DISCLAIMER: I own nothing related to RWBY
NOTE: Hello. Just want to say that I hope everyone is doing their part in being safe and keeping others safe due to the recent COVID19 outbreak.
"I can certainly see your point on Miss Nikos benefiting greatly from my advice," Glynda comments as she sips from her cup.
"You'll do it then?"
Glynda glances at the looming stacks of paper stacked neatly atop her desk with a slight glare.
Jaune leans back in his chair, amused at her expression.
"Have you considered recruiting Oobleck? As a historian, he has ample experience in deciphering text at a rapid pace. Combined with the fact that he's a respectable, experienced Huntsmen and professor of Beacon, he should be able to make well informed decisions." Jaune says with a teasing tone.
Glynda's head snaps from the paper stacks onto Jaune's eyes with her mouth slightly ajar. She quickly reaches under her desk and brings out her Scroll to flip it open. Her slender fingers rapidly type out a message, then she presses the send button. Snapping her Scroll shut, Glynda interlocks her fingers on desk's surface and stares patiently towards her office entrance.
Within a minute, the door slams open and a figure rushes into the room.
"I need my research funding!" Oobleck gasps out as he skids to a stop in front of Glynda's desk.
"Why don't you take a seat first? Bartholomew." Glynda calmly responds and gestures to an empty seat beside Jaune.
A shiver runs down Oobleck's spine. How long has it been since she'd addressed him informally?
"Y-yes, of course," he manages to stammer out and obediently seats himself. His head turns to Jaune, finally seeming to notice him. Though under normal circumstances, he would greet Jaune, at this current moment in time, Oobleck senses that his full attention should be given to the Headmistress.
"Bartholomew," Glynda starts, causing Oobleck to involuntarily straighten his posture even further. Jaune silently turns his head away, unable to hide the amusement in his eyes.
"I called you here because I'm going to need you to process the paperwork submitted by the Council. If you don't want your rather generous sum of research funding reduced..."
Glynda doesn't both finishing her sentence, but instead gracefully adjusts her glasses.
"B-but..."
"I'm only asking you do handle the low and middle priority level of paperwork. I believe that you are a suitable candidate for such a job with your experience as a Huntsmen, professor, and historian. As for myself, I'll be able to spend more quality time with regards to the more... sensitive decisions that need to be made, as well as opening more time to aid in the repairs." Glynda gives Oobleck a small smile.
"This is all acceptable, yes?"
Oobleck visibly flinches at her expression.
'If I say no, the funding will become the least of my worries. I thought she'd mellowed out compared to our Academy days, but apparently not...'
With a dejected sigh, Oobleck responds, "I suppose I can make the time."
Glynda slowly takes a sip from her cup.
"Once the situation stabilizes, I suppose I can deviate extra funds towards your research... depending on your performance of course," she casually remarks.
'Beating the horse, then offering it a carrot.'
Jaune's eyebrow raises.
Oobleck perks up, his glasses gleaming with excitement.
"You mean it?"
"Of course," Glynda nods. "It's within my capacity as acting Headmistress."
"Well then what are we waiting for? Time's a-wasting!" Oobleck stands up from his seat.
"Doctor Oobleck," Jaune calls out. "Before you leave, I'm wondering if you happen to have any reference documents or maps of Mountain Glenn."
Oobleck looks down at Jaune with some intrigue.
"Mountain Glenn? Of course I have such documents. My thesis was based on that site and its historical impact to Remnant. Why do you ask?"
Jaune flashes a smile, "I've been thinking that a hunting trip is in order. A map would be useful."
'A hunting trip? For Grimm? But right now, Mountain Glenn is-'
Oobleck adopts a serious expression and nods, "I'll have them sent to you as soon as possible."
"That would be much appreciated," Jaune nods back.
"Now, if that is all you'll need me for, I'll be taking my leave."
"The paperwork will be sent to your office later today," Glynda remarks as Oobleck leaves her office.
After a small moment of silence, Jaune chuckles, "That was rather manipulative of you. I'm impressed."
"I've known Bartholomew for years. So it goes without saying that I know what makes him tick," Glynda responds with a smile.
"Though, even with the extra free time, I'll only be able to assist Miss Nikos once or twice a week at most."
Jaune waves a hand dismissively.
"That's more than enough. She'll only need small hints here and there for the more intricate hurdles she comes across. You and I both know that she does not need someone to baby her."
"I suppose you're right," Glynda sighs.
Jaune rubs his chin, then asks in a low voice, "Any signs of Ozpin yet?"
"Unfortunately not," Glynda responds in an equally low voice. "The elevator shaft leading down to the Vault has been completely caved in, and we have yet to fully assess the extent of the damage. For all we know, the entire structure will collapse into itself if we haphazardly begin removing the rubble. We also can not let the existence of the Vault become widespread public knowledge, so only a limited number of people will be able to work on this project. The current plan is to reinforce the walls of the shaft with my Semblance progressively as we slowly get rid of the debris."
She pinches the sides of her temple.
"This is going to be a... strenuous process."
