Chapter 4
A/N: Lots of good feedback and suggestions in the reviews so thanks for that. If you have any other suggestions, pm me or leave a review. I try to read both. To address some of them, Yes this has potential to be a very big story so we'll see how far I can take it, I'm already getting some ideas for more chapters. Also the use of Arc-Schnee as the surname is a deliberate thing and will hold water later on. I got a few ideas for Jaune's new weapon or side weapon whichever I choose but I do think the knight aspect does fit him well so we'll see what happens. For clarification because I haven't included this yet this story is set around late volume one. Which brings me to another issue: people are bringing up the age of characters so let me outline this for everyone just so everyone is clear and hopefully further questions are answered.
Weiss, Blake, Yang, Jaune, Pyrrha, Ren, and Nora are all canonically 17, while Ruby is considered to be 15 in volumes 1-3. Winter is considered mid 20s in volume 5. Winter is considered to be around 5 years older than Weiss usually and seeing as everyone (excluding Ruby) is 19 in volume 5. This would put Winter, if we follow the +5 years theory at 24 in volume 5. Something that could be included as mid 20s. Now we know Willow Schnee was in an arranged marriage to Jacques and throughout history and more than likely in RWBY as well, arranged marriages often occur young. So lets say Willow and Jacques wed when Willow was 19. Then we'll give a year or two for Winter to be born. 19 + 1-2 + 22 years (This would theoretically be approx Winter's age in volume 1) = 43 at most. Thus, Willow Schnee before the Aura incident would be around late 30s to early 40s depending on how one gauges the ages of the characters in the show as nothing is set in stone. Now then in the first edit of chapter three the nurse explained how Jaune's and Willow's aura meshed and well it averaged them out, which can be seen as 39+17=56 - 56/2 = 28. Very scientific I know, and the math wasn't 100% accurate because, once again no one really knows the ages and everything is a guess. This was something I changed as the wording was not exactly perfect. Do keep in mind though that people can look older or younger than they really are. I've seen people be mistaken for years older than they are and vice versa. I myself have been mistaken for way younger than I am and I mean lots of years younger. The word clone did not necessarily imply they are physical clones in every way; it was just meant to emphasize the point that she looked way younger. Which would make sense going from 40 ish to 28. Now then it was changed because I didn't need her to be WAY younger than she was just a bit younger would do so I changed it to be less confusing. Now this age regression thing was done on purpose and play an important part later on.
Now then the next thing, FULL DISCLOSURE: Despite spending years in the hospital I am not a doctor. I barely passed biology, which is why I work with numbers. This means me trying to come up with a medical excuse as to why the regression happened will not be perfect. Hence why I used Jaune's semblance and tried to explain it as their auras meshing together and his overpowering her's which resulted in the age regression. If any people who know medical know how and terminology want to message me so if some other medical stuff pops up in the future I'll get your wording for what i'm thinking of so it sounds better but for now that was/is the main/only medical situation I have planned.
Now then, explanation/rant over so once again thank you everyone for the support for this story and the helpful ideas and suggestions. So let's get to it, time for Ch 4, I apologize for it being late I severely underestimated the amount of time needed for the beta reading process, my bad.
Huge thank you to AzraelVoorhees for beta reading this chapter.
Atlas Hospital
As sunlight began to filter through the window Jaune slowly opened his eyes to find himself staring at an unfamiliar ceiling.
Huh? Oh right, I'm in Willow's hospital room. I wonder what time it is. Jaune thought as he rolled over and looked up at the clock on the wall and saw it read 07:00. It's 7o'clock? Guess I'll go try to find the food court and get myself some breakfast. Jaune thought as he got up and began to stretch.
Quietly making his way out of Willow's room, who along with Winter were both still sleeping, he began looking for the food court. About ten minutes later, he finally found it on the second floor of the hospital. After walking up to one of the food vendors and ordering he received his food and went to a nearby table and sat down to eat.
