Not the Path to be Followed

by Jeremy Mosher

Jaune Arc had entered Beacon with forged transcripts, but they were not as fake as one would think. While his martial abilities were well below sub-par; he had other skills just waiting to manifest. Skills that could not only bridge the skill gap between him and his fellow students; but allow him to excel.

3. Chapter 3

As the nurse knelt down next to Jaune; and started her examination. Glynda waited for her call to be answered.

". . ."

"Hello, Jasmine; it's Glynda. There's been an incident with Jaune."

". . ."

"No nothing like that. He's collapsed. I would almost say he had a seizure."

". . ."

"No, no the nurse is here now examining him."

". . ."

"No, I'm calling to see if you know of any reason this would happen. Does he have a medical condition we should know about? I can see him not telling us about one if he did."

". . ."

"I am not calling him a liar! He did forge his transcripts, so there is a chance he might of omitted something. Is there anything medical we should know?"

". . ."

"So he's physically fine? Then what could have caused this?"

As Glynda continued her conversation, while pacing back and forth by her desk; the nurse had finished her examination. She looked up at the collection of young adults.

"There is nothing wrong with his aura; or physically. I would say; but until I can run more tests back at the infirmary; that he's exhausted."

"Exhausted?"

"Yes." replied the nurse. "Get him to rest for a day, then bring him down to the infirmary so I can confirm there is nothing more serious going on."

"Okay, we will." Pyrrha replied as the rest of teams RWBY and JNPR nodded in agreement.

"Okay, I will get him to call you once he is able, and yes I'll be there like you've asked."

". . ."

"What do mean use the mirror?"

". . ."

"Yes, okay I'll make sure to pass that message on."

Whomever this Jasmine person was must of hung up as Glynda sighed and slowly placed her scroll back on her desk. Turning about she approached her eyes on the nurse who was slowly rising.

"Diagnosis?"

"Exhaustion."

"So he'll be okay?"

"After some rest I'm pretty sure he will, but like I mentioned to his team I want him in the infirmary as soon as he's able so I can run some tests just to confirm."

"Thank you. I'm sure between us all we can make sure he pays you a visit."

The nurse nodded, picked up her bag and left the classroom. Once she was gone Glynda took her place next to Jaune.

"We'll let him rest here for the time being. I'll give team JNPR leave from classes today, but team RWBY you should head out."

RWBY just nodded, while still sporting worried looks for their friend. Gathering up their things they exited, leaving Jaune alone to sleep upon the floor surrounded by his team and teacher. After a couple of minutes Glynda rose up and headed back to her desk.

"I'll inform the other instructors of what is going on. Let me know when he wakes up." she said over her shoulder as she picked up her scroll for the second time and began to go through her contact list.

"You think he'll be okay?" asked Nora.

"The nurse said he will be." replied Ren.

"But she also said she wants to run more tests. What if its like a tumor or something?"

"Nora please." snapped Pyrrha.

"You've all be excused for the day." Glynda commented as she returned from her very short series of scroll calls. "Any change?"

"No, he's still out."

He remained out for the better part of thirty minutes; before finally opening his eyes. It had been Glynda's free period so there were no disruptions to further classes. He was groggy, not to mention stiff and sore from laying on the cold tiled floor. Nora and Pyrrha helped him up as Professor Goowitch and Ren looked on.

"Are you feeling okay Mister Arc?" asked the professor.

"Better."

"You've been given instructions to have a day of rest." Jaune appeared to want to protest, but Glynda cut him off, "I will enforce those instructions and so will your team. So there is no ands, ifs or buts about this."

"I understand."

"I also have a message from your mother."

"My mom?"

"How do you know Jaune's mother?" asked Ren, who was like everyone else a little surprised by this revelation.

"That has no bearing on this conversation." replied Glynda before she continued, "She wants you to call home using the mirror. Whatever that part means."

"I guess I can do that when I get back to the room."

"That's not all."

"There's more?"

"Yes, she wants me to participate in the call."

"You?"

"Yes me. So I suggest you get some more rest and after you visit the infirmary for a complete check up you drop by my office."

"I guess."