"There's no other path down to the Vault?"
Glynda sighs out in frustration, "To our current knowledge, no. But I would not be at all surprised if Professor Ozpin had intentionally hidden such a detail from the rest of us."
"Hmm... How troublesome"
Jaune's eyes narrow in thought.
*** In the city ***
Jaune looks up at the sky as he stands high above the city.
'The season is finally beginning to shift into Winter... and it's a full moon tonight.'
The Scroll in Jaune's pocket rings. Flipping it open, Jaune briefly looks over the detailed map of Mountain Glenn's surface and intricate tunnels within. After sending a quick message of thanks to Ooobleck, Jaune pockets his device and blurs out of vision to appear on the streets down below.
Nobody seems to notice his sudden appearance as Jaune walks with deliberate, rhythmic foot steps. As he casually strolls through the streets, he takes note of the various types of shops, cafes, and business receiving much less traffic than one would expect in the inner part of the city. Eventually, he stops in front of a wine and spirits shop and opens its doors to enter.
"Welcome," the store owner greets him with a gruff voice. "Is there anything I can help you with?"
Jaune glances around the store as he walks towards the owner, eyeing the relatively empty shelves. The owner quickly explains.
"It's not just my store. All the shops carrying alcohol have been receiving a substantial increase in business. Ever since the attack on the city and Beacon, Vale's residents have been... stressed. Honestly can't say that I'm really happy about this, despite the amount of money coming in," he grunts.
With a sigh, Jaune asks, "Do you carry rice wine?"
The owner's somber face quirks up in curiosity.
"That's an interesting request you're making there. Not a popular choice of drink here in Vale compared to Mistral. Lucky for you, I was born and raised in Mistral, so I've got a respectable selection in the cellar. You have any particular brand or producer in mind?"
Jaune shakes his head.
"I'll leave that up to you and your better judgement. Feel free to give me a variety of recommendations as I'll be taking multiple bottles."
"Give me a few minutes," the owner responds before going down into a cellar behind his counter.
Left alone in the store temporarily, Jaune casually peruses through the aisles before noticing a commotion on the opposite side of the street. With nothing better to do, Jaune walks up to the store window, witnessing an altercation between a raccoon Faunus and a restaurant employee.
"There are currently no open seats available. You can either choose to wait or go elsewhere. I deeply apologize for this inconvenience."
"What! There are plenty of seats available. I can clearly see them behind you!" The Faunus exclaims while pointing.
"Sir, please do not yell. You are disturbing our patrons and the public," the worker calmly replies.
"This is ridiculous! I've been a customer of this establishment for years!"
The worker notices a human couple walking up to the restaurant from behind the Faunus.
"What can I do for you two today? Do you have a reservation?"
The male responds, "No, but if possible, we'd like a table for two."
"Of course," the worker brightly smiles. "We just so happen to have a table available. Please, come on in and another waitress will be waiting to escort you."
A vein visibly bulges on the Faunus' temple.
"You piece of-"
"Sir, I'm going to have to politely ask you to leave," the worker interrupts with a frown. "Otherwise, you will leave me no choice but to involve the Vale police for disrupting our business."
His hands tightly clenched, the Faunus spits on the ground near the worker's feet, then storms away in the opposite direction. Several onlookers murmur, silently conversing between themselves on the treatment of that Faunus. Jaune merely shakes his head at the scene.
That's not so uncommon these days," the owner's gruff voice comments out from behind Jaune.
"Ever since that night, the tensions between humans and Faunus have risen significantly. I mean, there's always been discriminatory behavior, but never as blatant as that."
"And what's your position on the matter?" Jaune inquires.
The owner gestures to his empty shelves.
"I'll sell my products to anyone who pays. In my opinion, everyone's suffering right now and are looking for ways to cope, no matter how unhealthy. I'm just doing my part in providing my service to anyone who needs it."
He leans in closer to Jaune.
"Just between you and me, I've had more Faunus come to my store than anyone else. I know I'm not alone in this sentiment either. That picture that's been circulating lately... it's really got some folks on the fence."
The store owner takes a closer look at Jaune.
"Now that I think about it... you've got blonde hair too..."
Jaune raises an eyebrow and innocently replies, "Blonde hair isn't exactly rare."
The owner straightens up and chuckles to himself.
"Of course I know that. I just thought it interesting to point out. Anyways, why don't you follow me back to the counter. I've got a selection for you to see."
Laid across the counter are half a dozen ceramic bottles of different shapes and sizes. Jaune walks over to them and picks a bottle at random. He undoes the cork and sniffs the lip of the bottle, breathing in the fragrance emanating from the container. A slight tingle tickles his nose as a small stream of warmth travels through his body.
"Good wine," he comments while eyeing the bottle appreciatively. "If the others are anything like this one, I'll be taking them all."
The owner lets out a low laugh, "All of these are personal favorites of mine, though in my opinion, the one you picked up is in the middle of the pack. I can guarantee you that you'll find the other five acceptable."
