Author's Note: Sorry, it took much longer than expected for chapter 2. I made this one shorter, but I plan to have more going on. So it's going to be worth it.

It's more of a transition chapter. Setting up for when Jaune and Ruby meet. Which would be exciting for lancaster shippers. So, I really hope more people leave reviews. Not just read it. It motivates me. Thank you. I hope you enjoy it.


Jaune had made his way through headquarters to Oscar Pine's office. Passing the stacks of reports as they were being processed for approval. Each one in a row. Desk to Desk. Huntsmen had several jobs chosen whether be office work, such as teaching at the Academy or fieldwork. The more dangerous career of fighting the Creatures of Grimm. A job that would be considered life or death if they weren't granted immortality. Some huntsmen believed they were invincible because of the fact they can't be fatally injured. It was as if their lives were meaningless as they would be dead if they were mortal.

He walked past the weapon vault. Each weapon was custom-made. Jaune gently stroked them with his hand. Once a huntsman had reached full training they were infused with dust. It could be infused with dust, which was in a form of magic that huntsmen have discovered to help in fighting the grimm. It wasn't something that shouldn't be heavily relied on in combat but used when needed. Being that it drains a huntsmen aura.

Aura, being an extension of their souls that grants each huntsman their own special powers. They weren't unique to the individual as some did share the same abilities. Though it does have limits that it can be used. Whether being a means for protection or to fight the Grimm down on Remnant.

It's different from saying they're immortal since it was magic that was bestowed on them as a 'gift'. It was said that a 'wizard' granted this power. There's uncertainty about the wizard as it became more a myth or legend among the huntsmen. It wasn't the idea of the magic but more on the different rumors. That perhaps the wizard didn't even exist. Some believed it was a treasure discovered on Remnant by a huntsman or huntress. Others thought that a deity blessed them to give them aid during the war.

On the left, Jaune saw the transportation that led them down to Remnant for their missions. The vehicles appeared more like four-seater airplanes. Though it had capabilities such as using dust to expand protection and create stealth. It was more so grimm or criminals couldn't detect them when they landed. A huntsman's greatest weapon was the element of surprise.

On the right, it's where huntsmen stored their personal weapons. They were lockers, but they were hidden within the walls of the academy. Only able to be accessed by special codes. And the lockers were capable of being teleported, so they could be sent down to Remnant or another location academy if they were attacked.

Jaune didn't have time to waste as he took a deep breath as he reached the office door. Dealing with Oscar Pine was more complicated than it appeared. There were always tricks and secrets that were kept. For example, every door at the academy was encased in dust as a defense mechanism in case of intruders. So any huntsman would be able to use them for security or even as a weapon. Jaune had turned the knob as he entered the room.

Oscar Pine was sitting in his chair as he glanced at the screen with a map of Remnant. He swung his chair to glance at the When Jaune had entered his office as he quietly closed the door. The room felt cozy, like a warm welcoming feeling. It was a large room that was covered in stone. On the right side of the room was a fireplace. Above it was a monitor that was like a database, it kept feedback on the missions.

"Now there's more pressing matters to discuss." A sudden change in voice to an older adult male. It was something that was noticeable as his stance was modified when he held his cane. Didn't from the way Oscar normally held it. Jaune had recognized the voice. It wasn't Oscar Pine that everyone knew. It wasn't a change in personality. Furthermore, it was more Oscar's soul that was infused with another. So, there were two people sharing a body. No one knew if it was going to be permanent. A man known as Ozpin, while he was wise, the man was a mystery.

"Really? Now is the time you want to talk to Ozpin." Jaune answered before sitting down in the chair across. It was only when it was important that he seemed to make his presence known. Namely, since Oscar Pine stayed to run the academy and never went to the surface. "Is this mission that important?"

"Jaune Arc." It always felt unusual. Hearing a middle-aged man's voice come out of a teenager like Oscar. Namely, since he was only fifteen years old. Jaune remarked that he trusted Oscar Pine. He was more of a friendly and compassionate personality. Ozpin on the other hand, didn't make his presence known as often. "There are some matters that need to be discussed." Oscar turned around, since Ozpin was controlling the body. He held his cane, The Long Memory' as he clutched it close with his hand. "I know you're not used to the idea of not going with your team down to Remnant. Especially after Miss Nikos disappearance. However, I do feel you're able to live up to the task. With your capabilities and semblance."

