Author's Note: We. Are. BACK! Season 2 is going to be lit. MORE muscles. MORE Hokuto Shinken. MORE manliness. MORE fights. MORE drama. And of course, this season will feature a few special guests…
Without any further ado… let's get this show on the road!
Season 1 Chapter 1: A New Dawn
"Vytal Festival Tournament Ball?"
"That is correct, Mr Souther."
"Be honest, Ozpin. You picked every fancy word you could, and stuck it into one name, didn't you?"
Ozpin took a sip of coffee, choosing to answer that question with what he hoped was a dignified silence. Jaune gave him a moment to recover. He had already spent a semester at Beacon, and over the course of it, he had gotten used to the headmaster's rhythm.
Sure enough, Ozpin continued as if he had never been interrupted.
"I am sure you are wondering why I am telling you about it personally."
"There is something that needs doing, isn't there?"
"Correct as always, Mr Souther. You have been here a while, and in that time, defended the students well. You have earned some trust, and I think it is about time you meet certain people."
Jaune sensed three different Auras approaching the office, ascending towards it by the elevator. He recognized two of them. Glynda Goodwitch, Ozpin's companion and assistant. And another, which made him clench his teeth in irritation.
Lily Arc.
Following the initial meeting at the docks, he had not run into his twin sister again, and he certainly wasn't sad about it. The reunion had reminded how gifted she was at annoying him, and how incredibly unlikable she could be whenever she wanted, which was most of the time. Regardless, she was in town for the Vytal Festival, and certainly looked the part of a warrior. It wouldn't be surprising if she was involved with the hidden council that guided the Hunters: after all, as a child, she had been evaluated by the Arc family head to be the most gifted of the eight siblings.
Well, there's no choice. I guess I'll have to endure her presence.
Aside from the two Jaune already knew, there was a third Aura as well. This belonged to a stranger. But it felt strong, if slightly rigid. In a way, it was like a mountain: an immovable spirit that stayed firm, not allowing others to sway it.
Rigid, then. Adaptability is strength. Stubbornness can be a weakness.
Soon enough, the elevator doors opened, and the three stepped into the office.
It was then that Jaune got his first look at this stranger.
He was rather tall, able to look Jaune in the eye without turning up, and had a formidable silhouette. He was clothed in a white coat and trousers that the Shinken recognized as Atlas military attire. Judging by its distinct appearance, designed to stand apart from rank and file soldiers, he was a high ranking officer. His stern face and air of authority further enforced this analysis as correct. Put together with the fact that he was here in Ozpin's office, and that the headmaster wanted Jaune to meet him, the young warrior was certain who this man must be.
He was proven right when Ozpin himself decided to do the introduction.
"Welcome, James. The journey presented no difficulties, I hope?"
"It was fine," the man answered, to the point.
"I see. Well, now that you are here, we can begin."
The man, evidently named James, eyed Jaune curiously, and pointedly looked at Ozpin, waiting for an explanation as to his presence.
"James, this is Jaune Souther, a first year student at this Academy. For certain reasons, I have decided to include him in the discussion we are about to have."
"Is that so?" The military man's voice was guarded, and sharp eyes examined Jaune. His gaze felt as if he was trying to dig into him and unearth every secret: cold, observant, analytical. Jaune met it head-on, completely unfazed. In turn, he made his observations about the man.
His right side is prosthetic…
The man's control over the artificial parts of his body was excellent, but no matter how good it was, metal and synthetic substances lack the fluidity and natural small movements that characterize organic flesh.
He was also carrying a revolver holstered to his belt.
Overall, his movements and bearing suggested experience and skill in hand-to-hand conflict. His steadiness indicated he was a good marksman as well.
Noting that Jaune wasn't the least bit uncomfortable at his examination, the man relaxed a little. His eyes expressed surprise now, though he was concealing the bulk of that reaction.
He was curious: Jaune's physique, body language and eyes marked him out as being a rare melee fighter. The Atlesian military man could not determine the limits of this boy's abilities. Normally, that would have immediately made him classify the individual as a threat. However, a lifetime in the military had taught him to spot those with violent or criminal intentions. Jaune had neither: he was completely relaxed despite being ready to move immediately if needed. Yet, the lack of tension in his body, and the steadiness of his eyes proved that he wasn't nervous in the least. In other words, he wasn't afraid of being "found out", which is the typical tell of a criminal.
Ozpin nodded.
"James, do you remember an individual by the name of Kenshiro?"
The man's eyes widened.
"The Man with Seven Scars… you don't mean…"
"Indeed. Jaune is his true disciple. The Successor to Hokuto Shinken."
