RWBYond Sisters
AN: This is the final chapter of what I had planned. It will take us to Jaune sneaking into Beacon. But, I'm leaving this story open. I may have more ideas for one-shots with these characters and write them and release them when I want to take a break from a different story. But after this, I'm seeing STRQ through to the end and then it'll be time for the RWBYond Vale epilogue.
Chapter 7: Amarillo
Jaune sat on the couch reading some comics. Amarillo laid her head in his lap reading along with him. Everyone just called her Amery. In fact, Jaune had probably only heard her be called by her full name once or twice, only when she was in big trouble. She hated her full name.
Amery had just turned nine. Her and Jaune were fulfilling their favorite past time. Amery always loved it when Jaune would read to her. Amery loved doing all sorts of things with Jaune. Jaune treated her like a princess and Amery idolized him. It always made Jaune feel good knowing that someone looked up to him like that.
"Jaune…why won't you become a huntsman?" She asked. The question stung at Jaune. He always did want to be a hero. But it was too hard…and now too late. Had he worked for that career from the start, he'd be going to Beacon by now.
"It's too late Amery." He answered.
"It's never too late bubby." Amery said sitting herself up.
"How do you suppose I do that then?"
"Daddy has connections." She said. "He can probably get you in."
"That sounds very irresponsible."
"But if you really want to…then you should at least try. What's the worst that could happen?"
He didn't want to answer. There was no way he could say it that wouldn't cause her to freak out. So instead he gave a shrug. He finished the comic and set Amery down. He would love nothing more to live up to his family's legacy, to carry on the name of the guardians of Vale. But it was a dream deferred.
"I'm wouldn't even know where to begin." He said.
"You're smart." Amery said. "You're better at all those strategy games than anyone. You're strong and fast."
"For you maybe…but huntsmen are the strongest warriors in Remnant."
"Exactly…if you go you could become even more stronger."
Or something bad could happen."
"It won't…I believe in you."
The conversation ended there. Jaune helped Amery to bed. He walked around the halls, coming across a painting of Arthur Arc, his great-great-grandfather who helped end the war. On a small stand underneath the painting was the family sword, Corcea Mors. Jaune grabbed it and gave a few practice swings.
"It's a good fit." Father said.
"Hey dad." Jaune said.
"Is this about what Amery said?"
"You heard that?"
"It's all she talks about."
"What do you think I should do?" Jaune's question hung in the air.
"Son…you already have all that it takes to become a huntsman. You have empathy, respect, the way you cradle Amery and your other younger sisters is exactly how a huntsman should treat the people he's sworn to protect. If you're worried about not being strong enough, don't be. Academy life is very different from huntsman life. Strength will only take you so far, but it isn't entirely necessary until you go out beyond the reaches of the kingdom."
"And what if I don't get strong enough?"
"Then you have a mother, a father, and seven sisters who will love to have you back home. But you will never know if you don't try. Better to try, and fail than never try at all."
"So…how do I do this?"
His father spent the next few nights giving him the ins and outs of Corcea Mors. Amery watched with enthusiasm during the days. Verta also encouraged him, and assured him that he'd always have somewhere to go no matter what happened. Then, as winter ended, Father came through. He had transcripts falsified, just enough to get him in. He'd still be the lowest ranked in his year, better that than trying to pass him off as some awesome warrior.
Jaune left for Beacon. Verta and Amery were so happy for him. Father was proud, probably more for himself than Jaune. Mother was worried, but Rouge assured her that it would be alright. Aliquam gave him a big hug and kiss before he left. Violeta seemed indifferent. Bleu was happy. Indigo cried.
One way or another, they all loved him and believed in him. Jaune went to the ship with confidence. He would get stronger. He would succeed. He would get to be a huntsman. He would make his family proud. He would become the hero that Amery already thought he was.
What did he have to lose? How hard could a school be? How much better than him could the others be? How could he fail if he tried his best and studied? What was the worst that could happen? What was…what was going on with his stomach? Oh God he was going to throw up.
An: You know what sucks? Being sick. I think I about had a heat stroke yesterday, which is why all my stories are so late today. It's also why this chapter is so short. Again, I'm keeping this story open. I might do a longer version of this chapter (I'll let you know if it happens so keep up with my profile). I just can't even right now. Thank God tomorrows STRQ chapter is pretty simple. I do have an idea for a tea party chapter. You can probably expect that around November at the latest (earlier if I get writers block while doing one of my upcoming stories. Be sure to review, follow, and favorite.
