REVIEWS:
Bwooodlord: Quite, and Coral does need some help. And to be frank, it is racism to some degree. But in her case, it is more complex than most. And quite indeed, Mama Arc has some steam to vent out. As for the entire royalty plot, which is still slowly going along, there are first some other bits that need to be taken care of, and I am saying it now, we will go for a Constitutional Monarchy, meaning he will share his power with a trusted government. Also, no on the demon lord shit.
GeraltRex: It's alright man, no harm was done. Good to know you are also a fan of SilentKnight (Add me on Discord, the name is Void Devil#7199). And yes to the Coral stuff, and I agree with Mama Arc having a useful Semblance for her large family.
Mattysteel: I don't know man, English ain't my first language so I might have gotten that wrong.
Egus235: Thank you! And do not be afraid, Arc of Hell's next chapter is currently being wrapped up as well and should be dropping in soon. I'd say in the next couple of days.
Leaf Ranger: Well, things are not going to take an entire while, since, despite this story having a plot that is semi-serious, some stuff won't be prolonged and complicated for long periods of time. As for the stuff with Coral, it's ok. Every review is important, and we will try to touch more upon that subject in the following chapters, especially as we will be bringing in a certain someone.
Guest: I know I said I won't answer guest reviews, but this one is good enough for me to make an exception. No, Coral didn't get the Hard R, she got dumped and the guy hitched it the moment she had a + on the test. Also, interesting information about the other stuff? Dunno what to think about it.
His mother really had some lungs on her, Jaune would admit to that every day of the week. Not counting for the initial chewing him out that she had been doing, she then found out - HOW IN THE WORLD SHE DID IT IS BEYOND HIM - that he had multiple wives, leading to the additional chewing. Luckily, he had been able to survive a part of it due to his mother accidentally using her Semblance and deafening him and Emerald, and half-deafening Ozpin for a small while. He could have healed all of their ears swiftly, but this was for the better. Especially as his mother, after a full-blown 10 minutes of chewing, seemed to finish.
Juliet was panting a bit from the amount of shouting she had been doing, which also worked to calm her down and get her in a more stable and calm state of mind. "There…I am done." She said, to which the inhabitants of the room thanked their stars for those words. Or at least what they thought were those words. Jaune quickly used his semblance on himself. After a moment to double-check it was over he subtly used his semblance on Emerald then casually made his way to Ozpin to do the same so everyone in the room could hear again.
"Thank the Gods." Ozpin was glad that the ordeal was finally over.
"Finally …" Emerald sighed, also relieved that it was over. "Is your mother always so loud?"
"Not quite, but the situation makes it understandable why she'd use her semblance." Jaune knew she had never used her semblance around any civilians and probably never would on anyone without their aura unlocked. He relaxed ever so slightly and faced his mother. "Mom?"
His mother took a deep breath, then she looked at Jaune, flashing him a smile. "So, where are my new daughters-in-law? I already met Emerald here, not the best opinion made, but not the worst either, and I am sure the other girls are just lovely as well!" And there was the classic 180. Jaune was familiar with this, as when his mother got onto ranting about something to vent her displeasure and emotions she always switched to a more chill behavior afterward which was very easy to deal with.
"Well, James messaged me earlier, saying that they moved to the dorms. They should be at Salem's room." Ozpin replied, which let Juliet pick up the name.
"Oooohhh. Salem Arc. Hm. Sounds pretty nice." She grabbed Jaune. "Come on, Jaune, it's time for you to introduce me to my new in-laws! Lead the way! You are coming too, Emerald, this is still a family matter, which you are a part of now. Thank you for having us, Ozpin, and … sorry for the windows? I will be sure to pay for them!"
"Don't worry about it, Juliet, I am sure the Beacon budget can cover it," Ozpin said, then Juliet grabbed both Jaune and Emerald by their hands.
"Oh boy, here we go."
"Wait, I can walk by myself-"
"Bye, Ozpin!" Before Emerald could finish her sentence they were taken by Juliet into the elevator, and down to the bottom floor to then head to the dorms. Granted, as they got all the way down, that was when Team CFVY got on board the SECOND elevator to Ozpin's office. The Headmaster was a busy person and couldn't wait on an elevator so why would he only have one? Plus it let him escape people he didn't want to talk to. Once they got in, and all the way to his office, they immediately got out, looking worried.
