Jaune woke up at the sound of his alarm. He groans as he hit the snooze buttonon his scroll and tries to go to sleep. Just as soon as he feels like he's going to get more sleep his alarm goes off again, causing another groan. Knowing there was no escaping that vicious cycle, Jaune begrudgingly gets up. He was still sore, but most of the soreness was from working out with Nebula yesterday.

He rubs his eyes and yawns as he grabs a towel from one of the drawers and heads to the bathroom. As he takes his shower he tries to think about what he should do today. He wondered if he could ask Nyx for something to do that could give him some lien. Obviously it would be something in the school as she wouldn't risk him getting even more inujred, right?

As Jaune got out of the shower and got dressed, his eyes laid upon the burnt hoodie he had placed on one of the empty beds. He put on a white t-shirt and another pair of blue jeans and went up to it. That's when he knew one of the things he wanted to do that day. He folded the hoodie and tried to find his backpack somewhere. Once he did he tucked it in and strapped it on.

Jaune headed to the door and was about to leave but heard the sound of his foot stepping on some paper. He looks down and saw the paper and picked it up. He read it and realized that it was his class schedule. He saw the teachers, the classes and the room numbers. He wanted to fix his hoodie but knew that this would be more important.

He decided after meeting his teachers first then he would fix the hoodie. Jaune tries to remember where the classes where from memory, and heads to his first teacher.

Class 1: Dust study.

Jaune opened up the door to the classroom hoping to see the teacher preparing for class that would start in two days. His teacher's name was Mr. Sarid. Jaune was in luck as he saw a teacher with his back turned. He had just opened his closet of supplies.

"Excuse me!" Jaune said as he walked further in the classroom. The teacher noticed Jaune as he look over his left shoulder.

"Ah you must be Jaune Arc!" he said. Sarid's voice was slightly deep, enough to be slightly threatening but warming at the same time. He turns back into the closet and walks in. "You must give me a minute I need to do some rearranging."

"No problem," Jaune said. He decided to take a look around the classroom. It was practically the same as Beacon. The room was shaped in a half circle facing a chalkboard. However the top of the tables seemed to be made of marble instead of wood.

Jaune heard the sound of hands clapping. "So, how can I help you?" Sarid said.

"Well I was just going to meet all of my tea- AGH!" Jaune turned around to be met with Mr. Sarid. The thing that caught him off guard was the mechanical aspects of Sarid. He had a shaved head, and tan skin, but from his left eye and cheek down to his left arm everything was mechanical. Even part of his right arm had some pieces of technology attached to it. The tubes that flowed through it were a blue color.

"What's wrong?" Mr. Sarid asked. He then realized Jaune hasn't seen him before so it started making sense that he was scared. "Oh right, the mechanical bits."

"Yeah, uh… If I may ask…" Jaune still did't know if it was polite to ask about them. For all he knew it could make him angry because of what happened.

Sarid put his hand up which silenced Jaune. "No it's fine." He motions over to his desk. "Take a seat, it's a bit of a long story." Jaune politely nodded and went over to the desk, grabbing a chair from one of the tables as he did.

As Jaune sat down Sarid sat across form him in his swivel chair. He rubbed his face wondering where to begin. "Well… I won't give you my life story, but I will tell you I was an Atlas soldier." This caused Jaune to go wide eyed.

"You're Atlisian?" he asked. Sarid chuckled.

"That I am. I came here after the incident. I was in my first year of the military. I overheard some of my superiors talking about some kind of experiment. Me being the green newbie who wanted to rise through the ranks called them out on it and asked if I could join in."

"Why'd you do that?"

Sarid sighs. "I wanted power. From the conversation I heard, the experiment was said to give the user extreme control over dust. I wanted it. My superiors said the scientists were looking for anyone willing and asked to make absolutely sure I was ready. What a fool I was to say yes."

"What were the… experiments?"

"You've heard of dust weaving?" Jaune nodded. "What about dust fusing?"

"You mean where you fuse two dust elements?" Jaune guessed.

"Good answer, but no. Dust fusing is where dust is fused with the body of a human or faunus." That was when everything started making sense.

"So, Atlas tried to use you as a test subject for dust fusing, which ended up failing and causing you to have robotic parts?" Sarid looked at Jaune with a look of pride.

"Belinda wasn't lying when she said you were a bright student Mr. Jaune." The praise gave Jaune a slight smile.

"Thank you sir," Jaune said, his smile still beaming.

"She was also correct in saying you are very formal as well. A very nice change of pace considering most of the other students here. I mean… that is to say I do not dislike any of my students but…"

Jaune chuckled. "It's okay I've had a few… dealings with the one's you're talking about." The two share another laugh. Sarid looks at the time and claps his hands together.

