4.22

Pyrrha followed her best friend back to the Grand Hall where they rejoined their team. The villagers from Kuroyuri were still being processed and that was likely to take the rest of the day, possibly going well into the evening. Those who were finished were under no obligation to stay in the hall, but they were requested to remain until everybody had been supplied new clothing and other essentials. Given that the villagers were rather used to staying together through thick and thin nobody was shocked to discover that they decided to wait as a group. The ease with which refreshments could be requested probably weighted in that decision somewhat as well. The team waited for Ren to say goodbye to his aunt and cousin, promising to return shortly.

On a whim Pyrrha asked to be shown where the villagers would be staying, to see the accommodations. If for no other reason she felt Ren really wanted to see it himself, but was unable to ask it on his own. Possibly fearing he would object to whatever his family was being given or feel Jaune was insulted somehow if the new rooms didn't meet some unspoken standard. Not like either was likely to happen, but Cadia had already done so much for his family, he had to wonder where the line of generosity would be drawn. Their housing was the only real logical step that remained which might be less than impeccable. The Spartan was completely guessing on this point of course, but it was the only hunch she had based on available evidence.

Her Partner, being the kind soul he is, obliged her request without argument. He just made a 'follow me' motion with his arm, then directed the five of them down some stairs and around the corner until they were under the Grand Hall itself. Situated in that space going down several levels beyond what they saw ( because Jaune likes to play guide ) was a dormitories worth of apartments. Doors lining both sides of a hallway that would go straight until making three eventual right turns to bring them right back to where they all stood now. The pathway down on the opposite hallway across from that final right turn.

"Been awhile since I was down here." Kate commented cheerfully.

"Look like you expected?" Pyrrha inquired brightly.

Katherine nodded "Yup, this part doesn't really change much."

Ren was still mostly silent, taking in the sights without remark.

The hallway was well lit, it didn't have the extravagant stone or engravings on the walls. Being of a more moderate make. That didn't mean the rooms would be unacceptable however.

"Can we go inside one? They are all about the same right?" Pyrrha asked.

Jaune shrugged using his hand print to open one of the doors. "Yeah sure. Some are bigger than others with more than one room, meant for families and such. But for the most part yeah they are all the same."

After pushing open the door he motioned for anybody who was interested to walk inside.

The two siblings stayed outside, the other three did admit to a certain curiosity and went their way in.

Pyrrha for want of a better term, was speechless. This apartment, of which there was enough to lend to each individual person from Kuroyuri, was bigger than her family home on the mainland of Mistral. Not the private island of course. But a small family could live in one of these rooms. Not necessarily in the most comfortable way possible. But it could be done. To have so many of these that each individual person would get their own room?

It boggled the mind.

A bedroom, furnished with a comfortable bed and storage space was the first thing she noticed. A living room equipped with monitoring station and furniture for several were arrayed next to a cozy hearth. A kitchen stocked with a refrigerator along with a table for guests. In the nearby cabinets were eating utensils, plates and various other objects for cooking. Really it was more complete than anybody could have any right to request. Including a restroom with both a shower and a bath. A fully equipped laundry room, washer and drying machine. Not the newest tech available in that sense, but it was still more than serviceable.

She would happily live in a place like this. She would have been proud to bring home a special somebody if this had been her destination ( not thinking at all about a loveable blond boy with blue eyes… nope not in the slightest ). Cadia could very well offer up these rooms out and they invariably would make a fortune off the rent. Once again the typical Arc generosity left her speechless. She expected it from her beloved Partner, not necessarily every aspect of his home. Certainly not to brand new arrivals with nothing to offer in return.

"Jaune this… this is insane. This is too much, everybody is getting one of these?" Ren demanded even as he continued to survey his way around.

Again, the Knight could only shrug from the doorway "I am a bit light on the details and sure some people might request to be in the same room as another. But for the most part, yes. They will need to stock the fridge with whatever they want. But yes, if they want to have their own, it will be made available."

"How is this possible? Cadia just has all of this squirreled away until an entire village randomly drops in and requests a safe place to live?" Ren commented, his eyes wide and imploring.

Kate was the one who answered "No, Ren. This was originally a safe harbor for our citizens in the event Cadia is attacked. Be it Grimm, or another nation. If their homes outside the mountain were unsafe, they would be able to move in here comfortably. We have a fully functional underground movement system that connects to just about anywhere in our land. If they needed it, it is always available. Obviously that doesn't happen frequently, but we keep it well supplied so if they are needed, they are ready. People trying to become citizens would normally stay here until permanent accommodations are found."

