CHAPTER 1 The Disciple Arrives!
"Alright, everyone, I hope you enjoy your break and remember to keep up with your assignments for the break. I will be offering tutoring sessions during the summer at the library if you need assistance. But I sincerely hope you guys enjoy your break and look forward to seeing you all back here next semester." The bell sounded, and Jaune absently collected his bag and stood from his seat. Just more of the same these days. Even with the break coming up, nothing changed. The clock was ticking away in many ways; he only had a few more years until he had to apply to a huntsman academy. Yet he still didn't even know the basics of how to fight, let alone anything else. It always felt like his parents moved the timetable ahead every time he asked, from when you are older, to maybe next year or next semester.
Still, it wasn't like Jaune wasn't getting prepared. He had been working out a lot and even changed up his diet to almost completely cut out junk food(except the rare soda or chips when with his friend.). He even got a part-time job at a ranch his friend's family ran to save up for tuition and train his body even more. Yet even with all of that, it didn't feel like it was nearly enough.
"Whoa~ that's a serious face there, Jaune." He was brought out of his musing by a familiar voice looking over his good friend as she walked up next to him in the hall. She had long brown hair, bright dark blue eye, and freckles across her cheeks; she wore a white shirt with blue trimmings that did an excellent job of hiding her physic. She wore a yellow scarf over her shoulders and a long purple skirt with a cow's tail flicking behind her. "What's up? Something bothering you?"
'Oh, Hi Malon, it's nothing, just thinking about things." he said, giving her a small smile as they walked out of school. He looked out over the sleepy little town he called home with a population of 4 thousand. It was a pretty good settlement. One of the few places besides vale that could genuinely be considered safe for people was along a large lake with rolling planes. The mountains in the distance acted as a natural barrier for Grimm.
"Worried about huntsmen training, aren't you," Malon said with a slightly knowing smirk. He hated how easily she was able to read him like that sometimes. But he supposed that is what happens when you know someone most of your life.
"...yeah." the young boy admitted with a sigh before looking her in the eye. "It just feels like they don't even want to try and train me. Like it would be one thing if they tried and I failed but…I don't know. It's getting to the point where it feels like they don't want to support me."
"Not surprised even your parents think your pathetic Jauney Boy." he turned his head to see the sneering face of Cardin. The resident asshole himself. Jaune wasn't entirely sure what cardins deal with him was, but he has made it his mission to put him down for years. Regardless of that fact, Jaune just shrugged and returned his attention to Malon.
"Anyways, I'm going to talk with them later tonight. Were giving Epona new Horseshoes today, right?" he asked since Malon's parents owned the ranch she worked at. Cardin, however, seemed to have gotten annoyed that Jaune so flatly ignored him and grabbed his backpack.
"It's rude to ignore people, Jauney boy. I was even going to tell you some good news." the brute said, wrapping his arm firmly around Jaunes shoulder and making him kneel down to his level a bit.
"It's rude to interrupt someone when they are having a conversation, Winchester," Malon said, glaring at the boy. As he grabbed her school bag, Jaune held up his hand, stopping her from straight out swinging that lethal bag at Cardin. He still wasn't sure what she kept in that bag, but it earned the nickname death from most people in school who were hit by it or that tried to pick it up.
"Shut it, Mellons. I'm just going to give Jauney here some good news. He won't have to deal with me from now on. I got accepted into Signal." he bragged, letting the blonde teen go walking away, grinning at the two cockily. "See, unlike Blondy, I have what it takes to be a huntsman. It must suck being that pathetic Jauney. Hahahaha"
Jaune balled his fist and was about to step towards Cardin before Malon Stopped him, this time Shaking her head silently as cardin left.
"Can't believe that guy. He can insult me all he wants but no one-"
"Jaune, I appreciate it, but it's fine. He'll be out of our hairs soon. If anything, we should be a bit happy."
"...Right….Happy." He muttered as the two of them walked towards the ranch. It left a bad taste in his mouth that such a jerk was even considered to become a huntsman. He went to the locker room the other farmhands used and changed into his overalls and Plaid shirt.
He walked over to the stables where malon was already waiting, brushing Eponas mane as she waved at Jaune. He smiled and approached Epona, patting her side calmly.
"Hey girl~ Did you miss us?" he asked as he entered the stall calmly. It had taken a while, but now Jaune was a pretty good rancher in his own right. He rubbed her back and moved his hands down her legs, causing Epona to raise her back leg slightly. He calmly lifted it and straddled her leg, putting a little pressure on his lean so that she couldn't suddenly put her foot down or kick him. "That's a good girl Epona. Well, ride around a little after this, I promise." he praised as he worked to remove the old horseshoe. Using a metal clench and a hammer to straighten the Nail gently ends that we're keeping in place. He gently tapped the hammer, straitening the nails around the horseshoe before she gently slid the first one off with his hands. He would repeat this with each leg praising and petting Epona as he went.
"That's a good girl Epona," Malon said as she passed Jaune a hoof pick. Epona seemed to enjoy the process as Jaune cleaned out her hooves and rocks. After that, he began cutting off flaky cracks of hooves and uneven excess that had grown unevenly with a knife. In all honesty, it was like Jaune was giving the horse a detailed Manicure as he filled and polished the hoof, especially as he filled the bottom of the hooves.
"You're getting good at this, Jaune. You ever consider maybe going full time during the break?" Malon asked, a little embarrassed as she helped him with Epona getting the nails and new horseshoes ready." It would be nice to see you more during the break, you know. And I can show you how to use some of our heavier equipment."
"Well, ill see what my parents have to say later tonight." the young boy said as he lined up the horseshoe carefully. Making sure it would fit comfortably once he was confident, he began to nail in the new horseshoes gently.
"I mean, if being a huntsman doesn't pan out, you can always work with me."
Jaune was silent as he finished shoeing Epona, making sure each one was on firmly and nicely before he gave her a gentle rub on her neck. He didn't show it, but he was slightly upset at how she offered. It was like even she doubted he could be a huntsman. His silent musing was interrupted as Epona nuzzled his face.
"Alright, alright, I promised to let me just clean up," he said before looking at Malon, a little hurt. As he collected the olf horseshoes and tools." You don't think I can be a huntsman, do you?"
"No, no, that isn't what I mean, Jaune. I'm just saying that you're really good with animals, and well, I thought we could…" she blushed a little gripping her skirt nervously. "You know, maybe keep working together more closely."
Jaunes let out another sigh, knowing that she was embarrassed about something; she never gripped her skirt like that unless she was embarrassed or ashamed. She really didn't think he could be a huntsman. Great, even his best friend told him to get a new career.
"...ill think about it." he grabbed Eponas saddle and began setting up. "Wanna join me for a ride, Miss Malon."
"Of Course."