"Well I figure you would want to meet the rest of your teachers today so I'll let you get to it." Jaune stood up and so did Sarid.

"It was nice to meet you Mr. Sarid," Jaune said as he stuck his hand out. Sarid shook his hand.

"It was nice to meet you too Mr. Jaune."

With that Jaune said goodbye, and headed to his next class as Sarid went back into the closet for something.

Class 4: Combat class.

Jaune swallowed as he stood outside of the arena. His last two teachers were a doozy. His History teacher, Miss Camira, was an old woman. However despite her age she had these eyes that pierced your soul. She was also a heavy smoker from her voice and the fact that she was smoking one when Jaune walked in on her. Their conversation was very short and to the point as she scared Jaune.

She knew Jaune was not very good at history, which didn't help his nervousness around her. After introductions Jaune was dismissed, he got out as fast as he could. Something told him he would not like history. His next teacher was a little bit better.

He had math after history and his math teacher was Mr. Wolff. He was a wolf faunus who, when Jaune first entered, was doing complicated equations on the chalkboard. Jaune had to sit for about seven minutes before Mr. Wolff got to him. Jaune noticed he had some form of obsessive compulsion disorder from the way the room was arranged. Jaune noticed that both side of the room were perfectly in sync with each other. Not to mention that Mr. Wolff's desk was arranged in a familiar fashion.

When Mr. Wolff was done he walked to Jaune and apologized if he seemed rude. He told Jaune that he did have OCD, as he had the need to finish everything he ever starts, whether it is good or bad. After introductions Jaune excused himself and Mr. Wolff welcomed him to Shade and both went on with their days.

Despite three of his teacher's quirks, he was not ready to face his next one: Mr. Jett.

Just from overhearing student's conversations and from his first experience with him, Jaune feared him. He was regarded as the best there was when it came to combat classes. When he found a weakness in you, he made sure to tell you and everyone in class, which the students would abuse when they were matched up with you, forcing you to adapt.

Not only that, he often challenged his students to fight him as well. It was to test how far they were growing throughout the year. Most students would get the crap kicked out of them with the occasional survivor.

All of these facts not only made Jaune fear Jett, but also respect him and like him. It was a weird feeling. Jaune continued to look at the arena doors, his nerves holding him back from entering. Jaune closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He tried his best to relax. After a minute of standing at the door he knew he wouldn't get any calmer. He opened his eyes and entered the arena.

As he did he heard the sounds of fighting going on. He looks around to see two figures fighting, with another one standing and observing them. Jaune walked over to them, hoping for one of them to be Mr. Jett. He was correct as the observer was the teacher in question.

He stood strong and stoic, his scarf slightly waving from the slight wind from the fighting and still covering his lower face. Jaune still couldn't see his lower jaw due to his scarf covering it up. His robe still covered him and the scorpion like design was still visible as the scorpion was blood red, which stood out on the black robe-shirt. He was still wearing his black jeans and brown combat boots.

Jaune then noticed the two who were fighting. Well more specifically, one of them. The person fighting was Wallace. Wallace was fighting another student who seemed to be some kind of faunus as she had claws and were swiping at Wallace. Wallace was wearing a black t-shirt with a brown leather vest. He was also wearing black running pants and white sneakers. The faunus had long wavey blonde hair that stopped by her shoulder blades. She was wearing a white T-shirt with a grey sweatshirt that wasn't zipped up. She wore black leggings and black combat boots. Jaune decided to not interrupt the fight and just decided to observe it.

The faunus swiped at Wallace three times with their claws. The third time she clipped Wallace in the side, causing the brown skinned man to clutch his sides. The Faunus smiled and tackled Wallace to the ground.

"That all you got?!" She called as she pinned him to the ground. She raised her claws and swiped at Wallace four times before he was able to get his foot under her and push her off. He rolls backwards and onto his feet and growls while the girl smiles.

Wallace charges at her and jumps in the air, pulling his right fist back in the process. The swift motion caught the girl off guard as he moved too fast for her to react. She gets punched in the face and stumbles back but recovers, only to be met with a fist in the gut as Wallace charged at her again.

Wallace hit her with a flurry of punches to the face and body. However when he tried to hit her with a right hook, she blocked it with her left arm and stuck her clawed right hand into his chest. His aura still stopped any real damage, but it still hurt like hell. She then grabs his wrist with the arm she blocked with and flips him over her shoulder.

