28The land of Arcadia was a beautiful place that was teaming with life. A massive Island on the southern coast of Anima, located in the ocean between Sanus and Menagerie. It boasted a population of well over sixty thousand of various types of people, from humble farmers to scientists.
Massive buildings and towns spread from the central three mountains that held schools, hospitals, factories, shops, restaurants, military bases, and more. It could and has been considered its own Kingdom in the past by the Great Kingdoms. While Vale and Mistral have sought to lay claim to the territory in the past, they could not overcome the might of the military that called Arcadia home.
Their military strength spread from a directive that all must serve at least two years when they finish school. This directive ensured that all citizens could protect themselves and that everyone was competent in some fashion in case of an emergency, be it from Grim or Human attack.
Many only did their mandatory two years, which enabled them to learn basic hand-to-hand, firearm, and melee weapon combat. Most of which have seen live combat during a grim attack from either the air or sea. Some decided to stay longer and thus formed the military of Arcadia. The numbers weren't incredible, nearly three thousand soldiers of experience beyond two years, but it was enough to more than ensure that the Island was protected and kept peaceful.
Trade with the other settlements and Great Kingdoms was good enough for them to have access to the CCT and open travel between them. Arcadia was also home to one of the best beach resorts in the world. Something the high class of Atlas journey to experience.
Though to become a citizen of Arcadia, one must join the military for two years if they are over seventeen, with no exceptions. Full citizenship is granted if they serve, and children moving here must graduate from high school or combat prep school, depending on what they seek to achieve in their future.
The joining of the military was a controversial topic in the past. Many thought it was a horrible law to force even peaceful civilians into military service, even if only for two years. However, the founders had put this in place solely to ensure that any and every citizen knew how to protect themselves and operate in an emergency if a disaster were to happen. Also, not all roles were front-line combat positions; those had to be volunteered for, and administrative and support roles were quite needed as well, so it was rare that someone who didn't want to fight was forced to. Not that this information was spread around too much to outsiders.
The mandatory military enrollment kept many from moving to Arcadia entirely. Many high-class Atleasians were against manual work, especially a soldier's demanding, and stressful lifestyle. So, vacationing was their only option to experience the great lands of Arcadia.
That didn't mean the settlement's Leaders and founders didn't consider this. Only two weeks per person per year was permitted to vacation in Arcadia. The drain on resources, if it was allowed constantly, was a worry for the founders who put the iron law in place.
This only drove the demand for the resort and restaurants and prices even higher. While small in number, never let it be said that the land and citizens of Arcadia were poor. Many families have become quite wealthy over the generations by catering to the rich vacationers and fellow citizens, none more so than the Arc family, the last of the four founding families.
None of the citizens of Arcadia would dare question the leadership of the Arcs. Generations of them have led from the front and died for these lands, protecting them from violent outsiders and political movements to take over them.
Though…
There were rumors. Many citizens of the settlement of Arcadia heard the whispers about the youngest child and sole male of the great Arc family.
The rumors were not the most compelling. The boy was a loner, scared of his own shadow, and didn't dare to even talk to other kids his age. The Ladies of the Arc family were the only ones who could coax a smile out of the boy.
That being said, many citizens knew that it wasn't some sort of social anxiety. The dark rings and bags under the boy's eyes showed his genuine fears. No one, not even the great Arealius Arc, father and leader of Arcadia, could get the reason for this worry and fear from his only son.
The boy in question, Jaune, was truly an enigma. Ever since his seventh birthday, when his father unlocked his aura to begin training in the ways of the Warrior, he had changed. What was a proud and thrilling moment for the whole Arc clan turned sour not two days later.
"...and with my name and strength, I do so awaken your soul as companion and shield." Aurelius's words spoke out with strength. He stood above a young and nervous Jaune sitting on the floor before him.
The seven daughters of Aurelius and Margaret Arc watched from various positions around the room as the light of Jaune Arc's soul ignited and breathed into life.
…and kept growing beyond expectation. The power and density of his aura were beyond that of a child, more in line with a teenager ready to begin their journey at an academy.
Pride welled within Aurelius as his son showed the potential to be the greatest of them. Margaret smiled warmly at her youngest, who looked ready to begin the path of his forefathers as a great warrior.
The daughters smiled and laughed at their youngest sibling and whooped and cheered for him.
Two days later, the whole family woke to a tremor and a shout of fear. Jaune's room was thrashed, and destroyed to the point that the only area not demolished was the point beneath his feet. The walls cracked and dented, the furniture smashed, and the toys and games unrecognizable.
Jaune only had this to say, "Please leave; I don't want to hurt anyone."
That was the last time anyone in the family thought that Jaune would be a warrior. That was the last time anyone in the family considered Jaune the next great Arc legend. He was terrified of getting too close to others, too worried that he would hurt someone around him. Shockingly enough he never really explained what happened to anyone, not his sisters or to his parents.
Whenever what Jaune would call accidents, or his family dubbed episodes, would happen, he would just shakily say that he got too excited and would run away. The results of these accidents were always hard to quantify. Aurelius had a strong suspicion that sometimes Grim residue or blood was left behind. It sparked a curiosity that perhaps Jaune was being hurt or attacked, and he was defending himself. But if that were the case, why be scared?
Aurelius was at his wits' end with his son. Nearly sixteen, he was no better as a man than he was at seven. Don't get him wrong; he was a kind and intelligent boy, always willing to help, but he would never consider being around anyone long enough to form a bond or make something of himself.
He knew that some of the blame lay with him. Jaune was too nervous around him and too shy to tell him about his issues. As a father, he knew he had failed. He was always busy leading their settlement and not being around as much for his children, much less all eight of them.
He was far closer with his girls, who took leadership positions around Arcadia and were all trained by him to be capable warriors. They could be a huntress if they wanted to get their license, but none cared much about the title. Preferring to be Warriors of the Arc clan and citizens of Arcadia.
Jaune was less so. He expressed the desire to go to a Hunter Academy. None of his family was aware of why he only said that he may be able to fix himself.
Aurelius once again felt he failed as a parent, as his only son would rather go to strangers for help than his father and family.
He would comply with Jaune's wish and take him to an Academy, just not in a year. It has been two days since he expressed his desire offhandedly, and now Aurelius has a way to push his son; all it will take is some calls and a ride in an aircraft.
Jaune sighed tiredly as he and his father flew from Arcadia in an airship. They were being escorted by only a handful of soldiers and a Captain. He knew they were going somewhere to get him looked at; he knew they would be disappointed or hurt when he refused to work with them. Some doctors wouldn't be able to help him.
But it was all he could do. It was the only thing he knew he could do to keep others from getting hurt. The voice was never far…
They hurt you?...
…I hurt them?
Safe?...no
…I make you safe…
Anger? Yes…your fear…makes me angry!
Jaune clenched his teeth and took a slow breath. The deep growling voice within him, within his very soul, called to him, never fully answering but never leaving him without any response.
He was sure that it was a semblance of some sort, perhaps a manifestation of his soul's innermost desires made physical. It only ever appeared when he was frightened, angry, or in danger, like when the small wasp Grim attacked him or a criminal sought to kidnap him.
There weren't even remains of the bodies for his father to discover.
He didn't even bring it up to his mother, who could always somehow tell when he was at his worst. All he could do was try and reassure her that his episode was over. He hated that he couldn't tell them; he wanted to tell his mother, his sisters, and even his father. But the fear that they would be hurt, because… every time they wanted answers.
…they demand? Weak?
No!...we are not weak!
…kill them! Demand answer?
…no
They are weak…no answers…
Jaune knew it was likely his id, the innermost part of his psyche that was brought forth from his semblance, that was causing such issues. Studying the psychology of the mind led him to vaguely understand that some deep-seated resentment of his family and situation drove the beast to want to lash out at his family when they only sought to help.
Perhaps it was because everyone in his family was so great, and he was stuck being the loner. Perhaps it was because he was so powerful but rendered weak by fear. Maybe because his idols, his father and grandfather, were so magnificent in their reputations and legends that he knew he'd never live up to them.
He knew that all of those fears were likely partially true.
That's why he knew the best path forward was seeking the assistance of an outside party. The headmasters and teachers at Hunter Academies were influential and knowledgeable about auras, semblances, and monsters. They should be able to help.
At least, he hoped so.
If he could fix this, he could be a genuine family member again.
The warm memories of their family could return to him as future feelings.
Perhaps he wouldn't be destined to live alone and fear the shadow of his own creation.
Aurelius could practically feel his son's mind working as they traveled to The City of Vale. He knew that his son was intelligent and capable of making intelligent decisions for the good of others, so he held onto that fact as he took them to Beacon for the Headmaster to help.
He wasn't usually one to ask someone like Ozpin for help. If he were honest, he hated the old wizard. He was capable of Magic in ways that shouldn't be possible outside of Maidens.
The man was truly a mystery and played things far too close to the chest. But no one, not even he, could deny that the man's knowledge of the soul was unrivaled.
Jaune was well-studied in such things, but more out of self-preservation than curiosity—or at least that is what he believed. Shamefully, they do not speak one-on-one often. Margarette did most of the talking with Jaune and his girls as well.
For years, he was ashamed to look at his son.
And for decades following, he would regret it.
If they were closer and spoke more, he would be more trusted by his son. Then Jaune would have come to him for help.
Then, those feelings he clung to on cold nights and during bloody battles, feelings of warmth and childish laughter, wouldn't solely lie in the distant past.
Vale was a magnificent, vast, dense city, teaming with life and hope. It is not the metropolis of innovation that was Atlas or the cultural destination of Mistral, but Vale somehow sparked a happy medium of innovation and cultural respect. Fanus citizens had the areas they preferred but were not kept from standard locations. The Leaders of the City and Ozpin were very heavy-handed in enforcing equality in the last couple of decades.
