Relics of the Past
A family friend to the Arc family dies, and Jaune is left an important message along with relics of the past.
"Mr. Arc." Said Glynda Goodwitch, professor at Beacon behind Jaune Arc who lifted his head in surprise. "Y-yes Ms. Goodwitch?" He asked before she responded. "Please come with me, there is a matter that has arisen that involves you." She said before she walked away, Jaune quickly rose and walked with her in fear. 'Did she find out about my transcripts? I'm gonna get kicked outta Beacon aren't I, oh no, oh no. I've worked so hard for this and-' His train of thought was cut off as Glynda spoke again, and was it him or did she seem a bit sad.
"My condolences Mr. Arc, for your loss." She said as she handed a box to him.
"My loss? Wait, who died...oh" Jaune said as he opened the box. He quickly realized the picture within and who it was, his eyes glistened with unshed tears as a melancholy expression appeared on his face. "Ah, I...I wondered if it would happen while I was away...he was already sick and just seemed to get worse."
"I knew your uncle Mr. Arc, and while we had our grievances, he was a good man. A package came along with the box, it is in your dorm room, the rest of the day is yours to do as you wish, however I do expect you in your classes tomorrow, is that understood Mr. Arc?" She asked, Jaune just nodded as he started walking to his dorm. "Again, my condolences Mr. Arc."
At the dorm Jaune quietly sat down as he grabbed a letter that was inside the box. 'For Jaune' it said. He quickly opened it and found out that it was a note from his father. 'Jaune, I'm sorry to tell you but, your uncle finally passed away last night, we had a few last words and he said that he had saved some things for you. I don't know what they are, but in the small box I sent you is a recording that he wanted you to see along with a photo, unfortunately, because we are low on lien we can't afford the flight to bring you here for his funeral. I'm sorry son. I really am, but I do believe that he was proud of you what you've become just as I have.
Love, your father.
A few tears had managed to land on the paper before Jaune wiped them away. He grabbed another object, a small, circular pad with a button on the side, he pressed the button and gasped as a light shown from the center, a hologram, of his uncle.
"Uncle, what how…?" Jaune asked before the figure spoke.
"Jaune, if you're seeing this recording, then it means that I have passed away, first off, I want to remind you that we both knew that this was coming, I've been getting on in my age, and I still bear the scars and injuries of that terrible 'Holy' War. You know my history, you know what I told you about the Covenant, a group of radical, reptilian fauni*, bent on the genocide of humanity and willing to kill anyone who got in their way, including other faunus. You know who I was in the War of the Covenant, I was a symbol of strength both before and after the Great Schism when the Covenant was divided. I survived that war when many others died and took my place.
My armor, my weapons, are both symbols of bloodshed. I'm tired, I've spent all my life fighting either the grimm, humans or faunus. What I'm trying to say is...well, I've never been one good for words, is that I want things to change. So... I'll just cut to the chase, my will has stated that you are to inherit my armor and my weapons for future use in the defense of both humanity and faunus against the creatures of grimm. I know what you're thinking, and I want you to use those things because I have faith in you Jaune. I know that you went to Beacon under less...honorable means, but that does not mean that you do not have a noble cause, to protect and become a hero like your ancestors, and I want to help you become the huntsman I know you can be. I've watched you grow, and I know that you are strong, I saw that for myself, I know you can achieve great things, you just need a little help along the way like I helped you all those years ago..
Now, I've had the armor refitted so that it can fit you, we are after completely different sizes so it should fit you. So go out there, and fight, don't forget yourself, cast off your fear, and be the best Jaune Arc you can be. I love you Jaune, you're like the son I never had,, I've watched you during your time at Beacon, and I don't want you to be afraid anymore, show them your true strength, show them the Jaune Arc I trained. My armor and weapons are in the box that should have came with this recording, but first I have a final message for you."
The Next Day
It was time for combat class again, and after a few matches it was time again for Jaune to come up. "Jaune Arc vs. Cardin Winchester, to the arena you two." Glynda said as Cardin smirked at Jaune as they both left to change into their armor. A few minutes had passed and Cardin had come up, a few more minutes and then they started wondering.
"Where's Jauney boy, don't tell me he chickened out." Cardin said with a sneer and a chuckle.
"Don't worry, I'm right here." A voice said as a series of clunks were heard, like somebody taking steps in heavy armor. "It just took a while to get it all on." Jaune said as he stepped into view, he had completely new armor that shined in the light. Crocea Mors and his shield were gone, left behind. Instead a different weapon resided in his hands, with another on his back, both that many people recognized.
"Surprising huh, it's a gift from my uncle. He passed away, and left this behind to me in his will. I'll not dishonor him by losing to you while carrying his armor and weapon in my hand." Jaune said while Cardin sneered as he readied his mace. "Alright Jauney, you've got new duds, but you're still that pathetic, little weakling from the first day."
"You're wrong, and on my honor as an Arc, I'll prove it to you." Jaune said as he activated his weapon and leered menacingly at Cardin.
"Begin." Glynda said and they were off, Jaune quickly took a running start and jumped, as he let out a battle cry and attacked. Over in the stands, The rest of team JNPR along with team RWBY were commenting on the battle. "I've never seen Jaune with this much skill, it's like he knows what he's doing, like he's been trained with that weapon." Pyrrha said as Ren and Nora agreed, the latter cheering on her 'fearless leader'. With RWBY, Yang and Weiss were trying to calm Ruby down while Blake watched the fight with wide eyes and a gaping mouth. 'That's impossible, that guy was Jaune's uncle?' Blake thought while Ruby was gushing over the armor and weapon displayed. "Don't you guys get it!" "No we don't Ruby, what's gotten you so worked up?" Yang said as Weiss was holding Ruby's waist down so that she wouldn't go over the railing as she was trying to get a closer look at Jaune's new weapon. "Ugh, you guys don't know who's weapon that is? Who's armor that is? Those are the legendary pieces worn and used by-"
A final slash, and Jaune stood victorious as he let out another battle cry.
"-The Arbiter."
His golden armor gleamed in the light, and his blade raised to the sky. "That armor is known as the Honor of Sanghelios, his rifle, the Blood of Suban, and the holy blade known as the Prophet's Bane. Reforged from war and betrayal, the Arbiter used them to restore the honor of his people and help end the War of the Covenant." Ruby said as NPR cheered for Jaune, the members of team RWBY were dumbfounded before they too started cheering for the friend.
Later, as Jaune celebrated with his team of his first victory in a match he recalled the final message his uncle had for him.
"Remember these three things Jaune. First, live your life with honor, but fight to win. Second, Use my armor and weapons for the protection of others and not for needless bloodshed, use them to protect yourself, your team, your friends, or your people, but don't raise that blade in hate, there's already been too much of that, and finally, that partner of yours, don't ever let her go. Goodbye, Jaune Arc.
And as Jaune was surrounded by both his team and team RWBY, who sometime ago came by to congratulate Jaune, he also saw how proud Pyrrha looked at him. He agreed wholeheartedly on that last one. 'Thank you uncle, I'll make you proud.' If Jaune had listened carefully for a few more seconds, he might have heard a soft voice in the air replying.
"You already have."