Playing For Keeps - Ch 53 (Adv) - Familia And Family (Patreon)

A/N: Yes, part of this advance chapter is text from last time; I decided it flowed better like this. There is still new stuff in here.

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I didn’t bother knocking this time, pushing the front door open and making my way back upstairs, spending the MP on a minute of [Fox’s Cunning] as I tried to sort out what I knew.

If this is Bia’s mom — which the identical eyes certainly suggest — then who’s Selena? I definitely thought she and Allan were wearing matching wedding bands… A quick glance confirmed that Lorelei’s ring also matched theirs, except it was even more elaborate. Wait, that’s right, I keep forgetting polycules are normal on Remnant. Even though here I am meeting her family when I have a girlfriend. So I guess the simplest answer is that they’re all married?

As soon as we stepped back into the dining room, Lorelei stepped away because Bia was immediately at my side and checking me over. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

I allowed it, smiling, and then lifted her chin so she’d look at me. “I’m fine,” I repeated. Then, raising my voice for the entire room to hear, I added, “I’ll admit the sucker punch caught me by surprise, but my grandmother hits harder than that.”

Vi snorted, but it was Lorelei’s chuckles that drew Bia’s attention. “Mama!” She straightened up hurriedly and brushed her hair back. “I wasn’t sure when to expect you.”

Cute. Feeling mischievous, I leaned over and pecked Bia on the cheek, saying, “Thanks for looking out for me.” Her face flamed, making her mother laugh even harder.

“Hello again, my little soldier,” said Lorelei, rising onto her toes to kiss her daughter’s other cheek. “Sorry to keep you waiting. I think there was someone you were hoping to introduce?”

Bia cleared her throat, Huntress training obviously letting her compartmentalize her embarrassment. “Ahem. Yes. Mama, this is Jaune, Sienna’s younger brother. Jaune, this is my mother Lorelei née Alexandria.”

“Pleasure to meet you properly,” I shook her hand, careful not to squeeze too hard. Now that we were in better light, it was even harder to believe Lorelei was Bia’s mother rather than her sister. Aside from a few tiny lines around her eyes, and having a willowy hourglass build rather than a muscular one, she resembled her daughter even more closely than Vi and Olivia did each other. At even the least generous estimate, I could believe she was no older than thirty… which was patently absurd considering I knew Bia was twenty-one. Lorelei looks younger than Thetis, and her Aura doesn’t even seem to be unlocked. Talk about aging gracefully… “I hope I didn’t accidentally shower you in glass or splinters,” I added.

“Fortunately not.” Instead of releasing my hand, Lorelei pulled me in for a hug. “It’s so nice to meet you, and I hope we can chat some more, but I think I’ve held up dinner long enough. Thank you for delaying, Jeanne,” she added to Grandma.

Circling the table, Lorelai kissed Grandma on the cheek as well. Jeanne’s face remained impassive as she signalled for the main course of lamb shank and rice baked with tomatoes and onions. Lorelei settled between Selena and Allan, who had shifted over to the space next to Olivia.

So she’s the Alexandria… and I guess they’re both married to her? I pondered. But the family name is still patronymic for some reason? I think I remember that polygamy is de jure not allowed, but de facto practiced and accepted, so maybe it’s got something to do with that…

A few minutes later, the butler who’d let me in earlier returned with a ladder and a sheet that he quickly tacked up over the broken window.

Bia and I also returned to our seats, and were offered a choice of wines. Not having the first clue about pairing, I deferred to her, and we ended up with an earthy, acidic red that nicely complemented the rich meat. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Anicetus eyeing me over his refilled stein, but he didn’t speak, and I’d said already everything I wanted to say to him, so the dinner proceeded in relative peace.

Finally, Lorelei turned to me, “So Jaune, with the time you’re spending here, are you thinking of transferring to Haven? Or perhaps moving to Mistral after you graduate?”

“Not particularly,” I replied, trying the wine again. Really is a good match for the lamb. “Maybe if I couldn’t finish at Beacon for whatever reason — knock on wood.” Because I’m trying damn hard to make sure that doesn’t happen. “As for after graduation, I suspect I could live anywhere… but I think Mistral would probably be my second choice of Kingdom after Vale. More than anything, I’d want to discuss it with whoever I’m seeing.”

Allan nodded, beaming. “Well-considered,” he said. “I’m from Argus myself, but I’ve visited Vale many times. Selena and I were married there, in fact. The climate there is so nice it’s honestly unfair.”

“I’ve only visited once, when I was little,” said Bia. “I’m quite looking forward to seeing it again this Autumn.”

