Hey again, guys!
Well it finally happened! 100K Words! I finally reached it! Thanks to everyone who read all of it! Or even just a chapter (and a fraction of it)! It truly means a lot!
So this time the focus is on another RWBY Fanfic. This one, some of you guys might know well, it's White Sheep - a fic that focuses on Jaune!
NOTE THAT SOME TEXT HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE ORIGINAL CHAPTER (MOSTLY THE THINGS THAT EXPLAIN JAUNE'S MINDSET - AFTER ALL, THE RWBY CAST A WATCHING A MOVIE - NOT READING A NOVEL - THEIR REACTIONS WILL SHOW THAT THE ACTIONS CONVEY THOSE THOUGHTS ANYWAY). I DID NOT ALTER (CHANGE THE SPELLING OR ADD STUFF) ANYTHING, OUTSIDE OF THAT.
Basically: the chapter will seem shorter if you've read White Sheep Chapter 1.
If you dislike it, please let me. If so, when I do another chapter of a fic, I'll keep everything and not shorten it.
Now, on with the chapter!
I DO NOT OWN RWBY OR ANY OF THE SOURCES THAT I WILL HAVE THE CHARACTERS REACT TO. That being said, all of that is implied since it's fanfiction. ALSO: WHITE SHEEP IS ORIGINALLY BY COEUR AL'ARAN. I DO NOT OWN HIS STORY.
White Sheep (COEUR AL'ARAN)
"Oh dear…how might we like this new viewing?" Glynda asked their host, feeling apprehensive.
Sensing her nervousness, as well as most of the audience, Chrono decided to abate their fears. "No need to worry, people. What you're watching next is funny. It's just that it stars you guys!"
"...So like every viewing then?" Roman asked.
Chrono stared at the criminal before realising his mistake. "Oh right. I meant that it takes place in Remnant! But an alternate timeline of Remnant!"
Many eyes widened and people proceeded to respond to this revelation.
"Ah…so THAT's why it's interesting."
"I wonder what's different in that timeline then?"
"Well now I'm excited! And it's funny too! So no sad stuff!"
"So for our own timeline, we see a tragedy in the future, but for this other timeline, we'll only see shits and giggles?"
Sensing that most of the people in the cinema were eager to watch, Chrono started the viewing.
The screen sprang to life.
The Beowolf's body drove him down to the ground, its teeth gnashing at his head. He pushed it back frantically, one arm held across his face as it snapped and snarled above him. Crimson eyes bore into his, the dark promise of a creature born to destroy all human life. Jaune grunted as it bit down, taking his arm in its powerful jaws and jerking him wildly from left to right. With a cry he was let loose, sliding across the dark ground to come to a defeated heap, face-down as the monstrous Grimm approached with a growl. Through one sapphire eye he watched it pad towards him. Watched it rear up, great gouts of steamy breath coming from its fang-filled maw as it brought its weight down atop him.
"Well damn. This escalated quickly." Mercury stated, seeing Jaune fight a Beowolf.
"C'mon Jauney! You can beat him!" Nora said. Ren nodded in agreement.
Pyrrha tensed seeing her partner in a struggle with a Beowolf. I know he's only been fighting for a few months, but surely he'd be better against a single Grimm. Then, she felt a hand touch her shoulder. She looked towards the person. It was Jaune.
"Pyr, you do know that it's not actually me? So no need to worry."
"Y-yes. You're right. I..it…it was just instinct. That's all."
"Yeah that's fair. Just, you know, It'd take more than a Beowolf to beat me!" Jaune puffed his chest up proudly.
"Jaune!" a voice called, "Dinner time!"
"Coming mom!" Jaune shouted as he rolled over onto his back. The Beowolf's snout flashed down and instantly smothered him. Its huge head licked and nuzzled his face. "Get off," he laughed as he tried to push it away, "Come on. Quit it… mom's going to be angry if I'm late." That did the trick, as he'd known it would. The Beowolf whined and leaned back, sitting on its haunches as it waited for him. It wasn't the only one.
Many eyes blinked at the sudden change of events.
Jaune paled. "Wait….that doesn't sound like my mom…"
Ozpin mostly laughed in astonishment. He covered his mouth. Don't tell me…in this timeline, Mr Arc is the son of…?!
Hazel gaped at the implications of this. Wait a second…how is that even possible? She's a Grim- Salem can have children?!
Meanwhile, Tyrian just burst out laughing hysterically. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I knew you were interesting!" Tyrian stated as he went out of his chair and pointed his stinger at Jaune. [1]
Jaune grimaced at the poisonous stinger being near his face.
"Hey! Get away from him!" Nora exclaimed.
"No need to worry, lady! I would never harm my mistress' son, nor his friends." Tyrian said, lowering his head in respect. That respect was undermined by his laughter.
"I'm not her son!" Jaune shouted.
"Oh. Ok the-"
"Nora. He's mocking us." Pyrrha stated.
