Chapter 10: Angry Ice Cream and Goodbyes
Weiss glared at her homework as if it had personally offended her. It wasn't hard but she found herself unable to focus.
Even now the loneliness was only kept at bay by a single saved message in her scroll.
Before it had arrived, she had, well she had felt empty, hollow like her insides had been scooped out of her. She had almost been catatonic she reflected. The memories themselves felt hazy and somewhat ephemeral as she had sat in the bullhead back to Atlas. She had been brought home by Klein and had sat in her room until Winter had come home to brusquely check over her. At the time she had hated it but she couldn't deny that looking back she appreciated that at least one part of her family cared.
She hadn't eaten and she had laid awake in bed staring at the ceiling her mind blank because the blankness was comforting compared to reliving her last sight of Jaune.
She clenched her fist.
Her scroll had buzzed and the only reason she had checked it was because for some reason it gave off the identifying song that she had given to Jaune's number. She had fallen off the bed as she grabbed the scroll and then found herself staring in disbelief at the words on it.
The first feeling she had felt was an overwhelming sense of relief. Like finally coming in from the true cold of Atlas into the warmth of the city. Jaune was alive.
The next emotion she felt was far more complicated.
He wasn't coming back. Her first real friend wasn't coming back. Why? Why wasn't he coming back? What possible reason could there be? To leave her in Atlas while he was off… somewhere, without her.
She had half a mind to use whatever resources she could pull as heiress and track him down.
The only thing in the end that had stopped her was that he had promised to see her again. It was that piece of information that got her to wake up and go back to Atlas Academy the next day with a new determination.
It seemed silly now to think of what she had thought about the strange boy that had come into her life and gradually cemented his place in her world. She had thought of him as a fool and someone who would try and enmesh himself with her for her name. She had been wrong and for a little over a year she had her first real friend. Not one of the people bobble heading around her family but someone who genuinely cared for her even when she was being… difficult.
She would get into Beacon. She had no worries about such a thing. She was the top of her class, and she would ensure that she got into Beacon.
And when she met Jaune again. She would punch him.
Jaune found himself face to face with his self-appointed nemesis. A girl whose blonde hair was similar to his own that she could have been his sister if it wasn't for every other aspect of her personality.
She swung hard and Jaune leaped clear of the swipe landing a hard slash across her back. He blocked the series of swings that came back at him with quick maneuvers of his blades before landing a couple more hard hits.
His opponents eyes flared red and Jaune ignored his immediate instinct to run as he slid around the furious right hook that let off a shockwave of force. Even with the training of his stats such a hook would send him flying out of the arena which would give Yang the ring out.
But that also meant with the training of his stats Yang wasn't ready for his counter as his blade slashed out slamming into her temporarily unprotected side sending her flying into the air.
She positively roared aiming her gauntlets behind her and blasted herself back towards him only to his second blade as he spun giving momentum to the swing launching her away as her aura flickered visibly from the impact.
Jaune paused watching her roll across the ground.
It wasn't that Yang wasn't extremely combat proficient. It was simply an aspect of her fighting style he had noticed. She was incredibly reliant on her semblance which made it so she took hits she otherwise wouldn't have as she depended on landing that knockout blow on her opponent.
As long as you didn't let that attack connect though…
Yang rolled to a stop slowly beginning to rise to her feet before an alarm went off from her scroll.
With a groan she looked down at the device before she glared hotly at Jaune.
"You cheated!" she called out.
"Cheated?" Jaune frowned trying his best to prevent the quirk from his lips, "Was I supposed to let you hit me?"
Yang groaned widely gesticulating as she got to her feet, "Most people can't even react when I use my semblance to try and hit them like that. That was totally supposed to one shot you out of this fight."
"Forgive me for not letting you beat the snot out of me," Jaune replied dryly still doing his best to contain his amusement over Yang's anger.
Yang groaned, "Whatever, I don't get what my sister sees in you. You're just a dork who knows which way to point their weapon."
Jaune chuckled letting Yang's frustration wash over him. She didn't mean it. Well she mostly didn't mean it. When he had unseated Yang from her position as the undefeated in the class Yang had seemingly taken it as a personal challenge which meant more often than not Jaune found himself with her as his main sparring partner.
