Arc I: Prologue
Chapter 3: Dawn of a New Day
Pain and the urge to vomit hit Jaune like a truck. Then again, when fighting dark magical versions of yourself in your dreams, symptoms like those could only be the least of your concerns.
Said symptoms heralded themselves in real life when the Bullhead touched down, the small force of which jolted the blonde awake.
"Ugghhoo…"
Jaune bit back bile as he half stumbled, half fell out of the side bay door of the aircraft, heaving great gasps of air as he recovered from the nauseous ordeal.
Honestly, it was like airsickness was a kind of Grimm of its own.
Steadying himself, he looked up with tired eyes to take in the late morning hustle and bustle. Here he finally was, in the city of Vale. People milled about, commuting to work or seeking to shop, filling the streets and the open square with a sense of business. In fact, he was already certain that this square already had more people than his village, giving a rather chaotic feel to the local environment.
And despite it, the clear blue skies and local folk happily chatting away around him gave off a relaxing ambience as he gained his bearings. Jaune breathed in the cool, fresh air – well, as fresh as downtown city air can be – and breathed out, looking around and taking in the feel of the city.
"Hmm, Dust shops there, a bookstore there…" Jaune spun in place, scanning for perhaps some sign of where Beacon or anything Huntsman related could be.
Eventually, after taking a short walk past some local vendors, he came to another clearing where, out on the horizon was the distant visage of Beacon, nestled amongst the pristine and Grimm filled valleys a fait bit beyond the city walls. From his position, Jaune noted that said Academy sat like a castle straight out of the stories of his childhood.
Jaune closed his eye. There, he smiled as he took in not only the rather stunning view, but also the butterflies in his stomach that were for once did not induce nausea, but a muted sense of excitement.
"Last call for passengers to Beacon Academy. I say again, last call for passengers to Beacon Academy. Flight takes off in 5 minutes. Thank you."
His eyes snapped open.
Looking around for the source of the announcement, Jaune scanned the square until he found what seemed to be the closest indication of where he needed to go next: more people, standing in what could vaguely be called lines to board a much larger airship than the Bullhead which dropped him off. The difference between the crowds of civilians and this one, though, was the array of various coloured clothing and unique weaponry,
With a grunt of determination, he set off towards the unofficial terminal. Upon joining his fellow aspirants he stumbled with an audible oof as he was nearly bowled over by who a boy and girl who rushed in to take the spot after him.
"Oh sorry about that! Hehe, didn't want to get left behind," The girl of the pair giggled. Sporting bright orange hair and a smile bright enough to rival the sun, she half led, half dragged who Jaune assumed was maybe her boyfriend into the spot with her. He sighed and shook his head.
"Nora, please refrain from knocking other people over. We're already in line with the airship still here, so we won't be left behind anytime soon."
Turning to him, he gave Jaune a polite smile. "I'm sorry. Nora is rather excited about getting into Beacon."
"Ah, it's okay. Can't say I blame her for being excited to become a Huntsman, right?"
The girl – Nora, as the boy called her – nodded enthusiastically. "Well hey, we've been together for a while – not together-together, but together - and we've been travelling around, killing Grimm so that we can join Beacon and become Huntsmen!" She rambled off. She looked at him curiously. "Since you're here, you better be coming too!"
"Yep. Wouldn't bring my weapons here for nothing," Jaune nodded, and gestured his head down to Crocea Mors sheathed at his waist.
"Good!" Nora smiled approvingly and put her hands on her waist. Man, this girl's enthusiasm was hard to resist. He briefly wondered how the boy beside him – sporting long black hair with a prominent streak of pink down one side and with rather emotionless pink eyes - looked ever so stoic and calm, the complete opposite of his companion's energy.
"So, what's your name, blondie?"
"Jaune. Jaune Arc. Short, sweet and rolls off the tongue." He stood with his back a little taller and smiled, giving them what he hoped was just on the right side of playful.
"Ooh, aren't you a charmer?" She grinned and laughed back, putting an arm around the boy beside her. "I'm Nora Valkyrie, and this han-uh. This man here is Renny!" She announced, roughly shaking the boy.
The boy offered him a small smile – so small even Jaune wouldn't have noticed had he not looked at his eyes when she introduced him – and approached him, shaking his hand. "Lie Ren. Pleased to meet you, Jaune."
