There was a lot to juggle with the worldbuilding and the character arcs in this one. I'm always wondering how much of the world to showcase in a given chapter. Which parts of it would be the most interesting for the chapter? Which parts do I want to show? Am I hinting at too much too soon? things like that. Theres all these ideas and I gotta pick just the right ones to fit in the chapter. So I end up constantly tweaking things to make sure they make sense with future chapters. It's tough but I still enjoy it. Though I worry this chapter wont be as fun as others.
In any case, here is a glimpse into what a semi-typical day in the Arc Family looks like.
It was getting late. The sky was a spill of molten gold. The sun was beginning to kiss the horizon as they got ready to lay down together. The day dissolving into a soft, dreamy twilight as it slowly prepared for the night.
The breeze whipped at her face as Cinder attempted to turn the page of her novel. Interrupting her and making her lose her place. Unleashing a frustrated sigh, she looked up from the park bench.
Checking on her kids again for the umpteenth time.
The park was one of newer additions to the island. More than half-way down the path, through the flush forest, which connected the town with their house, a new path skewed off to the side led into a vast open field where Jaune & Cinder had cut down the trees to make their home. About 3 years ago during a town hall meeting, various parents complained about not having anywhere to send their restless children during the day. They needed room to play. So Jaune with the help of the local dads built various playground areas for them. This being the biggest one. Thus, the children played protected by a solid wall of stone courtesy of the mayor's semblance.
Watching children play was in itself a relatively new experience for Cinder. As a child she was merely bullied and beaten up by older kids whenever the opportunity had arisen. So, watching her own children play so happily with other kids? No matter how many times she'd seen it, it was all still difficult to believe.
Her young sons. Her boys. She made those. They came from her. Now they were alive. Running around. Happy. Because of her.
It was simply surreal to her.
Cinder for as long as she remembered, always sought after the power to destroy.
Instead, she created life. She. Cinder. Created Life.
They said she'd never do anything special. Yet she brought whole existences into the world. Despite once wielding magic itself somehow this felt more unbelievable.
On some days, in quiet moments like these… it almost made her feel like a God.
Cinder shook away such silly thoughts. Smiling as she ran her hand up her left arm. It was a brief reminder of the devil she almost fully became. It was flesh now that her semblance had restored it along with her fully functioning eye.
The scars still remained as a reminder of her past mistakes but despite that she felt whole. She felt human.
And as she watched her youngest son tumble in the dirt, then get back up and wave at her with his big grin...she felt loved.
She waved back and observed him as he chased down the ball and the other kids once more.
"Did you see it? the deity?"
For a second, she thought the comment was directed at her but when she turned to the other end of the bench she could see otherwise. To the left of her sat two women. A short-haired brunette that looked to be in her early twenties and another much older, darker haired woman, sat next to each other chatting. They spoke in hushed tones so as not to disturb the woman they thought was reading. Cinder was so engrossed in her own thoughts that she had completely forgotten that they were here. She vaguely recalled them bowing to her when they first sat down. She might've seen them around before but she didn't fraternize with the townspeople enough to recognize them.
"No, I didn't get to see it," The younger woman responded. "But I heard other people saw it. This island is indeed blessed. When we first came here, I remember being hesitant about moving so far from the protection of the maidens. I'm glad that we needn't have worried. Not only do we have Lord Jaune, but the deity protects us as well."
The darker haired woman nodded in agreement.
"I witnessed it with my own eyes. I almost dropped to my knees and wept. I pray the great goddess looks after our children."
Cinder's brow furrowed as she listened.
Deity? Prayer? What were they talking about? Jaune hadn't mentioned this. Did these people form their own religion of some kind? When did that happen? They hadn't been on the island for much more than a decade. Was it some older religion that they brought over from the mainland, or did they start it here?
Maybe there was no point in fussing over it. Such things ought to be expected. Human beings were naturally religious creatures after all. Take away their gods or whatever it is they put on a pedestal and sooner or later they'd just worship something else. There was nothing she could do about that. Not that it was any of her business anyway.
Though she didn't want one of these women to become disillusioned with their faith and end up depressed should one of their children become injured or killed. She didn't know if whatever god they prayed to could even hear them, so she'd better keep an eye on all the brats on this island herself, just to be on the safe side. Having the people in good spirits meant less problems for her.
The two women's chatter continued while Cinder watched her sons run across the field. Having decided there was no point in continuing to read since their playtime was almost up. The former villainess watched as her oldest son, Ace ran over the bases at utterly unfair speed causing the other kids to throw up their arms in exasperation. She could see Jack with his hand over his face shaking his head and felt herself wanting to do the same. Her second born had a way of personifying her emotions without intending to. When it was time for them to switch, her oldest was pitching now and her youngest was batting. This couldn't be good.
Just as she was fretting over the outcome of this game the women's conversation resumed in her ear.
"So have your kids asked you to go to Thriller Bark in the Grimmlands?"
Cinder almost flinched as she watched King miss a swing. The force causing him to spin like a top making him dizzy. His eyes turning into swirls as the kids laughed their heads off.
"Oh, you know they did. It's all the kids can talk about. 'Mommy I want to see the Grimm, Mommy I want to ride the Grimm'. Thats all I've heard for the past week. Hell, I hear the whole island is talking about it. They're so desperate to meet the Queen too. Not that I blame them. Most people don't get to see her in person."
