Arc III: Chaos Named
Chapter 22: Let The Games Begin
"...and on this fine Monday morning, temperatures are crisp and skies a bright blue just minutes away from the opening ceremony..."
"...hovering above the Emerald Forest and surrounded by the Atlesian fleet, the Amity Colosseum's sixty thousand seats are almost packed to the brim with students, dignitaries and ordinary Valeans alike..."
"...this is Lisa Lavender of Vale News Network with special live coverage at the heart of the Colosseum. As you can see, the energy of the crowds around me is just absolutely insane! Why don't we look at some of what some of our friends here have to say?"
"...I don't care if it's Mistral, or Atlas, or whatever! They're in our court now! We're out in full force and our boys and girls will take this home. I know they will! They're gonna do us proud!"
"...my boyfriend's a sophomore at Shade Academy. Whenever he's gonna be fighting, you can bet I'll be there too watching from the sidelines. You hear that, Nolan!? You win this for me, okay? I believe in you, babe! You got this! Whooo!"
"...I speak not as an august member of the Council or as Duke Winchester, but as a humble citizen of Vale; we are proud to host and support such an important occasion, one that reflects our friendship with our allies and all the values we all share: peace, security and equality for all..."
"...we're getting word that the Headmasters' speech to kick off the ceremony is right about to begin, so we're gonna switch over to that view right now. Cyril, back to you."
x==)======+
The light at the end of the tunnel steadily grew larger and brighter, compelling him further to walk towards its entrancing glow. His footsteps and that of his companions echoed in the darkness, but a distant rumble akin to great rocks tumbling down a mountain slope grew louder as they drew closer to the end.
The moment he crossed the threshold, the muted noise erupted in a cacophony of applause and fanfare. Instinctively squinting as his eyes adjusted to the light, the four most powerful men in Remnant entered into an arena designed for combat in an age of peace, filled with people local and foreign, human and faunus. It was in many ways not just symbolic, but also a practical example of unity designed to celebrate the end of the Great War nearly a century ago; the end of a time where kingdoms were ruled by kings and where justice existed only by the edge of the sword.
While his time as Osbourn the Peacemaker, final King of Vale had long since ended, one legacy he considered successful was his diplomatic efforts in largely redirecting the swords of man against the Grimm. Society was still far from perfect, but the fact that the Vytal Festival existed was enough of a sign of their intentions to move forward.
Ozpin wore a practiced smile as he stepped onto the temporary podium at the very centre of the arena; much of the audience literally sparkled as the cameras of hundreds of scrolls flashed all around, bathing them in a visual pit of diamonds, while flags of green, blue, gold and white by the stairs fluttered majestically in the wind.
The roar of the crowd softened somewhat as he cleared his throat.
"My friends...I bid you all welcome to the Amity Colosseum and the Kingdom of Vale."
Another round of applause rose as he paused in respectful silence. "We are all here for various reasons. Some of you are here to cheer and proudly represent your country, your land. Some of you have sons and daughters who aspire to be huntsmen, and so have made the trip to support and watch them demonstrate the skills they will one day need in their future careers. We are proud to see the next generation step up so eagerly to their chosen calling."
The three other men stepped up beside him. "I am joined today by my colleagues - Headmasters James Ironwood and Leonardo Lionheart of Atlas and Haven, and Deputy Headmaster Theodore Auburn of Shade. As you can see, we as well as many of you hail from the four corners of Remnant. Though we have our differences, we still stand ever united in the face of the Grimm."
"And through them, our true enemy, Salem," he repeated in his mind, although the general populace didn't exactly need to hear the extra addition.
The three leaders nodded along. "And what better way to remember and learn from the mistakes of the past by celebrating the future of opportunity; our huntsmen, our kingdoms...our people? The Great War was a conflict that trampled on the very idea of individual liberty and divided where unity was needed most. We are here to raise swords once again, but this time in recognition of what we have all accomplished together, and in support of those whose duty will be to carry the torch of life against the darkness."
He took a long pause and looked at the audience all around him, focusing on the forest for the trees. All the differences in appearance and sound that melded together into one single voice - the voice of light, of creation and hope.
"Here we all stand as brothers and sisters. In this eightieth anniversary of the Great War, I welcome you all to the fortieth Vytal Festival."
The people roared their approval then, and as he took a step back from the podium, several Bullheads streaked above the open roof, trailing each kingdom's colours. The four men took several seconds to wave before descending the platform, heading back amidst a chorus of cheering crowds into the tunnel towards their Bullhead.
"That was a fine speech, old friend."
He smiled at Ironwood's remark. "Written script notwithstanding, every word I said, I meant."
"Doesn't stop it from being a little flowery, eh?" Theodore snorted, grey-blue cape flowing as they walked. "But hey, if it works it works, and everybody sounds like they agree."
"Quite so. This is only the beginning, however. We still have two weeks of this to get through, though it's not something we all haven't done before. While I'm still thankful there haven't been any major disruptions at the start like the last one, though I'm still worried that those who attacked the CCT may try again, and succeed."
"But you said that it was quickly dealt with, right?" Lionheart cut in. "In the previous Festival, the White Fang were apprehended before they could enact their plans for the opening ceremony, but it's still frustrating to think about how they would go beyond attacking dust shipments for an event designed to bring us all together. Human and faunus."
Ironwood nodded, linking his hands behind his back. "Agreed. All the more important to prevent a repeat here. Our analysts are still scanning the CCT, Colosseum and Beacon mainframes as we speak, but they haven't discovered anything suspicious so far," he added when Ozpin spared him a glance. "I haven't forgotten that we are guests here, and while we made sure to include your technical staff in the investigation, believe me when I say that we will spare no expense in doing our part."
"You sure will, old friend," he internally sighed as the three men entered the Bullhead waiting for them. While advantageous to have Ironwood as an ally and a friend - even if not to the same level as Qrow and Summer Rose, at least before she disappeared - he was grateful for his company and partnership regardless. Doesn't mean he wasn't happy that their handling of the docks, combined with certain connections in the Council helped to sway preference for the Festival's security away from James in his favour, though. The image of an occupying army was the last thing Vale needed to see at a celebration of peace.
