So forewarning, this chapter is longer and touches a lot on some heavier themes. The life of a Huntsman or Huntress can be a horrid thing. But I made sure to keep some good and happy things in here to not destroy the overall feel I have tried to make for this. Which I feel is a bonding and personal growth story. The dialogue here in many places is very direct and adult, but they are all adults so there shouldn't be any problems there. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter, I am posting it a few days early because I am just too damn proud of it. Now engross yourself into the deep end on this one...
...
It had been three weeks since Jaune arrived on Patch. He was more determined now than he had ever been in his life. He had a taste of strength, and wanted nothing more than to get better. His movements were getting more fluid and smooth. His forms were starting to meld into each other better as he switched between them. Sure, he still couldn't hold a candle up to the first years of Beacon, but he was starting to get better in a noticeable way. When he and Taiyang sparred with their fists, Jaune was able to dodge and even bat down a few strikes. Now, every time he tried to block or parry, he was put straight on his ass. He just did not have the Aura for any of that. If he had his Aura unlocked he might be able to have the strength to do so, but he just did not right now.
This morning was going well, they started with small weapons and worked their way through gadget training. Then to really test him and work him, Tai had been beating the shit out of him for over an hour now. Not even once was Jaune close to landing a blow. He almost got Tai with a shoulder bash but the older man stopped it with a hand like it was nothing. The sensation of aching that clung to his cheek and ribs was constant now as he was barraged by his teacher. Eventually he stood up right into a clothesline.
"You should know Jaune, I can see you are getting better. You take hits well now and know how to approach your opponent. Your unarmed defense is impressive for how little experience you have." Tai said while extending his hand to Jaune.
"I think that is my natural desire to not be punched there." Jaune said with a wince as he took his teacher's hand and stood up.
"Heh, you might be right. But the best thing I have seen so far, is that your ability with a knife is great. You take to it naturally if I am honest. You have learned in three weeks with that knife what takes Signal students a year to get down." Tai said pointing to the scarecrow at the edge of the clearing.
It had knife slices through it in several places and each spot was mangled where he had done the same moves over and over. In the more open areas of the dummy, were larger slashes that cut deeper and were from his sword. He had run through the forms Qrow had taught him over and over the last week and a half. They felt like second nature now.
"Honestly teach… I think it is that way because you taught me unarmed forms and techniques first. I mean, I can just move so similar with the knife, than I can with my fist. But in the forward grip it feels like a sword, but I can punch, bash, and twist it into spots I could not with Crocea Mors. So yeah, the knife is good for me I think." Jaune says.
"Well then it is settled. When Qrow gets back from his meeting, I will have him unlock your Aura. You have learned enough to know what you are doing and to not hurt yourself. I have to warn you though, the next time you run through your forms, go easy. It will be weird for you at first to be so strong and fast. It certainly is weird fro me and Qrow to baby fight you." Tai says grabbing Crocea Mors and drawing the blade.
"More blunt training?" Jaune asks as his sheath is tossed to him.
"Yep, but I want you to focus more on hitting me where and when you think I am not expecting it. The forms Qrow taught you transfer between using one hand and two, so when you are using only one, then your other hand should be finding ways to bash with your sheath. It won't win you the fight, but it can damn sure throw your opponent off balance enough to get the upper hand." Tai explains, setting Jaunes blade down and picking up a wooden stick.
To call it a stick is not good enough, Jaune hated that stick. It was about one-third of a broomstick, but sanded down and glossed. It had a simple leather wrap towards the end to act as a good grip. It had given Jaune more welts and bruises recently than anything else. When Tai said he used to use one as his secondary back in school, he clearly thought that he would have lost some skill with it. That was dead wrong, the man could just about go toe to toe with Qrow using the damn thing. They had sparred for fun a few days ago while Jaune caught his breath.
"So I should have my sword if I am to do all that." Jaune pointed out.
"Oh. well I guess you are right. Ok, I dare you to get a blow in! My Aura hasn't been damaged in months." Tai taunts, as he hooks his foot under Crocea Mors and sends it into the air.
