Chapter 1:
'As a girl, I wanted to be just like those heroes in the books... Someone who fought for what was right, and protected people who couldn't protect themselves!'
As the young boy watched in morbid fascination, the monsters in front of him were being wiped out systematically, the one who was killing them all moved flawlessly as every attempt to strike or even touch her was failing.
In a flash of light, it was all over.
The monsters were gone, most had disappeared into dust and there were some that were turned into stones.
The boy watched curiously as everything around him had gone from a battlefield to a scenic aftermath.
Though some trees were destroyed, the pale autumn leaves surrounding him and the snow that covered the land made it feel more magical.
As he slowly began to step towards the hero- the huntress, henoticed the white cloak blowing in the wind covering her entire body.
Realizing that she could not possibly hear him, he decided to shout.
Seeing a sudden jolt, the lady slowly turned her head towards the intruder.
Watching him curiously under the cover of her hood, she began to talk after a few moments of silence.
"What are you doing here, at this part of the forest ?"
The boy just stopped to think for a minute before looking at the person in front of him.
He then looked at her once more before flashing an innocent yet awkward smile.
"Hello, my name is Jaune Arc. It's nice and short and sweet and something else my dad told me to say to pretty ladies. Also Miss hero, I was out here looking for a pretty green bird."
The huntress was shocked. Lifting her hood off, her long black hair with red tips waving slowly, her face etched in silent understanding before curiosity overtook her expression.
"Why ?"
That was when it began.
Perhaps that was when fate decided to reward Summer Rose, the Hero of Remnant, with a child to look after ever since the demise of Grimm Queen and the horrifying aftermath.
Jaune Arc, a young boy who's dream to be a hero reminded her of her very own, something which she tried to cherish this very day.
With the support of his parents and his sisters joining in at times, Jaune was taught under the White Slayer of Grimm.
There were moments where his innocence reminded her of days past. His notion of being a huntsman and his determination too.
She had learned about the various tales of his family, tales of his grandfathers and great grandfathers being heroes and doing heroic deeds.
Things that even awed her, the one who struck down the Queen herself. She even got inspired by Jaune's countless reminiscences of them and how much he wanted to be like them.
That caused his own training to go even further beyond what other potential huntsmen were being taught.
Despite the removal of the giant problem, the Grimm Pools and the remaining Grimm were still alive. These coupled with the rising cult for the Grimm Queen made things in Vale much harder to bear.
A few years later :
As the bullhead reached the dock and the initiates entered the courtyard, two individuals were found arguing causing bystanders and others to immediately leave the area.
It all ended with an impromptu explosion though.
"Hey, are you ok ?"
"Heya stud, how u doin ?"
As the now 17 year old Jaune Arc, an initiate had come to Beacon in order to be a huntsmen, was now kneeling over a crater, picking up the heiress of the Schnee Dust Company.
"I am eternally grateful, Jaune." Weiss smiled before turning her attention to her, the most degenerate of all people in the world.
"Bleiss, for once in your life, will you stop ogling Jaune especially here in Beacon !"
She felt a headache coming through.
"No can do. I'd rather strike first and get my meat before any redheaded slut comes around."
"What redheaded slut ?!"
Jaune then went towards Bleiss and pressed both his hands on her shoulders firmly. She moaned causing Weiss to sputter in a blush as she looked around to find if anyone was nearby.
Then she got up and took her cases and ran off, "Jaune take care of her, you are the only one who can."
'No way, she left me.' He thought unimpressed before staring at the lewd expression of Bleiss's face.
Immediately Bleiss was tugged several feet back before she stood up and turned around.
"If it isn't Magnet-Bitch!" she cursed out loud as Pyrrha came towards them, smiling and waving towards them.
"Hello again, Jaune and….. Bleiss."
"Pyrrha, it's great to see you !" Jaune smiled, his face beaming with such radiation that both Bleiss and Pyrrha had simultaneous heart attacks.
"Come on, guys." He deadpanned as they both jerked uncontrollably on the floor.
"Well it seems that things are quite a bit lively in here…" a sultry voice floated around the courtyard only catching the attention of the three present.
'That voice,' Pyrrha thought.
'Its…' Jaune turned around, his eyes wide.
"Great, its Glass-Bitch." Bleiss groaned as the newcomer had entered the fray.
A sultry figure walked in dressed in a red-black dress that fitted finely with her figure, the lacy design at the top did more to accentuate the assets that she had. The beauty she possessed made her one of the top 10 in Remnant in comparison to her title.
"Ashy."
"Little Squire."
They both giggled before laughing out loud.
It all came to a stop when a loud voice was heard.
"I come here after hearing a loud disturbance and what do I find but the apprentices of the previous generations legendary huntsmen and huntresses destroying private property. Fate really comes full circle, huh ?"
Cinder came towards the deputy headmistress before bowing her head slightly and replying, "Sorry for the inconvenience but it does seem that perhaps Beacon is getting too stressful for you, Miss Goodwitch. I recommend taking up resigning would be better."
Bleiss howled in laughter while Nikos was gasping, covering her mouth in shock while the teacher in question just glared at the young lady standing in front of her, her eyes threatening to laser her if possible.
Jaune on the other hand, just deadpanned.