Meanwhile, Mercury had his mind blown. "Damn. So…she bangs?"
Emerald's face heated up. "Is that all you're thinking of?" She growled.
Mercury shrugged in response.
Oobleck decided to have input as well. "Well…now that I look closer at Mr Arc, he does look different from the one in this cinema with us."
"Yeah. He looks a bit more pale, but his hair seems just as blond." Glynda noted. "This world already seems so absurd, however. I mean, Mr Arc's father could barely tell that his wife was into him at first, how could he manage to seduce…her?"
"Who knows? But now I see why our host said this would be funny!" Qrow said with a chuckle.
While all this was occurring, Salem just stood in her seat in silence. To say she was in shock was an understatement. Me? As a mother again? She thought. The thought filled her with a deep sense of longing. While she's wanted to die for a long time, one thing she always regretted was the death of her children in her fight with Ozma. However, she had no feeling for the Arc boy whatsoever. Could I simply be filling the void? In the end, she simply felt shocked at the resurgence of emotions she thought she had locked away long ago.
Other Grimm watched, their red eyes glowing in the darkness as the young man carefully picked his way past jagged rocks and steaming terrain.
"There you are," his mother said as he entered the dark tower. Her pale face was etched with some unrecognisable expression, as it often was. Her red eyes softened when she saw him, the angry veins about her face receding just a little. "Look at you," she sighed, "You're covered in soot and grime. What have you been doing?" To his horror she drew forth a small scrap of cloth, spitting onto it and using the disgusting fabric to wipe his face.
"Mom…" he complained, though he knew better than to argue, "I was playing outside with Mannie."
After hearing what the Jaune on the screen said, Nora just remembered something that went over her head during the initial shock of seeing Jaune play with a Grimm. "REN! We should do the same thing with a Sloth Grimm! Make him our pet!"
Ren rubbed his forehead. "Nora…I think that only works if you're half-grimm, like…um…Grimm-Jaune."
"Grimm-Jaune?"
"Well he's a Grimm version of Jaune, and I don't want to confuse the two together."
"Huh. I guess that makes sense. Guys! Let's just call the Jaune on the screen Grimm-Jaune!"
Many murmured in the agreement.
"Playing?" the dread Queen of the Grimm asked, one brow raised high. Jaune swallowed but nodded, knowing that a lie would just land him in more trouble. "You should have been studying," she sighed. Jaune winced, but relaxed a moment later when a hand settled atop his blond hair. "But I will let it go this time. Come… we're going to have dinner together."
"Is dad back?" Jaune's head perked up, eyes shining, only to sigh as the woman shook her head.
"Your father's out hunting as usual… you know how he is."
"I know."
"Your sisters are all busy too," Salem Juniper Arc sighed, rubbing his head. "It's going to be me, you, your uncles and Cinder."
"Big sis?"
Cinder's eyes widened. "Excuse me?"
Watts chuckled. "So…Big Sis, huh?"
Cinder growled. "Shut it."
"Hey! I'm just saying! A younger sibling might be good for you! It might get you to actually care about something for once! Instead of being such a…how do I say this? Bitch!"
"Lay off! She does care about people!" Emerald said, defending her 'savior'.
Watts scoffed in response. For a street rat, she's awfully naive. Or worse, in denial.
Meanwhile, Jaune felt Cinder's eyes go towards him, and his cheeks heated up. He covered his face with his hands. Aghh! Why did my Grimm-self say that!
His mother cringed. "I really wish you wouldn't call her that. She's only a few years older than you, and not at all related. You know, the two of you might get on with one another really well. You used to say you'd grow up and marry her when you were younger. It was all I ever heard from you."
"Mooommmm…" Did she have to say things like that? "You know Cinder's like a big sister to me."
"You already have seven," Salem pointed out insistently, "Cinder is absolutely on the market should your hormones start kicking in." Jaune tuned her out, including the grumbles about him being seventeen and as horny as a dead fish.
Jaune felt even more embarrassed.
Cinder felt even more indignant.
Salem felt even more surprised.
"Wow. I did not expect the Queen of the Grimm to say that." Qrow said, absolutely shocked at the prospect of Salem acting like a mother hen. "And seven sisters? Man, Papa Arc must've had way too much time on his hands."
"...Is it bad to say that she kinda acts like my mom?" Jaune said. He shrunk into his seat the moment he saw Salem look at him oddly.
Jaune picked at the thread of his hoodie as he followed her through the serpentine hallways of the tower, past Grimm and strange people he rarely interacted with. Few met his eyes, nor the eyes of the Beowolf that loped easily behind him. Jaune slumped slightly as he walked, feeling Mannie's ferocious snout bump comfortingly against his hand.
"Keep your head up," Salem said as they came close to a set of tall doors, "Remember, a woman likes a man who walks with stature. You shouldn't be looking at the floor all the time."
"Yes mom," he said, lifting his head. She sighed and knelt down opposite him, reaching over to adjust his clothing slightly.
