Disclaimer – I own nothing

Jaune is 8 years old and Cinder is 9 years old.

Books

Books were simply wonderful, as it was a haven for him. Information was something that was sparse in this cruel, unforgiving world. The word in the books, regale him of such stories that left baffled. It was an escape of reality for him, from his parents that pressured him to become a hunter. Of course, this made him different from his sisters and parents. Whose ambition was truly admirable, and filled with valor, he nodded. But it was simply not in his nature, not his dream

He shook his head. It would not do him any good to think like that.

He looked to the apartment, it was beautiful.

Shelves of books surrounded him oh so much. He could regale any person who had asked for tales, more beautiful and awesome, awe inspiring yet humble. This was his thrive, his love.

While his sisters dream of becoming their hero of their own tales like their own parents, he was more interested in reading other hero's tale but not his own.

Oh, mind you, he had dreamt of being a hero of his own tale…

But in that cold night, the meeting between him and that person, it had changed him oh so much.

Ding-dong

He snapped from his musings. Lifting his book to cover his half of his face, he sat still in his small, comfortable sofa. While he did not like social interactions, he knew that the guests in front of his door could only cause trouble.

Ever since he refused to be a hunter his sisters had been hounding him to join in their training. Of course, he could not take it. Especially with his parents supporting his sisters, he shuddered.

It was a good thing that his grandfather was a bit understanding about his situation; after all he offered a small apartment to offer a small reprieve from his abnormally energetic and driven family.

He could still remember his grandfather kindly smile…

'Jaune-'his grandfather started 'I know you are a bit different from your family, but you are family! Family sticks together! It should not matter if you have different ambitions and likes; after all it is not wrong to follow your own dreams!' He ended with a whimsical laughter patting my head softly, befitting of a kindly old grandpa.

'So if you want something, just ask! After all, you are my favorite child.' He winked 'Just don't tell anyone, especially your parents.' He whispered in a joking tone.

He giggled at his words. Grandpa was funny like that.

He smiled at that memory; it was one of the things he truly valued. His times with Grandpa, he had provided him support when he declined of being a huntress.

He was a truly energetic and likeable person. He had always goes to his grandfather's home after school. Even if his parents told him not to, he always did. Though, he wonders what his parents had against his grandfather.

Bang, Bang

Oh dear, it seemed like the person is now banging at the door. He sighed, trudging down the small walkway to greet the guest. He turned the handle and opened the door.

It was not his parents, nor was it his sisters.

It was a girl. Nonetheless it was a beautiful girl; she had her ebony black hair cascading and swept gently into her left side of the face. She had a small dress with a gold design. A beautiful sight, but a sight nonetheless.

'Hello-'she started with a child like melodious voice filled with enthusiasm 'My name is Cinder, I am your new neighbor.'

Huh, he had heard his neighbor was moving, but he had never thought it was going to be this soon. It was a small surprise to him. But it would be rude for him to ignore her; after all she was looking at him with glee.

'Hello' he reciprocates 'It is nice to meet you, Cinder.' He bowed gently making the poor girl fluster.

'W-Why are you bowing? Is it some new kind of fad? I wanna know!' Cinder asked, flustered at his weird gesture.

He giggled at that site.

'No-No, it is just me showing respect to you. It does not mean anything.'

'O-oh, okay' she paused 'Hey… Wait you did not tell me your name!' She pointed an accusatory tone at him.

He was mildly surprised at the blunt way she talked and noticed his effort.

Hum, clever girl. She noticed him trying to direct the situation. Just as he thought this conversation was over. Well, it is not like he will become close friends with her, and giving his name would not mean anything to her. Oh how he will rue the day he thought that.

'My name is Jaune. It is nice to meet you, Cinder' He bowed in a formal greeting.

'Likewise' she replied. 'Now then, let us start the ritual of becoming friends to mark this great day.' She said with great cheer.

'The ritual of friends' What on Root is that? Was it something dangerous? His mind quickly began to fill in questions due to him reading a lot of books and his memoirs of… Her. No, there is no use in thinking about him. He had promised Him that he would look forward.

With curious eyes befitting of a child of his age, she asked what was wrong.

He replied there was nothing wrong, nothing wrong at all…

Creak

With an awkward silence, she looked uncomfortable at the monotone expression of her newest friend. So, in the span of seconds, she broke the silence.

'Well then-'she started 'Let us start in this ritual of Friends.' she clapped her hands as if to get rid of the rest of this awkward silence.

Well, this was an uncomfortable silence to him as well, so he quickly agreed.

'Okay then-'She shouted excitedly 'Close your eyes!'

Close his eyes, what for, he wonders. Hum, this might bore some investigation. So he asked why he should ask close eyes.

'Just close your eyes.' The cute girl asked impatiently.

He nodded; there was no point in asking question when the person herself would not answer. So he closed his eyes. Waiting for something to happen, and well it did.

Two arms quickly covered him, embracing tightly. His mind came to a screeching halt. His eyes quickly open in shock, only to see the perpetrator to smile mischievously at him. Her body-

'Kyaaa' A feminine gasp came from his mouth.

