Chapter Text
Menagerie arc
"LEAVE HIM ALONE!" Jaune cringed and rubbed the tears from his eyes, thankful that someone was standing up for him. His first day of school was not going how he dreamed it would, not at all. He was the only human in school, and only one of two on Menagerie. Sniffling to himself Jaune sulked away to a desk in the corner, his protector following, glaring over her shoulder at the now embarrassed crowd.
Blake Bella-something was her name, a black-haired, amber-eyed, cat faunus. She had stood between him and the other kids as they teased him for his human-ness. "Are you ok?" She asked, wide eyed. "Y-yeah, th-thank you," Jaune bit out, staring at the desk. Blake gave an indignant 'hmpf' at his response and dropped into the seat next to his. "My mommy said only jerks make fun of others," Blake declared. Jaune hummed in response.
"My mommy said the same thing," Jaune agreed. His step mom actually said that, but with no memories of his birth mother she fit the bill well enough. "You said in the ice breaker that you moved here last year?" Blake was quick to ask. "Yeah, after my littlest sister was born," Jaune was a little happier. That would be Ash, his third sister and currently one of his two younger siblings.
"What kind of faunus is your mom?" Blake continued her game.
"A horse faunus, with the ears!" Jaune held up his hands to mimic an extra set of ears.
"Do you have siblings?"
"Yeah, three sisters, but mom says there'll be another one soon."
"I always wanted a sister."
"You can come see mine!"
"Why don't you have horse ears?" Blake asked innocently. Jaune froze, and looked down at the table once more. "Dad says mom's not the one who gave birth to me, and Saphron once said dad's not her dad, but mom says she's my mom no matter what." A guilty look covered Blake's face. She was quick to give him a hug. "Well, I think you're cool without horse ears!" She leaned back after her newest declaration.
"I Think your cat ears are pretty cool too," Jaune offered back. Blake gave him a another toothy smile, and held out her hands like the adults did. "I'm Blake, want to be my friend?" Jaune staired at the offered hand, then quickly shook it with his own. "I want to be friends too!"
Just like that, a friendship was formed.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Years later, in the summer after sixth grade, Jaune reminisced on his best friend. Him and Blake had been inseparable since kindergarten; sitting next to each other in class, playing together at recess, and visiting each other's houses for sleep overs. They were thick as thieves, peas in a pod, and so many other similes they learned in literature. Mrs. Kali had even told him he had an 'open invitation' and his mom let Blake know the same thing. At least when the Belladonnas weren't overseas.
The first family of Menagerie were still very active in the faunus rights scene. About once a year they'd take a working vacation to support their beliefs. Jaune missed his best friend during those periods, but she always had so many cool stories when she came back.
Though this time they had come back with more than just a story.
Adam Taurus was a boy a few years older than Jaune, and a victim of the Atlas mining industry. He wore an eyepatch to cover up what had happened to him, and he was... distrustful of humans to say the least. He still refused to look Jaune in the eye or even talk to him. It made things awkward considering the Belladonnas had taken him in, at least until they found him a foster family. "What 'cha thinking about?" Blake asked from behind her book. Jaune looked up from his own, letting out a slow huff. "It's Lilac and Jasmine's birthday next week, I still haven't gotten them a gift." Blake hummed and set down her book. "I know when you're lying." Shi-shucks, Blake knew him just as well as he knew her. "It's Adam, I think he hates me," Jaune spoke truthfully.
Blake hummed again and scooted closer. "He doesn't hate you Jaune, he's just nervous around humans," She reassured. Jaune looked down at the bed, trying to articulate his thoughts. "I know, its just, I don't know, awkward every time I see him." Blake gave a sigh and set a comforting hand on Jaune's shoulder. "Its okay Jaune, just give him time, besides, he'll be going to high school soon."
A slow creak from Blake's bedroom door made them both look over. Blake's dad, Ghira, had half of his massive frame leaning in, a semi-worried smile on his kind face. "How's the reading going kids?" He was staring at Jaune. "I'm two chapters ahead, so I was waiting for Jaune to catch up," Blake answered. Mr. Ghira stepped fully in, maintaining his smile. "Oh? Do you mind if I sit in?"
"Daaaaaad!" Blake complained.