Jaune had just finished his daily run for the night a bit earlier than usual. He was dripping with sweat and still felt so anxious and angry. Why did no one believe he could do this! He trained every day. HE studied every day, and he worked to help pay for tuition. Yet no one ever thought he could do it. All he got was awkward dismissals, insults, and people trying to steer him away from his dream. "Haa huff huff, is it too much to ask for some support, brothers?"
He asked the cloudless night sky as he entered his home, quietly catching his breath as he walked past his parent's room, overhearing his mother's voice. "Look, I'm telling you I don't think he should be a huntsman he's…. well Jaune won't make it, and we both know it." She said she sounded worried and a little embarrassed. Jaune Froze stepped closer to the door in the hallway, listening to the conversation quietly.
"Look, I know you're worried. I know Jaune doesn't look like hunter material, but it's his choice," His father was trying to reason with his wife, but even he didn't sound like he believed his own words.
"Look, if this is about the Arc legacy, I don't want him a part of it. Why should he risk his own life when he can barely hold his shield properly? He's not going to be ready by the time it's time to enroll in an academy anyways," she said. There was a long pause, and he could hear one of them passing back and forth. Jaune listened, holding his breath as he hoped his father would fight her on this. He needed someone, ANYONE, to believe he could do this.
"… You're right. Maybe we can distract him with more guitar lessons or add some piano to keep him occupied. He will probably give up on being a huntsman eventually." Jaune arc felt like his heart tore a little with those words. He quietly went into his room and slammed the door shut. Loud enough to let them know he had heard them.
There was a knock on his door moments later. "Jaune, sweetie, you ok?" Asked his mother softly, he usually would find comfort in her voice, but right now, he was just angry at it. He was mad at his family, angry at Cardin, Malon even himself. He was so tired of no one thinking he could surmount to anything but a good rancher or decent musician.
"OH, I'm just fine! It's not like it would matter if I weren't right you'd just decide id be fine later, right!" He snapped back. His mom didn't say anything for a minute. He just heard her breathing. "Jaune sweetie…what exactly did you hear?"
"Oh, I heard plenty. 'Why should he risk his life if he can't even hold his shield properly' or how about 'I don't think Jaune should be a hunter. He won't make it.' GREAT TO KNOW YOU BELIEVE IN ME SO MUCH!" he shouted for the first time in his life. He raised his voice against one of his parents.
"Dinner will be on the counter if you want some later." She said, and Jaune heard her walk off slowly. Jaune could only grit his teeth and punch the wall. Why didn't they believe in him! He trained every day as hard as he could on his own every day! All to prove to them that he was serious about becoming a huntsman.
Yet they still didn't believe in him.
He slumped onto his bed and ran his hands through his hair, taking a deep breath to calm down. He laid back in his bed, trying to remember when someone believed he could be a huntsman. He sighed softly as one person came to mind. Jumping up to his feet, he got on his knees and reached under his bed to grab the one thing his Grandfather had left for him…Crocea Mors nestled safely in its case. He punched in the combination number. The blade of the arc family…he still remembered when his Grandfather gave him the sword on his thirteenth birthday.
*flashback*
Jaune Arc was standing in front of his Grandfather Roland Arc, the man of a thousand blades. He was a tall, aging man of eighty-seven years; he was breathing with the aid of an oxygen tank, and he smiled brightly at Jaune. "Jaune, my boy, come closer." He said as Jaune sat down on the edge of his Grandfather's bed and smiled at him.
"Hey grandpa, how are you feeling?" he asked, and his Grandfather smiled at him. Even on his birthday, Jaune was always eager to spend time and care for his grandpa.
"Happy birthday, Jaune. I have a present for you." He tried to get up, but a loud pop resonated through the room, and the older man grimaced and laid back down. "Jaune, can you reach under my bed and pull out the black case for me, lad?" Jaune nodded, and he pulled out the black case.
"The combination is 6-91-90." He smiled as Jaune opened the case and the blond boy's eyes widened in shock. Jaune was about to ask his Grandfather when he held up his hand weakly, holding a sealed envelope.
"Do not thank me, Jaune. It's the same blade that has served our family faithfully for generations. Crocea Mors, it is yours by birthright, and I have no use for it anymore, these old bones can barely lift a glass, let alone a sword…and sadly, I cannot teach you like I taught your father. Jaune, if your parents and sisters do not train you and you wish to become a huntsman, then there is one place you can go. Ryozanpaku. If you go there, give the elder Hayato Furinji this letter. He will train you, but it will be difficult you will face hardship, unlike anything you've faced before."
Jaune listened to his Grandfather's words, and a sinking feeling started to form in the pit of his stomach. His grandpa never used this tone of voice. "Grandpa… you're talking to me like…." Jaune didn't dare finish that sentence, but his Grandfather nodded and smiled at Jaune.
"Yes, Jaune, I'm on the last leg of my journey but do not pity me. I've lived a long life, and I have few regrets. I've seen many places and people, and all my affairs are in order by now. But I have unfinished business with you, my boy. Draw the blade Jaune." He said, and Jaune saw a fire unlike any he had seen before in his Grandfather's eyes. It was like seeing his Grandfather transform in front of his eyes as he sat up straight despite the loud creaking of his bones, fighting the strain of his body to do this properly.
Jaune nodded to his Grandfather and unsheathed the blade. It was still pristine, and its edge hadn't dulled at all. It felt awkward in his hands, yet at the same time…it felt right natural almost.
"Jaune, why do you want to be a huntsman?" Asked his Grandfather with a somber tone. Jaune smiled at him, and he locked his eyes with his Grandfather. It was a question he had never given much thought to before. It was always just a dream and goal. But as he thought more about it, he answered, letting the words flow out naturally.
"I want to help people. I want to be a hero that people look towards. To inspire them to be better. Not for fame or fortune but because someone needs to defend the weak because I want to do good and help people." He said, and his Grandfather grinned at Jaune, his eye full of pride and joy as he firmly planted both of his hands on his shoulders. His body began to glow a blinding white.
"Good answer! Now I have one last gift for you! I bestow upon you the gift of AURA!" He said Jaune would never forget the blinding light his Grandfather was resonating. He never knew that such brilliant light could exist within a person. Yet, still, he watched experiencing this ritual, something within him drumming and surging with warmth as his Grandfather began to speak.
"Our light shall pierce the dark hordes. With yellow death, we shall claim victory. Through virtue, we become champions and carry the greatest of burdens. For it is in passing that we achieve immortality. We become a paragon of virtue and Hope to rise above all through this. Infinite in distance and unbound by death." Jaune steadily felt warmth from within his being. He felt like he was pulsating with his Grandfather's words like a spell was being cast upon his soul. "I release your soul, and by my shoulder, I protect thee. Even in death." As he finished his chant, Jaune's eyes shot open as he felt like his entire body began to glow, a pleasant warmth enveloping his body. He couldn't quite explain the sensation at first, but memories started to fill his mind after a moment. The feeling wasn't anything new; his head felt it so many times before. Yet before he could put his finger on what it felt like, his Grandfather released Jaune from his grasp and fell back a bit as Jaune dropped the sword to catch his Grandfather and gently laid him down with shaky breath.