Cinder's eye twitched upon hearing that. She had almost forgotten there was a special event being hosted in the Grimmlands. The very thought of it made her uncomfortable for many reasons. Luckily her own children hadn't asked her to go. She was certainly in no mood to see that woman again.
Cinder felt her teeth clench while watching King miss the second strike. This time the speed of the ball was enough to knock the bat from his little hands. Then watched as he comically screamed and stomped his foot in an adorable tantrum whilst shouting at his older brother for throwing the ball too hard. While the latter only threw on a smug grin and mocked him for being weak.
Cinder couldn't help but pinch the bridge of her nose in frustration.
Ace geared up for another pitch just as the conversation began to shift.
"Childhood is so precious, isn't it? They're so innocent now but eventually it all goes away later."
"It's like what happened to Malay. Apparently, her adult son stopped talking to her entirely. Just ghosted his own mother can you believe it? I hear the poor woman can't even eat and cries herself to sleep constantly. It's gut wrenching."
The short-haired woman nodded as she adjusted the baby on her bosom.
"Estrangement isn't a new thing. Sometimes when they grow older, they cut off their moms entirely. You don't even know what you did wrong and one day it's like they just stop loving you. Cut you off without a word. It's a terrifying thing. I don't want to imagine my kids doing that."
"I hear it starts when they're young," The other mother continued. "First they stop doing things you used to do together then it's all downhill from there."
Cinder's eyes drifted downward.
She wasn't a part of the conversation though she couldn't help but admit the thought was chilling. She didn't know it had an official descriptor, but she had always anticipated this estrangement from her own children at some point.
Truth be told, she had long since made peace with such a notion. She had always assumed that her children would one day learn the truth about who she used to be and choose to abandon her. It was to be expected but thankfully far in the future. So, she at least got to enjoy them while they still loved her.
A sudden loud thwack caused Cinder to look up. King had hit the flaming ball across the field. Much to the shock of the other kids. No one could get to it in time as he ran around the bases. Seemed like the perfect spot to end today's playtime.
As if right on schedule, she felt Jaune's aura tug on her own through their connection. Meaning it was time to eat. Cinder stood up, deciding it was time to head home, she called the boys in.
The youngest Arc sibling watched his older brothers leave the field and rush over to where their mother was. King was especially excited at having got one over on Ace today and planned to rub it in later.
Though as he picked up his hat to leave one of the other kids stopped him.
"Nice job out there joyboy."
"Thanks. I gotta go now. My mamma's calling!"
"Why do you sound so excited for that? Usually when your mom calls it means you're in trouble."
"Cuz, I get to hold her hand and tell her about the stuff I did today!"
The other kids looked at each other and snickered.
"Hey hang on a sec."
The other two women had gotten up and gone over to collect their own children in preparation to leave but their conversation still lightly echoed in Cinder's ears.
She congratulated her oldest two boys on their game as well as gave Ace a mild lecture about going easy on his younger brother. After which they both raced off ahead of her hoping to beat the other home to prove who was the fastest. It was one of those things that made her roll her eyes but smile, nonetheless. Moments like these were a reminder to simply enjoy their youth. Yes, it was true that one day her boys may stop loving her but that was years from now. Something she wouldn't have to worry about for decades. Which is why she chose to enjoy small moments like this.
King ran up to her. Greeting her happily as usual telling her about his game, asking if she saw him hit the home run. Which she did. Proudly patting him on the head as she told him so.
Yet for some reason he began to look a little downcast.
Cinder extended her hand. He reached out with his. As per their ritual, she would enjoy walking home holding hands with her youngest while he prattled on about-
"Actually, mom...I'm gonna go catch up with Ace n' Jack."
Wait what?
Her boy nervously retracted his hand and averted his eyes when he turned from her.
Cinder merely stood there and blinked as her littlest one raced ahead to catch up with his older brothers. Hand still stupidly thrust out in front of her as if waiting for a handshake from the wind.
She wasn't sure if it was just her imagination, but she could swear she heard something shatter.
The comforting aroma of morning breakfast captured her olfactories in it's warm embrace as she watched Jaune cook. Though she was still slightly mad at him for getting to the stove before she did.
Cinder sat with her fingers laced together over the kitchen table while she waiting for the boys to put on their running shoes and come down to eat. Jaune had started a conversation about...something while he cooked but Cinder's mind was other things.
Last night she had once again come home to Jaune's food, but it was the furthest thing from her mind. She took a shower and plopped herself in bed. Unusually not in the mood for sex...until Jaune got her in the mood. Saying she deserved a reward for all her hard work. As if she had done anything noteworthy. He ignored her complaints and had given her a massage. A devilishly wonderful massage. Which resulted in his head between her thighs and her being devoured by her husband for hours on end. He continued to bring her to her peak until she passed out. Making her forget about her prior troubles and left her sleeping soundly.
But the memory of the walk home still replayed in her head as she tried to solve a puzzle that seemingly had no answer.
It didn't make any sense. King always held her hand when they walked home. Always. Out of all her children, King was the most affectionate. He often went out of his way just to be near her. He would never just pull away from her like that…so why?
You don't even know what you did wrong and one day it's like they just stop loving you.
Cinder felt her blood run cold.
"Cindy?"
"H-huh? Yes?"
"Are you listening? I said we're gonna be working on something new in town today."
"Oh...I see..."