"Headmaster, Velvet heard the commotion up here!" Yatsu said, going up to speak with Ozpin who seemed to be nursing his head. "Are you alright, headmaster?"
"Actually, Yatsu, you are a sight for sore eyes. Do you still have some of that herbal tea for stress and headaches?" Ozpin asked.
"Always. I will make sure to bring some."
"Thank you."
"What went down here, Oz? Velvet said something about the first-year teams, RWBY and JNPR, something about Jaune getting into some … unusual trouble, and seeing your office it looks like a sonic bomb went off in here." Coco, the team leader, said.
"You are not far off. I am afraid this was the direct result of Juliet Arc's Semblance."
"Arc? Is she by chance related to Jaune?" Fox asked, to which Ozpin nodded.
"His mother." He confirmed, then he continued with the explanation. "While your Team was away on assignment, Teams RWBY and JNPR got into quite the unusual trouble, as you have said, Miss Adel, but the details are much greater. And I do not feel like telling this story AGAIN, so I will let Salem do it."
"Ummm. Who is Salem?" Velvet asked.
"Salem Arc, one of Jaune Arc's wifes, of course." Ozpin replied.
"H-his wife?!" Velvet shrieked in shock, with her team having various reactions.
"That is truly … unusual trouble," Yatsu said.
"Yeah, you can say that again, big guy," Fox added.
"Wait a minute, ONE of HIS WIVES?!" Coco said, picking up on that detail. "Oz, what happened while we were away? Did Arc get lucky or something big time?" The headmaster chuckled, although it was quickly replaced by a pained growl.
"Yes and no, this ordeal has been bringing its fair share of trouble all over the place. I really need that tea, Yatsu, so if you can please go and get it, I will be very grateful." Ozpin asked of the giant of Team CFVY, who offered a small respectful bow and went out to go get the tea from their dorm, leaving the rest of his team with Ozpin. "Now, to explain, it all happened overnight. Not long after your departure, in fact, they went partying, which once again reminds me to take care of what is a Huntsmen-in-training means in the eyes of the law. They ended up getting very abbreviated, which resulted in them stumbling into my office the same night along with some other people of interest who shall not be named right now, and I officiated their weddings."
"Multiple people got married?" Fox asked. "Who else was it that got married apart from Jaune?"
"His teammate, Lie Ren, and Nora LIE Valkyrie. The other married individuals you will meet later. If you wish to know the exact names, however, I recommend you ask them yourselves." The door to the elevator opened once again, with Yatsu coming in carrying a tea kettle, the headmaster pushing his mug forth and letting him pour the tea in. Ozpin took a sip, letting out a satisfied sigh as he felt it do its work. "However, I will let you know that Jaune got married to the entirety of Team RWBY, and his partner Pyrrha Nikos."
"Pyrrha? Good for her." Yatsu said. What? He could clearly see the signs, unlike Jaune. "Where are they right now, headmaster?"
"I will give you the number to the dorm room they are in, but I recommend you go in a bit later. Currently, Mister Arc is dealing with the aftermath of his family learning about this." Ozpin said.
"And … He doesn't wish to divorce any of them?" Velvet asked, which Coco couldn't help but feel was somewhat unusual of her.
"The laws of Vale do not allow divorce unless all parties involved consent. In Mister Arc's case, this has proven quite obnoxious for some of the women involved." He sighed. "I do not mean to be rude, but please leave my office so I can mend my aching head. And if you see her, tell Glynda we got broken windows to fix."
"These rooms were not made to hold this many people within," Salem remarked, pointing out the current situation with how the room was given to her, Emerald, and Cinder was currently filled to the brim. Aside from herself and Cinder, their sister wives were there, along with their new sisters-in-law, new father-in-law, Glynda, Amber, and the General. Granted, the rest of the boys were outside, in order to warn them of the coming of their new mother-in-law and of Emerald and Jaune. Thank the stars this ordeal was nearly over because Salem was pretty confident that the worst part of it all was just about to begin.