"Well then excuse me for a moment." Jaune says catching his blade and sheathing it. His hands dip to his waist where a metal container now rests on his belt. With a flick, he pushes a button. The top of the container opened enough for the end of a cigarette to stick out. Swiping it up, the lid closed back after. Jaune struck a match and lit the cig before putting it to his lips and drawing his blade.
His stance was at first neat. His right arm was holding his sword in a pointed fashion, towards Tai. His body was turned to face his left while his head and right arm stayed in their position aimed at his opponent. His left hand rested on the added handle on his sheath, ready to draw up the bludgeon at any moment.
Tai moved first, dashing in with his baton behind him. Jaune flipped his sword to a reversed grip before blocking the baton on it's blade. With their weapons pushing against each other, Jaune slammed his sword directly down towards the ground. Crocea Mors tip embedded itself into the dirt essentially drawing both Jaune's and Tai's arms downwards. In the half-second it took Tai to withdraw his baton, Jaune had pulled his scabbard from his waist using it's new handle and swung right for his teacher's head.
Tai ducked under the swing with ease and his left leg swiped up to kick Jaune's right hand. The attack made Jaune's grip fail, making his hand withdraw. Now over-extended with his left side closer to Tai, the older man took advantage by slamming the back of his right fist into Jaunes jaw. The whole motion was flawless and sent the young man reeling back a few feet. Tai felt bad, but knowing that he couldn't use full force on Jaune, he knew to be gentle.
Tai was impressed at how fast his student came back though. Three sharp swings at him were taken, one overhead. That swing was reversed at a gradual angle, swinging back towards Tai's throat. After that was dodged, Jaune dashed to Tai's side while swinging at his lower back. That blow was blocked by the baton and Jaune found a foot planted right on his hip. With a push, Jaune was sent back another few feet, stopping on the wrong foot. Tai lunged in and his fist planted itself into Jaunes gut. Then his baton slithered around Jaune's neck to rest on the back of the boy's neck.
Extending his knee up into Jaune's gut while pulling his head forward, the boy flipped over Tai's knee and landed flat on his back on the ground. Or at least that was what should have happened. Right as Tai thought Jaune would flip, he didn't. He ducked his chin to his chest and got out from under the baton. His sword hand let go of it's weapon and lunged up to firmly grab Tai's wrist. Then Jaune straightened up and looked Tai directly in the eyes.
"Sorry." Jaune said.
"For wha-" Tai started right as Jaune spat his cigarette right at Tai's eyes.
Instinctively closing his eyes and pulling his wrist from Jaune's grip, Tai felt the cigarette bounce off his nose. Then a sensation much more foreign, as something slammed into the side of his head with decent force. Opening his eyes and managing to get a foot more distance, Tai stopped in his tracks.
Jaune stood with his left arm extended, scabbard pointed off to Tai's side. His eyes were wide and his whole body was still.
"I-I hit you…" Jaune stated quietly. Then his arm slowly put his scabbard back on his waist. "I actually hit you."
"Yeah kid, you did." Tai said with a small smile while rubbing the right side of his head a little.
"I can't believe it! I hit you! I did it!" Jaune yelled while jumping up and down like a little girl.
The two of them shared a laugh for a few minutes before Jaune walked over and retrieved his sword from where it had been dropped.
"Have to admit, I did not see that one coming. Qrow tell you to do that?" Tai said while walking back towards the house.
"No. I was just panicking so hard. I knew that once I grabbed you I would have to do something crazy. I didn't expect to even get that far! Then it happened and boom, the idea popped into my head. I am just amazed that I even managed that blow." Jaune said stamping his cig and following Tai.
"Well it won't happen again. I am not going to fall for it twice. In fact, I am going to totally get you back for that." Tai said leading them into the kitchen and sitting at the table.
"So, what exactly did Qrow have to go do again?" Jaune asks while running a hand through his hair.
"He had to go meet with Ozpin, they work together sometimes. He said he would be back in a few hours. So pretty much anytime he should come bustling in with news." Tai responded.