Why am I even thinking about this so much? I'm getting upset over nothing. It's not like this was the end of the world. So, what if he doesn't want to hold my hand anymore? I've suffered through worse hardships than this. I've stared death in the face and laughed. Something like this shouldn't bother me. DOESN'T bother me.
The light clack of tableware against the hardwood snapped her out of her thoughts as Jaune placed the food in front of her.
"So, I'm gonna be gone for most of the day," He started. "Been talking to Mr. Pewter about fortifying the town walls with some of the men. We're even considering some methods of ocean defense. Maybe a port to prevent ships from landing without our ok. It's already pretty hard to get to this island because of the whirlpools but some ships can still slip through. Can't be too careful."
He paused.
"Something wrong?" Jaune asked, noticing the look on her face.
"It's nothing." she said. Beginning to dig into her meal. Poking around the well cooked fish with her fork.
Jaune gave her a very unimpressed look. As it was very obviously something.
Cinder sighed. Realizing there was no point in hiding anything from Jaune.
"It's not that serious. Just a minor issue. I'll have it resolved before the day is done."
Jaune raised an eyebrow at that but seemed satisfied with that answer as he proceeded to call down the boys again.
Soon enough the brothers three ran down the steps heeding their father's call. Dressed in their proper wear for their usual schooling today. A simple shirt and black shorts. With very little variation between them aside from the usual. Ace's red sleeveless shirt, Jack's blue shirt, and King's yellowish gold top. Each with the Arc family symbol knitted on to it.
Cinder couldn't help but notice that King ran past her to sit next to Jack. Never mind the fact that he always sat next to her during breakfast.
Not that it bothered her.
She frowned and stabbed harder into her food.
8:00 – Running
Deep in the jungles of their home the Arc Matriarch and her children ran along the beaten path. The jungle was cacophony of sounds. Alive with the sounds of nature. They listened to the rush of the river. The buzz of the insects. The hiss of the serpents. The song of various ancient birds resounded all around them. As if they were at the center of a concert. The call of the of the monkeys echoed throughout the morning sky. The chirp of the crickets and the occasional roar of wild beasts only added to the savage symphony.
Cinder dashed and hopped over various stones and logs. Moving swiftly through the forest brush as her children followed behind her. She kept her senses sharp. In the black canvas of her mind's eye she could see the auras of every living thing in the area. Including the animals in the distance minding their own business tending to their own offspring or hunting prey. She made sure to take note of which ones posed a threat and which did not. She needed to remain vigilant for the sake of her young ones behind her.
Running was an important part of their daily routine. Not only for health reasons but also survival. The world was a dangerous place and she'd be a fool not to prepare them. They may have vast aura reserves courtesy of their father but they were still young. They couldn't beat every threat. So she wanted to make sure that they could at the very least run away should they ever encounter a foe that was too much trouble. Run fast, run far, and run long. That was the goal. The daily run would not only improve their speed but their stamina as well. Making sure that they could outlast an enemy not just outrun them.
So through the forest they ran. Everyday. For roughly 2 hours. All the way around the town's outer walls and the forest outside their home. The boys practiced this both with and without their aura. It was how they increased their basic physical stamina and their aura control.
Currently, they were on their 3rd lap. With one more to go before they moved on to their next class.
She didn't need to look to know that Ace was directly behind her. He was the only one actually trying to get ahead of her and that made her smile. Jack was not too far behind him. King was much further behind. She turned to glance at him. He was huffing and puffing. Still struggling to keep up but refusing to quit.
Her chest swelled with pride. Remembering the days when she jogged through these same woods when he was just an infant, carefully bundled up and strapped to her back. Too young to join his brothers but always giggling excitedly as she fought whatever wild animal that got in her path.
She felt her lower lip quiver just slightly.
She just needed him to accept her hand again. That would fix everything. Prove that yesterday meant nothing and he was just having a bad day.
Other mothers probably don't worry about such things. I'm being pathetic.
As she leapt over a log, Cinder's stride slowed and eventually came to a halt as she sensed what was coming up. The large thud of the footsteps were plenty of indication for the boys to follow their mother's action and stop.
The oldest boys stopped just behind her, and King, just barely climbing over the log they other boys had easily hopped over, ended up rolling on the floor landing on his back just behind them. Exhausted. Looking up, he could see the reason they stopped. And he gasped when he saw it.
The head of an incredibly large creature who towered above the trees it grazed on. As well as it's heard.
"Long necks!" he shouted.
It was a group of sauropods to be exact. More specifically brontosaurus. A whole herd of them.
The island was an odd place compared to the rest of remnant. There were many creatures and forms of wildlife no one had ever seen on the main content. It was an ancient island. Something some would even call prehistoric. An island lost in time. Containing creatures Cinder had previously only glimpsed in the books she pilfered from Salem's old library.
First and foremost of those creatures were dinosaurs. They often came by to graze on the tall trees in this area. There were about 12 of them in total. The sheen of sweat could be seen across their leathery skin as the sunlight beamed down on them. Their stomps could be felt through the ground every time they moved.
The family watched in awe as the large creatures slowly turned, now having finished their meal, and continued their march to the west coast of the island.
The unexpected interruption served well as a small break for the boys but now it was time to get them running again.
However, just as she was about to signal them that their break was over, her thoughts were suddenly cut short when she sensed sharp hostility and killing intent.
