Reviews:
Nesthor5000: Thank you for your Input, but unfortunately. I already had plans for how to do Jaune's interaction with Ozpin.
Ok so the rest of the Reviews were mostly just how people are speculating Ozpin's interrogation will go, but all I can say is that... Yeah, also. I've started college, and for the love of Gog! My school is trying to kill me. I mean... 7:30 AM! Fifth Floor! then on the afternoon, I need to move to a different building for my afternoon classes! WTF!? Anyway, that means I'll try to do Weekly updates, but as how life works. Don't expect too much. Oh and I apologize for the... more than below average writing in this chapter, mostly due to the constant breathing down my neck by my teachers that made me lose some inspiration for this chapter.
Legend:
"Clean your room" Archer Speaking
"Please clean your room" Shirou speaking
"Why me!" Jaune speaking with his thoughts
"Uh... What?" I blinked like an idiot when Professor Ozpin asked me his question.
"Hm, it seems we have to bullshit our way through this. Unless you try to use Structural Analysis on his cane, but the headache will be unbearable" Archer commented, though the last bit is something I should consider.
"I don't think it's a good idea to use Structural Analysis on his cane. The fact that we only saw bits and pieces of its history is something to be wary of" Shirou warned me.
"But I got to try! I don't know how to handle this stuff!" And so, I did use Structural Analysis on his cane.
Images flashed in and out of my mind, wars of incomprehensible scales appeared and disappeared, and the resulting headache makes me want to get mauled by an Ursa Major as an alternative.
"Mr Arc! Are you alright!?" Professor Ozpin voiced his concern as I almost fell off from my occupied bed.
"I'm-ack!- I'm fine, doing just fine! Oh the headache is not fun! Not fun at all!" I voiced out my pain as I struggled to keep myself upright.
"Did you cast something perchance?" Ozpin asked, though still clearly concerned for my well-being. Great, knowing all that, means him showing concern is most likely going to be bad for me.
"Told you it's a bad idea" Shut it Archer! I had to see what's so important about his cane!
"Y-Yes, didn't think it would have that bad of a backlash though" I heaved, finally getting a hold of myself.
"Can you perhaps tell me what you did?" Ok, this is concerning having to experience concern from a fossil that consumed the souls of his hosts!
"H-How could I trust you" I asked him, but as he was about to answer.
"And no lies, I've seen most of what you did. How you merely manipulated men and women to fight a losing battle. How you lied saying that with their help, you can finally end all Grimm" My sudden change in attitude took him by surprise. I guess Archer's conditioning did help.
But still, was it really necessary to force me to dodge multiple swords with different effects to train me? I mean, variety and all that but, shooting five of them at the same time while not allowed to use Reinforcement is torture!
Ozpin swallowed, and eyed me cautiously.
"And do tell how you found out about it?" His eyes told me that I'm in deep trouble.
"Structural Analysis on your cane, told me a lot about you. Though some are static, but the important bits are there" I decided not to beat around the bush. Doing so will only put me in even bigger odds against him.
He went silent, both hands now resting on his cane as he eyed me carefully.
"Impressive, I must say. You have quite the courage to speak to me like that Mr Arc" Ozpin commended.
"You're only saying that, because you only want me to join your side, by all means necessary" I'm starting to wonder where I got this confident in my life. Honestly, if I was still the same back then, I'd be pissing myself right now.
"I see, so the Jaune Arc from before was merely a facade" He said, which I found hilarious.
"Heh, no. Back then was still me, but after experiencing something that I shouldn't be seeing can change some things" I vaguely answered.
"But enough of that, tell me Professor Ozpin. Why take an interest when you, yourself. Can perform magic?" He paused, seemingly trying to come up with a proper response.
"That's because, if that magical explosion was any larger. I couldn't help but worry what would She do" He finally answered, though the part where he mentions someone, is concerning.
"She? An enemy?" He nodded.