Jaune nods and reaches into his pocket with the hand wearing his storage ring. He discreetly brings out several stacks of Lien he'd found in Roman's warehouse and lays them on the counter.
"Will this be enough?"
The normally stoic eyes of the owner are nearly bulging upon seeing the amount of money Jaune had casually put out.
"This is... way too much. You'd easily be able to buy ten times the amount of wine I'd brought out for you!"
Jaune hums to himself before replying, "Then keep 10% of whatever difference remains and set the rest aside as credit for me."
The man's eyes brighten at the prospect of essentially free money. He takes Jaune's hand and enthusiastically shakes it.
"Pleasure doing business with you then! I'll be wrapping these right up for you."
As Jaune nods, the store's door opens as a new customer enters.
"Welcome. Can I help you with anything?" The owner greets.
Uneven steps slowly walk up to the counter.
"I'd like a bottle of that wine please," a soft, reserved female voice responds as she points at one of the six bottles on the counter.
An apologetic expression appears on the owner's face as he rubs the back of his head awkwardly.
"Ah... that one? I'm sorry miss, but this particular bottle was the very last one I had in stock. If you're interested in any of the other five..."
The woman lets out a depressed sigh.
"That one is his favorite..."
Jaune turns his head to face the woman, and his eyebrows slightly raise up. A middle aged woman stands beside him wearing an elegant black mourning gown with two matching rings adorning her ring finger.
'This woman is...'
Unlike Jaune, the woman is occupied in her own thoughts and staring blankly down at the floor.
"She can have that one. On me."
The owner pauses for a moment, then gives Jaune a respectful nod as he sets the bottle to the side.
Registering the words uttered by Jaune, the woman looks up in surprise, though she fails to recognize him.
"I-is it okay? You are sure?" She quietly asks.
Jaune grabs the organized box of his wine with one hand and waves the other dismissively. As he turns around and walks away, he whispers, "Consider it a gift. From one mourner to another."
He pushes the store's door open and steps through. The woman's eyes widen as she finally processes the facial features and stature of the man who'd just left. She limps to the door as quickly as her injured ankle would allow her to and opens the door, finding no sign of the mysterious man out on the street. It couldn't have been more than a few seconds that had passed in between.
She begins to tremble as she recalls her and her daughter's savior from that night. Facing no particular direction, she gives a small bow of gratitude, ignoring the strange looks being thrown her way from those passing by.
Up in the skies, Jaune looks down at the scene thoughtfully. With a wave of his hand, the packaged bottles of wine gets stored into his ring, then he flies off towards the West, to Patch.
*** Unknown Location ***
A maniacal, mocking voice says, "So the little princess is finally ready to rejoin us?"
Cinder remains calmly seated on her chair, her amber eyes slightly narrowing at the taunt. Standing behind her are the visibly uncomfortable figures of Mercury and Emerald.
On the opposite corner of the table, Hazel remains deathly still with his eyes closed and arms crossed, paying no attention to the commotion. Sitting across from Cinder is a lanky man wearing a fashionable suit and casually fiddling with an unknown trinket. He sends an arrogant smirk towards Cinder.
"I still find it amazing that despite the amount of planning and effort we'd invested, you failed."
Watts brings the trinket up to get a closer look, before shrugging to himself and fiddling with it once again. A hint of fire flashes across Cinder's eyes before the large wooden door leading into the room swings open. An ice cold mist fills the air as their Mistress glides across the floor.
Everyone immediately stands up into attention.
Salem takes her seat at the end of the table and brings up a pale hand, signaling them to take their seats. As they do so, Salem begins to speak. Her silk like voice caressing their ears and soothing their minds. Emerald and Mercury fail to suppress shudders as the vast contrast between her angelic voice and demonic appearance is too much for them to bear without reaction.
"There is no need for such hostility, Doctor Watts," Salem's motherly tone gently chides. Her blood red eyes glance at the man in question.
Watts gives a small bow.
"Of course. I apologize, milady. I am simply frustrated at the result of our latest operation, despite the amount of time and effort we'd invested into it. I was unable to keep it to myself."
"This is merely a temporary setback. We can not always assume all our objectives will be met, no matter how perfect the plan is," Salem calmly replies.
"Though," Salem turns her head towards Cinder and gives a motherly smile. "I am curious about the details of how you were bested. As I was kind enough to allow you to rest without pushing for answers, I am expecting them now. How did you end up returning in such a... pitiful state?"
Cinder shudders and swallows, her throat feeling dry. She musters up her courage and confidently looks up to meet her mistress's piercing eyes.
"An unforeseen anomaly interfered. He does by the name of Jaune Arc."
One of Salem's eyebrows quirks up, while Tyrian sports a vicious smile.
'An Arc...'
Cinder continues, "In the midst of finalizing the destruction of Beacon Tower, Jaune Arc had suddenly appeared in front of my eyes on top of the tower. I did not see how he got there."
Cinder gestures with her hand, prompting Emerald to place a Scroll on top of the table surface. A hologram of Jaune displays itself in the air. Salem shows little reaction to the image, save for the slightest hint of a frown forming.
