The Grimm Knight

by IzzyFicsanything

The Grimm Knight, known to Remnant a hero, a myth, a legend. What Remnant doesn't know the knight's name is Jaune, a knight and the prince of Grimm. And after his thousands of years of slumber, awaken to present-day Remnant to serve his mother, the Queen of Grimm, Salem once again. How will the knight react out of his time? JauneXHarem AU, OOC

17. Chapter 16: Reality

Chapter 16: Reality

Disclaimer: The following is a fan base parody. RWBY is owned by Roosterteeth and Monty Oum. Please support the official release.

---

Since living in Evernight Castle, Jaune was never used to the morning light. There were never sunrises or sunsets, just dark clouds covering the entire territory of the Grimm lands. The only way to know if it's either morning or evening is thanks to the scrolls they carry at all times. But as for Salem and Jaune, they've been living in the Grimmlands for hundreds of years. To them, it's second nature that their internal clocks adapt to the environment even when waking up from their years of experience on the land. Except for Salem, as she rarely sleeps. But for the first time after over a hundred years, sunrises are not his friends, as the first morning sun shines on the new day of Mistral. As its ray passes through mountain hill, forest trees, and finally through the windows of the master bedroom of the penthouse, it pierces through Jaune's eyelids for a rude awaking before his internal clock could wake him.

His brow scrunched in discomfort, waking him of the dawn of a new day away from home. His left arm had a tinge of numbness, and his left leg was wrapped with another. As his eyes slowly opened, he expected to see the beautiful view of Mistral. But the first thing he sees is something far more beautiful than a kingdom. It was a shine of her beautiful Raven hair covering her face, pale, beautiful skin, and soft lips calling out to Jaune to kiss 'em. At first, he panicked about what happened last night, then he calmed down the next second when he remembered. He gently combed Cinder's long Raven hair, revealing her gentle sleeping face that Jaune couldn't help but smile.

He finally pulled her hair behind her ear and immediately noticed her bare back exposed, down her perfectly round ass. Jaune couldn't help but wonder if Cinder is doing this on purpose. He couldn't help himself as his hand glided across her skin, feeling her skin's smooth surface. He gently caresses her cheek and slowly slides down to her neck, shoulder, and back to the end. Jaune's hand stop at the middle of her back with a symbol that could be mistaken as, from what he learned from Emerald, is called a "tramp stamp." From what he understands, it's just humor that a man laid with a woman and gave her a free tattoo like he claimed her. Usually, there found in the woman's lower back close to her rear. Jaune finds that disgusting.

But Jaune knows too well that this isn't any ordinary tattoo. From what it looks like, two high heel shoes form together in a heart shape. He places his fingers on the symbol and releases a small amount of his aura to confirm his suspicions. This awoke Cinder from the cold pulse sensation on her back, but calm as she knew it was Jaune's Aura, never opening her eyes. The symbol responded to Jaune's Aura, giving him his answer and understanding the situation significantly. Even though he is not fond of his mother's method of stealing the Fall Maiden's power. Especially the use of a Grimm to steal it didn't seat Jaune's stomach very well. But what's done is done. Perhaps if he had awakened earlier, he could've avoided all this. He sighs and gently pulls the sheets over to cover Cinder's exposed back.

"So, saw what you need?" Cinder calls out, staring at Jaune with a glare, saying she didn't regret it.

"Yeah...still not fond of the idea that you attacked and aimed to kill the Fall Maiden for her power. Just like Raven." Jaune state as Cinder's glare hardens like when they first met, like what happened last night never happened. But Jaune sighs again and admits defeat with surprise Cinder.

"But you were under Mom's orders, and she chose you because I cannot protest against her. And you're not at all like Raven. You're not the type to kill a weak and defenseless child for their power."

"I see..." averting her eye away, overlooking the balcony, the sudden feeling of her insecurity oozing of desire to know her place in Jaune's plan. To see if Jaune is genuinely a friend or foe.

"...then who would win? Me or that old crone?" she turns back to Jaune with her lustful mask, propping her head up, resting her head on her hands and elbows against the bed. Jaune raises a brow, oblivious of her attempt, but shrugs his shoulders.

"You are, of course." He smiles as Cinder can't help but smile in victory; with a mischievous smile, she leans towards Jaune and kisses his lips deeply. Caught him by surprise, his mouth being invaded by her tongue. Before his brain could act, Cinder's lips withdrew, and she smiled at the stunned reaction on Jaune's face of surprise.

"cute..." she thought and picked herself off the bed, without shame roaming the room stark naked, and headed to the bathroom. But stop and lean against the doorframe and stare intently towards Jaune while sliding down the frame slightly.

"Care to join me?" she smiled seductively while Jaune just gave her a blank stare, which caught Cinder off guard.

"We talked about this, Cinder. So, Just be patient. Take a bath. I'll meet you in the kitchen."

"Awww, what a gentleman, as always." She awes sarcastically, closing the door behind her as Jaune sighs in relief and leaves the room only wearing his shorts last night. But as he closed the door behind him, he immediately felt something moist beneath his foot, followed by a slip into the air and landing on his rear, believing he might've fractured something.

"Arughh…What the heck did I slip on?" he groans in pain, investigates the floor, and immediately notices a clear puddle before his feet, not too small to go unnoticed. Dipping his finger to identify it. He rubbed the fluid between his finger and thumb but found no abnormalities. He decided to investigate even further and tasted it. The taste immediately hit sweetness, but he couldn't identify what it was, yet it had some form of familiarity, but couldn't he remember where, when, or what it was?

"It's sweet? Why is it sweet? And yet why I can't stop smelling it?" he kept smelling the clear sweet nectar and didn't know why. He shakes it off, getting his mind to the matter at hand of the day, and heads for the kitchen.

"This is going to be a long day. What could get any worse?"

---

After all these years working with Ozpin, Qrow had never seen Oz with such a face of hate and annoyance. It's like his back at Beacon again and was sent by the Headmaster for something he did stupid. And standing in front of Oz in this intimidating situation, he's too afraid to say anything, worrying he might piss Oz off. Even Glynda hesitates to approach him, let alone go to his office. Usually, it is the other way around. She typically gets into the office without warning, gets Oz back to work, and complains about Oz's method, and now…. she's intimidated by him, which is a first for Qrow to see. Glynda Goodwitch, the combat instructor, the Witch of Beacon, and the forbidden fruit, is afraid of Oz.

This all happens after his last mission at the tomb. From what Glynda told him when she came to check on him when she arrived, the office was destroyed like a fight brew out with the only thing still standing: Ozpin's chair, complicating. His gloves tore and blooded. She could tell from her years as a combat instructor that Ozpin was the cause of all the damage seeing his bleeding knuckles healing before her eyes thanks to his aura. When she confronted him, he just gave her a deathly glare that she had never seen before, and like a silent command, she just repaired the entire office without question and left.

"Qrow…." Calling out his name in a solemn tone with eyes of steel leering toward him.

"…Are you sure the Grimm have taken the body and not eaten it?" with Ozpin's elbows resting on his table with his chin resting on his grasp knuckles. Still leering towards Qrow, telling him to get straight to the point and not beat it around the bush.

"Positive. Some signs and fragments of that armor would be left behind if it was. But it's clean like it was planned." To his surprise, Qrow replies to the point and sees the stoic Headmaster of Beacon, who rarely hint at the emotion of his humanity…cry…

His hands cover his face, and Qrow notices the old man clawing his hair in frustration and hears his breathing hitching, trying to hold it in. A clear sign from all his years as a huntsman, he can tell this is a personal matter to the Old man, like a family. He knows the old man is withholding information from him, and he never once questions the old man. He trusted him and never doubted him, unlike his sister. That reminds him he needs to head to Patch to check on Tai and Yang to see how they're holding. Since the Knight's first appearance, news spread of Raven's exploits like wildfire, the discovery by the people of Patch, who knew Raven before she abandoned her family for the tribe. When he called Tai to check on him, he was holding on thanks to Ruby looking out for him, which was a relief, but when Qrow asked about Yang, it didn't bold well from the sound of a sigh of frustration from Tai, along with the sound of the background he can hear through the scroll. The sound of explosions, the rustling of flames, and the sound of rapid fists colliding on the tree till it fell. From the sounds alone, Qrow can already guess what Yang is thinking. And if she's like her mother, which she is (even though she won't admit it).

She's pissed and found a new target, the Grimm Knight. It was concerning that Yang was now hunting high-profile prey. But thanks to her younger sister is now trying everything she can to calm her down and distract her. Even if it means she's not going to enjoy it. While talking to Tai, he could hear them not settle to a more calm sparring with a pinch of a certain reaper groaning, regretting to ever think of it.

