RWBY: The Legend of the White Wolf
"I will not fear the night, nor the creatures that lurk beyond my sight. I will find the power that dwells inside and forge my weapon from the Light. I will use its power to face my way through Demons and Blights. To make my way home from Darkness this Night" Jaune Arc. Survivor. The White Wolf.
Chapter XVIII: Armoured Wolf
Amongst the autumn leaves of the Black Forest, when the air was cool, and the seasons began to change. Two gravestones rested peacefully under a large oak tree near a river that signified the passing of two souls. The markers were that of the Fenrir's parents, the two Dire Wolves that had befriended the blond knight, and who had given their lives to save their child. A noble sacrifice that would be remembered by the young man that escaped this forest and shape his life into the warrior he dreamed to be…
Standing before them was a man with a thick moustache and greying hair. His eyes staring at the markers until he merely scoffed at them before walking away. The man was Arthur Watts, Salem's top scientist and secondary operative in the Shadow Wars.
But he wasn't always like this…
Once he was a famous scientist and engineer in the upper echelon of the Kingdom of Atlas. Working alongside some of the most brilliant minds the world had ever seen, along with his once close friend and colleague, Pietro Polendina. His mind was considered unmatched, and innovations unsurpassed…
But when he was passed over for a promotion and exposed for 'Illegal Profiteering' he was disbarred from the Scientific Community, a hand he no doubt knew Ironwood played a part in. But after a tempting offer of revenge from Salem, he faked his death using the Paladin Incident as a cover and began to work for her. Now he was one of her top agents and a key figure in crippling the communications of their enemies…
Or at least that's how it was supposed to happen.
But thanks to this young man, this Jaune Arc, the operation had been exposed before it could come to fruition and intel suggesting he survived had no doubt made its way back to Ironwood and the Atlas Military by now. Which meant that all his past projects would be investigated, his former associates and contacts questioned, and his meddling would be exposed and sealed up. All because Cinder couldn't do one simple job.
Now he had to help devise a new plan to take down the Four Kingdoms, seeing as they would've more than likely found the backdoors he left in their systems. But right now, instead of being in his lab, he was re-assigned to investigate the Black Forest and determine what the young Arc had discovered in this place.
For if it could help Ozpin secure victory over them, then surely it would benefit Salem?
His rich leather Atlesian boot stepped into a mud puddle as he growled. "A man of my stature should not be reduced to wandering around in dank forests and, urgh! Bug infested woods just to find some child's hidden camp!" he smacked a fly off him. "I hate fieldwork!" he growled before sighing.
"But not even I dare to oppose Salem's orders unless I want to end up worse than Cinder." He shuddered at the thought. "Hmm…Judging from those two grave markers, I can assume that the boy was here. And visited them quite frequently, which means his camp must be close by?" He walked around as he ventured further. A low growl caught his attention as Grimm started to appear out of the forest.
"Do not growl at me, mindless beasts!" he said with arrogance as he held up a runestone with Salem's symbol. "Do not forget who I serve," he commanded as their forms retreated into the shadows. he looked down at the Runestone.
Salem's Keep – Two Days Ago
Salem stood before the man as he bowed to her. "Arthur, I'm sending you to the Black Forest to investigate the last location of the Arc child. See what you can learn and report back to me as soon as possible." She ordered as the man nodded.
"Of course, ma'am, I will return with promising information," he said as he turned to leave.
"Hold for a moment. While the task may be simple, the Black Forest has been a location that has remained…out of my reach for some time."
He raised an eyebrow at this. "Out of your reach? But I thought you had control over all the Grimm?" he questioned as she scoffed.
"If that were the case, I would've conquered this earth centuries ago. No, while my control is vast it is limited. Some will head my call and others that do not. Which is why our plan has always been to spur chaos, spread negative energy and draw my enemies into fighting the Grimm. The Black Forest is one such place where my control is limited. The Grimm there will not see you as an ally." She held out her hand as she produced a black runestone.
"This Runestone will amplify my control and allow you safe passage into the Forest. But bear in mind, if you lose or damage this stone, the Grimm will turn and hunt you down. I will not be able to protect you then." She advised as the man nodded.
"I understand my Queen. Rest assured, I will not fail you." He said as she only glared and turned away.
"See to it that you don't."
Black Forest – Present Day
He stared at the stone and scoffed. "I still find the concept of magic ridiculous, but I cannot deny its application in warding off the Grimm." He shoved the stone into his pocket as he walked further in.
He knelt as he inspected a worn path in the dirt. "The boy used this path frequently, which can only mean that he went to the river for fish and walked this way to his hideout." He smirked as he walked forwards. "Still with this many Grimm here I'm surprised he managed to live two days, let alone half a year. The boy must've been extremely lucky to survive on the skills he was reported to have-"
Snap!
'Hmm?' A sound caught his attention as he looked down to a line that he failed to notice. His attention was then brought to a swinging log that came barrelling towards him as he cursed. "Shit!" he dived as he barely managed to avoid being hit. But as he jumped back, he triggered another trap as a branch with staves tied to it swung straight for his face. Had he not used his Hard-Light Dust rings to project a barrier, he would've been dead.
He panted out quick breaths as he cautiously got back up. "Okay…maybe he wasn't entirely lucky, the use of traps speaks of intelligence. No way a Grimm could've set this up, and any civilization's design would've rotted away centuries ago." He stood up as he carefully looked around the Forest. "But if he built traps…it means he was using them to guard a safe place, that means I'm on the right track."
He stepped on a trip vine as another log came swinging at him and he was forced to dodge.
"How many more of these traps did he set up? I may have underestimated his intellect if that is the case." Snap! He looked down as another trip line triggered as sharpened staves came launching at him. "AH!"
He narrowly avoided that staves as he managed to awkwardly position himself from being impaled by the flying the staves. "…Okay…I have underestimated his intellect." He slowly backed up as he noticed the outline of the staves in the shape of his body. "But surely that's the last of his traps."
He stepped forward as he suddenly plummeted into a pit until a Hard-light barrier covered the hole and keeping him afloat as a spike was an inch from his…lower region. He shakily crawled out of the hole as he huffed in exhaustion.
"Okay…seriously…how many bloody traps has this boy set up?!" He stopped when he noticed another trip vine. He smirked as he stepped over the line. "Nice try, but I shall not fall for that a second time."
No sooner did he say that a trap hidden under the leaves sprung up and struck him. Now the original trap had a spike that would have impaled a victim. But the trap had slightly deteriorated from the weather and the vine used to hold the sharpened stone had fallen off. However, the wood was still in good condition and managed to hit the man. However, the trap was designed for a Creeper's head. They were rare but still had a small presence in the forest. Which put its height at the roughly same level as-
Wa-Thack!
"OHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Arthur cried out as he cupped his crotch and fell to the ground. A painful moan escaping his throat as he lay face-first on the ground with his posterior in the air.
"…I hate…this boy!" he groaned as he suddenly felt another line snap.