Jaune took over keeping his voice calm, but his eyes bright "This city was built to withstand an eternity of war, Ren. A never ending tidal wave of Grimm. It was built such that includes safety for everybody. Would it really be so different elsewhere if another kingdom was attacked and a large portion of their population was displaced? Beacon has more living space than the students utilize for one. I cannot speak to other locations but I was not raised to believe this was rare."

Ren was struck speechless, he was unable to do more than collapse into a nearby chair when neither his girlfriend or his team leader gave him any hint they were joking.

"This is in line with what our home originally wanted to stand for folks. Not to brag, but we are very, very well off. If anything I am sorry we cannot share it even more freely. If we ever regain our independence, maybe we will be in a position to change that. The hardest part of my job right now is managing the soldiers who lost their lives defending Mistral. The material cost to Cadia is not impactful. We haven't made a habit of showing the rest of the world that is the case, but it is the truth" Jaune put forth.

Pyrrha found herself thinking back to that bedtime story, the one that had been told to her previously. About the Grimm invasion of old and Cadia's stand against the bulk of the invasions strength. She always, always trusted her Partner. She learned she could trust Katherine, and did shortly after. But, that story, was just a story, right? At least that's what she always believed. Every time she set foot in this ancient city she saw more proof of the untold courage of its people. Of the trust they displayed in the family who rules here. Even through the darkest of times, that light of hope which drove them never lessened. Only under the influence of a sick man did it temporarily change, to be righted by the family retaking control yet again.

If Jaune is representative of what a typical 'Arc Duke' stood for in their long years of having power, then she felt herself compelled to start to push for their independence right besides them. The desire is there, the ability is there, the resources and manpower are all available to make a difference. A real difference in the lives of those who need it. Politics are getting in their way, politics from many thousands of years ago.

She made a vow then to herself, not yet ready to put voice to these thoughts. But at that moment she decided something. Before her time was done she would use whatever political muscle she possessed as Mistral's Champion. The Champion who helped lead her home to victory, to force those in power to answer some very difficult but straightforward questions. Why weren't they better prepared? Why did they force those who came to aid them in their darkest hour away without so much as a thank you? Right now the only real explanation she has is that it was not a Kingdom who saved the day. But a mere province of Atlas, a province who was still in some manner of dishonor from times past. Was it ego on a national scale that is to blame that that decision?

In truth she didn't know. But at that moment, she was determined to find out. For her family, and all those they aided. She owned them that much.

"This is one of the things your dad was trying to change? Make Cadia less generous? Try to make more money, give less away? Right?" Nora asked coming back to the living room having explored the apartment.

Jaune's face tightened at the word 'dad', he quickly disguised it though. Not quickly enough to go unnoticed, but he did eventually hide it. In fact… it almost looked as though he was having a debate with himself. Odd.

"Amongst other things, yes. That was one of the aspects of our culture he wanted to change." He admitted very softly.

Nobody felt the need to interrogate the Knight at that moment, but they all noticed it.

Pyrrha was the first one to leave the apartment sending a secret smile towards Katherine before draping an arm over her boyfriend's shoulder. Giving him a playful grin and a friend tug she sung "It a truly wonderful thing that your homeland is doing for these people. You should be proud, don't let the legacy of a broken man dampen your spirits."

He gave her a sideways glance while he moved an arm around her waist "I don't let him impact me anymore. Are you going to tell me what this super secret discussion you needed to have with my twin was about?"

"Nope!"

"Course not!" They answer at the same time.

That is what he called a 'Tactical Discussion Shifter.'

"It wouldn't be super secret if they were just gonna tell you silly." Nora dictated once she was on her way out.

"Yeah she makes a good point! I don't have to tell you everything." Katherine teased with an agreeable wink.

"Well, if we are done sightseeing I believe we should head to our next stop. I think it's time to have a talk." He answered in good cheer.

Pyrrha and Katherine instantly found each other's gaze, Kate just put forth an earnest shrug. Pyrrha for her part allowed herself to be spun around and lead back towards the Hall.

Ren finally left the room looking rather dazed, leaving Katherine to lock it down.

The two partners shared a brief look. Nora, quick on her partners stunned state quietly whispered "I know Renny, I know."

Kate swiftly overtook them again following her twin out. "You two coming?" She called out from the stairwell.

"We must get that guy Nora. This is too much to go unaccounted for." He stated once he was fairly sure the only one who could hear was his oldest friend.

Nora studied him for a few seconds before angling her head to the side slightly.

"We will get him, just not at the expense of our team. Of who we are. We are Huntsmen, not assassins Renny." She met his gaze straight on, even if it was a challenging one.

Hard as it was for him to accept, she was right.

*|* Later in the upper level *|*

They had to wait for a tram to come available, for when they arrived, the station was vacant. One went on its way moments before they came around. It was no burden to them. Ren seemed to collect himself with his traditional quickness. Pyrrha's theory would likely never be confirmed, nor did she need it confirmed, but he seemed a bit out of sorts with the level of generosity being thrown his families way.