And as if there was a god above that had a love for comedic timing, that is exactly what happened.
"Well I have news!" Qrow said slamming the front door open. "Kid, we are going on a field trip!"
"Wait wait wait, we never agreed on any field trips Qrow!" Tai said with crossed arms.
"Where are we going? And why?" Jaune asked standing.
"Well firstly, we are stopping by Beacon to pick up a few things I need. Then we are getting on a bullhead and going straight to Mistral" Qrow said walking to the cupboards and getting a mug down. With no shame he started to pour his flask into the mug.
"Qrow, what brought all this about? We are making great progress here." Tai says, with an odd look in his eyes. Was that desperation?
"Well it turns out your daughters are loud mouths and told Oz where we were. So the cat is out of the bag, Oz wants me to go investigate some students in Haven and of course I said yes. Then he dropped a comment on how he wanted to know how Jaune's training was going." Qrow said drinking from his mug.
"That damn guy made you agree to the mission before revealing he knew of this. He wants you to leave." Tai sighed as he rubbed his forehead.
"Exactly" Qrow said.
"Wait, what does any of this mean?" Jaune asks, very confused.
"The Headmaster probably wants me in Mistral so he can come down here and meddle with everything while I can't do jack about it." Qrow says.
"I don't particularly enjoy the thought of having to speak with him, so I see where you stand now Qrow. You don't want Jaune being drafted into Ozpin's plans till he is ready so you are not going to allow him to meet Ozpin again.
"What do you mean, draft me into his plans?" Jaune asks.
"Your mother's semblance, Ozpin probably thinks that yours will be similar. And if that ends up being true then you will be very useful to him." Tai explains.
"My mother's semblance? I don't think she ever used it around us." Jaune said while trying to remember if she had done anything out of the ordinary around him.
"Well she probably wouldn't use it on you kids. Jaune, your mom can stop time. I have seen her take down entire gangs in a moment with it. Terrorist attacks, Murders, and all types of incidents that need a very steady hand were cheese to her." Qrow says while setting Harbinger down on the table.
"Oh, so if Ozpin thought someone was fishy he would send me to watch them, and if something bad were to happen I'd stop time and fix it?" Jaune asked, curious.
"Yeah, but imagine if you didn't know what to do, and you had to watch time resume and everyone get hurt anyway. Or worse you could try to do something, and accidentally kill yourself. So that is why I am going to take you with me everywhere I go. I will be able to teach you more things, and it would give you actual job experience as a Huntsman apprentice. That way, you wouldn't be convinced to join Ozpin too early, and you will be much more prepared when he does roll around with an offer." Qrow says.
"Jaune, go pack. I will get some stuff together for you." Tai says grabbing a paper bag from under the sink.
"Y-yeah, i'll be back in a minute." Jaune said speeding off to the stairs.
The air in the kitchen suddenly felt stale. Both Tai and Qrow had words to say, but not the desire to. But the quiet had to be broken eventually. So Tai took the first jab.
"What kind of mission are you expecting Qrow?" Tai breathed out while putting together some fresh food and fruit into the paper bag.
"If it is like what I expect, then I will be finding out if the suspicious students and individuals are actually of any threat. If so, then I have no doubt I will shut them down. But, if that happens to be the case, I will just get in touch with another Huntsman and leave Jaune at the bar, I mean hotel… Nothing is going to happen to him Tai, I will treat it as if I had Rubes or Yang with me." Qrow said in a softer manner.
"I know that Qrow, you already treat him like family. I have no doubt you will keep him safe, but you need to unlock his Aura. I can't help but feel that he will improve greatly when you do… Heck, the little jerk got me today." Tai said.
"What! He did?" Qrow said surprised, after almost choking on his liqour.
"He got in close, and I would have put him on his ass. Then the kid spat his cigarette right towards my eyes. Before I knew it, he smacked me over the head with his scabbard and we made distance. It wasn't bad, it would definitely get him a leg up on someone younger." Tai said smiling and chuckling.
