And here we are, the tenth chapter, and the epilogue of arc 2! Who knew we'd get this far? Not me!
Anyways. Extra-long chapter to cap-off this arc. I wrote this as a 'catharsis' chapter, and I hope it gets that point across.
There's a pretty big AN at the end of the story, but I hope you do read it. It's details on what all my next stories might be, and where you can vote for your choice.
Anyways, enjoy! This story was Beta'd by King of Fumbles on my discord.
Summer POV
She never thought she'd find happiness in the fact that her thoughts were her own.
She didn't know what had been done to her. She remembered the ambush, she remembered being taken to Salem, beaten and bruised. She remembered the sick smirk on the dark queen's face.
Then, there was nothing.
There was the feeling that something should have been there, the curious void of memory stretched all the way from that painful memory till now.
She did not know where she was, she did not know how much time had passed since that fateful day. What she did know was that she had aged. Sure, due to the passive effects of Aura, it didn't show as much, but she felt it in her bones.
She also saw it on Ozpin's face. Her professor, and erstwhile leader, was currently passed out on a sofa next to the bed she lay on. His breathing was shallow, he hadn't been asleep long.
Yet, there wasn't a blemish on her body. She'd always prided herself on being quick on the uptake. It was - after all - what had gotten her through Beacon, surrounded by her three clueless teammates. Whatever Salem had done to her had been reversed somehow.
It was then that it hit her.
She had been missing for an indefinite amount of time, at least a decade by her own measure. She knew where she was taken, and given the circumstances, there was next to no chance of her ever coming back alive.
It was as she was dealing with that revelation that the door to her room opened, and in walked a boy…. No, a man who didn't seem real. His features were delicate and beautiful, perfectly sized on a body that you'd see in the male fitness magazines that Tai was such a big fan of back in the day. He was young, younger than she'd been before she graduated from Beacon.
Yet, he radiated more strength than any huntsman she had ever met in her life, and considering the illustrious company she'd kept before… that mission, that was a feat not many could boast of.
"Oh, you're awake." He spoke in a deep voice that sounded a little out of place on someone like him, yet was soothing and reassuring in equal measure.
"Yeah. I uhh… I'm Summer Rose." She introduced herself unprompted, even though - considering her current circumstance - it was more than likely that the man already knew.
The smile that he gave her confirmed that thought. "Ah, so the soul repair worked correctly. Good. I was afraid it might have taken away all your memories." He commented.
"Well, I am missing quite a bit. My memories seem to end at-" She started her explanation, only to cut herself short. This man, was he in the know? Sure, the presence of Ozpin pointed towards it, but with knowledge like that? Her secrecy was warranted.
"If the process were right, then you shouldn't remember any of your incarceration." The man spoke, a kind smile on his face. "Ideally, the process of repairing your soul shouldn't have needed to remove anything, but with just how damaged your soul was, certain parts of it had to be completely purged."
"You… repaired my soul? That's something you can do?!" She asked, her eyes widening in surprise.
"It's a recent development, and you were the first person who I ever tried it on. In general, you don't often get the chance to do something like that. The soul's a pretty resilient thing. Whatever Salem did to you, there was no recovery from that. Hence, a blank slate of memory that spans a decade and a few years or so." He finished, moving closer.
"That long, huh?" her fingers tightened into fists till she could see her knuckles go white. How much had she missed? Her kids, she'd missed all of Yang's school life. Did Ruby even remember her face? And Tai, oh, poor Tai. He could barely take care of himself after Raven left. It had taken all her love and care to bring him out of that depressive stupor.
With her gone, how had he managed?
"You're thinking too much." The man said, a blank expression on his face as he sat down on the bed beside her. "I saw it all, you know? Repairing a soul is a very involved process. You're not to blame for any of this. The fact that you're still here, after all that was done to you? That alone is enough to exonerate you from any wrongdoing."
"Was it really that bad?" She asked, and before he could even answer, she felt her body twitch involuntarily. It was a violent twitch, and something that he didn't miss.
"Huh, even if the soul forgets, the body remembers." He commented, and that was all the answer she really needed.
"So. How did you… fix my soul?" She asked, only for him to give her a sheepish smile. The expression was so unexpected from someone who looked so put together. She felt heat rise to her cheeks.
No, bad Summer! Think of Tai!
"I've recently become something of an expert on the subject matter." He replied with a hum. "I don't think anyone but me can do it, so don't go around getting your soul shattered again. I'm a busy man, you know?"
"And do try to stay out of trouble. I didn't go through the effort of resurrecting you just for you to go squander it away again." The man stood up, giving her a once-over. The simple action had her feeling all kinds of self-conscious. Then again, when faced with a man this perfect, who wouldn't?
"Well, everything seems to be in order. There don't seem to be any adverse effects from the healing process. Just in case, though, let this old man here know if any complications come up in the future." He finished.
"I… I don't know how to thank you." She murmured, just loud enough for him to hear.
"Then don't. Just go home and live a happy life." He answered, a teasing look on his face.
"Leave the future of this world to the next generation."
And with that, he walked out of the room, closing the door behind him. Leaving behind a sense of silence, only broken by the slow, rhythmic breathing of Ozpin.
She didn't get to wallow in her thoughts for long though, as the door to her room slammed open, and she saw the one person she wished to see most desperately.
He'd aged, and not as gracefully as Ozpin. She noticed the circles beneath his eyes, the scruffy excuse for a beard that both Raven and her had made sure to keep off his face. Yet, the most telling feature was the look of fear on his face.
Fear that this might not be real.
Not a single word was spoken as they both gazed at each other. Summer saw his expression cycle through the entire spectrum, and just when realization that this was -in fact - real, was beginning to set in, she decided to speak.
"Hi, dear." She whispered, and like a spell that had been broken, Tai launched himself at her, holding her in his arms like she would disappear, were he to let go.
"I'm home, love." She spoke, gently patting the back of his head as he ugly-cried into her shoulder. The noise of the door, as well as the bawling sounds that Tai was currently making were enough to wake Ozpin up, yet, as he sat there, a wistful expression on his face, Summer realized that he would do nothing to interrupt this moment.
It had been far too long, after all.
Glynda POV
"Of all the people I expected to be in this room with me, you would've been the last, Professor." Jaune spoke up as he leaned against a wall.
She didn't exactly want to be here either, but someone had to bear witness to the conversation between son and father. The Arc clan was a powerful force in the world, and a major part of why Sanus was relatively free from the corruption of Salem. It was in their best interests to make sure nothing happened to the clan head.
Yet, therein lay the major problem. The Arc family was a family dominated by strength. Helios Arc was strong, and so was his brother. Yet, it was hard to fathom anyone being as strong as Jaune was.
She'd trained alongside huntsmen who went on to become legends. She'd trained many who would likely one day be considered within that same company. She'd met legends from the war, and some from before it. Yet, none of them, not even a single one, maidens included, could define 'power' as well as the kid in front of her. The same kid who once got thrashed by Cardin Winchester in her own class.
"Ozpin asked me to be on standby just in case the situation escalates." She commented, and was taken aback by the teasing smirk that appeared on Jaune's face.
"You really think I'm going to fight my father?" He asked, and Glynda had to hold herself back from giving him an affirmative response. Why wouldn't he? After his expulsion from Beacon, the Arc household had treated him like a pariah at best and a criminal at worst. Had he not become as powerful as he was now, Glynda couldn't imagine anything good coming out of the situation that the Arc family had left him in.
