Chapter 2: Knight of the Crown
Reviews:
But it was me Dio: It's all good I can understand you and thank you, I'm trying to give them the right reactions to certain news that is in character for them.
Kaze: Ren keeps his emotions in, however, with Pyrrha leaving them behind and Jaune "Betraying" them, he was bound to explode soon, while Nora is a bit more in tune with her emotions and is actively trying to get Ren to open up and fix things, (but that's not gonna last...), Also, the Crown only brainwashed those whom they deemed necessary/those who didn't cooperate.
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Carmine and Bertilak sat in the dimly lit confines of the abandoned hut, their movements cautious as they exchanged their worn-out clothes for their familiar weapons. Jaune, stationed by the windows, kept a vigilant watch, his senses on high alert for any sign of danger.
As Bertilak's voice cut through the tense atmosphere, Jaune's irritation flared, his glare piercing the air between them. "What?" he snapped, his tone laced with annoyance at the risk of their cover being compromised.
"Why'd you bust us out?" Bertilak's inquiry carried a mix of suspicion and curiosity, his eyes narrowing in scrutiny. "Jax send you? You a Crownsmen?"
Jaune's mind raced, grappling with the unfamiliar term 'Crownsmen' while considering the implications of this "Jax's" involvement. "No," he replied tersely, his gaze unwavering.
Carmine's brow furrowed in confusion, her gaze shifting between Jaune and Bertilak. "If you ain't a Crownsmen and Jax didn't send you, why'd you bust us out?" she questioned, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Jaune sighed heavily, the weight of his decision evident in the weariness etched across his features. "I heard about you two," he confessed, his gaze meeting Carmine's curious stare. "I heard you belong to some organization that wants to rebel against the Vacuovian council and Shade Academy, and I wanted to join."
Bertilak's suspicion deepened, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized Jaune's motives. "And why would you want to join us?" he demanded, his tone tinged with distrust.
Jaune's glare intensified, his jaw clenching as he struggled to contain his frustration. "Before I came here, I was a 1st-year student at Beacon," he revealed, his voice tinged with bitterness.
Bertilak's surprise was palpable, while Carmine's interest piqued at the mention of Jaune's past. In a world where loyalty was a rare commodity, Jaune's journey from Beacon to their clandestine rebellion spoke volumes about his disillusionment with the status quo and his desire for change.
"I lost a lot during the fall and the council did nothing," Jaune's voice carried the weight of bitter disappointment, his words echoing with the disillusionment of a shattered ideal. "I came here only to see the same thing happen in a small town raided by bandits... I've lost faith in the council, and I've lost faith in being a Huntsmen and what they stand for," he confessed, his resolve firm. "I want revenge, and I want to change things. If I can do that with you and your organization, then sign me up."
Carmine's grin widened at Jaune's declaration, her approval evident in the glint of her eyes. "Shit, kid, sounds right to me," she affirmed, her tone laced with a hint of admiration. "And hey, you busted our asses out of that fucking place, so you're good in my book."
Bertilak, though less expressive, conveyed a begrudging acknowledgment of Jaune's actions as he continued to change. Inside, Jaune felt a surge of relief at their seemingly positive response. Yet, amidst his outward composure, questions swirled in his mind—questions about the enigmatic Crownsmen, about Jax, about Gillian. He hoped to uncover the answers soon.
As the trio made their escape from the town, concealed within the confines of a transport truck, Jaune's anticipation mounted. Upon reaching a safe distance, they disembarked and took refuge on the side of the road.
With practiced efficiency, Carmine initiated communication with Gillian, transmitting their coordinates and notifying her of their unexpected companion. Jaune couldn't help but feel a twinge of uncertainty at the prospect of their rendezvous.
"Are they coming to get us?" Jaune's inquiry betrayed a hint of apprehension. "Is that a good idea?"
Carmine's reassuring smile offered little insight, her cryptic response only deepening Jaune's confusion. "Just wait, you'll see how we're getting there," she assured him, her demeanor brimming with cryptic confidence.
Moments later, a portal materialized before them, its yawning expanse beckoning toward an unknown destination. Without hesitation, Bertilak stepped through, followed closely by Carmine.
"Come on, blondie, your new life begins now," Carmine's words, tinged with a tantalizing promise, spurred Jaune forward. With a deep breath, he crossed the threshold, feeling the subtle shift as reality folded around him.
Emerging on the other side, Jaune found himself in a dimly lit bunker, flanked by familiar faces and two unknown figures. As the portal closed behind him, Jaune braced himself for the journey ahead, the weight of uncertainty balanced by the thrill of newfound purpose.