“Oh? Are you visiting soon?” I grinned. “You didn’t mention that.”

“Yes, General Ironwood mentioned that the Academies were considering sponsoring an exchange program, and asked for a team of Specialists to accompany him.”

Oh good, Ozpin did end up pitching that idea to the others. I had meant to follow up on that… Mental note, remember to ask what the plan is and make sure I can access the pod in the basement.

[Mental note added! Reminder set!]

“Since Winter is his adjutant and will be attending regardless, and Sienna could take the chance to visit home, we volunteered. I intended to bring it up, but Saturday evening ended up a bit distracting.”

“I hope you used protection,” Lorelei giggled.

Bia spluttered, but I replied, “Of course! I use a shield, and Bia borrowed my gun.”

Selena’s lips twitched. “It’s good that you’re hard to rattle; it will serve you well on and off the battlefield.”

“Mothers…” Bia groaned.

“Oh please, you can hardly blame us for prodding a little,” Lorelei grinned at her daughter. “Everyone you’ve ever dated besides Winter was intimidated by either the Familia, Selena, or you. You deserve better than that.”

“I have to agree, you do deserve better,” I said, patting Bia’s hand. “Although I hope you know my own Familia ties have nothing to do with it. I’d want to pursue you even without the Roma backing me, and my family knows they can get behind me or get out of my way.”

“That’s the Arc in you,” Grandma quipped drily. “Your father once told me he didn’t give a damn if I supported him or not, because your mother’s opinion was the only one that mattered to him. That directly contributed to me giving my blessing.”

Someday I’d like to meet the Jack Arc who says things like that, instead of cracking stupid jokes and failing to read the room, I mused, only barely suppressing the urge to say it out loud. I suppose I can try not ignoring the next time he calls. Maybe if I just hang up whenever he gets annoying, I can train him to stop?

Aloud, I added, “Besides, at the time we met, Bia was lifting twice what I was on her light days. If I was intimidated by things being stronger than me, I wouldn’t be out Hunting Named Grimm.” Or taunting Raven and Anicetus, but let’s not bring that up.

“I quite agree,” Lorelei’s eyes sparkled just like her daughter’s as she reached over to squeeze Selena’s biceps, eliciting an eyeroll and a slight blush from the stoic Huntress.

After I filled her in on why I was in Mistral to begin with, Lorelei was quick to announce, “Whatever help you need, let us know — if it’s something the Alexandria can provide, consider it yours.”

Anicetus shifted in his seat, but didn’t say anything, so I supposed he tacitly agreed. Corrupt or not, his family’s business is keeping the peace. Having Callows around is bad for everybody.

“I’ll let you know,” I agreed. “I didn’t have time to float my idea to Qrow, so it’s possible he’ll shoot it down, but I think it has potential.” Outside, I sensed Qrow fluttering over to stand on the sill of the broken window, hidden by the sheet, so I went on, “The rough idea is to visit a hospital or two as a volunteer and ply my Semblance. With luck, he’ll catch wind and try to intercept me in between stops.”

“There’s a risk of someone at the hospital being injured,” Bia pointed out.

“I know, and I’m hoping Qrow and Leonardo can help us come up with a way to mitigate that, or I might have to hold off on the hospital visit until after Callows is dealt with.”

“So you’re planning to visit the hospital regardless?” asked Lorelei.

“Of course. I can’t fix everything, but that’s no reason not to heal everyone I can. Being a Huntsman is about more than just destroying Grimm; we’ve gotta raise spirits and spread hope or the damned things will just keep coming.”

“Indeed.” Something I couldn’t identify shifted in Selena’s gaze, but her tone seemed approving when she added, “It often takes Hunters years beyond their Academy graduation to grasp that.”

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Dinner was eventually cleared away, Anicetus kept his silence, and the rest of the conversation lightened as we enjoyed a dessert of pears poached in red wine, served over vanilla ice cream. Afterward, the butler pulled back Grandma’s chair and she led us to a sitting room. Anicetus excused himself gruffly, leaving without another word to me but pausing to give Bia a staggering clap on the back and thank her for participating in yesterday’s parade.

The mood, while not exactly morose over dinner, nevertheless lightened considerably as we sat down in the lounge. Grandma perched herself in a winged armchair, Bia’s parents settled onto a sofa, and my sisters took a loveseat, leaving a second loveseat for me and Bia. Well, I wouldn’t have insisted, but as it just shakes out that way… I sat down beside her close enough that our shoulders brushed.

“So Jaune, I understand from Bia that your ambition is to exterminate the Named?” Selena asked me. “You do realize that the ‘easy pickings’ are now gone.”