It was heavily criticized in the last thirty years when Ozpin, the Almighty and Hero of the Hundred Year War, took the mantle of Headmaster of Beacon and established himself as an ally of the Fanus.
He made it illegal to segregate and discriminate in his territory based on race and origin. No citizen, no matter where they were from, was looked down upon by the citizens of Vale. It took years for everyone to accept it, but it was all but inevitable under the iron will of one of the very few Supreme-Grade Hunters in the world.
Now, Sanus is the most populated Kingdom in the world and has millions of citizens in its capital city. Vale was reaping the benefits of that population. Agriculture was abundant, technological innovations were frequent due to the high volume of intelligent minds, and their defense network was second to none, thanks to no shortage of hunters and military volunteers.
Strangely, when everyone is given such a fantastic opportunity for life and peace, they would fight to defend it. Sanus, under Ozpin the Great and Powerful, was also home to the most settlements in the world. Many settlements in Solitas and Anima couldn't keep their frontier settlements safe due to a lack of manpower with Mistral or a lack of care in Atlas.
Most believed the peaceful state of the population and their love for the kingdom and country kept them eager to defend it. In actuality, Vale and the Kingdom of Sanus were protected because of Beacon—the premier Hunter Academy of the world and home to the most elite up-and-coming hunters in the world. Even highly trained Altas nobility would fight to get their children accepted into the academy as that was considered an honor and prestige second to none. Only sixteen students a year made it through their initiation to join a four-man team. The rest were offered a chance to retry as many times as they wanted to become a solo hunter trainee, but the sixteen students of the color teams were the absolute elite.
After four years of training, classes, and missions, the four teams could take on A-Class Missions with a high chance of success and were set to all be called elite Hunters in the future. Most go out in the world to make a name for themselves in the future on their own as well. Though rare that a team was entirely disbanded, it did happen. Some were from other Kingdoms and wished to return home; others wanted to wander the lands and help where possible. All that was required of them was to remain in contact with Beacon in case they were needed.
Ozpin rarely called upon his elite soldiers…but that didn't mean he never did.
Jaune looked out over the landing pad and courtyard of Beacon Academy in awe. He didn't think his father would take him to an Academy for help– much less Beacon!
He'd seen pictures, but they didn't do the place justice! The stonework and statues were incredible. Like Arcadia, it seemed they valued artisanal architecture over Atlas's more modern militaristic style and the cultural feeling of Mistral and Haven Academy.
Several students were running around, but none really looked their way. He wondered why no one was taking the time to check them out; after all, Arcadian Aircraft differed from the Vale Airships they likely were used to seeing come and go.
They were in one of their larger Falcons. It was a ship in the style of a jet but with two modular thrusters that allowed it to hover and maneuver in tight spaces. Not to mention the three massive auto cannons located around the ship. The Falcons were fast but not the quickest, but they had room for over a dozen people in exchange. They were the ideal ship to get a small group far and fast while being defended.
Jaune knew he and the rest of the Arcadians back home would be wary of a foreign airship if no one were around to accept it, but maybe Vale and Beacon were a bit more lax. After all, they had well over a hundred times the population.
"I knew he'd be waiting." His father grunted next to him, looking out the window.
Jaune looked over in surprise before looking out the window his father was using. He saw a man watching them. He had shoulder-length silver hair and a green suit while leaning on a cane. Jaune instantly recognized the man as Ozpin, one of the most powerful hunters in the world, if not the most powerful.
"So that's Master Opzin?" Jaune wondered aloud.
"Yes, and don't let his appearance fool you; he's dangerous."
The two Arcs disembarked from the aircraft, and as soon as they touched the ground, Ozpin smiled at them and made his way over.
"Welcome! Aurelius, it has been far too long since you came to Beacon. Not since the Vital Festival twenty years ago, I believe?"
Aurelius grasped Ozpin's hand firmly, "Something like that; time flies when you run an entire settlement."
"I can agree with that. Though I believe Arcadia is more of a Kingdom these days, there is no use downplaying it. We of the Great Kingdoms can acknowledge that much as least."
"Then let us hope that The General and Lion agree with you and stop poking into our lands. At least the Chieftain of Menagerie understands that."
Ozpin shook his head sadly, "Those two are far too combative and aggressive. General Ironwood believes that unification under Atlas would bring world peace, while Lionheart is accountable to his council. Though it has been quite a while since someone made a move, to my knowledge."
His father grumbled, "An official one, at least."
Jaune wasn't sure what they were talking about, but he'd heard enough from Violet that they had often taken down scouting parties from Mistral and a few drones from Atlas in the last two years.
"I believe this is Jaune, correct?" Asked Ozpin while looking at him.
Jaune gulped and extended his hand. "Yes, Sir. It is an honor to meet you, Headmaster Ozpin. I've read a lot about your exploits as a hunter. I hope to one day make even half the difference in the world you have."
Ozpin smiled while his father's eyebrow twitched at the words.
"I believe you and I need to have a conversation in a more private location. Even now, I can sense the unrest in your aura. Are you struggling to restrain your semblance, or can you not control it?"
Jaune gulped, "Both, he is dangerous." He whispered.
Jaune couldn't bear to look at his father, who he was sure was furious that Jaune was speaking of his problem with a stranger he had just met. But the voice wasn't angry right now, so he would try his best while the chance was there.
"Ah, I understand. Yes, very rare. I'll need Glynda." Ozpin muttered to himself before taking out a scroll. "Glynda, bring Team EBNY to the fourth-year combat classroom. I require them. This is concerning the Arc visit."
Jaune's eyes widened, hearing that Ozpin knew a path forward. His father looked like he'd lost years of stress. Jaune sent a small smile to his father, who gave him a massive grin in return.
"If you'll both follow me," Ozpin said as he led them toward their destination.
Beacon Academy, the premier hunter academy in the world, it was no surprise that the training room they were led to was a massive high-ceiling arena with a large seating area. Jaune could imagine a dozen or more eyes watching as two students battled it out on the stage under the watchful gaze of a professor.
As they entered the arena, Jaune noticed that there were four young adults, likely the team Ozpin mentioned, and an older blonde woman that Jaune could see being distantly related to him based on the shade of blonde her hair was.
"Ah, great. You all made it on time, Team EBNY and Professor Glynda Goodwitch." Ozpin gestured to them before turning to the Beacon group. "This is Aurelius and Jaune Arc of Arcadia. They came here for some assistance with Jaune's semblance."
Glydan looked at Jaune with a piercing gaze, "And why don't Jaune and Lord Aurelius use their own facilities?" While curious in tone, Jaune cringed at the question while Aurelius tsk'd to himself.
Before his father could answer in a no doubt less than kind way, Jaune stepped forward, "My semblance is very dangerous and feeds off my inner personality, I believe. I wanted help from someone I haven't met before who could handle the power."
Jaune could feel his father's gaze piercing his head but forcefully ignored it. Glynda seemed to accept that answer, then stepped off to the side and began to type into a large scroll pad.
"First, I will start us off; I don't want anyone hurt because we underestimated the situation." Ozpin declared with a twirl of his cane. "Other than Mr. Arc, please vacate the arena floor."
Ozpin looked over to Glynda, who gave him a stiff nod before tapping a few keys on her pad. The cameras in the room beeping to life. Small red lights blazed to life on each one.
In Arcadia, eight women stood around a large screen in the Home of the Arcs at the kingdom's center.
Margarette Arc, Lady of the Arc Family and last of a noble Atleasian bloodline, chewed on her manicured thumbnail as she watched the screen blaze to life to show her youngest son standing off against Ozpin. Such was her worry that she would act in such an undignified way.
Saffron, her oldest, gasped, "This is what you meant!? Jaune is at Beacon fighting that man!" Her face scrunched up in worry, and her other girls mimicked her worry. All of them were highly protective of their younger brother, who to their knowledge was too scared to fight.
"Aurelius said that they would figure out what was wrong with Jaune and that we would be able to watch the tests. I want everyone to see it to help him better when he returns. Your father is there with him." She said to reassure them.
"Let's see what Jaune has been fighting this whole time."
Once Ozpin stood before him, Jaune began tensing and relaxing at random intervals. He knew what came next; he would have to release his semblance to see what happened. Knowing that didn't mean that he wasn't stressing it.
"Just let it out." Ozpin smiled, "I promise everything will be alright."
Jaune shakily nodded, "Right."
As soon as the word left his mouth, he let his aura flow freely for the first time since it had awakened. The dazzling light of his soul burst into life, creating a glow around him that flared outwards. His aura's density and vastness blew away any expectations of those in the room. It was three times greater than any Beacon graduate that Glynda had ever known, and Ozpin considered it beyond most pro hunters in the world at this moment.
Aurelius felt his throat dry up at his son's power. To think that for years, he was ashamed of his son and his lack of warrior spirit.
Jaune grit and clenched his teeth from the strain of what was coming. The aura surrounding him became darker, and the shadow behind him rose into the crude form of a beast with bright, glowing red eyes. The beast was twice Jaune's size, likely equal to an Alpha Beowulf in height. Though its face was more angular and sharp than a wolf's, its arms were more human than canine. It was a dark purple, with chains around its arms rattling with every movement. Its body was solid yet formless at the same time as if it were made of solid smoke. Only its eyes and arms were entirely solid. The bottom half of the beast was thick black smoke that covered most of its appearance but gave the impression of a robust set of legs ready to pounce.
