/==/ Chapter Eight /==/
As Jasmine was semi-explaining the situation to a little awestruck Coco, and Sienna was conferring with her agent; Ozpin was having another slightly uncomfortable meeting with Bart and Peter who were sitting before him, after just having received an official communication from Lord Arc. It basically was a scolding of his treatment of Glynda and Jaune, along with officially informing him, due to his actions that Jaune would now have to be publicly introduced as Jonathon's successor.
"Brothers Oz." Peter groaned, "This can not get much more complicated can it? I mean while it bothers me that you didn't confide in us, I understand... but still we had a member of the main branch of the Arc family here at Beacon. Considerations should have been made."
"I agree with Peter," Bart commented. While I knew Mr.. or I guess it is Ms Arc in reality; was a member of that family, I assumed it was from one of the lesser branches of the family tree. But still we should have known the full truth."
"In my defence; I only found about her, true parentage recently." Ozpin replied.
"So Glynda has a daughter, and Arc at that." Peter commented.
"You do understand, what that means for her when they publicly recognize Jaune, right?"
"She will no longer be a member of my staff."
"Possibly, as she will be expected to be at Jaune's side helping develop her into a leader." Bart spoke, in a knowledgeable tone, "But even if she chooses to remain here as a Professor... she will have a protective detail assigned to her, and it won't only be regular ASDF that comprise it; even if that is what they are proclaiming them to be."
"I'm a little uninformed as to the ins and outs of Ansel, and their military structure." Peter coughed. "Care to indulge me in a quick refresher course?"
"The Ansel Self Defence Force, or the ASDF as they are commonly referred to are the standing army of Ansel; obviously. They are second only to Atlas in size, and are tasked with peace keeping with in Ansel and protection of the city proper, as well as patrolling and responding to threats against those settlements with in what is called the protective radius of Ansel." Bart adjusted his glasses, before continuing. "That radius is rather large, spanning roughly three hundred kilometres."
"That is an unreal amount of area to cover! How are they capable of managing that?" Bart asked.
"They concentrate only on protecting settlements that fall with in that area, and the roads that connect the settlements to Ansel. They don't patrol the whole thing. Much of that area is what would be considered wild lands." Ozpin offered.
"Still the size of the armed forces needed to deal with that type of responsibility."
"Ansel has mandatory military service. All men and women of the age of twenty-one must enlist. Including the Arc children. Jaune in four years will have to enlist and serve just like anyone else in Ansel, unless she is actively training to be a huntress. That is the only stipulation that allows anyone to sidestep military service." Bart informed the gathered Beacon senior staff.
"They conscript?"
"In a way that would be the correct description. The mandatory military service is for two years, after which continued service is voluntary."
"So that's the regular or average ASDF, you said the ones that would be compromising the protective details for Jaune and Glynda will be different?"
"You know what I am referring to Oz."
"I do." Ozpin slumped in his seat. "They are calling them ASDF, and for the most part they are ASDF but they will be the BlackWatch, Ansel's version of Specialists, but even that is an unequal comparison in favour of the BlackWatch."
"This sound like individuals we do not want near Beacon or our students." Peter commented.
"We won't have a choice. We won't know who is ASDF and who is BlackWatch." Bart offered, "I don't know much else about them aside from their name, and that they actually do exist."
"Bart is right, we have no choice." Ozpin answered. "Even if Nat isn't acknowledging them there will be BlackWatch in Vale, as part of the protective detail."
"Without any doubt. Which begs the question... how is Beacon going to offer reparations? We... unintentionally..." Bart pasued giving Ozpin a look. "... insulted and allowed harm to befall members of the main branch of the Arc family."
"Beacon cannot offer monetary reparations. We don't have the funds for the amount of lien that would be considered acceptable."
"Maybe a show of good faith, would suffice?" Ozpin asked his confidants.
"An offer to provide assistance towards the protective detail could work, but considering they have the ASDF, and Atlas contingent... we again don't have the resources for such an endeavour." Peter commented.
"We could..." Bart paused unsure if he should make the suggestion that appeared in his mind.
"Please Bart, I would appreciate your advice, regardless of what it is." Ozpin requested.
