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To Live and Learn

EPILOGUE

I never thought I'd be relieved to see Beacon again. I know I have been through some crazy shit since the first time I stepped into this place, but fighting a terrorist group that turn out the criminals I encountered during a previous fiasco a few months back while discovering that one of your classmates used to be one of them and then seeing a young girl effortlessly kick all of their asses out of nowhere, takes the godsdamn cake. And I have a feeling that it won't end there since this was only the first semester. The next semester could offer even worse scenarios that it might even make this whole day look like a walk in the park in comparison.

If it weren't for my consistent practice with my sword, shield, and my gun, I probably would've met a more grim fate. At least I now know what to expect and I'll be sure to be more prepared for them but I would still prefer not to be dragged into needless danger because of someone's thoughtlessness.

When I finally got back I received a text from The Great and Powerful Ozpin telling me to enjoy my break and that I don't need to thank him. Figured as much. No need to question him over this, I'll just have to be grateful and move on. It's been a long day.

I heard that Pyrrha even had to postpone whatever she was attending because of how worried she was for me that I had had to clear the entire thing for them and told them not to worry and that despite everything, it all ended well despite how complicated the situation was, and I was lucky that it went that way.

Later after that, I went to the dorm's rooftop to clear my mind before I got some sleep, the same place where me and my team train in our spare time. It was one of the only places in the academy outside my dorm where I truly felt peace; I never get tired of looking at the scenery it offers, especially at night when it illuminates by the lights of the academy while it overlooks the city lights of Vale in the distance accompanied by the sound of peaceful silence. I want to give one last look at its view before this semester ends.

I was just standing there, all alone, until I heard the voice of a certain faunus girl. "Hey."

Turning back to the rooftop's door, I saw that there was no one there. I looked at the roof tiles above and saw Blake leaning near the roof window. "Blake, what are you doing here?" I asked.

"I could ask you the same thing, "she said before leaping off and landing in front of me. "I just like to sit on top of buildings sometimes."

Just like cats, huh? I thought.

She continued, "Anyway, I'm sorry for dragging you into all that. I know it was more trouble than you expected."

I still didn't appreciate what I had to go through thanks to her actions but despite that, I could never bring myself to hate her. Her actions were irrational, sure, but I could at least understand why she did it. I only wished she handled them a little better.

"You don't have to apologize to me for anything, Blake. I went with you at my own will because I wanted to help." I went closer to her, laying a hand on her shoulder in comfort. "I couldn't just let you go, knowing how worried your team was for you."

Though if you asked me, I probably wouldn't have gone if I knew that a simple stakeout would turn out into an all-out brawl especially if it involved an organization that probably wants to kill me after what I did to them a few months ago. Especially now that I have another wanted criminal to worry about, one that I, unfortunately, wasn't able to kill or arrest so I don't have to watch my back for them anymore. I wouldn't even mind if that ends up building up my undeserved reputation because I would have been at least able to capitalize on it by using it as a warning to other criminals so that they would use this knowledge to avoid me as much as I try to avoid them.

"But still, you wouldn't be there if it wasn't for me." She gently put my hand off her shoulder. "It was all my fault. My fear of everyone discovering who I am is what led us to that." she whimpered. "I should have just accepted that the White Fang wasn't that good from the start."

I could hear the genuine regret in her voice that she reminded me too much of myself that I didn't even want to keep up with the charade for a bit. With that, I did something that I thought I would never do: Be honest with my feelings. "You know, I was scared too."

She wept a tear and looked at me perplexed, none verbally asking me why.

"I was afraid that something might happen to you, that you might never come back, and that would be my fault because I let that happen. I thought if I went out and help you, I wouldn't have to feel guilty about myself. You don't have to blame yourself for everything, you couldn't have known that it would get that bad. I was there by choice, I brought all of that to myself." I told her.

When you think about it, it turned out we weren't that different. We both were hiding something from our friends. We both wanted to escape something, and we both have our own doubts about ourselves. Sometimes we just don't know what people would think, so we had to go with what they're comfortable with.

She came closer and abruptly hugged me. "I never properly thanked you for being there with me." she kept hugging me for a while before letting go. "I just couldn't blame you, Jaune. You were too nice. I just don't know how to repay you for your help."

