Disclaimer: I do not own any right to story of RWBY or any of the characters. And all rights go the the studio Rooster Teeth and the rights holders.
Hello everyone here is the next installment of the story. Hope you all like and enjoy it as short as it is. The next chapter should be in a few years or something lol. I joke but we'll see.
Chapter 5.
Jaune had once heard a bit of advice from a merchant from mistral once. To seek strength, once must train their mind and body to be as one. Through this synthesis, a true warrior would be born.
He would admit when the deputy director informed him of being assigned a tutor. Excitement had rushed through his veins. An opportunity to learn and perform what is basically magic. He'd be a fool to refuse.
However, his dreams of becoming a wizard and shooting lightning came crashing down. When his instructor decided trying to slice his head off was a good first exercise. Much like the swing that was now on the way!
"EEP!" with a quick roll and luck. He dodged yet another attempt on his life. 'How is this in any way training?' The blonde mentally anguished, all to the ignorance of his instructor. Who'd still yet to even break a sweat.
Five grueling minutes later and Jaune collapsed like a fish out of water. "P-please I-I can't do this anymore." He gasped out from a hard cough.
"Hmm. Ya done well so far, kid. So I guess we can take a minor break." Qrow said as he made his way to a nearby bench.
Those very words sounded heavenly to Jaune, who fully collapsed onto the map. A bottle of water then landed near him thanks to Qrow.
"Drink up kid. Can't have you dying on me too soon. We haven't gotten to the best part." Qrow said. With the blonde ignoring the evil chuckles coming from the man. And downed the water as if he'd been without it for years.
"Aaah. Sir, can I ask you a question?" Jaune asked, after getting his second wind. Qrow merely raised a curious eyebrow before waving him to continue. "Well, I was wondering how you got into this business?" Qrow just stared at him for a moment. Making him think his question had offended the man. Until Qrow let out a snort in amusement.
That all kid and here I'd thought you were asking to take a sip." Qrow shook his flask a little before taking a long swig. While Jaune could only wonder how much liquid was in there. "To answer your question, I got picked up at a young age, not too much unlike yourself." He finished with a thousand-yard stare before snapping out of it and taking another long drink from his flask.
'Huh. So I'm not the only one. Though whatever happened must have been bad,' Jaune pondered, not missing the signs. Just as he was about to ask another question, a man in a suit entered the room. The man quickly made his way over to Qrow and whispered something to him. Soon the man finished and left just as quick as he came.
"Well, blondie seems like I'm needed elsewhere. So head on down to the cafeteria and get a quick bite. You earned it. We'll get back to your training later and don't worry. After I'm done with ya you'll be swinging with the big leagues in no time." He said, giving Jaune a quick salute and exiting the room.
Jaune stood there for a moment before letting out a long sigh. He was rather thankful for the interruption to their so called "training." And if the big leagues Qrow spoke of contained people like him or Tsune. He'd rather stay in the shadows and be a messenger boy instead. But with the Arc luck he knew better. With all that in mind he took the older mans advice and headed off for the cafeteria.
Despite the organization being a secret cult. No one could convince him otherwise. The cafeteria was rather plain, all things considered. It was rather spacious, with several long tables that could fit his entire family and still have room.
The heavenly aroma of warm food shook him from such thoughts. With his stomach letting' out a loud roar to go forth and consume sustenance. He took a moment to eye the selection of foods. It was rather fancy, with steaks to sea-food and delicacies you'd find in the rich part of east mistral.
For Jaune, he selected the most delicious of meals. One that comprised dino nuggies with his sides being mashed-potatoes and mac n cheese. People might look down on such a meal. But for Jaune, it was comfort food that brought back memories of calmer times.
Besides, his gut was telling him to eat light. And throughout his childhood, you learned to trust your gut. Or else you can be ambushed by your sisters and turned into a living mannequin for them to dress up. Despite what they'd claim, he didn't enjoy it. Nor did he agree that he'd rocked that blue dress and heels.
"Well, look what we have here, guys!" An obnoxious voice came from behind him. Followed by a heavy slap to his back that caused him to choke on his food. "Sorry newbie. I'd thought the organization would've toughened you up already." After a sip of water, he turned and saw the group of oddly dressed boys from before.
First up was a boy with long combed back blue hair and blue eyes. His outfit was dark gray armor with a lighter gray on the edges. Under it was a black v-shirt that matched with his dark pants. He Jaune a small nervous wave.
Second had parted light brown hair and squinted eyes that reminded him of Port. He wore tan colored armor and boots with a black scarf,shirt and pants.
Third was Mohawk who he had ran into in the medical wing and with the scowl on his face. He remembered it as well. His green mohawk was attention grabbing. Along with his hoodie that had the sleeves torn.
Finally, the last of the group was a burnt orange haired boy. With silver-gray armor with gold trim. His attitude and stance screamed money to him.
"Names Cardin, this is Russel,Dove and Sky." Pointing to each boy respectfully. "You can come to us, newbie, if you need anything. Right, guys?" The others nodded and laughed, with Jaune nervously joining in.