Without looking, Cinder leaned to her left to dodge the oncoming pressurized beam of water that came at her from behind. The stream of water continued past her. Piercing the trunk of several trees. A loud burst could be heard in the distance as Cinder watched one of the trees topple over dozens of meters away. They boys jumped in shock, having dropped their guards, they hadn't seen the attack coming at all and turned towards the perpetrator while Cinder merely looked over her shoulder.
What stood before them was something that would make ordinary people scream in fright. That would be the natural response if you turned to suddenly find a large blue Crocodile walking upright on two feet slowly stalking toward you.
However the Arc family was different.
Ace immediately sprung into action and leapt at the creature. Charging up his semblance with the intention of roasting it with a punch. Jack tried to warn him but it was too late. If he had paid more attention in lessons, he would have remembered that these Feralidon may not be able to run fast over long distances but were extremely quick in terms of close combat. Before Ace could land a punch, the creature dropped and spun. Using it's insane reflexes and whipping its tail around for a tail swipe. Sending Ace spiraling backwards.
He somersaulted backwards until he found his feet again. Slightly skidding across the grass.
The reptile flexed it's broad shoulders and it's raised arm shimmered with aura before bringing it down harshly on Jack. Who dodged deftly, managing to grab his younger brother who squawked in surprise as he was pulled out of the way. The missed strike cracking the earth beneath it.
Cinder crossed her arms and observed. Her natural instinct was to slay this thing for attacking them but the creature was weak and she was curious about their performance. So she stayed her hand for the time being.
Just then the creature threw its head back. Throat inflating like a frog about to croak. The aura on its throat shined just before it opened its mouth and let out a large deluge of bubbles from its gut. Each glowed faintly with aura as they streaked through the air. They rained on the area like a light meteor shower leaving small craters in the ground and causing various tree trunks and boulders to crack and burst. The sound of which rattled in their ear drums like a hail of bullet fire from a machine gun.
The boys guarded themselves, using their aura to defend, while Cinder merely batted the attack out of her face with the back of her hand.
Ace charged at the large Crocodilian a second time. Jack was about to shout at him for not learning his lesson, but this time when the creature spun and tried to swipe with its tail he ducked. Narrowly avoiding the red spikes protruding from its back. Now, underneath it's chin, Ace jumped. His semblance fully active and burning bright orange as he knocked the creature's skull back with a blazing upper-cut. It's face exploded. Knocking out it's aura as it fell backwards. Landing on its back. Unmoving.
Cinder could sense the creature was still alive. Just unconscious. It would probably get up again in a few hours if something else didn't eat it first. There were already scars on the creature from a previous encounter. It must've been attacked somewhere else and fled here.
Her senses spiked again just before, yet another feral gator rose from the bushes. Likely the other one's mate. It leaped at her youngest son with lightning fast speed. Jaws open wide as if to swallow him whole. King fell on his behind. Too shocked to do anything.
He needn't have worried.
His mother was faster.
A sudden burst of movement from Cinder caused her to blur and disappear from sight. In a blink, Cinder got between him and the beast before it could move another inch.
She stuck the beast directly in the throat with the heel of her palm. Using her aura to send a shock through its body. Shattering it's aura in one hit and causing it to pass out. She could have slaughtered the thing but she didn't want to risk splattering them all with guts and bodily fluid.
Her son, still on the floor behind stared up at her with awe as the creature's back hit the floor. Looking upon her as he always did. As an angel straight out of heaven. Sent to keep him safe.
Her face remained neutral but internally she grinned smugly. She was worried over nothing. His admiration for his mother had not changed. He still admired and respected her.
Then his demeanor shifted.
He looked down at the ground for a moment.
She walked over to him with a smile and reached her hand out. Ready to help him up.
He flinched when he saw her hand then got up on his own.
"Thank you, mama." He said in a hurry.
And ran past her. Like she was infected or something. Like he couldn't stand the thought of touching her. Like he'd seen the blood of innocent people on her hands. The blood of all those she'd murdered her entire life and become disgusted with her.
The smile disappeared from her face.
Leaving Cinder staring at the ground where he once sat. A seed of fear planting itself deep in her heart.
10:00 – Training
For a brief moment Cinder actually wondered if this was too extreme...and then she remembered her own childhood. Collared. Held against her will… and her resolve returned.
No. Absolutely not. Not for them.
"Ace! Do yours again."
"What!? But I broke free!" He shouted indignantly.
"No backtalk young man. You used your semblance. Do it over."
"What's the point of untying it if I can just burn through it?"
"You will not always have your semblance. You must learn to survive with or without it."
Ace grumbled and took the new pair of handcuffs his mother handed him.
During this part of the day after their rest they'd train in several different ways. They had already finished combat and archery for today. Though the goal was to prepare them for various dangerous situations.
Currently they were out on the grass in front of the house. Chairs taken from the outdoor patio table were turned towards her as she stood in front of the steps to the house. There were water bottles and a little bags of snacks still on the table from their brief little nibble following their run.
The children sat in their chairs. Struggling with handcuffs and rope alike while Cinder observed their progress.
Cinder was teaching the boys to escape from capture. Which meant escaping from various forms of restraints. They had done this practice many times before. At least Ace & Jack had. They were a bit young, so she thought having them escape from simple stuff first was the best way to go before she moved to anything too elaborate. Cinder had them escape from zip ties, various rope knots, duct tape, and chains. It was important to be prepared after all.
