Chapter. 4
authors note: welcome all once again I hope you're enjoying the story so far. It has just dawned on me that I did not describe Jack's outfit nor did he bring other outfits with him when "traveling" to Remnant. Also, I didn't make Jack seem shocked enough at Remnant's technology or people having aura or semblances so I will try to correct that in this chapter. Once again I hope you enjoy the story and I would be honored if you could give me some feedback in the review section. Have a better one.
italics: thoughts or journal
In the tranquil embrace of Beacon's lush courtyard, a solitary figure found solace beneath the sheltering branches of a shade tree. Jack Marston, sat there with a contemplative air.
As the symphony of birdsong filled the air and the gentle rustling of leaves provided a soothing backdrop, Jack Marston turned a page in his worn leather-bound journal. His eyes lingered upon the newly sketched image of Beacon Tower, a beacon of hope amidst turbulent times. In this idyllic haven, he sought refuge, a sanctuary to collect his scattered thoughts and unravel the web of emotions that had entwined his heart.
I never could've fathomed finding myself so out of my depth. When I initially embarked on my quest for vengeance against Edgar Ross, I believed that was the deepest I would ever delve. But alas, I find myself standing on the grounds of Beacon Academy, penning my thoughts in this journal before the commencement of the school year. This world, it's an entirely different realm. Its inhabitants possess the ability to wield magic, though Ozpin and Ms. Goodwitch insist that magic doesn't exist and refer to it, as semblances and aura, to combat grotesque creatures. And their technology, it's so advanced that it might as well be sorcery to me as well.
And let us not forget the Fanus, individuals adorned with animalistic attributes! Rabbit ears, cat tails, retractable claws, and more. The manner in which these people dress is utterly peculiar, and the colors and designs of their attire would put the finest tailor in St. Denis to shame. I must admit, I do appreciate the way some of the women present themselves. If I were not aware of the reality of this world, I would have assumed I had stumbled into some sort of enchanting fairy tale.
However, I cannot grumble too much. Headmaster Ozpin, in his generosity, arranged for Professor Goodwitch to unlock my aura and grant me a temporary room until the school year commences. Additionally, I must mention that Professor Ozpin permitted me to keep Fitz, my trusty steed, within Beacon Academy's stable. When I inquired as to why such an advanced academy even possessed a stable, Ozpin explained that upperclassmen teams are dispatched on long-term missions, and students who cannot afford vehicles often rely on horses as a means of transportation.
Both Ozpin and Goodwitch have been instrumental in aiding my transition into this unfamiliar world. I have not divulged the entirety of my journey to them, but I suspect they harbor suspicions regarding my origins. Professor Goodwitch even bestowed upon me one of those "scrolls" and taught me how to utilize it. I owe them a tremendous debt—for not only saving my life but also providing me with sanctuary and guiding me through this world.
I must confess, I am brimming with anticipation for the adventures that await me at Beacon. Back home, whenever the name "Marston" is uttered, it is synonymous with trouble. Perhaps, just perhaps, I will have the opportunity to rewrite that narrative. To prove that a Marston can transcend the confines of being a mere troublemaker. Here's to hoping that this new chapter in my life can rewrite the stories of the past and carve a path toward a brighter future.
Jack got off the ground and stuffed his journal into his satchel as he spared a final look at the tranquil yet vibrant greenery of Beacons courtyard. He adjusted his duster coat before he headed to the airship docks. Jack spent a great deal of his free time there when he wasn't pouring himself out into Beacons library trying to learn as much as he could about the world...and more than a few fantasy books. Jack was still amazed that such hulking vehicles could fly, he was still equally bewildered by the rest of Remnant's technology but vehicles that could fly that was just ridiculous.
The real reason Jack was heading there today was to scope out the new arrivals, as well as potential teammates among the first-year students. As Jack arrived at the Docks, an airship touched down, and he witnessed a blond fellow, dressed like a knight or something, running off the ship and losing his breakfast into a nearby trashcan. A small smirk crossed Jack's face momentarily before he had to quickly sidestep to avoid getting trampled by the offloading crowd.
"Hey, watch it!" Jack shouted at the passing crowd, shaking his fist. Returning his gaze to the sickly knight, Jack commented, "Not having the best of mornings, I take it?" To his credit, the young man recovered fairly quickly.
"No, certainly not my best. I'm Jaune, by the way. Jaune Arc rolls off the tongue, ladies love it," the knight introduced himself with forced confidence.
"I'm sure they do," Jack said, rolling his eyes and smirking. He extended his hand and shook Jaune's. "I'm Jack Marston."
