Chapter 1. The First Step
Ruby briefly spare another glance to the older man that walk along with her. Her friend big brother face was stoic, there no sign of emotion displayed, the way he walk also somehow... Guarded? Yeah, it as if the man walk to the battle rather than meeting. Just by looking at him, Ruby can tell the man is not a person who like to play and also serious
Which is strange seeing Jenny is opposite of him. Well, maybe not, Jenny sometime can be strict and stoic as well but it only when they in stimulation training or things like that. Normally, while she still strict but the way she walk and present herself is more cheerful and free
But her big brother, Jaune. He did not like that. He very different, while true the way he present himself is similar like Jenny but at same time it also very different, an opposite perhaps
Noticing the younger girl look, Jaune quirked his eyebrow a bit "Is there something you need?" He asked plainly, aware the girl had been staring for moment
"A-Ah!" Ruby flustered for moment as she getting caught when staring "It nothing, I just curious about you. I mean with you as Jenny big brother. Jenny always speak her big brother highly, saying that he is cool guy that always there for her. She also said he want to be Hunter and helping people and-" She cut herself when see Jaune lip twitched up, curled to small smile, realizing she rambling again she feel heat to her cheek
"I see Jenny description about you quite matching." Jaune remarked, his mind briefly flashed to the past as he recall Jenny told him about her friends in school
"W-What? What Jenny said about me? Whatever she said its a lie since I beat her in poker game!" Ruby defended herself
"Uh-huh." Jaune nodded in acceptance, face remain stoic but Ruby can see small amusement in his eyes
The red haired girl let out small huff of irritation, but she, herself admit that she feel relieved at the conversation. Before this there small tension between them, awkward one precisely but thank to this small conversation it seems broken now
Deciding to change the topic, she pull Crescent Rose from her back "So... I got this thing." She allow the scythe manifest itself, the harmless looking crimson pole suddenly extended with mechanical sound, and in blink, a giant scythe that have it edge almost on size with the petite girl planted in ground
Jaune allow himself to blink, eyes lingering in the scythe the moment she pull it out "A scythe?" He asked
"Uh-huh." Ruby cradled the weapon proudly, placing one hand on what looked like a bolt handle on one side. Jaune saw the scythe body further, a scope, and place for magazine. He recognize what kind of weapon is that instantly "It's also a costumizable high-impact sniper rifle!" She said heerfuly before cocked the weapon "It also a gun!" She finished, her expression eagerly fishing for his opinion
Jaune allow himself to observe the weapon further, it was quite design actually. He noted the bottom shaft seems quite elastic, probably can be used in one way or another
"Impressive design." He said and he being honest in here "A mixture of sniper and scythe? It still can shoot even if it in that state right?"
"Yeah! Though it will have more power if I switch it into this." She cocked the weapon, and it edge curled back, folded into some kind of gun, grin plaster in her face
"Hmmm, the way it shift back pretty quick. It good weapon you have there." Jaune complimented as he see Ruby retract it back to scythe form
"Hehehe, thanks! I'm kind of a dork when it comes to weapons, sooo... I guess I did go a little overboard when designing it." Ruby said in slight sheepish tone at the praise
Jaune eyeing the scythe once more, her own design? Ah, well if if he recall, all students at Signal forge their own weapons. Jenny also have her own designed weapon. She offer to make him one of course when he told her he will attend Hunter academy but he refused, he not need flashy weapon, anything that simple is enough
"You did good job, Jenny also have her own designed weapon and..." He paused before looking to the girl once again "Wait, pardon me for asking but how old are you?" He just realize that this girl is Jenny friend, yes, but she doesn't look like that old, perhaps she is senior student in Signal?
"Eh? Fifteen! I'm on same generation with Jenny." Ruby answered
"Hmm, quite young one. And you attend Beacon already? You must be very talented."
"I'm not that young! I drink milk you know!" Ruby replied on reflex, eliciting quirked eyebrow from Jaune, what with milk and older age? Shouldn't it be wine or beer? "And beside, I'm not that good." She added, contrary on her first tone as she now sounding meek
"Nonsense." Jaune shook his head, small frown in his face seeing the girl act meek like this. She have talent, she should expose it and use it for greater good rather than hide it "Beacon Academy not accepting weakling, surely you know that. It one of the best academy, for the school to make you who two years younger than most people to enter it, then you is something."
