Chapter 3: The Shining Beacon
"Oh I can't believe my baby sister is going to Beacon with me! This is the best day ever!"
A certain busty blonde girl who goes by the name Yang Xiao Long hugged a little girl wearing black dress and red hooded cape tightly in happiness.
"Please stop."
The girl, Ruby Rose, is gasping for air due to being suffocated by the hug of her sister. With them is Kurenai Hyoudou who is also smiling when he heard that Ruby is coming to Beacon with them despite being two years younger. Something about impressing Ozpin after stopping a robbery.
"Yang, I think you should let go of Ruby before she dies from suffocation."
Yang released Ruby from her tight hug and the girl just felt happy that she can breathe again. Kurenai looked at the sisters in amusement. He is glad that his childhood friends who he considers as his own sisters are coming to Beacon with him. It would make the experience much more bearable.
Kurenai had known Yang since they were very young. Their parents are good friends, particularly Irina and Summer Rose, while Issei have a kind of friendly rivalry with Taiyang Xiao Long. Because of this, Kurenai was introduced to Yang when he was younger and they became good friends despite him living in Mistral. They chatted a lot, especially because Kurenai doesn't have that many friends during his time in Sanctum.
"T-thanks, Kurenai."
Ruby stuttered as she thanked Kurenai who helped her got out of her sister's clutch. Good thing that Kurenai is around to become the voice of reason. There are not many people who can reign in Yang but Ruby is currently very thankful that one of them is with her. He is the only one outside their family who can reign her in whenever she's being too much.
Ruby herself is not very close to Kurenai, at least not like Yang is. She can even say that he finds him intimidating when they first met, being the first male she knew outside of her family. His usually stoic expression combined with his dark wardrobe gave him an intimidating image, at least in the red reaper's opinion. Fortunately, he is actually quite nice when you get to know him.
"So Ruby, how exactly did you managed to get into Beacon early anyway?"
Kurenai asked the little red. Of course the first thing Kurenai asked Yang when he saw Ruby with them on the Bullhead to Beacon is why she's there with them. It has something to do with stopping a criminal and impressing Ozpin. In her excitement on her sister attending Beacon early, Yang didn't exactly tell the story properly.
"Ehehe, funny story that."
Ruby nervously chuckled as she recounted the tale of how she stopped a dust robbery by a criminal called Roman Torchwick. While Torchwick escaped, the headmaster was impressed enough by her performance during the theft to extend an invitation to her to join Beacon early, which she accepted.
Kurenai raised an eyebrow at this. That is an interesting story and while he could agree that Ruby is at least skilled enough to match those older than her in combat, he can't really approve of this arrangement which cuts Ruby's education short by two years in the theoretical side. Even if combat-wise she is capable, Ruby does not exactly excel in book smarts enough to cover the theory-based part of the curriculum. She'll be struggling to keep up in class.
Though it's not exactly an insurmountable problem. While Ruby is not the smartest student around, she has a good work ethic and Huntsman education is a bit different from civilian education. Their education focuses more on the practical side of things. If he and Yang could set up a schedule, they can help Ruby catch up on the theoretical side of her education.
Ruby watched as Kurenai nodded with arms crossed while listening to her story. For some reason, she felt chill going down her spine. She hoped it's just her imagination but the look Kurenai is giving her scares her, a lot.
"I don't know whether I should praise you or scold you for your action, Ruby. You're reckless in charging ahead without a plan against a professional criminal. There are so many things that could've gone wrong."
Kurenai said. Ruby look down sadly after being chastised. But then Kurenai smiled and patted her head.
"But you also did good for wanting to help. It is our duty as future Hunters to help people. Just remember to always keep a good head on your shoulder."
As always, Kurenai gave good advice. If only he's her real brother… not to say that Yang is a bad sister but she has her annoying moments, something that both Kurenai and Ruby knew really well.
While the three of them are having a good time chatting with each other, in another part of the ship, another trio are having an interesting moment together.
