The Grimm Story of Jack Marston's Redemption
Chapter Eight: Jaunt in the Forest Part One
Authors Note: Apologies for being a little late but I wanted to spice up the "Jaundice arc" and I wanted to ensure my bases were covered, and I'm just Lazy. That said this chapter ran longer than I thought it would so I'll split it into two parts which will work better for the next few chapters.
Also, Sdphantom10 and Monster King, thank you for the kind reviews hope you enjoy others going forward.
A few days later, the tension in the air was palpable as Jaune Arc faced off against Cardin Winchester in the combat class arena of Beacon Academy. The clash of their weapons reverberated through the room, captivating the attention of the spectators. Team JNPR sat in the bleachers, their eyes glued to their leader, while team RWBY and Jack joined them, eager to witness the showdown.
Cardin seemed to have the upper hand, relentlessly overpowering Jaune. His aura had already been diminished by half, leaving Jaune panting on one side of the arena. The rest of the teams exchanged concerned glances, wondering what had happened to Jaune's coordination since initiation.
"Didn't Jaune seem much more skilled during initiation?" Yang voiced the thoughts swirling in everyone's minds.
Pyrrha, ever the loyal friend, stepped in to defend Jaune. "He's a great leader, but his combat skills could use some polishing," she admitted with a sheepish smile.
Suddenly, a thunderous clang echoed through the arena as Jaune and Cardin clashed their weapons. Cardin leaned in close, sneering at Jaune. "This is where you lose," he growled, relishing his dominance.
Before Jaune could retort, Cardin delivered a cheap shot, ruthlessly kneeing him in the groin. Then, with a swift and brutal swing of his Dust-infused mace, Cardin sent Jaune crashing to the ground.
Nora shot up from her seat, her anger boiling over. "That was a dirty move!" she exclaimed, unable to contain her fury.
Ruby's gaze shifted from Jaune's team, who were expressing their outrage towards Cardin, to Jack. The once easy-going and quiet young man she had befriended during her first day at Beacon now wore a fierce glare. His dark eyes radiated animosity towards Cardin, and his entire demeanor transformed.
Ruby had noticed a peculiar shift in Jack's personality when it came to fighting others. During initiation, when facing Grimm, he remained relatively unchanged, even cracking jokes and sharing sarcastic remarks with Yang. However, when Jack was chosen to participate in combat class against fellow students, a chilling coldness washes over his eyes and his face becomes expressionless.
Something about this sudden transformation unnerved Ruby, leaving her with countless questions about Jack's past and the true extent of his abilities.
Ruby nudged Jack, her silver eyes filled with concern. "Hey, Jack. You seem a little tense, are you okay?"
"Hmm," Jack answered with a hum as his sharp eyes never left Cardin.
Reluctantly Ruby redirected her focus to the intense match unfolding before her eyes. Cardin lifted his mace high above his head, ready to deliver a crushing blow to Jaune. Just as Cardin prepared to strike, a sudden electronic buzz filled the air, halting the match. Ever since the incident involving Jack and Sky, Professor Goodwitch had become more vigilant in putting an end to fights.
"Cardin, that's enough," she declared, striding between the two combatants and positioning herself at the front of the arena to address the class. "As you can see, Mr. Arc's aura has plummeted into the red. In a tournament-style duel, this indicates that Jaune is no longer fit for combat," she explained, her tone firm and unwavering.
Jaune, still on the ground clutching his ribs, glanced at his partner Pyrrha before turning away in shame at his lackluster performance.
Goodwitch continued her lecture, her words carrying a grave weight. "Mr. Arc, please remember to consult your scroll to monitor your aura during combat. We wouldn't want you to get gobbled up by a Beowolf, now would we?".
Under his breath, Cardin muttered, "Speak for yourself," before casually slinging his mace over his shoulder and striding away.
Nora turned to her team, her frustration evident. "Can you believe that jerk was going to keep pummeling Jaune?" she fumed.
"I find individuals like him repulsive," Pyrrha stated firmly.
"You're not alone in that sentiment," Blake added, her eyes barely lifting from her book.
Pyrrha and Ruby turned their gazes towards Jack, silently seeking his opinion on the matter. Jack noticed their expectant looks and grunted before responding. "Hmm, well, this is combat class. We're not here to hold hands and sing Kumbaya," he remarked bluntly.
"Jack!" Ruby pouted, disapproving of his choice of words.
"I don't mean to be harsh, but it's the truth. Jaune is my friend, but people like Cardin and his lackeys only understand and respect strength. It's the way of the world, really," Jack concluded, his tone tinged with a hint of resignation.
Weiss, Blake, Ren, and Nora briefly glanced at Jack as he spoke, silently acknowledging the truth in Jack's words. They had all faced their fair share of hardships and understood the harsh realities of the world. While they didn't necessarily agree with Cardin's methods, they knew that strength and resilience were crucial in their line of work.
Ruby and Pyrrha, however, looked at Jack with a sad and questioning expression. They believed in standing up for what was right and protecting others, even if it meant going against the strong. They couldn't help but feel disheartened by Jack's words, wondering if there was a way to find a balance between strength and compassion.
