8,450Here we goooo…
Cover Art: Solace O'Autumn
Chapter 63
Pyrrha's birthday party was split into two parts – the official party and the real one. Pyrrha's mom gave him a huge hug when he showed up for the official one, lifting him up off his feet and shaking him around.
"Jaune! It's been so long. Oh, look how you've grown. Shot up like a beansprout."
"Hello Mrs Nikos."
"Athena. Call me Athena. And really, you don't come around enough. Pyrrha talks about you all the time but we never see you. I wanted to introduce you to my husband."
"Is he not here?"
"No. No. Alexander is banned from Pyrrha's official birthday parties. It was after a rich sponsor's son last year stole a kiss from Pyrrha – against her will, no less. Alexander dragged him off by his collar and shook him like a doll. Her agents and sponsors barred him from attending."
"They can make demands like that? He's her father."
Athena giggled. "Oh, don't worry. Pyrrha and I are jealous he found a way to get banned in the first place. Besides, this isn't her real birthday party, so he isn't missing anything. This is just the annoying work obligation she has to do once a year."
"Is it that bad…?"
"Awful. Just pure boredom. But what do you think of a young man forcing a kiss on Pyrrha, hmmm? Awful, no? I'm not talking about some chaste peck from a little boy here. He was eighteen to her sixteen and forced his tongue in her mouth."
"Then he's a bastard and deserved everything your husband did."
Athena clapped her hands and squealed happily, which felt a little odd since Jaune wasn't sure she'd find many people who wouldn't agree with him. It wasn't like he'd said something especially honourable or novel. Maybe it was his dark expression when he said it. Pyrrha was his friend, though. Any friend would be furious on behalf of another in that situation.
"Pyrrha wanted to see you when you arrived but her agents won't let her. They don't approve of you."
"Me? Why? I've never met them."
"They say a boyfriend makes her less marketable."
Jaune blushed. "I—I'm not dating her!"
"Defensive." Athena crossed her arms. "Are you saying my daughter is ugly?"
"What? No! I'd jump at the chance to— I mean… I mean…"
Athena poked her finger against his nose, smiling like the Beowolf who'd caught the innocent civilian. Her eyes were sparkling.
"I know what you mean; I'm just teasing. But forgive me for one second." Athena turned around, brought her hands up to her mouth, and squealed happily. Then, she turned back. "Ahem. All done."
Jaune wished a hole would open up below him. "D… Don't tell Pyrrha…"
"I won't. Look. Lips are sealed. Ziiiip. But I approve if you want to ask her out sometime."
"Her agents, then?" Jaune asked, valiantly trying to change the subject. "Why hate me if I'm not her boyfriend?"
"Oh, it's not hate. Just disapproval. They even said you were better than some random guy for being a musician. Something about compatible marketability. But they also say Pyrrha appeals to more single – both to horny men who think they have a chance, and to the virgin warrior angle with female demographics. I don't really care for it." Athena waved her hand dismissively. "But they say even being friends with a boy is enough for rumours. Her running up to hug you when you arrive here would as good as confirm them with the media here."
The media. He'd noticed the men and women with cameras by the buffet table, sometimes taking photos but mostly just chatting and waiting. He hadn't realised they were the media, mostly because he'd expected a lot more of what he saw on the TV – rapid-fire questions and presenters. They were a lot calmer than he expected, but that might just be because the party hadn't started yet.
"Will a lot of important people be coming, then?"
"Some. It's mostly sponsors and lifetime fans with VIP passes to these events – you can buy those, you know. It feels so exploitative, but it is what it is. I suppose they're usually children of rich parents so they can afford it. Then there are six seats given up on a lottery to her fanbase. Random chance on whether they're polite darlings or rabid nutjobs."
"Nutjobs…?"
"Not dangerous, thankfully. Just… weird. Last year there was a large thirty-five-year-old man-child among them." Athena tapped her chin. "Weirdly, he was the most normal of them. He just shook her hand and asked her to sign his memorabilia collection. The worst was some online influencer who thought they'd become famous if they recorded a video of them smashing the cake into Pyrrha's face. Make a viral nuisance video."
"Was Pyrrha okay?"