The former villainess had experienced countless life or death scenarios where she had to learn to escape on the fly. From her initial enslavement, to running from gang members, captured by pirates, and so on. Sometimes she couldn't even use her semblance and had to use her teeth or whatever was around at the time. She knew plenty of mothers would call her crazy, but she would be damned if she allowed anyone to capture her children. Thinking back to her own childhood experience and imagining her own child in the same scenario made her shiver. She would make damn sure they knew how to escape if something happened. She wouldn't let anyone enslave them. Not her babies.
Speaking of which, her youngest baby seemed to be having some trouble. As he often did. Though this time she may have "accidentally" tied his rope just a little too tight. Oh well. If it becomes too difficult, he'll just have to ask for her help.
Ace had just finished using the hair pin he borrowed to break out of the cuffs. He handed them back to her and she nodded in approval. After which he went to go sit next to Jack on the bench who had long finished escaping from his assigned entrapments. Now sitting down drinking water when his brother joined him. Both were now watching their youngest brother try and fail to escape from his rope knot.
Cinder crossed her arms over her chest and observed his struggling.
"Do you need my help?" she calmly called out to him.
The boy said nothing. Merely continuing to struggled with his knot. Repeatedly pulling and yanking at it. Attempting to free his hands. Unfortunately, due to his semblance his body merely stretched in response.
She took a step towards him. Reaching her hand out.
"King, let me-"
Just then he began aggressively attacking the knot. Trying to use his feet, his teeth, anything. Anything to get it off. Anything other than accepting his mother help.
Cinder unconsciously began to grind her teeth.
"Will you just let me-"
"NO!"
His sudden outburst causing her to stare in slack jawed shock as he tore through the rope with his teeth. Finally freeing himself.
There was a moment of silence. The brothers who were busy talking and eating at the bench table now turned to stare at their little brother in shock and confusion.
As for Cinder, whether she was entirely aware of it or not, her fists clenched at her side so tightly her knuckles turned white.
"You all pass. Next class. Now."
12:00 – Studying
Cinder took a deep breath and calmed herself. Pushing the events of the prior training out of her mind to focus on their current task.
The boys were behind the house now. Behind Cinder's Garden. They had already studied extensively while inside but now it was time to check their memory. This final piece of studying was always practiced outside and didn't require textbooks. Today their focus was practical knowledge. Which she considered the most important of their studies. Academics were fine but this was a world of monsters. Humanity was just coming back from the brink of extinction. She would rather teach them to survive than have some fancy job in the city.
Cinder didn't know where she had ranked in terms of homeschooling moms but in her opinion, she'd done pretty well. She had been homeschooled by Salem from a young age. She never forgot a thing she was taught and that led to her being considered a genius at Beacon. Salem's methods had been extremely effective with her. So naturally she'd implement the same teachings with her kids.
Cinder waved her hand and droplets of blue flame dripped from it like she'd dunk her hand in a lake of fire. Then with a flick of her wrist they all flung from her hand and stuck themselves in the air just above her. Looking like little candle lights in the sky. The will-o-wisps slowly changed shape to that of small feathers. Feathers made of blue flame. Flickering with occasional gold as they fluttered in the air. The feathers flittered around her like petals in the wind. As if someone had torn open an old pillow case and tossed them about in the yard. They danced on the breeze but never touched the ground. All according to Cinder's will. The amount continued to increase until the boys were staring at a veritable army of burning blue feathers littering the skies just above their heads. Their presence ignited countless small particles of dust causing the air around them to shine and sparkle. Glittering in the sky like stars in broad daylight.
While she probably could have performed a similar feat with glass or used her bow & arrow, this method was much more effective for the task. The abilities she gained after coming back to life had their perks, as they would allow her to perform this task of education with minimal injury and no cleanup necessary.
The boys merely stared up at the mass of floating feathers in awe and trepidation. Squaring their feet to prepare for the oncoming "studying" they were about to endure.
"Now." she said. Speaking loudly and clearly such that her voice resonated throughout the area.
"First question." Cinder raised two fingers and pointed at Ace. As she did so, the army of feathers stopped their aerial dance, now hoovering in place and pointed straight at him as well.
"How do you find drinking water in the wilderness?"
"Hah! That's easy. Running water or groundwater."
"Very good. How do you purify it?"
"You boil it!"
"Yes, but for how long?"
"Um...five minutes?"
Before Ace could think of another response a single feather left its position above Cinder's head and rocketed toward him like a falling meteorite. Luckily having done this training since he was small, his reflexes kicked in, and he leapt out of the way just in time to shield his face as the feather hit the ground. The resulting shock from the explosion sending him spiraling away from his brothers. He back flipped and landed on his feet.
His brothers had already braced themselves for the shock and now stood next to the raging flames that covered the area where he once stood. Staring at the otherworldly fire as it flickered. There was no searing heat as one might imagine. Instead, it was only mildly warm. The grass beneath the spot where their brother once stood was alight with the ethereal flames as well. Only the grass did not burn. It was like the opposite of normal fire. The boys never really understood how their mom's semblance worked but they knew they wouldn't have to worry about the forest being burnt down.
"T-Ten minutes?" He said, throwing out a random number.
Another flurry of feathers sailed towards him at dangerous speeds. Like heat seeking missiles.