It wasn't like she didn't understand, nobody wants to feel like they just take-take-take and never give anything back. But, he was the one who suggested the village leave. In the end, they did. He couldn't have had any idea what would be awaiting them, or how they would be treated.

Then again… maybe she should suggest he speak about it? If it bothers him so much, why not?

Around this time a new tram came around, shortly after the group was on their way.

Once they got off at the stop at the top of the mountain and made their way towards where the Arc's stayed the team mostly had a singular thought.

They had most definitely entered the 'Posh' part of the family home.

The décor swiftly upgraded from extremely well done and superbly detailed to, something even more so. A few of them might have recognized the turnoff to where they stayed over winter break. The wing of the upper level where guests would stay. The group knew without even looking inside one of the doors that whatever they found inside would dwarf even the wonderful hospitality they were shown when they came here then.

The marbling and stonework inside the mountain was always done at an artisan level. But this part just, it managed the raise the bar even higher. For one it was infinitely more colorful. Rich deep blues, bright golds and several hues of reds were mixed in with the white and blacks to mix into some truly breathtaking words of art. It was a shame more people wouldn't get a chance to simply view this part of the castle. It would be a central piece in any gallery Pyrrha could name from home. To say nothing about the quality of the doors themselves…

She wasn't sure what her thoughts were witnessing it. This part seemed to clash with the Arc image of generosity. But on the other hand she knew this was an old, borderline ancient house. Naturally on the otther, Jaune wasn't the person who dictated its construction. So, she was just happy to take in the sights and allow herself to be entertained.

She definitely noticed the relived deep breath Jaune took when he pulled to a stop outside a door setting his hand on the scanner and dictated:

"Ok, here we are… my room." hearing the door open with an audible 'click'.

He looked a bit apprehensive about something… maybe he wasn't fully comfortable with showing everybody his room?

Pyrrha was unsure what she would find, but had to admit she was eager having wondered about this for a couple years now. Maybe she would find bunny pictures and statues of ancestors holding swords heroically in the air? A bunch of posters displaying women in suggestive poses like most teenagers perhaps? His private collection of Pumpkin Pete boxes, every one of them being an image of herself over the years? Or maybe just a more normal room on the whole? Maybe a monitor, a bed with some furniture? Nothing overly embarrassing about any of those options… right?

Wrong, on all counts. Hilariously so. He WAS very ill when he would have stayed here, but what that would translate too he had never hinted at.

At a single glance inside Jaune brought a hand up to his face and shook his head barely holding back a silent mumble.

His twin did much the same, only she was giggling lightly clearly amused at his embarrassment.

Once again the three other teammates went a step into the door, and froze.

"You know Jaune, I know you are the artist of the bunch… well Kate too but uhh. If I were to describe this moment… It would be the loneliest desert ever, with a single tumbleweed just floating along. No cactus, no animals, not even a sun or a sky. Just a single tumbleweed there… all lonely and wondering where its friends were at."

Oddly eloquent of her.

"Uh yeah, I cannot top that one. You win." Ren admitted smiling about as wide as any of his teammates ever saw him.

"Jaune, I knew you were a humble guy but this is uh… odd." Pyrrha commented, composed, but confused. He surely wouldn't have slept on a barren stone floor right?

The room, was vacant. Completely desolate.

"Uh yeah… I am an idiot." He admitted scratching the back of his head wryly.

"Wrong room?" Pyrrha asked grinning like a fool.

He sighed trying to hide his blush "No. No this was my room." waving for them all to follow him.

Once everybody was out he locked the door, fiercely pressing down on the pad to secure it before walking further on.

By now, Kate was giggling incessantly, showing no signs of trying to stop either.

"I don't get it." Nora advertised speaking everybody's thoughts.

The Knight sighed again "That was my room. Keyword: was. I haven't lived here as a member of the family since I ran away on my way to Beacon."

Pyrrha nodded "Yeah the last time you were here you stayed with us as a guest, I remember."

He nodded back at her "Correct, I am an idiot because I forgot I hold a title now. I am the Duke, that means I am the head of the house… as such my stuff would have been moved to the Master Bedroom. Just a bit further along this hallway…"

Pyrrha frowned… it would have been his mothers former room. It would surely be awkward for him to sleep in the same room as she did. Or at least she figured it would be. She realized with a glance at her giggling best friend, that Katherine knew this already. She said as much an hour ago, something about how his lodgings would be that of its own house. Now, Pyrrha understood why. It would not just be any room he was staying it. But it would be the best room in the mountain. After seeing what they had on offer, for free, she was completely without a reasonable thought in her head for what the Master Bedroom would be like.

