Disclaimer: Nope, still not owning anything.
Well, this isn't something I was planning to write but it just kinda happened. As you can see by the fact that the fic was once set to complete, I was originally not planning to make this more than a one-shot but then I had the idea for this (and the following chapter) and I decided that I should make it a bit longer. I am sorry if some people liked it better as a one-shot but I just thought that maybe I could add a bit more to this story by making it longer.
Anyways, what you need to know is that this plays around a Year after the last chapter. The Atlas military has begone to move out all over the world, beginning with Vale. Jaune was put in command of this operation and has decided to first establish their foothold in a few of the smaller villages, beginning with his own home town. Ren is accompanying him while Weiss has stayed behind in Atlas because she needs to take care of the Schnee corporation and because of another reason that should become pretty obvious over the course of this chapter.
UPDATE: THIS CHAPTER HAS NOW BEEN UPDATED, SOME MISTAKES HAVE BEEN FIXED AND SOME STUFF HAS BEEN ADDED, MAINLY IN A CERTAIN SECTION.
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Flying really was something that belonged forbidden, what was so wrong about going by foot anyway? Sure, it was a bit slower, okay, a lot slower but really it was worth it in his opinio-
''Sir we are nearing target location, we will reach it in approximately 30 minutes.''
The voice of the soldier ripped Jaune out of his thoughts, it seemed that he would soon be able to set his feet on sweet land again. But that thought did not help much to improve his mood, how long had it been since he had last seen his family, barring Saphron of course. After he had run away from home he never had the courage to call them and after the fall of Beacon calling ceased to be an option. He turned to Ren, who was sitting to his right.
''Take control of the bridge, I will once more test our new long-range communication system to ensure that it works properly.''
The only response was an amused smirk and a raised eyebrow, was he really this obvious?
''Yes you are. Don't worry, I will make sure nothing too horrible happens while you give Weiss a call.''
He could see a few of the bridge crew smirking good-naturedly upon hearing Ren's words, they weren't going to let him live that down for some time... on the other hand, was there really anything bad about that? He quite liked being reminded of the fact that he was now married.
Retreating into his personal quarters he opened his Scroll and started a call. For a few seconds, he feared that it would fail, but their new long-range communication system proved to work without problems.
He smiled when he saw Weisse's face appear on the screen.
''Hey there snow angel.''
''Jaune? I did not expect a call from you for another few hours.''
Her voice sounded surprised but none the less happy about his sudden call.
''That was the plan, we are reaching the village soon, I just wanted to talk once more before. What if they are angry, what if they want nothing to do with me? My god, it has been 5 years since I last saw them.''
''Oh Jaune. They will be happy to finally see you again, to know that you are save. I may have not met them yet but I know them through your stories. They are not like my parents were, they genuinely love you and the fact that you are still alive will be the most important thing for them. If anyone needs to be nervous it's me.''
This confused Jaune.
''Why would you need to be nervous?''
Weiss just looked back at him as if she couldn't believe what he had just asked.
'' ... What do I need to be nervous about? We are married Jaune, by the brothers, we will be parents in a few months. Can you imagine how that call will go? Oh hello there, nice to meet you. Yes, I am the new head of the Schnee family, yes, it was us who developed these new communication systems, why yes, I am married to your son, did I mention you are going to get another grandchild soon?''
''Well, I mean, aren't parents supposed to be happy about such stuff?''
But Weiss just laid her head into her hands.
''Of course they are. But they also do not want to be told such things long after it has happened. That is just begging for a catastroschnee.''
''... I am just going to try and ignore that.''
''... Someday I will get you to admit that I am funny.''
''Anyways, I guess that you might have a point.''
''I always have a point.''
Jaune thought it better to not challenge her on this.
''Look, I am sure they will be fine with it, it's not like we could have just contacted that easily. Long-range communication was not really all that available, especially not towards such a small village. How could they not be fine with it, I mean look at you, you are perfect.''
His words achieved their goal, Weisse's nervousness seemed to disappear, a thankful smile appearing on her face.
''Thanks, Jaune I-''
''Sir, we need you on the bridge, now!''
The soldier interrupted whatever Weiss had been trying to say. Panic filled Jaune, was his family in danger? He turned back to his scroll.
''Sorry Weiss, I need to-''
''I know, go, quickly.''
And with those words, the connection was closed and he ran after the soldier onto the bridge. He quickly took his place on the command seat which Ren had left as soon as he saw Jaune enter the bridge. Quickly Jaune turned his attention to his best friend.
''What is going on?''
''We have received an emergency call from a short-range transmitter. It is coming from our destination.''
Jaune's worst fears had come to pass, his family was in danger, what if they were already dead?
Seeing his worried face Ren quickly continued.
''But don't worry, they are still holding out, the number of Grimm is not that big. They just need every bit of help that they can get.''
