Man, I feel like crap today. Sudden cough fever out of nowhere. Oh well, at least I managed to get this done. More plot chapters and moving forward with both Blake's and Yang's arcs.
Jaune Arc had survived many things these past few months. The Grimm, Beacon's school life, crazy terrorist ex boyfriends and, worst of them all, Blake. Sure, the rest of his teammates could be trouble as well, but she was definitely the worst of them. She was the one who ran off and trashed the docks and she was the one who roped him into this fake relationship. By the end of the month they'd be expecting kids.
Thank the Gods Ruby understood that her teammate was crazy. After Penny's cafeteria declaration, Blake's lies were practically dust in the wind.
But back to him. Despite all the things he'd survived, and all the things he would (hopefully) continue to, now he was facing a trial both familiar and yet so difficult: going dress shopping with his entire team.
As a man in the middle of seven sisters, he was a veteran of this conflict. Whether it be buying similar things with his older sisters, the unmentionables for the twins, or even toys for Lily. Most of his physical training came from lugging around their bags as the designated carrier. Nevermind that he was one guy, it was apparently something he had to do. Dad shared the same burden.
And he was going to do the same again here...even though Yang could still break him in half over her knee. Weiss had insisted on it, actually, claiming that it was 'only proper'. Considering that the Huntsmen profession was gender blind, it made him wonder.
Thankfully, a life of being the designated baggage handler had prepared him for this moment. He felt more pity for Ruby and Blake. While Weiss and (surprisingly) Yang were all too eager to spend their Lien, his other two teammates were a bit less enthusiastic. Ruby didn't much like both her partner's and sister's insistence that she would be wearing heels to the dance - no exceptions - and Blake also didn't like the idea of 'wasting time' shopping or even attending the dance when she could be using that time to separate Adam Taurus' head from his shoulders.
Jaune didn't say it out loud, but a part of him agreed.
"I'm gonna die..." Ruby cried to his right. They'd been through three stores so far and only Blake and Yang had gotten their dresses. Blake bought a dark purple ensemble with more traditional designs reminscent of her yukata. Meanwhile, Yang got a racy yellow number that matched her golden locks. She'd even bought a few accessories on top like a white feather for her hair and a (fake) gold necklace.
Jaune would've patted Ruby's head if his arms weren't so laden with bags. The original plan for getting dresses and shoes had quickly devolved to getting other 'essentials'. Essentials that included make-up, perfume, and even lacy underwear. Years of experience allowed him to keep from asking just what exactly did they think was gonna happen at the end of the night that they'd buy something like that.
To Ruby's right, Zwei barked and tried to alleviate his owner's mood, to no avail. He'd come along because, unsurprisingly, he was also gonna attend the dance. Jaune didn't even question why he was allowed to do that unsupervised; he was smarter than them all. Of course, Weiss was insistent that Zwei couldn't attend the event without the proper attire and thus took it upon herself to buy him a spiffy tuxedo.
"Why am I still here? Just to suffer?" Blake muttered to his left, making sure to keep him and Ruby as a barrier to her one-sided nemesis, "You already got my dress! Just let me go!"
"I thought you said we had to have partners at all times?" Yang asked back with a smirk.
"Then come with me! Just let Ruby, Jaune and Weiss go by themselves!"
"I'm really feeling the team spirit here, Blake. This bodes well for the future of our relationship," Jaune snarked, adjusting the bags in his arms.
"You shut it." Blake hissed.
"This is a team bonding activity. There will be no leaving early," Weiss said primly, "Besides, we're coming up on the next store for Zwei. His outfit has to be perfect! We don't want you to looking barbarian, do we? No we don't, no we don't!" She cooed to the energetic corgi.
"Might be late to ask, but how exactly are you guys affording all this? Besides Weiss' allowance, I mean." Jaune asked.
"The ice cream midget was apparently Roman Torchwick's right-hand man, so she had a bounty on her head too. Even splitting it six ways means we got a pretty good haul."
"Wait, six? Who else was there?"