For all intents and purposes, he was left out to dry. His friends, his mentors, the world all shunned him, turned their back to him when he needed them most. It was a story as old as time for people in a place like that to turn to Salem.
And it terrified her to think what would become of them had she sunk her hooks into him.
"It… isn't out of the realm of possibilities, all things considered." She confessed with a huff. "You weren't exactly treated in a fair manner by them… or by us, for that matter."
That prompted a hearty chuckle out of Jaune, who finally turned to face her, making her heart miss a beat. Those facial features, combined with the general aura of perfection he exuded were criminal to say the least.
"Beacon expelled me because my transcripts were fraudulent, that is your job." He spoke, an understanding smile on his face. "The family asked me to return Crocea Mors to them because I did steal it. That much is forgiven. I'm not so far detached from reality to hold that against you all." He spoke, his smile slowly draining from his face.
"The fact that my expulsion became international news, partly because of my friends? The fact that my family is still trying to incarcerate me even though I caused them no lasting damage? That, I cannot forgive." He spoke, and for a hint of a second, Glynda saw it all on his face.
Rage, sadness, betrayal and guilt… so much guilt.
The moment faded fast, but the imprint left behind was enough of an answer. Jaune did feel wronged, he did crave revenge, yet, he was contained, diplomatic, calculated.
"I don't believe in direct revenge. Believe me, it would be easy enough for me to incarcerate the entire Arc council, to simply overthrow the ruling council of any nation I fancy, to ruin any of the four nations if I so wished." He hissed. "Yet, that would make me nothing more than a villain. It would go against everything I stand for.
Glynda wanted to rebuke his words, but try as she might, she couldn't. This was the man who had killed a veritable army of seasoned huntsmen under Lau. He was the same man who'd slain both the monster in the mountain and Lau Ka Long. There was no defense against someone like this. No salvation to look for, were someone to earn his ire.
The very thought of having him as an enemy made her shudder.
"To me, revenge has a different meaning." He whispered, the expression on his face was back to neutral, but the intensity of his gaze remained. He'd moved up to her as he spoke, and with the newfound closeness, Glynda couldn't help but blush.
"For my revenge to come to fruition, I have to rise above the doubts anyone has ever had about me." he spoke, and a warm smile slowly returned to his face. "I have to become greater, I have to accomplish more. Conquests that others may consider impossible, I have to make a reality. I have to do so much for this world that when those that wronged me think about me, all they can feel is guilt."
"When I joined Beacon, I wanted to be a hero, just like my great grandfather." He whispered, a solemn look on his face. "I wanted to live up to the lofty peaks that my family achieved. I wanted to make a difference. I am still the same way, but my goal has changed slightly."
Glynda gulped, partly due to Jaune's intensity, and partly out of embarrassment. "And what would be this change?"
It was at this point that she saw realization enter Jaune's gaze. She saw his eyes widen as he took in the blush on her face, and realised it was their proximity that was threatening to revert her into a teenage girl mentally.
He took a step back, embarrassed, and Glynda couldn't believe the fact that such a simple answer made her feel worse. She wasn't a hormonal teenager! Such things were beneath her!
"Ah, sorry about that. I'm still getting used to the effect I have on people." Jaune spoke, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head.
"To answer your question, though. I no longer want to become a hero. I want to become the hero."
Glynda blinked. It was hard to fathom how such a cheesy answer could come from the same person who'd made her heart race just by standing near her. Yet, in a way, it was completely believable.
At the end of the day, godlike powers or not, this was still Jaune Arc. He was still the same bumbling student who had joined Beacon without any training, just pure determination and a dream to become a hero.
That alone was enough assurance for her. If power of such magnitude couldn't change the very fundamentals of who Jaune was as a person, nothing ever would. She could take solace in that, and so would Ozpin.
After all, he'd knowingly let Jaune into Beacon. Their application screening process was second-to-none.
"Knowing all this, do you really think I'd let things escalate between me and my father?" He asked, and all Glynda could do was nod.
Just in time as well, as the door to the room opened, and in walked Helios Arc in all his glory, flanked by Claire and Juniper Arc, two of his three wives. It was interesting to see that Jaune's mother was not present.
Jaune picked up on this too, if the subtle tension of his body was anything to go by.
"Jaune." he stated as he walked closer to them, only to stop mid-step as he finally saw the expression on Jaune's face, or lack thereof.
"I'd recommend taking a seat, father, mothers." Jaune spoke, walking over to the largest seat in the room, one generally reserved for the family patriarch.
"There's much we have to talk about."
Jaune POV
They were tense, and that was a good thing.
He had his doubts when they'd entered the room. He'd expected his grandmother and uncle. The two generals and the patriarch. Yet, the more he thought about it, it made more sense for them to not be present.
This was between the main family.
What he couldn't explain was the fact that his biological mother, Aranea Arc, was not present. Yet, he knew that she would only meet him when she deemed fit.
That was just how she was, how she'd always been. It was part of what kept her safe from the council for so long. That, and the fact that she had Grandma's backing.
"It's good to see that you both have healed well, mothers. I wasn't very good at the whole 'holding back' thing when we faced off in Atlas." He commented, noticing the way Claire visibly flinched, and Juniper held her left arm tight. He'd have to apologize for breaking that at some point.
Not today though. The visible tension on his parents' faces was a result of the situation that he'd put them in. He couldn't risk breaking it, lest they realize that at the end of the day, he was still their little kid.
But for this one time, he needed to impress on them the fact that he was a full-fledged adult, not someone they could write off as a child.
There was an uncomfortable silence that descended over the room after that. Jaune could see that his father had a lot to say, but where could he begin? His expression was a cross between guilt and helplessness, so Jaune decided to begin.
"Grandmother and Uncle told me everything, by the way. So you don't have to explain much there." He spoke, and his words hit his father like a hammer blow. It wasn't his intended reaction, but it would work nonetheless.
"Quite an interesting plan, if I do say so myself. Train my sisters to take over the council, all the while making sure they don't turn me into a puppet-leader." he spoke, and he saw a hint of hope appear in the eyes of his mothers. His father though? He knew better. His guilt made sure of that.
"So, pray, do tell me exactly when you were going to consult me about a plan that revolved around crushing my dreams in the womb?" He asked, and that glimmer of hope vanished, replaced instead by a sense of panic.
"You were too young, Jaune. There was no way you wouldn't let it slip. The council has eyes and ears on everything in Phalanx." It was Mother Claire who answered, and one look at her hopeless expression almost made Jaune want to believe her.
But he knew better now.
"And at what age did you bring my sisters into the plan?" He asked. "Because if I remember correctly, you started teaching them all at the age of ten. Yet, even when I left for Beacon at seventeen, I was still a risk?"
That was enough to shut them up, but he wasn't done yet. "I can understand why you did it, I really can. It doesn't take away the hurt it caused, and had you not been everything I could wish for from a family, this conversation would not be happening now."
"It was my decision to never tell you."
Finally, his father spoke, and if the look of grim determination on his face was anything to go by, he'd been holding this back for a while now.
"And why so?" I asked, trying my best to not make any scathing comments. There was no good that would come out of that, not even a modicum of satisfaction.
"Because you, Jaune, are just like me." He spoke.
"What the hell does that have to do with anything?" Jaune shot back, before he could continue though, he was cut off by his father.
