/==/ Chapter Five /==/
Coco was doing her best, to try and calm down the distraught and overly anxious Jaune. The blond beauty was pacing around the apartment she shared with her Aunt. Her once pristine bun unravelled into a complete mess. Her heels discarded unceremoniously by the door. Her hands wringing and shaking. Her eyes were rimmed in fear and showing signs of tearing up soon.
"Jaune... please."
"No, no I can't... I shouldn't have called her... she's in trouble because of me. I made her..."
"You didn't make Ms Goodwitch do anything, Jaune."
"But..."
"There is no but. She came when you called for help, she made a choice and she's dealing with the fallout of it. You weren't the cause any of this." Coco stood up from her seat on the couch and grabbed Jaune's shaking hands. "She saved us, Jaune. She stepped in because you needed her to. This is not your fault."
"She hurt them... because..."
"Winchester and Lark got hurt because they were assholes trying to hurt us. Glynda hurt them because she wanted to, no that's not right... because she NEEDED to protect you..."
"If I was stronger... if I could really fight... she wouldn't..."
"Jaune I have a feeling that even if you were a champion like Nikos... Goodwitch would still step in front of anything that threatens you." Coco wrapped her arms around the stricken girl as she just broke down and started to cry. "It's okay, let it out. None of this was your fault. Your Aunt did what she felt she needed to do. So just let it out."
Coco slowly guided Jaune to the couch as she continued to sob. Her body shaking with the pure force of emotions rolling about inside her. As she settled them both onto the couch, she thought back to her dating history. Jaune was by far the most emotional girl, Coco had ever met. The short walk back to the apartment, and the current situation underlying that fact. Jaune had a hair trigger when it came to her feelings. While she might not have been open about the issue of that picture... she was extremely open on how she felt. Coco had seen the poor wreck of a girl move through nerves, to flirting, to fear and final complete and utter devastation.
It was obvious to her, that Jaune didn't belong at a Hunter training school. She didn't have the fortitude to deal with the constant stress. Coco dreaded ever seeing how Jaune would deal with a failed mission. Or with the fact someone died because of her. Coco was sure it would obliterate the poor girl. However without any other options, and not willing to leave her to her own devices, Coco gave Jaune a comforting squeeze. There was something about Jaune that was drawing Coco in, and for the life of her... she didn't want to resist it.
The pair looked up from their embrace on the couch, when they heard the door open. Coco's arms were nearly ripped out of their sockets as Jaune bolted, diving into the form of her Aunt. Her almost finished crying; returning with a vengeance. Coco just rose from her seat, nodded to Professor Goodwitch and prepared to leave as the older woman wrapped her arms around the mess of a girl currently clutching at her waist. Coco saw Glynda mouth "Thank you" as the fashionista made to leave. Coco gave her a weak smile, and then exited. She hadn't really wanted to leave, but Coco could read the room. Goodwitch and Jaune need time just with each other. As much as she was being pulled to stand there, and support Jaune, right now just wasn't the time to do it.
/=/
Ozpin was not having a good day. The situation with Glynda's current actions not withstanding, there were other issues. He needed to put the final touches on the ritual, convince Jaune to actually take part, run interference when Glynda obviously objects. Find a way to nudge Pyrrha into making a decision about receiving the Fall Maiden's powers; and of course play host to four VIPs slated to arrive later the next day. Four members of the Arc family, to be specific. He knew they were coming to get Jaune, and probably Glynda as well. He understood it, but he would have to find a way to counter it. Jaune could not be allowed to free roam. It was too dangerous for her, and he was getting frustrated that no one was listening to him. He knew what he was talking about. He had been dealing with this conflict for longer than the Kingdoms existed.
Back in the basement, he took a look towards the pods, and sighed. Returning to the table, he picked up the book and sharpie. He needed to finish the circle, and related runes; or all his efforts would be wasted. Getting back to work he pushed all thoughts from his mind, aside from those directly related to the task he was focusing on.
/=/
Coco was almost at the cafeteria, hoping to join up with velvet and the rest of her team, when Yang suddenly appeared at her side. The blond brawler just kept in step with the fashionista, saying nothing, and in fact really doing nothing but keeping pace at Coco's side. After having her date ruined, witnessing the nightmare inducing wrath of Goodwitch, and then the utter emotional disaster that was Jaune... Coco wasn't in the mood for and company but Velvet's. Vel was one of the only people Coco could vent to; and Coco felt a heavy need to talk her teammate's ears off.