"Uh...you were?" Yang said like it was the most obvious thing in the world, "And before you say anything, it's already in your bank account, so shut it. Besides, you're gonna need it if you're gonna get something pretty for Ruby."
"Huh? I was just gonna wear the formal wear they gave us..."
Ruby looked up at him with narrowed eyes and held his hand. It was both threatening and cute, "If I have to suffer lady stilts, then you have to dress up!"
"I'm not the one forcing you to go in heels! I'd be happy no matter what you wore!"
"Jaune..." Ruby smiled.
"Uh-uh, nice try, Grimm Slayer. You ain't getting out of this." Yang scoffed. Damn it, "This is Ruby's first ever relationship and as a big sister my role demands that her dance experience be perfect. Also, as your best friend-"
"That's Ruby."
"...As your best friend that's not your girlfriend-"
"Mercury."
"That's not a guy!"
"Weiss. You're second best friend, just above Penny."
"Hey!" Yang shouted playfully.
"I feel vaguely offended that I wasn't mentioned despite everything I've done for you," Blake said.
"You should feel lucky she didn't ask about my worst nightmares. You'd be top of the list," Jaune snarked.
"Damn, Grimm Slayer's got some teeth!" Yang laughed. Blake rolled her eyes and smiled as soon as she thought they weren't looking, "But yeah, you ain't bailing out here. Just be lucky that you don't gotta wear heels."
"Quite, Jaune. Relationships are a give and take." Weiss hummed, "Don't worry, with my keen eye I'm sure that we can find something very fitting for you. By the time we're done, you and Ruby both will be the darlings of the dance. Besides myself, of course."
"...I feel bad for Sun." Ruby muttered.
"What was that?" Weiss glared at her partner.
"N-Nothing!" Ruby stuttered and hid behind him. Yeah, like he could actually stop an angry Weiss Schnee, "Just saying you and Sun are gonna make a super cute couple!"
"We would, won't we? Shame there's no award for...what was it you called it before, Yang? Prom King and Prom Queen?"
"The dance is for the Vytal Festival and celebrates how all of us from every academy have endless potential. Would kinda kill it if they handed out prizes before the tournament," Jaune said. Not that he had experience in that kind of thing. He spent Domremy's prom out with the punch bowl and dipped out early before the votes were tallied. He didn't even remember who it was.
"Ugh, don't remind me! We've been so busy with so much shit that I didn't even get a chance to find a date!" Yang cried.
"Weren't guys asking you out?" Ruby asked.
"I mean guys who weren't just looking at my tits." Yang rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over said prodigious bust, "I asked Blake since she's also going stag, but she said no too!"
"I'm right here," said girl sighed, "And I said no because I don't want any more rumors. The last thing I want anyone thinking is that we're dating."
"I feel very offended by that statement." Yang pouted.
"Good. It's a small bit of payback for what you're putting me through." Blake crossed her arms petultantly, "Besides, mom and dad still think I'm dating Jaune and I don't want them to think otherwise just yet."
"You know we should probably talk about telling the truth now that Jaune and I are dating," Ruby pointed out.
"...Don't they also think it's an open relat-"
"Finish that sentence and I'm leaving," Blake cut in, cheeks red at Yang's smug smirk. Hey, it was her fault so he didn't feel bad, "Now come on, let's get inside the store and get the little monster his suit. Sooner we finish this, the better."
Zwei did indeed look very dapper in his suit. Why the store came with pre-made dog suits he didn't ask. Probably something about how rich people had tiny dogs they liked to dress up. Seeing Zwei in the red and blue suit at least seemed to lift Ruby's mood just a tad.
The next store was for him. Jaune very much felt like a dress up doll as Weiss and Yang, mostly the former, flitted between the rows and suits and tossed them into his arms. If it was just him and Ruby it might've been sweet, just a normal outing for a couple, but the presence of the entire team ruined that idea. That and Yang's exageratted catcalls and leers.