She needed to make sure her new mother-in-law was pleased. Gods, how thankful she was that Ozma's parents were no longer around when they started seeing each other, but that did mean she had no experience with meeting her husband's family, namely the mother. "Incoming!" Sun shouted from outside, then the door opened, making everyone turn their heads to it to see the ones walking inside. Emerald and Jaune, sure, but also Juliet Arc.
"Oh, shit, here we go again …" Nicholas muttered.
"Oh my!" Juliet saw all the people in the room. "Ok, I want my new daughters-in-law to raise their hands and all the boys to go outside!"
"W-what? Mom, I think I should at least be here, you know? Since I am their husband and all of that?" Jaune reasoned, which got his mother to think for a second.
"Very well, and I guess Nicholas can stay too but everyone else gets out of the room! Oh, and the ladies that are not married to my son please, except for Glynda here … and my daughters." Per her orders, everyone mentioned leaving the room. However, she then looked over each of them, and her eyes eventually found Salem. "I have to say, your appearance is certainly … unique. What kind of Faunus are you, dear?"
Salem remained calm. "I am not a Faunus." She said, then watched as Juliet's face twisted in confusion. "Did…Ozm- Ozpin, not tell you?"
"Tell me what?" Juliet asked, and Salem once again muttered, venting a bit about how Ozpin was leaving it to her. Still, Salem did suppose Ozpin was dying, that disease, despite still using medication since they still needed his aid in a lot of things, doing major damage to his body. Why can't he just die and get reincarnated like he has done so many times before is beyond her, most likely because they need his seat on the Vale Council?
"Allow me to explain, dear mother." Cinder said, deciding to offer her mistress some relief. Granted, as she explained things, Juliet seemed less and less pleased with the things she heard. In fact, Jaune slowly went towards where Pyrrha and Yang were sitting, knowing his mother might have a bad reaction to learning of Salem's identity. And when Cinder was finished…
"And this is how we ended up here." She finished, and Jaune has to agree that she didn't leave out any kind of detail about the entire ordeal. Granted, he saw his mother inhale deeply, which back home was never a good sign.
"And I thought my son marrying a thief was a problem …" She said slowly, and everyone could feel a sense of danger fill the room. Even Salem gulped a bit, her usual calm and stoic expression wavering. "But an immortal witch, older than time, which can control the Grimm, tried to destroy everything-"
"Not anymore! She is good now!" Jaune added, trying to do damage control.
"Let me finish, dear," Juliet said to her son. "And her underling, who attacked an innocent woman for her so-called power and tried to destroy this very school, or planned to at least … I have to agree with my daughter's earlier statement, Jaune, you sure know how to pick them."
"I hope my past won't be that big of an issue, but I guess that is not the case?" Salem said and Juliet turned to her.
"Oh, well, I certainly cannot overlook my son marrying a milf."
"M-mom!"
"Well, your mother is right, son," Nicholas said, backing up his wife.
"Excuse me, but what is a milf and how am I one?" Salem asked, then it was Emerald who went to her and whispered the details in her ears, the witch perking up as she learned of the definition of it. "Oh, then I most definitely count as one, having had four daughters."
"I do have to say I am sorry to hear about your loss, Salem." Juliet couldn't stop feeling sympathy towards her. "I cannot imagine how it is to bury your children. It is just … wrong. And, learning that Ozpin was once your husband as well. It's still a lot to take in."
"And we have not even gotten to the rest of us yet," Yang said, pointing out the obvious. "It is going to be a long day, that much is for certain."
"Yes, it will." Blake agreed.
"Gods, Saphron and Terra might just arrive before we are even halfway done," Alice said. Granted, they didn't need to wait long as a knock was heard at the door and it opened, with the mentioned sister walking in. "Forget it, they are here."
"I am sorry I am late, I came as fast as I heard the news!" Saphron said, then the girls watched as another woman, dark-skinned, walked inside the room as well. This was Terra Cotta-Arc, Saphron's wife. But there was one thing that caught everyone's attention. Namely the little baby she was holding in her arms.
"Baby!" Ruby squealed, using her Semblance to go closer to Terra to take a look at the baby. The little guy threw his arms up to the pretty petals that were now falling around him from Ruby's Semblance. "Oh my Dust, he is so cute!"