"But I don't want to be special." Ruby replied, her weapon retracted back to the storage mode and saved under her cloak "I just want to be normal knee."
'Normal knee?' Jaune thought dully, she kinda weird. Then again, he not have right to said that, he is more strange than her after all "That impossible, the moment you enter this school and have those kind of skills. People will look to you, and when they did, there no way you can stay in background like common people."
Ruby shoulder slumped a bit at the blunt comment, face looked sad like a puppy that whining "So... I just have to bear it huh?"
"It hard." Jaune grunted "But it doesn't mean you have to mind people opinion that much. Just be yourself like usual, don't lie to yourself by acting like someone not you. It will only make thing worse." He close his eyes and give small pinch to his nose bridge, he not that good in emotional speaking, you can thanks that to what he went through "My point is, you are special, but you must know you not the only one who special. Search for them, one that more experienced and share story with them. It will help a lot, you not alone after all."
Ruby hearing the speech can't help but stare at the man with awe. He is stranger, they meet not just even for one hour or thirty minutes and yet. "Wow... That is very motivational speech." She commented with marvel, before she allow grin crossed to her face "Thanks Jaune, it help a lot."
"Don't mention it." Jaune grunted simply "I only stating the truth. Like I said, you are special Ruby, and it would be shame to see you degraded. You have potential, best not to waste it."
"Yeah... I know but still, thanks." Ruby said, gratitude clear in her voice "Sooo... What you got?" She asked, changing the topic as she now feel more comfortable
"Nothing flashy." Jaune shrugged as he slowly take his sword, strip it from his sheath "It name Crocea Mors, it family heirloom from my great-great-grandfather. And the sheath itself can be turned to shield." He explained as he take the sheath and unfold it, revealing a shield "There wire attached to it so I can use this shield as projectile before pulling it back." He show his hand that grip the shield, revealing a wire that coiling around it, then he fold the shield back to sheath "Classic one, unlike yours." He told the petite girl as he sheath back the sword
"Well, its okay though, I like it! Not many people have an appreciation for the classics these days." Ruby commented with small laugh
"With technology and everything, it can't be blamed." Jaune shrugged simply
"But that wire look so thin, are they strong enough to handle the stress?"
"Not need to worry, I make sure it strong enough." Jaune told her calmly. It was then he caught sight of people gathering "Oh, look, we close already." He said, pointing to the giant building with door opened
The duo enter the auditorium, noticing it quite crowded. Perhaps it because the ceremony will held open soon, they take their time in walking here after all
It was then Ruby heard familiar voice calling her. Turning around, Ruby see her sister waving cheerfully
"Ruby! Over here! I saved you a spot!" She yelled
Ruby beamed a bit at the familiar face, though it replaced with quite irritation as she recall her sister just ditched her. Then she turned to Jaune "Hey, Jaune, I gotta go." She said to him "Thanks for the talk and help before... Uhh, see you after the ceremony?" She actually still feeling quite awkward saying good bye and doesn't invite him. However she knew how protective Yang is, and she don't want her scare her first friend. She hoped that the guy would agree to meet her after this again and not feeling upset
To her relief, Jaune not seems bothered as he give small shrug, face remain stoic and calm "Sure. Take care. See you later." He said nonchalantly. He see the girl beamed a bit before turned and walked away, seeing he had nothing to do, he about to walk away when feel back of his hair tingling
Trying his best to not act on instinct and strike, calmly he turn around, he found himself staring at another red haired girl. But unlike Ruby who have part of her hair brown, this one is pure red. Her hair tied into ponytail style, the size is around her waist, it curled slightly into a loose ringlet and she had vivid green eyes
He noted she quite tall for girl around here, she also have more muscle as well. She clad in some kind of bronze armor, with shield and some kind of weapon strapped on her back
And he recognize her instantly
'Pyrrha Nikos from Sanctum, the winner of Mistral Regional Tournament four years in a row. She in Beacon? Why bother to come to here when she actually from that far?' He thought with confusion
For moment his eyes meet with her. Vivid green clash with dark violet orbs. There silent around them, despite there people chatting and talking to each other, but for them, it only as if they are the only people in auditorium
Then, wordlessly, Jaune break the eyes contact, allowing his eyes to closed and he turned around before began to walk away
Whatever she expect to respond, that clearly not one of them. The moment Pyrrha see him enter with the young looking girl, she quickly notice that the man is not normal. He is experienced one, as one of warrior that have experience herself, she can tell when she see one. The way he walk and present himself, albeit he look normal but obviously he guarded. His body is ready for any attack or people that going to try ambush him
And she caught by surprise when suddenly he turned around and staring at her. And when their eyes meet, she can see recognition in his dark violet colored eyes, he knew who is she the moment he lay his eyes on her.