"Yes Katherine, I should have came to that conclusion awhile ago… You can stop giggling now" He stated dryly.

His twin's cackling did not relent even as she chirped "Nope! I don't think I can!"

A few minutes later they came to a halt at the uppermost level within the mountain. A set of highly ornate doors was to their left, to the right was a railing. Looking down over the rail they could see all of the mountain laid out before them. Some of it was surrounded by rock, naturally not much would be gained from that. Even so those parts that were locked off from view were still decorated in a gorgeous pattern detailing what the viewer would normally be looking at. But any part that had an open roof, like the commerce district for example or the path they took to reach the master bedroom itself, everything was visible.

"Like you're the king of the world from up here eh Nora?" the Spartan inquired.

Nora was practically bouncing up and down, they could hear it already 'I'm Queen of the Castle! I'm Queen of the Castle!' practically echoing all the way down.

Above the doors was a rather extensive outer deck area.

Really all of this was just making Pyrrha more and more anxious to see what was actually awaiting them inside. She could sense Jaune's unease, but that didn't stop him from unlocking the door and holding it open for his team with his typical friendly smile.

"This time I am fairly sure I am not taking us to the wrong room." He said holding it open for them all to file in.

Pyrrha's eyes practically bugged outa their sockets once she closed the doors behind her.

This, this was more like it. If she had to use a single word to describe it, it would be homey.

Greeting her was a high ceilinged room with two distinct levels above the entry. Pillars going all the way up with distinct breakages at each level. A stairwell at the back of the room coiled up to the top. Dominating the view was single wall, the top of which the stairwell ends with. That wall contained a gorgeous hearth burning even now. Around the dust powered fire ( so there's no smoke ) was a very comfortable seating area with more casual but comfortable furniture available.

"Holy hell Jaune! This is a palace!" Nora declared already running up the stairs dragging Ren behind her.

"I think I better go with them and play guide. Join us when you are ready." Katherine declared following at a more casual rate.

Jaune waved in acknowledgement before leaning against a wall observing his girlfriend process everything.

After pulling her gaze off her best friend Pyrrha looked in the first room on the base level. Realizing she would rather do this with her Partner nearby she pushed her face outside the door and dictated "Would you mind coming along? What is this room?"

Retreating around behind once he was on his way.

Pyrrha wasted no time in energetically getting an arm around him asking her question again.

He smiled at her energy, then cleared his throat and supplied "This is an armory of sorts. Whoever was staying here would typically keep his or her armor and weapons in this room."

Pyrrha nodded "So… the Kings of old would dress themselves here, or would he have servants help him?"

The question made him hesitate. "I confess I don't know about servants. I suppose it isn't impossible to believe a few of them might have. But, recently, no. They would wear armor similar to what we have. It tends to put itself together with minimal work from our part right? Before they got that far, I suppose they might have needed help getting all that plate on."

"Just the King or… would it be a the King plus one?" She asked coyly.

Her question froze him for a few moments before giving her one of his easy smiles "I suppose that is up to who that King and whoever that plus one would be. Certainly many of the spouses lived in this room together."

She smiled right back at him in her own adorable way.

"I wish my mother would have been able to share that companionship more…"

The Spartan nodded "I am sorry, she lived her life as a servant to others. She deserved better, a better husband and a better fate."

He didn't react for a while, a wave of concern swept through her.

"Are you ok?"

He sniffed with a hard edge coming to his face briefly "It is something I wanted to talk about today. Show you the rest of the place?"

A smile and a nod was his answer.

Leading her up the stairs several rooms broke off to the side from their upwards trajectory. She didn't realize it at first but each level actually was a full circle with the stairs up taking up a smaller portion of the available walk space. The first room they came across was a monitoring station. A big setup with food storage and plenty of seating. Perfect for enjoying a game, watching a program with some snacks. Cuddling up with a special somebody over a romantic sappy movie.

'Cough cough'

Where did that one come from Pyrrha?

She shook her head ever so slightly… be patient!

Next was the dining room and kitchen. Pyrrha noted there was both a gigantic central standing location to place food down as well as a big expandable table that could comfortably seat anywhere from probably two to over twenty guests. She had to make a slight pause:

"What's that?" She asked pointing to an, empty alcove of sorts.

"We are directly above the upper level kitchens. If the ruler didn't wish to cook and simply wanted something prepared for them they would place their order and it would be delivered directly here. That stone raises and lowers. Whatever was needed would come right here."

Pyrrha blinked… and blinked again.

"Your serious? If you wanted something you just push a button, wait a few minutes and it would just be delivered right to your dining table?"