Professor Goodwitch spoke up again to make a final announcement to the class. "Remember, everyone, the Vytal Festival is only a few months away. It won't be long before students from the other Kingdoms start arriving in Vale," she announced, her tone carrying a sense of anticipation.
A general cheer echoed through the halls of Beacon Academy as the students, brimming with excitement, prepared to test their skills and uphold the honor of their beloved institution. Jack's eyes swept over his new teammates, and he couldn't help but notice the electric spark in Yang's eyes as she began to shadow box, her enthusiasm contagious. Weiss, usually the picture of composure, found herself unable to contain a wide smile, her icy eyes betraying a rare glimmer of excitement before she regained her usual aristocratic demeanor. And then there was Ruby, her bright grin lighting up her whole face as she bounced on the balls of her feet, her fists clenched tightly with unrestrained anticipation.
"As participants in the Vytal Tournament, those who choose to compete in the combat tournament will be representing all of Vale," Professor Goodwitch continued, emphasizing the gravity of their upcoming role.
"Oh, one more announcement students, tomorrow is the beginning of your survival training exercise as well as one other field assignment" The combat teacher continued "You will all meet at the airship dock Before breakfast please, make sure to make proper preparations".
As the Professor finished the announcement the bell dismissing the students to lunch chimed. All of the students gathered their belongings and set out for their destinations. Jaune was now sitting cross-legged on the arena floor he locked eyes with Pyrrha with a shameful expression and looked forlornly at the floor.
In the bustling cafeteria, the two teams settled, their ears perked up as Nora embarked on a tale that seemed to stir the air with anticipation. Her eyes flickered with a dramatic intensity, capturing the attention of all present.
"So, there we were in the middle of the night," Nora began, her voice brimming with excitement.
Ren, sipping his tea, couldn't help but interject with a deadpan expression. "It was day," he corrected.
Unfazed, Nora carried on, her voice growing more fervent. "We found ourselves surrounded by a pack of Ursai!"
Ren's patience wearing thin, he interjected once again. "They were Beowolves."
Yang hung on Nora's every word, but Jack watched the spirited redhead with a perplexed expression. The rest of the group seemed less enthralled, with Weiss meticulously examining her nails, Blake lost in the pages of her book, and Jaune absentmindedly prodding at his food.
"There were dozens of them!" Nora exclaimed, pounding her fist on the lunch table for emphasis.
Ruby's attention flickered between Nora's "captivating" story and her concern for Jaune.
"There were two of them," Ren interjected once more, visibly fatigued by the ongoing debate.
"But they were no match for us," Nora triumphantly concluded, crossing her arms with a wide smile. "In the end, Ren and I defeated them. And we made a fortune selling Ursa skin rugs!"
Ren's head dipped, almost crashing onto the table, as he released a sigh that carried both exhaustion and exasperation. "She's been plagued by this recurring dream for a month now," he muttered.
Pyrrha noticed Jaune's despondent state and reached out to him. "Jaune, are you alright?"
Lost in his melancholic thoughts, Jaune remained silent for a moment before perking up. "Oh...yeah...why?" He tried to mask his sorrowful demeanor.
Ruby gazed at Jaune, her concern evident. "It's just...you seem a little...not okay." She fidgeted with her hands, struggling to find the right words.
Jack looked up from his lunch, wiping his mouth on the back of his hand as he observed Jaune intently.
"Guys, I'm fine, see?" Jaune said, lifting his hand and giving a forced thumbs-up, accompanied by a strained smile.
Their attention was momentarily diverted by a commotion nearby. Cardin and his team had cornered and were tormenting a solitary female rabbit Faunus.
Pyrrha refocused her attention on her team leader. "Jaune, Cardin has been targeting you since the first week of school."
"Nah, it's just Cardin Winchester messing around," Jaune weakly dismissed, waving off their concern.
"He's a bully," Ruby interjected, her young face and silver eyes assuming a stern countenance.
Jaune challenged them, "Name one time he's bullied me."
Jack, his expression void of amusement, finally spoke up. "Would you like it in chronological order or just the most egregious?"
Nora interjected and began listing the precise instances of Cardin's bullying towards Jaune. From knocking his scroll out of his hands to expanding his shield as he passed through doorways, and ultimately shoving Jaune into a rocket-powered locker, launching it to a random location on the school campus.
Jack found the rocket-powered lockers equally intriguing and disconcerting, considering he and other students stored ammunition and explosives in their lockers. The wisdom of attaching some peculiar rocket engine to them was questionable, to say the least.
"I mean, it's not like I ended up miles away from school," Jaune weakly defended.
Jack slapped his hand to his face and pinched the bridge of his nose "Lord Almighty" he said dejectedly at the boy's lack of backbone.
Pyrrha gently grabbed Jaune's arm. "Jaune, you know if you ever need help, all you have to do is ask."
Nora jumped up, standing on top of her seat. "Oooh, well then let's break his legs!"