Only a few short minutes had passed before Jaune felt a hand on his shoulder. A large metallic an audible gulp, Jaune turned his head to see General Ironwood standing behind him holding a tray as well.
"I hope you don't mind if I join you for breakfast Jaune." Ironwood said in a tone that in no way held a question.
"Uh sure, I don't mind at all."
"Good, after all there is quite a lot I want to discuss with you." Ironwood said letting Jaune know this wasn't up for debate. He then went around and took a seat across from Jaune at the table.
"Now let's get this straight Jaune. I don't recognize you as Willow's husband, nor do I think someone can be so stupid that they drink with a random woman twice his age at a bar then get married."
"Hey that-"
"No. It is either extreme stupidity or it's all planned and I would like to know what you are planning as it is highly unlikely the former is the reason and not the later."
"I'm not planning anything, General. Hell I was out drinking with my friend before he ran off and Willow sat down, and just like she and I told you we both drank and don't remember anything."
"I refuse to believe that."
"Sir with all due respect, not that you deserve much acting like this, if I were after anything Willow had why would I fight off the White Fang when we crashed risking my life to save her? I used up all of my aura trying to keep her alive. Your thinking holds no logic."
"Yes, Winter did tell me about that. Very well, but I'll be keeping an eye on you." General Ironwood said before he got up and walked away.
Letting out a sigh Jaune stood up as well and made his way over to a nearby trashcan and dumped out his trash before he began walking back over to the counter to order some food for Willow and Winter who would hopefully be up by the time he got back.
After getting their food he walked back up to the room and opened the door to find Willow and Winter awake and talking to each other.
"Hey you two, I went and got some breakfast downstairs and I thought I'd bring you both some as well. Sorry if it's not something you like."
"It's the thought that counts, dear. Thank you though, I was feeling very hungry." Willow said with a warm smile as she took her food.
"I agree with mother, and after not eating in a good bit I would eat just about anything. Thank you Jaune, this smells great." Winter said as she also took her food.
After the two had eaten their food Willow thought it would be a good idea to continue the conversation from the bullhead.
"So Jaune, have you given any thought to some new armor or maybe a new weapon?"
"No, not really. Haven't thought about it at all. Although after that battle it is clear I'll need new armor."
"I have an idea." Winter said joining in on the conversation. "There is an inventor I know who might be able to help with new armor and some weapon upgrades, or maybe a new weapon all together."
"Are you talking about Pietro?" Willow asked
"Who?" Jaune asked
"Pietro Polendina. He's an Atlesian scientist and renowned inventor." Willow responded as she looked over to Jaune.
"He's also someone who has some close ties with the Atlas military so he would be able to help you because of our now family relationship." Winter commented.
"Well how soon do you think he could meet with me?" Jaune asked.
"Let me send him a message." Winter said, pulling out her scroll before quickly tapping out a message and sending it. After about a minute a ping was heard and Winter eyes went to the scroll's screen as she read it.
"He says he's free right now if we want to make our way over to his office." Winter said as she looked up from her scroll screen.
"Well why don't you two go and do that? Get some father-daughter time since I'm stuck here for a few days." Willow said with a small laugh.
"Very funny mother. Come along now Jaune, let's go meet Dr. Polendina."
"Alright let's go. I'll see you in a bit, Willow." Jaune said before giving a small wave before he walked out of the room.
"So what is Dr. Polendina like?" Jaune asked as the two began to make their way to the doctor's office.
"He's, well... he's an interesting man to say the least. He's a genius though, so he should be able to help you." Winter replied.
"Well I'm sure he can help. Most gear would be better than what I have now. Wait, is this it right here?" Jaune said as they stopped outside a door.
"Yes this is it. Go on, open the door and let's go in." Winter said smiling internally knowing what would come next.
"Alright well here we go." Jaune said before opening the door and walking inside. "Hello Dr. Polendina we're here to see you." Jaune said looking around the office.
"Salutations!" Greeted a ginger hair girl popping up seemingly out of nowhere.
"Ahhhhh!" Jaune said falling backwards and landing roughly.
