Welcome back to another chapter of Guarding Vale: A VPD Story. Taking advantage of this writer's high that I have right now I'll be cranking out another chapter a little early. My ultimate goal is one a week so I dont pace myself due to finals coming up in December. Anyways thank you for the reviews in the comments, I've written two other unfinished stories and so far the RWBY community appears to have been a whole lot more active and supportive.
headreviewer mk2: Thank you! I hope that the rest of this story will continue to maintain its level of quality and perhaps go beyond.
DragonTetho: Thank you very much for the vibrant review! I too have been looking for a similar fan fiction for some time but alas have resorted to doing it myself. In regards to the S.W.A.T. arm of the Department I would unfortunately have to lay that to rest.
The main focus of the story is to shift into being an officer on the Beat. Exploring the city and intertwining with all different aspects of it. There will be combat and action but not on the level of precision raids by the S.W.A.T. My eventual goal is to put Jaune in a Detective Desk.
He certainly has the aptitude given you to train him the right way. Giving him critical thinking and observational skills to alleviate being an absolute dense brick could also spell out things beyond his workplace.
Anywho, back to the meat and potatoes of all of this, we return back to Jaune as he prepares to enter the Police Academy. What awaits him in this 6 strenuous month course? Who will he meet? Will he survive?
DISCLAIMER: I do own a limited edition Pumpkin Pete's Cereal Box signed by Pyrrah Nikos, but I do not own the RWBY Franchise, these characters, or any of the references mentioned here.
Credits to Coeur Al'Aran for the information pertaining to Jaune Arc's Background. Man is the GOAT of Arc Fics.
Location: Vale Police Academy
Time: 4:03 AM
The tapping of footsteps against a hard laminated floor slowly got closer. Ceasing as the individuals stopped in front of an apartment door. One knocked. Followed by the unlocking of the door. A man opened the door to the two officers.
"Yes? How can I help you two gentlemen?"
"Sir, we're with the police. I'm Sergeant Mon'day, and this is my partner Officer Green. I presume you are Mr. How? The two uniformed officers notified you that we would be arriving."
"Oh yes, my apologies Officers. I've been quite.. Well dazed since the incident last night. If you'll excuse me."
"Of course Sir, we'd just like to ask you a few questions pertaining to what transpired. May we come inside?"
"Certainly, right this way."
"We entered inside, seeing that the studio apartment was well kept. Images of relatives on the wall, well furnished but nothing expensive. Mister Nolan How was a bachelor, not a playboy but from the posters on his wall, an avid theater enthusiast."
"Gentlemen please, do take a seat on the couch there."
"Yes Sir."
The bus ride was silent. Some sleeping, some praying, some nervously contemplating their life choices up until now. Jaune sat in his seat listening to old police radio dramas. Something that he had caught onto on the trip from Ansel. These gritty stories set him up in a mood of sorts. Something along the line of a grizzled veteran. Though he could be getting ahead of himself there. It would be a long time til he would be able to reach that level of expertise.
Off in the distance the darkness of the early morning was only lit by the passing of headlamps and streetlamps which donned the route to the Academy. But the image of the utilitarian building came into view. Looking somewhat like a High School of sorts the bus pulled up the driveway and to the drop off area. Hissing to a stop as the breaks eased off. Like a blaring alarm the door opened and a Police Instructor came aboard with a booming voice.
"Boys and Girls, welcome to the Vale Police Academy! From here on out you will comply with any and all orders dedicated to you by me or any of the other instructors here. You'll always address us as, Sir and will continue to do so till your graduation. Am I understood?"
A chorus of voices rang through the bus. "Yes, Sir!" At this point everyone was wide awake.
"Good, now grab your papers and get off this damn bus! Move it!"
Everyone rose from their seats and hurried out with manila folders. Rushing out they were pushed into rows and columns just outside of the entrance to the Academy. Standing still as if this were a Military dress down. Once everyone was off the bus departed, leaving them with the instructors standing at the head of the group. Once everyone was settled the most Senior of the instructors stepped forward and cleared his throat.
"My name is Lieutenant Bill Burgundy. I am the head instructor here at the V.P.A. I have served here for 20 years with 20 with the Department. I have seen many classes before you and I sure as hell haven't seen a more sorry bunch of bitches in my life."
The group stayed silent as he continued.
"You all have volunteered to join the Police Department. This is a noble profession, one of servitude to the people whom you will receive your paycheck from. Vale may be beautiful but she can be a cruel and unforgiving mistress. Our job here is to prepare you to face here head on. So stand straight and pay attention over these next six months. Most of this stuff will save your asses on more than one occasion."
