or something. I won't!"
You already do, he wanted to say. The number of times she'd called him dad without realising it this holiday alone was past what he could count on his fingers, and every time, Emerald would call her out on it, only to have Vernal deny it ever happened.
So, if she already called him father and already acted like she was Em's sister, then what was the problem in making it official? The only change was admitting it out loud. Was that it? Was she afraid to make it official because then people would know? Did she see it as a weakness? The logic was so unsound he couldn't have made a wall out of it, but this was Vernal, and she'd had her head stuffed full of Branwen nonsense. He had to try a different approach if he wanted to break through.
"What if it's me who wants you?"
Blood rushed up her face. "I-I knew it! You're that desperate to have me as your kid, huh? Tch." She looked away. "Can't have someone at the gym upstage your brat, isn't it? I'm too good to ignore."
"It's not-" He paused, took a deep breath and mentally apologised to Emerald. "Sure. It's that. You're exceptional and I want you as my daughter."
Against all odds, her shoulders rose a little. Really? This was what she wanted to hear? As far as important lessons to teach her, this was backwards to Emerald, who had been convinced he only took her along because he had a "use" for her. Emerald had needed to learn she could be loved, whereas Vernal wanted to be useful. Or maybe it was more to do with value. He supposed it made a little more sense put like that; everyone wanted to feel like they had something to bring to the table, that they weren't a burden.
"I'm willing to offer a lot of benefits," he said. It felt far too wrong to treat this like a transaction. Summer would have a fit. Qrow, on the other hand, might understand. At the end of the day all that mattered was making up for his mistake and helping her. If it took doing this now to help her in the long turn, he had to accept that. "For one, you'd have access to a nicer home, food, your own bedroom, a training room and money to pursue any hobbies you want."
"You think I care about money? I can take it if I need it."
"There'd also be training involved when I'm around, beyond what you get at the ASH Gym."
"Now we're talking! I'm not putting up with lovey-dovey nonsense, though."
Bullshit. When she was upset over Cinder, she'd come to him. More of Qrow's advice here? It'd worked so far. "That's not on the table," he said gruffly. "You get lodge, training and everything you need to get by but I'm not budging on affection. Hugs are necessary."
"Tch!" Her cheeks flamed red. "Creep."
"Unless you're afraid…?"
"Fuck you!" she roared, surging up and stabbing her finger at him. "I ain't afraid of nothing!"
Jaune cocked a smile. "Prove it."
Grumbling, swearing and cursing up a storm, Vernal stomped her way around the table to stand before him. He thought about making her do everything but decided that would be unfair. Opening his arms, he let her quickly – but not reluctantly – slot herself against him.
"M'not calling you dad, fuckface," she mumbled against his chest.
You already do half the time, he thought. That would come in time probably, but for now he'd take what little success he could get, even if it had to be won at the end of what felt more like a trade than an adoption. It beat Qrow's idea of quite literally beating the idea into her.
"So…" she said.
"Yes daughter?"
"Hngh." Her face burned pink. "Training."
"Already? Can't this moment last a little longer."
"You promised."
"I guess I did," he admitted, releasing her. He didn't fail to note how slowly she pulled away or how much she bounced on her feet, but he also knew she wouldn't be prepared to accept or recognise that herself. "It wouldn't do for me to go back on a promise to my eldest daughter now, would it?"
"No. N-Not that I'm your- ugh. I mean… Fuck it. Train me already!"
/-/
"So, Qrow told me all about it." Summer was quick to confront him before even Ozpin could speak. "Did it work out? Is it happening?"
"It's not yet official but she agreed. Vernal is Vernal Ashari now. Emerald's sister."
"Congratulations!"
"Indeed." Ozpin said, surprised but not upset to hear the news. "Congratulations on yet another daughter, and on skipping the formative years. I hear those are the worst. This won't interfere with our plans, will it?"
"Not at all. I'm still good to go with Qrow."
"Excellent. Then let us begin the meeting."
Most of it didn't involve him. The teachers were discussing the Vytal Festival taking place this exact term and their plans surrounding it, including security and organisation. The security shouldn't have been such a problem this time with the White Fang gone and Cinder having no immediate reason or means to interfere, but he wouldn't have put it past Salem to have contingencies in place and neither was Ozpin.