In the end he turned up with a white suit that looked way fancier than the ones Beacon handed out to all its male students. Weiss hemmed and hawed in approval while Yang made a crack about him cleaning up nicely. Blake didn't reqally care, no surprise, while Ruby looked pleased, even if she wasn't a fashion buff like Weiss was. Oh well, at least least he wouldn't look bad next to his date.
Finally, there was Ruby. Jaune sat down at the bench closest to the dressing rooms and tried not to cringe as Ruby was paraded in front of him the same way he was earlier. The poor girl's face was red and she had to be supported once Weiss found the perfect pair of heels and stockings to go with the red dress. He had to admit, it looked nice. Tasteful without being revealing. The dark mesh above her chest complimented the crimson color and the heels added some height to make the size disparity between them less noticeable.
"Hm, yes, I think this fits very well." Weiss put a hand on her chin and looked Ruby up and down, "What do you think, Jaune?"
"U-Uh, yeah, looks great!" He smiled.
"Lover boy approves." Yang clapped both her little sister's shoulders while Ruby blushed and fidgeted in place, looking away as she did, "Now all we need is to get something for Weiss Cream and we're all set. Beacon's not gonna know what hit em."
Thankfully, Yang and Weiss went to do that on their own. With Blake heading off to the bathroom and Zwei (sadly) forced to stay outside the store, it left just him and Ruby to sit on the bench, "Ugh, this sucks. Stupid lady stilts." Ruby pouted and rubbed her feet, "I dunno how Weiss can walk and fight in those things. Maybe she's a masochist?"
"Do I even wanna know how you know what that is?"
"I'm fifteen, not five. Just cause I like weapons doesn't mean that's the only thing I search for on the net." She rolled her eyes, "But hey, you better appreciate this, mister! I am making a sacrifice here!"
"Hey, I didn't ask you to put them on! Like I said, I don't care what you wear."
"Yeah, well...I do wanna look pretty." Jaune blinked. That wasn't what he expected, "I mean, this is the first time I've gone to a dance with someone! It's gotta be special and memorable and stuff!"
"I...wanna make it special too," he said with a light blush, "You know...I already asked Penny and she said that she's cool with me going to the dance with you instead of her, but I never actually asked you properly."
"Pfft, like you gotta." She smiled up at him.
Unfortunately, the moment was soon ruined when they heard a pair of passing voices.
"Hey, isn't that Ruby Rose?" Jaune looked to the side and saw a pair of transfer students walking by.
"Yeah. Be careful around her. I heard she likes to steal people's boyfriends. That poor Penny girl."
Ruby's face turned red in both embarassment and anger and she turned to the pair, ready to go off on them despite her nervousness. Before she could open her mouth to get a word in, however, the two noticed her look and hurried away, "Shit, she saw us! Grab Damien and let's get outta here!" the first one said in a nervous rush.
"No, I don't wanna be NTRed!" the second girl cried, actually looking on the verge of tears.
An uncomfortable silence settled over the pair. Ruby looked looked down at her lap, face still flushed, while Jaune sighed and rubbed soothing circles on her back, "Don't worry about them, it's just people being dumb."
"Ugh, this sucks!" Ruby whisper-shouted, "I can't even be mad at Penny cause she just doesn't know any better!"
"At least they don't think you're the communal sex slave," he comforted weakly. Ruby's personal sex slave now, actually.
They didn't get a chance to say anything else before Weiss came back with a silver-white dress that fit very well on her. They both gave a thumbs up of approval and waited for Blake to come back so they could get something to eat. The dance was tomorrow and Jaune felt just a bit more excited than he did before.
The Beacon Dance was actually a somewhat low key affair despite it being the first lead up to the Vytal Festival. The teacher's were nearby to make sure no one got too rowdy and even the transfers knew better than to test their luck against Professor Goodwitch. He didn't mind it. After everything that happened recently, a slower, calmer affair was actually a relief from the expected hustle and bustle.
...Well, except for the stripper pole in the corner. He had no idea who on the planning commitee put that there or why the teachers didn't stop it beforehand. Either way he and just about everyone else kept far away from it as possible.