"Grandpa, are you ok!?" Asked Jaune as he grasped his hand. The older man chuckled a little before squeezing his grandson's hand reassuringly.
"Don't worry about me, boy I'm just tired. I'm old, and I just used the last of my aura to unlock yours…...you know, Jaune, I remember when I was just like you, and I told my father I wanted to be a huntsman. He let me forge my own path, and now I'm going to give you the tools to forge your own path as well. I know you will make me proud, and a little advice, forget about the Family legacy, focus on yours, Jaune. Walk your own path proudly." Jaune smiled and nodded to his Grandfather as a few tears fell from his eyes.
"Thank you, grandpa. You have no idea what it means to me… thank you for believing in me." He said.
"Jaune, come downstairs and let grandpa Roll rest!" yelled his younger sister from downstairs.
"Go have fun, Jaune. It's your birthday. Don't let an old man like me keep all your time… but by the brothers, get me a slice of cake later." He said as they both shared a laugh and Jaune hugged his Grandfather.
"Thank you, grandpa. I love you… don't worry, I'll sneak you a slice when dad falls asleep," Jaune said before he walked out the room, strapping Crocea Mors to his hip. He walked downstairs to the other guest and family members. Roland Arc smiled and closed his eyes. He took a moment to reflect on his life. You often took a stalk of your life and the choices you made thus far.
He never did settle that draw with Furinji. Did he.
'Hehe, I wonder how Jaune will react to the dojo if he ever goes…. I only hope he's ready for the trials that lay ahead.'
Flashback end
That was a year and a half ago. Jaune was now 14 years old, and his Grandfather passed away that night peacefully in his sleep with a content smile on his face and a half-eaten slice of cake on his nightstand.
To Jaune, his death was like getting hit in the heart with a sledgehammer. His Grandfather was the only one that believed in him. He taught Jaune what it meant to be a Huntsman and a hero. Now it was time for Jaune to show everyone what he learned.
His life after his Grandfather's passing was rather rough. He knew he was always the weakest one, but that never stopped him from making some difference. He never backed down from Cardin. He always stood up for the only two friends he had, even if it meant getting beaten again and again by him and his gang.
Yet still, no one believed in him. But now. The young boy held the still sealed letter in his hand, turning it over to look at the address. He pulled out his scroll and checked the address. This was all the way in Mistral. He quickly looked through different ways to get to Japan and found that his best bet would be to take a train shuttle to vale and then a Bullhead shuttle to Mistral. Then he would need to travel the rest of the distance by train and ship or by bullhead.
After working at the ranch for so long, he calculated the cost and realized he had plenty of Lien to spare. Still, their parts of the route that he would need to travel outside the safety of cities or towns. At least a few days. He'd be in the danger of running into Grimm.
He looked at the letter once more, wondering if it was even worth attempting….
"I can do this." He said calmly, but those words alone were enough as he began preparing for his long journey. He would brave all the dangers it took. He would become a huntsman.
His preparations were complete. Now all he had to do was say his goodbyes without giving himself away... that was going to be difficult. He was going to leave a note for his family for sure. But he felt like he owed Malon a proper goodbye, especially after everything they've been through together. For as long as Juane could remember, they've always been good friends.
Still, he wasn't sure how to even bring it up. How do you tell your best friend you're running away from home and aren't sure you'd see them again casually. The blond teen frowned as he picked up a photo frame. He and Malon were Sitting on a grassy hill with Epona resting her head on their laps. It was taken shortly after he started working at the ranch. Malon seemed so excited about working together with him. They made a good team. He could even tend to and groom Epona, who was very picky about who could come into her stall. They were there for each other regardless of Cardin's taunts and insults. She also helped patch him up whenever he tried standing his ground against Cardin.
He slipped the picture frame into his duffle Bag, smiling softly.
Meanwhile.
Malon brushed her hair nervously. Jaune wasn't the type to ask to see her so late out of the blue like this at 2:00 am. The Brunet smiled as she got ready, putting on a bit of perfume as she opened her window to sneak out and meet Jaune. Her heart fluttered with nerves as she walked through the ranch. She had wanted to tell Jaune how she felt for a while, but it always felt like her courage failed whenever the chance came. It didn't help that Jaune could be as insightful at a magic eight ball.
Still, she supposed it was charming; he was always honest and kind. In truth, she thought it was rather cute how clueless he could be. He was too dense to lie, so she knew he was genuinely a good man; he needed confidence. She smiled brightly as she saw the meeting spot coming up, resolved to let him know exactly how she felt tonight.
Her eyes caught sight of the hill he wanted to meet her at, spotting the blonde sitting against the hill, looking up at the starry sky with a melancholic expression. Causing her smile to falter slightly; noticing the atmosphere felt severe. Calmly walking up to the blond, she smiled down at him.
"Why do you always have such a serious expression these days?" she asked before sitting next to him, folding her legs up to her chest as Jaune sat up.
"I guess I've just been thinking about life more. And about the future," he said honestly, giving her a sad smile that confused her. she placed a hand on his and leaned forward. She could wait to tell him right now; she wanted him to open up to her. Whatever he was dealing with was wearing him down.
"Jaune. Is something wrong? All teasing aside, you've been moody lately." she looked into his eyes, and for a moment, Jaune looked conflicted before letting out a long sigh smiling at her.
"My parents don't want to support me. They don't believe in me...lately, it feels like no one does...Grandpa did, however. He told me I could go to someone if this happened, " he answered honestly, holding her hand. Only then did she notice the large duffle bag and hiking backpack. " ... I'm leaving tonight. I didn't want to leave you with a poorly written letter. You've been the best friend I've ever had, and you deserve a proper goodbye."
The farm girl stared at him and felt like the wind had just got knocked out of her. Jaune was running away. The idea seemed out of character for him; Jaune was such a good, well-behaved guy. He was kind and cared about people. He was also fiercely loyal to his friends and family. It seemed like running away would be the last thing he would do at times.
"Jaune, are you serious?" she asked the blond boy. Nodding his head, he stood up and stretched his back out.
"I am. I need to try. It's one thing if I fail after trying, but not ever being given a chance is something ill always look back on and regret." he picked up his hiking bag and looked out at the sleepy ranch. Only now realizing that he might not see the farm like this in a long time. He would miss it; he liked working at the ranch well enough. Malon always found a way to make it fun.
Said Farmgirl struggled with many conflicting emotions before she too calmly stood up and placed her hand on his cheek, gently turning his head towards hers.
Jaune was surprised at the sudden intimacy as she stared into his eyes.
"This means that much to you, doesn't it," She could tell it did, but she wanted to hear it from him.