The majority of that was out of his hands, however. It was more work for Summer, Port, Oobleck and Glynda, with the promise of aid from James when the time came. Before long, the teachers were dismissed, leaving Qrow and Jaune alone in the room with the headmaster. Even Glynda had left.
"I've arranged for a boat to take the two of you from the docks to Vacuo itself," Ozpin said. "It's inconspicuous enough given the timing, but I dare say the enemy will notice regardless. Both of you are known quantities and will likely be watched. I needn't tell you what almost befell Summer over there."
"What do we know of the Summer Maiden?" Qrow asked.
"Very little I'm afraid. The previous Summer Maiden was known to be, but she was not what one would call open or friendly. Toward the end of her years she took on a successor and trained her up with the intent of passing over the mantle once she died. The identity of that successor was kept a secret from everyone."
"Smart."
"On principle, yes, but hiding it from myself is anything but. You'll have to search for her yourself. One thing I am sure of is that she won't be around civilisation. The previous maiden, Samara Sands, was a very… I suppose the best way to describe her would be as a hermit. Even speaking to people was a chore to her. I expect some of that will have worn off on her successor."
"You don't think she'd try and break out after being cooped up? Have fun?"
"Given the lack of any intelligence about our new maiden, I doubt it. Keep your minds open, however. I may be wrong."
"We'll find her," Qrow said confidently. "Only problem is, what happens when we do? If her mentor wasn't prepared to work with you, I'm not sure the new one will either."
"That is a risk…"
Jaune took his chance to interrupt. "You need to be open with us. We need to know what our odds are and how likely a fight is. Also, what we're supposed to do if she refuses to assist us and it comes down to a fight. Keep us in the dark and we'll only do something you don't want." Qrow was nodding along. "For one thing, do you want her captured if she refuses to help us?"
"If possible, yes."
"And if it's not possible?"
Ozpin sighed.
"I'm not trying to be negative," Jaune said. "I just want to know whether we're retreating and calling it off or pushing this further. We need to know what you want from us," he said, pointing to Qrow.
"Jaune's got a point, Oz. Do you want us to fight her or not?"
"I do not want you to fight but… it may become necessary. Yes. If she refuses to listen or assist us, you have permission to engage her. Seek to capture her alive but if you cannot… If this becomes a battle to the death, then let it be so. We will simply have to hope we can find the next inheritor. Who knows, she may even have chosen a successor already, in which case bring her back with you."
Kill someone's mentor and drag them back to Beacon against their will. That was a recipe for disaster, but at least it was one that wouldn't happen. Or it hadn't happened the last time. That didn't mean things couldn't have changed now, but at least there was a good chance she was on her own.
"Are you both agreeable to this plan?" Ozpin asked. "I know I am asking a lot."
"It has to be done," Jaune said.
"Hm. Sucks," Qrow agreed, "but I'll hope we can knock some sense into her. I can be pretty persuasive when I want to be."
Ozpin smiled ruefully. "I will hope for that as well, then. Good luck to you both. Do you need time to say farewell to your daughters, Jaune?"
"No. We talked this morning, and I gave them both hugs and spending money when I brought them back to Beacon. We should be back before the Vytal Festival kicks off anyway."
"Make sure you are. I need you both here. If you cannot find her by that point, call the search off and return." He waited for them to nod their understanding and then leaned back in his chair. "I will leave it to you, then. Good luck to the both of you."
/-/
The ship was waiting for them as promised and was a merchant's trawler, squat and fat but armed and armoured, used to carrying important supplies like food and medicine on the dangerous seas. Pirates weren't much of a problem despite rumours of some piracy along the routes between Vacuo and Mistral, but Grimm were a much more realistic threat. In truth, the rumours of piracy were probably the criminal enterprises of Vacuo and Mistral competing against one another and blaming it on made up swashbucklers.
They weren't the only passengers, but the others were all inconspicuous enough. One of the biggest advantages of his foreknowledge, no matter how much had changed, was his ability to quickly recognise people who might be sympathetic to Salem or who had served her in the past. Everyone on the ship looked too old and worn for that, simply travelling to meet relatives or start new lives.
