Disclaimer: I don't own anything.


Chapter 6: First Day in Beacon

All was quiet in Team JNPR's room. The last wisps of the night still covered over the campus. High in the sky, the tattered moon was almost visible.

Most of the residents of the room were sleeping soundly. All sorts of dreams and thoughts ran through their selective heads. For this moment there was a soothing, almost mystical peace bathing the room.

BONG! BONG!

And it was all shattered by the last member of the team. The blonde swordsman had a large gong that he proceeded to ring in a most unwelcome way.

"Rise and shine, everyone! It's 5:00 AM, time to get up!", the obscenely cheery voice of Jaune Arc rung loudly in the once tranquil room.

Not even the composed Ren was able to mask his alarm as he stumbled out of bed.

"W-What is going on? Is there something wrong?", Pyrrha asked alarmed. Looking around, she was unable to see any sort of panic on her partner's face. She sighed in relief.

Ren mumbled unintelligently about absurd wake up calls. His movements, at best, could be considered groggy. Protesting eyes opened slowly to look at the leading Arc.

No one took the awakening worst than Nora. Like a hostile dog, she growled at Jaune. "Go away. I'm too tired to care. The sky's not even on yet."

"Get up, you lazy bones. You can't sleep the day away. We have just enough time to train before class. Isn't it great?!", the sword master called happily. For the life of him he couldn't understand everyone's reluctance. Frankly, by now they should've done some light exercises and be transitioning to heavy work outs. Well no team of his was going to give less than 110%.

That's all nice and good, but I think one of your teammates to setting up for a revolt.

As Mors had warned, Nora had a dangerous glint in her eyes as she began stretching towards her weapon. Thankfully, she was so overwhelmed by sleep that it was a battle to hold consciousness.

"If my hammer wasn't so far away, I would break you." Nora whined.

With a lazy gaze, Ren sighed, "Nora it's right next to your bed."

"Not right now, Renny. I'm dealing with this jerk."

"You know Nora, I can't help but feel some hostility from you. Stress can be a serious problem you know?", the leader of Team JNPR stated, a contemplating look on his face.

"Do we really need to wake up this early Jaune, it's really early. It would be best to be rested for class", Pyrrha stated logically. Her head still rested on her pillow.

Jaune took a moment to think that over. Each one of his teammates looked hopeful for the end of this madness and return to sleep. "Nah. As good as grades are, this is a hunter school. Survival comes first. You guys are going to have to wake up. But it was nice of you to be concerned with the others. As expected of Pyrrha."

A trio of sighs erupted from the room. The typical cheery Nora redoubled her efforts on reaching her grounded weapon. Her desire to stay in bed led to her eventually dropping onto the ground. She was ignored.

I don't think they're ready for this. Please remember that not everyone had your rigorous training, since youth.

With the behavior of a dead man, Ren managed to stand up, "I'm hoping this isn't going to be a regular thing. How did you even get a gong in here? It's larger than the door."

Said gong was made of bronze and towered over the team. It had taken a bit of effort on his part to get it into the door. Looking back, it would have been much more efficient to have woken them up verbally. Well, it was in the past anyway.

"Any way since we're all awake, wear these and meet me outside." He threw a bundle of clothing at the trio. One for each person. Nora's hit her on the head.

She continued snoring lightly on the ground.

...

Outside the air was crisp, with lingering winds brushing against Team JNPR. The chilly weather managed to shock Pyrrha and Ren awake. Nora was another case all together.

She was currently leaning on her best friend for support. Her head was resting on his shoulder as she continued to snore.

Each of them wore handmade jumpsuits. Jaune, Pyrrha, Ren, and Nora had gold, red, green, and pink jumpsuits respectively. Sown on each of the left side of their chests, were the words 'JNPR'. Domestic activities, like sewing, were means of killing time back home.

"How did you know the accurate measurements for our suits?", his ginger partner asked curiously. Her eyes traveled appraisingly over her own jumpsuit.

"When you guys were out yesterday, I looked through your typical battle suits and eyed the measurements. They're comfortable right?", he asked with pride.

Ren shook Nora for the fifth time since they came outside, before interjecting himself into the conversation, "Ignoring the blatant invasion of privacy, habits like that will further hinder your goal in seeming more masculine. "

The sheer look of horror on his face notified Ren that he had hit a nerve. Before he could further lose himself in his dramatics, Pyrrha interrupted, "Hush now, Ren. Never mind him, Jaune, it takes a real man to break norms. You worked hard on them and it shows." She finished with an endearing smile.