Her hold on him lessened, she looked at him straight in the face. An amused glance from her single eye, lifting her eyebrow as if asking 'was that you? '

He gulped. This was quickly becoming the most traumatic experience of his life. She had to get off somehow.

He tried to lift his biceps to break her control of him, it was too strong. Just what were feeding this child? Then he noticed a red glow on her. He narrowed his eyes. Aura, she was using aura at this young age. It was a startling prospect for him. But then, he rescinds his attention to the matter of utmost importance.

She was hugging him. Her Aura was making her so comfortably warm it made him weak in the knees. A mew escaped from his mouth.

Cinder blushed hearing that moan. 'You are so cute.' Her eyes gazing upon him gently.

Grk

This was becoming increasingly uncomfortable for him. She was too close. Too close. She had to get off; this was too embarrassing for him. He, then, began struggle enough to gently shake her off of him. It was a fool's effort. Her hold on him was too strong.

'Please, can you let me go?' he pleaded, embarrassed at the close contact of the girl, a pretty girl at that. His face marred with red on his cheeks. It accentuated his looks, making his face look radiant to her.

It made cuter in her eyes, she grinned

'Nope, but it looks like you are not sad right now.' The girl in red smiled, looking happy at the prospect that she had helped her friend.

His eyes widened at that declaration. She was very perceptive; most children would not be able to read his expression. He closed his eyes. Maybe, just maybe, having a friend might not be a bad prospect after all. He smiled.

Sniff, sniff

Hum, why did he smell smoke? Is something burning? He looked down only to see his pants are on fire. Oh. His pants are on fire.

Wait…

HIS PANTS ARE ON FIRE.

Hot

HOT

HOT

'Hot, Hot. Cinder, help! I need something-' He screamed only to pause to see Cinder's eye glazed not unlike a zombie. What in the world?! Her eyes zeroed on his pants looking like a mentally unstable person addicted to drugs.

What is wrong with her?

'Cinder, what are you doing?!' His left eye twitched, annoyed

'Fire, so hot…' She whispered in ecstasy.

Slap

Face palm.

…

Well that was the first meeting of him and Cinder, the pyromaniac.

PREVIEW

Flames were all around him. It brought memories, both sad and filled him with profound and bitter memories.

Flames as far as the eyes can see

The pervasive stench of death

Wishing for help when all hope is lost

His eyes glaze with determination. He looked forward, her enemy panting slightly. This was not a battle he could afford to lose. He looked to the side, to see a man drinking a coffee mug. The white haired man had looked amused at this battle, fascinated even.

What was the true miracle? The one who found and saved him, the impossible survivor of the grim attack?

I do not know what the true miracle was

He grimaced at the dark, blighted memory

Ozpin

The man itself was an annoyance; he had seen what character lies inside him, it was dangerous. He had kept to himself secrets that could jeopardize both man and women. He hated him, loathed him even. It reminded too much of himself. He grimaced. It would do for him to dwell on things that are not related to this battle.

His gaze softened. The woman in front of him had changed, Cinder. She had changed. Cinder had a black suit that provides mobility and flexibility. Not to mention, she had… disturbingly her assets. He blushed lightly.

"Jaune, why do you not want to join Beacon? Aren't you happy that we can be together in the same school?" Turning to face him, two black bladed sabers in both hands, it reeks of danger he thought.

Oh, he had been happy that his childhood friend was accepted, but not him. If he had become a Hunter, he would not have any choice but meeting with them. He was not ready to face them yet, not with her being dead.

"I have my reasons, Cinder." He remarked softly. Her eyes softened, she had heard about his loss. Cinder heard her childhood friend lost someone dear but he did not want to tell her nor was she going to press him. On second thought, she was going to force him. She had been sick of him doing this.

Her feet kicked, propelling him towards to her, making her see his face into… a mournful gaze. She kicked him in the face, knocking him down.

No, she did not want that. She wanted her friend to be happy. Always, he had looked mournful. Always, he had looked sad. She did not want this. This pointless battle with her friend! She only wanted his happiness.

"W-Why?! Why can't you ever look at me?" She screamed, her eyes glistening with tears, looking down at him. She had always known. Ever since she met him, his eyes were hollow, unfilled. Along the years, she cared for him, wanting to fill that void. It frustrates her so.

Her words resonated him deep inside him.

His eyes widened.

He looked up to her marred face with tears, staring at her sad face in shock and disbelief.

Sniff, sniff

Ruby's sniff could be heard in silence.

Author's note:

Boy, am I evil. Sorry I cannot reveal more of this. As I have big plans for this story, as it will feature someone who is very… different.

Oh and to Garrorar-san and Zeek72 he will not be an expy, I will delve into it later. But he will have similarities to our lovable Shirou.

When I look at this, I found the preview much more interesting.

I have already revealed a lot both of Jaune's power and relationship. It is up to you, reader's to find out!

If you want to see his new look, he looks similar to a picture I will post to later! Well, only his hairstyle though.

Next up the meeting of the two Friends! And the entrance of Ruby!

Well, see you soon. Ja ne!

Read and review!

Author's note

In that preview, Jaune 16 and Cinder is 17. Cinder moved when she was 12 years old. Sorry for the confusion.