"Legendary Hunters can be found in stories from the vast deserts of Vacuo to the wide verdant fields of Mistral. But one tale seems to have pervaded cultures all over Remnant.
I speak, of course, of the legend of the First Huntress.
No matter where I go or who I talk to, everyone refers to this mythical figure by the same title. I once ventured up a mountain to a monastery which supposedly only sent down people for food once every ten years and even they had heard this story.
I later discovered that they had a strange nourishing root that flourished in mountain environments but that's for another time.
The story follows the same basic flow:
The Grimm were a fact of life in the old days before the discovery of Dust. The people had Aura but beyond a few isolated cases, none could use it to any great effect.
Humanity suffered. The world devoured people with brutal efficiency.
There were isolated villages that held out. One of them (and the location changes depending on where you hear the story) was home to the First Huntress.
Her actual name is never said.
One day, a horde of Grimm swarmed the village and destroyed everything while the First Huntress was out hunting small game for food. Her partner (which, again, changes wildly based on who is telling the story) was found in several pieces, each being devoured by Grimm.
But she did not give into despair. In the face of what most consider to be the darkest possible moment, the First Huntress picked up her bow and arrow and fought back.
She remembered the good times with her family. Her hope, her joy and what the monsters had done to them. But she never let that core of happiness go.
That glow flourished into Aura. The Huntress was fully forged that day and gave the name "Hunting" to the fighting of Grimm.
Beyond that, the story tends to deviate in a wide variety of ways. There are those who say that she had children and began several grand lines of ancestry that went on to form the various kingdoms. Others say that she spent the rest of her days Hunting, inspiring future Hunters and Huntresses alike as she slaughtered the beasts that took her life from her.
Only one thing remains certain: The Huntress ended her life with no name, no great fortune or wealth; but her legend endures still.
Tatar of the Wandering Tribes, "Marvels of Remnant - The Hunting Lodges."
"Mr Arc? We're due to land in around ten minutes if you want to brace yourself." The voice over the intercom went.
"Okay…" Jaune said, his stomach once again trying to tell him not to fly.
The bulkhead was as spartan as it had been as the last time he'd flown on it with one addition.
"How are you feeling?" Pyrrha asked.
Jaune gave her a quick smile before bending over his seat again. He maintained that smile even through the waves of pity that he could feel from Pyrrha.
I'll be fine, just gotta make it through this, I'll be fine, just gotta make it through this...
Oh please just let it be over soon.
The whole aircraft shuddered. "We're down, Mr Arc. Miss Nikos, if you could escort him to the building. We need to be back at base ASAP." The bulkhead opened, revealing the bright white architecture in front of them.
Pristine white paint covered the high walls of the steel building as Jaune managed to hobble his way out. Large windows gleamed in the afternoon sun, contrasting against the wooden door that almost seemed to hide itself in the blinding lights. Nobody in the surrounding streets seemed to notice anything strange about it as they walked past.
All of which was lost on Jaune as he promptly decided to empty his stomach right near the walls.
"You know, there are some good powders I know that might be able to help that." Pyrrha said gently laughing.
"Why must you mock me?" Jaune whined, trying to keep a small smile from appearing on his face.
Pyrrha just shrugged as she led him towards the door. "You'll be bunking in the visitors quarters- Ah! Professor!"
The grey haired man stalked from the slow opening door as he blinked and held his hand up in front of the sun. "Ah, Mr Arc and Miss Nikos. Right on time." His voice sounded rougher like he'd drunk a sandpaper cocktail. "I do hope you had a pleasant journey?"
"Professor? Are you okay?" Jaune asked.
"Fine, fine, my boy. Just had a few complications with the lab. All is well now." His smile didn't quite reach his eyes as he waved off the looks of concern he received. "Please, get settled in your room. I will be in shortly for a few… checks before the procedure." He walked away from the pair, taking a deep breath to inhale the fresh air.
Jaune turned to look at Pyrrha questioningly who just shrugged and pointed to the entrance.
