Chapter 5
(Arc Industries; A week later)
Jaune sat in his office, reviewing blueprints for the Arcadian Hunters Academy with T'Challa. Shuri was tinkering with a new type of scroll-based CCT system, while Okoye stood guard by the door, her gaze sharp and unwavering. The atmosphere was focused on collaboration, starkly contrasting the turmoil brewing outside.
"The training grounds need to be versatile," Jaune said, pointing to a holographic projection. "We need to simulate various environments, Grimm types, and combat scenarios. Wakanda's holotechnology would be invaluable here."
T'Challa nodded. "We can adapt our training simulations to your specifications. We must ensure the students are prepared for any threat Remnant throws at them."
Shuri chimed in, "And I'm working on a new comm system that's virtually unhackable. No more pesky eavesdroppers listening in on your conversations, Jaune." She grinned, clearly referencing Weiss Schnee's earlier attempt to get information.
A calm voice interrupted their work. "Someone is here to see you, your highness." It was a guard at the door.
"Who is it?' Jaune inquires, his aura flaring slightly.
"It is Ms. Willow Schnee."
Jaune stares at the closed door. "Let her in." The door opened, revealing Willow Schnee. She was dressed plainly, her usual icy demeanor softened by a hint of vulnerability.
"Prince Jaune," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "May I have a word?"
Jaune raised an eyebrow but gestured for her to come in. "Excuse us for a moment," he said to T'Challa and Shuri, as Okoye subtly intensified her vigilance. Willow nervously entered the room, her eyes darting around as if expecting an ambush. "Please, sit," Jaune offered, gesturing to a chair. He rounded his desk and sat opposite her. "What can I do for you, my dear godmother?"
Willow hesitated for a moment. "I... I overheard your comments at the press conference," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "About my family..."
"I spoke the truth. Jacques is destroying your family for dust and power." Jaune flatly said.
"It's... it's worse than you know," Willow admitted, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "He's become obsessed. He barely sees Winter or Whitley anymore. And Weiss, well, let's just say whatever affection he had for her, he is taking everything away." Jaune sat silently, listening intently as Willow poured out her heart. "I'm afraid," she confessed. "Afraid of what he'll do, not just to my children, but to himself. He's spiraling out of control."
"Then, leave him," Jaune said, his voice firm but gentle. "Take your children and leave. Get as far away from Jacques Schnee as possible."
Willow looked at him, a flicker of hope in her eyes. "But where would I go? What would I do?"
"You would be welcomed into Arcadia," Jaune replied. "Mom would see to that; she would love to adopt all of you. I am sure that Wakanda would give you refuge as well. We can provide you with everything you need to Start over. You'll have the vibranium you need that'll financially support you. Your children could live without the fear."
"I… I don't know what to say," Willow stammered, overwhelmed by his offer.
"Say yes," Jaune urged. "For yourself, for your children. Break free from Jacques's control before it's too late."
Willow took a deep breath, steeling her resolve. "Then... then I will."
"Good," Jaune smiled. "I'll have arrangements made immediately. You and your children will be safe in Arcadia." As Willow thanked him profusely and left his office. Jaune turned to T'Challa.
"That was… unexpected," the Wakandan king remarked.
"Indeed," Jaune agreed. "But a necessary step. Jacques Schnee is a threat to Remnant, and we must do everything we can to neutralize him." The doors to Jaune's office opened once more as Okoye let Rachel in.
"You spoke with her, did you?"
Jaune nods his head. "She is going to leave Jaques. I have offered her and her children asylum in Arcadia." Rachel nods.
"I will prepare everything for them. You do know what's coming, right?" Jaune nods his head.
"The Council is a bunch of fools," Jaune says. "I know they're going to make my life difficult, but I won't back down. I won't let them control me or my company."
"They will come after you, Jaune. They will try to discredit you, sabotage your efforts, and even threaten your life. But you must remain strong. You have the support of Arcadia, Wakanda, and countless others who believe in you." His mother said confidently. Just then, the CCT on his desk buzzed urgently. It was his secretary.
"Jaune, we're getting reports of Grimm activity near the academy construction site. And... and Atlas Knights are deploying in the area." Jaune's eyes narrowed. "So it begins." He looks at the team behind him. "It appears the Vale Council and Jacques Schnee are making their move." He stood up and unsheathed Crocea Mors.
"Wakanda, Arcadia, let's show them what we can do."
T'Challa mirrored Jaune's action, drawing his vibranium claws. "For Arcadia, for Wakanda, and for the innocent." Okoye straightened and raised her vibranium spear.
"Let us remind them what true strength looks like."
Shuri, ever resourceful, tapped away at her gauntlet. "I'll get a squad of drones ready for air support. And I'll deploy a jamming field to block Atlas communications. Let's make this difficult for them." Rachel smiles and draws out her weapon.
Jaune nodded, a grim determination etched on his face. "Okoye, you're with me to the construction site. T'Challa, Shuri, secure the perimeter and protect our personnel. Mom, stay here. We can't afford to leave Arc Industries vulnerable."