"Heh, not a bad kid. Not bad at all. Do you think he is ready for this? What if there ends up being criminal or White fang elements? You think he could handle that?" Qrow asked, scratching his neck and jaw.
"Could he handle that? I mean practically, sure. Even with only three weeks of proper training, he probably has more skill than criminals and low level terrorists. But I don't think that combat with actual bad guys so soon is a good idea. Plus, the way we have been pushing him, is insanely hard compared to everyone else his age. They have all been at prep schools, where they do maybe twenty minutes of real fighting a day. Jaune gets upwards of eight hours of training a day, seven days a week. Three or so hours a day of the eight is sparring against one of us." Tai says shaking his head.
"Yeah, in the last three weeks that is upwards of sixty-three hours of fighting. Do some fancy math and that is pretty much how much fighting you do in class in Signal for two and a half years. Sure, those kids go train on their own time, but fighting something that fights back instead of dummies has got to be a major help." Qrow says, finishing his drink and rinsing out his mug in the sink.
"Pretty much, so that means in the few weeks you two are on this mission, expecting that you continue training, Jaune will have had more physical experience in fighting than students graduating from prep schools. While I can't say on his skill that he will be equal to someone like Yang, because he just isn't going to be. But if he takes to all of this with ease and with Aura backing him, then in five weeks he may be on par with the lower ranked kids in Beacon." Tai says in theory.
"Here's hoping, Maybe by the time the Vytal Festival rolls around he will be able to handle anyone in class at Beacon. We can't enter him, but we can have Yang or Ruby spar him to test out our teachings." Qrow says as Jaune walks back into the room, his backpack slung over his shoulder.
"I am ready." Jaune says with a determined look on his face.
His sword hung from his waist, and his vambrace-arm cannon was strapped to his arm now. His utility belt was full, the dust cartridge slots all filled and color coded. His combat knife hung at his right hip, a blue cartridge in the weapon's slot. His cigarette container sat visible on the front of the belt slightly to his right side. His hair had fresh gel slickening it back, gleaming.
"Yeah? We will see. Take this for the flight." Tai said, passing the paper bag to Jaune and patting the boy on his shoulder.
"Let's go kid, destiny awaits." Qrow said.
…
Ozpin didn't expect to be in the current situation he found himself in. He was many thousands of years old. He had faced Grimm dragons and killed dangerous criminals in countless amounts. He did not cower easily. But against angry mothers he had a natural fear. He blames Salem for that.
"Where is my Son Ozpin?" June Arc asked angrily as she stormed in from the Elevator.
"I-I'm sorry Ozpin I tried to stop her from-" Glynda tried to say while following June. She was visibly flustered.
"That is quite alright Glynda, I am sure I can handle it from here." Ozpin said. Though he had no doubt that if June wanted to tear down the campus in search of Jaune, she would regardless of what they told her.
"Alright." Glynda said, exiting.
"Now, tell me what room he is in. I need to have words with my son." June said with narrowed eyes. Her shoulder length hair was tied back in a pony-tail. And her clothes were obviously meant for travel and not visits like this.
"Mrs. Arc I can assure you that your son is not enrolled or present here at Beacon. Though if I had a way to make that so without repercussion, I most definitely would." Qozpin said calmly.
"Oh really, why? So you could use him like you tried to use me? Like you used Summer Rose?" June said back with venom.
The silence that followed was uncomfortable and almost tense. Ozpin felt his eyes close and his chin dip slightly as he thought on his past actions.
"Summer's death was never something I wanted. Nor did I expect that it would happen. As for what I wanted from you, I would not say I had wrong or harmful intentions. You chose to say no, and to stay to raise your daughter. I respected your wishes, as I should have." Ozpin said evenly.
"Ozpin I know. I know what you are facing. It took me many years to figure it all out, but I pieced it together from what I have seen over the years. I finally understand what Summer was trying to tell me." June said making eye contact with Ozpin.
"Then you know exactly why I wanted your help all those years ago. And you must understand why Summer gave her life." Ozpin stated.