The other two brothers struggled to hold in their laughter as they watched the oldest jump, flip, spin, zig, zag, and dodge every exploding feather that came his way while he haphazardly spewed out every random number he could think of. The sound of constant explosions made it sound as though he'd gotten lost in a minefield in the middle of a warzone.
Cinder merely smiled. Impressed with his dodging skill. She was taking it easy on him of course. When she studied with Salem her Queen summoned large spheres of black flames to fire at her whether she got the question right or wrong. Expecting her to dodge regardless. If she got too many wrong, then more pain followed. The boys were getting off lightly.
After a couple more tries Ace finally sputtered the correct answer.
"T-Three minutes!"
"Very good." Just like that, her assault stopped.
Ace collapsed face first onto the grass and sighed exasperatedly while his brothers laughed at him.
"Now then," she raised two fingers and pointed them at her second child. The feathers in the air followed suit.
The blonde in question stood calmly with his arms crossed over his blue shirt with a polite smile on his face.
"Jack, how would you apply first-aid to someone experiencing hypothermia?"
He responded swiftly and simply.
"It's important to handle them gently without moving them any more than necessary. They need to be moved out of the cold and shielded from it in any way possible. Remove any wet clothing they may have and cover them in blankets. Keep them warm and insulate them from the cold ground. Always check their breathing and if possible, supply warm beverages to warm the body."
Cinder smiled once more, satisfied with that answer.
"Very good."
Time for the big one. The youngest flinched when he knew it was his turn. She was about to raise her fingers at him just as she did the others...but she paused. Putting her fingers on her cheek instead in a moment of contemplation. An idea popped into her head.
"King." she said suddenly.
"Y-yes?"
"How would you like to sit this one out instead?"
"Huh?"
"Eh!?" The other two brothers didn't bother hiding their shock.
"You can take a break and sit next to me today while I ask your brothers more questions. You'll be exempt from class, and I'll even give you a passing grade. What do you say?"
She always made sure to never take it too easy on them, but she could risk spoiling him. Just this once. Just for this class.
She extended her hand and offered him to take it.
His eyes widened when he saw her hand outstretched towards him. As if in shock...or fear.
He then grit his teeth and became incredibly serious.
"No!" he said defiantly.
Cinder's jaw clenched.
Why was he being so stubborn?
"Very well then." she spat through her teeth. Barely restrained anger seeping in to her tone.
She pointed two fingers at him as if aiming a gun.
"How do you evade a mountain Lion?"
"U-Uh..um…"
Cinder's eyes narrowed and with the flick of her wrist a single feather came down.
King yelped and dived out of the way without an ounce of grace. Not at all as agile as his brothers. He rolled and tumbled along the grass. Ruining his clothes with dirt and grass stains. Which would take forever to clean. That only irritated her further.
His mother asked another question.
"What's the proper method for dealing with an Anaconda?"
"Wack it with a pipe?"
Another feather shot down towards him like a falling star.
"Wrong answer." she said coldly. Though he couldn't be blamed for that one. He had seen his brothers do that multiple times. Not that Cinder cared right now.
King just barely scrambled to his feet in time to dodge the attack, but the shock was still enough to send him flying a bit. Despite that he got to his feet again. Looking incredibly disheveled. The young boy challenged his mother's fierce stare with his own.
For reasons she could not explain, Cinder felt her blood boil.
What followed over the course of the next 30 minutes would have made onlookers think there was a war going on. Or that Cinder was using a series of missiles to exterminate a rodent infestation. She asked him countless questions. He didn't get a single one right. She shot feather after feather at him. He wasn't dodging much at all either. Cinder was purposely missing but the resulting shock from the explosions was enough to knock him around anyway. The explosions knocked him around like a ping pong ball, but still he rolled to his feet anyway to face the next one. Got asked another question. Failed to answer it. So, Cinder fired at him again. And so, it went on. With each shot, she remembered every incident that had taken place today. Each time she reached out and each time he rejected her. It only fueled her to fire faster. To the point that she wasn't asking questions anymore.
By the time she was done Cinder realized she was breathing heavily. Sweating. She had stopped asking him questions at some point. Her Aura was nowhere near given out but emotionally she was spent.
King was still standing though. Clothes a torn mess like he'd walked through a tornado and come out the other side. Daring the tornado to come at him again. Fierce gaze still fixed on her fully ready for the next shot to be fired. The other two boys merely stared in silence.
As if coming out of a trance she realized what she'd done.
Something within her crumbled.
Cinder's shoulders slumped. She spoke to them trying to retain some semblance of authority. To hide the shame she felt.
"Get inside and get ready for your bath. Class dismissed."
~7 years ago~
Cinder had finally come home from killing Grimm. She'd spent the entire day slaughtering countless Grimm by herself on the island. Normally Jaune would have gone with her but someone had to watch the kids and it was his turn today.
When she walked in, she found him with a toddler under each arm. All three of them passed out asleep on the couch with the rest of the house looking like a tornado hit it. At this point she wasn't even surprised. Ace and Jack were little typhoons of destruction on their own despite being only 4 and 5.
After washing up, she headed upstairs and opened the door to the baby room to check on her littlest one.
This one was the real mystery. After the first two she hadn't been all that surprised when they had gravitated towards Jaune. That made sense to her. After a while she had just assumed that all her children were going to do the same. So it was with much confusion that she watched him stand up in his crib practically bouncing at the site of her.