The first figure that caught Jaune's eye was a woman with fair skin and flowing black hair intricately braided into two loops on either side of her head. She exuded an aura of regality, adorned in a long dress comprised of sheer layers in shades of blue, white, green, and purple, reminiscent of cascading water. A delicate silver chain encircled her waist, complementing the slim silver diadem that adorned her brow with a subtle gleam.
Beside her stood a man with a commanding presence, his black hair swept up into a top knot and crowned by a silver diadem. He wore a striking blue linen duster adorned with embroidered spirals, an emblem of his status and authority.
Carmine wasted no time in approaching the woman, arms outstretched in a gesture of familiarity, and the two embraced warmly.
"Good to see you, Queenie," Carmine greeted her.
"The same could be said for you," the woman replied, her voice carrying an air of quiet authority.
Meanwhile, the man fixed Jaune with a scrutinizing gaze, his expression inscrutable. "And who's the guest you brought?" he inquired, his tone measured.
Bertilak stepped forward, offering an introduction. "This is Jaune Arc. He's the one that busted us out, and an ex-student of Shade," he explained succinctly.
The man nodded, his interest piqued, and approached Jaune with a measured stride. "You rescued them? Why?" he probed, his tone a blend of curiosity and skepticism.
Jaune met his gaze squarely, his resolve unwavering. "Because I wanted to join you," he asserted. "I've heard about the organization you're a part of, I know what you stand for, and I want to be a part of it. I could've sought you out and asked questions, but I believed actions would speak louder than words. So, I took matters into my own hands and freed these two," Jaune explained, his words laced with determination.
A soft chuckle escaped the man's lips, a glimmer of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Well, you've certainly proven your commitment to joining us. But why? What motivates you to forsake the life of a Huntsman?" he inquired, genuine curiosity coloring his tone.
In response, Jaune took a steadying breath, his gaze steady and resolute. "I'm an ex-Beacon student. I survived the fall," he began, his voice tinged with the weight of past traumas.
The man's smile widened, a knowing glint in his eyes. "So, you've witnessed firsthand the failures of the council, the betrayal of those who claim to protect us," he surmised, his words resonating with understanding.
Jaune nodded solemnly, a silent acknowledgment of shared experiences and shared convictions.
The man's smile broadened, a glint of approval shining in his eyes. "Well then, that is indeed a compelling reason to welcome you into our ranks. But tell me, what else do you bring to our cause?" he inquired, his tone tinged with curiosity.
Jaune's smirk widened, a hint of confidence coloring his features. "I've heard rumors that you're seeking individuals with formidable Semblances. That's another reason why I knew you wouldn't turn me away," he replied, his words laced with assurance.
Intrigued, the man arched an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "Oh? And what is your Semblance?" he prompted, eager for more information.
Jaune met his gaze squarely, his expression serious yet self-assured. "I have the ability to enhance other people's Semblances and Aura," he revealed.
The man's eyes widened in surprise, his initial skepticism replaced by genuine intrigue. However, his smile remained, reflecting his growing approval. "Well, that is indeed a valuable asset," he acknowledged. "Such a Semblance would greatly bolster our efforts. With your willingness to join us, I won't need to exert my own Semblance on you," he added cryptically.
Jaune furrowed his brow, puzzled by the man's enigmatic remark. 'What does he mean by that?' he wondered silently. Pushing aside his confusion, he pressed on with his inquiries. "I appreciate the welcome, but I must ask, who are you?" he inquired, seeking clarification.
The man chuckled warmly, his demeanor relaxed yet authoritative. "I am Jax Asturias, one of the leaders of the Crown, and the future king of Vacuo," he introduced himself with pride.
Jaune's eyes widened in astonishment, his mind reeling at the revelation. "One of the leaders? And who might the other be?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued.
At that moment, the woman who had embraced Carmine stepped forward, her regal bearing commanding attention. "That would be me," she announced with a serene smile. "I am Gillian Asturias, Jax's sister and the future Queen of Vacuo," she introduced herself with a graceful nod.
Jaune's eyebrows shot up in disbelief, struggling to process the magnitude of their identities. 'King and Queen of Vacuo? Are they serious?' he mused inwardly, momentarily taken aback by the revelation. Collecting himself, he maintained his composure and played along with the newfound knowledge. "So, should I address you both as my King and Queen?" he inquired with a hint of jest, attempting to lighten the mood.
Jax chuckled once more, a lightness in his tone. "No, not yet at least. Simply call us by our names," he instructed Jaune, his demeanor relaxed yet commanding.
