/==/ Chapter Ten /==/
Ozpin groaned as he came to. He felt he had been put through a meat-grinder, which oddly enough he actually had experience with. It was one of many times where he emerged in a host's head fresh after have been painfully and violently killed. He has let our a shout of pain that startled and overwhelmed his new host. In this case the poor soul was performing cleaning on an industrial grinder. She of course hadn't locked out the device properly as it was near the end of her shift and she in a hurry to leave. Suffice to say she was startled, flailed, triggered the machine and fell in. He had gotten better at waking up... but still accidents did happen.
Ozpin shivered as the memory of that short existence filled his haze mind. But in short order he was able to suppress the unfortunate incident and focus on the here and now. From his horizontal position, and the feeling of cool blankets laying against him he knew he was in the infirmary. He could in fact recall the whole trip here. Taking a deep breath, he tried to ignore the want to wake up. Today was going to be a trying and draining day, if his recent history was an indication. SO he wanted to enjoy the peace for a few minutes more.
"I know you are awake Ozpin." Jasmine spoke, and Ozpin cursed his current rate of luck. He wondered if Qrow was hanging around somewhere. "We have things to discuss, so IF you would pleae, I could use your full attention... and then I'll leave you alone for awhile. Arc's Word."
"Why are you here Jasmine? I thought you'd be out cele..."
"I like to make you squirm and feel uncomfortable. I DO NOT want to see you become a smear on the floor." Jasmine Arc cutting him off. "How are you feeling?"
"Would you believe me if I said, I've felt worse?" Ozpin asked as he fully open his eyes, careful of the glare from the over head lights. "You wanted to talk? Can't this wait until i return to what's left of my office?"
"No. These issues need to settled now."
"And what issues are we speaking about now?"
"What is going on with Jaune and mirrors. You said there was a failed ritual and residual energies involved... which I'm going to want a full accounting of."
"How is Glynda doing?"
"She is resting, and she and I will be having an indepth conversation as soon as she is awke." Ozpin watched as Jasmine Arc shifted uncomfortably in the cheap plastic arm chair she was seated in. "Please stop avoiding the issue."
"Okay. What other issues are we to discuss?"
"Like I just mentioned, this ritual and residual energies you spoke about... during the..."
"Attack?"
"Yes."
"And?"
"Nat has been ... informed of the entire situation... expect an official offer for reparations from the Arc household."
"Reparations?"
"I did not stutter or mumble." Jasmine narrowed her eyes, "Glynda is a member of our house. She is expected to uphold herself with decorum and dignity. What happen last night, was not that, and as such we are bound to offer formal reparations to you as a form of apology for her actions. You know how this all works Ozpin, so don't act stupid."
"This feels like a ' Please forget what happened and we will give you stuff ' situation. I expect there are terms tied to this offer.
"Nat has stated there will be only one. Nothing you request can directly impact Jaune or Glynda. They are returning to Ansel with us when we are prepared to leave."
"I see., and if I wish to pursue criminal charges? What happened would be considered attempted homicide."
"That is your choice and your right. The Offer of Reparations is not to buy your silence. It is an apology. I know you have something in mind already. Care to share, so I can warn Nat to be prepared?"
"I would like the Arcs to back Beacon financially for the next five years."
"Is twenty-five percent of your current budget acceptable?"
"Er... what?" Ozpin's brain stopped for a second. Beacon's operating budget, was derived in part from donations from past alumni and various influential families; with of course a base lump sum amount from Vale. In total the funds they received was not a trifle amount. What Jasmine Arc just suggested was a little overly generous. Ozpin though he would get maybe five or at most ten percent from the Arcs.
"Asked if twenty-five percent of your current budget acceptable?"
"More than."
"You will issue a receipt for tax purposes; correct?"
"Yes."
"Any other concessions?"
"I'm not sure? I mean the financial..."
"Is not sufficient. Glynda was out of line, and you were severely injured as a result of her temporary break with sanity. Reparations must be made... reasonable ones."
"You will be taking Glynda back to Ansel, correct?"
"We are. She and Jaune need to be with each other. They need time and space to reaffirm their relationship. Why are you thinking of having the Vale Council declare her a Persona Non Grata in Vale and Beacon?"
