To Run With Golden Wolves

By The Good Life Creator

A/N-Just a quick note before the chapter starts, after the first three paragraphs, italics in parenthesis will be Hylian speech.

Chapter Nine-Tom Sawyer

The father stalked the son as the pack of golden wolves led him down the forest. Pride, sorrow, happiness, agony, conflict burned and swirled in his eyes as he watched paws dig into soil. 'You are destined for great things.' Words of that the father had told the son on many occasions.

He continued as the son found the blade. He could no longer protect the son, he could no longer save the boy from the world.

'Make the winds howl your name, son.'

Francois cursed as he lit another cigarette, eyeing the second pack that he had went through in the span of a few hours. They had found the King, or rather what was left of him. His spawn had dug him from the depths of the earth, carried him off to somewhere he didn't want to find out. A curse escaped his lips as he took a sharp inhale, casting a glance at the crackling fire. What was the end game? Why was he waiting to make his own presence known? Why dig up his own rotting corpse?

"You're going to end up killing yourself if you keep smoking like a chimney," Qrow piped up as he poked at the fire.

"So says Cirrhosis, The Wonder Bird," The Arc Alpha grumbled as he took a long drag. Qrow feigned hurt, if only to humor the situation they were in. "We're runnin' out of time. Shit's about to get sideways real quick."

"I know." Francois didn't need to point that out, it hung heavy in the air with all the questions they had gained from the recovery of the King. "Was that thing they pulled out…"

"Yes and no." An eyebrow rose over a pale red eye. "That body represents the means of the King, his will, his drive, his reason. His essence, his primal, his end, it's somewhere out there. That body was what he once was."

"You think that he just wants to try and regress time?"

Sapphire eyes narrowed at the question. "If it were that simple, then you and I wouldn't be here tryin' to figure the son of a bitch out." Acrid smoke billowed from his lungs in a familiar burn. "I dunno what he has planned but it will make itself known, it always does." He glanced at the smoldering red tip of his smoking cigarette with a far off stare. "I never wanted him to become a huntsman. Not at Beacon at any rate."

"Why? From what Oz has been telling me, you taught him pretty well."

"I didn't teach him shit, the blade did," Francois growled out. "I didn't want him to find out that there are no such things as heroes, just survivors. I didn't want to watch the world turn him into a killer. I still don't. From the moment he was brought to the world, I knew he would be somethin', just not part of a legend told to make us feel better. Now, because of that fuckin' sword, Ozpin is goin' to use him like he did us."

The carrion man opened his mouth to speak in protest but the words never came out. He knew they were true, that the headmaster already had plans in motion, spending too much time to look at the bigger picture of the world. The wolf always was wary of the aged headmaster, starting back to their youth as STRQ and FRST. Years had gone by since those days and the aged Hound from Hell trust for Ozpin had only dwindled. If Francois didn't trust the man, then why would he allow his son to attend to Beacon? "If you don't trust Ozpin, then why did you agree to all of this?"

"Never had a choice in the matter." Francois left the statement hanging in the air as he flicked the remainder of the cigarette into the fire. Now was just about as good of a time as any to cut back on smoking. "The boy was always dead set on becoming a huntsman to help people around the world. Finding that cursed sword and his semblance only added to it. Fuckin' brat had forged papers and everything just to accomplish it." The look in his eyes was an odd mix of pride and sadness. His sons drive to obtain his dreams, even against his parents' wishes was certainly admirable. "Just do me a couple of favors, will ya? When this shit goes sideways, watch after my boy and keep an eye on the old man, will ya?"

"Only if you do me one as well." That was an expected response. Very few things came for free, at least the things that were worth it in the end.

"Shoot."

"When this is all over, you start teaching at Signal."

The smile came before the laughter as Francois doubled over in a fit, mirth glowing in his eyes. That was not the favor he was expecting. "You must really hate those students if you want me start teachin'."

