Chapter 26: Jaune Arc is Illogical

Beacon Academy

Science Laboratory

October 25th, 80 AGW

1600 Hours

Jaune Arc was more than relieved that the weekend had come. These past few weeks had been absolute torture on him both physically and mentally. He had no idea that being a huntsman would be this hard. There was so much more to the job than swinging a sword. The knowledge and practical application was so vast.

He didn't think that he was in bad shape. In fact, compared to the average person on the streets of Vale, he was probably considerably stronger than them. However, compared to the rest of the freshman, his own classmates, he was at the very bottom. They had years of getting into physical shape and they were all entering into the physical primes of their lives. He had never put so much physical strain on his body and the numerous sore spots on his body everyday showed as much.

Even aura, for all of the things that it did for him only served to make sure that there wasn't permanent damage. He was clumsy in combat, indecisive, and talked the talk, but failed to walk the walk. However, it was all he could do to keep any sort of presence during combat training. Otherwise, he might as well not even be a blip on anyone's radar.

At least with anything physical-related, he was only given a slap on the wrist by Professor Goodwitch. There was no such reprieve from Professor Watson.

Science had never been his best subject. Really, any subject that delved too deeply into academics wasn't his thing, but this course was seen as a mandatory requirement for graduation. At first, Jaune failed to see why until he realized how much things like dust were critical to huntsmen and huntresses. A firm grasp of dust could even double or triple the effectiveness of a Grimm killer. That wasn't up for debate either as there was documented proof and many first-hand witnesses to back it up.

And as team leader, much more was expected of him. He had to be better than everyone else because his team was counting on him to make decisions and understand what they were doing at a level that could allow him to make snap decisions when the time called for it. At least, that was the explanation that Professor Watson gave when elaborating on why team leaders were answering more questions than everyone else.

In many ways, Jaune treated the weekends as a way to escape all of the responsibilities that he had to endure with only homework being his main problem and that was the mentality he was approaching this upcoming weekend with.

Until he had received a scroll call from Professor Watson that his presence was requested and that failure to be present would result in less than pleasant disciplinary action. No specifics were given, but the blond boy wasn't about to test his luck.

And he had a bad feeling about what sort of conversation he was about to have.

He stepped into the classroom.

"Professor?" Jaune timidly entered. "You wanted to see me."

Shockwave gave him a blank expression. "Jaune Arc, it has been the observation of all your professors, myself included, that you are struggling in all of your courses, far more so than a student of your calibur should be."

"I'm just… not used to this amount of work." Jaune felt his mouth move faster than his brain. "It's an adjustment period."

"Furthermore, you seem either unwilling or unable to seek assistance when it is clear that you require it." Professor Watson crossed his arms. "Regardless of your reasons, it is illogical that you have not sought out help."

Jaune again spoke before thinking. "If I can't do anything on my own, then I don't deserve help."

"If you were competent enough in anything that a huntsman is supposed to be, then perhaps your words would hold weight." Shockwave was not impressed with his words. "Or if your credentials for entering this academy were valid, that might be the case."

"What?" Jaune wasn't sure he heard that right.

"You are not hard of hearing. Your records indicate that much." Professor Watson remarked plainly and stepped closer. "You heard correctly. We knew from the beginning that your transcripts were falsified. You are not the first to do so and you will not be the last either. There is precedence."

Now there was panic in Jaune's system. "If you all knew, then why let me in?!"

"Ozpin believes that you have potential, but his assessment is based upon the hope of seeing your future potential fulfilled." Shockwave explained. "But future potential is worthless if you fail to display the ability to meet our standards in the present. This and your non-existent past experiences and training make you a liability."

His parents had put his ineptitude in a much more polite and loving way and maybe that was why he couldn't accept that he wasn't going to make it. Hearing the same argument with much more harsh wording made for a much more sobering experience.

But Jaune didn't want to give up. "I just wanted to prove to everyone that I'm worth something. This is what my family was born for. I can't go back there with nothing to show for myself. I have to get better myself. I have to do it myself, otherwise it'll all be meaningless!"

"Your pride is misplaced and illogical. The fact of the matter is that your skills in combat are lacking and your academic intelligence is abysmal." Professor Watson spelled it out. "Accept that you are not making progress going down your current path."