That reporter spilled the beans about Raven's crimes, especially the raids and the members of said tribe. He knows that Tai is aware of Raven's crimes. What is more worried about is his niece, Yang. Knowing the firecracker, she wanted answers about why she left her and Tai

But first, he needs answers from the Old man. As the Grimm Knight surface, it's clear his with Salem and from what Qrow is seeing. Ozpin knows the Grimm knight's true identity based on the missions he has been on. They're all pointing to the Grimm Knight.

"Oz…" Qrow finally calls out to the old Wizard while pausing and waiting for the Wizard's attention.

"I've been by your side since you told me everything about the world, and I never once doubted you, unlike Raven. Is this Grimm knight the real deal? You got to tell me…what are we up against?" he leers to Ozpin, the seriousness of the situation. If Qrow goes by that video on the news, the drunk has his work cut out for it, and it is best to gather all the information from a reliable source that faces the Grimm Knight. As Ozpin finally calms down from crying, dries his tears, and returns to the same stoic face, he remembers and smiles to see the Old Man Ozpin he remembers back.

"Your right, Qrow…I'm sorry you have to see me like this." He wipes his tears, calms down, pulls a scroll out of his pocket, dials a number, and rests it on his ear.

"Glynda, please come to my office….thank you…." He smiles.

It didn't take long for Glynda to stand in front of Ozpin and by Qrow's side. From her expression, she looks stern and poses like she always does, but her leg gives way to her fear. It's kind of hilarious. Seems that fright from the first time with Oz still lingers on her.

"Glynda…" Oz's voice is calm and apologetic for getting the Witch of Beacon to stop shaking.

"I would like to first apologize for my behavior from earlier. I shouldn't react to you that volatile. I hope you forgive me, and-" But Glynda interrupts him.

"Ozpin, if you explain. Then I'll forgive you and won't press charges." Her stern stare was an intense bit of the dom side, but there was no way Qrow would say that out loud. As Ozpin smiles and shakes his head.

"Always to the point, Glynda." He pulls out an old book from the drawer, opens the text to a specific page, and slides across to Qrow and Glynda to see a portrait page of twin white knights back to back fighting an endless horde of Grimm.

"Tell me, what do you know of the twin knights?"

"The First Huntsmans? Who doesn't? Nearly every kid knows the story. There's even a movie about them that was released last month." Glynda and Ozpin stare at the drunk, questionably asking how to know that?

"What? I read too."

"Moving on, Ozpin, how is this related to the...Grimm…Knight…" she pauses at the end, realizing the Headmaster's cause. Her eyes widen in shock, and she looks at the portrait page of the two knights. It didn't take a genius to put two and two together. Even the drunk is skeptical.

"Are you telling us the Grimm knight is one of the first huntsmans?"

"if that's true, he must be at least over a thousand years old and have Grimm powers!" Glynda theorized her claim, but Ozpin shook his head.

"Wait, you're saying the Grimm knight is an old man?"

"Yes, if you want to be specific, but Chronologically, he has the mind of a young man in his late teens." Ozpin smiles with nostalgia, but his smile frowns, remembering the last image of his son.

His haunting smile spread across his face, taunting him, mocking him as a failure, not only as a man but as a father. That smile he gave from their last encounter was the intent of Jaune's hate, malicious and maniacal. He'll never forgive himself for what he created.

"was it worth it? Ozma."

Instead of trying to reach out and save him as a father, he follows his destiny to stop the Queen by the Brothers. Burying his last child is a parent's greatest failure, and he has to live with that decision for as long as he walks on Remnant. But now, with news of the Grimm Knight's return, there's a chance there could be hope and determination to do something to save his son and reconcile their differences and maybe convince him to stop Salem. However, questions linger in Ozpin's mind, such as his display of power to Raven's Tribe. There's no mistake from his past battle experience against Jaune. Jaune is a master swordsman and a genius technician during the Faunus Rights Revolution. The Ozpin can't help but remember the number of failed campaigns and foiled plans; thanks to Jaune, he wasn't sure whether to be proud or annoyed. But during those times in war, he never showed any exhibits of activating his semblance or aura. It took Ozpin a while to find the reason after befriending a lieutenant enemy for an explanation for him and his unit's freedom. To his surprise, it wasn't to show superiority to his enemies but for a diversionary tactic to lure and distract enemy forces from him. Jaune is a central figure and commander of an army, well-known and feared, and to see him with no aura. Humanity can't let a chance slip away. This work perfectly, with the humans wasting time and resources to eliminate the so-called Fallen Avian of the war, away from the real leaders, while revealing themselves. A combination of diversion, misdirection, confusion, and exposure. This tactic alone gave the humans a difficult time staying in the war, thanks to their Pride and greed. They may not notice, but not the old Wizard. It was clear it was Jaune's way of calling out to him. Even now, Ozpin can hear him calling out.

"Ozma…"

"Ozma…"

"Ozpin!?" Qrow shouts, snapping Ozpin back to reality, shaking off his hesitation and focusing on the matter.

"S-sorry…what were you saying?"

"I said, do you know where we could start looking?" Qrow asks but only receives a deep sigh from Ozpin, profoundly annoyed and frustrated. Whole knowing Jaune isn't the type to expose in the spotlight and prefers to be in the background to avoid attention, only revealing himself when necessary.

"Sadly, that might be difficult. Like Salem, he works behind the veil of secrecy and avoids attention. From now, we wait for him to reveal himself." Ozpin leans forward with his elbows resting on his desk, his fingers interlocking, and his chin resting on it, and he ponders in deep thought for a plan while they wait. Then realized something and turned to Qrow.

"Qrow, I have a job for you."

"what is it?"

"I need you to have a talk with Lisa Lavender."

"The Reporter?"

"Yes, I need you to find out where and how that reporter got a hold of the criminal records of Raven and her tribe. A reporter without access or huntsman training shouldn't be able to identify the Branwean tribe and air it on the same day on the news." Ozpin ponders theorizing his hypotheses as it piques Glynda's attention.

"so you're saying she might've been tipped off. And whoever gave her that intel might lead us to the Knight?"

"But to what end?" Qrow questions as Ozpin pulls out his scroll and plays the audio he manages to get from the CCT before it is taken down by the council for all in the room to listen to.

"Those who quell in the shadows! Too long I have slept. Too long, I've let the Remnant I once knew rot. Too long, the shadows cast their dye to spread throughout Remnant like the plague. Too long, I have neglected my duties to protect the Remnant I swore to... Too long, have the title, Huntsman, I left behind to be sullied by children of fame and greed instead of honor and valor. But no more! With this, I pledge to Change Remnant for the future! With this, I swear, by my name...THE GRIMM KNIGHT HAS RETURNED!"

Listening to the Grimm Knight's pledge, both Glynda and Qrow couldn't help but have mixed feelings about the Grimm Knight's claim. They are both frustrated and, hate to admit it, agree to the Grimm Knight. They can't deny it. Hunters these days only care about fame and fortune. Both hunters see many hunters on the field view the occupation and title "Huntsman" as nothing more than a job. As long the pay is good, they'll do it, but if the job is too difficult, it's ignored till it's too late, or the reward is raised high enough till someone takes it. Even hunters would never move out of the safety of the Kingdom's wall to a frontier village without compensation and free lodging.

No one does it for honor and valor. If anything, if they're honest, it died along with the legends of the past. After all, some were for good intentions like supporting families and communities, but sadly, most of the occupation is for greed and Pride. In a solemn tone, Ozpin asks his allies.

"In your opinion, what do you make out of it?" seeing both of their expression, scrunching their brow, hesitant and frustrated with agreeing to an enemy of what the world has become. Clearly, seeing Glynda's riding corp slowly bend in frustration without realizing it, followed by the grit of her teeth. While Qrow has the urge to drink his flask of the intense burn of whisky to wash the taste away in his mouth of agreeing on the clod truth from the Grimm Knight and leers determined for answers towards Ozpin and clear for the old man to understand the intent.

"Oz, before I answer that, tell me? Is this guy Thee Grimm Knight and the Fallen Avian and, worse, the first Huntsman?" With Ozpin seeing Qrow's eyes for answers, he is deemed to answer, knowing that lying to the man won't benefit the cause and their trust.

"Yes, Qrow, is he all three of those legends." Ozpin sighs in disappointment for himself, his inner circle, and maybe all of Remnant. As the legendary hero of Remnant, to the people, Faunus, and the kingdoms. Yet Ironically, the hero is sided with Salem, the Queen of Grimm, the Witch of destruction, and the hero's mother.