"I've been with you your entire life, Jaune. I've seen you grow up, I've seen your failures, I've seen your successes." He began, taking a deep breath to steady himself. "Throughout those seventeen years, I've come to realize one empirical truth about you, about a tendency that we both share."
"Once you have your mind set on something, you will stubbornly do whatever you possibly can to make it a reality. I am much the same way, always have been." He confessed.
"When I thought about telling you about the plan, one single thought stopped me. I wondered what I'd have done had I been in your shoes." He spoke, his gaze lowered. "Had my mother refused me training, and told me that the future of the family hinged around killing my dream, all the while watching my sisters live it, I would have resented her. I would have distanced myself, I would have looked for someone to tutor me. Anyone would do."
"I would have fallen feet-first into the palm of the council. A figurehead happy with the knowledge that I was being taught by members of the great Arc council, all the while festering hatred against the main family, who could not even afford me something this simple." He spoke. "And just like that, I'd neuter my family's plan at birth, all while becoming a willing puppet for the council."
"After all, they were there for me when my own family turned their back to me." He finished, and silence settled over the room again.
Jaune wanted to refute it, he wanted to deny that he would be so stupid, so brash as to make such a dumb decision. Yet, here he was, the same kid who went to Beacon using fake transcripts, the same boy who decided it was a smart idea to attack Lau and his entire army head-on, risking his life to avenge a man who would never know about it.
He couldn't deny it, because it was the truth. By always dancing around the topic of training when he was younger, his family had made sure to keep him away from seeking external help. After all, the hope that they'd come around at some point was enough for him. After all, they'd never done him dirty before.
"Do you know what sold your sisters on the plan? What sold us on the plan?" Mother Juniper spoke up from beside his father. Jaune shook his head. How could he know? He wasn't privy to any of this till coming back to Phalanx.
"It was when we explained this exact scenario to them that they finally bought into the plan." She whispered, "It was to make sure we could protect you. That was all they wanted, and for that, they were willing to put aside their entire lives."
"What about Saph? She didn't become a huntsman. She didn't even know of this plan. Why was she excluded?" Jaune shot back, trying to make sense of the one part of the entire thing that didn't fit.
"It was Saph's decision to not want to become a huntsman that started this entire chain of events." Mother Claire answered. "Before she chose to break the mold, the very idea that a child of Arc could be anything but a huntsman never occurred to us. By choosing to follow a civilian career, she reminded us that you didn't necessarily need to be a huntsman, at least not until we ousted the council from power." She finished.
"Once the council stopped being a threat, We would have come clean to you. Hell, we would have personally trained you, made up for the lost years as much as we could." Mother Juniper spoke up, guilt painting her features. "Following the plan hurt us as much as it hurt you. Every time you asked me to train you, all I felt was guilt, and I'm sure so did everyone else."
Jaune took a deep breath to steady himself. Of all the ways he'd imagined this conversation going, this wasn't it. Yet, there was one final thing that didn't make sense, something incredibly fundamental.
"I understand your rationale, even if I don't like it. There's only one problem with this whole thing." He spoke, his gaze flitting between the three parents in front of him.
"Mother Juniper is too doting to come up with a plan like this, much less implement it. You'd rather die than make a scheme that would deprive one of your children of their dreams." he spoke, and a look of surprise appeared on her face. Before she could say anything, he moved on to his other mother.
"Mother Claire is a pragmatist, but not a schemer. She prefers short term plans, not schemes this elaborate. It goes against her way of thinking. So it wasn't her." He continued, finally locking gazes with his father.
"As for you, Dad. As you said, we're similar." He confessed, "We have our virtues. Strength, resilience, loyalty, and disarmingly good looks. Yet, long-term planning is something we've always left to others. So you didn't come up with this either."
"The only person I know who could come up with this is mom. Which is why she's been standing at the door, listening to this entire conversation." He finished, and silence descended upon the room again.
It didn't last long though, before the sound of the door opening broke it. In walked Aranea Arc in all her glory. She looked just like he remembered her. Her long blonde hair was done up in a ponytail, revealing the same delicate facial features he'd inherited from her.
The only thing missing was her trademark smile, replaced instead with a look of abject guilt.
"Hello, Jaune." She spoke, and her tone was enough to convey every emotion she felt. Relief at seeing him safe, guilt, for what she'd done, and hope, hope that he might find it in him to forgive her.
"Hey mom." Jaune spoke, holding his forehead to stave off the incoming migraine. "Before we get on with our far-overdue reunion, I only have one question for you."
"Why? Of all people, why would you do something like that?" He asked, his voice barely rising above a whisper, his gaze was drawn to the ground, unable to look at the person who he loved most.
The person who was the architect of the plan that would have destroyed his dream.
She didn't answer for a few moments, and it wasn't until Jaune heard the first sob that he realized why.
"Is it so wrong for a parent to try and make sure their child is safe?" She asked, and Jaune found himself at a loss for words.
"We didn't take this decision lightly, Jaune." His father stood up, walking over to his mother and wrapping an arm around her for support. Juniper and Claire followed suit, a reminder that no matter what they went through, these three would always be there with one another.
They were a unit. One in victory, one in loss.
"And if we were offered the same decision again, with the outcome being the safety of our children. We'd take it again." Juniper spoke up, a resigned look in her eyes.
"Every damn time, without a second thought." Claire continued, "We'd offer our lives in a heartbeat if it meant our children could lead a happy life, and when you have children of your own, you'll be the same way."
"Knowing this, what judgement would you pass on us? We have wronged you, this much is true. Now you know our reasoning behind it. Can you find it in your heart to forgive us?" His father asked.
Jaune couldn't answer. He could barely wrap his head around it all. He'd expected them to lash out at him, he expected scathing words, he expected anything but this. He didn't expect them to just… ask him for his judgement.
No, it wasn't them that deserved judgement.
He stood up, a blank look on his face. He slowly walked past them, As he crossed them, he saw their expressions change from hope to disappointment. They'd prepared for this, which told him that their claim of apologizing to him once their plan succeeded wasn;t just for show.
As he reached the door, he turned around to face them. Watching them support each other was both cheesy and heartwarming at the same time. Yet, this wasn't the time for histrionics.
"You're not the ones that require judgement. Yet, you have wronged me." he spoke, his gaze narrowing as he noted the surprise on their faces.
"Come with me. It's time we set all of this right." He spoke, and the smiles that appeared on their faces was almost enough to make this entire journey worth it.
Almost, because he would very much enjoy what was to come next.
Jeanine POV
She hated trials.
Not because she didn't like to see the act of justice being passed. No, she was all for that. Hell, in her long, long life she'd dragged her fair share of ne'er-do-wells to this very same trial hall.
Including family members, at that.
No, what she hated was the fact that the Arc trial hall was less 'house of justice' and more 'dick-measuring contest' these days, and she had the dubious honor of calling the reasons for such a transition her extended family. Just watching them sit in their seats, set in concentric semi-circles, trying to maintain a veneer of aristocracy was painful to her.
Back in her day, they'd sit in full sets of armor, some bloodied, having just returned from a skirmish, or maybe even the frontlines of war. It was a shame to see just how badly her son's generation had fallen.
Not that she could call her own generation any better. Her cousins were still there, trying to cling on to political power without adding anything to their community.
It made her regret not putting them down, just like she had her own sisters back when she was younger. Having to see their faces was reason enough to avoid trials these days. Yet, today was special.
It was Jaune's trial, after all.