Jack began to chuckle. "Now that's something I can get behind."
"Ow, that hurts!" The pained declaration cut through the group's reverie like a blade through butter.
Jack looked over and was quietly enraged by what he saw. Cardin was grabbing and pulling on the Rabbit Faunus's long rabbit ear, while his team shamelessly gathered around, laughing at the spectacle.
"Please stop," the girl begged, finally growing tired of the mistreatment.
"I told you they were real," Cardin sneered after he stopped laughing.
"What a freak," said a boy with possibly the most ridiculous haircut Jack had ever seen. The boy's head was mostly shaved, except for a strip of spiky blonde hair. Why someone would style their hair like that was beyond Jack's comprehension.
Cardin released the girl's ear before turning to face his teammates who were still laughing.
Pyrrha turned to face her friends with an angry disgusted look "Atrocious, I can't stand people like him".
"You not the only one" Blake said as she leveled a glare at Cardin and his team.
"It must be hard to be a Faunus," Yang said as she propped her head in one hand.
As the commotion in the cafeteria escalated, Jack's eyes narrowed with a cold fury. He had seen enough cruelty and injustice in his own world to recognize it anywhere. Without a word, he rose from his seat and strode purposefully towards Cardin and his team, the air crackling with tension as he approached.
Cardin turned to face the imposing figure that had suddenly appeared at his side, his smug expression faltering as he found himself staring into the steely gaze of Jack Marston.
"Looks like we've got ourselves a hero," Cardin sneered, attempting to mask his unease with bravado.
Jack's cold glare bore into Cardin's willpower like a hammered nail. "I'm no hero, depending on who you ask I'm probably worse than the Grimm, but I sure as hell won't stand by and watch a lummox like you torment someone who's done nothing to deserve it."
The Rabbit Faunus looked up at Jack, her eyes wide with surprise and a glimmer of hope. Cardin's gang fell silent, their earlier laughter fading into uncomfortable murmurs.
"Who do you think you are, coming in here and trying to tell us what to do?" Cardin spat, trying to regain his composure.
"I'm the guy who's going to teach you some manners," Jack replied, his voice low and dangerous.
The tension in the room was palpable as Jack and Cardin locked eyes in a silent standoff. The Rabbit Faunus cautiously stepped back, watching the scene unfold with a mix of fear and disbelief.
Before it could come to blows, the cafeteria doors opened with a crash as Professor Goodwitch strode in and halted the ruckus. "Mr. Marston!, Mr. Winchester! Fighting outside of the combat arena or Vytal festival is strictly forbidden"
"Apologies Miss Goodwitch, just a small disagreement that's all," Jack said not taking his eyes off Cardin.
The combat teacher looked unconvinced "Is that so, well Mr. Winchester is that the case?".
Cardin had a smug look on his face, it'd be easy to spin a quick yarn to get this meddling cowpoke in hot water with Goodwitch. Or so he thought, he looked past Jack where he had come from and both team RWBY and JNPR were glaring at him. No, too many witnesses.
"Yeah, just a small disagreement, like cowpoke over their said," Cardin said.
Goodwitch sighed "Very well, though I believe the two of you and the rest of your teams for that matter have more important things to deal with, considering your survival training is tomorrow".
With that, the crowd of students began to disperse and trickle out of the cafeteria to other classes, etc. The rest of the day had been relatively uneventful though Jack did have the pleasure of watching Pyrrha and Blake look like a fool not that it was particularly difficult to do.
As the sun sank below the horizon, Jack trudged wearily back to his makeshift quarters in the stables, yearning for a few precious hours of rest before the impending survival training. But as he walked, something compelled him to look up at the shattered moon looming over Remnant, its fractured visage a stark reminder of The wrath of angry Gods. To his surprise, the silhouettes of two figures materialized against the dusky sky - Jaune and Pyrrha. Their whispered exchange carried an air of secrecy, and Jack couldn't shake the feeling of impending unease that settled over him. Just as he turned to resume his journey, his glance snagged on Cardin, perched in the window of his dorm room just below Jaune and Pyrrha, a predatory smirk stretched across his face like a wolf about to pounce on its unsuspecting prey.
A bitter taste soured Jack's mouth as he considered the implications of Cardin's proximity to Jaune and Pyrrha's conversation. He swallowed the feeling, knowing there was little he could do for now, and trudged back to the stables.
The next day, Jack rose with the first light of dawn, he climbed down from the loft of the stables he made his way to Fitz's stall, taking care to ensure that the horse had ample water and feed, mucking the stall efficiently. After tending to Fitz, Jack gathered supplies for the day, carefully packing a canteen, and some provisions, and fashioning a makeshift pack wrapping his saddle bags around his bedroll and fashioning some shoulder straps from some strips of leather he scrounged from the stables.
Wandering towards the airship docks, Jack crossed paths with Ruby and the rest of their team as they emerged from the dorms. Ruby's bright smile greeted him. Arriving at the airship dock a few moments later, they joined team JNPR, where Nora's enthusiastic wave and Ren's exasperation at her antics greeted them. It was a lively and expectant atmosphere as they prepared for the day's journey.