"What are you so excited about?"
He giggled and rattled the cage of his crib as she got closer.
Cinder stared into a beautiful pair of golden amber eyes that were exactly like her own. Only filled with pure love and adoration the likes of which she'd never seen. Though for the life of her, she couldn't understand why.
"Why do you want to see me so much? I'm not that amazing you know."
He reached his tiny chubby little paws up at her. Opening and closing them in a grabbing motion while holding his arms up. Looking like he was trying to jump out of his crib.
Cinder rolled her eyes and picked him up out his crib. He did this thing where he wrapped his arms around her, buried his head in the crook of her neck. Then he was out like a light.
She didn't know why he always acted like he couldn't sleep unless he was next to her...but for some reason she hoped he wouldn't stop.
Jaune had a pretty solid day today as far as he was concerned. He and the guys from the town worked pretty hard adding a new layer to the town walls while also building a port for ships. All while having a great time chatting about their wives, kids, and what it was like in the old world. He'd never get used to people calling him sir of course but it felt good to just work on a project together.
So, it was a little upsetting to feel his wife's emotions take such a nose dive. He and his wife shared a connection through their aura, and he could feel the sinking black pit in her heart while on the road walking home. He was only a few meters from the house now, but he could tell she was up in the attic again. The silhouette of her aura clear in his mind's eye. Except she seemed to be just sitting up there. Unmoving. Which was odd in itself. Because if she was done teaching the kids normally, she'd be lifting weights right about now. Usually, he'd join her and then they'd take a shower together after...but she was sat completely still.
So, as he enters the house, he removes his boots and immediately heads up the stars. Paying no mind to the boys down the hall as they played in the bath. Once he reached the top of the steps, he headed towards the master bedroom and threw his jacket inside before continuing on to the end of the hall.
He walked over to the bookcase that sat against the wall. It was filled with children's books. One's that she occasionally read to the kids at night before bed. All written by Cinder herself. He ran his hands over the smooth hardwood. Briefly reminiscing about back when he'd first made this thing, before pushing on the bookshelf such that it sunk into the wall behind it. He'd heard a light click and let go of the bookcase. Stepping back and watching as it opened up revealing an extra set of stairs that led all the way to the attic.
Jaune let the bookcase close behind him. Then ascended the brief spiraling staircase until he reached the latch that connected to the roof. Opening it, he stuck his head out, and from the floor of the attic observed his surroundings. He rose from the floor. Not bothering to close the latch and entered the attic.
The attic was shaped like a long octagon and room covered wall to wall in more books. Artifacts and treasures of all kinds were scattered about the room from their previous adventures around the world. Over in the back there was a couch that sat in front of another bookshelf filled with books. Next to that was another large cushioned chair where the boys sat when she occasionally taught them up here. A chessboard was still out from a game gone unfinished while the typewriter where Cinder wrote her books looked to be still in the process of a story.
As for Cinder herself, she was sat on the couch at the far end of the room. She had her head down and held her hands together between her knees as she stared at the floor. It was not at all normal to see the former villainess looking so downcast.
"Cinder?"
The woman in question said nothing. Didn't even budge. Merely continued to stare at the floor in front of her.
"Sweetheart, what's wrong?"
For a long time, she said nothing and Jaune was beginning to grow worried, but eventually she finally found the strength to speak up.
"I messed up." she said, finally.
Her voice was hollow. Empty. Like she'd gotten her soul ripped out and all that remained was this husk.
Jaune just looked confused.
"Cinder whatever you've broken we can fix it."
She shook her head.
"No. King."
"What? What about him?"
"He...he hates me."
Silence.
Jaune almost wanted to laugh, and he almost did but the look on his wife's face said this was no laughing matter.
Still the idea was absolutely absurd.
"Cinder, that boy loves you more than anything in this world. There is no way that he hates you."
"Then why is he avoiding me?"
"What?"
Cinder began her story from yesterday explaining what she'd overheard about child abandonment then told Jaune of everything that happened today and everything she'd done to win his affection back and how it failed.
"Do you see? He has abandoned me." Her voice was beginning to waver ever so slightly.
Jaune opened his mouth to interject but before he could, she continued.
"I... I knew at some point they would. That they would eventually begin to hate me. I knew it would happen. I just...I just didn't think it would happen this soon. I thought I had time...I thought I had plenty of years left befo-"
"Cinder. Stop talking like that." He said sternly without raising his voice. "Thats NOT what's happening here. The boys would never stop loving you. Ever. Especially King. You are their mother. The only one they have. You are the whole world to them. They could never hate you."
Cinder leapt up out of her seat and stared at him with wide eyes. Her eyes were wet as they searched his desperately.
"Is that true? Theres another reason?"
Jaune nodded.
"I'm positive. I'll go talk to him."
Jaune came down from the attic and knocked on the boys door. They gave a reply and when he opened the door, he was almost shocked to find his youngest son curled up into a ball on the floor with his brothers around him asking him what was wrong.
Though Jaune had a feeling he already knew. So, he called out to him and the lad immediately stood up upon being addressed. He told his son they needed to talk and guided the youth to the living room so they could speak while he sent the other two off to bed.
When they were in the living room, Jaune sat down on the couch and asked King to sit next to him.
"Did you know that your mother is upset?" he said calmly.
The boy looked down and nodded. Having already sensed he'd done something wrong and anticipated punishment.