"Oh no friend. Did I startle you? I apologize for that. Here let me help you up." The ginger girl said before moving to help the blond knight up.
"Oh no it's fine don't worry about it." Jaune said, doing his signature rubbing behind his head, unsure of how to proceed.
"Hello Penny." Winter said as she walked into the room as well making her presence known.
"Oh hello Winter. Father said he was expecting you." Penny said as she turned to Winter and greeted her in a smile.
"Father? So, you're Dr. Polendina's daughter?" Jaune asked.
"Yes! I am Penny Polendina, daughter of Dr. Pietro Polendina. Nice to meet you." Penny said.
"Oh cool. Well my name is Jaune, Jaune Arc- err now I guess it's Arc-Schnee. Guess I need to get more used to saying that." Jaune replied before giving a little laugh.
"Oh so you're the young man who married Ms Willow. I heard Father talking about that to the general. Congratulations on your marriage but what are you here to see my father for? He told me Winter and a guest would be stopping by but not what for." Penny said with a questioning look on her face.
"They're here for me to help the young lad with some upgrades for his weapon and armor." Dr. Polendina said as he entered the room on his chair.
"Hello father, are you done talking to the general?" Penny asked
"Yes Penny, I have finished my wonderful conversation with the general, now let's move on to something more fun. Young man, you've certainly come to the right place because I love to design stuff. Show me what we're working with." Dr. Polendina said, making his way over to the workbench.
After joining Dr. Polendina at the workbench, Jaune pulled Crocea Mors off his belt and laid it on the surface. "This is it, I dont have the armor anymore as it got damaged in the fight with the White Fang."
"Hmm, well that won't do. I get the sense from you that you're not one meant for speed and more knight-like based on your sword and shield. Would you like to have armor based upon that or go for more speed based stuff?" Dr. Polendina asked as he pulled out a notebook and started writing down ideas.
"Well I don't handle moving fast well as I get motion sick and the sword and shield is what I've learned with albeit as little as it is." Jaune said
"You know they make medicine for that, right? I can get you some if you want for flights. There are also some aura control techniques I'm sure you can look up." Dr. Polendina said.
"I would appreciate that." Jaune said with a defeated sigh as he sat down on a chair next to the workbench. "I probably should've known there was medication for it but I never thought about it."
"That's okay my boy. People often overlook lots of things in life so don't worry about it. Now back to your weapon and armor though do you know what you want or like?"
"Well I'd like to keep the knight aspect as it's what my ancestors used and well my agility isn't the best."
"Well both can happen thanks to technology and something you'll come to know a lot about...Dust!" The eager inventor said as he maneuvered over towards what appeared to be an equipment locker like they had at Beacon, only this one was fancier.
After punching in a code on the number pad and placing his hand on the scanner next to it, an unlocking sound was heard before Dr. Polendina turned around to look at him.
"Jaune my boy, this is one of my earlier designs. I designed this for the Atlesian military but it was never implemented due to the cost and well it not really fitting the "soldier" aesthetic. I kept it around though because I spent a while working on it and figured it might come in handy one day."
"So what is this thing?" Jaune asked, now very curious.
"To put it quite simply it's the answer to your problems or well some of them anyway. I present to you the Fate Knight Armor prototype or FKA for short." Dr Polendina finished before opening the locker to show Jaune several pieces of a knight's armor you'd see in old paintings.
"It looks rather plain and normal."
"That's because it is Jaune, that's because it is."
"Huh?"
"Simple really, it looks like this because well nothing on it has been customized. It's a blank slate but I have just the stuff to fix that. Now what would you like on it?"
"Um well I guess my family crest guess would be a good start."
"Which one though, seeing as you are now married to my mother after all." Winter asked
"Hmm, I didn't think about that. Guess this means I have two family crests now. How should I do this." Jaune said, thinking out loud.
"Why not just combine the two? Put the combination on the front and put each emblem on one of the pauldrons?" Winter said taking a seat in a nearby chair before Penny followed suit.