Jaune shook his head. "I-I just need a little more ti-"

Before he knew it, he felt himself being lifted in the air and then slammed into the ground with enough force that a surprising amount of aura was taken away from him.

"It would seem that words are failing to pierce your stubbornness." Shockwave's red eye and optic looked incredibly frightening. "Perhaps bludgeoning you within an inch of your life will make you see the reality of your situation."

"W-what?" Jaune breathed.

"Your apparent lack of haste and slowness at accepting your situation is illogical." Now there was a massive hulking professor standing right over him. "That needs to be rectified."

The strike came without warning and with a speed that seemed unlikely to come from such a tall and bulky man. It was enough to hurt like hell.

"Ozpin judged you to be of strong character." Again, Professor Watson slammed a fist into his face. "Cowardice is all that I am witnessing, an overload of fear."

Whenever Jaune tried to go one way, he was instantly intercepted and hit with enough force to knock the wind out of him. His aura continued to help him, but sooner or later, he wouldn't even have that.

"You are not fit to be a huntsman, let alone a team leader." Shockwave grabbed him by the front of his hooding and hoisted him into the air with one hand. "You are always failing and never learning how to move past those failures."

With a swing that seemed so casual, Jaune felt himself flying into the air for all of a second before he slammed into a wall. He felt the impact, yet nothing had broken, but it was his own pain that took front seat.

He tried to stand, only to feel his entire body screaming. He had no more aura.

"However, it will not only be your death that will result from this." Professor Watson once again grabbed him, this time so that their faces were less than a few centimeters apart. "Your team will die as well."

That statement instantly sparked a reaction from Jaune. "Not them! I'll accept anything that happens to me, but they're my-"

He coughed and wheezed.

"You do not possess the means to fight properly." Shockwave held his stare. "How do you intend to protect your betters?"

How did he intend to fight without being able to fight? That was a good question for the wannabe-huntsman. It would be arrogant and foolish of him to think he could do better than his teammates. They were superior to him in every way and that was no exaggeration.

Regardless, they were his responsibility.

And he genuinely liked all of them.

He considered them friends.

The idea of them being threatened made his blood boil.

Jaune saw a right hook come his way, but instead of fear coursing through his veins, it was pure aggression and rage.

Then there was a flash of light and immediately after, he felt himself being released. His legs barely steadied him as his feet hit the ground. Still, he whipped his head up to face the man that had just been inflicting pain upon him.

The once indifferent expression had now morphed into something much more ambiguous.

"I see." Shockwave began to appraise him again. "It would seem that your usefulness has increased."

Whatever that meant.

RWBY - - - Transformers

In his time with the Decepticons, he had perfected the means of torture and interrogation. With the right kind of pain inflicted, even the most resilient cybertronians would crack. Everyone had their limits when it came to what they could endure physically and mentally. It was simply a fact of life which could not be avoided.

The way he perceived it, Shockwave knew that Arc would never amount to anything worthwhile while under the conditions he was in. Only rudimentary proficiency was all that he currently had and there was limited time. Although it was a gamble at best, the only real way to see if this child had the markings of a warrior was to push him to a breaking point and see how he would react.

This little experiment had proven just how much self-worth that the JNPR's team leader had, which was almost none. That would need to be corrected first and foremost. An individual without any sense of worth would die quickly in this profession.

But fortunately enough, Arc's weak point was his dedication to his team, a sentiment that could easily be exploited with the right angle. From here, a gradual shift to a more independent mindset would need to be established for advanced development.

With all of that in mind, this was the final chance for the boy to prove that he really wanted to be here. If he failed here, there would be no more chances. He would either be dead or expelled from the academy. Either of these outcomes were logical moments ago, but with the discovery of this semblance, now they were illogical.

Shockwave could only wonder how he had overlooked such a glaringly obvious factor. Because of Arc's naturally enormous aura reserves, it stood to reason that his semblance would likely heavily involve the use of it. More specifically, what he had just witnessed was the teenager's aura amplifying itself in order to multiply its effective defensive abilities. It was enough so to deflect his own strength and Shockwave knew himself to be a very strong individual, Cybertronian or otherwise.

More opportunities to study and utilize aura was welcome all the same. Stumbling upon this semblance was ideal in deepening the nature of aura and semblances.