Jaune noticed their approach "Hey guys".
"Hey Jaune," Ruby said.
"Good Morning," Pyrrha said in a sing-song voice.
Jack and Ren simply exchanged nods.
The remaining first-year teams gradually made their way in, their numbers growing until the gathering was complete. Professors Port and Goodwitch, with their typically authoritative bearing, took their places at the front of the assembly of students. Port cleared his throat, demanding their attention.
"Ahem, Listen up, students!" Port's voice boomed with his customary gusto. "We're taking you to the depths of Forever Fall for the next two days, where we'll put your survival skills, resilience, and adaptability to the test." The professor paused, letting the weight of his words settle in before continuing.
"On the final day, each member of your team will be tasked with gathering a jar of tree sap for Professor Peach. Now, remember, the forest is teeming with Grimm, so be cautious. But despite the Grimm threat, Forever Fall remains a popular spot for hiking and camping. I can assure you, the fish caught fresh from the stream are a treat to die for—just not literally, we hope."
Jack's interest was piqued. It had been some time since he had gone fishing, but he was relieved to still have his trusty telescopic fishing pole. He noticed that Blake seemed equally intrigued.
Professor Port proceeded with his briefing. "That being said, because of potential civilian presence, it is our responsibility to keep them safe. Now, we don't expect first-year students to safeguard the lives of others, which is why Professor Goodwitch and I will be accompanying you, and you may use your scrolls to alert us to any situation."
He paused once more, ensuring that everyone was paying attention. "Also, speaking of your scrolls, I'm pleased to inform you that a digital version of Beacon Academy's official wilderness survival guide has been downloaded onto your scrolls."
Professor Goodwitch interjected, her tone stern. "Students, while we are permitting you to use your scrolls in case of emergency and to consult the survival guide, frivolous usage will result in a failing grade and the need to repeat the exercise... for a week."
Some students visibly shrunk back in fear, while others murmured and groaned at the prospect. This didn't faze Jack in the least. He had no intention of relying heavily on his scroll, and spending a week outdoors wouldn't be a new or unwelcome experience for him.
Jack retrieved his scroll from his vest pocket and opened it, clumsily navigating through the unfamiliar technology of this world. After a bit of fumbling, he finally located the survival guide. As he scrolled through the virtual "pages," he found information on various plants, distinguishing between edible and non-edible ones, as well as techniques for constructing shelters and trapping animals.
"I still have my old paperback copy from my days as a student at Beacon," Port proclaimed proudly, retrieving a stained and slightly tattered handbook from inside his coat.
Jack hoped he could get his hands on a paper copy, he hated trying to read off of his scroll.
Unfortunately for the students Port continued "In fact when I went through this very exercise, I survived for two weeks straight with just...
Two and a half hours later
After a mind and foot-numbing lecture, which to Port's credit was the first useful lecture he'd given. The students loaded the transports, reluctantly in Jack's case, and took off to the Forever Falls. Jack had never in his wildest fantasies, dreamed of being in a vehicle capable of flight except maybe a hot air balloon. However, Jack soon discovered he hated flying.
Other students noticed too especially Yang, when she noticed his clenched jaw and how tightly he gripped the overhead support bar.
"Not a fan of flying eh cowboy," Yang said with her usual sunny smile
Jack leveled a glare at her "What was your first clue" he said through clenched teeth.
Yang couldn't help but chuckle at Jack's response. She had suspected as much, given his reluctance to board the flying transport in the first place. Nonetheless, she couldn't resist teasing him further. "Well, bucko, maybe this'll help steady your nerves," she said, offering him a piece of gum.
Jack stared at her in disbelief, his jaw dropping slightly. "Are you serious right now?" he exclaimed. "You think chewing gum is gonna make me feel better about being hundreds of feet in the air in a flying metal deathtrap?"
Yang's sunny smile fell slightly, but she persisted. "Hey, it's sugar-free gum," she said, holding out the package. "It's got to be better than clenching your jaw so hard you gotta be brewing up a migraine. Plus, it's a little tradition of mine. Can't hurt to try, right?"
Jack relented, taking the gum from Yang and chewing it reluctantly. The sweet, fruity taste exploded in his mouth, and he felt his nerves calming slightly, despite himself. He couldn't help but admit, under his breath, that Yang might be onto something with this whole gum thing.
As Jack's nerves calmed he began to admire the natural beauty of Forever Falls from above. The forest lived up to its name, the everlasting autumn tree tops shimmering in the breeze like a sea turned red at sundown, but the sun was yet at its meridian.
Mercifully soon after the transport ships landed in a large clearing, Jack all but jumped off now painfully aware of how Jaune had felt on the first day of school.
Ruby had walked up beside him and laid a comforting hand on his shoulder while the rest of the students got off the transport. The other students milled about as many taking the chance to admire the scenery, once Jack recovered both he and Ruby looked about smiling at the natural beauty. Professor Goodwitch addressed the conglomerate of students.