"Wait! If that's true, he should be around the same age as you and Salem. How could he live as long as you two? Is he also immortal? And if so, why would a hero side with Salem? And knowing you, Ozpin. Why didn't you try to recruit him against Salem?" Glynda frantically demanded answers and knew the Wizard was withholding information after all these years as the assistant headmistress. Ozpin is known to slack off from paperwork and responsibilities and even bend the rules in his favor without questioning. But what she truly hates about the old man withholding critical information from his allies till the last minute.

'Glynda isn't holding back. I'm not sure if to be lucky or regretted I hired her as my assistant? But I'm not going to admit that.' He sweatdrops from Glynda's interrogation but sighs at the complications. He doesn't even know how Jaune could still be alive and look as young as he is, and the only thing he can point it to is Salem.

To his surprise, when he first saw Jaune after years of his carnations during the Faunus war, Jaune looked as young as he was before. At first, he thought he might be a descend of Jaunes. It was too good to be true. When he saw those azure eyes, it wasn't hard to realize it was him. His son was alive after all these years. He thought Jaune died all those years ago. Seeing him then, he was happy to see his son again. He could feel the emotions that he once thought were gone. He has many things to say to him with tears of joy. He wanted to apologize, he tried to make amends, he wanted to save him, he wanted to be his father again. But when he saw Jaune, his aura engulfed him like wildfire, a visible dark aura raging with great emotion of negativity. It can be felt by both enemies and allies. That wasn't the son he remembered. What the Wizard saw was a monster. As soon he saw those black wings on his back, a void that light could not reflect, it was as if Jaune had made a contract with the Brother of Darkness. Gritting his teeth with so much hate, being cursed of reincarnation by the God of Darkness, he has to involve his son.

'Was cursing me isn't enough for you!? You have to involve my son!? Damn, you!' gritting his teeth as he braced the charging attack of his son while Jaune roared his name in anger.

"Honestly, I don't even know how he was still alive. And the last time I saw his face, he was still as young as ever when I first met him. Never age a day." Ozpin sighs, still pondering to this day of that million lien question.

"and he wasn't cursed by the Gods like Salem?"

"No. and I don't think Salem has the power to grant immortality."

"And if she does, we would have already lost this war." Qrow interrupts

"Exactly. As for why I didn't recruit the Grimm Knight, he's a loyalist to Salem. For now, we wait. Qrow, go to Ms. Lavander and see what you can find."

"Got it, Oz," Qrow replies with a two-finger salute before leaving the office. As Ozpin turns to Glynda, hoping to change the subject.

"Glynda, I forgot to ask. How are this year's applicants?"

"We have a few exciting applicants. However, there is one applicant that is concerning." The assistant adjusts her glasses, pulls out her scroll, and sends a copy of the form to Ozpin to see on his computer. Immediately at first glance, it seems to be a standard application document. Still, if looked closely, it is a forged document for the untrained eye, as Glynda continued about her concern without realizing that the document is forged.

"According to the form, this applicant has no combat school background, and it said here he lives in the frontier villages that aren't registered in any of the Kingdom's databases. However, he did have three letters of recommendation from fully licensed Huntsman." She explains in concern, to which the Wizard crooks his brow towards Glynda of the uncertainty of her anxiety. Even if it's forged, the letters of recommendation will outweigh the forger. They must've had trouble acquiring an application since the applicant is from a disclosed frontier village.

"and are the three huntsmans accounted for and not forged?"

"they are, but..." Glynda pauses with her expression of grim and superstition.

"But?"

"All three huntsman were killed in action after the application was sent."

"I see... what's the applicate's name?" as he finally took a sip of his mug with the bitter-sweet aroma of coffee.

"Jaune Arc." She replied, and immediately he choked on his coffee. As he spat out the coffee, the wide eye of shock even surprised Glynda to see Ozpin spitting out coffee and a very cartoony behavior.

"*cough* * cough* Wh-wha...what did you say?" he stutters in shock. He didn't ask for clarification but asked for certainty. It's too much of a coincidence that his son's and ex-wife's maiden names are in one term. He was confident as the Arc bloodline died, as Salem was the only descendent of the Arc bloodline. But he needed to be sure and quickly dropped his mug by the table but only to fall as it was over the edge and shatter on the floor, as Ozpin ignored it while surprising Glynda.

He focused on the computer going through the form until he found the photo of Jaune Arc and his weapon. To see a blank expression of messy blonde hair with a shine of silver, and deep azure eyes, his sword caught him by surprise, and he was confused. Seeing a white shield bearing the Arc emblem in gold with the sword, he immediately recognized Crocea Mors. He knows these aren't Jaune's original weapons but his brother Jona's. This begs the question of the Wizard.

"How did Jaune find Jona's weapons? I thought it was destroyed...but perhaps...maybe...no it can't be... Jona isn't that type of man. But then again, he does keep his personal life separate. Dammit, this needs to be looked into. Or maybe I'm being too paranoid." He shakes his head, overthinking that he was fighting Jona and not Jaune all this time, or maybe they both didn't die and put the impression that only Jaune survived. Jona is the two sons' most intelligent, who would think of a play and not Jaune. As is the most emotional to which the Wizard immediately recognize Jaune during their reunion. He turns to Glynda seeing, using her semblance to mend his mug.

"Glynda, for now, find him and monitor him. He could be a person of interest." Giving stoic Expressions.

"Understood, sir. Let's hope he isn't a problem child like Miss Yang Xiao-long." She sighs as she eyes on her scroll for the young man but sees the Headmaster standing by the open view and seeing the expression on the Headmaster's face of internal struggle and, for the first time, sees the stoic man show such emotion in a long time of her service.

-/-

"So Raven, did you enjoy the show last night?" Cinder cutely asks, trying to get a raise from Raven while Raven scowls her.

"Shove it, you half-bake reject." She retorted as she ripped a piece of bacon, frustratedly eating it, which irritated Cinder as the glass on her hand cracked from her grasp.

"Care to say that again. You second-hand bitch?" She keeps a kind close smile with slight traces of the Fall Maiden oozing out from her close eye. While Revan leers back with her eyes aflame with the blue of the spring Maiden.

The situation made it bearable and awkward for Jaune to enjoy his breakfast. Since he is in the middle of the table, he hesitates to intervene. But he remembered a wise man once told him to never get involved in a catfight. Although he didn't give any advice regarding Maiden powered individuals. Although then again, their conversation was nothing but slander and insults, and it was becoming annoying. He sighed and couldn't take any more of the defamation, so he released a bit of his aura lite aflame. Immediately they stop and look toward Jaune, knowing it is theirs.

"enough! You two a bickering like children! It's too early to be at each other's throats. Now, be quiet and finish your breakfast. We have a big day today, and I want everything done soon." He sighs in disappointment. He was supposed to pose as a young teen and be cared for. But instead, his the one taking care of them, and he wasn't sure whether to be embarrassed or annoyed that he was babysitting.

"Speaking of which, what is the plan today?" Raven crocks her brow to the Knight.

"To keep appearances, first we see Cinder off, then head to the register to confirm my tournament placement next week, and if we have some time, we'll visit the Kitsune shrine." He explained, which caught the two women's attention on the last bit. As they both know, and all of Remnant know, the Kitsune shrine is a shrine dedicated to a fox spirit named Tamamo No Mae, who is said to be the guardian of Mistral during the Faunus War.

---

Legend says during the Faunus War, the people prayed to the Brother of Light to protect their people, but the Brother of Light didn't heed their call, but something did. Purple lightning strikes from the skies to the earth before them, revealing a giant pink 9-tailed fox. The fox told them that she would protect them but ask in return for offerings every day and once a month to find her a potential mate, but warned them that if the mate did not meet her standards, she would kill them until they found her one. They agree and turn the fox to keep her promise, protect the people of Mistral, and give her offerings in return, but on the day of the month, when they must offer a potential mate to the fox. They thought it was easy and found the most beautiful and handsome man in Mistral. That the young was arrogant that he would be claimed to be a hero if he tamed the fox spirit.

But he was turned away and left to live since he was young, so she gave him sage advice.

'You show Pride. But you will be drowned to your downfall.'

The young man didn't listen, and his Pride won't let him leave and demanded the fox kneel before him. And that cost him his life and angered the fox spirit.

The second man was the wealthiest man of all, Mistral. He was also rejected and killed, giving the rich man sage advice before his death.

'You use your greed for your advances and don't see me as a woman. But a weapon, you'll be used as an example.'

This infuriated the fox spirit at the same time, the people of Mistral began to fear the fox more than respect it. Then one day, a Hunter and a cat enter the Shrine without knowing. This angered the fox, but, at the same time, he was curious. As she noticed, the Hunter immediately started cleaning the Shrine as it wasn't well kept, which embarrassed the fox. At the same time, the cat stands guard and is uncomfortable, feeling the eerie sensation.