The former Decepticon had all of these thoughts in mere milliseconds and by the time he was finished with his newly-revised plan for his student, the student in question had recovered from his shock of discovering his own aura to regard the scientist with disdain, yet there was no hiding the fear still visible in his features. The anger was not important, but the fear certainly was. A healthy amount of it encouraged the survival instinct as well as made the weaker more subservient to the stronger.

If Ozpin and the rest of the faculty at Beacon Academy could see this, they would most likely disapprove heavily, not that such opinions mattered at this point. Moral paths were more important than logical paths in the eyes of the professors.

How illogical.

"I don't care what you say about me." Jaune slowly stood up, his aura glowing brightly. "I'll accept that I'm weak, cowardly, and stupid, but you will NOT insult my team!"

This boy most likely was expecting a more confrontational path going forward. He appeared ready to fight in every sense.

Shockwave saw no logical reason to pursue such a path. "Simply because I speak the words does not mean they are consistent with what I agree with. Team JNPR is competent, excluding yourself."

"...wait, what?" Jaune deflated considerably. "I don't-"

"The intent of my provocations was to assess if you had any potential to be a warrior at all." Shockwave spoke the plain truth. "And despite less than ideal factors that played into your current aggression, you do have the potential."

"...oh." Jaune was now at a complete loss. "So… what does that mean for me?"

"It means your enrollment at Beacon Academy will not be withdrawn." Shockwave took a few steps back. "However, your time here will not be that of a normal student. Because you are lacking in many fundamental skills and knowledge, you will be provided all of those things. Before the Vytal Tournament begins, you will be as competent as your peers. If you cannot do this, then resignation is your only option. Do you understand?"

"I…" Jaune didn't take long to crack under the pressure. "I understand."

"Know this: the training you will undergo is formidable, life-threatening at times, but if you survive and pass, you will be stronger." Shockwave regarded him with a critical eye. "Your school work will be lessened, but you will be expected to continue leading Team JNPR."

"Yes, sir." Jaune quietly nodded.

So far, so good. As expected, the sheer desperation of Arc made him susceptible to anything that would give him a chance at achieving the title of huntsman. It was fortuitous for the human boy that no lies were being said at the moment, nor would any follow what had just been said.

"Professor Ozpin will be made aware of this training and under current circumstances, he will not object." Shockwave wanted to make this point very clear. "I will say this once: agreeing to undergo this training is a binding decision. Once you begin, you must be committed."

"Yes, professor." Jaune once again nodded.

"Should you choose not to proceed, you will be discharged from Beacon Academy." Shockwave presented the alternative. "It will not affect your ability to function in society, but having a record for being a dropout will raise questions."

Jaune grimaced, seeming to understand the implication. "I see."

In truth, it was not much of a choice to begin with, but that was the idea. Most people crumbled under the pressure of physical damage, but wounds healed with enough time. Cornering a person psychologically was a far more long-lasting chain to keep someone under control.

"You will be given until next week to decide." Shockwave decided that this was an adequate place to halt the conversation. "I have made the offer; do with it what you will."

"...what's the point in waiting?" Jaune grunted as he rose to his feet. "I know my answer. It wasn't that hard a choice to make."

"You would give yourself no time to debate your options?" Shockwave posed the question,, yet was not disappointed by this response. "Surely you realize how illogical that is."

"I know, but this time, I have to go through with it." Jaune clenched his fists. "If I think about it, I'll overthink and then it'll be over. Better to do instead of think."

"I will say this once more: you cannot retract your decision." Shockwave knew where this was going. "You will know pain unlike anything you've ever endured."

"I'll do it!" Jaune almost shouted. "Professor, that's my choice!"

"...then you must muster all that you have to become better." Shockwave mentally sent a message to his opposite's scroll. "Your instructions and schedule have been finalized. Look them both over and direct any and all questions you have to myself. That is all."

Having spent more than enough time on this little misadventure, it was time to resume more important work. Killing Remnant's greatest current enemy needed more of his attention than a student with delusions of heroism.

"Wait!" Jaune apparently had more to ask. "Um, I mean excuse me professor, but what do I tell my teammates about my training?"

"They will be informed of your additional training." Shockwave's answer came as he turned his back. "If they ask why, it is in response to your current performance raising concerns."