He slowly looked behind him as his eyes widened as a log coming straight for him. "Oh, come on…"
Bam!
The log struck him right in the backside as was sent flying back and down another hole. "NOT AGAIN!" he screamed only just managing to grab the edges of the wall and hanging awkwardly with all his limbs stretched out and his body facing the sun.
"…I…am going….to kill…that boy!" he growled as he crawled out of the hole, only for his hand to set off another set of traps, "OH, COME ON! SERIOUSLY!?"
For the next half hour, he had to dodge and avoid a series of traps that nearly cost him his life. Slowly degrading his dignity, and part of his sanity, as he ventured further into the Forest. Until eventually he managed to make it to the degraded temple that was Jaune's former hideout.
"Finally! This has to be it!" He struggled, using a branch he found as a crutch while limping.
He took a moment to re-compose himself as he looked to the hole and noted evidence of human interference. That and the pitfall traps he noted this time. He observed the structure as he took note of the massive amount of degradation and vegetation that had consumed the ancient temple. He pulled out his scroll as he started recording.
"Judging from the architecture, this was once indeed a Pre-Remnant civilization site. Possibly around the same period as my master's era, before the cataclysm." He ran his hand over the stone markings as he pulled away vines. "There is some depiction of ancient runes, like those of other pre-remnant sites. However, I cannot make sense of these markings other than the depictions of wolves. I will need to investigate further inside." He walked over to the hole as he prepared to enter.
When suddenly he was thrown back by a white barrier and he slammed against a tree.
"GAH! What in the seven hells!?" he looked back to the temple. "It…repulsed me? How is that possible?" he paused as the noticed entire structure's markings glowed before they faded.
"Interesting…it appears that the structure is protected by some sort of 'barrier' that is keeping me out. Is it a reaction to a Dust deposit, no, my scroll isn't picking up any Dust in the area, curious? But if I understand correctly, the boy managed to survive five months in this forest. This being the most logical place for him to seek shelter…So how was he able to get inside, when it is denying me? Delayed reaction? A security phrase he unwittingly triggered, or does he possess some connection to this place?" he walked back to the temple, as he carefully inspected the runes that began to glow at his presence.
He was confused until he looked down to the Rune Salem gave him and noted its aversion to the temple, shaking every time he took a step closer. "Perhaps…Does it sense my affiliation with Mistress Salem? Or is it reacting negatively to the Runestone?" he brought the Rune closer as the barrier glowed brighter and the Runestone in his hand began to crack before he pulled it back. "Interesting, for it to be able to discern my allegiances is quite fascinating." He smirked as he stepped back and put the runestone down.
"But, if the Runestone is the cause, then simply putting it down should allow me access." He smirked as he walked towards the door and felt himself enter.
"Ha, Childs play."
However, when he entered, he felt something was off. The room had no lines, no contours and no source of light at all. It was like he had stepped into an empty void. "What? But didn't I-!" he turned back only to find the hole had disappeared. He searched the void like space as he tried to make heads or tails about his current situation. "What is the meaning of this!?"
"Grrrrrr"
He froze when he heard a growl behind him and he slowly turned, only to back up in fear at a gigantic wolf with pure white fur and pitch-black eyes. Its teeth were large and sharp as the wolf exposed them with intense fury at the man. The wolf slowly approached the man as he backed up only to find himself hitting an invisible wall. The wolf looked down as it noticed the Runestone that he had placed back at the entrance.
The Wolf growled as it stomped on the stone and shattered it to pieces, before directly staring into his eyes and growling out...
"Traitor…Agent of the Deceiver…LEAVE!"
An ear-splitting howl blasted the man as he felt himself be pushed back by a powerful wind. Instinctively he raised his hands and used his rings to create a hard-light barrier to shield him. But the wind pushed back stronger until sparks erupted, and his rings burst into bits of metal. He was thrown back and landed painfully into the dirt. Blood leaking from his ears as he cradled his vibrating head.
Once the ringing stopped, he opened his eyes as she found himself back outside the temple.
"W-What the hell was that!?" he slowly stood up. "That…that shouldn't have been possible! I could've sworn I enter the temple, how did I?!" he looked down at the runestone as it was crushed into pieces of stone, with small wisps of black smoke dissipating into the wind. "The Runestone…it's destroyed…something is protecting this place. But what?"
Suddenly heard several growls and he turned to the forest as a pack of Beowolves emerged from the forest. Their teeth covered in drool as they stared at Watts like he was a piece of meat.
"You mangy beasts, I thought I told you to-!" he stopped in realization as he looked down at the Runestone and his heart dropped into the pit of his stomach. "…Oh crap."
The beasts roared as they gave chase to the man, fully intending to devour the man whole. Watts raised his rings to protect himself, but his heart sank when he saw their damaged state. "Son of a-!" he managed to dodge as they came within a hair's length of him.
"I need to get out of this cursed place!" he yelled as he ran. But stopped, when he heard a vine snapped. He and the Grimm stopped as they looked down at the snapped line, and traced it back to the temple…
Just in time to see a large boulder roll off the top and down the path.
Watts screamed and ran away while the Grimm followed him while being chased by the Boulder. "OH, COME ON! A BOULDER!? SERIOUSLY!? HOW DID HE EVEN SET THAT UP!?" he yelled as he set off even more traps.
Logs, spikes, staves and all manner of traps were unleashed upon the disgraced scientist as he ran in fear with tears streaming comically out of his eyes.
"I HATE THIS PLACE! I HATE THE FOREST! I HATE FIELD WORK! I HATE BEING OUTSIDE! PLEASE SALEM, LET ME GO BACK TO MY LAB!" the boulder still chasing him as it squashed the Grimm chasing him but followed him relentlessly. Hope swelled in his chest when he saw the Bullhead in front of him as he legged it with all his might.
"YES! THANK THE UNIVERSE ABOVE! I AM GETTING OUT OF THIS PLACE!" he yelled with glee as he ran to the shuttle…
However, at the last second, he triggered one final trap and launched a spike towards him. But given his position, the projectile flew straight through the air and missed him by a hair's length. Near his…
Family jewels.
Arthur stared with muted horror before his eyes rolled back into his head and he collapsed with drool bubbling out of his mouth, just as the door closed and he sealed himself inside the shuttle. He lay curled up in a ball, attempting to scavenge what dignity he had left, before he eventually regained consciousness and hurried to the controls, blasting his way out of the Black Forest. He then vowed to never step foot in that place again and swore vengeance against the mastermind of the traps that had nearly taken his life and robbed him of his dignity.
"CURSE YOU, JAUNE ARC! CURSE YOU!"
Meanwhile – Argus Military Base
"Achoo!" Jaune sneezed as he rubbed under his nose, Fenrir looking up at his master.
"Wow, nasty sneeze there Jaune. Someone must be talking about you." Yang said as she and her friends walked along towards the Argus Base.
"I doubt it, who'd be talking about me right about now?" he asked as he walked beside Pyrrha his (pseudo-girlfriend). Yang smirked as she nudged Pyrrha.