"That would be a little extreme in my opinion."
"But not unjustified."
"Since I will be losing my Deputy Headmistress, who is also my combat instructor... I would like Ansel to assist in finding suitable replacements."
"I will speak with Violet. She is an obvious choice to be a combat instructor." Jasmine stated immediately.
"Huh?"
"Violet is trained and has been taking courses at the Ansel Community College Annex. She has indicated on numerous times the desire to start a hunter prep school. I will speak with Violet on your behalf, and Nat will forward you her combat records, mission logs; along with her current transcripts." Jasmine gave Ozpin a motherly stare, "Though we would expect a reasonable contract for a first year teacher to be presented."
"You are agreeing to quite a lot, rather too quickly."
"There are multiple factors, that are tied this situation, and you know what, or more importantly whom am I referencing."
"Jaune."
"Jaune."
"Once I'm back on my feet, I will fill you in on everything, as promised. Things need to be brought out into the open, so better choices can be made."
"Agreed." Jasmine responded before giving Ozpin a weak smile, and a nod.
"Jas."
"Yes?" she asked as she stood and prepared to leave the room.
"Thank you." Jasmine just nodded again, and without a further worded left Ozpin alone to his own devices and thoughts.
/=/
Weiss was a little confused. She was sure that there was no reason for the Headmaster to make a request to meet her, but there on her scroll was an official "From the Office of the Headmaster" message. Putting her scroll away, she made her way to the indicated conference room, which was something she also thought was odd. If the Headmaster wanted to speak to her, for what she didn't know, it was odd that it wasn't happening in his office. You think official school business involving speaking directly to students would happen there.
After a few minutes she arrived at the indicated destination. Smoothing out her uniform, she reached out and knocked. She waited for a minute before a voice asked her to enter. Weiss filed away that the voice was female, instead of male for later reference. Turning the door knob she stepped into the mid-sized conference room. Weiss stopped in the doorway, a little stunned at the situation before her. The usual conference table and chairs were missing, instead replaced with white wicker patio set. On the table tea was set. In fact Weiss quickly realized it was a complete Valean style afternoon tea.
"I am very pleased you could join me Heiress Schnee." came a voice she didn't recognize, but when Weiss turned in to face the direction the voice came from, she instantly knew who the well dressed woman was.
"Lady Arc?"
"Yes. Please come in and sit with me. Afternoon tea is always more enjoyable when shared with pleasant company." Weiss stood still a little shocked at the whole situation as Lady Arc moved over to the patio set and took a seat. "Heiress Schnee, care to join me?"
"My... my apologizes Lady Arc." Weiss almost stammer, before giving the woman a curtsy. "I was just... under the assumption that this meeting was going to be with headmaster Ozpin."
"The Headmaster is a little under the weather, and sends his apologizes. It was his intent to sit in as I have a chat with some exceptional young ladies, that I wish to make a request of."
"Request?"
"Please Heiress." Lady Arc indicated the empty chair across form her, "Please join me."
"Of course, Lady Arc." Weiss responded as she closed the door, made her way over to the empty chair; and took a seat. Smoothing her skirt as she did, in the proper lady like fashion. "Thank you for the invitation Lady Arc."
"My pleasure Heiress Schnee."
"Weiss, if it is no trouble."
"Of course Weiss, and please call me Jasmine. Lady Arc is a little stuffy for a simple chat."
"Of course." Weiss responded. It was a comfortable silence as the tea was poured, and both woman had pecked at some of the offerings from the tiered serving stand. "So you wished to speak with me?"
"I do."
"I'm surprised that you are considering..."
"I'm sorry dear. It is no secret that I do not like how your father is conducting business in your family name. I find it rather distasteful and morally reprehensible."
"I don;'t agree with what he's doing. I want..."
"And to be honest I didn't hold out much hope for you, your brother, or sister to not follow his example."
"I am NOT like my father!" Weiss hissed in a very unladylike fashion. "I came to Beacon to be out from under him! To find my own way, so when I do take over the SDC I can change it for the better!"
"That remains to be see, but I can see in your eyes there is a spark that leads me to believe that you will try."
"I will not just try!"