She takes out her claw and pummels his face with two hard blows. She then puts her foot on his head and begins putting pressure. Eventually Wallace had enough. He reaches into his pocket and takes out what looks to be a long thin piece of cloth. He warps the cloth around the faunus's ankle and then lifts it up with enough force for him to move his head from underneath her boot. With the cloth still wrapped around her ankle, Wallace jumps up while lifting the leg, causing the faunus to become imbalanced. With her leg high in the air, Wallace bends low to the ground and sweeps the other leg causing her to fall.

He unwraps the cloth so fast it was almost as if it phased through the faunus. She kicks back up and gets in a fighting stance. She sprints at Wallace who tosses part of the cloth her way while hanging onto another part. When she tries to hit him he ducks under her punch and grabs the cloth he tossed over her. He grips them tightly and pulls her into his back. He then rolls forward onto his back, causing damage to the faunus. He lets go of the cloth and rolls up and then elbows drop her in the stomach.

He takes the cloth away from her again. He then wraps the cloth around her arm and drags her back up. He then punches her in the face, which causes her to stumble back. However due to the cloth around her arm he dragged her back up and clotheslined her. Again, he drags her back up but this time he knees her in the stomach. He was about to attack her again but then a voice cut through the air.

"Enough!" Mr. Jett said. Both students freeze in their tracks. They straighten each other out and Wallace unwraps the cloth again. Mr. Jett walks up and glares at Wallace. "Mr. Williams, I believe I told you to not use your weapon during this exercise. Care to explain the cloth?"

Wallace smiles as he pockets the cloth. "Aren't you also the one who says to be prepared for every situation?"

Mr. Jett gave a slight chuckle. "Perhaps, but in this situation you were wrong to use it." He glares again. "I am glad that you took that seriously, but you need to stop relying on your weapon."

"Come on!" Wallace said as he shrugged his shoulders. "All my weapon is, is fist fighting with an added piece of cloth."

"If that was the case, you wouldn't have needed it to fight Miss Fox here. You could have easily defeated her because you claim it is the same as fist fighting. Yet you needed it as a crutch." Wallace was about to argue but knew Mr. Jett was right and sighs. "Despite that, I am seeing an increase in your aggressive fighting nature, with and without the cloth. A step up from your usual defensive style."

Wallace smiled at the comment. Mr. Jett then turned to the female faunus. "Miss Fox, as always your aggressive nature has gotten you a few hit over your opponent." She beamed at her teacher from the compliment. "However you still do not know of a word called, 'restraint.' Since you were too aggressive, Mr. Williams used his defensive attacks against you and force your hand when he brought out his weapon." He takes a step back so he was looking at both of his students.

"I pitted you two against each other because you both needed to step out of your comfort zones. You two fighting would do just that. Learn to fight outside what you're used to, and you'll be prepared for the unexpected. Understood?"

"Yes sir," the female faunus said.

"Yeah, crystal clear," Wallace said.

"Good," Mr. Jett said. "Now you two can continue with your day or continue sparring. It appears Mr. Arc wants to speak with me."

Jaune went rigid as he heard his name called. Mr. Jett points his thumb over to a doorway. "We can discuss in my office, Mr. Arc. Follow me."

Jaune nodded and followed Mr. Jett. Wallace give Jaune a head nod and Jaune waves back. After that, Wallace continues with his sparring partner and Jaune continues toward the office.

In the office:

An office can say a lot about a person. For instance if one had pictures of family, you can picture them as a family person. If one had a bed and couch and a mini TV, you could assume they live in their office. Or in this case, you can see a bunch of weapons lined up on a wall and then shit yourself when you realize how crazy your teacher might be.

Jaune just stared awestruck at all of the weapons that Mr. Jett had in his office. They were sorted to a certain degree as it seemed all the small weaponry like garrots, knives and pistols were hung up on one end while the somewhat heavier arms, like shotguns, rifles, a fighting pole, a katana to name a few, were hung up on another wall.

"Take a seat Mr. Arc," Mr. Jett said. He walked around his wooden desk and sat down in his swivel chair. Jaune pulled up a chair and sat down. The chair was a little comfortable, but still had that feeling of This-is-a-business-chair. "So tell me, why are you here?"

Jaune clear his throat, hoping to get rid of some of the nervousness he was feeling. It only worked a little bit. "I uh… I'm going around my classes to talk and meet my t-teachers, and learn a little bit about the class."

Mr. Jett lets out a tiny chuckle. "Well that tells me why you are in my office, but it doesn't tell me why you are here, at Shade." Jaune was taken aback from the question.

"I am here to defend the world from the grimm. Why else would I―"

"Do not bullshit me," Mr. Jett cut off. "Very few, if any at all, join these fight schools to 'defend the world.'" He used air quotes as he said that last part. "Now tell me, why are you truly here? Is it because of your family legacy, to protect your family name? Is it to prove to others that you aren't a fraud? Or is it something else?"

