The morning sun peeked through the curtains of the Arc family kitchen, casting a warm glow over the modest, well-worn room. Jaune sat at the kitchen table, his elbows resting on the chipped wood. Despite the enticing aroma of breakfast, a rare luxury of bacon, sausages and eggs, his plate remained untouched.
His mother, Juniper, a woman of kind eyes and gentle hands, bustled around the kitchen. "Jaune, honey, you need to eat something. You can't start your big day on an empty stomach," she chided softly, placing a glass of orange juice next to his plate.
Jaune offered her a half-smile, his eyes still distant. "I know, Mom. Just not feeling hungry, you know? Nerves, I guess."
"You've never been nervous in your whole life son." Nicholas Arc, Jaune's father, sat across from him, scoffed as he sipped his coffee.
Jaune glanced up, his eyes lighting up with a mischievous glint. "I guess I'm more excited about the trouble I can get up to at Beacon than the actual training," he quipped, finally taking a sip of his juice.
Juniper shook her head with a fond smile. "Always the joker. Just remember, Beacon Academy is a privilege, Jaune."
"I know, I know. But where's the fun without a little mischief?" Jaune's grin was infectious, and even his father couldn't help but chuckle.
He spent a few more minutes moving the food around his plate before deciding he was bored.
He stood up, pushing his uneaten breakfast away. "I should go wake up Sapphire. Can't leave without saying goodbye to my favourite sister."
His mother raised an eyebrow. "And the only one who tolerates your pranks," she added, but her tone was light.
Jaune winked at her as he left the kitchen. "Exactly why she's my favourite."
Lavender's room was quiet, the soft breathing of its occupant the only sound. Jaune crept in, a grin plastered on his face. He tiptoed to her bedside, where she lay sleeping peacefully.
Marcus, her gerbil was gently dozing in his cage. Jaune smiled and rubbed his hands together. Checking on Lavender one last time to make sure she was still sleeping, he unlocked the cage and carefully took Marcus out.
His prank didn't involve Lavender of course. His darling little sister was never on the receiving end of any of his pranks. No, this was for Sapphire.
He snuck into Sapphire's room, floating a foot above the ground to ensure maximum stealth. Sapphire had gained almost supernatural hearing over the years. It was needed to survive with Jaune Arc around. But adaption was the spice of life, hence the floating.
Sapphire was oblivious to the horror that was coming. She was sleeping gracelessly.
Snoring like a boar…
Jaune lifted her blanket and ushered Marcus in.
"Go on little boy. Go bite Sapphire's butt!"
Marcus needed little encouragement. He scrambled into the warm darkness. It may have seemed a harsh prank but Jaune thought it was more than fair. He had gone to bed last night, only to find fire ants under his covers. Given that he had seen Sapphire digging around the garden before dinner it was a fair guess to assume it was her.
She mumbled something incoherent and frowned in her sleep. Then her eyes shot open and there was a moment of confusion as she tried to fight off her sleepy daze. Then she looked down to her blanket. Then she screamed and jumped out of the bed.
"What the fuck!" She cried and looked around the room wildly. Marcus scrambled away, desperately retreating to Lavender's room for safety. Sapphire's eyes found Jaune.
"You!" She screamed and leapt at him. Jaune couldn't hold back his laughter anymore even as he was tackled to the ground. They spent a few minutes wrestling before she finally tired out and let him go.
"You bastard!" She pulled his ear but as she heard his giggling her anger already started to fade. Jaune had that effect on people.
"Just a farewell gift," he said with a roguish wink. "You know you'll miss my pranks."
She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the smile tugging at her lips. "Maybe a little. Just you know I'll get you back! And don't you dare pull this at Beacon."
"Who, me?" Jaune's expression was the picture of innocence, but the twinkle in his eye said otherwise. "I'm off to be a responsible Huntsman, remember?"
The morning light bathed the interior of Nicholas Arc's old sedan in a soft glow as it meandered through the streets of Ansel. Jaune, lounging in the passenger seat, watched the familiar town pass by with a mixture of fondness and anticipation.
Nicholas, a man whose life as an E-ranked Huntsman was etched in the lines of his face, broke the contemplative silence. "Jaune, as you step into this new chapter, there's something I've been meaning to discuss with you."
