I would like to state for the record, I hate everything. I am writing this severely sleep deprived, but for some reason, instead of my brain demanding sleep after more than eighteen hours of consciousness after only three hours of sleep the previous night, it starts pumping out the funny writer juices and commands the rest of my body to type this out. The things I do for you people, I swear. Here, take my chapter and leave. I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT I'M WRITING FOR RIGHT NOW! Am I writing for a Warrior's Road? To Create One's Path!? For all I know, I could be updating VALENTINE'S DAY SCANDAL for pete's sake! WHY That is even a thing, let alone still there, is beyond even me. I'm tired. I hate all of you.
Jaune wasn't sure what he was feeling right now. When he collapsed, he thought that he had died from either blood loss or another Grim devouring him. However, he was obviously alive, if his breathing was anything to go by. His entire being felt like molten fire, hurting to even try and comprehend moving, but he was alive. The thing was, he was laying in something other than the grass he had collapsed onto. Instead, he felt a familiar fabric underneath his head. Soft, comforting.
'Oi.'
A voice suddenly echoed in his head. That was the last thing he remembered hearing before passing out. It must have been another person. But that was impossible. There shouldn't have been another person down here. This was in part of the Grimlands that had yet to be explored as far as he was concerned. Anyone that would want to be here would have to be strong enough to kill that Regi Gigantice. And since it was still skulking around, there wasn't. But it was unmistakable. A person's voice. He hadn't heard something like that in a number of days. Hell, he wouldn't be surprised if it was just something he brain cooked up after so many hours of no sleep. A hallucination to try and calm himself after being with no contact for as long as he had. But the fact still stood, he was in a bed. And unless everything's that happened in the past few days had been a fever dream and that he was now back in his dorm with the rest of his team, he had been rescued by someone and was being nursed back to health. His eyes were still closed, of course, he hardly had the energy to do anything right now. But he figured that if he waited for a little longer, he'd be able to lift his eyelids again.
So he waited, taking shallow breaths to make sure that he didn't reopen the wound on his chest. Another interesting thing. He could tell he was wrapped in gauss. Countless trips to the infirmary at Beacon had taught him how it felt.
It wasn't much longer until he gathered enough strength to open his eyes, first wincing at the brightness higher than the utter darkness that was his closed eyelids. Once he had adjusted, he took in his surroundings, noticing that he was indeed in a bed. One on the floor mind you, so not really a bed, but more of a sleeping bag. He looked around, seeing a...rather strange theme for this day and age.
Maps. Old maps. Maps that were drawn by hand on a piece of parchment. There were a number of them. All looking older than even his family sword, save for one. But even then, it seemed only a decade or two off. The rest of the tent that he could see was covered in different things. Ranging from mechanical parts, strange plants that he had never seen before, books that looked ancient even for the maps, a compass here and there, three swords leaning against a desk in the back right next to an interesting pole and a slingshot, an interesting set of large red beads that accompanied a wide brimmed hat, and finally at the center of the room being the most prominent thing there was...
A Jolly Roger.
Yes, a Jolly Roger. Like in those stories you hear about pirates and the such. This one was rather simple in design really. Just a run of the mill skull with crossing bones behind it. The only defining feature that separates it from any other was the hat it wore, looking to be made out of straw. He wondered if this person was a pirate themselves or someone who had an almost unhealthy obsession with them. Either way, he needed to-
"Oi."
"Gah-ARGH!" Jaune exclaimed, first being startled by the voice next to him and quickly trying to sit up, only to shout in pain once the nerves in his everything told him to sit the fuck back down. He hissed in pain, trying not to move, but looked to his side, regardless. Seeing a man that looked not much older than himself if he were being honest. He'd ask who he was if his faculties weren't trying to tear themselves apart. Thankfully, the stranger was kind enough to introduce himself.
"Hey, you were out for a couple days. Did you poop? I hope not. 'Cause that would mean I'd have to change you."
Wait what?
"Huh?" Jaune was barely able to get out. And even then, it hurt like hell. Nothing of his wanted to work right now. Even when his throat wanted to chug down an entire reservoir. At the very least, the strange person looked to the side, thinking on something while picking his nose with his pinky.
"Actually, I don't think you did. It'd stink a whole lot more in here if you did." He stated, not seeming to find this predicament at all strange. It was here that Jaune brought his wits about him and tried to ask who this person was.
"Who..." Jaune choked out. It gathered the attention of the man again before he gave a grin that somehow stretched his face beyond what should have been possible.
"Right! I totally forgot! I'm Monkey D. Luffy, Captain of the Strawhat crew, and current King of the Pirates!" The now named Luffy exclaimed, striking a pose. Jaune just stared at him for a moment, thinking that he was some kind of nut job. Thankfully, he was in no condition to say any of that, but still. Being stuck here with a crazy was not something Jaune wanted to be right now.
"Though, I gotta admit, I didn't think anyone would come this way. Seeing as anyone who does die pretty quick." Luffy admitted, scratching his noggin. Jaune simply stared at him for a few moments, not really capable of doing anything else of the sort. So they stayed like that for a moment, neither of them saying anything. It wasn't until Jaune felt the silence becoming unbearable that Luffy had piped up again.
"This is probably a stupid question, but do you want me to heal you?" Luffy asked, looking down at the blonde. Jaune wanted to scream that he OBVIOUSLY needed healing, but for reasons that should have been blatantly apparent, he couldn't. So he settled with a small grunt of affirmation. Luffy nodded in affirmation, turning to some of the plants and sacks that he had nearby. They were filled with different powders and herbs, from what Jaune could guess.
"Now what did he say to do in cases like this?" Luffy asked himself as he tried to recall the lessons he had received from his crew's doctor so many years ago.
"Was it...no. It was probably...no, that's not right either...hmm." Luffy puzzled. He wasn't all that great at remembering things like this. His crewmates would tell you all about the things they'd have told him not five minutes ago only for him to forget that he had talked to them in the first place. Of course, they would tell you, if they were here. But it was because of this that they had came up with countermeasures.
"Oh!" Luffy exclaimed, seeing a worn piece of paper in one of the drawers that he was looking through. He took it, knowing that this was something that his crewmates had done in case he forgot how to do something and they weren't there to help him. They treated him like a child sometimes, but he was grateful to them regardless. They were his family after all.
Still, there was the matter of what the paper actually said.
"It's the red and green one!"
Thinking on it, Luffy should have probably remembered that. Pretty basic stuff. The green and red stuff mixed together was able to put your body's healing stuff into overdrive. It worked so well that even after a particularly bad scuffle he had, the powder was able to restore his body good as new! Even if his body had shut down every unimportant function in his body.
Being completely blind, deaf and numb to the world was an interesting experience. He thought he died!
Going over his memories, Luffy was able to take a scoop of each powder and put them into a machine, turning it on for a brief moment before it dinged, signaling that it was finished. Not long after, Luffy was bringing a strange colored drink over to the blonde who had been looking at him the entire time.
Jaune didn't know what to think of this guy. It wasn't like he felt this Luffy person was threatening, far from it. It was just the absurdity of the situation that was making him weary. The Grimlands, the fact that this guy was apparently living here for some reason, and-what the hell was this guy doing!?
Before Jaune could protest to the fact that Luffy was forcing him to drink whatever concoction he had brewed up, the thick and...surprisingly delicious liquid made it's way down his gullet. When he was finally allowed to breath after chugging the entire glass, Jaune looked up at an expectant looking Luffy who stood back and gave him that same face splitting smile from before.
"Hehe! That should do it. In a few seconds, you'll feel right as rain!" Luffy promised, making Jaune want to raise an eyebrow at that, regardless of how much it hurt to do that. It was just reflex, considering what he just heard. How the hell was a drink supposed to do that? There was nothing on this planet that could do anything close to what he was saying it could.
That was, until he felt an energy build up in his stomach and start to make it's way across his body. Suddenly, he could feel his heartbeat start to beat faster and his senses started to go on high alert. That same energy flowed across his limbs, bringing life back into them, the constant pain that resided in his body having been lifted from him. He suddenly shot up from his spot on the floor, feeling like a million Lien!
"Woah! What was that?" Jaune asked, clenching and unclenching his fists. Now that he was apparently all better, he turned to his savior and looked at him in his full form.
Luffy really didn't look all too much older than himself. Maybe three or four years older if he had to guess. His face, though soft looking and roundish, had a pair of scars that told of battle. Luffy's mop of unruly and spiky hair saying a lot about how he lived his life, not even going into his posture or attitude. His eyes were peculiar. A depth that Jaune hadn't seen in anyone his age. Only in someone like his parents. Moving on from that, he saw that the supposed Pirate King was wearing a long sleeved red shirt that was open, showing a large crossing scar on his chest. If the two bold scars on his face weren't evident enough, this one certainly proved that this was a Hunter to Jaune. He might have come from another Kingdome where Hunters were called something else, or different cultural names for them. But that brought up another thing, if that were true...HOW FAR AWAY FROM HOME DID HE WALK!?