"Likewise," Jaune noted as their hair began to blow back from the airship.
"All Beacon applicants, please begin boarding the aircraft in an orderly fashion," came another automated voice as the engine wash began to cover the crowd. The trio then joined the procession making its way into the aircraft.
Finding a suitable place to wait as they flew, the general chatter amongst the applicants was soon drowned out in favour of the holographic news broadcast. The news summarized how a renowned criminal in the city was arrested after a failed robbery, before being replaced in turn by a live projection of a stern looking woman.
"Hello, and welcome to Beacon. My name is Glynda Goodwitch. You are among a privileged few who have received the honour of being selected to attend this prestigious academy."
She narrowed her eyes and straightened her back. "You have demonstrated the courage needed for such as task, and now, it is our turn to provide you with the knowledge and the training to protect our world," the woman finished before fading out of view.
The silence was quickly filled with excited and nervous chatter amongst the applicants, no doubt feeling some sort of anticipation towards the future. However, it gave way to gasps of awe as some rushed to peek out the windows.
"Ooh, look at that!" Nora exclaimed and pointed her finger out the window. Jaune followed her finger and fully took in the majestic view of Beacon as the aircraft began to land on the docks in front of the Academy's courtyard.
"Pretty soon we're gonna be Huntsmen!" Nora celebrated and wrapped her arms around Ren in a bear hug. As she continued to celebrate and Ren gently indulging her, Jaune could not help but feel some butterflies in his stomach as reality came crashing down.
No more turning back. It was time to prove himself, do or die. It would be his first time fighting against Grimm, even if it was on a team.
And it scared him.
Said fear would soon be manifested for as the door opened and people began to leave, so too did the contents of Jaune's stomach.
"Ahh, no! Watch the hair!"
===/\===
Weiss Schnee was not having a good day.
She thought that perhaps arriving in Vale away from the control of her father would be enough to give her some form of control over her life. A smooth arrival to unpack her things and face the challenge of both Beacon's infamous initiation rites and to become the leader of her team. A Schnee, after all, is never a follower.
In any case, perhaps the average person would be smart enough to recognize her ancestral snowflake emblem and give and be courteous at the very least.
So why was it that just about every personshe met seemed to be either bratty, annoying, or some combination of the two?
The moment she arrived in Beacon, the entirety of her Dust supply and personal belongings – not to mention perhaps much of the local scenery – could've been destroyed after some dolt with a red cape fell on it. A dolt who seemed just as unaware of the consequences even when explained what could've been.
And then there was the matter of that blonde doofus. Oh goodness, had he no social awareness? Could he not tell that not every gesture was meant as an invitation for him to follow up with some cheesy, annoying remark?
"I'm a natural blond, you know!"
Just the thought of tall, blonde and scraggly approaching her with what he thought was a charming smile sent shivers down her spine.
Weiss sighed and gathered Myrtenaster from her locker. Looking around, she scouted the masses for people who perhaps showed some potential as future partners and teammates.
Hmm…over there's the dolt and her sister. Ruby Rose, as she introduced herself in attempt to make up for her mistakes the previous day. The sisters were standing several lockers down, but she felt no inclination to close the distance.
Looking around, she spied some others – in one corner was a rather large brown haired man who carried an equally large mace, although the look on his face as he walked towards the exit screamed overconfidence and arrogance. She would have to pass. She received enough of those looks when talking to the boys of her father's business partners.
"Nora."
"Yes, Ren?"
"I don't think sloths make a lot of noise."
"…that's why it's perfect! No one will suspect we're working together!"
Turning around at the source of the noise she drowned out at the start, the pair – a girl with bright orange hair and boy with long black hair – closed their lockers and headed out. The boy was slightly intriguing, she had to admit. His quiet demeanour in contrast to the girl's bubbly personality hinted at a level of admirable patience, but she would definitely pass on getting the other half of the package, if her almost literally clinging on to him while running her mouth served any indication.
Well, it seems like I'll just have to find somebody better out there. Most people have already left or look too unimpressive to be effective.
Sighing, she secured Myrtenaster to her waist and closed her locker, preparing to head out and prepare for initiation. However, in allowing herself one last sweep around the room –
Pyrrha Nikos.