"You don't have to repay me for me anything, I just did what friends are supposed to do, be there for you."

She smiled and looked at the night sky with me. It was quiet for a bit until she broke the silence. "The White Fang is still out there..."

"They can't keep doing what they do forever," I said, organizations like that tend to die out soon enough. Well, as far I know at least.

"But as long as there's discrimination, there will always be groups like the White Fang. They're not going to stop until they get what they want."

"That's just how things are, Blake. But that's why we're also here. To keep Remnant safe from people like them. After you've left the White Fang, you made the right choice to become a Huntress. You can finally fight for peace for real this time."

She was flattered by that statement. "I guess I could see why they called you a hero."

I looked down as I thought about that. "Sometimes, I don't know if I'm still worthy of being called that," I admitted. Everything I did that seemed selfless was actually for my benefit. If I were to keep my team and allies together so they could keep saving my hind, I have no other choice than to uphold my reputation even if I'm ashamed of it.

"You definitely do." She smiled at me. "I should go. They might wonder where I am again. Thanks again, for everything."

"No problem, Blake. If there's anything you need, just let me know," I said, returning the smile.

She nodded. "I'll keep that in mind. Oh, and one more thing."

"Yeah?" I heard her out. The next thing I know, she leaned in and suddenly pecked my cheek, [1] and I couldn't help but be stunned by it.

"Please don't be a stranger." She was trying her best to restrain her blush while I could only space out.

I was so frozen by it that I didn't notice her leave the rooftop. Did I deserve any of that? I thought as I held my cheek. Whatever it was, I guess I earned her affinity. Blake is a curious individual, I'm actually glad I have learned more about her other than being the shy, bookwormish type.

I spent another minute looking at the shattered moon once again before going back to my dorm as well.

So this is how I end my first semester…

[And that was the final entry of Jaune's first semester in Beacon, ending this portion of this saga.]

=o=

1. Thankfully, that was also their last kiss as far as I know.

Editorial Note:

As we conclude the accounts written for the first semester, I would like to add a final excerpt for this volume by Headmaster Ozpin which was recorded during the same night. It details his conversation with Jaune's father, Caiaphas Arc. The following excerpt provides some insights into a part of the nature of Jaune's character that he refuses to talk about, even in his own private memoirs.

The Ozpin Logs: The Night Before The End of The First Semester.

While students at Huntsmen academies are considered to be much more special than an average civilian student, they're still nonetheless normal children barely going through adulthood. So it's only natural for them to them express dislike for studying and preferring recreational activities that other children their age enjoy. As a result, even the most skilled and promising students tend to have unimpressive grades. Although knowledge is powerful and important, it's nothing more than a tool to meet ends.

Jaune Arc for example, during his previous academic years, would rarely get an A in any of his classes except psychology, writing, leadership exercises, and any field of physical education. His grades are similar here in that while he may have adequate B scores in most subjects, he still managed to receive an A+ in combat training, something that even his eldest and brightest sister struggles to achieve in her first couple of years. Glynda was rather surprised by this, while she was aware of his combat prowess, she did earn a perfect grade on her subject when he struggles in all the other courses.

This was not a case of 'might over mind', Jaune has shown a way with words as much as he has a way of fighting. His charismatic leadership and tactical ability have played a role in his excellence in combat training. Aside from having no sense of honour as typical with the Arcs which is a real shame—if anyone saw how he performs during her class, it's clear to see why he received such a high grade.

And after witnessing his recent exploit, he has certainly proved that he was the Huntsman we need, which is why I was kind enough to persuade the local police to let him and his accomplices go as I handle the aftermath of the incident so that he may enjoy his well-deserved holiday as I formulate my upcoming plans for him.

Speaking of which, I was contacting his father to discuss his first semester here in Beacon. "Caiaphas…" I said as I faced him through the video feed of my office's holoscreen.

"Ozpin…" He responded, staring me back.

I smiled. "Your son has been doing quite well. You were right when you said that he would remind me of you frequently. Just like you, he can't seem to excel in most classes even if his life depended on it, except combat training of course."

"Heh, it's funny how history repeats. That's what I'm also worried about," he remarked.

