Cold. It's the only way to describe the look in Jaune's eyes as he gazes upon his sister. The comparable difference in the two's heights causing Jaune to look down on her, only adding to the intimidation his gaze causes.
"So, there's no convincing you?"
"No." The silence that follows is deafening as the siblings stare each other down. Passionate green eyes lock with the cold blue opposing them. After nought a second more of staring, the ice in Jaune's eyes fades away and a small grin forms on his face.
"Well, can't say I didn't try to stop you." With a light chuckle, Jaune steps forward and embraces his smaller sister in a tight hug. "Just promise me you will stay safe out there and won't do anything too reckless."
Jaune's sister shuffles nervously in his embrace. "No promises Bro." She chuckles in an attempt to keep the mood light, however the effect is anything but what she wanted. Jaune pulls back, his eyes hardening once again.
"Joan, I swear to Oum, you better be careful and you will, WILL come back alive, do you understand?" Jaune's voice is like steel as it clashes against his sisters resolve. With a small squeak Joan nods quickly. Jaune sighs and let's go if his sister.
"Good, Mom and Dad are already gonna chew me out for letting you leave." With a nervous chuckle, Joan's hand finds it's way to the back of her head, a nervous habit that seems to run in the family.
"Well, I guess this is good bye." Joan's words are laced with a sense of remorse as her eyes begin to tear up. Within an instant, the siblings are back within an embrace, light sobs emanating from both figures. With a last series of sniffles, the pair separate as the shorter of the two begins to walk away, down the paved road leading away from the small village of Ansel.
With a light smile and tear stains still on his cheek, Jaune turns away from the village gates and walks back into the settlement, towards a large four story mansion located at the center of the settlement.
As Jaune passed through the village, many of the citizens stopped to give a polite greeting or a light bow, saying things such as 'Good morning my lord' or 'By your grace, my lord'. Jaune simply gave a polite smile and curt nod to all passerby's, far too used to these actions to make a fuss.
As Jaune finally reached the large mansion, he stepped up to the gates as they, seemingly by themselves, made way for him. As Jaune approached the front door, it suddenly slammed open, revealing a woman out for blood. As Jaune took a step back, the woman spoke.
"Where is your sister Jaune, You can't hide her, she will face my wrath." The cold fury with which she spoke told only of pain for those who would disobey her. With a nervous chuckle, Jaune back peddled more as he thought of some way to get out of this situation.
"Look, Mom, I tried, there was nothing I could do, she-" Jaune's words are cut off by the hands gripping the scruff of his collared shirt. Jaune began trembling as his mother pulled him in close. The aura of rage being strong enough to kill even a fully grown goliath if it stepped near. A small smile formed on her face, though the strain was clear.
"That was a very funny joke Jaune, now where. Is. Your. Sister!?" The fury in her words made Jaune flinch away, his knees almost giving out beneath him. Due to his mothers grip however, he just sort of dangled in her grasp. Before anymore yelling can be done, a voice speaks from behind his mother.
"That's enough dear, look at him, he can hardly stand." The man who approached was absolutely towering. The smile on his face was much more genuine then the woman Infront of him. Considering the rage was something he was used to, it is something he is rather unaffected by. The two now standing Infront of Jaune Arc are two of the most renowned individuals in all of Remnant. To him however, they were mom and dad. With an unceremonious sigh, his mother let him drop to the floor.
"Could you at least let me TRY and interrogate our son!? At least then i could find that stupid girl by the end of the day!" His mothers bloodlust seemed to fade, leaving only annoyance and a pouting woman in it's wake. Jaune's parents were similar in features, both being fair skinned and blonde, however his mother had vibrant and glowing green eyes, where as his father's were a cold and deep blue. Their eyes belayed their true strength as both parents had been huntsmen in days gone past.
By the time Jaune had zoned back into reality, it seemed his parents had moved from arguing to flirting, signaling to Jaune that it was time to vacate the Mansion. Without saying a word, Jaune slipped away, heading around the side of the mansion to a small shed in the backyard.
As the door to the shed opened, Jaune looked at the myriad of materials, manuals and experiments before him. Jaune walked past most of the trinkets around him and took a seat at the desk in the back of the shed. On the desk were numerous papers and books, some had scribbles in the margins, some had entire pages blacked out or ripped off. Jaune sat at the table and immediately began to dive into the tall task of deciphering the meaning in the writings. This task was easier said then done. Jaune had been at this task for about the past twenty days, and his progress had been next to nothing. He persevered however, for his families sake.