He shrugged "If I didn't want to cook something. Or if I didn't wish to visit any of the other locations where I could get food. The commerce district or the Grand Hall for example… then yeah. I could. That isn't a feature just with the Master Bedroom. All of the Families individual rooms would have that."

"The same kitchens that supplied us with snacks for our winter vacation? They would be doing that?" She asked wide eyed and adorably curious.

He blinked "Yeah... You might not have noticed the path but the Families rooms are at the top of a coil, kind of like how this room is made just on a bigger scale. We are above the guest rooms and the kitchens. They were just across the hall from where we stayed last time."

Pyrrha eagerly latched back on to him as he continued the path upwards. They passed several other rooms. A private workshop, where weapons, gear or whatever the ruler wanted to work on away from prying eyes. A private exercise or practice room, interrupted by:

"We have a public location for citizens to practice and learn if they wish. In addition we have plenty of yards setup for our military too. But it was always nice to have a place where nobody would constantly be judging you as you did your thing."

Pyrrha just smiled radiantly with a slight tease added in for good measure. "So… This is how one would live like a King."

He grinned passing other rooms as they go, walking up to the top most level. "This place is old, I don't pretend to know how everybody from the past operated. But it can be oppressive being in a position of authority. Those who resided here in the past clearly desired a place they could do anything they wanted away from prying eyes. This room, this house, has basically everything you could want. With a couple spare rooms to toss in whatever was desired."

"Yeah I am gathering that." She commented admiring each room as they walked by.

The last room before the final stairwell was the master bedroom. Pyrrha only got a brief look in, but what she saw was breath taking. Her sneak peak confirmed a large bed with a high headboard bearing the arc double crescent, plenty of thick blankets and more than enough storage space for clothing and anything else one would imagine.

"This is a wonderful home Jaune. Nora was right, it's a palace." She praised.

He shook his head "I've always thought it was ridiculous. Before I mean, when I was sick. What was the point of all this space when moving was so difficult?"

She found his eyes as he answered his own question "But, I like to think I can grow used to it. Grow used to being a figure for the people, and still maintain who I am. Maintain what I've trained for, the skills you've worked so hard to give me. This house… would allow that."

She nodded happily "Everything is so modern too. A lot of effort must have been put into continually upgrading everything over the years."

He nodded back easily "Yeah, all too true. The rough cycle we have is the best comes in to the top and gradually gets cycled down. The living quarters might not have the newest stuff but it is all functional-"

"Jaune, I know what those less fortunate have to contend with. I told you before, my family is not wealthy. What you've done for those people is a wonderful thing. If Mistral did half of what Cadia did for those less fortunate I wouldn't have near the worries that bother me about my home. Every one of those people has a future, a bright future. All they need to do is put up with some paperwork."

He grinned slightly.

"I am correct, you know that."

He nodded "I'm not disputing you. But I saw how things were in Mistral too. I was in the room when the government contacted the Marshal and demanded that we leave. It, it felt like they were more worried about their image as a nation than they were its people. A part of me wanted to defy the order. Not let them put politics above the wellbeing of their people. We had the ability to make our stance known to the public. I just… I couldn't bring myself to do it, however much I wanted too."

She blinked, feeling a rush of emotions from various angles, some of which she was unprepared for. He understood the position his homeland was in more than he let on. "Jaune, I might be getting ahead of myself here. But you will be a excellent Duke, a wonderful leader."

He looked at her somewhat amused "Excuse me?"

"I mean it. In time, I think you will do wonderful things."

He pulled her against him for a moment with a gentle motion of his arm "Thank you. I don't necessarily believe it, but thank you. A great leader wouldn't have let his worries impede his actions. I doubt a great leader would have left without an argument. Not when more good could have been done."

She hugged him back, not voicing her thoughts on the subject. She did point one thing out though "Jaune, a great leader doesn't always do what he or she wants to do. But what they must do. You can still speak out against what happened. You have not had much time to grow into the role. Give yourself some. Learn how before you expect yourself to just do it."

Their short talk took them up until they encountered the rest of their team. Nora's endless energy had her bouncing along the very walls with excitement, the opposite of Ren's more passive, yet somewhat stunned outlook.

"Jaune, by Oum, this house is something else." He said upon seeing his team leader reach the highest level.

"What is this?" He asked arms out to the side.

Katherine spun around and after sharing a look with her twin, answered happily with:

"It's whatever whoever occupies the room wanted it to be. Mom used it as a display room. She was an artist too, some of her favorite pieces were setup here."

Pyrrha nodded towards the lone door off to the side "I assume that goes to the outside deck?"

Jaune nodded next to her "Yeah, a good place to relax outside the home if needed. But, there is one feature I would like to show everybody while we are here." The Knight dictated walking towards the wall opposite the door.