"Yes students, Forever Falls is beautiful but we are not here to sightsee, the surrounding area is crawling with Grimm so stay with your teams. Teams may also work together for the duration of the survival exercise. You will all rendezvous back here tomorrow at noon for the second part of this exercise". She said, after which she and Professor Port left to set up their own camp.
Ruby turned to face her team, her silver eyes filled with excitement. "Alright, where do you think we should go?" she asked, eagerly seeking their input.
The other three girls held their chins in thought, their brows furrowed as they considered the question. But it was Jack who finally spoke up, his voice calm and confident amidst the group's deliberation.
"I suggest we find a spot within walking distance of the stream, but not too close in case of flooding. Somewhere slightly higher and flat would be ideal," he offered.
Ruby's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "That's a good idea! Alright, Team RWBY and Jack, let's head somewhere higher and flat!" she declared, ready to conquer the challenge ahead. However, as she began to march off in what seemed like a completely random direction, the rest of the team looked on in bewilderment, while Yang couldn't help but chuckle at her sister's excitement.
Weiss pinched the bridge of her nose, her patience wearing thin. "This is going to go horribly, isn't it?" she quipped, her skepticism evident.
"Come on, Ice Queen, where's your sense of adventure?" Yang teased, trying to lighten the mood as she attempted to wrap an arm around Weiss, only to have it quickly brushed off.
"Uh, Ruby, higher ground is that way," Jack interjected, pointing towards a ridgeline with his thumb.
Ruby paused, looking momentarily taken aback before enthusiastically exclaiming, "Oh, yeah, this way!" as she changed her course. However, her excitement was interrupted when Jaune and his team approached.
"Actually, I know a perfect spot we could go. Goodwitch said we could work together," Jaune offered, his voice filled with earnestness.
"And it would be better if we were attacked by Grimm. Plus, good company will make the exercise more enjoyable," Pyrrha added, her green eyes shining with warmth.
"It does seem beneficial," Weiss conceded, acknowledging the soundness of their suggestion.
"Totally," Yang agreed, her signature confidence evident as she nodded in approval.
"How'd you come to know this spot, Jaune?" Jack inquired, curious about the source of Jaune's knowledge.
"Believe it or not my family's been camping all over Vale, I know Forever Falls like the back of my hand," Jaune said proudly. "There is a small flat clearing just up the ridge, you can almost see the whole forest and the falls from up there, it's a great view".
"Yeah, that sounds great! lead the way," said Ruby.
"That blonde buffoon better, know where he's going" Weiss huffed as she crossed her arms and fell in behind Ruby.
The teams set off for the spot Jaune had spoken of, they'd hiked for a few hours up to the surrounding hillside and arrived shortly after. The spot was near perfect if Jack would say so himself, The clearing was on the edge of a cascading cliffside almost like the rim of a kitchen sink. Standing on the edge of the cliff one could see almost the entire forest and the stream that cut through it.
Despite everything being dusty rustic red color instead of green Jack was reminded of Horse Shoe Overlook where the Vanderlinde gang had first made camp after coming off those snow-covered mountains. For just a moment Jack allowed himself to bask in kinder memories a small smile gracing his face.
Jack heard Yang whistle behind him.
"You sure weren't kidding about the view Jaune!" She said appreciatively.
"Yeah, he sure wasn't," Jack said.
Even Weiss was impressed enough to take out her scroll and take a picture, Jack thought sunset would've been a better time but he couldn't blame her.
"It's breathtaking," Pyrrha said with a wide smile.
"Glad you guys like it," Jaune said "We should probably start setting up camp though," Jaune said.
The two teams began to delegate tasks. Jaune and Pyrrha cleared the area of any sticks and uncomfortable rocks so they would have plenty of usable room, Ruby and Weiss began to set up bedding and shelters which were just a few tarps suspended with cordage, which made no sense to Jack because they were the shortest of the group. Yang and Nora got into a heated firewood gathering and chopping competition, leaving Ren and Blake to gather water and refill everyone's canteens.
Jack watched the other's work and felt put out, he wouldn't allow others to pull his weight he decided to slip out and hunt the group some fresh game. He figured a big tom turkey would be more than enough to feed the group without too much waste or attracting predators, and he figured a hardy meal would help keep the Grimm away.
Jack had not gone far in his solitary trek before the distinctive gobble reached his ears. Halting in his tracks, he scanned the earth beneath his feet and discovered the unmistakable imprint of fresh tracks. With the stealth of a predator, he lowered himself into a crouch and cautiously advanced toward the source of the sound. Peering through the dense foliage, he caught sight of his elusive quarry pecking and strutting among the crimson underbrush.
His first instinct urged him to reach for the shotgun slung across his back, but he thought better of it. The temptation to witness the unamused expressions of his comrades as they picked shot from their teeth proved fleeting, and he chose instead to slowly draw one of his Schofields, silently pulling back the hammer.
The big fall bird hadn't noticed him yet, so Jack let out a short sharp whistle. The tom's head bolted upright at the sound trying to identify what made it and where it had come from, Jack leveled his front sight on the bird's neck and dropped the hammer.