"What do you want Xiao Long?"
"That was something wasn't it?"
"What was?"
"Goodwitch. She was practically foaming at the mouth when she showed up." Yang answered, "I mean who would have thought someone so cool and collected would snap like that."
"Everyone has their limits."
"Yeah, but I never thought CRDL would be the ones to make her snap."
"They were just the targets, not the reason." Coco commented.
"Oh, I know that... it was, tall, cute, and blond that was hiding behind you that caused it."
"And why would you say that?" Coco asked, slowing her steps, not wanting to have this conversation with Xiao Long in a place were so many others could possibly overhear.
"I have ears, and I have eyes. Goodwitch called your girl her niece, and I saw the resemblance. I can totally understand; I mean if someone was to try and do what CRDL tried with you to Ruby... I would go ballistic as well. But just never thought I'd live to see the day when Goodwitch lost it."
"What do you want Xiao Long?" Coco turned and eyed what many considered to be the second strongest first year, in comparison to the Invincible Girl. "I'm not in the mood after having my date ruined, and watching Ja... Angel have a meltdown about what she thinks she caused."
"Seriously?"
"Yes seriously."
"That's rough. You told her though right?"
"Yes I told her it wasn't her fault."
"Why did she call her Aunt in the first place?" Yang asked, "I mean she's obviously a student, right? She'd have the skills to protect herself. Three on four, with me and you on her side... CRDL would've been a cake walk."
"She's not a student, and doesn't know how to fight." Coco replied.
"Seriously?"
"Why do you keep saying that?"
"It's just not really believable, but now that you mention it, I don't recall ever seeing her around in class... but something about her reminds me of someone."
"Most likely Goodwitch. You said yourself you saw the resemblance." Coco offered while filing away the fact that Jaune did resemble Professor Goodwitch, but had a different last name. Did the Professor have a sister, she wondered.
"Yeah, you're probably right." Yang agreed, "Anyway just figure I'd check in with you, see if you're okay?"
"I'm fine... Angel not so much."
"Here." Yang pulled out her scroll and presented it to Coco.
"What am I supposed to do with this?"
"Copy my contact info and give it to Angel."
"Why... would... I... want... to... do... that?" Coco growled.
"I'm not trying to poach your girl. You said she can't fight, and I know there are more assholes here than just CRDL."
"And?"
"It'll be a safety net. In case you or her Auntie aren't around. I'll only be a message away to help if you or she needs it."
"Why?" Coco asked as she eyed Yang trying to discern if the first year was being truthful or trying to pull a fast one, and in fact poach Jaune from her.
"She looked like she could use a few more trust worthy people to rely on. I mean her first instinct was to call a family member for help, and..."
"And?"
"You look like you could use, knowing someone else is only a call away to help if needed."
"No games?"
"No games... though if she has a single sister or brother, I wont be opposed to getting introduced." Yang gave Coco a cheeky wink.
Coco almost laughed as she took the offered scroll and copied Yang's info, before handing it back.
/=/
Pyrrha ahd been non-committal in her answers to the questions of her friends when she returned from her session with the headmaster. Passing it off as a meeting about a request for a public appearance that was sent to Beacon instead of her manager. The day had progressed rather mundanely after that, so that now she was sitting on her bed watching the sleeping forms of Nora and Ren. She held her scroll in her hand, and was trying to work up the nerve to message Jaune. She wanted to talk with someone, to get advice. She knew what the Headmaster had said about not telling anyone else, but if Jaune was there she knew she would break that rule in a heartbeat.
She was torn with indecision. If what the Headmaster said was true then she would be able to do more. Help more, instead of just being a role model, she could actually make a difference. But the tone of how the Headmaster was talking made Pyrrha cautious. She had grown very proficient at interpreting the tone of words, over the words themselves. She kept the ability hidden like she did her semblance. Even her management team didn't know she could read the intent of what they were trying to tell her. There was more that he wasn't telling her, and they way he was saying things made her feel very alone. She was already on a pedestal due to her championship status. She was worried accepting this gift would make that pedestal even higher.