Terra smiled seeing the positive reaction. "Thank you. His name is Adrian."
"I am glad you arrived, Saph," Juliet said. "However, do you mind leaving little Adrian with one of the guys outside? I believe the things that will be talked about here might be a bit much for him."
"Sure," Terra replied, going away with the baby.
Juliet turned back to them. "Now, to get back on the main track, I believe it is time we properly introduced ourselves to one another. After all, we are all family here!"
"Oh boy, this is going to be a LONG day," Jaune said, something agreed on by everyone in the room.
And it was quite indeed a long day. Juliet wanted to meet each of Jaune's wives and learn as many things about them as possible, so she a lot of questions with her daughters helping her as well. Granted, she decided to start with Ruby, seeing as she was the youngest one there. She was a bit worried due to her early age, but given the circumstances it was excusable, not to mention she confirmed what Jaune told her as well, that they were taking things slowly until she might be ready for more.
Everyone was essentially going at their own pace, providing comfort in this complicated relationship. Which was good. However, she also loved seeing how cheerful and good with children Ruby was, given by the fact she rushed straight to little Adrian to play with him. Juliet knew a good mother when she saw one, and she was certain Ruby was going to be a great mother! However, she was not so sure about her sister, Yang. The two were half-sisters, and the details on that were given by Yang herself, which had Juliet quite shocked to hear her mother abandon her and Tai like that.
No woman deserves to be called a mother after doing something so horrible! Still, Yang's personality was not bad per se, even if she started with negative points after learning how she punched one of Jaune's teeth out to vent her displeasure about the entire marriage. She was quite volatile and seemed easy to anger, but at the same time, she could see how devoted and easy-going she was. The earlier traits could be worked on, not to mention a woman always changes when the maternal instinct kicks in. It was built into them, there was no fighting it.
Still, she really hopes her son takes care of her well and makes sure she doesn't do anything stupid if she ends up mothering more Arcs. Next was Blake, whom Juliet found quite interesting. It was not every day a Faunus marries into a human family, but Blake seemed nice enough. A bit shy and not that talkative maybe, but she was nice. Juliet was curious what Faunus Arcs would look like, especially with feline traits.
But the next one, being Weiss Arc Schnee, was not such a pleasant meeting. She was still against this entire marriage from what she was able to learn, but Blake did throw in a comment about how her icy heart was melting already for her son. Ah, Juliet could see it now, the denial the girl was going through due to her family name. She will come around, Juliet was sure of it. At least her son doesn't need to worry about financial insecurity.
Then came Pyrrha, and who doesn't know her? Well, Jaune didn't, but that is what Pyrrha liked, to be treated like any other girl, which her son provided. She had to admit, this was a total 180 from Salem, who Juliet found very mature and smart, traits you'd expect from an immortal woman, not to mention Salem was an experienced mother. Since her daughters were taken away so early, Juliet was confident she wouldn't mind starting a new family with Jaune as soon as possible, but her son did mention he'd rather cross that bridge when he got to it. But back on the subject of Pyrrha Arc Nikos, she was a polite girl, but a bit unsure of how to interact with others, even a bit clumsy with her Semblance when under stress as she learned when talking to her.
Poor girl cracked quite a bit under pressure when not in a fight. Still, Pyrrha was also a girl Juliet approved of. The only one she had a bit of hesitation with was Cinder, mainly due to her entire Female Fatale aura around her. It made her worried she might do something to hurt her son, but Cinder herself assured her that won't happen. Things got quite interesting, if a bit worrisome when she said that she will stab anyone in their eyes with glass if they try anything to harm her, the others, or Jaune. Especially Jaune. Juliet found that very interesting.
The rest will need to come later in terms of learning about their overall wife skills, like cooking and cleaning, as the evening was setting itself in quite swiftly. They didn't even realize how quickly time flew, making it necessary to cut things short. Ozpin was nice enough to provide the rooms in the teacher's dormitory, which was fairly close so Juliet will be able to keep a semi-eye on them. After the Arcs went to their dorms, and as a direct consequence everyone else went to theirs as this was a long and exhausting day, that was when Jaune found himself pulled over by someone he hadn't seen in a while.