In some ways it was a bit like the antithesis of fighting Weiss. Where Weiss fought with dexterity and agility Yang fought with strength and raw power.
The way she fought he could definitely see what prevented the rest of the class from overcoming her. On the other hand, he had been developing an ability of taking apart peoples moves in his head both to fight them and when they did the rare group exercise.
It hadn't registered as a skill so he didn't know quite what to make of it but it had come in handy. Being able to capitalize on the flaws in his opponent was useful even with the Grimm he fought as routinely as he could on the island.
While the Grimm didn't seem capable of complex thought as far as he could tell they still had distinctive patterns and tactics they seemed to use.
Still Yang was a friend if not quiet as much as Ruby was. She may have the popular girl persona, but Jaune could see the girl underneath that who cared about her family more than anything.
Jaune walked over to her and offered her a hand which after a moment of continued frowning she took as her expression took on a lighter expression as she grasped it and allowed Jaune to pull her to her feet.
"Well whatever," she snorted, "I'll get you next time," she tossed over her shoulder as she walked away to get a drink.
Jaune shook his head grinning slightly at her stubbornness noticing a familiar face glaring at him out of the corner of his eye. It was Roman who ever since the day they had fought seemed to hold a bit of a grudge against him for reasons that Jaune could not really comprehend. It wasn't a particularly vocal grudge but it seemed that every so often Jaune would notice that Roman was glaring at him.
For a while he thought it was because he had beaten him but he noticed that Roman had lost to other people and didn't seem to bear the same grudge towards them. It seemed in particular to be just directed at him.
As there was nothing he could really do about it he for the most part dismissed it but it was slightly bothersome to have to deal with his glare.
The main reason he had decided not to do anything about it was he knew that he would only be dealing with the other boy a little while longer. His preparations and planning were slowly nearing completion. Through careful research he had plotted out where there were medium concentrations of Grimm near Vale but distinctly a good distance from the city.
He had then slowly began to accumulate the supplies he would need for several months in the wilderness. It felt distinctly like when he had first left his home but with the key difference being that he was going to legally book his passage on a bullhead.
The biggest issue as he saw it was actually leaving. He was going to leave a message for Taiyang, Yang, and Ruby but he needed to make it so they would only discover the message after he was off Patch. As much as he wanted to simply just tell them he rather doubted Taiyang would be okay with sending off an almost fourteen year old into the wilderness of Remnant. This was why his first plan was to actually get in contact with Ozpin.
Given that Ozpin knew about magic maybe he would understand that Jaune could not stay on Patch for the next three or so years if he wanted to achieve his potential.
So he needed to contact Ozpin. Which in actuality meant his best chance of doing so was when Qrow came by for a visit. So Jaune found himself waiting for the man to reappear.
So lost in thought was he that he almost didn't sense that someone was approaching him. He turned to see Roman standing behind him with a strange look in his eyes that Jaune couldn't quite place.
After Roman had stared at him for a couple long moments Jaune finally initiated the conversation, "So… Can I help you?"
"The way you fight, it's almost as if somehow you get better faster than anyone else in the class," Roman said as he gazed at Jaune.
Jaune raised his hand to the back of his head scratching awkwardly, "I don't know what you mean."
Roman shook his head frustration evident on his face, "I don't know. No one else seems to notice but I don't like it. I think you're getting a special education from one of the teachers."
Jaune blinked awed by the conclusion that Roman had drawn. From a completely removed point of view it actually made a certain amount of sense. It's not like Roman would know to attribute his rate of growth to what actually was causing it.
Still pushing down his first instinct to deny the accusation as that would probably make him seem guiltier in Roman's eyes Jaune contemplated if this actually meant anything. Why would it matter if Roman told other people? At worst it might become unpleasant if other people believed the information and took it negatively but he honestly didn't plan on being on Patch for that much longer.
He decided to shrug, "I'm not but honestly that's your issue man, not mine," and then began to walk away from Roman. A part of him half expected Roman to take a swing at him but his senses told him that Roman had remained in place behind him.