"The council recognises Helios Arc, patriarch of the Arc family!"
And in walked her illustrious first son. The council, who had been lost between their endless chattering, didn't so much as spare him a glance. They knew he couldn't do anything, and they weren't exactly wrong.
The smile on her son's face was enough to tell her that whatever conversation he had with Jaune, the result was positive. As he made his way over to the seat next to her, in the section reserved for the main family, she couldn't help but get a bit snarky.
"I hope that little shit gave you a piece of his mind?" She asked, only for her son's smile to grow.
"He definitely didn't pull any punches, that's for sure. Never thought I'd get talked down to by my own child. Is this how you feel whenever I oppose you?" He asked, getting a chuckle from me.
"Oh, hardly, because with you, I always know that if it gets too out of hand, I can beat the stupid out of you." She commended with a shit-eating grin. "Jaune, on the other hand? Give me the entire Arc militia, ten of you and your numbskulled brother, and fifty of your kids, and maybe - just maybe - I could get him to feel bad enough for us to reconsider."
"It's… hard to believe that my son, who could barely hold a sword right when he left, became so powerful." Helios commented, an awestruck look on his face. "When I first saw him, his presence was so strong it felt like a physical force."
"I've seen plenty of heroes back in my day, boy. Some would even consider part of that company." She spoke, a tone of reverence in her voice. "None of them could compare to Jaune, not in the slightest, and that was before he went down into the gaol."
Helios raised an eyebrow at that. "Surely you don't mean to say that Jaune has grown stronger in the one night he's spent here?"
I chuckled. "Oh dear son. That little shit didn't grow." She whispered, mirth twinkling in her eyes.
"The Jaune that came back from the gaol is so much stronger than the one that went in, one can't call it anything less than a complete evolution." She finished.
A stunned Helios tried to muster up a response to that, but before he could string together a coherent question, the shout of the trial crier shut him up.
"The council recognises Arc, the progenitor of our hallowed line!"
This time, utter silence descended over the council as in walked a man that many of them had only seen once in their lives, that being when Helios was crowned Patriarch. She couldn't blame them, not at all. The original Arc wasn't known to come out of the gaol for anything save the most important of issues.
Every eye followed him as he quietly took the seat right next to Helios. It wasn't till he'd settled down, elbows on the hardwood table in front of him and a fake smile on his face, that someone in the council finally got the balls to ask the question that was on everyone's minds.
"S-sir ancestor! I wasn't aware that you'd be gracing us with your presence today!" A feminine voice rang out, making Jeanine cringe.
Of course it would be her. Ennea Arc, her cousin, twice removed. Shit as a huntsman, shit as a politician. It was a miracle she was even alive. Yet, she was old, and due to the miracle of Aura, still somewhat beautiful. Because of that, she had considerable sway over the Council.
The council which was comprised of her own extended family, yuck.
Arc, on the other hand, regarded her with the fake smile one would usually reserve for children. "I wasn't aware I needed your permission to attend such events. Or has that changed since I was last around?"
"A-ah! No sir! It's just not common to see you in our trials often, if ever! We're just… curious! Yes!" She stammered, trying to recompose herself after Arc's instant shutdown of her. Jeanine couldn't tell whether it was her stupidity, or her bravery that allowed her to keep trying to question him, despite Arc's thinly-veiled threat.
Arc's fake smile didn't budge an inch. "Curiosity, is it? I was told that something important was going to happen today. Something that I wouldn't want to miss." He answered, and she could feel a collective sigh of relief wash through the entire council.
They really had no idea what was going to happen, and honestly? Jeanine couldn't fucking wait for it.
"Revered ancestor. Forgive me for speaking out, but considering you're here today, could we propose another matter of importance to you before the trial commences?"
This time, the speaker was male, and also much more of a headache. Aurus Arc, her nephew, and the man who controlled the largest faction in the council.
The man who had gotten his hooks into Helios when they were both kids, and never let go.
Again, Arc's smile was unchanged, though he did raise an eyebrow. "What could be so important that it would take precedence over this trial?"
"After multiple decisions between the council, we wish to raise a request to you." He spoke, a solemn look on his face. "We request for the dissolution of the main family's claim to patriarchy."
Arc's eyes narrowed at this, "On what grounds would you request something like this from me?" He asked, and Aurus Arc gave him a bow.
"With the power you hold as Grand Patriarch, we believe we have enough reasons to ask you for such a wish." He spoke. "You have done so before, according to the Arc book of lineage. We hope you can do so again."
Arc took one look sideways, noting the cool and composed expression on Helios' face. "Are you privy as to the fact that your council wants to oust you from power?"
Helios replied in the most uncharacteristic way possible. A nonchalant shrug was all he gave them, followed by a small smirk. The confused look on Aurus' face was much easier to read. After all, he'd expected Helios to vehemently deny it.
"What would these 'reasons' be, pray tell?" Arc continued, reverting his attention to Aurus, who regained his posture remarkably fast.
"It isn't just Helios Arc who is complicit in the very trial we're here to oversee." Aurus began, pulling out a scroll from his coat pocket. "Let's begin with Cyan Arc. He was the one who faked transcripts for Jaune Arc. Transcripts which, once they came to light, caused irreparable damage to the Arc name.
Cyan, who was sleeping two seats away from Jeanine, didn't even stir at the mention of his name, not that anyone expected him to. He had the uncanny ability to sleep through the dull processes of the council. As far as he was considered, this was just another one of them.
He'd be waking up soon anyways, why bother waking him up for this?
"Then there's Aranea Arc, under whose supervision, Jaune Arc was able to not only steal the blade of coronation, but also smuggle it out to Beacon." He continued. "Then, there's Juniper Arc, Claire Arc, and their seven daughters, who were unable to retrieve Jaune Arc for two months."
"Finally, there is Jeanine Arc, who did not report or try to apprehend Jaune Arc, even though he has been within our town of Phalanx for two days now." He continued. "This, plus the accusation levied against Jaune Arc are our list of reasons why we believe the current main family should be disbarred from the position of patriarch."
Arc's gaze narrowed. "And I assume that you want the position to be transferred to your branch family instead?"
At this, Aurus shook his head. "The council will internally vote to instate one of the branch families as the new 'main' family later this year. I wouldn't dare try to install my branch of the family into power when the council might find others more worthy."
What a predictable response. It would even be honorable, had this man not already won over the majority of the council. Truly, when did the Arc family stop producing warriors and start producing venomous serpents like him instead?
Arc chuckled at this. "Truly, you must have spent quite a while creating such a convincing list, young man. And you think this much will be enough for me to take action?"
Aurus nodded. "You are the Grand Patriarch. Deposing of patriarchs that might tarnish the family name is part of your duties." He spoke with conviction. "I believe you to be a man of reason. So, I ask, will you not take action?"
That was the point when Arc finally lost it. It had become quite apparent to Jeanine that he'd been holding back his laughter the entire time. That final line Aurus had delivered with such faked conviction was what finally made the dam burst.
Aurus was confused, and so was the majority of the council. Arc's laughter didn't subside for almost half a minute, after which it finally stopped one one last wheeze.
"Oh lord, you really are exactly like how he said you'd be!" Arc commented. "If all the trials that you guys set up are this funny, maybe I really should drop by more often!"
"Is that how you react to all the information I've just told you? You doubt the validity of my accusations?" Aurus's mask slipped for a mere moment, allowing his rage to course. Had Arc not been in such a good mood, Jeanine could guarantee his spear would have been lodged in Aurus's chests for such blatant disrespect.