"Interesting, maybe working with him wouldn't be too troublesome. As long as we keep it simple" Archer suddenly said inside my head. Something is not adding up here, why does he sound so eager to help the Professor?
"Someone you should not meet, not now anyway" He replied, I really doubt that I won't be meeting her anytime soon. Whoever she is.
"That doesn't give me a lot of confidence. Is this person perhaps, a leader of some kind?" Archer had to drill some basic deduction skill into my brain. Which I didn't mind until he got to the more complex scenarios.
"She is, and I won't sugarcoat this Mr Arc. She is the ruler of all Grimm" And there it is.
"I see, so this woman must be it. June, accept his proposal of working together, but be sure he knows we work on our own terms" Archer said to me. From the way he says it, it almost sound like he found a missing piece of a puzzle.
"I see, no wonder why you were so desperate to bring in Ruby" His eyes widened, before narrowing dangerously.
"I see, but if you know the reason why. The. you should know why I'm doing it" His tone went cold, and I could feel the temperature around me drop.
"I do. But sending a little girl, barely even of age to a millennium old war, is something I don't like at all" Maybe it's all of Shirou's memories of the wars he had been secretly a part of, or the bits and pieces of Archer's own history slowly revealing themselves to me. But this... This is unacceptable.
"Then why do you think I'm letting her in my Academy Mr Arc? I won't send her immediately to the front lines, I wish for her to mature more through her time here at beacon" Ozpin said, an attempt to diffuse the situation.
"But that's the thing. You don't know when she will attack. It could be a few more years, a month, a week. She could even attack now. And all because you hesitated" Anger flashed in his eyes as his grip on his cane tightened enough to crack the handle. So I reinforced myself, even if it won't do much against someone like him.
But nothing happened, he let out a breath and calmed down.
"You're correct. I did hesitate" I didn't think I'd see the Professor look so... Defeated, so pathetic, that I genuinely started to feel bad for him.
"That is why I'm doing everything to stop her once and for all now. All those time I've spent hesitating, I've spent thinking she could forgive and forget. But all that time did was make her more bitter than before" He said, sighing at the end of his sentence.
"Oh boy... I know where this is going" Archer!
"Archer! Don't be rude!" Shirou reprimanded Archer.
"Oh for the love of! Don't you see! He's clearly a coward for not doing what he was supposed to do! A man who trusted too much, and look what it got him! That is why you don't make deals with Gods or do something against them, it's nothing more than the biggest mistake you could ever make" Woah, Archer really let out a lot there... Is that why he is so bitter and cold to the world around him?
"Hypocrite" Shirou suddenly said.
"You're the same" Archer retorted back.
Ok... Why am I getting dropped the biggest bombs here. I mean, I will learn about it somewhere in the future, but now? Ugh... I need a break.
"Sounds like you two knew each other very well" That earned me a look from the Professor.
"I loved her" Oh...
"Oh..." My mind blanked at what he said. I mean, having just revealed their past and dropping another bomb after the other is just overkill.
"I still do, but... She needs to be stopped. Her quest for revenge is affecting everyone, and I do not wish for this quarrel of ours to longer include those who are innocent" Ozpin admitted, his face looking like he just swallowed a bitter pill.
"I uh... Is it really ok to let me in such big details?" I asked the Professor. Unsure if I should be really pushing this further.
"You already saw most of my past, why wouldn't I reveal it to an ally?" Oh... I see now. Clever, but very risky.
"I see... Fine, I'll join this lover's quarrel" His features brightened for a moment, before I cut him off from saying anything.
"But! I do this on my terms! No leash, no rules, and most definitely no rushing Ruby and her Team, nor mine" Ozpin blinked, before letting off a short chuckle.
"Normally, I would be reprimanding you for your tone Mr Arc. But I'll agree to this for once. I, Ozpin. Headmaster of Beacon Academy, shall not rush both Team RWBY and JNPR with their training and studies" Somehow I felt like he was referencing something there.
