Chapter 6, Like Father, Like Son Part I

9 Years Earlier. Three days after Arthamore.

Jaune Arc watched as the rain pattering heavily against the outside of his bedroom window. Lost within a sea of confusion and contempt from the attack on Arthamore. Having been forced away from the only home he had ever known. The reason behind it all beyond his comprehension to understand.

It had already been three days since the attack itself. His family as well as Amara had been moved into some homes deep within the Kingdom. Having been provided to them by the Royal Council. As well as all the other survivors of the Grimm attack on the sanctuary.

Jaune could hear the voices of his sister coming from the main floor below. Though he paid little mind to them. As he was worrying more about his father. Since the Attack on Arthamore, they had not heard any word about him. Nor had he yet come home to them. His mother had insisted that he must be busy with his duty's to the Kingdom and that he would be home as soon as he could. Though despite her reassurance, Jaune couldn't help but worry something was wrong.

But he was not the only one he worried about.

Pyrrha had also been missing ever since the attack. There still hadn't been any word of her whereabouts. The search for survivors were still be conducted by the Beacon Army regarding any survivors that might have gotten left behind during the evacuation. Yet like his father, Jaune couldn't help but worry for her as well. What if she had gotten lost? What if something had happened to her?

Jaune narrowed his eyes, frowning.

There came a knock over his bedroom door. Followed by his mother's voice.

"Jaune." She said.

A moment later, she opened the door and stepped inside, holding a plate of food. It was there she found him sitting exactly on the same spot as before.

"I brought you lunch." She said.

Jaune narrowed his eyes.

"Thanks mom." he said.

Glancing over to the desk off to her right, she saw the plate she had brought this morning. His food was hardly touched. Much to her concern, letting out a small sigh. Shifting her gaze back to her son, who continued to face forward toward the window. Ever since the attack and Zak and Pyrrha going missing, Jaune hadn't been himself. Gone was the once adventurous and daring boy who had the spark of his father, who would embark on great adventures. Hoping one day to become a knight like he.

Like her husband, she had felt as if she was losing her son. Though she would never admit such a thing and continued to hold out hope.

Terra walked over to his desk, picking up the plate before setting placing his dinner down over the desk. She then turned over to Jaune.

"You know, you sisters are down stairs paying if you wanna come down." Terra said.

Jaune didn't answer her and simply narrowed his head as he turned away. Terra frowned, tuning away as she left her son to mourn, closing the door behind her.

Placing the plate of uneaten food over the kitchen Colbert, Terra leaned over the sink. Letting out another sight of contempt as she narrowed her head. Tears seeping from her tightly eye lids. She felt as if her world and family coming apart before her eyes. As if losing their home and her husband missing wasn't already enough, she was also losing her son as well. And she was helpless to do anything to stop it.

Cupping her hand over her mouth as she sobbed, narrowing her head.

"Mama?"

Terra's open her head, a small startled gasp escaping from her. Shifting her tearful glance back to see her daughter Saphron, who was standing next to her.

"Mama, what's wrong?" Saphron asked.

Terra quickly wiped away the tears from her eyes. She then turned and kneeled down to her daughter.

"It's nothing, honey. Mommy's just fine." Terra reassured her daughter.

Saphron shifted her glance over to the stairway. She frowned, thinking about Jaune. Like her mother, she worried for her brother and had noticed he had been acting different lately. She then turned back to her mother.

"Is Jaune okay?" Saphron asked, curiously.

Terra's eyes narrowed for a moment before glancing up at her.

"Jaune is fine. He's just... going through some things right now." Terra proclaimed to her daughter.

"He misses daddy, doesn't he?" Saphron asked, curiously.

Terra once more narrowed her sullen gaze from her daughter. She closed her eyes, nodding her head to her.

"Is daddy coming home soon?" Saphron asked, curiously.

"Don't worry, honey. Daddy will be home soon." Terra insisted as she stood up.

It was right at that moment, Terra heard one of her other daughters from the living room.

"Mama, come here. There's some people in the front yard!" They said.

Terra glanced down at Saphron, who in turned looked up at her with the same puzzled expression. Both of them wondered just who could be out in front of their house at this time. Could it be Zak? Had he returned from his duties already?

With much anticipation, Terra and Saphron came into the living room. It was there she saw her daughters lined up at the window, peering outside to the front yard. They turned back to her, seemingly confused. Not at all excited as they would usually whenever Zak returned from the war. Terra squinted her eyes as she came forward to the window. Upon peering out through the window, she saw what looked to be a large Beacon Military transport truck parked in front of their house.

