The Tale of Jaune Arc Chapter 3, a rwby fanfic

Author's Note: Hello again everyone! Sorry this chapter took so long, I had a bit difficulty getting from point A to B properly. Anyways TB is here just to ask if you guys would like to have multiple perspectives as the story goes on. I was planning on adding them eventually but if you want to see them earlier, I can oblige. Just a thought...

Also to "garoorar" don't worry about crater face, she'll have her moments too.

Edit: Sorry a bit of a small update, I just could not take the errors in this chapter and had to change the summary for "purposes".

Chapter 3: "A Thorny Path for a Rose..."

So...I'm sure many of you want to know if we got to the orientation on time. Well, wonder no more because apparently Pyrrha and I had the speed of a cheetah, we were so fast that we managed to outrun a few latecomers. We reached the large, open gates leading to the assembly hall. Taking a bit of a breather before making our way inside.

It was quite the sight...if it wasn't for the numerous lights above I would have thought that there was no ceiling. The sheer size of the hall could fit hundreds of people if the owner chose to. Which was presently the case seeing as there were a lot of students. Thankfully it was really easy to find a spot just behind the crowd where we could see the stage. There were still some technicians fixing the speakers and a few people on the stage talking so we still had time to take a breather.

"Huff...huff...what a way to start the day..." I croak as I leaned on the wall for support.

"Well if it means getting a new friend each time, I wouldn't mind..." Pyrrha replied.

I grinned at her words, completely agreeing...

"If that happened we'd probably know everyone in the academy, including the faculty." I jokingly, it managed to get a chuckle out of her. To which we started pointing out people, students or staff, that we wouldn't mind befriending and who to look out for.

This was nice...like really nice. I was readying myself for complete isolation during my stay here but lo and behold I have one companion, a pretty girl to boot. My mother would have been proud, if I could tell her...which isn't going to happen. Man that's a depressing thought I'll never be able to go back, I mean especially if I get caught by the headmaster. I would be a disgrace...I...I would have no place to go...no home...no nothing.

I...

"Jaune?"

I slowly looked back to see Pyrrha's look of concern, her beautiful face marred by a frown. I must have stopped talking for a bit...pull yourself together Jaune! We can get depressed later when we're alone.

"Sorry...its nothing, I must have spaced out." I said as I waved it off.

Fortunately she just nodded probably knowing not to push the subject but still showed some signs that she was worried. My mind immediately tried to divert her attention to something else.

"So...see anyone that you recognize?" I asked as I looked at all the unique looking individuals in the crowd. There were Faunus of all types: wolves, bunnies, squirrels, you name it. There were a lot more humans but they all had to have come from different continents. I think I saw what looked like little red riding hood and a girl wearing a very flashy western outfit conversing with one another. While in one corner of the hall was another pretty girl who definitely was inspired by Snow White. Huh...quite the diverse cast of characters.

"Nope, unfortunately I was never close with a majority of my batch mates..." she said rubbing her left forearm in discomfort.

I raised an eyebrow in disbelief, there was no way someone like her was an outcast. Perhaps she was isolated by the ladies? I mean my sister Gabriela, when she still gave a damn about me, used to tell me that girls get jealous a lot and would do horrible things just to prove their superiority. Maybe that was the case? You know what let's not assume things, the best way is to ask her.

"Sorry, I don't mean to be rude but you don't look like the type to be a loner." I replied.

She sighed depressingly as she nodded...

"...I'm...guessing its a touchy subject?" I asked

"Yeah..." she answered shyly.

Okay thank god I asked, I was about to push her for answers because of how ludicrous for this bombshell of a woman to be a loner. That's like finding a gamer girl, the odds of finding one is a million to one!

"Okay...then you don't have to tell me." I immediately said.

She nodded thankfully.

"We may have just met but remember that I'm your friend and I'm just here if you want to talk about it." I finished with a smile to try and reassure her.

The warrior princess looked touched and gave a smile of her own. "I appreciate that Jaune." I was about to say something else but unfortunately we were interrupted by a gaggle of voices.

"You!" Ms. Snow White said accusingly.

"Oh God! It's happening again!" Red yelped as she leapt on the arms of her friend.

"You are so lucky we weren't blown off the side of the cliff!" she said indignantly.