A heavy rumble shifted his attention back to the present, and the door soon opened when the plane landed at Beacon. "...we can take care of ourselves just fine, tin man," Theodore guffawed as they filtered out, exiting upon a landing pad relatively distant to the school. "Remember when the Festival was in Vacuo four years ago? I seem to remember a certain general exhausted and licking his wounds in the sand."
"Interesting. Yes, I do remember that quite well, along with a certain deputy conceding defeat and all Aura before I did."
"Bah, but it was so close!" he replied exaggeratedly and put an arm on the general's shoulder, earning a raised eyebrow. "Your robot arm packs a hell of a punch, even for me. How about another round? Let's give the students a bit of a show."
Ironwood let out a sound halfway between a snort and a chuckle. "I'm afraid I'll have to decline. Security of the festival and all."
"I could spare time to take some off yours," Lionheart offered.
"Thank you, but no," Ozpin cut in before either man could respond. "Though the prospect of watching such a spar is amusing, festival security is ongoing as it is pressing."
Ironwood thanked him with a curt nod, while Auburn rolled his eyes and stretched his arms. He took a couple steps ahead, walking past the Bullhead towards the edge of the landing pad while they followed behind.
"If you say so, old man. Can't exactly blame you when I look at this country of yours and see quite a beautiful sight. Ah, the perks of a Kingdom surrounded by lands of forest and green rather than sand and blood."
Ozpin walked over to stand shoulder to shoulder, and for a moment all four simply looked ahead and took in the view. The waterfall upon whose precipice Beacon sat gave life to the River Gustaf, flowing through the outskirts of the Emerald Forest and the centre of Vale before emptying into the Great Sea.
"The desert has a beauty of its own too, Theodore," he eventually said, breaking the silence.
"Yes, a harsh one in its illusions and unyielding sun, perhaps. At least being born in one means you get used to the climate earlier on."
"Hmm. Probably helps explain why the White Fang's rather passive in Vacuo as well."
He nodded at Ironwood. "Yet another issue my wife is grateful to not weigh us down. I mean, why bother with the terrorism when life there is hard enough as it is? Resources are strained and there's the heat and the sand. It's coarse, rough, irritating and it gets everywhere. Not like here, Vale's much softer, but I guess each of our kingdoms have their own issues to deal with."
"We all do, indeed. And how is your wife doing?"
"Well enough, thanks for asking," he smiled at Leonardo. "There's just some drama going on with her home tribe that she needs to sort out. Combined with running the Academy and through it, the country means that she's a little busy at the moment. Hence me."
"Do give our regards and updates to Headmaster Auburn. And speaking of issues, the fact remains that we still have our own to deal with. One of a particularly...grim nature."
A spark of interest lit up in Lionheart's eye while Ironwood looked behind them, dismissing the pilots waiting patiently outside the Bullhead.
Ozpin turned to face them. "With the events of the Breach behind us, I fear that the Queen is setting the stage for the next phase of her plan, especially with the emergence of a certain individual. You all know that I've lived hundreds of lives spanning hundreds of years, and in the face of time, Vacuo proves the smaller desert in which the secrets of the past are buried."
Ironwood linked his arms behind and frowned. "Get to the point, Ozpin. What news have you heard of Salem or Jaune?"
"Jaune?" Theodore inquired. "The blonde kid you whose student profile you sent over?"
"Yes. Because of him, I've spent countless nights poring through the most secret of our museums' artifacts and tomes which, were it not for Atlas' technology, would've crumbled into dust the moment I touched them. So thank you, James," he nodded, earning a stern nod back from the General. "I shall show you the physical copies in person once we return to my office, but firstly, whatever substance we recovered from the docks is not unheard of. A few of the books mentioned in passing a sort of energy said to have been formed of evil itself, and where such energy dwells, untold horrors rise."
Leonardo Lionheart rubbed his chin in thought. "That sounds something straight of a fairy tale, although knowing your history, it's not so easily dismissed, is it?"
"Funnily enough, it was from a collection of ancient folk tales and lore recorded from oral tradition. But you are correct. I'd say our quarry seeks to transform myth into reality in pursuit of an ulterior motive."
"Which is...?"
Ozpin glanced at Theodore and then the horizon once more. "...you could say that it is a sort of relic. Something similar, yet different to those granted to us by the God of Light. If we believe the scant tales that remain, it can harness power exponentially greater than I've ever seen before."
"The Triforce," Ironwood finished, catching their attention. "While the full extent of its make or capabilities are unknown, with all that we've gathered so far it wouldn't be far off to assume that this may be her end goal."
Several long seconds passed as Theodore and Leonardo took it in, with the latter eventually speaking up. "...I see. And do we have any knowledge of where to find such an object?"
"Therein lies the issue. Apparently, there are three pieces to the Triforce, each representing a different virtue. However, for reasons unknown, it has been sundered and scattered. As such, I'd say finding it would be all the more difficult -"
"Until one walked right to our front door."
Theodore's eyes widened at Ironwood's words. "The blonde kid...?"
"By fate or a stroke of sheer, dumb luck, Mr. Arc carries a piece, or at least half of one," the general explained. "His mission within the Akkala Forest left him no choice but to out it, courtesy of a certain Headmaster," he glanced back at Ozpin. "While we need to earn his trust, chances are he may know more than Salem regarding the Triforce, the evil energy and the lore surrounding them. It is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss."
Ozpin remained silent as he quickly judged Lionheart's contemplation and Auburn's somewhat troubled reaction. It was understandable, given that the latter was much like Glynda where they presented either an intimidating or genial front, yet cared deeply for their students, while he could also see the gears turning in the other Headmaster's head.
"...I see what you mean, James. Just remember that he's his own kid too, not just a pawn that you can dispose of when he's no longer useful."
"Of course," Ozpin answered for him, leaning forward on his cane. "The ancient Calatians had a saying: 'sic vis pacem para bellum'. I will do what I need to prepare, but believe me when I say I still see people as people, not as the pawns I control on my chessboard."