"I was thinking, and this is a bit of an odd suggestion... but considering Jaune is the leader of a team, and was, is close to team RWBY, we could make an official inquiry to Lord Arc to have JNPR and RWBY declared or accepted as retainers for Jaune."
"You can't be serious Bart!" Peter exclaimed, "You want Beacon to suggest that the members of two of Beacon's best first-year teams become servants?"
"They are not servants per say." Bart countered, "They would be assistants, confidants, advisors and trainers. I'm only making the suggestion. As you have said Peter... Beacon lacks the resources for any other public show of support."
"It is an option. We could request that Glynda take charge of their personal training, and it could help in reining in some of RWBY's more rebellious and spontaneous actions." Ozpin added.
"Still."
"I understand its not ideal... Nat and Jas might not even accept the offer."
"Do RWBY and JNPR have any say in this matter?"
"They will." Ozpin replied.
"They will also have to be informed of the reasons behind this request, and the true situation in regards to Jaune." Bart put forward.
"And if I know Jas... she's going to want to personally meet each of them." Ozpin commented.
"They will also need to be vetted, which means giving access to all the records we have on them." Bart added.
"I see two sticking points with this... option." Bart stated.
"Please, Bart."
"Ms Schnee and Ms Nikos." Bart sighed before continuing, "Ms Schnee's family ties and her personality will be issues, as will Ms Nikos' public image, fans and sponsors."
"Those are bridges that will be crossed. If neither of you have any further objections or suggestions, I will make the offer." Ozpin's head drooped. "And I am sorry for my past actions. I should have kept you both in the know with what was happening."
"I understand Oz, and it's all forgiven." Bart responded.
"I echo, Bart. It is nothing more than a unfortunate event in a rather strong friendship." Peter added. "Regardless what transpires, you have my support Oz."
"Thank you."
/=/
"You are a disgrace Kahn!" bellowed Adam, "Letting a HUMAN dictate what the White Fang can and can't do!"
"I am doing no such thing! I am taking action to prevent the decimation of the Fang! The Belladonnas have provided me with everything in regards to Ansel, the Arcs and agreements with Menagerie. Lord Arc is not making an idle threat. There are official accords and agreements that WOULD allow Ansel the cart-blanche to act against us even here."
"I refuse! I will not cow before a fucking human! I am not scared to act!"
"You are a fucking moron and imbecile! Control that fucking temper of yours and listen!" Siena screamed at Adam's image. "Adam cease all operations in Vale, and return to Menagerie. The future of the Fang depends on it! Ansel is keeping Atlas from our home. Fuck with them and we will be wiped from the face of Remnant!"
"They are oppressors, crushing faunus and Menagerie under their shit covered heels!"
"They are doing no such thing! I have seen it all. Public statements, trade agreements, and the Mutual Defence Accord. The Arcs are the best support Menagerie has! Without them we would be nothing!" Sienna was getting to the last of her patience with Adam Taurus. He was proving to be more and more the rabid fanatical extremist she was warned by Ghira he would become. "You will return to Menagerie, and order your lieutenants to cease all hostile activities in Vale. This is not a discussion, it is an order!"
"Fuck you, your leadership and your orders! I will make them all pay for what they have done!" Adam snarled into his scroll. "I will bring that traitor to heel! I will break the SDC and Atlas. We will WIN, and force them to give in."
"You are going to doom us all, asshole!" Sienna snapped back. "Don't force my hand Adam."
"Go to hell, traitor." Adam snarled before ending the call.
Sienna's shoulders slumped, and her head dropped to her chest in defeat. The Albain twins Fennec and Corsac stood off to the side, wringing their hands nervously. They had been requested to attend the call between Sienna and Adam; and after seeing all the information they had not been privy to in regards to the relationship between Menagerie and Ansel; they understood Adam and his methods were no longer viable.
"High Leader Khan... we will support you decisions." Fennec offered, "Adam does not see reason, his judgment is compromised."
"I agree with my brother. As much as I have reservations with Menagerie's dealings with Ansel, and the warning Lord Arc had given you... I see no other option. We can't endanger genuine support for the faunus cause, nor can we risk reprisals from a military power such as Ansel."
"So there are no objections?"
"None." the pair of twins responded.
