The Lost Son

by OculiImperator

Jaune Arc wished to live his own life, a life not in the shadow of the Arc Family but a life where he could make his own choices. In order to escape that shadow, he decided to become a Huntsman. What he did not realize was that while Duty and Desire may not always share the same road they often share the same destination.

7. Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Jaune walked into the cafeteria behind Pyrrha and the rest of his team for lunch. It had been nearly two weeks since the incident with Cardin and while Jaune wasn't a stranger to being bullied. He had to admit it was a little different when in a place with hormonal teenagers with powers that are training to fight creatures of Darkness.

In combat class Goodwitch had started allowing for challenges to start with little restriction on who can challenge who.

As such Cardin and his team had been constantly challenging Jaune to fights. Admittedly he had lost one or two but so far he'd been holding his own against Sky, Russel and Dove.

Cardin on the other hand was apparently adept at waiting for the right time to strike as Jaune beat his teammates.

At the same time Jaune had started hearing rumors that suggested that he tricked Cardin into him going easy on Jaune because he never went to Combat School.

This surprised a lot of people apparently including Jaune, as he didn't recall ever telling Cardin that he didn't go to Combat School. For other people though it was a mix of them reacting negatively to the so called dirty trick or slight admiration that Jaune was apparently a proficient swordsman despite that.

Jaune however didn't like the looks people however were sending his way because of all this. As he glanced around the large dining hall he could see a mixed bag of hostile or curious stares.

"How you holding up?" Pyrrha asked drawing his attention to her; the red head had fallen into step beside him.

"I'm fine I guess, just a little off put by the stares." He said as they got in line, Pyrrha laughed softly at that which Jaune couldn't help but smile a little as well.

"I guess for you it's a little bit amusing to see someone else be the focal point of other people's stares." Jaune said as he put a plate on Pyrrha's tray before his own.

"Thanks and yes its feels surprisingly like a weight as been taken off my shoulders."

"You really are strong then cause I feel tired already."

"Don't worry you'll get used to it." She said as they got to the food line.

"Maybe but I think I rather trade it back before that happens." Pyrrha laughed again.

"No deal."

"Aww." Pyrrha started to laugh again, Jaune started too as well as they reached the end of the line where Ren and Nora were waiting.

"What are you two laughing about?" Nora asked a puzzled look on her face.

"Ah, we're just having a little fun despite the situation Jaune has found himself in." Pyrrha explained.

"Ugh, I don't know how you stand it Jaune Jaune, they're so annoying." Nora said as her face twisted up.

"Leave it be Nora, it doesn't bother Jaune so it shouldn't bother us." Ren said.

"I wouldn't say it doesn't bother me at all, it's a bit strange but I'm used to strange."

"Fair enough, are you still not on speaking terms with Team RWBY?" The usually quiet teen asked as the four of them headed over to their customary table.

"I'm not on unspeaking terms with Team RWBY, just, half of them." Jaune replied.

"That half is also why the other half isn't speaking up so much as they want though." Ren pointed out.

"Look I'm not going to push anything with them because I've said my piece now it's up to them to figure out what they want to do." Jaune said as they sat down.

"And I suppose that's a part of what's happening with them as of late." Pyrrha said as she sat down next to Jaune.

"What do you mean?"

"Seriously? Were you not paying attention in Professor Port's class for like the last week and a half?" Nora asked and Jaune shrugged,

"I pay attention to Port not the others."

"Alright, what Grimm did he mention before going off in a tangent today?" Pyrrha asked.

"He talked about water based Grimm."

"Jaune." Ren spoke up.

"I'm not making this up." Jaune said defensively.

"Jaune." He repeated and Jaune sighed.

"Yes Ren?"

"We didn't have Port today." Jaune opened his mouth to say something but decide to keep quiet instead as he could see the smiles on Nora's and Pyrrha's faces.

"Point taken." Jaune said as before clearing his throat as he stick a fork into his salad. The four of them continue to sit and chat for a while as they enjoyed their lunch.

---

Elsewhere…

Alexander sighed loudly as he shut off his data slate then tossed it on the small table in front of him. He looked around the cabin, aside from him and the staff there was only two Praetorians. Though even they were relaxing over a game of cards, their helms off and their weapons set aside.

"Do you need anything my Lord?" A feminine voice asked and Alexander looked up to see a stewardess standing beside him.

"Its fine, I was just taking a break from reading." He said as he shook his head and the stewardess nodded.

"Well we'll be arriving soon my Lord but feel free to ask for anything." She said stressing the last word and he could see her eyes roaming over him. He had decided to dress casually, so he wore a white button up shirt and dark gray trousers.

"Thank you" He said politely and she walked back towards the front but he could see the glances she kept giving him over the shoulder. Alexander rubbed the side of his face, he was glad Arabella wasn't here to see that.

It wasn't long until the pilots voice came over the intercom announcing their arrival in a few minutes. Alexander looked out the side window. In the ever closing land below he could see vast stretches of farmland below with the occasional cluster of buildings that made up small rural towns.

It wasn't long before the grey stones that made up a very large wall came into view. As the aircraft turned left, Alexander got a partial view of the city or more precisely the new capital of Arcadia.

Falias.

After the Fall of Murias in the east, Arcadia had been left without a place to call its capital. At first some had assumed Clove would become the new Capital.

That changed about four hundred years after they made landfall when Arcadia finally reached what appeared to be grassland that stretched for hundreds of kilometers wide.

There was one exception however; a relatively small cluster of mountains in what they would learn would be in the exact center of the grasslands. With the highest peak reaching about two thousand meters above sea level.

As such Alexander put it to a vote amongst the people and they picked this new region. Thus they colonized the mountain cluster and surrounding grassland giving the name Nyseion to the region for its solitude and beauty.

Sadly that effort took another four decades just to do as the Arcadian Army explored every inch and crevice of the mountain cluster. While there wasn't a lot of Grimm, there had been creatures that even surprised Alexander.

There they encountered great winged beasts larger than even any of the super heavy tanks that he could think of back in his old life. No doubt they were probably as powerful as well since in that short but terrifying time of conflict. They had only been able to kill two of them at the expense of thousands of lives before driving them off by destroying their nests.

When the proverbial dust finally cleared and they finished burying all those bodies. The construction could finally begin.

Though that's not to say that it every truly ended, bit by bit the capital was expanded. At first there was the original position of the Capital located on the very top of the largest mountain in the cluster. Soon after they realized that continuing to build on the mountains was far too time consuming.

As such they moved towards the base of the mountains for the rest of the city to live as Alexander took the original section of the capital. Thus naming it the High Citadel where he, the important facets of the Government was stationed along with the entirety of the Praetorians and Sisterhood.

Thus the population of the High Citadel decreased immensely to less than a hundred thousand that lived in a place that could fit a few million people. As the centuries passed the High Citadel would grow but mainly in a military aspect as more advanced weaponry or technology was finally made.

At the base of the mountains the population grew in every direction with the population rising to nearly twelve million strong, making it the second most populated region in Arcadia. With the province Argolis and its capital Clove being the largest populated section of the Kingdom with its eighteen million people in the eighty five hundred square kilometer region.

The aircraft started to drop its altitude but it wasn't landing anywhere near the Falias's airport, instead it headed towards a small plateau mountain on the southern side. There a military airfield had been built on it to augment the military presence of the Capital.

While it only had the second largest civilian population in the Kingdom, Nyseion held the largest amount of military personnel. Almost the entirety of the Arcadian 1st Army was billeted in the region; most of them in fact lived in the capital.

A number of Divisions were situated in smaller fortresses in the borders of the province. There was also has three dedicated Air Force Divisions, meaning nearly six hundred Avenger Strike Fighters and Lightnings defended the capital.

The walls themselves housed a number of Sabres, Serpents, Lancers and Earthshaker weapons platforms.

Then there was the High Citadel, which contained the strongest force if not numerically then definitely in quality soldiers.

Aside from a single veteran Army Division and crews that man the hundreds of weapon platforms there was the Sisterhood Sanctum. In addition there was enhanced Praetorian Legion numbering twenty thousand strong that alone could defend the High Citadel against a force three times its size.

Lastly were the unique individuals and machines that reside within the High Citadel. Yet despite all of these things, Alexander still felt the place was vulnerable.

Maybe it had to do with his training, to always look for a weakness or area to attack from. The aircraft landed with a jolt and slowly came to a stop. Alexander began collecting his materials from the table as the engines died down.

As he stood up, the Praetorians gathered their belongings, locking helmets into place as the flight crew stood by the exit. Alexander nodded to them as he crouched low to exit the aircraft, cool air wrapping around him as he stepped out.

There were several Telamon Transport planes on the tarmac, all of which were either loading or disembarking supplies or personnel.

"Alexander!" A loud voice called out and the High Lord of Arcadia turned towards the voice. To his right stood a large man in greyish blue armor with a fur lined coat that was draped around his armored shoulders and a stark white bread that covered his scarred face. A full contubernium stood passively behind him.

"Talbek! You old dog, I'm surprised to see you out here and what's this? Do I smell sobriety on top of all top." Alexander said as he walked over embracing the old warrior.

"You say that as if I can ever get drunk." The other man chuckled.

"Well to be fair you normally have such a strong stench of booze it gets everyone else drunk."

"Aye but it's funny so it's fine." Talbek guffawed as the two of them let go then turned northward together walking on the tarmac. The occasional technician or service member would bow as they passed by but most of them knew that the two of them would rather they focus on their tasks then paying respect to them.