She looked at her scroll and took note of the time. It was getting late, and she had no doubt that Jaune was most likely just getting ready for bed, if he wasn't already asleep by now. Setting her scroll on her night table, after she took note of the reminder that she had a Pre-Vytal interview with Lisa Lavender in the morning, she twisted on her bed and shoved her bare feet under her blankets. She'd sleep on it, and in the morning she would reach out to Jaune. She would ask for his advice. She would tell him about the offer, and maybe some other things as well.
/=/
Glynda had tried to get Jaune to go to her room, but the girl wouldn't let go of her. Even after telling her everything was going to be fine, and that none of this was her fault, Jaune continued to clutch to Glynda saying she was sorry. It troubled Glynda that Jaune was like this; but she understood why. It was just how she was. Jaune had a strong mind, but was fragile emotionally. Even though being announced as Nathaniel's successor as Magistrate of Ansel; the family knew Jaune would need additional support. It was why Noir Arc was also being trained. While Jaune had been learning the ins and outs of running a city through civil matters; Noir was being schooled in the more martial aspects of keeping a city safe and secure.
If Glynda remembered correctly Noir was already doing her internship under the head of Ansel's Ministry of Self Defense. If the power had never manifested in Jaune, she would also be suffering through an internship, hers being under the guiding hand of Nathaniel Arc. But that was all changed now. Jaune's life was much more complicated, and potentially dangerous now. Glynda sighed as she adjusted her position on the couch, and began to hum softly as she ran her fingers through the messy blonde hair of the emotionally exhausted young woman.
Glynda smiled, as Jaune shifted in her arms, nuzzling her face into Glynda's stomach. Continuing to brush her fingers through Jaune's hair, Glynda took up humming the wordless tune again. Glynda's scroll chimed signalling that she had just received a message, but unwilling to disturb the finally calmed form of Jaune she chose to ignore it, and continued what she was doing; while fondly remembering similar nights from years ago.
/=/
The morning found Glynda stiff and sore. She had fallen asleep on the couch with Jaune in her arms, and she was paying the price for it now. While Jaune was in getting a shower Glynda checked her scroll. She had two messages. One from Jasmine with an ETA for later that day, and another from Ozpin. A summons for her and Jaune to come see him. She felt anxious seeing both messages. Jasmine arriving meaning it was almost time to finally take care of something that should have been done years ago. Ozpin's, causing concerns to rise for Jaune's health and safety, with what ever plan the man had hatched.
Once Jaune was out of the shower, Glynda sent her to her room to get dressed, while she took her own turn under a spray of muscle soothing hot water. Once they had both gotten dressed, and had something quick to eat, they left the apartment and made their way to Beacon's tower. It was early enough that there was no one else in the halls. Ozpin met them in the lobby; standing before the elevator, leaning on his cane.
"Glynda. Jaune." he greeted the pair as they stopped before him.
"Headmaster."
"Ozpin."
"I hope it is not too early for either of you, but this will take some time, and I wanted to get started as soon as possible. The shorter the delay the better."
"What are you planning, Ozpin?"
"I have a solution to the medallion, and the issue of keeping Jaune hidden." Ozpin answered, "And no you will not have to wear that horrid contraption again."
"Can't I just stay as I am?" Jaune asked.
"No." Ozpin replied flatly, "The longer you can pass unnoticed here, the longer you have to gain control over your powers. I've told you this before Jaune, as a him no one will pay attention to you. You will be free to move about."
"I can already..."
"Can you?"
"Ozpin." Glynda almost growled, "Out with whatever it is that you are planning."
"I have found a ritual, that can replicate the affect of the medallion, without the constant pain."
"I don't..."
"Jaune, I want to show you something."
"Ozpin, don't you dare!" Glynda hissed, "She doesn't..."
"It is something she does need to see!" Ozpin snapped. "You BOTH need to be impressed with how serious this is!"
"I know how serious this all is!" Glynda snapped back, her hands clenching at her sides. Jaune grew worried, her heart starting to thump heavily in her chest.
"Do you?" Ozpin asked back, with a rather nasty sneer, that had Jaune involuntarily step back.
"Jaune, darling everything is going to be fine." Glynda's voice instantly moving from the hint of anger to concern and worry, as she physically moved her own form to put herself between Jaune and Ozpin.