"There must be a reason behind his comportment," I said. "They cannot be explained by simple inheritance. Your daughters don't display the same type of fearfulness and self-doubt that he and your forefathers possess."

"I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to discuss that." He briefly glanced to his side, sighing for a short moment. "There is a reason why he refuses to talk about it."

"Is it a family curse that affects only males by any chance?" I queried, partially jesting but I believe that every possibility must be taken to account even if they are very unlikely.

"Perhaps, but that would be too ridiculous," he dismissed. "I would say that we were all unfortunate enough to have such similar demeanours. It's probably just coincidence, it's completely natural to be wary in a world full of demonic creatures that exist solely to destroy humanity."

"Some people would say that there are no coincidences," I remarked.

"They just like to think that," he replied sceptically as he always does as a realist himself.

"You should be proud of your son, Caiaphas. He was able to accomplish more things than I anticipated. And as somebody who has been running this school for countless years, that is quite an achievement," I stated.

He acknowledged this fact whilst remaining cynical of my authority as expected of him. "I'm proud of him alright. What troubles me is that you would use him as an instrument for that glorified chess game of yours. Do I have to remind you that I left your inner circle because I had a family to look after, especially with a son who just had experienced the worst day of his life? Is he even prepared to face what Chaos has to offer?"

"I can reassure you that I will not send him in tasks that I know he cannot accomplish. If he does not want to attend Beacon any longer, then I will not force him. Once the second semester begins, it will be one of the first questions I would ask of him." I reassured. I still needed to test his mental fortitude; he is not without his shortcomings due to being somewhat inexperienced when compared to his forefathers at his age, but since he doesn't seem to stray too much from the typical Arc pattern, I can safely assume that he will do well.

"You better be sure. There is no doubt that he would be a great Huntsman, Ozpin. But I want to see him be more than that. I want him to live long enough to pass the family name to the next generation. He deserves to be something more than a pawn for a never-ending war," he said.

"You need not worry. If there is anyone who should be concerned, it is Salem. Your son is more than just a mere pawn."

"I hope this isn't one of your chess metaphors again, oh so, Great Powerful Ozpin," he remarked, referring to me by that mocking nickname once again. It never gets dull no matter how many generations of Arcs refer to me with that. "I still remember what happened to Summer."

I could still recall that tragic moment. It was a shameful moment I am not proud of but she was well aware of the risks and she accepted it. Sacrifices are necessary and we could only make sure they do not go to waste as we try to keep moving forward. What I want to genuinely avoid are outright mistakes that will cost me greatly. While I do have strong faith in the young Arc, I still need to test him. I cannot leave everything to chance because if this ended up failing, it would only give Salem another opportunity of seizing victory and this is something I can no longer afford.

"I have grown to be more considerate after that. This is why I am giving your son a choice. He is not alone, Caiaphas. If he is not going to turn the tides of this war, then the people he inspired will. For now, we just need to see where this goes. Remember why you recommended him to me."

"I suppose there is still a chance of setting things right once and for all," he sighed. "I do believe in him, after all. Just please, Ozpin. Make sure that he will be alright."

"With a boy like that? There is no reason for me not to. He already has your stubbornness, that is enough to guarantee his survival," I asserted before the call concluded.

Shortly after, I received another message from Qrow regarding his investigation, simply informing me that 'The Queen has Pawns.'

It appears that Salem has set up some competition. But as long as children like Rose, Nikos, and Arc continue to remain at my side, Chaos will never prevail, she would have to do more than threaten me into submitting.

Enjoy the power you still have while it lasts, Salem. For soon, the tables will turn. And this world will soon be free of the Eldritch Horrors you choose to worship. Mark my words as I have never given up for thousands of years no matter how much the odds turn against me. I have never relented before nor do I have the intention of doing so now.

"And a coward who acts in the face of danger is more courageous than a professed brave man. For he who conquers his fears will guide those who are threatened by the darkness that seeks to destroy all life, and he shall prevail."

-The Book of Light, verse 277

So that's the end of Volume 1 of the Beacon Saga. I'll be taking a short break for a moment but the next update should be out in a week or so. Either way, it shouldn't take too long since I'm only revising chapters I've already written. Until then, stay tuned. And as always, feedback in any form is always appreciated.

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