Roman watched wide eyed as Neo dropped her weapon and fell backwards grabbing at the spot that the snake had bit her on the ride side of her neck. She had put her aura into her arms to make sure the young man introduced as Jaune wouldn't be able to break free, she hadn't considered protecting any other parts of her anatomy.
Blake let a knowing smile crease her lips as Jaune just stood there with a serpent slowly emerging from under his collar. Causally he reached up and stroked its head. Roman could have sworn it hadn't been there before Neo had grabbed him from behind.
"The Shadow Taipan." Jaune informed as Roman watched as the wide eyed Neo fell backwards slamming her back into the wall next to the door of the the office Junior had provided them for this meeting. "She is my prized pet. So much more deadly than other Taipans. Native to the deserts surrounding Vacuo. The venom acts quickly, your associate is no doubt feeling the effects of it now."
Roman watched horrified as Neo's eye grew wide with pleading as foam began to build on her silent lips. Minutes dragged as he watched her begin to convulse, the foam turning from white to pinkish. Her eyes rolled back into her head and she fell to her side on the floor. Her body twisted and contorted for a few more minutes before one final rattling constricted gasp escaped her lips. It was only a matter of five minutes from when the bite had occurred to when his trusted partner lay forever still.
"It is a shame, and very rude to treat our peaceful intentions with such horrid manners. We only came to talk." Jaune spoke as reached out and allowed the two foot long snake that had been coiled about his neck to travel along his arm, and settle about Blake's neck.
Roman was in utter shock as he watched the cat faunus gentle reach up and scratch the deadly snake upon the head as it's forked tongue almost seemed to caress her cheek. His attention was returned from and centre to Jaune as the young man pulled down the zipper of his black hoodie, and shed the garment. All about his toned chest and arms lay tattoos of coiled serpents and snakes of all type. Roman couldn't even identify a quarter of them, aside from the obvious cobras. He pushed his chair back away from his desk as Jaune stepped forward and placed his left hand palm down on his desk.
One of the tattoos on his arms moved, it travelled down his arm and the back of his hand, to suddenly become real as it reached the wooden surface of the desk. The thing had to have been seven feet long once if was fully free of Jaune's skin. Coiling about it raised it's head and spread its hood, hissing menacingly.
"This fellow here you no doubt can recognize. It's a King Cobra, and he has a very shot temper." Jaune informed Roman, as he took a step back and settled into one of the seats situated before the desk. "Blake please join me."
Blake said nothing as she continued to stroke the snake that had settled about her shoudlers, and took a seat upon the arm of the chair in which Jaune sat. Roman eyed the cobra on his desk, and then the strange pair seated before him. He could almost swear that the other tattoos on the young man were also moving, shifting and slithering about; his torso and arms. It was also then he noticed the massive snake head decorating the left handed cheek of the young faunus woman.
"Before we continue my condolences on behalf of myself and Blake. It was not our intention upon coming here to cause any trouble, but as you can see my pets do react negatively in response to threats upon my person."
"Th...thank you." Roman stuttered.
"Now on to the business we wished to discuss."
/=/
Five weeks earlier Jaune and Blake stood in one of the library's private study rooms. On the table before them a miniature woman, made entirely of blood.
"It is rather early in the day for you to be contacting me my boy."
"Sorry Mother, but we've had to make alterations. Beacon has cameras in the halls, and have no undoubtedly noticed my last meeting with you."
"The one in which you brought Blake to us?"
"Yes."
"I see. So where are you now?" Mother asked.
"We are in a private study room at the library." Jaune replied.
"Very well. Are there any other issues, I should be made aware of?"
"We've been forced to take on the appearance as a couple. Our teammates noticed us speaking together, and jumped to conclusions, as well we needed to come up with a cover story in case we were asked why we were out so late that first night."
"As complications go, they are not much. You are doing well to adjust so readily as needed. Now introductions I believe are in order. Who is this young lady besides you?"
"Mother this is Blake Belladonna."
"I'm please to finally officially met you Blake."
"Thank you Mother."
"Tell me has my baby boy been treating you properly?"
"Yes he has. He's been the perfect gentleman." Blake replied.
"I am happy to hear it. Now what have you discovered?"
"Nothing yet Mother." Jaune replied, "I am still waiting upon a report from my pet. It should be happening any day now."
