The sun was hot, and not a single cloud in the sky, not cold and raining like the movies usually portrayed at a funeral. "I wish it would rain," Jaune thought as he looked at the sun as it beat down on him. There were hundreds of people, and Jaune couldn't recognize any of them. Most were friends of his family and some close relatives. Jaune couldn't count the amount of times he had to introduce himself. He felt like a robot with the same message.
Jaune hated funerals, they were the worst part of the experience. They always seemed to make you feel worse. His family had experienced Death before, his older sister had passed away two years earlier, but it still was hard. Her death was even more mysterious. Jaune had tried to find out more but his parents didn't really talk too much about how she died.
Jaune tried to not focus on all the noise around him. He chuckled thinking about the stories that his grandfather had always told them. He had told them stories about another world called Remnant. A fictional place full of heroes, villains, and people with superpowers, and monsters. Jaune shook his head remembering when he was younger. He would often play as the hero acting out the stories.
It had been hard for everyone when Jaune and his family found out their grandfather passed away. They had been camping near Muncy, Pennsylvania when they heard the news. Jaune could not believe that he was gone. You don't know how much you care about someone until they are gone.
Jaune watched the coffin that held his grandfather as it was lowered into the ground. It was hard for Jaune to accept that he would never see his grandfather again. He was angry partly because his grandfather was healthy and he didn't want to accept the fact that he was gone. He didn't quite know what to feel. He just sat and watched, unable to do much else.
His father Nicholas approached a stand that was positioned in front of everyone and began to say some closing remarks. "Thank you all for coming, Alexander Arc was an amazing father. He cared for each one of his family members. He laughed, loved, told stories, and worked hard. He was a good man."
Jaune shook his head, not listening to the rest of the speech. His father had recently gotten into an argument with his grandfather. His father continued commenting about what he learned and the life of his father. Jaune felt like it was his fathers fault that his grandfather was gone.
Some weeks had gone by and the pain began to feel numb, but more bearable. For the next couple of weeks, The Arc family cleaned out their grandfather's house trying to pick up the pieces.
The road to the old mansion was a windy dirt road with green lush trees all around. The window was down and Jaune could smell the damp forest as they drove. He gazed out at the trees watching them pass by. He listened to the roar from the truck's engine as they drove down the road. It would sputter now and then because of age. The view of Pennsylvania was pretty if not for the memories that surfaced because of it. Almost everything seemed to remind Jaune of his grandfather.
They drove in silence for a while. Not really speaking to each other. Nicholas watched his son as they drove, he was worried about Jaune; he hadn't been able to do much since the funeral. Nicholas spoke up trying to break the silence.
"Hey son, how are you feeling," He said with concern in his eyes. watching to see how his son reacted.
Jaune looked up from his daze, avoiding eye contact and not really paying attention. "I am good, just thinking," he said and continued to watch the trees.
"I miss him too you know" Jaunes father responded he chuckled softly "he cared about you, more than you can ever realize"
"I know," Jaune says, faking a smile while turning towards his dad.
The mansion slowly came into view, as the truck rounded the corner. Nicholas sighed, obviously emotional. "I really love this place," he said, pausing for a moment. "It is sad to see it go."
Jaune paused and listened to his father for a moment before looking back out. Jaune was sad that he was not going to be coming back here anymore, knowing that his dad had made plans to sell the place.
"Yeah, I agree," Jaune said.
The truck pulled up to the old mansion. The tires made noise on the gravel as it pulled in. The mansion was fairly large, it was older and had been built ages ago. It was four stories tall including the attic. It was mostly made of a bright red brick, with white pillars, there was a big porch that Jaune and his siblings used to play on often. There were some vines that were growing up on the side of the house. There was a tree with a swing in the front of the house.
Jaune jumped out, he stretched a little. His dad spoke "can you get the stuff and help load it onto the trailer on the back of the truck. Your mom and the rest of the family will get here a little later."
"Ok, sounds good," Jaune said as he hurried into the house.
The door screeched as he went in. The house had a very unique smell. It was a combination of the smell of books, metal from his grandfather's shop and the older wood that the house was made of. It was a familiar smell, one that Jaune was going to miss. His grandfather loved books and often read stories to them. He looked around the house looking at the pictures and other things that his Grandpa had.
