Chapter 18: Jaune Arcwitch 1
Concept: Glynda Goodwitch Adopts an infant Jaune Arc. Remembered seeing a reaction fic with this concept of Jaune in initiation raised by Glynda but can't remember which.
Appearance: None
Sitting in the Bullhead Glynda felt relieved that her meeting with Leo had gone so well, even if he was nervous despite it being his academy. However, her thoughts were cut off when she caught something unusual.
"Is that smoke?" leaning against the window she looked on to confirm her previous thought but what she found was more then what she expected. It was a fire, even from the bullhead she could spot the flames.
that place, it couldn't be.
Pulling out her scroll she checked her map to confirm her thoughts and upon doing so her eyes widened in shock that she was right. It was a village she didn't hesitate to act as she turned to the pilot.
"We need to assist the people in that village, now!" Needless to say, the intense power in her gaze easily persuaded the pilot. Pulling out her riding crop she readied to depart the moment she could. If one were to ask if Glynda Goodwitch was a rash individual her response would be immediate. No however, when one is in peril no huntsman of Beacon would hesitate. Besides while team STRQ was indeed the strongest team on their year Gylnda was the strongest huntress.
The moment she could spot the burning homes of the building she leaped off using her semblance to direct herself towards the more Grimm filled areas of the village. Before she could even land the surrounding Nevermore spotted the huntress and rushed towards her. However, to Glynda they were little more then annoyances with but a wave of her riding crop she sent the nearest of the beast spiraling into another. Focusing on the ground she speed her decent only to telekinetically levitate at the last moment to safely land.
The village looked like a scene straight out of hell, bodies littered the ground quickly being devoured by the Grimm with fervor while the village burned in bright shades of red and orange and the only sound to accompany the scene was the peoples screams. Seeing her a eager Beowulf lunged however that proved to be a poor as the newly appointed assistant rose her riding crop freezing the Grimm in place. The action was simple as she rose her hand and pulled the two limbs apart and soon the Grimm followed suit and split in half.
It was only than that the huntress begun to notice two things, that the Grimm seemingly held little interest in her and that the air carried a certain pressure to it. She looked towards the direction the Grimm rushed to a spotted the faintest hints of light within the almost floods of black that were the Grimm. The contrast was breathtaking but for Goodwitch the scene held no beauty only trepidation, as she recognized that light for what it was.
Aura.
Acting out of character the blonde huntress rushed forward into the mobs of Grimm using her semblance to telekinetically throw the dark abomination out of her way. She could hear the familiar tone of steel cutting through bone and flesh, however was there was fighting the Grimm and if her ears could be trusted was dealing them quite the blow, she was sure her intuition was right whoever this was, they were a huntsman and a powerful one at that. However even the strong cannot fight forever and even from this distance she could make out they're white glow begin to fade.
They were on their last legs, they had to be, if she wasn't quick they would fall, left with little options she propelled herself forward via her semblance. The act draining a notable amount of her aura reserves as she did so. She ignored the slashes against her confident her aura could endure it and if not they it would heal her.
However just as she was about to break through the mob a Beringel leaped towards her and while she was confident her aura could endure a Beowulf or even Ursa. She was far from foolish enough to underestimate a Beringels power. She quickly veered just out of the Beringels path however unlike most the Beringel were notably clever and without hesitation the Grimm grabbed the nearest Grimm a Creeper and threw it towards her.
Raising her riding crop she forced the Grimm back towards the Beringel who in turn struck out its fist with enough force for the Creeper to explode. As it advanced Glynda readied her riding crop once more before s sudden impact struck her from behind sending her of kilter. She turned and was met by the sight of a second imposing Beringel seeing an opening the surrounding Grimm closed in.
As the first Creeper bit down only to be repelled by her aura Glynda was brought back from her slight shock and swung both arms. The surrounding Grimm were pushed back by the force of her semblance however sensing it the two Beringels struck they're fist deep into the earth and managed to endure the telekinetic force. Seeing this the huntress rose her crop taking out a vial of fire dust and triggering it, however instead of letting it burst apart she focused the explosion into a twister and directed it to the Grimm before her enveloping it in in flames.
While she did so the Beringel behind her stomped forward raising its hand together and slammed its fist down. Raising her other hand, she manifests a violet glyph creating a barrier that endured the Grimm's attack. However just as she got a moment to gather her thoughts a fierce roar brought her from her thoughts, turning back to the flames she was met by the sight of the Beringel erupting from the blaze towards her. She pushed a great force against it however to her surprise the large Grimm didn't cease and before she could react it made contact wrapping its colossal arms around her.