Before the conversation could progress, an explosion thundered through the courtyard, jolting Jack out of his reverie. He swiftly turned his gaze towards the commotion, his curiosity piqued. What he beheld was beyond his wildest expectations.
A petite girl, clad in a regal yet conspicuously short white and blue dress, stood there, her icy blue eyes and snow-white hair unruffled.
She was fiercely chastising a younger girl who if Jack had to guess read little red riding hood one too many times as a child.
The girl wore a black blouse a black waist cincher with red lacing, a black skirt with red accents, black stockings, and combat boots with red laces, trim, and soles. To top it off, she had a red hooded cloak fastened with cross-shaped pins and a large silver brooch displaying her emblem on her wide black belt.
"This is exactly what I was talking about, you dunderhead! What do you have to say for yourself?!" the girl in the white-themed attire bellowed, her voice resonating with authority.
Growing weary of the lecture, the girl in red retorted, her voice laced with sarcasm, "Okay, princess! I said I was sorry."
"It's heiress, actually. Weiss Schnee, heiress to the Schnee Dust Company, the largest dust exporter in Remnant," a new voice interjected, cutting through the tension like a razor-sharp blade. Jack's eyes darted toward the speaker, revealing a raven-haired enchantress of his own age. Her aloof amber eyes and the dainty black bow atop her head only added to her allure, and her stylish, form-fitting black and white ensemble caught Jack's attention.
"Finally, some recognition," Weiss, as she was now identified, replied with a smug expression, her pride shining through.
But the raven-haired beauty wasn't finished. With a look on her face that reminded Jack of a predatory cat, she continued, "The same company that indulges in controversial labor practices and shady business partners."
The momentum Weiss had built up evaporated in an instant, replaced by a mix of embarrassment and anger. To make matters worse, the girl she had been scolding couldn't help but giggle at her expense. Even Jack found himself chuckling at the absurdity of it all.
Naturally, Weiss was offended. "How dare you!" she huffed and stormed off.
Not wanting to burn any bridges, the red-headed girl shouted after her, "I promise I'll make this up to you!".
Turning to thank the raven-haired girl for her intervention, the younger girl found herself met with an empty space, as she had already begun walking away. The disappointment etched on her face was palpable as she slumped to the ground. "Welcome to Beacon," she muttered forlornly.
Jack's heart twinged with empathy as he witnessed the girl's dejected state. It was a feeling he knew all too well. "Having a rough go of it, little miss?" he asked, approaching her with a friendly smile and extending a helping hand.
She looked up at him gratefully, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Heh, yeah. My first day at Beacon hasn't exactly been what I imagined. I'm Ruby, by the way." She accepted his hand, allowing him to lift her off the ground.
"I'm Jack," he replied, his smile widening. "Well, Ruby, let's hope things start looking up from here."
At that point, Jaune made his way over and Jack introduced him to Ruby. As they strolled through Beacon's courtyard, the trio engaged in lively banter.
"Motion sickness is way more common than people think," Jaune defended his point.
"Sorry, vomit boy was the first thing that came to mind," Ruby quipped, causing Jaune to retaliate.
"Yeah? Well, what if I called you crater face?" Jaune fired back. Ruby's face turned red, and Jack couldn't help but snicker beside her.
"Hey, that explosion was an accident," Ruby defended herself. Wanting to shift the conversation to something Ruby was more confident about, she said, "So... I've got this thing," and unfolded her weapon. Gears clanked and pistons whirred as the massive red blade unfurled and its telescopic barrel extended.
"Woah, is that a scythe?" Jaune exclaimed, jumping back in surprise. Ruby beamed like a proud parent. Stunned by the weapon's size, Jack couldn't help but wonder how she managed to lift it. He figured she must regularly use her aura, something he would need to catch up on quickly. Shaking off those thoughts, Jack whistled appreciatively at Ruby's weapon. "I'll be Ruby, that's an engineering masterpiece right there." Ruby blushed at the praise.
Jack had grown fascinated with the weaponry since arriving in Remnant, particularly mecha-shift weaponry. Swords, spears, and rifles are all in one package. Jack had even read about a rocket launcher baseball bat combination.
"So, Jaune, what do you have?" Ruby asked eagerly. Jaune unsheathed his sword, revealing its impressive craftsmanship. However, compared to Ruby's weapon, it seemed a bit underwhelming.
"I've got this sword," Jaune replied, slightly deflated. "It's double-edged and sharp, but... well, you know. And I have this shield that can fold when I'm tired of carrying it."
Ruby skeptically questioned, "Wouldn't it still weigh the same?" Jaune visibly slumped and sighed, admitting, "Yeah, it does."
"Well, I reckon it would make it easier to stow in a bag or something," Jack chimed in, trying to offer some consolation.