He now regarded the young fighter with a newfound respect and awe.
Like all who were intimately connected with events of significance in Remnant, James was aware of Kenshiro, and had seen evidence of Hokuto Shinken's enormous power. It was a power he would have done much to possess. But that was impossible: the art was passed from Master to Disciple, and could not be stolen. Furthermore, the practitioners of the Assassin's Art had proved unshakeable in their convictions. Kenshiro had refused Ozpin's requests to join their cause. Twice.
But now, his disciple was here.
This Jaune lad, who appeared to be strong. If he did indeed possess the power of the Divine Fist, and had been acknowledged as an ally by Ozpin… then they had at last acquired a weapon that could make the decisive difference.
Ozpin turned to the weapon in question.
"Jaune, this is James Ironwood. General of Atlas military, and headmaster of Atlas Academy."
The man now identified as General Ironwood nodded at Jaune, and the Shinken returned the gesture.
"Well, if a general himself is here, then this must be important," said Jaune. "Are you really sure you can trust me with that sort of information, Ozpin?"
Ironwood tensed up slightly, but the wizard chuckled. Evidently, this sort of banter was common between the two of them. The general was reminded for a moment of a certain perpetually drunk Hunter, and his mood darkened.
"I think I can," said Ozpin.
Jaune nodded.
"Fine. Let's get on with it then."
Well, at least he is focused on the important thing, Ironwood thought.
Which reminded him, he had yet to introduce his special agent.
"Ozpin. This is Specialist Lily Arc. She is not only a prized member of my army, but also the top student at Atlas Academy. I thought it might be a useful experience for all concerned if she were to take part in the tournament."
The armoured knight stepped forward, slight smile on her face, and nodded at Ozpin.
"I have heard much about you from James. Certainly, you live up to his words, and I hope to see you continue to do so."
"I'll try my best," she said.
She turned to Jaune, and their eyes met.
Jaune's were focused, observing. He knew his sister always had a card to play.
Lily's were sly, glimmering with mischief. The look in them told Jaune she was in a position to make things difficult for him.
Jaune, of course, knew what she must be referring to.
She was aware of his true identity as an Arc.
Ozpin had introduced him as Jaune Souther. Evidently, he had not told Ironwood about him before, and had certainly not told him his origin. Revealing it now would not only create an uncomfortable scene, it would also put the trust between the two headmasters in a precarious position.
Jaune glared at her, warning her against what she no doubt wanted to do.
"I have a lot of incentive to perform well," she continued, giving no sign of being bothered by her brother. She pointedly looked at him.
"After all, with someone like the Shinken here, I can't afford to fall behind, now can I?"
The emphasis on Jaune's nature was not lost on him. She had not known what he was when they had met at the docks. But she knew now, and knew what it meant.
For now, she had decided to not out the secret. But she could do it at any time. She was going to hold the threat of that over him.
Incredible. Four years we've been apart, and as soon as we reunite, you go right back to being a pain in the ass.
Nevertheless, the meeting had to proceed, and Ozpin decided to move things forward.
"Well, let us get right to the meat of the matter then. Mr Souther, intelligence we have received indicates that the enemy will make their move soon."
"With people from all over the world here, and the Festival serving as a distraction, this is the best time for them," Jaune said.
Ozpin nodded.
"By that logic, there are two time periods when they are most likely to put their plan into motion. During the tournament itself…"
"... And during this ball," said Jaune.
"Exactly."
"And you want me to make sure whatever it is they're planning fails."
"That is correct, Mr Souther."
Jaune crossed his arms.
"Well, for that to happen, I have to at least have an idea of what I'm trying to prevent, you know?"
Ozpin and Ironwood exchanged a lightning glance, which didn't go unnoticed. There was something like a warning in the latter's eyes, and when Ozpin spoke again, he was deliberately vague.
"We suspect they will infiltrate the town, and then the school. Perhaps they have done so already."
The wizard spoke slowly, cautiously, completely avoiding even an indirect reference to whatever it is he didn't want Jaune to know. It seemed whatever secret the school was hiding was not one they were willing to trust him with. At least not yet.
But there was the fact that Ozpin owed him one answer, in exchange for taking down the White Fang base in town. It was time to collect on that debt.
"Specifics, Ozpin. There's something hidden in the school. What is it?"
"That is none of your concern!" snapped Ironwood.
"Then find someone else to do your dirty work," said Jaune nonchalantly. "I have no reason to assist those who refuse to help me."
The General looked furious.
"You would put your desires before the greater need-"
Jaune decided to cut him short right there.
