AN: Sorry guys for going MIA for so long, I'll put a longer note at the end about the reasons.
So you're telling me you're Ruby and Yang's uncle Qrow.
Uh-huh
And you died last week on a secret mission that Professor Ozpin gave you.
Yep.
And because an old friend transferred part of his aura to you, it changed your semblance to include possession, which was originally a part of his semblance.
Pretty much.
And now you want me to continue that mission in your stead, a mission that in your words "will decide the fate of the world".
Sounds about right.
But you can't tell me what that entails because I'm not ready yet.
It's standard protocol really.
Go fuck yourself.
What?
You really thought I'd accept a mission I know nothing about that a fully qualified huntsman died trying to complete?
I gotta be honest, kid. I figured if you were willing to sneak into Beacon with no combat training, convincing you to do this would be a piece of cake.
Do you have to bring that up every time?
Come on, kid. It'll be fun. I'll even train you. I may not look it, but I was one of the best teachers at Signal.
Somehow I doubt that.
So did most of the parents... but that's beside the point. Kid, I get it. I really do. When you woke up this morning your biggest worry was that your girlfriend would chew you out for missing class.
Pyrrha's not my girlfriend!
Sure, kid. Whatever. Bottom line is I get why you're scared. You're just a normal teenager with normal teenager problems and this is way above your pay-grade. But someone has to do it. Besides, didn't you always want to be a hero? To be a part of something greater or some shit? Well, you're not going to get a better ticket to the top than this, kid.
Why me? I'm sure there's a thousand other huntsmen more capable than me if this mission is as important as you say it is.
Honestly? It's a matter of trust. I've seen all your memories and I can hear all your thoughts. Can't say the same for any other huntsman. As much as I'd like to rope in someone with more experience, I can't take that chance if it means that they could be working for the other side. Besides, I know more than anyone else what you're capable of right now, I'm not gonna throw you to the wolves right off the bat. But this would go a lot smoother with your help.
Ugh fine, I'll play your game for now. But if I feel like you're just going to get me killed I'm going straight to an exorcist.
Heh, I knew you'd come around, kid.
Don't get ahead of yourself, I still don't fully trust you. I just felt that I couldn't call myself a hero if I just left a damsel in distress.
Call me a damsel again and the demon in your arm just might possess you and drop your pants in the middle of class.
Yeah, yeah, whatever. So, how exactly does my semblance work? You said I get stronger the cooler people think I am but what does it actually do? Increase my aura?
The sound of the infirmary door being wrenched open interrupted their conversation.
"Where are you Fearless Leader?" Jaune could hear Nora shout as she stomped into the infirmary.
"Nora! Not so loud, there might be patients sleeping." came Pyrrha's voice.
Nora pointedly ignored her teammate as her heavy footfalls came closer and closer to Jaune's bed before his pristine curtains were torn aside. Jaune was greeted by the sight of Nora grinning ear to ear as she finally found him.
"There you are Fearless Leader! Thought you could hide from me did ya?"
"Hey, Nora. How did you know this bed was mine?" Jaune asked with an easy smile as he adjusted himself on the bed so he was sitting up, wincing as his sore muscles protested the movement.
"God works in mysterious ways" Nora discerningly stated, her voice making it clear she was divulging great wisdom. She even stroked an imaginary beard to complete the look.
"All the other beds are empty" explained Ren as he walked up along with Pyrrha to his bed, gesturing to the deserted infirmary.
"An act of God to be sure" Nora countered, her usual exuberance bubbling through her sagely facade.
Jaune couldn't help but laugh at his team's antics. After his heavy conversation with Qrow, the lighthearted banter of his team was a welcome change.
"Soooo, Fearless Leader... What the heck was that!" Nora questioned as she leaned over his bed, sticking her face uncomfortably close to Jaune's.
"What the heck was what?"
"Don't play dumb with me mister! How dare you hide your true power level from me!" Nora exclaimed.
Ren pointedly cleared his throat.
"From us. I meant us."
Oh yeah. That.
Don't worry kid, let me handle it. Just say exactly what I tell you to. Trust me, I have experience with this.
Veins bulged on Pyrrha's forehead as she struggled to contain her anger. Taking a deep breath she decided to give Jaune one final chance to explain himself.
"So you're telling us you were attacked by an ancient unknown grimm yesterday."
"Uh-huh"
"And this happened to you on your way to class yesterday, which is why you were absent yesterday morning"
"Yep"
"And just as this grimm was about to kill you, Professor Ozpin intervened and saved you."
"Pretty much"
"But the grimm was too powerful to be defeated by even Professor Ozpin, so he had to seal it in your arm using an ancient aura technique."
"Sounds about right."
"But you can't tell us anymore than that for our own good."
"It's standard protocol really."