She tried to react but the Beringel tightened its gripped constricting the professional huntress, Glynda felt her aura begin to give way she as the Grimm surrounded her. Above Nevermores flew circling like vultures as if warning her of her fate she felt the air leave her lungs but was unable to take in another breath. Many things separated a runoff the mill huntress from the elites, even while her life was in danger, her thoughts remained on the one fighting, dying… she had to save them…
And as the world begun to dim a light enveloped her sight struggling to maintain her sight she was soon greeted by the relief of her body being released from the beast grip. Taking in a large breath she looked up and saw it an old, ancient blade emerging from the center between the Beringel's eyes. The blade retracted from the Grimm's form making it fall forward, before she could see her benefactor the man stepped forward past her raising up a shield he blocked the fist of the remaining Beringel. Her mind brought back to focus Glynda swung her riding crop towards the momentarily stunned Beringel sending the beast flying. Before she looked to her Benefactor only to see a shockingly familiar and very worn face.
"Julius?" The man looked to her like he'd had been seeing things for a moment before.
"Glynda." Finally, it all clicked were she'd seen that white brilliance before, it was from her former upperclassman from Haven. She remembered seeing the man during her first year when he was a fourth year, to say she was surprised to have coincidently met him here of all places was a surprise. However, that iota of excitement was quickly snuffed out when she took in the Arc's appearance, while he still stood strong his form even now was riddled with more wounds and gnashes then one wouldn't think possible.
His once brilliant armor passed down his lineage was now mere tatters indeed the sole exception to his state was the oh so familiar blade in his hands that even now showed no sign of damage. Not wasting a moment, she pulled out her scroll giving the pilot to her bullhead an emergency call.
"Mr. Brown can you hear me, this is Glynda Goodwitch I have secured a survivor but he's in critical condition we need transport ASAP. I repeat he's in critical condition.
"'Bzzt' Roger that mis- 'Bzzt' We will be there in 'Bzzt'." Glynda didn't bother maintaining radio contact instead opting to scan Julius with her scroll and when his aura was shown to her the elite huntress froze in place. The meter read 0.00%, which was impossible, after all no matter how weary one is as long as they breathed they soul would produce aura. Unless. She looked to the worn Arc's ancestral blade and saw it dimming glow, realization struck the huntress.
"Julius… you couldn't have?" She knew about his sword, probably more then he did after all Ozpin had told her many stories many of his past mistakes. And so, she knew this sword well and what one could give in exchange for strength as his ancestor did. She reached out gripping the man's collar her eyes fierce and rage filled.
"Please tell me you didn't!" The Arc never broke his line of sight with her merely opting to return a solemn smile. His free hand gripped hers as he looked to her and smiled.
"I'm afraid so… It was the only way I could hold out for so long. The only way I could bait them long enough for people to run… for Aria and Jaune." The way he said that struck her as odd.
"Julius, you said Aria and Jaune, your newborn correct? What of your daughter?" As soon as she spoke the words she knew it was a mistake as she saw a tear of blood run down his face. Glynda covered her mouth knowing the meaning behind his sorrows.
"No…" The despair the Arc radiated drew in more Grimm and she could see the abyssal mass close in on them. Even with her capabilities she knew this would be a uphill fight at best and a futile struggle at worse, that was if both intended to leave. Before her the Arc Patriarch advanced towards the mob of Grimm Crocea Mors glowing like the sun.
"Aria and Jaune, they're south, please…"
"You can't mean to… Julius."
"I couldn't protect them… my daughters lie here, how could I as they're father not avenge them. If the cost is that I too shall fall here, then it's a small one."
"What of your wife, of your son!"
"I had worried over that before, but now you're here…" Julius looked to her a smile that betrayed his faith in her.
"Though my body will surely not endure long, I can draw the Grimm's aggression, so please Glynda, do this one kindness to your senior… I beg of you." She could feel it, they're wasn't so much an ounce of hesitation in him die here, not when they're remained someone he could entrust saving the remaining family he hadn't let die. She felt it, anger at him for even suggesting such a thing, hatred for the Grimm who forced this situation but what she couldn't forgive most was that she knew he was riught.
Julius stepped towards the trembling Goodwitch, he smiled seeing her tremble in tears, so torn over this. She was still young fresh out of Beacon he patted his juniors head and she looked up to him he could see her hesitation at leaving him to his fate and it warmed his heart. It was those tears for his sake that made him sure, sure Ozpin had Chosen a truly splendid huntress to assist him and in turn to entrust his final will to.
"I know it's not fair but even so, I lack the strength to save them, please don't let my struggle be in vain." With those words she closed her eyes and nodded. He turned away from her once more.
"Go, leave this man who had failed his lineage to his fate." His words angered the huntress the emotion finally pushing her to rush away, to make sure his words didn't hold true by saving the lives he was fighting even now to protect.