"I have no respect for your definition of the greater need, General. Or Ozpin's, for that matter, but he already knows this."
He allowed his Aura to flare, just a little.
"The Shinken answers only to the Heavens."
Ironwood tensed up. Sensing her commanding officer's intentions, Lily Arc stepped forward, ready to attack if ordered.
Like Jaune, she allowed her Aura to flare, and brother and sister clashed in a silent confrontation, neither backing down from the pressure of the other.
"Not bad," said Lily tightly. "You're not a runt, at least."
"Wish I could say the same for you," returned Jaune.
Her expression darkened,
Jaune noted that the armour she wore was not ordinary. It completely altered the flow of Aura in her body, making it impossible to attack her with his own as he might normally do. In addition, it also erased the position of her vital points.
If I can't hit your pressure points… there are still other ways.
Lily noted that Jaune's body far surpassed her own, and that of everyone else she had met. His power and speed would make taking him head-on a suicidal endeavour.
If I can't trade blows with you… there are still other ways.
The Berserker's fingers curled and uncurled, as she prepared to draw her sword.
The Shinken's fist clenched, as he prepared to launch it.
"Enough. Both of you. You are doing exactly what the enemy wants. If they saw this, they'd be celebrating," said Ozpin.
When neither fighter backed off, he insisted.
"Please. Both of you are essential for us to win this war. We cannot fight amongst ourselves. Put your differences aside, at least for now."
Cautiously, the two of them eased up at the same time, making sure neither launched an attack the other was unprepared for.
A collective sigh was released when the two enormous Auras calmed down.
Ozpin took the opportunity to ease matters further.
"He has a point, James. He is helping us of his own free will, and no matter what you believe, we cannot force him to do anything for us. He has proven trustworthy, in any case. I believe he has earned some answers."
"Tch," Ironwood made no effort to hide his annoyance, but did not argue, out of respect for Ozpin's judgement. "As you will. But an ally who fights against his own is worse than an enemy."
"I have no intention of hurting anyone here, General. I don't strike the innocent. Of course, I'll make an exception for her, at the tournament."
Ironwood regarded him for a moment, before relenting.
Ozpin spoke again.
"You must understand, Jaune. There are things which, even if I were to reveal to you now, you would not fully grasp their implications, simply because there are certain things you must know first."
"I'm listening," said Jaune, curious as to where this was going. It seemed Ozpin was finally about to give him something substantial.
"For now, I will tell you there is a secret, and it is hidden underneath this very tower. If all else fails, Jaune, do not let evil reach it. There are lives at stake, and what lies beneath this tower cannot be allowed to fall into the wrong hands."
Beneath this very tower? Yes, that makes sense. To have a fortified tower for a single office seemed excessive. It is a distraction, then. The underground level is most likely separate, and can be sealed off completely in case of an attack.
"A secret that powerful, huh? If what you say is true… then this much at least I can make sure of. No untrustworthy individual will reach it on my watch. But what manner of thing is it, to be of such significance…"
Ozpin opened a drawer, and from it, withdrew a book which he gave to Jaune.
"The Olde Fairy Tales?"
"Give them a try, Mr Souther. You'll find them interesting."
Jaune was smart enough to not judge a book by its cover, so he slipped it into his jacket.
"Fine. That will have to suffice, for now."
"There is a possibility of a full-scale attack, which is why we've brought forces here," said Ironwood.
"Wise move," said Jaune, unexpectedly supporting him. "While it does put people on edge, it is far better to be prepared than caught without a means to fight."
And with that, the meeting came to an end.
Jaune left the office invigorated. He had gotten at least some idea of what was happening behind the scenes at Beacon. And soon, he'd know more. Speaking of which, he'd have to read this book of fairy tales Ozpin had lent him.
As he opened the door and entered the Dining Hall, he looked around and spotted his team, who were, as usual, hanging out with RWBY. CRDL appeared to be done with breakfast, and were on the way out.
Cardin bumped fists with him as he passed.
"Hey, GreenDay is pretty sick, dude. Nice recommendation," Jaune said.
"Living legends, those guys. Say, we got hold of the new SoulCalibur game too. You should drop by our dorm sometime, have a match or two."
"I think I'll take you up on that soon."
He moved on, intending to grab some food and head over to join the others, when he heard the conversation happening.
Ruby appeared to be excited about something. She was standing on the table, pointing and shouting.
"Vengeance will be swift. It will be painful. It will be delicious!"
Given the food strewn all over the table and on the ground haphazardly, Jaune had a sinking feeling about where this was going.
