Authors note: to all readers who have made it this far thank you and I'm honored. if you have enjoyed the story, or think I could do something better please let me know in the reviews section.
Chapter. Three
Jack was staring up in horrified shock at the broken moon. "What in tarnation happened to the god-damned moon!" The last Marston shouted before shakily getting to his feet. Unbeknownst to the gunslinger his negative emotions were drawing the creatures of Grimm like a dinner bell. Jack turned and drew the high-power pistol he took from Agent Ross when he heard what he thought was a large wolf growling. A pair of glowing red eyes began to peak out from the foliage like something out of a fairy tale Jack read as a child. As the beast began to approach the young gunslinger it stepped out from the forest appearing to be a werewolf-like creature. Jack gulped down his initial shock and leveled the pistol at the creature's nose, breathed out, and pressed the trigger.
The Hi- power's express bullet left the barrel with an ear-ringing crack. The round flew through the wolf's open maw severing its spinal cord and sending it crumbling to the forest floor. Jack nearly let a smirk cross his face at his small victory but it was quickly dashed as the beast's corpse began to dissipate and he heard more growling and roars approaching deciding that discretion would be the better part of valor today, he put a hand to his face and let out a shrill whistle. To the young man's relief, he heard a familiar whinny and galloping hooves, as Fitz rapidly approached. Jack stuck out his and caught the horn of the saddle and drug himself up as he and his steed thundered away with a growing pack of Grimm chasing them.
Meanwhile at beacon academy
Headmaster Ozpin was in his office as usual enjoying yet another cup of coffee as he went over preparations for the school year thus far, and things had gone smoothly...well smooth for Beacon anyway. Suddenly a massive bolt of lightning struck the ruins of the forest with enough force to rattle the windows of beacon academy. Headmaster Ozpin bolted from his chair with a start not because of the lightning but because the old Headmaster felt something he had not felt in a long time; the thrum of magical energy.
The elevator to Ozpin's office chimed and outstepped the stern visage of combat instructor Glynda Goodwitch. "Headmaster Ozpin we have a situation in the emerald forest". Ozpin eyed his subordinate and nodded "I am aware Ms. Goodwitch" The headmaster turned to his desk and pulled up the camera feeds from the hidden cameras in the forest. After some panning around the cameras came upon a young man about seventeen wearing antique-looking clothes and using older-looking weapons as well. The young man was riding a black horse of all things and was being chased by several creatures of Grimm.
The headmaster and combat teacher's eyes widened in surprise and concern as the young man shot a Beowolf that tried to jump on his horse with what appeared to be a shotgun. "That boy is going to get himself killed, what is he thinking!" the combat teacher nearly shouted, her protective instincts overpowering her usual calm demeanor. Ozpin nodded in agreement but then an idea came to him, the young man was using antiquated weapons and wasn't using dust but was holding his own regardless and Ozpin was willing to bet he didn't have his semblance or even his aura unlocked. "Ms. Goodwitch please ready a bullhead, we are going to assist this young man before any harm can come to him and see just what his story is. Perhaps we could be mutually beneficial to each other" Ozpin requested gaining a sly grin. Ms. Goodwitch blinked owlishly for a moment, realizing what the headmaster was getting at, and sighed before nodding "Of course sir" and turned on her heel to make preparations to fetch the young man.
Back in the Emerald Forest
Jack had taken out several of the bizarre creatures chasing him and Fitz and they had put a considerable distance between them. Jack decided he would put that separation to use and turned Fitz towards a small hill. Jack jumped down from the saddle pulled his scoped buffalo rifle from its scabbard, crouched, and drew a bead on the approaching crowd of Grimm. The head of an approaching Beowulf filled Jack's's scope, Jack released a breath and pressed the trigger. The 45-70 high-velocity round left the rifle's barrel with a thunderous crack and slammed through the Beowolfs head splitting it down the middle. Jack threw the breech lever on the rifle and loaded a fresh round, closed the breech, sighted in on his next target, and pulled the trigger sending another creature of darkness back to where it came. Soon the crowd of Grimm that had been chasing Jack was whittled down to an odd Boarbatusks or two and a few shotgun slugs had seen to that.
The young man stowed his weapons in his holsters or slung them on his back with a small victorious smirk and looked around for his loyal horse Fitz. He spotted the animal a good distance away and he looked spooked as all get out. "Come on boy it's okay there all gone" Jack called out, but the horse began to rear and seemed more frightened.