The room was clinical in its' lack of home comforts. The small bed and desk covered the majority of the floor, leaving only a square section of tile floor visible. The sheets were paper thin and felt coarse against Jaune's skin as he lay down on them.
"These are your quarters," went Pyrrha, still smiling. "For now, anyway. Just get comfy and I'll see if I can't get the Professor to come see you a bit quicker." She walked out, but not before giving the blond boy a quick glance over her shoulder.
Cute. Little naive, but definitely cute. Her inner monologue provided.
The steps fading down the hallway were the last external noise Jaune heard for a while as he decided to gather his thoughts.
So this is it, huh. This time tomorrow, I'll be a full Hunter or at least have the power of one at my fingertips…
Is this really what I want? To have power handed to me like some toy for a whining child?
Well, how else were we ever gonna do it?
Jaune couldn't answer that so instead he drifted his mind to more enjoyable thoughts.
She's hot.
She could punch us through the ceiling and crush the pieces into a very fashionable set of jewellery.
Yeah? And?
Don't. Flirt. With. The. Huntresses. Not unless you want to end up like Dad's old friend Eoshin.
But then how did Dad end up with Mom?!
The little voice in his head did not retort.
Besides, Jaune carried on, She knows she can boot me from here to Mistral. She's got a great left hook as well!
True, true…
The mental conversation continued along these lines for a while with Jaune debating the various attractive qualities of Huntresses he'd met.
"Mr Arc?" The ragged voice from earlier came.
"Ah! Professor!" Jaune replied. "What do you need?"
"Just a quick chat, my dear boy." The Professor sat down on the chair at the desk and gestured for Jaune to sit on the bed. "Do you ever wonder about the Grimm?"
Jaune paused for a moment as he considered his answer. "The... Grimm, Professor?"
"I often find myself wondering whether it is worth doing all of this to fight those damnable beasts." The Professor responded. "Their numbers never seem to go down even as they hurl themselves at our defenses, losing hundreds every week. And what does humanity have to show for it? A few pockets of stability amongst a sea of chaos." He scoffed.
"But what else can we do but fight?" Jaune replied. "I mean if we give in, aren't we just waiting to be eaten? At least this way we have some shred of pride left to protect…"
The Professor just shrugged. "Eh, I am just an old man grumbling." His eyes lit up a little as he clicked his fingers together. "I remember. The procedure. It will hurt a great deal."
"I'd sort of suspected that." Jaune said.
"Good, good. Do you ever wonder why I picked you Jaune?" The Professor smiled.
"I thought it might've been because I wouldn't stop trying. That or the strength of my family might have swayed you somehow…"
The Professor's croaking voice gave way to an even more haggard laugh. "My dear boy, it is not simple strength that beats Grimm! Else, they would have overrun us ages ago. No, it is the will to act that defeats them. The will to say 'No more, beast!' and stand your ground when fear tempts you away. To tell a beast of legend that has resided where it has for an age, 'No, you move.' That is what will defeat them.
"My… benefactors think that I am choosing you for sentimental reasons or for your name and heritage. No, Jaune. I chose you because of that same will. You were not raised a Hunter; no great trainer or inherent talent spurred you on. But still you never stopped wanting to help."
"You must remember that. The will you showed over the past week must remain here." The Professor tapped the Arc on the chest. "You do not give up. You keep fighting until either you're gone or the world has been forced to move around you." He stared into the boy's eyes, waiting for a response.
"I will, sir." Jaune smiled back. "After all, it takes more than a bump on the head to stop me."
"Yes! Hah, very good!" The Professor laughed once again. "Ah and now I must go. Rest up, Mr Arc. I will see you in the morning." The Professor just patted the boy as he walked out of the room.
Seeing no other options, and having exhausted his mental discussions from earlier, Jaune lay his head down on the bed and drifted off to sleep.
The cool calm swell of the ocean lapped around his feet.
A pulsing glow off in the distance…
The world slowed. A familiar hand wrapped around him and dragged him into the murky depths.