"I could combine the colors on the armor too. The blue and gold should work well together. But uh, how does this increase my agility or have anything to do with dust?" Jaune asked
"Gravity dust my dear boy. Allow me to explain more in detail though. If you go over and pick up one of the armor pieces you'll notice it has little weight and if you look at the sole of the boots you'll notice they have been lined with gravity dust as well. This will make you lighter on your feet and allow you to pull off some otherwise impossible maneuvers with ease should you practice them."
"Woah, this is incredible Dr. Polendina." Jaune said walking over to examine it more closely.
"There is one drawback though, it uses a ton of dust. Thankfully you're now married into the SDC so that shouldn't be a problem." Dr. Polendina said
"Oh um, is there something else then? I don't want to burden Willow with that." Jaune said, rubbing the back of his head.
This prompted a hearty laugh from the doctor as he moved over near Jaune and slapped him on his back before he turned to Winter and said "See, your mother found a real keeper in this one. Big upgrade this lad is." After saying this he turned back to face Jaune. "Jaune, call me Pietro and I apologize for that. The suit actually doesn't use that much dust at all, I was just giving you a little test."
"A test? Why would you give me a test?" Jaune asked
"Well you see Jaune, all too often people take advantage of positions of power and go willy nilly. After hearing about your marriage to Willow I thought maybe you might be like that, but I'm pleased to say you've passed. I'll get this suit ready for you and customized like how you've said. Come see me in a day or two and it should be done."
"Awesome, thanks Pietro." Jaune said with a big smile on his face.
"Now then, while I work on that you'll need a new weapon or possibly some upgrades to your own. I'll need you to leave your weapon here so I can look at it and come up with some ideas."
"Okay, here you go Pietro." Jaune said as he handed Crocea Mors to Pietro.
"I would also suggest you go with Winter and have her take you to one of the Atlas training sites. They should have all the standard weapons there, so you can practice with them all to see what you like. Keep in mind the use of dust too and how it could be applied, that might help you with some upgrade ideas later. You can leave now, I've got some work to do after all."
"Thanks again Pietro, see you later. Bye Penny it was nice to meet you as well, hopefully I'll see you soon too." Jaune said with a wave as he walked out the door.
"You know you didn't have to test him." Winter said as she stood up getting ready to follow Jaune out the door.
"I know, I know. I just wanted to make sure though." Pietro said.
"Well thank you anyways Pietro, I appreciate it." Winter replied before turning to look towards Penny, "Bye Penny, I'll see you soon as well." Winter said before giving a wave and walking out the door.
"Huh, usually she would've been more military-style with this meeting but it wasn't like that at all. Maybe the boy can change that entire family for the better." Dr. Polendina said before turning to look towards his daughter.
"You know Penny, Jaune goes to Beacon so you'll probably see him soon for the festival. Seems like you've already made a friend." Dr. Polendina said with a smile.
"A friend? Jaune is my friend?" Penny said with a growing smile.
"Well maybe not right now but hang out with him a few more times and I'm sure you'll be friends soon enough. The boy seems very kind and friendly after all. Now help me get started on this please." Dr. Polendina said, turning back to face the suit of armor.
I'll try to go see Jaune sometime soon. Hopefully I'll meet more friends at Beacon too. Penny thought as she moved to help her father begin work on the suit of armor.
Atlas Training Facility
"Alright Jaune this is where we'll be practicing." Winter said gesturing to the large practice arena before them.
"Ok where do I get a weapon at?" Jaune said slowly, taking in all of the arena.
"If you follow me I'll show you." Winter said before making her way over towards a set of double doors.
"Inside here are practice weapons for every weapon style you would think possible." Winter said before opening the doors to reveal racks lined with an assortment of practice weapons.
Walking over to the racks Jaune picked up a sword and shield deciding to go with what he was at least kind of familiar with to start. "Ok let's begin."
After making their way back to the arena, Jaune and Winter stood a few feet away from each other, and readied their weapons. Before either made a move Winter called out. "I'll let you decide when to start and make the first move."