After that she inwardly sighed, of course people will notice her seeing her reputation, experienced man like him surely will know her. She prepare herself for the chat or talk that will coming, she just wish people stop looking her with that eyes. Though she knew it impossible judging by her status and fame
But to her further surprise, the man turned away from her and begin to walk away. Now she doesn't know does she should be offended or grateful, that was quite rude of him to act like that. At least offer small wave or nod. But on other hand, he recognize her, but he obviously doesn't care. Now wasn't that something?
She decide she will watch this man in future, the petite girl call him Jaune if she recall. Yes, without doubt she going to watch Jaune in future, she kinda hoping that will have chat with him. It would be nice to talk with someone who doesn't care about her celebrity status
It was first night in academy, tomorrow all the students will went through initiations
Jaune see all students clad in their sleeping outfit. Most guy only wear pajama pant, some only boxer or clad in underwear for men. He, himself wearing simple long red gym pant and black t-shirt, albeit he still wearing his fingerless gloves.
His eyes briefly fall to Ruby and... A blond haired girl, one that calling her before. Ruby waving her hand in greeting manner from far as she also see him, in response he rise one hand and give small nod. He noted Ruby companion eyeing her with skeptical look, but he doesn't look care as he turned his head away from them
He allow himself to lean into the wall and relax a bit, unlike everyone, he can sleep while stand and leaning in wall. As matter of fact, it would be better if sleep while standing so his body can ready if something happen and his muscle also will stay stretch
"Do you have something you wish to say?" He asked suddenly, eyes still lingering to the entire hall but he knew she still staring at him. She already did that almost for a minute the moment their eyes meet for short time, and to be honest he actually not care but her eyes is almost sparkling
"Wow! You speak!" She gasped, and he didn't know either she sincere or mocking him, but the tone she use is clearly the first "I mean I think you mute since you never speaking ever since you stand there, you only standing and give glare to everyone around." She chirped happily
Jaune eyes finally fell to he once again, and he was sure her eyes truly sparkling now akin like a firework that glowing in dark sky
What with this girl?
"My name Nora! Nora Valkyrie! What yours?" She asked, grinning cheerfully to him
"Jaune Arc." Jaune responded
"Well hello Jaune! Nice to meet you! Can I ask why you look so stiff? This whole time you keep staring with sound of 'JIIII' you also never talk like a mute man! Then again, it can be because you don't like to talk like Ren! Oh Ren is my friend, close friend! We've been together for loooong time! But we not together-together if you want to know. Do you sleep while standing? You look just about to sleep. Hey! Do you want to hear some story? It about-"
Jaune eyes went to dull as he stare at the girl who began to rambling about how she dreaming fighting an Ursa and Beowolf with her friend. Truthfully he didn't want to know nor he care, he about to hush the girl away when someone did it first
"Nora, that guy trying to relax, go away from him."
Jaune eyes shifted to the boy who clad in dark-green chinese attire, followed by long white pant. He have dark hair with some part of strand that possess magenta color, just like his eyes
"Ah! Ren! You wake up again!" Nora, the orange haired girl chirped happily
"People try to sleep here Nora, you can talk about your story to me tomorrow, don't bother someone okay?" He asked
"Eh? Sure! I also *yawn* kind of sleepy." Nora yawned a bit, attitude change 180° instantly much to Jaune confusion further, this girl really strange one
"Hey, sorry about that, Nora can be quite energetic sometime." He apologized to Jaune who turned to him after being called
"Don't mention it." Jaune grunted simply, it not like he that bothered by her antic, he just found her quite strange
"The name Ren, Lie Ren." Ren introduce himself
"Jaune, Jaune Arc." Jaune replied
There momentary silent as Jaune and Ren staring at each other. Both their face is calm, albeit Ren face slight bleary since he just reawaken from sleep
"Well then Jaune, once again sorry about Nora. I will go back to sleep, see you tomorrow." Ren said, breaking their staring contest before he rolling back to his sleeping bag
Jaune response merely pulling his black hoodie and cover his face, then he close his eyes as well. It better to sleep now before anyone come to bother him, again. He not in mood for talk after all
In next day, Jaune walked into the locker to get his weapon. On his way, he crossed path with Ren and Nora, the latter talking loudly like always
"Jaune! Good morning! I didn't see you this morning and I want to awake you like I did to Ren here!" Nora chirped at him
"Morning Nora. Not need to awake me, I can do that by myself." Jaune greeted back in stoic tone, his eyes fell to Ren and he give small nod in greeting manner to him
"We will go first, see you there." Ren said simply, he not guy who type to talk often after all, so he not that bothered with Jaune wordless greeting
"Hn."