The Hunter then lectured the Shrine's state. It infuriated the fox spirit until she couldn't stand such an insult and confronted the man. As he turned, the fox expected him to be in dread or hoping for him to prostrate before her, begging for his life. But instead, she only received a passive stare from him like he had seen her before. He greets the fox like an old friend. For the first time, be treated like an equal instead of with respect and fear. He continues talking to the fox about himself and his friends while he helps clean the Shrine. The fox enjoys listening to his stories and cleaning and repairing her Shrine. As he was done, the fox wanted to reward him for his generosity, but he declined as he tried to help.

But she insisted that rejecting her kindness would be disrespectful to her. Which put the Hunter in a conundrum. He confessed his gratitude, but he didn't know what he wanted. So the fox offers power and strength, but the man declines as he says.

"I prefer to earn my strength and power through my efforts. If I didn't, how would I attain my dream with Pride in my heart."

The fox respects his decision and offers him riches and wealth; again, the Hunter declines.

"I have no desire for miscellaneous treasures that have no value to me but to others. These treasures should be given to those in need."

The fox was in awe of Hunter's decision but didn't give up yet and was more determined to return her thanks. Next, she offers exotic fruits and spices when she remembers him saying he enjoys cooking. But sadly, he declined again.

"I'm flattered that you would give these exotic ingredients to me. But sadly, I have no knowledge of such delights. Without proper knowledge or experience, it would be a great waste Of such a great gift."

She was flattered by the thought, but it was getting to her nerves. She intends to repay the debt. She began listing everything she posed and treasured, and yet the young Hunter declined with reason.

Exhausted and frustrated, she couldn't take it anymore. She even offered Hunter her body in her Faunus form. To all, even the Hunter finds her the most beautiful woman in Remnant, but he sadly declines and would like to know each other more before such a feat. But when asked about his desire, he simply reaches his hand to her and smiles.

"I would like to be your friend."

It took a while for the fox to realize, as she laughed with laughter that she had never felt before, till she cried with tears of joy to finally have a friend. While the Hunter simply comforts her as her real true friend.

Every day he visits the Shrine. They talk, eat, and even play together. But also remember their responsibilities, as she's the guardian of Mistral and the Hunter is a soldier of Mistral. They knew the gravity of the war was peril, so the Hunter promised.

"Once the war is over, will you wait for me? So we can continue where we left off?"

Once the war ended, she kept her promise and waited for him by the Torii gates. For days, weeks, months, and to years. She never left her spot. No matter the people's plea, she waited. Years passed, and her eyes came weary. And soon, the weight of her eyes overcomes her, and her body falls to the ground. Just as she waits for the floor to land. She felt the embrace of warm arms catching her, waking her eyes with a feeling of familiarity. As she looked up with tears forming at the corner of her eyes, she held them in, waiting to hear his voice, wanting to know she was not dreaming or delusion.

"Sorry, I made you wait so long." Giving his caring smile as she cried in his arms, didn't care if she died. As long as she's with him, it is all it matters.

-/-

"Well, that's how the story goes," Cinder explains as she boards the bullhead, with Jaune as an escort, Fenrir in his hood, sticking her head out, and Raven in sentry duty from a distance in her bird form.

"Very educational and romantic."

"Jaune...have you been in the temple before?" As she stops and looks over her shoulder, her eye of curiosity towards Jaune, while Jaune stares obliviously towards Cinder.

"Of course I have. Why do you ask?" Jaune tilts his head a little.

"Jaune, men are never allowed in their grounds since the Faunus War. It was used as a shelter for women and children. While the men stay away to keep the enemy's attention away from the temple."

"you did your research." Jaune smiles, amazed, though Cinder can't help but quickly look away with a flushed face and rushes to the bullhead to avoid Jaune seeing her face.

"Why do you want to visit the Shrine, Jaune? Even if you sneak in, what will you find there?" she shouted while preparing for the flight.

"Just visiting an old friend." He replies, sitting on the flight of steps of the landing bay, watching the people of Mistral going about their lives, while Jaune couldn't help but be in awe of how much had changed when he last visited. Cinder pauses while leaning against the wall by the door of the bullhead, remembering the last time Jaune saw an "old friend."

Remembering that pillar of dark aura shooting out to the sky, she couldn't help but feel a cold sweat down her brow, and it didn't help her shortness of breath like her lungs were being grasped to be squeezed out. The uncontrol shakiness wasn't helping when she felt that cold distance anomaly. Just seeing it alone with that kind of power terrifies her. And that wasn't the worse of it. Not only she seen it, but she also felt it. It felt like every negative emotion she could think of blasted through her all at once, like she was in a powerful moving riptide, unable to swim back to the surface for air.

She peeks through the opening, seeing Jaune sitting on the flight of stairs overlooking the passing bystanders of Mistral. To the everyday eye, you only see a young man simply waiting while staring into the distance, but to Cinder and Raven's eyes, they can see something that is best not seen. A monster.

Quietly she approached the Prince with him still distracted, overlooking the bystanders walking past. To his surprise, arms wrapped around with a gentle caress over him. He looked over his shoulder, confused.

"C-Cinder...?"

"Promise me one thing…." She whispers to his ear as he nods to her tone's seriousness.

"Promise me you won't repeat what happened at Kuo Kuana."

"Cinder, it's just-" Jaune tries to assure her, but she interrupts him.

"PROMISES ME!" she shouts loudly while her grasp on Jaune tightens. The bystanders stop and watch what seems to be a loving couple making a promise before they take their separate paths. Jaune notices Cinder's hand shaking while gripping his shirt and sighs. Placing his hand over hers while leaning his head over hers.

"I promise..." he whispers, and there is silence for a moment. Cinder's shaking hand is calm with a smile.

"Thank you..." She kisses him on the forehead and heads to the bullhead one final time but pauses and stares toward Jaune.

"you be good and stay out of trouble."

"Got it, sis…" he replies casually to maintain cover. (Just like they practice)

"Also..." she approaches Jaune while poking into his chest.

"You better win the tournament. I bet a lot of lien on you." She smirks while Jaune crocks a brow of uncertainty as this wasn't on the script, and he wasn't sure if Cinder was serious.

"How much did you bet on me?" he hesitates.

"enough to buy a mansion in Atlas." She states that, crossing her arms with a smirk, she boards the bullhead and takes off while Jaune watches the bullhead leave and calls out to the crowd without looking away.

"I know your there, Merc! Get out here right now. We got work to do." Jaune calls out to the crowd and, on cue, emerges from the public, the grey ash-haired assassin.

"S'up, boss." He smirks

"let's move. We got a lot of work to do." he walks through the crowd with Mercury following suit.

They walk briefly with Merc's hand behind his head in boredom till Jaune pauses with a deep breath and turns to Merc.

"Is everything sorted out?" he asked as Mercury pulled out his scroll and passed it to Jaune to see his registration for the Mistral Tournament.

"Yep, everything is accounted for. Since you're a newcomer, they put you to bracket D with the other first-timers. "

"fair enough. Is there anyone I should look out for?"

"Besides the Goddess of Victory? Nah, just some small timers. After that Gelgoog incident, inspection is tight. So, best to leave your armor behind."

"Got it. Sorry, I have to send you to fetch these for me."

"No probs. And besides, you got me a room in the Mistral Shine Hotel. With a badass view, too." he smirks as he continues following Jaune behind.

"Since you here. I don't need to assume you accepted the job. Correct?"

"You got it, but I have to ask?" he quickly surveys the area and knows it is clear to speak freely from eavesdroppers.

"We have Lionheart by the balls. Why are we replacing him?"

"Cause he's a coward. I've seen a lot of men like him. He'll do whatever it takes to survive. And I don't take chances with cowards. Even though he works for my mother, using his position as Headmaster and member of the Mistral Council to send both hunters and in-training to their death just to appease my mother and weaken Mistral's defenses. But…" Jaune's voice slowly laces in venom toward the Mistral Headmaster for his cowardice.

"…he could've recruited them to our cause. But instead, his too much of a coward to even talk to people to join our cause and use the quickest method to eliminate them, a wasted potential we could've gotten Mistral under our control without Ozma's notice." this gave Mercury a moment of pause and think over Jaune's statement. He hates to admit it but Jaune's right. If Lionheart wasn't such a spineless coward and had more initiative, they could've taken over Mistral.

"So, replacing him with someone more reliable and with more power over him is more efficient," Mercury concluded Jaune's plan.

"Exactly."