"You will, and it is commendable. You are talented, and very well educated. A few years out from under your father's shadow and you will grow into a fine and moral woman... but you are missing something that will guarantee success. It something your... ahem... father... has in spades."
"And what would that be?" Weiss asked as her blue eyes narrowed.
"Influence." Jasmine flatly stated before taking another sip of her tea. "He has it to spare, and yes he has gained it through greedy, and less than savoury practices, but he still has it. You my dear Weiss do not."
"I'm a Schnee, I do have..."
"No your name has influence, and that ties back to your father. You need to cultivate your own away from his influence. To put it simply, you will need to build and army."
"Army?"
"Not the best choice of words, but yes. An army. You need to draw to you people of like vision, who also have resources at their disposal that the average person does not."
"I need to have people of means on my side."
"You will, and you have time to do it. It time if you stuck to your morals then you could face your father on even footing." Jasmine set her empty cup down on it's saucer. "Your mother forgot that, which is why she is suffering under his thumb, when she could have easily tossed him out."
"You know my mother?"
"I used to change your sister's diapers from time to time." Jasmine chuckled as Weiss just look stunned.
"Why... why don't I remember you?"
"Your father decided I was a bad influence on your mother." the little mirth in Jasmine's voice faded, "He started to interfere with planned gathers, outings, and even communications. He isolated your mother from those that could have helped... that still want to help her. Without him you probably would have been best friends with my own girls... and my niece."
"Niece? You have no niece. I've been tutored in the Arc family line. You are an only child and your husband's older brother passed away childless. There are multiple distant cousins, and such, but no niece."
"Don't be so certain, things are sometimes not what they seem. My husband's brother did father a child. After she was born, my husband, myself and her mother decided it would be best to keep her out of the public eye, and we did, until a situation arose that forces us to publicly reveal her."
"Does this offer have something to do with your niece?"
"It does." Jasmine picked a bite sized piece of pastry from the tier stand and popped it into her mouth. After swallowing she continued, "While she far from uneducated, she is rather emotional. I would like to... I wish her to have companions who can also acts as tutors,and trainers that will help fashion her into a woman capable of running a kingdom."
"And you believe I am such a woman?"
"I can see that you could be, and that is not to put you down, dear. You like my niece have yet to fully grow and bloom into the woman you will eventually be."
"By why me? You obviously have reservations about my family, and my father's influence on me."
"I wont lie. I do, but I also see in you the potential to over come those reservations I hold. The soon to be Lady Arc of Ansel, my niece needs assistance. I have reviewed your records as provided by Headmaster Ozpin."
"The Headmaster gave you my records?"
"No he allowed me access to them."
"Why would he? Those are private!"
"It was part of a reparations offer Beacon made to my family."
"Reparations? Reparations for what?"
"For putting my niece in harms way, which was against an agreement we made with Beacon for her to be here to study." Jasmine folded her hands in her lap, as she continued, "It is no different a situation than the agreement your father has probably made with beacon to insure you could attend the academy of your choice."
"He did no such thing! I had to prove to him I was strong enough to attend!" Jasmine's eyes narrowed as Weiss subconsciously reached up and touched the scar over her eye. "I passed his test, and he relented and allowed me to come to Beacon."
"I can assure you he made arrangements with beacon for your attendance, but that does not dictate who you are, it is just a part of how influence is used." Jasmine reached over and lightly touched Weiss' hand that was still on the table. "Did his test... give you that?"
"I..."
"Weiss, I am going to speak to you in a very unladylike way." Jasmine's eyes narrowed further as she focused on Weiss' scar. Her soft hand giving Weiss a comforting squeeze. "Your father is a fucking asshole, and should be hung by his balls from the walls of Mantel to feed the nevermore."
Weiss sputtered at the pure venom that dripped from Jasmine's words.
"He is a waste of life, and the sooner he is replaced as head of your family, and the SDC the better this world will be." Jasmine let her features soften and patted Weiss' hand. "I am sorry for you having to hear that. But I needed to say it. The SDC is important to the continued functioning of Remnant, your father however is not. Despite what he thinks."
"I..."
"Again I am sorry for that little tirade." Jasmine once again gave Weiss' hand a soft almost motherly pat. "I did not invite you here to listen to me vent about your father. I asked you here to see if you would be willing to meet my niece. If you would consider stepping away from Beacon to take a position as a lady in Waiting; as a Retainer for her."