"Then we will issue a statement, and a directive." Sienna lifted her head and looked at the Albain twins. She was distrustful of the pair, but with the disaster that Adam would bring upon them all; she would accept what allies she could. "Direct all cells in Vale to stand down, and cease all operations. Any that don't will be publicly declared rogue; loose all support from us and have their membership and location leaked to Vale authorities."
"That is rather harsh." Fennec commented.
"I have to be harsh. There can be no half measures. Those cells either fall in line and abandon Adam's leadership; or..."
"They need to be excised from our organization." Corsac finished, "What of Adam?"
"He will declared a radical and traitor, with anyone who follows him also receiving the same treatment. All loyal cells will have a apprehend on sight order."
"And if he is captured?" Fennec asked.
"We will trade him to Atlas for the release of our brothers and sisters in confinement; along with requesting other concessions."
"Many will see this as a betrayal. Adam does have a large base of support." Corsac informed the distressed and mentally exhausted Sienna.
"We will not hide, the reasons for this change of allegiance towards Adam; but make them widely known. The survival of the Fang is in danger, and fucking Adam Taurus will not cause us to end up swept away."
"Understood, we will prepare the required statements and orders for your approval." Fennec offered.
"Make copies available of every statement and directive to Ghira."
"Why?" asked Crosac
"So he can forward them to Lord Arc. I want Ansel to KNOW we are doing everything in our power to meet the terms... and if... and if something goes wrong, if Adam or one of the short sighted fools that follow him do something rash..." Sienna stopped talking and gave the Albain twins a tired look. "I will protect the White Fang. I will not let another's actions force the hand of Ansel... I will not let us be wiped from history."
"We'll see it done, High Leader." Fennec responded.
/=/
Winter was slightly flabbergasted as she listen to General Ironwoods orders and directives in regards to her new assignment. It was a true opportunity to prove her value to her mentor, but it came with issues. The providing of a protective detail for Ms Belladonna was nothing, no concern or hesitation. She was going to be in attendance as an official granted diplomatic status by Ansel. Her rules of engagement were to provide protective details for the young Ms Arc. Adding an additional person into the rotation was nothing.
The move to have the Atlas military move forward to spearhead a public inquiry into SDC's labour practices she would happily step in front of the cameras in favour of the action, or sit before a tribunal and tell everything she knew. No it was the interactions she would have to have with Lady Arc. The woman's outright hostility towards the SDC and her father seemed almost like a personal vendetta. Winter was concerned that even though she had cut her ties with her family and their company, that just because of her last name, Lady Arc would take issues with her.
"Any questions Winter, in regard to your assignment?"
"So I will have autonomy, and complete operational authority with this operation, is that correct?"
"That is correct, Specialist. You serve as my official representative. Your orders will be treated as if they came from me directly."
"Do I take direction from the Arc family?"
"Not directly. You will coordinate protective efforts, with the Arcs. If you disagree with how things are being handled, you have full authority to act in the best interests of Atlas, and the safety of the men and women under your command. The priority being protection of Lady Jaune Arc."
"So if I deem a situation too dangerous?"
"You have the right as per the agreement I have worked out with Lord Arc to exfil the VIP in question, and answer for it after the fact."
"Even if it means leaving Ansel forces exposed?"
"Yes. Lord Arc has stressed that Lady Arc, is to be protected at all costs."
"Any additional supports?"
"A portion of you platoon will consist of a Section from the fleet. You will have access to four military bull heads and their support crews. You will also have a Section of Knight Units. The Arcs do not trust AI soldiers, so they are to be a last resort option."
"Understood."
"Is there anything else you would like to confirmed Specialist?"
"No, sir."
"Very good. Make your personal preparations, the platoon has already been assembled and transport arranged. You leave at zero six hundred hours. Dismissed."
"General." Winter cam to attention and saluted her superior, before turning on her heel and striding out of his office. She headed directly to her private quarters to pack.