Ever since they started middle school Jaune had noticed Blake's dad and his mom got a little weird about them hanging out alone. At home mom didn't let him and Blake hang out in his room with the door closed. The Belladonna's were less strict, but Mr. Ghira would check up on them every half hour.
"Come on, your old man just wants to hang with the cool kids," Ghira bantered. Jaune watched Blake roll her eyes, and try to physically push her dad out. Blake was about average height for a middle school girl, that being barely at the Belladonna patriarch's waist. The difference in size was comical, as was the sight of Blake's socked feet sliding against the ground in her effort. "Are you harassing the kids dear?"
Mrs. Kali entered without much noise, despite the tray and tea set in her hands. The Belladonna Matriarch saddled up to her husband and delivered a quick kiss, earning a gag from Blake. "How about some tea for our intrepid readers?" Kali set the tray down on Blake's bed, then grabbed the pot. Jaune set his book to the side and crossed his legs. Blake quickly maneuvered her way to where her pillows were while Ghira pulled up a chair to the foot of the bed and Kali sat next to him. The Mother cat faunus poured everyone a cup and the group settled in.
The tea was amazing.
"So what book are you guys reading?" Kali asked. "A man with one soul, it's a prequal to another book we read," Blake responded between sips of tea. "Hm, Do you know there's a dance next weekend?" Kali followed up. The dance was part of the summer festival, a local band would set up in the city square and a clearing would be set up as a dance floor. "Yeah, me and Jaune were gonna have our book club instead."
"How about you hang out there, so I can finally teach you how to dance," Kali implored. "But mom, we're having book club!" Blake whined. Kali gave her daughter a pointed look, making Blake deflate with a huff. "Fine, but you and dad better dance too," Blake caved, knowing her mother wasn't actually asking. "Trust me, he will," Kali shot a smirk over to her husband, earning a cough in return. "Jaune dear, are you going with your parents?" Kali switched targets. "I guess, but I'd have to split baby sitting with Saphron."
The Arc Clan had nearly doubled since coming to Menagerie. It felt like every other year Jaune got to welcome a new member to his family. Sadly though, he didn't have a single brother. Nope, just seven sisters, all of them with equine ears and a penchant for running around. Being the only boy meant that he was naturally singled out for most things. Things like homework, or walking to the market he was fine helping with. But dress up and dance? The latter was cute, but having seven girls force him into a dress was terrifying.
But he was getting off topic.
Jaune loved his family very much.
"How're your parents Jaune?" Ghira was quick to continue the conversation. "Uh, Dad just got back last night, and mom's been working out more." Both of his parents were huntsmen, though his mom had semi-retired to take care of her family. Dad was still active, and usually took short bounties on the island, though sometimes he had to go to Vale or Mistral. "Oh? well I'll ask June if she doesn't mind taking on a gym partner," Kali replied.
--
A week later the festival had arrived, and Jaune was having the time of his life. Saphron had agreed to watch over their younger siblings during the dance, so Jaune was free to enjoy. Blake energetically dragged him to the dance floor. Her mother had been giving her dance lessons all week and she was eager to show them to him.
They were... something alright.
Blake was naturally agile, though that innate trait didn't seem to translate very well to her dancing skills. Blake danced like a fish trying to get back to water, but her enthusiasm was undeniable. Jaune was a little better, after all his many sisters borrowed him for dance practice. Either was he was having fun, so was Blake, and that's all that mattered.
There was just one damper though.
Adam.
The older boy was sitting on the sidelines giving Jaune a one-eyed glare. It didn't help that a small group of hangers on had joined in.
Back when Jaune had first moved to Menagerie he had been the most interesting thing around. Humans were an extreme rarity on the faunus island, most human visitors being the few sailors that were allowed shore leave from the trading ships. Not all the attention was hostile, most were just curious. It took a few years for the novelty that was Jaune and his dad to wear off, but ever since the second grade the average faunus had gotten used to them.
However, there was still the radicals. The ancient survivors of the human-faunus war, the human-haters, and those wronged on the continents. Being a huntsmen lent the senior Arc male a high degree of immunity, but Jaune had to rely on his endorsement from the Belladonnas and his mother. Usually, the radicals had enough common sense to look the other way, but Adam seemed to rally them. They were always just a little more obvious in his presence.
