If the beginning of this chapter makes you cringe at the lengths people are going to then I will have done my job. There was a lot of "Hnghhh…" from me as I was writing it. Also, and a fair warning, Jaune is 15 here, so this is two years before canon and probably closer to three before the cast reached Atlas in the show. As such, keep in mind that certain people will be younger, less experienced and maybe even less friendly with one another than they were in the show. This is, of course, something that said group literally mentions multiple times, so it's canon and not fanon.

What's also canon is Ironwood turning into one of the worst villains ever and on paper-thin motivation, but I think I'll rather stick with fanon on that front. I despised how that was handled in the show.


Cover Art: GWBrex

Chapter 5


The aircraft flew low over the city of Atlas and gave them the best view it could – towering buildings, beautiful architecture and a view of the endless ocean on one side and the mountains of Atlas on the other. They flew over the outskirts of the city, past great chains that reached up to secure a floating island to the city below, and then above and over, showing off the majesty of Atlas and Mantle in one.

Fireworks burst in the air as they flew by like anti-air weapons, exploding in dizzying arrays of green, gold and red light that burned harmlessly away outside their windows. The girls were glued to the glass, their eyes wide and mouths open in shock and glee, taking in the display of festivity with awe. It wasn't until they flew by a tall building with a billboard displaying the words `Welcome to Atlas` and Jaune's face beside it, that he realised the fireworks, the decorations and the crowds taking to the streets were in fact not out of some cultural or historical celebration, but simply because he had arrived.

It was because Jaune Arc had chosen Atlas over any other Kingdom.

That their ship took several trips around and over the city, along with its two escort ships, was part of the show as well. It was designed both to make a spectacle of his arrival and let him see Atlas in all its glory. Jaune focused on the latter, dismissing the first as inevitable and trying to enjoy the scenery as much as his sisters were. It wasn't all that hard. Atlas was a marvel to look at, both the city below and the island floating above that looked ripped straight out of a fantasy novel. For a boy born and raised in a village like Ansel, the sheer size of everything was a shock. Some of those buildings looked big enough to house half of Ansel's population. Well, it's old population.

They danced and circled the city for a full ten minutes before finally rising over the island. The lights flicked on to warn them to put their seatbelts on. Juniper tried to get the girls to comply before looking to Nicholas helplessly. He cleared his throat and shouted, "Sit down, girls! Seatbelts on."

"But-"

"We live here now, Amber. You'll have time aplenty to explore."

Several seats down, Ironwood sat a little taller, hardly even bothering to hide his smile on hearing the words. Jaune tried not to let it get to him. The man was from Atlas and loved his country just as much as Jaune did – or had – Ansel. There was nothing wrong with wanting the best for your people.

Their ship slowed in the air and came to land on a long strip atop the island. There had been numerous other landing pads they'd flown over, but this one was before the massive academy itself, and was obviously far more prestigious. There were a host of people waiting, two whole rectangles of men and women in uniform – soldiers on the right in white armour, students on the left in pale grey uniform. They stood at attention, forming a narrow corridor down the centre upon which a royal blue carpet had been laid out. Several figures stood there waiting for them, but Jaune didn't get much of a view as the ship suddenly turned sideways, coming in to land with its right flank facing the audience.

Waiting for him to come out. Jaune took a slow breath and released it in a shuddering gasp.

"We'll be with you." Juniper told him, taking and squeezing his hand. Jaune returned it, taking more reassurance in her touch than he'd have months before this all happened. Right now, he needed the security.

Even if they would be with him, however, it wouldn't change the fact that this was all for him. He was what mattered. All these people had been turfed out in the cool early evening air to greet him, and the fireworks and festivals in the street were more of the same. He wasn't Jaune Arc anymore, but the boy who beat death. He was a valuable commodity as Ironwood had explained. And as long as they promised to look after his family, he'd do his part.

General Ironwood unclasped himself and stood from his seat. He approached them with slow and measured steps. "I wish things wouldn't be so political on your first visit but we'd be eaten alive if we didn't give you a formal welcome to the city. I'm sorry if it bothers you."

"It's fine." Jaune's smile was fragile and the man smart enough to know he was forcing it. This was part of the deal really. Ansel got its money, his family got protection, Atlas got the celebrity it wanted. He had to play the part. "What do I need to do?"

"Walk down the steps, shake a few hands and say a few words if you want. You don't have to say anything if you'd rather not. Almost everyone on Remnant is aware of what happened to you in Ansel. No one will blame you being tired or not used to this." He looked up to the others, his sisters and family. "I'm sure one of your parents will want to accompany you, but the rest of you might want to stay inside until this is over. You don't have to but it's going to be a lot of talking and shaking hands and I expect you'd rather settle in first."

"I guess we're not as important as Jaune," Coral said. Even if she didn't sound bothered by it, the words made him wince. They were too close to the truth and much too accurate to not be taken seriously.