Jaune wringed his hands together and found the floor very interesting at this point. Why was he here? Teams BRNZ and NDGO often tell him that he belongs here, even some of the teachers, but that doesn't explain the why. Why go through all of this trouble? Why?

Jaune wanted to think about this, but Mr. Jett wouldn't give him the time. He sighed and said "Fine, if you won't tell me then I have no use of having you in my class. I only teach students who know why they fight." He pointed at the door. "Get out."

"Mr. Jett I―"

"OUT!"

"Just let me think for a second okay?" He pleaded. Mr. Jett looked like he wanted to yell at Jaune again, as he stood up and slammed his hands on the table. Something caused him to stop though. He closed his eyes and sighed, as if he just remembered something. He sits back down and motions with his hand.

"One minute," He said. "You have one minute to think, and give me an answer. If I don't hear one, you will get out and I will recommend you for expulsion."

Sixty seconds. That's all he had time to think. So many thoughts flew through his head. Why did he join Beacon, why did he hang around after being exposed? Why did he wait for so long before leaving Beacon? Why did he jump at the chance to be a huntsman again? Why did he go through the initiation of Shade and yet still want to be here despite everything that happened?

Forty seconds. Jaune's hands turned into fists. Why does this always happen?! Why is it whenever he gets close to a goal, it's as if the universe wants to keep screwing with him?! Why can't he just catch a fucking break?!

Thirty seconds. Jaune needed to relax. Getting angry wouldn't solve anything. Still, after everything he's done, after how much harder he had to work, why do people still think of him as a weakling? Why can't he just be like every other Arc before him?! All he wants to do is help people!

Fifteen seconds. The reason he goes to these Huntsman schools though is because… because…

"Five," Mr. Jett counted. "Four, three…"

"I want to be strong," Jaune interrupted. "I do want others to say to me that I am strong. I thought the only way to do that was to 'be an Arc.' I thought I had to be like my father, my grandfather to even the original carrier of my weapon, my great-great grandfather." Mr. Jett raises an eyebrow. "The thing is, I could have been an Arc if I stayed at home and lived a normal life. No, I wanted to be like my sister, a heroic Arc."

"Why do you want to be a heroic Arc?" Mr. Jett said. Jaune lets out a slight chuckle.

"I guess heroic is too strong a word. No, I just want to be someone who people can rely on. Someone who when they turn to me, they say 'this is someone who I know will protect me.' I want to be strong enough to be able to not only take care of myself, but other people. I know you said very few people think like that, but it's how I feel."

Jaune looked up to see Mr. Jett staring at him. The nervousness appeared again, but Jaune didn't falter. He stared him right the eyes with as much intensity. He then sees the teacher closed his eyes and let out an impressed grunt.

"A very good answer Mr. Arc," he said. "I can't say your desire is completely selfless, as you still feel that need of approval. But you are only human." He stands up and begins pacing. "I only said very few people think that way, is because very few people truly believe that they are here for the greater good. They lie to themselves about why they are here. In fact, you may even change your conviction once you've been on a few mission, many huntsman do." He turns around and sees Jaune taking in every word he is saying. Jaune was a little disheartened to hear that he might not want to still save people after becoming a huntsman.

"Even so, I sense a strong will and compassion in those eyes of yours. No matter what, you will make a great Huntsman." He then walks toward Jaune and sticks out his hand. "I will be glad to have you as a student."

Jaune looked at the combat teachers hand, awestruck at the praise he was receiving. The man who said that Jaune would die here in a few days was praising him. He couldn't help but get his signature Jaune Arc grin and shake his hand in return.

Outside the office, Wallace and the faunus girl listened in on the conversation. Wallace had a smirk on his face as the other girl had an impressed look on her face. "You were right Wallace," she said. "If Mr. Jett likes him, he's got to be worth his salt right?"

"Told you," Wallace said. He gets up and begins walking out of the arena, the faunus girl following close behind. Wallace takes out his phone and begins texting someone. When the faunus girl asks who it is, Wallace says "Some friends of Jaune. I might as well let them know that's he's on Mr. Jett's good side, for now."

"You think they'll celebrate?"

"Olivia they all just survived a four day initiation and their new friend is a good enough person that Jett's initial reaction of him is gone. If they aren't getting hammered tonight the third years have been teaching them wrong." The two of them share laugh. They know that BRNZ is probably going to take Jaune out tonight. They're sure that they wouldn't do anything too reckless.

Right?

To be continued

Beta Reader: TheShadowOfZama

Happy Holidays Everyone!