"Are you joking, dear? My daughter is a huntress. The cake was redirected straight back into the bitch's face before Pyrrha even realised what she was doing." Athena barked a laugh. "Absolute karma. Then she was kicked out by security. Pyrrha said it was her best birthday in years since it let her quit early due to the drama."
The more he heard, the less he liked the event, and that sentiment appeared to win him even more favours with Athena. They chatted for a bit before she showed him to his stage, prepared ahead of time at the back of the conference venue. The event organisers had kindly set up amps for him and even tested them to the room.
Athena was called off by some suited men because "Miss Nikos" wanted to talk to her, and Jaune was left to set up his guitar and scan the venue. Given what he and Pyrrha knew about something going down today, he took the time to scan every person's level and status, to see if any stood out either as being suspiciously high level or having a status entry like: despises Pyrrha Nikos or wanted serial killer in their bios.
None did. The media were all around the early teens in levels and two of them (from rival stations, no less) were secretly together and had apparently just snuck back from the bathrooms after a quickie, but that was about it. The security on the event was higher level but even they were only in the upper teens, which felt very odd.
But, again, it was likely because they were civilians. If a journalist was Lvl.12 and a security guard was Lvl.18 then that didn't sound very good at just six levels, but those six levels represented a 50% increase on the people they had to hold back. It wasn't much compared to people like Pyrrha and Cinder, or his own father, but they weren't here to hold back people like that.
At least until someone approached him. He was a kindly smiling man with warm eyes and a green suit. Jaune casually looked him over, and just as casually almost had a stroke at what he saw.
.
Ozma/Ozpin/Ozwald/Ozymandias/Ozvaliam/Steve/Ozkor/Oz…
Lvl. 497
Title: He Who Stands Against the Darkness
Ozma/Ozpin/Ozymandias, etc, stands as the headmaster of Beacon and the last defence of humanity against the unending threat of the Grimm. Forced to shoulder the burden to protect all humanity, Ozma/Ozpin/Ozymandias, etc, will take any measures necessary to protect his people. He holds the loyalty of many powerful people.
.
What…
The…
Fuck…
"Good day there." The man(?) greeted Jaune with a warm smile and a one-handed wave, down from the bottom of the stage. "Are you our entertainment for the evening?"
"Y—Yes sir." Jaune hoped his stammer came across as awkward and not absolutely-fucking-terrified. "I'm Jaune Arc, sir. Nice to meet you, sir."
"Ozpin. And there's no need to be nervous. I'm a guest as any other." The man rested his hands on his cane. "Tell me, are you Nicholas' boy, by any chance?"
"That's my father, sir."
"I thought so. You look much like he did at that age, though you've picked up a few good traits from your mother as well. I do believe one of my huntsmen, Qrow, met you in Ansel. He mentioned you to me. Something about successfully stopping a bandit raid."
"Me!?" Jaune croaked. "I—I mean, I don't know if you could say I stopped it." He scratched at his cheek. "I just lied to the person who wanted to do it about how well-protected we were and she decided to back off. I couldn't have done anything if she attacked me."
"The strong don't hold the monopoly on bravery, young man. Quite the opposite. It takes more courage to stand up to someone you know you can't beat than it does to hold your ground when you know you're untouchable. Wouldn't you say, Glynda?"
He hadn't even noticed the woman beside the man. Glynda Goodwitch, a Lvl.77 huntress. Genuinely very scary and very powerful, but not quite as eye-catching as someone pushing toward level five hundred.
"It was reckless, I'd say," the woman commented, "but quick-thinking all the same. At least you didn't try and threaten her directly." Under her breath, she added, "What I wouldn't give for students to have that kind of common sense instead of rushing on in thinking they're invincible."
Ozpin chuckled. "Now, now. Those are our wonderful students you're chastising."
It was good a chance as any for Jaune to prod toward knowledge he already had but shouldn't. "Students? Are you two from a school?"
"Beacon Academy. This is Headmaster Ozpin. I am Deputy Glynda Goodwitch."
"Beacon? I have friends who are planning to go there."
Ozpin smiled. It was a very genuine thing, but then his level was so high – and presumably his charisma – that he could have said the sky was pink and looked just as convincing. "That's wonderful. Friends in Haven, or…?"
"Haven. Two friends I met a while here before. And… um… maybe one more."