"It does...I'm tired of being weak. I'm tired of being scared, helpless. I'm tired of not being able to defend anyone. I want to become a huntsman to protect the people I love. What kind of man would I be if I'm always relying on others to do what I should be able to do."
"There is more than one way to be a good man, Jaune. You don't need to be a hero to be a wonderful man. You are kind and generous and make people around you happy. It's a good life on its own, one we can share if you want to stay."
Jaune grew silent as he stared into her eyes. His mind played out the life he could live if he stayed in the town. He would continue working at the ranch, finish school, would probably settle down in a small place here. he may even end up Marrying Malon and having an excellent quiet life everyone seemed to want for him. A part of him was grateful that his friends and family wished for him to have a peaceful life without conflict or strife.
But it didn't feel right. It was a wonderful life—one worth living. But Jaune needed this. he felt like it wasn't right to turn his back on people who may one day need him. he gently turned his head and gently moved his hand down as Malon looked sadly at him, retracting her hand holding it to her chest.
"I'm sorry. But I need to do this. It's been my dream for so long...This is goodbye for a while." Jaune said, stepping back only for Mallon to grab the edge of his sleeve, suddenly pulling the boy close. Jaune was unprepared for the sudden tug, and his body lurched forward towards his dear farm girl. He was even less prepared for the soft, tender kiss she gifted him; the two stood there in that close embrace for what felt like an hour before they gently pulled themselves away. Neither of them said a word for a moment coming to the complete revelation of what Jaune was potentially leaving behind. The boys realize the feelings she held for him. Malon broke the silence, gently cupping his face and smiling at him with rosy cheeks.
"Jaune. Go. I want you to follow your dreams; I can't be why you give up. I can tell this means so much to you. If this helps you see the man I've already fallen in love with, then ill be waiting right here for you, my Dorky little Knight. Just promise you'll come back one day. And send me a letter often." she took his hand and guided him down the hill. Jaune followed behind with a slight smile before they stopped in front of Eponas stall.
"heh, Guess I owe this girl a goodbye too," he said as the star mare rose to hear feet huffing in a sleepy greeting before nudging Malon and JAunes shoulder. Jaune gently rubbed her neck, only for Malon to grab her saddle.
"Epona's a good girl. Go as far as Edmund's town and give her a good slap on the ass. She'll find her way back home." the brunette said as she put on Epona's saddle.
"whoa, I can't take her."
"your not. I'm just letting you get a headstart. Do you think you can outrun Chris on foot? Even with a few hours headstart? You'll make a much better time with our prized mare. And she'll come right back home all on her own so long as you go no further than Edmund Town. After that...take care of yourself and be safe." she said, wanting to help Jaune as much she could.
Jaune stared at Mallon, trying to think of something to say after all this. he wasn't even sure how he felt about her. Yes, he admitted he had a big crush on her. But now, he was left with an agonizing choice. Does he still run away to train? Or does he stay here with her?
"Jaune. You don't have to stay just to spare my feelings. I know this means a lot to you. Just promise you won't forget me." she said, opening Eponas stall and leading the Mare out.
"It's just...I've been feeling the same recently. I've had a crush for a while now, and now we both know right as."
"I know. But even if you decide to stay. You'll always regret not going." she countered. I opened the barn's door as they walked towards the main gate.
"..."
"Mallon...Thank you."
"I'll be waiting for you to come back and sweep me off my feet when you're ready, " she watched the blonde boy mount Epona. " Try not to get lost out there. id hate to have to come after you."
"Oh, come on. You're never going to let me live that day down, are you?"
"Never~"
"...Heh. Goodbye for now, Farmgirl."
"See you, Dork, ~"
with those words, Jaune spurred Epona to a gallop. Mallon watched sadly as the boy she fell in love with rode off. Apart of her wanted him to stay. But she knew he'd never be able to settle down without trying first. It would always weigh down in the back of his mind. And she would feel like she had stolen his dream from him.
She would wait here for him, however, when he was ready.
8:30 am
Christiana D Arc Yawned as she woke up in her room; it was a white and lavender-colored room with a surplus of stuffed bears and animals on her bed. They acted as replacement cuddlers on nights she was feeling clingy; she may be a huntress in training, but she could still love soft, cute things if she wanted. It wasn't childish at all despite what her brother said. It had been a few weeks since she returned home, and she was looking forward to spending time with her twin brother today. Ever since she started training under Aunt Margrit, she hadn't seen much of her twin. She was aware he was jealous and maybe even resentful that he was passed upon training. Still, she wanted to try and make amends with her brother and at least share some pointers while she was here. Throwing on her gym clothes, she approached her brother's room and knocked.
"Hey Jaune, you up? I wanted to know if you wanted to join me for some exercise?" she waited a moment before slowly peeking inside. Praying to the brothers, her brother wasn't in the middle of something. She let out a brief sigh of relief before she looked around in confusion to find the room empty.
'Did he get called into work early?' she wondered, closing the door and heading downstairs to find their mother working on a big breakfast. She was a tall woman with long bright blond hair that she let grow to the middle of her back; she had few scars on her arms and legs from her career as a huntress. Her age was beginning to show these days, with slight wrinkles appearing around her face and even hands.
"Ah, morning, love~ is Jaune still sleeping? breakfast is ready."
"Morning, mom, no Jaunes, not even here. I think he might have gotten called in early for work or something." Chris said as they walked into the kitchen to help her mother set the table for breakfast.
"That's odd usually; he sends a text if he gets called in. I hope everything's alright." The matriarch said as some of the other girls made their way down as of right now, Safron was the only one living on her own and was even happily married. There were eight siblings, seven girls, and Jaune was the lone brother. After Safron Carlotta was the second oldest, she was an athletic woman of about 22 years old with a slim athletic figure; she liked to rock a bob cut. She could usually wear jeans and tank tops under a tan jacket. She was a Registered huntress. She was semi-retired due to a recent encounter with Beringals that left her bedridden for a few weeks, even with her aura speeding the recovery up.
She yawned before taking a seat at the table, pouring herself a cup of coffee using her semblance to float the coffee pot and her favorite mug to the table.
"Carlotta, don't be lazy. You know, you can get up and grab things yourself for once," the mother chastised, and Carlotta merely smiled sheepishly.
"It's just so natural to use it, though," she said, taking a sip of her coffee as some more footsteps began to make their way down the stairs and halls of the arc household.
Soon the table was nearly complete, leaving only their father and brother missing.
It was nice to have breakfast with the family again. she wasn't going to lie. She kinda appreciated the house rule of eating meals together.
She thought perhaps their dad had taken June on a sudden father-son trip or something for a second. But that thought went out the window when their dad came back with an arm full of grocery bags. He was a Tall man standing at 6'9, had a bald head and a bright blond Goate, he was wearing a buttoned-up shirt that hugged his athletic form, and he had a scar on the side of his head from a Beowolf.