Along with several officers dressed in uniforms. Walking up from their right, they noticed Commander Kalius walking into view. One of the officers came up to him with something in hand. He then turned to face the house, seemingly with a sullen frown.

Terra came out from the front door of the house. She turned back to Saphron and her daughters, urging them to stay put. She then turned forward, walking across the front yard. She was both curious and seemingly worried at such an unexpected visit. Especially when Zak was not there with them.

Taking from the office whatever it was he held, Kallius turned and approached Terra. Still with that same sullen gaze over his face. Which all but added to Terra's worry. Though as her worried gaze narrowed to what he was holding in his hands. And then froze. It was there she saw he was holding a white triangle shaped shield with gold trims. At the Centre of the shield was the emblem of Arc. Sheaved beneath it was a familiar sword with a blue handle and a gold cross.

The sight of her husbands weapons caused Terra to widen her eyes, worryingly. Raising her fearing gaze to Kallius, who narrowed his head with that same sullen gaze. All but proving her worst fears to be so. Kallius glanced up at her.

"I'm sorry, Terra. Your husband Faught valuably." He insisted to her.

Terra took hold of her husbands sword and shield, cupping her hand over her mouth. Feeling her tears seeping down the sides of her face as she sobbed. Kallius narrowed his head, shifting his eyes to the side. He could already see this was not the news that she wished to hear. To know that her husband would not return to her. Nor their children.

One of the grave costs of this war.

Kallius reached out his hand and placed it firmly over her shoulder.

"We're recovered his body and we have already began making arrangements for his funeral." Kallius proclaimed to her.

"If there is anything I can do for you..."

Terra sobbed, glancing up at him.

"Thank you, Kallius." She sobbed, whipping the tears from her eyes.

Terra's narrowed her gaze back to Zak's sword and shield. Thinking of what she was going to tell her kids about this. Though as she turned back to look at her children, who she knew was watching them, she saw Jaune standing behind her. Looking back at her in awe and contempt. Seeing his mother holding his father's sword and shield in her hands, Jaune was quick to realize what had happened.

Terra turned to her son.

"Jaune!" she said.

Jaune shook his head, unable to fathom it. Slowly backing away from his mother before suddenly turning and running over to Amara's house next door. Much to Terra's dismay as she reached out her hand to him.

"Jaune!" She said.

But it could not be helped. Kallius could only watch on at Zak's son as he ran off. Turning away as he could only imagine the pain he must felt.

Jaune came around to the backyard of Amara's house. Only to come to a sudden stop as he found her kneeling before a tree, crying. Holding something tightly against her chest as she wept. The rain pattering over her, drenching her clothes. She then turned, shifting her tearful gaze to Jaune. Narrowing his gaze to what she held, he noticed she was holding a small doll of what appeared to be Akara in her arms.

A doll Jaune recognized to be...

Pyrrha's.

Jaune face suddenly went pale as he stared wide eyed and shock. He shook his head slowly backing away at the horrifying realization. Dropping to his knees as he grasped a fist-full of grass in his hand as he sobbed. Not only had he lost his father.

But he had also lost his best friend.

Present day- Fort Baston Military's Base- Beacon

Jaune eyes came open as the thought of the day passed through his mind. Sitting over the edge of his bed, Jaune uttered a sighed as he buried his face in his now after all these years, it was still hard and painful to think about. Too hard to believe any of it actually happened. The wounds from the Attack on Arthamore still felt deep.

As his hand dropped from his face, his gaze shifted to the window off to his left. It was still dark outside. Probably four or five in the morning. Though there was no getting back to sleep after this.

"There was still time to get in some laps before morning training." Jaune thought to himself.

Standing up from his bed, he turned to the bunk above him, where his teammate, Ren was sleeping. He reached up and shook his shoulder.

"Ren?" He said.

Ren uttered a faint moan before turning over onto his back. He then glanced to Jaune.

"Jaune? What time is it?" Ren asked, yawning.

"It's still early. But I couldn't get back to sleep." Jaune insisted to him.

"Thinking about doing some laps around the base. Wanna come?"

Ren glanced over at the small shelf next to him. He reached in and pulled out his scroll, opining it. Over the screen, he saw that it was an hour of so from sun up. Training usually commence early in the morning. It would do them some good to warm up before breakfasts.