Finishing his speech he walked amongst the Cadets and began to pick out individuals ripe for the torture. Coming up to a boy just ahead to his right, Jaune glanced as the Lieutenant dressed him down.
"Boy what is your name?"
"Cardin Winchester, Sir!"
"Winchester, you look all tough and mighty under there but there a fucking pansy ass little baby. Bet you think you're hot shit huh? Well suck it up, cause you're on the same level with everyone here. No matter what level you are."
"Yes, Sir!"
The Lieutenant paused for a moment. Whispering something to Cardin which was followed by a handshake and courteous nod. Walking along the rows he caught Jaune glancing by. Like a laser beam he was on him in an instant.
"Boy what is your name?"
"Jaune Arc, Sir!"
"Well ain't just nice. Get ourselves here a twig for a Cadet. Skin and bones with barely little muscle here. You think you got what it takes to be a part of the Police Department? Why I think you wouldn't even make it past the second day!"
Wavering slightly Jaune pressed on with as best of a front he could. "No, Sir. I am willing to prove myself to you, Sir!"
The Lieutenant glared holes into Jaune. Staring him down straight up as if he were searching for any signs of fault or break in character. Though his time was up and he passed him on to shake down others behind him.
The shouting lasted on for a bit longer until the man spent himself. Handing back the group to the younger instructors. A woman stepped forward and began to call attendance. After everyone's names were called they were ushered into the building to be processed. First, a haircut for the boys who were shaved down to a buzzcut. Then came the handing out of supplies and other items that each Cadet would use during their time in the Academy. Lastly it was the medical exam which led them to their assigned group quarters.
Location: VPA | Group C Barracks
Time: 5:30 AM
The Cadets of Group C were setting up their bunks, their instructor watching and teaching them what they wanted to see. This opportunity allowed for some light conversation between them. Jaune's bunkmate, whether by coincidence or not, was Cardin Winchester. The ginger kid seemed to dwarf him in many aspects. Far more built and with a permeating scowl, he'd seem like the perfect candidate to become a Police Officer.
Approaching him Jaune set his belongings down and began to make his bed. Breaking the ice by speaking up first.
"Cardin, right?"
The boy looked down from his top bunk. "Yeah, and you're Jaune?"
"That's me, it's good to meet you man."
"Likewise, just stick with the program and we'll both get through this alive."
"Wouldn't have it any other way."
A bit of friendship was struck between the two. Perhaps in another life they would have been adversaries but they would be working together, along with others in their group. The sum of which came to 12. 7 boys and 5 girls. Among them were two rabbit faunuses, one cat faunus, and a dog faunus. It seemed to be a well mixed group. Folks from different backgrounds and places.
Everyone stood by their bunks once each was set to the instructor's likings. She herself stood an average height but had the temper of a wolf. Having the faunus traits to match.
"Group C! Before we move on to today's activities let me introduce myself. I am Sergeant Moore, and I will be your instructor for the next 6 months of your life here at the Academy. This is my 10th group while instructing here so don't expect me to take things easy on any of you. Am I understood?"
The group responded. "Yes, Sir!"
"Good now get into that exercise uniform that you were issued and meet me out in the hallway. Time to see what you all got in you."
Once she exited everyone started to change into their clothes. Not wanting to keep her waiting for fear of being reprimanded. Jaune grabbed his clothes and began to change. Thinking for a moment as he slipped the training shirt on.
"Six months of this, Gods I hope you're looking down on me. I'm gonna need a lot of that help if I'm gonna make it through here."
Once changed he hurried on out with the others who were finished changing.
That's a wrap for part 1 of Chapter 2. A rough but a strong welcome to the Vale Police Academy. Alongside that, an introduction to a familiar but also hated character. Cardin Winchester. I've always had a soft spot for redemption arcs and his hatred for Faunus never had a true source. Perhaps we might explore it during our Academy Arc. I hope you'll all enjoy unraveling it as much as I will.
I plan to introduce more of Group C as the story goes along. The journey and trials they will need to face will make for some fantastic development and experiences.
On the note of the Academy, their uniform descriptions are as follows. Exercise uniforms consist of a plain t-shirt with the VPD logo, regular sized training shorts and or jogging pants, and sneakers. Basic uniforms when in the classroom, during other activities, or when on leave in vale will be similar to a 1960s British policeman uniform with the Bobby Hat. Vale from the images looked almost dead on like a representation of the rowhouses found around London so I want to emulate that inspiration within the VPA.
Please continue to review and critique this story and I look forward to writing more and more chapters of this. See you in the next chapter!