So!

Apparently, there has been some confusion about the genealogy, some even stating that I got it wrong.

Thing is, I never stated that Scipio and Joanna married one another. The genealogy for this fic was made up before canon arrived there, meaning that Joanna has been around for much longer than Scipio has.

So, yeah.

Enjoy!

For want of a knight

Chapter 31: A homecoming

He was hurting.

Jaune was hurting everywhere but his left arm. His right felt like he had laid it inside a hydraulic press, while his legs just felt numb. It was the king of muscle cramps, and Jaune had the misfortune to bask in his radiance.

Wow, these pain meds made him loopier than he thought.

Thankfully, there were many around to help him.

"Say 'aah'!"

No matter how humiliating it could be.

"I can still use my left arm, Gwen," Jaune pouted at the smiling ballerina of a knife fighter. She was currently holding a forkful of fish lasagna out for him, courtesy of Kali Belladonna. The dish tasted divine, though having to be fed was not quite so.

"Aww, come on," she drawled. "Let your nurse take care of you."

"Nurses, Gwen, plural." Dew had arrived with a sponge and a bucket, the sight of which made Jaune red in the face.

"No."

"Yes."

"No!"

"No sponge bath?" Gwen tried the puppy eyes, though the bedridden blonde had it with it all.

"You are not a bunch of perverts!"

"You can't say that," Nebula piped up, grinning at him as she tried her luck with feeding Jaune. "Since we are actually perverts."

Octavia entered, finally, with an eye roll. "Except we usually keep it on the down low. Seriously girls…"

After waking up once again, Jaune had gotten the rundown from his overly worried mother. Though, perhaps, calling her overly worried was not accurate, considering she had seen her son unconscious and close to a dead body.

Anyway, the rundown. Blake had seen him become possessed by someone stating to be Scipio Arc, something Jaune could confirm, to his own bewilderment. The fact that Crocea Mors held echoes of the consciousnesses of its previous wielders...it sounded incredible, unbelievable. Yet his current predicament was proof of that.

Though the part after that bewildered him to no end.

As his mother was done fretting about him, Jaune's eyes fell on a person in the room he hadn't seen before. Pale skin, haunting red eyes, clad in black...This woman looked at him with an expression he couldn't quite decipher.

Slowly, her hands reached out…

To cup his face.

"Oh, no wonder you have charmed so many," she gushed, a genuine smile on her lips. This woman turned to Tori, a glimmer in her eyes. "He is a handsome one, no? Oh, but I can't help but see him as a kid!"

"Wow," his mother said, a disbelieving grin on her face. "You barely know him, and already you gush over him like a grandma.

"Well, I am his grandma."

"Yeah, yeah."

What?!

So yeah.

As it were, Salem had introduced herself to those outside the family with style. Descending from a gigantic whale Grimm, the woman landed on the island. Her sheer presence caused those around to shiver, even as those White Fang loyal to Adam mustered for a desperate attack.

Their blades and bullets did nothing to her; Salem was immortal and, as Queen of thee Grimm, invincible. Attacking her did nothing and her retaliation was swift.

Dozens of Faunus died as Salem strode - floated, Dew interjected, earning an accommodating nod - towards Jaune, ensuring that he is okay.

Immediately, Arturia had attacked her, though Salem was a tad more lenient towards her, merely halting her weapon and explaining it all.

Which was then explained to Jaune as well as everyone else present.

Bewilderment and disbelief, followed by a heated discussion, ended politely when Salem declared that she no longer desired dominion over Remnant, as she had believed herself alone against the world for a long time.

Thus, Tori declared her Arc responsibility. Something the witch enthusiastically replied to with a hug.

As Jaune fought with who was to feed him, the woman in question, alongside Glynda Goodwitch, entered the room. His teacher seemed apprehensive and wary of the woman still, even as the girls acted considerably calmer in her presence than before.

"Ah, you are awake," she cooed. "And already being cared for by these wonderful girls. Why, I can see some birthing hips on them."

Team NDGO, as a whole, blushed at the remark as Tori grinned at Glynda, for reasons Jaune did not know. His teacher huffed at her stare and simply righted the glasses on her nose.