/=/
The next morning found Ozpin face to face with Lady Jasmine Arc, who was in a mood; he just wasn't sure what type of mood it was. He had hoped sharing with her the recording of the meeting would have smoothed things over. Proof that he didn't vindictively release Jaune's parentage. Right that moment he was waiting as Jasmine reviewed Beacon's proposal to provide Jaune with Retainers featuring her own team and their sister team. The silence as she reviewed the proposal, and associated student files, was starting to wear on his nerves, as only the odd hum escaped Jasmine's lips.
"Is the offer not acceptable?" Ozpin asked nervously as Jasmine placed the tablet flat on her lap, and looked at him with a narrow gaze. "I am willing to negotiate terms."
"We will discuss some terms, but the offer is acceptable... even though we both know it is only a symbolic gesture of support from Beacon to the soon to be Lady Arc. Much like Haven's sending of two students."
"I can not do much else, than make symbolic gestures. Neither could Lionheart."
"I agree that Lionheart and Mistral really don't much to offer in this situation. They are primarily a trading partner, so I'm not going to raise any objections to the transfer of two Haven students to Beacon, though I'm sure Nat will inform Lionheart that we will be unable to work them in as a protective detail." Jasmine gave Ozpin a predatory smile, "As for you and Beacon... YES you can."
"And what would be?"
"Full disclosure about your plans in regard to Jaune, and everything you did to her." Jasmine's eyes reminded Ozpin of a circling shark. "As I will be speaking with Glynda about everything, so I thought I would give you a chance to come clean, I believe the saying is."
"And out of curiosity if I decline this opportunity?"
"Well in that case, I will listen to what Glynda has to say, and then come and visit you to seeking... compensation for any harm your actions have caused either member of my family."
"I see. Speaking of Glynda, how are she and Jaune doing?"
"They are resting, and I have a feeling we'll be having a very emotional family meeting later today, when Jaune wakes up." Jasmine gave Ozpin another predator smile, as she tapped the tablet in her lap. "As to your gesture of good faith... I will accept Ms Nikos, Ms Belladonna and Ms Schnee into Jaune's service as Retainers... AFTER I speak with them all individually."
"May I ask why just those three?"
"Mr Ren and Ms Valkyrie are unknowns, and while their records indicate they are exceptional combatants, Jaune needs tutors, and advisors. She has enough people looking out for her safety."
"I see, and Ms Rose and Ms Xiao Long?"
"Ms Rose is too young, and Ms Xiao Long has too much of a temper, in addition much like Mr Ren and MS Valkyrie, neither have the background Jaune needs."
"And that would be?"
"Young women who understand etiquette, decorum, and who are used to being in the centre of invasive public attention; or holding positions of authority." Jasmine folded her hands on top of the tablet, before continuing. "Ms Nikos is a public figure and a championship fighter, plus Jaune's partner. She can assist Glynda with her training, as well as coaching Jaune when it comes to her public appearances."
"Ms Belladonna?"
"Ghira informed Nat that Blake had run away. Information he passed on to me, and look who I find! I will not insult you with assuming that you were unaware of her affiliations and family ties."
"I was well aware, buy I was taking a hands off approach with her. Hoping bonding with her team would give her the resolve to face her issues."
"Well, she'll be facing them and rather soon. Kali has been accepted as a diplomatic representative. She will be coming to Vale, and staying with us at the estate."
"Is that the only reason?"
"No, Blake and Jaune used to be childhood friends. If I remember the last time they had a sleepover was when they were four or five? Maybe it was six. Anyway there is a friendship there, and I wish to see rekindled, also..."
"Also?"
"Blake is schooled in public speaking, and well versed in the social issues that affect Remnant, along with knowledge of politics. With Ms Nikos coaching, and Blake's assistance, Jaune should be able to handle any public engagements requested of her."
"I'm hesitant in asking why Ms Schnee, considering your animosity towards her family."
"I will openly admit, that I find Jacques to be an utter waste of life, and I would petition for a Remnant wide celebration if he would just crawl under a rock and die, but Ms Schnee is not her father, and I will give her the benefit of the doubt; even if I am leery to do so."
"I'm assuming her also being a public figure due to her singing career, and status as an Heiress herself is the main reason for her inclusion."
"You would be correct, she can help Jaune deal with the stress of her position; she also appears well informed about business, and politics. She again will be able to assist Jaune with her public engagements, but also tutor her in other subjects related to politics and business. Ms Schnee and Blake are a good pair to educate Jaune in regard to policy creation."