"You're more important than you realise," James countered. "You're welcome to come with us and sit through it all – you'll find that people will be just as eager to get on your good side as Jaune's. Given that most of you want to escape the kind of pressure that you faced in Ansel however, I'm not sure if you'd rather your faces stay off the television."

"There are reporters out there?" Jaune asked nervously.

"Vetted and checked and warned well in advance not to pressure you. I guarantee they will be well-behaved compared to those you dealt with before. These are professionals and know well their boundaries."

That hadn't been his main concern but it was good to hear all the same. He was more worried about being shown on television and the pressure of knowing so many people were watching. As if they wouldn't televise this, he thought glumly. They want to show off that they won and got me, and people want to see me. He'd have to force a smile for the cameras. Jaune unconsciously held his mother's hand tighter.

"I'll go with him." Juniper said. "Nicky can stay with the girls."

"Are you sure?"

"I'll be fine, dear." She kissed his cheek and raised her hand, still holding Jaune's, to show why. Nicholas nodded quickly. "Is that acceptable, General Ironwood?" she asked. "I know I might not be presentable-"

"Ma'am, it will be more than fine. And please, you can all call me James. None of you are military and you don't answer to me. I'll be with you the whole way too, Jaune." His attempt at comfort fell a little flat seeing as he didn't know the man that well. "Are we ready? We can't delay much further without everyone outside feeling stupid."

They'd taken enough time already. Jaune nodded and kept hold of his mother's hand as the door on the edge of the craft opened with a hiss. It pushed out, extended and then ramped down to the floor, touching the blue carpet. General Ironwood took centre stage in the doorway, clapping his heels together and offering a salute. The sound of over two hundred people doing the same was as impressive as it was intimidating.

Cameras flashed and lights shone down on the entryway as Ironwood slowly stepped down, revealing at last the two people behind him. Jaune was immensely grateful for the fact that the people on both sides of the carpet didn't react outwardly. They held their salutes, looking at him but not rushing him, making demands or calling his name. It gave him the confidence he needed to take a step, with his mom walking beside him, letting him dictate their pace as they stepped down the ramp together.

Seeing the boy who beat death walk hand-in-hand with his mother probably wasn't the heroic, brave image that Atlas wanted. It was something even he'd have felt silly about before unlocking his Semblance. He didn't care now. If they wanted him, they'd have to accept everything that came with him.

They stepped off the metal ramp and onto the blue carpet, pausing as Ironwood saluted the officials ahead of them and stepped aside. He motioned subtly with one hand for them to come, and Jaune stepped forward. Making him come to them was probably some important gesture, but he didn't have much chance to think on that. He did need their help too, so it wasn't like they were lying about it.

There were two men and one woman there – all of them middle-aged or older, dressed in suits – dark grey, pale grey and another in a combination of white and light blue with a red tie. They were smiling broadly, or two of them were, the third wore a tighter smile, no less pleased but hinting at a more reserved personality.

"Jaune Arc." Ironwood intoned loudly. It was clear he was putting it on a little, especially since he referred to him with both names. "These are representatives from the Council of Atlas, the governing and elected body that rules over our fair kingdom. In order of left to right, you have Council members Sleet, Camilla and Schnee. Councilmembers, I present to you Jaune Arc and his mother, Juniper Arc."

"A pleasure to meet you, Mr Arc." Councilman Sleet stepped forward first and extended his hand, which Jaune took as politely as he could. They shook, and he was briefly blinded by the flashes of light from the cameramen nearby. Sleet kept smiling and looking at him, no doubt holding the pose for the cameras, so Jaune forced one back. "May we be the first to welcome you and your family to Atlas. I hope you find your happiness here."

"Thank you."

Sleet shook his hand for a moment longer, let go and stepped back, allowing the dark-skinned woman to step up. As she went for his hand, Sleet offered his own to Juniper, politely offering his left so that she wouldn't have to let go of her son.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Jaune said to the woman.

"Polite and charming," she replied with a warm smile. Again, the cameras flashed. "I've heard a lot about you, Mr Arc, as I'm sure most people have, but it's refreshing to see the rumours of your manners weren't exaggerated."

"Jacques Schnee of the Schnee Dust Company." The last man had a tighter smile, and his moustache covered much of his mouth as he extended his hand. His shake was firm and short, his greeting even more so. "Welcome to Atlas. I'm sure you will do great things here."

"Thank you." Jaune said. He took a deep breath and forced himself to keep speaking. He didn't want to, not with so many people watching, but after everything they were doing for him and Ansel, they deserved more than a tired smile and a shake of the hand. "A-And thank you all for accepting me," he said, raising his voice. The Councilmen and woman looked surprised, but the cameraman zoomed in. "Atlas has been v-very kind to accept me after what happened, and to help my home village."

They looked shocked for a moment; Sleet was the first to recover. "Such thanks aren't necessary!" He wore a bright smile and adjusted his glasses. "We're more than happy to have you and your family here – I hope you'll come to view Atlas as your home. In fact, and to help with that, we've prepared a symbolic gesture for you and your family. If you will, Camilla, Jacques."

