For Ozpin, what seemed like a great morning had turned sour within minutes. It was parents visit day, and with the diversity of the students attending his prestigious academy, he prepared himself for every possible situation, even maybe a portal splitting bandit taking a little unsanctioned escapade to see her daughter. But no preparation could of have prepared him for the events He was just receiving royal family of Arcadia when there was a commotion in the auditorium. Apparently, a hooded assailant wielding a sword and shield attacked several of the parents who were gathered in the auditorium.
The surveillance cameras showed a simple silver sword with a blue handle and a heater shield that is covered with a black. There was mass panic but several parents try to fight back. The struggle lasted only for a couple of minutes. As the adults tried to put up resistance, the assailant immediately dashed towards a window and jumped out. Guards tried to pursue but soon lost their target.
The camera footage was immediately analyzed and in a couple of the frames, blonde locks of hair could be seen from under the hoodie. The weapons seemed eerily familiar and a check on the weapons lockers showed that one belonging to a student was accessed minutes before the incident. Said student: Jaune Arc.
A manhunt for the said blonde commenced immediately. The students were immediately informed of the incident and those with parents hurt were notified and given transportation to Vale General Hospital, where the wounded were being treated.
James and Jane Arc refused to believe that their son would do such a thing and demanded that Ozpin check the last know location of their son. Sure enough, Jaune Arc had left Beacon three hours ago and has not returned yet. Another round of examination showed that there were only a handful of students that were on return flights to Beacon that morning, incidentally, none of them had blonde hair.
The search was immediately called off, but it was too late.
The white halls of the hospital were filled with people, yet the atmosphere was deathly silent. Ren and Nora sat with Mrs. Arc, comforting each other as they looked through the window into the operating room where Jaune laid, lifeless and pale. Blake and Weiss were with Pyrrha whose eyes were shot and hands trembled.
"No, James, he is in no condition to be moved. We have to treat him here at Valean General. I can personally assure you that this hospital has everything Jaune needs to make it through this."
"I don't think I can accept that, Ozpin. The agreement was that you will ensure his safety during his tenure here at Beacon. It was the only reason that Jane and I agree to what is now an obvious mistake. He should of have stayed in Arcadia. I am bringing him back with me."
"James, moving him will more than likely cause more damage to him and you know that. I understand that you are angry, but do not let that cloud your judgement. We both want what is the best for Jaune."
"Fine." James finally relented, knowing the headmaster was right. "But he is coming with us as soon as he is able to be transported. We will continue is treatment in Arcadia."
Ruby sat alone, contemplating what she had saw. The blood, the pain, the regret. This is not what she expected of being a huntsman. In her mind, she had always thought of protecting the innocent, defeating hordes of grimm. Not this...
This...threw all of her perceptions to the wind. She, too, was told to track down her friend. She, too, was told to use force if necessary, but she did not realize the consequences of those orders until she saw Jaune, pinned to the tree. She wondered if she would of have done the same thing if she was in Pyrrha's shoes, for she, too, was determined to bring her friend to justice no matter the cost. Only to have that mentality shattered by the second order and explanation. She questioned her own judgement, as she remembered her fervor and what can only be described as hatred towards Jaune at the moment of the announcement. And it pained her, for she, too, did not truly trust Jaune enough.
Her now calloused hand squeezed the small box in her pocket as she debated on what she needed to do next. A part of her told her to throw the object at the redhead in front of her as hard as possible, but she reined it in, for she would only be a hypocrite if she did that.
"Hey, Rubes, what's wrong?" Yang had turned her attention to her sister. Why did she ask that? The brawler knew exactly was wrong. Hell, anyone seeing the wound on Jaune's body would be shaken and scarred.
"Nothing Yang…Nothing…"
AN: A really tiny chapter. Sorry for not updating in a while. College has been really busy and league has been my main escape. I am cutting this chapter off right here for timing sake. I am hoping to release the next chapter by the end of fall break, which is the 17th for me. I want to explore the idea of redemption and fault. Who is at fault for harm? The gun or the man? Suggestions and criticism welcome.