"I can think of a few." She quipped as Pyrrha went in for an elbow jab but missed. "Ha! Not going to get me this time-GAH!" she mocked failing to notice the turn sign that magnetically bent down and smacked her in the face. Sending her to the ground, before bending back to normal as a smirking Pyrrha stepped over her.
"…I really should learn to stop." Yang moaned as Blake nodded.
"Yes, you really should." She said as she stepped over her partner.
"So, Jaune, do you think everything went okay?" Ruby asked as they had received a message from General Ironwood to come to the Base and pick up Jaune's new gear. Ironwood himself personally wanting to reward the boy for his service. Seeing as his old armour was scrapped, his grandfathers were sold off to slavers and Merveilleuse was reduced to scrap.
"Well with everything we jotted on those schematics, the new armour will be more than up to the task. Heck, I'm looking forward to the Upgrades for Crocea. While I still wish I could've repaired Merveilleuse, the damage was too much and not all the pieces were recovered. But I will admit I missed that old thing." he thought fondly of the sword/rifle that had served him well.
"We could re-create it. It looked like a simple design and easy to replicate." Ruby suggested as Jaune thought for a moment then shook his head.
"No, that blade was grandpas. I only used it because I had no other choice. Besides, it served its purpose, it got me home and back to you guys. Now I need a new weapon for my next adventure..." He said as Ruby nodded to him.
"I guess…So, did you add a gun to it?" Ruby asked with a little giddiness. "Because I can show you how to-"
"No, a gun didn't feel right with it. I asked for some dust attachments and a new feature with the sheath. But other than that, I'm sticking to what I know. Bows, Swords and a handgun. I need it to fit my new combat style, fast, light and strong." He suggested as she nodded.
"Well, I hope whoever Ironwood got to make it, is more than up to the task," Pyrrha said as they showed their pass to the guards and were allowed into the base. They noticed an Atlas Frigate hovering just near the base as a shuttle come down and headed for one of the platforms.
"Big ship…I wonder what kind of big wig you'd have to be to get that kind of treatment?" Yang asked as the shuttle touched down and the deckhands opened the shuttle.
From the shuttle stepped out a fair-skinned young woman with snow-white hair and piercing cold slate-blue eyes. Her outfit consisted of a white long-sleeved coat with a single dark blue clasp around the centre waist holding it shut alongside a red jewelled brooch on the collar. The coat's length ran down to her ankles and the sleeves were split from shoulder to elbow. She also wore a white pleated sleeveless blouse with a dark blue waistcoat, a pair of white trousers with dark blue garters alongside a pair of grey thigh boots with black detailing around the knees. She also wore a pair of black forearm length gloves with grey trimmed cuffs.
Her appearance was that off elegance and professionalism. Her appearance was very similar to Weiss as they looked back to said girl, as the normally cold and somewhat rigid Weiss had complete 180 personality change, as she smiled brightly at the woman. Brighter than any of them had ever seen before.
"Winter!" she called out as her friends looked to the woman.
"Winter, who's Winter?" Ruby asked as Weiss nodded.
"She's my big sister," was all she said as she ran to the woman, while they snapped from their stunned state and quickly followed.
"Wait, there's two of them!?" Nora asked as Ren only sighed and dragged her along.
"Winter!" Weiss called out as the eldest sister turned to see her little sister running towards her. "Winter! I'm so happy to see you! Oh..." she suddenly curtsies. "Your presence honours us." She says as Winter nods.
"Weiss, dear sister. It is good to see you too. How have you been?" she asked as Weiss nodded.
"Oh, splendid! Thank you for asking. I'm in the very top ranking of our sparring class! And the rest of my studies are going wonderfully, too! I'm-!" Winter's hand slaps Weiss on the head, leaving a massive bump.
"Silence, you boob! I don't recall asking about your ranking, I'm asking how you've been. Are you eating properly? Have you taken up any hobbies? Are you making new friends?" she started saying, asking how her little sister was as everyone stared at the older girl and came to the realization.
'…Ah, she's the doting older sister type.' They all thought.
"Oh! Um, well, there's Ruby…" she gestures to Ruby who giggles and pushes the lump back into Weiss' head.
"Heh, boob."
"HEY! That's my line!" Nora yelled from the back, only to have Ren hold her mouth shut.
"I see. So, this is the leader you wrote of. How appropriately... underwhelming." She said with a raised eyebrow as the rose huntress returned the gesture. Not sure whether to be insulted or complimented.
"Uh... Thank you?" she said as Yang snickered.
"Greetings, Ruby Rose. I wish to thank you for taking an interest in my sister." Winter said as Ruby fumbled a little.
"Oh! Uh, yes, of course!" she attempted to salute and curtsy. "The honour is in my... court!?" But nearly lost her balance with the gesture, waving her arms until she could get back up and chuckled nervously as Winter and Weiss stared at her.
"I see…" she then looked over to the rest. "And these are the rest of your friends?" Winter asked as Weiss nodded.
"Yes, allow me to introduce the rest of team RWBY. Yang Xiao Long and Blake Belladonna." Weiss said as Blake gave a polite bow while Yang merely held up a peace sign. "And these are the members of Team JNPR." She then gestured to Jaune's team.
"Pyrrha Nikos," Pyrrha said as she bowed.
"Lie Ren." Ren gave his bow. "And this is Nora Valkyrie." He said as the bomber smiled and held out her hand.
"Hi, Weiss 2.0! Or would you be Weiss 1.0 because you're older? Then again, we haven't met Mama Schnee yet, plus I don't have any siblings so it's really interesting to see where Weiss got her bossy attitude from and-!"
"Nora!" Ren yelled as he slapped a hand over her mouth. "Apologies, she likes to say what's on her mind," Ren said as Winter nodded with a raised eyebrow.
"I see…" she then turned her head to Jaune as she eyed the boy. "And if I am guessing correctly you must be Jaune Arc, the one that went missing 6 months ago and was responsible for altering us of an invasion plot and saving an entire town from a bandit raid?" She asked as he nodded.
"I am." She looked him up and down as if she was studying him.
"I see…While I am impressed with your service to the Kingdoms, I've heard you were once interested in my sister, correct?" she asked as Weiss flushed red while Pyrrha gained a deadly glare in her eyes. "Do I have to worry about any complications with my younger sister?" she asked with a subtle threat to the boy.
But to her surprise, he shook his head.
"Once, but…I think we both agree that we're better off as friends than anything else. If anything, she's like a sister to me, something I think you and I can relate to." he glanced over to Weiss who nodded, while Pyrrha smiled at him.
"I see…I thank you for your honesty. And once again I thank you for your service to your Kingdom and the security of Atlas." She nodded as the boy nodded in return.
"Not to be rude or anything Winter, but what are you doing here?" Weiss asked as Winter nodded.
"I am here escorting Dr Pietro Polendina to this facility. He was contracted by the General to repair and upgrade some equipment. He wanted to present it personally."