Jaune walk pass through them, instantly he went to his locker, taking out Crocea Mors, he unsheath the blade and eyeing it. Despite the blade looked old and quite rusty, but he can see it edge still sharp and smooth.
"Jaune! Morning!"
He turned and see Ruby greeting him from far, he give grunt and nod as he strap Crocea Mors on his left side, ensuring it bind strong enough "Hello Ruby." He greeted back politely
Ruby about to approach him, but Yang suddenly went forward, she walked toward Jaune who narrowed his eyebrow
"So... You are the White Knight that helping my sister yesterday?" Yang asked as she humming while looking up, down to Jaune
Sister? Now isn't that surprising? These two clearly not look alike at all, more than him and Jenny. He briefly give questioning look to Ruby who mouthed 'later'
"I am. Though I won't call myself White Knight, my armor color black." He said as he give small flick to his black chest plate
"Heh, right."
Jaune can feel the stare he get from the blonde girl start to get more intense. It as if she judging him being worthy or not "If you want to say something said it. Ruby seems want to speak." He said bluntly, he not like it when time wasting like this
Yang blinked at the sudden bluntness. Well if he want to play it like that. "I just making sure you're good person for my little sis." Yang replied in same blunt manner
"Good for what? Being friend? I fail to see why I won't be adequate for being friend with Ruby here."
"Well, for one you can be a guy who try to smooth talk to her and break her apart." Yang shrugged, brushing her hair to the air "And if that happen, I assure you I will break every single bones of your body." She said sweetly, eyes briefly change to red
"Yang!" Ruby protested, but her sister ignore him
"For your information, I happen to be not interested in any relationship so you not need to worry I will "smooth-talk" Ruby and break her."
"And how can I trust you?"
"I don't care, find it by yourself, it not my problem." Jaune responded with shrug before turning to Ruby "You wish to say something?"
"Eh? N-No! It just." Ruby turned to Yang and elbow her a bit "Yang! Apologize! He helping me yesterday you know! I could get loss if he wasn't there!" She hissed
"Ugh fine! Ruin my fun would ya?" Yang huffed a bit before she give Jaune grin, all threatening attitude before seems gone and never exist in first place "My name Yang! Yang Xiao Lang!" She introduce herself, extending her hand
Jaune rise his hand as well and grasp it slowly "Jaune Arc." He replied and he feel tight grip on his hand. He narrowed eyebrow before returning the grip, giving same strong shake to the blonde
Yang feel the man grip back her hand and inwardly surprised. She give slight pressure to her grip but the man hardly flinched, as matter of fact he even returning the grip with his own
'Oh, its on!' She thought with smirk as she tighten her grip, accepting the challenge
Jaune of course returning it, not even feel pain or flinch under the woman grip
And Yang return it again
Jaune applied more pressure
Yang do the same
Finally, Ruby got enough, she obviously notice the hand shake went far too long, heck! She even can see small vein bulging around Yang hand, showing sign she use her strength more than she supposed to in hand shaking people
"Okay! Split it up you two!" She separate both of them, silver eyes glaring at the duo who break the hand shake "Yang! Don't bother Jaune! He's good guy! I sure he doesn't have any motive!" Ruby chided her sister, angry that she went overboard to her new friend
"I know! I know! I just want to have fun with him!" Yang laughed in good nature manner "Hey, you got nice grip there tough guy! Want to have spar sometime?" She asked with grin "I can show you few good move and if you really that good, I will reward you perhaps." She said, eyebrow waggling in suggestive manner
"Yaaang! Don't flirt with Jaune!"
"Aww sis! You forbid me to scare him, now I just want to talk with him and you forbid me as well! I won't steal your boyfriend so not need to worry!"
"Yaaaanggg!"