Surprised by the earnest praise, he rubbed his arms and smiled happily. Pyrrha really was a nice person.

Getting back on task, you should probably start the exercises. You're wasting time.

Taking Mors' advice to heart, he began to look through his recently acquired scroll. Unlike what the name implied, it had nothing to do with paper. From what he understood it was a means of self organization and communications. They myriad of features had previously eaten away hours of his day. Tapping through some unrelated applications, he came up to the schedule and look at the training he set up for his team today.

Truly this 'scroll' was an astounding invention.

"We could've have slept more if you had listened. REN", the currently unhappy Nora grunted.

Ren rolled his eyes in exasperation, "Breaking him isn't a solution, Nora. We only break Grimm and people we really, really don't like. Not friends that annoy us."

"Geez, stop being a worrywart. I would've just broken one arm. It won't even be his right arm. Please?" Nora adopted a kicked puppy look.

Her efforts were for naught as he pushed her aside. "No, means no."

She pouted.

Looking around, Jaune went to the nearest tree and snapped a branch off. Right in front of them, he experimentally did some swordplay with it. When he was satisfied, he turned back towards them. "Since you guys aren't used to the schedule yet, we will start light. It's a running exercise. We run in a single file line. Every 30 seconds, the person at the end of the line will run to the front. To make sure the pace doesn't get too slow, I'll lightly smack whoever lags behind, understood?"

They all nodded, some more reluctant than others.

Pyrrha gave the other two a quick pep talk, "Come on, it isn't too bad, right? How bad is a light tap with a branch?"

Before she could go further, Jaune light smacked the ground with said branch, and caused a small crater. They all grew nervous.

A very odd smile found its way to his face, "All right guys, let's get to running."

Without further delay, they sped off to avoid taking the blunt of his punishment.

...

Two grueling hours later, the trio collapsed into a heap. None were more fatigued than Ren. He was flat on his face, heaving for air.

"I... think... I'm going to... die. Help me." The floored second male of Team JNPR rasped out in desperation.

Nora was on her knees panting along with him. Although she was in a far better state than her friend. Pyrrha was resting on the bark of a tree. A more than healthy layer of sweat cover her whole body.

To their immense relief, Jaune had brought water bottles and towels with him. As for the orchestrator of this training, he merely looked refreshed. As though he had been simply stretching. If Ren's semblance had been reliant on his glare, the leader of JNPR would have received massive damage by this point.

"Good job guys. Nothing like getting rid of the gunk in the body early in the morning, right? You guys did really well. No one has lost consciousness, that's a win in my book. You should've seen me when I was 6. Those were some times." The feminine Arc rattled on, missing the looks of unrestrained shock coming from his team. The running had become rudimentary by now for him.

"Well on your feet guys, we have to get back to our room. We do have classes. You guys keep doing this well, soon we'll get to the hard stuff", he said in an encouraging voice.

As they walked back, Pyrrha leaned slightly on her partner. As for Ren and Nora, it was a whole other case.

"Stay with me REN! We almost there, buddy", Nora yelled as she piggybacked Ren.

"It's alright Nora. I knew the risks when I applied to Beacon. This is where we part ways."

"Shut up! We'll be to the room soon. There's a soft bed waiting just for you."

"It's no use, that Grimm in human flesh will get in the way again. Do you notice a beautiful light? Ah, it's so warm and inviting."

"Noooooo! Stay away from the light, Renny. You're stronger than this", Nora screamed in defiance. Despite her earlier fatigue, she tripled her pace.

"How dramatic", Jaune said in an offhand manner.

You're one to talk Jaune. You guys make the perfect team.

...

The team had enough time to clean off and change into their uniforms. Jaune and Ren wore fitting black suits with red ties. It came with a blue interior vest. Edges of the suits was colored orange. The female uniform had the same suits without the blue vest. Instead of pants, they had pleated skirts.

In his humble opinion, Pyrrha looked beautiful.

JNPR left the dorms to begin a leisure walk to class. First stop was the lockers. According to school rules, they weren't allowed to carry their weapons and armor on person, so lockers were provided.

Opening his locker, he placed his battle outfit in, then he pulled a sheathed Mors' and prepared to fit her inside. Until he lightly zapped.