She gestured as a dark-skinned man, with short balding white hair wearing a green cap with oval-shaped glasses appeared out of the shuttle. He wore a red vest over a cream shirt with a pink bowtie, dark mustard pants and leather boots that matched with his cap and red-brown belt. The most notable thing about him was the fact he was moving around in a chair with four robotic legs.
"Well, that's one way to get around," Nora commented as Ren nodded.
"Ah, Argus. It's been a while since I've been here!" the elderly man said as he smiled. He looked over to the rest of his friends as he spotted Ruby. "Ah, greetings! It's so nice to meet you all. Doctor Pietro Polendina, at your service. And you must be Ruby Rose, correct?" he asked as Ruby blinked but nodded.
"Um…Yes, how do you know me?" she asked as the old man smiled.
"Wonderful! My daughter has told me much about you." He explained as she raised an eyebrow.
"Daughter? How do I know your daughter?" Ruby asked before she paused at a voice calling out.
"….ssssssssssssssssaaaaaaaaaaaalllllllllluuuuuuuuuuuuu-!" the others look around at the sound of the voice.
"Does anyone else hear that?" Yang asked as Blake nodded.
"Yeah, it almost sounds like." Something zipped past them at high speeds as Ruby only had seconds to register as a familiar orange-haired girl collided into her.
"-TATIONS!" Penny cheered as she collided into Ruby, causing the rose huntress to gag loudly as she was thrown off her feet and swung around in the air.
"Oh, it sooooo~ good to see you again my friend! I hoped we would see each other again someday, but I never expected it to be this day!" Penny exclaimed as she held a limp Ruby in her arms. "How are you friend Ruby?" she asked as Ruby was turning blue from the lack of oxygen to her lungs.
"Penny! Can't…breathe!" she managed to squeak out before she was dropped to the ground.
"Oops! I am so sorry!" she apologised as Ruby lay twitching on the floor.
"Hey Pyrrha, check it out, another girl that says sorry a lot?" Nora snickered as Pyrrha pouted.
"I don't say it that often." She mumbled as Jaune chuckled a little.
Ruby managed to get back up as she looked over her friend. It had been two months since they had last seen each other. During their investigation into the White Fang, a way for them to distract themselves from Jaune's 'passing', Ruby had met up with Penny and found out she was an android. But after the raid on the Warehouse, she hadn't seen hair or hide of the robotic girl. But it seemed that during that time she had changed.
A lot.
Her hair was significantly longer and curled inwards at the tips as she wore a black fabric bow under a pink metal bow that has a golden outlined green orb. The ahoge remained but was more prominent.
She also wore an olive green German styled dress with a black hem that is striped with emerald green. The abdominal region was black with four golden buttons with matching buckles on her shoulder straps. She also wore an off-white blouse with puffy shoulders, frilled flared cuffs and vertical black lining down the front centre. She also wore black metal legs pieces that ran up to her thighs, with a green stripe running down the sides, with a large green circle at the top and a small one at the bottom both outlined with gold and capable of lighting up too. The knee piece of her legwear was heavily defined to look sperate from the leg pieces.
She was vastly different from the dock encounter months ago. "Penny!? Is that you? You look…different?" She said as she kept her mouth shut about her 'android nature.'
"Indeed, I have received multiple upgrades since our last encounter." She said as Ruby flinched and everyone started her.
'Upgrades?' they all though as Fenrir looks at the girl in the confusion.
There was something about her that Fenrir couldn't put his paw on. She looked like a human, but from the way she smelled, the scent of oil and metal, it was like those strange metal men they passed on the streets. He carefully walked up to the girl and sniffed Penny much to her confusion.
"Oh, hello there, Canine friend," Penny said as Fenrir stopped sniffing and started growling at her. The fur on his neck standing on end as he growled at the girl who stepped back.
"Oh dear, I seem to have upset him," Penny said as Jaune bent down to the wolf.
"Fen, what is it?" he asks as Fenrir continued to growl at her. "I'm sorry, he's not normally like this. What is it boy, why are you?" Fenrir growled louder as Jaune stops and focuses on Penny as his heightened aura sense noticed something strange about the girl. Something…wrong.
"What is it?" Penny asks as she notices the intense gaze from Jaune.
"What are you?" he asks as Ruby and Penny flinch. "You look human, but I sense something different about you. Everyone here I can sense their aura's around them. But with you, I can only sense it there." He points to her chest where her heart was.
"Ha-ha-ha! Jaune, what are you talking about!? Penny is one hundred per cent human and not something else!" Ruby said as she laughed nervously. "I mean what would I know, ahahahahahaha! You'll-never-break-me!"
"It's okay, Miss Rose," Pietro said s Ruby sighed at this.
"You see Penny is not like most other girls. She is, in fact, an android I created using a part of my aura." He gestured as Penny waved at them. "She is fully automatism with her own set of thoughts, beliefs and emotions. She even has a soul. And I love her like a daughter..." he smiled as Penny bent to down to the wolf.
Fenrir slowly stopped growling as he approached the mechanical girl.
"You see, I am not dangerous." She said as she held out her hand as the Wolf pup sniff then allowed her to pet him, much to her delight. And to the slight jealousy of Winter who found the wolf pup adorable and wanted to pet it too.
"…Well, that makes a lot of sense. We made friends with a robot girl." Yang retorted as the rest of team RWBY nodded,
"Though I think the correct term would be artificial-humanoid," Weiss suggested as Blake raised an eyebrow.
"Does explain her personality," Blake said while JNPR was still trying to catch up.
"So, wait, she's a robot? And the Doctor is her father…" Nora asked as she then looked at the man. "Does that mean he's a half-robot?" she asked eyeing the old man as he laughed while Ren slapped his forehead.
"Nora!" he groaned.
"I like you; you've got spirit!" he laughed as he looked over to the rest of the team before his eyes settled on Jaune. "Ah, you must be the young man I'm here to see." Pietro said as he 'walked' over to him. "Doctor Pietro Polendina, a pleasure to mee you." He said as Jaune shook his hand.
"Jaune Arc, and likewise. I want to thank you for upgrading my gear for me." Jaune said as the man laughed.
"Good manners, I like that." He said before he let go. "Well, you'll be happy to know that all the upgrades you asked for were implemented perfectly," he said as he patted the two large briefcases on the back of his chair. "I do believe it's one of my finest works and should serve you well in your Huntsman career." He looked down to the Wolf pup, that was looking at him curiously.
"I also created some protection for your canine friend here as you asked for. With this, I believe that-!"
"I hate to interrupt this conversation," Winter said as she got in between the two. "But I think it would be best if we continue this conversation inside. The General is waiting for us after all." Winter suggested as they nodded.
"Yes, sorry, my mind gets a little scattered when I'm interested in a project. Yes, let go see the general." Pietro said as they walked into the facility.