"In any case," she began. "Mr Belladonna and Ms Khan are currently working to get things back in order so we may leave as soon as possible. I fear that we would overstay our welcome otherwise."

A wise decision, one that Blake had supported, even if she just made up with her parents. Jaune had to admit, seeing her squirm like an unruly kitten in the embrace of her mother was plain adorable. She even had her kitty ears flat on her head, for crying out loud!

Though he then overheard Blake being teased for her beau touching her ears.

"What a naughty daughter I raised! Where did I go wrong?"

"Mom! Come on, it was just some pets."

"Petting! And you are barely in a relationship! Next you tell me there's grandkitties inbound! Please tell me you are pregnant."

"I am not." She mumbled something he couldn't quite hear after that which made her mother squeal in delight. Whatever it was, it made Velvet throw a dirty look in Blake's direction.

Jaune was willing to bet money that the cat faunus had whispered "Yet."

"In any case," Glynda interjected. "We should be good to go tomorrow, though we will have to get through to Beacon first. Perhaps this evening, once the CCT here is online."

"Thank you, Glyndie!" The teacher flushed at the embarrassing nickname, even as Salem stared at her, taking note of her physique. Jaune wondered if his newfound grandmother had some designs for her.

"We do have to communicate Miss Neopolitan's situation as well."

He winced visibly, exactly as the younger women in the room all grimaced. Neon stormed in, May in tow, just as they all cast glances at the mute huddled nervously in the corner.

Hearing that she was, indeed, pregnant almost made Jaune pass out again. He did, however, vow to take responsibility and to be there for her and the baby. It earned him her head nuzzling into his side and some dirty, and concerning, looks from the others.

Concerning as in "I'm in danger".

"So hey, stud," Neon spoke up with a grin, perky as ever. "Wanna let me feed you?"

Oct puffed her chest out at the cat faunus. "He has us for that."

"Well you're barely trying. Watch this!" She took a fork with some fish in her mouth, back of the handle first, and held it between her teeth. The piece of fish dangled right in front of Jaune as Neon slowly climbed on top of him, the morsel inching ever closer.

"Off!" Dew shouted, throwing her off the bed. A brief brawl ensued between the cat and the Vacuoans, while May stepped closer to the bed, alongside Velvet. Blushing and without a word, the sniper just took a fork and stuffed it into Jaune's mouth without waiting for him to give consent to this embarrassment.

The dish tasted good, though.

Two gentle hands took hold of the blonde's left and directed it towards the head of the bunny in the room. Tori and Salem, whispering to one another, watched with a glint in her eyes as Glynda blinked owlishly at the action.

Slowly, Jaune rubbed the offered spot, right between her ears. Velvet flushed and hummed happily, contrasting the next thing coming out of her mouth.

"I'm going to bruise your pelvis."

Jaune's hand stilled on her head. Salem looked impressed.

"Ooh, I like her."

"Fuuuck," Sienna hissed, head in hand. "It's like being drunk and lying down trying to sleep."

"Tell me about it," Jaune groaned, standing right beside the trash can. They were all back on the boat again, though with plenty of souvenirs from Menagerie. The two had taken their medicine too late, meaning that they had to suffer for a while longer.

The call back home was somewhat pleasant. They were all surprised to hear the weird stories and antics the others were up to.

How Sun managed to set fire to a bunch of drapes - a magnifying glass set on an ant.

Cardin randomly disappeared for up to twelve hours for a while now, which had them all curious.

The legendary Valkyrie Escapade - someone gave Nora too much sugar and she wrecked most of Vale's harbor district in her rush. She was given some admonishment for that.

Miltia and Melanie managing to fuck Yang under the table- what.

Yup, this was the Malachite twins' idea of revenge against the blonde, who had been furiously blushing at the mention from the smug looking twins. Any not aware of this were gaping like fish or blushing.

It was not easy describing most of what happened on Menagerie. They omitted Salem for now, instead focusing on the power hidden within Crocea Mors.

Ruby's reaction was predictable. "You have a spirit sword?! That's soooo awesome!"