Nodding his head in confirmation, Jaune began counting down. "3...2...1...GO" Jaune yelled as he quickly made his way towards Winter with his shield raised to protect himself and sword ready to quickly strike.
Parrying the initial strike with her saber Winter then quickly jumped to the side before sticking out a leg and knocking down Jaune.
"I'm not some untrained or unprepared grunt Jaune. I am a huntress and your classmates will be close to that level as well. You need to think more than just charging in." Winter said as she moved backwards letting Jaune get back up to try again.
"Alright let's try again." Jaune said as he made his way towards Winter, trying to watch her movements carefully this time before going in for a slash.
Winter quickly jumped back avoiding the strike before moving to counter with her saber. Jaune brought up his shield in an attempt to block the blow but as he did Winter brought around her leg and kicked Jaune in the side, knocking him to the ground.
Moving over towards the blond knight laying on the ground, Winter reached out and helped Jaune up.
"Thanks Winter."
"You're welcome. Now let's go back to the room and see if there is something there that catches your eye that you might be better with.
And so this process was repeated over and over again with Jaune trying numerous weapons ranging from short daggers, to big greatswords, hammers, nunchucks, and all sorts of mecha shift weapons as well.
Alright Jaune, that's enough for today. We've been practicing for quite some time now, so why don't you go take a shower and I'll do the same. Since your clothes are probably drenched in sweat, there should be some spare Atlesian military fatigues or Atlas academy uniforms in there too. "
"Why Atlas military and Atlas Academy uniforms?"
"Here in Atlas the academy and the military go hand in hand so we often share some of the same facilities."
"Oh that makes sense. Do you want to meet back here afterwards?"
"That'll work. The men's locker room is over on the left side, by the way. I'll see you in a little bit then we can go back to the mother's hospital room and check on her." Winter said before walking away from Jaune and towards the women's locker room.
Deciding to take Winter's suggestion, he made his way over to the men's locker room, before going inside to take his shower.
Ten minutes later Jaune emerged from the locker room wearing an Atlas Academy uniform and began waiting in the hall for Winter to appear.
After a few minutes Jaune pulled out his scroll and began playing some games to help pass the time knowing it might be a while.
Suddenly, a voice came from his left, "Student, what are you doing here at this hour? I appreciate the effort but-" the voice stopped as Jaune had turned to look to see none other than General Ironwood.
"You aren't a student here, Mr. Arc. Care to explain why you are here and wearing an Atlas Academy uniform?"
"I was training with Winter and well, after showering I put this on because I didn't have any spare clothes."
"Hmm, well see to it you are more prepared in the future, Mr. Arc."
"It's Arc-Schnee now and I'll have to ask you to respect that, General Ironwood."
"So you say, but I still feel this entire situation is too suspicious to not be a plot."
"You keep saying that General but all you have is suspicion and I can tell you this: I don't like anyone messing with me, my friends, or especially my family. So I'll say it again, it's Arc-Schnee."
Without another word between them, General Ironwood walked away. A few minutes later Winter finally came out of the locker room and the two made their way back to the hospital room.
Atlas Hospital
Opening the door upon their return, Jaune and Winter were greeted by the sight of Willow, who instead of being in the hospital bed was sitting in the chair beside it reading a book.
"Oh hey Willow, what are you doing out of bed? Are they letting you go home now?" Jaune asked as he made his way over to Willow.
Promptly closing her book, Willow looked up at Jaune before she spoke "Yes they are allowing me to leave. They say they've seen enough to know I'm not in any critical condition and there is no risk to my health."
"Well that's good." Jaune said with a big smile.
"Yes, yes it is. Could you carry my bag for me please? Klein should be here soon with the car to take us back home." Willow said as she made her way to the door.
Jaune went over and picked up her bag as Winter made a whip motion and gave a slight laugh at Jaune's expense.
"Don't think I didn't see that, young lady. You best respect your father lest he bend you over his knee." Willow said with a smirk of her own.