"One more? Ah, secrecy. I think I know who you're referring to. It's why we're here today after all. We were invited – which is quite unusual. Leonardo would be here if he had not… ah…"
"My condolences for your loss, sir. I met him before he died. He was a friendly and good man."
"Yes. He was." Ozpin smiled, but there was sadness to it. "My apologies. To lose a friend is never easy. As for the other matter, it's not been announced yet but we received a formal attendance request from the birthday girl herself."
Glynda slapped his arm. "That's to be kept confidential, sir."
"Come now. The young man is obviously close with her and knows full well what we're talking about." Ozpin winked. "I expect you knew Miss Nikos' plans before we did. Am I correct on that one?"
Jaune saw no reason to hide it. "Yes."
"See?" Ozpin smiled calmly at Glynda, who rolled her eyes. "No harm done. To be honest, we wouldn't normally come so far to attend something like this, but having Miss Nikos in our school is as much a job as it is a boon. We're expected to be here and make a show of supporting her even if it's blatant favouritism to attend one student's birthday and no others."
"Will you be doing the same for Weiss Schnee?"
Ozpin seemed surprised.
Glynda was suspicious. "You're awfully well-informed on our attendance records for a musician."
"I was Willow Schene's private musician for about half a year. Weiss told me herself she planned to apply, but I don't know if she ever did it. Her father isn't exactly the most accepting of people. She and I talk occasionally. Not exactly friends but long-distance acquaintances."
The woman relaxed. "Hm. You're well-connected to call Weiss Schnee and Pyrrha Nikos your friends."
"I travel. I've met a lot of people."
"It seems so." Ozpin was all smiles once more. "I can confirm Weiss Schnee is on our attendance lists and, to answer your question, we are indeed going to be forced to attend an event with her much like this one. There's no escaping it, sadly. It's the price of being a public figure. Speaking of, I see you're a fan of Guitar Cutie."
Jaune stared blankly at him.
Ozpin pointed to the emblem on the guitar and strap.
"Oh. Uh. This was gifted to me after my original guitar sank in a Grimm attack on the ocean." The two regarded him with shock, pity and – oddly from Ozpin – guilt. There was no way he was responsible, and yet he still felt guilty for some reason. "The people who saved me got me a replacement, but the only ones for sale were branded by her. Unfortunately."
"Ah. Not a fan, then?"
"I don't dislike her." That'd be weird if he did. "But I'm not a fan either. To me, she's just a guitarist like any other, but I guess it's cool she's inspired a lot of people."
"And set up an orphanage in Vacuo."
"Yes." Jaune's smile was much larger at that one. He was proud of that. "Yes, that was a great thing. I'm really happy about that. But I mean that I'm not hooked on her music like a lot of people are. It's not even hers since she just does covers."
Ozpin chuckled. "Live long enough and you'll find all anyone does is covers, Mr Arc."
Weird comment. "Uh. Okay. Are you a fan of her, sir?"
"It seems unwise for a man my age to claim to be the fan of a girl hers. I'll say that I am a fan of the good she does in the world, the hope she spreads and the charitable acts she takes, but much like you, her music is just that to me. A joy to listen to, as all music is, but nothing groundbreaking."
Finally, a kindred spirit like Cinder.
At this point he'd take them where he could find them.
/-/
Glynda was never quite sure how to read Ozpin's actions.
Coming to Mistral for a girl's birthday party was an unfortunate requirement, as he'd said. Both were pleased to hear someone with so much potential wanted to come to Beacon, but being dragged out here for a social event was a chore. They both had about a million bits of work to do back in Beacon, but the general public wouldn't see it that way. They always assumed teachers were lazy and had weeks off work. And, ultimately, Pyrrha Nikos was a public figure, so they'd be chastised and dragged through the mud if they "insulted her" by not attending.
Nothing he'd said to the guitarist was a lie.
"What has you so interested in him?" she finally asked.
"The Arc boy? He's the son of an old student of mine, as I said. I always found it such a shame Nicholas didn't train at least one of his eight children to follow in his footsteps."
"Do you know why he didn't?"
"Yes. It's not my place to say, other than that he's justified. Actions of his father. Nothing to do with us." Ozpin wouldn't say more. The man knew many secrets but also how to keep them. "But Qrow told me the boy was interesting, and I suppose I was curious. And bored," he admitted. "This is a teenager's birthday."