"You fool… You reckless, heroic fool." He saw her form fade from sight and somehow, he just knew, his sacrifice wouldn't be meaningless.
"Hahaha, and here I thought my Aria was the only women who could stir my heart." Turning to the encroaching creatures of Grimm with no more doubt, his eyes narrowed as his form gave off a intense pressure.
"Well then… come give me a good story to tell my daughters." Burying his foot in the ground he swung his families blade tearing apart any who opposed it, the was no point trying keep count of how many Grimm fell to his blade. All that mattered was how long he could hold on to his fleeting life, how long he could struggle and how long he could hold the abominable beast ire. Alpha Beowulves slipped through the crowd and in an instant blood stained the air, as Julius's shield arm fell to the floor.
"'Heh' is that your best Grimm?" Crocea Mors lunged forward planning itself deep into the beast's throat instantly depriving it of its false life. Julius didn't bother with the new wound after all his exhaustion would steal his life before blood loss could. He could see the confusion in the older, smarter Grimm at his despair not growing with his incoming demise.
"Stupid beast what need does a man who has always stood beside death have to fear it." He charged forward towards the Beringel before him narrowly avoiding its strike, raising his ancestral blade he cut down cleaving his arm off, The Grimm roared and with that opening, he swung Crocea Mors once more severing its head. However, the Arc was abruptly pushed by a force barley managing to remain on his feet. He looked to his chest to see the edges of three Nevermore Pinons emerging from his chest.
"Damn, forgot I don't have my shield…" The earth shook as the leader of the mass advanced and looking up he saw it a Goliath, the wisest of Grimm as well as the cruellest. Without being given a chance to respond the Arc felt more pinon's piece the flesh of his legs and he fell only by stabbing Crocea Mors into the earth did he manage to kneel instead of lay.
"I see, waiting till I could not move… you are a cautious one, of perhaps merely a coward." As he smiled to the colossus Julius could see the other Grimm back away.
"'Heh' So you wish to kill me by your own merit." The beast advanced until it stood over him casting the entity of his view inside its imposing shadow. Slowly it rose on its hindlegs readying to stomp the man to paste.
Jean
The man took in one large breath.
Aqua
His grip tightened onto the ancestral blade of his family.
Saphron
One final time his gaze regained its edge.
Fuchsia
Letting loose the breathe he rose.
Gardenia
He drew Crocea Mors from the earth channelling all of his soul that remained in the blade into this one strike.
Jade
He looked up to the Goliath his azure piecing its baleful scarlet eyes.
Rosa
It was a skyward swing with all he could give his aura radiated from the trusted blade like a blade tearing through the colossal Grimm's flesh like paper.
My precious daughter I will be with you soon…
The large Grimm's two halves fell to the earth crushing what they fell upon before vanishing into mist.
Julius stood they're his body not managing to strength to even take in another breathe yet somehow his arm held to the sky as Crocea Mors bathed in the moonlight. He had nothing more to give and as his eyes looked to the flickering blade he gave his last thoughts to his wife and son.
"Forgive me… my love... Jaun-"
I was meant to gift you this blade… though I fear… that cannot come to pass…
The Grimm ran in all direction now knowing fear, however the idol of the terror was no more leaving only the worn corpse of the man behind.
Glynda rushed through the brush of the forest following the footprints of a woman confident it was who she sought, who she vowed to save. A voice rang forth however, instead of it being the one of a mother. All that greeted her ears were the laughter of a man long gone mad.
"HAHAHaHAHA! How amazing! You held out much longer than I thought you would. Heheheh, hahahaha!" finally she broke through the brush to see it, a scene she would never forget. Holding a woman by her neck was a faunus, his scorpions heritage obvious as the stinger impaled the woman's flesh, however the other swelling lumps on her form betrayed the fact that I was not the first.
"Well our time is up I'm afraid." His stinger rose to her head as an eager grin spread across his face. The woman's grip tightened upon the bundle in her arms and though it was but a whisper the woman spoke.
"I'm sorry Jaune…" Tyrian's tail struck forward however to his surprise it ceased just before the woman's face.
"What?" Not a moment later was he pulled back away from the woman and slammed into a tree. The woman's form didn't hit the floor like one would expect, instead like a leaf she slowly descended her grip still holding firm on the bundle in her arms. Looking up the woman was met by Glynda's gaze and upon seeing her she smiled.
"Thankyou…" Looking to her form riddled with swelling purple bumps Glynda grit her teeth, it didn't take a doctor to realize the horrible condition of the woman. None the less as she heard the sound of the faunus behind her liberate himself from her throw she couldn't do much but ask.