"I'll see about that. But now that you have revealed the truth. It's called Magecraft, not Magic" I told Ozpin. Which in turn, confused the old wizard.
"Oh boy, this is going to take a while" For once, I agree with Archer on this one.
A few days had passed, and safe to say that my training has been cranked up to eleven... Thirteen technically, due to Ozpin joining in, but I digress.
After he told me almost everything. He basically just placed me under his wing. Proceeded to train me harder than Pyrrha, but more or less, more bearable than Archer's. Currently, we are deep beneath Beacon's foundation. A hidden location where one of the Maidens are kept alive, and surprisingly... A training room.
I mean, I guess one has to train the next Maiden.
"You have improved greatly, Mr Arc. I suppose this... Structural Analysis of yours aided in our session?" He asked, though he already knew the answer.
"Y-Yeah... Hahh... Who knew... And old man, like you... Hah... could be as nimble as a Ballerina" I told the Professor.
To which he only replied with a chuckle.
"While that is true, I am no longer a match for Salem. After all, having split my powers between the Maidens, is something to be taken note of" Ah, right. I forgot about that little detail. But still, pretty much a dumb move.
"A dumb move on his part. To think he'd split his powers between four teenagers that could barely control their impulses, was a good idea. That and having no way to replenish his wasted powers" Archer complained the same thing.
"Pretty dumb move if you ask me... Hah... I mean, you didn't even think if... You could replenish your own Magical... Energy... Hah... Then you gave them to Teenagers..." I panted, while explaining to him how dumb of an idea was that.
"I suppose I was rather... Blinded by my endeavors, but I assure Mr Arc. I am doing my best to keep an eye who they pass their powers on to" I really doubt that. Even Shirou agreed.
"By the way, Professor... Does anyone else in this school knows about this?" I asked, finally catching my breath.
"Professor Goodwitch knows. Though she was adamant this was a bad idea, to let you in" He admitted.
"Smart woman" Ok... Archer is definitely digging Professor Goodwitch.
"Jaune, I believe it's best you should rest. Your team might become worried, you got in trouble" Hey! I'm not that bad!... Am I?
"By how you're face is right now, I'm guessing those two... Tenants of yours are starting to argue?" I shook my head no at Ozpin.
"No actually. But I should get back to my Team, it's already getting late" I told the Professor, to which he glanced at his wrist watch and nodded.
"Very well, we shall continue this next week. After all, the Vytal Festival is arriving soon" Ah, right... But isn't that still like a month away?
"Isn't that a month away?" I asked him.
"Yes, though that doesn't mean I would slack on my duties as Headmaster, Mr Arc. No if you wish to take a shower before returning, there's one over there" He then pointed at a corner... Huh, neat. I do smell bad a little bit. I mean, just in case if the current Maiden... Amber, wakes up. Having to stay in that pod for Gods knows how long, just gives me the shivers.
"I uh... I'll get going then" Headmaster Ozpin nodded and proceeded to walk away, goal clearly to avoid Glynda after he just used me as an excuse to delay all those paperwork.
"Jaune! Ineedalittlehelphere!" I blinked in confusion at Ruby. The red clad girl currently vibrating, and for the record... She smells like caffeine.
"Did... Did you drink coffee?" I asked the caffeine buzzed Ruby, who nodded so fast I thought I saw her grow three heads.
"Iwasupallnightthinkingallabouttheweaponsyoucouldtrytocopy! AndIthoughtmaybeyoudon'tneedtheweaponitselfbutjustanimageofit!" She should really be separated with a fifteen inch blast proof wall from the stuff.
"Ruby! There you are!" I paused when I heard Weiss yell at Ruby. It's so early for this.
"How many times do I have to tell you, not! To put your stuff near my stuff! Or at least keep everything organized!" Did something happen in their dorm?
"Hi, Weiss... Did something happen?" Weiss' head snapped at me so fast, I thought she would snap it... Oh, and her glare is really just cruel for whoever is unfortunate enough to be targeted with.