Camilla stepped forward and offered a black case to him. It looked like the kind of thing you'd find a necklace in, but much too thin. At her prompting, he opened it up, and at the further prompting of the cameramen trying to get a good look, angled it so that they could see. It was a clear card set in a bed of red velvet with his name and face stamped onto it. Mr Schnee cleared his throat to explain.

"Jaune Arc, you have hereby been granted honorary citizenship in the Kingdom of Atlas. This marks you, retroactively and in the future, as an honorary citizen of our fine kingdom, beholden of all rights and freedoms of one born here. Your family have been awarded the same honour."

"Thank you." The gesture didn't mean anything to him. He couldn't understand the significance. There must have been some though, or it wouldn't have been made. Jaune made a show of taking out the card and looking at it, wondering why his face was stamped there and where they'd gotten the picture, before saying, "Thank you. This… This means a lot to us… that you'd welcome us-" Him "-to Atlas."

"Not to Atlas," Camilla said. "Home. Welcome home, Jaune."

Fresh fireworks fizzled up from the back of the students and soldiers, still at attention, and shot into the sky with whizzling streamers. They burst high in the air, cracking outward and sparkling in the sky. They were followed by several more, then a whole display shooting out from the edges of the island, out above the city. An entire display the likes of which Ansel had never seen to welcome him.

It was daunting.

Jaune kept the plastic smile plastered over his face as the soldiers to one side, the students to the next, turned to face him, clicked their heels together and shouted, with hundreds of voices in unison, "Welcome home!"

/-/

Two hours.

That was how long he had to smile for. Two whole hours. Two hours in which he walked with the three councilmembers, smiled for photographs, shook hands and did his best to commit names to memory. There were too many, far too many, and the fancy dinner he'd been brought to with nine courses, wine and toasts to his time in Atlas hadn't made it any easier. He was grateful for mom being there the whole time and touching his leg or hand under the table. Quiet, constant comfort.

He didn't remember much of it. Hands had been shaken, men and women two to four times his age had asked about his home life, his interests and his hobbies, and then there had been more shaking of hands, more photographs and numerous things asked of him. He thought he'd been invited to have dinner with at least two people, to visit one more and to endorse at least two people's political campaigns. If it wasn't for his mother's presence and General Ironwood hovering nearby, he might have agreed to something he didn't want to. The man had run interference the whole night long, well after Jaune's mind became mush and he started to fall asleep at the table.

By the time it was over, he'd all but collapsed into the bedroom he'd been provided, not even asking where his family were being kept. It was a clinically clean, white-walled room with a raised bunk, a desk underneath and a window overlooking the large, grassy area outside and the aircraft he'd arrived in, which was still perched on the main lawn. Jaune had crawled into bed and been asleep before he could pull the sheet over himself.

When he woke up, it was to a slow, steady knocking on the door.

"Sir?" a woman called through. "Sir, are you alright? Sir, if you don't answer then I'll have to come in."

"Ugh." Jaune sat up and took a moment to recognise the room and where he was. It took even longer to recognise the act of waking up in the first place, and not being dragged out of bed by an accident and people who needed bringing back from death. He was about to think more on that when the knocking became a little more insistent. "Oh. Uh. I'm okay!" he called. "I'll – I'll be out in a second."

He'd gone to bed in the same clothes he arrived in, only taking off his shoes, so it wasn't hard to slip back into them and rush to the door. His first day and he was already late. Atlas was doing a lot for him and the last thing he wanted was to appear ungrateful. They might take away what they offered if I do. I need to show them I'm worth keeping around – for my family's sake.

Jaune tried to open the door, found no handle and then noticed the keypad with a green and red button. He pushed the green one and it slid open. "I'm sorry, I- whoah!"

He'd kept his eyes ahead and expected to see someone. Or, and more commonly, to look down. At fifteen, he was already tickling six feet and his sisters always called him a beansprout. He wasn't the tallest person in Ansel, but there weren't many taller, and it was usually only by an inch or so. As such, he wasn't used to coming face to chest, or face to breasts, with a woman like this. His eyes scanned upward, over a tight white jacket with one missing arm, to a tan neck and face, brown hair and eyes.

"Um. Hi." He smiled awkwardly. "S-Sorry for sleeping in, I'm not normally… uh… I don't normally get to sleep like that."

"Hey, it's no problem." The woman smiled suddenly, and he was struck by how nice she looked despite being easily six foot five. "And you didn't sleep in much at all, sir. I was just asked to check up and see if you wanted to have breakfast."

"You don't have to call me sir. Jaune is fine."

"Phew – felt weird calling a squirt your age sir anyway." She grinned suddenly and nudged his shoulder with one fist. Her arms were huge and muscular. "That's what you learn in the army, though. If in doubt, say sir. Easier to sir and salute someone you don't have to than not salute a ranking officer."

"Yeah, I guess… um… who are you?"