The bullies at school got a little mouthier, the geezers found more creative words, and the disgruntled adults gave harsher looks. Thankfully Blake was usually by his side, and more than willing to give everyone an earful. It also helped that she made sure names got reported to momma Arc and Mrs. Belladonna.
As if sensing his thoughts Blake gave Jaune a small pout, demanding he pay attention to her. Shaking his head Jaune brought himself back into the present. Blake was his bestie for a reason. With her he could face anything.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Middle School had passed in a blur for Jaune. Him and Blake had been able to line up their schedules almost exactly every year, and had managed the same for freshmen year. Though Blake had started taking huntress prep on the side.
Menagerie lacked any true preparatory academies like the mainland. Instead, anyone interested in becoming a huntsmen or huntress took extra curricular classes provided by the local veterans. As much as Jaune wanted to join in, his parents wouldn't let him. So, he usually just showed up to the after school portion of the classes to cheer on Blake. Something his long time friend appreciated.
Though she seemed to appreciate Adam's support more.
An ugly feeling pooled in Jaune's gut whenever he thought of the bull faunus.
Adam was top of the class, as a senior he was allowed to mentor the freshmen. Adam always seemed to be helping out Blake, even when there were others who needed it more. Always close, always giving pointers, and always earning himself a smile. It didn't help that Blake drank in the attention. Jaune didn't like to think of himself as jealous. Just... it hurt. Blake spent more time with Adam after class, to the point of calling off their book club some weeks. Every time Jaune reminded himself that Blake was her own person, and he didn't own her, and all the other standard things. As her friend he should be happy for her, she was enjoying herself.
But his heart wouldn't listen.
It certainly didn't help that he'd been harboring a not-so-small crush on his childhood friend since seventh grade. He didn't act on it, too afraid that it would ruin their friendship, and even now he still remained polite, even when Adam poked him.
"What's got you so down?" Jaune looked up from his homework to meet his mother's concerned stare. June Arc stood above him, clad in her track suit, equine ears pointed towards him. "I don't know, Just feeling tired I guess," Jaune gave the standard lie. His mom hummed in response and took the chair opposite to his. "Are Adam's cronies giving you a hard time again?" Jaune sighed, knowing that he just earned himself an interrogation.
Adam had become the corner stone for all the bullies and racists at school. He was careful not to say anything directly about Jaune, especially not in the presence of Blake, but that didn't stop his friends. Jaune had received more than a few mean notes on his locker, with a bevy of mean words in the halls. Blake was quick to step in, when she was around. That was slowly becoming less and less. Blake spent more time with Adam between classes now.
"They haven't done anything too out of pocket, and Saphron really can't afford another suspension," Jaune almost pleaded with his mother. Saphron was also a senior, one who didn't abide anyone picking on her younger siblings. Students, janitors, lunch ladies, it didn't matter, Saphron would put belt to ass all the same. "Hmmm, I'll be sure to drop by," His mom cracked her knuckles.
It appears momma bear was coming out, or rather momma horse.
"I have something to cheer you up," His mom stood up and disappeared to the coat closet. She pulled out white formal shirt with Black slacks. "I got you some new clothes for homecoming, plus me and Kali got you and Blake matching corsages!" Jaune had to stifle a wince. "uhm, Adam already asked out Blake," Jaune muttered to his book. His mother's ears were more than keen enough to hear however, and he watched as they flicked to the side in her confusion.
"And she said yes?"
"Yeah."
Jaune heard his mom re-hang his new clothes, then slowly trot back to him. He could understand her confusion. Him and Blake had gone to every school event together since elementary. It was another pang in his chest, but, well, there really wasn't anything he could do. Before he realized it Jaune found himself in a hug, a tight one, with a hand slowly rubbing his back. His face felt warm, his vision grew blurry, his breath stuttered, and he cried.
Was this what losing a friend felt like?
-----
Jaune really didn't know why he still went to homecoming. Most of his other friends had elected to stay home or hang out elsewhere. That left him standing in the corner, alone, with a plastic cup of cheap punch to keep him company. Adam and Blake had arrived together, then quickly found their way to the center of the dance floor. Blake hadn't even looked at him. Ilia, his one other friend who had decided to come, disappeared not long after their arrival.