Rachel disagreed. "No, I am coming with you, son. You might need help to deal with those knights." Jaune frowned but relented. He knew better than to argue with his mother when she was determined. "Fine, but stay close. I'm not losing you out there."
They moved swiftly, a force of nature descending upon the unfolding conflict. Jaune, Rachel, and Okoye boarded a sleek Arcadian transport, instantly launching toward the academy construction site. As they approached, the sight that greeted them was chaotic. Swarms of Grimm, seemingly drawn by the construction activity, were converging on the area. Atlas Knights, their metallic bodies gleaming menacingly, were engaging the Grimm, their rifles blazing. In the midst of it all, Arc Industries construction workers were scrambling for safety, their hard hats and vests offering little protection against the chaos.
"Damn it, they're using the Grimm as cover," Jaune cursed, his hand tightening on Crocea Mors. "They knew we'd have to prioritize protecting the workers."
As the transport touched down, Jaune, Rachel, and Okoye leaped out, immediately drawing attention from both Grimm and Atlas Knights. One of the knights locked onto Jaune and fired a volley of rounds, which Jaune easily deflected with his shield. The Grimm snarled and clawed, but Okoye's spear moved with blinding speed, striking down the creatures with lethal precision. Rachel summoned her wings and grabbed a nearby construction worker. He screamed as he was lifted into the air.
"I will take you somewhere safer." She assured him. It wasn't long before she had taken all civilians away from the crossfire.
Jaune charged forward, his aura flaring. He cut through the Grimm like a hot knife through butter, his enhanced strength and speed making him a whirlwind of destruction. He closed the distance with an Atlas Knight, dodging a clumsy swipe and retaliating with a powerful slash that cleaved through the metal armor. The knight crumbled to the ground, sparking and lifeless.
More Atlas Knights converged on him, their rifles trained on his position. But Jaune was ready. He activated his Semblance, amplifying his aura and deflecting the barrage of bullets with ease. He continued his advance, his blade singing a deadly song.
Okoye, meanwhile, was a bastion of unwavering defense. Her spear danced and weaved, deflecting attacks and striking with deadly accuracy. Her years of training as a Dora Milaje warrior were evident in every movement, every strike.
As Jaune and Okoye fought their way through the Grimm and Atlas forces, they noticed a heavily armored vehicle approaching the construction site. It was emblazoned with the Schnee Dust Company logo. Jaune felt a surge of anger.
"Jacques," he growled. "He's here." The vehicle stopped, and a ramp lowered, revealing Jacques Schnee himself, flanked by a squad of heavily armed guards. He surveyed the scene with a cold, detached gaze.
"Jaune Arc," he said, his voice amplified by a vocoder. "I see you've made quite a mess of things."
"You're the one making the mess, Jacques," Jaune retorted, stopping his advance. "This is your fault."
"Fault? I'm ensuring the safety and security of Vale. You're interfering with legitimate business."
"Legitimate business? You're using Grimm to terrorize innocent people and deploying Atlas Knights without authorization. That's hardly legitimate."
"This land should be rightfully used for dust. So many resources, and you want to waste them on huntsman training! It is absurd!"
"This academy is for the future of Remnant, you short-sighted fool. A future you're trying to destroy."
"The future belongs to those who control the present, and I control the Schnee Dust Company." Jacques sneered.
Jaune clenched his fist, rage building within him. "Not for long." Just then, a hail of energy blasts rained down on the Atlas Knights surrounding Jacques, forcing them to scatter. Shuri's drones had arrived. The small but agile machines zipped through the air, targeting the knights with pinpoint accuracy.
"Looks like the cavalry has arrived," T'Challa's voice crackled over Jaune's comms. "We're locking down the perimeter. Jacques isn't going anywhere."
Jacques Schnee glared at Jaune, his face contorted with fury. "This isn't over, Arc. You'll regret the day you crossed me."
Jaune smirked. "I doubt that. You're trespassing." He looked at his mother and gave a nod. Rachel gave the nod back. With the situation under control, it was time to reveal what Jacques was truly up to. Jaune pressed his watch, "Hey, sis? You want to come and escort him into one of the holding cells?"
[On the way.] She said, Ten minutes later. Sapphiron had appeared with five of her 'Iron Troopers.' The 'Troopers' wore silver and gray armor, while she wore red and gold armor. "Well, Jacques Gelee," she said. "Wow, spouse abuse, child abuse, assault, attempted theft, and now trespassing. You do know you are in Arcadia? Right?"
He glared at her, "Where I go…" He started.
"Yeah, yeah, we know, jeez!" Said Jaune, " I can go anywhere because I'm a Schnee, even though I beat on my wife!" Jacques went to attack him, but Okoye stopped him with her spear.
"You best step aside." He said, Just then she hit him across the face.
"I thank you for him," said Jaune. "I would've killed him."
"Shuri, could you make sure no bullhead from Atlas will ever come here again, sweetheart?" Said Rachel.
"Yes, ma'am." She said and went to work.