"What, you don't recognise me? We met last night." His face took on all the panic of a boy who'd forgotten the name of someone important. The woman sighed. "Ah sorry, I guess I forgot you met a lot of people last night. It's fine – you looked exhausted by the end of it, so I shouldn't be too surprised. I'm Elm. Elm Ederne." She offered her big hand, which dwarfed his as he shook it. "I'm part of your protection detail."

"My what-?"

"You forgot that too, eh?" She winked. "No worries, I'll get the others to re-introduce themselves later. I'm part of the Arc-Ops."

Another name, thrown out so simply, that had such terrible connotations. "The… The Arc-Ops…?"

"Yup. We're your dedicated security team. The boss can give you the low-down if you like. He's a weird one for sure, but, eh, he seems alright. Not as stiff as some people I used to work with. Anyway, I – or we – are your bodyguards, escorts, assistants, whatever you want us to be really." She winked again and whispered, "Within reason."

Blood flooded Jaune's face and he backed away stammering, "I-I don't know what you're suggesting!"

"Ahahaha!" The woman threw her head back and laughed loudly. It made him blush even harder, especially when she snaked her large arm around his shoulder and yanked him in against her side. "Oh, you're just precious. I'm kidding, I'm kidding. Ah, that reaction, though. You're as cute as a first-week private when he finds out the showers are co-ed. But yeah, we're here to make sure you stay safe and sound."

An entire team of people not only dedicated to keeping him safe but named after him. He wanted to say that was ridiculous, but then he'd just been through a welcoming ceremony for him after the whole city was in celebration. Nothing was too ridiculous apparently. And given what happened in Ansel, maybe he needed it.

"Are you protecting my family as well?"

"Nope. We're all yours." Elm noticed his panic and quickly said, "They get their own detail. Don't worry. Your sisters – Amber is a cutie by the way – will be looked after all the time, but those details will rotate. We're your dedicated and handpicked escort because we're the best of the best." Elm flexed her other arm, showing off her muscles. They looked as big as his head. "So, if you need anything you just come running to me, yeah?"

"S-Sure." Jaune gingerly pushed his way out her grip. "Did you mention breakfast?"

"Sure did! C'mon, you might as well meet the team while we're at it. Your parents are being given a tour of the place with your sisters. We were going to get you up to come along but your mom said you'd probably be too tired after last night."

Elm kept talking as she led him down a long, white corridor. A few people passed them by, stopping to salute her as they did. Or at least he thought it was her until one man in a soldier's uniform said "Arc" as he saluted.

Jaune clumsily made to return it but the man had already moved on.

Elm didn't think anything of it and kept going on about how she'd met his sisters that morning – he wasn't sure if she was trying to assure him that she was legitimate or if she wasn't just filling the awkward silence he left with conversation. Either way, it saved him having to speak and let him take in their surroundings, which consisted of hexagonal corridors, metal walkways and directions stamped onto walls. Elm seemed to be following the ones labelled Mess Hall 4B, and soon brought him to a sealed doorway.

The moment it opened, someone inside looked up and shouted, "Attention!"

Chairs scraped across the floor as people scurried to their feet, formed a line and saluted. Jaune backed up, bumping into Elm, who took one look at his face and called out, "At ease, you lot. He's not a drill sergeant. He's fine with being called Jaune, no `sir` business and no random saluting, yeah?"

Jaune nodded quickly.

"I'm not surprised there would be no decorum from you, Ederne," a tall, pasty-white man said. "I hope you didn't put such ideas in his head."

"Oh, can it, Zeki. He's not up for it and our job is to make him comfortable."

"Enough, you two," another man said. He was as tall as Jaune with short brown hair, blue eyes and a white jacket with both sleeves removed. "I know this assignment is new, but we're teammates now. It's time to start acting like it."

"Oh, come on, boss," a girl with creamy skin and dark-green hair said. She wore a lazy, almost sleepy smile and was already leaning on the wall next to a dark-skinned girl with a mohawk. "You know a little teasing is needed before a team really gels. Maybe we'll have little Ederne-Zeki children running around."

"In her wildest fantasies!" the pasty man snapped.

"Yeah," Elm said, crossing her arms. "I mean, I'd snap his scrawny pelvis like a twig."

"You're all making us look bad in front of the dignitary," the first man complained. He stepped up, made to salute, and then decided against it and offered his hand instead. "Sorry for the display so early in the morning. Our team has just been formed and we're getting to know one another. You can rest assured it won't impact our work."

Jaune tried to think of something meaningful to say but he was surrounded by people he couldn't remember, who were all acting like he should know who they were, what they were and why he needed them. Maybe it had all been told to him last night, but so had a million other things.

"We need to do introductions again because those politicians filled his head with so much information it nearly burst." Elm said.

"Is that so? I suppose it was a long night." The man chuckled. "Very well. I'm Clover Ebi. Commander of the Arc-Ops. The rest of you can introduce yourselves."