"Morning girls...Oh, Jaune isn't up yet?" The man asked as he made his way to the kitchen.
"He's not here. Did he ever text you today?" the mother Arc asked, worried about Jaune after he overheard last night.
"No, but I'm sure he's fine. he probably just wants his space right now, dear."
"I saw him sneaking out~" the youngest arc sister sang, giggling a little/ " He was with his Girlfriend the last nihgt~."
"Violate...what time did he leave?"
"Around 2 am. I was getting some water when I saw him walking down the street towards the ranch."
"ooooohhhhhhh, he's so busted~."
"That's my boy." their dad muttered proudly about what his son had probably accomplished. earning a glare and a slight slap on the arm from their mother
"Excuse me," she warned their dad coughing into his hand before he put the bags down.
"I mean, we should have a serious talk about this later with him. He's uh too young for that kind of thing."
"Yes, he is. ill go pay the ranch a visit after breakfast."
"Honey, let's give them their space. We can lecture him when he gets back." He said, sitting down for breakfast. "Besides, those two would make a sweet couple. She's practically like family already."
"that's not the problem here, and you know it! They are way too young to be doing those things!"
"What things?"
"You'll understand next year," Carlotta said to the youngest arc Daughter before using her semblance to pass out plates.
"What did I say about using your semblance at the table!"
'...Cant believe Jaune would sneak around with a girl. Bros growing up.' Chris thought something about the situation feeling off.
"Excuse me," she said, stepping up from the table and going stairs. She walked into her brother's room and took a closer look around. His guitar was gone. Shoes. The floors were suspiciously clean. She looked around the room and into drawers and found many clothing and personal items missing. Alarm bells began to ring in her head as she threw open the closet. Camping bag, Pictures, Weapon case under the bed, and gear. Gone. Finally, she saw a stack of letters on his desk, each one addressed them.
To Mom and dad.
To Carlotta
lavender
Safron
Chris
Annabeth
Rosemary
and Wendy.
"...Fuck! Mom! Dad!" She yelled, running down the house at full speed the stacks of letters still in hand as she slammed them on the table.
"What's wrong!?" they both shouted, jumping to their feet at how urgent their daughter sounded.
"Jaune Ran away!"
Meanwhile
Jaune yawned as he dismounted Epona just outside of Edmund's town. It was a good 15 hour run by his sister's speed. But with Epona, he could make it in half that time and enough time to hitch a ride with bullhead towards Mistral. He dismounted the beautiful Mare before turning her back around towards the ranch.
"Thank you so much, girl. I'll handle it from here. You go home now." he said, taking off his bags from her saddle before making her ass to get her going. But to JAunes surprise, Epona turned around and bit his sleeve, trying to lead him back to the ranch.
He smiled softly and rubbed her neck.
"Sorry, girl. I can't go with you. and you cant come with me. I don't think I'd be able to properly take care of you where I'm going, " he said, rubbing her snout. "I need you to stay behind and protect Mallon now. ill be back to visit, I promise."
The Horse neighed sadly, nuzzling its head into his shoulder.
"Heh, you really are our spoiled girl, you know that," he whispered before turning her away. "Go on. Go home!
*SMACK!*
he struck harder this time, Epona neighing in protest before it ran off towards the village, turning to rear back on its legs as if saying goodbye to the gentle boy who raised her so kindly.
Jaune tried to resist the urge to cry, not realizing how much he really loved that Horse. Before wiping his eyes and heading towards the Bullhead landing pad on the other side of the bustling town.
"Alright, Jaune. You can do this. What's a quick bullhead ride. to you."
Two weeks later
Jaune finally made it to an island off the coast of northwestern Mistral, where the Dojo Ryozanpaku was located. The island was called Japan, with the significant city being Tokyo. Admittedly he had gotten lost. Well, more like sidelined by a lost Faunus child. Who he took back to his home…only for that home to be the headquarters of the god damn white fang. He was pleased the leader was so understood she only held him prisoner for a few days before dumping him in the middle of nowhere. He had gotten a bit lost and almost gave up before realizing how close he was. after calling on a fishing boat, he sailed under a portly captain and his crew for a few weeks. Nearly being sunk by a variety of sea grim in the process. Before landing in Osaka, it was just a matter of taking a train.
This is what lead to him roaming the large city searching for Ryozanpaku. He was honestly quite impressed; he was only hoping he could find the Dojo. Ryozanpaku, where the strong gather or the site where the bandits gather…it was a rough translation. OK, give him a break. He hoped it wasn't a gang or criminal organization his grandfather was sending him into. (Oh, if only he realized what this city held)
He asked around the city for directions, but everyone he asked either didn't know. Eventually, he wondered a karate studio if they knew where to find it.
The instructor there only gave Jaune one look before he laughed and told Jaune to go back home. Jaune simply left the studio and continued to walk around pretty much aimlessly. He decided to cut through a park when he saw a group of four thugs harassing an old Faunus man.
"You need to apologize to this man right now." Yelled a girl's voice. All Jaune saw was a purple blur shoot past him. She stood protectively in front of the Faunus man. She was a blond girl wearing a tight purple leotard with a red jacket over her top. He also noticed a tiny mole under her eye.
Jaune watched for a moment as she stood up to four thugs on her own. "I saw it. You pushed him. Where do you get off pushing an old man to the ground like this!" She said with a harsh tone.
"Relax. The dumb animal was wandering around, getting in everybody's way, so I pushed him." Said what he would assume was the leader of this group of thugs.
"And what about that piece of junk on the road you call a car? It's in everyone's way, too. You going to do something about that too." She said, her voice carrying a dangerous edge to it.
"Listen, blondie, this doesn't concern you. Just look around at those people walking by there, pretending not to notice." He said, and Jaune looked around. Sure enough, the bystanders walked past and pretended not to see what was happening, averting their eyes. Jaune clenched his fist. He was often told to mind his own business by his mother…but that's not what heroes do!
'He's not cut out to be a huntsman.'
'Maybe he'll give up if we can distract him.'
'Hey, look, it's the weakest Arc.'
'You should just give up.
' I'm Done listening to those thoughts and doubts. I've come too far just to become a hypocrite.'
He ran down the sidewalk and stood next to the girl glaring at the thugs. His pride and morals would not let him stand by and watch this happen. He placed his hand on the handle of Crocea Mors to frighten the goons.
"Leave them alone!"
"Leave them alone!"
Jaune blinked as he saw another guy just down the street screaming that as he tripped and rolled up to one of the thugs looking terrified. The thugs, as they took a step back as they saw his sword, most likely thought he was a huntsman in training. Sadly, this didn't work for long as the ringleader walked closer.
"Hey, just keep moving, kid. This doesn't concern you." He said. Jane didn't budge, though, mainly because his mind was racing.
'Crap baskets, why do I always do this! Oh, wait, that's right, I want to be a hero. Well, I'm in it now!'