"That's some stuff that my crew's doctor made a while ago. He tried teaching me some of the basics of medicine, but I always end up forgetting and read his notes instead! Shishishishi." Luffy laughed, causing Jaune to be awfully curious as to who his doctor was that could make medicines like this. Still, Jaune needed to thank him either way.
"Th-thank you. I'm not sure if I could have survived if I was alone down here...but what are you doing down here anyway?" Jaune made clear his gratefulness before asking the question he's had since he realized that he wasn't alone here. Luffy looked at him with curiosity before seemingly realizing something.
"Oh yeah! I was here trying to protect the Devil Fruit that grew down here." Luffy said. Though, with the look that Jaune was giving him, it seemed that he didn't know what he was talking about.
"A...what?" Jaune asked, not understanding what he was referencing. The heck was a Devil Fruit? Was it a form of rare plant? If so, why was it so important? Luffy in turn looked at him with confusion clear on his face, genuinely surprised that he didn't know what he Devil Fruit was.
"A Devil Fruit. If you eat one, you get a random super power! But if you do, you lose the ability to swim. Like, if water goes above your waist, you lose all of your strength, sink, and then drown!" Luffy explained with that same cheerful disposition to him. Jaune looked at him weirdly again, finding that a little bit more than strange. He questioned again the mental stability of the person in front of him. Staying quiet for a few moments more, a familiar look of realization came across the raven haired man.
"Hmm, thinking about it, I have to know, what's your name? And how did you get down here?" Luffy asked, looking to the blonde in front of him. He hadn't really seen too many people recently. The only person that he had interacted with was his crew's musician. And that was...he actually wasn't sure how long it had been since then. Jaune seemed surprised for a moment before a somber expression came over him. Luffy almost instantly understood what he was going to say. He'd seen that look before. He'd worn it himself once...
He resisted the urge to look to the hat and red beads behind him before hearing Jaune's story.
"My name's Jaune. Jaune Arc. And...well, A few days ago, a little over a week I think, me and my team along with another were sent on a mission to protect a village. On the first day, there was a Grim invasion, and we tried fighting it off while the village evacuated. I wasn't able to do anything, but the other's were able to do amazingly. In the end though, we had to retreat. When we were on the Bullhead back, an Ancient Nevermore attacked the ship and everyone but me were nearly knocked unconscious. We were all going to die, I knew that...but then I realized that I could save them if I just jumped off to kill it instead. So without a second thought, I did...the rest is just a blur. One minute, I'm jumping off, the next, I'm walking the Grimlands, trying to find civilization. I had to keep moving out there. A Regi Gigantice hunting me the entire time. It took me at least three days straight of walking until a single Beowolf attacked me and slashed me in the chest. Not long after, the Regi found me and chased me further into the forest. I was chased down into an underground river and ran through a crack in the wall before ending up here. I'm not sure when it I got here, but all I remember was passing out soon after." Jaune explained, remembering how he had only been useful to his friends in those last few moments. Luffy closed his eyes for a moment, taking all of that information. So he risked his life to make sure that his friends made it out huh? Interesting...
"Well, you came down here and ate the Devil Fruit before passing out. I was able to bandage you up and get you into a spare bed I had lying around. You've been out for two weeks now, actually." Luffy revealed. They stayed silent for a moment once more. With how many times it had happened in the past half hour, you'd expect one of them to get annoyed by it at this point, but neither of them seemed bothered by it in the slightest.
"I what?" Jaune asked, thinking that he hadn't heard him right. He couldn't have eaten that thing. He hasn't eaten anything since he arrived in that village so long ago. Even now, he could feel the weakness in his body start to creep up on him. And passed that, he was out for two weeks!? Luffy just shrugged at him before answering.
"Yeah, you came in here and ate the whole thing. Don't know how you did it though. Those things taste like crap." Luffy said, puzzled at how the blonde was able scarf that thing down as quick as he did. He only left it alone for a minute...
"But...but you said that you were protecting it, why did you let me eat it!?" Jaune asked, remembering that Luffy had said that he would lose his ability to swim if he ate one. He still wasn't sure exactly if that was true or not, but once he was reminded of it, he does recall tasting something horrible right before he passed out...
"I was taking a piss at the time. I came back and found that you were on the floor with the core of the fruit next to you. I took you to my tent and patched you up when I saw that you were bleeding." Luffy said simply. Jaune looked at him incredulously. He could quite possibly no longer swim because this guy was using the bathroom!?
"You..." Jaune strained, trying to contain his anger. He shook for a few moments before letting out a breath and deflating. His hunger was getting to him now. Plus, if he remembered correctly, Luffy said that eating the fruit would also give him a power...
"I'm too hungry for this. Do you have any food I could eat?" Jaune asked. He could honestly eat anything right now. He'd even eat Grim meat for crying out loud! And that stuff was notoriously bad.
Luckily, Luffy beamed again with that same smile from before that stretched across his whole face.
"Food? I've got plenty of that stuff! I've even got a fish over the fire outside. I just came in here to check on you. Come on!" Luffy goaded, telling the hungry boy to follow. Jaune sighed in relief upon hearing that. He was so hungry he could eat a horse!
So following closely behind, Jaune soon found himself outside of the tent he had been resting in and saw the somewhat familiar insides of the cave he had escaped to. He could only see the roof and farthest walls due to the glowing fungi and algae that grew on them. It was rather beautiful, now that he was able to truly take it in without death riding on his tail. The large pond at the center was certainly beautiful in it's own right. Almost glowing due to the light that reflected off it, he could see the fish swimming in it. Though, he was probably still a little woozy from everything that's happened, because he could have sworn that those fish seemed an awful lot bigger than he was used to...
"Hey, come on! I thought you were hungry? If you don't hurry, I'll eat it all myself!" Luffy taunted. It was able to get Jaune back on track before he was once again surprised for the umpteenth time at what he saw.
"That's one big fish..." Jaune whispered to himself as he stalked towards the absolutely delicious looking giant of a fish that was golden brown from being slow cooked over an almost equally large fire. He found a plate shoved into his hands with a large chunk of the fish placed upon it. An almost primal hunger took him as he tore into the meat with a ferocity that made Luffy laugh with mirth.
"Shishishi! Man, you sure were hungry, huh? Especially after so long without food. I couldn't go even a day without stuffing myself silly!" Luffy laughed, eating his own plateful of fish before just as quickly getting another helping which he also inhaled.
Jaune didn't answer, too consumed by hunger to listen. After so long without food or water, which somehow presented itself in a sizable mug next to him, he lost himself in the moment. When he was finished with his serving, he looked up at the fish over the fire for no more than a moment before lunging at it and tearing fistfuls of meat off and stuffing his mouth with them. Luffy all the while laughing harder and harder on the side lines.
Of course, that was until he realized the fish was starting to look pretty barren.
"Hey! Leave some for me!" Luffy cried as he went to try and steal some from the blonde.
"Oh, that hit the spot." Jaune said to himself as he finally regained control of his higher functions. He sat back on a log, rubbing his stomach as he let out a breath. He hadn't eaten like that in a long time. But even so...
"So, now that you're full, do you have any other questions?" Luffy asked as he chowed down on another fish. Jaune had no idea how the man was able to put all that down without expanding to repulsive sizes, but was too content to really care at the moment. He did have a few questions to ask, however.
"Er, yeah actually. What's the deal with the whole Devil Fruit thing? I've never really heard of them before." Jaune questioned, looking at the pirate with curious eyes. Of course, saying that he hadn't heard of the things wasn't saying much. He hadn't heard of a lot of things before. He hadn't even heard of his own partner before Beacon. Even then, he didn't fully grasp what she had done until a number of weeks into the school year. That went doubly for him to realize how good Ruby had to be in order for her to get into Beacon two years early...
'Ruby...Pyrrha...I'll get back to you. I promise.' Jaune thought somberly. However, before he could bring his own mood down any more, Luffy piped up with the same smile as before.
"It's like I said, A Devil Fruit's able to give you a random power if you eat it. The only bad thing about them is that they taste terrible and take away your ability to swim." Luffy said as he finished his latest fish. Jaune nodded at that. He said that before, but he needed to know a few more things about them, if there was anything else about them, at least.
"Right, but are they completely random with each fruit? Or are there specific powers for specific fruit? Like categories or something." Jaune asked, wanting to know. Since he apparently ate one already, he wanted to at least try to get a feel for what kind of power he received. Loosing the ability to swim kind of sucked, but overall, it wasn't a terrible drawback. Most fighting was done on land anyway, so he wasn't too worried.
Luffy looked at him with a surprised and impressed face before that same face splitting smile stretched across his jaw. He liked this kid!
"You catch on quick! Yeah, there are three different kinds of Devil Fruits; Paramecia, Zoan and Logia. I ate a Paramecia called the Gum-Gum Fruit. Now I'm a Rubber man!" Luffy explained, stretching his cheek far off his body as he always did when he told people what he was. Jaune's eyes widened slightly at the action, but shook off his shock soon enough. He lived in a world full of monsters with strange appearances and powers that spanned all across the Four Kingdoms. He really shouldn't be that surprised that this was a thing...