"This needs to happen, Glynda. She needs to understand the dangers she faces. Dangers thrust on her not by her choice!"
"I won't..."
"You won't always be around to protect her!" Ozpin snapped. "Stop sheltering and coddling her!"
"Aunt Glynda?" Jaune asked her voice small, and rolling with a mix of concern, fear and anxiety.
"No one is ever going to..."
"You can't promise that Glynda." Ozpin stated flatly his tone cold. "Not even I can promise that. So don't, it only leads to heartache... I know... I intimately know."
"You can't, Ozpin." Glynda returned her entire focus on the Headmaster. "This will not help."
"She has the right to know, what she faces, and why she and you; both should be listening to my advice and council."
"I've listen to you for years! I've followed every plan, and scheme you've ever presented to me, or asked my assistance to complete!"
"Except when it comes to how to treat Jaune's situation..." Ozpin's eyes narrowed as he tilted his head and peered at the pair over the rim of his glasses, "and I know why."
"You what?" Glynda actually stumbled backwards as if physically struck.
"Obviously not everything, but if we are talking about things she should be aware of... don't you think THAT is something rather important for her to know? Should I tell her for you?"
"DON'T... YOU... DARE." Glynda snarled, her hands clenching; forming fists. Jaune had no clue what was happening, or what was causing her Aunt so much distress, which was causing her to also become more and more agitated.
"I wont, because I'm sure you are planning to... and soon, if this surprise visit from Lady Arc is any indication."
"Mom is coming her? Why?" Jaune asked in a soft tiny worried voice.
"She is." Ozpin replied his voice taking a more neutral tone, "Ask your... Aunt."
"I wanted it to be a surprise, sweetheart." Glynda offered before Jaune could even form the words to speak. "We have somethings to talk to you about... important things, and no everything is fine in Ansel. So don't worry about anything like that."
"Then why?" Jaune's small voice ripped at Glynda's heart.
"Let me show her Glynda. Let me give her the choice on what she can do next. " Ozpin leaned his head back, reaching up to adjust his glasses, "You have to agree that too much has been kept from her. She is oblivious to what is important. Let's start to correct that oversight today shall we?"
"I'm warning you..."
"I just want her to understand reasons for the option I am offering. That is all. The choice will be hers and hers ALONE."
"Jaune?"
"I... I..." the confused young woman was unable to string a sentence together.
"We'll do what ever you are comfortable doing. So you decide, and we'll face it together."
/=/
Coco was blowing off classes. She had spent the night speaking to Velvet, about her worries, and feelings. It was Velvet's soft embrace and whispered words of comfort that opened Coco fully to how far she was falling for a girl she had just met. A girl she found alluring and desirable. A vision of beauty she felt an absolute need to be near. A young woman she had a burning drive to protect and comfort. So instead of attending History class, and planning to even skip Grimm Studies Coco with Velvet in tow was headed towards Professor Goodwitch's apartment.
It was happening so fast, that Coco was still trying to really sort out what was going on in her head and heart; but she also was, after conversing with Velvet for much of the night, bursting with desire to confess, to lay claim. There was a huge amount of uncertainty, and fear coursing through her as well. Second thoughts, images of utter failure; and absolute dread in that she was miss reading what was there already, and what was developing between her and Jaune.
"I'm here for you Coco." Velvet spoke in an almost motherly tone as Coco's pace slowed the closer they came to their destination. The soft comforting touch of Velvet's hand on her back steeled her determination.
/=/
Jaune screamed in horror and absolute terror upon seeing the condition of Amber, as she lay in her pod. The blond haired dancer stumbled backwards, her heels clicking on the metal floor as visions of suffering the same scarring injuries played through her numbing mind. Glynda made to move to her side only for Ozpin to get there first.
"Jaune." getting no respond, Ozpin grabbed Jaune by the shoulders and gave her a little shake. "Jaune! Look at me, not her... me!"
With tears rolling down her face, Jaune did as she was told. Glynda was at Jaune's side seconds after Ozpin.
"This will NOT happen to you, do you want to know why?" Ozpin didn't wait for the obviously stricken girl to respond, "You are smarter and will be stronger that she was. Then she ever could have been... BUT until you are; I need to protect you, and that means I hide you."
"Jaune?" Glynda's voice was rife with worry, and concern.