"He gravely injured the Wyvern by pointing his finger at it and severing part of its wing. Again, I did not see exactly what happened. Soon afterwards, we engaged in brief combat."
Cinder takes a moment to breath.
"I successfully blocked his first attack by conjuring a barrier. In response, I stroke back as I'd noticed that he looked very pale. My attack was blocked by an unknown force, but blood was dribbling out from his mouth. I prepared to take advantage of his weakness, but he pointed his finger at me once again. I brought my defenses up to block, but..."
Cinder glances down at her left arm.
"Afterwards, he fell into a puddle of blood he'd thrown up, and Ruby Rose arrived. Her silver eyes activated, and I took that opportunity to retreat." Cinder concludes.
Salem silently stares at Cinder, and no one dares to make a noise. Finally, she outstretches a hand towards Cinder and curls a finger. Cinder winces as a drop of blood gets extracted from underneath her bandages and floats through the air. Salem gently flicks the droplet and a sliver of white energy appears in place of the blood, furiously darting through the air like a tiny bolt of lightning.
Her red eyes narrow and she clenches her hand, entrapping the white energy and crushing it to nothing.
"Come here," Salem softly beckons.
With some trepidation, Cinder obediently rises from her seat and walks to Salem's side. Salem traces the bandages with her finger, instantly disintegrating them to dust and exposing Cinder's wound to the open air. Several drops of sweat coat Cinder's forehead as the cold air in the room licks the open parts of her wound.
Without further warning, Salem directs a hand towards Cinder's injury and curls it into a claw. Cinder involuntarily cries out in pain as the force emitted by Salem slowly draws out a white stream of crackling energy out from the end of the stump, coalescing into a sphere above Salem's palm.
After several excruciating minutes, Salem completes the extraction process and Cinder collapses onto the floor, gasping for breath and drenched in cold sweat. She warily looks up at the violent energy roaring and bolting through the air as it eventually dissipates into the air.
"I want a full detailed report on everything you know on Jaune Arc," Salem commands. "Get eyes into Vale. We must assume that he survived whatever grave injuries he incurred and keep a constant eye on him."
"Will he be a threat to our plans?" Hazel's voice rumbles out.
A deep frown mars Salem's face.
"We must gather more information on him in order to accurately determine that fact. I do not know how Ozpin had managed to keep someone like him hidden from our eyes. Speaking of which," Salem glances down at Cinder. "were you able to kill Ozpin?"
Cinder slowly breathes out, "He was incredibly skilled and strong. However, the raw power of the Maiden's magic had overpowered him. Not even ashes remained when he was finally hit by my attack."
"And what of that silver eyed girl?" Watts politely inquires.
"The silver eyes are a dwindling breed. She has no proper mentor to instruct her in their ways. We will not disregard her, but there is no need to be overly cautious." Salem comments dismissively. "Doctor Watts, I'll be entrusting you with the task of monitoring the status of Vale. Report back immediately with any interesting developments or with regards to Jaune Arc and Ruby Rose."
"Of course," Watts slightly bows with a confident smirk.
"Tyrian."
"Yes, my lady?" Tyrian croons.
"I believe it's time you returned to Anima. Hunting season is approaching."
Tyrian claps to himself in glee.
"Hazel."
"Yes?"
"Secure our communication with our contact in the White Fang. Ensure their full cooperation."
Hazel grunts in affirmation.
"And finally, Cinder," Salem looks at her with a passive expression. "You will remain by my side as I teach you the ways of magic."
Salem waves a hand in dismissal, indication the meeting was not over. As Cinder picks herself up to follow the others out the room, Salem's voice causes her to pause.
"Cinder, stay behind."
She grimly nods, then signals Emerald and Mercury to leave. The massive wooden doors close with a resounding thud, leaving Salem and Cinder alone.
"You have something on your mind. Speak." Salem softly says.
"About Jaune Arc..."
"You are wondering why I am taking such caution against him?"
Cinder nods in response.
"The Arc family line is quite prestigious and full of exceptional warriors. They must never be underestimated. Tyrian knows from firsthand experience, as his scars are from a single encounter with one of the Arcs."
Cinder's eyes slightly widen. Despite Tyrian's insanity, she acknowledges and respects that he is an incredibly skilled fighter.
"If the Arc family is so exceptional, why aren't they famous throughout Remnant? It should have at least rung a bell and I would have taken further precautions." Cinder asks in a low voice.
Salem's eyes narrow as she gazes ahead.
"The history of the Arcs is ancient and buried away from the rest of the world. They are a recluse family that rarely makes their moves, but when they do, they create waves. I'd believed that the current generation of the Arc family had been fully accounted for, and I had no intention of having you encounter one yet. That is why I did not tell you of them, so that you would remain focused on your immediate tasks without distraction."
She sighs, "The Arc name is a recent creation. A fabrication and illusion created between the family and Ozpin to further their obscurity."
"A fabrication? Then what is their true name?"
Salem's eyes briefly flicker with emotion before she quickly blinks it away.
