Remnants of the last Dragonborn- Chapter 5, For a brat like you, your alright, Now lets get wasted!
…
36 hours later after Ironwood spoke to the Headmaster of Beacon…
Atlas Academy, Bullhead landing zone.
Currently standing in his pristine military uniform was James Ironwood looking out towards the horizon waiting to receive the metaphorical, possibly even literal bomb that was Qrow Branwen despite how the two interact when in public and closed doors, James admires Qrow's abilities.
Always put the mission first above all else, unstoppable when he sets his mind to a task and dare he think an incarnation of a real Reaper in combat. However Qrow had a weakness like everything else in this world set to destroy itself… and that was family, his family. With the arrest of his sister and the state she was delivered in, James could only imagine what he must be going through, possibly brandy or the strongest scotch in existence to quell his anger.
That is why James was taking every precaution to not upset the man when he arrived; No Winter Schnee insight despite her protests, himself being present immediately when he arrives to ensure the bird themed man doesn't wander off and the strongest Atlesian Vodka ready and waiting in his office to either gift to him or incapacitate him if he meets Mister Arc sooner than he would prefer.
The cold weather bristled his stern face as he heard the engines of the bullhead that was expected to arrive. Breathing in, then out and repeating the process one more time. The General strode forward, the epitome of authority and military discipline shown with every step approaching the small vessel. He was quickly greeted by a military personal group, scientist, one or two teachers and, ah yes the man of the hour. Qrow…
Qrow Branwen, despite his rather thin body figure was rather muscular, has graying black, spiky hair, dull red eyes and slight stubble along his jawline. Along with a red, tattered cloak, he wears a gray dress shirt with a long tail, black dress pants and black dress shoes.
He also wears a ring on his right index finger, two other rings on his right ring finger and a necklace with a crooked cross-shaped pendant. With his weapon Harbinger, resting comfortably behind his waist.
Getting off the transport Qrow's eyes lock onto the Generals, blood red looking into Atlesian blue. As silence ensued Qrow approached his 'colleague' and gave a mock salute as he greeted the military man.
"General James Ironwood, a pleasure." His gruff voice stressing the last words like it was killing him internally, like the alcohol has been for years.
'He's never used my title before, hod odd?' Despite years of working together to some degree, Qrow had never once addressed James by his title and short instances he has were jabs or flat out insults. Yet Qrow being courteous was terrifying, but oh, so satisfying for the General.
"It's good to see you Qrow, I hope the travel wasn't too long and strenuous." He spoke concerned hoping he wasn't in a cranky mood before they even got to business.
"I was already close to Atlas when I got the message, Oz wasn't kidding when he said Raven had been nabbed by the big boys in white." He drawled out reaching for his flask as Ironwood escorted him inside. "On my way over I watched the press conference, that kid really is a wolf in sheep's clothing, isn't he. I read his body language that indicated he has a predator among prey and the scars & tattoos on his body clearly were much older than the so-called 'week' that he spent with the tribes. Old Ozzy never got around to telling me the real story, so care to fill me in?"
Finally Qrow and Ironwood made it inside his office as he activated the locks and brought up his screen at the desk. Ironwood gestured to the seat opposite the desk which Qrow slouched into at a moments notice crossing his left leg over the other. "A few days ago I received intel about a huntresses distress signal popping up in the North-west on Anima, low and behold it was your sisters to my surprise, originally I was going to ignore the signal concluding she was trying to lure my men into a trap and scavenge whatever they could."
"Sounds like something Rae would do." Qrow interrupted.
"Yes but despite the dangers of sending resources and manpower to an obvious trap, I set off anyway at the possible chance either a poor soul managed to snag her scroll or Salem caught up to her after so long." The mere mention of the Grimm Queen sent a shiver down Qrow's spine not wanting to imagine if Salem got her hands on Raven. "When we reached the camp it was destroyed, bodies everywhere, of not only your sisters tribe but all of the other biggest tribes on every continent." Ironwood showed images taken of the aftermath that were too disturbing to be shown on the CCT interview.
