Firstly, a big shout out to Coeur Al'Aran: a big name (in my opinion at least) in RWBY fan fiction writing. They have given all authors permission (with the reasonable condition that credit is given) to utilize certain aspects of his story such as the Arc family names, town names, and the like, which I have taken him up on. After having read so many of their stories I found that when writing and planning this story I would constantly be bothered by the fact the names weren't the ones I had seen in Couer's work. So with that said, thank you, and well done on taking such control over my mind with your writing that I could not imagine a setting without these names.

I hope you enjoy.

Jaune Arc comes from a family with a decorated history of warriors and military heroes. This much at least is a fact. Jaune's fondest and youngest memories were of reading stories. Stories about his Great-Great-Grandfather, and his actions in the Faunus War. Jaune's father, the current patriarch of the Arc family, is not a soldier though. He is a huntsman, one worthy of recognition. He is also quite the teacher. He has raised and trained all his of-age daughters to a level of skill that is worthy of respect. Thanks to his tutelage every Arc family member is living up to and bringing honor to the family name, every member except Jaune.

Most children by the age of 6 had already unlocked their class. The world recognized their talent as a knight or a mage. Jaune, who is 17 years old now, remains classless. Many consider him to be a lost cause, a late-bloomer who never bloomed. Jaune has struggled every day trying to keep up with his peers. He had no blade skills and no unnatural strength or endurance. He was a product of nothing more than hard work.

"Keep your left foot forward not right! Step with the foot closest to the direction you're moving first, don't cross your legs! Now Strike!" an experienced voice barked, demanding improvement, "Again!"

Jaune struck out with a wooden sword again and again in time with the commands. His father parried every strike effortlessly. Jaune was better than he was when he started. He had been quick to learn which end of the blade to hold and which end was thrust into his opponent. He had learned that lesson the hard way, courtesy of his father. Quicker than his speed of learning the basics, was his speed in proving himself. Proving that he had the determination to weather the circumstance of his upbringing. The world was not so cruel as to deny the benefits of honest hard work after all. Jaune may not have ever gained a skill. But his attributes had grown, setting the foundation for a warrior to be.

Sadly, without a class to level or skills to use, those around Jaune had labeled him a disappointment.

"That's enough for today Jaune, head inside and get washed up for dinner. We're done for today." His father exclaimed.

"I can keep going Dad, I'm close. I can feel it!" Jaune replied, begging his father to continue helping him refine his fighting style.

"No closer than you were yesterday or the day before that Jaune. We have been drilling this exercise for over a week and it hasn't changed a thing. Maybe its time you-"

"No! I'm not giving up Dad. Nobody has ever failed to get a class. We just haven't discovered what unlocks mine. I'll get something amazing any day now. I could be a Hunter or Champion like you and Mom! I just need to stick to it until it happens." Jaune pleaded an argument that has been had time after time between the two. "At least let me continue until I get 1 more point of fortitude."

"One more hour. Then come in and get washed up. Your mother and I have something important to talk to you about after dinner." Jaune's father left little room for argument, so Jaune didn't bother.

Jaune trained for another full hour. Stretching his muscles to his limits. Finally, it happened.

[For stretching your endurance to its limit your Fortitude has increased by 1]

Jaune brushed his now soaked blond hair out of his eyes as he focused. Once he had caught his breath his attention switched to bringing up his status.

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Jaune Arc

Level 1

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Strength: 18

Fortitude: 25

Dexterity: 15

Aura: Locked

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It was no surprise to see his aura locked as his father had refused to unlock it for him until he earned his class

After showering and getting changed, his mother recruited him into setting the table. A job that also required keeping his younger sisters under control before dinner. With the meal out of the way, his mother and father shooed his siblings out of the room.

The three stood shoulder to shoulder at the sink. It was how things were done in the Arc family. One person cleaned, one person dried, and the other stacked and put the dishes away. The only difference was today there was no friendly chatter. There was a more serious discussion to be had.