Oh, and Grim exist too, so there was that.
Suppressing a laugh at his own joke, Jaune nodded along with what he was told. So there were three different Devil Fruit. And from what little he's seen, it would seem that Paramecia was of the more random kinds. He couldn't see an entire category of such a fruit being only rubber based. He could be wrong on that front, but he was fairly confident with his own theory.
"So how are those three different from each other to make them different categories?" Jaune asked, wanting to know as much as possible. His mind already thinking of different ways to utilize a body that was completely made of rubber. Getting slapped with a high velocity rubber band already hurt enough, but imagine getting hit by a rubber band launched with both natural physics and a Huntsman's strength? Plus, if you had enough control over your body...
Before Jaune could go too deep into his tactical planning, Luffy was able to come up with his own answer.
"Paramecia is the most common of the fruits, and generally aren't as initially strong as the other two, but is way more versatile. They're all random powers though. Wouldn't know what you're going to get if you don't know which fruit it is." Luffy said, trying his best to explain the Paramecias. It was a little hard seeing as the category was so broad it was difficult to pinpoint it to just a few words. Sure, some of those powers may seem useless or weak, but he's seen how people have thought up of ways to turn them into truly terrifying forces. Take his own rubber powers for instance. He took a power that was said to be one of the weakest, and was able to become the Pirate King with it!
"So there are specific fruits too? Hmm. What about the other two?" Jaune asked. He was curious to know that there were indeed specific named fruits that could be identified with appearances, but wanted to ask about the other two types before saying anything else.
"Oh yeah, Zoan. It's a little more rare than the Paramecia, and a bit weirder. If you eat one, you're able to take the ability of an animal. You'd even be able to take their forms...kind of. You turn into a large hybrid of human and the animal the fruit is based off of. You'd take more after the animal though. My doctor used to be a regular deer before he ate the Human-Human fruit. It's funny how people thought he was the mascot of my crew for so long!" Luffy said, remembering how his medic used to have a bounty of a whopping five Belli for as long as he did. He guessed that it had to do something with how adorable he looked.
"...And the Logia?" Jaune asked after a moment, shelving the fact that Luffy's doctor apparently used to be an actual freaking deer. He just had a few more questions to ask after he knew what the different Devil Fruits could do. Though, at the mention of the Logia, Luffy gained a rather far off look. It appeared happy, as if remembering something that he was fond of, but at the same time melancholic.
"Logia is the rarest of the three. Arguably the most powerful, too. Initially, at least. Mostly for the fact that it lets you control, turn into, and make an element. Someone who eats that fruit can't really be hurt by guns and swords 'n stuff. They can just turn into the element they control and become almost untouchable." Luffy grinned. At that, Jaune felt surprised once more. A fruit that could give you the power over an element? That seemed almost too good to be true. And to be able to just say no to damage? He was kind of hoping that the one he ate was a Logia now.
"That's...huh. I don't think I've seen anyone with that kind of power before. So what happened to them?" Jaune asked. As far as he knew, there weren't any apparent Semblances that were quite that strange. Aura always supplemented them, so it was easy to tell that the powers they used were Aura based and not from any kind of Fruit. The closest he could think of were Faunus and the Zoan fruit. But even then, Faunus inherited their traits genetically.
"Eh...After a while, the government at the time thought that the fruits were too dangerous and started collecting them. The ones that weren't already eaten anyway. They hid them somewhere where no one would be able to find them. Last I remember, they were out on an island off the Red Line..." Luffy said, remembering the World Government tried to hoard the Devil Fruits in their possession by hiding them. They were real good at it too, what with their stealth technology and whatnot. It worked for a while, but after he became Pirate King and finally destroyed them, he was able to find it eventually. Though, he realized that while their reasoning for their actions was horrible, they had a point. Lots of people used them for all the wrong reasons.
A certain black haired, bearded man came to mind before he shook his head. The point was that he didn't know what to do with them and just kinda...left them there. At that point, he thought that they would just rot away without anyone taking care of them and just regrow in some random part of the world.
But they didn't.
They kept fresh as the day they sprouted from the ground. It left him with a predicament. He couldn't just send them all off on different boats and let them drift. That could leave them out there forever, never to be seen again. And once again, the wrong people could get their hands on them. And he couldn't just hand them out to whoever he felt deserved them, that just wasn't his style. So what was he going to do with them? Eventually, he came up with a simple answer in what he was going to do with so many fruits.
Nothing.
He just left them as they were and didn't tell anyone that he found them. He didn't like it, but he had no good way of getting them back out into the world without messing it up for everyone. He didn't know what would happen if he just crushed or burned the fruit, and he wasn't going to take any chances. He figured that he would just chalk it up as something to add to his Pirate King Booty...
Heh...Pirate King. Never gets old.
"The Red Line? As in the wall on the far edge of the southern continents? No one's been able to get passed that thing in over...two hundred years from what I remember in Doctor Oobleck's class. And you say you've been there?" Jaune asked with no small hints of skepticism. He had every right to be suspicious. How could this guy possibly expect him to believe that he's been passed a solid wall that no one's been able to get through in recent history? Luffy looked at him funny for a moment before sighing and scratching his noggin, seeming concerned for something.
"Two hundred? Gee, I didn't think it'd been that long..." Luffy said. Though, Jaune felt exasperated at him.
"Don't talk like you're old enough to know that!" Jaune yelled. Luffy raised his hands up in surrender before quickly trying to explain himself.
"But I am! Since my body is completely made of rubber, I don't really age anymore! My body doesn't really change ether. It's how I've lived this long." Luffy said, revealing to the young man that he was now practically immortal.
Jaune blinked at that. That...kind of made sense actually. Rubber didn't really decay from what he could tell. It only really got worn from outside forces like weather and personal use. But with the properties of regular human skin...hmm.
"Huh. Learning a lot today. So you've been passed the Grand Line? What's it like?" Jaune asked, now curious as to what the, apparently, centuries old man would be able to share. After making sure that the blonde wouldn't yell at him again, Luffy settled back down on his log before speaking.
"It's pretty exciting, actually. But dangerous. There's too much for me to really tell you right now, unless you plan on sitting here for the next few...weeks." Luffy said, thinking of all the stuff he's seen and been to on his journey through Paradise and the New World. Thinking on it, he could actually remember seeing the geography of his old home here changing gradually.
He'd owe his archeologist a lot of money if she were here right now. She was right after all. It did go through a drastic and fast change.
Jaune realized that he couldn't actually stay here for that long. He had friends to get back to! A promise to keep!
"Right. Just a few more questions I have to ask." Jaune inquired. Luffy nodded, waiting for him to ask them.
"What fruit did I eat? And why were you so keen on protecting this one and not any of the other ones?" Jaune asked, feeling like this would be something rather serious if he prioritized this fruit in particular over any of the other ones. Luffy closed his eyes for a moment. Yeah, he knew which fruit this was. And it was exactly that reason that he didn't want anyone eating it. The thing nearly destroyed the world in the hands of the last guy who had it...
"The fruit you ate..." Luffy started, remembering the guy he fought and defeated so long ago. He was a total scumbag. He'd throw someone away like trash if they didn't prove useful to him. It sickened him. That he didn't care that his crew was being killed left and right. His motivations...they had changed, that much was evident from what he gathered. And from what he learned later down the line, he could see where he got the idea. But he could never forgive someone who treated their Nakama like tools. With that fruit, that man was able to terrorize the world with his might. He shivered at the thought of having to face him in his prime. Even when he was rusty and out of touch, Luffy was almost no match for him. It was his sheer tenacity and drive to win that allowed him victory. Had he made a single slip or mistake more than he did in that fight, he wouldn't be here right now. He remembered that it took the combined might of the Seven Warlords and nearly the entirety of the Marines, his grandpa included, in order to combat him. And even then, it was only through the work of CP9's stealth and assassination tactics that they were able to take him down. In the end he died alone with his 'dreams' never realized. And with his death, his Devil Fruit power returned to it's roots. Here in this cave of all places. It's name able to bring fear to those who knew what it was...
"It's the More-More Fruit." Luffy finished, the weight of his words not really sinking into Jaune. Then again, he didn't expect them to. Anyone who knew of that fruit was either long gone, or was waiting by his ship playing their violin.
"The More-More Fruit? Is that a Paramecia?" Jaune asked, confused as to what that name could mean. Admittedly, he was disappointed that he didn't get a Logia, but if it was going to be as useful as Luffy's own Gum-Gum Fruit seemed to be...he wasn't going to complain.
"...Yeah. The fruit allows you to multiply different aspects of you and your surroundings many times over." Luffy said, making Jaune's eyes widen in awe. He could do that!? Awesome! Now maybe he could finally catch up with the rest of his team! And even beat Pyrrha in a fight!
.
..
...
Er, maybe just catching up with the rest of his friends was more realistic.
"Holy...wow. I can see why you wouldn't want just anyone eating it. That sounds crazy strong." Jaune said, looking down at his two hands. The amount of good he could do with that strength...he'd be able to save everyone.