The students in the room were frozen in fear at the sight of the beast, looking just as sinister as any grim they had ever met. However, the aura of strength it gave off was second to none. It was like a demon was summoned from the depths of hell at the behest of the boy.
Glynda equated the beast's presence to an Alpha Grim that was over a decade old. It was something that she knew no student could stand against. Jaune Arc seemed to have the right idea coming to them for help, and by them, she meant Ozpin. Only he could face something like this down with purely academic curiosity. She would have to take it on seriously and likely hurt Jaune to end the fight.
"Worry, why? Strong." Its voice was deep and guttural like a beast growling the words out. "Worry? Fear…we destroy fear. Kill it!"
Aurelius looked down in shame, unable to watch anymore; dots were being connected in his head, and he felt terrible shame at these developments.
With its shout, it blasted forward towards Ozpin at dizzying speeds.
As soon as it was in range, the beast sent a massive fist toward Ozpin, its arm glowing with a densely compacted aura. As the fist was about to connect, a cane intercepted and parried it to the side. A follow-up slam was treated the same way.
The beast growled and tried to slam into Ozpin but missed and impacted the ground where the Headmaster was last standing. The arena ground was demolished entirely under the titanic force of the beast, and the destruction spread to the seating area where the spectators were forced to hop away lest they get hurt.
Jaune winced at the damage while Ozpin lazily moved toward the beast without concern.
"You are quite strong. How tough are you?" the headmaster asked before stabbing his cane into the beast's chest.
The impact of the stab had a slight green shockwave, and the beast was blasted a few meters back before it screamed and rushed back forward. Ozpin, no longer just defending, began to attack in earnest now.
Jaune could barely follow the movements of the beast and Headmaster as they clashed well over a dozen times in a matter of seconds. All he knew was that the Beast was even stronger than he thought.
Wind and uncontrolled aura swirled throughout the arena as Headmaster and Beast clashed back and forth. Jaune winced as he felt fatigue coming from the rampant use of energy the beast was using, he estimated that he was almost a third empty from a few minutes of combat.
A fist and cane clashed once more with a crack. Ozpin smiled as he backed off while the beast floated backward to Jaune's side silently snarling as it waited to reengage either at Jaune's command or his opponent's action.
"Very good." Ozpin congratulated, "I would have to say that with your semblance alone you are mighty. I don't know of any student that could defeat it."
Jaune winced, "I'm aware, it's why I've always kept a lid on him."
"I take it that you could put more into him?"
Jaune wondered, "I believe that he was going as hard as he could on his own. I wasn't in control nor guiding his movements."
Jaune looked up towards the beast who was frighteningly still and continued, "I'm sure we could do much more together."
The beast snarled, "Power…stronger, we will be stronger."
"Yeah, together." Jaune said to the beast. "Will you listen to me?"
"No fear... We are strong… hate fear hate weakness…"
Jaune narrowed his eyes, "Yeah, we're strong and together even stronger." The beast for the first time since he was seven receded back into Jaune without a fight. Jaune felt he understood a bit more about himself after just one fight with the Headmaster.
"I think I understand how to keep him under control." Jaune spoke, his voice in awe of the development.
"It would make sense that once the mental block was addressed that you would make tremendous headway. After all, this is all you, no outside forces are hindering you. Your soul is the source of this power, yours to do what you will." Aurelius spoke from the sidelines.
"I agree," Ozpin said with a nod, "I do believe that today was a monumental success. I hereby declare Jaune Arc, A-Class Distinction. Backed by myself, Headmaster of Beacon and Hunter of Supreme-Class Distinction."
Jaune's eyes blew wide at the declaration. He turned to his father who watched with a blank face while Glynda frowned but didn't interject to the declaration. The four-man team of Beacon students gaped at the development.
"If you were a trained individual with combat abilities and understanding of Aura manipulation I would be declaring you the fifth Supreme Hunter in the world. As it stands by semblance alone your capabilities outshine any of my students." Ozpin said with a grin as if he were finding the whole situation amusing.
Jaune didn't know what to say, only feeling vindication for fighting his whole life to keep his rowdy and dangerous semblance on a tight leash. He was worried that he would have learned that if he had worked with his family before none of this would have been necessary. Though learning the strength of the beast he knew that his family could have been seriously injured or even killed.
Aurelius' fist clenched hard enough it began to glow with aura to protect itself.
"What does that mean for me?" Jaune asked.
As an Arcadian citizen and son of the Arc family, he wasn't hyper-aware of the international Hunter Organization and its rules. Arcadia had a warrior distinction and high-ranking members were encouraged to take a hunter examination to get their abilities recognized on a global scale for diplomacy's sake. Beyond knowing that Ozpin was one of four Supreme Hunters recognized by the organization globally and that a licensed hunter was higher ranked than any local law enforcement or militia by default. He didn't really know what the classes meant.
Aurelius stepped forward into the ruined arena, his face lined with frustration.
"It means that as of now you are recognized as an elite commodity of Ozpin."
"Not quite." Ozpin interjected. "I would not and will not call upon an unlicensed hunter for any task outside of my school's mission board." His words and tone were steel as he sent a hard look at Aurelius.
Ozpin continued, "What it means is that in the global hunter community you are recognized as an individual of power and skill that greatly exceeds that of a team of veteran hunters, in possession of aura double that or more than the average licensed hunter and a semblance. As mentioned before your semblance alone more than covers the requirements and with time I suspect the entire world to know your name similarly to my own, or Summer Rose's, or Winter Schnee's or Gladius of Vacuo's."
Jaune's eyes blew wide open at the names of the three other greatest hunters on the planet and how Ozpin believed he'd be one one day.
Silence permeated throughout the view room as the Lady's of the Arc family watched the battle between their youngest family member and arguably the strongest man in the world.
"His semblance, it is unbelievable." Muttered Saphron, her fist clenched tightly as she wondered if she'd survive a battle with the beast without resorting to hurting Jaune.
Violet Arc, the second oldest, frantically tapped her manicured finger on her thigh, "He wasn't scared of the world. He was scared of what he'd do to the world if he lost control." She mused.
"My boy." Whispered Margarette in worry, now she understood why her son spent so much time researching aura and psychology. He was trying to understand what the beast was and she suspected that it was formed from his repressed emotions.
"A-Class!" Shouted Rose after Ozpin's declaration after the battle.
Saphron shook her head, "He's considered the same level as dad and I, purely on semblance power. How absurd its strength must be for Ozpin to say he could be a supreme hunter if he trained his foundations. That's not something you just train to achieve." The incredulous tone of her voice was only matched by her awe at her baby brother.
Margarette pulled out her scroll and began tapping away, "The politics of our family and Arcadia have officially changed. Jaune's potential will not remain secret for long and there are many who will not like that Arcadia could soon have its own Supreme Hunter."
Rose turned to her mother, "You're contacting your connections in Atlas aren't you?" They all knew that their mother came from the Andechs family. An aristocratic family hailing from upper Atlas known for producing capable soldiers in previous generations.
Olive, barrister and right hand to her father in the running of Arcadia narrowed her eyes. "Jaune will need to be trained quickly. Vale will not care much, seeing as they have two. Neither will Vacuo since they're quite secluded and Gladius is rumored to be comparable to Ozpin himself in power. However, I Mistral will not take kindly to this development considering Hazel Reignhart is MIA and presumed KIA which has left them without a supreme hunter to protect them for the last eight years. They will likely seek to poke and prod us more to get a measure of Jaune."
Saphron narrowed her eyes, "More than before? And what do you suspect Atlas will do Olive?" Being an A-Class Huntress and Captain of the Falcon Division, she took their border security the most seriously out of all of them.
"Nothing covert in this case. I suspect the Schnee's will be reserving the Palace Suite of the Black Diamond Resort this summer. General Ironwood and Willow Schnee's leadership of Atlas since Winter's ascension to Supreme Huntress has been quite heavy handed. Her husband's 'disappearance' three years ago is a prime example. She will seek to get a measure of Jaune and likely bring Weiss Schnee as well as they are the same age." Olive explained before sending a look to her mother.
"I will not allow that drunken sow to push her whore of a daughter towards my son just to get him under her control." Spiteful words from Margarette were met with wide eyes from some of the girls.
Azure and Opal shared a look. They were engineers first and fighters second so this was a bit out of their comfort zone. "Perhaps we should calmly think about this before jumping to conclusions." Azure suggested.
"Also, I highly doubt the rumors of Weiss Schnee's, umm… promiscuity, are true." Opal stated blandly.
Rose snorted, "Yeah, we all know they have no shortage of enemies. Though being a singer of her popularity it wouldn't shock me if she took a few handsome fans 'backstage'. I know I would." She muttered the last bit to the amusement of Violet who was seated next to her.
"Nevertheless, I will move to get the Falcon patrols a bit more expansive." Saphron didn't wait for anyone to comment and hurried off.
The rest who weren't sending messages via scrolls turned back to the screen.
"Ok, but what's next?" Jaune asked numbly.
"You will be taken through the basics by Team EBNY under Glyda's supervision for the next few hours. Then I suspect that you and Aurelius will return home." Ozpin stated before signaling his deputy to repair the room.
"Aurelius please accompany me." Ozpin didn't wait for a response as he started to leave the arena floor.
The Leader of Arcadia turned to his son, "I'm very proud of you son. It took more courage and strength than most could ever muster to hold out as long as you have. Though I want you to trust me to train you when we get home." Jaune nodded shyly and his father ruffled his hair before following Ozpin.
Glynda turned off the cameras and sent the video to her harddrives. She then gestured for Team EBNY to join them on the arena floor.