'What was that for!' He intoned as he shook his hand to rid of the buzzing feeling.

And what do you think you're doing. I know you weren't about to lock me in some dingy metal box!

'Those are the rules. I can't exactly go around with you out, you know', he tried to explain.

I. Don't. Care. I'm a sword of the highest caliber and I will not be locked away like some two bit toy. What good am I locked in there!

'Now, don't be upset, I was just following the rules. As soon as class ends, I can pick you up, and I'll visit you on occasions.'

On occasions? NO, no, no, no, no. I am not letting you out of my sight. Who knows what kind of dangers you'll get yourself into. Then there's your wandering eyes.

'Wandering eyes! Is this what this is about? For the last time, it was just a glance. Let it go.' Jaune began to rub his temples in frustration.

It starts with 'just a glance' then you have be put away permanently. You're going to go out and ogle at every single firearm in sight. For the record, I'm far better than that ridiculous scythe toy. Then there was that time that you watched Pyrrha practice with that sword of hers. And don't lie to me, you only stared at the girl for half the time. Well I'm not going to make it easy for you.

'Can you please let it go. It was interesting, but I'm not going to replace you. Just go in the locker so I can go to class.'

The answer's no.

'Crocea Mors don't be so difficult. I can't take you to class like this.'

I have that covered, watch.

Right before his eyes, Crocea Mors shrunk down. It became a clip on earring. Jaune took some cautious shakes of the earring. It was a full transformation. 'Well that's solved. As expected of Mors.'

I know right.

The male Arc walked out of the locker room, clipping the earring on.

...

It didn't take long for Jaune to catch up with his team. As he walked up to them, they were chatting idly. Given that class started in ten minutes, he had no real need to push them forward. When the rest of the team saw him approaching, they greeted him.

Although, he felt he could've gotten a warmer reception from Ren, but he let it go for now. One day in the future, they would look back on these days fondly. Taking his place in the little circle, he leaned his back to the wall, content to be silent.

Coming their way, it was a teen with blue eyes and a light green Mohawk. A confident smug look etched onto his face. The feminine swordsman wanted to just cringe, he had seen that stride and look far too many times.

Lo and behold, the guy stopped just in front of him and eyed him up and down. "I see we got a tomboy, huh? Well sweetie, you're luck. I'm Russel Thrush and you're just my type. Why don't we hook up after school. I'll take you on a hot date."

While the horrible pick up annoyed Jaune to no end, his biggest ire was drawn from the amused look Ren was giving him. The blonde resolved to double his training for his insolence. JNPR's leader wasn't one to take jabs like that lying down.

"Look buddy, I'm not interested. Why don't you try someone else.", Jaune tried rather patiently.

"Nah, I'm good. You're the hottest girl here. Come on babe, give me a chance. I know you want to." Russel began to further invade his personal space. The flirty teen never saw the fist coming. Said boy doubled over, clutching his aching abdomen.

"Time for class. Let's go guys!" Nora yelped. Before any of them had the chance to respond, the girl pushed them all into the room.

"Oh, girl has a punch. Yeah, she loves me."

...

The first class of the day was taught by Professor Peter Port. He was a middle-aged man with gray hair and mustache. His frame was a tad on the chubby side. A genial expression never leaving his face.

All around the classroom there were trophies of different kind of Grimm. Connected to the back wall of the class was a wide whiteboard that had the sketches, names, and descriptions of all sorts of Grimm.

JNPR sat on the middle aisle, with Jaune sitting on the outer seat. A few seconds before the start of class, Team RWBY dashed into the room. Based on their haggled looks, they must have been held up or slept in. Saying their greetings to his team, they sat just above them.

Jaune couldn't stop smirking at their misfortune. His buddy Ruby pouted childishly at him, "Hey! It isn't funny. Why didn't you wake us up? We live across the hall from you!"

With minimal shame, he shrugged easily, "Sorry Ruby, didn't think about it. I might have forgot that you lived across from us. Look on the bright side, you girls got some light running before class. Good for you."

She huffed and crossed her arms, "And I was going to make you a nice gun in celebration of our friendship. If that's the way you're going to be..."

Without missing a beat, Jaune grasped her hand in his and gave her his best kicked puppy look, "Don't be like that. It was an honest mistake. We're the Best Blade Buddies. Don't leave me like this. I need a cool firearm. With your professional grade skills, it would be awesome. I'm so sorry."