Luffy looked at the kid before him with a keen eye. He didn't outright kill him after he ate the fruit simply because he knew he could do it at any time given Jaune's previously wounded state. A simple once over his physique was enough to tell that Jaune wasn't nearly strong enough to fight back should he even try. However, the instant Jaune was conscious, he knew. Simply for the fact that he was able to use his Haki to do so. What surprised him however, was that he could tell the younger man had Haki as well. He knew that Jaune didn't know that he had it. Mostly for the fact that with a build like that, there was obviously no training in it whatsoever. Even those that trained extensively in Observation Haki were more built than him. Yet he talked about his friends who were training to be Hunters and Huntresses.
He laughed at the idea when he first heard what they were. Remembered saying something about being glorified poster boys. Still, he could acknowledge that they were strong in their own right. He's even seen a few students from their schools. Yet each and every one of those that he's seen had looked better built than Jaune. It drove him to the conclusion that he didn't train. How he got into a school in the first place, he didn't know. But that wasn't important. What was important, was something that had been bothering him since he found out about the Grim and Human war taking place topside.
They simply weren't enough.
The Hunters were well enough in a fight, but were still too weak to do their jobs to their best ability. It wasn't an easy issue to fix either, as anyone that could train like he did were already so used to their 'Aura' and weapons that it'd be nearly impossible to get them to a level that would be satisfactory. Of course, he had wanted to train someone for some time now. Just as Rayleigh had for him. He'd caught the mentor bug some time ago, but couldn't quite catch when specifically. He guessed it was just something that people grew into when they got older. Either way, he knew he needed someone that hadn't trained extensively in weaponry, and would have the potential to fully benefit from his training. Young ones were the first to come to mind...
But kidnapping children didn't quite sit well with him.
He'd been trying to think of a way to properly find someone that met the criteria while also making sure that no one found this fruit, when suddenly a kid came through that fit the bill perfectly. He didn't look trained. Seemed disciplined enough for serious training. Certainly had his heart in the right place if the story he told was true. The drive to protect his friends, regardless of the dangers...
It was almost too perfect.
He'd found a suitable potential student. The only problem now however, was if he saw that look in his eye correctly...he was going to have to take a page out of old Rayleigh's book for this one. Was like watching his old self play out before him really.
"Look, thank you for everything you've done for me. I wish I can repay you someday, but I have to get going. My friends are probably think I'm dead. So thank you again for everything, but need to get going-" Jaune tried to excuse himself, turning to find an exit to the cave but found Luffy directly in front of him again.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Luffy said with a neutral expression. Jaune took a step back, first turning back to where Luffy was a moment ago before turning back to face the rubber man.
"P-pardon?" Jaune asked, wondering where Luffy was going with this. The pirate simply closed his eyes before shaking his head.
"You can't go." Luffy stated. At this, Jaune started to get a little irritated. Regardless of how much Luffy had done for him, he wasn't going to let him get between him and his friends.
"You can't keep me here. I made a promise to myself that I'd get back to them." Jaune said resolutely. He made to go past the raven haired man before Luffy once again stepped in his way, this time with a curious expression.
"And be as useless as you were before?" Luffy asked. At this, he caught Jaune off guard.
"What?" Jaune asked, not quite sure he heard correctly. Luffy had been nothing but kind and giving, if not a little strange, in the short time that he had interacted with the man. Surely he didn't just...
"You said yourself that you couldn't do anything in a fight. I can tell just by looking at you that you would only slow them down. So why should you go back?" Luffy asked, looking to the blonde with a sharp gaze. Jaune took another step back, feeling his insecurities threaten to come back. But he pushed them down as quick as lightning and stared back at the pirate with a gaze of steel.
"I can train to become better. To be their equal. I'll train harder than I've ever trained before." Jaune said with conviction, shoving past Luffy with a huff. Luffy stared after him with only the smallest of smirks before he moved again.
In a moment, Jaune was sent on his back, his head spinning. It was only after a few moments did he look up to see Luffy above him once more.
"It wont be enough." Luffy stated. He didn't put any force or malice behind his words. Simply for the fact that he didn't need to. It was just the truth. Jaune however, simply growled before quickly getting to his feet and stomping his way past Luffy again, keen on making sure it was for the last time.
"I'll make it enough." Jaune breathed out, feeling properly angry. He heard a sigh behind him before he heard Luffy's voice speak up.
"Just because you said it doesn't mean you can. If you think that, you're even more stupid than I thought." Luffy goaded. Jaune stopped in his tracks, turning his head to the man and giving him a fierce scowl. Now, he was not one to get angry this easily, but when it came to a subject regarding his drive to protect his friends, he was a little more than touchy about it.
"With this new power, I'll be able to make it so." Jaune said, clenching his fist. Luffy just stared at him with that same neutral expression.
"You don't know how to use it." Luffy said, once again stating fact. Jaune once again let out a growl before turning away and started walking.
"I will eventually. My friends will help me with that. And when I'm strong enough for them to call me their equal-" Jaune tried to say, but Luffy cut him off.
"If they aren't strong enough to protect you, what makes you think you'll be strong enough to protect them?" Luffy cut through. The words rang in Jaune's ears.
Say what you wanted about him. Call him names, mock him, question his abilities, hell even beat him up for all he cared. It didn't matter to him. But the moment you started talking like that about his friends and those he cared about, that's where he draws the FUCKING LINE.
"Shut up!" Jaune roared as he turned around and launched himself far faster than he thought he could at Luffy, a fist ready to collide with his face for saying such a thing. However, all he hit was the palm of his outstretched hand and stopped him in his tracks. Jaune looked at him angrily. That same impassive expression was on Luffy the entire time.
"If they've been training for their entire lives and almost get killed that easily, it wont be enough to 'be their equal'." Luffy stated, only causing Jaune to become more incensed.
"YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOUR TALKING ABOUT!" Jaune shouted, throwing a flurry of punches. All of them sloppy and without form, Luffy noticed. Obviously not a fist fighter...yet.
"Yes, I do. I know exactly what you're feeling. You feel like you need to get back to them as soon as you can, thinking that if you just keep pushing yourself that it'll be enough." Luffy said as calm as ever, even as Jaune kept trying to hit him, going faster and faster. throwing blind punches at speeds he could have never reached before today. Yet Luffy deflected them all the same. He was right, he didn't know how to use it. Even the fleeting usage of Armament Haki didn't faze him. Though, he knew for a fact that this kid shouldn't be punching this fast...hmm, he was already using the fruit subconsciously. A fast learner this one. Even if he didn't know what he was doing, his body certainly did. Still, Luffy didn't bat an eye. The blonde was still only fighting with anger alone.
Before long, Jaune tired and began to slow quickly. And was soon taking ragged breaths as he still tried to throw more punches, these ones painfully slow and weak.
"I...I..." Jaune staggered, his energy once again exhausted. Luffy sighed before driving the nail into the coffin.
"It was because I thought that I could take on the world that I wasn't able to save my brother. I wasn't strong enough to protect him when he needed me. I don't want that happening to anyone else. Do you want to lose your friends? To fail them?" Luffy asked, looking at Jaune as he collapsed to his knees, his head sunk low. Jaune stayed silent, and Luffy had to reiterate.
"Do you?" He asked again, a firm edge to his words. Jaune stayed there, thinking about what he said. And who he had at home waiting for him.
Nora
Ren
Yang
Blake
Weiss
Pyrrha
Ruby
He needed to protect them with every fiber of his being...but he couldn't do that with what he was now. Not even if he was as strong as Pyrrha herself. IF someone or something outclassed her, there would be no one to stop them. He needed to be strong enough to protect them all from anything. No matter how strong it was.
"No..." Jaune finally croaked, still slouched. Luffy did not move. Didn't even change his facial expression. After a while, Jaune finally spoke up again, though still still kept where he was.
"How...how do I get strong enough?" Jaune asked with tears streaking down his cheeks. Luffy stared on for a moment longer, knowing that Jaune wasn't done talking.
"I...I need to be strong enough. To protect them. But how?" Jaune asked again, his voice wavering. Luffy nodded his head in approval before speaking up.
"I will make you strong enough." Luffy stated. Jaune slowly turned his head up from his position to look at the pirate with confusion clear in his eyes. But Jaune was able to see the conviction in his eyes that held no doubt. Luffy once again spoke.
"I will train you. I will train you like my teacher did for me. He put me through two years of intense hellish training to become strong enough to protect my crew. And that was with years of self training and experience fighting guys stronger than me." Luffy said, holding out a hand to the blonde knight. Jaune looked between him and the hand, thinking about it. He went to reach for it before it retracted slightly. Jaune looked to him with more confusion before Luffy clarified something very important.
"It will not be quick, and I will be even harder on you than my master was on me. I will only train you for five years. If you do not meet my standards by then, I'll stop and refuse to train you any further. Even further from that, I wont allow you to see your friends until we are done. Do you accept?" Luffy inquired, once again outstretching his hand to Jaune.
The blonde hesitated for only a moment before grasping the hand firmly and nodding his head, that same fire of determination rekindling once again.