"If you say so," Theodore sighed, not at all convinced but dropping the argument nonetheless. He glanced at the lion faunus who offered nothing but a silent shrug before piping up.
"And what about the maidens? Is Amber any closer to recovering?"
Ozpin sighed sadly and shook his head. "That is the second issue I wished to speak about. She will most likely not live to see the end of the month, and so I've already begun the search for a successor. There are a few promising candidates, but I've yet to make a decision. Any luck on your end to finding Spring?"
"None. We're still looking."
A nod. "I see. How about you, James?"
"Fria is healthy and secure. Winter is still making regular visits when she can."
"Theodore?"
"The Summer Maiden's still kicking too. She's pretty safe out there in the desert."
"That is good to hear," he sighed, pulling out his scroll at the sound of a ping. "Ah. It seems our lunches are almost ready. I'd rather discuss specifics and more once we clear our minds with food and drink."
And as they turned and began walking back towards Beacon, he couldn't help but chuckle internally as he ruminated over Theodore's words. Deep down, he recognized that even after thousands of years, the first of two things that never changed were people. Yet, for all their failings, there were still so many out there who tried to live as best they could. Even if his emotions were muted by time, there was still enough to soften his cynicism and remind him of why he continued to fight against Salem instead of letting her clear the world with a new Grimm slate.
Passing through the courtyard and looking up at the statue of Alastair Arc only added more fuel to the fire. He was a statue here, but as King Osbourn, that gregarious lion of a man was the only one he could call not just an ally, but a truly trusted friend. It was amusing to see the boy who bore his likeness less commanding than he was and then disheartening to see how broken his father came to be. The weight of responsibility was the second constant; sending fathers, mothers, sons and daughters away from their families into the maw of death.
Despite reincarnation, he'd like to think he was still somewhat human himself for viewing others as mere tools to endure the guilt that would follow. Twisted perhaps, but after having forgotten long ago what his true age was -
"I'll do what I must," he whispered quietly under his breath as they entered the school. Habitual liar Ozpin may be, but never would he consider himself a man who broke his promises.
For he understood that the consequences could very well be as eternal as he was.
x==)======+
Hair unkempt and normally pristine white coat ruffled with an occasional patch of grime, Roman Torchwick slowly released a nicotine scented breath as he finished his glass and watched Team RWBY beat their opponents in one of the opening matches of the Festival.
"Never took you for a day drinker," Junior grunted as he poured the thief another glass of Six Swans vodka. "That being said, you don't need to tell me that it must've been bad enough to get even you all worked up like this."
"Noooo. You don't say," he drawled, treating himself to another generous helping of lung and liver poison. He felt annoyance course through his veins as he recognized Professors Oobleck and Port's voices drift from the wall-mounted TV, then anger as the camera focused on the happy-go-lucky expressions of little Red and kitty-cat's team. Junior merely raised an eyebrow as he continued to wipe down glasses and plates, while the half-eaten burger and fries lay long forgotten beside the thief's ashtray. Until some girl trashed the place a while back, the Club, as it was simply known, was arguably the finest nightlife destination for those with a connection to the underground. Business dropped somewhat since then, but Junior still made enough to remain "legal", take care of his girls, pay his goons and remain a crucial centre for all things shady.
Which was why showing up at daytime when it was closed and the area around relatively deserted made the place all the more safer to crash at.
"Hmph. I won't push if you ain't willing to talk, but at some point, you gotta let whatever shit's getting you down out there. Otherwise it's gonna eat you alive."
"Oh, yeah, a side of therapy with the rumours you broker. I'll take that to go, please," Roman groused as he ran a hand through his hair and looked blankly at the TV. "It's just that...how can I put this in a business perspective...? Hmm. Let's just say that management's introducing things that are really unpopular with the crowd."
"I see."
"Nope. No, you don't. It's not just unpopular, you're in no position to quit because you're too far in the deep end to do so. That and what they've got going on probably means your days are numbered too."
"Both our days are numbered, Roman," Junior replied, gently placing a plate into a rack to dry. "Maybe you have fewer days than I do, but that's because you do riskier work for better rewards."
"Yeah, but it's all worth nothing now!" he yelled, sighing and burying his head in his hands upon the table. "I mean, I'm not saying that I've always been proud to have come so far this way, but we both know we had to do whatever it takes to survive. Rob some dust here, hijack precious cargo there and pay off the cops who will look the other way. Not...supply terrorist groups and aid in a Grimm incursion into the largest fucking city in Remnant."
Junior remained silent for several seconds before he nodded. "I'll admit that wasn't the stuff you originally signed up for."
He sat back up, taking another puff of his cigar and glancing around the club. Save for the sounds of their conversation and the one open TV that now had the two professors giving the rundown on RWBY's fight, it was relatively quiet, and quite peacefully so. It was a big reason why he and the other top criminals in Vale would often seek solace there during the day, where they could rant about troubles in paradise or the workplace while not being who they were outside the building. Sure, he was known as a dashing rogue huntsman and master thief, but right now he was simply Roman, a man desperately searching for a fix.
"...yeah."
"Have to admit I'm curious, though. How was the brig?"
Roman shrugged. "Atlesian. Kinda sterile like a lab or a doctor's office, but it was one of the nicer cells I've been in. Not enough to stop Neo and it was a hell of a chase to escape after, but what else would you expect from the richest kingdom on the planet? Service was terrible, though. Couldn't leave the room and hospital food was top notch compared to what they served."
Junior rubbed his chin in contemplation. "Interesting. You'd think then that they'd be able to afford better cooks because the grub down at South Vale Penitentiary was actually half decent."
"Oh they can, they just won't," he replied morosely, leaning back with an exaggerated posture and putting a hand to his forehead. "Oh, Atlas. Oh, Vale. Whatever happened to thy sense of culture and civilization? Don't we, as citizens of this great nation deserve the full extent of fair and equal treatment? Actually, you know what? Maybe that's it. I'll run for a spot on the Council and the first thing I'll do when I become Council President is push for a law that gives all the prisons the best chefs we can afford. Gourmet roast lamb and mashed potatoes for everybody!"