The group walked into the Base as they were escorted to a large Lab. The lab consisted of state-of-the-art equipment. The holographic display of the base's 'secret weapon', as well as an assortment of armoury and weapons. In the room was the assigned leader of the Base, Caroline Cordovin, General Ironwood, Specialist Clover Ebi and Qrow Branwen as they were talking with a holographic version of Ozpin.
"Ah, Doctor Polendina." Ironwood greeted as he walked over to the man. "I want to thank you once again for coming out here, I appreciate this." He said as the man only chuckled.
"It's quite alright, I was meaning to 'stretch my legs' and get out of the lab." He joked as he smiled. "Besides, if it is for the betterment of our future Huntsman and Huntress', I am more than happy to accommodate." He 'walked' past the General as he looked around the lab. "Yes, this facility is wonderful. You must be very proud Specialist Cordovin," he said as the elderly woman beamed slightly at the praise.
"Of course, only the best will suffice!" Cordovin claimed as Qrow scoffed.
"I swear can you Atlas military types go one day without being overly patriotic?" he said as he opened his flask.
"At least we have pride in something, unlike you, drunk degenerate." Winter coldly snapped at the man who looked over and grinned.
"Oh, look, Ironwoods top cheerleader is here. Great…just when my headache was about to go away." He quipped as the white themed specialist bristled at him.
"Believe me, the last thing I wanted to see was your face again, Branwen," Winter said back as she glared at him. "How you are one of General Ironwoods associates, let alone acquaintance, is beyond me."
"I have Charisma, Snow Queen. Something you probably froze to death upon your high throne back in Atlas. I pity the man who ever tries to date you, sorry 'Court' you…He'll probably need extra warm dust pants just to spend the night." He quipped as she flushed visibly red and marched over to him.
"W-Why y-you, how dare you insult me like that! You debauched, uncivilised, scruffy-looking drunk!"
"I'd rather be a drunk then a windup tin soldier!"
"I should have half a mind to throw you in the brig!"
"At least you'd have half of something!"
"Degenerate!"
"Stuck up!"
The others looked between the two as the two adults argued back and forth like children. JNPR was either amused or confused, as Weiss was trying to hide her embarrassed face, while Yang and Ruby snickered at the pair. Ironwood, Cordovin and Ozpin sighed and shook their heads while Clover and Pietro shared a humoured look. Penny, on the other hand, was quite confused as she watched the interaction.
"I am confused, why are they arguing like that?" she asked. "Are they not friends?" she asked her father as the man chuckled nervously.
"It's a little more complicated than that, my dear. These two have a history I believe, and I think they don't always seem to see eye-to-eye. Which is why they appear to be arguing right now." Pietro explained as she looked between the two and started researching their interaction.
Her link to the CCT allowed her to search the Dust Web for similar patterns and behaviours that seemed to correlate with what she was witnessing. After a near lightspeed amount of processing she came to a suitable answer that she found from numerous literary sources, television series and something called…anime? Until finally…
Ding!
"AH! I understand now! they are what many refer to as a Married Couple having a lover's spat!" if one would've listened carefully you could almost hear a record scratching as both adults snapped their heads to the android as she looked puzzled.
"Am I wrong?"
"AH-HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!" Yang and Nora burst out loud as they laughed loudly. Ruby had to hold back her snickering, while Weiss looked mortified as she snapped her head between her sister and Ruby's uncle.
Winters normally pale skin went full red as inaudible squeaks left her throat, while Qrow looked as though he just ingested something foal and disgusting.
"W-W-W-W-W-WHAT!? H-HOW DARE YOU!? I-I WOULD NEVER, IN MY ENTIRE LIFE, EVER FIND MYSELF IN A ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP WITH THIS-THIS…BRUTE OF MAN!" Winter accused as she pointed at the man.
"WELL, EXCUSE ME, PRINCESS! BUT I WOULD NEVER ASK YOU TO BE INTO ME EITHER! I'D RATHER SUFFER FROM FROSTBITE THEN BE AROUND YOU!" he heard snickering as he looked to his nieces as they giggled or laughed at him. "H-h-hey, don't you two start getting any ideas! There is no way I'd ever date snowflake over here!"
"Sure, whatever you say Uncle Qrow." Yang snickered as the man groaned loudly.
"W-Weiss, you have to believe me, I am not in any sort of relationship with this d-d-degenerate!" Winter tried to reason with her sister who only looked sceptical and backed away from her. Much to her dismay
"Hmm, you know I think I've I heard about stuff like this."
They then snapped their gaze over to Ironwood and Ozpin as they seemed to be in thought.
"Two individuals arguing with each other all the time, looking like they hate each other when they secretly harbour feelings for each other…rather romantic."
Ozpin said as Qrow gagged at the man.
"Specialist Schnee, while I have nothing wrong with you pursuing a romantic relationship. No matter who it is. I would like to remind you not to let it affect your work performance…The Day-care centre hasn't finished renovations yet." Ironwood joked.
Winter cracked like ice while Qrow made his best impression of a silent squawking bird as more snickers and laughter echoed out.
"G-G-GENERAL! THAT IS HIGHLY INAPPROPRIATE AND COMPLETELY INACCURATE! I-I AM NOT AND NEVER WILL BE IN A RELATIONSHIP WIT THIS MAN!" Winter screamed as Qrow was hastily trying to open his flask and drown away this memory.
Nora, on the other hand, decided to open her mouth as she pondered something. "Hey, if Ruby's Uncle and Weiss Sister got married…wouldn't that technically make Weiss Ruby's Aunt?" she asked as Ren tried to stop her but was too late.
Ruby and Weiss snapped their heads at the woman and then themselves. As they stared at each other before Ruby's eyes widened with awe while Weiss' shrunk with horror. "A-Auntie Wei-!"
"No! No! You will never call me that RUBY!" Weiss screamed while pointing a finger right in. her face.
Yang, on the other hand, was having a gay old time as she clutched her sides from laughter. "Oh, gods! That's hilarious! Auntie Wiess! Ahahahahahahahahah! This is comedy gold! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Yang laughed as she doubled over in laughter. While Blake raised an eyebrow.
"But wouldn't that make her your Aunt too?" she asked as Yang stopped laughing and went still as a stone.
"Ah!…" she then snapped around and stood in front of Qrow. "Stay away from my Uncle you Cold Harpy!" she yelled as Winter flinched.
"Harpy!?"
"Hey! Don't you dare call my sister a Harpy!"
"You tell her to stay away from our Uncle!"
Meanwhile, team JNPR stared from the side-line as they watched the chaos unfurl. Jaune turned his head and whispered, "Geez, glad we don't have that sort of drama, huh guys?" three heads nodded while Fenrir just tilted his head in confusion.
"…I am confused, did I say something wrong?" Penny asked innocently as Pietro only chuckled.
"No, it's not your fault, my dear. This is just typical human behaviour. Though I think you should refrain you from learning off the internet." He said before Ironwood coughed loudly as he drew their attention.