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"No way!" Yang shouted in laughter as Noir, the youngest sister, regaled her on stories when the youngest Arc was just twelve. While Jaune had always said that he had seven sisters, he never went into details in age. Apparently he was the youngest child of eight. There were the triplets of Marin, Medli, and Sapphron, then there were the first twins, Midna and Rouge, and finally the last set were Crystal and Noir. Apparently multiples ran in the family, with Jaune being the odd one out in multiple ways. Though only Crystal and Noir could make it, with Saphron being held up in Argus and the others staying behind to watch the homestead. Yang had already been caught up to speed on all the glorious torture the older Arc sisters had put their brother through.

"Yup, with his tail between his legs! Momma was pissed when she found out he went to the hill!" Noir chirped, a haughty laugh escaping her lips as she leaned back in her chair, a large ornate stein spilling amber ale as she wriggled about.

"And he was twelve!" Crystal piped in. "Momma thought that he was going through it early! He wasn't the same for weeks."

Yang laughed as she clanked slapped the table. Meeting the family further cemented her plans with her two favorite dorks. "You should see some of the videos I got of him!"

"What kind of videos?!" the twins questioned, not bothering to hide the glee in their voice."

"She decided that she should 'document' how well him and her sister work together," Pyrrha elaborated, trying her best to keep it as vague as possible.

"Document?"

"Well I guess that isn't exactly the correct word for it. I think the best term would be blackmail."

Yang huffed as she glanced at her partner. "You say blackmail, I say setup."

A fist slammed down on the table in front of the blonde, causing her to look into angry blue eyes. "What the fuck did you tell my mom?" Jaune asked, narrowing his gaze. Yang, for her part, blinked, feigning innocence as much as possible.

"Nothing that she couldn't figure out for herself." The answer was as nonchalant as she could muster, dismissing him completely as she turned back to his sisters. "Has he always been like this?"

"Don't just turn away from me! She's got Ruby picking out masks!" His arms flailed about as he attempted to get Yang's attention.

"Oh! She's showing her the masks her and dad made?" Noir inquired, glee evident in her voice.

"How should I know! She just drug her into a tent and told me to find you!"

"That is so romantic!" Crystal squealed in excitement.

"And to think that today started out so great," Jaune muttered under his breath, dragging a chair out to take a seat. His gaze shifted towards his sister's as they laughed with Yang and Pyrrha. A smile passed over his lips as he leaned back, a content sigh escaping his lips. "How's everything at home?"

Slipping into Hylian tongue was natural for him, something he had always done when he was with kinsmen.

"You know, it's rude to do that," Crystal commented dryly, a smirk on her lips. "Besides, you call almost every day, you know what's going on." It was true, Jaune had made it a point to call as often as possible.

"Hey! You're getting off topic here!" Noir's arms waved about before slapping against the table, leaning forward to look at her younger brother. "Why didn't you tell us more about your team?"

"Yeah!" Yang chimed in. "Are you embarrassed about us?"

Cheeks flushed as he mumbled, turning towards Pyrrha in mild panic and desperation. "Any help?" A curt smile and a laugh was all he got as his sisters and Yang kept yelling about how he shouldn't be embarrassed. "Some friends I got…"

Noir and Crystal shared a look, a dubious smile curling on their lips as they turned their sights on Pyrrha. "Hey, didn't you tell us that there were others coming here?" Crystal asked, slipping to her feet as she slipped beside the champion.

"Yeah, we should meet them at the gate so they can get in easy!" Noir chimed in, taking her place on the other side of the redhead. Pyrrha never stood a chance as the youngest Arc twins grabbed her arms and all but dragged her away.

Jaune could only stare in disbelief at the sight, head tilted to the side in mild confusion. What was their game? "Well that just happened." Why didn't they drag Yang off as well? Maybe it was because the brawler was out going enough not to need the help. An arm slung tightly around his shoulder, pulling him out of his thoughts in an instant. All he saw was an impish glint in lilac eyes. "Uh, what do you nee-."