"I can already imagine the kitchen nightmares," Junior chuckled as he finished cleaning and then served himself a plate of fries and a glass of water. "All this talk of food's getting me hungry too now. But hey, just let me know how much you're willing to offer to buy people's votes."
"Enough to get all this shit off my back, honestly," Roman snorted as they clinked glasses. "But yeah, thanks for listening, eh? If that blonde chick comes back to trash this place, give me a call and I'll send Neo over. Apparently, not only do they have history but she also kicked her ass before."
The bartender grinned, though his mirth began to die down just the smallest bit. "Maybe I'll take you up on that. You sure you're willing to go it alone for a bit, though? With how things are going on out there and all."
He sighed and nodded forlornly. "You're right, but who knows? Maybe you don't need to cash it in. And yeah, you know how we are. I've taken care of her for a good chunk of my life now since no one took her in. Even when it was life or death and everyone else abandoned us...but whatever. Past is the past."
Another puff and sip of alcohol, and then he fished out several bills of lien and placed it on the counter. "Keep the extra and treat the girls. Brothers know when the next time we'll be able to live our lives peacefully again."
A snort. "Our lives? Peaceful?"
"Things were much simpler back then, at least. I didn't have to worry about 'accessory to terrorism' being included on the laundry list of charges I have." He leaned in as a door on the second floor opened, revealing twins dressed in red and white and flanking a smaller, Neopolitan haired girl. "I can say this much, at least...there's a storm coming, Hei. You remember watching the Breach on TV, right? If you think that was bad, that was only a breeze because this shit's gonna be a hurricane."
Junior's gaze fell for a moment as he considered his words, then steeled himself and nodded. "I see. I'll get the word out as well. Anything you can say for specifics?"
"I'd like to, but I can't. My boss...man, I hope you never meet her. There's some seriously messed up stuff that she's trying to do, and equally messed up people she surrounds herself with to get the job done. More than just the White Fang as well."
"Hmph. Explains why you're crashing more over here than your safehouse."
"Yup. Sucks because they had to take the nicest one...but after seeing who I have the pleasure of hosting, once they're gone I'm gonna burn it down, and then the insurance money on top of it after."
"Alright, point taken," Junior sighed as Roman backed away, only to be assaulted by the terror trio that was Neo, Melanie and Miltia Malachite. Chuckling at their relentless affection, he mentioned the cash he gave Junior and accordingly redirected their full wrath onto the bartender, filling the empty club with sounds of joy and laughter. It was enough for the thief to at least temporarily forget who they were, what they did for work and the state of the world around them, and while such thoughts lingered in the back of his mind, Junior was right.
By letting out the things that would've crushed him inside in the presence of the ones he cared about the most, he finally found the fix he was looking for.
x==)======+
The sun hung low in the western skies, bathing him and the courtyard of Beacon in a beautiful autumn glow that was as crisp as the breeze that lightly drifted through it. Since the memory of their victory was still fresh on a student body in the midst of vacation, morale was at an all-time high; some students from the other academies were making their way in groups down to the Bullhead pads for a tour of the Valean nightlife, while local teams were returning with wallets empty and bellies full. A few were content to simply bask in it all from a spot on the grass, while his ancestor watched over them all with a marbled gaze. It was a festive sort of tranquility that came from being outside but within earshot of the raucous energy that radiated from the carnival grounds.
And from a bench in the midst of this atmosphere, Jaune Arc sat a man condemned to die as he shakily fished out his scroll.
While he accepted that this was long overdue, and despite somewhat legitimate reasons that made him forget later in the past semester...it was still his family, for Brothers' sakes. Sooner or later he would have to face the well-deserved, loving wrath of the Arcs, and there was little point letting his anxiety take the best of him now.
RWBY joined his team in relentlessly hammering him about it as well. The post-fight dinner following the former's victory ended the day on a fun note, but the moment the subject was brought up, they locked on like Qrow discovering the liquor aisle from across the grocery. His team had honestly assumed he called home soon after the Breach, and when combined with Yang's fury, Blake's annoyance, Ruby's puppy eyes and Weiss' silent judgment?
They left him with a very firm, very polite suggestion that he do it now before he could forget again, accidental or otherwise. Link himself retreated within to give him space, but never mind the fact that Pyrrha and Yang were talking by the main doors and every so often shooting him looks.
He glanced down at a small bark by his feet and lifted the little dog, gently placing him on the spot beside him. Zwei barked again and earned a couple of head scratches, convincing the corgi to snuggle closer comfortably for a quick nap. According to Ruby, he was once trained as a service dog for returning huntsmen with mental trauma, but now that their dad no longer needed him in that way, he was snuck in for a place to stay as the elder Xiao Long ran some work errands - or to ensure he gets it done in this case. Pleasant company either way, though.
"You came at the right time and the right place, buddy," Jaune sighed as he fiddled with his scroll. He swallowed as it connected, and his heart rate rose as he tried to balance the jitters by focusing on the peaceful sights around him.
The tone fell after several seconds, replaced by a familiar weathered face with a gruff voice on the other end.
"Jaune?"
"Hey, dad."
"...have you all recovered from your fight at the Breach?"
"Yeah, I'm feeling better now. Most of us were relatively unhurt while one of our other friends got treated for a minor concussion. Now that the Festival's here we get a lot of time off, so if we're not practicing or anything we can use it to sleep in too."
"Ah. And speaking of said Festival, have you fought yet? Or will you soon?"
"The latter. I think we're slotted in for either tomorrow or the day after that. Either way, it's gonna be this week for sure. They should post the updates on the CCT-Net as well."
"I see. Well, you know my opinion on the Festival, though I suppose it's a means to an end for the people's morale. That and we'll all be watching your matches regardless, so do your best and lead your team well."
Jaune nodded. "I will, Dad. And what about you? Can I...um...ask how your mission went?"
"Hmph. You should've been able to hear all the ordinance Atlas dropped on Mountain Glenn from back there, even with the Kanalet Mountains in the way. Ozpin didn't even need most of us, but what matters is that most of the old tunnels are no more."
