Chapter 1: Beacon Beginnings
(28/01/25) Edited chapters 1 and 2 to correct multiple dialogue sections not starting on a separate line when another character speaks. I might rewrite both chapters entirely in the future.
A/N: Anyone interested in being a Beta reader for this story, please let me know.
Updates are weekly to biweekly. Dependant on how much I have written.
It was tough being Jaune Arc.
Not an opinion. But a fact, a cold hard fact.
Or, at least that's what the 10 year old Jaune Arc believed, as he replayed in his mind, his dream being destroyed in-front of his very eyes.
"No. Jaune. I am not going to train you to be a Huntsman… Please don't ask again".
He didn't understand, couldn't understand why his loving father didn't want him to achieve his dreams?
Was he not good enough? Did his father not believe in him?
Was it a test?
Jaune paused, as he glanced at the mounted family sword and shield above the fireplace; Crocea Mors. His father's weapon, his father's huntsman weapon. Jaune stared at the weapon, could his father be testing him? Testing his willingness to chase his dream? In all of his favourite hero stories, the hero always had to show how much their dream meant to them. How far they would be willing to go for them!
Could it be that his father wanted him to prove his drive to be a Huntsman, before he officially trained him? It would definitely match with what all of his cartoons and books told him. He glanced around the kitchen, all of his family members were occupied, no one would see him. All he would need to do was kill one Grimm and poof, his dad would see how much he wanted his dream!
How hard could it be? And so with confidant hands only an unaware child could have, he snatched Crocea Mors from the mantle, stumbled back from just how heavy the weapon was, and fumbled his way outside before anyone was the wiser. He was sure he'd be back before anyone noticed, with a kill to his name!
And so, as Jaune Arc moved as fast as his little body possibly could, carrying a weapon far too heavy for his small frame, his head was filled with all kinds of foolhardy fantasies of his heroic return!
After all, his dream was to be a hero! What could possibly go wrong?
…
…
…
Seven years later.
It turns out. Many, many things could go wrong for Jaune Arc. The now seventeen year old teen sighed, as he leant back into his seat upon the Bullhead, he tried to get comfortable. But found his body unwilling to relax.
He was here! He was actually here!
Well, more on the way to 'here'; Beacon Academy for Huntsmen and Huntresses. After seven long and brutal years he had finally made it. He only hoped he could hold up to everyone else on this flight. He glanced around the ship's hold. Filled with potential Hunters of Grimm, all of them carrying all kinds of weaponry, all unique and overly complicated in his eyes. Sharpened blue eyes peeked at the rusted and well used Sword and Sheath on his waist, all he needed. All he ever wanted was by his side; his trusty Crocea Mors. Yes it looked worse for wear and needed a heavy cleaning and tune-up, but it hadn't failed him yet and never would.
The Bullhead jostled and a familiar flare of pain went up his right arm, to most it would feel like hot needles being stabbed repeatedly into his body, but Jaune it was merely a fact of life. Something he had to deal with very early into his impromptu Huntsman career. He merely sighed and let the pain ebb away as he tried yet again to relax.
Yet again he failed and simply resigned himself to a very uncomfortable trip to Beacon academy. One benefit to the pain in his arm however?
It made his body ignore his motion sickness.
Small mercies, he mused to himself.
"N-nervous?" A timid voice broke his mental musing, his neck craned to his right to spot a small girl with black hair with red tips looking up at him. He took note of the unusual colour of her eyes and nodded.
"A bit… It's been a while since I've been around this many people". It was true. Jaune had not had much time around people during his last seven years, he was almost grateful the girl spoke to him, he needed the practice. "What about you? Are you nervous?" The girl nodded and looked around the Bullhead with wide, naive eyes.
"Y-yup! But my dad always said that being nervous just means you realise how important something is."
Jaune nodded again. "Your dad sounds like a smart guy". The girl smiled up at him.
"He is, he's also a super strong Huntsman, so he knows what he's talking about". Jaune smiled and inclined his head but leant back when the girl let out a quiet, startled gasp, he watched her big silver eyes focus on his left eye and scowled.
Damn, how'd he nearly forget about that scar!? A long and well-healed scar started from the top of his head and cut down through his left eye and down his chin. He was only thankful his eye still worked. The girl must have assumed he was angry at her reaction because he blushed and began to sputter out an apology. He let a small smile assure her he wasn't offended. "Don't worry about it, honestly I just kinda forget about it sometimes, didn't mean to worry you". She shook her head.