It was best to not engage him. It wouldn't change anything.
Not to mention his interactions with Roman were headed towards a future when he doubted he would see the other boy again unless he got into Beacon.
Later that day Jaune found himself finishing an essay. He was in the middle of the forest and even now his Shadows were searching the area hunting down the stray Grimm. It wasn't terribly efficient given the number of Grimm that were on Patch but it was better than nothing.
He slid his scroll back into his inventory along with a couple of his books before he stretched and got to his feet. Humming to himself he reached out to his shadows feeling for their existence before he dismissed them letting the mana he had given them filter back into his reserves.
He began walking out of the forest noting that it had gotten later than he had realized as he checked his scroll for the time. He picked up the pace slightly heading back toward the Xiaolong Household.
He doubted they were too worried as had a habit of doing this and as long as he made it home in time for dinner there wouldn't be any trouble. Not that Taiyang was ever too hard on him. The man was kind and warm but not overbearing trusting that his daughters and by extension Jaune would come to him if they had a problem.
As he entered the household he heard excited chatter and as he turned into the living room he spotted the elusive man that he had deemed so key to his plans.
Qrow was sitting at the table chatting with an excited Ruby and Yang while they were setting the table for dinner. The eyes on the room landed on him and Ruby was the first to react.
"Jaune! Where were you?!" she cried out not seemingly upset just excited.
Jaune gave her the Arc male trademark grin that he had inherited from his father and his father before him, "Sorry Ruby I was just doing my homework in the forest," the truth if not the whole truth.
Ruby shook her head her excited smile remaining on her face, "I still don't see why you don't do it here at home. It has to be more comfortable than the forest floor not to mention the few Grimm that roam the outskirts."
Jaune shrugged his shoulders before looking at his target Qrow Branwen who was seated with a flask of drink in his hand. Their eyes met and Jaune felt as if he was being examined.
Jaune broke the silence between them, "Hey Qrow, it's good to see you, I actually had a request if you didn't mind."
"Do ya?" Qrow looked at him thoughtfully and Jaune found himself a little surprised by the focus in his eyes given the amount of alcohol he had no doubt consumed, "Well what is it?"
"I had a request that I would like forwarded to someone, I'll tell you later," Jaune gestured to the food that was being brought out, "It seems that dinner is ready."
Jaune sat with the family appreciating the warmth in the scene for if his plans succeeded this would be one of the last times that he would be spending with them for probably some time. He talked and laughed with them masking the turmoil that boiled within him. And if Ruby gave him strange glances than he could only hope her thoughts were unable to determine his own.
He cleared the table and found himself doing the last of the dishes when Qrow walked into the kitchen walking up beside him to lean against the counter looking at him.
"So, what is it kid?" Qrow asked.
Jaune hesitated for a moment making sure with his senses that the others were enraptured in something else in the living room.
"I think it's time for me to leave and I wanted to tell Ozpin where I was going," Jaune responded looking the other man dead in the eyes putting certainty into his words. He wasn't requesting. This was something that had to be done.
"Oh?" Qrow's brows furrowed as he looked seriously at Jaune, "And where is it you would be going?"
Jaune replied without hestitation, "I was going to head to Menagerie. From what I've read they have a lot of Grimm not too far from Kuo Kana. I need to fight them if I'm going to grow stronger. Plus it's decently isolated so I think the chances of my being found are low, not that I really know who I'm hiding from." He couldn't help the jab that came at the end of sentence.
He liked Qrow really, he did but he wasn't going to limit his growth so he could remain "safe" in hiding. If Salem controlled the Grimm, he had no doubts he would be found out eventually. Which meant the safest option would be too be ready when she came.
Qrow opened his mouth to respond but then closed it without saying anything. After a long couple of moments, he finally responded.
"I'll take your word for it that's what you need. I'm not sure Oz is going to agree though. So far, we've had no inclination that you've been discovered here which means Patch is still a safe location for you especially because Taiyang can make sure you're okay."
Jaune shook his head trying to contain his frustration, "Safe? You can't keep me isolated for my entire life."