"There is no guessing mister Arc. I'm free during the afternoon's second period. I believe that is all so you can all make sure he gets back to your dorm to rest."

With a collective nod team JNPR surrounded Jaune and escorted him from the class. With Nora picking up the pile of jackets that had been used as a pillow before she joined the rest of the team.

"How does she know your mother?" asked Ren in a whisper as they walked down the hall to the dorms.

"I do not know." Jaune replied slowly and deliberately.

The remainder of the trip was completed in silence. The only detour being one near the cafeteria where Nora excused herself from the group to grab everyone some sandwiches, while handing the pile of clothes to Pyrrha.

"Anything but egg salad or tuna." Jaune replied when asked for what he'd like.

"Don't let Blake hear you say that." commented Ren.

Pyrrha had remained silent through the entire trip. Her mind as wash with questions she didn't want to ask. Most if not all of them variations of "Are you okay." Once at the dorm Jaune collapsed onto his bed. He was out like a light, leaving the rest of his team to wonder if he was truly okay.

The next morning, he headed down to the infirmary, where after a battery of routine tests, the diagnosis was confirmed as just exhaustion and nothing more serious. Instructed to get another day of rest with a a leave from classes; he returned to his room to wait for his appointed time to attend Professor Goodwitch's office for his call home.

With his team having to attend classes, he was alone to sit on his bed and thinking about things. With nothing much else to do to pass the time Jaune called out his cards. Shuffling and fanning them in the air before him; he practiced his manipulation techniques. Pulling specific cards from the small collection before returning them. It was a simple act, but one he had missed doing ever since first coming to Beacon. The time for his appointment closed, so with a flick of his hand he put his cards away and stood. Picking up his ornate pencil case like box from his desk, he headed out the door.

Glynda was just arriving when he met up with her outside her office. Opening the door she wordlessly beckoned him inside. With the door closed behind him they were free from any prying eyes; so Glynda took a seat on the edge of her desk and regarded the young man. He didn't look to worse for wear, still a little tired maybe, but other than that he did look okay.

"So how does this work?"

"First how do you know my mom?"

"I don't think . . ."

"I think I have the right to know, cause it's starting to feel like you are in on something with her."

"We were best friends in middle school, and remained so for all these years. In fact she wanted me to be your godmother, but got over turned in favor of one of your aunts."

"Seriously?"

"Seriously."

"So you and her planned something together in regards to me didn't you?"

"To be honest, yes. Though I will admit it was more your mother's idea."

"Figures."

"We best get on with this call. So how does it work?"

Jaune decided on the way here it would be better to show, over trying to explain what was going to happen. Pulling out his little box he opened the lid and set it down on Goodwitch's desk. She watched as he began tracing symbols in the air, and gasped as she watched the dagger thin pieces of mirror float up and begin to knit together forming a semi-circular mirror. Once complete and whole Jaune took a small step forward and traced a symbol upon the surface. It rippled and twisted for a couple moments before an image took shape. Glynda knew the face that appeared instantly, and was amazed at how clear it all was. It was far better than even a CCT to CCT video call.

"Mom."

"Jaune. Glynda, glad you could make it."

"You did ask me to be here for this call." Glynda remarked.

"Yes, yes I did."

"What's up mom?"

"I here you had a spell the other day. Is that true."

"Yes."

"Jaune you know better than to push yourself that hard."

"Wait," Glynda interrupted, "Can you tell me what happened? You seem to know something I should be made aware of."

"Of course. He went Mind Zero."

"Mind zero?"

"Yes, its a term my grandmother created to explain the complete and utter mental exhaustion of a person who uses magic, or for that point anyone who participates in an activity that requires a great deal of mental concentration."

"I still don't really understand."

"And I don't know really how to explain it further than that."

"I don't think it was Mind Zero mom."

"Jaune, unless you've been running marathons without telling me, it was."

"So how do we keep this from happening again?" asked Glynda.

"It depends, how often is he in matches?"

"Once a day."

"And did he use a spell in addition to a multiple summoning?"

"He did."

"He's out of practice and pushed himself too hard." replied Jasmine.

"So what are we to do? My curriculum requires students to face each other in spars. It is an essential part of their training."