"This feels weird..." Ruby said as they danced together. The rose corsage he bought yesterday almost blended into the crimson seams of her dress, but she loved it all the same when he offered it to her.
"Hm?"
"Being like this," he adjusted his left hand closer to her hip and she hummed. She'd stepped on his foot a bunch of times already - which she blamed on the torturous lady stilts - but he didn't mind, "I just...I've never dated anyone before so I keep thinking about what'll happen if I screw things up."
"Haha."
"Something funny?" She looked up at him with a mock glare.
"No, it's just...you know I had the exact same thoughts?" Ruby stepped closer to him as the dance music changed, "Back in Domremy I was thinking about when you confessed and I told Yang about how worried I was about it. She told me that thinking like that would just screw things up. If you're so worried about making a mistake then you'll never take that first step."
"...Huh."
"What's wrong?"
"She...gave me the exact same advice. It's what pushed me to tell you how I felt." A pause, "Now I know why she felt so smug that first night back in your town."
"Yeah. You've got a great big sis, Rubes."
"The best." She smiled and pressed her head against his chest, humming under her breath. The song slowed down and even with the people around them, it felt like he and Ruby were the only two people in the ballroom. It was at time s like this that it was easy to forget about everything. No Maidens, no secret societies and no Grimm Queens. Just two students training to fight against the mindless Grimm.
The song ended and Ruby looked up at him. Her face knotted with discomfort as the heels pinched her feet again, but they both paid it no mind. This time it was him who initiated the kiss. Ruby's eyes widened in surprise at the sudden gesture before she quickly reciprocated. No one paid them any mind, especially since they weren't the only one who did it. A few had chosen to even leave the dance altogether, their intentions obvious.
A part of him was tempted to do the same, but he shook it off. They were both fine taking this slow.
The kiss lasted longer than their last one. By the time the two separated for air, Jaune had a dopey smile on his face while Ruby was giggling, seemingly drunk off the sheer emotions. He was about to initiate another kiss when someone asked, "Mind if I cut in?" Yang said with a grin, hands holding up her scroll to record for posterity. Neither of them cared.
"Ugh, Yang! Don't ruin the mood!" Ruby huffed.
"Come on, I waited till you guys had the makeout session. Just one dance. I don't wanna end the night being lonely in the corner." She gave them both an exagerrated frown.
Ruby looked reluctant but, possibly remembering the encouragement that got them both so far, she eventually agreed, "Alright, I guess I'll go talk to Penny. If I'm lucky girls are gonn stop looking at me like I'm gonna steal their boyfriends."
She went off in search of the olivious gynoid while Yang took her place. Unlike Ruby, Yang was utterly confident and in control. As soon as the next song started - a more upbeat tune to contrast the slow dance from earlier - she'd put his hands on her shoulders and hips and led the way.
"Is this seriously about you going stag?" Jaune asked. Months of being with team RWBY made him pretty good at picking up double meanings.
"Maybe I just wanted to dance with you." Yang winked.
"Yeah, right, like you'd ever do something that might make Ruby sad." Jaune scoffed, "So what's the deal?"
"Alright, you caught me." She looked around to make sure Ruby was out of sight then tugged him towards the open air balcony, grabbing a couple cups of punch as she did, "Let's talk outside. This is a bit...touchy and I want privacy."
"Alright." He trusted Yang - trusted all of them, really. Whatever it was that made her act out must've been serious, "What's this about?" He leaned against the balcony while Yang did the same. The sight of the Emerald Forest looked haunting at night and it was a reminder that the Grimm were never too far off.
"Hm..." Yang brought a hand through her meticulously styled hair. Uh-oh, she was actually messing with her hair. This was serious, "So...I told you before that I helped to raise Ruby after mom died, yeah?"
"Yeah...?"
"Well, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that me and Ruby have different moms. Even if we didn't have different last names, there's not exactly a lot of family resemblance." Ozpin had told him about team RWBY's background during their first meeting so he never actually asked her about it. Not that it mattered. Half siblings or not, the two acted as close as sisters could be.
"Is something wrong between you and Ruby?"