Jaune Arc is groaning alongside his sister, Asia Arc, as they try to hold in their breakfast from coming out. Their face don't look good and to be honest, both really wanted to puke but thankfully they managed to hold them all in… so far. Thank Oum that Beacon is already in sight. They won't survive if they have to hold out for another hour.
While the two Arc sibling are looking miserable on their seats, their older sister stood in front of them looking bemused. Unlike her little brother and sister, Valerie Arc stood unbothered by air sickness.
"Ugh… it's not fair that you're the only one in the family other than Shirone not bothered by air sickness."
Jaune groaned as he look up to his older sister. Asia wanted to nod in agreement but she couldn't since even a little movement could make all her effort go to waste. Being someone with a potent healing semblance that could cure sickness with the wave of a hand, it may look odd that Asia can't deal with their air sickness. But apparently this curse that affected their whole family is a special case.
All Arcs seems to have this problem except Shirone who is adopted. Even Ravel, their mother, admit to feeling a bit nauseated whenever she's in a Bullhead, though she has no problem flying by herself using her bird wings as a bird faunus. The only one with Arc blood that doesn't seem to have any problem with flying is Valerie.
The oldest of the triplet chuckled. Unknown to them, she is actually feeling a bit nauseated. Not to the same level as her siblings but enough for her to feel discomfort. She's just good enough to not show it. Valerie did wonder if this is a real curse or something because even with mediation and aura control technique, she can still feel the discomfort.
The former Longinus wielder then look out the window towards Beacon Academy, their home for the next four years, the first step towards their victory. She can already feel it. Powerful forces are gathering there, powerful and familiar forces.
"Fate will always find a way."
Valerie whispered as she smiled.
Meanwhile at Beacon on the top of the tower, three figures look down as numerous Bullheads landed, dropping off prospective students to the academy. They could see many of the children looking very excited or proud with only a handful looking nervous. Well, by the time their headmaster is done with them, all of them will look nervous.
Out of the three of them, only one, a man with brown hair in a suit wearing a pair of red gloves, look conflicted, like he is not sure about something, and dare they say, even sad and scared. It is understandable when your estranged son is down there ready to enter the school you work in, and that son definitely has some choice words for him.
"I wish he had gone to Haven instead."
Issei Hyoudou muttered loud enough to be heard by his coworker.
"Ahh, I recall seeing a Hyoudou in the list of applicants. So that is indeed your son? I was not sure since his record stated that he is rather well-behaved."
The only female of the three, a bespectacled busty blonde, commented. Her name is Glynda Goodwitch, Beacon's primary combat instructor and, if Issei were to be honest, the person actually running the academy itself.
"Hey, what do you mean by that?!"
Issei shouted while pointing at Glynda with an offended look.
"Need I remind you of your long list offense against womankind when you are still a student?"
Glynda retorted with a hint of venom in her voice that made Issei pause and then look away, though he doesn't look a bit embarrassed or repentant. Instead, he schooled his expression and look forward with a serious expression.
"I am a man of artistic pursuit. It would be remiss of me to ignore all the wonderful arts gathered in this hallowed halls."
"Your idea of 'artistic pursuit' caused a whole female team to transfer to Vacuo, caused a massive drop in the number of female applicant in the next two years, momentarily put Beacon in third rank in overall Huntsman school, and costs us more lien in property damage than the next three years combined!"
"Hey! Qrow and Tai did their share of property damage! Don't blame it all on me!"
As the two continue to bicker, the third of the trio, the headmaster of Beacon himself, sighs. While his Grimm Study professor and combat instructor could keep up their professional image in public, they get along as well as cat and mouse behind closed doors. He took another sip from his mug. The coffee is extra strong this time. A special brew made by Oobeleck. He knew he'll need it if he wanted to survive Issei and Glynda and then the welcoming speech.
Another Bullhead landed and more students came out. Ozpin was about to take another sip when he suddenly froze. He felt like he's being watched. He look around until he realized that the gaze seem to come from below. He followed his instinct and looked down. Before he could pinpoint the source though, the feeling disappeared.
"Headmaster, are you alright?"
Glynda asked in worry. He didn't even notice that the two teachers behind him had stopped their bickering when they noticed his tense back.