"Elm Ederne." Elm said, somewhat pointlessly. She winked at him and Jaune flushed again, cursing his embarrassment.

"Vine Zeki." The pale man who had insulted Elm nonetheless managed a friendly smile for him. He placed a hand on his chest and bowed slightly. "A pleasure to meet you again. May we work well together."

"Tortuga Mandragora." The lazy-looking woman waved. "Just call me Tortuga. Last name's a mouthful."

"Harriet," the last girl grumbled.

"Harriet Bree," Clover corrected with a stern look. "And we're the Arc-Ops as you've no doubt heard. We're a new team so we're still ironing out the details, but we were hand selected by General Ironwood, so we're going to do our best." The last seemed directed to the team, who perked up a little at the praise. "Our job is to keep you safe, which shouldn't be much of a problem. Atlas is far more law-abiding and disciplined than most cities. Not that I'm insulting your home village of course."

"It's fine." Jaune smiled weakly. "Ansel wasn't… it wasn't always that bad…"

"From the sounds of it, it only got as bad as it did because the place didn't have a big enough police force to keep things in order." Tortuga said. "Can't blame them when their population skyrocketed like that. It only takes a few people getting away with crime before others start to think they can as well."

"Atlas is far safer." Clover repeated. "Our police force is supported by the military and if those kinds of people think they can get away with the same here, they'll be very disappointed in how that goes. You shouldn't worry about that, though. Have you eaten? We were just starting breakfast-"

The door swished open again. General Ironwood strode in.

Clover saluted. "Sir!"

The rest of the team saluted as well. "Sir!"

"At ease," General Ironwood said, returning their salute. "Good morning, Jaune. How are you today?"

It wasn't normal to be surrounded by so many people and feel so left out. They were saluting; they had a command structure; he was fifteen and had no idea what was going on. Still, he owed it to them to try. "I-I'm fine, sir. Everyone seems… nice."

"We've only just introduced ourselves again, sir." Clover explained. "Last night was a little too busy for him to remember everything."

"I did warn them against that, but they do so like their long speeches." Ironwood said. He smiled and said, "I'm sorry about last night, Jaune, I knew there would have to be some degree of politicking, but I didn't expect them to make it that dramatic. I should have stepped in."

Jaune shook his head. "It's fine." Atlas was quite literally paying almost two hundred million lien a year for him. One hundred and eighty to Ansel, fifteen to him and whatever else all this security cost. With all that, he felt they deserved a few concessions on his part. "It's expected, right? I just hope I did my best."

"You nailed it." Elm said, planning a heavy hand on his shoulder. "Trust me, I checked the news this morning and people loved you."

Ironwood seemed surprised by the companionly gesture, but not upset. "Ederne speaks the truth here," he said. "I'm sure you don't want to hear the full report but the reception has overall been very positive. You come across a very polite, kind young man and people respond well to that. The fact you were visibly tired and still did your best only has people sympathising with you."

"Helps that he literally hyped Atlas up as his saviours." Tortuga said.

"Enough of that." Ironwood interrupted. "I'm sorry to come so early and make such demands, but the council would like you to have you about and working today. Early, if possible. I know this might not be welcome after what happened-"

"No. It's fine."

It was fine, right? They'd paid to have him come here and that wasn't just to smile for cameras and shake hands. He was here to use his Semblance for Atlas' sake, and in return they'd protect him, his family and Ansel. Honestly, the fact they'd let him have a full night's sleep already put it leagues ahead of home. He'd come here knowing it would be more of the same, more healing, more resurrection, more hospitals. It was neither a surprise nor upsetting to hear they wanted him to get straight to it.

"Are you sure?" Ironwood asked. "If you're still tired then I don't mind telling them to reschedule."

Jaune shook his head again. He'd had a full night's sleep and his aura was as high as it had ever been. "I'd feel bad if I sat around and didn't do anything after everything Atlas has offered. I don't want to take advantage of your generosity."

"Thank you. You will get the free time and rest I promised you before. I'd also like you to have more time to spend with your family as well, but you're right that for now you're expected to perform. Clover, Arc-Ops," he said, "Prepare for a mission into the city. You'll be taking Jaune to the Saint Nicolas Schnee Hospital, where he'll work to help those dying of preventable and curable conditions. There will be photo ops and VIPs there but remember that your focus is on the protection and well-being of this young man here. Do not let anyone try to harm him, and do not let him harm himself." Jaune opened his mouth to protest but Ironwood spoke over him. "I've record of numerous times of him working himself to exhaustion and near collapse. Zeki, I want you to monitor his aura personally and stop the procedures the moment it enters the red."

"Yes sir!"

"Clover. I'll leave the particulars to you." Ironwood saluted, and the Arc-Ops did the same. "I'll leave him to you. Jaune, if you have any problems please address them to Ebi, Ederne or anyone else here. I trust them implicitly, otherwise I would not leave you with them. I'm sorry I cannot personally accompany you-"

"But you're a General and a headmaster."