Yet, today, Arc was merciful. As he wiped a single tear of laughter from his eye, he made a placating gesture with his other hand.
"Oh, no no! I hardly doubt the validity of what you said. I'd even give your speech an eight out of ten. Good job!" he fake-clapped, adding insult to injury.
"What made me laugh is the fact that you're barking up the wrong tree."
Aurus gave him a nonplussed look. "Beg pardon?"
"You guys really do tend to ignore what the crier says, don't you?" He asked, looking over at the poor young guy standing next to the door.
"Did you ever hear him refer to me as 'Grand Patriarch' when I walked in?"
It was then that the realization of what had transpired finally passed over the council. There was a second of silence as they processed the meaning behind his words.
Then? Pandemonium.
Dozens of voices mingled into a steady wave of noise as the council broke down into individual speculation and group discussions. It stayed like that for a second till Aurus's commanding voice cut through the chatter.
"Preposterous! You mean to tell us that someone has conquered the gaol of immortals?" He thundered, demanding rather than requesting an answer, forgetting his place.
Again, it was Arc's good mood that saved his life. That, and the crier's shrill voice, silencing the room.
"The council recognises Jaune Arc, Grand Patriarch of the Arc family!"
Aranea had done her best work on Jaune, as he strode in wearing Julius's old uniform, complete with the half cape, embroidered with the Arc logo. His hair was slicked back, with one lock falling between his eyes. Combined with his newfound looks and dominating presence, he silenced the entire room as he walked up to the dais, a blank look on his face.
"Huh, did I miss the fun part?" Cyan groggily moaned, rubbing his eyes to get the sleep out of them.
"Not at all, dear son. The fucking of the council is just about to begin." She answered, a cheeky grin on her face.
"Ah yes, the fucking." He mumbled. "Damn, Jaune's looking good, huh?"
"Of course, he's my grandson." She shot back, her attention moving back to Jaune, whose blank expression was now replaced by a cruel smirk.
"Good morning, council members." He spoke, his voice was measured, yet instantly silenced anyone who was still speaking.
"Let's begin this trial, shall we?" He spoke, looking over to the crier.
The crier, a kid who was the same age as Jaune, took a second to control his shock and remember he was there to do a job. He closed the large wooden doors of the room, and picked up his megaphone.
"Let the trial of the Arc council commence!"
Jaune POV
The crier's proclamation took a second for the council to absorb. Once they realized exactly what was happening, the cacophony that descended on the room was greater than what he expected.
"Silence."
Not that it mattered, as he activated The Alpha's Domain just as he said the word. The pressure of his being hit the council full-force, instilling most of them with terror beyond their wildest imagination.
There were some that resisted. For a single moment, the thought of increasing the pressure crossed his mind. He could kill them where they sat. Sure, some of them were warriors, some of them were actually pretty good, even by his lofty standards.
Yet, it had ceased to matter since last night. Killing every single member of the council with just a thought… It was tempting.
It was also not in his nature.
He deactivated the ability, allowing the council to breathe. Thankfully he had the micro-control necessary to spare his family from the pressure, even though all three of them would fare far better than any council member. And Arc was, well, Arc.
"How… how is it that someone like you became the Grand Patriarch?!"
"Ah, Uncle Aurus, you had the most interesting speech earlier." He spoke, a smirk on his face. "As to answer your question? How do you think I got here?"
"Inconceivable! You were so untrained that we expected you to die in Beacon! The mere idea that you could conquer the Gaol is…"
"Preposterous? Oh please, you saw him floor the entire council by just looking at them. Just because you couldn't make it past a single floor doesn't mean no one else can." Arc spoke up, a shit-eating grin on his face.
"He didn't just defeat us. He recruited us. The gaol's empty now." Arc finished, and Jaune could physically see terror surface on Aurus's features.
"Y-you would collude with the boy who brought dishonor to-" Again, Aurus was cut off by Arc, though this time, it was the spear point touching his neck that stopped him, not words.
"You speak of collusion while trying to sabotage the very family you serve? I serve my Grand Patriarch, just as you all were meant to serve me." He whispered.
"We're a family of might. Not of snakes. It's a shame no one taught you this."
Before Aurus could even blink, Arc was back at his seat, giving him a forced smile, his point made.
"Thank you, Arc." Jaune spoke, getting a mock-bow from his ancestor. Ignoring the man's antics. "Not that it matters. Uncle Aurus will have all the time he wants to be a snake after today."
"Considering I'm disbanding the council of elders, effective immediately." He finished.
"Y-you can't do that! The council has been an integral part of the family sinc-" Aurus began to reason, before another - far more potent - shot of The Alpha's Domain shut him right the fuck up. He collapsed on his chair, suddenly being reminded of his own mortality.
"Since the war, yes. Back when we needed multiple commanders in case something happened to the leaders from the main family." Jaune continued. "The fact that the council has stuck around since was great grandfather's greatest mistake. With my first order as Grand Patriarch, I will correct it."
"You are to vacate your offices by tonight. Civilians from the town will be instated on a salaried basis to manage the facilities affected." He spoke, gesturing towards his father. "Helios Arc is to stay patriarch. Jeanine Arc shall continue in her position as general of the Militia."
"Uh, what about me?" Uncle Cyan raised a hand. Jaune had to stifle a laugh at his uncle's unkempt, sleepy state.
"I have plans for you. Don't worry dear uncle." He answered.
"Y-you can't do this to us! We're your own family, Jaune!" Ennea Arc shot up from her seat, a pleading look on her face.
"Oh? And where was this concept of 'family' when you sent out my sisters to hunt me down and imprison me?" He asked in an apathetic tone.
"Oh come on, Jaune! You know we'd have just let you off with a slap on your wrist. You're our child!" She pleaded, yet Jaune had no mercy to give.
"Five years ago, what was it that my sister, Saphron Arc, said to you in this very courtroom?" He asked.
The way her face went white told Jaune all he needed to know. She no longer wanted to pursue that line of conversation. Yet, Jaune wasn't done with her.
"All she asked was to be allowed to take the name of her wife." Jaune hissed, holding back the rage that was creeping into his tone. "And you told her that she was better off removing it from her own name, now that she could no longer produce a pureblooded child."
"Were it not for grandmother. My sister would have been exiled by you. Turnabout is fair play, is it not?" Jaune stated, and the implication of his words finally sank in.
"You mean to exile us?" She spoke. "Jaune, isn't that taking things too far? Things with Saphron turned out okay, didn't they?"
"The fact that she's okay is the only reason I'm letting the lot of you live." Jaune stated. "I'll even be merciful and give you a way back in."
He sighed. "The Arc family was a household name during the war. We were the family of might, defenders of Sanus."
"We've fallen from grace and know why. Still, in case some of you are still delusional enough to not know the reason, let me educate you." He spoke.
"The Arc family was known for its exploits. We were known for being the vanguard in the great war. We were the bastion that protected new settlements after the war ended. Our protection was the reason why the trade routes to the other nations could even be built." He spoke, reverence in his voice.
"Now? We're a closed town of budding politicians and mediocre huntsmen." He continued, casting a glare out towards the council. "You gave up the might of the lion, only to try and become snakes. For that, you must also be the ones to fix what you have broken."
"If any of you have been following the news lately, you must know of the death of the beast in the mountain, as well as the fall of Lau Ka Long's legion." He commented.
