A/N: Heads up, it's going to be a short chapter, but that's only because I wanted to give the forming of Team JNRZ proper breathing room and not have one long dragging chapter (I'm trying to tone down from releasing over 7,000 words at a time like the first two). You won't get to see the team in full until Chapter 4, but on the bright side, I pretty much finished half of Chapter 4 while writing this one, so the next update may come out sooner than a week!
With out further ado, here's chapter 3!
~O~O~O~O~O~
The coffee this morning was late, noted James.
General James Ironwood set down his pen and glanced at the clock on his desk. It was already mid-morning, and his usual cup of coffee was nowhere to be seen. He sighed, knowing that the day would be off to a rough start without his caffeine fix. He wasn't as much dependent on the drink as he considered a certain old colleague of his, but every man had their limits.
He stood up from his desk and walked over to the window, looking out at the busy streets of Atlas from Military HQ. Despite the bustling city below, the silence in his office was deafening. He longed for the sound of his soldiers training outside, the clanging of metal against metal, and the shouts of commands. But for now, all he could hear was the sound of his own thoughts.
As a man of war, he of all people in his kingdom should be the one to appreciate peace the most, but as their most trusted tactician, it was his sole responsibility to worry about threats to his people. And it was when things were quiet that he worried the most.
The longer he gazed through the window, the more he recognized his reflection in the glass. He was a tall imposing man, he looked at his square jaw freshly shaved from this morning, strong and rugged features, and piercing blue eyes that radiate intensity and authority. He remembered those early days as a sergeant when his squadmates would have often quipped how he looked like "Captain Tundra" from the draft posters that hung on recruitment office walls.
Ironwood shook his head, pushing aside the memory of his younger self, and adjusting the collar of the military uniform he wore, adorned with various medals and badges, indicating his numerous accomplishments and years of service to his kingdom. He had come a long way since then, rising through the ranks and becoming a respected leader in his own right. But with that respect came a heavy burden, one that weighed on him more and more each day. The silver lines in his short dark hair were as good as any proof of his wear and tear over these years.
Damn, I need my coffee, James tiredly thought to himself.
He turned away from the window and walked back to his desk, pressing a button on his desk to call his assistant. "Sarah, any word on my coffee?" he asked, his tone reserved with frustration.
"I'm so sorry, General," came the apologetic voice on the other end. "There's been a mix-up with the delivery, but we're working to get it to you as soon as possible."
Ironwood let out a deep sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Alright, keep me updated." He hung up the phone and rubbed his temples, trying to ease the tension that was building up in his head. He knew that he couldn't let something as trivial as a delayed cup of coffee affect his performance as a leader, but it was hard to ignore the nagging feeling of annoyance.
No, he really shouldn't be blaming the lack of coffee for his mood, it was the shortage of work that had him on edge. It was the first time in ten years he wasn't going to be overlooking initiation at Bulwark Academy, seeing as he had "stepped down" from his duties as headmaster. It's not that he didn't trust his successor, for he had hand-selected Special Operative Caroline Cordovin himself to take the reins as Headmistress.
It's just Ironwood had always taken a more hands-on approach when it came to training the guardians of humanity. Ozpin had referred to it as micromanaging, and the Council had accused it as an abuse of power, but to Ironwood, it was simply being thorough. He still held a grudge against the Council for outvoting him and forcing him to step down. What did matter if it gave him two votes on the Council when he was perfectly capable of handling both roles as headmaster and general?!
As he was lost in thought, his door suddenly opened and his most trusted right hand, Specialist Schnee marched in, holding a cup of steaming hot coffee in one hand and a data pad in the other. "General, I've been told this is for you," she said, handing him the cup.