"Very well. Is there anything else you would like to discuss, or mention?"
"I have planted seeds in two others, I am just waiting for the right time to cause them to grow, and Blake has a very interesting suggestion." Jaune mentioned.
"Do you my dear? Please tell me."
"The White Fang. I was once a member, and I feel that if we can speak with their leadership we could gain their assistance in creating the Paradise Jaune has told me about. One of pure equality."
"Interesting. How would we go about approaching this leadership? Do we know who they even are?"
"I do. As I mentioned; I was once a member."
"Once a member. Will it be an issue returning to them after leaving?"
"There may, but I am sure with Jaune's assistance it can be overcome." Blake answered.
"Very well. It is an interesting and tempting idea. Pursue it. The more that join the stronger we will be."
"As you decree Mother." Jaune and Blake answered in unison.
"One more thing. Seeing as your his first, Blake I feel you should be given a mark."
"First? Mark?" asked Blake.
"Yes my dear. You are the first Jaune has ever brought into the fold. That is to be treasured. It makes you special. As for the Mark, it is a tattoo, of a sort. A sign of how committed you are to our goals."
"Tattoo?"
"Jaune, my dear show her."
"Yes, Mother." Jaune responded.
Blake watched as Jaune pulled off his Pumpkin Pete hoodie and then the black tee-shirt he wore beneath. The smooth and slightly toned skin of Jaune's upper body was there for her to see. She took a step back when it happened. She watched as pale unbroken skin was suddenly covered with a multitude of colourful snake tattoos. They were done in amazingly lifelike detail, particularly the small one that almost appeared coiled around his neck. Slowly Jaune raised his arms to shoulder height showing that the tattoos travelled around his sides, and when he turned about Blake saw even more on his back.
"Show her it all Jaune." Mother spoke in a soft by firm tone.
Jaune completed his turn and nodded. Keeping his arms outstretched to his sides he smiled at Blake. She took a step back in shock when the images began to move, shifting and sliding about his torso, arms and neck. She watched spellbound as he turned his left hand palm up and the head of a rather pale bodied serpent rose into the air.
"She is a Sand Viper native to to the interior deserts of Menagerie." Jaune commented as the serpent fully emerged. He held it aloft with out any fear as the four foot reptile coiled about his wrist and forearm, her head turning back over her body to lay nestled in his open hand. "While not the most lethally venomous of my pets she does have a nasty bite, that is useful at times to get a point across."
"That my dear Blake is the Mark. Jaune has many as he is my son. His sisters similar amounts, though all of Jaune's are venomous."
"And if I accept?"
"His sister Saphron will choose one that suits you. I will send her in three weeks."
"They remain hidden?"
"As long as you wish no one to see them, no one can." Mother replied.
Jaune moved forward and Blake fought the urge to take a step back. The Sand Viper lifted her head and flicker out her tongue. Blake looked at Jaune's face and saw him nod, so slowly she lifted her right hand palm up. As soon as it was close enough she slid forward and onto Blake's hand. Smoothly transitioning the small gap. Blake shivered, though she couldn't decide if it was from fear or excitement, and the serpent wound it's way up her arm and settled lightly coiled about her neck.
"She likes you." Jaune commented.
"It seems she does." Jaune's Mother agreed.
"It's amazing." Blake whispered as she slowly reached up and ran her fingers along the underside of the snake's jaw. "So soft and smooth."
"Will you accept the Mark?"
"Mine will do the same?" she asked.
"It will. The only difference will be the type, species and size." Mother answered.
"I accept."
"Excellent." the figure of Mother clapped her tiny hands together. "It is settled then. When Saphron arrives in three weeks she will make contact and all the arrangements."
"Come here girl." Jaune cooed as he lifted his hand to the serpent. She slid gently from her perch back onto Jaune's hand and slowly fused back into his skin, becoming once again a tattoo.
"If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave. Continue with what we have discussed. I am proud of you both." with that Mother's likeness fell apart, the blood quickly being consumed by smokeless blue flames.
With his tattoos now once again hidden, and his shirts back on Jaune and Blake left the small study room, only to run into Yang who wore an impish smile.
"Enjoy your alone time?"