The forty-four caliber round tore through the air and pulverized the turkey's head. The bird flew back and flopped and flapped on the ground unnaturally before becoming still. Jack approached the turkey and carefully retrieved it, admiring his catch with a satisfied grin before slinging it over his shoulder and making his way back to the camp.
As he approached the camp, he could see Ruby pacing anxiously, her eyes darting around in search of him.
"Jack, where have you been? We were starting to worry!" she exclaimed as she rushed over to him. "I'm fine, Ruby. Just had to bag us some dinner," Jack said with a smirk, holding up the turkey.
"Well we might as well have a Fall feast in Forever Falls" Yang quipped as she held up finger guns with a cheesy grin, followed by a groan from the others.
Jack sat on a log and began to pluck the turkey, once he had gotten the majority of feathers off he reached behind his strong hand holster and drew a large Bowie knife much to his great amusement he watched Weiss's ordinarily pale face turn green.
Jack quickly finished gutting and dressing the bird, before asking the group "Don't suppose anyone brought any seasonings did they?".
The usually silent Ren spoke up "Actually, I do" He said as he rifled through his backpack and removed a camp cooking kit consisting of a camp grille, a cast iron skillet, a few small bowls, various spices, and...a box pancake mix?
Jack's eyebrows rose "Well I'll be damned, hopefully, you cook better than my mother".
A round of laughter went around the group, and Ren merely rolled his eyes.
"Why do you have pancake mix anyway?" Jack asked.
Ren gave Jack a thousand-yard stare "Trust me you don't want want to see Nora without her pancakes." before his face went to its usual stoic "But I was going to make some for everyone for breakfast tomorrow, only fair considering you caught dinner".
Jack looked to Nora whose smile and eyes appeared to be manic for a moment and he quirked an eyebrow "Okay" He drawled "I'll leave ya two it then". He handed Ren the turkey for him to season and cook over the fire.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, the group gathered around the crackling fire, enjoying the savory aroma of the roasted turkey. Despite Weiss's initial aversion, she couldn't deny the deliciousness of the meal. The tender meat was perfectly seasoned, and the warmth of the fire filled the clearing with a comforting glow.
As the group of nine teenagers sat at the fire, allowing their dinner to settle and themselves to unwind from the day's events Jaune decided to strike up a conversation. Ren had put a kettle of tea on the fire, he explained that the tea would relax you, and the improvement in mood would help wart off the Grimm.
"You know Jack you look right at home out here, almost like you really could live out here, "Jaune said.
Jack nodded 'Heh, you don't look uncomfortable yourself".
"As I said spent most of my childhood camping all over Vale with my family, I even got my own tent," He said proudly before his shoulders slumped slightly "So, my sisters would stop trying to braid my hair," he said dejectedly.
Yang and Ruby giggled. Nora outright laughed. Pyrrha had the grace to try to stifle hers with her hand. Ren had been sipping from a cup of tea he had made earlier with a smirk between sips. Blake had been leaning against a log as she read by the light of a small candle, her eyes could be seen over her book and they glittered with clear amusement. Weiss's face twisted and twitched as she desperately tried to suppress her smile.
A grin crept across Jack's face as well "How many sisters you got anyway?" He asked.
Jaune sighed "Seven".
Jack's eyebrow threatened to leave his head, as did everyone else. Jack whistled in a long drawn-out fashion. "I tip my hat to you, my friend".
'"What about you cowboy, you seem more comfortable out here than back at Beacon?" Yang asked.
Jack rubbed his chin "Well I'd wager it's on account of my family lived like this for the first five years of my life. After that, if my folks were between jobs and couldn't afford to rent a place, We'd just set up camp somewhere, before my father set up our ranch that is".
The group's eyes widened slightly some sat with their mouths agape, Nora and Ren shared a brief look of understanding they themselves being orphaned from a Grimm attack.
Ruby spoke up with a hint of concern in her voice for the first friend she had made at Beacon. "Jack, were you homeless?"
Jack looked at her and thought for a moment "I don't think homeless is the right word, I always had food and a place to lay my head, it just wasn't always a bed in a house or a room" Jack answered with a shrug.
"That is literally the definition of homeless" Blake deadpanned.
Jack shrugged again "Aint, like it lasted forever, that was before my Pa got our Ranch set up outside of Vale. Of course that didn't last either when the damned Gov-err Grimm attacked." Jack blew his frustration out with his breath "But that's in the past, no use thinking on it now I reckon".
They all sat there, Jack staring into the fire and them staring at Jack. Some wore an expression of sympathy, others one of understanding and familiarity. Yang broke the silence.
"Why did your parents choose to live out in the woods like that?" she asked.
"Choose ain't the right word, Yang but I won't bore you with why. They lived with a group of people, a tribe of sorts but it was more like a family. When I was little I used to call everyone Aunt or Uncle". Jack paused as the wave of nostalgia crashed into him like a runaway freight train.