"Anything for them." Jaune said, being lifted up to his feet. Luffy nodded before finally reverting back to his happy smile that he was known for.
"Great! We'll start first thing tomorrow! So get some sleep. I'll be grinding you into the dirt by the end of the week! Shishishi" Luffy said as he entered a tend different from the one that Jaune had been resting in. The blonde blinked before gaining a nervous expression, not liking how he worded that.
"I may be in over my head." Jaune said to himself as he heard the pirate laugh from within his tent.
"How do you think I did, guys? That was pretty mature of me, huh? Bet I'd impress even you, Ace. Shishishi." Luffy said as he knelt in front of a small mural he made to honor his Nakama. He took a bottle of Saki and two small cups before pouring the drink into them, one in his hand, the other in front of the mural.
"Sorry guys, but I only have two cups, and since I'm the Pirate King, you're going to have to share again." Luffy said. Though, at this, he gained a softer smile. Remembering all the memories he's made with them. Both the good and the bad. It was all he had of them now. Memories and trinkets they left behind along with their captain.
"Cheers." Luffy said in a small voice, tilting his head back and taking the liquid spirit. He smiled at the mural once more, feeling content.
.
..
...
Until his facial features soured and he spit out the Saki next to him. He even scraped his tongue to try and get rid of the taste before shaking his head to refocus.
"Sorry, still don't like the taste."
Ozpin was a patient man. He really was. Built up over centuries of reincarnation, he liked to point out that he was quite possibly the most patient mane on this planet.
.
..
...
Bar maybe Ms. Lie Rei, but that was besides the point.
He had sent Qrow out to try and recover something retaining the condition of Jaune Arc. And he hadn't heard a word from him in weeks. Seventeen days, nine hours, forty-seven minutes and fifty three seconds to be exact.
.
..
...
Forty-eight minutes!
The radio silence was maddening. He had promised teams RWBY and what was left of JNPR an answer days ago. And they had been hounding on him since then. Asking every opportunity they had. Asking if he had found him yet or if he was safe.
He could give no good answer.
At this point, he doubted he would ever see the young man again. He as a Headmaster and teacher had failed Jaune Arc. He should never have allowed those two teams to go on that mission. This was his fault. Another good man was dead because of his decisions. Because he wanted his coffee back...
The mug he kept with him at all times shattered as he threw it across the room and into the wall opposite of him, it's contents splattered across the surface and flowing down toward the floor. He would have to clean that up later.
'This never should have happened...and I can't even tell your parents about this either.' Ozpin cursed. He remembered what the Council had told him after they he had explained to them the details of what happened in an attempt to sway them into letting him send a search party.
'This is a sensitive matter, Ozpin. Should word get out that a future Huntsman in training was killed, and from one of the best first years no less, died, there would mass spread doubt among the populace. They would start to worry if your students could do their job. Fear would grow and foster criminals to try and make a profit, causing crime rates to rocket out of control. The people would panic, and all that negative energy will draw in Grim. We don't want another Mt. Glenn to happen again. The best course of action would be to act as if it never happened. Nothing of this is to leave your campus. You're lucky I'm allowing you to hold that ridiculous 'ceremony' in his name after what you've done. Good day, Ozpin.'
That was what he had been told. Something unanimously agreed upon by the Council that he couldn't argue with due to the fact that in the end, this was his fault that it had happened.
And it was to act as if his death never happened. To pretend he was never there to begin with.
It infuriated him. It was outrageous, deplorable, despicable, horrendous! They had ordered him to ignore the existence of one of his-no no no, his brightest and most promising student, who was now DEAD.
He had not shown fury like that to his right hand until that day, but he couldn't find it in himself to care.
He plotted himself down onto his chair, going over the paperwork that went into the small event he had planned for the...the funeral of Jaune Arc. He nearly choked up at the thought. This was never supposed to happen. He wanted to help cultivate and nourish the potential Jaune had. Yet, he had only been able to stomp it out.
He placed a hand on his face as he recalled all those he had wronged and failed in his past. All of them great lights in their own right, but this one had shone the brightest. It would seem that even the most brilliant of lights could not shine forever. Especially not in his presence.
It was then that he heard a rustling of feathers at his open window. A quick glance at his computer's clock showed it was nearly midnight. Either this was Qrow with good or real news, or he was going to have to deal with a tribal woman again. Either way, he did not turn to look, simply waited for them to speak up. Regardless of which sibling it was, they always spoke before they did anything in their meetings.
"Oz, I got something."
Ah, it was Qrow then...great.
"What did you find Qrow." Ozpin asked as he turned around. As expected, he didn't see the man carrying a body, alive or dead, but instead saw him holding a sizable piece of cloth wrapped around something. The younger of the two walked forward, placing the small blanket onto Ozpin's desk for the wizard himself to unwrap. Though, based on what he could see, he could already tell what was inside.
"...Did you find anything else, Qrow? A body? Traces of anything that might say he's still alive?" Ozpin asked, looking down at the ruined and warped armor that he knew Arc would wear...used to wear. It was still recognizable, even like this. The chest plate being the key feature. While it's left-most side was mostly untouched, a majority of the right side was either crushed or missing. The rest of the armor he could just barely tell what they used to be.
Qrow shook his head before answering.
"Nothing that I could find. There were some footprints heading somewhere, but when I tried to follow them...I ran into a Regi Gigantice." Qrow revealed, remembering how he stalked the forest, following the foot prints before he heard what sounded like a stampede heading towards his direction and turned into his bird form to hide in the trees. That's when he saw the monstrosity. He'd only ever heard of the damn things, when his father had claimed to have killed one. It was the reason he was made leader of the tribe, but he had never really thought about what the thing actually looked like. And seeing it then...
"Damn..." Ozpin said under his breath, grazing a hand over the chest plate. He remembered the bright young face of Arc when he first arrived at his school with those false transcripts of his. So full of hope that he would get in and fulfill his dreams of saving everyone. Now...
If there really was a Regi in that forest, to which he had little reason to doubt Qrow, then...Jaune really was gone, along with the hope that he would have brought to the people around him. Including Ozpin himself. Life really was cruel. Even to those most undeserving.
"So what now Oz? How are you going to break this to his team? Or his family for that matter?" Qrow asked. Hoped that his nieces wouldn't be too hung up over this. If they were anything like their father, they'd be devastated over it. Oum knows how he was when Summer died. He didn't need his nieces going through the same things his team did.
Ozpin was silent for a moment, still looking down at the armor presented before him. He ran a hand over the chest plate one last time before wrapping everything back up as it was before.
"Now...now I plan the rest of this...funeral. And though I wouldn't like it, I would have preferred to let the Arcs know first. However, I cannot tell them what happened. The Council fears that if word got out that a member of one of my best first years died while on a mission, hysteria would break out." Ozpin stated, looking forward into nothingness. Qrow only shook his head at that. That was rather typical of the Council.
"They want us to ignore the fact the kid even existed? That's a new low, even for them." Qrow said, wondering why he does this anymore. Then he remembered his nieces, and he let out a tired sigh. He was working his ass off trying to make sure they had a bright future and they couldn't even know he was doing it.
"That will be all, Qrow. You are dismissed." Ozpin stated as he went back to the paperwork. The other Huntsman nodded and went to the window again before pausing briefly.
"This isn't your fault, Ozpin. I hope you know that." Qrow said before transforming into a bird and flying away. Ozpin stared down at the death certificate he had made with Jaune's details and couldn't help but think otherwise.
"Yes. It is."
Calling them to his office was stressful for the old wizard. Especially so when they arrived in his office with hopeful expressions and pleading eyes. He couldn't even bring himself to look at them directly when they first arrived. And looking to Ms. Rose, he saw the sword still at her side. He would have guessed that Ms. Nikos would try to grapple it from her hands by...now.
Speaking of the champion, she was now wearing one of Mr. Arc's hoodies. It was not his oh so famous Pumpkin Pete hoodie, no no no, that was...well, this one was also of a darker color, if not leaning towards blue than anything else.
The rest of them seemed not much better. All of them having tired and sleep deprived eyes. And from what he's been hearing from Glynda, their combat prowess has been tanking as of late. He knew why of course. And poor Nora and Ren...
He was stalling. Trying to delay news that was rightfully theirs to know. He silently reprimanded himself for it. Though a part of him wished to never tell them the truth simply to save them from the anguish, and to keep their hopes up, he knew that stewing in that doubt wasn't good. Leaving them to hope for something that was no longer there...he couldn't bring himself to allow it. It's why he brought them up here in the first place. And why he had the same cloth from the day before resting on his desk, no longer being cluttered with paperwork. That was already dealt with by him personally. In fact, not even Goodwitch knew about the condition of his student...of Jaune. Referring him only as a student seemed an insult to him at this point. Though hardly ever known, Ozpin would have one-on-one conversations with all team leaders, Jaune included. And he had made a kinship with the man. He knew of the troubles that happened within his team, the joys he feels being in this school, even some of the troubles he had with his family back home. He confided in him as all the leaders had and will.