"Are you, Aria Arc." The woman's face lit up despite her ever weakening life.
"Yes, Julius?" Glynda nodded.
"Yes, he sent me to rescue you." Hearing that her husband had entrusted the mission of saving her and his son to another a slight anxiety made itself known.
"Julius… is he?" She didn't need to continue or even ask for that matter, after all she knew he'd only do so if his fate was sealed. Glynda stood up looking away from the Arc a tinge of guilt present on her usually elegant face.
"He was, a true huntsman… I'm sorry." Tears swelled in the now matriarchs' eyes at the revelation however she shook her head.
"No, my Julius fought with all he had to give us a chance and left our recue to you. You saved me, you have nothing to apologize for." Glynda wanted to retort, after all she knew as she was sure Aria did as well, she was not long for this world. Yet in that woman's tone there was no room for retort so instead Glynda looked before her to the man responsible for putting her in this state.
Standing there was the figure of the faunus man only slightly disheveled he looked to her his eyes filled with hate the moment he spotted her. Without a moment's hesitation he readied his weapons through sneering lips he spoke.
"So Ozpins newest doggy then… My goddess Salem warned me of you." a confused curiosity took her.
"Salem?" The faunus's eyes grew wide in rage he fired off at her though her barrier rendered the attack pointless.
"Don't say her name with your filthy mouth heathen!" No sooner then he said so did the man leap forward Glynda rose her riding crop towards the man however he fired off dust rounds at her breaking the huntress's concertation. Beginning to close in Tyrian grinned manically he closed in near the blonde slashed towards her forcing Glynda to leap sideways from him. Tyrian smiled and unleashed a barrage of bullets upon her knowing she couldn't focus on him at the moment.
Glynda shielded herself knowing her aura would easily maintain against the barrage, however just as she was about to land the form of the faunus man appeared behind her with a speed she'd hadn't thought possible. The faunus didn't waste a moment as his stinger lunged forward piercing the huntress's shoulder and injected his venom. No sooner then he did, did a agonizing sensation envelope her not wasting a moment Tyrian kicked the huntress away and begun to unleash another hail of bullets into her form. Glynda felt her aura quickly diminish under the intense fire however, just as she was sure she had failed.
"Get away from her!" The weakened Aria tackled into the insane faunus making him stumble however that didn't last long and no sooner did he strike her away. Before looking down to see a knife plunged in his abdomen, he scowled and ripped the blade out of his body seemingly angrier then in pain.
"You bitch!" Without a moments hesitation Tyrian's tail struck forward piercing the Arc's form a final time directly into the chest. Glynda saw as the woman's face went wide eyed and begun to scream as the poison once more entered her already overwhelmed bloodstream. The Matriarch begun to cough a deep violet liquid that Glynda was sure was once blood. However, to both hers and Tyrian's surprise the woman didn't die but reached out hugging the faunus's still impaled stinger close to herself. Tyrian sneered before tugging at his tail only for the Arc woman to maintain her ever weakening grip.
"Let go!" The woman shook her head as she gave everything she could to hold it to herself struggling she looked over to Glynda with both resignation and determination in her eyes.
"Please… Save him." Seeing into her eyes Glynda felt many things shame, guilt and helplessness… but what rang loudest, was anger. The Huntress glared at Tyrian and though the pain of the venom was constant, if Aria could still resist what right did she have. She rose her hand and gave her semblance the simplest order she could. Tyrian couldn't even understand what had happened one moment he stood the next an ungodly force had fell upon him slamming him into the ground.
However, before he could react another great force fell upon him and then another, Glynda screamed out as her aura flared pushing her semblance to go again and again each time a little more powerful. The earth around Tyrian begun to give way to the unstoppable force creating a crater around the faunus, she could see Tyrian's aura flash and flicker warning of its near shattering. Yet Glynda didn't stop no longer having any other thought then to continue to beat the bastards form to paste.
Soon Tyrian's aura gave in shattering, yet the waves of unceasing force remained constant and soon instead of flashes of light the area was greeted by the noise of cracking bone and tearing flesh. However, a noise rang out to her pulling the huntress from her hateful state, it was a faint cry. Why she didn't know but upon hearing it the huntress snapped from her raged state and no sooner did the pain in her form resurge reminding her of the venom coursing through her veins. However, that wasn't what mattered all that mattered was the cries that tore through the silent night.
Glynda struggled to focus on them and saw it a small bundle laid on the ground where Aria was before rushing towards Tyrian. Seeing it Glynda struggled towards it, not caring about the faunus anymore nor her own state, in that moment all that mattered was reaching the tiny life who cried out. Upon reaching the bundle she leaned herself in close and looked to see it. wrapped in linen was an infant with a small mop of sun-kissed hair betraying his Arc lineage, his small pudgy face was red as he continued to cry out.