"Gave her life? No Oz, she had it taken from her! She had two kids at home who needed their mother! She didn't give anything! The other side hunted her down and butchered her because you asked her to pursue them. So don't pretend that you have no part in it!" June shouted with anger.
"June… As I have said before. I have made more mistakes than any man alive. I will not claim I didn't make any. Summer's demise still stings when I think of it. As for her children, they are getting the best possible education they can. I can only help them to be strong enough to face what is to come."
"They are here then… How typical of you. More pawns for the board then. If you don't have him then where is he?" June asked now with her voice at a more reasonable level.
"I do not know." Ozpin said.
"Yeah, and Grimm are pink. Tell me, I have a right to know. I need to make all this stop, before he ends up dead like Summer." June said.
"Patch. He has been there for three weeks." Ozpin revealed, defeated by her logic.
"Taiyang. That son of a bitch."
"I happen to think that his household personality may be exactly what Jaune needs right now. I did deny him his dreams after all, in no small part out of respect for his mother." Ozpin said, clearly making his point.
"Yeah...Thanks for that at least. Goodbye Headmaster, see you in a few years, when you get Qrow killed too." June said, making her way to the elevator.
As soon as the doors closed, Ozpin rang up his scroll. He pressed the call button and waited.
"Hello?"
"Taiyang. June Arc is heading for Patch, I suggest you get Mr. Arc to a seperate location." Ozpin said.
"Oh no… Well Qrow is way ahead of you."
"What? Where is Mr. Arc?" Ozpin asked.
"Well it is four now, so most likely a third of the way to mistral by now."
"Goodbye Taiyang." Ozpin said hanging up and letting his scroll fall to his desk.
Why does everything seem to be unfortunate lately?
Gods damn you Qrow.
…..
Yang found herself laughing in genuine humor. Ruby had for the last hour been trying to explain away why Pyrrha Nikos beat her without making her seem better than Ruby. Ruby was vehemently trying to say that she simply tripped, when in reality, Pyrrha flung her out of the ring.
"Aw, poor Rubaby. A loss is too much for her." Yang teased.
"I happen to think that Ruby did great, for the seven seconds she was in the fight." Weiss snarkily added.
"Guys! It was not that bad!" Ruby said dejectedly.
"No worries, no one in our year can hold a candle to her. So don't get too worked up about it." Blake said from the back of the pack while reading a book and walking in pace with them.
"Yeah Ruby, remember last week when she handed Weiss her ass on a silver platter?" Yang said.
"What- how dare you!" Weiss said with a huff.
"Coming through!" Professor Port yelled as he came around the corner in a sprint.
"Woah!" All four girls exclaimed as they parted for the man.
"What the heck was that about?" Yang asked as they watched the teacher's form disappear down the hall.
"I do believe that he was running. Fleeing is a more appropriate term if I do say so myself." Dr. Oobleck said as he zipped right up to them quicker than they realized.
"Fleeing from what Dr.?" Ruby asked.
"An old student from our first years teaching here. He mistook her for someone he knew and managed to take a pass at her from behind. Now, with a fear of losing his head and or gentleman parts, he is fleeing." Dr. Oobleck explained while drinking from his thermos.
"Oobleck! Where did that portly bastard go?" June said skidding up to them with a murderous look.
The girls did not feel intimidated, but by the way Oobleck flinched as she approached they could tell this woman was not to be trifled with.
"I am going to castrate that old perv-" June said before freezing in her tracks and losing her angry expression. Her eyes had landed on Ruby.
"Uh, hello?" Ruby stated with a tiny wave.
The other girls noted that Oobleck had inched his way to the side before zooming out of sight.
"Y-you are Ruby Rose, aren't you?" June asked gently.
"Yes. Do I know you?" Ruby asked.
"I think me and Weiss will catch up with you guys at the dorm." Blake said seeing the situation for what it was. Before Weiss could say anything, the Faunus had dragged her down the hall by the arm.
"No. But I know you. I went to school with your Mom and Dad." June said with a small smile.
"That means you know Uncle Qrow then too." Yang said with a smirk.