"I will not keep you locked up like some freak, you deserve freedom to not only learn your abilities, but live a life without the fear of someone coming for you. I NEED to hide you, and that means I transmute you into a male. No one will look for you... no one will be able to find you... it's only until you have control... until you are strong. Until I can put in place everything you will ever need to be safe and supported."
"Ozpin..." Glynda whispered a tint of anger in her still overly concerned voice.
"I'm giving her the choice, but she needs to know it all." Ozpin snapped in reply, without taking his eyes off of Jaune, or his hands. "Amber was alone... you wont be. You will have your team, and we will tell them... when it's time. There are things, and people out there that want to hurt you, for this power that you never asked for. You are special... for more than just being the host of this ability. I see more than just physical strength in you... but you need time to grow into it. To hone it. I NEED to hide you so you can have that time. Will you let me hide you?"
"Ozpin..." Glynda's warned.
"Okay." was Jaune's weak response.
"Are you sure?" Ozpin asked, as he forced himself not to grin because of his success. "I mean it Jaune you can have no doubts about this. I will NEED you to listen to me. To heed my advice and instructions. Will you do that?"
"Okay." Jaune replied her voice hollow and numb, her eyes still clouded with obvious horror and fear.
"Ozpin... you're not giving her a chance to think!" Glynda hissed as she physically pulled him away from Jaune. "You said the choice would be hers... you not giving her the chance..."
"She made her decision." Ozpin openly glared at his former Deputy Headmistress. "I'm proceeding with the ritual."
"Ozpin..."
"There is no more reason or time for any debate." Ozpin leaned in towards Glynda, his voice dropping to a whisper, one that only Glynda would be able to hear. "I will protect you daughter... I swear it on my own life."
Glynda gasped and stumbled backwards at his words. Fear filling her own blue eyes, her breathing hitched.
"Jaune, do you see that weird diagram drawn on the floor over there?" Ozpin watched Jaune slowly look about and then nod when her blue eyes saw what Ozpin was talking about. "I would like you, if you are certain about this to go stand in the centre of it."
Ozpin moved away from Jaune; and made his own way towards the ritual circle, taking his position in a smaller but similar construct. He waited until Jaune was situated in the centre, all the while watching the emotionally compromised Glynda crumple to her knees on the metallic floor.
"This will hide you, like I said, and it will not cause you the pain that the medallion made you suffer. I'm sorry for that... I never knew." Jaune said nothing in response as she just stood there surrounded by strange markings; her head and arms hanging limply. "Jaune, do you hear me? Do you understand what I'm going to do?"
Jaune just gave the smallest of nods with her head. Ozpin took a deep breath and closed his eyes, focusing on the power he kept contained with in himself. He pulled on the mystic powers, and began to bring them forth; mixing them with his own aura to boost and buffer them. The scream ripped his eyes open, and filled them with fear. Jaune was in utter agony, writhing on the floor. Her voice reverberating off the walls and filling the massive room. He faltered, but forced himself to recover. Biting his lip he cursed himself for not understanding or considering that such a drastic switch to someone's body would entail such pain. The medallion was bad, and was a constant twisting and pulling... but this. This was on another level. Out of the corner of his eyes he saw Glynda in motion. Riding crop in hand, and eyes a blaze in motherly fury.
Jaune wanted to die. The pain was too much, way too much. She felt as if her body was being rent asunder; that her very bones where being shattered. She screamed until the air in her lungs gave out. Now she felt like she was suffocating, in addition to the tearing sensations assaulting her. Her heart was slamming in her chest, feeling as if it was about to burst free through her breasts. Her mind played images of splattering blood, and twisted limbs. Visions of suffering the egregious scars that the girl in the pod wore. Collided with images of her past. Memories she never knew she had flooded past her eyes. Of a blond haired, blue eyed woman looking down at her. Of a soft wordless tune reaching her ears. She tried to grab hold of the fleeting images, of the feelings that accompanied said memories.
"Glynda don't!" Ozpin roared as he attempted to remain focused even as the strain of forcing both his aura and magic into the construct was beginning to overwhelm him. He knew he was weak. So much less than what he was in his prime, before the creation of the maidens... but he never thought he was this close to being powerless. He needed to stay focused. He needed to complete the ritual lest Jaune ends up mutilated; he need to get Glynda to back off... "Don't break the circle... if you do you could kill your daughter!"