"That's just a wall, right?" Nora asked finally able to cease her bouncing.

In answer Jaune opened up a cover and pressed a button.

The wall flickered, then in a methodical fashion seemed to melt away. What took its place was an utterly breathtaking image as the team found itself looking out over the mountain. Several snow covered mountains took its place. The setting sun in the background, snow twirling in the wind as far as the eye could see. The glint of sunlight capturing the view as one would have if that wall wasn't there.

Naturally at the sight of so much snow Pyrrha found herself about to shiver. She didn't, realizing that naturally, the wall didn't actually vanish. It just became translucent.

"That's the other side of the mountain?!" She gasped out.

Jaune nodded "Yeah, the balcony over there faced the entry and the city outside. This looks out behind us, so to speak."

"That's a gorgeous view. I tend to love greens and such in summer or spring. But I have to admit, snowy mountains never cease to be breathtaking." Nora commented tapping her hand on the wall with distinct 'Tink Tink Tink'.

Once the moment had passed the Knight put the button again, the stone became stone once again.

"So, you wanted to say something?" Pyrrha commented, once the snow was out of view she didn't feel compelled to hug herself so fiercely anymore.

"Actually, there was something I needed to say too." Nora input spinning around and holding out her scroll.

With a press of her finger she displayed a picture.

"It seems Weiss and Ruby are engaged, they sent us a picture to show off."

"Wait what?"

"What what?"

"What how?"

"What the who?"

"Engaged? Ruby and Weiss?"

Yeesh, it was like Nora said the broken moon reassembled somehow. Or that the White Fang is now a private army loyal to Atlas. Or that Mistral has turned away from the spear and taken up knitting. She could hardly have surprised the room more.

Nora could only scowl as the rest of her team practically stole her scroll admiring the picture. The two of them laying down in a lounge chair, holding hands. The other arms holding out their rings, chests pushed out to proudly display the wonderfully designed necklaces.

"Oh my goodness they look so happy! Look at Weiss she's smiling!"

"Yeah look at Weiss indeed, I had heard about the boot camp Ruby's mom has been putting them through. She looks in such better shape." Pyrrha commented with an appreciative nod.

"Those necklaces had to come from the Manaforge right? They are utterly stunning." Katherine claimed confidently.

Jaune nodded in confirmation. "I am happy for them. It was obvious they cared for each other but I didn't think they were anywhere near becoming engaged. Did you hear who proposed?" He asked the news-bearer.

Nora scoffed "You can read the conversation if you like. But they each came to the same conclusion. Weiss just convinced herself to ask before Ruby did. No date is set for the wedding… as you can imagine Weiss would have some hurdles to overcome."

Jaune nodded easily enough. "Yeah, she might be worried about how her family will react. But evidently she decided to move forward. Best thing we can do is be supportive."

The rest of the crew nodded, finally Nora's scroll was returned to her. They did forward the image to everybody else present, not like Nora said they couldn't but either way, act done.

"We really must have a call to congratulate them later. It is too late now I expect, but at some point before we get back to Beacon, we should group call them."

Nora chirped up "Yang and Blake got back from their sojourn to Menagerie. Everybody seems ready to get back for our final year."

"Hard to believe it's gone by so fast." Ren commented.

At that Jaune could do nothing but agree. Seemed like only yesterday he was hanging from a tree shouting 'Thank You!' to the mystery lady who probably saved his life.

A glance at the side found the redhead in question shooting him with a devilishly innocent glare. Maybe the same thought occurred to her?

A door below them opened and shut "You all here?" A female's voice broadcast.

"Up here Eve!" Jaune called out.

Katherine met his gaze "You called for Eve to join us?"

He nodded "She should hear what I have to say… you mentioned something to talk about as well?"

Katherine waited until Evangeline made her way up to the top. She had found the time to change out of her battle armor, wearing her traditional robes.

"Happy to join you but uh… what exactly am I joining?" She asked pleasantly from the door.

"Thank you for coming. Yes I have something to tell you, but I think Katherine wanted to go next."

When all eyes were back on the Ghost, Kate forced herself into a more serious demeanor.

"I had a surprise adventure today…"

She had quite the tale to tell. Starting with getting a message she assumed to come from her brother. To walking casually through the commerce district and going down a path she had never encountered before. To encountering a mystery guide who shared in her semblance. To the story of the origin of her semblance and the formation of the current Arc home. To navigating a maze inside the mountain coming to an isolated platform with an ancient artifact as its prize. She left out some details. Like the name of the one who helped her, that was something she felt obligated to keep private. Though Jaune got the distinct feeling she would share more on that subject. Her story concluded with a flash of white and blue for the briefest of moments before reappearing covered in her new armor, though 'stealth suit' might be more accurate.