Glynda grunted. In many ways, she felt much the same.
"He's good, isn't he?"
"He is," she admitted. The music wasn't anything astounding but it was high quality, clear, and well played. Glynda couldn't fault it and would have been quite happy to stop and listen were he playing it in the streets of Vale. "He could probably start a band if he wanted."
"I think he did I Vacuo, for a while."
"Hm?"
"Something I caught some students watching. A humorous little video. In fact, I think there's another of the young man. Let me see if I can find it." He began to fiddle with his scroll. It was juvenile and probably quite rude, but Glynda was bored enough to accept it. "Ah, here it is. Take a look."
The video footage was a little poor but showed a boy that probably was the same one on the stage, sitting on a boat with his feet off the edge. He was playing guitar, and though the video didn't capture it well since the person filming it was whispering in awe, it did a good job capturing the dolphins that were listening to the music and playing.
Glynda was no stranger to people personifying cute animals and applying human emotions to them, but this was the first time she'd ever looked at an animal and known – with no doubt – that it was listening to and enjoying the music. The title read: Guitarist charms dolphins. It had over ten million views.
"It's very cute," she admitted.
"Hm. It is, isn't it? He's quite the talent, though I dare say he's eclipsed by Guitar Cutie as all guitarists must feel nowadays. Still, perhaps I should ask for his card. We need some entertainment at the Vytal Festival. He's experienced at playing for a crowd at the very least."
"You could do worse."
The music didn't last long, sadly. The birthday party began proper and it was less a party and more of a conveyor belt. Pyrrha Nikos stood and gave a speech thanking them all for attending, and as a public speaker herself, Glynda could tell the girl's heart wasn't in it.
Then, she sat and people approached her one by one to give presents, which she opened and thanked them for. The gifts were shocking in their value. One was a set of keys to a literal sportscar. It was given by a brand representative, so obviously more of a marketing move, but Glynda doubted the girl could even drive, or that she'd bother to learn. Even if she did as part of her huntress duties, she'd want a vehicle that could handle all terrain. The bright red low-to-the-ground sports car looked like it'd become airborne if it touched so much as a bump.
But that was fine for the brand. This wasn't about Pyrrha Nikos driving their car; it was about Pyrrha Nikos owning their car and being seen standing next to it for the media to take pictures.
Other gifts were much the same. Expensive jewellery, branded fashion, a VIP weekend to an expensive resort and spa, skin creams and beauty products used by celebrities. When it was Ozpin's turn, he presented her with an old book on ancient huntress combat techniques – far lesser in value to gifts before, but enough to earn a gentler smile than anyone else's. The biggest reaction came when a little girl who had won a lottery to come blushed and handed her a handmade card, apologising for it not being a good present like everyone else's.
"It's beautiful," Pyrrha said, stroking the girl's hair. "I can tell you put a lot into it."
At least she's humble, Glynda thought. It'd be so easy to let all this nonsense go to your head, but then I suppose she'd have stayed a competition fighter and not become a huntress if that was what she wanted.
Seeing all this, she could understand why Pyrrha Nikos wanted to leave Mistral.
This looked exhausting.
And then it came time for Pyrrha Nikos to make a final speech. One that Glynda had a feeling would not be a welcome one.
"On my seventeenth birthday, as I prepare to graduate Sanctum, I have an announcement to make. I have selected my next academy." The girl tensed. "I have chosen to study at Beacon Academy, in the Kingdom of Vale."
A pall fell over the hall.
Like someone had just been murdered.
There was shock and dismay on the faces of some, delight and opportunity on others – those with holdings or business interests in Vale. But, from the Mistral contingent which included several politicians, there was only anger.
Though Glynda was sure the girl had never asked for it, she'd become the figurehead for a national movement within Mistral. Nothing too objectionable. It was just competitive fools who liked to say their kingdom was better, and who would now be left with egg on their faces because Pyrrha, by choosing Beacon, had as good as said she didn't feel the same way.
Ozpin cleared his throat and did his best to remain calm as he stood and said, "Beacon welcomes—"
He didn't get to finish.
"This is an outrage!"
"Why? Haven is superior!"
"Who has pushed you to this? Was it your agents? I demand we speak of this in private!"