"Yes, I also know that drunk fool." June said with an eye-roll and a fond shake of her head.
"Yeah that's him! So what's your name?" Ruby asked, sticking out her hand.
"June, June Arc. I graduated a year ahead of your folks. They were really good friends." June said, shaking Ruby's hand.
"Arc? Wait a minute, are you Jaune's Mom?" Yang asked with wide eyes.
"Yes I am, may I ask how you know my son?" June asked, looking at Yang.
"Well he has been sending her love songs on the scroll-" Ruby began before Yang's hands wrapped around her mouth.
"We met him when we left for Beacon, he came to our house with our Uncle. Right Ruby?" Yang asked firmly.
"Yes, Uncle Qrow brought him from Vale saying something about helping him out." Ruby agreed.
" Oh he did now did he?" June asked with a dangerous expression.
"Yeah, Jaune really wanted to learn how to be a huntsman. But at first I thought he was a musician. I guess he is multi-talented. Wouldn't you say so Yang?" Ruby said with a tongue laden with suggestive tones.
"What Ruby is trying to say is that you have a good son, and that our Dad is looking after him well." Yang said immediately, shooting that down. She was so going to hide the cookies when she got to the dorm.
"Well I will be sure to thank him when I arrive to get my Son, It was very nice to meet you girls." Jaune said patting them on their shoulders. "Wait, you… Have silver eyes."
"Yeah? Why does everyone keep saying that?" Ruby asked, curious.
"No reason Ruby, you girls have a good night." June said before walking off in the direction of the bullhead docks.
"Yang, do you think I made her sad?" Ruby asked softly.
"What? Why would you?" Yang asked.
"She apparently knew Mom pretty well. And I know I look like her, so maybe I reminded her of her dead friend…" Ruby said looking at her feet.
"Nope, don't think like that Ruby. I am sure you made her think of all the great times she had with Mom. Plus, she is going to go see Dad so she can't be too upset. She must have known she was going to either see us here or there so no worries." Yang said, wrapping her arm around Ruby's neck.
"Yeah, maybe Dad will cheer her up if she is down!" Ruby said walking with Yang back to the dorm.
…..
"Now don't jump to conclusions!" Taiyang said desperately.
"You are harboring a fugitive and I will show no mercy in reclaiming him!" June shouted as she quite literally shove Tai to the side.
"He isn't here anymore June!" Tai said from his back on the kitchen floor.
"Yeah? Well then why do both your daughters and Ozpin seem to think he is here?" June said storming up the stairs.
Fearing for his own safety, Tai decided to stay put in his kitchen and wait for her to come back down. June Arc was not to be denied anything. Because unlike most other people, she could take whatever she wanted. Two-time Vytal winner and third female Huntress ever to have an Elite level license in all four kingdoms at once. June Arc was a force of nature.
"So… I may not have renewed my Huntress License last year. But I am about two minutes from whipping your ass like when we were kids Tai." June said quietly as she walked in and sat down at the counter.
"I will have you know that this is my house. And I would appreciate it if you would give me some respect. You walk in here like you own the place after we haven't seen each other in who knows how long?" Tai said firmly.
"Summer's funeral. That was when we last saw each other…" June said, dipping her head.
"Yeah. And how respectful of you to bring that up." Tai said solemnly, taking his seat across from his old friend.
"Dammit, I'm sorry Tai. I don't mean to upset you. I am just panicked right now. Three weeks ago my son runs away from home after stealing my weapon. I thought he would come back after realizing his mistake. But after a few days I knew I had to go look for him. So I looked and looked. Finally I found records of him at a hotel. The clerk said he met with the headmaster of Beacon of all people. And you know just as well as I do that I don't want my child anywhere near him." June began with a pained expression.
"Yes I do, but that is for him to decide. Isn't it?" Tai said with a pointed look.
"No, I am not going to allow my son to end up like…" June said before stopping herself.