Jack began again "The group's leader Dutch had some pretty extreme views on society and civilization. He and those who followed him wanted to live on the fringe of society and its rules". A somber smile crossed Jack's face "Despite Dutch's eccentric views he was a mentor of sorts and a father figure to my Pa and a few others. He taught my parents and me how to read, and taught us to see all that was good in the world. He was a great man in a way, for a little while anyway, but one day it just all went plum south". As the crackling flames danced in the darkness, Jack's eyes shimmered with a distant sorrow. "Dutch had some grand ideas, but as time went on, he became consumed by his ideals. He started to see the world as a place of corruption and greed, and he wanted to shield us from it all. But in doing so, he lost sight of what truly mattered."
The flickering firelight cast shadows on Jack's face as he continued, his voice tinged with a deep longing. "One day, Dutch's beliefs led to a violent clash with the authorities. It tore our little community apart, and we were forced to scatter, seeking refuge wherever we could find it. My parents, did their best to protect me, but in the end, they fell victim to the chaos that Dutch had sown."
A hush fell over the group as Jack's words hung heavy in the air. Ruby's eyes glistened with empathy, and Blake's expression softened with understanding. Yang reached out a comforting hand, her usual spark dimmed by the weight of Jack's story.
"I'm sorry, Jack," she murmured, her voice gentle. "It must have been so hard for you."
"People don't forgive and they don't forget," Jack said quietly, his gaze fixed on the dancing flames.
Ruby stood up, her eyes shimmering with compassion as she activated her semblance, transforming into a whirlwind of rose petals that enveloped Jack in a warm embrace before he could even react.
"Hey, Ruby, wait, I-" Jack stammered as Ruby slammed into him driving them both into the dirt, feeling slightly embarrassed but grateful for the gesture.
"Can you please let go of me," he mumbled, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"Nope," Ruby said.
A small chorus of giggles was heard around the campfire. Much to the relief of Jack's pride Ruby did let him go eventually. As the group sat around the campfire, their conversation shifted to lighter topics, the warmth of the fire easing the weight of Jack's past for a brief moment.
"Hey, Jack, where have you been sleeping all this time?" Ruby inquired with a curious shine in her silver eyes.
"Well, believe it or not, I've been sleeping up in a loft in the stables." Jack simply responded.
Blake raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Beacon actually has stables?"
Jack chuckled. "Yep, I said the same myself. they're behind the garage."
Yang couldn't help but join in the banter. "But seriously, why the stables, of all places?"
With a nonchalant shrug, Jack explained, "Well, that's where I keep my horse."
The realization hit the girls like a thunderbolt, their eyes widening in disbelief. "YOU HAVE A HORSE?!" they collectively squealed, unable to contain their excitement.
"You have a horse?" Ren and Jaune both repeated.
Jack nodded and pulled out his scroll and after a minute or two of finagling, he was able to find the few pictures he'd taken and scrolled to one of Fitz and showed the group the coal-colored stallion.
Ruby began to jump up and down like a jackrabbit "Oh, can we go see him when we get back, Can we pet him, and feed him carrots, Please! Please! Please!".
Jack couldn't stop the small smile from going across his face "Ok, rest of y'all wanna come?".
To Jack's utter surprise, it was Weiss who spoke up and rather resoundingly so "YES!, err I'm mean- I suppose that would be enjoyable" in a bad attempt at saving face which was now beginning to flush.
"Uh, hey guys, I hate to ruin the moment but how long has that been there" Jaune said with surprise in his voice. He was standing and pointing to an amber glow on the forest floor. It was a campfire, its smoke barely visible among the darkness and vermilion trees.
"Has that been there the entire time?" Blake asked no one in particular.
"Do you think we should check it out?" Ruby asked the group.
"I don't think that's a good idea. Walking up on someone's camp this time of night is great to get an unfriendly welcome" Jack said patting the handle of his revolver for emphasis.
He does have a point" Blake said.
"True but if what Goodwitch and Port said about civilians is true it could be helpful to know where they're at in case of a Grimm attack," Pyrrha said.
"Or if there are other students we can take on the Grimm together" Jaune added. "Me and Pyrrha will go check it out"
"I'll go as we," Blake said despite her team not knowing she was a Faunus she knew her ability to see better at night would be beneficial.
Jack sighed deeply "I reckon I'll join you then" Jack looked back at Ruby and the rest of the group, figuring Ruby's rifle and Nora's strange revolver cannon could probably cover them from the ridge while Ren and Weiss ran to help if anything happened. "Think you can cover us from here"
Ruby gave a determined smile and thumbs up "You betcha".
Jack nodded back "Alright let's get this done". He grabbed his shotgun that had been leaning against his pack and carried it by the receiver in his opposite hand so he could get to either the long gun or his revolver quickly and the group set out toward the campfire in the distance.
As they drew near the campfire cast the crimson leaves of Forever Fall in a hellish orange glow, as if the Forest around it were on fire as well. Blake peered into the darkness, her faunus traits granting her superior vision in the dim light, as she muttered, "There's someone at the fire, but I can't make out who."
