King: Okay, this one's short, acting as both a set up for everyone else to be brought in and to bring in a new angle on an idea. Jaune will be acting the part of Juan Pujol Garcia, a famous British spy from World War II. It's the kind of thing most people don't think about, but easily saved so many lives during the war. I hope to have a more action packed chapter next time. For now, I leave you with a calmer chapter and maybe it gets you to look up something.
IMPORTANT! This has happened enough since last time that I have to reiterate, suggestions found in the reviews will be ignored. Send all suggestions and requests to me via Private Message.
Inspiration: Juan Pujol Garcia
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King reappeared and looked around the room, "Okay… after that one, I think it might be best to give you guys some time… Be back in a bit." The ball of magic dissipated again, leaving them all in silence.
Sun leaned forward and placed his hands on his knees, "So, are they all like… that?"
"Well," Weiss sighed, being the only one able to really think after all of that, "We've only seen one other reality. In that one, Jaune wasn't really a good person, but it was easier to understand why…"
Yang leaned forward and raised an eyebrow toward the heiress, "What are you talking about?"
"Think about it. I know we didn't see too much, but what we did painted a more sympathetic picture."
"Is that the part where he tortured someone or the part where he turned his daughter against her friends?"
"He did what?!" Neptune jumped up from his seat.
Weiss took a moment to make sure Yang had calmed slightly while still paying attention, "Think about it this way, of what we've seen, what was his motivation?"
Yang blinked in confusion, "Um…"
"From what I saw, it's likely that Pyrrha, who was likely his wife mind you, is gone. Probably dead. And he wanted to bring her back through AI, like his own copy. To get her right. By no means does that make him a good person, but at least he's an understandable person. But that last one…"
Everyone went silent again.
After a few minutes, King returned. "So, ready for round three or do you still need a bit?" Everyone was silent a moment. No one sure whether they wanted to continue or not. King sighed and seemed to nod, which they could only tell was happening because of the crown, "Okay… I get it. Two heavy realities in a row wasn't great. I'd apologize for it, but these things play at random based on objective filters I can place in. I've just been playing them from the larger pool. Perhaps it would be best to place a filter on this one. Play one where Jaune isn't a psychopath."
"That would be nice…" Pyrrha replied weakly.
"Alright. I'll set up the filters and let them sort. Until they're ready, let's add a few new faces to our group. However, since Jaune doesn't really know anyone else, other than a certain prick, I need to expand my search. That okay with all of you?"
Knowing who the magic ball was talking about, they all agreed rather quickly. Velvet in particular wanted him to stay far away from her.
King started to get brighter again, "Alright! Let's see… One. Two. THREE!" Nothing followed his shouting. "Um… THREE!" Nothing. "Huh… Okay, nix that, then… Guess it's just…" King started to glow brightly and six orbs shot out from his body: One green, one purple, one steel grey, one a bright silver, another a deep crimson with black accenting, and the last was grey and red.. When they popped, Ozpin, Glynda Goodwitch, James Ironwood, Winter Schnee, Raven Branwen, and Qrow Branwen.
Ruby jumped for joy, "Uncle Qrow!" She flew forward and tackled the man bordering on drunkenness.
When Yang saw her mother, she became angry. But she chose not to make a scene here. She clutched her chair, trying to fight the urge to punch her mother into the stratosphere. She almost lost her temper until her focus was pulled away.
King sounded pained. He shook again, his glow becoming hotter. The ball twitched before it rapidly expanded and dumped a bunch of orbs out of its core. Now, joining the group were a group of familiar faces that those on site didn't want to see; including, Adam, Roman Torchwick, Neo Politan, Emerald Sustrai, Mercury Black, and Cinder Fall. As the pile of villains were arguing among themselves to get up, the heroes jumped up and got ready for a fight.
King burned hotter again and shrunk back down to his normal size, "Hold it right there! No fighting in the theatre!" The orb shivered, somehow, "Ow…"
(One explanation later)
"You can't be serious." Ironwood pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Pretty much." The orb floated toward the general.
"Then why are we here?"
"Truth be told, I have no idea."
"Aren't you supposed to be a god or something?" Mercury was sitting in one of the chairs with his legs resting on the back of the chair in front of him.
"In here, yes. But connecting to your reality can cause side effects. Seems it included… Um… what would you call this? Whatever. You're all free to leave whenever, but the next reality is about to start. You know, in case you're interested." King started to fade with the lights, but no one made to leave.
The screen remained black as they heard the sound of the ocean crashing against something large. The screen started to fade in and showed the night sky. The camera tilted downward to show a massive line of ship upon the waters. No lights were shining. They moved on in stealth. No one could ever know of their existence. Suddenly, all of the ships opened fire toward the camera.
"Well, that escalated quickly." Nora was on the edge of her seat.
Jaune's voice started to narrate again. As he spoke, his tone was mechanical, "A letter to the Grand Commander of the Grimm Party."
"Grimm party?" Ruby scratched her head in confusion.
"Maybe that's this worlds version of the creatures?" Pyrrha attempted to reason.
Cinder crossed her arms. So, what could this possibly be?
"Dear Lady Salem,"
Three spines felt a chill run through their blood. Ozpin clutched his cane, uncertain of what was to come. What would be revealed here?