"Why are you waiting?" she asked, cutting him off completely.

Well, that was forward. He was used to people being blunt, his mother being a prime example. Okay, new tactic, feign ignorance for as long as possible and hope that she stops. "Waiting for what?"

Eyes narrowed slightly, never losing the glint at the corners. He knew what she was talking about, the blush rising on his cheeks were evident enough. Ruby so owed her one with this. "You know what I'm talking about."

A groan of defeat sounded from his lungs. There was no way of getting out of this, she was not going to let up on this. She left him no choice in the matter, her arm only tightened around him as he tried to leave. Alright, no option left, time to face the maker. "Fear." An eye brow rose in curiosity at the one word response, demanding a better explanation. "I don't deal with rejection, I'm afraid to ruin things with her if she says no, and if she did say yes and I screw things up, what happens next? We're on the same team, we'll be stuck for the next three and a half years."

Yang nodded in response at all of his answers, knowing full well how valid they were. There was the potential for it all to go up in smoke, causing a large riff in their team dynamics. Ruby also had the problem of going all in on every situation, becoming too fast to comprehend at times. There was no all or nothing when it came to what her little sister put effort in; it was simply all. But the two dorks interacted so seamlessly to be just friends. With renewed vigor, Yang pressed on, thinking of all the new material the two would give her. "Y'know, just because we're all on the same team, doesn't mean that it'll end in flames. Our parents were on the team and look at us. Hell, even your parents were on the same team and they're still going strong."

"You owe the jar one lien," Jaune quipped as he pulled himself free of Yang's arm. Still, while she raised a few good points, it didn't remedy the fears he had. The dreams he had about his team dying before his eyes still played on repeat on his mind, and while it was placate slightly after talking to Ruby, it still added the fear of losing everything he had gained.

"There you are, Jaune," an aged voice called out from behind them in Hylian. Yang shivered and straightened as she turned to see the woman that gained the drop on them. Pointed ears poked out of silver hair, eyes of coal looked at the two, her once impressive stature shortened and hunched with age. A smile cracked on her withered face as she waved a hand at the two in a passive greeting. "I wasn't aware that you brought company with you, dear boy."

A bright smile formed on his lips as he stood to his feet, wrapping the aged woman in his arms. "Hey Impa, long time no see." He gestured towards Yang, a bright smile still held on his face. "This is Yang Xiao Long, Yang this is is-"

"Impa of the Sheikah," the old woman spoke warmly, cutting the knight off. Her eyes pensively stared into lilac, fingers cupping her chin as the blonde looked on in confusion. "You seem like a fireworks show, bright and full of explosive energy. Excitement abound. May Hylia bless your adventures with friends and the want of more, young one."

"Hylia?"

Impa chuckled in mirth as she waved a hand dismissively. "Children, always asking unimportant questions." With a quick gesture, she turned to Jaune, taking in his features as she had done so many times before. "You seem more at ease, child. While confusion of your current standing still rages in your soul, a sense of purpose is shaping around your life, souls of the outside gifting you with salvation. You would do well to allow people to help you with the reigns of reality, the hero that goes alone often dies alone."

Yang stared in confusion as the woman spoke to Jaune. She was straightforward, even if she spoke in some form of riddles, and had the sense of warmth of a grandma with an edge of someone that had experienced the many trials of life. "So you're where he gets his phrases."

"No, that would be Francois," Impa replied, a bony set of fingers gesturing towards Jaune. "He is more like his father than he would like to admit."

Jaune grumbled at the remark, crossing his arms in childish defiance. He was nothing like his father. While Francois was stern and a cynic, Jaune liked to believe that he was easy going and full of life. Nothing like the Arc Alpha. "I am nothing like my old man…" Jaune mumbled under his breath.

"If you say so, Jaune."

The air shifted in the silence around them, a sense of foreboding tightening around throats as Impa's posture shifted, her eye losing the warm glow they once held. "It is almost time for the trial of strength and courage, we need to ask the goddesses above for the blessings, young child. We have much to discuss."