"That is not important. All you need to know is that anyone bearing the name of Arc must never be taken lightly. If Jaune Arc is the only one that was unaccounted for, there are seven others in his generation. All his sisters. If you ever encounter them in the future, I suggest you retreat immediately, unless you know with absolute certainty that you will emerge victorious. Without exception, all Arcs inherit light blonde hair and aquamarine eyes. Keep these traits in mind for the future."
*** Patch ***
Without a sound, Jaune lands on top of the roof and sits down, sensing the commotion from within the house.
"He did what?" Ruby exclaims in horror.
"We only found out about it the other day from Velvet and Coco," Nora replies.
"B-but... why?" Ruby's silver eyes are wide open.
"That is not something we can fully answer," Ren sighs. "Obviously, part of the reason was to protect Coco and her team, but the point remains that he did not have to go about that course of action to accomplish that. So there must have been another compelling reason."
"Reason or not, it was wrong," Ruby whispers. "We're supposed to be future Huntsmen and Huntresses..."
Yang says in a low voice, "If it was Ruby in that position, I would have likely done the same."
"Yang?"
Yang shifts her gaze away, subconsciously towards her missing arm.
"Ruby, the world isn't as black and white as you'd like it to be. Even you know that fact deep down inside."
She looks back up at Ruby with sad eyes.
"What if... it was Penny in that situation? Or me?"
Ruby trembles at the question and a hint of rage flashes across her eyes at the mention of Penny. She tightly clenches her hands into fists.
"But that's not what Huntsmen and Huntresses should be!" Ruby yells.
Ruby is now up on her feet, her eyes watering and tears threatening to fall.
"It's not what mom would have-"
She freezes, remembering that there are others in the room. Eyes wide in panic, she bursts into rose petals escapes through the front door of the house.
"Should... we go after her?" Nora asks.
Yang sadly sighs, "She's going to where she always does... She'll be fine and be back within a few hours. I'm sorry you had to see that."
"I must admit that I never expected Ruby to snap like that," Pyrrha softly comments.
"I don't want to say too much, but it's just that the recent events have been stressing Ruby a lot more than she outwardly shows." Yang says in a low voice. "It's not even necessarily about Jaune's actions that she's upset about."
Up on the rooftop, Jaune pushes himself up onto his feet, and hops up into the air.
*** Cliffside on overlooking Patch ***
Ruby hugs her knees as she leans against Summer's gravestone. The previous pent up frustration and anger has now simmered down to grief.
"Mom..." she whispers.
"I thought I could pretend everything is fine... but it's so hard." Ruby says softly to no one in particular. "Are Blake and Weiss okay?..."
"And then there's Yang, who I know is dealing with her own issues while trying to be strong... And... P-Penny... She... What am I supposed to feel? I feel angry... sad... scared... and I want to... I want to... hurt... the ones responsible, but... what would you do? Mom..."
She clenches her cloak and wraps it tightly around herself.
From above, Jaune watches the scene silently before descending onto the ground near the treeline. He purposefully steps on a branch as he lands. Immediately, Ruby jolts up in high alert and grabs at Cresent Rose on her hip.
"Who's there?" She yells.
Jaune calmly steps out from the shadows, revealing himself to Ruby.
"J-Jaune..." Ruby's eyes widen. "What are you doing here?"
Jaune merely shakes his head in response and walks up to the gravestone.
"Thus kindly I scatter..." Jaune mutters, reading the epitaph aloud.
"It's a reference to my mom's favorite poem. At least, according to dad..." Ruby looks down sadly.
After a moment of silence, Ruby asks in a more cautious tone.
"So... Why are you here?"
"It is a full moon and the season is beginning to turn."
'What?'
Ruby's eyes narrow in confusion, trying to to make sense of what Jaune is saying. Without warning, Jaune takes a seat beside Ruby and brings out a bottle of the rice wine he'd procured earlier in the day.
"Would you care for a drink?"
Without waiting for her answer, Jaune produces three small cups from his storage ring, placing one of them on Summer's gravestone. He carefully fills the cup on the gravestone to the brim.
"What are you doing?" Ruby asks curiously.
"From where I came from, it is customary to honor the dead with wine or spirits." Jaune replies with a soft voice. He pours some wine into his own cup and lifts it up. The moon reflects onto the surface of the liquid.
Ruby's eyes widen at this gesture.
'The moon... Was our speculation about Ying Yue correct?'
Jaune glances at Ruby with a small smile.
"So you've all already guessed who Ying Yue is."
Ignoring Ruby's shocked reaction, Jaune continues, "Will you share a drink with me?"
Jaune offers her an empty cup, which she reaches out and takes hesitatingly. Knowing she is not used to drinking alcohol, Jaune only partially fills the drinking cup.
Silently toasting the moon once more, Jaune downs the contents of his cup, and savors the liquor as it travels down his throat. He tilts his head towards Ruby, who takes a tiny sip. Her lips scrunch at the initial burning sensation of the liquid, before her face slightly flushes at the warmth spreading through her body. She smacks her lips once before downing the rest of her cup's contents.