"But my schooling. I wish to be a huntress, and through that I can strive to make the SDC better."
"I am not asking you to give up your schooling or training. You can still work towards your goals. We would assist you with that endeavour, as my niece will also require training and schooling, in addition to having companions she can trust to offer her advice."
"I..."
"I am not expecting an answer right now. I just wanted to speak with you directly and present the option to you personally." Jasmine leaned back in her seat and reached for the tea pot. "I feel like having another cup. Would you care to join me for a second as well? It would give you a chance to ask questions of me about this opportunity."
"Please. I would very much like that." Weiss responded.
/=/
As Weiss and Jasmine continued to talk, Glynda feeling like hell warmed over and totally expecting the VPD to be busting in her door any second was getting her first set of Jaune sponsored grey hairs.
"Jaune Josephine Arc!" she screeched at what greeted her as she entered her daughter's room. In the dining room Vert and Jade gave each other a shit eating grin and a wink, while Violet rolled her eyes at the pair.
"Professor Goodwitch!" shrieked Coco as she fumbled around only to fall out of the bed, hitting the clothing coated carpeted floor with a thud, while dragging the blanket off of Jaune.
"JAUNE JOSEPHINE ARC!" the increased volume actually made the twins wince, as Violet again rolled her eyes and proceeded to take a sip of coffee, from a World's Best Teacher mug. The lack of screams made the three Arc sisters wonder what was actually happening in Jaune's room. The twins knew Coco wouldn't make a move on Jaune. No one would be that stupid with them watching, but they just ha d a need to see what Aunt Glynda would do seeing her baby in such a situation; now they were getting worried.
"Should we?" Vert asked her twin.
"We did set it up." Across from them Violet just smirked as she took another sip of coffee.
"What are you grinning abo..." Vert started to ask Violet when she felt a soft yet very strong hand land on her shoulder.
"I suggest you two go clean up Jaune's room, while I have a little talk with her and Coco." Glynda's voice was stern and left no room for argument, "Then WE are going to have a discussion on what is considered an acceptable sleeping arrangement for my daughter and her... guests when I'm not around and you are. That sound like fun?"
"Yes, Auntie." the twin girls answered in soft voices.
"Good." they felt her hands leave their shoulders, "Get that room back in order please, and thank you."
The twins pushed themselves from their side by side spot at the table and darted into Jaune's room. A moment later Coco came out holding her shoes, beret and sunglasses in her hands, while a very red faced Jaune followed not far behind, wearing a knee length Pumpkin Pete nightshirt.
"Would you like the table Aunt Glynda?" Violet asked.
"Please." Violet only nodded, drained the last of her coffee and stood up. She moved into the kitchenette, deposited her mug in the sink, before heading to the door. She paused before stepping through, and grinned. She saw Coco glance her way, so she fired the obviously embarrassed girl a wink before exiting the apartment on some errand.
"Professor Goo..."
"Coco have a seat. Jaune, you as well." Glynda then moved to the side across from the young women to take her own seat. "So... so... so... so... ahem... so..."
"Nothing happened Professor Goodwitch. I swear." Coco spoke up as it was obvious that the newly revealed mother was having an issue broaching the subject. "She needed someone with her, and I needed to be near her. I was going to sleep on top of the covers..."
"Don't sell me out to save your own ass!"
"I'm not selling you out, I'm being honest with your mom, so she doesn't feel a sudden need to yeet me into the Emerald Forest!" Coco responded.
"Girls." Glynda's voice was disturbingly calm. "I will admit seeing you two as you were this morning was a shock. But you are both old enough to make your own decisions with regard to how you choose to show affection to each other... I wish Jas was here, she'd know what to say."
"Nothing happened, Au... m... mom." Jaune correcting herself, while offering a soft smile as a way of apology. Glynda return it.
"I swear nothing happened. We just shared the bed." Coco added.
"While I have no reason not to believe either of you, I am concerned." Glynda saw Coco about to speak so she pushed on. "I am not against a relationship between the two of you. It's the opposite in fact. I'm overjoyed that Jaune has found someone who cares for her, what is bothering me... is how fast the two of you seem to be trying to move. Understand?"