Jaune turned, his bright blue eyes reflecting a playful curiosity. "Oddly formal dad…Is this the part where you give me the secret family sword technique or reveal our hidden legacy?"
Nicholas let out a hearty laugh, "Alright, my bad. But I did want to have a serious conversation. I'm afraid our family sword technique is more about not cutting ourselves than any ancient secrets. But seriously, Jaune, you've got a gift. Your abilities, they're extraordinary. Not just any Huntsman can claim to wield lightning or boost others' auras. I really think you have the potential to hit the big leagues. But it will require discipline and hard work."
Jaune snorted as he poked his dad in the belly. A…rounder belly than one would expect from a Huntsman.
"Hard work eh dad?"
"Shut up." Nicholas slapped his hand away. The fact of the matter was that there were barely any Grimm around Ansel anymore. It was not just Nicholas that had grown soft around the edges, all the Ansel Huntsman had. 5 years ago, there had been enough Grimm to keep them all running ragged. Now…his damn brat had killed so many that their 'hunting expeditions' had turned into camping trips, complete with a lot of food and beer. Hence his growing waistline.
The only good news was that the Ansel municipality, none the wiser, still paid his salary.
"What are you going to do when I'm gone?" Jaune teased. "You'll actually have to get back to hunting Grimm."
Nicholas didn't much like the sound of that. He was a Huntsman but only a lowly E rank. Fighting the Grimm was a life and death struggle for his class. He much preferred life as it was now. But of course, he kept that to himself.
"Ok sure. You've got a big mouth now but don't get too cocky. Remember when you accidentally short-circuited the house trying to charge your Scroll? We were in the dark for two days," Nicholas recalled, a smirk playing on his lips.
Jaune grimaced at the memory, his cheeks flushing slightly. "Yeah, that was not one of my finer moments. I just thought, 'Hey, why not give it a little extra juice?' Didn't realize I'd end up frying the entire electrical system."
"It was more than just the lights." Nicholas felt that he had to add. "The fridge stopped working, we lost all the frozen food, and your mother had to cook everything on the barbecue. The neighbours thought we were having some sort of impromptu party."
Jaune chuckled, despite the embarrassment. "And then there was the time I tried to supercharge the lawnmower. I thought I could get the yard done in record time..."
Nicholas burst out laughing at the memory. "That lawnmower shot across the yard like a rocket! I think it's still embedded in the Hendersons' fence. They were so confused about how it got there."
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure Mr. Henderson still gives me weird looks because of that," Jaune said, shaking his head with a grin. "I guess I've always been a bit too enthusiastic with my powers. But I've learned to control them better now. No more surprise lawn mower flights or neighbourhood blackouts."
"It's all part of growing up and learning to handle what you've been given," Nicholas said, his tone turning more serious. "Your powers, Jaune, they're a part of you. And like any part of you, they need to be understood, respected, and controlled. It's not just about the big, flashy things you can do. It's about knowing when and how to use them."
Jaune nodded, taking in his father's words. "I understand, Dad. It's been a bit of a wild ride, figuring it all out. But I think I'm getting the hang of it. And at Beacon, I'll learn even more."
"That's the spirit," Nicholas said, patting his son on the shoulder. "Beacon will give you the training and guidance you need. But remember, the most important lessons often come from the unexpected moments, the mistakes, and the challenges you face along the way."
Jaune looked out the window again, his mind racing with thoughts of the future.
"And…and I just want to tell you that I'm proud of you. I'm…I'm not really good at this stuff, not like you with your silver tongue but I wanted to say it. I don't think I say it enough. But with great power comes great responsibility. You're not just a regular Huntsman, Jaune. You're something more, and with that comes the need for caution and wisdom. When you graduate you won't be joining a crappy Association like I did. The Guilds will be frothing to get their hands on you."
Jaune looked out the window, watching the early morning hustle of the town. "Ah come one dad! Can you cut it out with this cheesy crap? I get it, Dad. I'll be careful. I don't want my powers to hurt anyone. I want to use them to help, to protect."
"That's my boy," Nicholas said warmly. "And there's another thing. Life at Beacon isn't just about training and missions. It's about growing as a person, too. Have you given any thought to... well, your personal life?"
Jaune raised an eyebrow, a smirk forming. "You mean like getting a girlfriend? Dad, give me a break!"