'Ruby Rose, a natural drinker. Who would have guessed?' Jaune's eyebrow raises up.
The two spend several minutes in silence, with only the sound of pouring wine breaking it.
Slightly red in the face, Ruby leans against the gravestone with a somber expression and mumbles, "Does this ever get easier?"
Jaune takes a moment to think while tracing the lip of his cup with a finger.
"I can not speak for anyone else but myself. It took a very long time for me to come to terms that Ying Yue was gone."
Ruby turns her head towards Jaune and politely asks, "Could you tell me about her? If you don't mind?"
She prepares herself for a refusal as she knows that she'd just asked for something very personal, but she couldn't resist her sense of curiosity.
Jaune tilts his head up to the sky, staring directly at the full moon.
"Ying'er and I were orphaned at a very young age. For as long as we could remember, we had no one but each other. For years, we'd traveled from one town to another, scrounging up whatever we could find to eat and survive. Despite our hardships, Ying'er was always the optimistic one out of us. Eventually, in one of our stops, we happened upon a sect recruitment exam."
"What's a sect?"
"You may think of it as a school. Even in our position of limited knowledge, we knew that successfully joining a sect meant food, shelter, resources, and knowledge. So naturally, both of us participated as we believed that there was nothing to lose in trying."
Jaune closes his eyes, beginning to reminisce upon very old memories.
"By the end of the exam, Ying'er had proven herself to have prodigy level talent. An exceptional one at that. So they took her in as an inner disciple, while I'd displayed average level talent and was taken in as an outer disciple."
"What's the difference between the two?" Ruby asks.
"An inner disciple will receive much more attention and resources from the sect. It is a distinct separation between the talented and the average. Those who are destined to become great, and those who are not."
Ruby's expression changes to confusion.
'Jaune was graded as average? How?'
Jaune notices, but chooses to ignore Ruby's mental question.
"Even from a young age, I'd always known Ying'er to be particularly perceptive. But due to my lack of knowledge, I did not realize just how significant her innate talents were. It turned out she had a natural affinity for the Dao as a non practitioner, which is infinitesimally rare. One could say that she was a one in several trillion in terms of talent, blessed by the Dao itself. Naturally, the sect treated her as their upmost important treasure and princess of the entire sect. It is normal for one suddenly thrust into such a position to become arrogant, believing themselves to be a gift unto the world. However, Ying'er was anything but normal. Her heart had remained as pure as the day she was born..."
Jaune takes a moment to pause and downs the contents of his cup.
"As her direct blood relative, I'd received preferential treatment from the sect, despite being a mere outer disciple with average talent. Unlike her, I did not put much effort into my cultivation. I'd become overly comfortable with my position. To be quite frank, I was lazy and pathetic, while Ying'er possessed both the talent and drive."
His voice suddenly drops to a dull and cold tone.
"Then... Ying'er was taken."
Ruby suppresses a shudder.
"T-taken?"
"Jealousy is an ugly thing. There were many who had grown envious of Ying'er within the sect, the place we called home."
Jaune's face grows cold as he recalls.
"Several senior disciples and masters colluded together and ambushed Ying'er during one of her regular expeditions outside of the sect grounds. Though her master and bodyguards were present, fending off dozens of foes of similar caliber from an ambush is nearly impossible. In the end, they were all murdered and Ying'er was kidnapped."
"By the time the rest of the sect had found out, it was too late. Those filthy snakes had extracted Ying'er's spiritual root to refine a drug and artificially increase their own talent base. The process had left Ying'er irreparably crippled and fatally injured."
Jaune's eyes narrow as he stares down at his hands.
"The sect did not punish them."
Ruby reels back in shock.
"W-what? But why?"
"This was a cruel lesson of reality I'd learned. The sects do not care for the individual, but rather their talent is paramount. Rather than punish them, the sect took all resources that were meant for Ying'er and distributed them amongst those snakes. As Ying'er was no longer of any use to the sect, both her and I were cast out like trash."
He fills his cup to the brim and promptly downs it with a single motion.
"It wasn't long after that event, Ying'er passed due to her injuries. The only thing I had left of her was a journal she'd painstakingly written for me, containing various notes about her insights to the Dao. After placing her to rest, I put myself into secluded isolation. I completely abandoned the cultivation I'd gotten from that sect, and started from the beginning, solely using Ying'er's journal, and whatever additional insights I could derive from it."
Jaune lets out a soft sigh, "She truly was a genius. After hundreds years, I finally emerged from my isolation. I journeyed alone for another several hundred, putting my insights into practice, until finally, I returned to that sect."
Ruby's eyes widen, noting the disdain in Jaune's tone.
"Then what happened?"
"In a single night, that sect was erased from the annals of history," Jaune coldly replies.
'Was this the feeling Coco and Velvet felt from Jaune during that night? I don't like it.'
Ruby suppresses a shiver.
"I made a vow," Jaune says. "That I would spread my name throughout the cultivation world, and keep Ying'er's legacy alive."