"Good. That's, um, good to hear."
Richter Arc sighed, leaning back on the lawn chair while the sunset drifted through the forest onto the walls of the cabin. Several noises came from out of shot, most likely the front door being opened."Well, I'd best not keep our family waiting. At this rate, you'll hang up if you have to keep talking to an old fart like me -"
"- who you talking to?"
"Huh? What did you say?"
"I said, who are you talking to - oh. Ew, it's Jaune."
Jaune crinkled his nose at the sight of his older sister Irene staring back judgmentally through the screen. "Ew, it's Irene," he shot back. "Never mind, I wanna keep talking with dad."
"No, you're not. It's about time you called to talk with all of us. I'll go get Mom and the girls," Richter grunted as he handed his scroll to Irene. She adjusted her glasses and ran a hand through her short, wavy hair, and knowing her, the only reason she was here was that she emerged from her room in search of food and became curious enough to figure out who Dad was talking to.
"So. How's it been -"
"Before we continue, promise me that you're not coming home any time soon. Once we get rid of Hilda too, the house will become a beacon of calm and nirvana. Ha. Get it? Beacon?"
"This is why she's my favourite twin of the bunch," Jaune sighed as his sister offered a finger. "Don't worry. I'm off for another four years."
"Nice. Well, now that we got that out of the way...how are you doing? Do you have a girlfriend yet? Or do you have any friends at all? If so, what games do they play and what music do they listen to?"
Jaune glanced to the side in thought. "Fine, no, yes, different kinds and refer to answer four."
"Nice. Maybe you're not as hopeless as I thought."
"Hey! I haven't lost the Arc charm one bit since I came here," he groaned as Irene's laugh drifted from the speaker, followed by the telltale sound of the door opening again. "Oh. Is that -"
"Yup. Guess it's time you put our family charm to use because otherwise I'll - oof! Ugh, Hilda, Iris, knock it the fuck off - ow!"
"Heeeyyyyy there, lil' bro!"
"JAAAUUUNNNEEE!"
The sheer volume of his older and younger sister's voices caused him to cringe away, while Zwei whined and a few passersby glanced at him concerned. "Can you guys, like, keep it down? I make one call and I'm already going deaf."
"That's what you're worried about? How about me beating your ass for dipping in the middle of the night when you come back, huh!?"
"Yeah!" Iris added, pouting in a manner not unlike Ruby. "You promised that you were gonna take me to the Game-Dium in town and teach me how to play that time shooter game!"
"Temporal Crisis? Yeah, I did...didn't I?" Jaune laughed meekly, having the grace to look somewhat ashamed as he scratched the back of his head. "Don't worry, I haven't forgotten."
"And what about me, lil' bro!? You promised me that you'd treat me to all the cool shops over in Vale! Well, all I see is a cabin and trees, because guess what? Somebody decided to go downtown without their significant other!"
"Pfff. You, Hilda? Jaune promised me first!"
"Well, I'm older than both of you so I get dibs," Hilda snarked and spun to face Iris, one long blonde ponytail smacking right into their sister's face. "Besides, before he left you've been hogging Jaune all to yourself, even when he finished training. Maybe he should ask Dad to teach you how to share!"
"Oh yeah!? Well...no, you!"
"You wanna throw down, lil' sis!? I'm bigger, older and still remember enough from self defence class to whoop your ass!"
Amusement danced upon his face while Irene offered a shrug in the background. Eventually, as the two sisters kept going back and forth he decided to step in and break it up, but as luck would have it someone beat him to the punch.
"Um, I'm sorry, but...is that Jaune? Do you guys mind if I can speak to him?"
"Oh! Yeah, Iris, give it over."
The youngest Arc sister dutifully complied, and the faces of grumpy, haughty and dorky were replaced by serenity in human form.
"Hello, Jaune. It's good to see you again."
His smile softened at the fourth sister of the Arc family. "Hey, Marin. How're things?"
"It's a little quiet around here, but things are great otherwise," Marin coughed, and his expression warred between guilty and concerned. The fact that she was gentle and soft spoken only drove the nail in further. "I guess waking up the next morning to find out you were getting initiated felt...surreal. Our only brother out there without Aura..."
Jaune's gaze fell. "I'm sorry."
Marin smiled and shook her head. "What matters now is that we all keep moving forward. Isn't that what you told me when I thought I wouldn't make the karaoke comp? I am happy that you made it this far. We all are, even if Irene says otherwise," she muttered under her breath while said sister merely rolled her eyes.
"Right," he chuckled, leaning back and petting Zwei with the other hand. "The day she says she loves us will be when the moon becomes whole. In any case, it's good to see my sisters and Irene again. But where's Ilia and Karane?"
"There's Grimm activity south of the village," Hilda cut in as Marin repositioned the scroll. "We'll tell them you called, but don't forget about Saph and your other buddies here too! We're not the only ones that miss you!"
He gave them all a grin. "Will do."
Iris forced her face into view. "And promise that you'll call again!"
"I give our Arc's promise."
"That's quite a weighty thing to give, though I understand why you're giving it," an older voice with an unmistakable northern Mistrali accent replied, and Marin handed over the scroll to someone waiting patiently behind her. Syfa Arc smiled as she took a seat on the lawn chair his father vacated, and while she was the picture of the calm before the storm, Jaune was the man staring the next one down...after being hit by several before.
Despite that, he managed to make a weak smile, mainly from the internal joy at seeing her again. "H-hey, Mom. How are things going? I miss seeing you."
"And I, you, though I do wonder how exactly that came to be in the first place," Syfa laughed, running a hand through her cropped, wavy hair, though her pale blue eyes were hard and cold as ice. "I do wonder why my only son willingly abandoned his family in the dead of night to fight where everyone else has experience and Aura. Or maybe I'm just overthinking it and my son actually does know best -"
"Mom...please. I get it. I'm sorry, and -"
"Are you? Remember Mr. Greensmith, down by the road on the way to town? His eldest boy did the same thing you did, difference being I'm thankful to hear you and not Ozpin telling me my son didn't make it. The Greensmiths never got that same closure," his mother sighed and leaned back with eyes glazed as if locked onto some distant memory. His sisters had gone uncomfortably silent as well, a tested approach when told off for being in the wrong. Not that he deserved anything less, anyway.