The man nodded, pleased with him for having said it. "That I am. My workload doesn't really allow for me to show you around, but I want you to know my door is open if you need it. We can talk later about the other things I offered as part of your service here." The therapist, Jaune realised. He was grateful Ironwood didn't say it out loud. "Until then, I wish you well. Try to have fun and not tire yourself out too much."

/-/

Clover Ebi kept a close eye on the VIP as he brought a twelve-year-old girl back from the dead. It was incredible, a little frightening too, but he reminded himself that this was a Semblance. There were some who already spoke of the boy as if he was someone to be worshipped as a deity, but Clover had seen many strange and varied Semblances in his time and wasn't about to be dragged into that. For all the Semblances that killed people, it was only fair to have a few that did the reverse. Life and death were just two sides of a coin, and if he wanted to get weirded out by seeing someone given life, he ought to feel the same for the hundreds of Semblances that could take it away. That was the idea anyway. It was still shocking to watch happen.

The numerous reporters and journalists watching were unusually silent – awe, most likely. They'd all heard of what the boy could do and they all accepted it as fact but seeing and believing were two different things. This was the kind of footage that would only be ruined by commentary or insensitive questions, especially when the girl's parents stepped forward and embraced their once-more-living daughter.

Clover kept his eyes on Jaune Arc. The boy looked a little fatigued, wiping his brow, but he was going strong yet and this was the fourth person brought back. He was pleased to see that Vine was paying close attention to his scroll and monitoring his aura. For all that he and Ederne argued like cats and dogs, they were both attentive where and when it mattered.

"Crazy to see it happen, isn't it?" Tortuga said. She slid up to lean on the wall beside him. "You hear about it and see the reports, and you know it's real, but when it's happening in front of you it's like something from another world."

"It sure is," he agreed. "I just wish there was less theatre involved."

"You, me, the family and probably him as well."

Tortuga and Clover watched as a new family were brought into the room. They showed joy and hope on seeing the boy, and the way he smiled back, shook their hands and talked to them made him seem older than he was. Most kids his age would have been borne down by the pressure or cowed to awkward silence by so much attention. He appeared used to it.

Until Clover caught the look on his face when he turned away from the parents and to the dead body of a young girl. "There," he said. "See how he tensed up when they asked him to? He's forcing that smile – forcing everything. He doesn't like the attention."

"Or it's the presence of the media he isn't liking," Tortuga said. "You heard what happened in his home village. Who can blame him?"

"Not me."

"If we're to look out for his wellbeing, might be worth reporting on this."

Clover nodded. Tortuga made a valid point. "I'll inform the General of your observations when I make my report tonight. I doubt it will always be as public as this. This is his first day in Atlas, his first miracle. It's understandable the council wants it recorded and published. This'll be old news soon enough and then they'll be back to stalking popstars and politicians for gossip."

"Explains why the council is milking this so hard."

"They want to show the people they're proactive in getting him here. It's a big win for him to pick Atlas over every other Kingdom, but what the people really want isn't for him to just live here. They want him working here."

"They want to put an underage boy to work. Speaks volumes, doesn't it?"

He wasn't much a fan of that point either, but the boy was being paid more than the Arc-Ops could earn combined in five years, and it wasn't as though anyone else could do it. The council would always put Atlas first, that was part of why people trusted them to rule. If that involved exploiting Arc's Semblance, well, that was a small price to pay – and at least they were prepared to pay him for it. He'd have been used wherever he went. Atlas would be fair and upfront about it if nothing else.

It was hard to put himself in the boy's shoes because he was older, trained and had chosen this career path, so being asked to work in service of the kingdom he loved didn't feel unfair. Watching the boy, however, Clover almost felt like he was looking at an experienced doctor. He held short conversations with the family before and after, talked the victim down from panic and bore their gratitude with the stoicism of someone just doing their job. It wouldn't have been anything unusual on the face of someone twice his age, but that was the point. He was a child. Around them in the barracks he'd acted like one too; unsure and a little cagey, not untrusting, but wary like anyone his age would be. As soon as they stepped into the hospital, however, that all changed.

"He's surprisingly professional."

"I'll say." Tortuga yawned into her hand. "The little trooper is making me tired just looking at him. At his age, I was busy trying to get out of doing homework, avoid chores and stay in bed."

"How is that any different from what you do now?"

"Now, I have a pain in the butt boss who won't let me sleep," she said, punching him on the arm. "Ederne seems to like the boy. Almost seemed motherly with him."

He'd noticed that as well. Out of all of them, she was the one who'd decided to stick by Jaune while he was doing his job here. The rest had taken up positions against the walls, out the way so as not to impose their military presence on a hospital or make the people uncomfortable. Elm had done the exact opposite, shadowing the VIP and taking a protective stance at his side. They shouldn't expect an attack here, not with these first victims being so thoroughly vetted, but if it pleased her and the VIP didn't mind then it wasn't a problem. He watched as she slapped Jaune's back and said some words, grinning widely. He responded positively, if shyly.