"That was my doing."
A wave of surprise washed over the council, soon to be replaced with either anticipation or dread. Jaune liked that, it meant they were hooked.
"The lands to the north are treacherous. Even after my excursion into those lands, you'll find them full of Grimm, lacking in food, inhospitable on the best of days and murderous on the worst." Jaune didn't sugarcoat his words. He needed them to know that what he was offering wasn't an olive branch. It was punishment, plain and simple.
"Yet, those lands need to be developed. They need to be safeguarded. The potential of the largest dust deposit known to man is too great to leave untapped. That will be your mission." He continued. "Most of you will die. Those who won't will wish they did, once the cold and loneliness starts to get to them."
"It is a place where one can still find glory in this idyllic world. It is the crucible in which the Arc name will be reforged." He added. "What I'm offering you here is a way to re-earn your name. Show the world that the Arc family is here to stay, and your exile will come to an end."
"That is your only option. Of course, unless someone wants to defeat me and take the title of Grand Patriarch. In which case. Draw your weapon and face me right here, with the rest of the family as witness." He challenged, and the fact that not one person rose to his challenge was enough to tell him that he had gotten what he wanted.
Complete domination.
"Those who would rather go quietly into exile, leave this room now, and leave the city by nightfall. Leave your things, as they belong to the clan." He spoke. "If any of you are found using or besmirching the clan name, I will find you, and being exiled will be the least of your problems if I do."
"Those who would fight into the bitter night for the Arc name? We leave for Atlas at dawn. We will go and usher in a new era for the Arc name, and you? With the sum of your efforts, you will earn again the right to call yourself an Arc." He finally finished.
The fact that only those still loyal to his Grandmother remained after ten minutes of shuffling and exits put a smile on his face.
Justice had been served, and it couldn't be sweeter.
Helios POV
"I expected you to execute them."
He'd found Jaune near the Bullhead Hangar. Watching him stand there, draped in grandpa Julius' clothes, it brought out a sense of pride in him.
He'd felt it before, of course. Every time Jaune achieved something at school, every time he brought a new friend home. Yet, till today, it had also been accompanied with an undercurrent of guilt.
Now? The feeling was pure, and he couldn't help but revel in it.
"I'm not a despot, father. I simply did to them what they wanted to do to Saph." He spoke, a warm smile on his face. "Plus, having the power ripped away from them, being forced to live the life of a commoner. That's gonna hurt them far more in the long run."
"They're definitely going to cause trouble in the future." He stated, only for Jaune to shake his head.
"Do you know why I offered them the chance to fight me?" He asked, and Helios didn't have a clear answer for that. Sure, it was the right thing to do in the moment, but it was also not necessary. He'd cowed them enough to make sure they were compliant. So, why?
"To fight for your place in the world against even the greatest of enemies. What would you call that?" He asked, and again, I didn't have a clear answer.
"To jump into an unwinnable fight just to protect what is yours. Would you not call that courage?" Jaune asked. "The fact that they couldn't do that much, it was enough to tell me they would never have the balls to cross me, ever."
"Fighting an impossible enemy when you can retreat and live to fight another day could just as well be called foolishness." He replied, getting a chuckle out of his son.
"Matter of perspective, isn't it?" He countered. "Were you on the receiving end of all that, would you not have at least challenged me?"
"Nope. Not a chance." He spoke. "I know when I'm beat, and I have a family to go home to. I have eight kids, you know?"
"Nine, you just haven't met one yet." Jaune spoke, and before Helios could say anything else, Jaune decided to continue on like he hadn't just dropped something that heavy mid-conversation.
"You said we're similar. We're both stubborn. I find it hard to believe that you wouldn't fight for what's yours." He questioned, bringing the conversation back.
"I said we're similar, not the same." Helios spoke, filing away the knowledge that Jaune had somehow picked up a secret sibling during his adventures in his 'questions to ask later' mental folder. "Had I been as courageous as you, I would have tried to deal with the council years ago."
"You would've died." Jaune responded matter-of-factly. "You're strong, but they are many."
"Didn't you just call taking an impossible fight 'courage'?" Helios chuckled.
"Not in this context. Had they fought me, the only thing that would have died was their ego." Jaune spoke. "But I guess to some people, their ego and public perception is more important than their lives. Had you decided to humble them like I did, it might not have ended as well."
"True, not everyone is as strong as you. Actually, I don't think there's anyone as strong as you." Helios stated. "Still, that doesn't mean I shouldn't have at least tried."
"You did, and that's what's brought us here today. For what it's worth, I forgive you. And I have a request for you, if you'd humor me." Jaune asked.
"I owe you far more than just one request, son. Ask away." He spoke, getting a warm smile from his son.
"Please, keep being a coward." He whispered. "Do whatever it takes to keep yourself and the family safe. If I'm ever in trouble, please don't try and be a hero." He pleaded.
Helios wanted to refute that, what kind of father would he be if he didn't try and save his son. Yet, reality had a habit of being a harsh mistress. If his son encountered something that put his life in danger, what help could any of them even hope to provide.
"Trust me, dad. Just the knowledge that you and the family are safe will take a massive weight off me." He reasoned. "What I plan to do, going forward, it's going to change the world. I can't do that if I'm always worried about you all, you know."
"You know you don't have to request me to protect my family, right?" Helios spoke with a shrug. "Plus, neither your moms, nor your sisters are exactly fragile."
"Dad, there are things out there. Creatures like the phoenix, like Salem-"
"Then if we ever encounter any of them, we'll run. Again. I'll be a coward, and I'll make sure the rest of the family are too." He huffed. "But only if you promise to be one too when you think you're facing something that is beyond you."
Jaune chuckled. "Yeah… yeah, I guess I could do that. You have a deal." He conceded, offering his fist.
The fistbump they shared was a reminder of old days, before his son was a god amongst men, before life became so damn complicated.
He'd have to learn to savor things like this.
"Also, Moms, Prim, eavesdropping is a bad habit, you know?" He spoke, a grin on his face.
"How you are able to see through my semblance so easily, I will never know." Claire spoke, dropping her semblance and stepping out of the shadows. Juniper and Aranea followed, smiling, while Prim made up the rear, a conflicted expression on her face.
"What's got you so worried, Prim?" He asked, catching on to her internal conflict just as quick as Helios had.
"It's… It's wrong, Jaune. I'm supposed to be the eldest! I'm the flagbearer! How could you ask me not to come help if you're ever in the thick of it?" She all but screamed. "It's my job to keep the rest of you safe! It's what I've trained for all my life!'
"And you did keep me safe. Dad and moms told me everything. You know the reason I'm asking you to stay away from my failures." He stated, walking over to Prim. "I know you've always tried to keep us safe. Please keep doing that, just not for me."
He finished by wrapping her in a hug. It was definitely a novel experience, seeing the reversal of roles between the second eldest and the youngest. He still remembered vividly how Prim would mother hen over Jaune. How she would take care of him when he hurt himself while playing. How she had consoled him after his first heartbreak.
How he had cried on her shoulder after Helios rejected his plea for training god knows how many times.
"You still have seven sisters to protect, Prim. Plus Saph's family. Hell, why don't you come over to Atlas with us? Saph's gonna be in on the new family business. Her and Terra could definitely use a bodyguard as good as you." He commented. Helios knew it was meant as a throwaway, but to Prim? It was a lifeline.