Hell, the others chimed in with their comments on how Jaune was possessed by a dead relative and gave Adam Taurus hell. Thanks to eyewitness accounts, they had managed to tell the story in full, making Nora vibrate on the spot due to the amount of awesome.

Then there was Amber. The young woman Jaune had seen in the vault smiled at the blonde, a glimmer in her eyes as she thanked him for returning her to life.

Though his question after asking her how she was now and if she got along well with the others made him worry.

"Where's Cinder, Emerald and Mercury?"

That was where they all winced and grimaced, even those present with him. Hearing how they were part of a plot to steal some form of power that involved Amber pulled the rug from under him.

Salem did not necessarily make it better. The woman strode into the picture, making everyone go still.

"On behalf of my subordinates, who have acted on my behalf, I sincerely apologize."

Pandemonium broke loose soon after. People demanded to know who she was and if she actually was Cinder's boss, something unknown even to those in the same room as her. After the shouting calmed down, she explained it all, once again, to everyone.

The Queen of the Grimm, his ancestor. Jaune was still reeling a little from that tidbit and now, so was everyone. Plus the thing where she ordered an attack.

Turns out she and Ozpin had history, something she did not want to elaborate on right now. What mattered was that she wanted to bury it all, to end the war between them, for the sake of her newfound family.

Opinions diverged. Some found her change of heart welcome, some were distrustful, others again openly asked her, challenged her even, if she thought that this - her turn to the better - would redeem her of the blood on her hands.

"It does not. But, not being able to die despite wanting to for a long time has been suffering enough."

No one could retort to that. Finally, they asked if Cinder and her group should be let out, if on a short leash, since John is vouching for them.

It was left to Jaune, who wanted to think on this issue during the trip home.

That was that.

Well, and the promises of dates and 'more' from the girls blatantly into him.

Damn, what was his life now.

With a shudder and a shock, Jaune rocketed up.

"We forgot to tell them! Neo!"

"Ah shit, right," Sienna snarled with a feral grin. "You knocked one up without anyone else knowing."

"Yeah…"

"Eh, way I see it, there'll be an orgy. You can tell them afterward."

Jaune looked at his fiance as if she had grown a second head. Just then, May entered the room, drawing their looks.

And making their jaws feel like they were about to fall off.

She had donned a rather small swimsuit, which she bore with a blushing expression.

"Do you two feel better?" the sniper girl asked demurely, even as her massive breasts heaved under her breath.

As a matter of fact, the seasick people did.

Cardin stood before the assembled crowd close to the Bullhead pads. It had been a while since the people announced that Jaune would be able to return, and they were expected today. Unfortunately, he had been cornered.

"Oh, Cardin," Coco sang with pure mischief. "We were wondering a few things."

"Don't drag me into this," he tried to deflect. Miserably.

"Drag you into what, Cardin?" Dove wasn't having his leader's shit.

Ruby chimed up next. "You are always disappearing somewhere! Where were you, young man?!"

"Uh…"

"Alright, no." Arslan had snapped, having had enough of this farce. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a group approaching them. Still, she was undeterred, as some of the larger congregation followed her step forward, cornering the mace wielder.

"Please no." His retort was weak, his dollar all too high. Whatever he was hiding beneath it would be the bottom of this mystery.

"Let's see what's under collar number one!" Reese cheered behind her leader, though she choked on her spit soon after.

Glinting in the sun, revealed by an impatient crowd and sitting on his neck right beneath Cardin's blushing head….was a collar with his name.

A dog collar.

You know, the BDSM kind.

Arslan quickly let go.

"Girlfriend?" A new voice spoke up. Turning to the side, a demure-looking Cinder, a nervous Emerald and a curious Mercury stood off there, accompanied by a smiling John.

Cardin only nodded, not taking his stare off of the three. Finally, he sighed and tried to distract everyone.

"So, you three. Waiting on pardons or some shit?

Mercury made a non-committal sound. "Kind of? Honestly, we wanted to stretch a bit. But yeah, also seeing if Jaune approves, since his voice has weight here."

"It is democratic." Weiss stepped up to the plate, fixing the three accused. "His is the deciding vote on whether or not we forgive you, Currently, it is a stalemate."

"So anyway," Sky drawled, turning back to his team leader with a squint. "Details. Now."