Glynda stagger to a stop, her blazing eyes suddenly growing dim, and filling with tears. All strength left her and she crumpled to her knees for the second time with in the cold emotionless room. Her heart was tearing apart. So many things boiled with in her, but slowly one forced it's way to the front of her thoughts. If she lost her baby... she would join her. Jaune wouldn't be alone, they would be together the way it always should have been.
The random images, and memories that she couldn't quite grasp suddenly became crystal clear with in her tortured mind as the shouted words of Ozpin were able to force themselves past the thought clouding pain. "Your daughter!" She could see her face now, as if it was happening that moment. Blue eyes framed with glasses, soft smile. She could feel the comforting touch, the loving embraces. It was always a wonder to her why Aunt Glynda's touch was more comforting than her mom's... no she wasn't her aunt... she was her mother. Glynda was her mother... and she left her behind.
Ozpin and Glynda were both knocked backwards at the burst of power that erupted from Jaune. Rage, confusion, sorrow coiled and combined with feelings of abandonment and being discarded shattered the ritual. Flames and arcs of electricity licked the floor, obliterating the carefully drawn markings. Jaune rose to her feet, the pain gone, everything replaced with confusion and uncertainty. White flames leaked from around her eyes, obscuring them with blinding light. Glynda and Ozpin tried to struggle to their feet, but a sudden buffeting of gale force winds threw them back down.
The pair heard the creaking groan of metal straining, before noticing how sections of the floors and walls had started to buckle; as if great invisible hands were trying to rip the sections free. Then it all stopped. Jaune dropped to her knees, her body wracked with convulsions of phantom pain. Her mind numb with conflicting emotions. The light faded, and flames and arcs of electricity that had been dancing about her form faded. Slowly Ozpin and Glynda moved to get back on their feet. They watched as as Jaune, tears flowing down her cheeks like waterfalls turned her eyes upon them.
"WHY?" Jaune screamed. The sound rending Glynda's heart, a second before she was hit with an invisible force that flung her through the air, driving her back first into the metal wall on the far side of the room. The impact knocked not only the air from her chest, but caused her vision to swim. She thought she heard a second impact but she couldn't concentrate; through the fog that threatened to fill her mind.
"Jaune?" Glynda called out weakly as she slid to the floor, while the rapid staccato of heels on metal slowly faded away from her. Gaining some semblance of focus, Glynda reached into her pocket and drew out her scroll. Struggling to remain conscious she fumbled with the touch screen before she was able to activate a call to the last number she had dialed.
"Glynda?" Jasmine Arc answered, and not getting an immediate response she called out again. "Glynda? Are you okay? Is something wrong?"
"She knows." Glynda replied weakly barely able to keep focus on what she need to say. "Ozpin told... please find my baby Jas... find her..."
"Glyn? Glyn?"
/=/
Why Ozpin hadn't locked the elevator didn't cross Jaune's mind as she rode it back to the main floor. Her chest was heaving, and her body sticky with sweat. Thoughts collided in her mind, causing her to stand there with a confused look on her face and slightly blank look in her eyes. There was one thought however that was slowly gaining traction in her mind. It was feeding a fire inside her... they had all lied to her. Glynda, Mom, Ozpin... all of them. She couldn't trust anyone, they would just lie to her. Take advantage, and then abandon her. As soon as the doors slid open, Jaune bolted. Her heels clicking against the tiled floor. Her mind listed off everyone she knew, and crossed them off. None of them, absolutely none of them could be trusted.
The students in the halls backed away as the strange heeled blond girl in a Beacon uniform tore down the hallways. Heedless of who was in front off her. While not powerfully built, Jaune still had mass, and velocity on her side. She stumbled a few times as she shouldered past students who were too slow to get out of her way. She didn't hear the shouts, or curses, and just kept moving. She needed out of Beacon. She needed away from everyone and that meant she had to get to the bull head pads. That was the only way she could get enough distance. The only way she could be free of everyone using and abandoning her.
/=/
Coco and Velvet were making their way towards the bullhead pads. The pair having gotten not response while standing outside Glynda and Jaune's apartment, had decided to head to Vale. To get something for the girl that was quickly becoming a significantly important fixture in Coco's mind. Well to be honest Coco had decided, and was dragging Velvet along just because. Reaching the commons they made their way towards their chosen destination.