Suddenly Jack was hit in the back with the force of a freight train almost like when he was mauled by Brumas the gargantuan Grizzley bear in the snowcapped mountains of Tall Trees. Jack scrambled to his feet holding his now aching ribs, he turned and face his assailant. The beast that stood before him was larger and more fearsome than the aforementioned Grizzly. The monstrous bear stood every bit of ten feet tall and girth to boot. Its strange bone Armour ran into pitch black fur, the beast's six-inch claws clacked against the rocky ground as it slowly stalked toward the wounded gunslinger.
Jack shook himself of his paralyzing fear and noticed the Bear was beginning to charge his world flashed gold as he pulled both his pistols and unloaded both at the monster's head and chest before diving to the side narrowly avoiding impalement by the beast's claws. The volley of shots only served to distract and anger the monster. "Damn! Handguns ain't gonna cut it" Jack spat in frustration when he noticed the lack of damage.
"Alright partner how bout you try this on for size" Jack sneered as he unslung the buffalo rifle and loaded an explosive cartridge Jack had crafted a few nights before. "I'm just gonna take a little off the top" as the front sight met the open maw of the monstrous bear. Jack exhaled and pressed the trigger releasing the over-pressured round. The rifle bucked harder into his shoulder than it ever had before as the big explosive round missed slightly wide and flew past the skull of the bear. Thankfully the round went off early blinding the monster as it charged a second time; but not soon enough for Jack to evade.
The reeling monster had bowled Jack over in its blind charge and pinned Jack to the Forrest floor with its massive paw as it slowly recovered. The beast let out a vicious roar as it raised its other paw to finish its prey. Jack was furiously scrambling for his revolver but to no avail, this bizarre bear-like creature would surely kill him, Jack closed his eyes in acceptance of his fate.
Then something strange happened, the crushing pressure on his chest was gone but Jack could still feel his would-be killers' presence; he could even hear it bellowing in confusion. Jack opened his eye and saw the strange bear suspended in the air engulfed in a purple hue. The beast in question was flailing its limbs and roaring in confusion until it was run through by a large spear of ice.
The young man sat up in utter bewilderment at the events that had just occurred. "Good evening young man" a voice tore Jack from his confusion as he saw an older man with white hair, bored brown eyes, and a green suit holding a cane standing over him with an easy smile and hand extended like he wasn't standing in a forest with man-eating monsters running around. Jack blinked in confusion before taking the man's hand and getting off the ground. "Thank you for the help, sir," Jack said appreciatively.
"Think nothing of it young man but in truth, I'm not the one you should thank, that belongs to Professor Goodwitch here" the man responded gesturing to a blonde woman wearing a white shirt, black pants, and a tattered purple cape holding a riding crop approaching from the side. "well..um..thank you, ma'am," jack said thankfully with a tip of his hat". The now named professor Goodwitch narrowed her green eyes at him before she approached "What were you thinking! First, you trespassed on beacon academy grounds then you drew a massive crowd of Grimm one of which was an ursa major which nearly killed you!"
"The... where...the who?" Jack feebly tried to respond but yelped when the disciplinarian pointed her riding crop at his face. "Don't you back sass me, young man!". Jeez, she is scarier than momma Jack thought. The old man chuckled and put a hand on the woman's shoulder "Now Glynda don't be too harsh; he's had a bit of a rough day. Oh! Forgive me where are my manners I am Professor Ozpin the headmaster of Beacon Academy; This is as I've previously introduced Professor Glynda Goodwitch my deputy headmistress and combat instructor". The now named Professor Ozpin said as he extended his hand
What the hell have I gotten myself into? Jack thought but he snapped himself of his cynicism and shook the man's hand. "My name is John Marston Junior but most people call me Jack, and well thanks again for the help sir I got a little over my head there at the end" Jack responded sheepishly. The old man smirked at that "I see well I must say I was quiet I'm pressed that you were able to take out so many creatures of Grimm with such antiquated weapons and without using Dust, or your aura and semblance for that matter"
Jack was completely gob-smacked "What in the hell is a Grimm and how would dust help me kill one and what does my aura, whatever that means have to do with anything!" Jack asked incredulously.