"Mr. Arc. I will explain the basics of aura then you will be taken through some exercises with Team EBNY as we wait the conclusion of your father and the Headmaster's conversation."
"That was a crazy fight man!" Shouted Edwin, leader of team EBNY.
Yelena nodded, "You're much stronger than I thought. Impressive."
Bluno and Neb didn't say anything but showed their agreement.
"Quite." Said Glynda before standing up straight and getting into lecture mode.
"Aura is, as I'm sure you're aware, the manifestation of our soul and spirit. It is the physical manifestation of your soul and therefore heavily tied to your stamina. Training your endurance can have an effect on overall aura capacity. The main uses of aura are in its physical enhancements. In a neutral capacity aura after sufficient training will cover your body as a shield from physical harm evenly. Advanced users can greatly enhance the amount of aura in localized areas to boost defense. In an active capacity there are many applications of aura that depend on the potential of the individual. Some can emit their aura in an energy wave, Ozpin is capable of molding raw aura into an orb that can blast through steel walls and more. Some can create physical shapes of raw aura like Winter Schnee. However every hunter or huntress uses aura as a physical enhancement to increase speed, strength and offensive power. There are more esoteric techniques that will be up to you to learn but that is a very high level explanation of aura."
Jaune's eyes widened at the information but felt he got most of it.
"Great now you and I are going to get that neutral aura working!" Edwin shouted as he started limbering up.
"Oh, how?"
"I'm gonna attack you till you get it working!"
"W-Wait!"
Edwin shot forward, "Training begins now!"
Aurelius and Ozpin stood at the top of the seating area overlooking Jaune training with the others down below.
"An unorthodox yet effective method." Mused Ozpin as he watched Jaune get kicked clear across the arena.
"I'll clean that up back home." Aurelius said with a dismissive wave of his hand.
"Right then let us get to it. I will be putting Jaune down as an early admittance to Beacon next year. He will be of age to enter for initiation and is more than capable."
Aurelius was silent for a moment, "I didn't hear a question. I didn't see you ask Jaune if he would like to attend."
"I didn't do either. They are going to happen."
"You-"
Ozpin raised his hand, "Two things; most apparent is that Jaune's potential is vast and his ceiling is unknown. However I doubt he will be your junior in ability very long. I and Glynda can train him far better, and he will gather a notable network of connections by attending."
Ozpin's eyes narrowed, "Also you didn't think I would be doing this for free did you? Did you think I would do all of this and call it a favor? No, I greatly desire Arcadia to be brought into the fold as a Kingdom officially and to do that I need the Arc family to work with me."
Aurelius grit his teeth, "We already have amicable trade between kingdoms, and allow travel visas for anyone who applies. More than you can say for Atlas."
"Indeed, but the lines of communication and cooperation are far too low. I know that Arcadia has a different method of communication that could bolster the CCT. I know that the technological advancements made by the SRD in Arcadia spearheaded by Dr. Everclear and your daughters are responsible for the immense security of the island despite being in some of the most dangerous regions of the world. The rest of the world needs that assistance. Vacuo is still nomadic and splintered outside the capital. Atlas lower is suffering due to the harsh climate. Mistral is too spread out and settlements die out fast due to a lack of communications."
"How is that on us and not on the great Kingdom's capital? I doubt that you see Arcadia as the golden egg of the world with technology and power that can unite and save everyone."
Ozpin shook his head, "If your people can make the world a better place even by one percent I'll do what I can to see it done. Jaune will come to Beacon. He will make connections with very capable and influential people of all walks of life and see that he and his people can help. That is the payment required for my assistance and his early admittance to Beacon. Something people would pay millions for, by the way."
"Very well. I will make sure Jaune is aware of this development." Aurelius wasn't angry anymore, merely defeated at losing the chance to truly train his son. The younger years were lost and now he only had one before the rest were.
Ozpin must have noticed that and his stare softened slightly, "He will not have to remain here for four years and never leave. Beacon encourages field work and if a destination were only four hours away and promised capable facilities and opportunities to gain valuable experience then a team can be dispatched."
It was an olive branch, and one that Aurelius gladly accepted.
"I'm sure that can be arranged, there are all manner of grim exterminations, escort and retrieval assignments in Arcadia. Perhaps this can be open to other teams after some discussions."
Ozpin happily accepted the returned offer with a smile.
"I ask that you allow us to continue talking in Arcadia. I've never had the chance to experience the illustrious Black Diamond Resort or the Sand Pearl or the Laguna Villa. Glyda either as well, she'd kill me if I took a business trip to a resort and she wasn't brought along."
Aurelius snorted, "Sounds like my wife."
"Ah, well unfortunately not." Ozpin said slowly, "I don't have the best track record with blond women in a romantic sense."
Towards the western coasts of Sanus, a mere hour flight from Vale lay the lands of Patch. A larger settlement home to nearly eighty thousand people and a vast community of individuals.
Mostly focused on importing and exporting through the massive docks. The business opportunity was vast for anyone wishing to make a new start in Sanus but didn't have the means or capital to get to Vale.
At the center of Patch was the combat prep school Signal Academy. It was a school that helped prepare aspiring hunters for one of the academies. Though not required for admittance for initiation, though aspiring for Beacon believed it to be essential for the opportunity.
Many traveled far to learn from the teachers at Signal, some of them being premier hunters of A-Class ability. Such as Taiyang Xaio-Long, the Dragon of the South, or Qrow Branwen the Reaper. Both have well over a decade of field experience as elite hunters and are regarded as phenomenal professors.
Though most learned quickly that because of their capabilities they had very high demands of their students.
The wash out rate at signal was nearly sixty percent. Some thought the life of a hunter was a glamorous fairy tale, they learned quickly it was not.
One individual, speeding their way from Signal to her home, was learning that perhaps working on a highly intricate weapon well into the afternoon was a surefire way to lose track of time and break curfew. For the third time.
"Ah! Mom's gonna kill me!" Shouted Ruby Rose as she sped through town. She knew that she would likely get into trouble for using her semblance for such means but she needed to get home ASAP!
As she left the town limits and broke through the forests she came upon her home. A rather large two-story home with well over a dozen rooms and a large surrounding open yard, tucked off to the side was a lush garden home to many exotic plants. Ruby smiled as she made it home and hopefully, no one would notice if she zipped right up to her room and pretended to be home this whole time.
Not to mention, Yang would cover for her! She was an awesome big sister like that!
"You're late." A voice suddenly spoke out, and the sound of mental glass shattering broke Ruby out of her focus. She tripped as she tried to climb up the side of the house to her room.
Turning around to the source of the voice she winced as her mother stared at her with a frown. Summer Rose was an older woman well into her thirties, though you'd never see it due to her youthful features. Porcelain skin, lacking wrinkles in most places other than around her eyes. Long dark brown hair with a red tinge to it cascaded past her shoulders to her mid-back. She wore a plain black shirt and red shorts with bunny slippers. You'd never know that she was one of the most powerful people on the planet based on her experience.
"Oh, uh, hey mom, sorry I'm late! But Crescent Rose needed some TLC you know? And I can't have my equipment breaking on an assignment. That's how things go bad, right? You always told me that the most important task a huntress has when not in the field is the maintenance of themselves and their gear! So I was really just listening to you!"
"Oh Ruby." Summer sighed tiredly, "Just…Get inside, your father and I are going to be talking to you later. Let's just eat dinner, the blonds are hungry." She finished with an exaggerated eye roll getting a giggle from Ruby.
They made their way inside. Ruby had to be dragged away from smothering her corgi Zwei with kisses, and entered the dining room.
Taiyang sat at the far head of the table staring eagerly at a large spread of food, barely holding himself back from diving in. It was clear that if Summer hadn't gotten onto him dozens of times that he would have started eating a while ago.
He quickly glanced up and grinned, "Ruby you're finally home! Let's eat!"
"Took your time huh sis?" Yang said with a snort as she piled on a plate full of pork chops and potatoes.
Ruby zipped over to her seat across from Yang.
"No semblance in the house! I'm tired of cleaning up petals!" Shouted her mother in exasperation.
"Ah, sorry!"
Ruby turned to Yang, "Crescent Rose needed some work! Now she can pack a wallop, I upgraded the rifling and exchanged the blade for that custom steel mom got from Arcadia!"
"Oh, yeah that's the good stuff. Lighter and more agreeable to intricate mecha-shifting." Yang said with a nod as she tapped her bracelets, "Ember Celica got some real good upgrades thanks to that. I've even added a whole new feature with the new stuff!" Ruby nodded in excitement having been the one to help implement the new designs.
The family began eating for a moment before Yang spoke up.
"Speaking of Arcadia," Yang said as she turned to her father, "I heard some rumors at school."
Tai nodded, "I'm sure I know what it's about: Jaune Arc." He said getting a nod from Yang and a curious look from Ruby. "He's the sole son of the Arc family, he's actually your age Yang, and last week he was declared A-Class by Ozpin himself after a spar at Beacon."
Ruby's eyes blew wide open, "Wow! That's crazy, but he's so young. Only Pyrrha Nikos is around our age and has a rating already, and she's only C-Class!"
"Which is quite unheard of as well." Summer interjected, "It's causing political, friction, due to Arcadia's position. Though Ozpin is scheduled to travel there for discussions soon, the shipment from Arcadia a few days ago was hopefully the first of many exports from them."
She eyed her daughters, "I don't want you two flaunting that stuff to your classmates, either. It was due to my position that I was able to get so much, I doubt anyone your age will have something like that without some serious connections."
Yang grinned, "That's why you are the best mom in the world!"
"Yep!" Smiled Ruby, "Also! Maybe you can get the family a trip to the Sand Pearl or Black Diamond Resort in Arcadia. I've read about those places and the sweets that they have in the restaurants. We need to go!"