"Come now, sweetie," she cooed, "Remember what your father says, `all you need is a little confidence`."
"Kay." He smiled for her, not only because of the kind words but also so she didn't fret over him.
"Oh my Gods…." Jaune said with wide eyes, as he put his hands on his head. She even knows what dad says!
Sun and Neptune who were gaping at the beginning, burst into laughter. As Jaune looked at the two in embarrassment, Neptune spoke up in between laughs.
"I'm…heh he, um, sorry, ha..ha ha, but this is just too absurd, bro!"
Mercury joined in on the laughter, but without any apologies. "No need to apologize, you guys! That shit is hilarious!"
"Greetings," Salem intoned as she walked into the room, nodding to each of the four people who had risen to stand upon her entrance. Jaune followed in her shadow, trying his best to avoid attention. As his mother took her place at the head of the table, Jaune sat down to her left, coincidentally next to Cinder Fall.
She nodded once to him, her golden eyes drifting to his mother soon after.
"Thank you all for coming," Salem began, motioning for the hooded servers to come and place a series of plates before them. Meats, vegetables and more; Jaune reached for a knife and fork – even as Uncle Tyrian drew forth a dagger and stabbed it into his food. "Though I realise such occasions are rare, it's pleasing to see everyone in one place. We have interesting times ahead. How are things going on your end, Cinder?"
Ozpin and his circle immediately paid attention to the people at the table and while they already knew that those on the table were agents of Salem, it was good to confirm that it was just them. So Salem only has 4 agents…less than expected, but good for us. Although, that makes it problematic that Salem only needs 4 to destabilize Vale in the future. Ozpin thought.
"Very well, mistress," the beautiful woman replied, "I've managed to recruit two agents who I believe will serve us well. Our attack on the Fall Maiden was thwarted, but we've managed to track down where she is being held and are preparing for our next move."
Ozpin and his circle immediately gasped in shock when they heard what Cinder said. Meanwhile, Cinder growled since her plans were basically being broadcast to everybody in the cinema.
"The Fall Maiden?" Pyrrha asked.
"It's nothing, just a title for an ally." Qrow said.
"Oh. Ok."
Ozpin gave Qrow a thankful look since he was not sure what to do at the moment.
"Good, good," Salem nodded, "And I trust things are going well for you Watts?"
"Naturally," the moustached man nodded, "There have been no complications and I've even stationed a few… trusted individuals to ensure the situation doesn't change."
Jaune sighed and slumped in his seat as they continued to discuss their evil plans.
"Jaune!" Salem snapped, making him jump. He retracted his hand from beneath the table quickly, though the slavering Beowolf on the other end came with it, head poking into his lap. "What have I told you about feeding the Beowolves at the table?"
"Grimm don't even need to eat." Weiss stated. "What's the point of feeding him?"
"Hey! You don't know that! Maybe they just haven't tried good food! Maybe pancakes will change their mind!" Nora retorted.
"Nora, we literally learned this already in Grimm Studies."
"Oh come on, Renny! You know I was asleep then!"
Despite being gobsmacked about Cinder knowing about their plans, the teacher in Glynda still caught what Nora said. "What was that about being asleep, Ms Valkyrie?" She asked with an icy tone.
"...Um nothing, Teach!"
Glynda narrowed her eyes at Nora. Said huntress-in-training gulped.
"Not to," he mumbled, withdrawing his hand from the Grimm's mouth. Mannie looked guilty as well, though he did lick his lips after tasting the soft meat. His mother pointed to the wall, the six-foot tall monster slinking off sadly to lay there.
"Exactly," she sighed, "Grimm do not need to eat. You do."
"Told you!" Weiss stated to Nora. Nora didn't respond however, still being spooked by Ms Goodwitch.
"Grimm only eat humans," Tyrian giggled happily, his legs crossed beneath him as he knelt on the stone seat. "Eat and tear and rip and rend."
Jaune's face twisted unhappily.
"Indeed! It's so delightful!" Tyrian said while clapping.
"Callows. Please stop." Hazel said flatly.
"Yeah! What he said! You're making Jaune uncomfortable! Look at him!" Ruby added.
"Oh my! Am I making you uncomfortable, my boy?" Tyrian asked Jaune.
"Not me! Grimm-Jaune!" Jaune exclaimed in exasperation.
"That dude might be insane, but you can't deny he livens up the experience." Coco told Velvet.
Velvet didn't find that funny. Who cares about experience when he's out free killing people?
"Tyrian!" Salem glared at him until he sat down properly, "Not at the table and not in front of my son. You know how sensitive he is."
Jaune felt an ugly emotion rise up. He let out a scoff and he crossed in arms in his seat. Of course. Even now I'm doubted…if it's not dad…
The man surrendered quickly, looking afraid as he sat back down, eyes not meeting the terrifying orbs of his mother. She could have killed the man in an instant. There was not a person at the table that posed a threat, so powerful was she.