Jaune nodded in acknowledgment. "Alright," he responded, his voice tinged with respect.
With a nod of satisfaction, Jax continued, his expression welcoming. "Now that introductions are out of the way, I'm pleased to welcome you to the CROWN, Jaune Arc," he declared warmly. Turning to Carmine and Bertilak, he issued further instructions. "Please show him to the rooms, and ensure you both get some rest as well," he directed, his authority clear in his tone.
The two nodded in agreement, gesturing for Jaune to follow them. Obliging, Jaune fell into step behind them, eager to settle in and begin this new chapter.
Once they had departed, Gillian approached her brother with a curious expression, her brow slightly furrowed. "Do you trust him?" she inquired, her tone tinged with skepticism.
Jax shook his head thoughtfully. "Not entirely," he admitted, a hint of wariness coloring his words. "He seemed a bit too eager to join," he added, his suspicions lingering.
Sensing her brother's uncertainty, Gillian proposed a course of action. "Should we keep an eye on him?" she suggested, her gaze steady as she sought his opinion.
Jax considered her question carefully before nodding in agreement. "Yes, we should. Are you willing to take on that responsibility?" he inquired, seeking her commitment to the task.
Gillian nodded with determination. "If he behaves suspiciously, I'll intervene. But I won't resort to lethal measures," she affirmed, her resolve firm. "His Semblance is far too valuable to waste," she added, emphasizing the strategic importance of Jaune's abilities.
Jax nodded in agreement, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Indeed, it provides a convenient excuse for you to refrain from boosting my Aura endlessly," he teased lightly, his tone lighthearted.
Rolling her eyes at her brother's jest, Gillian turned and walked away, her steps purposeful as she prepared to fulfill her newfound responsibility. Meanwhile, Jax lingered for a moment longer, a contented smile gracing his features before he followed his sister, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead.
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The next day, during the bustling lunch hour, team CFVY approached the table where Ren and Nora were seated, their expressions a mix of concern and empathy as they joined them.
Velvet directed her gaze to Nora, her eyes reflecting genuine sympathy. "How are you holding up?" she inquired softly, her tone laced with understanding.
Nora released a weary sigh, her shoulders slumping under the weight of her emotions. "As best as we can be," she replied, her voice tinged with sadness.
Velvet nodded in understanding, her expression conveying solidarity. "Look, I'm sorry about Jaune. I can't even begin to imagine what you're going through," she offered sincerely. "But if there's anything you guys need, anything at all, just let us know. We're here for you," she assured them, her words imbued with heartfelt sincerity.
Coco chimed in, her voice warm and reassuring. "Yeah, what Velvet said. Our door is always open for you guys," she affirmed, her tone conveying unwavering support.
Ren's gaze softened as he looked at Coco, a flicker of gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you, Coco," he responded sincerely. "It's just... It's hard to come to terms with everything," he admitted, his voice tinged with vulnerability.
Nora nodded in agreement, her expression mirroring Ren's turmoil. "Yeah, it's hard to... to accept that Jaune could do this, that he... he turned his back on us," she confessed, her voice trembling with emotion.
Fox interjected, his tone matter-of-fact yet tinged with a hint of sympathy. "It's not surprising at all," he remarked bluntly, his words cutting through the tension.
Ren's brows furrowed as he turned to face Fox, his expression hardened with defiance. "What's that supposed to mean?" he demanded, his voice tinged with frustration.
"Fox," Velvet interjected softly, shooting him a warning glance, urging him to tread carefully.
Fox shrugged nonchalantly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of empathy. "You've seen it yourself, Ren. Jaune's been on a downward spiral since Beacon fell, since Pyrrha left you guys, and since your last mission," he pointed out bluntly, his words hitting close to home. "And I don't think it helped that you blamed him for it," he added, his tone neutral yet undeniably pointed.
Ren's jaw clenched, his gaze hardening with indignation. "I never blamed him for it!" he protested vehemently, his frustration boiling over.
Rolling his eyes, Fox dismissed Ren's rebuttal with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Whatever," he muttered, his tone bordering on indifference.
Ren's glare intensified, his patience wearing thin as he pushed back his chair and rose to his feet. Without another word, he strode away from the table, his footsteps echoing with determination. Nora quickly followed suit, her expression a mix of concern and determination as she hurried after him, her footsteps echoing softly against the cafeteria floor.
Velvet's glare bore into Fox, her frustration evident in the furrow of her brows. "Did you really need to say that?" she questioned, her voice tinged with reproach.