"Jaune, we want you to know your father and I are so proud of your efforts. Just as we are proud of what your older sisters have done and everything your little sisters are doing. You've got a big heart and a lot to give the world." His mother spoke, her eyes showing already growing moist.

His father continued, "However, it wouldn't be right of us as parents to let you continue with this dream of yours. We know that ever since you were young you wanted to become a huntsman. We also know that the cut-off date for applications to Beacon Academy isn't far off. You need a signature from us in place of a combat prep school's graduation letter." He paused. "We aren't going to sign anything, I'm sorry. Without a class or a single skill to defend yourself with it would spell disaster. I tried to teach you the basics, and you were a quick study, but it's not enough. Sending you off to Beacon's Initiation like this would be a death sentence. It's not something your mother or I could ever agree to."

Jaune's mother was fanning her eyes to ward off the tears. She didn't want to tell Jaune these things any more than Jaune wanted to hear them.

"We have applied for you to join a great technical school in Argus. There are still so many options for you Jaune and we will support you in any way we can." He handed Jaune a medium-sized envelope from his pocket. Jaune took it wordlessly.

Jaune had always had a feeling. It was the little things that had built up over the last few years. They always said 'believe in yourself' instead of 'you can do anything you set your mind to'.

Sure, his father had offered training. But he had also refused to unlock his aura or let him train with a real sword. It was always drilling the basics, 'building a stronger foundation' as his father would say. He knew deep down that his parents didn't think he could become a huntsman, he had just tried to ignore it.

His father sat both Jaune and his mother down at the table as neither of them was capable of working anyway.

"Classes start in a few weeks and inside that envelope is your acceptance letter. You can stay with your sister Sapphire for a while but we've got some money put aside for you to get yourself set up."

His mother quickly interjects. "Don't get us wrong Jaune. We aren't trying to throw you out. We just believe that going to a bigger city than this and developing some independence could be good for you. Isn't that right Nicky?"

"Of course Juniper dear." Nicholas continues, "You'll always have a place here with us son. You can even continue your training with the sword if you want to. There is no harm in learning how to defend yourself. Not to mention a better physique will only help you with the ladies, right lad?" The joke as it were fell flat.

"So what do you say?" his father asked.

After a few moments of silence Jaune decided to speak up, "Could I have tonight to think about it? It's a lot all at once..."

His mother took his hand and squeezed it gently, "Of course dear, you can take as much time as you need to think this over. Go and get some rest." Juniper planted a kiss on his forehead and took her husband with her, he rustled Jaune's hair on his way past.

A short time passed, with Jaune waiting at the table, the envelope and its contents still held in his hand. Jaune choked down the tears that threatened to rise at the unfairness of the whole situation.

It's not my fault I was born with a class that refuses to unlock.

He took his package and dragged himself up to his room where he sorted through the contents. Several thousand Lien and the acceptance letter were all contained within.

The sight of the letter caused something to snap within Jaune. He wasn't going to roll over and take this.

I didn't go through all this training just to quit now. I'll prove to everyone that I can do this.

Jaune packed a small suitcase with a few extra items of clothing. He charged his scroll and put together a few other miscellaneous items while he waited. After a few hours, he snuck downstairs. He crept through the house in the dead of night to where he knew he would find it; Crocea Mors. A long sword with a blue handle and a golden crossguard. It was marked with scratches, proof that this was no mere mantle decoration. This was a blade that had been passed down through the generations. It was a simple blade, but a durable one that had seen decades of real combat and come through it unbroken.

With his belongings packed and his mind set, Jaune took Crocea Mors. He quietly opened the front door and walked through it.

He looked out toward the road leading from his home. The moonlight shining down from above was strong enough to provide light with which to see. Illuminating the start of a long journey. Jaune swore to himself, the next time he returned he would have proven himself, and so he set out.