"Now Jaune," Salem crooned softly, "You're officially seventeen now. That's an age where many reach adulthood in the Kingdoms. Have you decided what you want to do with your life?"
"I'm going to assume you still want to be a huntsman, even if you're raised as a Grimm, Mr Arc?" Ozpin asked.
"Of course! Always!" Jaune exclaimed.
Salem frowned at that. It reminded her too much of Ozpin taking her children once again.
Chrono smirked at Jaune's statement. Maybe I should show an AU where Jaune's a villain. Like Null? Just for laughs.
Jaune sighed and kept his eyes fixed on the plate before him. He looked up to them with a deep breath, knowing that each and every set of eyes was fixed on him, waiting for his answer.
"I want to be a Huntsman."
Tyrian burst into hysterical laughter.
"Wow, that laugh was so loud." Blake said, covering her cat ears.
"No…it's just that the Tyrian here also started laughing." Yang stated, pointing at the Tyrian in the cinema who was laughing in the exact same way.
Roman laughed as well before turning to speak to Jaune. "Come on, kid! Are you serious? That would be like if a child of the Giallo Crime Family, or the Rosso Family, or even any of the other Five Families told their parents that they wanted to be…a doctor or something!"
"Giallo? Rosso?" Fox asked. [2]
"Oh right. Some of you kids don't know them. Those two, and the Azzurro, Chiaro, and Scuro Crime Families consist of the Five Families of the Mistrali Underworld. They control large parts of organized crime in the continent, and are even more powerful than Spider. And they have LOTs of Huntsmen in their pockets."
Ozpin frowned at that. I thought Leo said he was handling them…
"Sweetie," Salem sighed as Jaune sunk further into his seat under the incredulous stares of those around him, "I thought we talked about this. You are the Prince of the Grimm, my heir and only son. I know your father's an odd case but to become a Huntsman?"
"That's what I want," Jaune repeated, face set.
"Letting him read all day in the library was a mistake," Hazel grunted, eyeing Cinder across the table.
"He was a curious child," the younger woman crossed her arms defensively. "Leaving him with books was a good way to occupy his time."
"A fine excuse," Watts joined, "But correct me if I'm wrong, my dear. Didn't you leave him there because it was easier for you? Despite that our lady trusted her son to you? How very unbecoming."
Jaune could hear his big sister's teeth grinding together.
"Wow. You two really hate each other, don't you?" Ilia stated to both Cinder and Watts.
"That's about the only thing we can agree on." Cinder said with a glare to Watts, who simply scoffed at it.
"Cinder did a fine job with my son," Salem stepped in before violence could erupt, "I'm sure she did not expect to find her spare time occupied by babysitting. I believe my little Grimmling came out just fine."
"Thank you my lady," Cinder nodded, while Jaune could only squirm at the unfortunate pet name his mother used. He wasn't even technically a Grimm… why did she always have to embarrass him so?
"Bro, your mother is a literal Grimm, I think the nickname's fair." Sun said.
"Yeah, but it's embarrassing!" Jaune replied.
"It's accurate!"
"You've still read too many fairy tales," Hazel growled. "The world's not like what you've read, Jaune. I thought I'd taught you better." Jaune flinched at that, not meeting the stern man's eyes. Disappointment from Hazel always hurt. He was used to it... all he did was disappoint people. Not evil enough, not strong enough, too different from his family.
"Now, now," Watts laughed, coming to his aid as the man leaned across the table. "There's nothing wrong with being well-read. An intelligent mind has its own strength. Still, my boy, why not forget about becoming a huntsman and come work with me?" The moustached man smiled widely, spreading his arms. "Politics and science, my boy, that's where true power lays."
"Lies." Hazel said.
"That's not a lie! It's true!" Watts exclaimed to Hazel.
Hazel looked at Watts in annoyance. "Not that. You said it wrong. You meant 'that where true power LIES'". [3]
Watts looked shocked. Huh. Well he's not wrong.
Cinder laughed at Watts' error, and Watts responded with a roll of his eyes.
Jaune shuffled in his seat, trying not to meet Watts' proud gaze. How was he supposed to say this in a way that wouldn't sound insulting?
"He finds those things boring," his big sister said for him, her smug smile visible to all, "And who would blame him?"
"Well maybe he wouldn't," Watts growled, "If a certain someone hadn't poisoned his mind against the idea. Don't listen to her my boy," Watts turned back to look at him, all traces of irritation gone. "Politics isn't boring. I can teach you how to change the world!"
"Forget that noise," Tyrian laughed, slamming a hand down on the table and then doing it again probably because he just liked the noise it made. "Your Uncle Tyrian will teach you everything you need to know. I… uh… I can teach you politics, how to change the world and stuff."
"I don't think killing people counts as politics…" Pyrrha said.
"Of course it does! I mean the King of Vale killed many people to end the Great War, and he was able to decide the policies that define the world today!" Tyrian said.