If there was anyone worthy of becoming at the very least her teammate, then by the Brothers it would be Pyrrha. She knew for a fact that her martial prowess wasn't something to scoff at, if four straight tournament victories were the case.
Yet, what also intrigued Weiss was the fact that she was Mistralian in origin. Pyrrha was most likely offered an invitation straight to Haven Academy with her fame. Perhaps a falling out with family, or a desire to escape the attention? That was something she could easily sympathize with.
She walked up to her and offered an easy smile. "So Pyrrha, have you given any thought to whose team you would like to be on? I'm sure everyone must be eager to unite with such a strong, well known individual, like yourself."
The redhead regarded her and offered a smile of her own. Such a smile Weiss noticed, was one she would use when in front of the camera and needed to keep positive media appearances.
"Hmm… I'm not quite sure. I was planning on letting the chips fall where they may."
No. This wouldn't do. "Well, I was thinking maybe we could be on a team together."
"Well, that sounds grand!" Pyrrha offered with a polite laugh.
This is perfect. With myself as the smartest partnered with the strongest, we'll get good grades and blow away anything that comes in our way.
She nodded back, contentment clear on her face. Said contentment was not fit to last, however, as Weiss' view of the redhead champion was quickly replaced by tall, blonde and scraggly.
"You know what also is great? Me, Jaune Arc. Nice to meet you."
Ugh. Weiss regarded him with look that can be described as if someone ate a piece of rancid cheese, though Pyrrha was much fonder in her greeting.
"You again?"
"Nice to meet you Jaune!"
Surprisingly enough, the blonde just shook her off. "Yeah, yeah. So, Weiss, couldn't help but overhear your fondness of me the other day. But it's okay! No need to be embarrassed."
Oh please. There's no embarrassment she felt for him. Not in the slightest. Pity maybe, but it was mainly frustration. With a side of fury.
Snapping out of her thoughts, she deigned to give him death by eye contact though he turned his attention to Pyrrha. "And you, hot stuff? What do you say? There are four people in a team, after all."
Enough of this. "Jaune, is it? Don't you have any idea who you're talking to?"
"Not in the slightest."
One eye twitched.
"This is Pyrrha Nikos! She graduated top of her class at Sanctum and was the four time champion of the Mistral Regional Tournament!"
"The what now?"
Both eyes twitched.
"She's on the box of the Pumpkin Pete's Marshmallow Flakes!"
A gasp of recognition. Ah. Perhaps now we're getting somewhere.
"Ah! Now I recognize you! They only do that to star athletes and celebrities!" He gushed. Jaune rushed up and shook her hand enthusiastically. "Me and my sisters love your cereal!"
What appeared to be the first genuine smile, Weiss noticed, appeared in response. "Well, thank you. Sadly though, it's not too healthy for you."
This is getting ridiculous. "So, after hearing everything do you really think you're in a position to ask her to be on your team?"
Weiss felt the smallest twinge of maybe-guilt as she witnessed the boy's spirits die an ugly death. Jaune sighed and lowered his head dejectedly in response.
"No…" he whispered.
Nevertheless, Pyrrha stepped up and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I think you would make a great leader."
The consolation seemed to have the expected response from the blonde, as almost immediately his face grinned his goofy smile at Pyrrha. "Aww, you're so sweet! There's one spot just for you in Team Jaune, don't you worry now."
Sigh. "You do realize that we still have Initiation to get through before you could become the leader of your own team?" Weiss remarked, crossing her arms. Could he not realize the gravity and importance of the upcoming event? She was beginning to wonder if his chipper attitude was an attempt to mask oncoming nervousness. Either that or he was just plain annoying.
His smile and voice did die down a little as he turned around and looked her in the eyes. She noticed how his deep blue eyes did not sway and held her own with resolve. It seemed, for once, that perhaps there is something more to him than his personality suggested.
"Yeah. But I will do my best and become a huntsman like everyone else," Jaune remarked with a softer, genuine grin. "Like both of you."
"Would all applicants please report to Beacon Cliff for Initiation. All applicants to Beacon Cliff immediately. Bzzzt."
Jaune, Pyrrha and Weiss turned to look at the change room intercom before looking back at themselves. Sparing him a neutral look, she turned away and began walking towards the exit.