Specialist Winter Schnee, his trusted subordinate, stood tall with her long white hair tied back in a bun on the left side of her head, framing her striking slate-blue eyes and sharp black eyebrows. A small lock of hair curled down the left side of her face, adding to her austere presence. Her attire was a masterclass in elegance and poise. Her white long-sleeved coat was tailored to perfection, the dark blue clasp cinching it at the waist while a red jeweled brooch shimmered at her collar. The coat cascaded down to her ankles, exposing the white pleated sleeveless blouse she wore underneath. Her white trousers were held up by dark blue garters, while a matching waistcoat added a touch of formality. Gray thigh boots with black detailing gave her a commanding presence, while black gloves with gray cuffs completed the look with a touch of refinement.
Ironwood took the cup gratefully and took a whiff, smelling the strong aroma of the coffee. It was exactly what he needed to get through the rest of the day. "Thank you, Winter. I admit this is a surprise to see you delivering coffee. What's that you have there?"
"It's the latest report from border security, sir," Winter replied, "Apparently they got a partial hit on one of the names from the Black List, a close relative, to be more precise."
Ironwood raised an eyebrow, his attention suddenly focused on the data pad. The Black List was a compilation of the most dangerous criminals and threats to the kingdom. It was something that Ironwood had taken great care in overseeing, and any new developments regarding it demanded his immediate attention. After his first sip of coffee of course.
"Which name?" he asked, handling his coffee with care.
"Charlotte Arc, sir."
Hot coffee exploded all over Ironwood's desk, his prosthetic fist closing in a vice grip as the name hit him like a bolt of lightning. "Charlotte Arc…" he repeated, his mind flooded with memories of the past.
Once again he saw the burning city, the sky darkened by smoke and ash as flames licked at the buildings, turning them to charred ruins. The sound of screams and the clash of metal echoed through the streets, drowned out only by the roar of Grimm that flooded every nook and cranny. From his vantage point in the town hall's busted window, he could see the masses of rioters and rebels descending upon Atlesian soldiers like a swarm of locusts, their weapons glinting in the fiery light. Men and women, young and old, people that he and his soldiers had sworn to protect had turned on them in droves. Amidst the chaos, a pair of glowing blue eyes peered out from the ash and blood, burning with an unsettling madness that sent chills down his spine to this day.
"Aux grands maux les grands remèdes, Tin-Man."
Ironwood took a deep breath, steadying himself as he looked at the data pad. "Tell me everything."
Winter quickly brought up the report on the data pad and began to read out the details. "Sir, it seems that Charlotte Arc's son, Jaune Arc, had been spotted in Mantle last night. Shortly after arriving by airship at 10:30 P.M. Police reports and camera footage show that he had engaged with Roman Torchwick and the Candlewick Crooks amid a Dust store robbery."
Ironwood's mind raced as he took in this information. The boy had not even spent six hours in his kingdom and had already started a turf war with one of Atlas's most notorious criminal minds! This was definitely Charlotte's son. "What were the casualties?"
"Nonexistent, sir. But there was significant damage to the storefront of the establishment."
Ironwood let out a sigh of relief, grateful that no lives were lost in the scuffle. "And what is his current whereabouts?"
"Police reports show he was brought in for questioning but was ultimately let go," Winter replied, scrolling through the data pad. "He was then picked up by a faculty member of Bulwark Academy and brought to the premises for initiation. Jaune Arc is officially enrolling in the Huntsman Program."
"He's going to be attending Bulwark?! Let me see that datapad."
Winter handed over the data pad to Ironwood, who quickly scanned through the reports, camera footage, and even the boy's transcripts. Jaune Arc… to think how close Ironwood was to having Charlotte's only son under his tutelage. He knew that this was a delicate situation. If Jaune Arc was anything like his mother, he could pose a significant threat to Atlas and its people.
What Ironwood couldn't fathom was why now? Why Bulwark? The Arc family had eight children based on his last reports, so why send only Jaune? He closely inspected the transcripts on screen looking for answers until he came upon a part of the data that revealed that these transcripts were transferred from another Huntsman Academy…
Ironwood's eyes narrowed as he read the information. "Of course you'd be somehow involved. Winter, I need you on standby for further orders. I need to make a call."