"It's nothing, Glynda. Come, we should prepare for the welcoming ceremony."
Ozpin said, a bit too hastily for the two of them to simply dismiss as nothing. Glynda and Issei look at each other. Something bothered him and anything that could bother someone like Ozpin is a cause for concern.
Kurenai, Ruby and Yang, alongside several other students, walk out of the ship and head down the paved path to the front of the school. They have finally arrived at Beacon and now that they finally got a good look of the academy, they felt awed by the magnificent architecture.
""Wow…""
Ruby and Yang vocalized their awe while Kurenai kept silent. Even if he didn't show it, he is impressed at the architecture. He had only seen the academy a few times from the distance when he came to Vale with his mother to visit his father on occasions where he can't come home to Mistral.
"The view from Vale's got nothing on this!"
Yang said. Kurenai nodded in agreement. The most excited though is no doubt Ruby who look around and saw many things she likes; weapons!
"Ohmygosh, sis! That kid's got a collapsible staff! And she's got a fire sword!"
The excited girl tries getting closer, but Yang pulls her sister by the hood back to stop her from running off while geeking out too much.
"Easy there, little sister. They're just weapons!"
"'Just weapons'? They're an extension of ourselves! They're a part of us! Oh, they're so cool!"
The red riding hood argued while still looking around excitedly. Kurenai honestly blamed this on Yang and Taiyang. The little girl became some kind of a weapon geek because she spent so much time working on weapons instead of socializing, and the reason for her stunted social growth is a certain pair of overprotective sister and father.
"Well, why can't you swoon over your own weapon? Aren't you happy with it?"
Yang said. Ruby pulled out her weapon from the strap on the back of her waist and transform it into its scythe form. This is Ruby's personal handmade weapon of choice.
"Of course I'm happy with Crescent Rose! I just really like seeing new ones. It's like meeting new people, but better…"
…he totally blame Taiyang and Yang for this.
"Ruby, come on, why don't you go try and make some friends of your own?"
"But... why would I need friends if I have you… and Kurenai?"
The young Hyoudou sighs. Maybe they should help Ruby get accustomed to Beacon first before talking about friends. He then look at Yang who is also looking at him. As childhood friends who had known each other eversince before Ruby was born, it took only an instant for Kurenai to understand what Yang is telling him just through simple eye contact.
"Yang, no…"
He told her, but it's too late. Yang smirked and grab him by the hand tightly so he won't slip away like he tend to do when they were younger.
"Actually, I'm going to introduce Kurenai to my friends. You know, he's from Mistral and won't know many people here so… Gotta go. 'Kay, see ya, bye!"
Kurenai should've braced himself and stopped Yang. But unfortunately, he didn't, so Yang pulled him away together with her towards a group of people. He had already resigned himself to his fate. Dammit Yang. Meanwhile Ruby, spinning and dizzy-eyed from Yang's sudden departure, called out to her sister.
"Wait, where are you going?! Are we supposed to go to our dorms? Where are our dorms? Do we have dorms? I don't know what I'm doing..."
Kurenai decided that he'll have a small talk with Yang later. While he gets why Yang ditched Ruby, he didn't appreciate the method and of course, dragging him along for the ride. As the two disappear in the distance, the unbalanced Ruby falls backwards into a luggage cart, sending cases flying all over the place. The owner certainly didn't appreciate her luggage messed up as she glared at Ruby from above her.
"What are you doing?!"
Not far away, Valerie Arc smirked as she return her gaze back to her two siblings after looking up the tower, both of whom are getting acquainted with one of Beacon's trashcan the moment they left the Bullhead. If she were any weaker, she would've joined them. Really, did someone cast a very powerful curse on the Arc family or something?
Once the other two had finished their business, the Arc triplet were about to head towards the main hall when they heard an explosion from the courtyard. The two younger siblings head towards the direction the explosion came from while the eldest slowly follow them from behind
When Asia and Jaune arrived, they saw a young girl with reddish hair wearing a black dress and red hooded cape being chastised by a girl who is wearing all white with a white hair tied in side ponytail style. It looks like there have been an accident which caused an explosion if the crater were anything to go by.
