Disclaimer: I am still not owning anything
This will be the second part of the family meeting story. It will continue right where the last chapter left off, just a few minutes later. All they did do in the meantime was wait a bit for Jaune's father and sister to calm down and to carry his mother to their home where they figured would make for a better place to have a talk.
Well, I do not actually have anything more to say beforehand so here you go.
NOTE: THIS CHAPTER HAS BEEN UPDATED. A FEW MISTAKES HAVE BEEN FIXED AND QUITE A LOT OF TEXT HAS BEEN ADDED.
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By the time his mother had woken up again the family had decided to move the conversation into the Arc family home. The moment she regained her bearings she was on him again.
''Explain, now.''
Jaune was just about to do just that when the door opened and Ren came in, giving a quick salute.
''Sorry if I am interrupted anything but I just wanted to let you know that I finished overseeing the securing of the area. Again, sorry for interrupting.''
And with those words, he turned to leave when Jaune decided to speak up.
''Nonsense, you stay right here, if the soldiers are instructed you are free and if we are having a family talk then I want you to be part of it.''
He looked at his family, making it clear that he would not accept anything else but they did not look like they wanted to voice their protest, instead, they looked proud at his action.
''Thanks Jaune, it really means a lot to me.''
And with that Ren took a seat right beside him. He really should have known that Jaune considered him actual family, he had told him so before often enough.
This event did not distract his mother from her initial question though.
''Jaune, I want to know what is going on.''
''Of course mum but I think there is someone else who should take part in this talk.''
And with those words he took out his scroll, calling Weiss once more. Upon seeing this action his father grew confused.
''How are you making this call?''
''We have created a new long range communication system that can fit on a ship. It's part of the reason it is so large.''
No sooner than he had finished, Weiss answered his call.
''Missed me so soon?''
At this he smiled a bit, she was not wrong.
''Always but that is not really why I call right now. Weiss, meet my Mom, Dad and my Sister. Mom, Dad, Rouge, meet Weiss, my wife.''
And with that, he turned his scroll so that Weiss could see his family and the other way around.
''Hi, I guess it's... Weiss to meet you.''
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''I AM FUNNY DAMN IT!''
Okay, that was awkward, he must be rubbing off on Weiss.
His father found his back voice the fastest. ''So, you are my son's wife, it really is nice to meet you, I guess?''
Well, that proved where he had gotten his awkwardness from.
His mother turned out to be far less overwhelmed by the situation. ''When did you meet? When was the marriage? Are there any videos? When will the baby come? Are you ready for a baby?''
Weiss did her best to answer the questions as quickly as she could. ''At Beacon. Six months ago. Of course there are, I feel like all of Atlas was there. In about six months. And yes, we are.''
But his mother was far from done yet.
''How exactly did you meet at Beacon? What did you think of him?''
Jaune leaned back, this was going to be a longer story.
''Well, it all began when...''
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Flavio enjoyed listening to the story of his son's wife, and wasn't that a strange thought to think? But during all of it, he couldn't help but turn to more serious thoughts. He would have to talk about this with his Son, he needed to know what was happening.''
''Jaune?''
Everyone looked surprised at his sudden question.
''Yes dad?''
He gulped, this was the moment of truth.
''What the hell is going on with Atlas, with you? How did you become a general at your age? Why are you here with an Atlesian warship? Why did that soldier think that it was an honor to meet me? And why did you call Ironwood high commander?''
Now his son's partner opened his mouth.
''Right, you probably haven't gotten the news yet, not with the current situation and how far off this village lies.''
Flavor sharply turned to him.
''What news?''
But the boy just waved it off.
''It's probably better for Jaune or Weiss to explain.''
He could see his son nodding at his partner. Then he turned to look directly at Flavio and the rest of his family.
''After what happened at Haven we didn't know what to do. We almost gave up when Weiss decided that we should try to join up with Atlas, they had the strength we needed. But we had not much to offer so we had no idea how to get them to work together with us. That is, until Adam Taurus's sudden attack on the Schnee manor, leaving Willow and Jacques the only surviving Schnee members. Winter had no interest in the company and Whitley was too young so Weiss became the new head. This gave us the power we needed to convince Ironwood to work together with us.''
At this Flavio had to raise his eyebrow. He didn't want to suspect his son but it sounded suspicious.
''That seems... awfully convenient.''
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Jaune could see his mother look outraged at his father and quickly held out his hand to signify that he wanted to say something first.
''No need to get angry mom, dad is right after all. We needed to get more power somehow and that way we also managed to finally take down that bastard Taurus.''
At those words he could see his whole family looking shocked at him, had he said something wrong?
His mother spoke first.
''What do you mean he is right? Are you trying to tell me that you three killed your wife's family?''
Ah, so they didn't understand the whole situation, that he would need to change.
''We just made sure to let Taurus get the right information to do it himself. Ironwood then made sure the military would arrive in time to finish Taurus off but not fast enough to stop him before he had accomplished his goal.''
He could feel Weisse's disapproving gaze, so quickly he added.