"Which is Yae Meko, Right? But who is she? All I know is she has a seat on the Mistral Council. And also, she's one of us? I had never heard of her before, and the others never heard or are aware of her" They arrive at the mountain's base and climb the flight of stairs leading up to the hill, yet they don't falter or mind the climb.

"Two, actually." Jaune corrected while still focusing on climbing the stairs.

"What?"

"Yae actually holds two seats of the council. One seat is on paper, and the other are only members of the Mistral council knows. Yae greatly influences the people not as the Shrine Maiden but also as the most trusted advisor. As she's to be Mistral's oldest and most experienced leader." Jaune explains as Mercury stops momentarily in surprise at what he just heard and is confused at the same time.

"wait, oldest!? How old is she? The picture you showed me looks like she's in her mid-twenties."

"she is over a hundred years old and is one of the founding members of our inner circle." Passing signs clearly stating to turn back private property, men are refused to enter and will be pressed with criminal charges against them. But both men clearly ignored it and continued walking by.

"Wait, what!? How the hell is she that old and smoking hot!?" Mercury pauses as his jaw literally falls to the ground.

"Well, in short. It's because of me." Jaune state

"wait, what?:"

"I met Yae back during the Faunus war. When I found her, she was a war orphan, which led to an ambush and forced me to awaken her aura to save her life."

"wait, how's awakening her Aura leading her to look forever twenty?"

"It's because of my Aura. It turns out that if I awaken a person's aura with mine. My aura somehow mutated theirs to be more "potent," so to speak. Making their lifespan expand five times the average person's. But can still die like a normal person." Jaune explains nonchalantly, freezing Mercury in surprise, but as Mercury is about to ask, Jaune interrupts him knowing what he will ask.

"it won't work on people who already have their aura unlocked. Just an Aura amplification for a while, that's it." He kept walking, leaving Merc behind as it took him a moment to return to reality and keep up with Jaune.

"I have so many questions." Merc is still baffled by Yae and has become more curious than ever.

"Best you saved them for another time. We're here." Standing before them of red torii gate with two Kitsune statues on each side. Standing proud of the stone showing years of prosperity of rich history, Jaune couldn't help but place his hand on the statue, greeting a pet who waits years for its Master. With nostalgia, feeling the once smooth surface of carved stone is now a diamond in the rough. Without wasting a moment, he enters the temple without a second thought with Mercury in tow. Still, just before they passed the gates, they were immediately surrounded by red and white shrine maidens, armed with Nagatana pointing directly towards them. Followed by another group with bows and arrows aimed directly toward them with the intent to kill. This made Mercury a little nervous while simultaneously excited for a fight, while he noticed Jaune seemed calm and is not phase of the situation.

One of them, who seems to be the leader with long raven hair, approaches the two men with a red headband and sheath katana on her hip with a hand ready to draw at a moment's notice. She leers to the two men, slowly drawing out her sword and pointing it directly to Jaune as she knows him to be the leader and sees the silver-ash-haired one as his lackey.

"State your Business." She demands

"We're here to see Lady Yae. She's expecting us." Jaune states, staring at the leader, till a voice calls out to the group.

"Do you, now…." Their heads turn, seeing another Maiden in a more ceremonial gown where the dress is dragged along the floor. Her sleeves hang past her wrist, with a paper fan covering her lips, only showing a predator's fierce, sharp glare. Showing her status to the people in her position, clearly calling of her power. But how she dresses doesn't match her role, as her gown is loosely hung below her shoulders, clearly showing off her ample breast that most men would stare at in lust and women in envy. Her hair shone pink like the pedals of Sakura blossoms fall of spring, trailing down her entire back, passing from her hips to her thighs.

"I do not remember expecting a visitor, let alone men. Yet the question bares. What kind of men are you?" clearly referring to Jaune.

"the kind to visit an old friend." Jaune smiles, and she smiles behind her fan and snaps the fan close on her hand.

"You never change, do you, Jaune. And here I thought you finally came for little old me." she approached the group confusing her fellow Shrine Maidens, as this was the first to see their Master and Head Maiden be so casual and open to others. Usually, she is impartial and stoic, never showing emotions towards others, not even her fellow Maidens.

"Lady Yae, do you know this Man?" the leader asked, confused as Yae's smiles grew wider from mischievous to glee.

"Why yes, dear Ei. Jaune's family has been part of the Kitsune Shrine since its founding and loyal supporters of our cause." As soon she mentions the last part, all the Maiden immediately kneel towards Jaune as he sweats drop of the situation.

"Th-this is unnecessary..." Jaune is uncomfortable with the situation, while Yae can't help but giggle.

"Ei, I'll take it from here. You and the other return to your duties, and please prepare a feast for our guest." Yea, orders as the Ei and the other Maidens bow, leaving Yae alone with Jaune and Mercury.

"Follow me," she smiles and leads the group to a separate building away from the main Shrine, which seems to be a private tatami room with an alcove of a large hanging scroll hanging on the wall with a flower arrangement in a small vase.

"Please, have a seat. I'll prepare some tea." Jaune sat close to the Alcove as he already guessed what's Yae planning and followed tradition and sat in a seiza position, while Merc followed behind but usually sat beside him with a knee raise table before them.

Once seated, Yea began preparing before Jaune and Mercury, laying the equipment before them. The leading kit includes the tea whisk (chasen), tea container for the powdered green tea (Natsume), tea scoop (chashaku), tea bowl, sweets container, and the kettle and brazier. Each piece of equipment was carefully selected according to circumstance and has its specific place. Preparing tea shows tradition and elegance while Jaune watches in awe while Mercury is bored of not understanding what's happening. To him, it's just a host serving her guest.

Yae didn't take long to finish, placing the tea before them with a Dongo mochi of pink, white, and green on a skewer on the side. Jaune bow of thanks to Yea as Mercury follows and first eats the mochi before the tea.

"thank you for the tea, Yae. Delicious as always." He bows to the Maiden, as she can't help but giggle at the young man and knocks the wooden frame behind her as the paper frame door slides open, revealing another shrine maiden kneeling by the door waiting. Like a silent command, the Maiden quietly took the used dishes and took her leave but not without Yea whispering to the young lady. She nods and leaves the room as Yae mischievously laughs. It didn't go unnoticed, with her two guest showing concern.

"Um, boss, should we be worried?" Mercury whispers, uncomfortable, as Yae calms down. She grins towards her guest with a predatory stare.

"Honestly, this is normal for her." Jaune sweats drops.

"let's talk…" as she sat on the opposite side of Jaune, beginning the meeting.

"Before we begin, I must say that it is surprising that the Queen would allow her Prince to leave her nest. How is she, by the way? I haven't spoken to her in years," she smiles.

"she's doing well, thank you. She did tell me to pass on a message that she misses your talks and can't wait to reminisce."

"That's good to hear. Now, let's get into business."

"Right. Is everything on your side prepared?" Jaune ask in a servit tone.

"Yes, and that coward Leonardo isn't aware. He believed I was looking out for him and never suspected I was part of the inner circle. He prepared the Will. In case of his death, retirement, or loss of his position. It will fall into me to take his place and his seat on the council."

"Giving you the claim of the Mistral Council," Jaune concludes while Yae smiles excitedly.

"wait, then that means?" Mercury asks surprise

"I control Mistral. The council members will try to ally themselves with me for my vote. And in turn, I will have them on a tighter leash." She smirks sadistically and continues the conversation with a calming smile.

"All you need is to prepare an assassin. Is that him?" then turned her attention to Mercury, giving a predatory stare and making the young assassin uncomfortable.

"Yes, His name is Mercury Black."

"H-hello," he stutters as Jaune turns and looks at him, confused as he sees Merc in a stuttering mess with his face flush red. Typically, Merc is confident and carefree. But when it comes to the matter, he shows a sense of seriousness and levelheadedness.

"Mercury Black? As in Marcu Black? And he trained you?" Yae asks, a surprise to the assassin.

"Wait, you know my old man?" ask worried if she was one of his deadbeat dad's victims and judging just by her expression alone of hate shown.

"Yes…." She lances with venom.

"Your Father attacked one of my girls for his despicable desire. I demanded the council for your father to be hunted down. But sadly, he "escaped" and was not in Mistral's jurisdiction. So, Mr. Mercury Black…" emphasizing escaped as in the council let him get away.

"Where's that bastard that you call father. So, I can rip his balls off and shove it down his throat." the paper fan snaps on her hand, showing her sincereness of anger, hate, and bloodlust of revenge. Jaune is surprised as he has never seen Yae this threatening before, while Mercury calms his nerves, showing contempt for no love of his father.

"if you wanted that bastard, then too bad. I already killed and left his sorry ass to be Grimm food." He smiles, remembering the feeling when he killed Marcus while watching him die.