For three hours Jaune did nothing but sit, read, and every once in a while scratch down a line of notes. Transcribing the words of his ancestors was a tall task, but quite necessary for the Arc family to evolve. Jaune lifted his hand to gingerly touch his right cheek. His families magic crest had only recently fully set into him, and it was an odd burden to bear. Being the heir to the Arc magus family had been the only thing Jaune had been trained for in his life. Everything he did was in pursuit of this goal, including fretting over old and archaic writings from men long dead.
Jaune let his hand drop from his face as a sigh escaped his lips. There really was no worse job to him. Before Jaune could continue his research, a light knock was heard from the shed door. Jaune's brows furrowed in an irritated fashion. "Enter." The door slid open as one of the Manor's maids stepped into the room."M'Lord, The Master and Mistress request your presence. There is a visitor awaiting your company." This had Jaune worried. It was something of a running joke in the Arc family that Jaune was their families open secret. Due to his reservation to anything social and dedication to research, Jaune didn't interact with many people, let alone anyone who'd visit him. This led to one conclusion. Whoever was here wasn't here for Jaune the person. They were here for Jaune, the hidden heir to the Arc family.
With one last grunt, Jaune drops his papers and walks to follow the maid, gesturing her on. As they walk, jaune buttons the top button of his shirt and slides his tie back up. His outfit consisted of black trousers with matching belt and shoes, a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled to his elbows, a gold and black vest, and a pair of white gloves that had the Arc crest on their backs. All things considered, Jaune thought he cleaned up pretty well, appearances were everything after all.
As they arrived at one of the many parlor rooms in the manor, the maid bowed and took her leave, likely to attend to her various other duties. This left Jaune on his own to face the people who awaited in the parlor. After patting down his clothes one last time, Jaune stood straight, knocked on the door and then entered.
As Jaune entered he observed the people before him. His mother and father sat together on one of the many couches in the parlor to Jaunes right. To the left, were two people unfamiliar to Jaune. One was standing, she was a woman of average height with blonde hair and green eyes, similar in appearance to his mother. The second individual was seated. He was male, with grey hair and hazel eyes hidden behind purple tinted spectacles. What really caught Jaunes attention however, was the wizened look in his eyes, and the traces of mana floating around him. He was old and magical, never a good sign.
"Ah, Jaune, there you are. Please, join us." His mother was the first to speak, gesturing toward an arm chair on her right side. Jaune, though still wary of the man before him, did as told and took a seat beside his mother and father. When he was seated, his mother's gaze turned back toward the seated man. "There, he's here. Now what do you want Oz? You know you only have one favor left, so this better be worth it."
The man sighed as he shook his head. "I'm afraid it is Juniper. I wish it wasn't so, but you are the only people I can ask." This piqued Jaune's interest, as there weren't many things that set his family apart. They weren't the wealthiest, nor the smartest. What they were renowned for, however, was their magecraft. The Arcs have always been fast learners and fiercely skilled warriors and leaders. There were many legends who descended from their line, however, none in their family could wield that power. Before Jaune can muse any longer, Ozpin speaks again.
"As I'm sure you are aware, a new holy grail war was supposed to start in vale." Jaune noticed his parents become tense at his statement. Jaune couldn't help but wonder what this supposed holy grail war was about. Jaune simply kept watching Ozpin for the answer. "Well, all was well, until it seemed all masters had been chosen and servants summoned. It seems that 'SHE' has decided to rig the game so as to usurp the holy grail."
His parents reactions were immediate. His mother was in front of Ozpin with a sword to his neck, while his father did the same to the woman."And why, is that our problem? You made this mess, so fix it." His mothers tone was one of cold fury. Her words were clear and abrasive and seemed to have both figures shaking. Even Jaune couldn't completely hold his composure, as his hands started shaking.
"I-I can't" His mother tenses again as Ozpin rushes to continue explaining. "The contracts have already been formed and the grail is already resonating. I've already tried activating the reserve clause, but I could only access one and they will be nowhere enough to stop her. I need a mediator." At the word mediator, his mother tensed again before relaxing and stepping back, signaling for his father to do the same. His mother shook her head before speaking.
"So you need me to act as your mediator? Can't say I expected that." Ozpin seemed to tense, something Juniper clearly noticed. "What? Is there a problem?" Ozpin seemed to sweat lightly as he debated his next words.
"It isn't you I came here for, Juniper." She froze as a realization seemed to dawn on her. Jaune saw a series of emotions flash across her face, from rage, to fear, to grief and finally settling on reluctant acceptance. Finally she spoke in a shaky tone.