"I guess, I'll forgive you this time. Don't you worry buddy. I, Ruby Rose, will make you a great gun. Although I have to warn you that it would be as good as my sweetie. Oh, sweetie, I miss you." The younger girl had a morose expression as she rubbed the outline of her weapon.

"All right students. Class is beginning." The professor announced. Preparing for the class, everybody settled down and pulled out stationery to take notes.

Professor Port regaled the class with one of his many adventures. Most, if not all, students politely feigned interest or simply fell asleep. Pyrrha was diligently paying attention. Nora took the chance to get back some of her lost sleeping hours. Ren sat straight up, Jaune was impressed by him sleeping with his eyes open.

Whatever energy the class lacked, Jaune more than made up for.

"... and suddenly a pack of wolf Grimms leaped at me. Of course, I was quick to dispatch of the fiendish creatures."

"Really? Is this the part where you get the girl? Amber must've been all over you!"

"Well, as a matter of fact, it's all true. Hohoho. I was quite the catch back in the day."

The professor's tale had lighted something within the young Arc. As time went on, it became clear that he was placing the portly professor on a pedestal.

"So now that I've wetted your appetite with my heroic tale, who wishes to demonstrate their skill?" After his statement, he removed the covers off a container he brought into the room. Within its confines was a boar like Grimm.

To Jaune's exasperation, Weiss volunteered. After changing into her battle attire she stood in front of the cage to begin battle.

"Show that load of lard who's boss." One blonde Arc cheered.

Weiss glared at his direction, "You had better be talking about the beast."

Jaune returned the glare full force, "Yes, I was talking to you."

If looks could do actual damage, both participants of the argument would have been in critical condition. Turning around, Weiss chose to ignore her personal annoyance.

Though she showed some difficulty, Weiss eventually did slay the beast, much to her team's happiness, mainly Ruby.

...

Classes done for the day, Jaune was busying himself in the dorm room. In front of him was his most recent scrapbook. Already there were pages filled out with images of him and various Faunus. Many were with a look surprise or happy resignation. On the current page, it was him and girl with rabbit ears. The young arc was smiling widely, hers was a bit more timid, but happy all the same.

Taking a look at his scroll, he was shocked to see that it was already 6:00 PM. Stretching, he got up from his seat to leave the room. At the moment, his destination was the library. Jaune was in a need for a detailed map of the world.

Whistling, he made his way down the halls, not exactly sure where the library was. Well, he had confidence that he would make it there, somehow. A figure appeared up ahead. It was the petite Ruby. "Hey Ruby, how's everything?"

"Fine. I guess." The younger girl had a complex look on her face, as though she was deep in thought.

"Like your new team?" Jaune probed lightly. From what he remembered, she had a few misgivings about being a leader.

"We're still getting used to everything. Blake doesn't talk much. Yang is as helpful as always. Then there's Weiss. I don't think she accepts me as leader. But I just have to keep trying. Eventually, she'll come around. Maybe." Ruby's voice had growing confidence in it.

"That's the spirit. Don't let Weiss bother you. She doesn't know anything. My team is going well. I'm going to run them to the ground. Ren needs it the most. But what he lacks in power, he makes up in skills. Hey Ruby, do you mind taking a picture with me? I want it in honor of our friendship."

With a bright smile, he agreed, "I would like that."

With a bit of fiddling he got the camera on its time setting. The two cheery teens posed leaning against the wall. A flash later and they were done. By request, Jaune sent a copy over to Ruby. Before she left, she pointed out the direction to the library. Grateful for the help, he waved her goodbye and made his way to the library.

He needed more information on this world. Ignorance could get one easily killed.


Extra

Deep into the night, Jaune awoke. Sleep seemed to be adamant to evade his capture. Blurry eyed, he slowly made his way out of bed, careful to not awake his roommates. They did have morning training and school tomorrow.

Putting on a night robe over his pajamas, he planned to get some fresh air. As far as he could tell, none were active at this moment. Only the occasional sound of crickets were there to keep him company. A mood of solemnity washed over him. As he made his way out of the dorms, he gazed to the sky above. The torn, broken moon loomed over him, as though to cast a further shadow on his mood.