"These are things that you already had tutors for. More than likely much more skilled than those young woman will ever be."
"Jaune will need women around her of like age. Women she knows and has history with. Information I have gathered from various sources, indicate Jaune is going to have real issues with trust. So I will surround her with people she can trust, who she has trusted."
"I understand, and I wish you luck. Are there any further terms?"
"Ms Schnee, Ms Nikos, and Ms Belladonna will all have a say on if they wish to accept the station of Retainer, but it will only be extended to them after I have met with them."
"I will make arrangements for those meetings..."
"And?"
"Provide you with a detailed accounting of my actions with respect to Jaune since her arrival at Beacon."
"Thank you, Ozpin. It has been a pleasure." Jasmine let her smile vanish as she rose, and made her way to the elevator the tablet firmly placed under her right arm.
/=/
Glynda had woken up with Jaune still cuddled in her arms. The feeling was indescribable, and caused tears to well up in her eyes. Blinking them back, she extracted herself from Jaune's grip, and with a little help from Violet, who had informed her that Jade and Vert had watched over them all night; made her way back to her own room, to get a change of clothes and cleaned up. Of course she had discovered a fresh change of clothes waiting for her, neatly folded on the end of her hospital bed. She had wanted to return to her apartment, but she was still unsteady on her feet, and had required Violet's assistance a couple of times to steady herself on the short walk to her room.
"Ms Adel." Glynda greeted Coco, as the fashionable second year huntress stood outside her room. "Can I help you with something?"
"Is it true?"
"You'll have to be a little more specific Ms Adel. There are many things that are considered true, and I am not aware of which of those truths you are asking about."
"You and Jaune."
"What about me and Jaune?"
"It's true then, you're Jaune's mom. That's what Lady Arc... I mean... Jasmine told me."
"If Jasmine has told you something specifically about Jaune or myself you can be certain that it is the truth."
"Okay, but I want to hear it from you. It's all well and good to let other speak for you... but I want to hear this from you."
"And why is that?"
"When everything was happening with Jaune... when she was out of control, I grabbed hold of her; and as soon as I had her restrained she fell apart..." Coco shifted nervously, "she said things, things that bother me, and that I know she's bottling up inside."
"What types of things?"
"That everyone is lying to her. That everyone is going to leave her behind... and..."
"And?"
"That you left her behind... that you abandoned her."
"I..." Glynda's knees felt weak, as the painful memories from fourteen years ago, memories she always pushed aside came roaring back into her mind. Her eyes filled with tears and she stumbled backwards into the wall.
"Professor Goodwitch?" Coco moved forward, reaching out to help steady a woman she never thought in her wildest dreams would look so weak and emotionally fragile. "I want to help Jaune... but I need to know what's happening around here."
"Why?" Glynda croaked her voice breaking as tears began to drip down her cheeks.
"Because Jaune needs the help..."
"That's not the real reason!" snapped her voice cracking with emotion.
"I..."
"Do you love my baby?" Glynd asked while choking on her own emotions. "Do you really love her?"
"I think I do." Coco replied quietly while looking directly into Glynda's teary green eyes.
"Does she know?"
"I told her... but I don't know if she remembers."
"Then you need to tell her again, and again, and again." Glynda sobbed as she grasped Coco's arms to keep herself from falling. "Never let her not hear you say it."
A rage and pain filled guttural scream filled the air. Struggling to assist her combat teacher Coco held onto Glynda as a pair they moved to Jaune's room. The source of that inhuman sound. Pushing open the door the pair were shocked to see Jaune on her feet, her face twisted in sorrow tinted fury. Across from her was Violet, who was gasping, her face turning blue as she was being pressed back first against the far wall.
"Jaune!" Glynda and Coco cried out at the same time. With Jaune's attention broken,Violet fell to the floor, as if an invisible hand just let go of her. She choked and hacked, spit and phlegm splattering the tiled floor, beside her as she rolled to her side.
"No! You're all lying to me! You're all going to leave me!" Jaune screeched as her own tears began to flow. "I'm a freak! You made me a freak! You let him hurt me! You left me behind!"