"What? No. Me and Rubes are great." She waved a hand, "It's actually about someone else. My 'real' mom - who I prefer to call Egg Donor - ran off as soon as I was popped out. She didn't even change a single diaper; that's how much in a hurry she was to dump me and dad. Summer's my real mom and nothing's gonna change that."
"...But?"
"But you can't help but be curious, right? What the hell could've made someone go through marriage and pregnancy only to bail out the second the kids pop out." Her voice was tight and bitter despite her attempts to appear light, "When mom died, I got really curious. Stupid kid that I was, I loaded me and Ruby up on a cart and thought we could both find her like some grand adventure."
"Hah, that sounds like you." He took a sip of the fruity drink. Huh, weird aftertaste.
"I nearly got Ruby killed." He nearly dropped his cup at the sudden shift in her tone. Jaune looked and found her staring ahead, expression carefully neutral, "We got ambushed by a pack of Beowolves. If Uncle Qrow wasn't tracking us we would've been dead." She took a long drink from her cup then tossed it over the edge, "Ruby doesn't blame me for it, of course, but I still remember."
"You were a kid."
"I was responsible for Ruby," she shot back, "I still am...that's why I need a favor."
"What is this about, Yang?"
"A favor, like I said." She pulled out a photo from the folds of her dress and handed it to him. Jaune looked at the unfamiliar woman it depicted. Long black hair in a ponytail with a black and red outfit that looked Mistralian. The wrinkles under her eyes denoted signs of aging, but even from the picture he could tell the woman was still in her prime. Huntresses had a way about them even in photos.
She also looked a bit too much like the woman next to him.
"...Your mom?" He handed the photo back.
"Egg donor." She hid the photo again, "You know why I trashed that nightclub? Cause I was trying to find info on her and Junior wouldn't cough up anything."
"Wouldn't or couldn't?" Jaune raised a brow.
"Doesn't matter." It very much did, but he let it slide. Everyone else did, "Point is, I've been looking for her for over a decade now. By myself, of course. That way if I fuck up the only one who pays for it is me."
"I don't think Ruby's gonna be happy about you getting any kind of blowback."
"Better she's unhappy than hurt," she said firmly, "But enough about that. Alright, so the reason I'm talking to you about this is cause I...may have come up with a lead." He waited for the pin to drop, "This lead being an unmarked letter from an unknown sender who told me that she wanted to meet me somewhere alone next week. They were also the one who sent that photo and it's more recent than anything I've ever seen, so I think they might be legit. I'm going."
"Yang..." Jaune drained the last of the punch and threw it over the edge too, "I'm pretty sure we've had this kind of conversation before, except last time it was with Blake and you were on the side of 'going alone when you have a team is stupid'. Do you remember?"
"I know." She growled in frustration and mussed up her hair again, "I know, alright? But I've been dogging over this for years now. Ever since I was a kid every scrap of info or leads I found just went nowhere. Now I have a chance for some actual closure and..." She shook her head, "I can't let go, Jaune. Even if it's a risk, even if it might be a trap. I can't. If I don't try, it's gonna hang over me forever."
"Why not just tell the team? We can help you."
"Why do you think I'm telling you?" She forced a smile, "Our faces are plastered everywhere since the Breach...except yours. That sucks since you were down there with us, but that also means you can keep a low profile. Hell, you could probably bump right into whoever sent the letter and they wouldn't even know who you were."
"This just screams trap, Yang."
"It's in a public park at noon. If they're trying to spring a trap, they'll have every police officer and Huntsman in Vale. No one likes someone acting out since the Breach." On that they could agree, at least, "I need someone subtle, someone who, even if they were spotted, they wouldn't ping any alarms. You could just take Zwei out for a walk and keep an eye on me. Anything happens and you'll be right there watching my back."
"I don't know..." Jaune pursed his lips. This was too suspicious. While he could understand Yang's worries, there was a reason going off alone was risky. Even if each member of the team could take care of themselves, why tempt fate?