"While this has been rather entertaining, I believe we had a purpose here today, correct?" He asked as Pietro nodded and held up the case before placing it on the table. He unclipped it as the long case opened it as he presented the new gear to the young man.
Jaune stepped over as he placed his hand on the white metal with golden trim. He picked up the breastplate as he and others admired the design.
"Why don't you try the armour on, then I'll show you the weapons?" Pietro asked as the boy nodded and took the gear over to a spare room.
Once he was alone, he removed his clothes and put on the specially designed chainmail lined high collar gambeson, which was dyed black, that offered him protection from light attacks. On top of it was a chest plate that offered him better protection on his chest and back, with the stomach protected by a set of leather armour underneath. The chest plate itself was ivory white with a golden accent that complemented the armour along with a grey fur collar around the neck. The front of the chest plate had a triangular looking bulge welded into the metal.
Pauldrons, bicep guards and gauntlets protected his arms, with the top of right gauntlet having a rectangular device on the top. He placed on his new leather boots, which he then placed metal shin and knee protection over the top that clipped into place. On his left thigh was an ammo pack, while the one on the right was for something else. Around his waist was a utility belt with six pouches, three on each side of his hips, and a gun-holster on the back of his waist.
The final touch was a red sash that wrapped around his waist, under the belt and sword holster, as it completed the look.
He looked at himself in the mirror as he stared at his appearance. The new gear, short hair, and light beard growing on his face and the scars he gained made him look like a completely different person from when he first entered Beacon six months ago.
'Then again…I am different now.' He thought to himself before he looked down to Fenrir, as he pawed the boy's boot.
"Alright, let's see what the Doctor made for you?" he said as he pulled out of the case a gambeson-like vest and placed it on Fenrir. "Comfortable?" He asked as the wolf nodded.
It was small but looked adjustable to compensate for the wolfs ever-growing size. The material was pitch black, with white metal on the back and sides. Around his legs were leather-like protection with metal encasing his legs, leaving his paws free. He could tell that it was more for support as extra pouches and ammo slots were sewed into the sides.
"Well I guess it will do until you learn to control your semblance, you okay with being on support, buddy?" he asked as the wolf barked in acknowledgement.
"Good boy, now…let's see what everyone else thinks?" he said as he and Fenrir walked out.
His friends stared for a bit in awe, as they admired the new armour that adorned their friends' body. "Wow, you look so cool now fearless leader!" Nora shouted. "Maybe I should get some new gear?" she asked.
"It does suit him." Ren merely said as he nodded in approval.
"Indeed, he does look more professional now," Blake commented as Weiss nodded as well. Their opinion of the young man had changed since his departure and his actions in returning home. But now they were increased a bit more.
Pyrrha even blushing a bit at his new appearance, finding him just a little more attractive. Something Yang was quick to spot on as she grinned.
"Damn, Jaune, you clean up nice. You may have start fending off women with a bat now?" she said as Jaune blushed a little as fidgeted with his collar. Yang was about to say more when she felt a terrifying aura behind her and a tight grip on her shoulder as she turned her head to see Pyrrha's face shadowed and emerald eyes burning like acid into her soul.
"If you don't want to find yourself in the wall again…I suggest you keep quiet!" Pyrrha hissed as sweat began to trickle down Yang's face.
"S-Sorry." Yang squeaked out as Ruby, Weiss and Blake sighed at their sister/teammate/partner.
"How does it feel?" Pietro asked as Jaune moved his shoulders and flexed his arms in response to the armour. It moved without a problem, was comfortable and was easy to put on.
"Its great doc feels like I was born for it." He said as he gripped his hand.
"Glad to you like it. I should let you know about the features in your armour. Per you request, I utilised mecha-shift tech and developed a retractable helmet integrated into your armour. Using the circuitry lined in the chest piece, simple focus Aura into the containment device on the chest plate to activate it. Have a go." He instructed as Jaune nodded and focused his aura on the chest piece.
The triangular bulge opened, and a mechanical arm placed a piece of metal over his mouth. The metal then extended as it reached over his face, covering his entire head. before securing itself firmly in place. The arm retracted back into the containment device. The helmet itself was modelled to look like a roaring wolf's head, in the 'mouth' of the head was a dark blue visor that lit up and was protected by a horizontal grate metal casing, with a triangular angled mouthpiece.
The colour itself was white like the rest of the armour, with gold accents around the wolfs eyes, ears and canine fangs. It gave him a rather intimidating looking.
(A/N Imagine Sokka's Wolf Helmet from Avatar the Last Airbender, combined with Isaac Clarkes' Advanced Suit Helmet from Dead Space 2.)
The visor flashed as Jaune was presented with a H.U.D (Heads Up Display). "I utilised the latest heads-up display commonly used by our Atlas soldiers. With it, you can monitor your team's Aura levels, as well as your own without relying on your scroll. It's also equipped with night vision, motion tracking radar and built-in communicator." Pietro explained as the teams, and Jaune marvelled at the helmet.
"Wow! That is so cool! Can I get one!?" Nora asked as she and others were just as impressed.
"Me too!" Ruby shouted.
"It would certainly make tracking our aura levels much easier," Ren said.
"Not to mention a motion tracker would certainly help keep enemies from sneaking up on you," Pyrrha said as she smiled at her partner.
"Man, that's a lot of gear you have there now Jaune. What, you couldn't throw in a space heater or something?" Yang asked the Doctor as he chuckled.
"No, of course not…the pants kept bursting into flames." He muttered the last part to himself.
"This is…amazing," Jaune said as he saw the aura levels of his teammates on the far-right corner of his visor. "This is more than what I asked for. Thank you, how can I repay you." He asked as he retracted the helmet. Pietro smiled softly as he shook his head.
"You don't owe me anything. Your involvement in stopping the invasion exposed the harsh truth that someone I thought was…lost, is still out there and is a potential threat to our Nation's Security. I will miss him as a friend…but I am still a proud citizen of Mantle and Atlas. If arming you and your friends continue that peace, then I am more than happy to do so." He spoke as his mind drifted to a man, he once called a friend.
The other shared a glance, while Ironwood looked away out of some semblance of shame.
"In any case, now onto the weapons!" Pietro slapped his hands together and snapped out of his funk as he opened the other case.
Jaune investigated the case as he stared at the new upgraded version of Crocea Mors. The sword looked heavier and had a more elaborate cross-guard and hilt. With what appeared to be Circular Dust Coating Device attached to the hilt. With the Arc symbol branded in the centre.
The shield was now accented with gold, like his armour, with a Wolf's head at the point of the shield and was howling upwards towards the Crescent Arcs. He picked up the sword as he drew the ancestral blade from its sheath and admired the refurbished blade. The scuffs and scratches had been filed away, and the sword's blade has been polished to a new shine.
"I upgraded the sword as you wanted, it is now capable of coating your weapon in dust, as well as your shield for some extra power. But I must admit I was very surprised about the sword's composition. The metal it's made of is…unique, my instruments detected trace amounts of a rare meteorite metal, one that's very hard to find. Tell me…how did your family get a hold of a sword like this?" Pietro asked as Jaune stared at his reflection.
