Just got back from spring break! Took the time to kick back and relax. Also, to the guest review complaining how people replace characters with Jaune, If you don't like, don't read. Any ways, we finally get into the story, YAY!
Chapter 6: A Shining Beacon
Walking onto the airship I couldn't help but feel excited. I mean, the thing was bigger than any old plane I had seen. Man the dust stuff sure is awesome if it can help make stuff like this. I could only imagine what could be done if the Think Tank got a hold of some of it.
Actually no, that would probably be a horrible idea. They might end up making fire breathing deathclaws somehow. As if those things need to be any scarier. They already looked like they crawled out of hell, no need to drive the demon part any further.
The thing was all top of the line and looked luxurious on the inside. Guess they wanted the kids being trained to fight monsters to feel important. It certainly beat the Ultra-Lux in terms of comfortable atmosphere. The building run by ex-cannibals always felt cold and alien and the masks brought up the creepiness factor up.
Looking around, I was surrounded by people with different outfits and what I could only guess were their weapons. Over the past month since I sent in my transcripts, I had decided to do a bit of research. Believe it or not, I used to be pretty stupid and go after something head first. A few close calls quickly taught me to not.
The Huntsmen and Huntresses all seemed to have transformable weapons. Usually they all could shift between melee and some sort of gun. I don't know how but those things could transform to things that were borderline ridiculous yet awesome. Too bad the complexity means they need major maintenance on a regular basis. Though the dust rounds they uses seem to help somewhat.
I started experimenting with some of the dust and my weapons and came up with some interesting results. Since I had the finances, I bought a bulk of dust and a small and cheap warehouse. Dust was easier to make into bullets to fit my guns and they didn't seem to leave behind the residue that gun powder did, making cleaning easier. The elemental effects were a bonus, thou they didn't have the same punch as my bullets and were about as fast as plasma and could be dodged, especially with how easy it was to move fast on this planet. Still, it was a good idea to just use my bullets for emergencies and not stand out.
I sat down on a bench and waited. I pulled of my light brown duster and started folding it into a makeshift pillow. The newly cleaned materiel looked new and I caught sight of the new additions on its back. The golden Arcs were in the place of where the old world flag once sat. A little bit of research told me that have to have a symbol for yourself was a custom and it seemed fitting to use the symbol of the family that gave me their house. The shield had it already, so why not roll with it.
Leaning back, I could feel the weight of Crocea Mors and my Ranger Sequoia shifting on my waist. I decided to keep them out since this Remnant doesn't have anything like the pipboy and didn't want to make a scene with 'magicing' weapons into existents. Not unless I had too anyways.
It was extremely weird being surrounded by a whole bunch of people my age. I mostly used to either dealing with adults or kids. It also doesn't help that I was surrounded by seven sister my whole life. I'm still mad at them for tricking me into putting on a dress. They said it was some old world invisibility cloak. Still awesome that I have the upgraded stealth suit. I mean who doesn't immediately put a stealth boy feature on a STEALTH SUIT. Luckily I was able to fix that.
After a while, I felt a sudden jerk and the landscape began to move. Deciding to get a better view, I pulled my duster back on and made my way towards the window. The sight was stunning and gave us a beautiful view of the city and everyth_
"GGGGGRRRRGGGGLLLL"
Oh god, no.
The familiar feeling of bile rising up my throat was all too familiar, yet not as bad. Which begs the question was WHY IT WAS HAPPENING! I didn't use the tranportalponder, trust me I tried. All I got was the beep telling me there was an error and couldn't be used. This is why i don't get why…motion sickness.
I had read a few medical magazines about it, but it doesn't really effect people since vehicle were rare in the wasteland. Though being split apart atom by atom and reassembled could affect it. Still, riding the airship wasn't as bad as that so I should be_
"GGGGGRRRRGGGGLLLLGGGGGGLLLLL"
I quickly covered my hand with my mouth and stepped away from the window. It seemed to help somewhat, though I could still feel my stomach churning.
Okay, gotta find a distraction, something, ANYTHING!
"The robbery was led my infamous criminal, Roman Torchwick, who continues to evade authorities. If you have any information on his whereabouts, please contact the Vale Police department. Back to you Lisa…"
Ok, news, I could do that. Though that Roman guy looked like someone who was always scheming. Something I was all to used to. The news was then passed off to some women named Lisa Lavender, who might I say had boring slash annoying voice, and talked about a Faunas rights rally being interrupted by the White Fang. Then suddenly the screens were turned off and the image of what I could say looked like a sexy librarian or something. The fact that some of her cleavage was showing didn't help.