"V-Velvet?" He gasped slightly seeing her, some of the others also turned around to look at the small commotion, seeing the entire Team CFVY there. "What is it with you guys here? I didn't even know you were back yet from your assignment!"
"Sorry for dropping in unannounced, but we would like to ask Jaune here some questions about his new marriage," Yatsu said bluntly, earning an irritated growl from Yang.
"Know what? You are on your own, lover boy!" Yang said, going on her way.
"Wait!"
"Sorry Jaune, but I guess we are all tired. It's been a long day, and it was your family we had to deal with." Blake said, but before she turned away, she gave the team a meaningful look "If there is so much as a scratch on him when he comes back I will sic Nora on you"
The whole team blinked at what she said and at the fact, everyone else nodded their heads to agree with Blake. Then apologizing they all went to their dorms. This left Jaune by himself to deal with the upperclassmen. He was taken to their dorm, where he sat at a table.
"Tea?" Yatsu offered.
"Not right now, thanks. I am tired as is, and I do not want to pass out in the middle of explanations." Jaune said, to which Yatsu nodded. "So … What do you know?"
"Well, Ozpin told us you got married to multiple gals, first of all, which included an entire team and your own partner," Coco said, sounding somewhat uneasy about it. "However, he did mention that there were more and that stuff is more complicated than it seems. He has explained what he could, but I think he is in bed by now given the headache he must have got from - and correct me if I am wrong - your mother's screaming?"
Jaune sighed. "Damn it, mom." He muttered. "Well, to answer your questions, Coco, I am indeed married to no less than eight women."
"Ok, how did that happen?" Fox asked, curious. "You do not strike me as the womanizer type, nor the confident kind. Pyrrha's feelings towards you were pretty obvious, but aside from a crush I really do not see you successfully courting a lady. Case proved by your failures to court Weiss."
Jaune flinched at that. "Thanks for pointing out the obvious, Fox."
Even if Fox could tell he must have salted a small wound, he still smiled and replied with a small tease. "You're welcome."
"Who are the others?" Velvet asked. "We know Team RWBY and Pyrrha, but what are their names?"
"Well, they are Salem, Cinder, and Emerald," Jaune replied, to which Coco was quick to reply.
"Given your track record with the others, I'm guessing they are hot too. So do they act like the girls we know as well?"
"All three of them proved to be more interesting than you'd think …" Jaune said, then he looked at Fox, knowing that the guy could use his telepathy to read his thoughts. He was allowing him to do so, mainly to get him done with the explanations faster.
"Oh … Oh my," Fox said.
"Fox, spill!" Coco demanded, and Fox explained it to them, using his semblance to show them about Salem and Ozpin's war, the relics, maidens, Gods - the entire dang spiel. They were shocked to hear so much was being hidden from them. Jaune could tell their trust in Ozpin must have been affected to some degree. "That's fucked up."
"I have to agree. Despite the cunning opportunity, our headmaster took, marrying your student to your greatest enemy to end a shadow war is not exactly very honorable." Yatsu said, throwing in his own two cents. "However, it did work out in the end."
"Somehow … I am still working out the issues," Jaune admitted. "Like, both Salem and Cinder became who they were because they have been hurt, the two of them in different ways. Emerald grew up rough until Cinder found her as well. They all have scars that seemed to have healed, but still ache."
"Evil is not born, evil is made," Yatsu said, dropping some words of wisdom. "By your words, Salem being cursed by the Gods and the lonely life she lived was what forged her, and Cinder being mistreated and abused her entire life did the same. It was not their fault they became like this. Emerald was born into a rough life, which I can relate to. I was born to a humble, poor family in Mistral, so I can understand the difficulties of such a life. I shamelessly admit to stealing to survive as well."
"Well said, big guy," Fox added. "What about you, Vel? Coco? I and Yatsu are pretty chill about those three."
"W-well, I haven't really met them myself, so it is hard to make an opinion on them … And even harder to think they are actually good considering the stuff we heard so far." Velvet said, seeming uncertain. "But I know Jaune here is a good man. If he vouches for them, I am willing to take his word for it."