"Kid you're fourteen, this is exactly how other Hunters started out, you really think you need to risk your life like this?"
Jaune nodded, "I do. I've discovered that my ability let's me progress far faster when I can fight and kill Grimm. It's absolutely necessary that I do this. You can either choose to hinder or help me, but I know what I need to do."
Qrow was quite at that. Jaune focused on finishing the dishes as he awaited Qrow's response. It was entirely up to Qrow now. He had said his piece now it was up to Qrow to make his decision.
Qrow reached down and took his flask and took a large swig before he looked down at Jaune though Jaune noted that he was growing in height as Qrow didn't have to look down so much as he had to when they had first met.
"Alright kid," Qrow said, "I can't say I agree but as long as you keep a low profile in the end, I suppose that going to Menagerie isn't the worst plan. Though you're going to stick out like a sore thumb if they realize you're human."
"I know," Jaune said, "From what I know though not all Faunas features are immediately visible though such as retractable claws. I only plan on staying on the outskirts of the villages there as I plan on spending most of my time in the interior fighting the Grimm in the desert."
"I see," Qrow said, "And how long would you spend there?"
"I would stay there until I was seventeen and then I would apply to Beacon," Jaune responded placing the final dish to the side to dry.
"I suppose the combat test wouldn't be too difficult for you from what I've heard," Qrow mused nodding slowly though his expression still seemed unhappy.
"Are you really set on this?" Qrow asked.
Jaune nodded firmly, "I need to do this."
"I'll tell Ozpin," Qrow said, "Not that you really need our permission, but I appreciate you telling us. All I ask is that you keep your promise. We won't be able to contact you in Menagerie as they don't have Cross Continental Transit System."
"You're not going to argue more?" Jaune questioned surprised as he had been bracing himself for a long argument.
"I think Ozpin was expecting this to be honest," Qrow said taking another swig of his drink, "We haven't seen anything to show that Salem is aware of your existence. He said it was possible that in the development of your ability that you would find Signal too constraining. So, I've been told that if you wished to leave to develop yourself further only to insist that you keep as much attention away from yourself as possible.
"I suppose that's fair enough," Jaune nodded slowly, "Can I ask for your help then?"
"What do you need kid?" Qrow cocked an eyebrow though there was knowing look in his eyes.
"I need you're help explaining why I have to leave," Jaune said, "You said when I first came here that Taiyang knew the truth and that Ruby and Yang would just know I was the son of a Hunter you knew. It won't be unexpected that I have to leave but it would be helpful if you verify what I'm saying."
"Very well," Qrow drained the last of his flask, "Let's get this over with. I assume you'll be leaving as soon as possible."
Jaune thought for a moment as he realized that with Qrow that was his final barrier to leaving.
"Yeah, I think I'll leave now. It's probably better that way."
"Better for who?" Qrow cocked an eyebrow and Jaune found himself unable to meet the man's gaze.
"Look kid it's your life but how do you think the people you leave behind are going to take it? I can tell Ruby, Yang, and Taiyang care about you."
Jaune felt a swelling in his throat and something burning at his eyes but he looked firmly at Qrow, "I need to be stronger if they're going to be safe. I can't protect them from the danger I could bring so I'm going to be strong enough that I can. Even if that means that I have to leave. No one is going to get hurt because of me."
Qrow sighed and his eyes for a moment seemed to be older than Jaune could possibly imagine, "All right, it's your choice. Just… Can you promise me something?"
"What?" Jaune asked confused at the request.
"Make sure you come back. From what Taiyang has told me you've been something dependable for the girls. Even if they don't show it they care about you and Taiyang does too. If you don't make it back… Well this family has already dealt with enough loss."
Jaune meant Qrow's eyes firmly, "Trust me. I know. I'm doing this so they won't have to worry. I'm going to become strong enough that no one need's to worry again."
If Jaune could describe Qrow's expression at that moment it would have been one word, haunted. As if the ghosts of the past had suddenly resurged to grapple with him in the present.
"Alright Kid, let's get this over with," Qrow said shortly and Jaune noted that the man was unable to look him in the eye.