"Jaune!" Pyrrha's enchanting voice called to him.
"Mmmwha?" Jaune replied in charming fashion.
"You're needed in one hour. I've been sent to retrieve you." She said through the door.
"Right, right…" Jaune said, his eyes only half open.
He swung his feet out of the bed and stretched his arms wide above his head.
So today's the day…
A small smile crossed his face as he got dressed. An idle thought passed his mind and he decided to voice it.
"How'd you know the Professor?" He asked as he slipped.
"Hm?" Pyrrha said. "Oh, I work pretty closely with the Foundation. I just work with the Professor more than anyone else."
"So, the whole "three time champion" thing…"
Jaune heard the smile through the door. "A leftover. I was young when I first entered those tournaments and by the time Prism asked for my help, I was involved in a few too many deals to stop." A small pause passed through the door. "I'm probably going to get out of it next year."
"Huh? Why?" Jaune asked as he tied up his boots.
Pyrrha sighed. "No real reason. The money's nice and the fights are… okay I guess but it's just not what I want to be doing."
"Let me guess," Jaune said, opening the door and revealing his simple outfit. "Professional musician?" He smiled.
She laughed in return. "No… but not bad. No, I want to be a real Huntress. I've been on a few training missions but…"
"But what?"
Pyrrha just shook her head. "No, it's nothing. I'd best get you down to the procedure room." She held out her hand to the long corridor. "This way."
The two quickly fell into sync as they marched through the halls. No art adorned the walls nor did any signs point the way but Pyrrha never once had to stop.
By the time they arrived, the room was abuzz with activity. Several technicians were fussing over the last details on a great goliath of a machine at the centre while lab coat wearing individuals strolled around writing on clipboards. Over to one side stood a few military officials, all prim and proper in their regalia and medals. The Professor stood over opposite, holding several small vials of clear liquid.
That buzz stopped the moment Jaune walked in, as everyone stopped and stared.
The pause passed just as quickly but Jaune managed to catch a few different snippets over the general chatter.
"That's him? Well, at least we'll be able to see the difference."
"It'll work just fine within specs. Just as long as they don't try and push it too hard."
"Arc? I've heard that name before…"
Jaune just sighed as he walked over to the Professor.
"If you would take off your boots and your shirt then step over to the machine." The Professor said curtly.
Jaune complied, revealing his underwhelming physique to the room. The walk to the machine felt like having a thousand needles stabbed into him as he took each step. His every move felt like a test to be analysed.
Thankfully, it was over before too long. The great metal goliath lay fearsome and long with a massive jaw of a door leading into a coffin sized compartment.
"Mr Arc?" A smiling young nurse said. "If you'll lay down here, we can begin preliminaries." The man held out a hand towards the empty section.
Jaune lay down, his heart pounding out a rhythm that threatened to break through his chest. The ceiling looked so vast like a concrete sky above him. The leather straps dug into his wrists as they tightened against him.
A small jab took his attention as the nurse injected him. The Professor walked over soon after and smiled down like some benevolent deity. "How was that?"
"Fine, fine. I don't know what you were worried about earlier."
The Professor just kept smiling all the while. "That was a neutral solution; a simple harmless accelerant of sorts. Just in case your body decided now would be a good time to develop Aura."
Jaune's eyes went a little wider before he whimpered out "Oh."
The Professor just patted the boy on the chest before turning out to the crowd of military personnel. "If I might have your attention?"
They all looked on intently as the Professor continued. "Many of you have asked what the actual process will be. The concoction I have devised will be injected at key locations across the subjects' body. Immediately after, the subject will be bombarded with a combination of different Dust energy types simultaneously. The combined stress of the procedure along with the Dust will cause the concoction to become active in the blood stream and begin the changes to the body and Aura. This should take no more than a few minutes." He turned back to the Arc boy as soon as he had finished. "Hold on in there, Jaune. We'll have you out Hunting soon enough."
The Professor walked over to a control panel. "Are we ready?"
"Dust containers at maximum. All mixtures ready and stable, sir."