"Is he though?" Coco said, looking back at Velvet and her team, giving Jaune a sharp gaze behind her glasses. "Think about it: Sure, he pretty much married all of those chicks by a drunken mistake, but that only means that he took advantage of their state."
"Coco, I don't think that is the case," Yatsu argued against her. "Based on his words he was just as drunk as them at the time, meaning there was no way for him to make a clear choice himself. The fault lies with all of them."
"Really now? What about his Semblance then?" Coco said, again, bringing that up as well. "If you can boost Aura like that, then you could have focused your Aura to help your body expel the alcohol."
"You can do that with Aura?!" Jaune gasped in surprise, which didn't help Coco's case.
"How are you even surviving here …"
"Why are you acting this way, Coco?" Velvet asked, looking at her team leader. "You are acting off?"
"It's just … It just seems awfully unfair to all of those girls to be stuck with him!" Coco said, pointing at Jaune.
"Yeah, sure, speak as if I am not here …" Jaune muttered, but Fox heard him clearly.
"Look, Coco, you heard him how the laws of Vale are the real thing preventing them from a clean divorce," Fox said, trying to defend him as well. "If we were in his shoes, honestly speaking and hypothetically as I don't know if I would survive, I am sure we would also try our best to at least make things work if we are stuck together."
"Fox is right! If anything, what he is doing is more than, like, half the men in Vale would be willing to do!" Velvet said, but Yatsu cut in to add more.
"I am pretty sure Jaune is a unique case," Yatsu said, throwing a white ball for Jaune.
"What about their virginities? Even if somehow the marriage comes undone it doesn't change that all of them are now your sloppy seconds!" Coco said, which had Velvet slightly gasp.
"Coco!" She pouted, looking at her team leader with a slightly disappointed gaze. "That is unfair!"
"Well, technically speaking, Salem is Ozpin's sloppy seconds, so …" Jaune added, but that was not the point.
"They are spoiled for any other man!"
"Last I checked you didn't care before about such beliefs, Coco," Yatsu replied, eyeing her closely. "Seems hypocritical of you."
"Do not lump the fact I am a lesbian with this, this is different!" Coco said, defending herself. However, she let out a frustrated sigh. "You can go, Arc, have a nice rest. I and my team are going to have some talking to do, see what we really think about this entire ordeal before giving a definite answer."
"Uh. Ok?" Jaune said, walking out of the room as the atmosphere became awkward. Granted, the moment the door closed, and he was out of hearing range, Coco continued.
"It is also unfair to you, Vel," Coco said, looking at her teammate as she seemed to shuffle a bit nervously. "Didn't you have a crush on him?"
"I…" Velvet sighed. "I did … I DO! But hearing that he is married … It's so unfair."
"There there," Fox said, comforting her. "I am sure everything will be fine. I also take it the entire outburst there was because of Velvet as well, Coco?"
"Yes." She said although Yatsu seemed to narrow his eyes at her. "It is unfair to Velvet! Like, I get that Nikos was having the hots for him, and he was chasing that icy hoe, but come on! What do those two have and our Velvet doesn't?"
"Well, if you stop to think about it, Pyrrha and Weiss do have a lot of-"
"And I do not want to hear anything about monetary stuff, Fox," Coco said, and her teammate went silent. "Come on! Vel here's many times more approachable than Schnee, and Nikos has nothing on her in combat thanks to her Semblance! Not to mention she is cute and hot, and her rabbit ears are-"
"Stop!" Velvet had a blush on her face. "Can we just … go to sleep, please? This is getting very embarrassing."
Coco, seeing her teammate's reaction, decided to listen to her and end this today. However, little did she know, this was only the beginning. Velvet remained awake for quite a bit of the night, thinking about everything. She was sad she lost her chance, but maybe she could talk to Jaune more? There was no rule saying she and him cannot be friends, right?
Shorter chapter than usual, I know, but this is the wrap-up of the entire mini-arc with Jaune's family, more or less, as they will be around for a bit more. We also began some other 'routes' in Jaune's story, which will bring their own things.
Here is the Discord Invite Link: /YmpUNmFvxw
Nerdy: Very soon guys… very soon… THE GREATNESS WILL HAPPEN.