"Who's Salem?" Nora jumped up and leaned onto the back of Ruby's chair.
Said hooded huntress in training just shrugged, "No idea."
"Better question is," Ironwood nervously tapped the ground with his foot, "Why is this Arc kid contacting someone dealing with the Grimm?" The situation made him uneasy. Is the kid connected to Salem?
"I've news of the invasion force. They've three armies amassing and preparing to land on the port of Calais. They will begin their assault with a diversionary force on the beaches of Normandy."
"The kid's a spy." Raven sat with her armed folded, only half paying attention.
"No! No way! Jaune wouldn't side with Grimm!" Pyrrha was in a panic. Could this be a third version of her crush willing to destroy? Was she going to have to keep seeing him as the villain?
"They are preparing their advance. Their attack will be within the month as they amass their forces. Bolster the forces around Calais and prepare for attack."
The scene showed Jaune sitting in his office. Dressed in a tan shirt and brown trousers, he sat at an old mahogany desk, a letter resting in front of him. He took a deep breath to calm his nerves. He looked rose from his desk and made for the door. When he opened it, General James Ironwood was waiting on the other side, hand raised and about to knock.
"General?" Winter looked toward her boss, who just kept watching the reality unfold.
The General blinked a moment before clearing his throat, "Any word?"
Jaune allowed a smile to crack, holding up the letter from his desk, "See for yourself General."
Ironwood took the note and started to skim the document, "Let's see… Valuable intelligence…" He held the note closer, as he spoke, his laughter built. "For your exceptional work in espionage, you have been granted the Iron Claw of Service to the Grimm!" Ironwood's laughter could no longer be contained.
"Um… What's going on?"
Glynda chuckled, "I didn't know James could laugh.
"Glynda!" Ironwood turned to his friend with an incredulous look.
Ironwood started to calm down again, taking a few deep breaths. "Priceless." He handed the note back to Jaune. "You get the award in the mail?"
Jaune held up the medal in question with a smirk, a blood red metal Grimm mask with a black ribbon. "Right here."
Ironwood let out another chuckle. "For your service as a spy for the Grimm Empire."
"For the homeland." Jaune placed the metal into his pocket.
Ironwood patted Jaune on the shoulder, "You've done well, Arc. Salem truly believes our assault will be on Calais."
"Double agent!" Nora jumped for joy.
Pyrrha would join her, but she was too overcome with emotion. She was so glad that Jaune wasn't another villain in this. He was fighting the forces of the Grimm as a spy for the kingdoms. Those in the room who had seen the previous realities were celebrating, leaving those just joining us completely in the dark.
Jaune chuckled, "I'm happy to be of service, sir. However, once your assault is in its later stages, my use to the cause will be gone. Salem will be well aware of my betrayal to her cause. The Twenty Committee ends with the landings."
"Twenty Committee? What's that about?" Ruby leaned forward.
"Good question." Weiss turned to her sister as if for an answer.
Winter thought for a moment, "If he's acting as a spy for both factions, it could be a reference to the old Mistrali numeral system. Twenty being represented by two X's."
Ironwood sat back with arms crossed arms, "A double cross."
"No need to worry Arc, your mission will be complete with the landings. We thank you for your service to the war, and to bring down Salem and her Grimm."
Jaune saluted the general with a smile, "I'm glad to do so. If I may, when does the invasion begin?"
"Tomorrow morning. The bombardment is already underway."
"Oh~!" Yang sat back in her chair, "That's what the ships were about before."
"Your work these past months has been invaluable. Britain… no. The world thanks you for your service. When this war is over, I'll make sure you're given the highest honors."
Jaune smiled, "I thank you, sir. But I don't need honors. I just want to make sure my family is safe when this is over."
Ironwood was silent a moment, "I'll personally see to your family's safety." He was cut off by a loud gonging of the city clock. "Oh! I should get going. Can't crush the Grimm if I stay here."
"Good luck with the invasion, General." Jaune watched as the general ran off down the corridor. Jaune sighed and closed his office door, locking the barrier. He smiled and made for home. His work was done for now. Double Cross was complete."
The scene changed again to a beachhead. They watched on as hundreds of landing craft released their soldiers. As they watched the invasion force arrive, they heard Jaune speaking again.
"My dearest Pyrrha," Unlike before, his tone was sweet and natural. This was the real Jaune.
Pyrrha's attention snapped to the screen, left on her seat's edge. What was he about to say to her?
"My mission was a complete success. With luck, this war will be over soon. However, my role in all of this is complete. Hopefully, I will be able to return home to you within the week."
Nora shook Pyrrha's arm in excitement, but she wasn't paying attention to her teammate. Pyrrha was lost in the words she had just heard. The thought of being married to Jaune… Then a chill went up her spine. Someone among them was glaring daggers at the red headed warrior. But the feeling was short lived. She was still lost in the bliss of her mind.
"Until next we meet. With love, Jaune Arc.
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King: So, now you get why this one was shorter and calmer. I kind of promised them an easy one after those first two... By the way, Juan Pujol Garcia really did earn the Iron Cross for his work as a British double agent. Have fun with that.