"I… I'll actually take you up on that." She said, wiping her tears and pulling herself away from Jaune. "Maybe spending time with Adrian will take my mind off this."
"Well then, I welcome you to the Atlas Arc family! I hope you have clothes for the cold because it gets all kinds of chilly up in the north!" Jaune spoke with a laugh.
"Back to the important topic. Jaune, dear, what do you mean when you say I have a new daughter?" Aranea piped up. Before Jaune could answer, the noise of the hangar door opening gave them all pause.
"Don't worry, mom." Jaune spoke with a warm smile.
"You're gonna meet her soon!"
Winter POV
She really didn't expect Jaune's parents to be there when the Bullhead landed.
In hindsight though, maybe she should have. This was their home after all. As she stepped out of the bullhead, she was greeted by two familiar faces.
She knew Primrose Arc. Winter was a freshman when Primrose was about to graduate and they'd met at the Vytal Festival in Mistral. She knew Primrose was a formidable fighter, but she wasn't the focus of Winter's attention right now.
Her attention was solely reserved for Jaune Arc right now.
She'd never seen him this cleaned-up. With his regal raiment and his hair done up like that, his perfect features were all-the-more enhanced. Hell, she could swear that between the last time she'd met him and today, he'd suddenly become even more attractive.
How the fuck was that possible? It had barely been a few weeks!
Still, Jaune's attention wasn't on her for now, so she could stare at him to her heart's content as Jade had run over to him the moment she'd seen him. Currently, Jaune's parental unit of four were busy doting over the deadly little girl.
"Take a photo, it'll last longer."
It seemed that in her Jaune-induced haze, she'd forgotten all about the one person not doting on Jade at the moment.
Primrose Arc stood next to her with a smile on her face. It wasn't a warm smile, more of a 'oh! So that's how it is'' kind of smile.
"I assure you, Primrose Arc, this is definitely not what it looks like." She retorted, though it sounded weak coming out of her mouth.
"What does it look like?" She asked, her smile growing more feral.
"I-i've just not seen him for a while! That's all!" She spoke, and instantly regretted it as Primrose's smile took on a nefarious quality.
"Hey, it's a free world, stare all you like." She commented, putting her hand on Winter's shoulder.
"Just try not to be creepy about it. Desperation is not a good look sis" She finished, and winter would forever deny that the high-pitched 'eep' that Primrose heard that day came from her.
She made to try and explain her way out of the situation, but was distracted when Jaune walked up to them, a warm smile on his face.
"Hey Prim! Dad and moms are taking Jade to meet the rest of the sisters! Help her settle down with the crazies, won't you?" He requested.
She nodded at him and gave him a tight hug, which he reciprocated. Before she walked away though, she made sure to give Winter a little wink, one which she looked away from.
Infuriating woman.
The entire exchange did put a confused look on Jaune's face.
"Dare I ask what that was all about?" He asked.
"Nothing. I know Primrose from my time at the Vytal tournament. Just catching up with an acquaintance." Winter deflected, not wanting to let any details slip.
"Your timing is impeccable, you know? You saved me from having to tell my parents about how I met Jade." He spoke, a somber expression on his face.
"You don't plan to tell them?" Winter asked, confused.
"Well, I want her to trust them enough to tell them herself." Jaune explained, "She's been through a lot, but I have faith my family can be there for her, even when I'm not."
"Were you able to sort out things with your family?" She asked, genuinely interested.
"Yeah. It wasn't the resolution I imagined when I returned here." He spoke, giving her a weak smile. "A lot happened over the last two nights. I'll tell you about it on the bullhead back to Atlas."
Winter gave him an understanding nod. "A lot has happened on my end too. Between me and General Ironwood, we've been able to put most of the pieces in place for the plan. There's just… one thing that failed."
Jaune raised an eyebrow at that. "And what would that be?"
"My mother." She admitted, her head hung low in shame. "Even talking to her multiple times, I cannot understand what her holdup is."
Jaune put a hand on her shoulder, making her look up. She locked eyes with him, and just as she did so, she realised how dangerous that was.
The brothers preserve… How could a man be this perfect?
"We'll see if we can't change her mind once we go back to Atlas." He spoke with an encouraging smile, and it took all of Winter's power to try and suppress the blushing forming on her face. So instead, she changed topics, reaching into her bag and pulling out a wooden box.
"I got this made for you." She said, handing him over the box.
"Oh, I'd completely forgotten about this." He said as he pulled out a replica of his old mask from the box. "I keep forgetting that this mask is part of my public perception now."
Winter nodded. "I assumed you wore it to hide your identity back when we met. Now? I believe it's part of your ensemble."
"That's true. I'd rather people not know that the man behind the mask is the same guy who got expelled from Beacon a few months ago. Thank you." He said, "Man, I would've got you a gift too if I knew you were gonna get me something."
It was on hearing those words that her impulsiveness, something she had kept under tight control her whole life, decided to make its bid for freedom.
"It's not a big deal, you can always take me out for dinner to make up for it after our work in Atlas is done." She said, and the shocked expression that appeared on Jaune's face instantly made her regret her momentary lapse of judgement.
"Winter… are you asking me to take you on a date?" He asked, an awed expression on his face.
"N-no! Yes! I mean, technically? But no-" She stammered, backing up as she did. Her carefully crafted persona as Winter Schnee had slipped, and there was no way to bring it back now.
"Y-yes!" Jaune stammered back. "I mean, I'd love to take you out for dinner. Be it a date or otherwise." He finished, rubbing the back of his head.
"T-then it's a date!" Winter croaked out, getting a nod from Jaune.
And then, silence reigned for a few seconds, till Jaune cleared his throat and offered her his hand.
"Come, let me at least give you a tour of Phalanx while you're here." He spoke. "It might not be much, but it's home!"
It wasn't till she'd taken his hand and started walking away from the Bullhead that she realized just how well her hand fit in Jaune's own.
She definitely liked that fact.
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Topic: The North Solitas Conflict - Local Coverage and Discussion
In: Boards Places Solitas Outlands
AveAtlas (Original Poster)
[THE MONSTER IN THE MOUNTAINS IS DEAD (And so is the legion)]
Linked here [Link] are high-definition remastered renditions of the mystery huntsman's fight against both Lau Ka Long and the Firebird.
A few points to address
-The original source of these videos is the government. As such, the mosaic effect they have added to the mystery huntsman's face after he lost his mask are from the original video. I couldn't remove it, and neither do I want to attempt to for legal reasons.
-People who saw the original news broadcast have been screaming about CG this, CG that. As a career video editor and CG specialist, I can tell you with 110% certainty that no, the video is fucking legit.
-What the fuck have they been feeding this guy?
(Showing page 1 of 121)
►Toothorn (Verified Atlesian Student)
Okay… So that's not CGI. So that's real. So there's someone out there that can do all that, and we're learning about this now?! I'm a huntsman in training and no one I know can do a quarter of what he did in that fight.
Should have just listened to my parents and become a Jazz musician. If this is the benchmark we're supposed to follow, maybe this industry isn't for me.
►WheresMaBanana (Verified Troll)
Dude's a certified blondie! Blond hunks unite!
Honestly? One of my girlfriends in Beacon saw his karate shit and has been trying to replicate it ever since! Shit's hard!
►WayOfTheMonk (Verified Mistral Regional Finalist)
Sure, WheresMaNimbus, we totally believe you've got multiple girlfriends.