“I’m aware,” I agreed. “Researching and strategizing for the rest of them is an ongoing project. Aside from Monstra, their territories and tactics aren’t a complete unknown, and Professor Ozpin seemed willing to consult when I last discussed it with him. After dealing with two of them unprepared, and experiencing the difference made by having a squad with me to kill Amphivena, I wouldn’t want to go after any of the others without at least a little prep work.”

“And backup, I should think,” Allan put in.

“Definitely.” I nodded. “The more Hunters I meet, the more I find people who’ve been affected by at least one of them. I’ll be counting on my team, and they know it, but obviously I won’t turn any help away.”

“I think it’s very admirable,” said Bia. “‘Easy pickings’ or not, this is the most Named that have been dead at once in fifty years, and that was a coincidence rather than a coordinated effort.”

“True,” Selena conceded. “I was merely indicating the dangers of being frivolous in such an undertaking.”

“I have a fairly good estimation of my abilities,” I said modestly. “I’m getting better all the time, but I’m a long way from soloing any titans if I don’t have to. Having Bee and Amber along for Amphivena made a huge difference in how that fight went. As big as it was, I wouldn’t have predicted it was that damn fast, and it would probably have gotten away.”

Vi snorted. “Knowing how stubborn you are, it would probably have dragged your stupid ass a thousand klicks out into the desert.”

“Also possible,” I acknowledged, smirking.

“How is Amber, by the way?” Olivia asked. “Are you two doing well?”

“Great!” I smiled. “Our schedules don’t align as often as I’d like, so I’m planning on a fancy date when I get back to Vale. We did have a little tiff a couple weeks ago about me keeping unnecessary secrets–” Understatement, thy name is Jaune. “–but we talked it out and came to an understanding. Communication, y’know?”

“I’m looking forward to meeting her,” said Bia. “I sent her a message, but I suppose she’s busy because I haven’t heard back.”

“Huh,” I frowned. “That’s odd; I let her know to expect you, and I was texting her this morning…” I fired off a quick text to Amber myself via the interface. “Maybe she and Glynda got wrapped up in something. Like I said, we’re overdue for a date night; shit keeps coming up on weekends.”

“I’m sure she understands, she’s a Huntress too,” said Bia. “Perhaps you should let her know that you’re planning a date, though? The surprise factor may not be worth it if she’s feeling neglected.”

“I did mention it,” I assured her. “For almost exactly that reason, actually. The contents of the date are still a surprise for her, but this way she knows I’m thinking of her even outside of nightly texts.”

“Is she still having health issues?” Olivia asked.

“Unfortunately,” I sighed. “My Semblance clears up all her symptoms, but whatever the problem is, it’s beyond my ability to heal properly.” At least for now, I promised silently.

[The Shining Beacon, Part 3] had a time limit of October, but hopefully we would be able to deal with Cinder sooner than that. Mental note, see if Leonardo can pull any strings on that front.

[Mental note added! Reminder set!]

They showed up ahead of the Festival, didn’t they? How early was that? Maybe if I coordinate with Roman we can stage an ambush…?

Setting down her coffee, Grandma took control of the conversation. “It’s time we addressed the Goliath in the room, Jaune — and don’t think I didn’t notice you distracting Anicetus before he could ask: What bargain did you make with Spider?”

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Name: Jaune ArcLevel: 61 (Next: 63.35%)Title: Academy StudentRace: HumanAge: 18Job: Journeyman HuntsmanClass: PaladinSemblance: The GamerHP: 3936/8202MP: 4215/4456STR: 223 (100)CON: 279 (102)DEX: 162 (54)INT: 136 (51)WIS: 110 (52)CHA: 155 (53)Points: 112Money: 1,008,990LStatus: Cursed – Yellow Death [High]

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A/N: If you’re enjoying this story, feel free to check out my discord server at https://discord.gg/H6V854Fvbg

Not exactly a perfect Punnett square, but: Lorelei (tall, strong features, cheerful) + Pallantias (tall, red hair, polite); then add in Selena (Huntress, blunt, bodybuilder) and we get the Bia we’re coming to know and (hopefully) love.

I’d like to meet that other version of Jack myself. Maybe we’ll get a chance when we get back to Vale. Frankly, both he and Isabella are in dire need of more characterization.

It has, in point of fact, only been about a month since Beacon started. Three weekends ago, Jaune and Amber had their first date, interrupted by Amphivena. Two weekends ago, we met Penny and Jaune came clean to Amber. Last weekend, Jaune and the boys went out on the town and Qrow offered Jaune an apprenticeship.

I think it might be time for another timeskip after this arc…