His Grandfather was in the military and there was a picture of him teaching Jewel, Jaunes older sister, how to throw a punch. Jaune smiled remembering how his sister had always pestered him more after that. He looked at another photo of a camping trip in the forest in the back and roasting smores by the fire.
Jaune smiled, remembering all the moments with his grandfather. "I miss you," Jaune said, grabbing some boxes and beginning to work. The work helped to keep his mind occupied and away from negative thoughts. He could hear the door creak, but continued to work. "Jaune," his sister Amber exclaimed, jumping on his back. Ignoring the fact he was holding a box.
"Hey Amber," Jaune said laughing as he spun her around once, careful not to drop the box he was holding.
"What are you up to Jaune?" she said with curious eyes. Amber was around 8 and was always happy. It had always amazed Jaune that she was able to bounce back from anything.
"I am just helping with Grandpa's stuff" he said
"Let's play." she said drawing out the play as if it would be more convincing.
He laughed at his little sister's antics. "Sure, let's play" Jaune paused, trying to think of a fun game. "The put-away boxes in the big truck game, whoever puts away the most boxes wins."
Jaune's sister pouted "You're no fun" she jumped down and stuck her tongue out as she then grabbed a smaller box and ran off. "I am going to win." she said with energy only a child could.
Jaune laughed as he watched his sister run off. "Come get donuts," someone yelled from the kitchen. The sound of a thousand footsteps could be heard as everyone quickly rushed to the kitchen. Jaune went slowly, not really feeling in the mood. He waited at the doorway watching as his siblings devoured the food as if they had starved for weeks.
A fist hit the top of his head surprising him. "Ouch," he said rubbing his head, wincing. He could only think of one person who hit so hard. "Hey sis" he said, turning around to face his sister.
"You got to toughen up," Jewel said as she grabbed Jaunes hair, shaking it.
Jaune Laughed pushing his older sister away a little. It was a kind gesture, even though the words weren't. Jaune had gotten used to the teasing. He laughed as he watched her stuff an entire donut into her mouth.
Jaunes mother saw and quickly scolded her "Jewel, take smaller bites, please. either you need a smaller doughnut or you need a bigger mouth." Everyone laughed as Jewel nodded her head and swallowed the donut as if it was nothing. Amber seeing her sister tried to imitate her "Amber don't try to eat the whole thing, let me help you" she stopped Amber from trying to swallow the donut. His Mom began to cut it into smaller pieces so that she wouldn't copy her sister.
"Jewel you need to be a good example to your siblings," She said.
Jewel wiped her mouth "ok"
Jaune, now feeling a little hungry, went in to grab one of the last donuts. He looked at the last one; it was a glazed one. Not his personal favorite but it was okay. He grabbed it and began to eat it slowly.
He noticed his father set a box down and stretched his back. He went over to Jaune and put his hand on his shoulder "Jaune can you grab the stuff from the attic? It's one of the last places that's left, there shouldn't be too much."
"Sure thing," Jaune said, stuffing what was left in his mouth before he left.
Jaune quickly made his way to the Attic. The attic was a very familiar place, Jaune and his sisters would often hide there when they played hide and go seek. Jaune pulled on a rope and the stairs slowly began to descend from the ceiling. Dust flew into his face as the stairs dropped. Jaune coughed, waving his hands in front of his face trying to get the dust away. He climbed up the stairs and turned on the lights illuminating the dim room. The attic was roomy, big enough to stand in and had not been used since the argument his Father had with Grandpa. Jaune sighed. It had been a couple years since he had seen the attic, hence the dust. There was cool stuff everywhere, boxes stacked to the side. Jaune began looking through some, seeing what things should go first.
A box caught his eye. It said "To Jaune, From Grandpa" in big letters. Jaune grabbed the box, dragging it into the open. It was heavy, that was for sure. He slowly opened it looking at its contents. There was a journal, some rocks, and other miscellaneous things, but what caught his eye was a sword. Jaune grabbed it, pulling it out of the box. The sword was breathtaking. The hilt was a bronze color, it's handle was wrapped in blue stained leather. It was in a beautiful silver and blue sheath.
"Woah," Jaune said verbally, unable to hold in his excitement.
He pulled it out of the sheath. It was sharp, he could tell just by looking at it. Jaune wanted to test it out. He made a few practice swings, but dropped it. The sword hit the floor in a crash. Jaune winced as it made noise. He could hear his father call up to him.