"But…. will they know about me cheating my way into Beacon?" The teenager sounded very afraid.

"That is entirely within your discretion." Frankly, the former Decepticon could not care any less. "We cannot speak of personal circumstances to other students, but choose what you reveal. It will be you who deals with any potential fallout. Was there anything else?"

…

There was silence.

…

Shockwave was no longer interested "You are dismissed."

…

A few footsteps, then the door opened and closed quietly.

But the cybertronian-faunus hybrid paid merely proceeded with his own research. What had just happened was a blip on the radar. As convenient as this encounter was, it was ultimately unimportant in comparison to his more grand plans.

Really, everyone that interacted with him was a tool, some more valuable than others. No matter what emotional attachments might result from other parties, there would be no reciprocation of any kind. If he had been transported and transformed into this form in his earlier days, perhaps it would be a different story.

Jaune Arc ranked low in usefulness in Shockwave's list of allies and acquaintances. He would only be able to rise up that list if he continued to improve himself and perform the unexpected but welcome.

Shockwave needed to make his report to Ozpin.

Transformers - - - RWBY

October 26th, 80 AGW

1000 Hours

Team CFVY was always excited to take classes with Professor Watson. He was, after all, their favorite teacher, one that they had worked with and had the pleasure of seeing in action. While working with the professor wasn't uncommon at Beacon Academy, it was highly unusual to conduct lengthy missions with the faculty. There was simply not enough time and the student population clearly dwarfed the lecturers.

Additionally, going on a mission with their esteemed professor had inspired them to double down on their training. Even before meeting the scientist, Team CFVY had established itself as the premiere team during their time as freshman. Their individual performances were stellar and their team performance was nigh-perfect. Now with their newfound desire to get stronger, they were unquestionably the best sophomore team.

Also assisting their performance were their their training had reached new levels, so too did their weapons. Basically, what they had gave them an unfair advantage, one the entire team was keen to use at every opportunity.

But there were constant reminders from Professor Goodwitch to never slack because of their continuous strings of successes and accomplishments. In fact, it seemed that she was doubling down on Team CFVY far more than any other team. It wasn't just in Coco's mind; everyone else on the team agreed with her, even shy Velvet.

Personally, the team leader had a sneaking suspicion that perhaps there was beef between the two professors. When she thought about it, it did make sense to her. Although she wouldn't call Shockwave evil per say, he certainly did feel like the type to be more liberal when it came to his methods. Glynda by contrast had a strict code of conduct and conducted business a certain way. While she wasn't inflexible, she certainly didn't approve of methods that encouraged toying with morality or simple decency.

That was just a simple little thing to notice between the two faculty members of Beacon. It could be nothing at all or it be that there was some tension between the blonde and the purple-haired Grimm killers. Either way, that was a potential conflict best left to the professionals. For all that Team CFVY was, they weren't willing to get between a conflict that was far beyond their level. Even together, they would be hard-pressed to endure a fight let alone win against a veteran.

Still, they were all warriors deep down and they were teenagers with grandiose visions of adventure and excitement, even the stoic Yatsuhashi and the timid Velvet couldn't deny the allure which their now favorite professor had. He represented something new, something different, and something to watch and observe.

Plus, his calling them was an excellent opportunity to escape the crushing boredom of Professor Port's class. No offense to the man, but he could literally drive anyone to insanity; any excuse to escape his lectures, legitimate or not, would be taken no questions asked.

But there was still one question on all of their minds.

"Hey, so does anyone like, know what we're being called for?" Coco was the first to ask said question. "We're not in trouble, are we?"

"I doubt that is the case." Yatsuhashi offered his two lien. "We're in good standing with Professor Watson."

"Maybe it's another mission." Velvet suggested quietly. "Or maybe another tech preview."

"Could be either." Fox shrugged his shoulders. "But hey, when it comes to Shockwave, it's probably going to be interesting."

"My thoughts exactly." Coco felt a grin on her face. "That man has a way of making our time here VERY interesting."

By the time they reached the science laboratory, all of them were eager in one way or another.

"Teach!" Coco threw the door open. "You called?"

"Correct. I have a personal request for Team CFVY." Professor Watson nodded once. "This will require an explanation."

"My huntress senses are tingling." Coco stepped into the room along with the rest of her team. "So, what are we doing?"