Somehow, she knew he was crying out for his parents, the same people she had failed. Glynda looked out to Aria only to see her unmoving form clutching the dismembered stinger to her chest, Glynda knew without having to be told. The infant continued to wail not noticing her presence however, no matter how loud he cried his mother would never come to him. Glynda felt her heart tighten and her teeth gnashed as tears fell down her cheeks.
"I'm sorry." A tear fell unto the infant's head and in response the baby ceased it cries, A pair of azure orbs looked up to her tear reddened face. The child looked to her confused and curiously, not seeming to know who she was but assuming the other blondes it had seen was his family and with that small assumption the baby gave a tiny whine as it reached towards her with its hands.
The huntress was pulled from her thoughts as she felt a tiny warmth against her, opening her eyes she was greeted by curious azure. She saw as the Arc heir reached for her trying to touch her barely managing to do so. Glynda looked to the infant and reached out to him cupping the side of his cheek and in response the young blonde went silent staring at her until finally he smiled giggling.
It was only then that Goodwitch begun to feel her vision distort and waver before the dark begun to take her. The venom from that monster in a faunus's skin was wreaking havoc on her, even now the pain expanded while breathing became that much harder for her. Through shaking hands, she pulled out her Scroll activating its beacon mode hoping it'd alert the nearby bullhead and rescue them. Soon however her hands could no longer even manage that, and the scroll fell from her grasp. It was faint but, in the distance, she could make out the cries of a Nevermore.
No.
She looked to the skies and hoping to land a preemptive strike on her target however it was too dark while her vision to blurry. She knew she'd never stop it not in her state, and as if reinforcing that fact her vision begun to dampen that much more leaving her only capable of seeing just before her.
No!
She couldn't let this happen, after everything else, after they had sacrificed themselves, she couldn't let Aria and Julius's die for nothing. As if reminding her of that the infant let out a cry towards Glynda making her turn away from the Grimm. Turning the huntress looked to the Arc heir who upon seeing her face again brightened not understanding its peril. Aria bit down on her lip remembering to keep calm, after all it was a single Nevermore from what she could hear. Soon the Bullhead would reach them meaning they just had to keep alive until them, from the facts that it hadn't fired off its pinons she could assume it was still looking for them.
Which meant all she had to do was stay calm and keep her mind from her negative emotions, from what she could see the heir wasn't displaying any at the moment either a small miracle in and of itself. Not willing to risk the infant's life Glynda brought herself over its form, making herself a makeshift shield in the case that the Grimm found them. Slowly her anxiety and realist mindset began to work against her telling her that she'd fail to protect the small life beneath her, that the Nevermore would find them.
However, much like before those thoughts vanished when the touch of a small presence, looking back down she was met by the sight of the baby reaching his hands out into her hair. The smallest smile blossoming on his face as the golden strand of her hair ran down tickling his face. She focused on the joyful coos of the heir hoping to remain conscious for even a second longer.
I won't…
I know it's not fair but even so, I lack the strength to save them, please don't let my struggle be in vain
tears begun to descend once more confusing the infant who starred up unknowingly to her.
Please… Save him
I can't… let him die here…
With each thought she could feel her wit and awareness fade all the while the child looked to her as if seeking her protection.
"Please… please." The huntresses plead was answered just before she slipped into unconsciousness the light of the Bullhead enveloped her.
-Beacon Medical Wing-
Slowly the dark begun to subside from the huntress's mind only to be replaced by the repetitive beeping of the patient monitor. As her eyes begun to open she was greeted by the pore white ceiling, it was strange usually she visited the injured, but never would she think she'd be assuming the position of the patient.
"Glynda! Oh, thank Oum your finally awake!" Turning to the voice a faunus woman with hair many shades of orange approached her. The fox tail waved from side to side as the woman closed in.
"Hello Peach." The words seemingly brought the panicked faunus back to her senses and no sooner did she back away patting down her white coat over her more traditional dress betraying her Mistralian heritage. Looking to her again the fox returned to her usually calm but material disposition.
"I'm glad to see that you've finally woke up Glynda, the others were in quite a panic and if we're being hones6t I wasn't too far off myself."
"Panic? How long was I out…?"
"About a week, however all things considered you were quite fortunate, if not for last year's freshmen we'd have had no way to counteract the poison. It truly is a blessing Headmaster Ozpin believes in equal opportunity. To be honest I was a bit scared the venom had already did it job before we were able to administer the anti-venom. To bad aura can only protect one from outside forces huh?"
"Venom… !" In her still disoriented state the memories of the night flashed, of Julius, or Aria and that monster Tyrian, however what remained at the forefront was a pair of azure orbs and the infant donning them.