"Don't know, although my grandfather used to tell me stories that the metal it was made from 'Fell from the Heavens' long ago and our Ancestors used it to forge the blade of Crocea. The hilt and the shield have changed over the years, but the blade itself has always remained," he explained as he stared into the polished metal of his family's ancestral blade.
"I see…well, in any case. On to your other weapons." Pietro said as Jaune sheathed the sword into the slot on his left hip.
"You'll also notice that I took the liberty of having that knife you sent me re-forged and installed onto your right gauntlet as you wanted." Jaune looked to his right gauntlet and the rectangular device on top. "Using the same tech with the helmet, merely apply aura to the device to deploy the blade and again to retract it." Jaune did as he was told and blade the same length as his forearm sprung out from the wrist. He could see the metal of his old knife mixed in with the new metal as he nodded.
"Thanks for that, this blade…got me through a lot. Wouldn't feel right if I didn't take it with me." He said as retracted the blade.
"Now I was told you're quite proficient with a bow, so I took the liberty of having this custom-made recurve bow." Pietro gestured to the bow in the case as Jaune examined the bow.
"It's made of a strong fibreglass frame and utilizes a special high tensile strength polymer string." Jaune gave the string a pull as he nodded at the resistance he got from the bow. "The arrowheads are steel broadheads, for extra penetration. Alternative you can use tri-bladed tips just as well. You can also attach Dust infused tips, some of them have proximity triggers, giving you a wider verity in combat." Jaune looked at the mechanical pouch that had several different arrowheads behind the glass, and neatly arranged to be used.
"Merely insert an arrow into the device, twist until you choose which dust-head you want to use and it will automatically attach," Pietro explained.
Jaune took an arrow from the Quiver, placed it into a slot on the mechanical pouch as he twisted, and the symbol of fire was set. A small click and a whirring sound resonated from the device before he removed it and found the metal tip had been replaced with a tip that looked like a small pyramid.
"I would be careful; the tips are sensitive once placed. To disarm them reinsert the tip and choosing another or revert to the steel tips." Pietro warned as Jaune nodded and returned the tip, then placed the pouch his right thigh as it clipped into place.
'So that's what that sides for.' Jaune noted as he made sure it was secured.
"And finally," he produced a smaller case as he unveiled a hand cannon. "This, the Atlas Mark II Heavy Service Revolver, or simply known as 'The Last Word' by Atlas Personal..." Jaune walked over as he removed from the case a large revolver and inspected the hand cannon.
Ruby, having a small weapons overload as she inspected the new gear with her eyes.
The metal barrel was pitch black with gold etchings on the side, and a gold rail on the top, while the handle was a dark chestnut. Unlike regular revolvers, where the barrel was on the top, the barrel was in line with his trigger finger to allow better recoil control.
"It fires eight .454 Casull rounds. Is fully optimised for using a variety of Dust rounds as well as a few tracer rounds." Pietro explained as Jaune aimed down the sight. "Now I am aware that you have not had much practice with reloading a semi-automatic revolver, which is why I would recommend using one of these." He threw over a small device as Jaune caught it in his hand.
"What you have here is a speed loader. It's quicker and easier to reload then manually inserting the bullets. Especially in a firefight." Pietro finished as Jaune nodded and placed the gun in his back holster.
"So…what do you think?" he asked as Jaune looked over all his weapons and gear as he nodded.
"It's perfect. Thank you." He said with a nod as the man nodded in return. "And General, thank you for commissioning this. It must've cost a bit." He bowed slightly as the man waved it off.
"It's quite alright. What you did was beyond the call of duty, simple gear replacement was small in the grand scheme of things. All I ask is that you and your friends continue to safeguard the Four Kingdoms." He asked as Jaune and the rest of his friends nodded.
"Now, I believe we've spent enough time in this lab. How about we head to the mess hall, I haven't eaten anything since I got here!" Pietro chuckled as he and the others nodded in agreement. Everyone headed to the cafeteria as Jaune took one last look at his reflection in the powered down computer screen before he nodded and followed them out.
Two Days Later – Air Ship Dock
Jaune smiled as he and his family were assembled at the air docks. A shuttle was prepped and ready to take the students and the teachers back to Beacon. His family had come to see him off, as he wore his new gear. The weapons in their case beside him, as he was busy saying goodbye to his family.
"I wish you didn't have to go so soon," Saphron said as she held her brother in a hug.
"I know, but my leave is up, and I need to head back. But don't worry, the holidays are coming up soon, so I'll try to be back for the Solstice." He promised as he embraced his sister in a family affectionate hug.
Adrian moaned as he reached for his uncle, who laughed and took him into his arms. "I'll miss you too, buddy. Hey, next time I visit, you'll probably be as big and strong like your cool uncle?" he laughed as the little boy attempted to flex his arms that got a laugh out of everyone.
"Since when have you been cool?" Saphron teased as Jaune glared.
"Ha…Ha...You're hilarious sis." He hugged his nephew one last time before handing him back to his sister-in-law. "I'll see you around, Terra." He said as she nodded.
"Stay safe, Jaune." She said as he nodded in return.
He looked over to see Pyrrha talking with a shorter red-haired woman with glasses. Wearing similar designs to his partner as she seemed to be very familiar to the woman. Jaune raised an eyebrow before returned to his parents.
"Well, guess this is it?" he said as they nodded.
"It is…kind of reminds of the first time you went off to Beacon," Roland said as Jaune nodded.
"Yeah…it does…" Jaune thought back to the less than encouraging words they told him last time. "Although, this time I'm prepared." He deployed the gauntlet blade before sheathing it. Roland and Diana nodded as Cornelius stood in the back, rolling his eyes at the awkward family.
Roland sighed before he shook his head. "Son, I know last time you left, we weren't exactly encouraging."
"That's one word for it!" Cornelius called out, as Roland sent a small glare to his father before returning to his son.
"We just want you to know that it's not that we didn't believe in you, we just didn't want you to get hurt," Diana explained as Jaune nodded. "The fault lies with us; we should've prepared you the first time instead of leaving it to the last minute." She said as Roland placed his hand on Jaune's shoulder as he nodded.
"But now we know you can handle yourself. You've more the proven your resolve and while there's always a place for you back here, know that we're proud of you. And that we'll continue to support you on your journey to becoming a Huntsman." He and Diana embraced their child as he returned the hug.
"We love you, son." They said as Jaune nodded.
"I love you guys too." He said as he let go, before turning to his grandfather. "Grandpa...glad to have you back." the man nodded and then pulled him into a hug.
"Go get them, kid," he merely said as Jaune smiled. No other words were needed. "By the way, your father and I want you to have something." He said before he placed an old looking book in his hands. "It's Tome from the family Archives, that lists every known technique of the Arc fighting styles. Should come in handy." He said as Jaune stared before nodding and placing it in his bag.
