DISCLAIMER: I own nothing related to RWBY
Jaune suddenly pauses in his steps. A violent tug and an eery sense of doom comes down upon him. His eyes widen.
"Shit..." he involuntarily curses.
He turns on his heels and rushes towards Beacon tower.
'To feel such a violent tug in karma as a mere Houtian. This is bad...'
Jaune wastes no time and presses the button for the elevator. When it arrives and the door opens, Glynda steps out into the lobby.
"Mr Arc,' Glynda glances at him and the blood stains. "What in the world?"
"Glynda," Jaune greets in a deathly serious tone. "We must speak with Ozpin. Now."
As the elevator rapidly ascends through the floors, Glynda asks, "Care to explain the blood?"
"From training."
She raises an eyebrow.
'Though technically an answer, it hardly explains anything...'
The elevator door opens and they walk into Ozpin's office. The headmaster turns his chair to face them, while sipping from his mug. His eyes can discern that Jaune is not here on a whim.
"I can see that there is something urgent bothering you. Last time you were here, you alluded to the two of us getting to know each other. Also, you've chosen to come here because you either have no choice, believe that it would be beneficial to do so, or both."
Jaune's eyes glint.
'Interesting.'
"Very well. I'll answer several of your questions. So long as they do not encroach upon my privacy, I will answer."
His eyes narrow slightly.
"Do you wish for me to swear an oath?"
Ozpin looks down at his desk in deep thought.
'The Heavenly oath is fascinating, powerful, and terrifying. Though it is binding, the trust it enforces is incredibly shallow... Is that the kind of relationship I'd like with this man in front of me?'
He looks up at Jaune with resolve.
"No. An oath will not be necessary."
A hint of respect enters Jaune's eyes.
'Most would be unable to resist the temptation of using the Heavenly oaths as a crutch. Admirable. Truly admirable.'
"I'm rather impressed by your resolve, headmaster."
Ozpin nods, "Well, I suppose coming from you, that is quite the praise. But before we start, I believe a change of clothes is in order."
After taking a moment to change into spare clothes provided by Glynda, Jaune sits across from Ozpin.
"Before you say anything, I'd like to establish some base level knowledge. Seeing as you've earned my respect, it is only right."
"First and foremost is the general outline of the universe. It is called The Three Realms. As the name implies, there are three realms that make up the universe. Heaven Realm, Earth Realm, and Mortal Realm. The Heavens dictate fate and karma, while maintaining the balance of natural order. Earth is known as the Underworld, Netherworld, or Diyu. Some even call it Hell, but it is not a place of torture. It is where souls travel to reincarnate back into the cycle of life and death. The mortal realm is where we currently stand. It is filled with lifeforms such as humans, Faunus, and many others. Based on the fact that the Heavenly oaths took hold means that Remnant is, without a doubt, situated within The Three Realms."
Ozpin and Glynda remain silent, stunned by this revelation, though they also have a hard time believing. Ignoring their expressions, Jaune continues.
"The next topic is the basics of cultivation. At the very core, cultivation is closely related to philosophy and the pursuit of truth. We call this the Dao. Through practice and enlightenment, one can gain insight of the Dao, and thus, harness control over the natural world. As I'd explained before, the Heavens regulate balance in the natural world, therefore, cultivators are viewed as intolerable to the Heavens. As a cultivator progresses and gains strength, the Heavens will send down trials and tribulations to destroy the practitioner."
"And... you are implying that you are one of these... cultivators?" Ozpin slowly asks.
Jaune merely smiles.
"When I'd first arrived on Remnant, I had noticed that Aura is eerily similar to qi, to the point it can be a replacement. In addition, the existence of Semblances is something new to me, but that is a topic for another time. The first step of any practitioner is to lay a foundation of qi or Aura within their dantian, which is the area above the navel. Up until this morning, I was unable to do so.
'Does that explain the blood?' Glynda wonders.
"So, where does that put you in terms of strength? I'm assuming that you're considerably stronger now?" Ozpin asks.
'Is he trying to gauge how big of a potential threat I could be?'
Jaune rubs his chin in thought.
"Hmm... if we use CRDL as the reference point, I suppose you can put me at around 5 fold of what I'd demonstrated against them."
'Unfortunately, I can not be completely honest with you two regarding this information. Do not blame me.'
"Very interesting..." Ozpin takes a drink from his mug. "Then, would it be possible for others to learn this practice of cultivation?"
"To be honest, I do not know, though I am currently leaning towards no. My circumstances are rather unique, but I am planning on exploring the possibility in the future."
'Even if it were possible, I would not willingly divulge such a thing. Not at this time...'
"Actually, it was my breakthrough to Houtian that has led up to this meeting, and why I am currently here in your office," Jaune sighs.
The air begins to turn heavy.
"A natural benefit of stepping into the cultivation way is an increased sensitivity to karma. Call it fate, fortune, or destiny. It is an intangible force that can lead a practitioner to great treasure, or steer away from calamity. As one increases their cultivation, this sense becomes sharper. And that is exactly why we have a problem," Jaune's eyes dangerously narrow. "Shortly after breaking into Houtian, I sensed it."
"Sensed... what?" Ozpin slowly asks. A bad feeling begins to creep over him.
"A calamity is approaching. It will fall upon Beacon."
Ozpin and Glynda glance at each other and suppress a shudder. Amber's critical condition. The increased rate of crime within the kingdom. The White Fang's recent violent activities. Dust systematically being stolen from the shops of Vale.
Noticing their reactions, Jaune leans forward.