Tai hummed, "I don't know, it may not be the best time to go."
"Nah, now's the best time! We can go on a family vacation and scope out the competition! I'll likely be in school with this Jaune guy next year, I'd like to see what he's made of!" Yang exclaimed with a raised fist.
"I don't know Yang. Aren't the Arcs like super important to Arcadia, like practically royalty? Why would he go to Beacon?" Asked Ruby.
Summer shook her head, "Not really royalty, but not far off. They're the last of the founding families and the citizens are more than happy to have them continue to lead them. That being said, it is highly likely that Ozpin secured Jaune Arc for the initiation at least after what went down."
"Also! We can discuss vacations after we get through the school year." She said bringing Yang and Ruby down to Remnant. "I want Ruby to improve on her test scores in non-combat classes, and Yang. Your grades are great, but the constant reprimands from your teachers and the nonstop calls I get from the Headmaster about your rowdiness are over if you want any chance of a trip like that. Right, Tai?"
Tai, who was in the process of shoving an entire pork chop into his mouth, looked up, "Huh? Yeah, Yang, you need to stop being a pain in the ass. Beacon won't be as lenient as Signal." He tried to say around his mouthful of food.
Summer rubbed her eyes with a sign, "Right."
Ruby looked down to stare at her food hoping that the earlier conversation would have been forgotten.
"And Ruby-"
"Drat." muttered Ruby.
"-You need to show more responsibility, young lady. If you break curfew one more time then you won't be going on any vacation this summer."
Both Ruby and Yang gave nods to their parents. They knew that if they wanted any chance to get to go to one of those resorts they'd need to buckle down.
Ruby swore that she would stay out of trouble for the rest of the year! Just little odd jobs, finishing out the school year and working on her skills!
Ruby frantically ran from the growls of Beowolfs behind her. It was supposed to be a small errand for Mr Grey at the weapon shop. Deliver a package to the edge of the territory to a border guard and get five hundred credits and a ten percent discount!
She turned back, what was once three Beowolfs was now over a dozen. She turned forward and took a deep breath before speeding off with her semblance, Petal Burst.
She made it to an open clearing atop a hill overlooking the vast lands that made up Patch. Her speed burst with her semblance would buy her roughly a minute.
Flipping up her cloak she grabbed the compact form of Crescent Rose and expanded the weapon to its massive ruby-red sniper scythe form.
Growls got louder and the sounds of trampling feet got a nervous gulp from her. She has, of course, fought against grim, but that was with her mother or father or Uncle overseeing. Never alone and never outnumbered this outnumbered.
That being said, she couldn't lead them home, this many Grim despite being Beowolfs would certainly kill people before someone could help her take them out.
The first of many broke into the clearing and howled at the sight of her. Ruby puffed up her chest and burst forward in a mess of rose petals.
The wolves were waiting for her but they were incapable of matching her speed. The first fell to a wide sweeping slash, then the second a bullet, and the final was taken by a follow-up swing from the momentum of the scythe's movements from the recoil.
Thus the dance continued. No matter how many she cut down, more came. By the time she made it to the twentieth Grim, she started to worry about her ammo.
When her last bullet was fired she started worrying about her arms and aura.
Jaws snapped where her head was moments ago, she flipped backward to avoid claw slashes. Ruby kicked off the ground, twirled midair to avoid another grim, and came down on the wolf who tried to snack on her skull.
More grim cut-down, more hits taken as she was without bullets to help wield her weapon in her preferred style. Ruby didn't dare pull out her scroll to check her aura as she knew that she'd be taken down the second she lost focus but as she continued to fight she knew she was well into the red.
Instead of fear, Ruby found herself feeling determined not to back down. Memories of her family sprung into her mind as she kicked away a grim and stabbed it in the eye with the bottom of her scythe.
Her father carrying her to bed to read her a story. Her sister tucking her in and reading stories to her or sneaking cookies into their room after their parents went to bed. Her mother showing her how to use her aura and always letting her help make cookies.
"I'm going to be a Huntress! I'm not afraid of you!" Ruby shouted as she met the charge of the remaining Beowolfs. Unnoticed to her, more ran into the clearing as her emotions drew them in like moths to a flame.
Never in her life had Summer Rose felt this terrified.
Her weapon sliced around her in an imperceptible blur as four Beowolfs were slashed to pieces before they even knew she was there.
Summer pulled out her scroll, on it were four faces. Her own with a fully green aura. Tai with a nearly full aura, and Yang's who was in the green but nearing yellow. Lastly and most horrifyingly was Ruby who was well into the red and still dropping.
All three of them had rushed to the forest to find Ruby when sightings of massive grim numbers were reported. They knew that Ruby was doing a delivery in the direction of the incoming horde.
Yang went along with Tai as none of the other students or teachers at Signal had the strength to hold the freaking-out blond back from finding her sister. Summer, if she wasn't full of fear and worry, would be feeling great pride in Yang's protectiveness of Ruby. They were always very close sisters but it was still nice to see.
And of all times for Qrow to have gone on a mission away from Patch! He was their best tracker!
Summer's eyes became frantic as she blitzed through the forests of Patch, slaughtering her way through grim after grim as fast as she could hoping to reach her daughter in time.
More and more grim were filling the forests, Summer knew in her heart that this was not a standard horde. They had systems in place to monitor large movements of grim and one of this size could not have gotten this close without warning.
More grim, cut to pieces by her ax and rifle hybrid Sundered Rose. Anger rose within Summer as she filled her weapon with aura before slashing into the air. A white crescent of dense aura flew through the air slashing through dozens of grim and trees before dissipating.
Summer pushed more aura into her body as she moved at speeds even she was surprised to reach.
Aura was broken but grim were slain. Ruby leaned heavily against Crescent Rose as she caught her breath.
"I was worried for a second." She whispered to herself before giggling. "Whew, I'm sure the others will be worried. Mom makes us all have our aura's synced."
Ruby looked around panting. She narrowed her eyes at the tree line before gasping.
Along the forest were more grim, dozens of Beowolfs, even Ursa Minors and Majors! This wasn't some normal pack that was trying to hit the city, this was a massive horde!
"Impressive performance for a child. Silver eyes or not." A deep baritone voice spoke out, getting a flinch from Ruby.
Ruby spun around and leaned back in shock. Not far away stood a giant of a man, easily seven feet tall or more, as wide as her fridge back home, with massive thick muscles, dark brown hair, and a beard. He was wearing a green trench coat that had its sleeves rolled up to show his massive scarred forearms.
"Who-" She started.
"I am Hazel, unfortunately, I was sent to deal with you." He seemed apologetic but that didn't stop his march forward towards her. "I'm under the impression that you are not capable of utilizing your eyes, but I tired you out with grim nonetheless. No use in being sloppy, I'm not like the foolish harlot." The last sentence was said with utmost disdain.
Ruby stood up and pulled out Crescent Rose. Without aura to help strengthen her and after the long battle earlier, she was struggling to fully wield her weapon.
"Someone sent you?...after me?"
"Your kind is a dying breed, only your mother shares your blood any longer." Hazel was coming closer, his steps were heavy enough that Ruby could feel them through the ground, "Though she would take a considerable amount of force to take out, thus you are the easier target for now."
Cracks of gunshots were heard in the distance.
Hazel turned to the noise, "The response time of Patch has improved, or is it that the daughter of Summer Rose is missing that has sparked such a response?" He mused to himself.
With his head turned Ruby felt she had the opening to swing her weapon at her attacker. Crescent Rose sliced through the air and landed directly on Hazel's neck. To Ruby's shock, there wasn't even the shine of aura blocking the impact, Hazel was tough enough that she couldn't even cut him!
"You've weakened considerably. That attack wouldn't even have scratched a grim." He chortled before grabbing her blade. "Such fine materials, shame." His massive fist clenched and to Ruby's horror, her beloved weapon was crushed to pieces.
So in shock, she didn't even see the fist rushing to her hitting her square in the chest knocking all the air from her lungs, cracking several ribs, and sending her tumbling away.
Lumbering steps approached and Ruby could only turn her head to see the man sent to kill her for a reason she didn't understand. As the massive torso-sized boot was raised into the air Ruby let out a bloody gasp before the world went white.
…or was it silver? Ruby couldn't tell…she was so tired.
Summer felt it in her soul that something terrible was occurring. Then, in an instant, she saw it. A massive pillar of silver energy. Her eyes saw more than anyone else would have been able to. Ruby's eyes must have awakened and she released the initial!
Summer, now having a direction flashed away in a burst of speed.
Once in the clearing, or what was left of the clearing, she saw the fallout of Ruby's awakening. It looked as if a bomb went off with her daughter at the epicenter. Smoking remains of grim were rising into the air and a large form was prone on the ground a few meters away from her unconscious daughter.
Summer moved over to Ruby to check her and saw that while injured and out of aura she should be fine. Summer's eyes teared up as she pulled Ruby into a tight embrace, nearly hyperventilating from relief and worry.
A deep groan broke her from her thoughts of what could have happened and the large prone form rose to his feet.
"What…a development." The deep voice echoed through the clearing, "It was my understanding that the Silver Eyes were powered by aura. I broke her aura… fascinating."
Summer gently laid her daughter onto the ground, taking time to gently wipe the hair from Ruby's face.
"I see." whispered Summer before disappearing with such speed, all that signaled her movement was the crack of air being displaced.
Hazel's eyes widened as all he could do was flare his aura and raise his arms. Sundered Rose, packed with so much aura it was glowing white slashed into Hazel's aura and arm with a thundering boom. Green and white sparks of energy zapped off the point of impact.