Ozpin winced at that comparison.
"Wow…he actually has a point?" Yang said, shocked.
Watts' expression was deadpan, but not nearly as much as Jaune's. "Uncle Tyrian," he said slowly, "You kill people…"
"I kill important people," the wiry man defended, looking hurt for a moment, "That's politics. It still counts!"
"Precisely!" Tyrian exclaimed!
Salem held a hand out to silence the man, her eyes still locking onto Jaune's. "Sweetie… becoming a Huntsman, really? You know that your father's an anomaly and only because he was already a huntsman before meeting me, but you want to spend your time killing Grimm?"
Mannie whined from behind him, a fact which made him wince.
"That's a good point, to be honest." Mercury said.
"How? Grimm are evil!" Ruby pointed out.
"You think the guy who's half-Grimm will see it that way?"
Ruby tried to make an argument, but she couldn't. She sighed. "Yeah…I guess not…"
"Not killing Grimm," he said, despite knowing how hypocritical that was, "At least, not the intelligent ones. But I want to be a hero – to be a Knigh-"
"Fairy tales," Watts echoed Hazel's statement, "The world has no need for heroes, my boy."
"Oh well that's just bullshit." Sun said.
"Ever heard the phrase 'don't be a hero'? All heroes like you huntsmen do is recklessly put your lives on the line against an unstoppable force. Our Queen." Watts replied, gesturing towards Salem. "Huntsmen are not necessary. Armies, numbers, and technology are."
"Are you still bitter about me choosing Polendina, Watts?" Ironwood asked.
"Of course not!" Watts exclaimed, with the gritting of his teeth afterwards showing his lie.
"The PENNY Project was the best choice to make. It ensured that Atlas would have a beloved guardian and hero!" Ironwood defended.
"And as I said before: It is better to be feared than to be loved, if one cannot be both." [4]
"That's exactly what the General of Mantle said during the Great War." Ironwood retorted.
"And he is right. The people of Atlas may love you, James, but they do not fear you. Instead, they fear Jacques Schnee. They may hate him, but tell me, who has more power between you and him? You, the man with two seats on the council, or the man who managed to ruthlessly create a monopoly on the world's only source of energy?"
Ironwood did not reply. Watts, sensing the chance to win the argument, got out of his seat and went to the General. "You made the wrong choice choosing that android over my robots." Watts growled. "It's even more insulting that you now choose to replace men with them being incomplete. You even had a Paladin be stolen under your nose and given to the Fang. Bravo, everybody! The Vaunted General of Atlas! Or should I say…"
Ironwood's eyes widened. He better not say it…
"...The General who lost Atlas." [5]
Ironwood glared at the man. "Get out of my sight, Arthur."
Watts put up his hands placatingly, but still had a smile on his face. "Of course…of course, General." Having said his peace, Watts went back to his seat.
"Are you alright, sir?" Winter asked. She knew that the title Arthur said was very damaging, given it's history.
"I'm fine. Just…Arthur always knew how to get under people's skins."
"Damn…I didn't mean to start an argument…" Sun said.
"Why not something else?" Salem suggested with a smile, "I mean, you're seventeen now – Cinder is only three or four years older and has a fantastic figure. Have you considered being a house husband or something?"
Qrow was taking a drink from his bottle, but when he heard what Salem…he spat out the water he was drinking immediately.
Meanwhile, Tai was laughing. And so were everyone else.
"A HOUSE HUSBAND? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Cardin exclaimed with laughter.
"Makes sense though! Arc is sorry at fighting!" Russel joked.
"Wow…way to make your son feel better, amirite?" Roman joked to Neo, who silent giggled in agreement.
Jaune looked down sullenly. Pyrrha tried to make him feel better. "It's just a bad joke, Jaune. And think about it, she's only saying since she doesn't want you to be a threat!"
Jaune perked up at that thought. "Yeah…that makes sense!"
"Of course! She wouldn't want you to fight against her. And she just wants to keep her safe!"
"Exactly!"
Jaune felt better, even with the others still laughing at his expense. "Thanks, Pyr."
"M-Mistress…" the woman in question groaned, even as Jaune's face went red. His mother really had no shame. And worse – judging from big sis' expression, this wasn't a new conversation for her either. How embarrassing!
"Mom!" he whimpered, "Please stop saying things like that."
"She is very beautiful though, my son, not to mention a strong pair of hips. Not only could she bear many children, but they would look adorable." Jaune tried to imagine other things, even as he heard Cinder grind her teeth together. "Where did I go wrong," Salem sighed, "I thought all boys lusted after their babysitters?"
"Wait," Cinder's eyes widened, "Was that why you took me in!?"
"You can relax, Cinder. I took you in for your lust for power. Not your looks." Salem said, knowing already that Cinder was looking at her.
"M-my lust for power?" Cinder asked. "Pft. I don't want power like that! Without you, I am nothing."
"I've been alive for longer than you, dear. I know when someone's lying."