Slow were his steps as he began to clear his mind. As with any time he was confused or stressed, he began to walk through stances and kicks. Still he felt restless. Leaning on a lone tree on the yard, he gazed back on the school, until he noticed a figure lounged on the balcony of the dorms.

Curiosity getting the better of him, he made his way to the figure. As he got closer, he realized it was Ruby Rose. Leaping atop of the support beams and wall, he made it way to Ruby. There he saw Ruby's state. Her body was subtly trembling, even as the girl hugged her legs to her chest. He could just make out some crying.

Concerned, he lightly touched her shoulder. Startled, she jumped a little, but relaxed when she recognized his face. He frown when he saw her face. Ruby's eyes were red like her namesake, their condition already growing puffy. A steady stream of tears rolling down her face. Though she attempted to put up a happy smile, she failed miserably. Realizing the futility, she ceased and could no longer bother to even wipe her eyes.

Jaune couldn't stand to see his normally cheery friend in such misery, at least alone. With a light huff, he sat himself beside her, his feet dangling the side of the balcony. Gently, he wrapped her in a light half hug.

"I'm sorry, you have to see me like this, Jaune." Her voice was hoarse and nearly silent. "I just miss her so much, that sometimes I get like this."

He had no idea who she was talking about, but he knew better to implore further. It wouldn't do to make her anymore anxious. In response, he simply tightened his hold and hummed in understanding.

"I always looked up to my mom, Summer Rose. I mean she was so nice and cool. A true huntress. Every day she went out and saved people. She didn't need praise or anything like that. She was my hero." Ruby choked on her words and began tearing up again.

With great empathy, he softly rubbed her back.

Gaining strength she continued, "If I had been stronger then, maybe she would be here with me. Until the very end I was her burden. She died for my sake. My mother, my friend... my fault." By now she was shaking terribly.

Jaune softly wiped the tears from her eyes, and made her look at him, "I understand. I don't like thinking about it, but I lost my mother as well. I never really knew my dad. I didn't care, as long as mom was there I was happy. She used to call me her little man, and I tried to live up to that. Though, I don't think she took my bravado too seriously. Everything changed that night." Here Jaune too began to tear up.

Noticing his state, this time Ruby initiated the hug.

He continued, "She protected me. My mom was strong, so strong. Instead of saving herself, she took me to safety and fought for my sake. When she left, she never came back. It felt like my world had crashed down. But there was nothing I could've done, nothing we could've done. It was difficult and humbling, but I had to accept that it was out of my control. They were amazing huh?"

"Yeah."

"You know when Pyrrha unlocked my aura, she said something that really struck and stuck with me. "For it is in passing that... ", Jaune began.

And Ruby finished, softly, "... we achieve immortality."

"They're gone and nothing we do can change that, but they accomplished something. Something great, do you know what it was?" He asked, smiling lightly, despite him somber mood.

Quizzical, she shook her head.

He gestured to the two of them, "Us. We are their legacy. They gave up their lives to protect our futures. I like to think if my mom saw me now, she would be so proud. And if your mother is half the person you are, she would be so proud of you."

The grieving Rose sniffled at the thought and pulled the energy to give a small smile, "Y-You're right. I'm in Beacon and the leader of my own team. That's pretty worthwhile, right?"

"Yes, that might be part of it, but more importantly she would be proud of the person you've become. I've only known you for awhile, but I understand that you're a gentle soul. Each day you get up and try to bring cheer to your friends. You're clumsy and awkward, but you a person filled with so much love and energy. And that's what you mother would be most proud of. Despite your pain, you carry on, laughing and smiling."

At that thought she truly smiled in satisfaction. Letting his grip of her go, he rummaged through his robe and pulled out a bottle and a small bowl. Pulling the cork, he calmly poured the liquid to the brim of the cup. Jaune sipped lightly and handed her the bowl.

Seeing her frown, he assuaged her worries, "Don't worry, it isn't alcoholic. At my homeland we share this drink with those we care for as they mourn. Normally, I do this with my siblings, but I feel it's appropriate."

Understanding in her eyes, she took a sip and cringed a bit, "It's bittersweet."

"I know."

And for the rest of the night, the two mourning teen comforted each other as they taught of who they lost.

In honor of the creative mind lost and more importantly, in memory of a father and husband. Rest in peace, Monty Oum.


Author's Note

Thank you for reading this chapter. In honor of the late creator, this chapter ended on a sadder note.

Please review, criticism is welcomed.