Hazel turned and saw one of the most terrifying sights he'd seen in decades. Summer Rose's face was hardened and shadowed with fury while her eyes were shining with pure power. He knew that he couldn't linger long and a fight with Summer Rose was not one he could finish fast.
Hazel filled his whole body with aura before pulsing it to release a minor shockwave of force to create distance. Looking down he noticed that his arm was bleeding, even with full aura Summer Rose managed to cut him!
Fist and ax met over two dozen times in the span of a couple of seconds before Summer's right eye pulsed. Hazel felt his muscles tense for a second and received another slash to his right pectoral from Summer.
Clenching his teeth Hazel stabbed a pair of lightning dust crystals into his arms. His neutral aura now buzzed and hummed with yellow lightning.
Growls and barks were heard and Hazel smirked. Many more grim were now filling the area charging directly at Summer. Hazel burst forward with his now dust enhanced speed.
Summer took out two grim with bullets before jumping out of the way of a tackle from Hazel. She diced two Ursa before blasting another away without even looking. Even though she wanted nothing more than to tear the man in front of her apart she needed to make sure Ruby was safe. With that in mind, she sped over to her unconscious daughter.
More and more grim rushed into the field towards the two women. Summer took a deep breath and fired off dozens of shots to take out as many as she could before laying into them with her ax.
Hazel, not far away, built up a large portion of aura into his palm to create an Aura Canon, then loaded it up with lightning dust energy.
The crackling energy ball blasted through the air towards Summer and Ruby bullet speeds, blasting through Grim with ease and creating a trench in the terrain despite being nearly six feet above the ground.
Summer felt the incoming attack and reared back with Sundered Rose. Her aura flooded into her blade, and right as the energy canon was within range she slashed it diagonally twice, dissipating the attack.
This continued for a while longer. Hazel would harass Summer from a distance as she cut down the endless grim coming for Ruby. Summer knew that she couldn't continue this forever. She was still well within the green aura-wise but she knew that at some point a grim or Hazel would get lucky and hit Ruby.
She knew Tai and Yang couldn't be too far but it seemed that they were getting slowed down by the influx of grim in the area. Gritting her teeth both of Summer's eyes pulsed.
A light so bright even the people miles away in Patch noticed the flare. All grim within two hundred meters of Summer were instantly disintegrated. Summer blinked rapidly as the pain made it hard to see from using her eyes twice in such a short time.
"Okay, we should go." She whispered to herself as she bent down to pick up Ruby.
Summer gasped and dove to the side with Ruby right as the ground exploded. Where she was previously standing was a pair of grim. However, these weren't like any she'd seen before. They were similar to a gorilla but heavily armored and more lithe. There were two massive Nevermore wings behind them and their right arms were covered with bone blades.
"Hybrids?" She wondered.
A smoking and panting Hazel came back into view. "You're more trouble than I anticipated. But I suppose you weren't made a Supreme Huntress for nothing. However, I'm confident I've figured you out now."
Summer smirked, "Oh is that right? Men like you have told me that they've figured me out in the past, a newsflash they never did." In a flash she sent two flying aura slashes at Hazel who took the hits in his arms.
The two hybrid grim roared and flew at her. Summer frowned at their speeds, they were well over most hunters at this level meaning the enemy now had B or even A class grim that weren't just hulking leviathans and goliaths, these were beasts that would hunt hunters.
Summer, with Ruby over her shoulder, focused on dodging the two grim and keeping an eye on Hazel who was staying back.
Right as one of the hybrids was about to rush her a red portal opened in front of it with a second opening in front of the other causing them to crash into each other.
Above them a third portal opened and a dozen slashes flew from it into the beasts. A fourth and final portal opened next to Summer and out stepped another woman. She was similarly aged to Summer but her face was lined with wrinkles around eyes and her features hardened. Long black feathery hair and piercing red eyes gazed at Hazel and the grim. She wore a form fitting black bodysuit, red plate armor over her chest and shoulders and two heeled boots.
"Raven." Summer said with a smile, "You're right on time!"
Raven smirked, "I had a strange feeling you needed me. Which is not something I could ignore. How's the little rose?" While not concerned visually, Summer knew that Raven was at least genuine in her question.
"Hurt, but nothing time and aura can't fix."
"Then let's get out of here, he's not going to stick around." replied Raven while pointing to a slowly retreating Hazel. The two hybrid grim lumbering away behind him. "To think they'd attack Patch. They're bolder now than before. Not to mention Hazel Reignhart is one of them? That's not good news, Summer."
Summer nodded as she followed Raven into a portal, "I'm well aware. He's been assumed KIA since the excursion to the southern reaches, to think she got to him."
On the other end of the portal were two blonds, panting in exhaustion and wearing matching looks of worry.
"Raven!/Mom!" Shouted Tai and Yang. Then they noticed Summer and Ruby and shouted in worry as they rushed forward.
Tai took Ruby from Summer's shoulder and held her in his arms, "What happened?!" he shouted while Yang stared at her unconscious and bloodied sister in fear.
"Hazel Reignhart was sent to kill her." Raven responded in a flat voice, "Seems they aren't keen on letting the silver eyes continue any longer."
Tai clenched his hand around Ruby.
"Silver eyes? Like yours?" Yang asked Summer, "I thought it was your semblance or something?"
Summer shook her head sadly, "No my eyes are a hereditary power that has been around for generations, something that has slowly died out in other bloodlines. Ruby and I are all that's left to my knowledge."
"This isn't a conversation we should have in the open." Raven said seriously before opening another portal.
"The hell do you want Raven?" A grizzled voice came from the other side.
As the five walked through the portal they were greeted by the twin of Raven and uncle of Yang and Ruby, Qrow Branwen. Who was sitting at a table in his hotel room in Vale City.
Qrow was on his feet in an instant, "What happened?"
Summer sighed and began retelling what she knew.
Ozpin clenched his fist and took a deep breath. In front of him were Taiyang Xiao Long, Qrow and Raven Branwen and Summer Rose. They had just relayed the event of the recent Patch horde, that was thwarted sixteen hours ago.
"Salem must be growing frustrated with recent developments. Winter Schnee in Atlas ascension last year. Gladius uniting the sand tribes of Vacuo and killing the Desert King. Now Jaune Arc will become a beacon for Arcadia in the future. She likely wanted to snuff out Ruby before she came into her own."
He poured a cup of tea and took a sip, "We need to make sure Ruby is away from prying eyes as she trains. I think it's time we drop formalities and begin her real training." He said with a stare directed at Summer.
"I will not put her in your care." Summer Rose's voice was as hard as steel. "She is my daughter and I will be training her."
"Which is what I would have suggested, but remaining on Patch where she must have eyes watching you is not wise. She should be put somewhere Salem either has minimal influence or none at all."
Qrow snorted, "Unless you plan to send her to freeze her but up in northern Mantle I don't know where we could put Ruby."
"Arcadia." Ozpin said simply, "Their strict rules for new citizens would have made it very difficult for Salem to get any spies very far. Not to mention I am now friendly with the Arc family. If we explain the situation I'm sure they would be willing. Aurelius is already aware of Salem."
Summer frowned, "You think it's the best move for us?"
"I can make this easy for everyone." Interjected Raven, "While I hate being relegated to a chauffeur. If I form a link with an Arc then we can get in and out of Arcadia simply."
Tai perked up, "That would make this way easy! Any Summer and Ruby can come home everyday like normal." He didn't want two of his ladies gone for months after all. Especially his little daughter!
Ozpin leaned back, "I know just the Arc. After all, I believe he and young Ruby will be fantastic partners in the next few months." He said with a smile.
Jaune looked down at the papers in front of him. Given to him by his father, they were essentially reports on Arcadia's defensive barriers and routines. In the last ten days since their return from Vale Jaune has been relegated to either being trained by his father or Saphron in hand to hand and aura.
Or being dragged around Arcadia by his father or Saphron to be brought up to speed on their current defensive and offensive situation.
Why? Someone sane might ask, due to Jaune essentially being a civilian with a semblance, was he then brought up to speed on the pseudo kingdom's entire defensive infrastructure?
Well, as the Kingdom's fifth A-Class fighter and sole male of the current Arc generation many believed that he was next to lead them. Many were looking to him to be a beacon of the coming generation and Arcadian citizens were already forming wild images of him just from rumors alone! He hasn't even been around the public since returning!
He didn't even know how to hold a sword! How was he supposed to put this whole damn kingdom on his back?!
"Ahhhh!" Shouted Jaune as he threw all the papers aside. "They're crazy, one guy calls me strong with Supreme potential, whatever the hell that means, and now I'm suddenly a bigshot? I just wanted to help my family and be normal dammit!"
It was becoming overwhelming. His father was constantly saying that he was the next legend of the family, he'd take them to greater heights, he'd be… it was too much!
Not to mention his mother, the damn woman wanted to marry him off to some big shot heiress or something, he wasn't listening. All he knew was that he would be meeting some 'prospects' soon. Not exactly the way he wanted to get a girlfriend, being introduced via his mother was at the bottom of cool.
"You alright brother?"
Jaune spun around to see his sister Olive peaking into his room with a frown on her face. She had been another member of his family to push him in the last week, she was more insistent that he understand all the big names in the hunter and political world. Which to him seemed pointless, but apparently now it was important.
Jaune sighed, "I'm alright." hoping she'd just go away.
"Doesn't seem like it."
"Ok well I'm a bit frustrated with all, this" He said while gesturing to the stack of papers scattered all over the floor. "Dad's crazy if he thinks I need to know all of this now."