Cinder looked at the Grimm Queen.
"Don't worry. Just obey me, and you'll get the power you want."
"But of course." His mother's easy proclamation left the woman speechless, "Why? Did you think I'd leave my son's safety to Tyrian?" There was a pause as everyone looked to the man. He stabbed his knife into the armrest of his chair, giggling slightly. "Besides, my dear, aren't you always saying you want more power? I can't think of a better route than marrying into it."
Cinder grimaced. Even that Salem knows it. And she's family-obsessed in that world! Am I really that obvious? No…no, I just have to do what I planned before, and then…
Watts saw Cinder, and smiled in amusement before nudging Hazel. "Look. She's planning something again?"
Hazel let out a chuckle. "You'd think she would've learnt by now."
Cinder mumbled something beneath her breath. From the fierce look she was sending him it wasn't a list of his best features. She looked like she wanted to strangle him.
"I'm not going to marry Cinder," Jaune slammed a hand down on the table. It didn't shake like he wanted it to and his hand hurt, which probably detracted from the image. "Mom, I want to be a Huntsman, a hero! I want-"
"Enough!" Salem snapped. Jaune's eyes widened, body going stiff as a miasma of shadows appeared behind her. He'd seen his mother angry… of course he had. But never at him and never like this. Her eyes seemed to glow. "You are my son, the Prince of the Grimm and not a huntsman. You are not a hero and you are not going to be a student at one of those foolish schools. You are going to stay here and that, young man, is final. Am I understood?"
It wasn't fair…
"I said; am I understood?"
"Yes mother."
"Good. Now if all you're going to do is sulk and stare at your plate, then I suppose you might as well go to your room." Jaune didn't argue. No one else spoke either as he climbed to his feet, nodding to her and walking to the door. Mannie appeared at his side, a warm presence that lifted the burden upon him just a little. Jaune let his fingers linger on that bone mask, seeking what little comfort he could.
Jaune looked at the scene in sadness, and sighed. What a trip down memory lane…
"Her rejecting you is really grating on you, huh?" Pyrrha said.
"Yeah…just reminds me too much of home." Jaune let out a mirthless chuckle. "You know, when I told my parents I was going to Beacon, they told me not to worry if I ended up having to move back home. How depressing is that?" Jaune stated with a hint of bitterness.
"I'm sure they didn't mean-"
"You were the first person to ever believe in me, you know that?" Jaune stated. "And you've always been by my side, even here, with all the ridicule. So…thank you."
Jaune then made a move that surprised Pyrrha. Her eyes widened as she realized that Jaune placed his hand on top of her's.
However, her astonishment soon melted away into contentment, and she leaned over and placed her head on Jaune's shoulder, closing her eyes. "You're welcome." She replied with a smile.
Jaune quickly matched Pyrrha's smile with his own, and the two remained that way, as they continued to watch. [5]
No more thinking about whether my family believes in me or not. I got my partner, and that's enough for me.
"It's just not fair," Jaune groaned into the Beowolf's flank. The muscled and thick hide rose and fell beneath him with each breath the beast took, providing a warm comfort he had clung to since he'd been a small child. A long, wet tongue came out to lick his arm, his faithful companion whimpering slightly. "Not you," Jaune rushed to say, "I mean mom… I mean my dreams."
"I told you it was a bad idea." A voice inside his head whispered. Jaune sighed and looked away from Mannie and down to his arm. The flesh there bulged, a black shape wriggling beneath. With a miniature roar his skin broke – a black, carapaced creature bursting forth with sharp mandibles extended. It hissed lightly, swaying back and forth like some kind of terrible monster erupting from within his body.
"Oh my God! A parasite!" Ruby shouted, panicking.
"Woah…it talks?" Mercury said, surprised.
"So he has voices in his head too! Delightful!" Tyrian exclaimed in happiness.
Everybody in the cinema went silent after that.
"...Bro, you need help ." Sun said simply.
Ozpin sighed. And Leo told me that he sent Callows to a punitive prison in Atlas instead of a mental health institution? The headmaster rubbed his head in frustration. Perhaps I chose the wrong person to lead Haven…he's been skittish in recent meetings too.
Jaune sighed. "Do you have to be so dramatic?"
"Well excuse me," the Grimm parasite within him mumbled, pausing to stare at him. Contrary to how it might have looked there was no pain from its appearance, for his skin had not truly split. Living within him, like the ones in his big sis and uncles, they had become one with their hosts. "I'm not the one who shouted that he was going to become a huntsman at a table filled with most evil people in Remnant."
Hazel glared at the parasite's statement. I'm evil? When Ozpin's sending children to their deaths? He grit his teeth but did not comment.
"Remy," Jaune sighed, flicking the creature in the face. "I had to say it… it's my dream, it's been my dream for so long. You know that!"
Remy burrowed back into his arm, wriggling up the limb and onto Jaune's shoulder where he came out once more, head peeking from the collar of Jaune's hoodie. "It's a bad idea, Jaune. You know that. Your dad's a special case."