"A-ah. Nice to meet you, I'm Jaune Arc." He offered Cardin his hand to shake. Who sent him a smirk before nearly crushing it in his grip. 'Feel like I just shook hands with an angry bear.' Jaune cradled his hand to ease the pain.
"Like I was saying, rookie. This is a dangerous line of work, and you have to choose your friend correctly." His tone and kind words were an attempt to appear like a kind and concerned friend. But his eyes and the malicious grin he wore told the blonde his true intentions. He was smart enough not to anger the boy by calling him out.
"I'll remember that. I'm rather new, so I'd be happy for any advice you can give me." Jaune's words were kinda flowery, but Cardin seemed to eat it up. Cardin then wrapped an arm around his shoulder and led him to a nearby table. "I had a feeling we'd be best friends." Cardin said as the others sat down.
In the next few moments, the four conversed about various topics. That ranged from tv-shows, video-games and previous missions. It was from here he learned that team CRDL as their name was. We're a striker group, a team of people who had wiped out infestations of Grimm. He asked the group about this and informed him of the inner workings of the organization at large.
They split the organization into several various branches. Cardin and his group belong to the Huntsman and Huntress core. Whose jobs were Grimm related.
To start off with were the scouts. Who investigated places the organization believed to house Grimm. They operated in teams of two. A tracker and a trapper. They charged the tracker with finding the lair in question. While stealthily finding out the number and type of Grimm. The trappers took the lay of the land and set up traps to prevent the Grimm from escaping via other exits.
Next were the strikers, like Cardin and his friends. They usually operated in teams of four. With two members specializing in fighting and the other two in demolitions and support.
It was also here he learned there were ranks for scouts and strikers. Cardin's group ranked D. With the ranks ranged from E and up. As a group, had more successful hunts, you'd eventually qualify for an exam. Instead of a written test, they would send you on a hunt with tougher creatures. While a Procter would observe and grade their performance and step in if required.
Third was the mechanics. Who specialized in creating, fixing and tweaking all things that killed Grimm. They were the people to see if you needed a little more kick to your weapons. And also the people you didn't disrespect, as they kept your gear in working order.
Last were the medics under the direction of Doctor Tsune. They are usually in the medical section of the compound. Only coming out in case of emergencies to evac injured huntsmen or huntresses.
It was a bit much to remember, but it was important he remembered it. The topics soon shifted back to regular things. Soon Jaune finished up his plate and stood to leave his new "friends."
"Thanks for the information guys, but I have to go," Jaune said, with the group waving him off. 'Despite Cardin and the guys' looks, they're rather chill." Jaune thought things were looking up. He made new friends and learned more about his situation. 'Looks like the Arc luck is finally turning around.' The blonde thought with a spring in his step. Unfortunately, that was the moment someone else made to stand up and clipped him, sending him staggering. He and his plate collided with a girl with long, blonde hair. Bits of food landed in hair and on her clothes.
Said girl froze up, much like a statue. Before spinning around and throwing a wide haymaker. The last thing Jaune saw was striking red eyes full of fury. And soon the familiar embrace of darkness that took him.
"Aah. My head feels like someone took a sledgehammer to it!" Jaune cradled his head. It reminded him of his father after a night of drinks. Only without loud noises from seven kids and one angry woman. A snort nearby drew his attention.
"You wouldn't be too far off, kid." Off to the side of the room sat Qrow. Sipping on something from his hip flask in one hand and holding a magazine in the other. The older man soon handed him a few Tylenol and a bottle of water.
"Where am I. And how long have I been out?" Jaune grunted out feeling a little better. Gulping down the rest of the water to wet his parched throat.
"Firecracker might have hit you harder than I thought. You're in the infirmary. As for how long. Well, you've been out for three years." Qrow's tone turned serious at the end.
"What!" Was Jaune's elegant reply. 'I've been in a coma for three years. Oh, no my rent. Mr Xiong will have my hide for being so late. Even worse, mom will kill me for disappearing for so long without a word.' He was heavily sweating at his imminent demise.
Qrow couldn't keep a straight face and busted out into laughter. To the confusion of the blonde, who stared at him like he was a crazy person.
"Oh, your face. I-I can't help it. Hahaha!" Qrow had a laughing fit that went on for a long moment. "Aaah. That was too good." He said, wiping away a few tears. "I was kidding. You've been out for a few hours at most." Qrow chuckled at the glare sent his way.
"That's not funny." Jaune said, to which Qrow shrugged. "So what now?" He asked the older man.
"Well, I was gonna run you through the full obstacle course. Sadly, we don't have time for that. They have assigned me a mission.
'Jaune let out a cheer mentally. It seems his luck was taking a turn. Maybe he'd be able to relax and catch up with his favorite comics.
"And as your mentor, I think getting your feet wet will do you some good. Nothing like the authentic experience, after all." Qrow finished with a wolfish grin.
Jaune took it back. His fate hadn't turned around, it got worse. 'Why can nothing go my way?!' Qrow ignored the blonde's mental anguish and dragged the boy to his sudden doom.