Turning her attention to Jack, Ruby asked excitedly, "And what about you, Jack? What do you have?" Jack nodded and opened his long duster coat, revealing the pistols on his belt. On one side, he wore the Hi-power pistol he had taken from Edgar Ross, and on the other side, his blackened Schofield revolver.
Jack slowly pulled out the handgun, expertly disassembling it to show Ruby. "This here is a high-power nine-millimeter pistol made by a company named Browning, after the feller who started and designed it," Jack explained, silently grateful that, aside from the existence of dust, weapon calibers were mostly the same.
After reloading and holstering his pistol, Jack retrieved his Schofield and demonstrated its unique hinge mechanism. "And this is my Schofield revolver. It holds six rounds, and thanks to the hinge mechanism, I can reload it quickly."
Ruby's eyes gleamed with excitement as she admired the weapons and their designs. "Can they transform? What else can they do?" she asked with glee.
"No mine doesn't do anything fancy like that, they're hand-me-downs from my father's collection like Jaune's" Jack answered easily. "Oh that makes sense, they looked a little old, no offense," Jaune said "None taken" Jack responded.
"Well I like them not many people appreciate the classics these days," Ruby said. "Hey guys where are we going" Ruby piped up again.
"Uh I don't know I was following you guys," Jaune said. "I know the way " Jack spoke up, considering he'd already spent some time at Beacon and nearly had its layout memorized.
A few moments later...
The trio of new friends strode through the assembly hall doors. As they made their way in, a blonde bombshell called out to Ruby, "Hey Ruby, over here! I saved you a spot!" Ruby flashed a grateful smile and waved goodbye to her new pals. Jaune, on the other hand, looked like a lost puppy. His shoulders slumped as he mumbled, "Wait, where am I supposed to find a nice quirky girl to talk to?" Meanwhile, Jack had unknowingly wandered towards Ruby and her blonde friend. Ruby caught sight of him standing alone and immediately shouted, "Hey Jack, come over here!" Jack made his way toward the sound of her voice.
"What's going on, Ruby?" Jack asked, curiously. Ruby introduced Jack to her big sister, Yang, with a flourish of her hand. Yang, with her sunny blonde hair cascading down her back, wore an eye-catching outfit consisting of a yellow crop top, black shorts, and a pair of knee-high boots. Her vibrant personality matched her bold attire, as she exuded confidence and a mischievous aura.
Yang, being the mischievous troublemaker she was, sized Jack up and couldn't help but tease, "Aww, did you find a boyfriend on your first day at Beacon?" Ruby's face turned as red as a tomato as she quickly defended, "Yang, he's not my boyfriend, just a friend!"
Jack couldn't resist adding fuel to the fire, and he feigned being hurt as he dramatically clutched his heart. "Oh, Ruby, you wound me! I thought what we had was special!" Both Yang and Jack burst into laughter, leaving Ruby feeling betrayed.
Once Yang managed to regain her composure, she redirected the conversation for Ruby's sake. "Seriously though, how did you guys meet?" she asked, genuinely interested. Ruby managed to control her blush and replied with a hint of irritation, "He helped me out after you ditched me and I... well, exploded."
Yang couldn't help but quip, "Yikes, meltdown already?"
Ruby shook her head, correcting her sister, "No, I actually exploded. There was fire and maybe some ice."
Yang's mirthful voice filled with amusement as she asked, "Are you being sarcastic?"
Ruby scoffed, "Uh, I wish. First, I tripped over some crabby girl's luggage," Ruby said, completely unaware that the heiress was standing right behind her.
"Uh, Ruby," Jack tried to warn, but Ruby didn't catch on. She continued her rant, "And then she yelled at me, and then I exploded, and then she yelled again, and I felt really bad, but I just wanted her to stop yelling at me!"
Finally, the heiress made her presence known, shouting, "You!" Ruby jumped into her sister's arms, exclaiming, "Oh no, it's happening again!"
Yang couldn't believe her eyes, realizing that Ruby had exploded. "Oh my gods, you really exploded!"
"It was an accident! It was an accident!" Ruby insisted before Weiss held up a pamphlet and started rambling about Shnee Dust Company policy.
Jack had reached his limit with Weiss's incessant lecture. Ruby had already offered a sincere apology, yet Weiss clung to her anger like Dutch clinging to his misguided ideals, or Agent Ross clinging to his father's past crimes despite him doing Ross's bidding for him. It was becoming unbearable.
"Hey, princess," Jack's voice dripped with venom, "don't you think you're flogging a dead horse here? Ruby has already apologized, but you refuse to let it go."
