Residuum

Blood 1.2

i


Glynda Goodwitch wasn't one to make small talk with just any of her students. She had always retained a professional distance from them, at least as much as was feasibly possible in school where students learned to fight in life or death situations. Jaune was hardly the first special student she had run into; Ruby Rose was one example, the daughter of Summer Rose and like Jaune, personally trained by Qrow as well.

As she glanced at the nervous blond, she knew it just wasn't the same with him. An outlandish story of controlling Grimm, but as annoying as Qrow was, she trusted him enough to believe it despite her misgivings. But for a nine-year-old to grow up alone in the Wilds, with nothing but the Grimm for companions…

Glynda had to suppress a shiver at the thought.

Still, it was one thing to rescue him, though Glynda applauded Qrow for just that alone, and another thing for him to take the child on as an apprentice. Qrow taught Ruby Rose to fight, how to use a scythe, but the girl was family.

Qrow taking on Jaune as an apprentice was him declaring his legacy. Qrow was perhaps not spoken about in terms of popularity in the general public but he was a renowned Huntsman in all the right circles. Once word got out about Jaune, people would be curious and she only hoped the boy would be able to cope.

"How was your time with Qrow?" Glynda asked, watching as the boy jumped slightly at being addressed.

Jaune wet his lips, thinking of what to say about Qrow without sounding like Qrow.

"It was…" Jaune struggled to find an answer. Glynda felt amused at his hesitation.

"Don't worry, I understand completely," Glynda said, giving the young man a break, "I've known Qrow for longer than you've been alive. He hasn't changed much since he was a student here. Well, not for the better at least."

Jaune smiled weakly at her.

"He's really good," Jaune said, "When I first saw him, I thought he'd be an easy mark but he told me he knew where I was the entire time."

"An easy mark?" Glynda questioned, thinking sadly of what the boy might have had to do to survive out there. Jaune froze at his slip up.

"Hey, it's alright," Glynda told him soothingly, "Qrow told us a bit about what you've been through, nobody holds it against you. That part of your life is over now so put it out of your mind."

Jaune nodded thankfully, glad he hadn't upset the woman.

"Though if I find out you 'marked' any of your peers here, you'll have me to answer to young man," Glynda warned him sternly. Jaune just smiled at her, understanding the woman a little bit better now.

"Do you understand the significance of Qrow giving you his weapon, Jaune?" Glynda asked him.

"I think so," Jaune replied quietly, "Like he said, he taught me how to fight with it. I don't really have a weapon of my own to fight with so Reaper is the only thing I would know how to use. And he has another, I think."

"You'll shortly find out what a weapon means to a Huntsman or Huntress when you meet your classmates," Glynda told him, "There are a few rare exceptions such as myself, but the overwhelming majority of Huntsmen forge their own weapons. Everybody has their own personal style and a unique weapon to go along with that style. Our weapons are as much our partners as our teammates are. Qrow gave you his weapon, and that shows just how much trust he put in you."

"You're hardly the first apprentice to a Huntsman to attend this school," Glynda finished, "But this is the first I've ever heard of one receiving his master's weapon instead of forging his own. It speaks volumes and it will be up to you to show us what that truly means."

"Thank you for telling me," Jaune said with dawning understanding, "Just… please never call Qrow my master."

Glynda laughed in what she felt like was the first time in years.

"I understand completely," she said, repeating her words from earlier as she looked at the boy kindly. She felt she understood exactly why Qrow decided to take the kid on as an apprentice. At first glance, he certainly didn't seem much different than most other kids she knew. Knowing his history definitely put the blond's personality into perspective.

To come from his isolation to where he was now was nothing short of spectacular and Glynda couldn't help but admire the child's perseverance. But she could see through his bravado as well and hoped that he would weather the coming trials.

She could see the best of Qrow in him and couldn't wait to see who Jaune truly was.

"Come along now Mr Branwen," Glynda said, "We'll find you a locker to store your weapon and your belongings. I would advise you remember the number for it or store it on your scroll in case you forget."

"Scroll?"

"You don't have a scroll?" Glynda asked, feeling that familiar annoyance bubble up, "Honestly, what is Qrow thinking? The nerve of that man."

"I will get you a scroll," Glynda informed him, "Would I be correct in assuming you don't have anything to wear other than clothes you have on now?"

She sighed when Jaune smiled apologetically at her.

"I'm afraid you'll have to make do for the time being," Glynda informed him, "After your initiation, you can head down to Vale and pick up some clothes along with other necessities. I'll arrange for the funds, from Qrow's own pockets if need be."

"The students should be arriving within an hour, I'd advise perhaps meeting them and mingling with your peers before Professor Ozpin's speech," Glynda said, "Now, just one last order of business."

Glynda watched as Jaune put away his weapon into the locker, memorizing the number.

"Yes, Glynda?"

"Professor Goodwitch," Glynda chastised lightly, "Qrow informed us that he hadn't unlocked your aura. If you'd like, I can do that for you."

Jaune hesitated, not sure if he wanted to do it.

"I don't think I will. Qrow told me about aura," Jaune said, "That nowadays, people could activate someone's aura by using their own. But he said there was a certain… power in unlocking it naturally. That I would just know when the time comes."

Glynda considered it.

"He's right," she said, "Though not in the way you might think. Having your aura unlocked naturally doesn't make it any more powerful than having someone unlock it for you. It requires a sense of… self-discovery if you will. People can go their whole lives without ever activating their aura."

"Knowledge of self, learning who you truly are isn't an easy feat, it isn't something you can just grasp physically," Glynda said, "There isn't a surefire way, no easy method to just know who you are or what you truly are meant to be. Certainly, if accomplished at your age it deserves nothing but the deepest admiration, knowing what you were meant to do and what you were meant to be."

"I'll respect your wishes in this regard," Glynda said finally, "But take this as my first advice to you as your Professor: don't wait too long. Aura is the manifestation of our soul. Allow yours to protect you before it becomes too late. Learning who you are can always come later."

"Thank you, Professor," Jaune replied as he pondered her words.

"Now, now, Mr Branwen," Glynda said, smiling at him, "It's only the first of many things I will teach you. What would Qrow think if he heard you thanking me so easily?"

Jaune snorted.

"Point taken."


Notes: A little fleshing out of Glynda's character. She doesn't really get much attention in the series apart from 'serious teacher', but here she has a closer bond with Jaune.

In regards to aura: it's mentioned to be mainly defensive in nature more so than an offensive ability. Jaune's decision to not unlock his aura stems from his interactions with Qrow and is something very significant to his psyche and way of thinking. More will be revealed as the story progresses, but this particular issue will be resolved by the time initiation is over. Next updates is scheduled for March 10th EST.

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