"You two know something."
Ozpin nods.
"In actuality, things have not been very peaceful in the recent months. With your sudden warning of an approaching calamity, it is hard to believe that all of these events are mere coincidence."
"Let us assume that someone is pulling the strings behind the scene," Jaune calmly states. "If you were in their shoes, when is the most opportune time to strike?"
Glynda whispers, "The Vytal Festival. It takes place in Vale this year."
"Indeed," Ozpin nods in agreement. "The Vytal Festival is more than a simple celebration. It is a symbol of peace and comfort for all on Remnant."
'Then I must break through to Xiantian before the festival.'
Jaune leans back in his seat.
"Given the base information I've provided, ask away your questions."
Ozpin quietly sets his mug down, clearly disturbed by the revelations.
"The Three Realms... cultivation... and perhaps even your existence. Would you be okay if Glynda and I shared this information with those we trust?"
"No. I would prefer you two keep your mouths shut," Jaune resolutely denies. "You and I both know that secrets exist for a very good reason. Many times, the less that know, the better."
Ozpin bows his head slightly, "I understand what you mean very well."
He taps his fingers on his desk for several moments, before looking back up at Jaune.
"Are you at all familiar with the tale of the four maidens?"
Jaune raises an eyebrow and quickly searches through his memories.
"No."
Ozpin chuckles, "I see. Well, Remnant has been around for a very long time. And in that time, countless tales and legends have emerged and passed down through the generations. One of them is the story of the four seasonal maidens."
He pauses for moment, reminiscing.
"Long ago, an old wizard who lived alone in a mountain was visited by four sisters. Each of them possessed their own unique kindness and view of the world. Winter taught the old man the importance of self reflection and meditation. Spring brought him fruits and flowers, revitalizing his garden and ultimately, his soul. Summer convinced the old man to step outside the confines of his home and embrace the world. And finally, Fall taught him to be thankful for what he already has. Moved by their kindness, the old wizard gifted the four sisters with great power, so that they may travel throughout Remnant to spread their gifts and lessons."
Jaune listens carefully.
'He speaks as if he were there... The look in his eyes is one I'd recognize anywhere.'
"What is your purpose for telling me such a tale? Is this the origin of Aura and Semblance?"
"Good guess, but no," Ozpin sighs and adjusts his glasses. "The power the old wizard entrusted to the young maidens was something far more potent than Aura or Semblance. It was magic."
'Magic? Like divine arts?'
"And what is magic, exactly?" Jaune asks.
"Magic is a power that is capable of many things. Semblances are typically restricted in their flexibility, but magic's potential is near infinite. So long as the user has the skill and experience, incredible feats can be achieved. Dust is not required. Some simple examples is the manifestation of nature's powers or flight."
'I'm sure he is underplaying the possibilities of this so called magic by giving such simple examples. But to me, it sounds like nothing but simpler versions of divine arts.'
"That sounds quite incredible," Jaune feigns amazement. "So, why do you feel so compelled to tell me about this? How is this information relevant to the approaching calamity?"
Glynda steps forward.
"It is relevant because the maidens still exist. Their powers have been passed down for as long as history remembers. Just recently, the Fall Maiden was ambushed. One of our colleagues was able to save her, but she is currently in critical condition, and the nature of it is rather... unprecedented."
"For the first time in history, a Maiden's power has been split. Part of it stolen by the assailant," Ozpin concludes. His hand tightens around his cane.
Jaune silently regards the two.
"And you're telling me such sensitive information because... you would like for me to take a look at her?"
"Yes," Ozpin stiffly nods. "Glynda, if you would be so kind, please check on Amber and prepare for our visit into the Vault. In the meantime, I will be debriefing Jaune with additional details."
Glynda tiredly sighs and exits the office.
Jaune smiles, amused by Ozpin.
"You may have fooled Glynda, but you can not escape my eyes with that level of acting. What is it you want to say?"
Ozpin freezes for a moment, then lightly chuckles in resignation.
"Not much escapes from you. What I want to ask is... what do gods mean to you?"
'Again with the gods. First Pyrrha and now Ozpin.'
"Gods...," Jaune smirks. "A concept created by mortals who do not know any better. In the cultivation world, there are practitioners who call themselves gods. After all, the difference in power and ability between a mortal and a high level cultivator is as vast as the Heavens and the earth. From the mortal's perspective, the cultivator might as well be a god."
"However," Jaune scoffs. "Based on my experience, those who actively call themselves gods or deities are typically narcissistic fools with weak Dao hearts."
"Personal experience?" Ozpin nearly stutters.
'I was only searching for additional knowledge to add to my own! This is beyond my expectation.'
Jaune lightly laughs at Ozpin's reaction before saying with a hint of disdain.
"Such beings who plant themselves among mortals to stroke their own egos. Weaklings and fools, the lot of them."
"Then what about immortality? Is that a lie?" Ozpin asks. Desperation drips from his voice.
"Hear this, Ozpin," Jaune says in a low voice. "It does not matter how strong one becomes. Any and all cultivators are susceptible to death."
'Is he telling the truth? Are the Brothers not gods, but cultivators? If I were to take Jaune's words as truth, then that also means that Salem can be destroyed...'
Ozpin's mind races.
'But this is inconsistent with what Jinn told me in the past...'
His Scrolls buzzes with a message from Glynda.
"It would seem that Glynda is ready for us," Ozpin stands up and gestures towards the elevator. "Perhaps we can further discuss this at a later time, but for now, are you ready to meet the Fall Maiden?"