Qrow mulled over the images, severed body parts, destroyed tents, the most disturbing was the condition of the survivors it was all just ghastly even for the hardened huntsman. "Oum above Jimmy, are you telling me this was all done by that kids semblance!?" He exclaimed with skepticism.
"Your correct the 'kids semblance' didn't do this," As Qrow expected no matter what was said at that interview, no semblance could have had Raven put in that sort of state, until James finished. "The 'kid' himself did everything…" On cue James played the recovered video of the massacre.
At the start when viewing the events in order Qrow was downing every drop of his flask. By the end he only spoke one sentence after being silent for approximately two full minutes.
"You got anything stronger Jimmy this shit isn't going to cut it." In kind 'Jimmy' went inside his desk drawer and pulled out the Atlesian tonic saved for this very moment, but instead of handing it to Qrow he unscrewed the bottle and took a large swig before passing it to the active huntsman.
"Every time I watch that footage, I don't know whether to either lock up Mister Arc then toss the key away, or send him directly to the Grimmlands and slaughter everything there," A dark humorous chuckle escaped Ironwood's lips at the thought of doing such a thing. "Currently Mister Arc is under constant supervision to ensure no one decides to enrage the boy otherwise I'm sure Atlas would never recover otherwise."
After downing one third of the bottle, Qrow looked back to the paused image of Jaune Arc looming over his sister's unconscious body after severing her arms. "Shit has hit the fan big time, what is Oz thinking bringing this kid, no! This scary son of a bitch back to Beacon!"
Throwing his arms into the air exclaiming the absurd request. "I get he can use magic which would have old Oz's attention, but this," Pointing to the screen. "Isn't whoever the kid once was, this guy is something incredibly dangerous."
"James, my nieces attend Beacon, I haven't heard from them personally in a while but Oz keeps me posted, when Arc 'disappeared' I was told Yang especially made the kids' life a living hell, daily beatings, never ending verbal assaults for over a month." Ironwood knew Mister Arc experienced a great deal of issues when the transcripts were revealed but didn't know the details so he allowed Qrow to continue.
"Apparently Ruby and Yang took it badly when the kid was outed by his very own partner, some kind of Spartan lookalike chick, anyway once the news was out Arc was public enemy number one for the first years, the older lot didn't mind thankfully cause if they did the kid would've been dead by the end of the first week." Qrow stopped abruptly to take a swig before continuing. "The exchange students seemed to like the kid that was the only silver lining, the day before he dropped off Remnant his team and my nieces were fed up, they were receiving threats and being cornered regularly to stop messing with the kid by the exchange students and upperclassmen."
"They almost killed him, Ruby cut his tendons in his legs, Yang broke the majority of his ribs, Ice queen's little sister impaled his legs with ice, the dark haired girly Blanche or something made sure he couldn't run. His partner the sick bitch beat his face in all the while screaming insults, a survivor of the Kuroyuri incident shot him in the shoulder whilst some crazy ginger dislocated his spine." Ironwood heard of past incidents when transcripts of students being revealed but nothing this extreme!
"WHAT THE HELL IS OZPIN DOING AT THAT SCHOOL!" Slamming his robotic fist right through his desk in rage at the information.
"I agree James it was beyond anything cruel that happened in my days, the odd prank here and there, bullying of faunuses and regular students but this was straight up attempted murder. For the week the kid was gone I hadn't heard from Oz how the teams were being punished in all fairness. I expect Oz to expel them unless he wants David to burn the academy to the ground." Qrow just like Ironwood was disgusted by this behaviour his family was tearing itself apart, Raven pissed off the devil and lost her arms, Ruby is an attempted murderer, Yang is becoming an even more worse version of her mother and Tai… who knew what the big lug was going through when he got the news.