Qrow closed the door to the small cabin they'd been given, little more than a crew's quarter with two beds slotted against one wall, bunked into the wall itself and one above the other. There wasn't room to stand and swing your arms out wide, but then space was precious on a freight vessel. Time, too. It wasn't long before the horn sounded and the ship was pulling slowly out the Vale harbour, pausing in its progress to signal to the various authorities before slowly pulling out into deeper water.
"You're not one to get seasick, are you?" Qrow asked.
"No." Jaune grinned back. "I used to be terrible on aircraft, though. Couldn't handle a Bullhead without throwing up everywhere. How about you?"
"I love flying and sailing. Travelling in general. It was one of those things you never thought possible in the tribe. Truth is, we were taught so little about the world at large that it felt like a small place. Nice to have a chance to see all these places in person." Qrow idled on the railing, closing his eyes against the sea breeze. "You seemed pretty determined we'd have to fight the Summer Maiden. Anything I should know?"
"Only that every maiden we've ever dealt with hasn't wanted to work with Ozpin. Given that he has to send us after this one, I assume it's the same story. Do you think she'll come quietly?"
"Nah." Qrow laughed and cracked a smile, one eye open. "Same thoughts as yours really. Oz wouldn't be sending us both if this was as easy as talking to someone. I wonder why they're so against working with him."
"Trust."
"Obviously. I just mean why? I know Oz has his secrets, we all do, but if you're a maiden then you know about magic, the Relics and presumably Salem, too. You know what the stakes are. I get they may not like the idea of being controlled by Ozpin, but when the alternative is being hunted down and murdered and the world possibly ending, isn't that worth being a little uncomfortable?"
"Sacrifice one for the many?"
"I'm not talking that. I just mean… we're all sacrificing our free time for this. You're giving up chances to be with your girls. I'm giving up my free time. You don't completely trust Ozpin, either."
He'd noticed that, or had Summer told him? There was no point denying it, so he nodded. "Hm. And?"
"And you're willing to work with him because it's common sense to help someone aligned against a monster looking to destroy everyone. So, why don't they? I'm not asking them to like it or be loyal to him or us, just… exercise some common sense."
Common sense. Jaune laughed. If everyone in the world acted on what was obvious, the world would be such a better place. Alas, it didn't work like that. People were opinionated, selfish and stupid – and he was no exception.
Common sense would have dictated he accept their victory the last time. Common sense would have dictated he kill Emerald and Cinder. Common sense would have led him to ruin.
But he could agree with Qrow on some small level. On the ideal of it all. Raven was a prime example, completely secure in her right to distrust Ozpin - it was her life and her trust to exercise – and yet she had put herself at risk by taking the power of the Spring Maiden and keeping it hidden. Of course, with the knowledge she had now, specifically of the aura transfer machine that could syphon out a soul while killing the victim, there was no way in hell Raven was going anywhere near Ozpin.
If they could have reached an accord, though… if Raven could have avoided running away the first time. Then, he could see a world where Team STRQ were still a thing and Ozpin's coterie was stronger. On the other hand, keep Raven around and Ruby might never be born.
He was grateful he hadn't come back so far in time to accidentally fuck that up. How would he handle accidentally writing his best friend out of existence? Jaune shuddered and looked out over the ocean.
"That bad, huh?"
"No. No. Just lost in thought. Thinking about what life would be like if Raven stayed with you, then realising it'd probably mean no Ruby."
"Erk. Yeah." Qrow laughed. "Maybe it's best she didn't stay in that case, though who knows, maybe Summer would have had Ruby with someone else. You never know."
"With you?"
"Get off." Qrow elbowed him sharply. "I had a crush on Summer but that was all. Even if she were single now, I don't think we could see each other that way. Might have been you, though. The two of you are close."
"Not that close," Jaune argued.
"Nah. Not saying it. But if Taiyang wasn't around then you could have become it. You hit it off quick and you agree on most things. Only reason she isn't interested is because she's head over heels for Tai, but imagine a world where she got over him, and I could see little Ruby Ashari."
He could, too, though only because Qrow pointed it out. Summer was a beautiful woman, and they did get on. Jaune shook the idea out his head violently. The last thing he needed was that worming its way in when it was flat out impossible now. And rightly so.
"Back to the other Summer."