"No, I think it's super cool, like a trophy of what you've overcome!" Jaune tilted his head in consideration at what she said, however, whatever reply he had in mind was derailed, as the intercom in the Bullhead came to life.
"Please buckle your seatbelts, we'll be landing at Beacon academy in one minute".
The girl immediately began pestering a blond girl sitting on her otherside, leaving Jaune to absentmindedly rub a finger down his scarred face.
Trophy eh?
Jaune could barely recall what happened after, everything kind of blurred together, one moment he was descending the Bullhead. Admiring the grand architecture of Beacon Academy, and the next moment, an explosion nearby made his hand instinctively reach for Crocea Mors. His hand stopped as he found the explosion's origin, and spotted a beautiful white haired girl berate the girl who had talked to him on the Bullhead. His feet moved to defend the embarrassed girl, but another black haired girl spoke up. He didn't catch everything, something about Schnee's and dust. Only one of those things he recognised, and that was due to necessity to survive his last seven years. Dust made one hell of an explosive option. That reminded him, he was running low on the stuff, nearly all out to be honest. Hopefully Beacon could alleviate that.
Anyway, it seemed like the black and white haired girl left, arguing about something or other. The Blown up girl remained, looking down at her combat boots in shame. He took the moment to observe her; black combat skirt with red frills, and a long flowing red hooded scarf/cape wrapped around her neck. She also had black leggings on. Jaune thought the clothing odd, but he really couldn't complain, his clothes were very obviously well-worn and well-damaged, results of his past years. To think on it, he was lucky he could afford the clothes he currently owned.
He wore an old and slightly too big black hoodie with a white long sleeved shirt underneath, a pair of well used jeans upon his legs, and a pair of muddy hiking boots. To finish, he also had a white scarf wrapped around his neck, which acted as a kind of emergency mask. It too was on its last legs, tattered and torn, but much appreciated by Jaune. He also hefted a large makeshift rucksack on his shoulders. He swiped a strand of hair out of his eyes and began tying his long, unruly blond mop of hair into a makeshift ponytail, and headed over to the girl.
"Hey, you okay there? That looked pretty bad". She looked up in shock and blushed.
"I'm fine… just…" she sighed and kicked at the ground. She didn't continue and Jaune took that as his cue to pat her on the shoulder, she looked up in shock.
"Hey, so that meeting didn't go great, no need for it to be the end of the world! After all, the year just started and everyone's a stranger!"
She groaned, "well I want to skip the stranger part and just make a friend!" Jaune laughed and extended a hand.
"You already have, the name's Jaune Arc, your first friend at Beacon", he smiled as the girl excitedly shook his hand.
"I'm Ruby Rose! This is awesome, I already have my first friend!"
The silence that followed was deafening, neither able to continue the conversation, until Ruby reached behind her and revealed a transforming scythe. "This is Crescent Rose! It's a scythe that transforms into a high-caliber rifle! I made it myself." She preened as she waved the weapon around, Jaune couldn't even hide his amazement at the weapon, he whistled.
"That's really cool Ruby, can't say my weapon is that impressive," he unsheathed Crocea Mors, the once sharp and well maintained family heirloom, now a rusted and dulled hunk of metal. "This is Crocea Mors, the sheathe is a transforming shield."
Ruby stared at his weapon for a moment, "Crocea Mors looks like it needs some tender care Jaune". He smiled sheepishly as he sheathed his blade.
"You're not wrong. Unfortunately I never really found time or money to get it looked at in my travels". Ruby perked up and holstered Crescent Rose. Her eyes were shining with excitement.
"Travels!? Ohhh, where?, where?! I've never been outside of Vale and Patch; my hometown". Jaune rubbed his head.
"To be honest, I can't think of many places I haven't been… I've been traveling for quite a while now". Ruby's eyes narrowed slightly and opened her mouth, but Jaune cut her off.
"By the way… did you happen to catch where we were supposed to go?" Ruby gasped and spun around to see no one around but her and Jaune. Her pale face somehow grew whiter.
"Oh no!" Without thinking she grabbed Jaune's arm and dragged him towards where she hoped they needed to go. Jaune startled but managed to keep up as they both hoped not to be late.