"Like hell, it doesn't concern me." He said, lifting his fist into a loose boxing stance he learned from one of the few matches he had seen on T.V. The blond girl next to him smiled and got into her own fighting stance. Jaune could actually feel an aura of power from her.
The thug with a cigarette pulled out a knife; the girl was already on him in the blink of an eye. No, she was literally on him! The blond girl had used his face as a springboard and jumped high into the air. Jaune gawked for a moment because the girl looked like she had grown for years, almost. She began her descent and delivered a devastating ax kick to one of the goons. Jaune snapped out of it, and he punched the ringleader in the face with a sloppy but aura-infused punch staggering him before the blonde girl swept his legs, knocking him to the ground. Jaune was about to help finish the other only to find the rest already beaten and the girl smiling at Jaune.
'Wow.' He thought before he helped the old Faunus up.
"Thank you two I'm alright. Those thugs will always be the same no matter what day or age it is." He said as he pulled out his wallet and was about to hand Jaune some money, but he shook his head.
"That isn't necessary, sir." He said.
"Are you sure, boy?" He asked, and Jaune nodded. "Very well, I won't force you. My name is Yu, by the way."
"That's good to know. I'm Jaune. Do you need any help getting home?" he asked, and the old man shook his head.
"No, I'm just waiting for my taxi, and it just arrived. Thank you, youngsters, for helping an old man." He said as he entered the taxi. Jaune turned to the girl and smiled.
"So that was a thing. I'm Jaune Arc. Short, sweet rolls of the tongue, ladies love it. What's your name?" he asked and held out a hand for her to shake. 'Dang it, mom, why did you drill that into my head!' He berated himself mentally.
The girl giggled and shook his hand. "I'm Miu Furinji. It's a pleasure to meet you, Jaune. Thank you for the help." She said, looking at the two of them with a beaming smile. Jaune looked away and sweatdropped. "No one ever tried to help me like that before. Thank you two so much."
'She probably could have handled it by herself.' He thought. "Oh, I didn't do much you could have handled it yourself….Wait, Furinji!?"
"Nonsense, you were plenty of help; I'm actually kinda happy that's the first time anyone's ever tried to help me like that, thank you." She said with a bright smile. Jaune resisted the blush and scratched the back of his head.
"Oh, uh, thanks…oh, by the way, do you know how I can get to a dojo called Ryozanpaku?" he asked as the girl nodded.
"Sure, I do, but why do you want to know?" she asked.
"Oh, I was told I could train there by my grandfather; he said that a master there was an old friend." He said as Miu nodded and pulled out a piece of paper and drew a crude map with directions to Ryozanpaku.
"Here you go, just follow those directions tomorrow. Take care, Jaune." She said and went on her own way. Jaune looked down at the map and cringed. He was about to ask her some questions, but when he looked up, she was gone. Jaune reluctantly looked back down at the map and sighed. Yeah, he was going to be busy tomorrow.
The next day
It took Jaune the entire day again to find Ryozanpaku. The directions were really confusing to follow, especially with the weird route.
Despite the map, he eventually found it. Ryozanpaku. It was already dark when he got there, but that was beside the point.
Now Jaune was standing in front of two large wooden doors above him. He had his family blade strapped to his hip, and he carried his traveling pack over his shoulders. And his trusty guitar case over his right. He looked over the complex and noticed that it was a bit disarray with cracks all over the walls. He walked up to the gates, and he took a deep breath. He wondered if he should knock or just walk in.
After a few moments of debating, he knocked on the door. "Hello, is anyone home?" More silence followed until he struck again. More silence. He tried to push open the door, only for it to not budge. He pushed harder and tried to use his aura, but the door wouldn't budge.
"What the heck kinda door is this? It feels like it's made of lead!" He yelled as he struggled against the door when someone's finger gently moved past the side of his face and pushed open the gate with incredible force. Jaune fell to the floor and only stared at the wide-open doors. He turned around and looked at the towering figure in front of him.
He was a towering fair-skinned man with blue eyes and blond hair. His hair reached his mid-back, and he also sported a chest-length beard and a thick and macho mustache. And a wide antenna-like shape of hair hanging from his face. He was also wearing a long green robe/Gi and red arm guards.
"Hello, their young man. What business do you have here at this hour?" He asked, and Jaune rubbed the back of his head nervously.
"Um, I-I was hoping to train at this Dojo. My grandpa told me I could come here to…train," he said nervously, finding it difficult to pull his courage out of its shell in the presence of this terrifying old man.
"Hmm, I see. Can you tell me your name, young man?" Said the Elder as he locked eyes with Jaune as he stood up.
"I'm Jaune Arc. Is this Ryozanpaku? I have a letter for the Elder here." He said while staring into the aging warrior's eyes, who nodded yes to both of his Questions. The Elder smirked at Jaune, recognizing his name and the fire buried in his soul.
"I see you wouldn't happen to be the grandson of Roland Arc, would you." He said while stroking his beard. Jaune could only nod dumbly in response, reaching into his bag and presenting the letter his grandfather had made all those years ago. The Elder gently took the note, and in a blink of an eye, he was reading the letter with a solemn expression on his face.
"I see, so Roland has passed on from this world..." he hummed softly, gently folding the letter up and tucking it into his robe before pulling Jaune to his feet.
"Yes, sir."
"What were his final words?" The Elder asked, kneeling down to get to the boy's eye level.
"...he asked me to get him a slice of cake."
"...He...hahahahahahaha! Of Course, he asked for sweets!" The Elder laughed loudly and boisterously as if understanding an old inside joke between old friends, surprising Jaune before he felt a reassuring hand on his shoulder from the Elder.
"Well, then Jaune, follow me. We have much to talk about." He said and started to walk past Jaune. Who scrambled to his feet and followed the Elder.
"Tell me, Jaune. What did your grandfather tell you about this place?" the elder asked as he led the boy into the Dojo for the first time.
"He told me there were masters that could teach me here...are you some kind of Martial arts master?"
"HAHA, well, I wouldn't call myself a master. I'm just rather fortunate I have yet to lose a single battle. My name is Hayato Furinji, the Grand-master of this Dojo. I welcome you to Ryozanpaku, where the greatest masters of martial arts gather to hone their skills and keep traditions alive. Most of us here despise the common trend that turns our sacred art into a sport." He led Jaune into the Dojo, where a man of above-average height and messy black hair in a hakama (traditional Japanese robe) was chipping away at a block of stone.
He paused and looked behind him at the Elder and at Jaune. His gray eyes seemed to pierce through Jaune like reading everything about him. Jaune felt an incredible pressure run over him, and he struggled to breathe, but then, in a blink of an eye, he was fine.
"Oh, Elder, I see you've brought a guest." He said and stood up, looking down at Jaune.
"Jaune, this is Akisame Kōetsuji, the philosophical jujutsu master; he is a master of many arts and runs the clinic behind the dojo." Said the Elder.
