"The Tale Of Jaune Arc" : An ArKos fanfic! (AU)

The Tale Of Ares Mountain

A short time later, Jaune and Ren sat on the witch's couch in her wooden cot. She had, apparently, built the entire cabin herself several years ago. She was also very adamant about receiving her own furniture, hence the couch. The couch facing the firework also wasn't the only piece of furniture. Above the brick fireplace, a widescreen television set complete with surround sound and all purpose cable was installed. The couch was facing to the right of the fireplace, staring at the kitchen in an almost uncomfortable fashion. A wooden table plus three more couches scattered throughout the large cabin completed only her living room.  

And yet Ren wasn't believing it. Something just wasn't right about Nora's grandmother. She should be hundreds of years old and yet she was beautiful. Violet hair, purple eyes, pale skin. She hardly looked hundreds of years old. In fact, she looked only slightly older than Nora. Something was not right. 

Perhaps her semblance was to age slower and yet  even that was unlikely. There was always the possibility that she had wanted to keep her identity a secret from the world, however that didn't explain the fact that she was spotted so consistently, enough to be given a nickname even. 

Something most certainly was not right. 

"Well Nora, I certainly was not expecting you my dear." Nora's grandmother, Nora had told them her name was Laura and that she had taken her mother's maiden name instead of her father's, said as she poured four cups of warm milk. 

"I know Gran Gran, I would have called but... well..." Nora said, her back turned to her two teammates. She sat at the marble-like counter top that separated the kitchen from the living room (although rather loosely). Laura offered her a soft yet teasing smile.

"Boy trouble?" She whispered playfully. 

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you, Gran Gran." Nora replied, remembering that Jaune had basically issued her a week's stay in the hospital. Laura offered a playful laugh. 

"How is your mother?" She asked. 

"Mom... died seven years ago, Gran Gran." Nora said with a saddened tone. Laura's purple eyes looked over her niece before sighing. 

"I always knew this would come." Laura replied before placing her hand on Nora's. "Do not worry, dear. Things will get better." 

"Oh I know that, Gran Gran. it was thanks to my friends that I've made it this far." Nora cheerfully replied. Laura's purple eyes drifted towards the two males that sat patiently and quietly in her living room. 

"They mean that much to you?" Laura asked. 

"Mmhmm."

--- 

Jaune thought it was strange that Laura Valkyrie had not only helped raise Nora but never made a move to visit her. Apparently, according to a story Nora had told them as soon as they arrived at the Ares mountains,  Nora's mother had taken Nora away from Laura due to a family dispute. 

Apparently, that had been the last time Nora had seen her grandmother. There was a case of mistaken identity where Nora thought she had spotted her grandmother some years ago, but-

Jaune's thought were suddenly interrupted by a mental pull coming from outside the house. Something was pulling him outside, telling him to leave. 

It was probably the author's terrible writing and storytelling. 

Jaune stood up quickly, clearing his throat to grab attention. 

"I'm uh... going to grab some fresh air." Jaune said as he swiftly made his way to the door, clasped his shoes on, and exited the cabin. He needed to find out what was calling for his attention. 

---

Laura was placing the milk back in the fridge, Nora wiping her mouth with a napkin. The milk she had drank created milk lips around her own lips. 

"Nora, shall I tell you a secret?" Laura said as she returned to the counter from the fridge. 

"Sure, Gran Gran." Nora replied. Laura then whispered something in her ear, something that made Nora's adrenaline spike. Ren sensed her heightened activity instantly form the couch. 

"Nora?" Ren  asked as he quickly stood from the couch. 

Nora almost fell out of her chair, slowly walking backwards towards Ren. 

"That's not funny, Gran Gran." Nora replied, her voice shaking. Ren walked forward slowly, handing her the hilt of her hammer with his left hand and placing his other hand on her shoulder. Laura laughed softly at this. 

"It wasn't meant to be. Did I stutter?" Laura replied as she casually folded her sleeves backward. 

"What's going on?" Ren asked quietly in Nora's ear. 

"She killed my mom." Nora whispered back.

Jaune suddenly burst into the cabin, knocking the door down with his charge. His sword was in his hand, his shield already in the other. 

"Guys! We need to leave! Now!" Jaune shouted. His blue eyes then noticed the strange scene in front of him. Nora and Ren standing in front of the fireplace, cautiously backing away from Laura. 

"Jaune!?" Ren exclaimed. "What did you find?" 

"There's bodies of the Creatures of Grimm in a cave nearby. They're lifeless husks. Grimm bodies disappear after they've been killed. Something is not right here at all!" Jaune shouted. Laura's laughter rang throughout the entire room. 

"I see." She said as she suddenly gave him a stone cold glare. If looks could kill, Jaune would be dead many times over. Her eyes suddenly blackened, her pupils turning red. Black veins crawled towards her eyes, her pale skin turning grey. 

"You're the Oracle Of Light, aren't you?" Laura asked, a sinister tone in her voice. Jaune's eyes widened in shock. Without warning, Laura suddenly appeared directly in front of him. She quickly grabbed his neck with her left hand, lifting him up with ease. Jaune immediately began struggling for air, dropping his sword as she lifted him off his feet. 

"Interesting. You seem... weak compared to the stories Salem told me." Laura remarked. Ren dashed forward, slicing at her arm with his weapons. She, however, evaporated into thin air. 

She then reappeared next to Nora who had frozen after her grandmother's laugh. Her nails suddenly lengthened and sharpened, creating a dangerous edge. 

"Now, if you'll excuse my niece and I, I believe we have some catching up to do." She said as a dark gateway made of energy opened up behind her. 

"Ren!" Nora shouted as she attempted to run forward, to break out of her grandmother's grasp. Ren shot back towards them, however Laura pulled her into the portal before he could reach them and disappeared.