"Of course Nikos would be tying everything up." Coco muttered as the pair sighted the Four Time Mistrallian Champion standing next to the well known Lisa Lavender.
"Probably a Vytal promotional thing. You know it's coming here this year."
"I know, I know." Coco responded, "Still her being here, with a camera in her face is going to tie..."
Coco never finished her sentence as a strangely slightly more militarily designed bullhead made a forced landing at the pads. It's turbine jets throwing up dust as it touched down without regard to anyone nearby.
"Who?" Coco stopped talking as she saw the crest emblazoned on the side of the aircraft. She knew that symbol. A double crescent, Jaune wore it every time she had seen her. Most often as dangling earrings.
The landing was drawing attention, even more so as the door opened and three fairly heavily armed young woman stepped out. Each one was decked out in shining greaves, gauntlets and breast plates. Their matching surcoats proudly displaying the same emblem that decorated the side of the bull head. Each one sporting golden blonde locks. It was obvious they were related, even more so when the fourth stepped from inside the airship. She was a fair bit older than the first three, but the familial resemblance was there. Her golden blonde hair was pulled back in a french braid, and she unlike the others; she wore no armour. But instead was dressed in a very business looking pant suit.
/=/
"Vert, Jade. Find Jaune, bring her back here. Anyone gets in the way... for any reason" the pair of twins regarded their mother as she spoke. "Put them in the hospital."
The twins nodded their heads in unison. Their side ponytails dancing behind their heads.
"Violet you're with me. We're going to get Glyn." Jasmine stated as she pulled out her scroll and activated the tracer program. Every member of the family had the app installed on their scrolls. Glynda had not been spared from having to do the same.
The twins stalked off in one direction as Violet and Jasmine began to follow the tracing program. Anyone who was nearby quickly moved out of the way of the new comers. No one wanted to push their luck with a group that looked like they were ready to go to war.
/=/
"Sam, forget the interview, get a shot of that! We have Arcs on Beacon grounds, in force!"
Pyrrha almost breathed a sign of as Lisa Lavender abandoned the interview, to chase an obvious better story. It was then Lisa's words filtered through into the Champion's mind. Arcs? Arcs as in Jaune's family? Why would they... Pyrrha gasped, suddenly coming to a thought that maybe Jaune wasn't with his family at all, but in trouble. In her combat trained mind, she quickly made her decision and conclusion. That had to be it. It was the only reason for Jaune's quick departure, and limited almost nonexistent communication with his team.
Pulling out her scroll, her thumb hovered over the call button for her locker. She hesitated, in would strange if she called for her weapons at this time, when there was no obvious threat. Yes the group that had just landed looked ready for a fight, but they weren't actually going after anyone, just yet. So Pyrrha pulled her thumb back, and then put her scroll away. She would wait and see. If trouble started she would join in; and if it whatever happened was to help Jaune... she would be on his side regardless of who she would have to face.
/=/
Jaune burst through the main doors, and into the commons. She skidded to a stop on her heels. Her
dark blue eyes scanning the various students going about their own business. None of them paying particular attention to her. Then she saw it. The bullhead with her family crest emblazoned upon its side. Then she saw them, his family, Coco, Pyrrha, and others. It welled up with in her.
Her family, sisters and mom? They weren't her family, the woman she called mom wasn't her mom. They weren't her sisters. They had been lying to her. Deceiving her.
Coco liked her? She didn't like her. She was just using her. She had to be, she had admitted she liked tits and ass; she went to strip clubs to see eye candy. That had to be what she was. She was eye candy to her. What else could it be?
Pyrrha, her partner, her teammate, her friend? No that was wrong. She was too good for her. She was feeling sorry for her. She was only tolerating her, she was useless; she would be replaced.
Flames licked at the edges of her eyes, she could feel it well up from deep inside. Electricity arced and danced around her fingers, as flames began to flicker about her outline. About her the air began to swirl picking up speed as it also yanked small pebbles and other debris from the ground. Then came the cracking snap of solid stone being rent into chunks. All about her fist and head sized jagged fragments floated into the air. The splinters and dust being picked up by the growing vortex swirling about her.