Jaune only watch the banter with dull look and half opened eyes. He admit he not often go outside and went to society, but does all person actually this strange? So far, he hardly meet with normal people
"So Jaune, how you feel about the incoming exam?" Ruby asked as she done bickering with Yang, for now
"I'm ready." Jaune answered plainly
"Ohh, confident aren't you?" Yang asked with grin "Then again, seeing you have such firm grip. You must be quite strong tough guy!" She noted that while the man not big and buff like one she see yesterday, Jaune body still can be considered as good. It seems he really have some skill
"Thanks." Jaune grunted "How about you two?"
"We ready as ever!" Ruby chirped to him with happy face, making Jaune eyebrow quirked at her mood. Unlike yesterday who quite down, now she seems happy
"Wow, you seem awfully chipper this morning!" Yang commented what Jaune thought aloud
"Yep! No more awkward small talk or "getting-to-know-you" stuff. Today, I get to let my sweetheart do the talking." Ruby gushed happily as she stroke Crescent Rose as if it her dearest puppy
"You do realize that you're not the only one going through initiation right?" Yang asked with raised eyebrow "If you wanna grow up, you're gonna have to meet new people and learn to work together."
"I agree with Ms Xiao Long." Jaune added as he nodded, cutting what Ruby would say "I knew you nervous due to your young age but one thing you must know is you have a skill. But you can't work alone forever."
Now, now look who talking, he, himself aware that he being hypocrite. He always work alone and doesn't want other to partnered with him -not like he has permanent partner anyway- if he can. And so far until now, it proved he doesn't need help from other
Of course, he had no intention to telling the girls that, he keep that in his mind and continue speaking
"Ruby, like I said before, I knew your nervous to make friends and try to make conversation but you have to relax. You have Ms Xiao Long in here who will help you if you went to wrong person." He briefly glanced to Yang in here before returned to Ruby "My point, not need to be shy. You have potential, don't waste it just because you afraid to communicating. Don't pay attention too much to people opinion, rather than commenting back you can show it to them that you not some gullible girl. Just act like when you come to Signal academy first time and you will be fine, trust me. Sometime, things only become complicated because we think too much." He said to them, especially to the smaller girl
...
...
...
Ookayy... What with that look they give to him? Is there something strange in his face?
"Wow... You are quite philosopher you know that?" Yang break the silence, eyes gleaming with mirth as she grinned to her in approval manner. On her side, Ruby staring at Jaune with small stars in her eyes
"I just stating the obvious thing." Jaune said nonchalantly and its true, in his eyes it would be shame if Ruby potential held back due to she too shy or nervous to talk
"Is that so? Hahaha! by the way, call me Yang. Ms Xiao Long is too formal for my taste." Yang replied with grin
"If you say so then."
Yang let out small grin to the man that clad in black armor, her suspicion about Jaune now lessened. The guy perhaps really decent man. Never once he try to ogling her, from beginning until now, his eyes keep focused to her eyes or face. And now he also quite nice to Ruby, she can consider him as okay guy then! "Hey Jaune, How about performing team with Ruby here?" Yang asked, giving slight strike with her elbow to Ruby who broke from her stupor
"E-Eh?" Ruby blurted in surprise. While she actually not opposing the idea, but it still kind of shock that Yang suddenly push her like this
"I don't mind truthfully. Working with someone as competent as Ruby would be useful." Jaune hummed in thoughtful manner
"Ohh! You know her skill? Had she show you some move." Yang give small look to Ruby who fluster a bit before glaring back at her
"No. And while I judging person from their act, Jenny herself had said that Ruby skilled." Jaune replied, he give small look to Ruby in here "Very, skilled in fact."
"J-Jenny said so?" Ruby stammered a bit with small blush, surprise at the sudden praise.
Jaune eyebrow quirked at the sudden display of shyness, he would say it kinda cute, and make her looking innocent and frail looking girl if she didn't have scythe with size of her body that able to slice tree like hot knife cutting butter
"Jenny must be exaggerated about me! Huu! That girl, she can be quite childish sometime!" Ruby huffed her cheek in irritated manner
'If it not pot calling kettle black then I don't know what else you just said.' Jaune thought dully
"That come from you?" Yang asked aloud while laughing, apparently she has no intention to speak only in her mind
"Hey!"
Jaune only shook his head at the duo who began arguing again. What with them anyway? If he recall he never get in argument with Jenny so...