"Say friend, why are you here? I thought you'd be in the north with MaRaul's 9th Corp?" Alexander asked.

"Aye that I was but when I heard that you were finally returning home from Sanus I had to come see you."

"I'm honored you feel that way friend."

"Though I also knew you'd want me to attend to the meetings later so I figured it would be best to do it in person than over a holofield."

"Fair enough, who else is here?"

"Aeyr arrived a few hours ago, Inias and Targatus are going over the potential candidates for the next class of Praetorians, Sanian's been here since Katherine arrived with her friend."

"How is she?"

"Well she already picked her replacements and underwent the surgery. Last I checked Arabella was running some simple drills for her to get accustomed to them." Talbek said his voice growing a little softer.

"It's a shame that happened to her at such a young age."

"I don't believe she would have been fine with losing an eye and a leg at any age but she's a fighter so I doubt it will bother her for long." Alexander said as they finally made it towards the airfield main structure. A large four story building that housed technicians, flight crew and was attached to several aircraft hangers. To their east Alexander could see a large control tower with three Hydra platforms circling it for protection.

Taking a brief glance around, he could see that the airfield had a number of weapon platforms protecting it. He spotted thirteen Hydra and eight Manticore platforms.

"Come on old man." Talbek called out and Alexander turned to see four Venators with a fifth modified Venator in the middle that had an open back for sitting in. The Praetorians were already seated in the four surrounding Venators.

"Any news about what's going on in the south?" Alexander asked as the two of them took their places in the back of the Venator. The vehicle dipped and groaned slightly as Talbek set his weight down making the two Praetorians cursed relatively quietly at not taking his weight into account.

Out of all the suits of armor they had, Talbek's was still relatively the same as the day he had first arrived to Remnant. Though there were a few minor changes that Alexander had forced such as removing any iconography on it along with slimming down the plates in some areas, but it was the most intact suit of power armor they had.

"The south huh? Are you really taking those reports from Elatria seriously?" Talbek asked as the Venator column started to move northward on the mountain road.

"I am and I think you should as well."

"Oh I am taking them serious about whose following them but the reports about a Forest One stirring isn't something I wish to be true."

"Whether or not we want them to be true is irrelevant we must take all potential threats seriously." Alexander said as they left the airfield.

"True but should we take them as a threat? The Forest Ones rarely ever made an effort to interfere with those they deemed beneath them."

"Not true, they're in a pact of their own and if what the reports suggest that means they can come into play at some point."

"Hmm, should we start sending troops south then? Galaven's got his Heavy Infantry Divisions from the 4th Army's doing some exercises down near Maurenton for the next few months." Talbek suggest but Alexander shook his head.

"I would suggest first having the 82nd and 83rd Armored Regiment from the 17th Division form up first then meet Galaven's Divisions before moving them south. But do not do it all at once, have the 82nd move first followed up by one of Galaven's Divisions before having the 83rd move in as well. When they're in position Galaven can push the rest of his Divisions to join them."

"Sounds like a plan."

"A plan I hope doesn't have to be tested, do we have any Air Force Divisions stationed near Elatria?" Alexander asked but Talbek shrugged.

"How am I supposed to know?" Alexander sighed as he ran hand through his hair.

"I suppose I should have known to ask someone with something useful to say."

"Ouch, such cruel words from my Lord but I suppose in your old age you've got more of a bark than a bite than anything else." Alexander smiled.

"I suppose we can always do a round of sparring in the dueling pits. I might even command Aeyr and Sanian to join you in order make it a fair fight." Talbek grimaced.

"Yea I enjoy a good fight as much as the next but I think I don't need to test that out." Alexander grinned as the Venators rounded a corner to see a two round stone towers with a large metal gate connecting them.

The towers and gate were large enough to block the entire path as a precaution to prevent invading forces from trying to go mean dropping several hundred feet of the near vertical path.

Alexander could see the barrels of two Serpent Infantry Guns poking out from gun ports on both towers and a Sabre platform on each one as well.

As they drove by, the soldiers guarding the post saluted the convoy as it drove unmolested from the usually tense security measures.

It wasn't long till the Venator Column started to head upward. Alexander and Talbek continued to discuss current events that were happening in Arcadia. New mines discovered in the west, the prospect of the storm season starting early in the north. The sighting of what was assumed was a Leviathan in the south eastern waters of Arcadia.

Along with a new influx of reports concerning about the increase of killings happening in Outland towns on Sanus and Anima over the last few months. Including what happened at Springmond Alexander made a mental note to start pooling his assets in fewer places like Avalon or Leflore instead of keeping them so spread out.

Soon enough they crested one last hill before coming into view of the High Citadel. With walls nearly thirty five meters high and eight meters thick along with an array of heavy weaponry on the ramparts it was an awe-inspiring sight.

The lead Venator slowed down as a few Praetorians stood out in front of a set of massive titanium doors. Etched onto the massive doors was the double crested symbol of the Kingdom.

It wasn't long till the doors opened with a groan, the Praetorians that guarded the gate kneeled as his Venator drove past them. He made sure to bow his head in respect to them, a leader that didn't acknowledge the work of those below him wasn't deserving of his position.

Inside the walls, large marbled buildings formed a wide square which had a large statue of a helmed warrior that held aloft a large sword. It was finely carved, showing details from the curve of the plates to the interlocking chainmail that went underneath it.

Surprisingly it wasn't meant to be him, instead the creator had come to him a few hundred years ago asking for the right to change the fountain that had originally been here to a statue of his predecessor. Not wanting to deny him that desire, he gave permission though he knew that it wouldn't actually look like him at all.

Before he had disappeared the Son had destroyed every piece of evidence of himself in their possession and by that point everyone that knew what he looked like save himself was dead.

So the artist had ended up just making up what he thought the Son would have looked like. Thus it became a well-crafted failed piece of art.

As he stepped off the Venator Alexander could see scribes, civil servants, workers, soldiers, warriors of the Sisterhood and the occasional Praetorian standing vigil on corner of streets.

Out from one street a procession came marching out of twenty Praetorians with none other than Arabella in the lead. His wife who despite wearing a beautiful green and gold dress that end at the knees looked tired. Many around her bowed or kneeled as the Lady of Arcadia moved passed them with swift determination.

"Is it done?" She asked bluntly as she got close to him.

"Nice to see you as well dear." Alexander said and Arabella rolled her eyes to which he laughed softly.

"Yes I got them."

"Why are you so happy? Katherine is hurt and the asshole responsible is still out there." Arabella hissed but Alexander stopped her as he put an arm around her.

"Breath my dearest, your choler is out of balance and you're not thinking straight and I'm not entirely happy as well but I would rather not show it in front of hundreds of other people." Arabella sighed as she glanced around the square, a number of people had stopped to look at them.

"Damn it, why do you always have to be right."

"Comes with the job I suppose."

"Maybe I should become High Lord." Arabella mused.

"You don't even like being on top so I doubt you would like the position." Alexander said and in the corner of his vision he could see a flash in Arabella's eyes.

"Well, that's different."

"Really now? I suppose we'll have to see." Alexander said softly and a mischievous smile grew on Arabella's face.

"I think I'm going to be sick." Talbek chimed in and the three of them laughed.

"Alright then, so how are the kids?" Alexander asked as the three of them headed towards the Great Keep, the center of the High Citadel and where Alexander's family lived.

"Mina has been a bit sulky since we took her from her shop but I assured her that I could get a new spot for her to open here in the Capital. Sepherina is taking it all well she's already talking to Head Mistress Highmore about getting a teaching position where Claire, Helena, Nessa and Miriya are going to start attending at the end of this month."

"And Katherine?" Arabella hesitated a little at that.

"She's been better, she's still trying to get used to her new leg and eye but frankly I fear more for the psychological damage. She's woken up screaming at least seven times, if we were still in Avalon it would be difficult for the others to hear her suffer. More often than not I'm finding myself and several Hospitallers taking care of her body and mind. Though I always suspect that once she is physically better she'll want to leave to the Four Kingdoms again."

"Has she said mentioned anything like that?" Alexander asked tilting his head a little to look at her but Arabella shook her head.

"No but there's an underlying anger or desire for revenge, I suspect it has to do with this team of hers."

"That's understandable, I know of more than a few lads over the years that would get reckless about avenging the death of their team or squad mates. That anger though can be used if we can temper it quickly and efficiently." Talbek noted.

"But I would rather have Katherine not experience that as more often than not those that seek vengeance also seek death." Arabella said with a heavy sigh.

"Then I suggest we don't let her leave Arcadia, if she wants to vent her anger I would suggest attaching her to Sisterhood Commandery or if you don't want to force her to stay in Arcadia then give her over to Lilith she's still wants to resume Operations on Sanus." Talbek said but before Alexander could reply he looked up the street to see a Praetorian with the markings of a Centurion on his helmet running up to them.

"Centurion?" Alexander asked as they immediately bowed at the waist.

"I'm sorry to disturb you my Lord but the Lord Commander requests a council meeting be put together immediately." Alexander traded looks with Arabella and Talbek.

"Did he give any specific reason why?" Arabella asked and the Praetorian nodded.

"Lieutenant General Sigrus is dead."

---

Elsewhere…

Jaune was sitting in one of Beacon's courtyards reading his scroll. His mother had sent him a relatively detailed message saying how his sister had returned home after sustaining some injuries.