Taking in an angry intake of oxygen through his nostrils the General leaned back in his chair trying to cool his emotions down but failing. "Qrow I'm going to call Ozpin and discuss this arrangement of how he conducts his students and have Mister Arc stay in Atlas for the foreseeable future, despite what he is capable of he is still a teenager that's gone through a traumatic experience." Ironwood spoke fully concerned about what might occur if Jaune Arc would do once he returns to Vale, to the kingdom that failed him. "I'll have Clover escort you to the prisoner facility, I know despite everything you still wish to see her Qrow." He said looking into his friend's eyes.
Qrow placed the bottle with half of its contents still inside on Ironwood's desk.
"Thanks Jimmy, I appreciate it. Before I visit Rae-Rae however I want to see the kid first." Said the even gruffer voice of Qrow due to the alcohol.
"That's… Sure Qrow, last time it was reported his location he was inside the academy's forge, 3rd floor largest door at the end of the corridor, Clover will guide you." Ironwood spoke.
Qrow raised a brow at the statement. "Your kidding! The most advanced kingdom has a regular forge in your prestigious school!" Qrow mocked.
"Despite popular belief we still teach forging to those who prefer a more traditional weapon, it also teaches precision, patience-!"
"Yawnnnn! I appreciate the lecture Tin man but we both need to get on with our day~" Normally Ironwood would feel annoyed at his friends' mockery, but seeing him lighten up and back to his regular self it brought an unnoticeable smile to his face.
20 minutes later,
Atlas Academy, Forging room Alpha
Currently topless with his muscular frame in full view, giving off a pheromone of concentration, sweating profusely at the heat being given off by the forges, was the dragonborn in all his glory.
As he hammered a rhythm of striking hot-metal over again and again until it began to take shape into the desired object of its creator. The noise echoed louder as the dragon in human skin struck like lightning... powerful, destructive and beautiful to those watching him work.
'Almost there, apply more heat? Done. Flatten the quicksilver until it's appropriately thin and sturdy? Complete. Then cool down.' With his current thought process filled with the numerous teachings and experience gained over the years, he was completely oblivious as Qrow and Clover entered the room staying in the far back watching the kid work.
The students watching the art being created before them, Team FNKI watching with astonishment at the power the kid used with every move, even Neon the teams renegade member known to not be able to be in one spot more than a few seconds stood perfectly still.
Jaune's escorts Ciel Soleil and Penny Polendina were like everyone else entrapped by the display. Ciel watched the fellow student of another academy being incredibly precise and not wasting a singular movement during the process. Penny watched on with childlike wonder never before seeing a weapon being forged it was and I quote 'Sensational!'.
'Just a few more, a curve here, fur added to the guard and…' "Phew, finished." As he wiped away sweat from his brow, residing in Jaune's hands was a Nordic sword, the blade was approximately 105 centimetres in length with intricate nordic design along the sword. The guard of the sword was slightly curved and sporting a patch of fur for appearance, whilst the handle was decorated with red leather straps wrapped around it.
Taking a few practice swings checking its weight and finding it remarkable even for his work, walked over to a female student wearing the regular Atlas academy uniform, she had long black hair reminiscent of ebony styled into a high ponytail, her eyes were a beautiful shade of bright chestnut brown.
The students name was Shae Treasure, first year. When Jaune walked into the forge earlier today he was greeted by many awkward teens trying to work the forges either trying to improve their current arsenal or make a brand new weapon.
For a long time Jaune watched numerous students fail and succeed eventually he laid his eyes on Miss Treasure struggling harder than anyone around decided to help out. Leading up to him gathering a crowd along the way.
"Here you are Shae, this should be perfect for you!" His kind smile shone brightly as he handed the weapon gently into her hands. Shae couldn't help blush at the tall, muscular student who went out of his way to help her create this beautiful blade.
"I-I, T-thank you!" Bowing to her weapons creator with a flushed face.
"Wow, um no need to yell Shae, it was no trouble after all what are friends for, now I think you have something important to do, don't you?" At first startled at the outburst, calmed himself before he once more gave the young woman a kind smile.