"Jaune hurry up we don't have all day"
"Ok, I am coming" Jaune yelled down the stairs and then looked back at the sword. "I should probably put this back." He quickly put away the sword. He noticed a strange metal sphere that looked like a globe also in the box. Not thinking much of it Jaune brought the box down with some effort. He quickly packed away the box with the rest of the things.
"Hey dad?" Jaune said approaching his father "Did gramps ever leave me a box with a sword?"
His dad's face paled as he heard Jaunes question. "No why?"
Jaune noticed that he seemed worried but he continued "I found a box that had my name on it in the attic."
"It was probably a mistake just leave it there"
"What, why?" Jaunes was stunned.
"Jaune please just listen to me, you don't want anything to do with that box." He snapped now annoyed that Jaune was pushing.
"Come on dad, who wouldn't want a sword?" Jaune said, raising his voice.
"A sword," Jaunes younger sisters yelled. They came rushing in. Jaune could see his sister Jewel look surprised as well.
"That's awesome, gramps left you a sword." they began to bombard Jaune with questions, their excitement rubbing off onto him.
Nicholas groaned, knowing full well that it was impossible to convince anyone not to bring it now.
"Finish up and we will talk about this later," he said to Jaune.
Jaune was confused, what was so important about this sword, why was he so worried? He brushed it off thinking it was nothing. Jaune continued helping but his mind would always come back to the sword. He wanted to find out more about the box. It was all he could think about as his family drove home, even as his sisters nagged him.
As soon as we pulled into the driveway Jaune searched for the box and grabbed the rest of his things. He rushed to his room ignoring his mom as she spoke.
"Jaune, you need to help grab some other things," his mom tried to tell him as he rushed into the house. She smiled, shaking her head and continued to unpack.
Jaune hefted the box and set it on his bed, Opening it so that he could see everything. There was a book, a Crystal, a pile of strange currency that Jaune didn't recognize. A belt, a box full of vials with a variety of what looked like colored sand in them. Some clothing, a backpack, camping gear, and the sword.
Jaune looked at the book first, glancing at its title. Guide to survival in the world of Remnant. By Alexander Arc
Jaunes hands tightened around the book. Jaune couldn't believe his eyes. "He wrote the stories he told us as kids, into a book." Jaune laughed. "I don't see what's so dangerous about that." He skimmed it not paying much attention, there was a list of instructions on how the world worked. Currency, the alphabet, and different languages. There was a detailed map with cities and drawings of landmarks. There were some very detailed drawings, there were almost too many details.
"This is way more detailed than when I was a kid" Jaune said as he skimmed some more. He stopped at a page that looked interesting. He began to read "the Beowulf is a Grimm that attacks in packs, they usually are led by an alpha. However there are occasional outliers. The drawing was very detailed; it showed a large wolf with a comparison of a person next to it. He pocketed the book and then moved on to see what else there was.
He looked at the vial of what looked like sand, He shook it not knowing what it was. It began to glow, Jaune dropped it out of shock "well, that is unexpected."
He shook his head "One more weird mystery to add to the list." Jaune was about to continue but he heard a knock on the door. Jaune quickly threw one of his hoodies over the box. He paused looking at the suspicious pile hoping his dad wouldn't notice. Jaune opened the door to see his father standing with his arms crossed.
"Hey Dad, how are you doing?" Jaune said, stepping in front of his bed so his father couldn't see.
"Jaune, I need to talk to you about something, can I come in?" He said sternly.
Jaune gulped, not excited about what was about to come. It felt as if he had been caught sneaking cookies from a cookie jar. "Sure," He said, letting his father in. Usually the conversations that Jaune had with his father Nicholas were very warm and cheerful, but today it felt colder. Nicholas sat down and motioned that Jaune should sit down as well.
Jaune sat down, nervously. Not knowing quite what to do with his hands.
Nicholas began to speak "Son, Your grandfather was a person who liked to follow traditions, he was stuck in the way things are and didn't change easily."
"That's true," Jaune agreed, not seeing how that was important. "What does that have to do with the box with the sword in it though?"
Nicholas paused, glancing at the pile of things "This is hard to explain" He said pausing to think.