Nicholas's expression softened. "I know, I know. But Jaune, part of being a Huntsman is forming connections, building relationships. You're a charming young man, and I'm sure many would find your company enjoyable. Don't close yourself off to the possibility of finding someone special."
"Don't you remember what happened with Stacy?"
"Who?"
"My ex!"
Nicholas groaned. "You mean Stacy from 3rd grade?"
"Yes."
"The same Stacy who stopped holding your hand after you drew on her face while she was sleeping?"
"Yes!" Jaune scowled and folded his arms.
"Give me a break son! I can't believe you're still bringing that up! How long ago was that?"
"What's that got to do with anything?"
Nicholas just sniggered not dignifying Jaune with a response.
Jaune sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Romance is boring dad. I want to fight badass Grimm, not go on dates."
"Fair enough," Nicholas conceded. "But keep your heart open, Jaune. There's more to life than just fighting Grimm and training. Life's about experiences, about finding joy and love. You might find someone who understands you, who shares your dreams and aspirations."
Jaune looked doubtful, gazing at the road ahead. "Whatever."
Nicholas rolled his eyes. "Just remember, Jaune, you're not alone. You'll make friends, meet mentors, maybe even rivals. Each person you meet will teach you something new, shape you into a better Huntsman, and perhaps, a better man."
The conversation shifted to lighter topics as they continued their drive. Nicholas shared stories of his own time as a young Huntsman, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he learned. Jaune listened intently, absorbing every word, every anecdote. It wasn't just a drive to the airport; it was a journey through the years.
As they approached the airport, the reality of his departure began to settle in. Jaune was about to embark on his own journey, one that would test his limits and define his path. He felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness, but above all, a determination to face whatever Beacon had in store…and to cause as much mischief as possible.
Jaune Arc strolled into Ansel's airport and approached the ticket counter, where a young clerk named Amber greeted him with a polite smile.
"Good morning! How can I assist you?" Amber asked.
"Hi, I need a flight to Vale. The earliest one you've got," Jaune replied, his voice light and friendly.
"Of course! Could I have your name for the booking, please?" Amber asked as she began typing.
"It's Jaune Arc," he answered casually.
At the mention of his name, Amber's fingers froze on the keyboard, and her eyes widened in surprise. "You're Jaune Arc? The Jaune Arc who's going to Beacon?"
Yeah, that's me. Is there a problem?"
"No, not at all! It's just... we have special instructions for you. Give me just a moment." Amber's face flushed with excitement as she picked up the phone and began to quietly talking to someone.
Jaune leaned forward with a playful grin. "Special instructions? I hope it's good news. Do all your passengers get this kind of attention?"
Amber laughed, momentarily flustered. "Only the special ones, it seems. You're quite important, aren't you?"
"Just a guy on his way to school, really," Jaune replied with a shrug, his smile disarming.
"A…a school? You're going to be…be a Hunstman!" Amber gushed. She had never seen one in the flesh before.
Before Amber could continue, a manager hurried over, quickly leading Jaune away. "Mr. Arc, right this way, please. Your flight is ready."
Turning back with a charming wink, Jaune said, "Thanks for your help, Amber. Maybe I'll see you again on my return flight."
"Safe travels, Jaune Arc."
"A private jet…"
Jaune whistled as the little shuttle car zoomed across the tarmac.
"Yes sir." The airport manager said. Jaune frowned at that. This man was probably the same age as his father. Why was he being so respectful?
"I'm just a bit surprised. That's all. Do you know why? I'm happy to just go on a normal plane."
"Not sure sir. I'm just following the orders from the higher ups."
Jaune didn't respond. He was troubled. Higher ups?
Was it possible that people knew about his powers? Obviously, some people, like the Headmaster of Beacon did, but had it spread?
The private jet came into view. A sleek white aircraft that seemed like something out of the movies. Jaune, having never even been on a normal plane before was suitably impressed.
When he boarded the plane, his eyes were immediately drawn to the solitary figure at the back. The only other passenger aboard. The man's stern face and imposing demeanour unmistakably belonged to Guardian Copper Wall, the second in command of the Bronze Fortress Guild.