"I retired early to help raise and protect our family. Imagine Rick and I's faces when Ilia, then Karane said they wanted to follow in our footsteps. The fact that they started earlier and showed greater aptitude helped somewhat, but even though they're huntsmen now I still can't help but think that every time I see them off would be the last. I understand your desire, my son. There's nothing more I would've liked to see you become what you want to be and make us proud. But I'm not just a mother, Jaune. I'm also a huntsman, and it's a miracle that you're still breathing, much less having kept your team alive."
Jaune bit down the instinctive desire to raise his voice, not when he had to face reality from a different perspective. "I...I really am sorry, Mom. It's just that -"
"You were afraid that we'd prevent you from leaving if you told us in advance. And we would have," Syfa replied, pausing to let the truth sink in. "But you know what? It's funny. I prepared this big, epic speech in my head to tell you off, but the moment I saw your face on the scroll and how happy your sisters were to see you, it all just went out the window," she ended with a softer, caring smile. "After hearing what your father said about what you've accomplished as well, I'm not just relieved; I'm proud of you, Jaune."
He managed to pull a weak grin. While getting any sort of praise from his Dad was as common as finding a field of four-leaf clovers, it still happened, even though Richter usually phrased it to sound otherwise. He was, after all, a man who believed that nothing needed to be said if things were going well.
"...thanks, mom. But I wouldn't have done it without the help of my team."
"Of course. Introduce us one day so I can see the people who my son might spend his life with after Beacon," Syfa nodded. "And speaking of which, would I be right if I guessed that the redhead behind you is one of them? She's been standing there for about a minute now."
Jaune's eyes widened as he looked behind him, finding Pyrrha several metres away with a hesitant expression.
"I-I'm sorry if I'm, um...interrupting -"
"No, no, it's fine," he waved it off, then for her to come closer, though she only took a couple steps forward. "We're almost done anyway, so you don't have to wait for long."
"Ah...r-right. I see."
"Come now, don't be shy! I'm curious to know more about my son's teammates," Syfa called through the scroll, enough to finally have Pyrrha come over and sit. Sensing her discomfort, Zwei hopped onto her lap and attempted to lick her face, eliciting a series of awws from his sisters.
"Brothers, she's so pretty!"
"Huh. I thought he said he didn't have a girlfriend."
"Ahh, my lil' bro's a man now! They grow up so fast!"
"Hmm...where have I seen her before...wait. Isn't that -"
"Oh, look! They're blushing together! That's. So. Cuteee!"
Faces reddening, Jaune and Pyrrha looked everywhere but each other before Syfa hushed his sisters. It amused him deep down, however, that for all her training and experience in PR, all it took was a face-to-face meeting with his family to clam up embarrassed, though that was probably because of what they were implying.
Though Hilda did have a point. An embarrassed Pyrrha was...not unpleasant to look at.
"You'll have to forgive his sisters for being excitable," Syfa began with a contented smile. "I'm afraid they get it from my side of the family."
"Oh, no. It's fine," Pyrrha replied, and he noticed her subconsciously straighten her back and place her hands on her lap - of which Zwei stepped over and laid on top. "I'm sorry if I interrupted...I, um, don't want to get in the way of a family call."
"Nonsense, my dear. I'd say it's a surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one. Would I be right to assume that you're his partner?"
She smiled and nodded. "Yes. My name is Pyrrha Nikos, and it's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Arc."
"Please, call me Syfa. 'Mrs. Arc' makes me feel like I already need a walker," she chuckled as his sisters gasped in recognition. She cleared her throat to silence them, mentioning that she was talking to the person, not who they recognize from the cereal box. Jaune noticed Pyrrha's lips subtly curl upward for just a second.
"I hear my son is your team leader, no? I do hope that he's been a good one."
Pyrrha nodded, glancing at him and back with a determined look. "Your hopes are not misplaced. We may still be first years, but at this point I can't see our team being led by anyone else."
"I see. Team JNPR, is it? Best of luck in your fights. We'll all be watching, but I know you'll make us proud."
This time it was his turn to smile. "Thanks, mom."
"And how long have you guys been together!?"
"How exactly do you put up with my lil' bro? He's such a total dork!"
"Has he tried to get you into X-Ray and Vav yet? If not, you're missing out, trust me..."
"When you guys have kids, will they be redheads or blonde? Or maybe they'll be gingers..."
What was for certain was the red that coloured their faces, and when Jaune tried to gauge her reaction, Pyrrha adamantly refused to meet his gaze.
"Oh, hush, girls. Although, now I admit that it's got me thinking too," Syfa snickered, mirth plain for all to see. "Hmm. Maybe it'll be a girl with red hair and blue eyes, or a blonde boy that's green like hers..."
Pyrrha weakly laughed in response, while he remained silent on the boat ride that rode the river of embarrassment. Truly was the wrath of the Arcs a dreadful experience. "Mom," Jaune whined. "Please stop."
"Heehee. As a parent, I do reserve the right to embarrass all my children. And while I'd like to meet in person, you seem to have a good heart, Pyrrha. All I ask is that you take care of him for me. Jaune has a habit of getting into trouble and not telling anyone about it."
Pyrrha nodded with a more serious expression, no doubt thinking of the journey they just endured. "I promise."
"Good. While our conversation is far from over, I think we can end this here for now, at least. I'm sure you two also have your own things to do as well. Jaune...I don't know if you still get those nightmares, but sleep well tonight and take care. I love you."
"Thanks, Mom. I love you too. Love all you guys as well, and make sure Irene stays away from my room, okay?"
"I make no promises."
"Take care, Jaune!"
"Bye, Jaune's girlfriend! Oh, and -"
" - later, cereal girl!"
"- and hey, lil' bro, make sure you use protec -"
Jaune quickly ended the call before Hilda could finish her sentence, standing up to stretch and keep his mind as far away from the gutter as possible.