"I assume that you witnessed the entrance ceremony of our freshman." To Shockwave's statement, he received universal agreement. "Then you surely have determined the team that will lead the others."

"Team RWBY." Coco didn't even need to think about it.

"Their performance was exceptional." Yatsuhashi commented. "They made quite the impression among the sophomores."

"Their weapons and styles are varied." Velvet chime in as well. "All of their bases are covered nicely."

"They're kind of stupid, but they've got spirit." Fox gave his own input. "They'll need it for this job. They'll learn with time."

Watson seemed to digest their words for a second before proceeding. "And what team follows them?"

"JNPR." Coco was quick to answer. "Kind of clunky like RWBY, but good in its own way based on what I saw."

Yatsuhashi brow furrowed in thought. "Professor, does this request have to do with those two teams?"

"Not the teams, but one of the individuals." Shockwave tapped his scroll and handed it to CFVY's team leader. "This is Jaune Arc, JNPR's team leader."

"I know of him." Velvet's ears perked up at the name. "He's partners with Pyrrha Nikos. He's quiet, kind of meek, and from what I hear, the worst student of all the freshman."

"His low standing in terms of academics and combat are for one glaring reason." Watson crossed his arms. "He does not possess the prerequisites necessary to enroll in Beacon Academy. His transcripts were falsified."

"The hell?" Coco did a double take. "If that's the case, why's he still here?"

"The headmaster is adamant that Arc possesses immense potential." Shockwave blinked and pointed to the scroll that CFVY was looking over. "But these underwhelming results tell a different story."

"Gods, this guy sucks." Fox scoffed at what he was seeing. "The fact he's even still here is a miracle."

"Are we allowed to see this?" Velvet raised a hand in concern. "This seems like information that's best kept confidential."

"The request relates to this information." Watson looked at them all before saying his main point. "I am requesting that Team CFVY take part in Jaune Arc's training. He is to be adequately prepared for the Vytal Festival. Should he fail to meet our standards, he will be expelled and he will not be allowed to enroll in any huntsman academies in the future."

For a moment, all four teenagers gave each other strange looks. This felt like such an oddball thing to be asked to do. This felt more appropriate for a teacher to do or better yet, getting rid of the guy seemed the easiest path.

"If you are wondering why we cannot simply expel Arc, I will remind you: the headmaster appears to have a vested interest for one reason or another." Shockwave let his arms fall to his side. "However, my logic does not give me a reason to share his interest. Thus, this request was formed as a compromise."

"Then big man Oz knows about this." Coco looked up, her shades slightly falling down the bridge of her nose. "And he's given the go-ahead."

"Yes. The rest of the faculty has been made aware as well." Professor Watson said. "This will be a full-time task. Your academic and combat grading will be suspended for the time being. In exchange, you will be tasked with the training of Arc in all subjects necessary for him to become a huntsman.

"As for incentives, advanced combat techniques will be made available to you by myself. I will also be willing to make requisitions for materials of the highest quality that lien can buy. Custom configurations can be made at a later time."

"Sweet deal." Coco commented idly. "I do have one question: what are we allowed to do to whip this guy into shape?"

"Whatever you believe is necessary." Shockwave answered succinctly. "There will be some guidelines to follow, but one those are met, the rest of his training will be tailored according to your team."

Again, another round of glances and looks, none of them particularly expressive, but there seemed to be a general consensus between them all. At the very least, no one had outright rejected the offer. The girl with shades took all of her friends in again. All of them gave her slight indications.

A nod.

A shrug.

A strangely passionate look.

"Guess that means we're doing it." Coco returned the scroll. "So when do we get started?"

"You will begin next week. Be prepared for an early morning as well." Watson glanced down at the device for a moment before resuming his attention on the conversation. "The guidelines will be sent to your scrolls. As I said before, it is on all of you to formulate your own training methods and regiments. Questions?"

"Yes, professor." Velvet stepped forward. "Why have us students train him? Why not train Jaune Arc yourself?"

Shockwave's audio receptors moved slightly. "If time permitted it, I would have a more direct hand. Alas, other more pressing priorities consume my time, primarily matters concerning myself and Ozpin."

"I understand." The rabbit faunus took in his words.