He frowned at the part where it said that Katherine was getting a new eye and leg. What had she gotten into that would require such surgeries?

Sighing he closed the scroll with a snap then stood up as he picked up his breast plate, the dent in the back from him hitting a tree from Initiation was still there. While normally he wouldn't have minded a small scratch or two on his armor this wasn't something he could ignore.

The dent he wanted to get worked on was far more annoying, as it dug into his back whenever he wore it plus it made the plate warped so that it didn't fit snuggly on him as before.

Thus Jaune had decided to go find the school's Armory and Blacksmith building. Turning a corner northward Jaune could see a single story building with multiple furnace vents coming out of it. The smell of smoke and sound of metal being hit could be heard.

Unsurprisingly the building had been detached from the main section of school grounds; no doubt in case a fire broke out.

Jaune walked up to what he assumed was the front door then pushed it open. A small wave of heat hit his face as he stepped inside.

A relatively small waiting room was arranged in front of him with three couches pushed up against one wall. While a few tables with chairs tucked in were situated on the other side, at the far end was a desk that had the word reception imprinted on the wood paneling.

"Uh, hello!?" Jaune called out as he reached the desk but no one responded but he swore he could hear someone hitting metal nearby. He looked down at the desk and saw a little switch with a little sticky note saying to press it so Jaune pressed it.

Someone started to scream and before Jaune could make a move a pale short girl with brown hair tied in a low braided ponytail came running out.

"Fucking hell Georgina would you stop…who the fuck are you?" The short girl asked as she crossed her arms. She wore a grey tank top which was drenched in sweat; however her crossed arms extenuated not only the muscles in her arms but her chest as well.

"Uh, I'm a student." Jaune said after coughing into his fist then looked towards the side.

"I can see that, what do you want though? Is it a noise complaint? No wait that can't be right, wait, did Goodwitch send you?"

"Uh, no?"

"Why don't you sound so sure? Are you lying or just stupid?" The girl hopped up on something behind the desk and looked down.

"Oh, you're a customer? Why didn't you say so?" She asked holding out her hands and Jaune sighed as he handed his breast plate over. She turned it over and ran a small hand along the dent then whistled.

"Damn son, what did you do? Let someone beat you with a stick till they could leave a dent in this?" She asked looking up at him and Jaune laughed nervously.

"Not quite, I got that dent during Initiation." She raised any eyebrow.

"You're a first year?" She asked and Jaune nodded.

"Well slap my ass and call me granny you must be either really lucky or unlucky to need this. Tell me, do you have smaller than average Aura?" She asked and for some reason Jaune felt self-conscious.

"I don't know I never really measured it." The girl nodded slowly.

"We're still talking about the same thing right?"

"Of course, what else would we be talking about?"

"Yup, we're still on the same page."

"I'm confused."

"Don't worry about it; anyways I'm guessing you want to get this fixed right?" She pointed at the long dent again.

"Yea, I'd really appreciate that." She set the breast plate aside then pulled a notebook out from under the table then opened it up.

"Let's see, I still have Hendricks Halberd and Janelle's handgun to do so today's and tomorrow is pretty busy but I can get it back to you about three days from now." She said looking up at him.

"Would it really need to take three days to fix? It's only a dent."

"I take it you didn't make this armor or any in particular since it's not that simple. Metal has a funny way of reacting when you try doing something wrong in fixing it. For instance I bet you thought that since it's a dent you can push pop it back in place. Well you're right and wrong in that account as this armor plate isn't supposed to be able to yield so easily but for most dents you can take a hammer to them. However there's follow up work that I have to do for instance depending on how the armor was made or intended to be used then I might actually have to heat the section with the dent in order to properly hammer it into place without stressing the metal around it by the unnatural shape it's taken. If I didn't take my time in considering how this is supposed to be done then next time you get hit there and you don't have Aura then it'll probably break in one hit, understand?" She explained and Jaune nodded slowly.

"Good, now give me your scroll." She held out her hand again and Jaune gave it to her. She slotted it into some machine and Jaune's information came up on a screen built into the surface of the desk.

"Interesting, says here you've already been to the hospital already as well."

"Is that interesting?"

"Yes cause it means I was right in suspecting you'd need this armor since you were held overnight for observation." The girl looked up at him.

"So your name is Jaune Arc?"

"Indeed I am so what's your name?"

"Oh yea I forget I'm supposed to start with that. Well, my name is Ilex Maron 3rd year and Leader of team METL. We also double as apprentice metalsmiths for the school cause you know someone needs to help keep the gear in top shape." She explained and Jaune nodded.

"Yea I get that, I already met a 3rd year medical student saying something along the same line."

"Well they ain't wrong, so anyways Jaune Arc I'll get this done for you and you don't have to worry about the cost since it's a simple job but if you want I can adjust it. Maybe make it larger since it looks like it'll be a tight fit on you." Jaune shook his head.

"No that's alright; I don't necessarily plan on having this armor for long."

"Eh?"

"Oh sorry, it's just that my old man gave me this armor and said that if I could make it my first year here then he'd fashion me a new suit of armor and my own weapon." Jaune explained and Ilex nodded slowly.

"Interesting, is he a smith as well?" Jaune shook his head.

"Nope he just likes making stuff in his own time." Ilex raised an eyebrow at that.

"I know that sounds strange." Jaune said and she nodded.

"Yea that is pretty strange."

"Well I guess I'll come back when you're done with my breast plate." Jaune said as he started to turn around.

"Actually I got a question." Ilex called out stopping him.

"Yea?"

"This is gonna sound strange but your last name is Arc, are you related to those Arcs?"

"What do you mean?"

"Come on man, I mean the Arcs of Arcadia. Ya know the most secluded but powerful Kingdom on Remnant." Jaune smiled and laugh softly as he waved his hand dismissively.

"No way am I related to them, I guess it's just a coincidence."

"Yea well anyways, come back in a few days or I'll message you when your order is ready for pickup." Ilex said and Jaune waved goodbye as he left the building. As the door closed behind him Jaune let loose a loud exhale, he wasn't expecting the question at the end there. He looked over his shoulder at the building then started to walk away.

He passed by a few other students, some of whom looked at him. In passing he could hear those that took notice of him whisper about the apparently feud the he had with team CRDL.

Lost in his thoughts he didn't notice the girl that was standing with her back to him until he bumped into her. He stumbled to the side hoping to avoid falling on her as she stumbled forward herself.

"Crap." Jaune sighed as he looked towards her and was struck with a sense of familiarity. A bunny Faunus girl that he was pretty sure that he saw in Oobleck's class, he didn't recall her name but she had dropped her book. He bent down to pick it up, turning it over he could see that it was a book about the rise of the White Fang.

"Uh, my bad." Jaune said as he held the book out to her. He could see the look of suspicion that had been on her face quickly change into surprise.

"I'm sorry for getting in your way." She said with a slightly strange accent as she took the proffered book back.

"It's not a problem; it was my fault because I wasn't paying attention to where I was going."

"Its fine Jaune, I understand, we can both agree we're at equal fault." She said a tired smile on her face.

"Right, we're both at fault." Jaune said trailing off at the end.

"You don't know my name do you?" She asked and Jaune smiled sheepishly as he scratched the back of his head.

"My bad." She shrugged.

"That's fine; I shouldn't expect everyone to know my name especially since we never talked. Anyways, my name is Velvet Scarlatina." Jaune held out his hand and could see the brief flash of hesitation before she took it.

"Well it's a pleasure to meet you Velvet." He said with a smile on his face and Velvet gave a tentative smile in return.

"Why if it isn't little Jauney and what's this? A pet animal? On congrats Jaune, tell me when do you give it food and water?" A sarcastic voice asked from nearby and Jaune turned to see Dove and Sky standing nearby.

"Ignore them Velvet." Jaune said as he narrowed his eyes at them then looked back at her. He was surprised however to see her practically shrinking in their presences. He looked up to see her ears lowered as if in fear.

"Alright I think you guys should leave and go do something else. Like finding a nice quiet corner to suck each other off, I know you two want to practice for your daddy Cardin." Dove scrunched up his face in anger as Sky stepped forward. If looks could kill then Jaune would probably be lying in a pool of his own blood at that point.

"That's funny coming from a faggot like you, so what are you gonna do? Fuck this animal? I wouldn't be surprised if you were into bestiality."

"I guess you would have experience in such department watching your whore of a mother be a bicycle for the neighborhood dogs from whatever shithole you crawled out of. So why don't you do me the favor of getting that ugly face that only your cum covered mother would love out of here." Sky stepped closer to him but Jaune had a few inches on the teen.

"Watch yourself Arc, you one of these days you might regret it." He growled and Jaune waved a hand in front of his face.

"Phew, man what kind of bullshit have you been eating?"

"Fuck off." He said shoving Jaune back and he had been waiting for that. Thus the only thing the smaller teen was able to achieve was that he pushed himself back.

"Come on Sky; let's leave the animal fucker alone with his girlfriend." Dove said dragging the blue hair teen back. Jaune waved as Sky flipped him off before the two teens walked around a corner and out of sight.

"Man, what a bunch of assholes." Jaune muttered before turning around. Velvet had her eyes closed, her hands clenched and she trembled all over.

"Are you alright?" Jaune asked softly.

"You shouldn't have done that." She whispered and Jaune furrowed his eyebrows.