"I doubt I'd be able to do that at all." Jaune said with a laugh as he walked out of the hospital room carrying Willow's bag.
"Regardless, it's good to see you two being even more friendly. I want this to be a new beginning for our family, a new era for the Schnee household. One that holds more compassion and love. I want to make up for my faults as a mother when I raised you, Weiss, and Whitley, Winter."
"Relax mother." Winter said as she wrapped her mother in a hug. "Life was tough with Jaques around but things should be better now with Jaune instead. You're already looking better for it anyway." Winter said with a small laugh.
"Yes I suppose I am. Now this does lead to a new question: What do we tell Whitley? Do we just throw him into the deep end and say surprise this is your new father? Because I don't think that would go over well."
"Well if I may offer my input," Jaune said as he walked up besides the two, "I have a few younger siblings and well I have to agree that just dropping the bomb might not go over well. How about we just say I saved you and that you are letting me stay as a thank you? Then maybe I can try to interact with him a little bit and ease into it."
"That does sound like a good idea, mother. I'd say go with that for its simplicity, maybe even give Jaune some Lien so he could take Whitley out for something like father-son bonding but without the father-son part being said out loud."
"Hmm, that is a good idea. Jaune, when we get to the manor please remind me to give you some spending money for that outing. Oh look, here's Klein with the car." Willow said upon seeing the black car pull up.
Jaune looked wide eyed at the car as it pulled up. It was a very expensive-looking black limousine with the Schnee logo on the door and he presumed on the door of the other side as well.
"Well come on, Jaune. Don't just stand there wide-eyed like that get in," Willow said as she made her way to the car before opening the door and getting in, quickly followed by Winter getting in as well.
Walking around to the back of the car Jaune searched for the trunk release latch before opening the trunk. Gently he set Willow's bag inside and closed the lid before going back to the door and hopping in himself.
"A pleasure to meet you young man, my name is Klein." Called the driver from the front seat as Jaune crawled in.
"Nice to meet you too Klein." Jaune said as he buckled his seatbelt.
A short ride later and the car was pulling up to the manor.
"Woah it's huge." Jaune said as he stared out the window.
"Yes well Jacques wanted a big house, personally I prefer something a bit smaller and cozier but he made the decision." Willow said as she moved to unbuckle her seatbelt as the car came to a halt.
As the three of them got out of the passenger area, Klein moved towards the trunk and grabbed Willow's bag before the four of them started walking towards the front door.
"Ready to meet your new son, Jaune?" Willow asked with a laugh
"I just hope he likes me." Jaune mumbled as they finally reached the door and the door swung open to reveal a few maids and butlers, as well as Whitley Schnee.
"Hello mother, Winter, and who might you be?" Whitley asked
"Oh my name is Jaune."
"Ok and why are you here?" Whitley asked
"He's here Whitley because he saved my life. He's the reason you still have a mother." Willow said as she walked inside. Turning back to look at Jaune and Winter she spoke again. "Come on you two, let's go have our talk. I'm sure Whitley has some questions about what exactly I meant by that."
And with that Willow made her way down the hall followed close behind by Whitley.
"How do you think this talk is going to go?" Jaune asked Winter as they both made their way down the hall.
"I think it'll be okay. Only one way to find out though, Jaune." Winter said as she and Jaune entered the room where Willow and Whitley were already seated.
A/N 2: So there we have it. Jaune's getting new armor and a new weapon/ or upgrades and it's Whitley's time to be introduced. How will that go, what will the awkward interactions be? Find out next time. Important bit of info though as it is now April, final examinations are upon the students across the world and I am no different. Therefore Ch 5 might be a week or two late. So if that happens do not worry the story hasn't been abandoned and I will probably make it longer to compensate for it, maybe two chapters who knows. I will try to have it done soon but if life happens it happens you know? Until next time!
Edit: For clarification because of some early reviews all focusing on the same thing: Jaune left Crocea Mors with Pietro so Pietro could look at it and gather some ideas. He didn't just hand it over for it to be upgraded or altered all willy nilly