"Ha. Fine." Qrow looked far too amused for his own good. "I figure we'll ask around Vacuo. See if we can get any luck. Not expecting much if I'm being honest, but we can at least narrow down where she isn't. I know a guy. A bad guy," he added with a dirty scowl. Clearly, he and Qrow weren't friends. "I wouldn't trust him not to stab me in the back, but he knows I'd turn him inside out if he tried. He has hands in the shady parts of Vacuo's underworld and if the price is right, he'll help. Hint. Hint."
Jaune rolled his eyes. Only Qrow would say `hint` like that. "I'll forward you a quarter million. Think that'll be enough?"
"Ought to be enough. Jax is a greedy bastard."
"Need me to come along?"
"No!" Qrow cut that off surprisingly quickly. "Absolutely not. He has a dangerous Semblance but one he can't tag me with. I can't say the same for you and him having a chance at you is the last thing any of us need. He has to touch someone for it to work." He grinned. "I'm a slippery son of a bitch. He also knows I work for Ozpin, and he's not dumb enough to stir that hornet's nest. Someone with your wealth, though. Well, he might take the risk."
"How dangerous is this Semblance?"
"Mind control."
There was no describing the numbing terror that crept through his body. "Are you fucking serious!?"
Mind control. As in, actual mind control? A Semblance like that existed? If so, how was this person still alive? How had they not been hunted down and killed by a mob of angry people terrified of what they could do? Or failing that, how was this person not King of Remnant? How were they not part of Ozpin's group? Or worse, Salem's?
"Wait, is this person not being used against Salem? Couldn't he mind control her to give up her plans? Don't tell me Ozpin hasn't thought of that!" Jaune looked back toward Vale, as if judging the distance he'd have to swim to wring Ozpin's neck.
"Whoah. Whoah. It has conditions. A lot of conditions. Enough to make it non-viable. Trust me, Ozpin was interested. You really don't know this? Jax Asturias? Carmine Esclados?"
The names meant nothing to him, which was more of a shock than he cared to admit. How did he not know people apparently this important? Numbly, he shook his head.
"Wow. You always seemed like Intel Master 5000." Qrow laughed. "Guess everything has its limit. They're a group of… well, I guess you'd call them extremists. They operate a group called The Crown, who has plans to put the old Vacuan monarchy back on the throne of Vacuo."
Nothing. Again, he'd heard nothing. "Vacuo was a monarchy…?"
"Once, yeah. Why do you think they're called Kingdoms? Anyway, they're dangerous if you live in Vacuo and are part of the Government and all, but they're harmless to us. Well, except for maybe recruiting people. They look for powerful Semblances and might well be interested in yours." He grinned. "Not so much mine. That's part of what gives me security from Jax. He doesn't want to mess with my bad luck, let alone recruit it. Either way, you needn't worry too much about them. They stick to Vacuo and we're not here to cause them any problems. Ozpin may not like them, but Vacuo is free to run itself. If the Kingdom decides to go back to a monarchy, I don't think it bothers Oz too much. As long as that person doesn't join Salem."
Ozpin might even be thinking he could take over said monarchy. Not necessarily through force, but just by one day being reincarnated into control. Either way, Ozpin was all about furthering the survival of humanity, so maybe he thought whichever side won would prove hardier.
I guess this Crown group weren't a problem when we came to Vacuo. That means they were either dealt with or circumstances changed.
Or they just never bumped into them. It wasn't impossible that they just never crossed paths, or Crown were occupied with something else when they came for the Summer Maiden. Still, a Semblance like mind control… just imagining such a thing existing was a frightening thought. How could you trust anyone? What if every single person in Vacuo was under his control? What if he took Qrow when he went to speak with him? He'd just have to trust Qrow knew what he was doing.
It wouldn't matter much once they were out of the city looking for the maiden.
/-/
There was some subtle irony in Jaune wrapping his scarf up over his head and mouth and removing his long white coat, then instantly blending in with the locals. He'd started his journey in Vacuo and he still showed the traces of it, whereas Qrow looked downright miserable in his grey top, black pants and dark cape. It was a blustery, windy day and sand was being whipped about even inside the walls of Vacuo.
It felt like he'd come home.
The ship moored in the docks and cranes came to take off the crates, while passengers were allowed down a slanted walkway to the pier. No one was there to check them; Vacuo didn't care for people and didn't even have much in the way of customs. Trade was free, as was travel. With the Vytal Festival taking place in Vale, more people were leaving the city than entering anyway.