"Wouldn't you like to know." Blake replied get a slightly shocked look from Yang. Jaune smiled and waved as he and Blake walked past the suddenly speechless blonde bombshell.
"She would make a powerful ally." Blake whispered.
"She would." Jaune responded.
/=/
Four weeks earlier Jaune found himself on the roof of the dorm building, sweating and breathing hard. Across from him was Pyrrha looking rather fresh and rested. She had been putting Jaune through drills, teaching him basic foot work and stances.
"You're coming along well Jaune." Pyrrha complimented him as she pulled her own weapons off her back and took a defensive stance. "Now attack me."
Exhausted as he was he did as he was bid. The attack was clumsy, but much more on point than he ever was during his constant clashes with Cardin during combat class. Pyrrha easily defended and countered. With his attack stopped Jaune took a step back and at Pyrrha's nod tried again. The result mirrored his first attempt. For another hour it continued, Jaune's attacks getting slightly better, and the clash of shields and weapons lasting slight longer, until he was at the point he could no longer raise his arms.
"You did well, for this being like the fourth time we met." Pyrrha complimented him, "As long as you keep practising, following the drills you'll get better and better."
"Enough to beat Cardin?" he asked.
"Yes. It will take sometime, but I'll continue to work with you."
"Thanks Pyrrha." Jaune spoke as he put his shield and sword away. Pyrrha smiled as she too put up her weapons.
Standing straight Jaune stretched and then looked Pyrrha in her vivid green eyes. His own blue ones shined. Pyrrha blinked several times, and shook her head, but Jaune kept his gaze. Centred upon her eyes. Slowly she began to sway, her eyes lids drooping. Jaune took that as the sign to move closer. So close in fact that he could whisper into her ear.
"What is it you desire?"
"To be treated normally." she whispered back.
"Do I not do this?"
"You do. That is why you're special to me." she answered.
"You're special to me too." he responded his voice holding a hypnotic quatlity.
"I am?"
"Yes, you are." he continued to whisper moving from her left ear to her right.
"I...I... I'm happy."
"I'm glad you are happy. Would you like to be even happier?"
"I would. But what about Blake?"
"What about her?"
"You and her are together."
"Does that bother you?"
"Yes." Pyrrha answered.
"Tell me."
/=/
Three weeks ago found Jaune and Blake walking up to a White Fang safe house. Blake knew of several, and this was the third on they had visited. Unlike the first two this one had several faunus nearby. As hide outs went it was not much. A run down warehouse near the worst end of the docks. Blake pointed out which of those outside were actual guards, and which were just coming or going.
"Stay in front of me and don't look into the smoke." Jaune warned her as he lit up a cigarette with a lighter. He had purchased both the pack and lighter as soon as they had landed in Vale.
"Okay." Blake responded before adding, "It will be hard to gain entry. I'm a deserter, and you are human. They will be suspicious."
"You will do the talking, I will just provide support."
"It will still be difficult."
"We will gain entry and an audience with, who will we be seeing?"
"With luck Adam Taurus."
"And if not?"
"Banesaw."
"Either way we are here only to open a dialogue, nothing more; at least for now."
So the pair moved forward and after only a few more strides found themselves confronted by several faunus, who while not openly armed, carried themselves in a way that suggested they were.
"You have a lot of nerve Belladonna," the lead one a dog faunus if Jaune guessed correctly from the slightly droopy ears upon his head spat "coming back and with a human to boot."
"We come in peace brother." Blake tried to placate him.
"You are not a sister, and lost the right to call me brother when you ran off."
"We are all brothers and sisters, just because I left..."
"You ran." sneered the dog faunus, as the other three with him chuckled.
"I made a choice." Blake countered as she heard Jaune exhale loudly behind her.
"Yes you did, the choice to be a coward and abandon the cause." the dog faunus again snapped, "That's a disgusting habit human."
Jaune said nothing, and just exhaled another puff of smoke. Like the others it hung in the air behind Blake, swirling and creating simple patterns. Blake knew whatever Jaune was doing was slowly taking affect. Several of the quartet of faunus before them were showing signs of being drowsy. Their heads nodding, one even swaying.
"I want no trouble, I'm here to talk." Blake spoke her tone growing soft but commanding.
"Talk?"
"Yes talk. Is Adam here? I wish to apologize."