"P-Pardon?" Blushing a deeper shade than before at Jaune's kind words before stuttering about her confusion.
"Naming her silly, come on, I may have forged the blade but it'll be your partner, your responsibility to care for her, now do the honours…" He trailed off excitedly for the girl, at first said girl was confused then realised he meant.
Staring deeply at the crafted weapon as she noticed the fur on the guard then the name left her lips before she could think it over.
"Wolf fang."
"Wolf fang, huh? A beautiful name for such a weapon as this, may she treat you well-"
…
…
…
The world glitched violently for the dragonborn.
Then it happened, he saw himself fighting alongside a silver haired man with two long swords on his back against some white fang, then some Grimm, then different memories haunted his view, unable to hear anyone in his vision speak until he heard himself speak without even muttering a word "Come on Wolf, if we don't pick up the pace Zero will have us on watching Cayde duty all week!" Then this 'Wolf' and himself rode off, himself on Arvak and the 'Wolf' on a regular horse.
His vision came back, yet a slight ringing echoed inside his mind. 'Damn, by the Nine that was, terrifying what in the hells just happened.' Jaune rubbed his ear trying to erase the noise inside his mind, only after a few moments did he notice Shae looking at him in concern.
"I apologise milady, just a small headache, now," He clapped his hands together, before stretching his sore muscles as he spoke. "I would recommend getting some training in before field testing her, have a lovely day Miss Treasure." Jaune said as he walked over to where he placed a loose fitting white shirt over his shoulder whilst he grabbed his oblivion bag.
Before Jaune could leave however Shae called out to his retreating form.
"Um J-Jaune c-can I get your s-s-scroll number please!" She stuttered whilst bowing to the dragonborn at a 90 degree angle in hopes of hiding her flushed appearance. At the display Jaune could only chuckle softly.
"I apologise Miss Treasu- I mean Shae but I do not possess a scroll at this very moment," Shae at the moment turned pale and a comical storm cloud rained down above her. "However once I do, I shall contact you at the earliest convenience sound good?" At that Shae brightened the room with her smile, she quickly scrambled for a piece of paper as she scribbled her details down.
"Till we meet again in such pleasurable conditions." With that said Jaune made his way towards the exit, unknown to him a group of the first year female students had gathered around Shae, squealing at the information she disclosed. Penny and Ciel began following closely behind Jaune to ensure his supervision.
Jaune closing near the large forges doors he finally noticed Clover Ebi alongside someone the dragonborn was unfamiliar with. "Good to see you once more. Clover what can I do for you? Oh sorry late introduction Jaune Arc, short, as sweet as honey mead and rolls off the tongue, ladies really do love it, so who do I have the pleasure of speaking with?" Jaune greeted the man who for some reason gave off a familiar feeling of familiarity.
The mystery man coughed into his fist almost nervous, 'Wonder what's with this guy'
"I'm to be your escort back to Vale, fully licensed Huntsman Qrow… Qrow Branwen." Faster than anyone could process an ebony dagger was an inch away from Qrow's throat, Qrow didn't appear nervous on the outside but on the inside he was berating himself for being so uncautious.
A long minute of tense silence, Jaune released a long sigh out.
"Alright Qrow, I'll admit I reacted swiftly just now so I'm going to lower my dagger, slowly." Once the dagger was returned to his right calve, Jaune raised his hand towards the huntsman. "Sorry 'bout that once I heard 'Branwen' instinct kicked in. I remember hearing a Qrow Branwen being one of Vale's greatest Huntsmen from a… family member of yours."
"Not the first time someone's pulled a knife on me when I say my full name," Qrow firmly grasped his hand holding the embrace for a couple seconds before the two released. "I know it's not my place to say this but on behalf of my nieces, I'm sorry about what happened to you kid." Qrow couldn't sense any anger at the mention of Jaune's tormentors but this time he was prepared to defend himself this time.
