Can I be a Hero?
So you want to be a hero? Jaune Arc… it's not a road easily walked. I lost someone… very dear to me, because she tried to be a hero. I wouldn't be able to bare, losing you as well… but… if that is your dream, I will help you reach it. Now tell me, are you capable?
Gilles de Rais
Swords clashed, a young boy with blonde hair striking his wooden sword against the wooden sword held by an older man in green hair. Gilles was constantly observing every movement the twelve year old Jaune was making with a considered glance. He parried another clumsy swing from Jaune, before knocking the wooden blade from his hands, sending it clattering to the ground.
"You're improving at least," Gilles admitted, Jaune groaning as he dropped on his ass, panting before looking up at his mentor with worried eyes. "Don't give me that look Jaune. One doesn't become a good swordsman in a month, not even a year. It takes practice," he bent down on one knee, before tapping Jaune on the forehead, "And dedication."
"But I'm trying Gilles, you're just…" Jaune started, and Gilles sighed. He knew Jaune had a point. As a Servant, he was already far above Jaune's level, a normal human wouldn't be able to keep up if he went all out, and while an experienced huntsman would give him a run for his money, if he landed enough clean hits, he could likely beat a professional with ease.
"I realize, but I'm the only teacher available. A normal huntsman doesn't fight like you or I, they emphasise speed normally, rarely defense. And of course, they don't use this," Gilles waved the wooden sword in his hand, "so unless we find another teacher, I'm all you have… and I'll try my best to make sure you can do what you need to," he added.
Gilles'... experience with Remnant had been a strange one. Nearly eighty years ago, he'd woken up in the middle of a war that engulfed the known world, and nearby his Caster counterpart, summoning the demons he could and spouting his nonsense. Gilles had very nearly fallen for it again… if it hadn't been for Ozpin.
Well, Ozpin as the King of Vale, but he'd been sworn to silence about that one. His Caster counterpart had escaped back then, and apparently had found solace under Salem… so he'd pledged himself to Ozpin in order to act as a check for his dark side.
What he hadn't realized about this alternate earth, was that eventually… even 'she' would show up, but not as he'd expected.
He sighed, looking down at Jaune, the sole boy among many children in the latest generation of the Arc family. He'd been completely surprised when Ozpin had told him about the latest child's name of the Arc family he had served alongside during the war. Jaune…
And standing in front of the boy right now, he could see some strange resemblance, but there was always differences. The boy had a legacy to live up to, rather than being some village child. He aspired to be a hero… and who was he to deny him? "Gilles?"
He was snapped out of his thoughts by Jaune standing up and speaking, giving him a strange look before shaking his head. "You alright?"
"Sorry about that. Shall we continue Jaune?" he muttered, raising the wooden sword in his hand before Jaune went over and grabbed his. Rather than spar, he made the attempt to teach him form, how to properly hold the sword, with both one hand or two.
One day, war would return. One day, Jaune would be a hero. One day, he would die fighting the forces of evil. And one day, he would leave Jaune's life forever.
But, today wasn't that day, nor would it be tomorrow, or the next. For now, he had the future to look forward to, and a student to train, to guide. He just hoped that not only he, but Jaune, would be up to such a challenge.
AN: This one's much shorter than normal, since it's more an idea than a proper story. I would like to thank a certain guest for the idea. I might continueit, but this is more Jaune's story than Gilles' story, still I hope all of you enjoy it, despite how short it is. I enjoy hearing from all of you about what you have to say.