"Um...sorry about my family. Most of my sisters can be a little...much."
"I-it's okay. They seem like really nice people."
"Yeah. They really are. If anything, I'd say I almost feel a little jealous," Pyrrha remarked, looking to the side while cradling Zwei. The corgi further nestled comfortably into her, a sight that he couldn't help but stay fixed upon, though he broke it off right before she could find him staring.
"But I'm not here to complain about my family, not when you just finished talking with yours. While I need a moment to return Zwei to Yang, I originally came to let you know that Ren reserved an arena for us to get some sparring in, so why don't we check it out?"
Jaune nodded wordlessly, and Pyrrha joined him as they made their way inside.
x==)======+
The western wing was dark and quiet, though not for a lack of people; an empty foyer and hallway filled with classrooms closed for the semester soon gave way to the main path to the gym, where the distant rumble of music could be felt emanating from the other end. A few people milled around the various vending machines, deciding which coloured electrolytes would best serve them in the temple of iron while others left the changing room fresh from the shower, ready to call it a night.
It was a more relaxed atmosphere than the high octane of the Festival, enough for thoughts to fill the still void when words would otherwise break it; after all, the conversation with his family still rang loud and clear, and chances were that he would begin the spar repeating their words in his head. Jaune grinned subtly as he imagined Link reminding him to focus, but he felt that this was a point that was equally important. For all they've been through together, he first truly felt it when they stared down the Hydra at the Breach, and remembering bonds forged in blood sent determination coursing through his veins.
"What are you thinking about?"
He shook his head as Pyrrha levelled a curious gaze at him. "Ah, nothing. Just thinking about the past several days, is all."
"I see. It's certainly been a lot to think about," she sighed, linking her arms behind her as they walked. "And honestly, with everything that happened so far it almost feels weird to be back at Beacon."
Jaune snorted. "To be back home?"
Pyrrha paused as she sampled those words, then let out a chuckle in acceptance. "Sure. That's one way to put it, but I can't help but feel that it seems...off, somehow."
"Hmm...well, now that you mention it," he replied, taking a moment to reflect on her point. "When there's all that chaos one day and the next sees me passed out for twelve hours, it does feel kinda jarring."
"Well, it was the best twelve hours we've had since we left Beacon," she noted, and the two took a moment to appreciate just how hard it was to leave their beds the next morning - or afternoon, in this case. "But as nice as that was, I admit that I haven't really looked forward to the festival as much as I used to. Not because of the implications associated with my name, but there's been a Grimm invasion, a horde of monsters in the forest and an ancient prophecy only a few of us know that can change the world. Much more the last two," Pyrrha sighed as they stopped by a water fountain.
"I'm sorry. I don't really know how to put it in words, but..."
Jaune gave her a slight grin. "It's okay. I think I know what you mean. All this feels so...small, doesn't it?"
She nodded as she took a drink. "Yes. Don't get me wrong, I want to do my best when we fight, but sometimes I think that we should be out there going on more missions or training to enhance our skills. The Festival somewhat solves the latter, but there's others who might need help, or in our case...figure how we can go forward with this. Doesn't it overwhelm you, Jaune? To have all this weight on your shoulders?"
His eyes fell from hers, eventually roaming to a bench close by and enticing him to take a seat. "...I mean, it did at first. I couldn't just sleep because I needed to get used to the place - you heard what my mom said. The nightmares really were something, so I'm thankful that they're mostly gone now."
Pyrrha hummed, sitting beside him and leaning against the wall. "And...have you any recently?"
Jaune shook his head and reclined beside her. Barring Link's training sessions, his sleep was undisturbed for the most part; in fact, it seemed that at some point after Forever Fall, they disappeared almost entirely, with the night before the Temple of Time a notable exception. It aroused some suspicion for sure and he filed a mental note to ask Link about it later, but he wasn't about to start complaining now.
"Nope," came out instead, and he took a moment to take his glove off and stare at the back of his hand. His bare skin showed no trace of the Triforce, but he and Pyrrha knew it was there, the divine power dormant within his veins. "This is just a theory, but maybe because there's just fewer things to stress me out. Minus the whole prophecy and apocalypse thing, but I guess there's no point worrying about things I can't do more about than just train for it, you know?"
"Hmm," she shrugged. "I suppose that is one way of dealing with it, and if it works...who am I to fault you?"
"Right. And honestly, Pyr, I keep thinking about one thing my mom said, that you guys will be the ones who I might spend the rest of my life with once we graduate. I know it's too early to think about graduating, but...we really have come a long way, haven't we?"
"Hmm," she repeated with a smile. "With all the training we've done and the lessons we've learned in class and the field, you have gotten more experienced and able. When I said that I wouldn't have any other team leader or partner than you, I meant it."
Jaune never doubted her sincerity, but seeing her smile softly had him looking away from her emerald gaze with warmth in his heart.
"I know...but thank you. I don't think I would've gotten this far with you guys. Nora's always there to bring the thunder while Ren has the patience of a saint, Brothers bless him...I'm thankful we've met them."
He turned back to Pyrrha, taking care to shove his hand back in its glove as he felt Courage begin to shine its holy light. "And you say that you wouldn't have any other partner than me...you've...whether we talk or we train, you've been there for me from the start. I don't think I'd have anyone else than you by my side."
His partner was the first to look away as a light blush dusted her cheeks, fighting down the smile all the while, and he couldn't help but do the same with the slightest drop of embarrassment as he considered what his words could imply. The ping of a scroll saved him from having to reply as Pyrrha checked hers for a second, though when she put it away it was clear that she was committing his words to memory.
"I...see. I'm happy to hear that, and to be your...partner," she began softly. "And I'm grateful to have Ren and Nora. Um, I hate to ruin the mood, but speaking of our team, Nora was asking where we are..."
"Oh. Ah, right," he replied as memories of promises made earlier in the day flooded back into his mind, and they both stood and walked a short distance over to the change rooms. Right before they could enter their respective doors, an instinctive something surged through his veins, so he placed a hand on Pyrrha's shoulder and earned a curious look.