"Why wouldn't I? They're assholes and they weren't exactly being kind to you as well."

"I know but I'm used to it but now they're going to target you or turn others against you." Jaune chuckled and Velvet looked up at him confused.

"Velvet we may not know each other but let me just say this, I'd rather have you as my only friend than a thousand people like them." She blinked a few times at that and Jaune just chuckled again as he stretched his arms over his head.

"Besides that, I'm already on bad terms with those guys."

"Really? How come?"

"Believe it or not but it's because I don't hate Faunus which seriously ticked them off. In fact I bet if you go around asking the occasional first year you'll find that we've been having some beef as of late but don't let it worry you." Jaune said as he started to walk away.

"I'll see ya around Velvet!" He called out as he waved a hand over his shoulder. Velvet waved a little as well before lowering her hand watching him disappear from sight.

---

The Next Day…

Jaune was sitting at the usual spot in the cafeteria with his team and surprisingly team RWBY as well. Though there was still a little bit of tension between him and them though at this point he didn't understand why.

"So Jaune, I heard an interesting rumor last night." Yang said turning to look at him.

"Rumor?" Jaune repeated raising an eyebrow as he sipped on a glass of water.

"Yup but between you and me I doubt that it has any merit to it."

"Then why bring it up?" Weiss asked to which Jaune nodded as well.

"The thing about this rumor though says you and a girl were getting it on behind some bushes." Yang said as a wolfish smile spread across her face. Everyone turned to look at Jaune now, though Pyrrha surprisingly had the biggest reaction by choking then spitting out her drink.

"Is she telling the truth Jaune?!" His partner asked eyeing him intensely.

"To be fair Pyrrha I'm pretty sure it's just slander since the rumor also said that the girl was charging for sex as well." Yang butted in.

"Who comes up with this stuff?" Weiss asked with an obvious look of disgust on her face and Yang shrugged.

"People are people, there's no way you cannot expect something like this to happen at some point in time."

"So you didn't actually diddle anyone?" Nora asked looking towards the tall teen.

"No Nora, I didn't diddle anyone and what does that even mean?" Nora opened her mouth but Jaune held up a hand stopping her.

"You know what, never mind, don't tell me." Any further conversation was interrupted by loud laughter. The two teams turned to see a not so pleasant sight; team CRDL was harassing a Faunus girl. Jaune felt a wave of anger pass over him as he recognized the girl.

It was Velvet.

He didn't know how it happened but the effect was clear enough. The young Faunus girl was trying to get Cardin to let go of her ear as he ridiculed her. Jaune looked around the cafeteria and could see a few people starring with undisguised contempt but Jaune couldn't be sure who it was actually directed too.

"Despicable." Pyrrha was the first to speak up. Jaune couldn't help but feel a similar sentiment and was thankful that Cardin finally let her go. As she walked away she passed by their table though she was covering one side of her face with her hand as she looked down.

"Velvet!" He called out standing abruptly the table shifted forward violently. The Faunus girl however didn't react or even look in his direction as she left the cafeteria through a side door.

"Do you know her?" Ruby asked as Jaune sat down and pulled the table towards him straightening it out again.

"That was her, the girl in the rumor that you heard Yang. She and I ran into Dove and Sky where they said some unsavory things about her Faunus nature." Yang scowled at that and shuddered.

"Ew, I repeated a filthy lie from one of those jerks."

"Actually now that I think about it you never told us why they started hating you." Ruby asked and Jaune shrugged.

"There's not much to it, I went over to apologize then we had a disagreement on something so they hate me now." Jaune said casually and Weiss narrowed her eyes at that.

"Wait, so they accepted the apology? Then what happened?" They looked towards him and Pyrrha could see him hesitate to answer.

"Jaune you can tell us, we're your friends aren't we?" Ruby pressed and he took a deep breath before looking around.

"Alright then, I'll tell you what happened." Thus Jaune detailed the event that led to the current hatred between him and team CRDL. When he was done, he looked around to see the looks of surprised if not disdainful looks on everyone's faces.

"That really is atrocious." Pyrrha said throwing a contemptuous look towards team CRDL as they continued laughing obnoxiously at the far side of the cafeteria.

"They're not the only ones, I saw more than a few that looked like they agree with their actions earlier." Blake said narrowing her eyes as well.

"I have to say it's a bit strange that they would let people like them into this Academy." Ren pointed out and Nora stood up flexing her arms.

"We can break their legs!" She shouted and Yang grinned as she cracked her knuckles.

"I'm so not going to go easy on them in combat class." Blake snorted at that.

"There's always going to be scum like them around." Ruby frowned.

"Should we tell the instructors? Surely they would do something about it." Blake shook her head.

"I doubt it, if they thought they wouldn't get away with such behavior than they wouldn't do it in the first place." Ruby looked down.

"Then we should do something about it, if we tell Cardin what he's doing is wrong then his team can change." Jaune shook his head at that.

"That's not going to happen; some people just can't change with words alone. This is one of the reasons why the White Fang became what it is, the stubbornness of a few make the rest look bad." Blake looked at him.

"I wouldn't say a few; people as a whole are to blame." Weiss looked at Blake, annoyance creeping onto her face.

"That's not exactly fair is it? Why should we be condemned for their actions?"

"Weiss, I think she's saying in a general perspective. People who don't do anything when an obvious injustice that's happening in front of them essentially equal in blame as those that commit the injustice in the first place." Yang chimed in.

"Hmm, interesting, then what is it that you don't like about Arcadia? They stepped in on behalf of the Faunus during the Faunus Rights Revolution and fought against Mantle and Mistral during the Great War." Ren asked looking around the table but specifically at Blake, Jaune felt a slight twitch of annoyance pass over his face but he didn't say anything.

"I think they did it out of convenience." Blake said curtly.

"That's pretty bold of you to say." Ren replied calmly.

"I just don't get what's the big deal about them and in fact I don't get why you're always interested in being on their side." Blake replied and Jaune swore he could see Ren glance at him out of the corner of his eye.

"I can say the same about you, you speak as if they're the reason why things are the way they are."

"And I'm right; they only joined the fight against Mantle and Mistral because the two Kingdoms declared war against them while Vale and Vacuo sued for peace. Before that though they attacked all the Kingdoms without discrimination including towns that none of the Kingdoms had ties to in the Outlands. The only thing they asked for at the end of the war was for the Four Kingdoms to leave them alone which they did but then during the Faunus Right Revolution they barged in attacking the Four Kingdoms as if they wanted to help the Faunus but we all know they were just doing it to strike at the Four Kingdoms not to help the Faunus. Which I've already pointed out before today, they didn't even try taking in any of the thousands of refugees into their Kingdom." Blake said as she stared down Ren.

"To be fair to them, they didn't exactly have a choice in fighting at the start of the Great War. Vale and Mantle would fight multiple skirmishes close to their apparent border. Mantle even went so far as to try attacking one of their coastal cities after stumbling upon it. Then when Arcadia did go to war all of the Four Kingdoms were against them and each time one of them tried facing them on the battlefield they lost. The only reason why they didn't continue fighting everyone was because Vale sought to bring peace between them to avoid fighting three opponents. So Mantle attacked them in hopes of forcing them to either join them or not take sides at all. Arcadia still ended up signing the ceasefire with Vacuo and Vale before they went after Mantle and Mistral alone. What you also seem to also forget is the fact that Arcadia also put in a serious effort in protecting a number of Outland towns and villages as the Grimm started to grow even more violent with the Great War's progression. When the Great War ended all they wanted was to be at peace with the Four Kingdoms and be left alone especially since they had nothing to do with the cause of it in the first place. Now to address your second point about the Faunus Rights Revolution from where I'm standing I see it as a morally right action they took in fighting against the Four Kingdoms. In fact if they hadn't beaten the Four Kingdoms so badly, killing most of their experienced soldiers and officers, then someone smarter than General Lagune would have been in charge at the battle of Fort Castle." Ren said crossing his arms as he stared down Blake as well; Ruby leaned over the table to Jaune.

"I think that's the most I've ever heard him talk." Jaune couldn't help but nod as well.

"Sadly it couldn't be on a better topic." Jaune replied.

"As for the aftermath of the Faunus Rights Revolution, it wasn't their cause to take the lead on. If the Faunus wanted to be taken serious they would have had to negotiate the end on their own. As for the tens of thousands of Faunus Refugees, what do you expect them to do? Go around gather everyone that was displaced than take them to their Kingdom? That would have been foolhardy and a logistical burden that no Kingdom can deal with. Not to mention they didn't have any obligation to take these people, who already have been driven from their homes, to a new land and people they have no connection with. Demanding that they take all of those people is in my view, pretty selfish." Ren continued but Blake wasn't one to back down.

"So you're saying that they're right in not doing anything to help the displaced Faunus? If they won't take them to Arcadia or help them in the Four Kingdoms then what else is left for them? It's a Kingdom's duty to help the suffering people as much as it can."

"Yes it's a Kingdom's duty to help its citizens but like I said they're under no obligation to help those in the stead of those that should be making amends in the first place. Why should Arcadia be responsible for dealing with the mess that Four Kingdoms made? Besides that I'm pretty sure Arcadia has done a number of things that has helped the Faunus in the Outlands. Nora and I came upon a town that was not only helped built by Arcadia but is also guarded by their army." Jaune looked at Rens surprised to hear this.

"Whoa, really? What was it like?" Yang asked leaning forward, Ren and Nora exchanged glances.