But he would never refresh the Headmaster with his optimism and heroic nature. Never again would Ozpin be pleasantly surprised at how easily Jaune had bested him in any strategy game they played together while confiding in him his sorrows in Combat Class. How the boy would even help the wizard in a few of his problems here at the academy...
Perhaps it was due to the unique circumstanced that allowed him into this school, or even because of Ozpin's own desire to foster a child like he never could before, but he saw that boy as something akin to a son. And having him gone...it reminded him of how he failed all those before...how he failed his daughters so many years ago.
"Headmaster?" Pyrrha inquired, having become worried when the man became wistful for a moment. In all the times they'd seen him, he was always so in control. Yet recently, he could be caught spacing out, thinking of something or other.
Ozpin snapped out of his musings, realizing that the teams were actually here now. Yes...the news...
"Apologies, Ms. Nikos. I was simply lost in thought. Now as for the reason I called you up here today." Ozpin started trying to keep both his facial features and tone of voice neutral. He'd rather ease into this than start everything off with worry. Though, he supposed that could ease the news out as well. He doubted any sort of preparation would help them come to terms with what he was about to say.
"Is it...Is it about..." Rei trailed off, unable to finish her own question for fear of the answer. She wanted to know if he was okay, there was no doubt about that, but there was always that doubt that he...
"If you are inquiring if this is about Jaune Arc, then yes. We have an update on his status." Ozpin stated, still in control of his words and actions. Though there was a chip in his defenses when he saw their eyes brighten a bit more and their faces smile bright.
It had been so long since he'd seen them smile like that...
"I-is he okay? Is he coming here as we speak?" Pyrrha asked, more than anything, hopeful that her leader and partner would come home. That he would come back with that smile he always wore and bring light to her life again.
"Please. I need to know." Ruby almost begged. This entire time she had been thinking about how it had been her fault that Jaune got caught up in this mess. The rest of her team tried telling her that it was okay. Her sister said so herself, but Ruby knew better. She wasn't stupid. Yang was trying to put up a strong front for all of them, but she could tell that she was shaken up by this as the rest of them. Weiss was hung up on how harshly she treated him and Blake was trying to figure out why he would do that for them in the first place. Her whole team was a mess, and she just couldn't find it in herself to try and fix it. She mostly kept to herself when she could, and just held Crocea Mors close to her, begging for forgiveness. Asking if Jaune could ever forgive her for doing this to him.
Knowing him, he'd forgive her in a heartbeat. But knowing that made the pain even worse.
Pyrrha was much the same, having her team down to three. The entirety of the two weeks had been spent trying to comfort herself by surrounding herself with her partner. Even wearing his clothes as opposed to her own. She didn't care about the looks others had given her. Though she felt a little bit of joy when some of them congratulated her on getting together with her partner. That joy was short lived when she along with everyone else that no one knew that Jaune was...missing. Didn't even bat an eye at his absence in the weeks that followed their return. She would be mad, but she couldn't even be bothered to try. Nora was also putting up a brave front, trying to be the emotional support for once. She knew though, that when no one else was looking, Nora would occupy the training rooms for hours at a time. What she did in there was a mystery to the redhead, but she figured that it wasn't for her to know. Rei...she's been a crying mess the entire time. Blaming herself for not being strong enough. Though, should anyone that wasn't among their friend group, she would become extremely hostile. They were all told to stay in their dorms for the time being as of five days ago after Rei...well, they were here in Ozpin's office waiting for news on their leader.
Ozpin steeled his nerves one last time before he finally broke the news of their now...former friend.
"I regret to inform you that Jaune Arc is no longer with us." Ozpin said, his eyes slightly hollow. Oum this hurt. Having to say that in such a cold and unattached way hurt his immortal soul. So much pain, all because he wished for coffee.
The seven before him were still, as if frozen in time. Though, they might have tried to find out how to actually do that simply to make sure that they never heard those words in the first place. Regardless if they heard those words clearly or not, they still didn't want to believe what he said.
"Y-you're joking, right? Or...is it that he's simply in the hospital? P-p-please...tell me that's what's going on here." Yang asked, in denial of the news. Ozpin reckoned that they all would be. However, he didn't want to drag this out more than he already has. This was painful for him too. It was like watching your own flesh and blood be lowered into the ground before you were. Only, there was no body to bury. And Ozpin believed that he couldn't bare to look at it even if there was one. The bodies that were found out there...they were never pretty. Never in one piece.
"I...I am sorry, Ms. Xiao Long. However, after weeks of diligent searching, we were only able to find this." Ozpin stated, not bothered to show a bit of a warble in his voice at the beginning. They needed to know that this was affecting him as well. So with an unsteady hand, Ozpin pushed forth the cloth and unwrapped it, showing the mangled remnants of his armor. They could tell it was his from a mile away, even in it's current state. And the bit of dried blood splatter on it did not help. Pyrrha was the first to walk forward, looking down at the pieces of metal that belonged to her partner. Her eyes were watering, her teeth clenched in silent agony. She could barely even look at it. But all the same, she brought up a shaky hand to touch it. Her only ray of happiness and hope...
Before her emotions ran out of control, another hand joined in, also caressing the metal with care. They were small and dainty, shaking as if they didn't want to believe that this was actually the blonde's armor, and what it being like with without it's owner would implicate.
Ruby stood next to Pyrrha, her eyes already shedding tears for her late friend. Out of anyone here, Ruby probably took it the worst. That gut wrenching feeling of this entire situation being her fault only cementing itself in her head. Now that she knew that he was...he was...
"Jaune..." Ruby cried, crumbling down to the floor. Immediately, her team was with her, but were fairing no better. Yang at the very least tried not to sob as the rest of her team did, bun in the end, she cried with them.
Pyrrha stood there with a blank expression, her eyes dull and empty. Even as she heard her teammates cry into each other, she just felt...numb. She looked down at the armor one last time before turning around and guiding what was left of her team to the elevator. She only idly noticed that Team RWBY was also making their way to the elevator. None of them wanted to be there at the moment. They needed time to think. Hell, even thinking about that was a lie. They just didn't want to do anything anymore. Just stay in their dorms for the rest of their days. However, both teams noticed that the doors to the elevator were shut, and would not open. They were confused, but Pyrrha didn't care and tried to use her Semblance on the door like the had when the Headmaster had refused to let her join the search.
They did not budge.
She tried again, this time with enough force to crumple even the sturdiest of metals. She was not in the mood for this.
Still, they did not so much as strain.
"I apologize Ms. Nikos, but after the incident, those doors have been replaced with reinforced fiber glass and military grade plastic. Your Semblance has no effect on them. Which is just as well. I have one last bit of news I must tell you. However, please understand that this decision was not mine to make." Ozpin said from behind them. Even from here they could here the anger and resentment in his voice. They could tell the Headmaster would have let them leave if he could allow it, but apparently, this was rather important. Pyrrha was not pleased either way.
"What is it?" Pyrrha demanded coldly. She did not bother to turn to the Headmaster, lest she see it again. She winced at the thought. She couldn't bare to see it once more, if to save herself from feeling that same sensation of having failed her partner, her leader. That she had lost something when she had never lost anything in her entire life. To think, she used to care about such things as what-ifs that concerned her future with Jaune. Now...there was no future to even look forward to.
Ozpin hurt. Like he hadn't hurt in a long time. Looking at his finest teams being reduced to this. He hated that he had done this to them. That he was doing this to them even now. With everything building up to a climax that was the war with Salem, these teams held the most promise in defeating her. He knew damn well that when Jinn had told him that he could not defeat her, she had meant him specifically. That there was hope yet for someone else to defeat the evil witch. He had hoped that it would be Arc to put an end to this madness and save them all...but that hope was ripped away as soon as it had been given.
His only hope now would be Amber under the school. Thankfully after successfully thwarting the Queen's attempt to steal the Fall Maiden's powers for her own use, he brought her back here to recover. With such a bold move, he believed that she was confident in that plan. Crushing that confidence was a small but significant victory for his side. Based on previous experience, he knew that she wouldn't try anything that bold again for another few years. Last time, it lasted eight before she made a move again. And the time before that, ten. He'd give himself five this time, maximum. With his ace teams being as they were, he was doubtful that they would be ready in time. He could only hope that they would be able to recover from this. He didn't know for sure that they would. He could hardly see himself recovering from it. Regardless, he needed to tell them what he had told Qrow. Quickly, as he enjoyed saying it even less than thinking about it.
"I have been instructed by the Council to keep Jaune Arc's death from reaching the general public. They believe if people knew, negativity levels would rise. In other words, they wish for anyone who knows to never mention him again." Ozpin said with no small traces of anger. It was not something that he allowed himself to feel often, as he knew himself that it would only lead to mistakes. However, in this instance, he could not hold it back. He had every right to be angry, and based on the looks on his student's faces, so did they.
"They WHAT!?" All of them shouted at once. Ozpin did not flinch at the harsh tone, nor did he let the anger directed at him affect his stance. He knew full well that this would happen when they found out. He couldn't blame them. He already stated that he as angry with it too. Despite this and his own set of morals, he also knew that the Council had a point. If the two teams in front of him were any indication, news of his death would do as the Council had warned. He hated to admit it. If even in his own head. But there was a reason that peace had lasted this long in Vale. Even if the means to keep it that way were highly questionable and morally wrong.