"Akisame, this is Jaune Arc. I think he will be an excellent disciple at this Dojo." He said, and Akisame eyes bore into Jaune.
"Hmm, he's weak, unbalanced, and scrawny...if you are serious about letting him train here, we have our work cut out." He said as he returned to his sculpture.
"Introduce him to some of the other masters. I think Apachai is training in the yard right now." He said, and he began to chip away at the stone again.
The ElderElder nodded and led Jaune into the yard, where an extraordinarily tall and powerfully built man stood in front of a punching bag. He had tanned skin, short spiky silver hair, a yellow tank top, red shorts, and a sweatband around his head with bandages wrapped around his hands and feet.
Jaune was about to introduce himself when the ElderElder stopped him. "Sshh, try not to speak too loud, or he'll start to show off."
The man got into a fighting stance, and he started to punch the wall at blinding speed. Jaune couldn't believe the speed and power behind those punches. "What is that monster, and where did it come from!" Shouted Jaune, and the Elder laughed.
"Apa apapapa APA!" The man shouted, and Jaune could almost see the predatory gleam in his eyes. The man kicked through a fully grown tree with ease and destroyers a stone sculpture with his elbow.
'What the hell kind of Grimm is the!' He thought.
"Hahaha, that is Apachai Hopachai from an island called Tai land, only 28 years old, believe it or not, or as he's better known, The Death God of the Muay Thai underground." Said the Elder.
Apachai stopped as he noticed Jaune.
"Apa?" He asked before he ran towards Jaune. The Elder caught a punch thrown by Apachai, and Jaune fell on his back with wide eyes, never even seeing the punch coming.
"Haha, forgive him. He gets excited easily but doesn't let his strength or size fool you. He's actually a very kind-hearted person." Said the Elder as he released Apachai's wrist.
Apachai smiled at Jaune and quickly pulled him up, rattling Jaune with his strength.
"Hello, their scrawny boy, you pay money. Apachai teach you to kill!" He said joyously while raising his arms into the air.
Jaune smiled and held out his hand for Apachai to shake.
"It's nice to meet you, Apachai. I'm actually here to train, so I'd appreciate it if you taught me...by the way, is there anyone here that can train me to use a sword and maybe a shield?"
"Apapapa, yay, Apachai will train you to be an excellent fighter! Apapapa Apachai's first disciple, I teach you to kill your enemies to death, Apaaa!" Apachai began jabbing the air excitedly and went back to destroying everything in his path.
"That's enough, Apachai!" Yelled the Elder, and Apachai went off to do something else.
"Well, he seemed nice." Said Jaune. Sure he was a minor battle crazy, but the man seemed really nice.
"Forgive him. We don't get many visitors; he probably just got overstimulated." Said the Elder as he led Jaune down a wooden patio.
"That's fine. He seemed nice." Said Jaune as he looked around the complex.
"Tell me, Jaune, what do you wish to learn?" He asked, and Jaune thought long and hard. He wanted to get stronger and be able to fight so.
"Well, maybe I can try learning a bit of everything. I want to use my sword without, you know, killing someone when I didn't mean to...I also want to be able to defend myself without my weapon... although I guess I would like to learn some karate too. I took a few lessons when I was little, and I liked it." He said, and Hayato stroked his mustache and smiled.
'Hmm, well, I can't say much about what he is...But he's Roland Grandson, and even if he has no talent, it doesn't mean he doesn't have potential.'
Jaune was so much like his grandfather. It was like seeing his very reincarnation...he did still owe his grandfather a favor, so he would allow Jaune to learn here as a disciple of Ryozanpaku. After all, this was the only way he could repay the old debt now.
"Hmm, well, come with me. There are still other masters around." He and Jaune left Apachai to resume destroying everything with his training regimen... and Jaune finally understood why the wall had so many cracks. He was honestly amazed they weren't completely destroyed by now!
The Elder led Jaune past a room with the screen door open slightly. Jaune peeked inside, and what he saw could only be described as a supermodel. He saw a fairly tall woman with a slender frame yet remarkably well-endowed chest. She had long waist-length raven hair tied back in a high ponytail, peach skin, and light purple eyes. She was wearing a purple choker around her neck that contained numerous small pins. She was in a tiny pink kimono and long purple stocking. She was kneeling, and the four spears around her in the blink of an eye, she cut through them with ease.
"Show yourself...what business do you have with me!?" She demanded, and Jaune stiffened, thinking she was talking to him.
Jaune pointed to himself. "Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to intrude."
"I know where you are, Kensei ...and ...so does my blade!" She stabbed her katana into the floor, and a man in a green Chinese robe and gray pants jumped out of the floor mat with a camera in one hand and his other hand keeping his bowler hat on his head. He had a long bushy mustache.
"Relax, Shigure, I was just making sure everything was up and up, down below looking good~." He said with a sly grin.
Shigure kept her emotionless persona. "That's doesn't...explain the camera you're holding. What exactly were you taking pictures of down there?" She asked dangerously.
"Eh… what do you mean." Kensai jumped out of the way and around the room, effortlessly dodging the thrown shuriken. One of them flew straight towards Jaune's face, he flinched, and the ElderElder caught it between his fingers effortlessly.
"That is Shigure, our weapons mistress, and the other is Kensei Ma, master of all Mistralian martial arts." The Elder opened the door, and the two masters stopped.
"Hello, you two. This is Jaune Arc; he's going to be a disciple here. Shigure, he wishes to learn the way of the blade. Are you willing to teach him as your disciple?" He asked.
Shigure sheathed her katana and looked over Jaune with a neutral face. Jaune felt the world grow darker as he saw a purplish aura surround Shigure, making her look more imposing. Jaune felt like he was about to pass out with the sheer power behind her stare alone. Until, just like with Akisame, the pressure disappeared in an instant.
She nodded to the Elder. "...He has potential...I will train him...but he must get ...stronger." She said, and Jaune was pleased. He was glad she was willing to train him, but he knew he wasn't strong enough...yet.
"Hmm, that's true, Jaune. There is one more master to introduce, but I warn you, he can be difficult." Jaune followed the ElderElder into a side room.
"Yo Shio, I need a favor." Said the Elder. A tall and largely-muscled tan-skinned man stood in the center. He has short eggplant-colored hair with a longer strand hanging over his face. He had a long scar that ran horizontally across the bridge of his nose. He was standing before a man-shaped wooden dummy and drinking a beer bottle. To Jaune, he seemed like the character you'd see in an arcade fighting game.
"No way I don't do disciples, old man." He took a swig from a glass of beer before crushing it with his bare hands. "Besides, let's say I did decide to train him." He sent a flurry of punches to the head and arms clean off with little effort. "The kid would be dead in a week." He said with a dangerous grin.