Nicholas began to speak "Our family has always had a unique tradition. Your grandfather made some decisions that I did not agree with and we got into an argument. He gave the same things to your older sister who passed away." He paused, "ever since then I have had doubts about whether or not it was worth it" He looked somber remembering. "Because of that, I don't want the same thing to happen to you."
"What does this have to do with the things in the box?" Jaune was unable to see the connection between the box and how his sister had passed away.
"Jaune, I love you and I want the best for you. Which is why I believe that I will be confiscating the box, you are not ready."
"What, ready for what? Grandpa gave me the box. What can be so bad about that stuff?"
"I don't want to lose you too" Nicholas was pleading "Please Jaune. I don't want to make this any more difficult, than it already is." He put his hand on Jaunes shoulder and looked him in the eyes. Jaune looked at his father, the man without an ounce of fear. Right now Jaune could see the fear in his fathers eyes.
"That doesn't make any sense at all," Jaune said, pushing his fathers hand away.
"All that was in there was a bunch of rocks and a sword. No, I am not going to listen unless you explain, and it doesn't seem like you really want to" Jaune protested, now standing.
"No, Jaune please" Jaunes father was standing as well, looming over Jaune. Jaune was 6 foot but his father still was taller by a good margin. "There are things that are difficult to understand, things that you won't believe in." Nicholas said looking at the pile once more and he sighed. "I am going to be taking the box, I know you have it" He said, pulling the hoodie off of it. He started to put everything back in the box.
Jaune was about to say something but his father stopped him. "Jaune please promise me that you will not have anything to do with this box." He said as he picked it up. He began to leave, He looked back at Jaune. "This is for the best" Jaune slammed the door as he left, he waited for a moment, but then sat back down on his bed frustrated. Jaune pulled out the book.
Jaune flopped onto his bed, "Ugh, why does he never listen to me"
A knock came from the window, Jaune sat up confused. This is the second floor. He opened the curtains not knowing what to expect. There was his sister hanging onto the windows overhang. She smiled and waved nonchalantly. Jaune looked at her annoyed. "What do you want Jewel, and this is the second floor, how did you even get up here?" Jaune looked down trying to see how she had gotten up, there was no ladder or anything hinting on how she did it.
"Had a fight with dad" She said
"Yeah, how could you tell? looking at his sister while he rubbed his neck embarrassed.
"I heard it, and I knew it was going to happen." Jewel said, still hanging from the window, "Can I come in?"
Jaune looked at her as if wanting to say "not really"
"I can tell you about the box of stuff" she offered, smirking knowing that her brother wouldn't refuse.
Jaune sighed "Fine, I can let you in" He grumbled as he opened the window.
Jaunes sister came in and immediately jumped onto Jaunes bed, making herself comfortable. "So have you looked at the guide book yet." she said as she picked her teeth.
Jaune shrugged his shoulders "A little, I skimmed a few pages here and there" Jewel looked at Jaune raising her eyebrows.
"Hand it to me," she said, reaching out her hand. "Knowing you, you missed it, Gramps should have put it in huge letters so that even a dork like yourself would notice."
"Hey," Jaune protested. "I am not a dork," he said as he tossed the book to his sister with a scowl on his face.
She caught it and opened the first page pulling a letter from an envelope that was there. She looked at Jaune smugly extending the letter back to him.
Jaune felt like hitting his face. His sister was right.
"Here this is from Gramps" she said, still holding out the letter towards Jaune.
Jaune grabbed the letter and tore it open and began to read.
Dear Jaune
I know your father will be mad about me giving you this responsibility. Our family for generations has been tasked with protecting Earth and another world, the world of Remnant. It is difficult to believe but it is true. Those stories that you heard as a child are not just fiction they are real. This guide book will help you to know what to do. There is the key and another letter explaining the details of what is necessary to bring with you. The world of remnant is a wonderful place that is extremely important to our family. You will face many hardships and difficulties but I believe you will be able to succeed.
Stay safe
Sincerely your loving grandfather Alexander Arc
Jaune looked at his sister, not knowing what to say but more skeptical than anything.
"I have been there, to Remnant, well almost everyone in the family has, except for you and your younger sisters." Jewel seemed very nonchalant about the whole thing as if it was the most obvious thing.
"Dad is worried that you will get hurt." she thought for a moment before laughing "Which is probably true, you would find a way to do that." Jewel continued "Dad has been having doubts ever since Amy died." He doesn't think it is worth it, sending our family members to another world.