He sighed, rubbing the back of his head.

"Sure, why not?" he said before hopping down from his bunk.

Jaune and Ren ran several laps around the outskirts of the Fort's Airfield. The field in turned appeared to be deserted for the most part. Aside from a few guards who wandered between some of the Aircrafts and Fighters that stood at the center of the Airfield. Jaune paced himself, his breath coming in frequents pants as he went. While keeping pace with each other, Ren appeared to be slightly in the lead.

Though neither of them were looking to compete with each other. For Jaune knew he would stand no chance against Ren.

After some time of running, the two came over the the crate where they had put their things. Jaune slowed to a stop as he tried to catch his breath as he bent over.

"Are you alright?" Ren asked.

Jaune nodded his head, panting hard. He glanced up to him, holding up his hand.

"Y-yeah... yeah...I'm good." He insisted with heavy gasps of breath.

"You shouldn't push yourself so hard, Jaune. You should learn to conserve your energy." Ren insisted, passing him a water bottle.

"We still have training in an hour."

Jaune caught the bottle in his hand.

"Right..." He said before walking up to the crate.

Leaning against it, he took a long drink of his water bottle before uttering a sigh. He narrowed his head, narrowing his gaze to the side.

"There isn't any need for you to push yourself like that, Jaune." Ren proclaimed.

"I hear you. It's just... not easy being the only one with no semblance." Jaune insisted with a glance down at his right hand.

Ren narrowed his eyes, nodding his head. It was no secret amongst the students at the Academy that Jaune did not has a semblance. Despite his skills with the sword and shield, having no ability of his own had caused many of the students to look down on him. Even showing him much resentment. There were often often times when Jaune had got into some fights with them. Though Jaune had managed to hold his own against them. Not to mention Ren, Ruby and Nora were often there to lend a hand. Though Weise had often times need some convincing to help out.

It had gotten even worse after the team trial when they were handpicked by General Kallius. Having been chosen to serve under him as his Prodigy's. Some of the schools facility were even shocked that Kallius had chosen Jaune out of all the contestants, who far surpassed Jaune in skill alone. A massive fight broke out between them and another team in the locker room that had to be broken up by security.

"Semblance alone does not make a warrior, Jaune." Ren proclaimed to him.

"Yeah... I get it... Least I can do is pick up the slack in the other aspects. " Jaune proclaimed to them.

"But at the same time, I can't help but think of what my semblance will be. You know, if I ever unlock it."

"Didn't the head sorceress at the Academy say it could only be unlocked by the last act of your..?" Ren said before stopping himself from uttering the next word.

He shifting his glance back at Jaune, who had turned away from him. Though not hearing Ren say the next word, he knew well just what he was about to say.

"I'm sorry... I didn't mean to..." Ren insisted to him.

Jaune only shook his head.

"Nah, It's fine, man. I just wish I knew what it was." He insisted before taking another drink.

Ren reach over his hand and patted his shoulder.

"I'm sure the answer will come to you soon enough." Ren insisted.

Jaune nodded his head.

"I hope your right." He said.

There was a sudden alarm-like sound erupted from the speakers all around the fortress. One which they both recognized as being the morning alarm. They sifted their gazed back over the airfield. It wouldn't be long before their would be a massive line up at the cafeteria. And knowing Nora, she will no doubt be first in line.

"Duty calls. Think we'd better get a move on before Nora eats everything in the cafeteria." Jaune insisted.

Ren nodded his head as the two took off across the airfield.

Beacon Castle.

The Council meetings between the Kingdom's alliance have been less then adequate as of late. Though that was nothing that was not to expected from them. Especially in these desperate times as more Realms had fallen to the always advancing Grimm forces. Even Lukas had often resented attending these meeting due to the arrogance of certain rulers. Most notably, King Jacques of the Kingdom of Atlas, who's priorities seemed to be protecting his own Kingdom rather then help defend the other Kingdoms.

Something the newly appointed General of the Army's of Beacon Army had certainly caught on to very quickly. Standing at attendance within the council Chamber, Kallius observed the meeting between King Ozpin and the other attending rulers of the alliance. Standing at the side of King Ozpin, was seated at a large round table, where several magic reflections of the the kingdom's rulers at in attendance for the meeting.

"Good tidings, friends. This Council meeting has been called to order." King Ozpin proclaimed to them.