"Wanna tell me what happened?"
So, he did. Starting from the very beginning the boy explained to his father everything that had transpired today. As well as everything that happened the day before.
When he was finished with his explanation Jaune spoke up.
"You know that's stupid right?"
The boy's head looked towards the floor again.
"Look, maybe one day you'll no longer have to and that's ok. But you might still choose to do so out of your own free will. It doesn't make you a baby. It just means you love your mother. So, cherish it while you can. One day you may never get to hold her again."
The young lad's head shot towards his father. A look of unbridled terror now covered his face.
"If you understand then go apologize to your mother. Tell her what happened."
He nodded rapidly and ran upstairs as fast as he could.
King climbed the steps to the attic with a quickness. He was so focused on himself he hadn't grasped how much pain his mother was in.
As he approached the room where his mother was King slowed down and stopped, hesitating at the doorway.
He found her in the back of the attic in the teaching spot where she would sometimes give them lessons.
His mother, strong, and powerful, unshakable mother, sat with her face buried into her hands. Crying quietly. It was so...wrong.
It was not truly the first time he had ever seen his mother cry, but she had never done so while looking so...defeated.
It was scary.
His legs carried him forward and awkwardly he stood next to her, but she hadn't noticed.
He reached out a hand to her heaving shoulder.
"Mo- Mama?"
She jerked in surprise, raising her head suddenly and exposing her teary face and reddened eyes.
That was how truly off her game she was. His mother was usually so sharp that she knew where he was at all times. He never surprised her like that.
Cinder tried to sputter out an apology, but she stuttered and fumbled over her words. Saying how she messed up. That she wasn't the mother anyone wanted. That it was alright if he hated her.
It hurt just to listen to it.
That was not how he'd known his mother to be. It hurt even worse to know he had caused it.
Before she could continue struggling with her words, he cut her off with a hug.
"No! It's my fault! y-yesterday..."
"You still hold your mother's hand?"
"Yeah so?"
"You're already 8 years old. You're supposed to stop holding your mother's hand by then."
"Yeah, don't you know that holding your mother's hand means you're a baby?"
"N-No it doesn't..."
"Yes, it does. It means you're a little crybaby who can't do anything without his mama."
If Cinder had been expecting some grand revelation, she would be sorely disappointed.
Yet Cinder could not begin to describe the relief that ran through her. She hugged him back without warning.
King rubbed his mother's back.
"Thats it? Thats the reason? It wasn't because of me?"
"No! I just didn't want everybody to say I'm a baby." he said muffled into her bosom.
Cinder wasn't sure what to say to him at first. He was a baby. Her baby. And he always would be. There was nothing wrong with that. But she had a feeling that wouldn't help him feel better. She remembered her own experiences with teasing and bullying very well. She never had anyone's hand to hold back then. She was considered far too dirty for anyone to touch. Maybe that was why his actions had disturbed her so deeply. She knew what she would have rather had back then. So, she would make it simple for him.
She pulled apart from him so she could look him in the eye.
Cinder reached out her hand to him once more. Just like she had done many times today.
She asked him a simple question.
"Would you rather hold onto their words...or mommy's hand?"
His mouth parted slightly, and she could practically see the gears turning in his head as he looked back and forth between her and her hand.
Their words did not hug him. Their words did not keep him warm and fed or read him stories at night. So why hold on to them?
The choice was obvious.
Without warning he grabbed it and latched onto her with both hands. She embraced him in turn.
Cinder's heart felt full.
After minutes of quiet sobbing.
Soon he wrapped his arms around her completely. Burying his face into the crook of her neck. He silently fell asleep.
Jaune currently remained seated on the living room couch.
Jaune hadn't gone up to check on them, but he could feel both of their auras radiating relief and joy in equal measure. The cry of joy resonating from deep within their souls reached his, just as the sobbing reached his ears and he sighed in contentment.
Cinder wasn't always the best at dealing with children. Even after all this time she hasn't gotten used to it yet. She was always so terrified that she was going to mess up or ruin things. The reality was she was doing far better than most.
He only wished she had a clue just how deeply she was loved in this house.
~One Week Later~
Cinder had taken the boys to the park as usual. Though this time as she prepared to call them in, the other mothers present nodded to her, remembering her request. She had spoken to them previously about what the other children had said to her son.
So, it was with much mirth and amusement that she got to watch every single child who went to the park be escorted back home with each and every one of their hands held firmly in their mother's grasp. Some pouting, while others looked away in embarrassment.
Cinder merely smiled as she walked back to her home. Listening to her youngest talk about his day while the other two raced ahead of her.
Just Cinder dealing with mom things.
Thought I'd use this chapter to poke at Cinder's fears a little. This chapter was a bit of a big one since I wanted to show the kid's daily schedule, Cinder's parenting, and worldbuilding for the island. It's a tall order on top of having a small character arc for the episode. Not sure how well I did but I did my best. As for Cinder's arc itself I didn't know this was a thing that mothers struggled with until very recently. I had no idea it was that serious for some moms out there. I figured this made sense for Cinder as well simply because she has never dealt with such a situation before.
Admittedly not much Jaune this chapter since I wanted to focus on Cinder here. She's the star of the show. She also has kids so I had to address what that side of her life is like.
Theres a lot going on with Jaune that I haven't touched on yet. So next up is Jaune's chapter.