"Always did wonder what that scarf was about," Qrow said between coughs. He covered his mouth with one arm, scowling over the top. "I can see you laughing behind it, asshole."
"Heh. Not trying to hide it. Come on, let's find a hotel and I'll buy you a wrap."
"Nah. Nah." Qrow pulled him aside. "Bar first."
Of course. For a moment, he'd thought Qrow was going to say `work first` but he'd forgotten who he was dealing with. To be fair, a bar wasn't a bad place for intel. There was always one near every entrance to a city as well, and sure enough a quick question to a sailor pointed them toward a rough and large tavern full of a mixture of people from every Kingdom, many sailors and dock workers.
Jaune pushed Qrow into a seat and approached the bar, being eyed up by the large, dark-skinned man behind. The man took in his cloth and face as Jaune drew it down and nodded appraisingly, either impressed by his adaptiveness or just being polit. The man's eyes lit up when Jaune slid a five thousand lien bill on the table.
"A bottle of Vacuo Desert Rose and two glasses. We're also looking for a nice place to stay for a bit. Do you have any suggestions and directions? The rest is a tip for your help."
"Always happy to help a visitor!" the man said. He had a thick Vacuo accent, something lilting and drawn out, with little inflections on the end of his sentences that gave it an exotic twist. "Or a returner in your case. That is authentic desert weave I see there."
"I travelled with a tribe for a while way back. The Del'Ashari."
"I know of them! Good folk. Old fashioned folk, but true to their ways." He picked a brown bottle with a bright white rose motif on it and set it down, flipping two immaculately clean glasses off a top shelf. "You are wise to ask for help on where to stay, also. There is a hotel on the main street not far from here, but it is a trap for the unwary tourist. Terrible rooms and food not fit for the trash you eat after a night out on the city. Here." He dug under his bar and brought up a leaflet, sliding it over the bar. "This place is run by an old friend of mine. It is local and fairly priced, and he takes great pride in the service he offers, as a true son of Vacuo should. You will want for nothing. There is a map on the leaflet."
Jaune smiled and pocketed it, then took the bottle. "Thank you. You've been a great help."
"Making friends already?" Qrow asked when he sat down and offered a glass. "What's this? Desert Rose? Tell me it's not as dry as it sounds. My throat is killing me."
"You won't feel your throat after this."
"Ooh." Qrow sat up with a wide grin. "Call me intrigued." He accepted a half full glass, sniffed at it and raised his eyebrows. It was a fragrant scent not unlike pressed potpourri, but there was no mistaking the strength of alcohol behind it. Wisely, Qrow took small sips before letting out a rush of breath. "Daaaamn. Now that is punchy! Whoah." He took another long sip. "You find anything else out?"
"A place for us to stay. Somewhere that isn't a tourist trap."
"Sounds good. We'll head there after and I'll look into contacting my not-quite-friends for some Intel. You said you had someone you wanted to get in touch with too, right?"
"Yes. An old friend I helped along the way. Rashem."
"Rashem. Sounds familiar. I know him?"
"You may know of him…"
"Ha. Fine. Keep your secrets." Qrow raised his glass. "A toast. To an easy job, a little luck and us not having to fight out way back to Vale. Wait, did I just jinx us? How about to your lovely daughters instead?"
"To all this now blowing up in our faces," Jaune said, clinking his glass to Qrow's.
It was almost a shame he knew what would happen. A struggle to find the Summer Maiden, a failed attempt to win her over and a fight to the death. This time, though, things would be different.
This time, Qrow would be coming out of it alive.
That was a promise.
If you don't recognise them, the characters listed by Qrow are from RT's book involving Team CFVY. I haven't read it, so I'm mostly working off the wiki for it, but don't worry, I'm not forcing this story to stick to it or anything. The events in that book all take place what would be months later than this point anyway.
Anyway, it's nice to be back and writing, even if I have strange eye pain problems playing up something awful. I'm thinking (and hoping) it is due to all the dry air and allergies, since they come and go constantly, and I reckon an injury to my eyes would be more persistent and constant. Hard to check when it's so inadvisable to go to a doctor right now unless you know it's an emergency.
I did check online, and Google tells me I'm dying so… you know. Normal result, there.
Next Chapter: 7th November
P a treon . com (slash) Coeur