"It it has been brought to my attention of the Grimm's advancements in Kytora."

King Huascar of Kytora nodded his head in agreement.

"Indeed. My forces have done all they could to hold them back. But despite their losses, the Grimm continue to push forward." King Huascar proclaimed to him.

"We are only fortune to have your forces support in this conflict."

From Behind, Kallius gestured a nod of his head to King Huascar.

"And we are honored to offer you our services, Huascar. Despite the attacks at our own borders, Beacon shall always come to aid our allies." King Ozpin proclaimed to him.

"We shall not be as careless as before."

Though with these recent attacks and gains Salem's forces have made, I believe we must consider direct measures."

"What do you mean exactly, Ozpin?" Queen Hinata asked.

"The longer we focus on defending our borders, the more we risk losing to the Grimm. And the more Kingdoms fall to Salem." King Ozpin proclaimed to them.

"We need to push the Grimm back from us and retake the realms they have conquered. My General Kalius has already began making preparations for an assault on Valyndor."

The mention of Valyndor brought the room to silence for but a moment. The other rulers stared at Ozpin and Kallius in shock and disbelief at the very idea of attacking it of all places the Grimm currently controlled. For it was known as the most heavily defended out of all the realms controlled by Salem's Empire. Most notably the large wall thar surrounds around the mountains near the Kingdom itself, which was said to be virtually impenetrable. The many attempts to break through the Grimm's defenses had resulted in high casualties for the many Kingdoms that had already tried.

"That is preposterous!"

King Ozpin shifted his glanced forward to the holographic figure sitting across from him. The holographic figure being King Jauque himself, hunched over the table with his hands together with his fingers slid in between each other. Staring with a look of outrage and disapproval for such an idea.

"King Ozpin, despite your insistence that you have staved off the Grimm's forces. But what you are insisting is out of the question." Jauque proclaimed to Ozpin.

"You are actually suggesting that we risk precious man power and attack one of the Grimm's most an impenetrable fortresses?!"

General Kalius's eye narrowed to the hologram of King Jauque.

"I am merely suggesting that we hit back at the Grimm harder then they have us." King Ozpin proclaimed to them.

"If we are to have a chance against Salem and her Empire, we must show that we can still stand and fight. Otherwise more realms will lose hope."

General Kalius stepped forward, pressing a single button on the table's conceal.

"Our recent spy drones have determined that there are several weakness within the Grimm's defenses." Kalius proclaimed, showing them actual video feed of the wall itself.

"We enough forces, we may be able to punch through the garrison stationed there and exploit them. Hopeful enough to break through and attack the capital itself."

"King Ozpin, with all due respect, if we move any of our forces an inch into their territory, we risk an invasion into more of our realms." King Jauque proclaimed to them.

"An assault such as that measure would be cost a fortune alone. I simply will not risk Military personal with all that I have staked."

Kalius narrowed his gaze in disgust at King Jauque. He knew the truth very well of the intentions of the Atlas King. He cared not for his own people. Nor the lives of the soldiers who risk their lives holding back the hordes of Grimm that attack their bordering Realms everyday. He was more concerned for conserving all the riches of the Royal family and the company he runs. Honestly it was the riches of the Schnee name that was the reason he married Queen Winter to begin with.

He was the last person that was worthy to be considered a King in his eyes.

"It will only be a matter of time before the Grimm find their way through our defenses. We cannot afford to stand aside any longer." King Ozpin insisted to his fellow rulers.

"We cannot let fear deter us from doing what needs to be done. Only together do we stand a chance to break through the Grimm's defense's. I ask all of you to stand with me in this time."

The other holographic projections of the other rulers shared several glanced to one another. Whispering among each other of the proposal that King Ozpin had proclaimed to them. All the while, General Kalius gave a look of uncertainly to the king. Hearing the whispers of the rulers, the General grew worried as to just what they would say next.

It wasn't long before the other holographic projections turned back to King Ozpin, seemingly having made their decision on the matter.

"I'm sorry, Ozpin, but Jauque is right. The risk is far too great for such an assault on the Grimm." One of the other rulers insisted to them.

The hologram of Jauque shifted his smug gaze back to Ozpin.

"Please, I ask that you-" King Ozpin said, standing up from his seat.

"We've already decided, Ozpin." Another insisted to the king.

With that, the holograms suddenly dissolved from their sights. Leaving a despaired Ozpin and an angered Kallius.