Jaune gulped and backed away nervously. "Well, that's too bad the man obviously doesn't want a disciple, hehehe." Jaune laughed nervously and was about to turn around when the ElderElder grabbed the collar stopping him.
"Hahaha, that's rich geezer, hahaha" He laughed loudly, and he had to hold his gut. Still, his laughter died when he noticed the rugged look on the Elder'sElder's face. "... Wait, your serious?" He asked the man, and he nodded. Sakaki sighed and continued with his training. "Whatever, I don't do disciples, so don't expect me to train him. I don't really care what you do, though." He said.
A few minutes later, all the masters were gathered in front of Jaune, who felt like an ant compared to these fighters, and he wondered just what kind of place his grandfather sent him to.
"I'll go make some tea." Said Miu as she walked down the hall. The minute she was out of sight, Jaune felt like the very weight of the world was on his shoulders, and he collapsed to the floor, struggling to breathe and stay awake.
"Well, I'll give the kid credit. He hasn't pissed himself yet." Said Sakaki with a chuckle.
"Yes, but that may be due to his aura countering ours." Said Akisame.
"Still, though, can we honestly expect him to commit to our teachings?" Asked Kensai.
"Well, why don't we ask." Said the Elder. "Now then, Jaune, will you join Ryozanpaku. Will you devote yourself to the teachings of Ryozanpaku?"
Jaune slowly rose to his feet, and he answered them with surprising determination in his eyes. Some masters looked on in interest at seeing a young boy with conviction so strong. "I've come too far to say no. I will devote myself to this. I swear that." He said, and the ElderElder smiled.
Kensai pulled out a scroll and rolled it out in front of Jaune.
"OK, first sign here, then your birthday, signature, and current address." He said, but Jaune stopped when he reached his address.
"What's the wrong boy?" Asked the Elder.
"... Uh...I don't have one at the moment." He said.
"And why is that lad?" Asked the Elder.
"... I ran away from home. My parents think I'm pathetic and that I'll never be strong enough...so I left to prove them wrong and make my grandpa proud." He said the Elder stroked his beard, and Kensei nodded his head in understanding. that did make things a little complicated; however, the elder smiled at what Jaune said next. "I've come this far to train and become the huntsman my grandfather knew I could be."
"Hmm, this is a problem...why don't you live here in the dojo; we have a few spare rooms you can use." Said the Elder.
"Wait, really?" Asked Jaune.
"Sure, just help with a few chores here and there...also, you'll be enrolled in a school while you're here." Said the Elder, and Jaune nodded.
"Yes, sensei...so when do we start?" He asked, eager to start training... (oh, you poor fool).
Kensai raised his hand. "I think it would be best if Akisame taught him first." He said.
"Hmm, Akisame has had experience in teaching or beliefs, so he should be a good teacher." The Elder agreed while stroking his beard.
Akisame walked forward and patted Jaune's shoulder, and smiled at him. "Don't worry; you're in good hands, and despite popular belief, I'm not a very strict teacher." He said.
'Wow, I thought he was intimidating before, but he seems like a really nice guy!' He thought and nodded eagerly to Akisame.
"Thank you. I'll be in your care. Master." Jaune said with a beaming smile, pride at having made it to the promised Dojo his grandfather sent him to. he had a long journey. Now it was time to entrust himself to these indeed incredible masters. He was confident he would be in good hands here.
Two minutes later
"ARRRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHH!" Jaune yelled in agonizing pain. He was wearing a sleeveless white Gi with a white belt. He was forced to crouch down in a sitting position; his thighs were tied to his shins to keep him localized in that position. Underneath his butt was a still-burning incense. His arms were held out as he held two giant ferns full of water with courage, wisdom, and honor written in kanji. The third fern was on his head. And on the inside of his upper arm were two small sharp spikes, so every time he tried to rest, they would dig into his side's forcing his arms back into place.
"ARRRGHHHH, MY FINGERS ARE GONNA FALL OFF!" He cried out. His entire body felt like it was burning.
"Many have said that, but I've rarely seen it happen." Said Akisame as he drank some tea nonchalantly. His arms ached, and he slowly eased them down only to get jabbed again.
"YAHHHHH!"
One hour later
Jaune stood outside the Dojo with a rope tied around his torso leading to a giant tire.
"Now then, time for a nice relaxing run to Bay and back." Said Akisame as he sat on top of the tire.
"That's like six train stops away!" Yelled Jaune.
Akisame eyes glowed for a moment, and he pulled out a whip. "Then you better start running!" He whipped at Jaune's feet, and he started to run. While he was running, Akisame insulted him and told him to run faster.
"I thought you said you weren't strict!" He shouted back as he ran forward.
'Damn it, grandpa, just what kind of hell did you send me to!' He thought.
Two hours later
Jaune lay on the dojo floor with a glazed look as he breathed hard, his body drenched in sweat.
"Alright, I took it easy on you since it was your first day. But make sure to get plenty of rest because the real training begins tomorrow." Said Akisame as he walked away.
Miu walked towards him and knelt down. She was wearing yellow pajamas with brown paw prints all over them.
"Hey Jaune, I know this is tough, but keep up the hard work." She said with a bright smile that lifted Jaune's spirit.
"You got it, Miu...wait, Miu, what are you doing here?" He asked.
"Oh, I didn't tell you I live here. The grandmaster is my grandfather." She chirped, and Jaune immediately saw a slight resemblance.
"Huh, that's cool... I'm going to be living here from now on...so I guess we'll be seeing a lot of each other...you can go back to whatever you were doing I'm just going to lay here a while and rest." He groaned slowly, sitting up as he felt his muscles screaming at him.
"OK, don't give up, Jaune." She said and disappeared from his sight.
Jaune slowly got to his feet and slowly limped out of the Dojo. Apachai appeared next to him with a well-carved walking staff.
"Apachai made this for you here." Jaune smiled and took the staff.
"Thank you, Apachai you're a saint." He said with tears at the kind gift as he hobbled down the hallway to the complex's residential area, only to find a rope waiting for him. To get to the second floor, he needed to climb this rope.
Jaune whimpered as he began his agonizing climb up the rope. The minute he was in his room, he began to unpack briefly, wondering if he could really do this. Until he pulled out a picture frame of him and Mallon. he smiled weakly at the picture, placing it on the desk.
'I've got to do this. She'd never let me hear the end of it if I didn't.' he thought before he collapsed into the bed and passed out not a second later.
'Grandfather, I can't help but wonder if you forgot to mention this on purpose.' Were his final thoughts before he fell into blissful sleep.
Alright i Apologies for the Delay. I was suddenly promoted and had to move rather suddenly.
But here is the First chapter to the new story and as you can see i have changed the names of the siblings.
I wanted to do more in this first chapter then before and am pleased with how it turned out. the second chapter is already in the works and will hopefully be completed soon.
until then i hope you enjoy this new Journey.
Until next time
~Later Days~
-Wiseotaku.