"Well what I can remember is that it was a pretty lively place and pretty big. How many people were supposed to be there again?" Nora asked looking towards Ren.

"I believe they said the population of the town was near twenty five thousand." Ren said and Yang whistled.

"That's actually a lot for an Outland town, where was this?"

"I believe it's in the far north, maybe an hour's walk at most from the coast of the Atlas Sea." Ren said.

"Well as much as I want to sit here and listen to you two beat this dead horse for like the trillionth time, I think I'm gonna go hit the school library and study." Jaune said as he stood up, Pyrrha looked at him with a surprised expression.

"Really?" She asked and Jaune snorted.

"Nope."

"You should really study; you're starting to fall behind in Dust class." Pyrrha said and Jaune shrugged.

"I'm not doing that bad besides that I don't even use Dust so I don't necessarily need to be an expert on it."

"I don't think so, if you continue slacking off in studying it's going to come back to haunt you but the one doing the haunting will probably be Professor Goodwitch." Pyrrha said as she stood up as well.

"So I'm going to help you catch up to the rest of us." She said and Jaune frowned.

"That's not necessary."

"Listen to her Arc; we've got an exam on the theory and practicality of Secondary Dust Combinations this Friday. Plus between you and me you're kind of an idiot." Weiss said as she folded a paper napkin.

"That wasn't really between the two of us." Jaune pointed out and the white hair girl shrugged.

"Meh, close enough."

"Wait, when is the test again?" Ruby asked looking at Weiss.

"Ruby, you've been studying right?" Weiss said narrowing her eyes at the younger girl.

"Uh, yes?"

"Why'd you say that as if you don't know the answer? Ruby Rose, I swear if you haven't been studying then I'm going to make you sit and read the entire chapter until you have it memorized." Jaune chuckled at the dismay on the young girl's face before waving goodbye to the others. Pyrrha followed him with her own tray in hand as they put them away.

"So what's up with those two?" Yang asked as she watched them leave the cafeteria.

"What do you mean?" Nora asked.

"You know, Pyrrha and Jaune seem to spend a lot of time together."

"But Yang they're partners so why wouldn't they hangout a lot?" Ruby asked but Yang shook her head.

"You just don't get it little sis, there's something more than to this than what meets the eye." Yang explained but Ruby just cocked her head to the side.

"Yea, I still don't get it." Weiss sighed.

"She's trying to figure out if they like it each." Ruby snorted.

"They're friends; of course they like each other."

"No Ruby, like as in really like." Nora said before turning around then wrapping her arms around herself as she proceeded to make kissing noises.

"Oh. Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh, I get it." Ruby said.

"Do you really?" Yang asked and the young reaper nodded slowly.

"We're gonna have to talk about that after Weiss is done with you."

"Crap."

---

Later That Night…

Jaune was sitting on the edge of his bed, for some reason he didn't feel like sleeping. For some reason he couldn't help but think back to the conversation between Ren and Blake.

He didn't understand why Ren was so vehemently defending Arcadia. Was he just doing it because no one else will or was there something else?

If Jaune had to guess then Ren and Nora really did come across an Arcadian backed town in the Outlands but he said it was to the north. Jaune didn't recall the name but he did know that was supposed to be one or two Arcadian backed towns in northern Sanus.

One was a fishing town and the other a mining town. If he had to guess than it would probably be the fishing town as Ren specifically mentioned the Atlas Sea. At the same time he couldn't help but realize that he didn't really know anything about him or Nora.

He knew they weren't related but they never really explained how they knew each other aside from meeting at a young age. Now that he thought about it, he still didn't know Pyrrha that well also.

Maybe they should go out somewhere to talk and get to know each better. He couldn't do it in the dorm as it seemed right nor could he do it anywhere else on Beacon grounds as well.

"Jaune?" Pyrrha's voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Hm, what?"

"What are you doing?"

"I'm just thinking." Pyrrha seemed to hesitate before she sat down on his bed next to her.

"What's on your mind?"

"I was just thinking about the fact that I don't really know any of you guys." Pyrrha smiled at that.

"Jaune we'll be together for four years, I think that will give you plenty of time to know us."

"Really? I feel like I should be doing more to try understanding you all." Pyrrha smiled as she shook her head.

"Its fine, just, give them some time to open up." He sighed before looking at her, he smiled a little.

"Thanks Pyrrha." She nodded.

"So are you going to sleep now?" He shook his head.

"Nah, I feel like taking a walk if anything."

"But it's dark out." She pointed out but Jaune shrugged.

"I don't mind." She seemed to think a little before smiling as she stood up then extended her hand out to him.

"I have something I need to show you."

---

5 Minutes Later…

Jaune followed Pyrrha up a brief flight of stairs where she pushed open a door. As he stepped through the doorway he could see that they were outside, it was the rooftop.

Looking around he could see most of Beacon Academy, which was illuminated by the shattered moon that was high in the sky. To the west he could see the light pollution of Vale making it difficult to see the stars above it.

As for Beacon however, a lot of stars were still mostly visible. A cool wind washed over him and Jaune closed his eyes and enjoyed the air that enveloped him along with the not so silent night. The crickets chirped and he could hear the rustle of the trees below.

"This is nice." He said softly as he opened his eyes, in front of him was Pyrrha who had her hands clasped behind her back. The gentle wind blew her hair to the side and beyond her Beacon tower was lighted up by the moon.

She looked back at him and Jaune couldn't help but stare as if mesmerized by the scene as she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

"So what do you think?" She asked and Jaune coughed loudly into his fist to buy himself time.

"The view is amazing honestly, how did you find this spot?" He asked as he walked up beside her.

"Ah you know it's just one of those things that happen when you're exploring." She said and he couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious at how close he was to her.

He would be lying if he said that he didn't find it a little distracting that he was almost constantly surrounded by attractive girls. In Jaune's opinion Pyrrha is one, if not, the most attractive amongst them.

Yang had an outright general attractive appeal, she was friendly, had a great face with an enticing smile when she wanted to use it and of course there were the assets. For most guys and probably even a few girls she would be the proverbial wet dream.

On the opposite scale, Weiss had a more regal if not refined appeal to her. The kind one would expect at a high end party or event where the richest if not most powerful people would go to mingle.

Blake had an air of mystery to her, for some he could see that curiosity being something that they want to explore. She wasn't bad looking as well; the first thing he can think of was that her eyes had an interesting appeal to them.

As for Nora and Ruby he didn't really think much of them. As Nora seemed to be clearly interested in Ren and Ruby was far too young for his taste. Plus he was pretty sure Yang would separate his manhood from his body with her bare hand.

Pyrrha, she was different. There was just something about her that felt like he was being pulled towards her. She was kind, understanding, patient and was willing to help those even when she didn't have too.

Of course she was also physically beautiful, he never spoke it aloud but whenever they went to the gym together he always found himself staring at her well-toned body. Her movements always seemed graceful but full of energy that was carefully contained then used as she moved.

"Jaune?" Pyrrha asked and he shook his head before focusing on her again.

"Huh, what?"

"You've been spacing out a lot lately, anything you have on your mind?" She asked her emerald green eyes focusing on him.

"It's nothing to worry about; I guess I'm a little homesick." Jaune said as he forced himself to look away.

"Oh." Pyrrha said as they continued to stand on the rooftop.

"So, you said you came from an Outland village. Right?" Pyrrha asked.

"Yea, it's about an hour's flight south of Vale's marked territory."

"What's it called?"

"Avalon."

"Avalon? That's an interesting name."

"Is it?"

"Yea, it really is, kind of reminds me of a story my mother used to tell me." Jaune quirked an eyebrow as he looked at her.

"What kind of story?"

"It's not a kid's story if that's what you're thinking." Pyrrha said as she sat down on the ledge of the rooftop, Jaune followed suit but he couldn't help but get a brief flash of panic as he imagined falling off.

"Oh, no I wasn't."

"Right."

"Well, then can you tell it to me?" Pyrrha looked at him.

"Really?" He shrugged.

"Why not, I don't have anywhere else to be."

"Coincidentally, I don't have anywhere else I would like to be either." Pyrrha took a deep breath before slowly exhaling.

"It's an old story; one my mother says that most people today have forgotten. It's a story about a brave Warrior King that led a Kingdom of Light against the Grimm in a long forgotten age." Jaune felt a cold sweat break out on him as he listened.