Winter Schnee quickly saluted and escorted herself out of the room as Ironwood brought up a screen display from his desk and quickly typed in some contact codes. After a few moments, the call was answered.
A holographic image of Headmaster Ozpin appeared on screen, he adjusted his spectacles and greeted with a polite smile. "Ironwood, to what do I owe the pleasure of this call?"
"Ozpin, I like to consider us trusted allies and even hold you as a dear friend. Which is why I want you to answer me honestly. What scheme are you up to?" Ironwood asked, stern and serious.
Ozpin's expression remained calm and composed. "You know you're going to have to be a lot more specific."
Jame's stern features turned into an outright glower. "Alright then, then what I need from you is an explanation as to why Charlotte's son is here in Atlas and studying at Bulwark Academy?!"
A protracted period of quiet settled over the two men until Ozpin lifted his cup of coffee to his lips and took a slow, measured sip. His expression remained unchanged, as impassive as a statue, but James Ironwood couldn't help noticing the deep, contented hum that escaped his companion's lips, filled with a measure of underlying bliss that suggested he had just tasted the most exquisite brew in existence.
Ozpin finished his sip and relinquished a response. "I suppose you're upset by this information?"
"OZPIN!" James shouted as he slammed his cybernetic fist into his very expensive mahogany desk.
Ozpin set down his cup and leaned forward, his tone serious. "I assure you, James, there is no scheme. Jaune Arc is simply a young man who wishes to become a Huntsman, and Bulwark Academy is the school that best suits his needs."
Ironwood's eyes narrowed. "And what needs are those?"
Ozpin shrugged. "Didn't say."
Ironwood let out a deep breath, his frustration still evident in his voice. "You know very well the potential danger that Charlotte Arc and her family pose to Atlas. I need to know why this boy is here and what his intentions are."
Ozpin leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "And what danger is that, exactly? A loving mother of eight children, sending away her son from their cottage village to achieve his dreams of becoming a Huntsman like his father? Sounds more like the beginning of a fairytale if you ask me."
Ironwood's scowl deepened. "You know very well that Charlotte isn't simply some 'loving mother'. I've personally seen what that woman is capable of at Port Gateau. You weren't there on the streets when that city devolved into utter anarchy!"
Ozpin's countenance shifted into one of solemnity. "No, I was not personally present. However, I was present to lead the peace negotiations that should have taken place prior to the violent outburst. Additionally, I was also present at the funerals of several of my students who sacrificed themselves to safeguard the evacuees during the chaos. But I have made my peace with it, and I think this could be a chance for you to make your peace as well."
Ironwood's jaw clenched. "And how do you propose I do that?"
Ozpin clasped his hands together on the table. "By giving Jaune Arc a chance. He's not his mother, James. I don't know too much about him, but from what I've seen and heard, he is a young man with a strong desire to become a Huntsman and to help protect the people of Remnant. He's intelligent, resourceful, and has a good heart. And isn't that what we want in our future Huntsmen and Huntresses?"
Ironwood let out a sigh, his shoulders slumping. "You're right, Ozpin. I'm just concerned about the safety of Atlas. It's asking quite a lot from an Atlesian veteran to simply forgive and trust the Siren of Gateau."
Ozpin nodded in understanding. "I know, James. But we can't let fear and paranoia dictate our actions. We must remain vigilant, but also open-minded and compassionate. If Charlotte after all these years after Gateau is willing to trust her son's safety to her former enemy, then why not take the olive branch and return her trust kind. If you're so worried about the danger the young man could grow to become, then why not be a guiding hand and steer his potential for the better?"
Ironwood nodded slowly, considering Ozpin's words. "You… make a good point. I'll admit, I may have been too quick to judge. I'll give Jaune a chance, and see for myself what kind of person he is. You can tell Lucien and… Charlotte, that I'll keep an eye on him. And Ozpin, I'm trusting your judgment on this matter."
"Of course," Ozpin agreed. "I would expect nothing less from the General of Atlas. But I think you'll find that Jaune is more than capable of handling himself. And who knows, he may even surprise us all. Now if you'll excuse me, all this talk about Arcs has made me realize that Lucien owes me quite the favor."