"Are you implying what you seem to be insinuating ?"
"I am not implying anything, I suppose that it is your age catching up to you."
"Miss Rhodes, are you saying that I'm too old ?"
"I know you are."
Another round of laughter and an extra voice joined in.
Miss Glynda whirled around and her face turned red when it was revealed that it was the Headmaster of Beacon Academy joining in. His laughter was contagious.
'He seems lively.' Were the thoughts of the surrounding students.
"OZPIN !" Miss goodwitch hissed, her tone bitter and promising full of pain.
"Sorry." He quipped before he looked on the bundle of students before him.
He flashed a caring smile.
"Welcome to Beacon." He called out.
…..
It was late at night when the last initiate had arrived.
Tired from the journey, they were led by the deputy headmistress to the hall.
"Tonight is where everyone sleeps here. Tomorrow after initiation, if you pass you will be given rooms."
Right before she left, the guest had snapped their fingers and revealed a piece of paper.
The deputy took it and left.
All alone Neo looked for a spot before dropping her bag.
…
"It seems things are interesting this year !" Glynda commented as she watched the performances of the initiates, several already decimating grimm.
"Of course it is. And no doubt the damage cost will be high." Ozpin muttered before taking a sip of his choco-coffee.
"Checked the letter yet ?" Glynda asked as she kept on watching through her scrolls.
"Yes. It seems that our very elusive thief has found something quite concerning."
"Is it the Cult ?"
"No though it is a different sort of cult. It's in the formative stages at best."
"I see. Is there anything we can do ?"
"I'll see to it. Perhaps send some other huntsmen and huntresses."
"Hmm. Better choose wisely otherwise things could be compromised."
"My dear Glynda, despair does not suit you. If you must, I can give you a couple of days even perhaps extend to a few weeks at best. I know a lovely place where you can dine."
Glynda thought it over before turning to her employer.
"Are- Are you asking me out ?"
"Hmmm, maybe I am, maybe I'm not. At this point who knows ?"
'That damn smirk, why….?'
Glynda just stared back at the scrolls, her cheeks flashing a bit red.
It seemed that the students of this year were very well prepared.
…..
"….. and Neo. You have retrieved the golden green emblems. From this point onward, you will work together as Team GRJN or Team Green. Led by…. Jaune Arc. Congratulations young man."
At that moment, Jaune felt his world spin.
Being a huntsman was one thing. Being a leader was another.
As his teammates began congratulating, he looked over to see his other childhood friend looking at him and smiling.
Pyrrha's smile always helped even if they were on separate teams.
"Hey stud, I don't want you looking at some second rate than at me." Bleiss had come close to his face once again before he pulled back.
"Calm down, it's obvious that he's frustrated. I mean being the leader is a hard job."
'I know ' Neo used her fingers to explain that to her teammates.
Thankfully all of them had learnt how to use sign language beforehand.
As they got down the stage, Cinder felt eyes boring into her and as she spotted the enemy, she rolled her eyes off.
It seemed that Beacon was heading on a path to peace unlike before.
…
As the deputy headmistress was busy compiling the upcoming paperwork, the knock on her door caused her to temporarily stop.
"Come in" and with that, to no one's surpise it was her boss who had brought a cup of her favorite drink with her.
"Ok, what's going on ?"
"Why nothing, Glynda ? Why is it that you always presume me to bring trouble ?"
"That's because you always do bring trouble. Even when you don't mean it."
"That's a little mean, Glynda. I just came to give you your favorite drink and that's all."
"That's all ?"
"And also your thoughts on some of the students present."
She sighed.
Then she put down her paper and kept in on a proper and clean place before she took the cup and had a sip.
She smiled and looked at Ozpin favorably.
"Keep this up and I may finish all your paperwork."
"I see. Maybe I will."
She could see the twinkle in his eyes as he said that, acting like a child who had a found a secret and knew of a way to use it.
In a way, she was glad to see this side of him. So many years ago, when they first met, he had always been a mysterious and mischievous person but one with good intentions and a good heart as well. It saddened her when she learnt of the truth, and she vowed that she would do anything to help save the world and also him.
So seeing him acting like a child without a burden, for some reason made her blush.
'No, Glyn. STOP IT. HE IS YOUR EMPLOYER. STOP ITTT!' her thoughts went haywired as the cheeks went even redder.
If Ozpin saw this, he didn't comment on it.
He just stared out the window with contemplative look.
"Cinder Rhodes and Neo, they are older than their teammates, are they not ?"
She had asked after she took a second sip.
"Yes."
"It seems rather suspicious that they decided to enter right now."
"They were busy and with good cause. Even their young leader was with them during their formative years."
"They had seen much, haven't they." Her tone was soft.
"Yes, but they made it. You see Glynda, hope….. it really exists." He gave her a sad smile.
She stared at him, her hands trying to grab his as he looked at her once again changing his smile to a happier one.
"It's ok, Glynda. Time will heal all."
And with that he left.
She sat there, wondering.
Ozpin sat on his chair as he looked down the tower.
Through many sacrifices he had to take, make and even aid, there was one he could never get himself to regret. Even though that part of him was gone, even though he was free, he could never forgive himself for it.
But maybe time could.
Maybe.