"Like my wife?" Tai finished for her with a frown. "Now it is time for you to listen to me, June Orchard. I know exactly what it is like to lose someone that means more to you than the air you breathe! And I know just as much as you do, that my children are in danger of becoming like her. But Ohm forbid I make my daughters grow up to be something they hate for my own satisfaction!" Tai said slamming his hand into the table.
"Tai…" June said.
"No. In the last few weeks I have looked at Jaune and thought about her every single time. You raised a good boy June. He is so desperate to succeed that the determination is contagious. He kept his resolve through everything me and Qrow put him through. And if i can say it, he has more potential than many kids his age. Not once did I think about dissuading him from his path because I thought it would keep him safe. Because no matter how much I want him and my daughters to be safe and sound I can't live their lives for them. And you have done that boy a disservice by trying to do just that his whole life." Tai finished with his arms crossed and eyes soft.
"Even after everything you have gone through, after all that this profession and that Ozpin's enemy has taken from you? You still allowed them to become Beacon students?" June asked.
"Like I said June, I will not live my daughter's lives for them. They wanted this more than anything. And I want them to be happy. So yes, I chose my daughter's side over my own." Tai confirmed.
"So Qrow abducted my son then?" June asked with a small chuckle.
"You were expecting him to take a different child then?" Tai asked.
"Y-you…" June said after her head snapped up to stare into his eyes with a terrified expression.
"Yeah, I know." Tai said.
They sat there, perfectly still. It seemed like an eternity before she spoke again.
"He, w-we were young Tai. I was stupid and thought that I could handle running around with Qrow behind my fiance's back. How wrong I was. Then we all went our separate ways and I didn't have a clue on what to do. When Saphron was born I panicked, cause I knew right then it was Qrow's. And so did my husband. We split for a while, but worked it out eventually. But Qrow couldn't be told." June said resting her head in her hands.
"He figured it out. That day you told him to leave… He knew then." Tai said setting his hands on the table.
"Oh no… It must have broken him. I knew that if I told him, he would do something rash. Saphron was visiting from Argus at the time. Any other time and I would have let him come. It was just unlucky timing." June said.
"That is Qrow for you, never being at the right place at the right time." Tai said.
"Where are they Tai? What should I do?" June asked with desperation and need in her voice and eyes.
"They are headed to Mistral on a mission. And you should go home, June. Be with your daughters and know that I will update you on whatever I learn from Qrow. Let the boy live his life. You know Qrow will protect Jaune like a son out there." Tai ordered.
"I know… He always wanted to train someone like this." June said nodding her head.
"Here… this is something you can have, I have copies." Tai said reaching over and pulling a picture from the fridge. He handed it to her.
It was a snapshot of Jaune and Qrow. Their blades were rested on their respective shoulders, while their free hands were resting on each other's closer shoulders. June saw Jaune's new look and smirked. Stupid Qrow and his style rubbing off on her son. She had to admit he looked more confident and definitely would make girls back home swoon. But one thing stuck out to her.
"He smokes?" June asked, more curious than angry.
"Yeah, he just picked some up at the mall one day. Sneaky kid spat one in my face during a spar and managed to land a hit to my noggin." Tai said chuckling.
"That's my boy." June said pocketing the photo.
…
I wrote June to be a mother bear for a reason here, I feel it needs some explanation because some of you may feel she is a little too angry over this. But I am trying to portray her as someone who has very good reasons to be upset and even more reasons to want her children to stay away from Huntsmen. She has a semblance that I feel is very useful and would lead many to wanting her for it. Of course as we know Ozpin he would definitely try and have it on his side. I have connected June, Qrow, and the remaining members of Team STRQ through history because it made sense. The past love triangle is in here because I feel like we humans have all made mistakes and that would of course apply to June. Try not to hate her too much for all the negativity she is hauling in, for in time it will be revealed to be understandable. Past all that, I hope I got across that Jaune can think on the fly with his cheap shot on Tai. I also think I got the dynamic between Yang and Ruby down better in this one too. I hope you guys loved it, because this chapter is my finest so far in my opinion. Please leave a review, it would mean the world to me if you guys gave me feedback.
Till next time- SlyShorty