"Hello and welcome to Beacon. My name is Glynda Goodwitch. You are among a privileged few who have received the honor of being selected to attend this prestigious academy!" Define selected. "Our world is experiencing an incredible time of peace, and as future Huntsmen and Huntresses, it is your duty to uphold it." Please, there's no such thing as peace. Only absence of war. "You have demonstrated the courage needed for such a task, and now it is our turn to provide you with the knowledge and the training to protect our world."
With her speech done, the projection vanished and gave us an amazing view of both the city and the Academy. Or at least it would have been amazing, if my stomach acted up again.
I could feel it coming up my throat and quickly ran off to find a trash can, running by two yellow and red figures.
"Guess the views not for everyone."
"Gross, it's on your shoe!" I heard a childish voice exclaimed from behind me.
"Grossgrossgrossgrossgross!"
Not the best way to start and adventure, still beats getting shot in the head though. I thought as I ran on, still looking for a trash can.
…
"BBBBBBLLLLLLRRRRRRRRGGGG!"
Oh sweet relief! No more metal death traps!
I was currently bent over the trashcan, puking my breakfast out. The worst part was, I knew the same thing would happen again if I ever wanted to leave Beacon. Note to self, look up medicine for motion sickness.
Now that I wasn't feeling crappy, I finally got a good look at where I would be staying. The whole place was probably a bit smaller than New Vegas. What really stood out was the tower that looked a few stories taller than the Lucky 38. The light was bright enough to be seen across the campus like a beacon in the darkness… oh now I get the name. That's cute.
I was quickly brought out of my musing by a loud explosion.
I did what any self-respecting wastlander would do. I dove behind cover, which in this case happened to be a bush, and looked out for what was trying to kill me.
What I saw was not what I expected. In the middle of black scorch marks was a girl dressed completely in white with white hair was yelling at another girl who kind of looked like little red riding hood. That is if she wore combat boots and had what looked like gun magazines on her belt. Other than that I couldn't even get a good look at their faces.
Then suddenly a lady with a black and white outfit with what looked like a little black bow on her head. She said something to the girl in white. Then white got mad and stormed off. Little red yelled something and turned around, only to see the other girl walk off.
Her face immediately fell and she just let herself fall to the ground.
Poor girl. Alright Jaune, hero time.
Walking over to the downed girl, I finally saw her face. Cute heart shaped face and black hair with red tips. I stood over her and my shadow finally got her attention. Her eyelids opened and I was greeted by the sight of two gleaming silver eyes.
"Hey," I said extending my hand, "you need some help? I'm Jaune"
"Ruby." She took the offered hand and I pulled her up.
"Aren't you the guy who threw up on the ship?" she snickered, dashing my good mood.
Oh how the mighty have fallen.
…
"Look, it was an accident and I didn't even know I had motion sickness!" I defended myself.
"Look im sorry, vomit boy was the first thing that came to mind."
'Yeah well what I called you crater face!"
'That explosion was an accident and there wasn't a crater! Just scorch marks!"
After helper her up, we just started walking and talking. Unfortunately, it was mostly about the puking incident.
"Well the name's Jaune, Jaune Arc. Short, sweet, rolls off the tongue. Ladies love it!" I always found that stupid line was a great ice breaker. Usually
"Do they?" she asked, raising an eyebrow
"Eh, it's up for debate."
In the sudden lull of conversation, ruby started fidgeting. "Um…sooo I got this thing." She said while pulling a red and black block from her back. With a few click and whirs it turn into….. "Is that a giant scythe!" I said taking a step back from the murder tool.
"It's also a customizable high impact sniper rifle." She said with pride gleaming in her eyes.
"I've seen a lot and I can safely say I've never seen a weapon like that." I said.
"So what do you got!?" Those silver eye almost begging to see what I had. Yeesh, and I thought I was a weapon fanatic.
"Well, I'd like for you to meet Crocea Mors." I said pulling out the blade and a bit of sunlight reflecting off the blade. "Razor sharp, and nigh indestructible."
"Oooooo." Was her only reaction
"The sheath is also a shield so… AAHHH!" the shield suddenly started folding and unfolding while I was trying to catch it. What, I'm still learning how to use the thing. After finally catching the runaway shield, I attached it to my pip boy.
"So, what do they do?"
"Well the sword has a feature that I'll just let be a surprise." I said smiling at the adorable pout she was giving me. "I also got this." I re attached Crocea Mors to my belt and then unholstered the ranger sequoia on my right side. "This little thing is_" I was suddenly cut off by a red blur as a felt the guns weight leave my hand.