"Wow, you really exploded." Yellow deadpanned.

"It was an accident! I swear it was!" the petite girl tried to explain.

After that White shoved something like a pamphlet or a brochure to her face while babbling about instructions regarding the proper handling of dust. Honestly I was little impressed at how fast she was talking. I bet she's great with tongue twisters too.

By the end of her well practiced spiel, red was understandably confused.

"Uh...what?" she said unsure what to make of the information she was given.

To which White only glared and replied "Do you really want to start making things up to me?"

The girl nodded enthusiastically…

"Read this and don't ever speak to me again." she finished icily.

Ouch...I can kinda see why she got the whole Ice princess type of get-up it suits her personality pretty well.

"Look, it sounds like you guys got off from the wrong foot, why don't you two just start over and try to be friends okay?" Uhm nice try Yellow but Ice Queen doesn't look like the type to let bygones be bygones.

Unfortunately Red didn't see it that way "Yeah, great idea sis...Hello Weiss, I'm Ruby...wanna hang out? We could go shopping for school supplies an-"

"Yeah and we can paint our nails and try on clothes and talk about cute boys like tall, blonde and scraggly over there…" She mockingly said while throwing me into the conversation.

How rude...I'm no-...well I guess I am tall...and blonde...I guess scraggly fits too. Not a compliment or an insult...Meh I'll take it.

"Wow Really!?" The now named Ruby replied completely oblivious to icy companion's sarcasm.

To which Weiss' response was glaring at her for a few seconds before giving the coldest "No." I've ever heard. How do I know? Well let's just say that I have gotten a lot more no's than yes' in the past so I know what I'm talking about.

Anyways, Ms. Ice Cold left the scene while Ruby was consoled by her sister.

"That wasn't very nice…" my red headed companion mentioned, frowning at such a display.

"Well maybe she just had a really bad day, I know one time I-" I never got to finish as someone coughed into a mic redirecting everyone's attention to the stage.

It was the headmaster if I recall correctly...ash grey hair, a black suit with a green scarf and some pretty weird glasses. He looked quite eccentric, well I was eager to listen seeing as he is the headmaster he might drop some wisdom during his speech.

"I'll keep this brief, you have traveled here today in search of knowledge. To hone your craft and acquire new skills. When you've finished, you plan to dedicate your life to the protection of the people but I look among you and all I see is wasted energy in need of purpose...direction. You assume knowledge will free you of this...but your time at this school will prove that knowledge, can only carry you so far…(deep breath)...it is up to you to take the first step." He finished as he took his leave.

His assistant Ms. Goodwitch took over "You will gather at the ballroom tonight...tomorrow your initiation begins...be ready. You are dismissed." She said a bit sternly.

Huh...well he said a lot, not sure if I'd be able take anything away from it other than we need direction in our lives.

"He's certainly interesting…" I remarked as Pyrrha and I followed the crowd to our designated area.

(30 minutes later, in one of the many halls of Beacon)

Since it was still early in the afternoon we were given the freedom to roam around for bit just outside the ballroom and the garden next to it. To say that Beacon was large is an understatement...the amount of rooms, hallways, gardens and various areas was almost overwhelming.

("If I manage to pass Initiation the first thing I'm going to get is a map.") I thought while looking out the tall windows overlooking the garden below. Where was Pyrrha? Well she needed some of her bags from some of the staff, something about performing maintenance on her weapon. Of course I asked if she needed any help, to which she only shook her head.

So here I am, alone, contemplating my future should I fail. Yes, I like to depress myself for some reason, is it a defense mechanism or a product of my past? I don't know nor do I care...because its a part of who I am now. I sighed as I gently grasped the silver heart hanging of my neck. It had a calming effect on me for some reason like a stress ball but like a hundred times better. I almost felt at peace...like I was given an assurance that everything will be alright, I can almost feel a hand patting my shoulder.

"May you persevere...little knight..."

("What!?")

I looked around trying to find the source of the voice but to my surprise there was no one near me. A few students at the other end of the hall and some heading back to the ballroom. None of them could have said anything coherent unless they shouted and what I heard was but a whisper. Slowly I looked at the silver heart, pondering its purpose...

"May you persevere huh?" I wondered...