"He is."
"Will you take us to him?" Blake asked as once again she heard Jaune exhale behind her.
"Take you..."
"Please. Take us to him. I just want to talk. As a sister faunus, please assist me brother."
"Assist."
The slow back and forth continued until finally the dog faunus nodded and agreed to escort them inside. Blake looked back over her shoulder to see Jaune smile, and toss the cigarette, pack and lighter aside. At Blake suggestion the quartet did a pat down search of the pair proving they carried no weapons. After which they surround the pair and escorted them inside. All activity with in the warehouse ceased as the duo, entered. Without pause the pair's escort lead them through the open expanse to the back corner where a little office sat.
Adam Taurus was less than pleased to see Blake enter with a human in tow. His hand drifted to the handle of Wilt, as he struggled to control his boiling rage. He had been informed that the pair were unarmed and only wished to speak with him. He had relented, knowing that maybe there was a chance that Blake would let something slip. A tidbit that he could use to make the plans he was involved in tighter, and safer for the men and women under his command. Taking a seat in the lone chair, behind the desk that was covered with maps, he regarded the two with suspicion. They remained standing, obviously waiting for him to speak first. With a sly grin, he decided to make them wait a little longer.
"What do you want traitor?" he finally spat, his voice full of rage and venom.
/=/
Two weeks ago, Blake found herself accompanied by Jaune standing in front of a rather unassuming tattoo parlour. Before her a female member of his family stood. Blake could easily see the familial resemblance. For the past week she had been waiting anxiously for this day to happen. During that time she had watched Jaune grow stronger under the more severe training regiment that the newly influenced Pyrrha was subjecting Jaune too. The results were becoming obvious. Every time she saw him without his hoodie she could see the taunt muscles taking shape. Jaune still was far from besting Cardin in combat class, but the skill gap was rapidly closing.
"Blake, I'm Saphron. Mother tells me it's time."
"Hello."
"So I already can tell which will suit you best." Saphron spoke in a soft comforting tone, "But I need to warn you, it will be a large tattoo. Running from your ankle up your entire body to end either at your neck or face."
"That is big."
"It will be, and it will take time to create. Do you have that time?"
"It is Saturday. We are off, so we have time." Jaune informed, as Blake continued to disgest the hinted at size that her mark would be.
"You will have to be nude for the entire process, with your aura suppressed. It will hurt, not overly, but still you maybe uncomfortable during the whole process; and don't worry about Jaune. He wont be near while it is happening. It will just be us girls."
Blake just nodded.
"So Jaune I'll let you know when she is done."
"Okay, I'll just go check out some shops." Jaune responded.
"And Blake..."
"Yes?"
"Before I start I'll need to know where you want it to end. Your neck or cheek?"
"Cheek." Blake answered.
"Are you sure? Once it has been completed you will never be able to remove it."
"I'm sure." Blake answered.
"Very well then. Let's go inside."
Blake followed Saphron inside, as Jaune walked away. She heard the door get locked, and shades being drawn, before Saphron appeared before her and lead her to the chair like table where the work was to be completed.
"So if you can get undressed I'll finish my preparations."
Blake just nodded and proceeded to strip down, as Saphron moved away and started to make the final arrangements of her needed tools. Once done Saphron bid Blake to climb into the chair. The buzz of the of a tattoo gun filled the small space.
"It will run from your left ankle past your pelvis, with several coils about your waits and torso, before moving around one of your breasts and ending as you have asked with the head upon you cheek. Okay?"
"Okay."
With that Saphron set to her task. Blake suppressed her aura and pressed her lips together as the needles of the gun, began to punched into her exposed skin. Saphron had not lied when she said it would take hours. Slowly the mark took shape, with Saphron working steadily. First came the outline, and then came the details. She used multiple colours creating what Blake could only picture in her mind, at least until it was done.
Finally it was finished and Blake stood in the nude gazing at herself in a full body mirror as Saphron stood behind her holding up a second large mirror so Blake could see her back. It was a masterpiece of colour and detail. It had been as she said. Starting at her left ankle, with the tail to coil about her form, until it finally ended with open tooth filled maw upon her left cheek.
"You should get dressed." Saphron instructed, "Jaune will be returning soon."
"What is it?" Blake asked unable to identify the massive snake.