Glynda's stern expression turned incredulous at that statement and Ozpin's mouth opened forming an O shape as he began to realize something. "Young man, do you mean to tell me that you don't know what the creatures of Grimm are?" when the young man nodded the affirmative the two professors knew something truly peculiar was afoot. "I see... Mr. Marston, I won't lie to you your situation is... strange I think it would be better if we continued this discussion back at Beacon; it would certainly be better than traipsing around in a forest prowling with monsters, wouldn't it?"
Jack thought about the offer for a moment but ultimately agreed that being cold, hungry, and somethings dinner wasn't exactly an appealing way to spend an evening. "Alright Mr. I'll come along" Jack brought his hand to his face and let out a shrill whistle, the small crowd turned towards the sound of galloping hooves. Soon a black horse came into view and came up to Jack and began nuzzling him with his snout. Jack smiled at his prized companion and turned to the two professors and addressed them "And this professor is my horse, Fitz" Fitz snorted and ducked his head in greeting.
Ozpin had a small smile at the interaction and Jack could've sworn he saw Goodwitch chuckle a little. As Jack approached Fitz, he noticed a peculiar aircraft descending from the sky. It was unlike anything he had ever seen before, bullhead, as the headmaster had called it. The bullhead landed a short distance away, and Jack cautiously made his way towards it, leading Fitz by the reins. As he got closer, the doors of the bullhead opened, and Ms. Goodwitch stepped forward, her stern expression softening slightly. "You handled yourself quite well out there; can you follow us back to Beacon so we can talk in the headmaster's office? "Jack nodded in reply and saddled up onto Fitz, as the bullhead took off and began flying towards Beacon Academy.
…. A short while later
As Jack rode through Beacon's courtyard, he couldn't help but whistle at the beautiful architecture that made up Beacon Academy. He saw Headmaster Ozpin and Ms. Goodwitch waiting outside the central tower. Jack got down from the saddle and joined them as they strolled through the lobby to the elevator. Jack had never seen much less been inside an elevator before though he had heard some of the more high-fluting buildings in Saint-Denis had them. The three of them crammed in the elevator and ascended the tower. After a brutally slow and awkward ride, the elevator dinged and they all stepped out.
The office is filled with relics and artifacts, giving an air of wisdom and adventure. Headmaster Ozpin sits behind his desk, while Glynda Goodwitch stands nearby. Jack Marston stands in the center of the room, a sense of curiosity and determination in his eyes. The old headmaster sighed and folded his hands on his desk "Mr. Marston I'll be frank your situation is unique, so let's start from the beginning where are you from"? Jack leaned back in his chair and scratched his neck as he contemplated how to respond. "Well sir my family moved around a lot when I was a child so I can't say I'm from anywhere, but the last couple of years my family and tried to run a small ranch before it was attacked" Jack looked at the floor as his mind was flooded with memories; Jack wasn't technically lying but he didn't feel up to spilling the whole truth.
"My folks died in the attack and I've been wandering ever since on account of I've got nowhere else to go" Jack continued sadly. A look of sympathy crossed the two professors' faces. Ozpin exchanged a knowing glance with Glynda before turning his attention back to Jack. "Mr. Marston, I'm sorry truly I am but I believe you possess a unique set of skills that could be of great use here at Beacon Academy. We train Huntsmen and Huntresses to protect humanity from the Grimm. Would you be interested in joining us?" Jack's mind raced as he thought about the stories he read as a child, the tales of heroes and legends. He remembered the good his father and Arthur had done in their lives, and how he had sought justice for his father's death. A smile tugged at the corner of Jack's lips as he looked up at Ozpin. "You know, I've always dreamed of being a hero like the ones in those stories. I reckon it's about time I start living up to that dream." Ozpin's smile matched Jack's. "Welcome to Beacon Academy, Mr. Marston. We have much to teach you, and I have a feeling you'll fit right in." Jack thought about the chance to his old life behind, he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement and determination. He was ready to embrace this new chapter, to become the hero he had always admired. With Fitz by his side and the support of his newfound allies, Jack Marston was prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead on his journey to becoming a Huntsman.
Authors note: whew this chapter was an absolute bear (no pun intended) to write. well, our boy has officially joined Beacon Academy let's see what happens next. I am very excited to begin introducing everyone's favorite hunters and huntresses in training to the story and have them begin interacting with Jack. If you've enjoyed the story so far or have suggestions going forward please let me know in the reviews section.