That aside, the fact that the mystery huntsman and Lau are both using what amounts to mirror copies of each other's style makes me wonder, was he some sort of student of Lau's? Maybe this is one of those 'beat the master to be the master' kind of situations?
►HoverBoardEverything (Verified Hoverboard)
Sure, that would make sense if the giant fuckoff bird wasn't there! What the fuck! That thing's the size of a skyscraper! I wonder if I could hoverboard over it!
Also sure, WheresMaBanana, we all believe you have multiple girlfriends.
►WheresMaBanana (Verified Troll)
Hey! I have two! But you wouldn't know them, they go to a different school.
►DarkestNight (Verified Beacon Student)
We actually do…
►Flames4DaSoul (Verified Beacon Student)
What she said!
And yeah! I tried to replicate some of the moves and they fit seamlessly into my style. Sure, they're more intense as compared to my go-to combinations but they're soooo worth it.
Whoever's up against me next Vytal tournament, good luck!
►PANCAKES! (Verified Nora)
Objectively speaking everything that huntsman did is theoretically possible for someone with a peak human physique. I mean, look at him, that guy looks like he's been training since birth. Even Lau, who we know is very much human and not some weird science experiment from Atlas, was able to keep up with him for the greater majority of the fight. He would have even won if not for the gunshot that got him at the end of the fight.
The one thing that doesn't add up is the lightning element usage the mystery huntsman showcased. As a master of lightning-based attacks, the amount and types of dust he used to generate that monstrous attack makes no sense at all.
His semblance has to be hax, I just know it!
►Flames4DaSoul (Verified Beacon Student)
Wait… you're team CNPR's Nora. Our Nora?
►PANCAKES! (Verified Nora)
What part of (Verified Nora) is hard to understand?
►Flames4DaSoul (Verified Beacon Student)
…forget I asked.
►NepNepBoy (Verified Tryhard)
Okay, jokes aside… they're not going to expect that level of performance from us when we graduate… are they?
►VioletMurder (Verified Girl Gang)
Don't you worry hotshot. If they started expecting whatever that was from your run of the mill pro huntsmen, then they'd all be out of a job.
►DewDew (Verified Girl Gang)
What she said!
►GwenDaring (Verified Girl Gang)
Yes! What she said!
►HighOctavia (Verified Girl Gang)
The leader's words are law!
►VioletMurder (Verified Girl Gang)
…please get me out of this team.
►HotCocoaMan (Verified Headmaster)
Do not worry, students. The person in the video is not who we use as a benchmark for a successful huntsman career. For a more realistic overachiever, you can look at Qrow Branwen. He's a teacher at Signal and also one of the best Beacon huntsmen currently active on the field!
►HotCocoaMan (Verified Headmaster)
On second thought, maybe don't consider him a benchmark. Maybe someone like Professor Glynda. The world could always use more Glyndas!
►HagHunter (Temp-Banned)
This post was removed by a moderator
►IronSoul (Moderator)
No, son, we do not need to know what you'd do with Professor Glynda's thighs. Please keep conversations on this board civil and safe for work.
►Flames4DaSoul (Verified Beacon Student)
I'm never going to be able to look at Professor Glynda's thighs the same way again…
End of Page 1,2,3 … 121
So, as you guys know, pick and roll is being removed from my story roster. This doesn't mean it won't get updates, but instead of being updated on a rotational basis (Empyrean Pick and Roll Quixotic), it'll get updates when I feel like it (probably once a year or so if I'm in the mood.)
As such, to maintain my 3-story cadence, I will be replacing it with another story. Now, I have four major ideas that I can implement into a pilot chapter. Yet, that's four chapters, story planning, and other misc items that will delay the next chapters of Quixotic and Empyrean. The very next chapter of Empyrean will not be affected by this as it's going to be made before any pilots are touched and is already in production.
So to decide which story I'll start now, I've been having an internal voting session on my DISCORD server, which you can join if you would like to make your vote count!
Join Code - DQnmaHECfA
The choices are as follows:
1 - Midare Setsugekka:
Franchise - Demon slayer
This story follows an OC named Ikaruga. Ikaruga is the orphaned son of a demon slayer. What makes him unique is that his mother was turned into a demon by Muzan while she was still pregnant. She gave up her life so he could be born, and he was raised as an orphan far away from the nation's capital, unknowing of his mother's sacrifice till his first encounter with a Demon ruins the idyllic village life he'd been living all his childhood.. He is a powerful kid, far beyond his age. He does not have blood demon arts or immortality, but he does have their incredible physicality and an amazing healing factor.
His story will not actually involve the demon slayer corps for a decent amount of time as he will be trained by the shinsengumi at the Japanese shogunate. I plan to delve deep into the secret behind the Blue Spider Lily treatment, the royal family of Japan, and later, the Demon Slayer corps. The early parts of the story will include several real-life Japanese characters, and might require some light reading into the Shinsengumi.
The story will follow the protagonist, his teacher, and the shogunate for the first three or four chapters and will be OC heavy, before joining back into Demon slayer 5 years before canon. Canon will go off the rails real fucking fast, which at this point is practically my hallmark.
2 - The Celestial (Work) Shop:
Franchise - Multicross
This story is a take on the celestial workshop and dimensional shop tropes. The money MC got from his parents' will is enough for him to buy a small shop in a nondescript town a few hundred miles away from his home city. Once he gets his shop up and running is when he realizes that the people who visit this shop aren't... ordinary.
But, he recognizes them from stories he's read before, from anime and movies he's seen before, from games he's spent hours and hours playing, late into sleepless nights.
What he doesn't recognize is the system he's been given. It isn't some easy-to-understand, cookie-cutter leveing or crafting system from some RPG or MMO. Instead, it's a skill tree, one which gives him random skills based on what and how much he sells, and all the abilities do, is make him a better craftsman.
Yet, with the colorful cast of characters that walk through his doors, he realizes that the knowledge he has about their wants and necessities, might be his biggest tool towards succeeding.
Basically, OC gets a shop, gets the celestial forge system, System doesn't give him powers based on the number of words that the author writes, but based on how many successful trades he makes. Multicross with basically any universe that I feel like.
3 - You call this an 'elite four'?:
Franchise - Pokemon
A semi-popular, well-sponsored ace trainer who is challenging the Kanto gym circuit with his friends falls behind and is unable to complete the gym circuit. Left behind by his friends, stuck with dead-end pokemon, and with mounting pressure from his sponsors and extended family, the trainer decides to takes his own life.
He succeeds, yet, he fails.
What rises from his bloodied bathtub the next day is a professional Smogon singles and VGC player who doesn't remember how he got here, yet understands well enough what 'here' is. It's base-game Kanto, something he hasn't paid attention to since he first learnt what an 'Effort Value' was. He doesn't know the characters too well, he doesn't remember what path leads where. Yet, he remembers every stat, every learnpool, every matchup, and every meta comp he's ever used in a generation of pokemon.
With this knowledge, and a work-ethic that can only come from over a decade of no-lifing the worst pro esports scene in the world, he will set forth to salvage the life of a kid who was supposed to be nothing more than an obituary in a local newspaper.
4 - Farcaller:
Slow gamer story in the worm universe. Imagine Empyrean, but this time the system is more geared towards summoning and items, and the power scaling is WILD.
Currently the voting is in a deadlock with 1 vote separating 3 of the stories. Come and break it! Vote for the future you wanna see!
-Cold Daylight