"Ohwowthisisbeautifulandawesomeandcoolhowdidyougetitlikethisandwhatcanitdo!" she pretty much squealed while looking at the gun like it was a block of gold. Honestly, how is she able to say all that in one breath?
"Hey!" I yelled. She looked up and suddenly realized what she had done. "Sorry, I get kind of overboard with weapons. Just like how I kind of went overboard with Crescent Rose." She said sheepishly.
Oh, she made the damn thing. That's pretty impressive. "Eh, don't worry." I said with a shrug. "I get the gun thing, I prefer my more simple guns. Less maintenance and multiple weapons means I always have one on hand." Especially with my pipboy. Oh god, she would have a heart attack if she ever saw what I had. Note to self, never let her see Red Glare or Esther.
"So, uh, why did you help me out back there, in the Court yard." She asked as we continued our walk.
"It's just in my nature to help out." I replied "My mom had a saying. 'Strangers are just friend you havn't meet yet'." What didn't tell her was 'especially if they don't try to kill you as soon as see you'. My mom had an interesting outlook on things.
"Hm, hey where are we going?" Ruby suddenly asked.
"I don't know I was just wandering. Don't worry though I have a great sense of direction, most of the time." I said with a small smile.
I then started looking for the orientation with the first friend I made on this by my side.
…
After getting side tracked a few times, Ruby and I Finally found the assembly area. Kids everywhere were already in their own little group chatting away. Suddenly a girl with a mop of golden hair started waving at us.
"Ruby! Over here. I saved you a spot!" she called out cheerfully.
Ruby turned to me and said "Hey, I got to go. See you after the ceremony!" She then ran off before I could even get a word in.
"Well she was quirky. I like her!" I said to myself. Talking to myself had become a bit of a bad habit. One that really need to break.
Walking around I decided to just stand against a pillar. I just sat there waiting when something caught my eye.
Over by Ruby and the girl that called her was the girl from before. The difference now was I could see her clearly.
My heart...eh pump skipped a beat. The white outfit covered a petit yet attractive body, snow white hair and a sword thing hanging on her let hip. Her face could be compared to an angel with those pale blue eyes and the scar only seemed to enhance that beauty. She was…she was…
"Sure!" she said with a voice full of sarcasm. "And we could talk about cute boys, like tall blonde and scraggly." She jerked her thumb at me.
"Really!?"
"No."
…apparently she's a bitch. Well that that killed that dream. Normally if I got a crush on someone, I used to go all out on trying to get them. After getting stabbed with a pair of scissors one time, I quickly learned to stop and this girl's attitude told me the same thing would probably happen again if he really went after her.
Suddenly, the ringing of a microphone turning on cut off all conversation.
"Ill…keep this brief." I man dressed in a green suit said while pushing some spectacles back up his nose. He had grey had a green scarf and carried a cane. No doubt this was Headmaster Ozpin; I did little bit of research on him. Lots of redacted files and his attitude was usually a mix between deadly serious and mischievous.
"You have traveled here today in search of knowledge, to hone your craft and acquire new skills. And when you have finished, you plan to dedicate your life to the protection of the people. But I look amongst you, and all I see is wasted energy, in need of purpose, direction. You assume knowledge will free you of this, but your time at this school will prove that knowledge can only carry you so far. It is up to you to take the first step." With that final note he walked off the stage.
Not the most invigorating speech I've ever heard, but I guess it was meant to be humbling? Whatever the point was he looked troubled about something.
Goodwitch then stepped up to the mike, "You will gather in the ball room tonight, tomorrow your initiation begins. Be ready. You are dismissed."
With that, the students started to disperse with all their stuff. Before I left, I decided to get annoy miss white for the scraggly comment earlier. "I'm a natural blonde you know." I said and watching her face transforms into one of irritation and proceeded to put her hand to her face. I walked away with a smile on my face. I think I'm going to like it here.
…
After storing my stuff in a locker, I actually can't remember the number, I reatomized my sleeping gear when no one was looking and made my way back to the ball room.
Again, everyone was in their own little groups and their sleeping bags took up most of the floor. It also didn't help that some of these idiots were doing everything they could to show off their muscles to the surrounding girls.
Since the only person ii knew was Ruby, who was by the blonde girl from earlier, I decided to not intrude. That was when I caught sight of a little corner with plenty of free space. Its only other occupant being the girl with the bow from earlier.