Yang drew closer and squeezed his left hand resting on the balcony. Unlike with Ruby, it was firm and desperate, "Please, Jaune. I know I'm asking for a hell of a lot, but..." She bit her lower lip, "I'm begging here. It's taken me years, but I might finally be able to put this behind me. I'm not going on a crusade or anything. I just...I just want answers. Please."
"Yang..." He looked away and scowled. Gods damn it, this was the exact same thing that they did with Blake, "I...I don't know. I'm sorry."
Yang sighed and let go of his hand, "I guess that's the best I can hope for. I'm meeting up with them next week. I'll find out your answer then."
She walked back into the crowded ballroom, leaving him alone in the terrace. The cool night air stung his cheeks and he let out a frustrated growl. On one hand he understood her reasons. This was something she'd been looking for since she was a kid. On the other hand, she was always the most vocal about how they were a team, and now she was trying to go at it with no one but him as a safety net.
His frustrated thoughts were interrupted when a pair of footsteps drew near. Jaune looked up and suppressed a frown when he saw Ozpin suddenly standing next to him, a thermos of hot chocolate in his right hand.
"An odd place to spend the night, Jaune." He smiled.
"Just thinking about some things."
"Need an ear to listen?"
"No."
If he found any offense at the blunt refusal, then he didn't show it. He hummed and drunk from the thermos, "You still don't trust me." It wasn't a question. Ozpin's tone remained lax.
"Does anyone trust you? Seems like a lot of the people you've told secrets to end up arguing with you."
"Qrow trusts me, and for that I'm forever grateful. As for the rest..." He sighed, "We may disagree, yes, but that doesn't imply distrust. Friends, lovers and confidants all have their moments of turmoil. While I understand your issues with me, I hope that you understand my reasons."
"I understand. Doesn't mean I have to like it."
"I apologize, but I doubt that's sufficient recompense." They just stood there for a moment, leeting the mussic fill in the silence, "I know that perhaps asking for your trust is unfeasible, but know that I do have the continued survival of team RWBY-J as one of my main priorities. While I disagree with James' plan to use them as a Vanguard, I cannot fault him for wanting to train you all. Salem's agents are a vicious bunch."
"Hm..."
"It's a bit late to ask, but how are you holding up after recent events?" His kidnapping, Ozpin didn't say.
"I'm surviving." Still had nightmares, but Qrow's advice about drinks helped. A few sips before bed really did help take the edge off.
"I understand Miss. Belladonna is trying to find the perpetrator." Jaune didn't say anything, "Don't worry, I've no intention of stopping her. Doing so would not only anger her, but your entire team. Rest assured I have Qrow keeping an eye out. If I find any information that could prove useful as well I'll inform both your team and the authorities. I trust that is agreeable?"
"...I thought you'd want to keep them safe. Away from this kind of thing."
"I do, but I believe training and, more importantly, experience will be the deciding factor in that. Trapping you all in a bubble is not a permanent solution. From what Mr. Black told me of the things you've informed him, this Adam Taurus and the mysterious 'Cinder' is aware of their true nature. Stopping them from enacting whatever sort of scheme they're planning is the best for all parties."
"Does General Ironwood know?"
"You mean does he know that the Maidens are meeting with Sienna Khan, leader of the White Fang? No, Jaune. At least not yet." He shook his head, "Right now this Adam Taurus is the priority, and if Ms. Belladonna believes that the lady Khan can provide information, then this alliance shall hold. For now. What comes after Taurus is dealt with will be a separate matter."
"Hm...thanks."
"We're on the same." Another sip, "By the way, after the Vytal Festival, does your team have any specific plans?"
"Uh...no?" Jaune blinked at the suddent shift in topic.
"Then might I suggest a small cultural exchange? The different academies have different levels and types of training, "Mistral has very fine teachers, as shown by combatants like Ms. Nikos. A temporary transfer to Haven Academy could prove fruitful for the entire team."
"You sure that's safe? Missions are one thing, living somewhere else for a while is another."