"Jaune... baby..." Glynda activated her semblance catching the heart monitor that suddenly was sent flying towards her head. "Jaune?"
"You don't love me... that's why you let him hurt me! You left me behind! They all lied to me! No one wanted me!" Jaune's voice was rising in volume, reaching an almost hysterical note.
"That's not true!" Glynda screeched back as she used her semblance to catch several other items that had suddenly propelled themselves towards her. As she halted each one, she could feel, what she could only describe as immense pressure building behind each object. "Coco get Violet out of here!"
Staying low Coco did what Professor Goodwitch ordered her to. Grabbing Violet by the wrists she helped the hurt blone to her knees and the pair of young women crawled to the safety of the hall, and slowly anything not nailed down in the room was floating in the air between mother and child.
"Why? Didn't you love me? Why?"
"I love you more than anything I could ever love, more than my own life!" Glynda shouted back at Jaune, "But you needed a BETTER mother than me! Someone who wasn't crippled by fear and sadness every time she looked at her baby!"
"Why didn't you love me?" Jaune screamed at the top of her lungs as the bed suddenly flipped towards Glynda. "Why? Why? WHY?"
"I loved you Jaune. Loved you so much." Glynda's tears rolling down her cheeks to fall and splatter agaisnt the tiled floor. "I love you so much that I couldn't bear you suffering through my failures! I found out I was pregnant with you the day I was told you father had been killed! You deserved better than me... you deserved a REAL family!"
"It wasn't real! They... you... all were lying to me! Nothing was real! Why did everyone lie to me? Was I bad? Am I not good? Doesn't anyone want me?"
"I want you! I love you! We never told you because I was so fucking scared that you wouldn't hate me! That you would see me as weak! That you wouldn't be able to love me back as much as I love you!"
Violet having finally regained her breath, sat next to Coco on the floor of the hall. The pair watching through the open door. Everything was hovering in the air. A purple sheen coating each and every piece. Violet pulled out her scroll as soon as the creaking started and the cracks began to appear.
"Mom... mom... mommie!" Jaune screeched as she collapsed to the floor.
"Jaune!" Coco and Glynda yelled at the same time. Everything that was hovering in the air was suddenly crushed into the far corner of the room as Glynda dropped to her knees and crawled her way to daughter. "Jaune?"
"Let me go!" Coco hissed at Violet who had latched onto her wrist preventing her from entering the room. "Jaune needs me!"
"Jaune needs her mother, and Glynda needs her baby." Violet inclined her heads towards the pair of figures in the room, "Look."
Coco turned her attention from Violet Arc, to Glynda and Jaune. Glynda sat splay legged on the floor, with Jaune clutched against her. Jaune for her part was shaking, her body limp. Slowly she watched as Jaune's arms reached up and coiled around Glynda's midsection. She watched as Jaune's bare feet pushed and slid against the tiled floor.
"I have to call mother." Violet wheezed. "Can you watch them?"
Cocco just nodded, and returned her attention to the sobbing pair clutching at each other in the trashed room. Violet stiffly rose and limped off, raising her scroll to her ear.
"Mom... please... please... mom..." Jaune whined and sobbed unable to fashion a sentence.
"It's okay baby, mommy is here, and she's never letting you go again, ever." Glynda cooed as she squeezed Jaune's body against hers. "Mommy is here, and she loves you so much... so... so... so much."
/==/
So another chapter done (though a little shorter than others), and I hope it does not disappoint. This is not the end of Glynda and Jaune's family issues. There is more to come out, more to be addressed.
So there are two Tiers to the Ansel military. The Ansel Self Defence Force (ASDF) and the BlackWatch (BW). There was going to be three. A group in between the ASDF and the BW. I was going to call them the Arc Guard (AG). They were going to be loosely based on the actual Swiss Guard. And through some discussions with Firefly25 ideas were passed around, and I decided to remove them. The thought behind the AG was to have a smaller standing army that's sole activity/task was to protect the major branches of the Arc family.
So if anyone wants to see that idea worked out, feel free to express your opinion on it.
I'm loving the feed back, and enjoy the comments. So really thank you to everyone who is taking the time to post a review.
Please enjoy.
Sincerely;
Jeremy