Jack and Blake exchanged a grave look, then dropped into a crouch, moving with the stealth of shadows. Pyrrha, following their lead, pulled Jaune down with her.
"Why are we being so quiet?" Jaune's voice cut through the silence.
Pyrrha's expression tightened, and both Jack and Blake shot him irritated glances. "Did you learn to whisper in a Dust mine?" Jack hissed sharply through clenched teeth.
Figuring that whoever was at the fire likely sensed their presence, Jack decided to call out to the man. "Hey, Mr., mind if we come into your camp, we don't mean no harm," he stated, emphasizing 'we' to assert their numbers over the lone figure by the fire.
"Come ahead," came the man's response in a disarmingly friendly tone.
The man sitting by the fire wore a comical expression, with a goofy smile adorning his face. He was a strange sight indeed; dressed in a brown suit, a white dress shirt, and a tan flat boater hat perched atop his head. To top it off, there were no visible weapons or survival gear in sight, making him all the more peculiar.
"Have you lost your way, in the dark?" the funny man inquired.
Jack replied, "No sir, we're students from Beacon, out on a field training exercise."
The funny man swayed his head back and forth, chuckling softly. "Ah, the path of the transgressor is challenging, isn't it? The gods made this world, but it certainly doesn't cater to everyone's liking, does it?"
"I don't think they had me much in mind," Jaune muttered.
"True," the man agreed. "But where do people come by their notions? What kind of world have they seen that they liked better?"
"I can think of better places and better ways," Blake interjected, her voice distant and contemplative.
"Can you make it be?" the man challenged, his words cutting through the air.
Blake's eyes widened suddenly as she hesitated before saying, "Uh, no."
The man nodded "Aye. it's a mystery. Man is at odds to know their minds, cause that is all they have to know it with. They could know their heart but they don't want to, rightly so, best not to look in there."
The group of teens blinked owlishly as the man continued his prophetic rambling.
"It ain't the heart of a creature that is bound in the way god set forth. You can find meanness in the least of creatures, just look at the Grimm. But when the Monty made man Oum was at his elbow. A creature that can do anything. Make a machine, and a machine to make the machine. And evil that can run itself for a thousand years. No need to tend it. Do you believe that?" The man asked as he concluded his lecture.
They all sat in silence for a moment before Jaune spoke "Uh- I don't know" he said unnerved.
The man looked at him "Believe that".
Jack chanced a sideways glance at Blake, her entire body seemed tense, ready to pounce or run at the slightest provocation, even her bow seemed rigid atop her head. Jack looked at Jaune and Pyrrha - they seemed on edge as well.
Jack then noticed the Forest around them fell completely silent: Birds did not chirp, crickets and cicadas did not fiddle their twilight songs. The only sound was their breath and the crackling fire. Jack remembered that they had not seen a single Grimm and scant wildlife, as if they were in the presence of something worse. The man's unsettling words lingered in the air, casting a shadow over the group as they sat in the eerie stillness of the forest.
Jack looked at the man deciding they'd heard enough "Well, Mr. this conversation has been enlightening, truly it has, but we best get back to our camp. Should you need anything just holler".
The funny man looked at him his dopey smile never left his face as he gave them a two-finger salute "Be, seeing ya".
Jack did not like that last part. The group of teens slowly backed out of the fire's light, they walked quickly back into camp.
As the group of teens slowly retreated from the strange man's campfire, the forest seemed to exhale, and the ambient sounds returned to the surroundings. The crackling fire now felt like a distant memory, but the unsettling words still echoed in their minds.
Returning to their own camp, Jack gathered the others around him, a thoughtful expression etched on his face. Ruby, sensing the tension, couldn't help but ask, "What happened? Why do you all look so... uneasy?"
Jaune took a deep breath before recounting the encounter. "We stumbled upon a lone man by a fire. He talked about the gods, the nature of man, and machines that can run evil for a thousand years. It was bizarre like he was speaking in riddles."
Pyrrha added, "And the forest, it went silent. No creatures, no sounds. It felt... wrong like we were in the presence of something beyond our understanding."
Blake, usually composed, glanced over her shoulder, as if expecting something to emerge from the shadows. "He spoke of the darkness within, of things we might not want to find in ourselves."
Ruby shivered, realizing the gravity of the encounter. "Should we be worried? What if he was right about the darkness within us?"
Jack sighed, exchanging a glance with the others. "I don't know, Ruby. But we should stay vigilant. There's something off about that man, and this place. Let's keep our guard up and get some rest. Tomorrow, we head back to Beacon."
"Jack is right. Ren, Nora, you'll take the first watch. Pyrrha and I will relieve you afterward," Jaune stated, his voice laced with a tinge of apprehension.
"I'll take over after that," Jack asserted, a current of determination driving his words.
"I'll join you," Ruby declared, her voice unwavering as she bolstered her resolve.
With that said the two teams prepared to either take their watch duty or attempt to get some sleep before their rotation came about. Jack unfurled his bedroll, took off his boots, and coiled his gun belt next to him. He had about four hours till his turn to watch came and tried to get some rest, the words of the funny man playing in his head.