Jaune was surprised "so what exactly happened to Amy? How did she die?"
Jewel looked solemn thinking about her younger sister. "Amy went to Beacon Academy, a school that taught people how to fight the Grimm and she had an accident on one of her practice missions. I don't know all the details either. That was the last time that Dad let any of us go to remnant."
"Why couldn't he tell me?" Jaune asked, wondering why his father didn't tell him.
Jewel yawned "would you believe him If he told you? she asked
Jaune paused, trying to think about if he would have. "I don't know" I am still mad at him though, why would he keep this a secret."
Jewel nodded agreeing with what Jaune was saying "Yeah, It was hard for me to believe it as well, but our family has been doing this for generations." Jewel sat up "Our family has some pretty crazy history that's for sure."
Jaune still looked upset, still thinking about what his dad had said and the new things he had just learned.
Jewel spoke "Dad is just frustrated right now enough to take the box. Just wait until later and if you still want to learn more just ask him."
"I am pretty sure he would say no." Jaune says bitterly, shaking his head.
Jewel looked at her brother, knowing that he was right. Trying to think of another way to get across to him. "Read the book and talk to dad before you make a decision because you will make it harder for yourself and dad if you don't."
Jewel jumped up and shook jaunes hair before she walked out of the door. "You got this, all you need is confidence" she said as she closed the door behind her.
"What have I gotten myself into?" Jaune muttered to himself. Jaune couldn't quite comprehend everything. It was hard for him to believe. The stories that his grandfather told to him as a child were not fiction. He didn't know for sure but there was only one way to find out.
"I have to look at the box again," Jaune said as looked at the book.
Jaune knew where it was, it was in his fathers office. He frequently hid Christmas presents and gifts in his office. That was Jaunes best guess.
Jaune grabbed his favorite hoodie. He felt a new sense of determination flow through him. Jaune had to hurry. Jaune began to rush through the halls being as quiet as he could. He could hear his parents talking about something in the kitchen below, he creeped over to the railing to hear better.
Nicholas was speaking and pacing back and forth "What was my father thinking?" Nicholas said moving his hands in frustration. He breathed out "sending Jaune to Remnant, Jaune wouldn't last a week" Jaune scowled when he heard this now more determined.
Julia jaunes' mom put her hand on Nicholas' back. "I believe that Jaune deserves an explanation and he will understand." Nicholas began to speak But Jaune didn't want to hear the rest. He quickly went into the office taking advantage of the fact that his parents were busy talking.
The office was large, there was a rug and comfortable arm chairs that sat around the center. Jaune looked around the room for the box. There sat the box on the deck.
Jaune clenched his fist, he pulled out the book from his pocket. He read the book quickly looking at the diagrams about what to do. Jaune glanced at the door hoping he was fast enough.
Jaune grabbed the backpack and all the things he would need, prioritizing the things from the box. He put the sword into the backpack last. He didn't know if he believed it, it seemed too far-fetched of an idea. But he wanted to prove his father wrong.
Jaune didn't want to continue being wrong and weak, he was frustrated. Jaune looked at the object that supposedly would take you to The other world. The object was round like a sphere; it was intricate with many designs around it. The top opened and there was a space for a crystal to be placed. He grabbed a white crystal, it glowed for a moment and he held it over where it needed to go. Jaune held his breath and dropped it. The ball began to whir and make noise.
Jaune jumped back immediately regretting his decision. The crystal began to vibrate and hum loudly as if it was charging, it was loud enough that his father could hear. The crystal began to glow and hover inches in the air. Everything in the room began to float off of the ground and they began to spin around the sphere in the center of the room. It was as if the sphere had its own gravity.
Jaune was screaming not knowing what to hold onto or what to grab, then everything stopped. Jaune was currently hovering in the air near the ceiling.
"Shoot,'' Jaune screamed as he began to fall to who knows where. A flash of light blinded him. The light dimmed and everything crashed to the floor. Jaune was nowhere to be found. Jaunes father opened the door and rushed into the room. He knew what had happened as soon as he saw the room in disarray.
"What have I done?" He said as he fell down to the floor with worry.
This is the first chapter. feel free to comment and suggest edits and changes
I will be uploading new chapters when they are ready
Also, I have made some very big changes to this chapter. I will continue to edit the current chapters when I see something I think needs to change.