"… This is the Armor of the First. He gifted me with it. Supposedly it was worn by the lead member of the Assassin bloodline at that time. In this case… me." She displayed the typical colors she was normally found wearing. Blues of several shades as well as black and white. Artistically put together, but so snug on her it left nothing to the imagination. Despite the fit, her movement was not hindered in the slightest.

She did a slight twirl just to give everybody a good look. Both males brought a hand to their face once they realized the skin tight nature of the armor… granted it was for vastly different reasons. Once she came to a stop she reverted back to her normal clothing with a second flash.

"That is incredible… just how old is that gem? For that matter I don't have a clue how that works that breaks every rule of physical materials I know! Did Cadia use MAGIC in the ancient times?! What the actual hell!? Renny! Explain it to me?!" Nora demanded as if she didn't understand the nature of the universe anymore, her rant only going more irate the longer it went on.

"I do not have a clue partner. Katherine?" He stated with his typical flat tone.

Katherine only chuckled "I am afraid I don't know how it was made… my guide either didn't, or neglected to tell me. Either way this gem… it passed on some knowledge, some understanding of my semblance. I… I am ok with it now. I don't mind being different, not anymore."

Jaune smiled, that she was telling this to the whole team was evidence of that. "I'm happy for you. Being troubled by your semblance wore on you for most of your life."

She smiled back easily "No longer."

Eve maintained her stoic countenance happy to listen to whatever the others felt the need to say. "It is good to hear somebody is still on the side of the good guys. I have never even heard of something like that existing."

Katherine smiled easily "Well, a great deal of effort has been put into it remaining a secret. Also, I should mention it has been many centuries from the last time it has been used."

"What it very well hidden? You mentioned a door, a door that reacted to your semblance?" Eve asked intrigued.

Kate nodded "My guide didn't say it outright, but I suspect unless you were under the ghost shroud, the journey would be impossible. The Assassin line has always been out of the public eye. It is pretty rare for more than one to be born per generation after all."

Evangeline nodded slowly thinking everything over "You didn't tell us the name of your guide?"

Here, Kate shook her head "No, he didn't ask me to keep it a secret, so I guess I am under no obligation to keep it one. But, I rather think it would be more polite to ask him before I announce it to everybody. Like, I get it, the knowledge can be very helpful. But he might have reasons for wanting to stay anonymous with his current role. I would want to respect that before I give something away that isn't my secret to tell."

Eve shared a look with her brother, only to receive a shrug and a nod "I trust her judgment. She's never kept anything important a secret, at least never without a good reason. If she thinks it should remain unsaid, I am inclined to agree."

At that, Eve nodded. "Ok, fair enough."

Once conversation or any comments had been said their collective gazes finally settled on the Knight.

"That's a wonderful piece of equipment you have Kate. You have earned it." Ren commented "But I think Jaune also had something he would like to talk about?"

"Yeah," Pyrrha spoke up. "Not to diminish what you experienced Katherine, but if we are ready to move on. Jaune, I believe you had something to share as well while we are all here?" Pyrrha inquired blank curiosity in her gaze.

Jaune looked to his twin first to confirm she was ready to move on. Receiving a nod he shifted his focus to the ground crossing his arms for a moment before taking a deep breath.

"I wanted to thank you all for being patient with me. I know I rather checked out for awhile. Thank you for understanding and giving me time."

"Of course man."

"Jaune, you needed to mourn, we all do that go about that differently. I am just happy to see your back to your normal self." Pyrrha commented putting a hand on his shoulder.

The group more or less supported those who spoke up.

After a few moments of silence, Jaune pulled out his scroll.

"I did have help coming around, and I think it is time for me to come clean on that. Ozpin himself had some very interesting things to say. Hearing them, it really helped me out. I could talk about it but… I feel it would stick more if you heard it from the headmaster himself."

He set his scroll down, selected the appropriate recording, and pushed play.

Nobody had heard the Headmasters speech to his son. Nobody was aware that Jaune had a copy of the conversation years ago with his mother. Who also happened to be a lover of the Headmaster.

Jaune allowed himself some entertainment. Seeing his friends facial expressions go through various stages of bewilderment, disbelief or other similar feelings. His eldest sister in particular just had a gaping 'OH' expression. His twin mirrored his own reaction to the news. Pyrrha, actually looked happy. So happy that her eyes began to water.

Once the message had been delivered he put away his scroll… and awaited the storm of questions he figured was about to come.

"Well… holy shit." Eve stated still visibly stunned. More than stunned… she seemed angry. Sad too, like she couldn't decide if she should be furious, or just start to cry. Obviously, he had just revealed the truth of her own parentage, not just his own.