"That is so COOL!" Nora blatantly interrupted. Pyrrha shot her a dirty look and Nora mimed locking her lips and throwing away the key. After a moment to ensure Nora got the message, Pyrrha turned back to Jaune.
"What's the point of being on a team if you can't confide in us, Jaune? We're worried about you. Please."
Do we really have to keep them in the dark about this? I trust them.
Kid, you just don't get it, do you? This semblance relies on those nearby to believe you're cool. Truly believe it. If you let them in on the truth it might make them feel better, but the truth isn't nearly as cool as the story we've made up. Telling them would seriously hinder your fighting ability when they're nearby. That's a pretty big deal considering for the next four years every mission you'll be sent on will be with your team. Trust me on this one, kid. I didn't tell my team what my semblance was either.
Jaune couldn't quite meet Pyrrha's pleading eyes as he shifted uncomfortably. It hurt to lie to his team but he could see what Qrow meant. Ever since his team had arrived, he had begun to feel more alert and the soreness of his muscles seemed to dwindle. He felt stronger. It seemed that behind their worried glances, it seems his team had begun to view him in a different light.
"I'm sorry guys. But there's a good reason I'm keeping you in the dark. You can even confirm with Ozpin. I'm not just running away from my problems again, Pyr. I promise."
Nora and Ren seemed to be satisfied with that answer but judging by the look on Pyrrha's face it was clear to Jaune that this matter was far from over.
"So... How'd the rest of the class take it?" Jaune said, trying to subtly move the conversation away from him.
Thankfully Nora was more than happy to take the bait.
"You should've seen the look on everyone's face!" Nora cackled "That's what they get for doubting our Fearless Leader! I knew from the beginning that you were strong, just ask Ren!"
"I don't believe you've ever mentioned-" Ren started.
"See? I knew Renny would remember!" Nora interrupted. "More importantly, You're the number one subject of the Beacon rumour mill! People have been going crazy trying to figure out how you got so strong out of the blue. Most people in our combat class believe that you've been possessed by some sort of demonic grimm because of how you acted, but the rest of Beacon, especially the upper years, think that's bogus because a grimm like that is unheard of. Plus, a lot of people pointed out that if you were possessed by a grimm then the professors wouldn't just stand by. The most popular theory right now is that you're some sort of sleeper agent for one of the kingdoms and that Cardin constantly hitting your head woke up your true self. Other people think you have some sort of split personality disorder because of repeated head trauma from Cardin's mace."
Why do most of these theories involve Cardin beating me senseless?
Have you seen yourself fight, kid? Hell I'm starting to believe those theories and I know the truth!
Remind me why I'm helping you again?
Aw, lighten up kid. With a semblance like this, the more rumours surrounding you the better. Makes you look more mysterious.
Even if those theories involved getting my ass whooped so hard it affected my brain?
Don't worry, gossip has a way of becoming more and more convoluted as it spreads, I'm sure by next week these rumours will be something else entirely, kid.
Fine, whatever. It's not like these rumours could get any worse.
"Jaune? Is everything alright?" Pyrrha asked, concern evident in her voice.
Step one of the patented Qrow hunstman training program. You gotta learn to have an internal dialogue without looking like you're crazy.
Jaune cursed internally. "Yeah sorry Pyr, just spaced out. I'm all good, promise!" he said with his classic goofy smile.
Jaune felt his power dwindle slightly and he heard Qrow sigh inside his head.
Step two will be learning to drop all your loser tendencies, especially that dorky smile of yours.
Hey!
Honestly with how many of those habits you have, it'll probably take more than one step. I'm thinking steps two to five will be dedicated to fixing your personality.
Before Jaune could mentally rebuttal the infirmary doors swung open once again. Ms. Goodwitch stepped towards the team, her high heels clicking against the pristine white tiled floor.
"It seems you've recovered Mr. Arc." she stated, her eyes roving over him as she searched for any signs of injury
"Pretty much, just a little sore is all" Jaune answered.
She nodded curtly at his response, finishing up her impromptu inspection.
"The headmaster would like to speak to you, if you're well enough to make the journey."
"It shouldn't be a problem professor."
"Very well" Ms.Goodwitch said, glancing at the rest of his team. "I'll give you a few moments to finish your discussion. When you are ready to depart you can find me outside the infirmary doors." She turned without waiting for a response, confidently striding across the infirmary before gracefully slipping out through the doors.
"Well, I guess I should go see what the headmaster wants from me." Jaune, slipping out of his bed despite the reluctance of his tired muscles.
"Hey Jaune?" Pyrrha said timidly.
"Yeah?"
"Whatever it is you've got yourself into, you know we all have your back right?" Pyrrha said, staring straight into his eyes. Nora gave him a cheery grin and a thumbs up and even Ren gave him a small smile.