"Did something happen? Of course something happened!" Oof, I do not want to be anywhere near her... Unfortunately, it is too little too late for escape.
"This child! had started buying multiple copies of weapons magazines and she thought, it was a good idea to just cut the weapons from the pages!" Oh... I guess I can see where she's coming from.
"But Weiss! They'reheavyandtoobulkytocarryaround!" Ruby fired off while bouncing and rapidly shifting her hands between her pockets to pull out different weapon cutouts.
"Then you shouldn't have bought all of them in the first place! You could've just bought two and be done with it!" Weiss replied with an even louder voice.
So, as any other person in my stead... Ok maybe just me. I sighed and grabbed a plate, took some of my fried rice and plated it, before putting it between the two bickering teammates.
And the effect was immediate. Ruby visibly slowed down as she heaved in the scent of my food. While Weiss immediately calmed down.
"So, you two good now?" I asked the now blushing ladies before me... I really shouldn't be doing this now that Headmaster Ozpin told me about this. I mean, having lived all those time, surely enlightened him to the point where he knows the signs. And here I was, oblivious to the effects, but thanks to him. I try to avoid doing something that I might regret later.
But, they do enjoy my food so it's ok?
The two nodded, before turning to face me.
"Ok so, Ruby. While I'm sure you're excited to show me all the weapons you want me to Trace, but breakfast is more important" The now calm Ruby nodded, and I gave her the plate.
"Good, now sit down with everyone else and do not eat first without everyone having a plate of their own ok?" She nodded happily, and proceeded to walk with normal speed towards everyone else.
"And you Weiss, while I understand that you are clearly irritated with how Ruby is. But please, do try to understand her more" I told Weiss.
"But! She just keeps messing things up!" She tried to retort.
"Then it is your job, as her elder to discipline her. You may be just a year older than her, but please. She needs all the guidance she can get" After seeing her story through Crescent Rose, accidentally. I couldn't help but feel sorry for the poor girl, losing her mother at such a young age.
"I... Fine, I'll try to be more patient with her" She relented, and I smiled.
"Good, now here's yours" I gave her another plate of my fried rice, and she took it with the grace of a Schnee.
"Thank you" She said to me and I nodded. Well, time for breakfast.
I sighed as I plated everyone else's servings, hearing the constant snickers and whispers from the Beacon Chefs. I mean, they're only human and gossip is gossip.
Anyway, finally bringing everyone their servings. Double for Nora knowing how much she eats. I couldn't help but sigh in satisfaction with how happy and satisfied both teams are with my cooking. Though I should thank Shirou's more than helpful advice and teachings, also the memories, yeah... Those did me some good too... Except Taiga Fujimura. Shirou's technical Older sister. Boy, she's a handful.
"Fearless Leader! What else can you do!? Can you copy any weapon at all or just the ones you've seen! Oh! Maybe you have some sort of place to store all of your weapons! Like a safe, No! Maybe a world! Yes! A world of Weapons!" I almost choked when Nora started speaking her crazy ideas. Hell, both Archer and Shirou vocally expressed their surprise within my mind.
"Ack! Gah!" I was handed water by a worried Pyrrha, who almost spilled some on me, due to how fast she gave the glass to me.
"Sorry" I gave her my thanks and eased her worries.
"I'm fine, thanks Pyr. But anyway, where did you get that idea Nora?" Said person only smiled widely.
"That's because it would be cool! Imagine! Just pulling out swords from your personal dimension and shooting them like bullets!" The more she speaks, the more Archer and Shirou got worried. Mostly due to Shirou's paranoia of the Watchtower... I mean, I get it but they don't exist here.
"Tharg wolg be sho cool!" Ruby said with her mouth full, which got her a glare from Weiss.
"Sorry! But that would be so cool!" Ruby swallowed before apologizing.