"Ease up on him. Maybe cut it back to one every other day?"

"That is possible."

"That's not all. Jaune you need to start training, physically as well as mentally."

"Yes mom."

"Don't yes mom me. I know that means you'll try and skip sessions."

"I can always inform his team of the need for extra work. That should help. But what type of training is he going to need."

"A strong body supports a strong mind. He'll need stamina training."

"And the mental training?"

"He knows it."

Jaune stood there slightly embarrassed, and slightly ignored as his mom and professor continued their back and forth conversation.

"So what does it entail exactly?"

"He needs to cast spells."

"We tried that in the training room. It didn't go as planned, I'm sure you remember that scroll call."

"I do, but this is different. It involves cantrips."

"Cantrips?"

"They're small spells that do things like create light, or levitate objects, among other mundane uses. He's to cast as many as he can as quickly as he can, with the aim of increasing the number of them that he has active over a schedule of two days training with one day off."

"I see. Will he need to be supervised during these exercises."

"Only if he slacks off. Jaune?"

"I'll do it mom."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"So anything else I should be aware of?" asked Glynda.

"No. Can I have a couple minutes alone with Jaune?"

"Of course." Glynda got up from her seat upon her desk and headed out the door. "I'll just be outside if you need me."

Jaune and Jasmine both nodded. They waited until Glynda had exited the room before continuing their convesration.

"Mom I promise . . ."

"You tried that card again didn't you?" his mother asked cutting him off.

"Neko would have protected me."

"What do you mean would have?"

"She took the card." he replied.

"Good girl. She did protect you."

"I have to face it, sooner or later."

"I'd prefer later, as in until you can control Legion properly."

"Mom."

"No Jaune. Every time you try and interact with that card you have an episode. I'm glad Neko has taken it from you; at least her disobedience is proving useful this time. In hindsight I should have never helped you create that cursed thing, in the first place."

"You told me I had to create my own card, and it should be something personal to me."

"I know I did, I just didn't think you would use that lesson to capture the nightmare you've been having since you were seven. That card is evil Jaune."

"Josephine captured one of her dreams."

"Yes, a dream. She created a card for a cartoon like winged unicorn. Not a mind numbing horror."

"So what am I suppose to do? Ignore it exists?"

"That's exactly what I want you to do."

"But mom . . ."

"That's enough Jaune. I don't want to hear anymore about that cursed thing. Do you understand?"

"Yes."

"Good. Now know that we all love you and want the best for you."

"Love you guys too."

"Take care sweetie." with that the called ended. Tracing some symbols in the air he watched the mirror come apart and stack with inside its box. Once every piece had settled inside he closed the lid and placed it in his back belt pouch. With that done he opened the door to let Professor Goodwitch back into her own office.

"Everything okay Jaune?" Glynda asked noticing his slightly distressed look.

"Yeah, just not looking forward to the extra work I'm going to have to do."

"If it is what is required for you to succeed in your attempt to become a hunter, then I would advise that you follow through on your mother's wishes and see it done." she replied as she took a seat on the edge of her desk.

"I get that, still not looking forward to it."

"I get that too." remarked Glynda. "Anything else you'd like to share?"

"No."

"Then I'd say you're free to go. Please make sure to get some more rest. You still look a little worn out."

"I will." Jaune replied as he turned and walked out of her office. Returning his shared room he moved to his bed. Pulling off his gear and tossing it on his desk chair he stretched out and thought about his conversation with his mother. As he did his eyes grew heavy and soon he was once again asleep.

He woke up as his team returned from supper. Still feeling tired and slightly hungry he was happy to see they had thought to bring him something to eat. The turkey sandwich was delicious as he wolfed it down, followed by chugging the bottle of iced coffee flavored milk. As he was finishing his meal he noticed Nora get up and leave.

"Is something wrong?" he asked after swallowing his last bite of sandwich.

"I think she's just headed back to get you another one." replied Ren.

"So how did the call to your mom go?" asked Pyrrha inserting herself into the conversation.

"It went fine. She suggests I do more training."

"How so?"

"Mental and physical." he replied.