It was then he notice there two woman staring at them. The first is Pyrrha and the other... That white hire and blue eyes... From Schnee family? He had read the data about students that Ozpin give to him before, if he recall her name is Weiss
The red haired woman who notice he staring back at them, offering her polite smile and rise hand in greeting manner. Weiss meanwhile narrowed her eyes at him
Jaune respond them by turning away in cold manner
"Why that guy." Weiss muttered, obviously quite upset at the blatant rude behavior "Dismissing us like that, who he think he is?" She grumbled
"Well, I think that quite rude as well." Pyrrha agreed with small grimace at the cold treatment "I had seen him doing that to people before. It seems he that kind of man."
"Hmph. How barbaric." Weiss commented with small distaste
"Make no mistake, he not weakling." Pyrrha said to her companion as she eyeing the man who chatting with Ruby and Yang
"You know of him?" Weiss asked in slight surprise
"No, but the way he walk and present himself. His posture and stance may look like he relax, but make no mistake he not. He guard himself, even now he still did it." Pyrrha informed as she notice Jaune left hand placed on his sheathed sword, indicating he ready to draw it whenever he wish
Pyrrha herself had heard what Jaune said before and she admit that what he said is true. The man seems quite inspirational and a bit kind to cheer the girl. She had heard rumor that someone younger than their age attending Beacon as well and now the person herself stand not far from her. She can understand how Ruby feel now, it must uncomfortable for her to become subject of attention suddenly like this
Weiss meanwhile on her own thought as she take another look to the pale blond haired man who began to walk away with Ruby and Yang. Her eyes scrunched to further concentration. She can't see what Pyrrha talking about actually, but she admit that the way the man present himself seems quite adequate. And it was Pyrrha Nikos who said this, it mean this man perhaps quite a fighter
"You will meet opposition along the way. Do not hesitate to destroy everything in your path... or you will die." Ozpin said, his voice firm and stoic, a hint of warning is there as a sign he being serious. His eyes roaming to the students that making line and stand on top of silver tiles, making sure they get the point
"You will be monitored and graded through the duration of your initiation, but our instructors will not intervene. You will find an abandoned temple at the end of the path containing several relics. Each pair must choose one and return to the top of the cliff. You will guard that item, as well as your standing, and grade you appropriately. Are there any questions?"
None of the student responded, they all looking to each other before shooking their head. Ozpin about to continue speaking but Jaune rise his hand
"Yes, Mr Arc?" Ozpin asked, making most students paid attention to him, especially Ruby who stand on his side
"Sir, can you tell us what kind of Grimm that exist in the forest?" Jaune asked politely
Ozpin eyebrow narrowed at that, few students began to look back at him in expectant manner and few even muttering curse under their breath for not asking such question since it could be considered as vital question
"As a matter of fact, it was secret Mr Arc since this is test for you all. However you all not need to worry, you won't find very powerful Grimm in there." He see few students seems relieved, some though frowned "But make no mistake, it does exist. If you happen to have bad luck you will stumble toward it, all depend on your Luck. And trust me, Luck is sometime also needed in some mission." He added, making few students show small nervousness "Is there any other question? No? Good! Now, take your positions."
One by one, the students began to take position as they bracing themselves. And soon, they all launched by the tiles. Yang give small grin to Ruby while adjusting her sunglasses, who nodded
Ruby herself turned to Jaune, the Knight already have his weapon released, his legs bended slightly, sword gripped tightly on his right hand as he stare at the forest. The man must caught Ruby glance as he turn his gaze to her, their eyes meet for moment and Ruby give wink with grin
Jaune reply is only simple grunt of 'Hn'
As all students launched, they all let out their own sound of excitement and battle cry as they soar toward the blue sky, flailing in the air
Jaune spinning in air, body rolling as he allow the wind caressing his whole body. In that moment, his eyes sharpened, the grip on his shield tightened as he searching for good anchor he could use
To be honest, even if he dropped to the ground now he won't be dead. Heck, he not even going hurt, it just will be like blasted through wall, nothing major, he still able to brush it off
But he have appearance to cover, so it better if he land himself in more gentle way.
'There!' Jaune eyes finally found proper tree he can use. Twirling his shield, he grab the iron wire that coiling around it, then he unwrap them, making the shield akin like a hook.