Some of the other freshmen, the ones he had been around since elementary, kept giving him pitying looks, a few even looked at Blake in confusion. Beyond that, Jaune doing a great wallpaper impression since no one had actually talked to him yet. But he could sense a storm brewing.
The White Fang had undergone a shift last year after the Belladonnas stepped down. Sienna Khan and the Fennecs had taken over and they weren't the most tolerant of humans. After that there was an influx of faunus from the mainland, ones who had been hurt in Atlas or discriminated against in Mistral. They didn't have the highest opinion of humans, a sentiment their families shared.
Jaune was a prime candidate for their discontent. Most of them joined the White Fang, while their kids joined Adam's gang. Said gang was orbiting their leader, sending Jaune smug looks. He could see that Adam had gotten Blake one of those cors-flower-things, and had a matching one on his chest. The bull faunus nodded and a thumb-like underling with goat horns broke orbit to make his way towards the lonely Arc.
Taking a breath Jaune braced himself.
An additional trio of bruisers peeled off too, making a growing portion of the attendees start shooting each other nervous glances. The thumb with horns got as close to Jaune as he could without touching him, the three extras doing their part to cage him in. "What's up smooth skull? You look a little lonely," The taller boy's breath reeked like spoiled milk. "You should socialize a little, make a few friends," The goat faunus chuckled as he slapped Jaune on the back, making his drink slosh over the rim.
"After all, your little kitten won't be looking after you anymore." The three bruisers chuckled, adding their own jeers. "I'll help ya out, red would look much better on you." Before Jaune could jerk back a massive hand slapped his cup from underneath, spilling punch all over his front. The surrounding bullies laughed to each other as they slunk away, leaving Jaune to see every set of eyes had been watching him.
Including a familiar set of ambers.
Jaune locked eyes with Blake, pleading. All for her to look away, ears flat on her head.
Before he knew it, Jaune was out the door, running down the street towards his house. He didn't know what time he got back, but his parents were in the living room, watching a movie. His mother had taken half a look at him before she was on her feet and pulling him into a hug. He had never heard his father cuss so loud. The rest of his sisters were quick to see what was going on.
None of the Arcs went to sleep until late that night.
----
Neither Jaune nor Saphron had attended school for a week post homecoming. For Jaune it was because couldn't bear to show his face after that humiliation. For Saphron? She earned herself another suspension after beating that goat faunus black and blue.
Mom and dad Arc were on the war path. Jaune's mother had nearly laid hands on an ignorant teacher. His dad had almost ripped the door off of Adam's foster house, and had a very long talk with the bull faunus. Worst of all, Jaune hadn't seen Blake since the dance, neither had her parents. Kali was between worried and upset at her daughter, Ghira was about ready to have their principal fired.
Two weeks later Blake had snuck in through his window, marking her first appearance since the dance.
"H-Hey."
Jaune didn't know what to say, what to feel. "I really can't stay long, but this is goodbye." Goodbye? She just got here. "What do you mean? What's going on? Are you alright?" Jaune stood up, resting a hand on her shoulder. "I'm fine, just, I... joined the White Fang," Blake backed away, so did Jaune. "What?" He couldn't believe this, the fang was more anti human than ever. "There's so much wrong out there, and no one besides them is doing anything about it," She justified, pleaded really.
"Things are bad out there for faunus, every day my people face discrimination," Blake took a quick breath, steadying herself. "I know as a human it doesn't really affect you, but your kind did that to Adam, to so many others."
Who was this? Blake didn't talk like this.
"Really?" Jaune was angry now. "My kind? Like me?" Like Jaune took a step forward, Blake took one back, cat ears flattening. "It doesn't affect me? What the fuck Blake." Jaune was pissed. "Did you forget about the dance, about how Adam's little gang keeps picking on me!" Blake swallowed and looked away, balling her fists. "You can't see it Jaune, but Adam showed me, his eye, it was branded, and he said there were others like him!" She pushed him.
As part of the hunter prep course students had their Auras unlocked, Aura enhanced strength by a significant factor.
Jaune felt his feet leave the floor, he reached back to try and catch his fall. His wrist hit the ground first, it gave out as soon as the rest of his weight joined it. Jaune couldn't really feel it though, there was a ringing in his head that was blocking out everything. He hardly noticed when his door burst open. His mom had her old lever gun in hand, and a furious look in her eyes.