As Weiss heard Pyrrha follow suit, she remembered the look on his face before the announcement. Remembered how he settled down and exposed a little of his genuine self. Despite their differences in upbringing, in that moment she could relate to him more than she would ever tell him.
After all, what were façades when you needed to show strength and hide weakness? She too wanted to become a Huntsman more than anything. She fought tooth and nail against the wishes of her father to enroll as a student here, much less travel to Vale.
Though she found him quite annoying, his drive to succeed mirrored her own. Weiss did not dignify him with a response, but she could at least respect courage and determination, even if they themselves did not realize they had it.
And as she stepped outside with the rest of the applicants alongside the edge of the cliff, Weiss hoped that it would be enough. Enough for him to defend himself.
After all, what use is courage if its wielder can't even wield a sword?
Weiss hoped she wouldn't have to find out.
===/\===
Jaune slowly let his smile die as he watched both Weiss and Pyrrha leave the room. Deep down he was still slightly happy how Pyrrha stuck up for him through Weiss' barbs. Yet, at the same time it was rather emasculating.
Sure, his dad did say all that you needed was confidence when it came down to girls. Heh. If anything, confidence just drove Weiss away.
Arrrggh, I can't afford to think of that right now! Jaune scratched his head and sat down by one of the lockers. Initiation was beginning right now, with everyone else gathering outside to meet with the faculty. Yet all he could picture was how he saw her for the first time – so beautiful and radiant. The way her off-centre ponytail cascaded down her back, or how those pale blue eyes pierced into your own. Weiss took no shit and was not afraid to let you know of that.
Simply put, he was head over in heels for her. To think that he would be involved in a love drama and he wasn't even accepted into the school yet.
He snapped out of his reverie as a hand appeared in front of his face.
"Having some trouble there, ladykiller?"
Jaune looked up and was greeted by a girl with red hair and a girl with gold hair. Ah. Ruby and her sister Yang. I remember threw up on her shoes when we landed. He shivered at the memory and took Ruby's outstretched hand. Ruby offered a sympathetic smile and pulled him up with much more force than he expected out of the small girl. It nearly caused him to stumble over, and had to hide a blush at that.
That was one thing Jaune always found intriguing. Every girl here, from Ruby to Snow Angel was much stronger than they looked. He could at least chalk that up to actual proper training before they came here though.
But why does every girl here also have to look just so damn fine?
Yang Xiao Long was practically the epitome of beautiful. Her easygoing personality combined with that flirtatious smile and lilac eyes definitely added to her assets…among other things. Ruby Rose was a little too young for his taste but definitely had that cute little sister appeal.
And then there's the matter of Pyrrha and Weiss…
Oh Gods, I can't concentrate.
He sighed at the thought and patted himself down. "I don't understand! All my dad said was that I needed confidence. Where did I go wrong?"
Yang gave a small laugh and patted his shoulder as they both made their way towards the exit. "I don't think 'Snow Angel' wasn't the best start."
Ruby gestured for him to follow them, and they began making their way out to the cliffs. "Heheh. You were kinda dorky, Jaune."
"Yeah I know. But…still! Besides, I meant what I said about being a Huntsman." He stopped and looked at both of them. "There's no way I'm gonna let myself fail."
"Don't worry, I believe you on that. But first," Ruby looked at him with an impish grin. "Maybe stop puking on people's shoes?"
"Hey! That was an accident!"
"Aww, look at my little Rubes making friends! Maybe you can be the Vomit Girl to his Vomit Boy!"
Ruby blushed. "Yaaang!"
===/\===
Sip.
And a sigh.
Ozpin lowered his mug of coffee and looked upon the vast expanse of the Emerald Forest. Numerous Grimm, though not enough to warrant concern populated the woods; a perfect testing ground of Huntsmen-to-be.
It was always a nice view, he had to admit. However, he was not a man so easily awed. After all, after living hundreds of lifetimes and seeing languages evolve and kingdoms fall, the element of surprise does seem to make itself scarce.
Well. At least the one thing he could always count on was a good cup of coffee.