Ah shit. They're going to start a food fight, aren't they?
Right on cue, a pie was thrown, and Jaune shook his head in disapproval.
There are people out there who are starving. This just isn't right.
Almost immediately, the next pie came rushing… right towards him. Jaune leaned to the side, out of the way.
"Oy, watch it! The leather doesn't wash itself, you know!"
But it was pointless. By this time, they were already too busy trying to use food items as weapons to notice him.
Jaune considered for a while if he should quickly immobilize them, to prevent further waste of food.
Oh yeah, like that'll go well. Last term they were losing their shit over me breaking Cardin's mace. Somehow, I don't think they'll react well to having their pressure points hit.
A bowl of soup came flying his way, and Jaune effortlessly put a hand against it gently, spinning it around and dissipating its momentum. Lifting it to his mouth, he drained all of it in one go. Beacon made some good soup.
Now that he was here, it was a waste to leave without eating.
While everyone else screamed and ran for the exits, Jaune calmly walked over to the eye of the storm, standing right between the RWBY and JNPR encampments. Roast chicken sailed through the air, and he grabbed and bit into it, finishing it quickly while also getting some toast with his other hand. In this manner, he proceeded to have a pretty filling breakfast.
"Hah!" shouted Nora. "You guys absolutely suck! You didn't hit our leader once!"
Oy, you don't get to boast about that. You're covered in salad.
"It's no fair…" moaned Yang. "Jaune isn't allowed in games like this. He takes all the fun out of 'em…"
Jaune wondered if he should tell her that her beloved hair was soaked in sauce.
Yeah no. That's one landmine I'll avoid.
However, his presence had largely killed RWBY's enthusiasm, since their best efforts had yielded absolutely zilch results in getting even a single stain on him.
In addition, they were also currently experiencing desertion issues, as the following member, one Weiss Schnee, had opted to leave the battle in favour of going over to Jaune.
"Et tu, Weiss?" said Ruby, falling to the ground dramatically, miming a dagger through the chest.
Of course, said heiress' attention was focused completely elsewhere.
Specifically, on Jaune himself, as she walked over to him with her trademark haughty gait.
"You", she said, pointing at him. "I wish to speak to you."
"Sure thing. Is this about the jam that's all over your dress?"
"That's not what this is about!"
Jaune raised his hands in placation. As he and Weiss had started spending time together, she had gotten more comfortable with him, and was considerably less formal. As a result, she was more herself, even to the point of letting her heiress side show a lot more. He actually rather liked it.
"Okay, okay. Take it easy. Your hair's gonna go white from all that stress."
Of course, Jaune had reciprocated with his own brand of abysmally poor humour, such as teasing a silver-haired girl about hair turning white.
"Urghh! Can you just… not, for a second? And let me speak maybe?"
"Go right ahead."
Weiss drew herself up to her full height, standing with dignity, or about as much dignity as was possible while being covered in food stains anyway.
"You will accompany me to the Vytal Festival Tournament Ball."
Jaune's mouth opened, and he stared at her for a full ten seconds as he allowed her words to sink in.
"Oh."
Apparently, it wasn't a response that pleased the girl.
She leaned in, face full of fury.
"What is that supposed to mean? 'Oh'. Oh what? You have a problem?"
Sheesh. This woman gets more assertive every time we meet. But… I don't dislike that.
He quickly responded.
"Of course not. I was just slightly surprised, is all."
Even as Jaune was trying his best to play it cool, going so far as to make quips in his head, his heart was actually hammering in his chest.
The simple fact was that several thousand hours of lifting weights and punching people translated into excellent combat skill.
They did not, however, translate into experience with girls.
In this one arena, he was pretty much the same as any first year at Beacon. In fact, he had the added challenge of having to maintain his stoic persona while internally both rejoicing at being asked out by someone (who just happened to be the girl he was closest to), and nervousness at that very same fact.
He took a deep breath. Maybe he was overthinking it. Being asked out didn't mean anything by itself.
The two of them enjoyed each other's company. Maybe that was all Weiss wanted from this. There was no need to make assumptions.
Thus, for the moment, Jaune decided to take the invitation as one from a friend.
"Sure, I'd be happy to go with you. It'll be cool to hang out."
Weiss nearly threw a chair in frustration.
On the one hand, she was happy he'd accepted, but on the other, he had chosen this specific moment to develop the sort of density normally characteristic of poorly-written protagonists in trashy anime.
However, she had zero intention of giving up.
Oh, it's not over. I fixed things between us even when it seemed impossible. Now, I'll get to the next level. Even if it means I have to spell every single thing out for you.