Warmth bubbled up within Jaune's chest. Knowing his team was behind him eased his worries in a way nothing else could. "Of course" Jaune said, his usual goofy grin morphing into a confident smirk. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
"Yeah! If that grimm in your arm gives you any problems just let me know and I'll break their legs!" Nora proudly stated, flexing her arms for good measure.
She does realize that those are your legs too right?
Jaune laughed. "I'll be sure to let him know."
The walk to the headmaster's office was less eventful than he expected. They traversed the winding corridors of Beacon occasionally running into a group of students walking between classes. While most of students whispered and pointed as he walked by, no doubt discussing some absurd rumour about him, Ms.Goodwitch's presence deemed to be enough of a deterrent that no student bothered to approach him directly, something Jaune was eternally grateful for.
Talk to me. I need something to get my mind off the fact that I'm a walking pariah right now.
I'd prefer to keep our interactions to a minimum personally, kid.
Do you have to be a dick all the time?
Just on days that end in "y"
That joke is probably as outdated as you are, old man.
Ouch. Fine, what'd you want to talk about?
I don't know, anything really. How'd you handle getting a semblance like this?
Kid, do you even know me?
Not really, no.
Touché. Well, the semblance was practically built for me. Probably was, considering semblances are supposed to be a reflection of your soul and all that jazz. I didn't really have to change much. I already dressed cool, had a cool cape too. And I was already training with a sword and a scythe by the time my semblance came around. So I wouldn't really say there was much of an adjustment period for me personally.
If semblances are supposed to be a reflection of your soul then why did I get this one?
Probably because whatever god is out there thought that a semblance that made you stronger the dorkier you were was too cruel even for you.
Well at least your jokes are getting better.
Thanks kid, I try. Truth is, there's still a whole lot we don't know about semblances, there could be a whole number of reasons you got stuck with mine, but I wouldn't be able to tell you.
Ah well, I guess there's no use thinking about it now. Speaking of semblances, What did you tell your team?
Hmm?
You didn't tell them about your real semblance did you? So what did you tell them? I'm assuming the demon in the arm thing is because of our situation.
Ha, get a load of this, kid. I told them my semblance was bad luck.
Bad luck? What does that even mean?
I don't know. But it worked like a charm.
Nobody questioned that your semblance was just bad luck? How would you even figure out that was your semblance?
Like I said, semblances are hardly solved. More importantly, people love having something to blame their misfortune on. Anything that didn't go their way while I was around would just reinforce the idea that it was my semblance causing it. Tripped during training? Must be cause Qrow was around. Spilled your drink? Just blame good old Qrow and go on with your day. It gave me a good excuse to work alone too and we all know only the coolest of huntsman work alone.
That's surprisingly brilliant coming from you.
You didn't have to add the "surprisingly" part, kid.
Jaune didn't realize he reached the elevators doors until he nearly crashed into them. He managed to stop himself before he face planted right into the doors, much to Qrow's voiced disappointment.
"We will part ways here." Ms.Goodwitch stated, oblivious to Jaune's antics. "The headmaster's office is the top floor."
"Thank you Professor" Jaune replied as he straightened himself out
She nodded curtly in response before walking down the corridor at a brisk pace. It seemed the woman always had somewhere to be. Jaune turned towards the elevator doors as they parted and stepped inside. He pressed the top most button, the gears grinding as the elevator lurched upward.
Shit I totally forgot to ask you, what do I say to Ozpin?
Just follow my lead, kid.
"So, Mr. Arc. Let me see if I'm understanding you correctly. Ever since yesterday you've been hearing a strange voice in your head."
"Uh-huh"
"And this voice, is claiming to be the currently missing, deceased if your information is reliable, huntsman Qrow"
"Yep"
"And due to the aura someonehad given him previously through their semblance, it seemed to have an unintended side effect of merging your souls when he passed which morphed your previously unmanifested semblance into one where Qrow can temporarily take control of your body."
"Pretty much"
"Which, under his instruction, you have masked as an ancient grimm that I had sealed into your arm to prevent calamity from striking Remnant."
"Sounds about right."
"And he has revealed that he was assigned an extremely confidential mission by me and he now wishes for you, a barely trained first year student, take his place on this extremely dangerous and important mission."
"It's standard protocol really."
Professor Ozpin massaged the bridge of his nose before letting out a hefty sigh. "Well, it's good to have you back Qrow."
Nailed it.
AN: So I hoped you enjoyed the latest chapter! Again, sorry for going MIA after the first two chapters. My dad had a bit of a medical emergency so my life has been pretty hectic. Long story short, I had to take a break from school to work full time to help pay bills around the house. But I'm finally getting into a flow which means I'm finally ready to write again! Let me know how you felt about this chapter in the reviews as I'm writing this fic to improve my writing skills.