Olive winced, "It may be fast, but you have to understand Jaune. We, the family and Arcadia as a whole, have a lot of people looking at us right now. It's not fair, I know it and so does everyone else, but we need to get in front of this before it's too late."
"In front of what?!" Shouted Jaune getting a flinch from Olive whe his eyes glowed for a moment, "So what, Ozpin said I have potential, and my semblance is strong. Why does that suddenly make me someone important and have all these ridiculous responsibilities when I've never had any training?"
Olive looked down for a moment before walking forward and patting him on the head, "I'm sorry."
Jaune frowned, "For what? It's not your fault that-"
"-For not explaining, I'd thought dad would." Interrupted Olive, Jaune blinked and let her continue. "What do you know of Hunter distinctions?"
"I know that Beacon graduates are given a distinction and most start as D or C. Beyond that veterans are either B or A depending on experience and ability."
Olive nodded, "To put it into perspective, a B class hunter is capable of taking on most alpha level grim that aren't over a decade old. A Hunter is given A class distinction when they meet certain criteria and have three confirmed solo alpha grim kills over a decade old. In the entirety of the world there are less than thirty of them alive right now."
Jaune's eyes widened, "But I've never-"
"Exactly!" Shouted Olive with equally wide eyes, "Jaune you have to understand, to have the arguably most powerful hunter in the world declare you- a sixteen year old untrained kid- an A-Class Hunter after a single spar is literally unheard of! If that were all of it we'd still have to make sure that interested parties weren't going to come and try and manipulate you into joining them, but that's not all of it is it?"
Jaune looked down, "...No." he whispered.
"There are only four supreme hunters in the world." Olive said gravely, "They are regarded as treasures of humanity, the world's most powerful forces against the grim. Saphron said it best, you don't just train to become one, you are born with the potential."
"So now everyone in any major kingdom is interested in me, but because I'm an Arc they're interested in Arcadia and what I'll do."
"Exactly," Olive said with a nod, "Before we were considered a large settlement or a minor Kingdom like Menagerie. But with a potential Supreme Hunter calling Arcadia home or even leading it…we're being looked at as a full fledged kingdom! Mistral doesn't even have one anymore, so now they're threatened by us! They are likely worried that you'll seek retribution for all the raids they've done on our coasts over the years."
"So that's why Dad is pushing you to be so integrated into Arcadia's infrastructure. You are without a doubt going to take over for him in the future, and even if it's unfair, will sooner rather than later be called into the field. We are always stretched thin against the bigger grim." Olive finished with a sigh.
Jaune looked down at the papers on the floor. "Still seems unnecessary for me to be given all that right now."
Olive went and sat on his bed, "Maybe, but what happens if there is an emergency and you're the only one available. You need to know this stuff." They were both quiet for a while as Jaune started gathering the papers, "How has training been anyway?"
Jaune gazed over at her before going back to the papers, "Not bad, aura control isn't tough but we're basically going over basics people half my age start with. Hand to hand is easy but again just the basics."
"Well I've heard from Saphron that you're doing great."
"She's nice like that."
Olive snorted, "No she's not, not about training. She'd be even more critical if you weren't meeting her expectations as her baby brother. I'm not even a fighter and she forces me to train once a week and let me tell you, she must think I'm a reserve warrior or something with how she drills."
Jaune laughed, "Yeah, she's a task master alright. The twins were pretty worried about me when they heard Saph and Dad were going to be training me full time."
"I'm sure they were excited to talk about weapons, though! They are always excited to build or work on the family's weapons."
"Yeah, though I'm not really asking for anything special, right now I'm planning on using a sword and before I add something like a hybrid form I should learn how to use a sword in the first place."
"Well it shouldn't take you long, swords aren't all that complicated, poke them with the pointy end!" She laughed.
Jaune nodded, "Right, maybe I'm overthinking it, but Dad isn't moving me to weapons until my aura control and hand to hand are 'up to his expectations'. That's not even mentioning my own private training with Beast."
Olive tensed for a moment unnoticed to Jaune. "How's that going by the way?" She asked lightly.
Jaune looked over at her, "Fine, don't worry about it. He and I have been getting on well since Vale."
"Right." Olive didn't look sure but she didn't press further.
Silence stretched on for a bit before Olive cleared her throat. "Well I actually came here to tell you something. We're going to have additional visitors with Ozpin and Glynda. Summer Rose and her family will be coming for some meeting with Dad as well."
Jaune's eyes shot open. "Why the hell would she be coming here to talk to dad?"
Olive raised her hands, "Don't ask me. Just came to let you know that now you'll be a part of the meeting with us. It'll be you, Mom, Dad, and myself."
"Well alright then." Muttered Jaune, "I guess this is the first of many meetings I'm going to be in now."
"Probably." Shrugged Olive, "Get some rest baby brother. I know all of this is a lot, but don't forget you have all of us to lean on if you need it."
Jaune gave her a small smile, "Thanks Olive."
The Bullhead was enroute to Arcadia from Vale. In attendance was the entire Rose Xiao Long family plus Ozpin and Glynda. For a while it was simple silence but one in the group was growing more and more nervous the closer they got to the island.
Ruby shifted in her seat, "So..."
Yang tapped her on the head, "Don't worry, Mom and Dad are gonna talk to the Arc people then we'll be able to get training done here for a while. No more giant psycho's coming after you for a while! Easy peasy."
Tai sighed, "It's not that simple, Yang. Lord Arc, and do try to show proper respect to them, is well within his rights to refuse our request."
Ruby looked even more unsure but Yang rolled her eyes, "Nah, he can't deny Mom of all people, especially if Ozpin is there." She said with a snort.
Summer looked over at her with a frown, "You do understand that Jaune Arc, a potential Supreme Hunter as well, will be in attendance, along with Aurelius and Margarette Arc? He will not be intimidated by myself after having faced off with Ozpin of all people."
Yang went to speak but Summer continued, "You also shouldn't assume that people will do what we want just because of my reputation." She chided.
"Well-"
"No it's important you know that there are many out there that wouldn't do whatever you want just because of our family. Especially someone who's never met us and has no reason to take on additional risk by helping us against those that would hunt Ruby and I."
"You're right, sorry." whispered Yang. "So how will we convince him? It's Aurelius' decision, but I imagine that Jaune and Margarette Arc will have a say. Want me to waggle my eyebrows?" She asked with a grin.
Glynda turned to her, "I'd advise against that." She interjected seriously, "Margarette Arc is not someone who would take kindly to that type of action towards her only son, one who is now the face of their family and kingdom. She would see it as us trying to get them to do what we want by…unscrupulous means. She is very traditional."
"And also, hell no." added Tai with a look to his oldest, "You're too young to date."
Ruby giggled, "I don't think you have to worry dad, boys are too scared of Yang to ask her out. Pretty sure she got turned down for a date last week."
"Ruby!" Shouted Yang with her eyes flicking red. "I told you that in confidence!"
Instead of being happy Tai looked even more angry, "What! What kind of stupid boy denies my beautiful daughter?!"
"I heard it was-"
Yang grabbed Ruby in a headlock, "No one just a stupid boy who wasn't worth the attention! Shuddup Ruby!"
Summer groaned, "Get all this out of you before we land please, let's try and pretend we're normal."
Ozpin merely smiled at the rambunctious family as their destination grew closer and closer.
A large bullhead was slowly making its descent into the inner courtyard of the Arc Family Grounds. Located at the foot of the center most mountain of Arcadia. Behind them was the ancestral home of the Arcs, dozens of rooms, and two indoor training grounds with a built in state of the art gym in the basement.
In front of the home and watching the descent of the bullhead was Aurelius Arc, head of the family, adorned in his standard garb. Military cut pants, a dark blue thick gambison and upper chest and shoulder armor with Crocea Mors - the family's ancient blade- at his waist.
Next to him was Margarette Arc, clad in fine cloth and jewels while gazing imperiously at the bullhead. Next to her was Olive Arc, in her business attire a pantsuit and large scroll pad.
Finally was Jaune-
"Why do I have to wear this?" Asked Jaune as he stretched his arm.
Jaune was wearing what his twin engineer sisters called 'the latest and greatest' in Arcadian armor and battle attire. A thick and padded body suit combo, with upper chest, back and shoulder armor that was rather than a single piece of armor, a series of small plates attached to the body suit for maximum mobility, the same was on his knees and shins.
He'd be the first to tell someone he looked badass, but he also felt it was unnecessary for what should just be a conversation. Not to mention the sword attached to his back that he'd never even seen before five minutes ago. The handle was peeking out over his shoulder and the blade extended well past his waist, the single edged straight sword was also a new design made by his sisters that sacrificed ranged options for maximum sturdiness and durability.
"I shouldn't have to tell you I don't even know how to use a sword." He said while pointing to the blade on his back. He was getting a handle on using aura and fighting in hand-to-hand, but weapons hadn't been covered yet.
Margarette clicked her tongue, "It's a sword son, not an aircraft, just stab them with the pointy end."
Jaune groaned while Olive laughed, "I know!" He exclaimed with a roll of his eyes.
"Also you are going to be presented in a manner befitting your station. Or would you rather be here in a pair of jogging shorts and a shirt?" She asked the question but the look in her eye told Jaune it was rhetorical.
Jaune turned away and looked at the now landing bullhead.
"Strong…fight?" A deep gravelly voice spoke out, surprising everyone barring Jaune who felt the Beast coming from within.
Jaune shook his head, "No, maybe Ozpin will fight you before he leaves."
Growls were heard for a moment, "Why…"
"There is something they must need from us. We should hear them out first, then we can challenge the Headmaster."
"Need…weak, why help?"