"When Man and Faunus first started building civilization the Grimm which had always been an unnatural empty void that seemed to have been existing as far as anyone could remember had finally started gathering in numbers that none of us today could even fathom. The old Kingdoms would band together occasionally in temporary alliances to fight off the Grimm. However most of the alliances that won would dissolve as Corruption took root in their heart as such the Kingdoms or nations fought each other for power. That is all but one Kingdom which lay in the northern regions of Sanus. This Kingdom which had crowned a new King after the old benevolent King died would set forth a new example. This new King would gather his army and marched south to help those that fight against the Grimm. However he saw the greed and corrupted nature of men's hearts. As such he swore to fight for the Light but never to ally himself with those that he helped as they would simply try to use him. As his exploits travelled across the land villages, towns and even whole armies would desert to find and join under his banner. As his Kingdom grew so did its wealth and strength. Soon the Kingdom was the bulwark of life, fighting the battles that others could not. Alas time soon began to take its toll as the ever present Grimm threat never relented no matter how many times the Kingdom beat them in the field. Other Kingdoms and nations which were too far for receiving aid would crumble under the war path of the Grimm or by the sheer thought of the Grimm coming would make people turn on each other for the chance to hold onto power till the very end. As such the Warrior King decided to start searching for a new land to safeguard his people, however even the people of his Kingdom weren't immune to the Corruption. One of the Warrior King's Lords decided to seize power for himself as such he would make a pact with powers even darker and more powerful than the Grimm. In doing so he sacrificed his soul for great power thus bringing death and destruction to the Kingdom. The Warrior King fought a desperate defense in his castle until the remaining citizens were put aboard ships for them to flee on. Even when the Warrior King was wounded and tired he would still make sure that he was the last to board those ships as he watched his Kingdom burn to cinders. After sailing for weeks they finally landed found a coastal city that they had been using to settle a new land. There the Warrior King would be consumed by grief, in that grief he decided to step down as King instead crowning his most trust advisor and general in his place. Once the coronation was complete the Warrior King, now known simply as the Warrior would travel this mysterious land. It's there that he meets the Elder Race where he teams up with them to fight the Ruler of Darkness that control the Grimm, so he sets off with the most experienced warriors of the Elder Race along with even the Ancient Forest Dragon Nantosuelta and its four children. No one ever saw him ever again; the only one to return was Nantosuelta who was near death as well. Alas his legacy will never be forgotten as his Kingdom would always remain to carry on his work as the shield of civilization." Pyrrha said before looking at him.

"So?" She asked.

"So." Jaune echoed.

"I mean what did you think of it? I didn't really tell it in full detail but that's the general gist of it."

"Well it's pretty interesting so I can see why you like it but I have a question."

"Sure, what is it?"

"Did your mother ever tell you where she heard this from also or did she ever mention the name of the Kingdom or this Warrior King?" Pyrrha tilted her head a little at that.

"Well she said she heard it from her mother and as for the names I know the tale never mentions the Warrior King's name but the Kingdom. Well, I don't remember actually. I'll ask my mother though." Jaune nodded as he looked out into the darkness. He hadn't expected to hear a story like that, especially one so similar to what his father used to tell him as a kid when he was growing up. Sure he was surprised with the ending part with the whole dragon bit but it was almost eerily the same.

"I guess we should head back inside now." Pyrrha said as she stood up.

"Yea, it's pretty late I suppose." Jaune said as he stood up to follow her back inside. He had a feeling that this was going to be coming up again soon.

Pyrrha however was glad that she had left first as she didn't want Jaune to see her face as it was no doubt trouble at what she had done. While she didn't recall her mother ever telling her the name of the Warrior King, she did mention two other important names.

The first was the fact that the Kingdom in the story was in fact Arcadia.

The second and most important name however was the trusted individual who the Warrior King gave his crown to. His name had been Aléxandros Arc.

Which also happened to be Jaune's last name as well, she had a feeling that it wasn't a coincidence.

---

Elsewhere…

Alexander was sitting on his throne in the council chambers of the High Citadel. Around him were seated the most powerful individuals of Arcadia.

There was Azariah Griffin, the fresh faced Faunus that was the Civitas Administrator who was in charge of the economic and civil duties of the Kingdom.

Next to him was the weathered face of Lord Justicar Narin Cross in charge of the Judges and Obligators that maintain law within the Kingdom.

Then there was Forge Master Eumetrios Rosenstock, the one behind the manufacturing and technological strength of Arcadia. Supplying everything from paper used in school books to sixteen inch shells of his Flagship Aeterna Virtus.

There was also the Lord Commander of the Army Ulrich Thade, High Admiral Jürgen Heth of the Navy, along with the General Kelsar Tala of the Air force.

He looked to his immediate right, Arabella stood in the white and red robes of the Sisterhood with Sanian sitting next to her. On his left was Legatus Targatus Vidus of the Praetorian Legion, his position on the council was more of a symbolic gesture as he truly only ever answered to Alexander.

Next to him were Talbek Stonefang, Interrogator-Chaplin Zophiel Inias, and the Champion Aeyr Forianus. Aeyr's spot was another gesture as the man had no position other than his Champion.

Lastly were Lilith and Variel who both ran the Arcadian Intelligence Agency. Some had reserved feelings about Variel but Alexander had more than a few dealings with his kind.

"Let's run through what's happened so far, Ulrich?" Alexander asked looking at the Lord Commander of his armies and the older man nodded his head.

"Two days ago at roughly 0900 the forces of the Ruinous Powers invaded Irkalla. Lieutenant General Sigrus of the 12th Corp was immediately engaged right in the center of his defensive line. The enemies comprised of a mixed batch of warriors in plate armor with melee weaponry to what we assumed are traitor soldiers either from our Kingdom or ones from where you originate from. This force took Sigrus by surprise as there was no warning in an emergence of a storm like before. As in the first few hours Sigrus's headquarters was stormed and he's confirmed dead by the few stragglers of his 56th Division. Major General Avagisa attached herself to the 57th then immediately took command but the rest of the line was soon engaged but with the center collapsed she decided to abandon the frontline and pull back the rest of the 12th Corp about a day and a half north of Helvisk where she set the 59th Division up with the remaining units of the 56th while heading with the 58th eastward to engage the large formations of enemy infantry that are advancing on the Delvesk Wetlands. The 60th Division was tasked with protecting the western flank in the Irkalla Lowlands." Ulrich began as he brought up a holofield depicting the besieged province. The Arcadian Army units were depicted as blue circles in the center while the enemy was red. The largest blue dots represented Divisions while smaller blue dots were regiments, judging by what he saw he could see that the 59th was the only Division strength force as the 12th Corp was either taken a beating or were thoroughly spread out in attempt to maintain a defensive line. Aeyr leaned forward clasping his gauntleted hands together.

"What's the enemy overall strength?" He asked and Ulrich shook his head.

It's a rough guess sir, we suspect at least fifty thousand from the initial reports coming from Avagisa but I suspect it to be a lot larger considering they hit all along the 12th Corp's main lines after collapsing the center. Yesterday at roughly 0600 we learned that the northern Forts protecting the eastern lowlands were all razed. Assessment from a Flight of Avenger Strike Fighters showed that it was the Warriors in plate were the ones responsible for that. Initial examination shows they've are amassed at least twenty thousand strong."

"How are these Chaos Warriors able to pull that off? They don't have bolters or any other long range sophisticated weaponry." Kelsar pointed out.

"True but they do have some sort of artillery cannon, spotters have seen them. Oddly constructed devices that glow with whatever twisted power that was put into them. Even when fired they don't sound like normal weapons as I've read that the shots literally scream as they're fired. Not to mention their power is strengthened by their infernal magic."

"Kelsar's point still stands, if that's the case then they're still just using melee weapons and have armor plates. Shouldn't we be able to hold them off easier then?" Jürgen asked looking around.

"Any other opponent I would say that you have a point but the first time I faced them they were able to break the Grimm attack while charging into the Sisterhood formation with me without even flinching at what the bolt rounds did to them." Alexander said before gesturing at the holofield.

"I imagine that they'll fight us until one of us is completely broken. Besides that what else can you tell us about these, infantry, that Avagisa is facing in the east Ulrich?" Alexander asked looking back at the man who zoomed in where the wetlands he mentioned were.

The holofield zoomed in depicting the Arcadian defenders in combat with the forces in red. Alexander could see a number of Line Infantry regiments were arrayed in a shallow line, no doubt reinforcing their positions. While Armor and Heavy Infantry regiments struck out against the numerous red blobs.

"It seems that these Corrupted Battalions or Regiments are well organized despite their allegiances. They use older model tanks and cheap solid shot weapons similar to our own. However there are two advantages that I see we can give them for now. One is we don't know how many there are, for now we have to assume they alone are equal in size to the entire 12th Corp. The second is their Ruinous assistance, while we haven't got a solid lock on how many there actually are we can confirm the sighting of a few Chaos Marines." Alexander could feel the unease at that coming from Arabella, Sanian, Talbek, Inias and Aeyr.

"If we're not careful they might try using the Ancient Ones in the White Peaks." Kelsar pointed out.

"I doubt it; the Ancient Ones hate them as much if not more than us." Talbek said.

"Though that isn't something we can rule out with the Daemonic Ones, if enough happens they might draw their attention then bring them over to their cause." Inias said softly.

"Do we know if any of the Greater Daemons are there, maybe even leading them?" Sanian asked looking at Talbek but the old warrior shook his head.

"We would know if that's the case, if the Ancient Ones or the Greater Daemons arrived then it would be obvious in the destruction."

"How have the Grimm responded?" Arabella asked turning the topic away from those thoughts.

"They have indeed gotten riled up, several skirmishes have broken out on the borders of the Sharlor Province along with an armor fight in the Argus Province where three Armored Companies faced off against a herd of Goliaths and Death Stalkers but were able to fight them off." Alexander nodded.

"What's the status of MaRaul's 9th Corp?" He asked and Ulrich pulled out a data slate before tapping on it.

"MaRaul's already split up his Corp, the 42nd and 43rd Division are to make their way towards the Lowlands while the 41st and 44th heads to the wetlands to help contain the advancement of the enemy infantry. The 45th however will meet up with the 59th Division to help protect the highways leading south towards Helvisk. I've also taken the liberty to have the Graves 10th Corp strengthen our positions in the Sharlor, Argus and Lemavi Provinces. Lamberts 745th Heavy Infantry along with the 746th and 747th Armored will also reach the southern border of Irkalla within two days." Ulrich said and Alexander nodded then looked at the Legate of his Praetorians

"In addition to what Ulrich has put out, Targatus I want you to pick three Centuriae to head north with, Aeyr you'll accompany them. Arabella, Sanian I suppose you can drum up something to head north as well." Sanian nodded.