"Are you saying you think I don't..."
"No I'm not Ms Adel. I think you do care for her, or you wouldn't have done what you've done for her twice, what has me worried is that considering everything that has happened recently that scared something is going to happen, and you don't want to actually really see if what you are feeling is more than just attraction."
"Mom?"
"Jaune you tried to kill yourself twice. Ms Adel saved you last night, and from what I've been told she also saved you from being seriously hurt when you had lost control..."
"But you don't think what we have is real, do you?" Jaune asked her shoulders slumped.
"I don't know, and I don't think either of you do either."
"But..."
"Coco, I am not trying to separate you two. I want to see you together. You look like you would be very good for each other, what I am asking is for you to both slow down. Stop being afraid, and learn about each other." Glydna clasped her hands before her on the table, "Coco there is a lot Jaune hasn't been allowed to tell you. That WILL change, but can you honestly say you're ready when there is so much unknown about her for you?"
"I..."
"And Jaune... you know what I am talking about. You know what you need to do, you can't just yet, but soon you will be able to. Are you happy with what you have right now, knowing that there is so much you NEED to tell Coco, or are you just understandably reacting because of all the shit you've suffered through these last few days?"
"I... don't know." Jaune answered her shoulders drooping even further.
"I want you both to spend time with each other, Learn about each other. See if what you are feeling about one another is really what you think it is. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?"
"I think so." Coco replied herself looking a little defeated.
"Don't be looking like this is the end of the world, you two." Glynda gave the pair of young women a soft smile, "Be a couple first before being a... couple? Jas should have been here for this."
"You did good Aunt Glynda! Mom is way worse at this type of stuff." came the sound of Vert's voice from Jaune's bedroom.
"Are you finished?"
"Ah... No."
"Let talk more work." Glynda shouted before returning her attention to Coco and Jaune. "You should head back to your dorm and get ready for classes Coco."
"Yes Professor Goodwitch." Coco responded, sounding a little depressed.
"Feel free to drop by after classes." Glynda offered as she watched Coco pull on her boots. "I'm serious Ms Adel. Drop by after classes."
"I will." Coco confirmed, before looking towards Jaune. "See you later?"
"Of course."After Coco was gone, Jaune shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "Ah... mom?"
"Jaune?"
"Can you tell me why?"
"Why what, sweetheart?"
"Why you left me behind?"
"Okay, if that is what you want, I will try." Glynda rose from her seat and held out her hand to Jaune. "Come with me, I have some things I want to show you, and that I think you'll want to see while we talk."
/=/
Blake was paranoid, as she sat across from Lady Arc in the repurposed conference room. She knew something was off when she was given a official message from the Headmaster to meet at a place that was not his office. But curiosity got the better of her, so she came despite her misgivings. Now she was seated wait for the Matriarch of the Arc family was preparing tea for her. It was Valean style tea, not her favourite; but she would survive.
She tapped her finger tips on her thigh, as she tried to work out why this meeting was happening. Had Lady Arc remembered her? Blake did have fond memories of visits to and sleep overs at the massive almost castle like home of the Arcs. She wondered how Noir was, and Jaune. It had been years since the three of them sat up well past when they should have been asleep, giggling and braiding each other's hair. She could recall games of tag and hide n' seek with in the great halls with the two blondes that were the same age as her. In fact if she could recall correctly it was Jaune's, then her's, and finally Noir's. Three birthdays over three months?
Thinking about her Jaune, made her think on JNPR's Jaune. Pyrrha was worried, as he was missing. Blake was sure of that, but now that she recalled some childhood memories, she wondered if JNPR's Jaune was named after her Jaune; though now that she thought about it they did seem to share some similarities. Their eyes the most telling.
"Blake, why don't you take that horrid bow off and let your ears have some air. You have to be terribly uncomfortable."
Blake froze in her seat, panic setting in. Apparently she was remembered.
"Are you okay Blake?"
"Umm?"
"Blake?"
"I..."
"Take some deep breaths and calm down. You're not in trouble... yet."
"Yet?" Blake whined, a fresh bout of panic starting to set in.