"Big sister, I'd say."

"He already has seven sisters and probably wouldn't appreciate any more." Tortuga said. "Might be worth putting her on detail with him more if they already get along this well. It'll make him more comfortable."

"I'd like him to have a chance to get to know and trust all of us," Clover said. "That includes you, Tortuga. You can't slack and avoid work under my watch. It includes Harriet, too. I don't know what her problem is-"

"Harriet sees this as beneath her. She's a soldier, a specialist, and she wants to be used in high-priority situations. Being put on permanent guard detail for a child isn't the posting she was hoping for."

"He's literally the most important person in all of Atlas. You don't get more high priority than this."

"I didn't say she thought the mission wasn't important; just that she thinks it's beneath her. She's learned to be a fighter, and you know how some drill sergeants can be about women in the army. This is guard detail for the next however many years. Girl got looked down on a lot in basic and spent years proving she can fight; this feels like a slap to the face to her. I'd expect a transfer request if I were you."

"And she should expect to see it denied," he replied. "General Ironwood selected her and that is the long and short of it. Atlas is not at war; we don't have many combat postings left. If she cannot understand the value of this mission, I will speak with her and explain it."

Another dead body was brought out, laid down and resurrected before the eyes of the cameramen. Again, Jaune had his hand shaken by the doctor, then by Councilwoman Camilla, who had come today to publicly host the spectacle. He managed to keep smiling despite the fact he'd missed breakfast and only arrived the night before. To look at him, you'd have thought all the spectacle normal. Just a part of everyday life. Maybe it was.

"He's a hard worker." Clover said. "I'll give him that."

"No one should have that attitude at his age," she said. "He's a kid. He should be waking up at noon, playing video games and failing at picking up girls. Not out surrounded by dead bodies, doctors and vultures like this. We've got, what, a press show after this, then a photo op, another meeting where he's to be introduced to the full council, followed by another session of necromancy this afternoon."

"Don't call it that. Public relations will have your head."

"I'm just saying he's not hard working – he's being driven like a slave." Tortuga yawned, as if the exertion Jaune was putting out was taking its toll on her. "He's going to be kept locked up and used like a tool for Atlas' benefit. Makes me exhausted just thinking about it. Poor kid needs a day to just lay around or he'll break."

"Just because you're lazy doesn't mean you should expect it of everyone else."

"Yeah, but it doesn't mean I'm wrong either…"

Vine pushed off the wall and signalled to Clover, who took the message for what it was and stepped toward the doctors and the parents thoroughly shaking the VIP's hand. They paused on seeing them coming, freezing up for a moment as if worried they'd overstepped themselves by touching him. Clover smiled to put them at ease.

"Your aura is running low, Jaune," he said loudly enough for everyone to hear. The family relaxed immediately, realising they weren't at fault. They said a few final words to the boy, thanking him profusely, before they rushed out holding their child tight. "We're going to have to cut it short for now."

"What?" Jaune asked, breathing heavily. "Already?"

"You're at ten per cent aura." The doctor working alongside them spoke up. "That's considered critical from the point of view of most huntsmen. A match would be called well over by that point. Mr Zeki is correct. If your aura is that low, you should stop here and not risk taxing yourself."

Councilwoman Camilla stood and brushed her blouse down. She'd been mostly sitting in the background watching and reaping the political benefit of her presence but came forward now to have her say and place a hand on Jaune's shoulder. She faced the cameras watching them and said, "I'm afraid we're going to have to cut our visit short today. I'm sure you can all understand that young Jaune here is on the edge of exhaustion."

The boy blinked, more confused than upset. Had no one ever tried to limit how much he had done before? That was reckless if so, but no less than could be expected of a faraway village removed from public oversight.

"No, please!" a man cried. "My son!"

Clover turned in time to see a man, likely another father, push forward only to be caught by two soldiers guarding the door long before the Arc-Ops had to move. Even so, Elm thrust herself in front of Jaune and Tortuga hovered nearby, ready to intervene. Clover was pleased with their quick response even as he waved them down. The man must have been the next in line, having heard them calling it quits. There was a woman behind him, her face buried in her hands and sobbing fitfully. The man struggled helplessly against the soldiers, reaching out with one hand toward the VIP.

"Please," he begged, "I'll do anything. I'll give you anything – everything! My son doesn't deserve to die. Please-"

The cameras turned to face him. Clover swore.

Luckily, they had a politician on hand. "Sir," Camilla strode forward with a conciliatory expression. It was as genuine as she was, which didn't say much, but it was enough for those watching television to believe. "I understand your frustration and pain, I really do, but the young man's gift is not limitless. It taxes his body and his very soul. He's worked as hard as he can."

"I can do one more." Eyes, and cameras, turned to the boy who had spoken, who stepped out from behind Elm with a haggard expression. "I…" He took a breath. "I can do one more. At least one more."

"Jaune-" Elm began.

"It's fine. I've done this before."