"Pyrrha, I know we're about to fight against each other, but I just want to say that...um...going forward...we've been through hell and high water, and though we don't know who we'll face in two days' time, we gotta stick together, because united we'll win, and no one can stand against us."
Said champion's eyes widened for a moment as she unconsciously tilted her head to the right, and then a sound that sounded suspiciously like a snort escaped her lips.
"I - snrk - yes. Understood, sir," Pyrrha eventually laughed, one hand covering her mouth as his shoulders fell in exaggerated defeat. "I'm sorry, I know you're trying, but I - snrk - agree. Don't worry, I'm just teasing."
Pyrrha stepped forward with mirthful eyes, meeting his gaze and lightly punching his arm. "I...I believe you. I believe in us - in JNPR - because we are together. We are...I wouldn't have it any other way."
Before he could reply, she moved away from him and pushed open her change room door, though she paused and shot him one final glance. "...I'll see you out there, Jaune."
Steel replaced jade as she disappeared into the change room, and for what seemed like a minute he simply stood in silence, still picturing her deep red hair and gentle smile in place of the door. It was only as the ambience began to trickle into his mind did he will himself to enter opposite, seeking his locker and withdrawing his armour and weapons -
A bright and lively flash of orange laughed as the berserker swung the hammer of the gods against her foes.
Jaune fastened his chestplate and pauldrons, snug and ready to protect his frame.
Green and black, cool and calm, the ninja patiently waited to strike with fatal precision.
Crocea Mors echoed in the locker room as he unsheathed it on the way to the arena door. Placing a hand on the handle, Jaune sighed as he measured the pulse of Courage sync with his heart, and repeated the words of the past with hope for the future.
Steeped in gold and crimson, the champion offered a spear for her enemies and compassion for those she called her family.
...
And the boy who would become a hero rose a knight to shield the ones he came to love.
Jaune pushed the door open and stepped into the light.
/ AN \
Welcome all to Arc III of A Descendant of Legends!
For an arc whose title speaks of gloom, I decided to pull a reverse Uno and start off with some wholesome, down-to-Remnant fluffiness. I tried to strike a balance between keeping the in-universe gloom hanging in the back of their heads while remembering that things were looking like they were getting better around the start of the Vytal Festival. Though next chapter will include a fight scene, expect that and the chapter after to ride this high until it gets into the thick of things. It just makes knowing what comes later all the more sweeter.
In any case, thank you all for sticking around so far and for being patient as I spent an extra week hammering down the roadmap for this arc before I began working on the chapter. As usual, constructive criticism and feedback are always welcome.
Cheers and hope to see you all next time!
Dragon lord Syed 101: Thanks! Aside from me, Cinder and her group, who knows indeed what Salem is playing at? The good guys have just scratched the surface of the iceberg, and they know it's a race to figure out what's going on and plan against it. We'll just have to see if they cross the line in time, along with how they can go about fixing what's important.
Thanks again, and hope to see you next chapter!
Warlus999: It does indeed. From an author's perspective, this is the final arc which remains a RWBY story as we know it, and as you said, many of the pieces for both the villains' plans and what's to come in the future arcs were laid down in The Knight Life. And that's the challenge, isn't it? From trying to integrate a Zelda past into Remnant, worldbuilding with both franchises' lore and keeping in mind the subplots for some of the other characters. An interesting challenge but overall a fun one as well.
And no worries! Hearing that you took the time and effort to translate and localize it actually moved me a little. It makes me feel like I've accomplished something here, lol. Since you said it's for personal use and not republishing it then by all means, keep at it! Machines aren't perfect so I hope that the story would be better delivered once translated, and if there's anyone else thinking of doing the same for their own personal use then go ahead.
Again, thank you and I'll do my best! Hope to see you next time!
Steelrain66: Definitely! Though I intended to make Jaune slightly less dense and Pyrrha more upfront in the story, that's not to say that they don't feel a lot of the hesitation as their canon counterparts do. Whether it's enough to change things in the end, you never know, but sometimes the harshest of experiences really can motivate a person to change. Thanks and hope to see you next chapter!
Roy4: Figuring the status of the rest of Power and the successor of Wisdom is definitely one of the main challenges they have to face. While all will be revealed in time, some will come quicker than most – the villains are setting their plans into motion, and even though Jaune and Ozpin are aware of some things, the real challenge will be if they can adapt in time to face it. Or perhaps its already a foregone conclusion…
Thanks and hope to see you then!
Fyr RedNight: Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. There'll be a bit of fluff in the next couple of chapters as I want to really focus on the dynamics between JNPR and then RWBYJNPR, so progression may seem slow, but when the ball starts rolling it won't stop until it crashes. Hope to see you next time!
Guest: Looking back, I think I didn't describe it well enough when I wrote it then, but while the shield itself is familiar to us, I hope we're still on the same page about it, lol. And thanks! Hope to see you next time and to keep pumping out work I'm proud of that you'll all enjoy.
Spartastic 4: Time flies, eh? At least Jaune reconnected with (most) of his family back home. And yeah, while I haven't forgotten about the whole maidens / relics plot, I admit that it'll be one of the more complicated things I'll have to deal with going forward. The trade-off is that I'm placing precedence in Zelda lore over that of RWBY, though I've several ideas to make use of the relics in the later arcs. They just need to be fleshed out as time goes on.
In any case, thanks! Best of luck to you too and hope to see you next time.
DragonTetho: Oh man, Jaune is in a tricky situation indeed, especially when he had no choice to out a good portion of his secret to his friends and Ozpin. Similar to Blake, deep down it eats away at him that with all that happened and the truth of what's out there, they're more or less twiddling their thumbs when they can't even act on it immediately, but perhaps it's a normalcy they'll never know they'll miss until its too late.
And ooh, I do love me some White Knight and Lancaster as well, and while I plan to write more interactions between him and the other RWBY girls, we'll just have to see where they go once they come up. Thanks, and hope to see you next chapter!
The Legend of Zelda and RWBY are the respective properties of Nintendo and Rooster Teeth.