Well whatever that was...I can worry about it another time, for now it might be best to get some rest. I pushed off the wall I was leaning on and started to make my way back to the ballroom. Its a bit of trek so at least I'll get some exerc-

"Hey! Give that back!" a familiar voice pleaded.

I turned around seeing four guys ganging up on someone. I moved a bit to side to see that it was Ruby...man she can't catch break. First she had to deal with Weiss giving her the cold shoulder and now she was being ganged up by a bunch of hooligans. Its not even the first day people!

Anyways, the big guy with ginger hair was holding up a black notebook, dangling it just above Ruby's reach. It was a classic douche bag tactic, one that was subjected to when I was short. I looked around to see if anyone would try to intervene...unfortunately, chivalry is dead because the semi-populated hallway was soon vacated. I looked back at that poor girl who looked absolutely frustrated seeing as no one was doing anything to help.

...

I...

I was like that once...

"Please why are you doing this?"

"Aww is little Jauney gonna cry?"

"Heh! I thought Arcs were tough!?"

"What a baby!?"

"Please someone help? Anyone?"

I remember crying out for help...anyone...just one person...one kind soul...but no one came...

I looked back at the scene unfolding before me...

Never again...

I had to act quickly because if I let things continue then something bad might happen. Sigh...one day...one day in Beacon and already I was making enemies, you only live once I guess.

"Hey!" I tried to say in a commanding tone, I'm not sure if I can pull of being intimidating but it managed to stop them.

Slowly the big boss looked at me, irritated as hell...his goons following suit.

"What do you want?" the big guy asked.

Seeing as we were in quite the precarious position my mind went into survival mode. So first things first...I was outnumbered and that's considering if Ruby backs me up, she looks like a nice kid but I don't know her that well. Not to mention I have no clue as to how good they are as fighters, for all I know they could have been winners of some combat tournament. Long story short a brawl was a no go and distracting them is not going to work because there's nothing around me that I could use. I have only one option...

"Listen, can't you just give her back her notebook." I said.

The boss man just glared at me in response "Oh...nothing is stopping her from getting it...I mean if she really earned her place in Beacon she could easily snatch this from me. Isn't that right kiddie?" he said sarcastically.

"I'm not a kid you meanie!" Ruby snapped back.

"Aww...I'm really sorry...what are you gonna do tell your mommy on me?" he mocked with rather sinister grin.

Ooohh that must have been a sore spot because her silver eyes bristled in anger. I need to think fast before she does something she might regret.

"Look we're about to have our initiation tomorrow, don't you have enough to worry about?" I tried to reason.

Unfortunately, the big bad bully wasn't having any of it as he just sneered at me "Please...from what I heard, the initiation's a breeze...ain't that right guys?" he roared.

"Hell yeah!" they answered.

"I bet you can take on any Grimm eh Cardin?" one of them said.

To which the ginger haired hulk only smirked and turned to look back at me..."Thanks for the concern chump but I think we got things handled. If I were you I'd make like a rat faunus and scram." he said waving me off.

Okay so much for diplomacy, think Jaune...what else can I do? What would grandpa do?

"Remember Jaune...when you are outnumbered, don't take your enemies head on. Use underhanded tactics, look for a weakness...are their loyalties in question?...do they have poor coordination?...then divide and conquer..."

Divide and conquer huh? Well I hope this works...

"Well I heard some guys mention that we'd face a really big Grimm or something, you sure you guys can handle that?" I lied with a straight face, thank you basic acting classes!

Hopefully, this triggers whatever superiority complex this guy had and hopefully any insecurities his gang had. To my surprise the head bully only pounded his chest at the challenge. "Of course, I've killed thousands of Grimm...big and small...it doesn't matter!"

"Yeah!" two of his fan club declared...

All eyes looked towards the bronze haired boy who remained silent.

"Dove...what's the matter?" The fellow with dark blue hair asked.

To which his friend looked a little unsure "Sorry Sky I was just wondering if our weapons are enough to kill an A-class Grimm. I mean what if we fight a Death stalker? I don't think my sword can cut through its armor."

"Then we just smash it!" Cardin declared.

Already the signs of uncertainty started to spread as his answer did nothing to quell his friends worries.

"I don't know man...you got your mace while I have a pair of daggers...I can't exactly smash a Grimm." Mr Mohawk replied.