Turning around, he regarded each of the many different candidates for this year's Initiation. He could always remember when the star teams of the past were not even formed yet standing in front like they are now. There was a Team Silver, or SLVR, who became famous ten years ago for leading the efforts to stop a Grimm incursion into the city. Farther back, Team Aster, or ASTR was responsible for covering the retreat of many refugees from Mountain Glenn.
And then there was Team STRQ.
His hand tightened around his cane.
"Headmaster, it's time."
Another sigh.
Ozpin stepped forward and kept his gaze neutral. "For years you have all trained to become warriors. Here today, your abilities will be evaluated within the Emerald Forest."
Glynda resumed her place beside him. "Now, I'm sure many of you have heard rumours about the assignment of teams. Allow us to put those to rest. Each of you will be assigned teammates today."
Nodding back at him, Ozpin gave himself a small moment to quickly scan over the applicants in front of him. All were no doubt trained and experienced to some degree, but – ah. The little things, such as their demeanour, how they composed themselves; some were more promising than others.
And then his eyes fell upon that of one Miss Ruby Rose.
The daughter of Summer Rose, she was a mirror image in both appearance and mannerisms. Her incident with Roman Torchwick cast aside all doubt and assured him that there was much potential in her future.
Then of course, there was the silver eyes. Looking at her briefly, he felt the remnants of his own magic react to that of the Brother of Light and did his best to calm it.
And yet, why did it stir so, filling his heart and veins with energy and power?
Shaking his head, he addressed them once more. "These teammates will be with you for the rest of your time here at Beacon. It is in your best interest to be paired with someone with whom you can work well. Such will be determined by the first person who you make eye contact with."
He turned and lifted his cane, pointing it towards the forest. "Make your way to the end, and you will find a ruined temple. Relics lie there; bring them back to complete your initiation."
"You will be graded on your performance to survive and bring them back. Any questions?"
"Uh, sir?"
Ozpin met the boy's eyes, and for the smallest moment felt a surge of power within him. The last time he felt his own magic react to that of another, it was near one of the Maidens, and a descendant of his from a past life too.
If that was a river, then this was a torrent.
He briefly narrowed his eyes.
"Yes?"
"Are you dropping us at the bottom of the cliff so we can go?"
"No, you will be using your own landing strategy once catapulted from the cliff."
"Wait, so is this what these platforms are foooor-"
The rest of the candidates followed Jaune in quick succession as they were catapulted into the forest, ready to begin their initiation. He looked at the direction of where the blond swordsman travelled before looking back at Beacon's tower.
"Is there something wrong, Ozpin?"
Perceptive as ever, Glynda. "Nothing of the sort. Just wondering about the potential of some of our young students."
Though he wished them all success, a few in particular he definitely hoped to see make it into his school. Miss Rose and her sister were for sure on that list…and so was the blond boy.
Yes. He would like to them pass and enter. After all, it wasn't every day he was confronted with someone since Salem who possessed more magical power than he did.
One who was also unaware of that fact.
Ozpin lifted his coffee mug to his lips and took a sip.
/ AN \
Hey all!
Welcome back to another chapter of Legends of Remnant. Firstly I just want to say again, thank you to those who decided to give this a go and read the first two. In addition, thank you to the first four (as of this update) who left reviews. I'm starting to understand how many new writers get their motivation, hehe. It is honestly very encouraging, and I hope to do my best to not let any of you down. That being said, if anyone of you feel like perhaps one part could've been done better, I also welcome constructive criticism. There's nothing better than learning and improving your craft.
In any case, onto the more serious stuff. I will do my best not to abandon LoR - I know how frustrating it can be when there's a really good story which suddenly stops because of various reasons. However, like many other new writers out there I am currently juggling both school and work, though this was born out of a genuine passion for both universes, and with such a personal project I will see it done to the end.
So, here's the rundown. I expect to update / publish new chapters a minimum of every two weeks. It can be more than that or less if circumstances permit, but I wish to give somewhat of a set schedule so as to push myself while remaining flexible, mentally refreshed and satisfied that what I'm writing is up to par. I will give the rough estimate on my profile beside the link to the story.
Once again, thank you all for both reading this and the story so far. If any of you have questions please feel free to ask. Hope to see you all soon!
- Loreseeker
The Legend of Zelda and RWBY are properties of Nintendo and Rooster Teeth, respectively.