"I'm really, really sorry!"
"Ugh, you complete dolt! What are you even doing here? Aren't you too young to be attending Beacon?"
"Well, I-I…"
The younger girl in red cape try to defend herself but no words came out.
"This isn't your ordinary combat school. It's not just sparring and practice, you know! We're here to fight monsters, so… watch where you're going!"
"Hey, I said I was sorry princess!"
The caped girl snapped. When the white girl was about to make a reply, Asia followed by Jaune went to stop the quarrel from escalating any further.
"U-Umm, excuse me."
"WHAT?!"
The white haired girl who looked really angry shouted at Asia when she tried to speak to them. The poor Arc girl shrunk in fear from the ice cold gaze. Jaune sighs and rush to his sister's defense. He doesn't like it when anyone messes with his sisters, especially Asia. The white haired girl might be pretty, and rich from the look of it, but it doesn't matter if her attitude is bad. It's a reason why their oldest sister is not married yet.
"Please, let's not make anymore scene here. An explosion already happened and I'm sure the teachers noticed it so let's not make anymore problem and get going."
The white girl was about to reply but she decided to stop there because Jaune is right. She glared at the red caped girl and walked away with her helpers following while bringing her suitcases. Once the girl was out of hearing range, Jaune finally show his frown.
"What a charming girl."
Jaune shook his head and turn to the red riding hood. Now that he got a good look at her face, Jaune noticed that she look too young to be a student, though she could also be the same age as him, just with ahh… stunted growth. Case in point is his own sister, Asia, who look younger than she actually is. The girl look up to him and their eyes met.
"Hey, are you alright there?"
Jaune asked the girl while he stare into her silver eyes. That is an unusual eye color.
"I'm fine. Thank you for getting in between us."
The girl said. Asia and Jaune smiled, happy that they had helped the girl. With that done, Jaune decided to introduce himself to the girl. Valerie arrived to see Jaune giving the girl a goofy grin and introduce himself in a certain way their oldest sister taught him to.
"The name is Jaune Arc! Short, sweet, rolls off the tongue- ladies love it!"
"Do they?"
The girl replied, though thankfully not weirded out like some girls did back home. It's probably time to teach him not to do that. It is hilarious back when they were younger but now, not so much. It's a cringe-worthy sight… like that bunny onesie he has.
"I'm Ruby Rose. Thanks again for helping me."
The girl introduced herself to Jaune. At that moment, Valerie caught sight of the girl's eyes. Her own eyes widened at the sight as Jaune offered Ruby a handshake. The eldest of the Arc triplet then chuckled. Yes, fate indeed will find a way.
Hmm, I suppose this will do. Anyway, this is Shidou with another chapter of Heroes of Remnant. So now everyone is gathered in Beacon and things are about to take off. Nothing much to say here except... well, originally, the scene here went differently. In previous version, Yang went with her friends like in canon and ditched Kurenai with Ruby. The scene where Ruby exploded happened and Kurenai would then argue with Weiss to help Ruby. After that, Jaune and Asia would come and stop the fighting and Kurenai thanked them while introducing himself to Jaune. I realize that this would make Kurenai as Jaune's first friend in Beacon and changed it into the current version where Yang dragged Kurenai away with her, leaving Ruby behind. I choose to do this because I want to keep one of the most important thing in the series going. Ruby and Jaune are each other's first friend in Beacon. This, I think, is one of the most defining moment in Jaune and Ruby's relationship throughout the series. Whether they become an eventual pair in canon or not, it is undeniable that they are very close friends because they are each other's first friend in Beacon. So I changed it so that this little tidbit will stay the same. This is also an important part in the Lancaster development. Now, about why Blake didn't appear. Change in timeline aside, Blake will have an important meeting in the next part so I saved her appearance for that.
Anyway, I know we finally get an introduction to one of Jaune's sister in canon, Saphron, but because this story was made before she was introduced and I've made so much changes to the family anyway, consider this a total AU. In here, Jaune's eldest sister is Jeanne Arc, the same Jeanne that appeared in the latest DxD Hero anime.