"Thanks, I won't lose it."
He turned around just as Pyrrha finished talking with the shorter woman and started walking towards them. The shorter woman in tow. "Hey, Pyrrha, who's this?" he asked as Pyrrha smiled and gestured to her.
"Oh, that's right. I've never introduced you to her. We've been so busy with your recovery that we never got around to meeting. Jaune, this is my Mother. Mira Helena Nikos." She introduced as the short woman with the same red hair, green eyes and smile that graced his partners face bowed to him.
"A pleasure to meet you, Jaune. Thank you for being my daughters' partner, it's good to know that she's in capable hands." She said as Jaune nodded while smiling bashfully.
"Thank you, Mrs Nikos. But If anything, I'm in her hands. She's been the one looking after me, I'm lucky to have her. I don't think I'd be where I am if it wasn't for her." He turned to his partner/pseudo-girlfriend, who smiled with a small blush.
Mira looked at the man before smiled.
"Oh, I know. My little champion has told me so much about you," she said as Jaune raised an eyebrow while Pyrrha flinched.
"She has?"
"Oh yes, every time she calls up, she speaks to high heaven about you. Its Jaune this and Jaune that. It's adorable really," she looked the boy up and down. "And I can see why you're quite the attractive young man, no wonder my daughter fancy's you." Jaune blushed rapidly at this comment as Pyrrha's face matched her hair.
"Okay! That's enough! Thank you, Mother! We'll be leaving now!" Pyrrha all but screeched as she began pushing the boy to the airship.
"Ah, it was nice meeting you!" Jaune called out while Pyrrha continued to push him to the ship. Meanwhile, the Nikos matriarch only stared before she placed a hand to her cheek and smiled.
"She's so cute when she's flustered." She said to herself while the Arc/Cotta watched from afar.
"Do you think we should be worried?" Roland asked his wife, who shook her head.
"I doubt it, besides, I think it would be best if we got to know our future in-laws." She then waved over to Mrs Nikos. "Mrs, Nikos! Do you want to hang out!" she called out, already on her way to introduce herself before Roland could stop her.
"There she goes again." He sighed, knowing it was futile to stop her. He then turned back to the airship as Jaune walked up the ramp, stopping at the top to look back one last time at his family before waving goodbye and hopping inside.
The shuttle closed behind him as the airship took off and sailed towards the West. Back to place Jaune was meant to be. Back to where he was needed, and where more secrets and lies would be exposed to him Where is Legend would only increase…
Along with the pain and sorrow that would come with it.
Omake: Paranoia Watt's Has Gone Over
Salem walked down the long corridor of her keep, as she made her way to Watt's laboratory. She had sensed his arrival into her domain an hour ago but was confused as to why he had not come to report to her. Normally the man was very punctual with his reports, but the moment he landed he made a beeline for his laboratory. At first, she was content with waiting, time was not a factor to her, and she assumed that he was compiling his discovery to show her later.
But that was over an hour ago and she still hadn't heard from him. She was patient, but not that patient.
She marched her way towards the lab, passing by the many stain glass windows of her fortress as she contemplated what she would find. "Watts has never been this late before, he should've reported what he found in the forest an hour ago. He wasn't injured, otherwise, I'd know about it. And strangely none of my Grimm wants to go anywhere near him."
She stood before his lab door as, the Guard Grimm moved aside, and she knocked.
"Watts, what is the meaning of this. Why haven't you reported to me yet?" silence was her only answer, as her brow furrowed. "Watts! Answer me!" she called out getting no response. Having enough, she pushed the door open and marched in.
"Watts I demand you tell me what's…going…on?" her anger dissipated as she stared at the bizarre scene before her.
All around the room lab equipment and books lay scattered in an unorganised and jumbled mess. Red strings went from one end to the other as they focused on one picture of the blond-haired boy she had investigated. In the corner of the room huddled in a corner, was her most respectable and loyal servant…
Who looked nothing like that, and instead looked like a crackpot?
His hair was ruffled into a complete mess, his moustache was crocked and uneven, with most of it pointing out in every direction. Large sleepless bags were under his eyes, and he appeared to have a few more wrinkles on his face. But eyes that usually showed his intelligence and sophistication now showed nothing but madness. It was a far cry from the man she knew. They were darting around the room like a chipmunk on caffeine.
"Watts?" she asked as she stepped forward. "Are you…okay?"
"I am safe!" he suddenly yelled as he huddled further inwards and started rocking back and forth.
"I'm safe, I'm safe, I'm safe inside my lab, there is no way he can get inside! Ahahaha! …Unless…" his eyes darted to the end of a room, as he looked at the windows with a paranoid gaze. "Unless he made it through the Grimmlands! I mean he survived the black forest, but it's impossible. Salem guards it well, there is no way he can sneak inside!"
His eyes darted over to the other end. "But what if he did!? What if he managed to make his way past the Grimm and into my lab!? What if he's rigged my entire lab to blow up if I move from this spot!" he chuckled nervously as Salem stared at the man.
"...Watts?" she asked with growing concern as the man continued to mumble.
"Nothing would be safe; everything would be a trap! The walls! The Windows! The floor! …the toilet!" he screamed as he cradled and rubbed his head feverously. "But I'm not going to fall for it! Ehahahahahahahah! I'm going to stay right here! Right in this spot! So, he can't get me! Hahahaha!" his gaze suddenly snapped to the right.
"But what if that's what he wants!? What if it was all a ploy to get me in this exact spot!?" he jumped out and ran for his firearm. Gun now pointed at the empty space, as his right eye twitched.
"You'll never get me that way! AHHHHH!" he fired round after round from his custom revolver as he blasted the stone with as many bullets as he could fire.
"AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! I'M ON TO YOU, JAUNE ARC! YOU'LL NEVER GET ME! AHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I'M SMARTER THAN YOU! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Salem stared with absolute disbelief before she slowly backed away from the man and closed the door behind her. The man continued to raze his lab as he had lost all semblance of sanity and had been reduced to a raving lunatic. She then promptly turned, walked away and muttered under her eternal breath…
"…I'm surrounded by idiots."
And Scene. Well here is the long-awaited Chapter XVIII of Legend of the White Wolf. Not a lot of action I know, but the pacing isn't all about action, cool tricks and explosions. I needed to have Jaune acquire new gear, set up the importance of the Temple…And at the expense of traumatizing Watts.
I would like to thank, Loneonyxwolf, M.H Pintner and Agent-G for helping me with this story, I appreciate their help in advising me on Jaune's new weapons and gear.
Some of you would have wanted Jaune to go on a date with Pyrrha, but I think I need to hold it off for a bit until say after the next Chapter. There are still things Jaune needs to deal with. Probably some PTSD issues that will spring up at some point now that he doesn't have to watch his back all the time.
I hope you all enjoyed this, stay safe, wash your hands and practise social distancing as I will continue to bring you more exciting adventures of the Legend of the White Wolf in…
Chapter XIX: Beaconing Home (Title may change in production)