"Your parents are very worried about you. Your Uncle Nat just recently had a chat with your father. HE found about you running away to the Fang..." Blake's worried amber eyes watched as her 'Auntie' stood up from her chair, walked in front of her and then dropped to her haunches. "and then running from the Fang."
Blake swallowed, her ribbon flattening against her head.
"Your uncle offered to help looked for you. Asked me to ask the Headmaster for assistance... but where do I find you?" Jasmine lightly taps Blake's thigh with her hand "Here at Beacon right under my nose!"
Blake gave Jasmine a weak smile, as she suppress the urge to bolt. Memories of the strange maids and butlers that could always find the girls when they were getting into trouble filtering to the front of her mind. No doubt is Aunt Jasmine was here she brought some of them with her. She was found out, and if she tried to run, to leave Beacon she was sure they would find her as quickly as they always had.
"So take off that bow, and let's have ourselves a nice little chat over some tea." Jasmine rose to her feet and returned to her own seat.
"Is this why?" Blake asked in a small voice as she reached up and took off her bow. Her ears felt instantly more comfortable freed from the confining piece of silk.
"The reason for the meeting? Jasmine picked up her cup and took a slip. "Partly, oh and your mother WILL be here tonight."
"Mom? Here?"
"Yes, we extended a diplomatic invitation for her. She WILL want to see you."
"But I..."
"Blake you parents are worried sick about you, because they love you. Your safety is the most important thing to them. Everything else is secondary, and I know. I feel the same about my girls."
"You wont let me avoid her will you?" Blake asked as she reached out and picked her own cup.
"No I wont. She needs to see you, and to be honest you need to see her. So after we have our little discussion, I am going to leave a message for her at the Estate about you being here at Beacon, and then I'm going to inform Violet that her second favourite dress up doll if here... and assign her to escort you around... unless..."
"Unless?"
"You agree to act like a woman befitting of your station... and promise to see her as soon as possible."
Jasmine picked up a tea sandwich and ate it as Blake shifted in her seat. m"Violet has thrown herself into her, training but I know she missed having you, Jaune, and Noir at her beck and call to play dress up."
"You said there was something else you wanted to speak about with me?"
"There is, but first... will you see your mother after she arrived?"
"Yes?"
"Promise?"
"Yes."
"Say it, Blake. I need to hear it."
"I promise to see my mother after she arrive in Vale."
"Thank you. It will mean the world to your mom, I promise." Jasmine had another sandwich, before continuing. "As for the other reason. You out of all three of the girls I am speaking with intimately knows the most of how Ansel works, and how the Arcs serve the people. So you'll understand when I tell you Jaune is going to have her Right of Passage."
"Jaune? Why Jaune? It should be Spahron. She's the oldest. If I remember she's over due for it."
"You're right it would be Saphron, if your Uncle was the true Lord of Ansel. It has to be Jaune as she is the heir of Nathaniel's older brother. The man who would have been the Lord of Ansel if a tragedy hadn't happened."
"He died, didn't he?"
"Yes, he did."
"And Jaune is his daughter?"
"Yes, a daughter we raised as our own, because her mother was having issues. So we stepped in to give Jaune a good happy childhood." Jasmine took a sip from her cup, and set it down before continuing, "Things have happened, and we need to officially reveal Jaune to Ansel, and the rest of Remnant."
"And what does this have to do with me?"
"As part of an offer for reparations, Beacon is allowing me to approach select students with an offer." Jasmine gave Blake a warm smile.
"What type of offer?"
"One that involves leaving Beacon and attaching yourselves to Jaune as her Retainers... Ladies in Waiting." Jasmine reached out and patted Blake on the thigh, "Jaune is smart, she is but she is emotional and often too kind hearted. She will need the support of exceptional young women like yourself to truly grow into the position she is destined for."
"Why me, though? I mean I was..."
"Because the pair of you were inseparable when you were younger. Because you also took part in the schooling that she did when you stayed with us. You're intelligent, strong willed, and when you want to be driven. All qualities that will help Jaune grow into herself."
"I..."
"It is only an offer. You are going to be forced to do it."
"You said I'd have to leave Beacon!"