Ironwood wasn't sure what to make of the mischievous glint in Ozpin's eyes, but he knew sometimes the best way to deal with his old friend was to know less about his personal business. "Thank you, Ozpin. I appreciate your counsel, as always."
Ozpin smiled warmly. "Anytime, James. That's what friends are for."
Ironwood watched the call hang up, his mind now preoccupied with the thought of Jaune Arc. He pressed a comm to contact Specialist Schnee. "Winter, have Sarah cancel all my meetings today and tomorrow morning. And procure me a bullshead, I have a personal matter I'm going to be attending to."
"As you wish, General," Winter replied, her tone respectful. "I'll inform Sarah to make the necessary arrangements for your departure. May I inquire what you are going to do about Jaune Arc."
"I'll be overseeing Jaune Arc's movements for now. Thank you, Winter," Ironwood said before ending the call.
He leaned back in his chair, his mind racing with thoughts of Charlotte Arc, her son Jaune, and the potential danger they posed to Atlas. But he couldn't deny Ozpin's words, either. All James could really do was give Jaune a chance and see what he will do next.
~O~O~O~O~O~
Jaune had no idea what he was doing, and even less of an idea of where he was going.
Jaune Arc was roaming through the halls of Bulwark Academy, feeling increasingly clueless as he searched for the Grand Hall. He knew he was going to be late for the Opening Ceremony, but he couldn't seem to find his way around the maze-like school. The hallways seemed to stretch on forever, with no signs or directions to guide him.
Every hall looked the exact same, sleek, modern, and almost blindingly clean. The walls were made of polished white marble and gleaming metal, with high ceilings that made the spaces feel open and airy. The floors were made of smooth, polished concrete, with occasional areas of colorful tiles or plush carpeting.
It was almost eerie how empty the whole place was. If Jaune had to guess, everyone was already gathered wherever this Grand Hall was, making him even more anxious about missing out. His anxiety grew so bad at some point that he just started running down the halls searching for any sign of where to go.
As Jaune sprinted down the hall, his heart racing and his mind buzzing with panic, he suddenly collided with something very solid. He stumbled back, nearly falling over, and looked up to see if he had run into a vending machine or something but saw nothing.
"Salutations!"
It was when he heard a cheery voice from below him did he look down to see a girl flat on her back. She had short, curly orange hair, bright green eyes, and freckles. She wore an off-white, old-fashioned styled blouse with frill detailing and flared cuffs that half-covered her hands. Her outfit was completed with a short gray pinafore dress with golden trim and light green stalagmite stripes on the lower half. She also sported black thigh-high leg pieces that had a single green stripe up the sides that appeared to light up. Most noticeable of all was that the girl did not look the least bit perturbed, if anything she looked pleasantly happy as if she was saying good morning to a friendly neighbor.
Jaune stood there, stunned for a moment, trying to make sense of what just happened. Then quickly started panicking and mentally berating himself for knocking over a second person today! Gods, Saph wouldn't let him live this down if she found out.
Jaune quickly gave the girl his hand to help her off the ground, blurting out apologies. "I am SO sorry! Are you ok?!"
"I am wonderful! Thank you for asking!" she smiled, and started shaking their still-clasped hands into a handshake. "My name is Penny! It's a pleasure to meet you!"
Jaune couldn't help but be taken aback by the girl's cheerfulness. She seemed genuinely happy to have been knocked over, which was a stark contrast to how girls he knocked over usually reacted back home, or anywhere really.
"Uh, hi, Penny. I'm Jaune," he said, slightly awkwardly as he shook her hand.
Penny's smile grew wider. "Jaune! That's a lovely name. Are you new here at Bulwark Academy?"
Jaune nodded, feeling a little more at ease with Penny's friendly demeanor. "Yeah, I am. I'm actually looking for the Grand Hall for the Opening Ceremony, but I seem to be hopelessly lost."