Jaune sighed, "That's what the strong should do."
The beast didn't like it when he thought he was helpless and would lash out at anything it felt made him feel that way. The Beast didn't like others who it considered weak either. Jaune was starting to get an understanding of how the Beast thought, it was essentially all his suppressed ego and insecurities wrapped up in an incredibly powerful form that constantly wanted to fight and prove its power. Though now that he knew that he was able to control it well enough to work together.
The beast was silent after that. Jaune rubbed his face and watched as the doors opened on the bullhead.
"He's not going to cause any problems, right?" Asked his mother, she looked more nervous than chiding now.
"He'll be fine, though he may offend someone. I won't let him hurt anyone."
That didn't seem to ease her worry but she turned to the approaching group.
"Seems Summer Rose did in fact bring her whole family. That's Tai Yang Xiao Long, son of a renown warrior bloodline from northern Vale, A-Class and member of team STRQ. They have one daughter together Ruby Rose, not much is known about her, it's the one that looks like Summer."
Jaune rolled his eyes, he could have figured that one out on his own.
"Who's the blond girl?" He asked.
His mother frowned, "That is Tai Yang's daughter with Raven Branwen. Not much is known about their relationship other than they were involved then she left. Rumors say that Raven and Tai were a short romance that ended with a daughter rather than a marriage that failed, but who knows what is rumor and what is true. I know more about the Branwen's who were former bandits in Mistral. To think someone like Summer Rose would tolerate another woman's child like that. Especially Raven Branwen, while not a criminal she is not ideal."
Jaune winced, his mother was a very traditional woman. He was sure that if anyone here would offend or hurt talks it would be her. He of all people knew that the noble families of Atlas, like where his mother was from, weren't the kindest of people that didn't measure up to their values. And non-traditional families like the Xiao Long-Rose didn't seem to be up to his mother's standards.
Though looking back at the approaching group Jaune would admit that the two girls were very pretty and from what he could feel from their aura, were that for their age group they were quite talented.
Tai's aura was firm and fierce in a way similar to his eldest sister or even his father while Summer was like a hurricane. Jaune suspected that his raw aura reserves were higher and potentially more dense but he was under no impression that he would stand any sort of chance against the woman. He felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end just looking at the woman.
Jaune stepped forward with his father when they were within earshot to greet their guests.
As soon as the group from Vale stepped off the Bullhead they felt him. While all of the people waiting for them were impressive, even the smallest and least bright aura Margarette Arc had a strength to it, it was Jaune Arc who eclipsed everyone else by far.
"Ok wow." Muttered Yang, suddenly a bit nervous. "...he's my age?"
Aura sensing was a skill that all students were taught in their second year of Signal. The ability to feel aura signatures, it was a way for talented and experienced hunters to signal each other non verbally or visually. Small little flares of aura similar to morse code was an invaluable skill in the field.
The skill also was used to take a surface level measure of an individual. It didn't tell you anything other than general size and strength of the person's aura, but that usually gave you a measure of the person overall as well.
Ruby sucked in a breath, "Mom?" she whispered.
Summer patted her daughter on the back, "He's young, but yes, his aura is stronger than mine." Summer was more than confident that in a battle between her and this Jaune Arc that she would win, but a battle of that scale wouldn't be something she'd want her daughters around for.
…She barely kept Ruby safe from Hazel and that dickhead wasn't going all out.
"Relax everyone, Jaune isn't the type to do rash things. I had to push him to actually fight me." Ozpin said lightly, he also didn't mention that Jaune Arc was likely far less capable skill wise at the moment than Ruby or Yang. Though if the Beast… he's sure everything will be fine.
Aurelius stepped forward, "Welcome to Arcadia. This is my wife Margarette, my daughter and chief admin Olive and my son Jaune."
Margarette gave a nod of courtesy and Olive gave a small wave.
Jaune stepped forward, "Master Ozpin, Ms Goodwitch, good to see you both again."
Glynda gave a stiff nod while Ozpin smiled, "Jaune, I can see you've improved since we last met. I take it you've been training?" He asked while giving a deep scan of Jaune's aura, trying to find any fluctuations from his control of his semblance slipping. Surprisingly there was none, what a magnificent improvement already.
Jaune nodded, "Yeah, I've been…busy. I-"
"The strong one…fight." The deep baritone voice echoed into the courtyard as Jaune's aura darkened for a moment as Beast sensed Ozpin.
Summer and her family flinched hard at the change and the sudden voice while Glynda winced. Behind him Jaune could tell his family wasn't happy.
Ozpin however laughed, "Ah! Beast, we will have to play together before I leave!"
Over Jaune's shoulder a dark cloud of aura coalesced into the shadowy face and glowing red eyes as a partial release of the beast emerged. "We fight…together."
Jaune grinned, "That we do. Later. You're scaring people, Beast." He chided with a firm voice that caused the beast to recede back within him.
A moment later the dark oppressive feeling left and the ones who'd never been around the Beast released a breath they didn't know they were holding.
Jaune, noticing the uneasiness, walked forward with the best smile he could muster. He didn't really want to talk to Summer Rose, the woman terrified him, and Tai Yang wasn't looking at him with anything other than apprehension and wariness so he'd greet the girls first who were nervous but not all that scared.
Jaune stopped in front of Yang and Ruby, "Hi! Names Jaune Arc. Short, sweet, rolls off the tongue and ladies love it!" He said with a smile before his eyes widened momentarily as his brain caught up with his mouth.
Any fear of him was instantly washed away as Yang and Ruby looked at him for a moment. Yang snorted while Ruby just tilted her head in confusion. "Do they?" she asked innocently.
Jaune's head fell, "No."
Behind him he could feel his sister trying with all her might to not laugh at him while his mother was likely trying just as hard not to drag him back beside her by the ear.
His father, however, boomed with laughter which was quickly joined by Tai laughing as well. Glynda didn't have any tells on her face to show her reaction but Ozpin was silently laughing himself as well.
Summer lightly slapped Tai on the shoulder, "Oh stop," she said with a giggle.
She walked over and extended a hand to Jaune, "Nice to meet ya lady killer." She chirped.
Jaune sighed and shook her hand, "Yeah yeah, you as well."
Out of nowhere a massive hand slapped Jaune on the back as Aurelius joined him, "A chip off the ole block, son." He said with a grin before shaking Summer's hand as well, "I take it your appearance here has something to do with that recent horde of grim in Patch?"
The seriousness returned to everyone present, "Yeah we heard about that, hopefully not many lives were lost." Jaune mentioned it sincerely.
Ruby leaned forward with a smile, "Nope! Everyone's fine, they were trying to kill me but mom showed up before anything happened."
"Well, that's good." Jaune said with a blink as the younger girl didn't seem all that broken up about it.
Yang wacked Ruby on the back of the head, "What have I said about saying that kind of stuff so casually! Take this seriously!"
"I am!" Ruby shouted back with a glare and a shin kick.
"Oh then-" Yang and Ruby were suddenly levitated into the air and separated by a twitching Goodwitch.
Summer sighed as her daughters glared at each other, "My apologies, the girls have been reacting to the situation a bit differently."
Tai walked up with a slightly embarrassed smile, "You know how girls are I imagine." He said to Aurelius.
"Oh yes." Aurelius said with a tired sigh, "Nonetheless, let's go inside. I'm sure we have much to discuss."
As the group made their way into the Arc family home Jaune smiled to himself. He was worried that this would be some stuffy formal meeting, but the Rose-Xiao Long family was a lively one!
Maybe he'll finally have a chance to make some friends!
End Chapter.
So…RWBY. Something that I have vaguely followed for years. Thought had tremendous potential but was quite terrible in canon. I mean, the earlier seasons- sorry volumes- god it's a season I mean honestly. They were trying so desperately to be an anime, they did everything they could to be an anime I mean they had all the tropes just none of that, ya know, writing and forethought most good anime/manga have.
Oh well. That's why things like fics exist.
So as you've read, this is very different from canon. I mean Summer is alive, Raven is cooperative, more on that later, and well Jaune and his family. Yeah. I had the idea when I read that the statue in Beacon was supposedly an Arc from the past. Then there are other stories with Arcadia being a stronghold or something, but I wanted to take that a step further for my own reasons.
Jaune, op? Kinda sorta it's not really the focus for power fantasy or anything it's more out of necessity. It's a spin on the million stories that have Jaune having the most powerful family line ever but is refused training because his father has to take a shit or something or he isn't worthy or something stupid like that only to be trained by Pyrrah in a few months and catch up to the others. I mean that would mean he had immense talent, seems really stupid, I'm getting side tracked.
Jaune here has the immense weight and pressure of his family's status and now even more due to his innate potential and Ozpin announcing it to the world. He now is being, unfairly, put at the forefront of Arcadia's power structure and many eyes have turned to the potential Supreme Hunter to get him on their side while others are less than pleased that a minor kingdom could soon be elevated to Great Kingdom.
On the other side is Ruby. The young and hopeful future huntress with dreams to be like her mother. Here she has a living example of her mom to follow and it's been both good and bad for her. As you can see Salem isn't letting the Silver Eyes live freely anymore. Especially due to Summer's level of power and the potential of Ruby. So she has been taken to Arcadia in the hopes Summer and the Arcs could help train her up to be ready to protect herself if another attempt is made on her life without her family around to help protect her.
Both of them have the massive weight of their family on their shoulders and now are being pushed to realize their potential sooner than they'd expected due to outside influence…Maybe they can help each other?
Think of this as a one-shot potential story at the moment until I see the response and reviews. If the consensus is people like it and want more I'll happily write more and continue. I have ideas but if no one cares I won't bother haha.