"The headmaster, Leonardo Lionheart, is aware of our true natures." Great, another one in the secret war. First a general and now another headmaster. What next, the mayor? "You can trust Leonardo, Jaune. He's a brave and loyal man who has made numerous contributuions to the cause of stopping Salem. I can't think of many other people I could trust to ensure your safety."
"He's definitely got the name for it, I guess." Lionheart. With a name like that you had to grow up to be some kind of badass, "I dunno, you should talk to the rest of the team about it. We make decisions as a group."
"Of course." Another pause, "And if you should need to talk to someone about your recent experiences, I know of a psychiatrist. Professor Port also has experience in assuaging trauma. Perhaps talking to him would be good for you."
"I'll...think about it."
'Weakling. Pet.'
"See that you do. By the by, the punch has been spiked with some rather strong liquor. I wouldn't recommend getting another."
Jaune stepped off the balcony and made his way back inside. Contrary to Ozpin's warning, he got an extra large cup of punch as he sought two particular people out. Hey, he needed it after the headache Yang sprang on him. Especially after what he planned to do now.
He didn't look for Ruby again. Instead, he grabbed and dragged Penny, who was all too eager to be with someone after her attempts at dancing proved too difficult for anyone to catch up to. Doing the Atlesian Frost Waltz perfectly was a bit of a hard sell for teenagers.
It didn't take him long to find Mercury sitting at a table alone. Apparently, Pyrrha went to go get more of the spiked punch. Oof, either Merc ws gonna get lucky tonight or he'd break his pelvis. Maybe both. Either way, that wasn't what he needed to focus on now.
"Friend-Jaune, what is the matter?"
"Yeah. You look like someone shoved something up your ass." Mercury raised a brow.
"Well...about that." He took a deep breath, "I need to ask you two a big favor..."
...
...
...
"Ilia, I've read your report. Are you certain of this?"
"Yes, Sienna. I camoflauged myself when I drew near. Neither Adam or his...Human compatriots were aware of my presence."
"So it's true then? Blake and the rest of that team except the boy have..."
"Magical abilties, yes. The woman referred to them as Maidens and-"
"And the power transfers over to those who this 'Maiden' thinks off in her final moments." A pause, "Do you understand what this means, Ilia?"
"Yes. The power could transfer to you."
"Indeed, and if Blake chooses to ignore the plight of her fellow Faunus, then I'm afraid we'll have no choice. Give her until we deal with Taurus' splinter group. If she hasn't changed her mind then...I'll take matters into my own hands."
"..."
"Is something the matter?"
"What about the rest of the team? Their abilities are similar in nature."
"Meaning we could get their powers in addition to Blake's; or perhaps spare Blake altogether. I'd considered it, especially for the Schnee, but they don't trust us. Blake doesn't trust me either, but you are an old friend and it was only through your machination that they were able to save the Human boy. She will let her guard down around you, and that is when we can strike. The rest are targets of opportunity. Blake is our main objective."
"...I understand. One life in exchange for a power that could save thousands of innocents. If she chooses to blind herself, then I'll ensure her power transfers to you. For the White Fang."
"For the White Fang."
Omake: Jaune gets Magic
When Ozpin offered him an olive branch, he'd been skeptical. After all, if Magic was so easy to give out, why were the Maidens so valuable? He'd clarified a short while later that he could only give him a small bit of magic; just enough for him to be able to transform into an animal closest to his nature. It wouldn't give him an edge in combat, but at least it was another card he could pull.
Jaune agreed despite his reservations. At best he could get something useful, at worst he'd be right back where he started. There was no downside unless Ozpin was secretly evil or something.
And oh, did the risk pay off. Professor Qrow had, appropriately enough, transformed into a bird of his namesake. And Jaune? Jaune didn't turn into a cowardly scavenger. No, he lived up to his ancestor's powerful history! He became a fierce warbeast, the bane of all Grimm and evildoers alike! When they heard his mighty howl they realized that the end had come, that justice would-
"SOOOO CUUUUUTTTTEEE!"
Damn it, Ruby!