"I'll take Canoness Preceptor Palena's 7th and Sabisma's 8th Preceptories. We'll be ready to move in twelve hours maybe a day tops." Sanian said and Alexander nodded before looking at Kelsar.

"What do you have in play right now?"

"I've got a Wing of Corsairs already running multiple bombing runs every hour with another Wing being prepped to fly over towards the Helvisk airfield to join in. I've also got the an entire Division of Avenger Strike Fighters running Close Air Support missions. I'm keeping the Lightning Division grounded for the time being as the Enemy doesn't seem to have anything to challenge our Air Superiority."

"Rosenstock, Narin, Griffin? Anything you want to chip in on this?" Alexander asked but the Civitas Administrator shook his head.

"There's nothing I need to know for the time being nor am I aware of what I can do to help." He said.

"Actually you can inform the public about what's going on, they need to be aware that something is happening but make sure to spin it that we're beating them back. Monitor for reactions, I'll have my staff contact you in how we can make sure nothing unexpected crops up here." Lilith chimed in for the first time of this meeting.

"I'll increase patrols in the streets in case there is sign of unrest or treacherous schemes to take advantage of the situation." Narin spoke up.

"As for I, High Lord, ask anything of me and I shall see to it that it's complete in a timely order." Rosenstock rasped, his voice distorted by mechanical sounds, to which Alexander nodded his thanks.

"I have no doubt in mind that the Army will need your machines to help repair our positions during and after this fight. Make no mistakes my friends we must beat back this foe, not only for the good of the Arcadian people but for around the world as well. I'll issue deployment orders in one and a half weeks for the entire 2nd Army Group to move north if we're unable to shake the foothold of the Ruinous Powers." In the meantime I'll deploy the 3rd Field Army in the northern sections of Nyseion with orders to advance into Irkalla if the Enemy manages to break our lines again. Are we all in agreement?" Alexander asked looking around the table and everyone nodded or didn't say anything contrary to what he said.

"Now then I believe you have something rather important to discuss with us as well Lilith." Lilith and Variel straightened up as he directed the table's attention to them.

"Yes sir, you tasked us to monitor the Four Kingdoms and Outlands the best we can. Admittedly it's been a difficult task as there are only so many of us and the Outlands are a dangerous place with villages and towns popping up or being destroyed almost at random." Lilith began saying but Alexander held up a hand.

"I understand that your task is not an easy one, as you just heard a few moments ago we're in the midst of a military conflict in our northern region. Thousands are dead and many more I imagine will die as well, I move men and machines in their thousands while keeping an eye on the wellbeing of my people as I fight the forces of the Ruinous Powers. On top of that I must maintain a balance in the world in order to prevent any disaster that would put my people at risk as such I must police those that wish not to be policed by an outsider and I do this while still trying to be a respectable father figure. Alas I did not wish to hear your problems at the moment but the result from which your hard work has achieved." Alexander said with a hint of cold intent in his voice.

"Now carry on."

"Very well, after the incident in Springmond we double down our efforts in the Vale Underworld and we found nothing."

"Nothing?" Inias asked.

"Indeed which is what got us concerned then after, persuading, some individuals who we found trying to book passage on a ship heading to Vacuo we learned why. Roman Torchwick. It seems he's been making big and I mean very big waves. Killing rival crews or forcing others to fold into his operations of which we're still not sure what the point of this all was other than trying to damage the economy of Vale with all the Dust shops and shipments he's attacked. With that being said we were able to get some information on a crew that he had sent out to collect for him. What they said was that they had to gather a shipment from the southeast of Schnee mining equipment such as tools, heavy lifters, and explosives." Alexander stiffened as he realized what she meant.

"Interesting, are you saying that Roman might have something to do with the Neverborn in Springmond?" Lilith nodded.

"I believe he's either had a hand directly in it or he's working with someone powerful that's backing his power play to control Vale's Underworld. This is why I believe we should resume Operations in Vale as something big is going on there as rumors have it that he's also gotten the ear of the White Fang which can help him and his backer expands to the rest of the Kingdoms."

"So then what can we do?" Azariah asked and Lilith shrugged.

"I suggest we approach the Huntsmen Academies to garner support from them." Jürgen snorted at that.

"They're just as foolish as the Councils of the Four Kingdoms, the only one I can think of that would support us off the bat would be Belladonna of Menagerie. At least he's trusty worthy."

"And beyond that he's useless." Lilith countered.

"Heth's right Lilith, Belladonna can at least start us on the more public path along with opening dialogue with at least Vale." Ulrich pointed out.

"Maybe but that'll immediately put us on the shit list for Atlas." Variel pointed out

"To be fair, we're already on the shit list with Atlas. They're not exactly forgiving to what we did to their predecessor." Jürgen said.

"If you asked me, that's ridiculous of them. If it wasn't for us they would have never gotten that shiny new Kingdom of theirs out of that hot mess if we hadn't planted a blade in Mantle's rotted skull." Talbek said as he munched on piece of meat which Alexander was unsure of where he had even gotten it from.

"Regardless of that, let's say we do go to someone in the Four Kingdoms, who can we go to that won't dismiss us straight out?" Alexander asked cutting off the conversation, Lilith shrugged.

"Honestly our best option would be Ozpin, I know you don't trust him but there's no one else we can go to. We don't know anything about Vacuo or its Headmaster other than indifference to us and would take far more time than necessary to convince in allowing us to do what we should. Mistral and Lionheart would want nothing to do with us and would support Ironwood in his whatever decision he makes. Which we've already established would mean we get nowhere." Lilith explained.

"We could go to the Vale Council instead, I'm pretty sure it was suggested in one of your earlier reports that they're more than willing to snub Ozpin when they can." Azariah chimed in.

"True but they're far more likely to be compromised; I spent some time over there and trust me when I tell you that they've got very dirty hands." Variel replied.

"And Ozpin?" Azariah asked but Variel shrugged.

"I can't say really, there was no way to get close to him and on top his Deputy Headmistress is just as paranoid as him."

"That's because he's hiding something." Alexander said and they looked towards him.

"What makes you say that?" Arabella asked.

"Call it a gut instinct."

"Actually can't we just use Jaune as a reason why to establish ourselves openly in Vale? Leak it that the son of Alexander Arc, the High Lord or ruler of Arcadia, is attending Beacon. Then they'll be practically begging for you to come to them and you can also use it as a security measure to put a Praetorian Centuria or the Army on Valean territory." Ulrich said but Alexander shook his head.

"No, I don't want to drag Jaune into this and I doubt he would be very appreciative of that as well." He sighed as he ran a hand through his hair.

"For now we'll have to simply do what we can, Lilith, Variel you two may resume Operations on Sanus. Find this Roman Torchwick and capture him as we need to know what he knows. If capture seems out of the question then eliminate him."

---

What's this?

Has the timer on Torchwick started to count down?

Will Alexander be able to hold his northern province?

Does Pyrrha truly understand the implications of her thoughts about Jaune?

Will I stop talking like this? Of course since I'm not actually talking but typing but that's beside the point.

There's only one way to find out, travel to the future.

On a side note, here's a general information blob taken from my "Arcadian Development and Story Outline" it's not perfect but it at least helps keep my thoughts organized.

*NEW UPDATE*

It should be noted that this list isn't a final list, as it merely reflects that current or changing organization that's passed through in response to long term strategic concerns or goals. In one decade there could be a greater emphasis of defensive actions either through force or layered defense meaning a shifting away from Mechanized, Armor, Paratrooper Regiments in favor for slower but hard hitting durable units. Or in times of aggressive counter actions or expansion the inverse with the need for swift actions rather than titanic ones. So occasionally this list will be updated or the updated version will be listed on the latest chapters with a identify line to help pinpoint or reflect on the change that is desired.

tl;dr Things change or I have new ideas to add or flesh out.

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Arcadian Army

Arcadian Army Formations

Squad: 10 (Sergeant and Corporal)

• Specialist: Similar to a Corporal in pay and seniority amongst a squad but given the task to handle specific equipment, heavy weapons, vox, sapper.

Platoon: 50 (Second Lieutenant commands 1st Squad and Sergeant first class 2nd Squad.)

Tank Platoon: 5 Tanks

Company: 200 (Captain who also is in charge of the First Platoon and a First Lieutenant who is in charge of the 2nd Platoon)

Battery: 4-6 Artillery Pieces

Heavy Weapons Company:

These are independent Companies made for certain types to provide dedicated support for more generalist units who a little soft counter for everything but may not have enough of any particular type.

For instance Heavy Weapons Company dedicated to Anti-Tank roles could consist of three platoons with five towed Serpent Field Guns that would support Infantry units on the field. Or three platoons of Four Lancer Field or Assault Guns.

Heavy Weapon Companies dedicated Light Infantry Support may have three platoons of Chimeras adapted to carrying light mortars mixed with Sabre Halftracks and Punisher ISTs .

Heavy Weapon Companies dedicated to long rang support which would have a mix of towed Lancer Assault Guns and Hydras for a mix of Anti-Air and infantry capabilities.