Blake jumped out his window before the door bounced off the wall.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Highschool wasn't going great for Jaune.
He had spent the remainder of freshmen year in a cast. Sophomore year had been split between physical therapy and dodging a certain group in the halls. Junior year held a marked uptick in dirty looks out in town. As for Senior year? He spent that inside for the most part. The White Fang had doubled down on human hate, they kept bringing in refugees from the continents to ramp up support. Jaune did his best to keep his head low, thankfully the people he grew up around didn't care too much.
But the people moving in did. Jaune could deal with it though, he had learned not to care what a bunch of strangers thought about him.
Currently he was hiding halfway up the stairs, not daring to move a muscle, muffling his breath.
Sienna Khan herself was paying his mother a visit, and he wanted to hear every word. "You look worn out June," Sienna said by way of greeting. "The joys of motherhood, you should try it," His mother huffed. "I assume you're not here to catch up?" Jaune could here chairs sliding, then two people sitting. "No, sadly, I just wanted to talk to you about your family," Sienna continued.
Something heavy and metallic was laid on the table. "What about them?" June sounded dangerous. "Nothing too serious, just some advice," Sienna's tone was light hearted despite the threat. "There's plenty of work for Arthur on the mainland, and the schools there would be much more accommodating for Jaune." Jaune heard a chair slide, his mom sounded close to murder. "Me and my husband have done more for this island, for our people, than you or your cronies ever have, we're staying where we are."
Sienna gave a mirthless chuckle. "June please, you and your daughters are upstanding faunus, respected members of the community, everyone would be more at ease if Arthur and his son went abroad." Another chair slid. "Get out of my house," There was a brittle calmness to his mother's words.
Jaune heard the front door open and close, then his mom give a weary sigh. He tiptoed as quietly up the steps as he could, sneaking back to his room. He could tell that Sienna gave an ultimatum, one that he wasn't sure his mother could ignore.
Well, time to find out if it wasn't too late to become a huntsmen.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Ilia of all people knew how to forge documents, she was quite good at it too. Jaune studied a copy of his fake transcripts. According to these he had passed with average grades from a small preparatory academy in southern Mistral. There were even official looking numbers, references, and even a seal water marked in the background. His forged transcripts were evidently good enough to earn a letter of acceptance from Beacon, a letter he couldn't show to his parents. Instead, Jaune had Ilia forge a letter of acceptance from Vale University.
Evidently that was good enough for them to get excited.
"I'm so proud of you son," Jaune's dad gave him a crushing handshake, then a debilitating slap on the back, before pulling him into a suffocating hug. "I knew you were smart!" His dad almost cried. "I think his eyes are about to pop out Arthur," His mother teased. All the Arcs were gathered, all except Saphron that is, she was in Argus for her apprenticeship. "Look at him, using his brain, not his back!"
A minute without much breath passed before Jaune's dad released him. The junior Arc felt himself inflate like an accordion, stealing enough air before his mother reeled him in. After her was a group hug from his sisters. Before he was sat down on the couch.
"You never told us you applied," His dad brought out a beer, and a cigar. The latter was plucked away by the senior most horse faunus in the room. "I didn't want to get anyone's hopes up," Jaune played the humble card. He cracked open the beer and took a sip, powering through the bitter taste. "Vale U... had a couple of buddies who went there, when me and your mom were in Beacon."
His dad, mom, and birth mom had all gone to Beacon, now Jaune was returning to his parent's alma mater. "Shoot that was what, twenty-five years ago now?" his dad turned to his mom. "Don't remind me," His mother looked away.
Framed up with the rest of the family photos was the Arc parent's graduation picture, where everyone was in their fighting costumes. Arthur Arc had kept up the family theme of knights, wearing plate armor with chain mail. June Arc leaned more into the wild west aspect of horses. She was dressed as a old-fashioned cowgirl, her wide brimmed hat even had cutouts for her equine ears.
"Come on now, you hardly look a day older than when we graduated." Jaune's mother rolled her eyes but still gave her husband a smile. Several of his sisters gagged. "Now, how about some steak for dinner, and maybe I'll break out some whiskey for you too?" His dad stood up.
Jaune laughed along, not truly feeling the merriment. He didn't think he'd be able to relax until he was finally at Beacon.