Penny's eyes lit up with excitement. "Oh, the Opening Ceremony! From our current location, head straight down the hallway until you come to the large, circular atrium. Take the second right turn in the atrium, and continue straight until you reach a set of double doors. Then you will have arrived at your destination!"
Jaune was relieved to finally have some clear directions. "Thank you, Penny! I don't know what I would have done without you. You've been a real pal."
Penny beamed. "You're welcome Jaune, although I am not a 'pal', I can assure you I am a normal girl!"
Jaune chuckled until he noticed the unphased expression on her face. "Oh, uh. When I said pal I meant as in, like, you've been a helpful friend. You see?"
Something in Penny must have clicked because she immediately stopped their handshake in mid-swing, which also made Jaune realize they had been shaking hands the whole conversation. After a few moments he snapped his finger a couple times in her face to try to get a reaction but got nothing.
After a long pause, Jaune awkwardly coughed in his free hand. "Okay then. Well thanks again for the directions, but I really should be- ow! Ow! Ow!"
Penny's grip tightened with surprising strength. "You called me friend! Am I really your friend?!"
Jaune winced as Penny's grip tightened, feeling a little bit trapped. He had only meant it as a figure of speech, but it seemed like Penny had taken it very seriously.
"Uh, y-yeah, sure, Penny. You're my friend!" he said, trying to placate her, nearly buckling at the knee under the pressure on his hand.
Penny's grip immediately loosened, and she looked positively thrilled. "Friends! That's sensational! Oh, this will be great news for my father! Don't worry, Jaune, as your newfound friend, I'll get you to the ceremony on time!"
Jaune couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed by Penny's enthusiasm. "Th-that's great Penny. Now if you could let go my-"
Penny's grip once again tightened, and she started running down the hall. Jaune stumbled after her, trying to keep up while also trying to get his hand free. By the time Penny was already halfway down the hallway she was literally dragging him along behind her. She was surprisingly strong for someone so small, pulling his entire weight with little effort.
The incredibly friendly girl refused to slow down even as they came upon the pair of double doors she described earlier, bursting through them with a loud bang and continued on until a sudden stop.
Jaune was still reeling from disorientation as he blurrily looked around the massive hall, impressed by the grandeur of it all. The ceiling was high, with ornate chandeliers casting a cool glow over the room. The stage gave a commanding view of the entire room, which was filled with students, teachers, and other important-looking people wearing outfits of every style conceived and every color of the rainbow.
He began to wonder if he had hit his head, as to explain why the room felt backward. He could have sworn he was facing the audience instead of the stage…
…Oh no.
"Headmistress Cordovin, I have successfully located a lost student and escorted him to the ceremony on time. I am happy to introduce my new friend, Jaune!" Penny exclaimed as she held Jaune up by his arm like a prize-winning fish, showing off her catch to every soul in the room from next to the Headmistress's podium center stage.
Jaune felt his face burn red with the heat of a thousand suns. He could feel the eyes of every person in the room on him, and he could only imagine what they were thinking. He could only hear a general rumble of murmurings from the crowd as they wondered what was going on.
Headmistress Cordovin raised an eyebrow at the sight before her, but Penny didn't seem to notice as she continued to grin from ear to ear. Cordovin may have been short in stature, needing what Jaune could see was a stepping-stool to see over the podium, but she carried herself with a commanding presence. Her short silver hair was perfectly styled, giving her a no-nonsense look that complements her serious demeanor. Her sharp gaze and firm posture exude an air of authority that made him shrink down the more her brown eyes pierced through him. Her wardrobe was professional and elegant, wearing a fitted blazer or a high-collared blouse, adorned with a few military medals.
"Thank you, Cadet Polendina. And welcome, Jaune Arc. We're glad you made it in time for the ceremony."
Jaune tried to offer a sheepish smile in response, but it was hard to do with Penny still holding him up. He cleared his throat awkwardly, trying to think of something to say.