"Why him? Why my only son?" Jaune froze at hearing mention of himself. Ozpin rose from his seat and made his way to a nearby window, looking out at the well tended fields of the Arc estate.
"There are three main reasons. The first is my suspicion that 'She' will attempt to invade my academy through the students, Jaune is of perfect age and will fit right in." His mother nodded along, still not seeming entirely convinced. "Second, Joan Arc will be attending, and due to her being Arc, I figure it less suspicious if two twins join the academy at the same time." His mother's eyes sharpen as she glares at Jaune, however she says nothing, just nodding along. "Finally, There is something within Jaune, I felt it the moment he entered the room, and I'm certain that he will be the difference between victory and utter defeat." His mother seemed to contemplate before sighing and sitting back on her small couch. She lifted a cup from a nearby side table, took a sip and then spoke.
"I sadly don't have the authority to send Jaune off." She received four very confused stares. She sighed and looked toward Jaune. "You of all people should've realized by now!" Jaune just chuckled and scratched his right cheek before a realization dawned on him. His right cheek, and in it, his Magic Crest. The magic crest that had recently matured. "It seems you finally get it. I'm no longer the head of the family Jaune, you are."
All eyes are now focused directly on Jaune.
Jaune doesn't know what he should do, none of his training and studies prepared him for a situation like this, complex and risky. One thought seemed to rise above the rest however. I need to protect my sister. With a resolute nod Jaune gave his answer.
"I'll do it."
Ozpin smiled as relief flashed upon his face. "I'm glad to hear that, we can discuss more of the situation at beacon, for now, you must pack and we must be off. We need to finish preparations tonight, for tomorrow will be your orientation and following that, initiation."
Jaune, was immediately in a panic and shot from his chair.
"Wait! Right now!?" Ozpin merely chuckled at his reaction and nodded.
"Yes, right now, we don't have much time, so there must be no delays. Glynda, would you mind helping the boy pack, I'm not sure he has the ability to do so in his current state." The blonde woman nods and walks off, Jaune following close behind.
The next few hours are a blur for Jaune. Filled with packing, discussing and flying.
Eventually however, Jaune finds himself, Ozpin, Ms. Goodwitch and a young dark skinned man, all together in a large clock themed office. Jaune was a little nervous now that everything had settled down. Ozpin addressed Jaune. "Mr. Arc, please meet Oscar Pine. He will be your accomplice in this mission and is currently the only master on our side." Jaune looked at him as Oscar waved shakily.
Ozpin continues talking. "He is the master of the shielder class servant, A class focused primarily on defense and resilience. However, he will not be enough to face the challenges ahead, so I believe it is time for you to summon your servant, and help us maintain the balance of the world."
Jaune solemnly nodded as he stood from his seat followed by Oscar. Ozpin and Goodwitch led them to the elevator. Once all inside, the elevator began to descend down and down, deeper then one thought possible. However, eventually the tense elevator ride ended as the door opened. Before them lay a large facility filled with trinkets and artifacts, some powerful, some meaningless. What stood out the most to Jaune, however, was the large, tarp covered machine that Jaune could clearly sense mana from.
Before Jaune could investigate any further, he was ushered forward by Ozpin as they went deeper into the vault.
Upon reaching what seemed to be the center of the vault, there laid an alter with a magic circle inlaid atop it. Jaune was in awe of the ancient marble structure. Ozpin smiled and gestured toward it. "If you would Mr. Arc, I don't like being kept waiting." Jaune shook the shock from his body and, shakily, began making his way to the center of the alter.
Jaune could feel somewhere deep down that he knew what to do. Jaune raised his left hand on instinct and began to speak.
"Oh to you beyond the veil, awaiting my call. I beckon thee to reconcile the ties of fate. Within my hand, I'll hold your strength. Within my mind, I'll hold your wisdom. Within my heart, I'll hold your dreams. You who are righteous, I beckon you forth!"Silence reigned for a few moments as Jaune's words echoed throughout the chamber. Jaune faltered slightly, thinking he'd failed, until a large golden glow started to resonate around him, originating from the magic circle below him.
All occupants in the room had to cover their eyes as the glow grew in intensity. When it finally died down, the figure who stood before Jaune looked like someone taken straight from the arc family tapestry.Her light blonde hair was tied into a long braid that flowed down her back. Her features were soft and kind all with the exception of her eyes. Her pale blue eyes held determination and duty, seemingly shimmering with them. Her clothing could only be described as some mixture between a knight's armor and nun's habit. Finally, across her hip was a thin and ornate sword that seemingly radiated power. She stared Jaune in the eye as he stood there frozen and simply asked one powerful question.
"Are you my Master?"