So, by an overwhelming amount, the people have decided that Jaune will be returning to Beacon with the man, the myth, the legend, Peter Port. You guys also gave me a few ideas as to where you want this to go, or at least some methods of getting there, so I can't thank you guys enough for that. Anyway, enough sappy stuff. Let's get into it.
I do not own Roosterteeth
or the rights to RWBY
and may Monty Oum be forever unbound by death.
The bullhead that carried the forms of Peter Port and Jaune Arc was made for Huntsmen, with its small windows, thick hull, and heightened speed. It was designed and built to move Huntsmen and Huntresses throughout the Wilds with haste.
Yet even they dared not to travel to the heart of the Wilds, forcing a walk that lasted three days upon the young knight and old veteran.
The walk had been mostly uneventful, a lack of any major threats being a welcome change to the pace Jaune had been set at during his time in the Wilds. The price of Cinn was a steep one for his survival, and one he still couldn't quite shake.
So as he rested his back against the inner hull of the aircraft, motion sickness long forgotten in favor of an overwhelming depression that was not unnoticed by the portly professor. The longing gaze he had been casting towards a trench coat on his lap.
"The loss of your friend still bothering you, lad?" Port asked, concern easily detectable in his voice. He knew the answer even before Jaune tore his gaze off the piece of clothing. The young knights eyes were red from tears both shed and not.
"Y-Yeah," Jaune sniffed and rubbed some tears that had yet to fall from his eyes. "Your pep talk from before was good, and it helped a bunch, but..." his sentence faded off into a mumble.
Port arched a single eyebrow. "What was that, my boy," He held a cupped hand to his ear, clearly showing his failure to hear the rest of the sentence.
"I'm a fraud!" Jaune jumped up, clutching the coat in his hand with a vice-like grip. "I forged my transcripts, and because of it, my team was down a member for months, and a great man died!" The emotions he had been holding back in the Wild's depths came back full force in the form of a rant that was equal parts rage and grief. Port gave the boy the attention and silence he deserved, nodding along as he reached the climax of his tirade.
Jaune was left panting, trench coat in his hand at his side and tears trailing from his deep blue eyes that were covered by blonde bangs. Port finally stood up and held the boy in a tight, yet warm embrace. There they stood, for how long is unknown, but they only parted once Jaune's sobs had finally settled into small hiccups. He sat the blonde down and took the seat next to him.
"Would it surprise you if I said that we already knew?" Jaune's gaze snapped to the old hunter, causing him to chuckle. "It's true! Much to Glynda's chagrin, we all agreed to let you attend, despite your transcript's… less than honest origins."
Jaune shook his head vigorously. "It doesn't change the fact that it's my fault Cinn d-died, and JNPR was left without its leader for so long. I don't deserve to attend," He looked down at his single gloved hand, slowly opening and closing it. "Especially not now."
A swift chop met the back of his blonde head as Port struck him, a large tick mark on the mans forehead. "Nonsense! You handled yourself against those Watchers for hours! They, and many of the dangers you've experienced would give any Huntsman or Huntress a run for their lien, but you prevailed!" He finished with boisterous laughter that Jaune couldn't help but smile at.
"It's clear that you won't listen to what I have to say, however," Now Jaune's interest was peaked, and Port cast his gaze to the floor. "The staff has decided to hold a test of sorts for you, in an effort to prove to the council and students alike that you belong in the illustrious halls of Beacon academy! Though, you may not enjoy what we have in store for you." Jaune's curiosity must have been visible, because Port let a long sigh escape from his mustached lips.
"You have to prove yourself in combat against the best team of your year." Jaune gasped quietly as Port gave a solemn nod.
"Yes, Team RWBY."
Ozpin let out a sigh as he rested his head in his hands. He had barely managed to settle the Council with the promise of finding a method to prove Jaune's worth as a Huntsman after Port called in with a report of Jaune in his custody. It was to be kept from team RWBY until after the fact, requiring some more work on their behalf, but it was all he could do.
The council was extremely good at meddling in areas that they did not belong, and now his students had to pay the price.
Speaking of which, the elevator dinged, signaling the arrival of team RWBY. They seemed a tad confused at their presence, a confusion that would be swiftly cleared. Ozpin took a sip of his coffee before clearing his throat.
"Hello ladies," He motioned towards the seats, and they all took one. The effect of Jaune's absence had started to be turned from a source of depression, to one of determination. A rigid mindset that would work to carry them forwards. "A fine day, is it not?" The gathered students shuffled a bit before giving their affirmations that yes, it was a nice day. He nodded once they finished before he continued. He decided that forgoing tact would most likely be the best course of action.
"You four are scheduled to have a four on one duel against a one-armed student transferring into Beacon." he raised his hand, silencing the hail of questions about to be sent his way. "Yes, yes. I know that it seems the odds are stacked in your favor, but I can assure you that they have been undergoing some truly hellish training." Now that is an understatement.
RWBY had settled down, listening intently to the information being given to them by Ozpin. "They will be arriving at the school tonight, and your battle will occur at noon tomorrow. Be prepared." With that, he waved his hand, excusing them from his office. They stood and entered the elevator, but just before they fully crossed the threshold, Ruby turned around.
"What's their name?" Ozpin smirked behind his coffee mug as he was tempted to give them the actual answer. He wouldn't, but he was extremely tempted.
"I am sorry Miss Rose, but I cannot say."