"Unfortunately you would. We have business to finalize her in Beacon and Vale; and while that is happening Ansel will prepare the ceremony; which tradition and the constitution requires it to be held in the Cathedral." Jasmine gave Blake another smile, and a pat on the knee, before leaning back in her chair. "You would still receive all the training that you have been here at Beacon, though it would be of a higher calibre."
"How is that possible. Beacon is THE Huntsmen and Huntress Academy."
"If you and the other girls accept, Jaune will be training with you and it would ONLY be you four. So it would be more focused, individualized and hands on. You would also be taking classes in other subjects as well. We can't have Jaune or her ladies not be educated by the finest."
"So this all to get Jaune classmates?"
"No."
"Then what is it?"
"It is me making sure my niece is surrounded by people I can trust, whom she can trust; and whom can trust her. Blake out of everyone I am approaching you know Jaune the best. You spend a good part of your childhood with her before things happened to stop it."
"She's too trusting, and easily hurt."
"She is."
:So you're after people who can protect her from herself."
"Not really. I'm looking for people who can guide her, and help her grow. Individuals who would also benefit from the environment that she will be surrounded by."
"How would being away from my team, and living in Ansel benefit me?"
"I have a suspicion that you took actions that trouble you. I wont ask, but knowing how the White Fang changed... you need time and space to come to terms with what you may or may not have done." Jasmine's smile moved to a knowing motherly one. "You need to forgive yourself Blake, and accept that the past can not be changed, only learned from."
"And you feel Ansel would allow me to do that?"
"I do."
"What about the White Fang? The plight of the faunus?"
"You are well aware of Ansel's and the Arc family's stance on those issues. In fact if you do decide to accept this offer, you could help directly influence Ansel's stances. Improve out policy, and educate us on the inner workings of the Fang. This offer will also provide you with the opportunities to grown into the woman you are destined to be."
"It is tempting, but I'm not sure."
"That is fine. Take your time and think about it. Regardless of your choice I would like you to attend a reception tonight."
"Reception?"
"Think of it as a chance to reunite with Jaune." there was a glint in Jasmine's eyes, "I will need your measurements. You will need a proper outfit for this event."
"Proper outfit?"
/=/
The amount of military aircraft that had appeared in Vale airspace had people nervous. Though only a few recognized the markings that denoted Ansel's aircraft from that of Atlas. It was drawing many eyes.
At the air depot, two groups of vastly differently armed soldiers stood at attention. On the left clade in their customary battle suits stood the Ansel contingent. On the right was Atlas decked out in their traditional body armour. Both groups standing at attention their carbine weapons held against their shoulders. as between them three individuals walked making an inspection.
"Everything loos acceptable to me." Noir Arc commented, suited in her own battle suit. She walked between Lieutenant Rico and Specialist Schnee. "I'm going to make my way to the Estate and make sure the operations centre if up and running. I'll leave the addressing of your troops in your hands."
The two ranking officers nodded to the young woman, who replied with a salute, before moving off and taking a seat in a nearby Hornet. After it lifted off and vanished over the city, the pair took another few moments to regard each other.
"I suppose ladies first?" Rico offered.
"Thank you." Winter responded, before clearing her throat in preparation to address the assembled men and women. "You are here for a singular purpose. To provide the Lady of Ansel, the security she requires. Atlas you have been selected all for your individual strength or character! You will show Remnant why you are considered the best! You will protect Lady Arc, her entourage, and valued guests. This is a joint operation, so any orders given by ranking officers of the Ansel forces will be considered orders from me. Is that understood?"
"Sir, yes, sir!" came the unified response by the fifty plus personnel.
"You are representing Atlas. Remember that!" Winter took a deep breath and turned to face the man she would be sharing command of the protective forces with. "Your turn."
"Pretty speech. Now let me show you how it's really done." Lt Rico gave her a grin, before clearing his throat, "We are here with one job. You already heard what that is from my esteemed colleague; so I'm not going over it again! You heard it, so remember it!"
Winter shook her head at the rather blunt way the Lieutenant was addressing the combined forces. She wasn't prepared for what he did next.
"This is for all you new people, and I'm looking at you Atlas! I have ONE rule." Winter didn't like where this was going. "Everyone fights, no one quits! You don't do your job... I'll kill you myself. DO YOU GET ME?"
"We get you sir!" came the instant response from the Ansel forces.