"Is your confirmation absolute?" Watson's eye and optic were as indifferent as ever.

"Yeppers!" Coco flashed a thumbs-up. "We're a go!"

RWBY - - - Transformers

Location Unknown

October 28th, 80 AGW

0300 Hours

Jaune honestly had no idea what had happened this morning. He had been sleeping in his room with Team JNPR.

Then shouting began to happen.

"WAKE UP!" A loud female voice.

He instantly fell out of his bed and onto the cold-hard ground.

Wait, the ground?
"GET THE FUCK UP!" That same voice again, this time right in his year.

But Jaune immediately did as he was told.

"THAT WASN'T FAST ENOUGH!" She wasn't impressed by his speed. "GET INTO THE PUSHUP POSITION!"

"YES, MA'AM!"

The knight did exactly as he was told, but even as he got into a plank, she was far from done with him verbally.

"THAT'S MISS ADEL TO YOU, ARC!"

"YES, MISS ADEL!" Jaune didn't dare refuse her.

"OH, SO WE'RE FRIENDS NOW, HUH?" She was standing right in front of him. "WE GO BACK IN THE DAY, RIGHT?"

"N-NO!"

"NO WHAT?!"

"NO, MISS AD…" Jaune had no idea what to say "NO MA-"

"SHUT THE FUCK UP, DOUCHEBAG!" She commanded. "YOU KNOW WHAT?! I HATE YOU ALREADY! YOU CAN STAY IN THAT POSITION UNTIL I HATE YOU LESS!"

Jaune opted to keep his mouth shut and focus on trying to stay in the up position, which was already proving to be tough. He could already start to feel the burn in his stomach. It made him do a double take. Normally, his aura would help him endure more than this.

Why wasn't his aura working now?

The blonde boy groaned.

"SHUT THE FUCK UP! DON'T MAKE ME SAY IT AGAIN!" 'Miss Adel' once again repeated herself. "SUFFER IN SILENCE! YOU GREW YOUR BODY, YOU HOLD IT UP!"

Okay, now that he didn't have aura, Jaune could really get a good idea about how weak he really was. Already he felt his entire body shaking. Also, his mind wasn't in the zone and it wasn't another fifteen seconds before he felt his knees hit the ground.

"Get off your fucking knees!" Her voice was not as loud, but it was still as intense. "Weak as shit! You ain't gonna make it as a huntsman, guy!"

The words of Professor Watson came back to him. The experienced huntsman had said the same thing in more eloquent terms. Maybe that was why Jaune hadn't quite come to terms with what his training would become. This was making it all the more real now. This was a more tangible and visceral thing.

"And to think that the four-time Mistral Tournament Champion has to put up with your ass!" Adel once again spewed her opinion at him. "It's okay, don't worry! We're going to fix you right up! It's too fucking easy!"

Jaune said nothing and dared not let any sounds come from his own mouth. He forced his body back up and tightened his muscles.

The physical and mental tourture from last week now seemed like the greatest thing on all of Remnant.

I'll give you all three guesses as to what that last section draws inspiration from. I'll give you all a hint: it's where all Army Soldiers go before they're officially Soldiers.

In all seriousness, I'm SO sorry that I haven't uploaded much lately. We've had a lot going on here at my duty station. Coming back from work is honestly exhausting. Still, I'm busy, which is a good thing.

So Shockwave is finally doing something about Jaune. This was going to happen sooner or later and I figured that I ought to have some fun writing about this little arc.

Why Team CFVY? For one thing, they're more senior so they can actually teach something. Two, I wanted to use them again for something else in order to further their connection to Shockwave. And three, I thought it would make for some interesting character interactions. Strangely enough, I found Coco to be the best suited to play a Drill Sergeant Red Phase role. I think because of her somewhat playful and teasing side. She'd probably have tons of fun messing around with the head of Jaune.

Thoughts on this chapter? Reviews and feedback are appreciated. For my Army/Military guys, does that last section bring back memories? Good ones? Funny ones? Bad ones? I'd like your opinions on whether or not I nailed down the feel of the beginning of basic training.

Oh, and if any of my story ideas on my profile page stir any interest, be sure to vote for them on the pole.

Thanks for reading.

"Moving on, is a simple thing, what it leaves behind is hard."

Dave Mustaine