"If we can help just let us know." informed Ren as he rose from his seat on his bed. "I should go see what's taking Nora so long." and with that he left the room.

Alone with Pyrrha, Jaune sighed and fidgeted.

"Is something wrong Jaune?"

"Just I want ask a favor, but I feel silly, cause you've done so much for me in the past."

"There is nothing silly about asking for help Jaune."

"Do you think we can take up our training routine again?"

"I can." she replied before adding, "How do you want to train? I'm taking weapons are out."

"Overall conditioning, maybe some unarmed."

"Unarmed? Why unarmed?"

"I should be prepared in case someone can get past my summons."

"And with no real weapon you need to defend yourself in some method, right?"

"Right."

"The conditioning part will be easy, some weights, some running; but the hand to hand will be slow. You had a problem with slow progress."

"I'll manage it. I promise."

"Then I will happily assist you, as I'm sure Nora and Ren will as well. Do you want to ask Rudy, Yang and the others? I'm sure they'd want to help."

"No let's keep this just in our team for now."

"Okay, but I mean it Jaune the hand to hand is going to be slow. You'll be starting from scratch." Pyrrha commented, "I'll be teaching you from the absolute basics."

"I understand. Besides it will help my overall conditioning if everything I've read about it ever is right?"

"It will." replied Pyrrha.

It was right about then Nora and Ren returned hauling a tray load of sandwiches and drinks. It was almost enough to feed a small army.

"Eat up!" Nora cheerfully exclaimed upon setting the tray down on Jaune's desk.

From there on everything drifted to casual conversation and joking around. Classes came up as did Jaune's wish for extra training, which of course Nora and Ren happily agreed to help with. All in all it was a productive night and once it was actually time to turn in for the night Jaune felt relaxed and hopeful for the days to come.

/=/

Emerald sat alone on the couch, rolling a coin shaped object back and forth along her knuckles. She was bored. The plan her leader was working on had started, but it meant she and her other companion had to spend hours upon hours waiting. It was not like they were needed for most of it, but still in her mind it would be nice to actually have something to do, rather than sit around. Flipping the object she was playing with onto the coffee table a cartoon like puppy dog quickly appeared. Its short tail wagging as it sat looking at her. She smiled and reached over into her belt pouch to produce a second object. She turned it over in her hands, looking at the single strange symbol drawn on the back, before also flipping it onto the table. A second later a cartoon kitten appeared and was instantly pursued by the puppy. The pair of animals raced about in circles upon the table's surface scattering the papers that had been laid there.

Watching the comical display Emerald smiled, before once again reaching into her pouch and pulling out a third. This one was much older that the previous two. Heavier, and thicker. Turning it over she peered at its underside looking upon the same strange symbol that had decorated her other two childish toys. Turning it back over she gazed at the engraved image. It depicted a serpentine like figure holding a shield and a wickedly curved sword. It was the only thing she had left from her mother. Turning it back over she studied the symbol again. She was intimately familiar with it, having traced, copied and drawn it countless times on the back of the pogs she had scavenged when alone on the streets.

"Emerald."

Sitting forward she scooped up the two pogs from the table instantly making the comical display and cartoon animals vanish. She was being summoned. Putting the three tokens away she rose and walked in the direction the dark feminine voice had called from.

/=/

The next morning found Jaune barely awake sharing a morning jog around the indoor track with his partner.

"You said you wanted help Jaune." Pyrrha reminded him as she kept pace. "This is part of that help. Come on one more lap and a sprint to finish."

Sweaty and sore he took his turn in the shower, before getting ready for classes. Everything was going in routine until Combat Class. Excused from exercises for the day, he was instructed to attend the training rooms for his special course. And with that Glynda began calling out the first match. Nodding to his friends Jaune left and made his way to his assigned destination. While he walked he wondered why Professor Goodwitch had called it his special course; he was only going there to do his mental exercises. Upon arriving he figured it out.

"Ah, Mister Arc please come in." Headmaster Ozpin greeted him as he opened the door.

"Headmaster? Why exactly are you here?" he asked as he walked further into the room letting the door close behind him.

"Well it seems you are in need of, how should I put this, extra training."

"I know that. Why are you here?"