With a heavy sigh, Fox leaned back in his chair, his expression weighed down by a sense of resignation. "Look, Velvet, there's no point in sugarcoating it," he began, his tone tinged with a hint of exasperation. "We've all noticed the changes in Jaune. We've seen the signs," he continued, his voice tinged with regret. "I had a feeling he was either going to walk away or turn against us," he admitted, his words tinged with a sense of inevitability.
Velvet's eyes narrowed in frustration as she shook her head disapprovingly. "If you knew, maybe you should've intervened," she suggested, her tone laced with disappointment.
"He's not my responsibility, Velvet," Fox countered, his tone firm yet tinged with a hint of defensiveness. "And besides, let's not pretend they're completely blameless. They're part of the reason Jaune reached this point," he added bluntly, his words cutting through the tension.
Velvet let out an exasperated groan, her frustration mounting. Rising from her seat, she towered over Fox, her expression softened with empathy. "I think they're aware of their own role in this, deep down," she remarked, her voice laced with compassion. "But that doesn't mean we should confront them with the truth so abruptly. They're dealing with their own pain, just like Jaune," she explained, her words carrying a note of understanding.
With a heavy heart, Velvet turned away, her footsteps echoing softly against the tiled floor as she made her way over to where Nora and Ren sat. Left alone at the table, Fox's guilt began to gnaw at him, a weight settling in the pit of his stomach as he grappled with the repercussions of his words.
In the dimly lit hallway, Ren strode forward, his steps measured but his mind in turmoil, grappling with emotions he struggled to contain. Behind him trailed Nora, her concern palpable as she reached out to him.
"I'm fine," Ren insisted, his voice strained with the effort of masking his true feelings.
Nora seized his wrist, her grip firm yet gentle. "I know that's not true," she countered, her tone gentle yet firm. "Stop trying to hold it in, Ren. Tell me what you're feeling," she urged him, her eyes searching his for any sign of vulnerability.
Halting in his tracks, Ren released a heavy sigh, his shoulders slumping under the weight of his inner turmoil. "What's there to say anymore, Nora?" he questioned, his voice tinged with resignation. "We're alone again... ever since Kuroyuri, it's been you and me. I was fine with that. It was our normal," he reflected, his voice tinged with a sense of nostalgia. "But then we met Jaune and Pyrrha. We met Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang. We had friends after a long time, and it felt like..."
"We had a family," Nora interjected, her voice soft with understanding.
Ren nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on the ground beneath his feet. "Yeah," he murmured, a note of sadness creeping into his voice.
Shaking his head, Ren continued, his words weighed down by regret. "But now, Pyrrha and Team RWBY have left us behind. As for Jaune... Fox was right," he admitted, his voice laced with self-reproach. "I blamed him and pushed him away. And because of me, he turned his back on us. Worse, he's with the enemy now," he confessed, his voice heavy with remorse. "So that means if we run into him again, we gotta fight him. And either arrest him or..."
"That won't happen," Nora interjected firmly, her voice tinged with determination. "We're not gonna let it come to that," she vowed, her eyes blazing with resolve.
"Nora-" Ren began, but she cut him off with a vehement declaration.
"I'm not gonna do it, Ren!" Nora exclaimed, her voice ringing with conviction. "I am not gonna let it come to that. Because one way or another, I'm gonna bring him back. Even if it has to come down to putting him in cuffs, he's not coming back dead," she declared, her tone unwavering.
Ren's nod was more of a resignation than a declaration, a hollow echo of the determination he once possessed. Nora recognized that tone all too well, a tone she never thought she'd hear from Ren, the steadfast companion who had stood by her side through every trial and triumph.
As Ren's hand slipped from her grasp, Nora felt a pang of heartache pierce her chest. She took a few steps back, her eyes clouded with unshed tears, before turning away and walking down the hallway, each step heavy with the weight of disappointment and grief. She left Ren behind, alone with his thoughts and his crumbling resolve, as he stood there with eyes that reflected the depths of despair.
In that moment, the reality of their shattered team hit Nora like a wave crashing against the shore. One of their own had allegedly betrayed them, tearing apart the bonds of trust that once bound them together. Another had departed, driven by a destiny that seemed to eclipse the bonds of friendship. And now, Ren, the pillar of strength she had always relied upon, had succumbed to despair, his spirit broken by the loss of their brother-in-arms.
With a heavy heart, Nora realized that their team, the once unbreakable bond forged in the crucible of battle, had crumbled beyond repair. Each member now stood alone, grappling with their own demons and regrets, as they navigated a world that seemed darker and colder without the warmth of their camaraderie.
And so, in the silence of that desolate hallway, Team JNPR breathed its last breath, its legacy forever marked by the tragedy of its demise.