"Why should I let it go?" the heiress practically screeched, her words piercing the air like a vulture's cry.
"People like you," Jack fired back, his bitterness seeping through, "never know how to loosen your grip on anything, no matter how trivial. You don't care who or what gets scorched in the process."
Just like Leviticus Cornwall, Jack thought bitterly, unable to let go of his insatiable greed.
Weiss began to shrink under the weight of Jack's sudden outburst, and even Ruby and Yang were taken aback by the intensity of the exchange. But before Jack could continue his tirade, Headmaster Ozpin cleared his throat, his presence commanding attention as he approached the microphone.
"Ahem... I'll keep this brief."
Jack tuned out the rest of Ozpin's speech. He was too angry to care anyway. After the speech, he and the other students made their way to the ballroom to bed down for the night.
Jack walked out of the ballroom bathroom freshly showered and changed into his nightwear, showering an invention of Remnant that Jack truly thanked whatever god ruled this universe for. Jack's nightwear consisted of a long-Johns top with some odd shorts made of a stretchy material, something called gym shorts whatever that was.
Jack skillfully navigated through the crowded room, finally finding solace in a secluded corner. He carefully unraveled his bedroll there and arranged a modest candelabra, casting a warm glow on his surroundings. With anticipation, he retrieved his treasured book, "The Man with Two Souls." Jack's fondness for literature, particularly the enchanting realm of fantasy, was undeniable. The tales of courageous individuals wielding magic to combat sinister creatures hell-bent on annihilating mankind had always captivated him.
Of course, Jack couldn't miss the irony of his own situation literally about to attend a school that taught people to fight monsters.
He sensed a presence near him before he could sink his teeth into his reading material. He looked up and saw the same amber eyes and raven hair from earlier today.
"I thought I'd be the only one trying to find a quiet spot to read," she said motioning to her book tucked under her arm.
"Heh...well this worlds just full of surprises today ain't it," Jack said with some humor considering the irony of his own situation.
An almost imperceivable smile tugged at the corner of her mouth "I suppose so, mind if I join you?" she asked
Jack nodded in the affirmative "Be my guest" he said as he extended his hand to her after she sat down "I'm Jack, by the way, Jack Marston.
She gave a light smile and shook his hand "Blake, Blake Belladonna".
The two sat in comfortable silence as they enjoyed their literature...until said silence was crushed by a certain bombshell and red reaper.
Jack looked up and saw Yang dragging Ruby by the arm over to where he and Blake sat "Hellooooo" Yang sang "I think you two may know each other" she said.
"Aren't you the girl who exploded earlier?" Blake said with a small hint of amusement.
"Yeah I'm Ruby but you can just call me Crater...you can just call me Ruby" Ruby said sheepishly, then she noticed Jack also sitting in the corner
"Hi Jack," she said brightening a bit.
Jack chuckled at the girl's cheery demeanor "Hey Ruby, what brought you over here?" Jack asked.
She looked at Blake "Oh I never got your name from earlier" she said to her.
Blake was silent for a moment, she took a chance that she was in the company of good people and relaxed a little "I'm Blake" she said with a small smile.
Ruby smiled "I'm Ruby...but you already heard that heh," she said, and then she noticed both Jack and Blake were holding books "What books are you reading?" she asked.
"You know I just noticed something, we are reading the same book the man with two souls," Jack said pointing at Blake's copy.
"Really I didn't think I'd meet anybody else that would read it". Blake said with a pleasant smile.
"What's it about?" Ruby asked her curiosity piqued.
"It's about a man with two souls, each one is wrestling control of his body" Blake explained.
"Oh yeah that sounds real lovely" Yang drawled her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"I love books, Yang used to read to me every night," Ruby said her sudden honesty capturing everyone's attention.
"Stories of monsters and heroes, they're one of the reasons I want to become a huntress".
As Jack listened he couldn't help but smile. He couldn't tell why but despite Ruby being younger and more idealistic when she spoke her heart you couldn't help but want to bet on her.
Blake was about to speak up when a certain heiress barged into the conversation and started complaining about the noise. To her credit, it was getting late.
As Weiss, Ruby, and Yang started bickering Jack looked at Blake with a small smirk, deciding sleep would behoove all of them, Jack blew out the candle which was by now the only source of light in the room silencing everyone.
Jack lay on his bedroll excited about the prospect of tomorrow and lulled himself to sleep.
Next Chapter: Initiation
Author notes: Man this story is a blast to write I hope you have enjoyed it. Sorry about the lack of action and the length of this chapter. So far I've stuck relatively close to the story but don't worry I've got some things planned for this story I think you'll like. I hope you've enjoyed the story so far and, have a better one.