"Her place is in Haven! Her place is in Mistral!"
"Please—" Miss Nikos tried.
"We will investigate any and all financial transactions over this! You cannot simply buy her attendance! We'll press charges! We'll—"
Skreeeeeeeeeeeeee-raaaaaaaangggggggg!
The sound was unlike anything Glynda had ever heard before. It was horrible. High-pitched at the start, then low, echoing in her soul. It made her jump and almost reach for her weapon, but that reaction was nothing compared to how the businessmen and politicians trembled. Ozpin was far calmer, simply smiling patiently as he glanced over at the stage.
The guitarist waved at them awkwardly. "My hand slipped," he lied. "My bad."
Ozpin snorted.
Even Glynda had to push down a smile.
"Thank you all!" Miss Nikos said, taking full advantage. "But my decision has been made by me and me alone. I want to face new challenges, meet new people, and I can't do that here in Mistral where everyone knows my name and reputation. I am well aware of the issues this causes, and the hurt, but I have spoken with my agents and the choice is ultimately mine. I will go to Beacon. That has already been decided."
Pyrrha Nikos turned on her heel and hurried away. The musician slipped off the stage and was admitted by security to follow her, which all but confirmed Ozpin's thoughts from earlier about them being involved.
Glynda approved of him standing up for her.
Even if she didn't approve of the two teens abandoning them to take on the full ire of the Mistral politicians advancing on them to demand answers.
/-/
"Thank you for that," Pyrrha said. "I was ready to lose my mind."
"Me too. I can't believe they feel they have the right to get angry over your choices."
"It's going to get worse tomorrow, when this goes public. People all over Mistral will be calling me a traitor. They'll make it out like I'm spitting on Mistral after the kingdom got me to this position. As if my own hard work had nothing to do with it all. I'm from Argus for crying out loud."
"All the more reason for me to be happy I kept Guitar Cutie a secret."
"Ugh. I wish I'd done what you did and fought in the competitions under a disguise."
"Would that have worked?"
"No," she admitted. "They do blood tests to check for drugs. But I could have been a masked fighter if someone had warned me being famous would be this awful. I feel bad for leaving the teachers from Beacon to handle it."
"I think they'll be fine."
Pyrrha eyed him strangely. "You seem… off."
"Oh, you know. Just seeing that the headmaster of Beacon is Lvl.497. Normal things."
"He's what!?"
"Yeah. Turns out there isn't an upper limit. I have no idea how someone gets that strong."
"I… well… I mean, he's the headmaster of a school."
"The headmaster of Haven wasn't anywhere near as strong."
"It must be a scale thing," Pyrrha decided. "Or a trick. Maybe he gets levels when every student graduates. We still don't know if other people's levels really mean anything. You're the one with a stats-based Semblance. Not us. You're just seeing our levels as representations of how strong we are. Him being more than ten times as strong as me makes sense."
Jaune hummed, but he wasn't convinced. The other teacher, and Ironwood and Qrow and even his father. They were all probably "ten times as strong as Pyrrha", and yet none of them were higher than a hundred levels. And then there was the oddity around his name. He could just have multiple names, but it was weird.
Thoughts for another time. His bio all but says he's a hero fighting the Grimm. I don't think he's a threat to us.
"I'm surprised that outburst was enough for your Semblance to issue a quest, though," she said. "It was just a few people getting angry and you shutting them up. Did you get a level from it?"
"Ah. About that."
Jaune winced.
"The quest is still active."
"Oh." Pyrrha swallowed. "Oh. That's bad."
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything naughtyyy," Athena Nikos chimed, in a way that suggested she very much hoped she would. "Are you two ready for the real birthday party? It's getting a little too heated in there for my liking."
"Where's the party at?" Jaune asked. "Is it private? Does anyone know about it?"
"Hm? Oh, it's just at our house back in Argus. Why?"
Because his Semblance was still telling him something bad would happen. He met Pyrrha's eyes and she returned it, eyes narrowing. They were both aware, both on guard, and that would have to be enough to stop whatever this was.
At once, they both nodded.
A camera flashed. Athena had her scroll out.
"Kyaaaaaa! You're communicating without words! That's so cute!"
And, at once, they both blushed.
"Mom! Stop!"
Next Chapter: 23rd March
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