Hearing this Jaune left out a relieved sigh, his family was still safe. And he could provide more than a bit of help. He opened a ship wide communication.
''Attention, here speaks general Arc-Schnee, we have just received a call for help from our target location. We are not facing many Grimm but they are a danger to the village none the less. We will make sure that the village will survive this attack. And remember, we are the pride of the Atlesian military, let's give them a good show.''
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Flavio Arc wasn't having a good day. It had started out so good, well, as good as it could be when you were constantly wondering about the whereabouts of two of your children.
It did not help that they did not get much news so far out. But what he had heard made him worry about Saphron, the rumors about Atlas did not sound good and last he had heard from her she had one of their bases basically right on her doorstep. But at least he did know where she was, he hadn't heard from Jaune for 4 years now. He had, of course, heard that his son had joined Beacon, Ozpin had informed him of such.
But after its fall he hadn't heard anything. And even before he had lost track of his son he had not even had a talk with him. He had wanted to of course but he felt like he needed to give Jaune his time.
He should have known that he would never back down from his dream of becoming a hero, no matter how much he was against it. He simply hadn't thought that his son realized how harsh of a world it was out there, what danger he would be going into. He could just pray that he was still safe somewhere out there, that he would come home one day. For now, all he could do was to make sure that his home would still be standing by then.
With a well-trained motion, he beheaded a Beowulf that had tried to sneak up on him a second before the second one was struck down by a long spear, courtesy of his wife. He hoped that she was bringing good news.
''Thank the brothers you are back Olivia, did you reach anyone?''
He felt a weight lift from his chest when he saw her smile reassuring at his question.
''I did and not just someone, you won't believe it but do you know who answered me, a freaking Atlesian warship.''
He had indeed problems believing that.
''Atlas, why the hell are they here? didn't they close off all contact to the other countries?''
But his wife just shrugged her shoulders.
''I thought so too but I am not going to look a gift horse in the mouth, at the moment we could really do with their help.''
He supposed that she was right, questions could come later.
''How long do you suppose will it take until they arrive?''
The moment he had asked his question he could see a Nevermore preparing itself to attack someone, it was Rouge. But before he could yell a warning to his daughter the Nevermore was blasted out of the sky, its brethren soon following. The whole sky was suddenly filled with a cascade of bullets and cannon fire.
He could see Olivia look up at the sky behind him, staring at it like she couldn't believe what she was seeing.
''I think they are already here.''
Turning his own head he could only mirror his wife's expression. It was gigantic, he had seen Atlesian warships before and they sure as hell were not as big as this thing.
Taking a closer look he at first recognized it as nothing more than a larger version of a normal Atlesian Warship. But upon closer inspections, he noticed the differences. Not only were the sides of the ship fitted with more weapon platforms than normal even for a ship this side but the long helm of the ship showed faint lines that indicated some kind of contraption that could be lowered. Knowing Atlas he assumed it was some kind of large weapon.
This, of course, meant that the Grimm that had chosen to attack the village stood not the slightest chance, it was over in minutes. The mighty canons of the Battleship ripped apart the flying Grimm as if they were paper, while at the same time landing crafts brought down a steady stream of combat drones who quickly overwhelmed the Grimm on the ground.
But now that his shock over the dramatic rescue at the last second was over, Flavio knew that he had to address the important question, why were they here? The nervousness in him grew stronger while he waited for the first Atlesian soldiers to make landfall. Giving a quick look to his wife to make sure she was taking care of their daughter he moved towards the first drop ship he could reach. Carefully he watched the Atlesian soldiers embark in an orderly fashion and move out to secure the area. With determined steps, he made his way towards the Soldier that was left behind to guard the transport, from his attire Flavo assumed it was the Pilot.
As soon as the soldier noticed him he gave a quick salute, this was a good sign, at the very least they had officially peaceful intentions. Finally, he stood in front of the soldier who seemed oddly nervous to look at him, which on the contrary was not a good sign at all.
Flavio finally chose to speak first, coming to the conclusion that the soldier would not.
''My name is Flavio Arc, our village is in your debt for coming to our help, we don't know if we could have survived without you.''
The soldier answered so quickly that he almost stumbled over his words.
''No problem at all sir, we are more than happy to help, no way we would let this village get destroyed. And can I just say that it is an incredible honor to meet you?''
Okay, now he was confused, he was a hunter of quite some renown and so was his own father when he still had been alive. Hell, their entire family had quite a reputation. But he doubted that this mattered much to some random Atlas soldier, then again there were probably a lot of Soldiers looking up to Huntsman, maybe that one had heard a story of a mission of his?
''I am not quite sure I understand why you would feel that way, did I once save someone close to you?''
At his words, the soldier looked confused for a moment before finally seeming to realize something.