"What about the child!?" The question was abrupt however the look in the faunus's eyes alerted her that Peach knew exactly what it was about however the doctor's aversion to meeting eyes with her told of less than hopeful news. For a moment she hesitated to scared to hear the answer believe that somehow she had failed the boy as well. However, the huntress resisted the moment of cowardice and spoke in almost a fearful whisper.
"Peach, please just tell me… is he, did he die?" The Faunus stared at her for a moment before going wide-eyed at the question.
"Oh Heaven Glynda! No I'm sorry if I gave that impression, my dear he's alive the precious things didn't have so much as a scratch, a bit hungry and needed a changing like you wouldn't believe but nothing more than that." That hearing the words a anxiety the huntress wasn't aware she had seemingly dissipated and with it a crippling weight felt as though it had be alleviated.
It was only then that she realized she was crying tears of relief and joy, however no sooner then they begun did she shake her head staying focused on the task at hand. With newfound determination, she looked up to her fellow staff member.
"Peach, please tell me in detail, what happened after I lost consciousness, and what of the boy."
-Headmaster Room-
Ozpin was many things, a former huntsman, headmaster to the most prestigious combat school in Remnant, an immortal being in an unwavering struggle against a being of untold darkness and most importantly a connoisseur in all things caffeine. However, at this moment he felt like none of those but instead like that of prey as before him the only thing he feared stood… what Salem, hahaha oh good Oum no what stood in front of the former wizard was something far more menacing.
The scalding glare of his deputy Glynda Goodwitch, honestly even without silver eyes he was sure a single narrow of the eye from the huntress would strike down any Grimm. With all the composure he could manage the headmaster put on his best effort at his usually stoic façade.
"Well, then miss Goodwitch, what do I owe this unexpected talk. Please take a seat." The huntresses neither moved nor spoke only maintaining her stare the act making cold sweats begin to form.
Good Oum, would it be considered rude to say I actually prefer Salem's company to this!
However, after a long moment, the huntress finally spoke as evenly as always however laced in each syllable was a message to not even dare deny a single detail to what she asked.
"Headmaster Ozpin, why is it that I'm hearing of the boy I rescued being demanded to be returned to Mistral… Or more preciously the same people responsible for outcasting the Arc, and more importantly. Why. Haven't. You. Denied. Them?" If the Headmaster was nervous before now he all but broke his façade before the youthful deputies' ominous air. Unexpectedly she leaned over the table slamming her palms on it making the Headmaster flinch for a moment.
"I sincerely hope you aren't considering giving him to them, from what I've heard they've been quite generous towards us ever since finding out the sole Heir to the Arc family is within temporarily care. Surely their bribes haven't swayed you away from denying them, right Headmaster?" Slowly the Headmaster took a shaking cup of sweet, sweet caffeine to his lips after which a calm once more took him. Honestly Glynda was almost positive the man was addicted to the beverage. However, as his lips left the porcelain cup's rim his eyes gained back their usual clarity and Glynda found herself compelled to straighten her form.
"Glynda I do understand your concerns, a believe me when I say that what you fear is far from my intention." At the words, she felt the slightest bit relieved however that still left far too much unanswered to her taste.
"Then headmaster please explain in detail your reasoning for not denying them immediately." To her inquiry, the Headmaster nodded.
"Miss Goodwitch allow me to answer your question with another question. If I were to deny them with without nether reason nor consideration for their positions in Mistral What do you think would happen?" Glynda crossed her arms unimpressed by the question.
"Knowing those houses, they'd spout on about our indifference to they're authority and lack of respect towards them. However, I hardly see that as reason to placate them. The Council of Vale will hardly stand by and let them act in our kingdom, let alone capital." Ozpin nodded his head to her answer looking as though he had expected it long before she had spoken which irritated the deputy to no end.
"And what if I told you the Council would feel inclined to allow the houses of Mistral to continue their actions or even encourage it?"
"What?!" Ozpin rose his hands signalling for her to let him explain.
"Glynda surely you remember the Arc family's contributions towards Vale during the Great War?" To that she nodded, while their contribution could be said to be notable, she hardly saw how that'd be a reason for the Council to side with Mistral, if anything it only gave more reason for them to assist against it.
"So then let me ask you this, why wouldn't the council take in a prestigious family like their own then but except the Winchesters who contributed much less in the Great War?" she paused at that legitimately a bit perplexed by the question, after all it did bring up a good point. Compared to the Arcs lineage the Winchesters were much less competen-… no.
"You don't mean to say that council are scared of the Arc family entering the political field of Vale?" To that the Headmaster exhaled.