Walking up to her, i saw that she was reading some book and doing her best to not acknowledge any one. She had amber eyes which looked somewhat predatory.
"Hey," I said finally getting her attention. "You mind if I sleep over here? Not much room anywhere else."
"Just don't bother me and you can stay." Was the only thing she said before going back to reading her book.
After laying out my blue sleeping bag, I lay down and shut my eyes before trying to go to sleep. I could hear the girl in black move around and the striking of a match. Opening my eyes, I saw that she had lit a candelabrum. Why the hell would you bring a candelabrum to a school? That just screams a safety hazard.
I could then faintly hear what sounded like struggling and the a singsongy voice said "Hellooooo~! I believe you two may know each other."
Well, looks like blondie decided to drag Ruby over here to talk to this girl.
"Aren't you the girl that exploded?"
"Uh yeah, my names Ruby." She said extending her hand. Only to have bow girl ignore it and go back to reading her book. Ruby then pulled back her hand and nervously rubbed the back of her head. "But you can just call me crater…uh_"
I couldn't help but let out a chuckle. "Oh man, you were just about to call yourself craterface!" She then looked over at me and her eyes lit up.
"Oh hey Jaune, I didn't see there!" she said.
"Been here the whole time, and you are?" I said looking at Ruby's taller, blond and, ahem…well endowed companion.
"Well I'm Yang, Ruby's older sister!" she said pointing to herself.
Oh that's how she knows her WAIT! SISTER!?
I began looking back and forth between the two "I don't see it."
"Yeah, we get that a lot." She said with a dismissive wave.
"So…I like your bow." She said turning back to Blake
"Thanks." She said, not even glancing up at them."
"It goes great with your…pajamas." Yang said, not getting any response this time.
"Uh nice night?" Man, that was just plain pathetic. She's really scraping the bottom of the barrel.
"Yes it's a lovely night, almost as lovely as this book." She said with annoyance obvious in her voice. "I think I will continue reading it… as soon as you leave."
I could faintly hear yang whisper something to Ruby only for Ruby to take her own initiative.
"What's it about?" she asked.
"Huh?"
"Your book, does it have a name?" she asked. I could almost see the curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
"I love books." Ruby said with a smile. "Yang used to read me those books every night before bed, stories of heroes and monsters. They're one of the reasons I want to become a huntress."
I couldn't help but smile about that. Once I got my family settled in the lucky 38, I would tell the triplets, Penelope, Jessie and Maggie some censored versions of my adventures. I even told them a few stories I learned from a traveling brotherhood of steel member with that eyebot he named Edna. I never did catch his name though.
"Why is that," she said with a small smile on her face, "hoping we all live happily ever after?"
"I'm hoping we all will." She said with that signature bright smile. "As a girl, I always wanted to be like the heroes in the books. To fight for what was right and protect people who couldn't protect themselves."
Just be careful Ruby. What most don't remember is that the Heroes always seem to suffer the most.
"That's pretty ambitious for a child, but unfortunately the real world isn't the same as a fairy tale." Blake said with her face falling and… is her bow drooping? Whatever, the part that caught my attention was the way she said it. That was the voice of experience, the same kind of voice the Boone had.
I couldn't help but narrow my eyes at the girl. What's your story?
I was brought out of my thoughts by Ruby. "Well, that's why we're here. To make it better."
"Oh! I'm so proud of my baby sister!" Yang said while pulling Ruby into a tight bear hug. The resulting scuffle could only be described as a sibling brawl.
"Well Ruby, Yang it's a pleasure to_"
"What in the world is going on over here?!" an all too familiar voice exclaimed. Don't you realize some of us are trying to sleep?!"
When she noticed the sisters, she and Yang both said "Oh not you again."
When the girls started to argue and Blake blew out her candles, I took as a sigh to go to sleep.
Sitting back and laying my head down on the pillow. Ruby's little speech still was still in my head. The pure innocence she had had a way of making smile.
As the arguing got louder, I could feel myself slowly drift.
First day down. And the rest to go.
…
There we go! I'm trying to find a good mix of lovable and goofy Jaune while trying to give him the experience from a post-apocalyptic wasteland.
One last thing before I go and it has to do with the current situation in Belgium. I want any and all readers from Belgium to know my prayers go out to the victims and their families of the recent bombings. Thinking about all the damage those bastards did just makes my blood boil! And what really pisses me off is that the terrorist think that they're the good guys! Any ways, know that want nothing but the best for the people of Brussels and Belgium.
And that's it for me. See you in the next instalment. Bye!