They exited to the living room where the rest of the family was set talking with each other. Yang was combing her hair while Ruby was reading a weapons magazine. Taiyang was methodically flipping through the channels on the tv.
They turned as one at their entrance and Jaune noticed out of the corner of his eye a seemingly nonverbal exchange between Taiyang and Qrow.
"Hey kids," Qrow began getting Yang's and Ruby's attention, "There's something that we need to tell you guys," he turned to look at Jaune and Jaune realized this was on him to break.
"Well, it turns out I'm going to be headed to Menagerie," Jaune said quickly got out trying to get the worst of it over with.
Yang and Ruby looked at him and Jaune could see they didn't really comprehend what he was saying.
Ruby cocked her head, "You mean, you're leaving?" she asked softly.
"Yeah," Jaune said ignoring the lump in his throat, "I have some stuff I need to take care of there."
"Stuff?" Yang questioned and Jaune noticed her normally boisterous personality had dropped away, "What stuff do you have to take care of? Why can't you do that here?"
Jaune gave them a halfhearted smile hiding his troubled thoughts, "Well the thing is I've recently come to a point with my semblance that I need to fight stronger Grimm. They're not really available around here so I'm going to Menagerie."
"You've discovered what your semblance is?" Ruby asked shocked and Jaune nodded in response as he worked the half-truths together.
"Sort of," He concentrated and from the floor rose a spectral blue Beowulf causing the room to startle back.
"This is part of my power," Jaune said specifically not mentioning the word semblance as this was in truth magic and was not related in the slightest, "I can resurrect the Grimm I kill but the Grimm I've been able to fight on Patch aren't really strong enough."
Yang was looking at him with a piercing gaze, "Is that why you disappear every now and then. Why didn't you tell us?"
Jaune looked into Yang's lilac eyes and he felt a pang in his heart as he saw the small shimmering in her eyes.
"It's something that I've tried to keep secret," Jaune said carefully maneuvering past the secrets he needed to keep, "It's something that I've tried to develop myself but I've reached the point I can here."
"But why?" Ruby asked and Jaune found himself unable to meet her eyes.
"Because Professor Ozpin the Headmaster of Beacon asked him to," Jaune looked up as Qrow spoke up seeing the man gazing at his nieces uncharacteristically serious.
His nieces looked at him and Jaune spotted the small flinch the came from Qrow before carried on, "It's an ability that could be dangerous in the wrong hands. Therefore when Oz discovered it he asked Jaune to keep a low profile."
Yang's face was unreadable at this news.
Ruby on the other hand was focused on Jaune, "When am I going to see you again?"
Jaune blinked at her words and feeling a strange feeling of déjà vu he replied, "I've always planned on going to Beacon. I was going to take the entrance exam for non-combat school students."
"Okay." Ruby said, "You've promised and that means you can't go back on it. I better find you at Beacon when I get there."
"Me as well," Yang said, and Jaune was surprised by how serious the normally joking blonde looked, "You better be there on entrance day."
"Okay," the words left Jaune's mouth softly but he didn't mean them any less. If he could make a promise to Weiss he could make a promise to the sisters that had become his friends.
Authors Note: So we come to a close of Jaune's stay on Patch. Next is Menagerie where important discoveries await him. Next time: A Stranger in a Strange Land
Stats:
Name: Jaune Arc
Class: Necromancer
Level: 15
HP: 450
AP: 4500
Mana: 5400
Strength: 46
Agility: 40
Health: 45
Sense: 37
Intelligence: 54
Luck: ?
Available Ability Points: 75
Skills:
Gamers Mind: Level Max
Dancing: Level 50
General Studies: Level 40
Hunter Martial Arts: Level 15
Hunter Dagger Arts: Level 35
Hunter Sword Arts: Level 31
Hunter Shield Arts: Level 25
Aura Control: Level 35
Hunter Gun Arts: Level 10
Dust Channeling: Level 3
Survival: Level 3
Shadow Extraction: Level 10
Stealth: Level 5
Inventory:
Crocea Mors
Hunters Daggers
Clothing
Assorted Food Supplies
Camping Equipment