"The Winchesters have already sent me sent a messenger expressing their willingness to take in the boy. Surely a ploy to gain political power." Glynda slammed her fist into the desk her semblance applying the extra force needed to make it crack as her jade eyes bore into the headmaster who in turn gave a sober smile.
"I'm afraid that no matter the choice we make that is more than likely the fate that awaits him Glynda." The Deputy headmistress went wide-eyed shocked to hear him say such before her disposition changed to that of a much colder façade.
"We can't let that happen." Ozpin let out yet another tired sigh.
"Franky it truly is out of our hand, regardless of what we choose I'm afraid the outcome will be the same. If we were to give him to an orphanage they'd be all too quick to take him. Even if I were to send him off to be cared by an associate I have no doubt the council with exert all their power to oppose it and that's if they don't view it as my trying to use him."
"What of family surely there must have been some next of kin, or perhaps Aria or Julius's wills." Ozpin shook his head.
"I'm afraid not, after giving their firm support to the oppressed people of menagerie during the faunus right revolution I'm afraid they popularity plummeted in Mistral. Anybody who they once considered kin long since cut ties with them after they left and now those very same people are the most fervent on obtaining the Arc Heir to use to their benefit. As for their wills, I'm afraid they didn't speculate on what to do it such a scenario, besides Jaune rightfully inheriting their name and ancestral blade they isn't much else as the rest was burnt to ash." Glynda clenched her fist in anger at the words.
"So then what your saying is we can only decide who to sell him off too?"
"I'm saying that no matter where we send the Arc Heir to his fate will be but to become a pawn in someone else's game." The deputy headmistress wanted to scream at the man but resisted the urge after all she knew this wasn't his fault however with no options she found herself feeling utterly defeated and slumped forward.
"I understand…" Ozpin looked over her defeated form and took a notable gulp of his coffee before speaking.
"Would you care to see him." the Huntress looked up to him seemingly only half listening.-
"What?"
"The boy, would you like to see the life you saved, do not forget Glynda despite the less the ideal situation the only reason he breathes is due to your efforts. I believe it is only right for you to see him first." For a moment she hesitated, why she honestly couldn't say. Maybe it was guilt for all the thing she had failed to do for the Arcs, for the child. However, a hand placed itself over her own and looking up she found herself face to face with Ozpin.
"I believe you need this miss Goodwitch, please take the time to see the boy, he's already lost enough wouldn't you say?" And with those words her choice was made, and she nodded and the two left. Despite her want to ask Ozpin more, or discuss any other possible solution for the child the usually outspoken huntress stayed quiet. The only noise to greet the halls was the tapping of heels on the floor, slowly on their way to mister Ports classroom genuinely surprising her. She directed a quizzical look to the headmaster.
"You left him to Mr. Port?" Ozpin gave a the huntress a knowing look and smirked.
"Mister Port has experience with children unfortunately he is still actively attending missions something, the noble families of Mistral will surely use against him. Otherwise I would have asked if he'd consider taking in the child." Glynda looked to Ozpin surprised, it had ho0nestly not crossed her mind to ask a member of the staff to take in the child. After all pushing the burden unto one of her fellow staffed left a bitter taste in her mouth, however for that child.
"What of Doctor Oobleck?" Ozpin shook his head.
"I'm afraid Bartholomew wouldn't do much better in that regard, his research as well as excavations keep him just as busy as Port if not more."
"What about Peach?"
"Miss peach while ideal I'm afraid is also out of the question, after all she's staffed in Vale on a work Visa from Vacuo while she works toward citizenship. I'm afraid if she was too take him in they'd use her status against her no doubt their influence could do such." Glynda clicked her tongue understanding the reasoning, she'd never dream of putting Peach's life in such a situation. For a moment she considered asking the Ozpin himself however the question died before she even finished the thought.
"Here we are." The two stopped before the door to Grimm's studies, behind the door Glynda could hear the laughing and squeals of the students as if on impulse she forced the doors open stepping in with her usual stern gaze. Upon enter the class however instead of seeing the usual antics of the student either causing a ruckus or in professor Ports case catching up on they're sleep she was instead met by the sight of the majority encompassing the entirety of the female body surrounding not Port, but the small life strapped to the portly huntsman belly by a baby pouch.
Suspended in the air was the form of a small blue eyes boy who hid his face away from the surrounding students obvious scared. The closer girls squeal at the shy thing why the closer male students were torn between being baffled at the better halves reaction or straggly jealous of Port or the young Arc was anyone's guess.
"Hohoho, now, now ladies while I understand the sheer charm me as a father alongside being a splendid huntsman may instill within you I think its about time we return to our lecture."
"Ewww, no!"
"Professor Port, is lil guy your kid?"