''Right, I completely forgot that we are not in Atlas anymore. Of course, you couldn't have heard yet. Damn those Grimm and White Fang Scum for how they crippled us.''
Not heard yet?
''What are you talking about?''
But the soldier just lightly shook his head.
''I would love to tell you but I think it is better for the general to do so personally, I am just some lowly grunt doing his work after all, eh?''
General? Was Ironwood himself here?
''Dad?''
No, this voice, it couldn't be, could it?
Almost shacking he slowly turned around and before his eyes appeared his son.
He had clearly grown over the years but he still recognized him instantly.
,,... Jaune?''
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Jaune gulped, this was the moment of truth. He took a quick look down on himself, good, this outfit certainly looked impressive. For a moment he had considering putting on his armor but he figured that this might scare his family. In the end, he had decided to go for a simple military uniform. Seeing his family all thoughts about his looks were forgotten though and with nervous step he walked up to them.
''Hello dad. I have finally come back home. I am sorry that it took me so lo-''
He could not get any further because his father had caught him in a bone-breaking hug.
He could see tears in his father's eyes. This shocked Jaune, he had never seen his father cry before. It also made him feel more guilty than ever for leaving as he had done.
''Oh Jaune, I am so happy that you are back. When I heard what happened at the Vytal festival I couldn't believe my ears. I was so worried, what if you had been killed, I don't know what I would have done.''
Jaune shock at his father's actions only lasted for a few seconds before he returned his father's hug just as strong. They only stopped when a call interrupted them.
''JAUNE?''
Turning around he could see Rouge, his sister really had grown over the years, no longer was she the little girl he had once known. That thought pained him a bit.
Before he had any chance to react she had her arms around him as well, quickly followed by their mother who had noticed her daughter's scream instantly.
''Oh Jaune.''
Just like the last one, their hug only stopped when it was interrupted by someone.
This time it was in the form of Ren coughing.
Instantly Jaune remembered where he was and was just about to make sure everything had gone fine with the operation when he saw Ren smile at him.
''I will make sure everything goes right, you just focus on your family.''
He returned a thankful smile to his best friend and honorary brother.
''Thank you.''
And with those words, Ren walked away towards the nearest soldier leaving him alone with his family. He turned to his father, slight fear in his voice.
''Only Rouge? Where are the rest, don't tell me they are...?''
He left the words hanging in the air but his father understood anyway.
''No, no, no, thank the brothers not. They just most of them have already moved out, only Rouge is still here.''
That was good, he had already feared the worst. But before he could say as much his father spoke again.
''That does not matter now, what happened to you? And why are you here now with the Atlas military? Was that man your teammate? Where is the rest of your team?''
Wow, that were a lot of questions.
''Calm down dad, I will answer all your question. It all started when I decided to run away from home to join Beacon on my own. I of course never visited any combat schools so I had to fake my way in. I was really nervous and on the flight towards Beacon I seriously... (following is an explanation of the canon events until the battle at heaven).''
Over the course of his story, he could see his family's faces change until they finally settled into sadness and pity. He could see that they were trying to say something and moved to interrupt them.
''Don't. I know that you feel sorry for me but I have learned to come to terms with it. It happened and I cannot change it anymore, all I can do is accept what happened and move forward.''
He could see his father's expression soften.
''You really have grown haven't you Jaune?''
Sheepishly Jaune scratched the back of his head, it felt good to hear his father say that. Suddenly his father's face took on a more serious look.
''That said you still haven't explained to us yet what happened after that, or why you are here with the atlas military. Or why it looks like you are the general the soldier I spoke with was talking about.''
Suddenly Rouge cut in
''Or the ring on your finger.''
This got both of his parents attention
''THE WHAT?''
And their gazes instantly moved towards the ring he had on his left hand. Well, that had come out earlier than he had intended to.
''I guess I should properly introduce myself back, shouldn't I? Jaune Arc Schnee, General of the Atlesian military, the right hand of high commander Ironwood, Husband of Weiss Schnee... and soon to be a father.''
His words had caused all three of his family members to freeze.
''Guys?''
And then his mother fell unconscious.
He sighed, this would take a very long time to explain.
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Well, that was it for this chapter. Obviously this will not be the end of it, after all, they didn't really have a proper talk yet but I felt as if this was a good moment to make the break. Anyways, the next chapter will obviously deal with how his family reacts to what he has become and what he has done. As always every review is welcomed.
In case any of you are wondering stuff like, ''I thought this story would deal with characters that have decided to employ more extreme means, why are they so nice.'' or stuff like that then I just want to assure you that this is still the idea behind this story. It is just that this chapter and also the chapter after this one are focused on him meeting his family again. There is no reason for Jaune to act out his general personality so to speak. After all, everyone has multiple facets to their personality, I am simply showing different ones in different chapters.
This chapter has been beta read by Murphy Sl4w