"Ruby & Yang correct?" Qrow gave a short nod. "Listen Qrow you're their uncle, not their Dad so don't bother with the apologising I got no issue with you, I simply figured you were here for petty revenge." Jaune simply shrugged him off. It was true Jaune had no problem with Qrow after all since his only unresolved anger and sadness was only towards his own family for the lack of trust and lifestyle he led, then Team RWBY and JNPR was a complicated bundle of emotions.
"Well moving past the family drama on my side. Headmaster Ozpin in his infinite wisdom," He sarcastically mocked his boss. "Sent me to recover you at the earliest convenience, with the current forecast and available transports we should be departing in two days' time." Qrow despite the favourable odds of getting himself and kid from point A to B seemed unlikely knowing his luck.
"Great! The sooner the better me getting to Beacon to recover my things and formally resign." Jaune clapped Qrow over the shoulder as he walked into the Academies corridors. Whilst Jaune left Clover relieved Ciel and Penny of their duty giving the reason himself & Qrow would escort Mister Arc from now.
"Hold up kid!" Qrow called out to the Arc matching his walking pace. "You telling me you're just going back to 'resign' why the hell would you do that?"
"Well after I 'disappeared', I realised that becoming a Huntsman was still my dream but I have some personal issues to solve before I continue walking down that path, plus I'm sure your nieces will be pleased." He turned to face Qrow giving a cheeky grin.
"Kid, Ozpin searched for you the entire time you went missing and I can promise my nieces are being thoroughly pun-" Interrupted by Jaune stopping fully turning to face Qrow.
"I believe you Qrow about Ozpin trying to find me and I hold no grudge towards Beacons staff for not finding me, and the issue with my team and team RWBY isn't why I don't plan to stay… I wish to take some time to consider my options." His declaration was firm, Qrow could tell he was David's brat alright, the way he spoke was exactly like his fathers.
"Oz isn't going to like this" The drunk muttered quietly for Jaune to not hear.
"Gentlemen," Clover's voice caught the attention of the two as they looked at the military man. "If you would follow me, the detention centre is this way." Clover requested pointing a thumb in the direction of a large dome like building in the distance.
"Why the detention centre?" Jaune asked in curiosity thinking he was out of the loop.
"Mr Branwen requested to meet with his detained sister Raven, I would kindly ask you to follow me." Clover beckoned the bird and dragon to follow after him. As they walked closer and closer Jaune decided to pipe up.
"Is it really a good idea for me to be visiting Raven so soon it seems rather rude, I guess?" Thinking it was in poor taste to visit the psycho chick he got imprisoned… also the woman he made sure could never scratch her own nose again.
"You won't actually be meeting her directly Mister Arc but rather seeing Miss Branwen through a two way glass, due to the history that you share it would be preferable that she can't hear or see you." Clover responded.
"But-"
"Save it kid, now that I'm here you go where I go, like Ebi over here I got my orders too." Qrow slurred slightly after taking a swig to ensure maximum confidence when he saw Raven.
Going through the security checkpoints for over 15 minutes the wayward group finally reached the level 5 cells holding rogue huntsmen and huntresses too dangerous for other kingdoms to hold in the less advanced prisons across the continent.
The lucky charm and the hidden dragon enter the observation wing, as Qrow entered the cell, despite the threat level of Raven due to the lack of functioning arms, Qrow was allowed to bring his weapon inside.
Walking inside the pristine white cell similar to a hospital room, Qrow noticed the essentials such as a bathroom door leading to the obvious inside, the door was fitted with a push pad to unlock and lock the door as Raven couldn't exactly use a handle.
The room also possessed a small television, a large mirror which was actually the two way glass and finally a large bed lacking a certain maiden.
As Qrow scanned the room he found Raven crouched in a corner wearing a black jumpsuit with a white barcode on her chest, this being the regular attire for prisoners. Ravens hair was a mess, she was a mess.
Qrow gruffly sighed as he slowly approached his sister.
The former bandit queen heard the approaching footsteps, she slowly raised her head to find her younger brother staring at her with his usual disappointed gaze. "Qrow" She greeted emotionlessly.