"He's a Mistrelian Rock Python. A constrictor with an aggressive and vicious temperament."
"Not poisonous?"
"Venom does not suit you." Saphron replied as she held out Blake's clothes. "You should get dressed."
Blake did get dressed and once clothed in her customary outfit she gazed once again into the mirror. Once dressed the entirety of her mark was hidden except for the portion that run over her right shoulder across the back of her neck and ended upon her left cheek. Jaune returned to the shop a few minutes later, and smiled as he nodded.
"A constrictor."
"How can you tell?" Blake asked surprised that just from the limited portion that was visible, he was able to identity the type of snake.
"It's the head and more the jaw and teeth. It has no real fangs, like mine. It has multiple teeth, used to hold while it coils about its prey."
"His." Blake corrected.
"His." Jaune responded.
"How do I hide it?" Blake asked as her returned her gaze to the mirror.
"Wish it hidden." Jaune and Saphron said in unison.
Watching in the mirror Blake took a slowly deep breath and did just that. She wished it hidden in her mind. It faded away instantly.
"It will stay hidden from everyone until such time as you wish it too be seen." informed Saphron.
"Do you have one?" Blake finally asked the question that she had focused on during the entire time of the procedure.
"I do. It is on my ankle." Spahron replied.
"What type is it?"
"A scorpion, on my right ankle."
"I thought all marks were snakes?"
"Not all, though the majority are. We have a sister who has only spider ones."
"Spiders." Jaune shivered.
"Jaune is not a fan of them."
"Spiders are creepy." Jaune countered.
"Says the boy who plays with venomous snakes."
"We should be getting back." Jaune spoke changing the subject, "before Yang decides that we are trying to get pregnant."
"I wouldn't put that past her." Blake blushed and shook her head.
Giving their farewells, the pair left Jaune's sister to clean up, and headed back to Beacon, just in time for Jaune's next session with Pyrrha.
/=/
Nothing of note happened during the final week prior to Blake and Jaune's arranged meeting with Roman Torchwick. It had been arranged by Adam, under the premise that the pair wished to speak with him about his benefactor. Jaune continued his rigorous training regimen with Pyrrha, while also sowing other seeds among his friends and a few other select targets. Slowly under Ozpin's nose things were coming together.
The report from his Death Adder was less than stellar, as Goodwitch did not openly speak about any of Ozma's plans in the privacy of her own chambers. Pyrrha lounged on her bed, waiting for Jaune to finish, so they could return to the dorm roof and continue his training. Blake was gone, back in Vale to speak with Adam about the upcoming meeting with Torchwick. Getting final confirmations and warnings.
She returned as Pyrrha was finishing off an exhausted Jaune. With her blade at his throat she complimented him on how well he was doing, while also pointing out his many flaws. They were getting fewer and fewer, but he still had much to learn. Soon he would be able to best Cardin. At the mention of his name Jaune realized he had yet to finish his work with the bully. Velvet was under his sway and routinely reported on the upper years, pointing out by name those who Jaune might find useful.
He had much more work to be done. So many potentials to be brought into his mother's loving embrace. Blake had done wonders with Adam. They had left the White Fang to continue to do what they must, while agreeing that at the right time they would support Jaune's and Blake's actions when the time came, with the promise that they would deal with Torchwick, his mute demon, and the one hidden behind it all.
/=/
"You look uncomfortable Roman." Jaune commented. "You're shifting in your seat quite a lot."
"I... um..."
"Blake I think he needs something to ease his nerves."
Roman didn't like the way the faunus woman grinned, and his eyes grew wide as the great head that decorated her cheek suddenly pulled free and became real. Blake giggled as if being tickled as the massive snake crawled out from behind her neck and wound it's way about her torso to the floor. The smaller snake had moved and was now coiled and cradled in Blake's left hand, while the fingers of her right hand gentle scratched it's head.
Roman tried to push his chair back further, only to run into the book shelf behind the desk as the massive twelve foot snake made it's way along the floor, and began to wind its way up and around his body and chair. He gasped as he felt the sudden pressure surrounding his body, as the chair creaked in his ears.
"Do we have your full attention now?"
"Yes." Roman replied, his chest heaving. The pressure did not increase, but he was held immobile.