Jaune froze for a second. Was that really Copper Wall? He had obviously never seen the man in real life, but he was on the TV giving speeches and the like often enough. He was a giant of a man, easily seven feet tall with tanned copper skin and like everyone from the Bronze Fortress Guild, bald head.
An interesting person to talk to!
Taking the seat opposite Copper, Jaune flashed his most charming grin. "Guardian Copper Wall, right? Jaune Arc here, Beacon's next big thing. I didn't expect such esteemed company on my flight."
Copper barely glanced up from his newspaper. "This isn't a social gathering, kid. Keep to yourself." The man's voice was like scraping granite.
Undeterred, Jaune leaned back, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Sure thing, but it's a long flight to Vale. A bit of chat could make it fly by; don't you think?
I've heard airplane food is terrible, but I reckon in a private jet like this? It might actually be good…"
Copper sighed, rubbing his temples. "I'm not here to discuss culinary mysteries with you."
Jaune continued, undaunted. "And what's the deal with this private plane?" He relaxed into his seat as they began to taxi to the runway. There were no seatbelts and the seat resembled more of a sofa chair than the kind of seats he had expected.
Copper said nothing, hoping the kid (why was he even here?) would get bored. He did not.
"To be honest, I thought I would have to roll in economy. So this is what it's like to be a Huntsman? Man, I can't wait! Ooh. Let me check out the bathrooms before we take off!"
Jaune quickly got up and rushed to the toilets. They were as amazing as he expected. He had seen documentaries and movies that showed airplane toilets but those were commercial planes. Those toilets sucked. These ones were like something out of a luxury hotel. There was a bathtub! He stared at it dumbly.
The plane had a bathtub. He debated whether he could use it now. His own house only had one shabby shower between all ten of the Arc's.
"My new life…" He breathed, eyes sparkling. He decided to go for it. "Fuck it!" He moved to turn the taps on.
"Excuse me sir." Someone politely called from behind. Jaune turned.
"Yes?" He took off his top and was about to remove his trousers when the air steward started to panic.
"Please sir! Do not remove your clothes. You cannot access the bath now. The plane is about to take off!"
Jaune stared at the man. He was getting on in years but nevertheless seemed like a professional enough guy. Jaune removed his trousers just to see how the man would respond.
"Please sir!" The man seemed unsure of how to react. He shielded his eyes but Jaune wasn't sure why. His boxer shorts were still on after all.
"So what if the plane is about to take off? What's that got to do with me taking a bath?"
The steward's eyes bulged.
"It's…it's…please sir! I'm going to have to ask you to return to your seat and…"
Jaune closed the door and locked it.
What a strange fellow!
He took off his boxers and turned the taps on. Hot, steaming water starting to fill the large tub.
"What about soap…" He rubbed his hands together in glee.
"You should check out the bath!" Jaune said as he collapsed into his seat opposite Copper who looked at him in disbelief.
"You had a…bath?"
"It was amazing!" Jaune gushed. "Does my skin smell of watermelon?" Jaune got up, bared his forearm and stuck it in Copper's face. "It should do. I used the watermelon soap."
Copper felt an urge to break the arm. What the hell was going on here? Who the hell was this buffoon?
"No?" Jaune frowned and then smelled his own arm. "I can't tell. Maybe I didn't put enough on?"
His exuberance was disturbed by the arrival of the flight attendant.
"Sir would you like a drink?"
"No thank you." Copper replied without even looking at her. Jaune was about to ask for a coke when another thought crossed his mind.
"What drinks do you have?" He asked, trying to sound casual.
"We have a wide range of beverages sir. Water, orange juice, apple juice, guava juice, passion fruit juice, pomegranate juice, cranberry juice, melon juice and mango juice. We also have coconut water and of course the standard array of soda drinks."
"I…I see. Anything…harder?"
Copper gave him a funny look over the top of his newspaper. Jaune swallowed.
"Of course sir. We have wine, a wide range of spirits as well as prosecco. I apologise for not stating it earlier but…it is only 9'o'Clock in the morning so I did not think you would be interested."
"I'd like a glass of prosecco please!" Jaune declared. "And also, I'm hungry. What food do you have?"
"The menu for today is grilled salmon with garlic roasted potatoes and asparagus. If you are vegetarian…"
"I'm not! I'd like the salmon now please!"