"I can be special too," Jaune said, ignoring Remy's not so kind response about just how `special` he was. "I don't care what you say. I have to do this."
"Are you aware of just how dangerous this is?"
"I can't stay here." he sighed, "I can't spend the rest of my life pretending to be something I'm not."
Weiss heard what Grimm-Jaune said and couldn't help but relate to his predicament. She looked down and pondered what was said.
"Are you okay, Weiss?" Ruby said.
Weiss stayed silent for a bit before responding. "He might be a bit of an idiot, but I'm glad he's here." She stated,
"Jaune?"
"Yes. It's better to be chasing your dreams, then living someone else's. And as for what the doctor said…having love is better than everyone fearing you. What good is power if nobody else is there to share it?"
Ruby smiled at what her partner said. "I agree."
"I feel the need to repeat. This is a bad idea."
"Your counsel is valuable and will be considered," Jaune said, repeating a favourite phrase of his mother's whenever someone said something she didn't care to deign with an answer. "I've read enough stories to know how this has to go. Nothing's going to change if I just sit here, Remy, I need to go out there and experience the world. Save people, become a Huntsman – fight the bad guys!"
"Wait a second…but Salem always says that to me!" Cinder exclaimed.
Watts laughed at her realization! "Of course she would!" Watts then spoke to Salem. "My Lady, please. She didn't even realize you were rejecting most of your ideas. Please, let us be done with her and her incompetence."
Salem contemplated Watts' plea for a bit, before answering. "Your counsel is valuable and will be considered."
Watts sighed.
"Fight your mother?"
"Not mom," Jaune deflated, "Other bad guys; criminals, terrible mobsters and evil Kings."
"You'll still be fighting for the people opposed to your own family," Remy warned, clicking his mandibles at Jaune's face, "You do realise that, right?"
"I do." I know my mom just wants the best for me, but she's too protective. I can look out for myself. I can fight for myself! "I'm going to do this anyway," he said. The Beowolf nudged its snout against Jaune's hand, begging for attention. "You'll have to stay here Mannie," Jaune whispered sadly, "I can't take you into the Kingdoms. They'd try and kill you."
The Beowolf whined but nodded, intelligent enough to know Jaune spoke the truth. It still reared up to lick his face, however, covering him in a thin sheen of drool.
"Yeah…sadly we'll have too." Nora said with a pout.
"Nora, even if you wanted to keep Manny as a pet, you'd kill him." Ren pointed out.
"What? No I wouldn't!"
"Remember that one Grimm in initiation?"
"That was an accident and one time!"
"Hey now," Jaune laughed, patting him down, "It's not like I'll be gone forever. Once mom's calmed down I'll even come back to visit when I can – and you're immortal so don't sulk." The Grimm slumped and after a second Jaune hugged its spiked carapace, "I'll miss you too boy," he whispered. "Be strong… for both of us."
Ozpin grimaced. I think you've underestimated Salem's ability to calm down…
"I'm going to get in so much trouble for this…" Remy groaned, slumping against Jaune's skin. Jaune reached up to push him down, the worm-like creature disappearing into his body once more. He could still feel him, however. Hear him too. "This is going to backfire," Remy spoke directly into his mind, "Mark my words, Jaune Salem Arc."
"It'll be fine," Jaune said, packing his backpack.
"Well that's just an invitation for everything to go wrong now!" Roman exclaimed.
Reaching beneath his bed, Jaune drew forth the tattered and old magazine he'd found scrunched up amongst the books in the library. A newspaper from Vale, one of the four main Kingdoms, it was old and half-destroyed, from a time before Jaune had even been born, but the words were still clear. "Beacon Academy," Jaune read, eyes sparkling.
I can always come back if I want to. Mom would never turn me away. "I've left a note for mom," Jaune whispered to Mannie, giving the Beowolf one final hug, "Make sure she gets it but try and stall for me, okay? I'll try and bring you back some treats, boy, so wait for me!"
"Would you turn him down?" Cinder asked.
Salem looked at her like she asked a stupid question. "What do you think?"
The backpack tightened, his sword and sheathe strapped to his hip, Jaune stood at the window of his room. He only had a short amount of time to act… if his mother found out then she'd make sure he couldn't do this. Bringing his fingers to his mouth he let off a sharp whistle, a great, winged monstrosity launching itself from a nearby crag. The Nevermore's claws gripped the window's edge, long and deadly. Jaune stroked one lightly, feeling the sharp beak nip at his chest.
"Heh. Guess we're not the only ones in the group to have flown a Nevermore now, right?" Ruby joked to Weiss.
Weiss groaned upon remembering that event.
"Take me to the outskirts of Vale," he whispered to the monster, climbing onto its back. "Fly quickly and be safe. Return here afterwards and don't stick around. Someone might think you're evil or something."
"Or something," Remy griped.