That was the problem, Clover felt like saying. He'd done this before until he passed out. Vine and Elm were looking his way for instruction now as well. He could order them to escort Jaune out the building and they would, but after he'd offered to bring another person back it would make them look heavy-handed or worse, like they were ignoring Jaune's wishes. He was the poster child for Atlas right now, the people's golden child, and even the smallest sleight against him would have people lodging complaints by the bucketload.

"One more," Clover said. He didn't have a choice at this point. "One and no more."

The family were allowed inside, the parents weeping in relief and all but stumbling over themselves to shake Jaune's hand. The man got down on his knees. "Thank you, thank you, thank you."

"I'm glad I could help." Jaune smiled tiredly and looked on as a doctor carried a small child in. They had all been children today – less a sign of some bizarre city-wide spate of child murder and more a calculated PR move by the council. That Jaune Arc's first miracles in Atlas would be bringing children back to life would strike at the hearts of the people. "What happened to him?"

"Allergic reaction," the doctor said as he laid the small child, not six years old, out on a bench. He looked small, pale and much too still. The parents were babbling too much to make much sense anyway, though Clover thought he heard `not our fault` several times in the words being said. "There was no indication he would have one. We believe it was from a bee sting. We couldn't keep him alive."

"It's okay. He'll be okay." Jaune said it to the family, and then turned his back on them and walked to the small boy. He laid his hands on the bench, took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

Clover had seen it happen many times already, and yet it was still raw and impressive. White light shone from him, spreading out brightly and even making him think for a moment that he had wings. A trick of the light. Refraction caused the light to spill left and right, and his mind filled in the image in before he could stop himself. Was it his imagination or did the light flicker a little? It might have because it was Jaune's aura given form and his aura was already low.

He could also push his aura out enough to manifest it in the visible light spectrum, but it was a tiring thing that was considered wasteful by most huntsmen. He'd have to check if Arc was wasting aura like this and if it could be trained out, or if pushing his soul outward wasn't required. It might have been since he had to give some of his aura to those he brought back.

Slowly, the white light seeped into the boy on the table, and slower still did his chest stutter and start, breath hissing into his nostrils as he took in a big gulp of air to fill his empty lungs. The boy coughed and rolled onto his side, hacking and spluttering to life.

Jaune cut the connection and let the light fade. His hands gripped the table's edge and Clover saw his left leg buckle. Elm saw it too and was faster, catching him against her body when he fell. He didn't hit the floor, but he dropped to one knee, panting harshly with his face flushed bright red.

"That's it!" Clover decided. "No more – he's about to collapse."

"You heard the man." Camilla said to the reporters. "He's given everything he has and more. I hope those at home understand just how much this taxes him. If you do not, let this stand as proof."

The cameras watched Jaune again as he clutched at a table and tried to pull himself up. Elm helped him the whole way, hands under his armpits and bracing her hips against his back. He sucked in huge gasps of air, looking over as the parents fussed over their son.

Jaune Arc watched it all with a strange expression halfway between exhaustion and joy.

Clover ordered them out the hospital before anyone else could beg for just "one more person" and push the boy into an early grave. He kept his concerns to himself, refusing to praise Arc for what he'd done. The public would eat up the fact he went against orders to try and help one more person, but they didn't understand that there were many such people waiting their chance, and that by healing one more, all they'd done was leave another family standing at the front, staring in shock and despair as their child was left to remain dead. There would be many more tears tonight. There would always be, no matter how many the boy brought back.

"Did you see it?" Tortuga whispered to him when they were back in the Bullhead and on their way up to Atlas. Jaune was asleep, his head leaning against Elm's bicep and with her holding him still so he didn't fall out the seat. "Did you see the look on his face after he brought that last child back?"

"I did. It looked odd but I couldn't place it."

She gave him a look like he was a particularly dumb child, and he felt it at that moment and so didn't call her out on it. "It was relief."

Clover saw it at last. The boy wasn't happy for having saved people – he was relieved he hadn't failed. His only pleasure was in not having let people down.

It left a sour taste in Clover's mouth.

"Keep him away from televisions and newspapers," Clover ordered her, knowing the message would be passed along later. "General Ironwood wants him to have some semblance of a normal life, as much as one such as he can manage, and seeing people discuss and talk about him won't help. Make sure there aren't any Valean newspapers especially. He doesn't need to see what they're saying about him picking Atlas."


Yes, welcome to the Arc-Ops, a team that does not yet feature several additional members because the canonical timeframes and dates for them are unclear. I'm taking a few liberties either way. Winter isn't yet a member and Tortuga is here, who came before Marrow according to the lore. Also, they say a lot that they didn't always get on at first, and I wanted to show a little of that growth from strangers to comrades in this story.

And because they were formed specifically to guard him, Ironwood went with Arc-Ops instead of Ace-Ops. Simple, really. Also, yes, I totally emulated the Darth Vader scene but with Jaune and everyone welcoming him instead.


Next Chapter: 3rd May

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