He throw the shield with his left hand, making it spinning in air fastly like a disk. It soar through the sea of tree below him, smashing to one of largest tree around and embedded itself to it, strong enough to creating very deep hole in there and reaching half of the tree
Seeing the anchor finally settled, Jaune pull himself, launching his body to the giant tree direction. His body spinning in air and his legs aimed to the tree. Bracing himself for what going happen, he move his limbs and smash it to the tree so he can land in horizontal manner. And as soon he plant himself in tree he use the wire on his shield to make him go down slowly
At least that what would happen had the tree no breaking when his legs smashed to it
"Ah... Damn." Jaune mutter aloud as he fell down, sweatdrop formed on back of his head. That wasn't his plan, perhaps he overestimated the tree strength? No, it seems he put more strength to his legs than he intend, which make him frown. He should train to hold himself further, if this happen when he in 'spar' with some student, he can break their bone.
Seeing he have small option now, when he low enough, he throw his shield again to another giant tree, making it coil around the giant plant and wrapped it. In instant, Jaune feel his body jerked up as his shield that wrapped the tree prevent himself from crashing to the ground below
Then, with simple jerk with his hand, he broke off the tree, getting him back his shield and send him down to ground. Despite the wire looked so thin, but never once it look strained or stressed under the pressure that able to break steel that looked more high quality compared to it.
Jaune landed in ground in crouched position, sword on his right and shield in his left as he bend down to knee level. Then, he slowly stand and crack his neck a bit, he briefly turned around and see the damage that he caused
"Well... At least there no one death this time." He said with gratitude nod, either he joking or not it can't be identified due to his nonchalant tone
Then, his body suddenly stiffened as he sense presence approaching him. Small and barely noticeable, but to Jaune, it was quite clear. He polish his sword to his shield once, letting the metal skid to metal. Then he bend his legs a bit as if he about to jump
'Two from 1 o'clock, four from 8 o'clock and three from 5... Ambush huh? Well, too bad Grimm, but I'm not the prey now.' Jaune thought gleefully, small smirk crossed to his face
Then without warning he spin his body, jumping to the one in 8 o'clock direction with speed that only a blur in people eyes, leaving nothing but small crater in where he stand
The Beowolves who about to ambush their 'prey' caught by the surprise attack and unprepared. The last thing they see is glowing violet eyes and a sword that flashed, then they know no more
Ozpin who watching from far allow small smirk crossed to his face, while Glynda blanched at the sight of massive tree fell and crashing to the earth from Jaune impact. The tree size itself was big, big enough to rival one of building in city, and yet, when Jaune crashed to it, it broke as if giant fist just slammed to it, breaking the tree into two instantly
"That boy. Don't he know the meaning of being subtle?" Glynda said with frown
"Easy Glynda, no one see that. There reason why I make Jaune jump the last after all." Ozpin said to one of his teacher, amusement laced in his voice and the witch allow her eyes to roll
"Why you have him asking that question anyway?"
"Huh? What make you think I order him to?"
"Don't play innocent Ozpin, I knew well there no way Jaune will ask that question. He already knew the answer by himself." Glynda answered straightly with frown
"Well... Let just say it was a lesson. They all still young, too eager to prove themselves that it make they blinded by their ego. Information is vital thing when we doing mission, by having Jaune asked that to me I make sure they learn their lesson, albeit only small one but small details can have big effect if one not too careful."
"I see..."
"... Anyway, let allow ourselves to relax now and watching the show." Ozpin remarked as he staring at the sea of trees with mirth in his eyes
Hello all, another chapter come out! 30+ fav and 40+ follow, not bad for prologue huh? XD
Anyway, I will get straight to the point. In this chapter we see more about Jaune and how he behave. He look noble, yes, but if you look more closer you will find he not that noble actually
We also see his interaction with other character -save for Blake of course since she had not meet him nor he meet her-. Pyrrha knew instantly that Jaune is someone who strong, as a champion in four tournament in row, she is strong without doubt and quite experienced, thoughh she still a bit naïve.
There moment of Nora too! God! I only watch RWBY until vol 1 chapter 11 but I already love that girl! She really cheerful and bubbly! Hahaha! Quite cute actually! I hope I display her like her usual self in here, so do the others
Ehem! Well, I guess this is it for now. Next chapter will be the test in Emerald Forest! We will see Jaune act further and how he responded to people around him! And team replacement as well! I don't know, I will follow Canon perhaps though I have different idea. Tell me, should I follow Canon team or not?
Anyway! This is it for now, I hope you love this chapter! Please give Favorite, Follow, and Review
Ja Ne! XD