''Right, that is, of course, nothing official, so we would really appreciate it if you did not tell anyone at all. Like seriously, I really wasn't supposed to tell you. Though really, it is more of an open secret by now anyway, not the closer details of course but well, you know how things go.''
But his family just continued to stare at him, he wasn't sure what going on. He turned to Ren but his best friend just shrugged with his shoulders. Maybe he should just continue to answer his father's questions.
''Anyways, with the power of the Schnee company and high commander Ironwood, we worked on changing Atlas. Sadly the council of Atlas turned out to be nothing but power hungry and selfish, so we had to take of them as well. Don't get me wrong, they were not wrong to amass their power but their failure to use it for anything but their own interests just could not stand, I am sure you understand.''
He could see his father's eyes widen in shock.
''Don't worry, nothing happened to us. It all went very quickly, not many decided to stand against us. After all, who would you support, General Ironwood promising to final change things, or a bunch of cowards that never gave a toss about what happened to you?
Anyways, in the last months we built up our troops and fleet and decided that the time to take action has finally come. With our new long range communication systems we can re-establish proper communication all around the world and with the help of our soldiers, we can make sure to secure Vale, Mistral and Vacuo. Neither the Grimm, nor the White Fang or even Salem will stand a chance against our might, of course, that is largely owed to Weiss.''
Hearing his last words he could see Weiss smiling thankfully at him, well, he did only say the truth, she had worked tirelessly to get them where they were now, Atlas technology nowhere near its current stand. She deserved more praise for that than he could ever give her. Also he really loved to see Weiss smile at him, it made him feel warm. Finally he noticed that his family still didn't bring out a single word. Okay, now things really were getting strange.
''What is up with you guys? Is it really so surprising that I, in the end, I finally managed to become a Hero? I mean sure, I wasn't the best Huntsman to start off-''
He swore he could hear Weiss mumble the words ''no Aura'' between two very fake coughs, so much for feeling loved.
''-but I have become better. I assure you that I am more than capable of achieving this task. I know it seems much and honestly, it is, how couldn't it be with so much to stand in our way but like hell will I fail. How could I not with my best friend, my lovely wife and high commander Ironwood by my side?''
But it took another half minute until one of his family members finally talked again, it was his father.
''...What happened to you?''
What was his father talking about, hadn't he told him the whole story?
''What do you mean dad?''
''What do you think what I mean? You come back here and just tell us that you not only helped murder a bunch of people but participated in a coup and now came back here to tell us that you plan to help Atlas invade the rest of Remnant. Of course we would be shocked by this.''
How the hell had his father gotten that idea?
''We are not planning to invade other countries, we are just trying to save them. If they just agree to work with us we have no problem allowing them to keep their autonomy. Dad, Salem and her allies are out there, they are trying to collect the relics, do you know what happens if we do not stop them?''
But his father just scoffed.
''Pah, the relics are nothing but a myth. And who is that Salem supposed to be anyway?''
Ren shook his head at this.
''So did we think at first mister Arc, but I assure you that they are real. And Salem is trying to collect them all.''
Following Rens's short explanation Jaune continued with his.
''She is the one responsible for all that is happening. She is able to control Grimm dad, if we do not stand together we have no chance. We may have already lost enough time, Mistral and Vacuous Relic probably already have fallen in her hands as well. We cannot afford to stand divided anymore so Atlas will take the first steps to ensure that we stand together.''
But his father did not seem any happier.
''By sending soldiers to the people's doorsteps?''
Why didn't he want to understand?
''We are only keeping the people safe, they will understand.''
''And if they don't? What if they refuse your 'help'? What if Vale, Mistral or Vacuo refuse it? Do you want to force them to accept?''
''Yes. I know that some people will refuse the accept the truth but we cannot afford to take our time to convince them. I meant what I said, we probably have little time left, we must act now and we cannot afford to be obstructed by those who should stand beside us. We are the ones that will save this world, so of course, those that stand against us have to be put down.''
For the first time in a very long while, Rouge decided to open her mouth again. ''HOW CAN YOU SAY ALL THAT SO CASUALLY? YOU TALK ABOUT KILLING PEOPLE JUST LIKE THAT. AND NOW YOU WANT TO SAY THAT YOU WANT TO FORCE PEOPLE TO ACCEPT ATLAS INVADING THEIR LANDS AND CONTROLLING THEIR LIVES JUST BECAUSE YOU THINK IT IS THE RIGHT THING?''
Jaune patiently eyed his little sister with pity, they had been that naive once as well hadn't they? ''Listen Rouge, I know that it may all sound a bit bad but that is just what it means to be a hero. We have to make the decisions others are afraid to make to protect them. Yes, a few people may suffer under our actions but we will save so many more, can you see that? At first, I felt terrible about that as well but do you know what I realized then?''
Not able to bring out words she slowly shook her head.
''That what we are doing is not simply just, it is necessary. Not doing it would be a far greater evil.''
But it seemed as if his Sister could still not accept the truth. ''But what about the people that will die because of that? Do you just plan to kill all those in the White Fang, all those that follow this Salem Woman?''
''They deserve it!''