"I-I mean, yeah... It would be cool, but I couldn't even start to imagine the Aura drain with that" I told her a flaw with her idea... Which is true, but as Archer told me himself, my Aura reserves are quite large. four times larger than of Shirou's, though the quality of my Magic Circuits are the same as Shirou's, just a little better.
"I'm starting to believe this girl has some sort of Mind's Eye. The accuracy of her ideas, are just too coincidental to be true" Archer voiced his concerns.
"Archer, put down Kanshou and Bakuya" Oh... Yeah, you do that Shirou.
"Jaune! Try making a copy of this!" Ruby suddenly appeared next to me, and checking her plate. It was clean. So I decided to see what she wants me to Trace.
It's ranged mode was that of a Crossbow, and it's inactive mode, a Violin? What in the name of the Brother Gods is this weapon?! And it's Melee mode is a literal club! But I decided to entertain Ruby... Mostly because she's blasting me with her puppy dog eyes, on full power.
a faint green line scanned the cut piece of paper, and to not my surprise. I didn't receive any information on the weapon. I frowned, which was noticed by Ruby. Who's smile slowly faded into a sad frown.
Seeing her deflate like that, just hurts me emotionally and spiritually. It's equal to seeing a puppy whine!
"Ah, sorry Rubes... Seems like I couldn't Trace them through an image. An understandable downside with this Semblance" I woefully informed her.
"Oh... That's fine... I guess I should've seen this coming" Our table went quiet. Ruby's sour mood, completely destroying the atmosphere as she slowly made her way back to her seat.
I sighed, but seeing Yang mouth me words. I decided that it's better to live, than to die.
Also Weiss is giving me the look, while Pyrrha is signalling me to do something about it.
"Hey Ruby" I called to her, and she slowly turned around to face me. So I stood up, made my way to her, and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Listen, Ruby... I'm sorry for letting you down, but my Semblance seems to be limited to seeing the genuine thing before I could copy it" I told her.
"Yeah... Now that I've thought about it, it would be the most overpowered Semblance ever, to exist on Remnant" She dejectedly spoke back.
"Ok Ruby, listen. Don't be sad. I know how much this meant to you, so maybe I could make it up to you" She perked when I said those words, eyes wide with anticipation.
"So how about I bake you cookies?" That was extremely effective. Her mood skyrocketed and all I felt was a small frame hitting me, full force. Causing both of us to fall on the ground.
"Really! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Jaune! You're the best fellow Leader ever!" I sighed with a smile on my face at her antics. With her form hugging me, I gave her a head pat as I tried to get up. But she has my other limbs, except the one patting her. Locked by her own.
"Ok! Break it up you two, no need to get that close" Yang suddenly appeared out of nowhere before peeling Ruby off me.
"Yang! I wasn't done giving him my thanks yet!" Ruby whined, her predicament reminds me of a you g cat, being carried by the scruff of her neck by her mother. Only with Ruby being held up by her cloak.
"Yeah, you already gave him a lot" Yang didn't budge, but the glare she gave me, wasn't friendly at all.
"Yeah, I think that's enough bear hugs for me today" I said as I got up and, sat back down on my spot.
"Hm, yes. I'm sure you were... Thoroughly enjoying the hug" I felt a chill in my spine, as Pyrrha spoke next to me.
I couldn't help but shiver in response to her cold attitude towards me, which I know for a fact wasn't intentional at all!
"Hm, true. I suppose that is enough affection for him today" Weiss!? what happened was an accident!
Both women gave me a cold glare, and Nora couldn't help but smirk at me... Which I saw due to her being Infront of Pyrrha.
Sigh... Why did Ozpin made me aware of such things. I was happily blind to their underlying meanings of affections, but he just had to say something about it.
Curse this luck of mine.
End.
Translation: "I need a little help here"
"I was up all night thinking all about the weapons you could try to copy! And I thought maybe you don't need the weapon itself but just an image of it"
"They're heavy and too bulky to carry around"