Jaune screamed out the curse, though it came out as nothing more than high pitched barks. For you see, his true nature was that of a dog. A (literal) golden retriever, to be exact. And perhaps he wasn't fully grown just yet. In fact, he was the equivalent of a puppy. Something about his age translating to dog years. The alternative was getting his lifespan shortened to ten years, so it was a necessary evil.
But he wouldn't let that stop him! Big things came in small packages and the bigger they were, they harder they fell; and everyone was big to him! So what if he barely came past people's ankles? Let them understimate him, it would only- ah, Yang, stop rubbing his head! He was not a pet, damn it!
"Who's good boy, who's a good boy?!" Yang cooed, rubbing his face with both hands. Jaune growled - he did not beg - and bit her fingers in defiance. She just giggled; damn Aura! "Aww, you're so fucking adorable!"
"How long can this transformation last? Zwei's cuddles are no longer enough to me through the night," Weiss asked. Jaune didn't reply. Cause he was a dog and they couldn't talk.
"Uh-uh, no way! He's sleeping with me tonight!" Ruby hugged him harder against her chest.
Fools, they didn't see how fearsome he truly was! All except Blake, who had hidden herself on Yang's bunk bed and eyed him with the appropriate fear. Good, at least someone on this team realized the nightmare Ozpin had unleashed. Look out, the evildoers of Remnant, Jaune Arc was coming to-
Oh, oh! Weiss was rubbing his ears! Oh, a little harder! Yes, he was a good boy! He was absolutely the goodest boy!
Man, Blake's Worstness will just not let up. Now Sienna's faction of the White Fang also wants to kill her for the Maiden magic, though they're at least giving her a chance to join them willingly. Too bad Sienna doesn't know Ozpin don't like Christmas Cake and she's too old to inherit the powers :P Maybe Ilia should've paid for attention to the fine print.
Anyway, as silly (and blatantly inspired by Puppy Arc) as the omake was, I'm still wondering if Jaune should get a doggo transformation to help him sneak around undetected. If Raven's dead then Ozpin might have a surplus of magic, if that's how that stuff works. He could afford to pass it to Jaune.
Jaune also took a middle ground. He hasn't told the rest of the team (yet?) but he was smart enough to go to Mercury and Penny for insurance, both of whom also aren't famous and thus wouldn't be known by any of the Branwens. He might not be the best fighter, but he knows who to call.
Question:
1. So let's think of an opposite for the last question. Who among the viable cast do/did you not want to get together with Jaune and why? A lot of people seemed to legitimately not want Blake and Jaune together in earlier chapters cause of all the trouble she dragged him into, for example.
2. Is Jaune too cynical at this point? It feels like he always seems to look at the worst possible conclusion and it might be a turn off. I could tone it down if people find it annoying or not just justified well enough.
Review Anwers:
Raj 8 - Blake was lucky she didn't ignite the dust and blow up the entire docks. While they've been safe so far, it's still risky going full Maiden on folks.
ReadYesyes - Yeah, Neo's a bitch, but that's canon. As for Cinder, she's a very good boss indeed. No one on Remnant offers Dental. With regards to child team RWBY, it'll be risky at first but they're inherently good kids. Contrast team Chaos which is filled with jerks and psychopaths.
Tri-Edge - Well, most people seem to enjoy them. We'll see how more often they come up.
Noz 7 - The fourth Maiden would be either Penny or Robyn Hill.
Chuck B. Winanaki - Poor Pyrrha just snapped. She was a good girl, but having a team full of people like them would obviously fray at her sanity. Jaune should've asked her out earlier. That would've kept her sanity intact no matter what happened.
SixthrougheleveN - Eh, he grows to care and trust team RWBY. Team Chaos he hates them till the end.
Braze Rancor - Pyrrha is still popular in the fandom despite being dead longer than she was alive. As for this fic, it's cause I added her late into the poll and Pyrrha wasn't a Maiden, so of course the RWBY girls got more votes.
SuperSageNaruto - So an extremely feminine trap Jaune who has to keep dressing up as a girl or the powers won't activate. Sounds like one of those 'genderbending Magical Girl' manga.