"Raven" Qrow greeted back.
'I'm gonna need a whole damn bar's supply of booze when I get out of here.' Qrow thought knowing this was the lowest he could ever see Raven become.
"Are you here to mock me, possibly use some hilarious banter saying 'how I've been disarmed' well you can save it. I just want to be left alone." Raven spoke once more a shell of her former self.
"I save the jokes for Tai, however I did say I told you so. Afterall, all these long years that someone would come along and tear down your little group of scumbags then kill you. Yet look at yourself Raven, you have nothing, no bandit tribe, no friends, no family-"
"We're family Qrow the tribe is your true family!" She shouted at her brother in rage at him being so emotionless towards the slaughter of their family members.
"They aren't my family." He spoke with venom. "Those bastards got what was coming to them, but do you know what did piss me off the most when I heard about what happened to you? It was the fact you killed the previous maiden, last I heard she was a child Raven!" He grabbed Raven's jumpsuits collar and slammed her against the closest wall.
"She was weak, I did her a favour, wielding such power in the hands of a child!? It was a waste, the girl was a coward she wouldn't last a minute out in this broken world, so I did what was expected of me, 'the weak die, the strong live'!" Raven shouted back eyes flaring with her magic but with no proper conduit like her arms to release the magic properly nothing happened as a result.
Qrow violently released his sister, not at all intimidated by her power, the violent shove forced Raven to slump down the wall. "Your right Raven, for once. The weak die and the strong live, right? Well Rae-Rae those bandits were weak but when I look at you all I see is my sister who got lucky because the kid who could have gutted you like a fish decided it be more suitable to watch you crumble away inside this cell." Smirking the entire time Qrow spoke.
"That was no kid, that was a damn monster! It showed up killed almost everyone then took my fucking arms for something the kid I abonded did!?" She corrected her brother yelling in fear and anger at what the Arc did to her and the tribe.
"Feim!" Once that word was heard Raven stiffened not wanting to ever hear that foreign language ever again but unfortunately her luck had been worse than Qrows for the last week and half.
Looking at the direction of the two way mirror Raven in horror watched as a spectral figure walked through the wall as if it was non-existent after whatever was in effect wore off she saw the face of the monster that tore through more than a thousand bandits. Raven backed away slowly feeling cornered like a filthy rat.
As terrified crimson orbs looked into a completely impassive cerulean, the living nightmare spoke.
"Hey Qrow I just heard you were a man of fine tastes for alcoholic beverages I was wondering if you wished to try some 'Honey-Mead' I got!" Jaune spoke excitedly towards the Huntsman completely oblivious to the absolute fear Raven as feeling.
"Kid the hell are you doing!? You were supposed to stay on the other side!" Qrow shouted but couldn't help but wonder about this drink he was advertising.
"Oh hey! Raven it's been awhile, did you miss me?" Inside Raven's mind when he spoke she heard the intimidating voice that his helmet made when they first interacted. So Raven did the only rational thing in this moment scream.
Scream like the devil was near… and he pretty much was.
Grimmlands,
Same time.
"How interesting, I hope to be seeing you soon, Jaune Arc~" Spoke the amused Queen of the Grimm, Salem. Sitting atop her throne of merged Grimm as she examined the images of Jaune Arc at the interview and the other him slaughtering bandits left & right.
"HahHAHAhah, it shall be done soon my Goddess!" Said the retreating voice of the Scorpion assassin, Tyrion Callows, set on the latest mission for the Queen…
Bring Jaune Arc to me, alive.
Omake
After hearing the foreign language yelled loudly Raven backed herself into the closest corner. Ready for anyth-
"HEY KIDS WANT TO SEE A DEAD BODY!" Jaune appeared in an entirely new outfit.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH" The two siblings yelled in fright as Jaune laughed maniacally.
"My work here is done, Feim!" He spoke before returning back through the solid surface.
To be continued in: Chapter 6, Way down we go