"Um."

"Oh hell yeah!" Yang piped up, just as a droning sound started. "Give us all the kinky deets! You been bottoming for someone?"

The drone of a Bullhead engine became loud and clear before cardin had to answer. Thanking his luck, for now, the ginger ran away.

The bullhead appeared, it landed, it opened. Not much to tell about that. What was there to tell was the girls becoming impatient and storming the ramp.

"There you are!"

"Jauney! We missed you!"

"Whoo, hey there, girls! Haven't damaged the goods have you?"

"Good, now that you're here, we need your opinion on something."

With that mentioned, the excited crowd escorted the bewildered blonde to the three terrorists, closely followed by Salem. Her mere gaze shocked Cinder to her very core, even more so when she lunged forward.

To hug John.

"My, aren't you a big boy? Tori did really well, you are a catch, aren't you, sweetie?"

He clearly had to get used to being coddled again. Though it was time for something greater now.

"Okay," Jaune breathed. "I heard everything."

The three flinched, Cinder just looking desperate now. She clearly didn't want to lose him. Neither did Emerald, as she was biting her lip in nervous anticipation of his verdict.

At first, Jaune remained silent. His stare wandered between the three, even as Tori tackled her man, cuddling close to him, bringing some levity in the tension-filled air. Thus, the young Arc sighed.

"You will be getting the short leash."

"What?"

"Seriously?!"

"Is that code for slave play?" Amber interrupted, keeping a firm glare on the amber-eyed brunette that tried to off her months ago. "If so, I call first." She grinned. " I got some aggression to work through."

The three didn't wait. As one, they fell into Jaune's arms, Mercury laughing in genuine relief, Emerald sighing.

And Cinder?

She was bawling.

Taking everyone off guard, the sensual woman cried her heart out and clung to the blonde she grew to love like a lifeline.

"Huh," Sienna finally said. "She doesn't seem the type."

"What the fu- oh right," Yang yelled before calming down. "You have that thing."

"Yes," she said, throwing a smile at the girls. "And I intend to become the Alpha of this pack."

Pyrrha saw that as a challenge. "Oh, you are on!"

"Oh, I remember now!" Tori suddenly exclaimed and jammed a small bottle into Jaune's mouth. The people stared at the clear glass bottle, its contents disappearing down the blonde's gullet.

"Um," Emerald raised her hand, speaking up. "What was that?"

"Aphrodisiac."

"Aphro-"

"WHAT!"

"Yes! For your party!"

Jaune stared at his mother, before the bottle fell out of his mouth, just before he bent over, inhaling sharply.

"Okay, what the fuck!"

"Tori!" John yelled in fear. "You know what that does to us Arcs!"

"Yup! What better way for everyone to get along?"

"Oh my Oum."

"Okay, girls, Ren!" Everyone looked to the mother, in various states of bewilderment. "Take him to the nearest empty room. He will become a beast real soon, and you need a place for that."

Blushing, but complying, the girls led their boyfriend away, Sienna positively trilling.

"Oy, Neo, you're not off the hook for stealing a march on us!"

"Will we survive?"

"Fuck if I know, but it'll be fun!"

The other boys stared at the retreating group, Brawnz turning to the happily smiling mother.

"What does that stuff do to Arcs?" he asked hesitantly. John cringed and hissed through bared teeth, even as his wife's smile grew mischievous.

"Oh, well. It's just that it is much more effective on Arcs."

The boys understood, suddenly thinking that it was both blessing and punishment for the girls.

"Hey," Nolan pointed out. "Wasn't Miss Goodwitch supposed to be here as well?"

"Oh." Salem smiled at the boys, unnerving them "I can personally assure you, she is in good hands."

The time had come.

He had anticipated the moment when he and his former lover would stand before one another once again, except he had expected it to be a fight.

Instead, he saw her visibly relaxed, holding a book under the arm.

"Salem," he greeted as jovially as he could, masking his stress at the encounter. Especially since it happened right in his office.

"Ozma." She glided forward, face determined. Ozpin was ready for many things.

"Look at our descendants!"

Except for baby pictures.

For the first time in a long time, Ozpin screamed out his surprise.