"Uh, thanks. It's nice to be here." Jaune managed to stammer out, feeling like a complete fool. He could hear a few people snickering from the crowd.
"You can let him go now, Cadet. You're dismissed."
Penny released her grip on Jaune's arm, and he quickly scrambled up back onto his own two feet. The enthusiastic girl then saluted. "Yes, Headmistress! Goodbye, Jaune! I hope you do an exemplary job during initiation."
Jaune gave a shy wave goodbye as the girl marched away to probably go spread joy across Atlas or something.
Headmistress Cordovin cleared her throat. "Now that we're all accounted for, Mr. Arc, may I please begin the ceremony?"
"Y-Yes, Ma'am!" Jaune practically bolted off the stage to escape everyone's gaze, finding refuge in the very back of the auditorium.
The Headmistress began to speak, her voice carrying throughout the room. "Welcome, students, faculty, and esteemed guests. Today marks the beginning of a new school year at Atlas Academy, and I am honored to stand before you as your Headmistress."
As he found a seat at the back, he took a deep breath and tried to focus on the ceremony. The Headmistress continued with her speech, welcoming everyone to the new school year and introducing the faculty members. Jaune listened attentively, trying his best to stay focused.
But his mind kept drifting off, thinking about his lack of preparedness for… well everything. Ever since he stepped into Atlas, he's just been in one large blur. Just being dragged from one overwhelming situation to another, and he hadn't even officially started school yet!
He looked to the audience around him, people who actively chose and properly trained to be here. He knew he wasn't going to be as skilled as the other students, and he had a feeling that he was going to be the weakest link in his team.
The more he thought, the more Jaune could start feeling the box again, corners growing tighter…
He tried to shake off the negative thoughts, reminding himself that he was here for a reason. He had a goal, and he wasn't going to let anything get in the way of achieving it.
Jaune was pulled from his thoughts when the crowd suddenly started clapping, prompted by Cordovin finishing her speech.
Cordovin waited for the applause to die down again before continuing. "Now for your initiation process. Each of you has been pre-arranged into teams of four based on your transcripts and scores. Your team's goal will be to survive the night out in the Solitas tundra, outside the safety of civilization and in the middle of Grimm territory."
Jaune felt a knot form in his stomach as he thought about facing Grimm in the wild. He knew he wasn't the best fighter, but he was rather the experienced camper, maybe he could at least pull his weight with setting up camp.
"During this time, you will be expected to work together, using your skills and wits to overcome any obstacles and challenges that come your way. You will have to rely on each other for survival, so it is important to build trust and communication within your team. If any team bows out of the mission or loses even a single life amongst their numbers, then all students of that team will be removed from the school year and sent home."
Jaune's eyes widened at the Headmistress's words. The consequences of failure were severe, and he couldn't afford to let his team down. He looked around at the other students, some looked excited and ready for the challenge, while others looked nervous and uncertain.
Cordovin continued, "Each team will be given basic supplies and equipment, but it will be up to you to make the most of them. Remember, this is not a competition against other teams. Your success is measured by your ability to work together and overcome the challenges presented to you."
The Headmistress looked around the room, her eyes scanning over the students. "As soon as this ceremony is over, you will receive a message on your scroll for the designation of a bullshead that will fly you to your mission, where you will have a brief meeting with your team and then head out to the tundra. Good luck, and ensure yourselves a safe return."
As the audience gave their final applause, Jaune's heart was racing with anticipation and nervousness. He knew that this initiation process was going to be tough, but he was determined to do his best and prove himself to his team. He reached for his scroll, waiting for the message to arrive.
While he waited, Jaune observed his fellow students once again with curiosity. Some were whispering excitedly to each other, while others were already making their way outside with determined expressions on their faces. He couldn't help but wonder who he would be teamed up with and what kind of individuals they would turn out to be.
Finally, the message arrived, and Jaune quickly opened it to see the designation of his bullshead. He made his way along with the crowd of other initiates, his heart pounding in his chest with excitement and nerves.
There was no turning back now.