It was all too much. It was overwhelming, the betrayals, the lies, the pain, the loneliness, the abandonment. As her dark blue eyes blanked out in a blaze of white light she screamed. Howling in physical and emotional agony.
/=/
Everyone in the commons turned at the unholy sound. The Arc twins instantly in motion as they recognized Jaune instantly. Their blond braids fluttering behind them, as they deployed the great kite shields from their left wrists. They knew the truth, they had know for years, and it didn't matter, Jaune was family, and Arcs protected family. Always had, always will.
"Jaune!" Coco screamed in fear and concern. Pushing herself away from Velvet she bolted forward. Something was wrong, seriously wrong; and she would be damned if she let the woman she was falling in love with deal with alone.
Pyrrha whipped around at the scream and instantly took stock of the situation, only to pause in calling for her locker when she heard someone call out a very specific name. She watched as the heavily armoured twins moved towards the screeching girl, followed by Coco Adel. Tapping the call button she waited, as did others for her equipment to arrive.
Jasmine turned at the sound of the scream and had to suppress her instinct to rush towards Jaune. She saw the twins rushing forward, as she did another. She appraised the situation, noting the number of individuals who were getting out of the commons, and those that had their scrolls out. Jasmine knew of the rocket locker tech that Beacon used, so she was well aware what the scrolls were doing. But she was also more than confident that her girls were more than a match for any Beacon brat.
"Mom?" Violet asked, her purple streaked loose blond haired head regarding the chaos that was erupting to life before her.
"The twins can handle this. We're getting Glynda, then coming back and collecting Jaune. Then leaving for home."
"And if anyone?"
"Gets in the way?" Jasmine watched her second oldest nodded as she activated her own kite shield. "Hospital."
/=/
Jaune saw it all and let her feelings overwhelm her. Letting loose another screeching heart rending howl she dropped to her knees. She was exhausted, her body wanted to stop, but she couldn't. If they got close they would hurt her. She was positive of it. There was no other conclusion in her confused and emotionally conflicted mind. Gritting her teeth she forced herself to stand. She wouldn't let them. They would never hurt her again. No she wouldn't be the one hurt anymore, she would be the one doing the hurting.
/==/
So another chapter down... and one that I might have gotten carried away with writing. So please if this throws everything off, let me know, and I will make edits/corrections. Still considering an edit of chapter 3. If I do post it, I will make note of it in the next chapter.
So I did a bit of a family tree for the Arc family I have here. As the (not much of a) secret of Jaune's mother is out, I figured I'd let you guys all see it. While it is pretty obvious that Jaune's father is an Arc, I will not be naming them until the next chapter. Sorry.
Parents: Nathaniel Arc (45) & Jasmine [Le Faye] Arc (43)
Children: Saphron (25) / Violet (23) / Vert & Jade (20) / Noir (17) / Blanche (10) / Juniper (7)
Parents: ? Arc (Deceased) & Glynda Goodwitch (42)
Children: Jaune (17)
As hinted at in an earlier chapter, Jaune and Noir are the same age, born only months apart. Too far apart to be played off as twins, and too close to be played off as true sisters... that is if anyone was really looking which until Ozpin started snooping was no one.
I hope I gave them all reasonable ages, based on the age that Jaune was in the first volume of RWBY. I know there is a lot of "theory crafting" on the ages of other characters aside from the main cast. So I hope everyone finds my aging of Glynda reasonable. I want to have had Jaune early enough in her career/life that it would go less noticed, by anyone without direct knowledge that she was with child. I also want it to be (and hope you agree) that she needs to be young enough to get overwhelmed by being a single mother, starting a new career and having lost her partner. A perfect storm of sorts.
As always; comments, suggestions and critiques are always welcome. If you want I do reply to PM's if you would rather discuss the stories I post in that manner.
I will be going back through the current chapters and trying to fix any missed words, typos, and other mistakes I miss with the way I post updates. (Which is the "hot off the press" style. So sorry for all the errors.) If you have noticed something you think I might miss, feel free to point it out.
Thank you to EVERYONE who takes the time to comment or review. I really do like getting the feedback. It's part of what drives me to create. Getting the feedback and seeing/hearing that people are finding enjoyment in what I offer.
Sincerely;
Jeremy