Jaune stiffened at the remark, his calm escaping his mind. Was the sun setting down already? He thought he had more time to enjoy himself before the trial. The blessings never took longer than fifteen minutes. He hadn't even seen RWBN yet, they were supposed to be here any minute. His mind wondered to the tone Impa carried and how it was not the pleasant one she used. Something was weighing heavily on the aged woman, something was demanding to be spoken yet wrinkled lips kept them held at bay.

"O-oh, okay, I guess it's time, huh?" He glanced at Yang as Impa guided him from the table. "Tell the others I'm sorry? I'll make sure to see them after this, okay?" A nervous smile crept on his face as he scratched at his neck.

Yang smiled as she mock saluted the hero. "You got it, Wolf Boy." Her heels dug into the soil as she spun, going to find her sister. If the trial was what she thought it was, then it would be all the push that she needed to give Ruby. Yup, Ruby definitely owed her one now. With a quick glance, she poke out once more. "Just so you know, some of the best things are the scariest ones." Satisfied at her words, the blonde brawler went out searching for the littlest Reaper. How hard could it be when most of the other people around here had pointed ears.

Jaune rolled his eyes at the statement, feet guiding him behind Impa as she lead them towards the center of the festival. Yang still never completely dropped their prior conversation. What if Ruby didn't like him like that and Yang was wrong? Would him asking making it weird and ruin everything? Too many variables to count for just the one answer he was searching for.

"She's right you know," Impa spoke out, her words bringing Jaune thoughts crashing down around him. "Life has a tendency to move faster than we anticipate, waiting to long for it to happen will only bring you the question what if. You should never lead a life that way." Bony hands motioned towards a pit towards the center of the festival, coal eyes becoming harsh as she began walking. "Now come along, child. The world moves even without notice, things that you should prepare yourself for along with your friends."

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Laughter filled the campsite as the two huntsman passed the flask back and forth, burning liquid poured down their throats. It started out as a survival technique that Qrow had suggested. The negativity that Francois was bringing would only serve to attract unwanted attention by creatures that loathed life. Conversations about the King and the Witch would have to wait till they were in a better location.

Right now, it was time to reminisce on days that had slipped them by. "I still can't believe that you fell all the way down the falls," Francois spoke, a grin on his face. "I give ya an eight for style but a two for the landin'. Too much of a splash."

"At least I have range," Qrow shot back, tapping Harbinger as it rested beside him. "What do you bring to the table? A sword and a shield?"

"I also got skill with it and wolves. You got nothin' but the worst luck."

Okay, that one stung the carrion's pride if only slightly. "You seem to be holding up with it alright."

"That would be because there's more than one of me." Images of wolves of shadow dying out before they could strike was a constant when he was with Qrow.

"Is that how you got away with Raven trying to run a black wolf with her sword on initiation day?"

"Still ain't got a clue on her hatred towards me."

"She's my sister and I still don't have her pegged."

The air around them shifted, a scent wafted into Francois's nose. The smell quickly sobered him from his tipsy daze. Hands gripped weapons as the two stumbled to their feet, eyes scanning the edges of the thin forest. Shapes bounced from tree to tree, circling the two men, sharp cries echoing from the bark.

Something was different about their movements, about how they approached. There was something unique about this as animalistic blue eyes with yellow sclera mixed in with glowing reds of hatred.

"This isn't good."

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Weiss had no idea what she was expecting when she agreed to tag along to the Moon Festival. Whatever elegant fantasy that had came to mind to match such a title was quickly dashed away to the winds as children and parents danced around in bare feet, crude wooden masks adorning their faces as they laughed in jovial tones to music of pipes and strings. Vendors spoke to patrons, stories flowing from their lips as goods were exchanged. Simplistic garbs with angular designs were abound, wrapped around frames.

This was definitely beyond any expectations of grander.