"Of course sir. I'll be right back with your beverage and will ask the chef to cook your meal at once."
"Ah wait!" Jaune called out as the man turned to leave.
"Yes sir?"
"About the bathroom. It's flooded." Jaune said sheepishly. "Half the water tipped out when we took off…"
The attendant swallowed hard and seemed like he wanted to say something unpleasant but in the end his professionalism won out and he simply bowed and left.
"This is incredible!" Jaune gushed. It was the first time he had ever flown in a plane, although his powers actually let him fly around as he pleased. It occurred to him that he had not eaten his mother's cooking but was now ordering a feast from someone else. He put that thought aside.
"I wonder how long it will take to get to Vale?"
Copper grunted, clearly annoyed. "Are you always this talkative?"
"I prefer 'engaging conversationalist,'" Jaune quipped. "So, Guardian Wall, what brings an A-ranker like you on a plane with a humble soon-to-be Huntsman?"
Copper finally set his paperwork aside, eyeing Jaune with a mix of curiosity and irritation. "What's your story, kid? Why are you even on this plane?"
Jaune's smile turned sly. In a swift motion, he transformed his arm into crackling blue electricity, then back to normal. "I'm not your average Huntsman-in-training."
Copper's demeanour shifted, sudden wariness in his eyes.
"What the hell was that?"
"My semblance. My nickname is 'The Lightning Man.'" Jaune grinned and then decided to play a little joke on the famous Huntsman. "I wonder if we would get to Vale faster if I juiced up the engines a little?"
He vanished in a flash of crackling energy and caused such a shock to Copper that the man actually gasped.
"What on Remnant?" He cried and leapt to his feet. A tap on the window caught his attention. The boy was outside!
Copper stood there stunned. Jaune grinned and gave a thumbs up before walking calmly down the wing. Copper was frozen. How was this possible? The wind alone should have blown him off.
As the boy squatted near one of the jet engines, Copper felt a shred of nervousness. It was the first time he had felt that unwelcome sensation in over a century (when he had been late to his granddaughters birthday party).
"Wa…wait!" He yelled and thumped on the glass. "Don't you mess with those engines boy!" He thumped on the glass again.
And then, in a flash Jaune was back in his seat, just as the air steward rushed over.
"Lord Copper! Is there anything wrong?"
Copper just stood there, before slowly turning to the steward. "Ah…no. My apologies. I thought…I saw a…bird."
"A bird?"
"Yes, a bird. A bird was trying to interfere with the engines. I scared it off though. Have no worries." Copper said with gritted teeth, aware of how stupid he sounded. He sat down heavily and fixed a glare at the boy.
So, what's it like being at the top of the Huntsman game? Any exciting stories?" Jaune said conversationally. Copper wanted to ignore him, but he couldn't. Not after such an outrageous display.
"It's hard work, dedication, and constant vigilance. Glorified stories aren't the real Huntsman's life."
"But there must be some glory moments, right? I'd love to hear just one epic tale," Jaune persisted, his tone genuine.
"Is that what you think the life of a Huntman is? Stories? If you hope to succeed boy you'll need to start taking everything a lot more seriously."
"I know!" Jaune nodded. "But surely you have one inspiring tale? Just one?"
Copper found himself unwittingly drawn in, his usual guard temporarily shattered by the outlandish scene he had just witnessed.
"Fine. Just one story. Centiuries ago, a Goliath Grimm appeared on the outskirts of Vale. This beast was unlike any we'd seen – massive, ancient, it's very presence seemed to darken the skies."
Jaune leaned forward, captivated. "I've heard of Goliath Grimms, but never saw one. Apart from at the movies. They're like the stuff of legends."
"They're more than that. This one... it had eyes like burning coals, and each step it took caused the earth to shatter. It must have been half a kilometre tall. We knew we had to act fast." Copper continued.
"Who's 'we'?" Jaune asked, his curiosity piqued.
"My team from Bronze Fortress, Guardian Celestia Schnee from White Peak, Knight Rose Thorne from Ruby Heart, and Ozpin himself," Copper replied. "Ozpin wasn't just overseeing Beacon back then; he was actively in the field."
Jaune whistled softly. "Ozpin in combat? That must have been something to see."