"Very well. Close the cage."
The last sight Jaune saw was Pyrrha's nervous face as the black door closed across his body. The small pinpricks of the needles across his body started to press deeper into him as he closed his eyes tight.
A small light came on inside the tube and the symphony of pain began.
The concoction was first, rushing across his body like someone had scattered fire across him. He couldn't move but his mouth remained firmly clamped down.
Not… gonna… stop… now.
"Begin phase two!" The Professor's voice was muffled by the steel that surround Jaune as the bright bursts of energy came pulsing into the chamber.
Red, green, blue and yellow mixed into a swirling maelstrom of almost blinding white around him. The cacophony of pain added a new strand of tearing muscles and blood boiling through his veins.
His voice stayed where it was as the tormenting notes of agony flourished through him.
"Sir! We've got-" were the last muffled words before a strange mantra resounded in his head, blocking out all other sensations.
"We stand as shield and sword against the tide. Eternity will pass before we falter. All else may yield but we never will. Thus I release your soul to guard you and yours…"
The world rushed back into place, leaving Jaune only with confusion and pain.
"Situation stabilising! Procedure at sixty percent completion… Seventy!" The muffled voice came through the steel door once more.
It was only then Jaune's voice gave a mighty scream to the outside.
"Shut it down! We underestimated-"
"No!" Jaune screamed louder. "Keep going! More… than… a... tap!" was all he managed to get out before devolving back into loud screams of defiance.
"Eighty… Ninety... Ninety five…"
Jaune kept his eyes shut as his body tore itself apart to the countdown.
"One hundred percent complete! We have reached maximum estimated spread and acceleration of the concoction! Sir, we are on backup Dust as of now!"
The hum of the machine dimmed down as the Dust pulses retreated back down the tube. He felt his body tingle somewhat as the hinged jaw swung open to the bright lights outside.
His first thought as he sat up was Did everything get smaller?
His second was Am I taller?
His third was interrupted by gasps and frantic chattering amongst the gathered crowds of scientists and soldiers alike. A nurse ran over, quickly scanning over Jaune before undoing his restraints. He sat up, feeling the rush of pain from earlier fade quickly the more he moved.
Pyrrha came over and stared at his new form. She subtly reached out and touched his chest before losing her nerve as another nurse came over and offered Jaune his shirt back.
"Did you shrink this down for me, make me feel better?" Jaune said, his humour still shining through.
She just smiled gently back as she tried to hide her appreciation of his new body.
"Mr Arc!" The Professor shouted. "How are you feeling? Any damage? Pain? Anything different at all?" The concern was clear across every feature of the Professor's face, from the scrunched eyebrows to the slightly dry mouth.
"No problems, Professor. Just peachy, apart from the staring." He gestured to the other occupants of the room.
"Don't worry, we will get you a mirror soon. But it is a most remarkable transformation."
"Yeah, about that. I heard something in the chamber. It was - "
"A saying? A phrase?" At Jaune's nod, the Professor nodded in response. "I am told that is what happens when a Hunter or Huntress achieve Aura. Everyone hears something unique and, so I am told, it is a very intimate thing to share. I do know that it is used if you ever activate the Aura of someone else. But still, it is nothing to worry over. Now, if you'd-"
A single gunshot echoed through the room as the Professor was silenced. A burst of wind took the assailant towards the exit as Jaune grabbed the collapsing body in front of him.
The Professor simply looked into Jaune's piercing blue eyes and reached out to the boy's chest.
Three single taps, a whispered "like steel…" and Professor Dove stopped moving.
Jaune Arc took off straight after.
"Jaune!" Pyrrha shouted from behind him.
"I need to find the exit fast. Please, take me there." The words were forced out through gritted teeth.
Pyrrha just nodded as they sprinted out, her fiery hair providing a trail for Jaune to follow.
(rwbyfan5 is still awesome!
Nobody took up my offer of answers to questions. Ah well, next 1000 view milestone might be different. :)
Next update will be after Christmas. Until then, thanks for reading!)