"You…killed your father?" Yae asks, surprised and confused.

"That bastard was never my father, to begin with, and I'm twice as the assassin as he was." Mercury Retort. Yae is hesitant and leers into his eyes intently for lies and deceit.

"And how do I know you're telling the truth? For all I know, you're just covering for him like the coward he is." As Yae's Aura is slowly engulfed in pink, aura is threatening.

Seeing the conversation heating up to aggression, Jaune knew this could break their alliance with Yae and maybe regretted bringing Mercury. Jaune was about to stand up for Mercury, but only to stop when he felt a hand on his shoulder and saw Mercury.

"Merc?"

"I got this, boss." He smiles confidently at Jaune, raises his leg, and slams onto the table, almost splitting it in half, followed by the second. Without hesitation, he pulls up his pants showing Yae his prosthetic, surprising her.

"This is what the bastard took from me. And not only that, but he also stole my semblance. But you are right about one thing." He grinned, which caught both Jaune and Yae by surprise.

"He is a coward. When he took my legs and semblance, he was afraid of me. When my semblance awakened, he realized I was more powerful and skilled than him." he grins even broader, more sinister, and sadistically remembering seeing that bastard's last breath, which took Yae a step back, alarmed by Mercury's smile. Even Jaune is deeply disturbed by Mercury's expression.

'One Tyrian is enough. I don't another!"

"He thought he would torture and cripple me to control me. Well, news on him. I don't need my semblance to kill him." on sync, he triggered his weapon, shooting directly at the table, destroying it. Then stood up and approached Yae.

"so do yourself a favor, lady." Towering before her and leering threateningly at her.

"don't compare me to that trash…." He sneers as Jaune is concerned seeing Yae trembling but unsure if it's fear or fury and maybe regrets bringing Mercury and should've got Tyrian instead. But then, surprisingly, Yae began to laugh softly, bellowing in laughter that she couldn't contain.

"Hahahah! Oh, the irony! To think, he believes that crippling his son would make him more decisive but, in reality, is afraid of him! What a petty man jealous of his successful son! What a fool! Hahaha! Just kidding." She smirks with her predatory gaze toward the young man, then at Jaune, and nods to him in acknowledgment.

"I'll send all the necessary items to Mercury in time for the tournament. And as for you, Jaune. All you have to do is to look pretty and win. It's time for the world to know Jaune Arc and the true meaning of reality." She smiled mischievously with a mechanical laugh, but her laugh was shortened when a knock interrupted, and the door slid open. Revealing a group of Shrine Maidens entering with food and a new table as it replaced the earlier destroyed table. And placing an assortment of dishes across the table enough to make the men in the room drool at how appealing the food is till the maidens take their leave.

"dinner is served. Please enjoy our hospitality."

"Thank you." Jaune smiles and starts eating with Mercury following second

But as soon his tongue tastes the food, a mountain flavor erupts in his mouth, immediately consumes more food than he ever had. While Jaune picks every variety of food into a small bowl and places it on the floor for Fanrir

"Holy crap!? This is delicious! I never tasted food like this before."

"Thank you, we aim to please. I'll have one of the Maiden wait outside if you need anything." As Yae is about to leave, she approaches Jaune and whispers in her ear.

"When you're done here, meet me by the gate." Jaune smiled and nodded as she left but stopped when Jaune remembered something.

"Yae, one more thing. Could you let my friend in. she's been trying to get in but somehow was eaten by a certain electric spirit fox." He smiles at her as Yae, too, smiles and nods.

"very well, I'll let her out." She took her leave, closed the door behind her, and took a couple steps away from them. She was confronted by a pink astral spirit in the form of a fox head and entirely transparent, discharging sparks of electricity, and inside its mouth was a raven.

She smirks and snaps her fingers as the spirit fox dissipates, leaving behind the Raven as it falls to the floor, coughing puffs of smoke a few times.

"you know, at first, I thought it strange that my fox couldn't vaporize you. Usually, when my foxes see a bird, they devour it until it vaporizes. I hate birds coming to my temple as they leave their droppings behind. Very annoying to clean." As she says that said, Raven changes back right before her as she removes her mask and hood and scowls while Yae smirks.

"It's good to see you again, Raven Branwen, leader of the Branwen tribe. Or should I call you the leader of failures?" Yae mocked while Raven gritted her teeth.

"Honestly, I never liked you when we first met. I'm more surprised you are one of Salem's inner circle."

"Circle? Oh, my dear sweet, lost child. I'm not a member…I'm its founder." She says with a close smile and a look, 'Don't compare me to you, fools.' While Raven stutters in shock for a moment but still stands on guard, Yae notices and decides to mock the woman.

"oh? Still sour when we first met? If I recall correctly, you were the ones who attacked the village under my protection. And still, lose. I would've hunted you and your tribe down as the animals that you are. If it weren't for Ozpin and the Mistral Council. It's pathetic, really. You hated Ozpin for his lies, and he still protects you. It's laughable. HAHAHA! And your mantra. How does it go again? 'the strong survive'? " Yae openly continued mock Raven so that she couldn't hold her anger and frustration to the woman and reach for her blade.

"Careful, Raven…" Yae warns, and then Raven feels the presence of another. It is not the Shrine maidens as a hue of pink light emits from behind with the sound of a snarling beast and lightning sparks. She slowly turns to see a giant transparent pink nine-tailed spirit fox, the same one that defeated her before.

"Last I recall, you've lost." The fox entity spoke in Yae's voice, and Raven shook in horror, remembering her fight with Yae. It was both humiliating and frightening.

"Even with the powers of the Spring maiden, you still lost. How embarrassing. Want to repeat another humiliation?" Yae taunts as Raven's eyes widen in shock at how Yae knows she's a spring maiden.

"H-how did you-"

"know?" Yae interrupts with her smile, still ever-present towards Raven.

"at first, I was skeptical and thought it was a semblance. But it was confirmed when Ozpin tried to recruit me to his side. I absolutely refuse as I know the kind the man he is and would not benefit Mistral but only himself." Raven was surprised to hear of Ozpin recruiting Yae and absolutely rejected him and was even more astonished that the Headmaster relented.

"Anyway, the Prince is waiting for you. Enjoy yourself." Yae walks past Raven while the former bandit leader grits her teeth in frustration at being humiliated, especially by Yae. She thought the Atlas Elites were arrogated and stubborn, all bark and no bite. But as for Yae, she can bite back with her superiority.

---

Frustrated eating, she stuffed her mouth till her cheek as a swell of food while the two men sweat drop of what they saw.

"What!?" she growls

"Nothing!" Mercury replies in fright and continues eating to avoid her gaze.

"I assume Yae got to you?" Jaune asks as he receives a snarl from Raven.

"I'll take that as a yes." He smiles as he pours Sake into his cup.

"Word of advice. Don't let your emotions take over. That's how Yae will get to you." He drinks his cup, pours other cups for the others, and passes it to Raven and Mercury.

"Yae is manipulative, and she is very good at it. Best for you to let it go. The longer you hold your gauge against her, the more she'll toy with you." He smiles with a piece of sage advice.

"Anyway, let's have a toast." He raises his cup in the air while the others follow, but they are unsure why.

"as of next week, the Mistral Tournament will begin our first step to reveal ourselves to Remnant. We will no longer hide from the shadows, face our enemy in the light, and show them our true strength…" as he looks towards Raven and nods, agreeing with Jaune's goal and determination.

"…and our cunning…" and turns to Mercury as he, too, smiles with anticipation and glee.

"we will defeat Ozma and destroy anyone who gets in our way. But for now, let's drink to our heart's content like there's no tomorrow. Because the next time we celebrate like this. We'll be rulers all of Remnant."

"I'll cheer to that." Merc smirk

"Same."

They clank their cups together and drink their fill to their heart's content. It lasted during the night as Mercury and Raven passed out drunk on futons that the shrine maidens supply, even Fenrir, is passed out not from alcohol but in a food coma. While they cleaned up while Jaune was still drinking, with no effects of the alcohol taking effect. This surprise the Maidens and crew when they try to out-drink Jaune. Yet not drunk but only asked for another bottle of Sake with a large basin to share. The Maiden work quickly, leaving Jaune and his crew alone with single-lite candlelight, the shattered moon shining through the paper walls, and smiles.

"the night still young." Blowing the lite flame out, quietly left the room with a bottle and basin in hand, looking for the host at the main Torii gate overlooking the nightlife of Mistral. On top of the gate seating is Yae watching the Kingdom.

"you're early. I expected you a bit later." She calls out without looking away while Jaune smiles as he climbs on top of the kitsune statues in front of the tori before leaping on top of the gate.