"Hoho, good question misses Jade, sadly no, this young life is… a survivor of a Grimm incursion… A sad but necessary reality for you to learn about." The faces of the inspiring huntsman and huntresses visibly pale with some of the more compassionate individuals looking to the baby in near tears. Glynda looked down a fresh wave of shame washing over her at the Ports words if she had been faster.
"But why? Wasn't there any huntsman nearby." Port sighed.
"Yes, but sadly the mob was too vast and unexpected." Glynda clenched her fist her aura lightly illuminating around them indicating the damage she was causing herself.
"But that's, too cruel…" The portly man inhaled slowly as if to express his empathizing with the student.
"Yes, I'm afraid that sometimes life can be unfair, and despite our many advances and efforts, sometimes we simply cannot save everyone such is the truth of the paths we walk." The huntsman-in-training looked to the veteran their eyes a note dull than before. However, the large man then looked at them and smiled.
"However, do not lose heart children." Port lowered his hand resting it on the Arc infant who sent a curious gaze his way before grabbing his large fingers and proceeding to put it in his mouth.
"Though many did die, this child remains and that in and of itself is a blessing, As I said before life can be unfair and technological advances can only get one so far. Yet despite that look at this life, who was at the center of the hopeless situation yet still breathes." The children looked to the baby who was currently fully devoted to gnawing off the portly veteran's thumb.
"We huntsman have so much to fight for but more importantly to protect and even if the chance is all but near impossible… it still remains. This child being hear was because one such huntress was willing to oppose that small near hopeless chance." Port then turned to the two and upon meeting eyes with port Glynda breathe was caught in her throat.
"Well now if it isn't our little stars saviour." The man then beckoned both Glynda and Ozpin alike towards himself to which Glynda reluctantly stepped forward. Port waited till the two were right beside him before he spoke once more.
"Dear students this child breathes because our very own combat teacher chose to answer the call to become a huntress like each of you sought. Yet she is but one woman, let me ask you if she had those beside her how many more could've been saved." Nobody answered because the answer was all to clear.
"That is why you are here, to lower those who would suffer by even one more, you while I find our headmaster to rarely be wrong, I disagree with him on but on regard, your first step was coming here, and it is now our responsibility and honour to arm you with the knowledge and preceptive needed to step into the word as not huntsman but saviours." The many students looked to the man who would usually whist them to sleep now with only the highest of regards. Port then turned to Glynda with a firm gaze on scrutiny one she was far more useful to giving than receiving.
"Miss Goodwitch, I hope you will also take my words to heart."
"I-I don't know what you mean professor." The portly man placed a hand to her shoulder much like he had when she was a student.
"I can tell, even now, you're blaming yourself." She avoided the man's gaze, it was uncanny how one moment the portly veteran could appear an utter buffoon and the next a true huntsman with decades of wisdom.
"Survivors Guilt is no different than venom young Goodwitch." Glynda looked away from him.
"You did all you could and then some."
"…You don't know that." To her surprise she felt a surge of pain on her head as the portly man chopped her forehead she looked to him surprised. However, her glare was only met by a sad pair of eyes that spoke of great loss.
"There is not a single man or woman who have not question their capabilities before, and none usually liver to be as old as I and that is why I can say you should not look down with shame. The man then rose the Arc heir before her.
"This is what you fought for, this is the child you saved don't discredit yourself or you might as well be discrediting his life as well." Glynda looked to the infant who stared up to her his azure eyes seeming to sparkle as he began to reach for her familiarly. She felt a pang in her heart at the small hand to reach out to her but without realizing it she had stepped towards the infant and taken him in her arms.
Please… Save him
please don't let my struggle be in vain.
She didn't know why those two words echoed through her mind all she knew was that she fell to her knees and wept all the while holding the small life to her bosom.
Ozpin took a sip of his coffee despite the tension in the room upon finish he sent a narrow gaze Glynda's way.
"Are you sure Glynda?" She looked back to him her eyes keen and without hesitation as she answered.
"Yes," She then proceeded to lower her head before the man as she requested.
"I know it is sudden, and I am well aware that the houses in Mistral will surely try to interfere, however, I, I won't let they're esacr4afices be for others to turn this child into a tool for their own agendas." Ozpin looked to the woman standing before him he could see the look of determination in her gaze, that same zeal she dedicated to raising the next generation of huntsman. That same determination that he sought for his inner circle, it was with that he decided.
"Very well, I can assist, and ensure the boy will not targeted any further." For the first time that he could remember the stern huntress smiled joyously to him, which made this that much harder.
"However, miss Goodwitch, I'm afraid there will be… condition for such." The woman looked to him curiously however no sooner did she fix her disposition her eyes adopting a refreshed determination.
"Name it."