"Boy, aren't you overdressed," Nora commented, her eyes fixed on the scene before them. Her smile widened as she saw a thin man wander about the paths, a large pack strapped on his back.

"I'm properly dressed for the occasion," Weiss retorted almost childishly. "It isn't my fault that the name is misleading." In hindsight, this is something that should have been expected. Though Nora did have a point, maybe the heels were a bit too much for this event.

Blake shook her head at the remark. Really, what did she expect? The Hylians were known for celebrating old traditions, it only would make sense for them to hold something for all of them at once.

"So, Jaune really can make friends," Noir giggled out as she and Crystal all but dragged Pyrrha to RWBN. Blake eyed them as they stood before them. Blonde hair, innocent faces, vibrant blue eyes, and pointed ears, they were definitely Jaune's relatives. "I thought he was kidding when he said that he had made friends outside of people forced to be with him. Good to see that I was wrong."

Crystal smiled at the four as she extended her hand towards them in a wave, an ecstatic spark shimmering in her gaze. "Nice to meet you! We're Jaune's sisters! Come on, what are you guys waiting for? It's a festival. We're supposed to be enjoying ourselves!"

Despite the uncomfortable Pyrrha gave off, their excitement was infectious a they pushed the team towards the center of the festival. There was one question that remained in their mind. "Where's Jaune?"

"Oh, he's probably off preparing for the fight."

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Francois grunted as a club slammed into his shield, the wood scrapping against metal as he forced the Bokoblin to the side. Crocea Mors plunged deep into rusty skin, green blood pooling and sullying the dirt floor. A howl escaped his lips as wolves black as ink jump from his shadow, teeth tearing into bony hides of Barbatusks. They amnesty the Grimm and the King's Creatures had were now over, the beasts working in conjunction with one another has all but confirmed their suspicions.

A shrill cry echoed as cloven feet pounded the soil, breaking him free of his thoughts. A growl escaped his lips as flesh became fur, lunging forth at the Bokoblin with fangs bared. The creature screamed as it fell off the Grimm he had chosen as a mount, the wolf clamped tightly on its neck. Cracks of thunder echoed about as Harbinger shifted from its multiple stages, Qrow swinging the weapon with ease through the Grimm and Bokoblins.

"We need to get outta here," Francois barked as he parried another strike, his eyes scanning the scene around them. "We're gettin' overrun."

Qrow cursed as he pulled close to Francois, trying to find an opening. The Alpha's words rang true, the creatures were beginning to pile upon them, slowly surrounding them. They needed to start a retreat, to get to an area where they could gain the upper hand. "Any bright ideas?"

Before Francois could speak child like laughter float through their ears from above. Several sets of wings fluttered noisily as the laughter got louder. The men glanced up, eyes widening in horror as humanoid shapes came down from the sky, their arms flapping like wings, large beaks aimed towards them, wands clutched tightly in their hands.

This was going to be a long night.

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Fire crackled and sparked in warm life around them, red ink pressed against his bare flesh as Impa drew the runes of past upon his skin. "May Din grant you the strength to hold your blade high," she spoke as she drew a triangle upon his sternum. "May Naryu grant you the wisdom of who your advisory is." Cold ink stained his right. "May Farore grant you the courage to hold yourself in the face of fear." The last graced his left. "And may Hylia bless you with the known path." The eagle held the triangles upon his chest as Impa finished the symbol. He could feel himself grow weaker as the older woman placed her hand on his forehead, forcing him to stare into her eyes.

This was not a new feeling to him, the trials of strength and courage demanded nothing short of surviving in the greatest of odds. "The King has returned, young one." Her tone was somber as she forwarded him the news. His eyes widened in shock as he tried to raise himself to his feet.

"Are you sure?" he croaked out as Impa kept him kneeling before her. Her response was a simple nod as she continued with the blessing. "What are we doing here? We have to-."

"You must remain the path you have chosen." Her words were stern, demanding nothing short of complete obedience. "He is weak for the time being, only his vessel has been returned. It will be some time for him to take form."