"No offense to my comrades, their light weights." He laughs as he gets comfortable at the opposite end of the tori gate, placing the basin in the middle and pouring the Sake.

"not a surprise since you can't get drunk." She smiled as she took the basin and took the first sip.

"Hey, don't take a large gulp. Remember, the night is still young. I want to keep this up till morning." Jaune jested as Yae passed the basin to Jaune and took his sip.

"True, we do have a lot of catching up. Let's enjoy the moment." Yae laughs. Jaune passes the basin back for Yae's turn. They continue passing the bay forth and back, taking their turn to drink. While they reminisce about their time for the next couple of hours without the alcohol taking effect on them. They began discussing the plan for Lionheart's assassination, but sadly for the plan to work, Jaune was only given limited information just to avoid arousing suspicion. Making it enthetic that he was never involved in Lionheart's death. He didn't question her methods, which sometimes tend to be vague but always bring results.

"by the way, are there any competitors I need to look out for?" Jaune asks as he passes the basin to Yae.

She gives some thought to potential competitors in the tournament while she drinks and finishes the remaining Sake but refills the last of it from the bottle and passes it on to Jaune. But she asks a question.

"what Bracket did they put you in?" with a light hue of red across her face, feeling a bit lightheaded.

"D," he replies nonchalantly without care, and without haste, she snorts at the responses to full-blown laughter. She almost fell off the Torii gate if Jaune didn't catch her in time. Resting her back against his chest and still laughing.

"D!? Seriously!? Do those idiots in the commission realize they're sending the world's powerful warrior to the weakest batch! Hahaha! This is going to be easy money. Since you're in Bracket D, winning the tournament will be three hundred to one chance. That could pay over a million lein or even more!" her smile spread even further, wondering what she would do with that much of lien, as Jaune took his drink and passed it to Yea.

"There are no competitors for you to worry about." she took her sip and passed it back to Jaune. As he was about to take his sip, Yae remembered a particular red-haired spartan child but was unsure if she's a "challenge" for his friend.

"Well, there is one. But I'm not sure if she'll be a challenge for you." Yae ponders, knowing of Jaune's skills and experience. This tournament will be one-sided, but it made Jaune pause and curious about this opponent. Even if this opponent won't be a challenge for him, it's still worth noting.

"Well, spit it out. Who is it?" Jaune asks curiously.

"Her name is Pyrrha Nikos. She's a two-time champion of the Mistral Tournament. And is the current title holder of the Goddess of Victory." She explains, which surprises Jaune.

"Pyrrha Nikos? Does she have long red hair, green eyes, and a very whip father?" he asked, which surprised Yae and made her wonder how Jaune knew her, especially her father.

"wait? How do you know that?" giving Jaune a puzzling look as he passes the drink for her turn.

"I first met them when I arrived at the hotel. And I must say, Pyrrha's mother reminds me of my mother. Then again, kind of explains how they became best friends immediately." He whispers that last as Yae laughs at the comparison and passes the basin back to Jaune as he finishes the remaining Sake.

"hahaha! I can see that! But really, out of all of the competitors in the tournament. That Nikos girl will be a challenge if she stops holding back." Yae sighed in disappointment as it caught Jaune's attention as he refilled the Sake in the red basin.

"Holding Back?" he crocks his brow and passes the fill basin to Yae as she frustratedly gulps.

"gah! That girl…" she sighed, her frustration growing even more, and took another gulp of Sake.

"If she keeps holding herself back, she won't last beyond the wall. I swear, her father needs to stop spoiling her." she took another drink, finished the basin, and stared at the bottle next to Jaune. Not wanting to fight Yae over a half-empty bottle, and passes her the bottle. She continues drinking from the bottle. Immediately, Jaune can see Yae is at the starting what he likes to call "Yae's five phases of drunkness," where she is drunk and frustratedly drinks to numb her "Pain," which is actually what everyone has… is stress, and this is how she relives said stress.

In the first phase or sign, a red hue flashes across her face, her breathing heaves, and her body sways from side to side. While Jaune just simply smiles and listens, waiting for Yae to be in her fourth cycle, where she vents the issue.

"Dose that crippled, exhibitionist, whip, moron forget the dangers of a Hunter!? Or did he lose the majority of his brain cell in retirement? If he kept his daughter bonded by tournament rules, she'd never last as a Huntress! And don't get me started on her attire!" she frustratedly vents as she paces back and forth on the narrow Torii gate without falling while she drinks straight from the bottle.

"I know her father is an exhibitionist! But does that girl have no shame! What she's wearing is literally fan service! There's bearly any armor to protect her vital areas! She's the brightest student of Sanctum Academy! She should at least understand to wear armor! Aura can save you, but there's a limit! They can't rely on aura alone. Don't they realize this could save lives! Idiots!" she cries in rage and throws the bottle to the ground, shattering on impact, losing her balance, and falling off the Tori gate. Before she falls, expecting to land on the hard concrete floor in the next second but only to land in the warm arms of her Prince in a princess carry.

For her to look up to see him with a warm smile, the same warm smile he gave to her when they first met. She couldn't help but cry as her emotions overflowed with nostalgia as she gripped his shirt, rested her head on his chest, and cried. Over the years of protecting and helping the people of Mistral and watching the same people she saved and helped pass, it slowly tore her apart.

When she first learned that her lifespan was not the norm, she thought it was a blessing, but no, it wasn't. Over the years of watching Mistral change, she learns it's a blessing in disguise, a curse of suffering, watching the people she bonds with slowly die in old age and understanding what the Queen of Grimm has to endure. But Salem didn't devolve into despair. She held on with a purpose to live on for the only person that kept her from pain, and it wasn't the Wizard. It was her son.

The only thing that kept her whole was her service to Mistral's future. The Shrine is dedicated to Kitsune, who protects all Mistral and women. Yae and the other Shrine Maides are trained midwives who delivered plenty of children over the years. Every child Yae brought out to the world formed a sentimental bond for each child. Especially a particular red hair child. They recorded the child birthing for memories, and the events that transpired changed Yae's life forever with a sense of belonging. The birth took place in the Shrine per Yae's orders, as the father was away on a Huntsman mission which annoyed Yae that the father didn't stay for his child's birth. Out of all the firstborns crying for life, this one came to the world quietly.

With haste, Yae quickly tries to revive the child. Every second passed is a moment of losing the child, and Yae refuses to allow her to die. Then finally, the baby gasp and cries her lungs out, and for the first time, Yae cries in relief and embraces the child before returning her to her mother. It even surprises the people in the room to see Lady Yae, the woman who is cold, calculated, and sadistic towards her enemies and sometimes men, who would harm the home she has sworn to protect (and women), shows emotions. She was blackmailed into being the child's Godmother, or the mother would reveal Mistral of Yae's soft side, destroying her image. With no choice but to relent, though it was a front to keep her appearance. But inside, she's cheering with joy and makes a few demands to which the mother smiles and knows Yae's true intentions of spending more time with her daughter.

"Jaune….please….I beg you…protect that child…protect my Goddaughter...protect Pyrrha!" Yae begs in tears, which surprises Jaune that Yae has a relationship with Pyrrha. He rubbed Yae's back, calming her, and held her close to him with a simple response that immediately calmed her with ease, knowing Jaune kept his word.

"I will..."

"Jaune, I have a request..." Yae's tone was solemn yet begging for Jaune to listen.

"of course..."

"let me open their eyes to the truth. I lost too many children to that coward! They deserve Justice! Please..." Jaune was silent momentarily and understood what Yae was asking, referring to Lionheart.

Jaune hesitated momentarily, unsure if Yae knew from the start or if it was just recently. As Yae knew that the Headmaster was a recent addition to Salem's circle. But she was out of the loop to keep her cover from the circle's "recent" members as only the founders know the truth. She aimed to take over the Mistral Council from the inside and have a kingdom under Salem's rule.

"When did you find out?" he asked and was on guard.

"Just recently, when I noticed the drop of Huntsman and Huntress killed in action. Even the ones in training were killed, and their deaths were kept hidden away from the public. Even me." Yae clenches her teeth. Jaune could hear her teeth grinding furiously in despair, like a mother grieving after losing her child.

"Then I notice a pattern after reviewing the deceased Hunter's last mission. They were completely changed to a different location at the last minute. And all were changed and authorities by that coward! I couldn't confront him as he was backed by the council, same to the missions, and would cause panic!" tears flow down her face remembering the faces of all the victims she brought to this world.

And she won't see them live an entire life, their life to be cut short, taken away before that chance, and she wasn't there to stop it till it's too late.

"Jaune, I'm begging...let me bring Justice!" he cries as tears stream down her face, her head against his chest, and her grip tightens on his shirt, refusing to let go.