"Russel look you can ju-"

"What if its a Nevermore? I mean we don't have any guns...what are we gonna do? Throw rocks?"

"Maybe we can..."

"No wait, if you think about it..."

And just like that things fell apart as the four started arguing about what strategies to take. Wow if this is what underhanded tactics can do, I definitely want to learn more of that. Moving on, I tried to catch Ruby's eye to signal to her to grab her book which was reachable now. She was confused at first but then she followed my line of sight, her eyes widened before she looked back at me as she nodded.

(Whoosh)

It happened in a flash, one moment she was behind the now huddled bullies, then she was right beside me with her notebook. She was about to thank me but I immediately put a finger to my lips to shush her. We slowly exited the hallway making sure not make any noise. Once the coast was clear we both sighed in relief at the same time.

I was sweating bullets as the adrenaline faded from my body. Man, I gotta stop putting myself in these situations because if this is what I'm going to have to deal with on a daily basis, I might die on the first week of class. Anyways, I must have been spacing out again because I didn't notice Ruby trying to get my attention.

"Uhm Hello?" she said waving her hand over my face.

"Sorry...just can't believe those guys would fall for such a little white lie." I replied, chuckling at how ridiculous the whole thing was, to which my new companion giggled.

"Beats me...what a bunch of dummies." she answered.

As I slowly reflected at what happened I tried to hold in my laughter, making Ruby raise an eyebrow.

"I'm...pfft...sor-rry...its...its just...hehe...haha..." I said trying to stifle my chuckles.

"What?" she asked.

"I-i-i mean...hehe...Who the hell...pounds their chest in public? What is he a gorilla? Me Cardin...I strongest in da world...I smash Grimm with mace..." I managed to croak out as I nailed the impression.

Like a flood we both could not contain our laughter...

Bwahahahaha...what a riot...

Anyways, it took us few minutes before we both calmed down, by that point we were wiping a few tears from our faces.

"Haaa...sorry...I know its late but my name is Jaune Arc." I said extending my hand.

"Its...hehe...ok...I'm Ruby Rose, thanks for helping me get my diary back!" she chirped happily.

"No problem, just steer clear of those guys in the future...I'm guessing their the type to hold a grudge. After what we did we'll be on their radar for sure." I warned.

My partner in crime looked a bit crestfallen at the thought "Ugh...that's four more enemies I've made today. I should have just sprinted back..."

"Speaking of speed, you could've ran circles around them, how did they get the jump on you?" Confused as to how the speedy huntress in training was caught.

"...I was sight seeing?" She sheepishly answered.

"I see...well just be careful I'm sure you'd want a break especially after what happened during the orientation." I replied.

"You saw that!?" She shrieked while I nodded in response, kinda hard to not notice with Weiss' distinctive voice.

The poor girl put her hood on and crouched in embarrassment.

"Well that's just great! Now no one's gonna be friends with me!" She lamented.

I was about to tell her that Weiss wasn't that loud but I noticed small droplets falling.

"I shouldn't have come here...(sniffle)...I wanna go home..." her voices cracking at each word.

Man...all the stress must have gotten to her, poor thing...all she wanted was a friend. She definitely reminded me of myself in the past. I moved a little closer and patted her head.

"Huh?" She said as she slowly looked up, showing her tear stricken face.

"Sometimes when I feel really down...my mom would pat my head and tell me that tomorrow's a new beginning...so stop moping and look forward to the future..." I narrated while I gave her a handkerchief.

"But what if things get worse?" She asked while wiping her face.

I smiled, its the same thing I said all those years ago. "Then she'd ask, How do you know? Tomorrow's not here yet dummy..."

"But but..."

"Ruby, you can't say that nobody will want to be friends with you. Heck, I know someone tall, blonde and scraggly who's just waiting for you to notice him..." I cut in.

My red haired companion stood up confused as she tilted her head.

"Tall, blonde and scraggly? I don't know anyo—"

I'm sure that if she still hasn't pieced it together, my sly grin would have given it away. Her reaction was somewhat similar to Pyrrha's except she actually managed to respond for the first couple of minutes.

"F-for real? I mean you're not pulling my leg here right?" She said while fidgeting.

I shook my head.

"Really?" She asked still skeptical.

"Yes" I said.