Ruby looks away from Jaune and rubs some stray dust away from Summer's gravestone.
"Do you think I'm on the right path to make her proud? How do I know? How did you know?"
Jaune gives her a melancholic smile.
"You should stick to whatever path your heart dictates. But I will warn you that obsessing over the opinion of the dead will not bring you a happy ending."
"But what if I don't know what my heart wants?" Ruby whispers.
"You will in time," Jaune assures. "Be mindful and open to learning from your's and others' experiences, so that when you do find your path, you'll know it to be true. Just be patient."
Ruby looks down at her cup, deep in thought. She turns her head and gives Jaune a quick smile.
"Thanks Jaune... I really would have liked to meet her. Your sister, I mean."
Jaune chuckles, "I'm sure she would have felt the same."
Ruby extends her cup towards Jaune, and the two resume watching the stars in silence as the wine continues to pour.
*** Past midnight ***
Though she'd reassured the others earlier that night, Yang paces across the living room alone restlessly. She silently debates to herself on whether or not to check up on Ruby at Summer's grave.
"What's taking you so long," Yang bites one of her fingernails as she continues to pace back and forth. She finally pauses her steps and grits her teeth.
"I don't care if you get upset with me for interrupting your private time with mom. It's getting way too late..."
She grabs the left component of Ember Celica and marches towards the front door. Missing arm or not, she's going to bring Ruby back home, any Grimm be damned. As she reaches out to unlock the door, a soft knock sounds out from the opposite side. Eyes widening with relief, Yang quickly unlocks the door and swings it open.
Jaune looks down at Yang with a hint of a smile as Ruby's small frame is cradled in his arms, tightly wrapped up in her red cloak and lightly snoring in her sleep. Yang instinctively steps aside, though she is currently at a loss for words. Jaune steps into the home with light steps and gently lets Ruby down onto one of the couches. Ruby lets out an indiscernible mumble as her position gets shifted.
Yang briskly goes to Ruby's side and kneels down to take a look. Her nose scrunches as the sweet scent of alcohol tickles her nostrils. She turns her head towards Jaune, sending him a silent, accusatory look.
Jaune settles himself into one of the chairs and shrugs.
"I offered a cup, but she demanded more. Who would have guessed that little Ruby Rose is a glutton for good wine?" He chuckles.
"You followed her to mom's gravestone," Yang bluntly states.
"I only happened to be in the area," Jaune gives a small smile.
"Right, of course you were," she scoffs.
Jaune mentally smirks as he compares Yang's mannerisms to a certain little bird.
"You call Summer Rose mother despite having no blood relation to her," Jaune casually remarks.
Yang reaches over and brushes away some of Ruby's hair and briefly touches her forehead to take her temperature.
"She is my mom and blood has nothing to do with it," Yang says as she takes her hand away from Ruby's face. "As far as I can remember, our family has always been dad, Ruby, me, and Summer. She's the one that took care of me since birth, and was the one that was always there... until she wasn't anymore..."
Her voice grows quiet at the end, before letting out an uneven sigh.
"Summer isn't only Ruby's role model. It's why when she was no long here, I took over to take care of Ruby... and dad. Did you know that Ruby does not remember much of mom because she was so young? That's why she visits that gravestone almost religiously whenever she's back home on Patch."
Jaune regards Yang for a moment.
"So, does this mean you hold zero interest towards your biological mother?" He softly asks.
Yang averts her eyes to the side.
"... Of course I do. I have so many questions I want to ask, but have no idea where to start."
'Besides the brief meeting with her on Beacon, I haven't seen her since. And according to Blake, a masked woman saved me from Adam at the last moment, who could've only been her...'
She unconsciously brings her left arm up to her stump.
"Do you think you could tell me for what reason a mother might leave her newborn child?"
Jaune briefly closes his eyes.
"... Raven is a rather interesting woman, to say the least."
Yang's eyes widen.
"So you know-"
Jaune brings a hand up, stopping Yang from finishing her statement.
"I happened to meet her on the night you two briefly exchanged words on the Beacon courtyard. I know you're not stupid Yang, and that you're fully aware by this point that Raven's been keeping an eye on you and your family."
Yang faces Jaune with a pleading look.
"Then why doesn't she-"
Her voice gets caught in her throat, and she continues with a whisper.
"Why isn't she here for us like a normal family member?"
"Who knows?" Jaune sighs. "Even if I knew, it is not my place to say."
He looks at Yang with a glint in his eyes.
"Perhaps she feels just as lost as you do. You are blood related kin after all."
A brief silence falls between them as Yang looks away in thought.
Jaune stands up and stretches himself before walking towards the stairs.
"My advice for you is try and look beyond what is at face value."
He waves a hand in the air as he goes up the stairs to his guest room, leaving Yang alone with Ruby sleeping peacefully beside her.
*** Jaune's room ***
Jaune casually locks the doors behind him and silently taps his foot against the wooden floor, enveloping the room with his divine sense to prevent any sound from escaping.