"Thanks Ozpin." Jaune was taken aback a bit. He was expected to be praised for his capabilities. Despite the treatment his team was given at the Huntsman Academy. Even believing in their proficiency when Pyrrha didn't come back from her mission. This affected everyone because what if he suffered the same fate.

"I am sending you to Patch first. There's more to this mission. However, there's a treasure I want you to retrieve there." Ozpin addressed. Not that he was someone that would go into what Jaune had to look for exactly. Was this something he was going to have to figure out himself?

Jaune knew he needed answers. It just wasn't enough. "What kind of treasure is it exactly?

Ozpin had used Longing Memory as a walking cane. He continued to take control of Oscar's body. He took the cup of tea from his desk, he stared at his reflection. That knowing the teenager Ozpin was possessing was more a fragment. He took a moment before finally answering. "It's more like a key if you will."

"A key?" Jaune questioned. Ozpin had taken a sip of tea. "I am sure I have to figure that part out on my own." He had to ponder over whether the lack of response meant 'yes'. Jaune understood it was more a lesson. Being both as a huntsman and the leader of Team JNPR. "I mean to give some kind of clue would be nice. Though you just love having it all be a mystery."

"For a huntsman like yourself. This can easily be seen as adventure. Especially since you are going to Patch before the 'Once Upon A Time' festival. They see it as a day for new beginnings. I updated your digitized map on your scroll. It will guide you to each destination as the coordinates are registered once you think you find the key. This should be a simple task."

"I won't let you down, sir."

—-

Ruby could hear the gossip as she walked to the statues of the huntsmen to give her blessing. It was a sense of familiarity for the young woman, especially with the desolation she dealt with. The fact that Ruby knew she didn't belong in Patch. She had to hide her real personality because everyone already saw her as odd. Ruby knew that she would never fit in because the truth was she had desired adventure. There was a part of her that was calling for it.

It was like wishing upon a star.

There were unanswered questions. Ruby had pondered on whether she would ever meet a huntsman. Would they give her answers? Would they be able to tell Ruby who she was? They traveled from town to town, so perhaps a huntsman has met her family. Despite the danger, Ruby had to dwell on the possibility that this would be the opportunity for her to travel. She just wanted to escape Patch. It was never going to be her home.

Ruby puts her hands together as she sends her prayers to the sky. Hoping her message would get to the huntsmen. Despite being anxious, Ruby continued to be optimistic. Someone was going to come to aid her. It was only a matter of time.

"I know it's been a while. Right now, I don't expect you to answer. I just keep hoping that someone will come to help me. That is a huntsmen's job after all. Just to know who I am. What is my purpose? Just to escape this town of Patch." Ruby pleaded, she tried to hold in her tears. She continued to speak but more in a whisper. Knowing that she was being judged. The continued gossip of being a seen as a 'witch' but having to act like she doesn't hear it. "I really don't belong in Patch. Maybe there's somewhere else on Remnant where I belong? That's why I don't want to give up. Huntsmen are supposed to help people and I want to believe that you will."

With a sigh, Ruby took out her offering from the basket. Hastily, she had placed it with the other contributions. A variety of different items such as dust, bread, fruit, cloth. Ruby believed if hers was distinguished that the huntsmen would come to her aid. It was a piece from what looked like a crystal shard she had found in the forest. It was beside her, where she woke up too. Ruby had placed it on a chain, so she could always keep it with her. She continued to glance at it as the sunlight reflected on the crystal as it sparkled. Like always, there was always hesitation when it came to presenting it as an offering. It was the only connection to her past. Ruby sighed before she had placed some fruit-apples, oranges, bananas, raspberries, blueberries instead and walked away.

Ruby preferred the fresh air over the horse carriages. She watched as the streamers were being placed around the streetlights, as everyone was decorating for the upcoming 'Once Upon a Time' festival. A day that the huntsmen had said to have come down as a 'gift from the sky' and protected the people during a war. So, it was marked as a day of new beginnings.

Ruby wanted to see it as a new chapter in her life. That's how it was going to be for now on.


Author's Note: I know it seems strange. Huntsmen are the ones that are technology advanced. As they have computers, television, scrolls...etc. While Remnant is not focused on technology. It's a future vs past type of thing. Something that may be more important for later chapters. I am still not sure.

Anyway, I really hope people like what I am setting up for. Please leave a review. It would mean so much to me.

Thanks so much!