"Then we should-."

"Should what, child? Mount an offense against a being that surpasses time? You would be dead before we could even find the dragon." Her words sunk deep into his soul.

"I just, there is got to be something we can do!" Jaune felt useless at the moment. He had grown up on the legends of the King, every Hylian did. The evil he brought with him was something of folklore. "We can't just sit around and do nothing."

"We are breathing the air, living, surviving, we are doing something, young child. I know patience hurts but you must be able to practice it. The King has yet to make his plans known so you must be able to return it in kind."

Jaune's shoulders slumped as he bowed his head in defeat. Fear, incompetence, uselessness, emotions that he was all too familiar with ran laps through his mind. "Why bother telling me any of this when I can't even do a damn thing."

"Because you need to know what is to come." She took a sharp inhale as the torches shifted and danced around them, her wrinkled hand never leaving his forehead. "You and your friends are going to be put to the grind as soldiers and heroes."

"What am I going to do?"

A sad smile graced him as her hand moved over his eyes. "I cannot answer what you will do, that is your decision, young hero. What I can tell you is that you should enjoy your life in spite of recent revelations. If you focus too much on the future, you will lose sight on what is right in front of you."

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"We are the wolves that run with the wild. We hunt through the forests and the fields that bless this land of ours. We howl with the winds that rush over the blades of grass. We breathe and thrive in spite of a world that wants us to cease. We remain constant for we are the wolves that force the winds to howl our names."

The sun set in a magnificent display of crimsons and violets as the crowd circled the pit, the torches casting moving shadows across the three that stood in its center. Jaune could feel the cool air brush against his skin as his fingers traced the hilt of the Master Sword, his eyes locked onto the man before him. Groose stood imposing, aggravated muscles twitching under tanned skin, light green eyes staring down at him, a smirk resting on his lips as his hands clutched at the ends of his axes.

"We offer the these two as our strength," the leader gestured towards Groose as she continued on. "And our courage." Her hand moved towards Jaune. "They are our pride, our joy but for us to continue, to survive, we must embody the goddess three. We must have strength to hold our blades true, courage to stand in the face of adversity, and wisdom to know how to strike."

"Now state your names so that winds may howl your accomplishments."

Groose's smug smile brightened as he gestured towards the crowd. "I am Groose Ganda, the Wings of the Sun, son of Bruce Ganda, Wings of the Night." The crowd roared as he spread his arms, his feet circling as he eyed the crowd.

"I am Jaune Arc of the Gold Wolves, son of Francois Arc of the Hounds from Hell." Another roar erupted as his sight never left the barrel chested man. He was smug, powerful, over confident. Strength with no guide, rage with no purpose.

With a gesture towards the two, Impa began walking back. "May you both be blessed by the goddess and embody the Goddess three." Steel flashed as the Master Sword and axes danced and sang.

A/N And I am cutting it off at there. The conclusion to the Moon Festival will come soon as everyone comes to terms with what is happening. I am kinda on the fence with this, but it might just be that I had a hard time typing it out than anything else. Anyways, all the chapter titles, we'll most of them anyways, are titles to songs. I really like classic rock. There is an outlier aside from the Prologue.

Dragonfighter11-I'm glad that your liking the story and the pairing. From what I have to come to understand about Zelda, her powers are passed by blood where as the hero's spirit and Demises hatred is incarnated. Not to the same level of Ozma but still from vessel to vessel.

Fyr RedNight-Glad that you liked the chapter and I was worried about her. Not everyone takes kindly to Original Characters and I didn't want to make her the overly sweet and violent woman trope so I went with what we have now.

Dragon lord Syed 101-Glad you liked it. I honestly thought about the triforce and tried every way that I could to make it happen but I ultimately decided against it.

Anyways, I do have a question for anyone who reads this. If you are familiar with Generator Rex, please contact me. I am trying something new and have several notes written down and I would like some help hammering it out. Anyways, thoughts, predictions, critiques should be directed to the review button below.