"To instruct your special study group, of course."

"Why?"

"You are suppose to be in class this period, and as such you are supposed to being supervised by one of the staff. As there are no teachers free I volunteered."

"So Glynda talked to you?"

"Yes, she did. I know all about your unique circumstances." answered Ozpin. "So why don't we take it slow and you just show me what should be happening during these sessions."

"Do you know anything about magic."

"I assure you I know quite a bit about the subject."

"Can you do magic?"

"No, but Jaune, just because I know a lot about something does not mean I can actually do it. I also know a lot about sharks, and writing. But I'm neither a shark biologist, nor an author."

"So how are you to help me other than watching. I mean I understand that means I'm supervised, but. . ."

"I can help by teaching you concentration methods, focused breathing, and discuss theory."

"Theory?"

"Yes theory."

"Like?"

"Mana manipulation, the flows of chi, materia usage, and in your case channeling."

"So what do you know about channeling?"

"Okay, as it seems I have yet to impress you with my knowledge on the subject, lets go to one of the very basics on your skill set. Shall we." Ozpin moved from his standing position to take a seat on the bleachers. Before continuing he motion for Jaune to do so as well. Leaning forward on his cane he continued. "Let's talk about your non-use of armor. Do you really understand why?"

"Most in large quantities interfere with the process."

"True, but do you know why?" Watching Jaune just shake his head Ozpin continued, "It is do to their conductivity, or ability to allow the transfer of energy. Now most use that term in relation electricity, but in our case it also applies. When you are channeling you are drawing on the energies around you and focusing them through your own body to create a effect."

"And Iron interferes with that, right?"

"Yes and no. You could wear iron armor as you once did, but the amount of energy you would have to draw in would be much more substantial to what you use currently. In fact depending on what you were trying to do, you could have worn your sister's armor and still cast some spells. Possibly only cantrips, but it would be possible."

"How did you know about my sister's armor?"

"Professor Goodwitch informed me. It seems she is quite; what's the term, tight with your mother."

"Apparently she was suppose to be my godmother."

"Ah, that would explain the incident eighteen years ago."

"What happened eighteen years ago."

"Nothing you need to concern yourself with. Now where were we?"

"You said I could have still channeled while wearing my sister's armor."

"Yes. If you look at your clothing you'll notice the silver and gold." Ozpin waited as Jaune looked down and then up, "Those are highly conductive metals, and instead of hindering the channeling process they tend to assist it. Copper would as well. But wearing a suit of armors made from those metals wouldn't be efficient. Small amounts help but you get diminishing returns the more there is. Make sense?"

"Well its more than my mom ever told me."

"Well considering you were probably a small child when she spoke about the subject it is understandable."

"So I could have worn armor it would have just made everything much more difficult."

"I'm sure you noticed it."

"I sort of did. When using the mirror." Jaune stopped talking for a moment realizing he may have said something he shouldn't have.

"Goodwitch told me about that as well, and besides anything we discuss is privy to us alone."

"When I used the mirror for the first time since coming here, it took a lot more effort to make it work than I remembered. I thought I was just out of practice."

"Practice was probably part of it, but it was more your armor."

"So no armor is better."

"No. No armor is more efficient. There is a difference." remarked Ozpin, "For example if you were wearing a breastplate you could suffer a strike to your chest, more so than without one, however if you were trying to cast a spell, not having one would make that easier. Its a balancing act. You have to weigh out the pros and cons of each choice to pick the one that suits your needs and situation."

"I guess the same thing applies to cloth armors?"

"Yes, again to an extent. Embedding them with metallic threads such as your clothing has been, would allow one to over come the draw backs of wearing cloth, but the thicker the cloth, the more you would need. Again you fall into the area of diminishing returns."

"So being naked would be the best."

"If you could be so bold and confident than I would hazard to say yes."

"Don't think I could do that."

"And I wouldn't suggest it."

"Question."

"Go ahead."

"I'm in cloth right now, and I am still wearing some iron, how come things feel normal to me."

"I would say that has something to do with you being used to casting while wearing those items. If you were to spend time training while wearing a full set of armor I would say you could get used to casting in it, regardless of any drawbacks."