Jaune firmly embraced Yae without saying a word, understood Yae's pain, and wanted Justice and closure. Not for herself but for her children. While Jaune is in an inconvenient position and uncertain. Will Yae's Justice will be a way of his plans? Will it cause more problems for him than it is worth? Will he deny Yae's Justice at the cost of his friend? He doesn't know...but knows he needs Yae, and Yae needs him. After all, besides Salem, they're the only remaining Founders left in this war. But remembering what Lionheart did just to survive brought a sour taste to his mouth. Those lives wasted, all for what? Just to save one man, a coward, a fraud…a disgrace to hold the title of Huntsman.

Shadows loom over his eyes, teeth grit in rage, yet he surpasses his anger as the title that he and his brother left behind to Remnant only to be spit on its face in their braze of action. The coward needs to know why his actions.

"Teach him the meaning of despair…" he hisses with venom lace to his words.

"Punish him by striking fear into his heart. Let him come to realize there is no hope of ever returning home..." his rage oozes out, still trying to hold it in.

"Then let the poison of your choice kills him, whether he suffers in pain or dies mercifully." His voice overawing wanting to make the man suffer himself but can't. While Yea hears his words, calming her soul, like sweet as honey, a dream that never ends, bringing a smile across her face.

Slowly separated herself from Jaune, still in the effects of the Sake she drank. She starts fixing her clothes to be elegant and proper for her position, even her hair. She kneels facing him with a slight hue of red across his face and bows in a Zarei position towards him, with respect and honor like the royalty of his role, the Prince of Grimm.

"I am grateful and will continue to pledge my fidelity to you and you only…." She bows towards the Prince with the shattered moon shining behind him, casting the silhouette of shadow overtaking him and his shadow overcast Yae, only to leave his blue eyes slowly turning into black sclera with bright red irises.

"…My Prince of Grimm." as she called out his title, his eyes shone through the piercing darkness, leaving a shiver down Yae's spine as she could feel his piercing gaze. And it's not of fear but of the thrill and lust that is about to wake in the future of Remnant. Trembling in the excitement she had never felt in hundreds of years and wet between her legs, she couldn't stop her legs from shifting, imagining the faces of her enemies and the enemies of her beloved hero, the Hunter.

The Hunter, who saved her and gave her a place to call home. A friend who stayed beside her lend him his shoulder to cry and rest her head. The man who opened her eyes showing her the truth of the world. Granted her the power to protect the home she was born in and loves. She's trembling in ecstasy as she looks up to see the bright red eyes shining through the darkness, piercing her soul. Her breathing rasps and huffs in pleasure, and her eyes lust for him as the hue on her face spreads and brightens across her face.

Seeing him reaching his hand towards her and gently scratching her chin, like an owner petting his pet while she purrs, enjoying the moment. Till….

"you really into the sub, aren't you, Yae? Who would have thought," Jaune jest, breaking the fantasy in her mind like a glass, snapping herself back into reality. Her intimidating and the terrifying Prince of Grimm is gone before her and is replaced by a pure, innocent, and caring, Prince Charming. She pouts her cheeks and fumes and hits Jaune like a child playfully hitting their parent for ruining the moment of her fantasy while Jaune tries to defend himself.

"Jaune, you big mennie! You ruined it! BAKA! BAKA!" she cried and kept hitting Jaune more frantically, almost losing Jaune and her balance.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Take it easy! Yae! Stop! We're going to fa-" By the time he that sentence, his already fallen to the ground while Yae was still hitting and crying without even noticing they were falling. He lands on the solid concrete floor on his back, groaning in pain. But as he was about to get up, Yae landed on his stomach, still crying without even noticing what had happened.

"Yep, she's too drunk." He groans in play while Yae still continues to cry.

"Jaune, you baka!" Yae continues to cry under the night sky.

---

Omake: vent

A few months ago, at the Evernight Castle in the private Garden of Salem's "mother and son bonding time," as she calls it. But in his opinion, it's more like "dotting mother time." As they finish discussing his mother's request regarding Yae in Mistral, he immediately complies but doesn't know how he would help in the situation while scratching the back of his head. This made his mother laugh, reminding her of a story that reminded her of her time when she was a young, naive girl. This piqued Jaune's interest, hoping it would help, but instantly he regretted it. Listening to his mother about her "delectation," as she says.

Jaune pinches the bridge of his nose, mentally scarred from imagining it, and now he can't unsee it.

"So let me get this straight? Ozma fell in love with you, not because of rescuing you from the tower or falling in love with you at first sight. But he let you take all your frustration out on him by letting you beat him up, even though he knew of the risk of being hurt or, worse, killed?" he summerise what he understands about his mother's and Ozma's "preference." While his mother smiles and slightly blushes, remembering those times.

"That's right." She smiles joyfully, leaves Jaune speechless, and has a change of view of Ozma and instantly regrets ever learning this.

"and this would help Yae?" he asked hesitantly and uncomfortably, as his mother nodded confidently without showing a hint of hesitation.

Present-day Kitsune Shrine, seeing Jaune with Yae in front of the Shrine itself, fulfilling her duties while he watches the area and notices that no one is present, leaving them both alone and the moment he needs to tell Yae. Yet to him, this plan was ridiculous and embarrassing. He just wanted it to get over and done with.

"Yae hit me with everything you got." He calls out with his face flush with red and embarrassed out of the blue, surprising Yae and confusing her, unsure what he meant.

"Why?" she hesitates, crocking her brow.

"Stop asking questions and just let all that pent-up aggression out of you and hit me! Ain't you what people call these days a Tsundere? Let that side out of you, just like when you first showed your powers to your enemies back at war."

"You must get off to me hitting you or something." She smiles teasingly towards Jaune as he averts his eyes away from Yae

"maybe…Yae! Just hit me with everything you've got! I'm allowing you to do anything you want to me because I know your stressing and your love." He shouts, begging Yae embarrassingly to hurry up, vent her frustration and get the day over and done with.

"But I already love you- wait, anything?" she immediately pauses when she realizes what Jaune specifically said and asks for reassurance and sanction.

"Anything…" he immediately replied without a moment's notice nor giving his statement some thought. Which excites Yae. Her grin widens, and her eyes fill with lust and excitement as her body shakes while her thighs shift.

"Ei! Go get the ice cubes, the blindfolds, the flip flops, the handcuffs, the lube, and don't forget the whip!" she shouts excitedly.

"wai-wai-wait, hold on! I meant hands! Not other objects!" he panics and realizes his mistake

"No, you said I could do anything. After all, you'll only stay in for a couple of weeks…." She pauses with a close smile, frightening the young man, fearing what she will say next.

"I'm using it…"

---

Rarely Mercury ever thought to admit the beauty of nature. Either he was too busy or never gave it some thought to appreciate what was in front of him. But Mercury realizes that exploring the Shrine on his own is a good change of pace. He almost wholly forgot why he was here in the first place if it weren't a particular scream for the entire Shrine to hear.

Curiosity got the best of him as he followed the screams. Just as he turned the corner, he bumped into one of the Shrine Maidens, the one with the red headband and carrying the katana on her hip. Her headband was missing, her clothes barely hanging, and her face flushed red. She looked like she ran a marathon.

"Oh, Ei…Right?" he points out.

"Hmm? Oh, it's you. Can I help you?" she replies sternly, cold and expressionless towards Mercury, which pisses him off as she reminds him too much of Emerald but only more of a bitch. And hates to admit he would rather deal with Emerald than her.

"Yeah, didn't you hear the screaming earlier?"

"What screaming?" and on queue, the scream bellowed from the paper doors behind them as Jaune burst through shirtless, panting, and bruised with fear.

"No más! No más! No más!" he begs while crawling out of the room till he notices Mercury staring in shock, including Ei.

"Mercury! Save me!" as fluffy pink tails coiled around his arms and neck and dragged him back into the room, screaming with his nails dragged along the floorboards, leaving eight indent lines behind.

"Care to join?"

"Nope." Immediately walks away, enjoying the view of Mistral but can't relax while hearing Shirne's screams and moans, which will forever scar him, and pledge he will never return to this Shrine again.

Credit: ZeroUpBay220199

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AN: first, I would like to thank you all for your continued support of my first fanfic, and I apologize for the lack of updates due to writer's block (main reason), followed by University and close to graduation. I purposely made the chapter longer after watching Rwby Vol 10, which kinda inspired me to add some backstory of Jaune's past and his past allies. But don't threat! Next chapter is the Mistral Tournament! Who will be Jaune's victi- I mean opponent and the birth of something new. As always, give it a like, follow, and comment. Your support is always great. Izzy out!