Jaune just blinked… she cursed… Eve cursed? She knew curse words? Wow, she must really be shocked. He closed the distance and pulled her into a hug "Hey, this was a shock to me too."

She buried her face in his neck trying to maintain her composure.

Pyrrha wiped the tears from her eyes before saying "I… think… I… " She thinks it's wonderful that Jaune doesn't have anything to do with James Masters. She thinks it's wonderful he still has a parent who can, and has, looked after him. She's relieved at knowing what it was that helped set him straight when he seemed beyond the reach of any of their friends.

She wasn't able to finish, or properly word it. She hoped her smile would be enough.

"Ozpin, is your father…" Ren commented with a grin. With a few sure steps he gave Jaune a hearty swat on the back.

"You know, I can see it. I never saw any of Masters in you Jaune. Never once. I've seen him in your sisters. Lissette first and foremost. But you? No, I never really believed you were related to him. You couldn't be, you are more opposites than you and your twin. Keep your head high, you have nothing to be ashamed for."

Jaune supplied a grateful nod.

"I'm ok… Thank you but I am ok. I, understand why you called me here now. I needed to hear that. Do you intent to share it with the rest of us?" Eve asked wiping her face free of tears pulling away from him briefly.

Jaune shook his head. "In truth I don't know but I am thinking no. Do you think I should?"

She thought about it "I think we should consider it. I don't know how they will all react. But a part of me thinks that they have a right to know. Even if it might reflect poorly on mom, that is why you are thinking otherwise?"

With a nod he confirmed "I think they should know in time. Just… I feel we should wait a bit before that moment."

"For what it's worth, I agree. Mom passed not that long ago and you haven't really settled into the role yet. Let's give time for the dust to settle, then we can tell them in a more comfortable setting." Katherine stated from her twins shoulder.

Eve took a deep breath. "Well, if you two agree, that is good enough for me. In time we can tell them. It, will probably take me some time to come to terms with this. I still, James Masters is not my father. For thirty years the man lied to me…"

She shook her head, not sure what more to say of substance.

With the family talk slowing up considerably Nora took the time to interject:

"Of course you know what this means Renny?" She stated sounding distinctly off kilter.

"Hmm?" He inquired.

She stood and rubbed her hands together "I can break his legs now and not feel bad about him being Jaune's dad! Oh this is so freeing!"

She looked around, seeing all eyes on her "Well, congratulations Kate on the shiny-remnant-rule-breaking-gem. Congrats you three on having a decent father, but I deem it time to seek out more pancakes." Suddenly she was zooming her way down and out…

"Guess she has decided a couple dozen pancakes was not enough." Ren stated pushing off from the wall.

Then with a glance at each of his teammates "I would repeat her sentiments, but somehow that doesn't seem like enough. You all deserved so much more than Masters. With Ozpin, I hope you both will find a worthy father. Eve, good to see you. But I will be seeing myself off."

He set a hand on both Katherine ( to whom he placed a kiss on the cheek) and later Jaune's shoulders on his way out.

"Nora wait up!" He called out exiting at a run.

"He is never going to catch her." Eve stated with both a sniff and a smile.

"Nope, she's always been more than he can handle." Jaune admitted.

"You three…." Pyrrha began to speak up, her eyes were wet again despite her intentions.

"You three have done so much good for others, I always knew you couldn't have anything to do with that sick man. Even if I wish your parents were upfront about your parentage from the start, you deserve some peace with that whole mess."

She finally cleared her tears again and stood with a sunshine like smile angling her head to the side looking at each in turn.

"Do, do you want to be alone for a bit? I can go back to my family if you like?"

Jaune shook his head "No… If anybody else has more to say, I am happy to listen. It is more than fair with how patient you all have been with me. But I have said what I needed to say. I think we can leave and get back to your family. They are probably curious what we have been up too."

After each of the team shared a glance, they started to work their way out. Pyrrha found herself sandwiched between the playful embrace of the twins. Giggling happily and putting an arm around each of them.

Eve found herself looking at her brother in a slightly different light. Maybe, for the first time she didn't see a goofy underprepared baby brother. She saw a potential ruler she could respect. Somebody who understood the power invested in him and would not abuse it for personal gain. Then, smiling to herself, she followed the trio on their way out.

Once out they found themselves walking back towards the Grand Hall. Though, the plans for the last few days before their journey back to Beacon were laid down. Amongst them the plans for a certain portrait between a raven haired girl and redheaded anxious but excited lady were set. First thing after tomorrows practice and exercise… it would happen.

A/N

So has somewhat broke for me. I have not been able to respond to any reviews. I still would like to hear your thoughts, and I will respond as soon as the site itself cooperates.

Thanks for your patience.

-Sean