(Then there are Heavy Weapon Companies or Defensive Companies that specialize in defense. More often than not these companies aren't meant for the frontline but for defending Military Forts or key population, economic and industrial areas. As such they don't normally get counted within the standard organizational chart of logistics as they in part fall into the category of National Guard Forces.)

Tank Company: 25 Tanks Total

• Standard Formations(x2): 2 Light and 3 Main Battle Tanks

• Fast Attack: 5 Light Tanks

• Tank Hunters: 5 Actaeon Tank Destroyers

• Command: 3 Heavy Tanks and 2 Main Battle Tanks

Battalion: 1,000 (Major, attached to 1st Company and First Captain attached to 2nd Company)

Tank Battalion: 75 Tanks (27 Light Tanks, 15 Tank Destroyers, 24 Main Battle Tanks, and 9 Heavy Tanks)

Regiment: 4,000 (Colonel attached to First Battalion and Lieutenant Colonel attached to Second Battalion in place of a Major.)

(Side Note: Heavy Infantry and Motorized Infantry Regiments are slightly larger due to the count of Armored Units with their crews. Heavy Infantry Regiments have a 5th Battalion which is a Tank Battalion.

A Motorized Infantry Platoon however will have 5 APCs and 2 tanks at all times as such there are far fewer Regiments of Motorized Infantry than there are dedicated Infantry or Armor Regiments.

Line and Light Infantry Regiments are as already said Dedicated Infantry Regiments as such any form of Armor support outside of Tauros Rapid Assault Vehicles and APCs will be from a separate Unit.

Tank/Armored Regiment: 3 Battalions of Tanks + 1 Armored Support Battalion

• Armored Support Battalion

o 1 Combat Enginseer Company (Command Company)

Mechanicus Soldiers

• Scutarii

• Velites

o 1 Combat Recon Company

60 Tauros Rapid Assault Vehicles

12 Per Platoon

o 3 Mechanized Infantry Companies

• Most Tank or Armored Regiments are rarely ever fielded in full strength. Most Regiments are instead deployed by battalions to various Operating Areas to support infantry units in the field. Some full strength Regiments that do operate as full units are those that are on Kingdom Guard positions, defending frontier borders or reacting to Grimm and the occasional Archenemy Invasion.

• Only in times of War would Regiments be deployed in full strength order, though the last time that happened was during the Great War when early Tank generations were just started to be produced thereby limiting the field experience that most Kingdoms in fact had with Armored Warfare.

Division: 20,000 (Major General attached to Division Headquarter and most senior Colonel is attached to the First Regiment of the Division.)

Army Corp: 100,000 (Lieutenant General attached to Corp Headquarters and most senior Major General is attached to the first Division within the Corp.)

Field Army: 200,000 (General attached to Regional Headquarters and most senior Lieutenant General being second in command.)

Army Group: 600,000 (Field Marshal attached to Arcadian Army Headquarters and senior General)

The Army: Five Army Groups: 3,000,000 or 750 Regiments (High Lord of Arcadia and Lord Commander of the Army)

Note: The Total amount of people counted excludes various other groupings including but not limited to Armor, Brigades, Logistical, Command staff, Field Batteries, Heavy Weapon Companies and other non-combat-oriented elements.

Additional Note: In times of War or Emergencies an additional Field Army's worth of semi-trained manpower can be drawn up from the populace at a moment's notice with an additional Corp ready to be deployed within 3 months.

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Standard Infantry Equipment:

Agripinaa (Scar-H, 7.62x54mm with 30 Round Magazines)

Combat Shotgun Type 12 (Saiga 12)

Hard Shell Combat Armor (Torso, Forearms, Shoulders, Greaves)

Tactical Load Bearing Vest (Based on the ALICE design)

Enclosed Tactical Helmet (Inbuilt respirator, communications relay, FoF system, Night Vision)

Gen 4 Glock 22 Sidearm

Assault Stubber (MG42/MG3)

Heavy Stubber (M2 Machine Gun)

Accatran Rocket Launcher (Varied Series) (32-76.2mm Shoulder Fired Rocket Launcher)

Pegasus Anti-Air Launcher (Varied Series) (57-88mm Missiles)

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Armored Units/Support/Platforms:

Tauros Rapid Assault Vehicle (Standard: Heavy Stubber 1,000 Rounds) (Light Anti-Armor Gun: 20mm Cannon 250 Rounds) (Can also tow support platforms when needed)

Centaur Utility Vehicle (Assists in supporting Armored, Heavy and Mechanized Regiments by providing fuel, ammunition, and spare parts. Also can tow support platforms)

Trojan Support Vehicle (Infantry Support Vehicle that provides ammunition, food, water, fuel for dedicated Infantry vehicles, medical supplies, weapons or spare weapon parts)

Note: For the Centaur and Trojan they can travel with 630 kg in main unit and pull an additional 500 kg in a trailer unit. Additional for a frame of reference to those that don't know a lot about Warhammer 40k vehicles, think of the Centaur and Trojans as a mix of LVS (Logistic Vehicle System) and the PLS (Palletized Load System) but with the ability to tow/winch/use a crane system. While other logistical vehicles are used, these two are included as mentioned before that they're based on the Warhammer 40k models.

M113 "Chimera" Carrier: APC with light armor, single Heavy Stubber, and carries 1 Squad

• 120mm "Silenus" Motor Carrier Variant

Archer "Actaeon" Tank Destroyer (128-152mm)

M551 "Tempest" Sheridan Light Tank (Short Barreled 110mm gun)

• The Tempest Light Tank was designed for light infantry support and flanking maneuvers for Main or Heavy Armor. Its light armor and small sizes means that of the three most commonly fielded tanks it's the fastest. Yet it has a number of drawbacks, its light armor means that it can only take light caliber anti-tank guns, rockets or smaller creatures. Its small size also means that it's short barreled 110mm gun while capable of using relatively powerful High Explosive or Canister shells means that older creatures with more bone carapace or heavier tanks will be a difficult if not impossible target to take on.

Centurion "Predator" (105mm Main Battle Tank)

Tiger 2 / E-75 Standardpanzer "Sicaran Heavy Tank" (135mm Heavy Support/Tank Role)

Gen 1: 14 Inches of Syn Armor, 10 Meter L, 9 Meter Wide, 7 Meter H, 135mm Gun, 7.62 Coax, .50 Pintle Mount

Gen 2: 28 Inches of Syn Armor, 15 Meters L, 11.5 Meters Wide, and 8 meters H.

Gen 3: CLASSIFIED

Sabre Gun Platform (Quad Heavy Stubbers) (Twin Linked Autocannons) (Lascannon) (Crew: 5)

Sabre Halftrack

Ground Anti-Air Defense or GAAD Tank (Exterminator) Twin Linked 40mm Infantry Support Tank

Hydra (Mounted and Stationary) (Crew: 5-7)

Serpent Infantry Gun (57mm General Purpose Cannon) (Crew: 5) (Similar to a Pak 38)

Lancer Field Gun (88mm Defensive Cannon) (Crew: 7)

Lancer Assault Gun (Similar to a Pak 44)

51/57/88mm mortar (Crew: 5)

Goliath Artillery Gun (105mm Artillery Piece)

Earthshaker (155mm Heavy Field/Artillery Cannon)

Arcus Heavy Cannon (16-inch /403mm Cannon)

Basilisk (135mm Self Propelled Artillery Gun)

(Additional Notes)

A question that I occasionally receive from new readers is about why I made the choice of Arms and Armor.

To provide a casual meta explanation, it's the Rule of Cool. I like the British Centurion Tank, I like the Tiger 2 / E-75, I like the look of the Scar-H and I think the MG42/MG3 so i used them just to name a few.

In a more serious sense and more story/world lore sense though I'll try to avoid spoilers. It's because that's just how Arcadia grew.

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Arcadian Aircraft

A-10 Thunderbolt II (Avenger)

· Armament: One 25-30mm Cannon with 1,100 rounds. Five hard points on the wings. Four of them are typically loaded with four unguided rocket pods filled with twelve 90mm rockets. The last hard point is fitted with six air-to-air missiles for self-defense.

C-130J (Telamon) Transport Plane

· Can be loaded with one of the following 100 soldiers, 3 Tauros Rapid Assault Vehicles, 2 Chimeras, or 1 tank.

F-35 Lightning II (Lightning (Redundant I know))

· Armament: One 20mm cannon with 750 rounds. Five Hard Points, four of which are located on the wings, 2 are fitted the air-to-air missile pods containing eight 50mm missiles with the other two containing air-to-surface missile pods contain six 70mm missiles. The final hard point is an internal compartment that contains six unguided 76.2mm rockets.

Corsair (Dual/Quad Engine Bomber)

· Armament: 25,000 to 40,000 pounds of ordinance

Valkyrie (V-22 Osprey):

· Arcadia VTOL with carrying capacity of 20 sitting and 30 standing along with the ability to transport light and Medium Armor tanks. Dual Heavy Stubbers mounted on the front.

Vulture Gunship:

· Arcadian Gunship, similar in design to the Valkyrie but sacrifices troop carrying capacity for extra armor and weaponry. Armaments: Nose mounted dual Autocannons with 3,500 rounds and in place of the troop bay is an internal rocket bay containing twelve 84mm missiles. In addition two fuselage-based hard points were attached to either side with pods containing sixteen 76.2mm rockets.