"Atlas! Do YOU get me?" there was a long pause, and some light murmuring, "ATLAS! DO YOU GET ME?"
"We get you sir!" came the less than enthused response.
"Welcome to the Roughnecks."
"Rico's Roughnecks!" shouted the entire Ansel force.
Winter was embarrassed, shocked, disturbed and to be honest insulted by what she felt was a brutish and tyrannical display by her new associate. When he finally fell in place beside her, she had to resist the urge to berate him. She would have to speak with him in private, after both forces were settled and duty rosters confirmed.
"Would you like the honours?" he asked with a grin.
"Assemble by squad and prepare to depart for the Estate!" Winter called out in a stern voice. "Dismissed!"
The sound of over a hundred booted feet stamping on cement filled the air as both sides saluted before falling out as instructed.
"You and I are going to have a talk in private after the rosters and rotations are finalized." Winter informed the still smirking Lt.
"Of course." the smirk never left his face, "Looking forward to it."
/=/
Pyrrha Nikos was confused, so confused. Not only has the Headmaster given her an offer, but now Jaune's family has made one as well. Pyrrha didn't know what to do, and had spent a fair bit of her time trying to find out where Jaune was. If he was okay, and why he wasn't speaking to his team. She was sure Lady Arc had just ignored her questions on that topic. She would be lying if she didn't admit the offer was tempting. Freedom from her sponsors and manager. A focus on more than combat training, and tournament fighting. Plus the chance to fully interact with Jaune's family.
The real temptation came from the admission that aside from the two youngest Arc girls, most of them couldn't care less about her standing as the four-time Mistral Champion. In fact Pyrrha was almost over the moon when Lady Arc informed her that Ansel's population in general preferred more traditional sporting events, such as the Joust and Sword-Shield combat. When Pyrrha inquired further she was informed that huntsmen and huntresses were unable to compete, as was anyone who had active aura. Which actually made Pyrrha relieved, knowing that with her aura awakened she would be disqualified and thereby there was no expectation for her to take part. Which was refreshing to her.
The conversation have moved about from the point. Concerns about responsibilities and expectations. Worries about how her sponsors and managerial team would handle the sudden change or her priorities, and eventually some confirmations that Jaune was fine, just indisposed with family business. Pyrrha felt a second wave a relief pass through her, and slowly the offer of Lady Arc to assist in training and education her niece was growing on her. Pyrrha did feel like she was meant to be a huntress. She had been training almost her entire life towards that goal... sacrificing many other things that she was now regretting. Things she could possibly finally explore.
The conversation did eventually end, with a second invitation from Lady Arc for Pyrrha to attend a private reception, one that she would need to be properly dressed for. When she looked a little hesitant, Pyrrha was assured that it was a small private function where the three young women the Arc family was approaching would get the chance to met her niece in person. So Pyrrha agreed, and confirmed she did have suitable clothes aside from her Beacon Uniform and Combat outfit.
As Pyrrha entered JNPR's dorm, she was still checking her scroll hoping for a response from Jaune, though the confirmations from Lady Arc did quell Pyrrha's concerns. Setting her scroll on her nightstand Pyrrha reached under her bed and withdrew a ribbon tied box. Pyrrha knew she was going to have to speak with Headmaster Ozpin soon, about his offer... but as she considered the two offers before her, and the option to just continue in Beacon as she was. One thing was becoming clear to her. Out of the three, one was calling to her more and more.
So alone in the privacy of her dorm. Ren and Nora off somewhere, she started to prepare for the night.
/==/
So another chapter down, and we are officially past the number the original boasted. I have had concerns about the pacing of the story, and the rather dark tone it has as compared to the goofiness of the original. So hopefully this chapter and the next will deal some of those issues.
We will be moving from Beacon soon, and there will be more information presented about Ansel and it's importance.; which was another important point brought forward. So expect some info dumps that hopefully I can make work with how the story is progressing.
I have an individual who has offered to start being a "beta" for this story. I have accepted the offer, so I expect the quality of this story to improve. I will take advice, and suggestions, as that is just how I am.
So THANK YOU to everyone who posts reviews or contacts me directly with feedback.
Hope you enjoy.
Sincerely;
Jeremy.