"This was to be a simple meeting. A get to know each other type of event." Jaune commented, "We had no ill intent, so why did your companion attack?"
"We were ordered to take care of you." Roman replied.
"By your benefactor?"
"She's no one's benefactor." Roman responded.
"I see."
"Why serve her then?" asked Blake.
"She didn't give me much of a choice in the matter."
"Really?" Blake again asked. " How so?"
"She torched three of my guys, when I didn't want to join her little plan."
"And what is this plan?" Jaune asked.
"If I tell she'll kill me." Roman replied.
"Blake."
"Of course." Blake responded as she turned her attention to the great serpent coiled about Roman's form. Roman gasped as the chair creaked, his breathing becoming more difficult. "Such a loving embrace, No?"
"No." Roman grunted, as the climbing pressure evened out. He was struggling to draw a full breath, but at least the pressure was not growing.
"So tell us. The over all goal of her plan, or plans?" Jaune asked.
"She's after something at Beacon." Roman blurted out. "She needs dust by the truck load for some scheme."
"I see. Give us some more please."
"Mount Glenn. She's planning something in Mount Glenn."
"Anything else?"
"The Vytal festival. She has something up her sleeve for it."
"Interesting. Well we would like to meet the person behind your actions." Jaune commented.
"I can arrange it." Roman offered in short gasps.
"I'm sure you can. What is her name?"
"Cinder Fall."
"And does she have associates like you did?"
"Yes two. A girl and a boy. Emerald and Mercury."
"Anything else we should know?"
"She's powerful. Uses some type of fire dust semblance."
"Thank you." Jaune spoke as he and Blake rose from the chair.
Moving forward he held out his hand and Roman watched as the cobra that had once been seated upon the desk returned to being a tattoo on Jaune's arm. Reaching out Jaune took possession of the small viper that Blake had been coddling, and it too returned to a tattoo, this time around his neck.
"How do you contact her?"
"She contacts me."
"By scroll?"
"Yes."
Picking up his hoodie Jaune put it back on, and upon zipping it up, he produced a scroll from his pocket. Opening it, he proceeded to type a message using the sticky note function. Once done he went into the settings and turned off anything that would prevent the device from locking or shutting down.
Placing it on the desk before Roman, he turned to look at Blake and just nodded. Blake returned the nod and then focused her attention on the restrained form of Roman.
The pressure surrounding his body suddenly began to increase. With every panicked breath he felt his chest collapse. He opened his mouth to scream, to cry out for help, but all sound was cut off. He couldn't draw enough breath. The chair creaked behind him, and he felt his limbs going numb. Soon he couldn't breath at all. His mouth gaped wordlessly, as he tried to inhale even the smallest amount of air.
Then suddenly he could breath. The coils about his body dropped away, as the giant serpent slithered off and away from him. He collapsed forward his head impacting the desk as he fell from his chair. Laying on the floor gasping, his whole body screaming in pain, he watched as the snake that had been wrapped around him returned to the one named Blake and slowly vanished up her pant leg.
"That was just a reminder to not attempt what your companion did. Set up the meeting in good faith. Give her the address, I have left upon the desk." Jaune commented over his shoulder as he and Blake turned to leave. "It is just to be a meeting. Nothing more, nothing threatening. Just a meeting. Understand?"
"Yes." Roman replied with a strangled voice.
"We'll contact you in a few days to see if everything has been arranged."
With that the pair walked past the contorted form of Neo and out into the booming noise of the club, beyond the door. He watched from his place on the floor as the pair walked down the corridor, making a turn and vanishing from sight. Rolling on to his back Roman tried to force as much air into his aching chest as he could. All the while wondering what he had done to deserve everything that had happened to him during the last couple of months.
/==/
So another start of a story. (Which I seem to do a lot.) No IDEA when I will be able to continue it, as I have other stories desperately in need of updates and conclusions.
Part of the inspiration of this story comes from the character Benisato from "Ninja Scroll". As limited as she is in the anime, I find her character interesting. Especially the living snake tattoos, and how it seems she tries to enthrall people before striking.
Couple of other quick things. Jaune is not using his semblance, he hasn't discovered it yet. Also this is not going to be some sort of harem story.
As always comments, suggestions, and critiques are always welcome. Enjoy.