"Really, really?" She questioned.

"Yes Ruby." I replied.

"Are you 100% sure?" The young lady inquired.

"A 100%" I answered.

She was going to ask again, so I tried to cut in..."Ruby, is this rea—"

"Okay last one I swear..." she started. (Sigh)...well this is for her benefit so I just nodded.

"You are completely okay with befriending a socially awkward girl who has somewhat of an obsession with all manner of weapons...?" She finished.

I smirked as I found the perfect answer.

"Weellll..."

"Jaune!" She cried.

"...so long as you're fine with an equally awkward guy who has an unhealthy fascination with fairy tales, as a friend?" I replied.

With that, Ruby gave a smile that lit up the dim hallway. I was about to extend my hand for a handshake but my newfound friend basically tackle/hugged me, almost sending both of us to the floor.

"Whoa!"

"My first friend in Beacon Academy!" She loudly declared, the elation on her face was clear for the whole world to see.

"Okay Ruby no need to shout." I said trying to calm her down.

But she would not have any of it as she bounced up and down. I looked around hoping that there wasn't anyone around, thankfully the hall was empty.

"This is gonna be so much fun! We can compare weapons! Train together! Have small talk during lunch! Then after we can..." she droned as she let go of me.

Well she's definitely one adorable ball of energy...

"Then maybe we can play video games at the arcade in the city...Ooh ooh there's a weapons store near there that we can check out..." she said while jumping from place to place.

She doesn't look like she's gonna stop...

"Ruby...I think we should worry about initiation first before planning for the future." I said trying to grab her attention.

My second friend in Beacon managed to stop herself.

"Hehe...sorry I completely forgot..." lightly hitting her head rather cutely I thought.

"Yeah well, I'm happy you're excited but we both need a good night's rest for tomorrow. So what do you say that we head on back to the ballroom, buddy?" I said as gestured to the large open doors on the far side of the hallway.

The reincarnation of red riding hood gave me a cheesy smile in response "Lead the way, pal." and off we went to the ballroom.

Ugh...if it wasn't for the fact that we were both socially awkward teens, I would have cringed. But getting two friends in one day just put me in a great mood... Huh I guess good deeds really do pay off! Thank you Karma!

...

We talked for a bit of course but nothing too substantial so I just told her that we can meet at the assembly area tomorrow morning. So as we reached the ballroom I bid Ruby adieu seeing as the males and females were separated on two different sides. Without, wasting anytime I went to my spot to get my regular sleeping attire. (Sigh) I miss my onesie but alas I would look like a fool if I wore it here. I'd rather not destroy my public image just yet.

I went to check some of my bags, making sure everything was accounted for, I would occasionally glance around looking for Pyrrha. I felt a little worried after seeing what Ruby went through. Unfortunately, all I could see was some guys flexing their muscles, trying to impress some of the ladies that were still awake. The sight of abs wasn't really that appealing to me so I decided to set my sleeping bag and get some shut-eye. I laid down and tried to block out the noise from the still energetic crowd. It was impossible, which was typical of course because it was only 6:00 pm that's technically morning for a lot of teenagers.

Sigh...I really need some rest...

...

Why not count from 1 to 10?

...

Another voice? I looked around...perhaps somebody was using telepathy? I mean I've seen huntsmen and huntresses do some weird and incredible stuff who knows what they are capable of...

...

Hello?

...

Is somebody there?

...

I have an extra limited edition X-ray and Vav comic, if anyone wants one?

...

No response...count from 1 to 10 eh? I looked around as I saw a lot more students grouping up, all of them discussing tomorrow's initiation and what strategies to take. Thus, increasing the noise level of the entire area to almost unbearable levels. Ugh...counting it is then...

I took a deep breath as I stared at the night sky, which was visible through the ceiling windows.

...

This doesn't seem do anything...

...

Somehow, someway, the noise started fade...

...

The broken moon above seem to slowly pull itself together...

...

There was something...

...

An animal?...A person?...on the moon...

...

It contorted into something...something strange...

...

What was th-

...

Sleep well little knight...for the time for combat draws near...

Again sorry this chapter took a bit longer than I would have liked, work's starting to pick up. Anyways, the next chapter might take at least a week hopefully less. I eagerly await your responses...have a nice day!