"There's word that several of Salem's agents are finally on the move," Raven's voice sounds out from the darkness. She steps out of a dark corner into view.
Jaune calmly sits down beside a table located next to his bed.
"Anything unexpected?"
Raven lightly shakes her head before taking a seat across from Jaune.
"A scorpion Faunus known as Tyrian is en route to Anima, presumably to eliminate Huntsmen. Of course, this is assuming that Leonardo is indeed a traitor."
Jaune shrugs as he produces cups for himself and his guest.
"And what is your opinion?" He casually asks as he lays down a bottle of wine in the center of the table.
Raven picks up the cup in front of her and looks over its craftsmanship before commenting, "I've occasionally kept my eyes on the Academy headmasters. Leonardo is... not the same man I met in my younger years."
"How so?" Jaune inquires.
"Hmm... He's grown much softer as a headmaster. He's lost his touch with his warrior instincts due to being stuck in an office for decades. If you'd asked me this question a decade ago, I would confidently say that Leonardo would not dare entertain the idea of treason."
Raven raises an eyebrow towards Jaune.
"You never had a doubt, did you?"
Jaune hums to himself as he pours into Raven's outstretched cup.
"I do not know the man personally, but Salem would be a complete fool if she did not explore the possibility of turning one of Ozpin's trustees. With regards to Mistral, Leonardo is simply the most obvious and efficient choice."
He takes a small sip from his cup and watches the ripples scattering across the surface.
"And I refuse to believe that someone as long lived as her is a fool. Also, it would be best for your brother to verify what the truth is for himself."
Raven scoffs to the side.
"He's a fool of a younger brother that easily lets his emotions get the better of him."
Jaune chuckles, "A kettle calls the pot black."
Her eyebrow twitches in response to Jaune's comment. She lifts her cup and downs the contents, eyes briefly widening at the quality of the drink.
"Hmph, at this point it doesn't matter whether or not Leo's a traitor. We are operating under that assumption anyways."
"That is true," Jaune responds with a smile. "Aside from this Tyrian fellow, is there anything else of interest?"
Raven sighs, "The White Fang. The movements of a group in Vale are not necessarily lining up with the main group on Anima."
Bringing a hand up to his chin, Jaune slowly asks, "Are these movements being headed by that Adam boy responsible for Yang's injury?"
Her red eyes slightly narrow.
"No, Adam is currently on Anima by the White Fang leader's side, Sienna Khan. This splinter group in Vale seems to be led by someone related to one of the Faunus you slew that night. The majority of the members of this group are tied to that night's slaughter."
Raven smirks upon seeing a small smile on Jaune's face, though it is not one of happiness.
"You expected this as well."
Jaune pours more wine, then tiredly sighs out, "I suppose it's the same no matter where you are. With battle come grievances, and with grievances come enemies."
"So what will you do?"
He leans back on his seat to stare up into the ceiling.
"Nothing."
"Nothing?" Raven gives him an intrigued look. "You're going to let them do as they please?"
"Why not? I have a feeling that Salem will desire a temporary alliance with this splinter group. So why not let her continue to cling onto the illusion of having control?"
Jaune turns his head to Raven and gives her a soothing smile.
"Besides, if they become more trouble than they're worth, then I will crush them like any other enemy."
A brief shiver runs down Raven's spine, almost feeling sorry for the White Fang group.
"If there's nothing else, I'd like to ask you something that's been on my mind for quite some time."
Raven sips her wine, gesturing with hand for Jaune to continue.
Jaune curiously leans in.
"How does your Semblance work? Are there conditions attached to your portals?"
She stares back silently as she savors the last drop in her cup.
"My portals can appear several meters from those I have a bond with. The stronger the bond, the faster the portal is created."
"That is... conveniently vague. Interesting."
Raven shrugs in response, but freezes at Jaune's next inquiry.
"What about your bond with Summer Rose?"
Her breath momentarily quickens before she catches herself.
"What about her?" She calmly responds.
"I'm just going to assume that you are unable to create a portal to anyone that is dead. So, I'm asking you, Raven Branwen, is Summer Rose dead?"
Jaune locks his gaze onto Raven's eyes, calmly observing her reactions.
"She's... she's gone," Raven whispers.
"I see... I apologize for bringing up a painful memory," Jaune slightly bows and pushes the half full bottle towards Raven. "Take the rest with you. Consider it a gift and apology for asking such a question."
Raven pushes herself up from her seat and swipes the air with her weapon, manifesting a dark red portal in the center of the room. She grabs the bottle and turns around, but pauses in her steps.
"How is she?"
Jaune looks down at the floor, seemingly gazing through it.
"She's much like you. Confused. Unsure. Wants to take the next step, yet does not know how."
Raven's eyes momentarily soften.
"And her arm. Could you heal it?"
Jaune sighs, "This is a tribulation she will have to face in order to grow."
Raven shudders before giving a small nod, then steps through her portal, leaving Jaune alone in his room.
He gets up onto his feet and walks to the room's windows, staring out to the South.
"Tomorrow should be an interesting day," he mutters to himself.