This line was spat out with venom unusual for Jaune's best friend but he understood it all too well. Calmy he put a hand on Ren's shoulder who quickly calmed down before turning back to his slightly scared looking sister.
''Look Rouge, they are not good people. They are responsible for untold death and destruction, they have chosen to stand against all of Human and Faunus kind in our Struggle against the Darkness, death is the only proper punishment for such action, can't you see that?''
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Olivia Arc had to make sure about her son's intentions and looking him in the eyes she asked. ''Do you truly believe that?''
Her gaze was met by an unwavering one of her son, who answered with a calm voice.
''Yes, I know we are doing the right thing and we will do everything to make sure to protect Humanity from Salem and her cultists.''
It seemed there was little use in trying to change his mind. She closed her eyes to gather her thoughts before turning to her son again.
''I won't lie to you, I do not like what you have done, what you are doing but I can see the truth in some of what you have said. That does not mean I agree with your actions tough.''
At this Flavio raised his voice as well.
''And neither do I.''
She could see her son looking disappointed, his partner just threw them a stern gaze while his Wife looked at them in anger. She decided to continue before the Situation escalated.
''But you are still our son and we love you. We haven't seen you for years and I am not about to let something like that drive us out away from each other again. I know that we won't be able to change your mind so let us please not talk about this topic anymore. How about you tell us about your wedding day?.''
But if they had hoped to simply ignore the situation they had not judged their much changed son right.
''You are wrong but because you are our son we still love you, is that it?''
His voice, friendly through all the talk suddenly sounded dangerous.
Olivia quickly tried to calm down her Son.
''Look Jaune, it's just that-''
''No!''
This word was spoken with a power behind it they had never heard of their son and suddenly they could see that great Atleasian general that he had proclaimed to be in him.
''I have enough. When I wanted to become a Hunter I was refused training because you did not deem me good enough but hey, it is all okay Jaune, we still love you. When I got into beacon it was certainly fairly impressive but I could not really believe I would make it now could I. BUT HEY, IT'S ALL OKAY JAUNE, WE STILL LOVE YOU! NO MORE!''
He spent a few seconds obviously calming down and neither Olivia nor Flavo could find the words to speak up. Quickly Jaune had caught himself.
''Enough is enough! I am not going to let you tell me that my ideals are wrong. Look at the truth of the matter, this village was done for and who saved you? Was it Vale?''
Only Silence answered.
''Where it Hunters?''
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''Come one, where is your answer?''
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''... That's what I thought. We saved you, Atlas saved you and all we asked in return was a chance to prove ourselves. But of course we do not get it, so often it is the same. Thank you for saving us now piss off because we are too prideful to accept the least bit of change to our life, least of all if it means being under the control of big bad Atlas who do horrible things like improving the infrastructure or shielding us from Grimm attacks. We are this world's last line of defense and we risk everything to save as many Humans and Faunus as possible but you are too blinded by your own egos to see that. Be warned, our patience is not limited.''
He sadly shook his head.
''Don't misunderstand me, I still love you and sincerely hope that you will understand but I will not allow you to trample over our dream.''
Suddenly he stood up straight and moved to leave the house, Ren quickly at his side.
''I really do pray that next time we meet you will have understood.''
Neither of his family members could let him leave like that and as one they cried out for him, yet their voices changed nothing and without looking back again he left the house.
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Jaune could feel Ren's supporting hand on his shoulder and he gave him a soft smile, he really was the best friend he could have ever hoped for. Looking at his scroll he could see Weiss shoot him a questioning look, he gave her a nod, he didn't want his first meeting with his family in ages to end with them drifting apart again but he knew that he had to make a stand as well, draw a line.
''Are you really okay with parting with them like that Jaune?''
He could hear the worry in Weisses tone and quickly moved to soothe it.
''I... I know the way I treated them was harsh but it had to be. I had to make it clear that I was not the boy they could baby anymore. They love me and I know it but they can't keep treating me like that, nor can they be allowed to act as if the dreams all of us work so hard for, that we sacrificed so much for, were nothing but stupid talk. I hope that my actions were able to wake them, so that when we next meet we can finally overcome all the issues that have build up between us over all this time.''
But Weiss was not finished yet. ''And if they did not wake up?''
From the change in her facial expression, he could tell that his own had changed into he so commonly wore while under his helmet.
''Then I pray for them that we won't meet again.''
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Well, that was it for this chapter. The wedding will be, like I said, a separate one shot later on the line. This chapter concludes the whole meeting of the family mini 'arc'... yeah, I know I am not funny. The next chapter will deal with something else.
If you haven't noticed it yet, this fic works like my ''Dawn of a new age'' one. Meaning that even though there is a connected story it is told through multiple short stories.
Anyway, as I said, this chapter was probably a bit more dramatic than the last one because this one dealt with why Jaune is actually in Vale again.
Now, just in case some are confused by how Jaune acted in general, remember, that is how things are from his view. He, Ren and Weiss do what they do because they think it is the right thing, so of course, his view on things is very subjective. You can decide for yourself if you want to agree or disagree with him but I just wanted to make that point clear.
Like always every review is welcome.
This chapter has been beta read by Murphy Sl4w.