"Please. Believe me when I say that I do not like this either, but your outburst is sadly proving them right. They wish for this to stay on campus. But even so, they want those here to talk of it as little as possible." Ozpin tried to reason. He knew it would only make them more angry, but they were going to explode either way. He might as well get in those last few words in to at least try and reason with them.
That was when the room started to shake.
Ozpin stared on as multiple Auras flared up in response to their anger. He noted the gears within his walls were being strained by Ms. Nikos' Semblance, Xiao Long's hair was ablaze with her eyes crimson red, and the air seemed to become static with Ms. Valkyrie's own Semblance as well. However, it was when he saw Ruby's eyes that he become a little worried.
They were glowing.
He could tell that despite Ms. Nikos' threat of bringing this entire tower down, Ruby's activation of her eyes would no doubt spark a brand new conversation about what that meant. It would lead to his eventual reveal of the Maidens and what he had been doing behind the curtains for so long. He didn't want to do that. Not so soon. He didn't want to do it at all if he could help it. But it was a fools wish, and he knew it. They would be brought into this war whether he liked it or not. He'd prefer to ease them into it himself, but not now. Not with everything already happening. Which is why he needed to stop them from exploding. The only way he knew would work, was with some backbone.
"ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS!? HOW CAN THEY DO THAT AFTER HE DIED SAVING OUR ASSESS!? I SWEAR, WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON THEM I'M GOING TO-" Yang started, feeling white hot fury flow through her body. The others were right behind her on that, ready to actually kill the Council for trying to cover up the existence of their late friend. However, just as they were going to go and storm the capital and make their way to the Council's offices, an oppressing Aura slammed down on them, nearly suffocating them with how heavy it felt. They looked up to see Ozpin leveling an ice cold stare that made Weiss' own look like a mother's tender gaze.
"You all need to stop and think about what you are implying. This is not what you have been training to do. Giving into anger like is not what Huntresses in training should do. If you are going to be angry, be angry. But do not make threats to people who could very well make sure that you are never seen in the Four Kingdoms again without authorities proceeding to come at you with intent to kill. Look at yourselves...you are hurt. I understand that. But think about what Jaune would say if he were here right now." Ozpin finished with a soft tone. He didn't bother saying Mr. Arc. At this point, it would be an insult. So he tried to appeal to them through him. He knew full well that Jaune would be disappointed in his friends for acting the way they were. He'd try to cheer them up the best way he knew how. Even if it meant it was at his own expense.
They stood still for a moment, absorbing what had been said by the headmaster. They were angry, scared, shocked, sad, guilt ridden, and every myriad of emotion between them. The Headmaster's words changed nothing of that. If anything, it only made it worse. But the fact of the matter was that he was right. They couldn't just go on a rampage like that. It would not end well for anyone involved. And it would tarnish Jaune's name for everyone involved and those that would ever hear of such a good man again. This whole situation was just so unfair...
"Just let us leave. Please." Ruby begged, wanting this to be over with already. She just wanted to lock herself into her dorm and curl up into ball. She held the sword of her late crush close to her body, crying once more. She was just so emotionally exhausted that nothing else mattered anymore. Her team wanted to press the issue further, but after a few moments, they couldn't keep it up and felt the fight leave their bodies.
Nora and Rei felt defeated as well, but turned to Pyrrha. Nora may have been the remaining backbone in their team, but this was ultimately Pyrrha's decision to make. Being the temporary leader, she made the shots. Though, with Jaune gone now, they didn't know what would happen to their team. They sure as hell weren't going to allow anyone else to join their team. They'd sooner leave the school than let that happen. Pyrrha still seemed angry enough, her eyes holding a certain wrath in them that was fighting to hold back the same sadness that they all felt at the moment.
"What now?" She asked, pushing past the fact that her voice cracked. Ozpin looked to each of them with his own defeated expression. Though, his features did lighten up when he was able to remember that there was at least something that he would be able to do in order to preserve the memory of Jaune Arc.
"Now, we wait until the day of his funeral. I was able to convince the Council that it would be able to at least curb the negativity in the long run. I have already finished preparations to have the small ceremony to take place in a few days time. I'll send you all the time and day at another time. I urge you all to attend. If only out of respect to the man himself." Ozpin stated, his gaze now looking down at the armor again. The smile of Jaune flashing through his head again.
"I can't thank you enough, Headmaster. If it weren't for you, I'd never have made friends with all these amazing people. And you know, with everything you've been able to do for me, I'm thinking about retiring as a Headmaster myself one day."
Those were the words Jaune had told him in his last meeting with the boy. It touched him that he was able to be such a positive role model to him that he wanted to be like himself. It was so naïve. So pure and full of hope. He only ever showed that in his presence, during their meetings. He knew full well that Jaune meant to become the Headmaster of this school to do as he had, and help those that he felt needed it. Yet now, thinking on it, that made this even worse somehow. He was not normally one for favoritism, but at this point it was impossible to deny it anymore.
Jaune Arc was his son in everything but blood.
Denied children before, he saw the likeness in his eyes, and the dreams he had not unlike the ones he used to hold so long ago. He wished so badly to turn back the clock and refuse the request for the mission, if just to preserve those dreams. But his Semblance was only to stop that clock. Not to go forward, or backward. Only to stop and see his mistakes in full, to know that he could do nothing to change it and to further cement his failures as his own.
He wordlessly let them leave at last, as they had not responded and he felt he had done enough already. They left without any further problems, and he thanked Oum above that it did not get any uglier than it had. He could expect their behavior to become more volatile after this, and should prepare in turn. A simple word about the news to Glynda and she would not argue against giving them a month or two off school to grieve. Hell, he might expect Glynda herself to request a day or two off herself with how worried she had been about this whole situation. She cared for every one of her students safety, regardless of what anybody thought of her. It was the reason she was so hard on them in the first place. She had been very hospitable to her students once upon a time.
Until she found out exactly how many of her former students died within the same year they had graduated.
Once she realized that her teaching was much too gentle, she became the disciplinarian everyone knew today. A shame, really. But It was for the best in the end. Better to be known as the 'mean' teacher by her former students than for those students to die.
He wrapped the armor back up and turned in his chair, leaning back and thinking on everything that had happened until now, sighing.
"I would apologize for upsetting your friends, Jaune. However, I feel at this point, that does not suffice. And if you were here, you would be the one to apologize for some reason or other."
The days had come and gone quicker than anyone would have liked. The two teams lounging around their dorms in that time. They were sent a notification that told them they would not have to go to classes for the next two months. Just as well, they probably wouldn't have gone anyway. Not too long after that first message, Ozpin sent them the day and time of this funeral that he had planned. It was made clear that they would be the only ones invited, along with Team CFVY the second year team. They had talked to them a few times before, mostly because Jaune was helping one of their team members with schoolwork. They weren't especially thrilled to do it, but they couldn't just refuse to go. So as they took showers in what felt like days, and ate better than they had in weeks, they left to the far side of the school to attend this ceremony.
They at the very least dressed appropriately for this. It would feel like spitting on his grave if they came wearing sweats and baggy shirts. All of them wearing black dresses of differentiating designs. When they finally got there, only taking a bit longer than they would like simply because this place was actually hard to find. A mildly infuriating thought about if that was because of what the Council ordered before they turned the final corner.
It nearly took their breath away. It was a small alcove like space encompassed on all sides by Beacon's walls. Seeming to be untouched by any groundskeeper, the walls themselves were covered with vines and flowers, with a healthy blanket of snow that told of the winter that befell them this late in the year. The sunlight seemed to flow in at just the right angles to really make the place glow, light refracting on the snow to really make the place sparkle. All the flowers and tall grass swaying slightly in the breeze that blew in from the entrance they came in. Such beauty...
With who this was for, it was perfect.
It perfectly encompassed the character of Jaune Arc. He wasn't someone that you came across too often. But when you did, you were left breathless at how beautiful his personality was. He was possibly the best Hunter here in this academy. Regardless of what his combat prowess was, his reasoning for being here was better than anyone's in this school. He cared for everyone. Even if they didn't deserve it.
But he was gone.
With warry steps, they made their way forward, only briefly noting the tarp over something a bit taller than themselves before they ran into Team CFVY. The team was also wearing dark colors, with Velvet seemingly hit about as hard as the rest of their group. It almost brought a smile to their faces, seeing that he had made an impact on other people as he had on them. That was just like him.
"Hey, I guess you guys are his friends? I'm Coco, leader of team CVFY." The team's leader asked as they approached. They just nodded to her and not much else. They weren't exactly sociable right now. Coco only had to look at them once to know that they were in the same boat as Velvet was. Her teammate had been brought to tears after hearing what had happened to Jaune when they were brought up to Ozpin's office. While she herself wasn't close to Jaune, not by a long shot, she could tell that Arc was a good kid. Real good. Her other teammates, Yatsuhashi and Fox, had conversed with him more often than her and were also saddened at the news. They said he was a good friend to them, and to a greater extent, to Velvet. The way the Faunus would talk about Arc and how much she enjoyed spending time with him, it was obvious she had feelings for him. Lot of good that would be now.