"It was," Copper said with a nod. "The battle was brutal. We tried everything – frontal assaults, flanking manoeuvres, distraction tactics. But the Goliath was relentless."
"Distraction?"
"It was Celestia's stupid idea." Copper growled. "She thought the beast could be placated by offering it a herd of cows."
"…cows?"
"Yes, a thousand of them to be precise. She bought them with her own money."
"I don't understand?"
"The idea was that the monster would want to eat the cows and in the midst of its feast it would let its guard down."
"Did…it work?"
"Of course not!" Copper scoffed. "She always comes up with these stupid plans. Bloody Atlesians. No! The Goliath stamped on them."
Jaune cringed. Copper saw that and found the danger of a small smile tug at his lips.
"How did you finally bring it down?" Jaune finally inquired.
Copper's eyes glinted with the memory. "It was Ozpin's strategy. He noticed the Goliath had a blind spot, a result of an old battle scar. Celestia used her ice-based attacks to…freeze the bloody ruins of the cows and cause the beast to lose its footing. Rose, with her incredible agility, darted in to exploit the weakness."
"And you?" Jaune asked, his respect for the Huntsman growing.
"I provided the defense, shielding the team from the Goliath's devastating blows. The coordination was impeccable. Each of us played our part perfectly," Copper recalled.
"And don't forget the cows," Jaune remarked, trying to hide his amusement.
"Yes, the cows…" To this day I remind Celestia about it.
"I'm surprised I haven't heard about this!"
"I am not. It happened over 300 years ago and the White Peak have tried their hardest to censor the story."
"Oh. Because of the cows?"
"Precisely."
Jaune was prevented from saying anything further by the arrival of his drink.
"Ah excellent!" He eagerly took the glass.
"How old are you kid?" Copper asked with a raised eyebrow.
"17!"
"You're a minor!" Copper said aghast and tried to take the drink away. Jaune seeing this downed it in one go and gave a toothy smile to the Huntsman.
"Brat!" Copper shouted, shocked.
"Oh dear!" The steward said, clearly shocked and not knowing what to do.
"Get out of here!" Copper growled with a dismissive gesture.
"At once my lord!" The steward scurried off.
"You have balls kid." Copper admitted. "What did you say your name was again?"
"Jaune Arc. Short, sweet and the ladies love it."
When the pilot announced that the plane would soon be making its descent, the atmosphere in the cabin had shifted significantly.
"I'm only asking for a small piece!" Copper snapped, frustrated at the boy's gluttony and selfishness.
"If you want some asparagus then order some."
"I just want one piece." Copper insisted.
"Fine. Just one though." Jaune relented. He was feeling magnanimous. This was his third helping after all.
"When I was at Beacon, things were different. The training was harsh, gruelling. It wasn't just about learning; it was about surviving," Copper started. "A pansy like you would never have survived."
"Is that so Mr gruff and serious?"
"You wouldn't have lasted a day." Copper growled as he chewed on his asparagus.
"Wanna have a bet?" Jaune grinned.
"Bah!" Copper said and waved his hand as if to dispel a particularly bad smell.
"How do you think it's changed over the years?"
Copper sighed. "Now, it seems more... nurturing. Back in my day, we were thrown into the deep end. It hardened us, but not everyone made it through. And that isn't even the worst part."
"Let me guess, they didn't have toilets back in your day and everyone had to shit in the woods…"
"You're spouting nonsense! What kind of stupid thinking is that? I was talking about the gender relations. It was much more strict. You used to have the boys and girls dorm all separate. Now it is together. I can only imagine what hanky panky these new students get up to, when they're supposed to be training!" Copper's voice rose.
Jaune sniggered. "So you think the Academy has gotten too soft?"
Copper pondered for a moment. "Perhaps 'soft' isn't the right word. It's different, safer. But the world has changed too. The threats are different. What's important is that Huntsmen and Huntresses are prepared for the realities they will face."
"That makes sense. It's about adapting to the times," Jaune said thoughtfully.
"Exactly. The core of what it means to be a Huntsman hasn't changed – the courage, the determination, the willingness to put others before yourself. That's timeless," Copper concluded.
"And taking out badass Grimm."
Copper laughed.
"You've got potential, Arc. Just remember, being a Huntsman is more than just fighting Grimm. It's about making tough choices and standing up for what's right."