Jaune Salem Arc ignored him. He was an advisor, nothing more. This was his destiny, his chance… his dream. Sometimes a sheep had to leave the flock for a while, just to forge their own. It didn't mean they were no longer family, nor did it mean they were leaving their own behind. "Beacon, here I come," the Prince of the Grimm whispered, holding on as the Nevermore launched. The grin on his face soon fell when his stomach gurgled. Huh... I've never traveled like this before. I wonder if this feeling is a good thing.
The waterfall of vomit that spewed from his lips said otherwise, however.
The screen turned to black.
"And Vomit Boy is born! In another timeline as well! He's inevitable!" Yang joked, with many of the students laughing, Jaune included.
"Well…that was more fun to watch, especially compared to the last one, that's for sure!" Pyrrha stated.
"Indeed, friend!" Penny voiced her agreement.
Meanwhile, Ozpin and Salem's groups were discussing what they saw.
"If you're done mocking Cinder now, Watts, we'll need to find another way to get the Fall Maiden since Cinder has been exposed."
"I think we'll need another agent, then." Hazel stated.
"Well how about we just gather the knowledge needed to get to the Maiden, instead?" Cinder proposed, alluding to Leonardo Lionheart.
"That could work, actually. Good job, Cinder."
"Well now that we know that they know about Amber's whereabouts, should we relocate her?" Glynda asked.
"I propose we relocate her to another academy. Haven perhaps since people will expect Atlas?"
"No. I don't think Leonardo is trustworthy." Ozpin stated.
"Really? Are you sure, Oz?" Qrow asked.
"It's just a gut feeling. When we leave, can you watch him? I think he might be compromised."
"Sure thing."
"James, can you handle Amber? It is Atlesian technology keeping him alive after all, and you already know about Watts and the issues he will pose."
"I can." James answered.
"Well then it's settled. Amber is going to Atlas."
Outside of the two groups vying for the fate of Remnant, the other groups were simply discussing the absurdity of the timeline they just watched.
After a while, Chrono spoke up. "Alright! It's time for the next verse!"
And that's it for White Sheep! At least for now! Now there was one specific person in my reviews who kept saying ARC Corp, but I decided to do this Coeur Al'Aran story instead (Sorry dude).
But other than this, I just want to tell you all that next week will be my last chapter for the year! I'm taking a break for the holidays (Christmas and New Year's). Expect me back for the second Monday of 2023, January 9! I'll still be aiming for 10 chapters (excluding the next interlude) to be released - so apart from next week, expect 6 more chapters and 1 interlude!
[1] - Have they ever mentioned when Tyrian found Jaune interesting in Volume 4 again? Has it even had a payoff? I doubt it will at this point, since I heard that people were annoyed by Jaune in V4 and in response, Rooster Teeth made him less relevant since they focus too much on fan-service lol.
[2] - The names of the Five Families of Mistral - Giallo, Azzurro, Rosso, Chiaro, and Scuro - are based on the names of colors in Italian (Yellow, Blue, Red) and the words Light and Dark. They're based on the real life Mafia of course.
[3] - That's what autocorrect told me, but it could be wrong. Anyways, I kept it the same since, you know, Coeur wrote it like that.
[4] - That title references both Lagune (mentioned in Beacon Classrooms), the guy who lost against the Faunus, and therefore 'lost' Atlas and their support, AND Robb Stark. How? Rickard Karstark mocks him in Season 3 - "Our King in the North, or should I call him…the King who LOST the North".
[5] - I basically just copied a part of the transcript from 'Destiny' which is Volume 3, Episode 7 of the show.
AND NOW TO ANSWER SOME QUESTIONS/SUGGESTIONS FROM REVIEWS:
Cruz7808: Another chapter similar to the Kirby one, but with Metroid or Resident Evil? Maybe, if there is a good video/video essay I could watch to adapt. That being said, I'd prefer to have a transcript rather than actually type it myself. I'd rather focus on actual scenes and stories.
BlueJack22: I probably won't do that, sorry. See the answer above for why.
Kate (A Guest): I would agree with that, except much of the show focuses on exposition and lore anyways! Like Pyrrha explaining what aura is to Jaune! Also, there would be no need for World of Remnant if the writers were skilled at naturalistic storytelling - the ability to explain the lore of the world in ways that seem natural. An example would be the first episode of ATLA - where Katara uses waterbending and it is explained to the audience when Sokka remarks about how weird it is (of course, there are better ways though).
netapel: The Boys was one of the chapters I was planning to do a few months ago, but I gave up since doing a transcript for a 40+ minute episode was just too much for me. I did an episode of Spy X Family (20 minutes) and I ended up with 13K words, afterall. However, I may try to do it again, but only focus on Hughie and Butcher's scenes in the Pilot. It could work since The Boys is an ensemble cast, and I can focus on one story in an episode, instead of all of them.
See you guys next time!
NEXT CHAPTER: Path of the Righteous Man (PULP FICTION)