"Greetings everyone. I am glad you were all able to make it." Ozpin greeted from ahead of them, in front of a podium he had brought out here for this very purpose. He did not receive any verbal response, though he did not expect one. With everything that's happened as of late, he would be surprised if any of them were able to speak freely outside of closed doors. Save for maybe Ms. Adel, but that was mostly for the fact that while she had been acquaintances with Jaune, that was where the relationship ended with the two. The two boys on the second year team were saddened at Jaune's departure as well, however, they were nowhere near as impacted as Velvet seemed to be. He supposed that being as close as they were, and then receiving word that the other has been deceased for well over a week now, she would understandably be heartbroken.
Another soul hurt by his decisions.
Pushing past his own self loathing, Ozpin continued onto the speech he finished s few nights ago.
"I understand that we are all here for the unfortunate passing of Jaune Arc. Gathered here, are the people who were the closest to him. You all knew him in life as a very bright and kind young man. Someone who would do anything to make sure that his friends are safe and happy, even if it was at his own expense. This extraordinary young man has brought so much joy to those around him, to people that were mere strangers to himself, and gave them kindness in droves. Jaune was a man of conviction and drive that I have never seen before. Despite his lack of skill, he showed the some of the most promise I've seen among any of my students. Perhaps it was because of his lack of skill, that he drove himself to work harder than any before him." Ozpin started, already seeing the paper in his hands start to shake. Those he was speaking to were also started to tear up at his words. Coco was already hugging Velvet to her chest. The Faunus was always more sensitive to these sorts of things.
"You all knew him as the bright beacon of hope that would brighten your spirits in his own unique way. I myself remember when he came into my office, seeking my advice on how to better himself as a Leader for his team. By the end of our discussion, he made points that even I had not previously considered. Jaune was an inspiration to us all. Yet at the same time, he was a man wrought by troubles from both his life here at Beacon, and with himself. Despite all of this, he always made sure to put other's happiness before his own. Even when it was in his final moments, he had no hesitation in sacrificing his own life to protect those he cared for. H-his..." Ozpin had to stop himself for a moment to recompose himself. His students were surprised to hear the stutter in his words, simply for the fact that the Headmaster was never known to lose control of his voice. It made them realize that even Ozpin was affected by Jaune's departure. It just went to show that Jaune had so much of a larger impact on those around him than he realized.
"His death, being abrupt and much too early, shows us just how dangerous our occupation is, and that we should not live with regrets. But at the same time, we must not allow ourselves to drown in our grief. We must not allow his memory to fade. Even with our situation as it is, you must continue with the life he gave his life to protect. If you cannot find motivation within yourself, then find motivation in what Jaune believed you are capable of. Work in his memory, in his honor." Ozpin preached, trying to bring the mood back up and maybe get it in their heads that while it was okay to grieve for the loss of their friend, it would not help to simply lose yourself in that grief. Looking at their tear stained faces, he could tell they were at least considering what he said.
Wiping the moisture that trickled down his face, he went to finish his speech.
"With this in mind, It is with great pride that, for going above and beyond expectations and for securing the future of his team, I am able to give the full title of Huntsman to Jaune Arc. He will forever be immortalized as a hero his ancestors would be proud of. I can only pray that he is happy. Wherever he may be." Ozpin finalized, turning to the tarp behind him and unveiling what was beneath.
It was a statue much like the one in the courtyard of the school. Showing him with both his hands on his family sword, sticking it into the ground in front of him with his shield in front, a soft smile being etched onto the bright silver statue, it's eyes closed. Although, it was not nearly as big as his ancestor's. And in a sense, it was fitting. Jaune was never one for attention or the sort. He just wanted to be the best at what he did, and make sure that others would feel safe while he was around. Looking closer, his friends were able to see that the statue was decorated with his actual armor, looking refurbished and polished accordingly. It made them smile. Though, looking downward, their smiles turned melancholic, seeing a plaque with words that all of them had heard at least once before.
"Strangers are just friends you haven't met yet."
Jaune Arc
29 February, XXXX7
27 November, XXXX4
This was all starting to become a little too much for them. But at the same time, it was a good wake up call for them. The Headmaster was right, they couldn't just sulk around forever. For sure, they weren't quite ready to go back to school or training yet. But when they were, they'd make sure to train hard, not only in memory of their lost friend, but to make sure that this never happened again. They'd make sure that they all worked together, as if they were all one team. Still, the fact that it was now the twenty-third of December was not lost on them. The fact that none of them would be able to spend their Ecplismass with him was heartbreaking. Those who had family to visit were contemplating whether or not to head back home. They supposed they should, however that would leave at least two of them without anyone to lean on but themselves.
"You guys are h-his teammates, right?" Velvet spoke up from behind them. They all turned to the bunny Faunus, seeing that she had red, puffy eyes from crying. They remembered briefly that she was the Faunus that was being bullied by Carden earlier in the year, and that Jaune was the only one out of them to actually stand up for her while the rest of them only admonished the brute from where they sat. Blake felt especially bad for that. Allowing another Faunus to be treated so harshly because she didn't want to expose her identity. It didn't matter in the end, seeing as how karma came back for that and revealed her secret anyway. But it just cemented the idea that Jaune was a better person than any of them.
"Yeah. You're Velvet, right?" Ruby asked as she stood forth. Scarlatina nodded, though her lack of a smile made it clear that she didn't quite feel comfortable talking to them. They couldn't understand why though.
"Then...I just wanted to say that I'm sorry." Velvet apologized. They looked at her with confused faces, not knowing what she was sorry for.
"What? Why? You haven't done anything wrong." Weis added in. Velvet winced a small bit, looking back at her teammates who were talking to one another. She had asked to have a minute to herself after the eulogy, to which they readily obliged. She took a breath before continuing.
"I-I...I just...I know that he was probably closer to you than he was to me, and it feels like I don't deserve to be here." Velvet clarified, making her feelings on this whole situation known. It surprised them all with her reasoning. She felt like that because...
It was Pyrrha that moved forward and placed a hand on Velvet's shoulder. She smiled at the bunny Faunus and gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze.
"I may not know who you are, but if you were friends with my partner, then you've more than earned your right to be here. A friend of Jaune's is a friend of mine." Pyrrha stated, making Velvet widen her eyes before she teared up again. She then quickly moved and gave Pyrrha a hug. Pyrrha wasn't surprised at the gesture, just hugged her back. The rest of them joined in, embracing each other.
It was going to be hard from now on, they knew that. But so long as they had each other and never forgot who they were doing this for, they would make it.
"You know, after everything, If he were still here, I'd want to ask him if he wanted to g-go out with me." Velvet said through a sniffle, a small smile on her face. At the words, both Ruby and Pyrrha had to blink and process what they heard for a moment before they came to the conclusion that...they weren't quite bothered by that.
If there was anything that they had learned from this experience, it was that something as trivial as competition for someone's affections, it wouldn't matter if that person was gone. Besides, it was like the Headmaster said. They should live their lives without regrets. If Jaune ever did come back, as hopeful thinking as that was, they'd put aside their differences and make sure that he was as happy as could be. Even if that meant that they had to share him with others.
"I'm sure he would say yes in a heartbeat." Ruby said, smiling. Velvet giggled in return before nodding.
"Knowing him, probably."
Ozpin looked at the group hug among Team RWBY, what was left of JNPR and Ms. Scarlatina with content. Though he himself was still reeling from the fact that Jaune was gone now, he could at least rest easy knowing that they would be alright. He looked to the statue of the late Huntsman, and stood there, silently promising that he would do everything in his power to make sure that something like this never happened again. To prepare them for what was going to come. Be it their next mission, or whatever Salem had instore for when she recovered from her loss.
'My promise to you, Jaune. I will make sure they are ready. It may not hold as much weight as your word, but I vow to turn them into the Huntresses you believed they could be.' Ozpin promised to Jaune and himself. As little as he thought it meant to the blonde, he would try his best to live up to his word.
As they all left, the soft breeze that blew through the space rustled the snow covered grass and flowers. The statue ever vigilant. Waiting for their next visit. As they were sure to come back to talk to him. And it would stand by and listen. As it did in life, it would too in death. Being to them what he always would be.
A true friend to the end. Forever and always.
Alright. I got some sleep. I am no longer mad at you. I was simply hangry, as I had forgotten to eat in my sleep deprived state. Now, as for the chapter, I will admit that I am not the best when it comes to writing Angst. Especially not for extensive amounts of time. Still, I hope it was still a good read for you all. I'm trying to get a thousand words a day in a chapter to make sure that I'm updating as frequently as I can. But in any case, I want to ask a serious question here. Would you guys want me to add Velvet to the little love circle? Just a question. I'll have a Poll set up for you guys to decide. With that, I'll leave you guys until I'm able to update The Warriors Road. Until then, with much love, I'll see ya'll later. Toodles~!