As Ruby pulled Jaune along towards the nearby voices, she internally cheered at the fact she already had a friend, and a super strong one at that! She wasn't dumb, the scar, the tattered clothes and weathered sword only meant one thing in her mind.
Jaune is super strong, he's travelled, I bet he's already killed loads of Grimm. What great luck, not even a student and already she was best friend's with the strongest new student! She didn't even realise how presumptuous that thought was. A frown crept its way onto her lips. If he's been all over Remnant and he's Yang age… How long has he been traveling? Ruby wanted to ask but even she knew how that question could lead to an uncomfortable silence. Even she wasn't that socially awkward, to not avoid that potential minefield. She'd just have to be the bestest friend she could be, and hopefully he'd tell her. Already her mind was making up all kinds of cool scenarios involving her new friend. And the exciting adventures he had.
It didn't take long to find the rest of the new students, Jaune stood beside her and looked as socially nervous as she felt. Her eyes caught flowing blond hair, and nearly rushed off to her sister, but paused and glanced at Jaune. "Hey Jaune, I just spotted my sister", she hesitated, nervous all over again, but one look at Jaune's calm smile relaxed her tense shoulders. "Would you like to come with me?" He raised a brow.
"You sure?" She nodded happily.
"Yep! You're my first Beacon friend and I want you to meet Yang, I bet you'd get along!" Jaune had no idea what Yang was, but was grateful Ruby wasn't just going to run off, and leave him alone with all these people. He smiled and nodded.
"That sounds like fun Ruby, us friends have to stick together".
Ruby nodded her head vigorously, "totally, friends don't leave friends. And Ruby and Jaune are best friends!"
"Best friends?" He teased.
Argh, too strong Ruby, back it up! "I just meant that because we're… yaknow…".
"Both socially awkward weirdos?" Ruby clicked her fingers in agreement.
"Yes, that! Us awkward weirdos need to stick together, it's like a super secret friend code!" Jaune nodded in bemused agreement.
"Super secret friend code it is, well then best friend, lead the way!" Ruby gave Jaune a beaming smile, aand practically skipped towards her big sister, her new best friend keeping pace.
Beacon was so cool, already she had a new friend and now a best friend! How could this place get any better?
Yang Xiao-Long knew she wasn't being fair on Ruby by leaving her, at the Bullhead landing station. But the blond knew that her sister needed more people to talk to then just her, and did it make her a bad sister if she wanted Ruby to try and make new friends at Beacon? It wasn't like she was leaving her forever or something. Just… giving her shy sister a small push to independence. However, even though that was Yang's plan, that didn't mean she wasn't surprised when she spotted her little sister, as she pulled along a tall blond boy behind her. A tall blond boy in desperate need of new clothes.
Seriously, how did he let himself be seen like that? Yang thought to herself, she wasn't a prude who judged people on their looks at first glance, but the boy's clothes were tattered and torn. They weren't dirty or filthy, just very, very well used. Add to that the rusted weapon on his hip and the frayed rucksack, Yang could be forgiven that Ruby had picked up a stray.
It wasn't all bad, ignoring his clothes, the boy was easy on the eyes, messy blond hair tied into a loose ponytail and a well defined body hidden beneath his clothes, were definitely a plus in her eyes. The noticeable scar running down his left eye also left an impression upon the beautiful blond girl. Yang's thoughts were interrupted as Ruby and her new friend reached her.
"Hi Yang! Meet Jaune, my best friend!" The petite redhead pulled Jaune to her side and beamed at her big sister, as if showing off Jaune to a parent. Yang found it adorable at the sheer size difference between the two, the boy; Jaune was easily over 6 feet tall. And the blond herself had to look up to meet his eyes.
Another plus in the handsome column there, big boy.
Yang reached out her hand and grinned, "Yang Xiao-Long; Ruby's big sis and full-time mum. Good to meet ya Jauney-boy! I hope Ruby hasn't been too Ruby-like with you." Yang's grin widened at Ruby's outraged squeak, whilst Jaune merely chuckled shyly and shook her hand, for a moment Yang thought to apply a bit of her big sister pressure to the handshake, just to show she wouldn't take any nonsense when it came to Ruby, but was surprised at the heavy amount of scar tissue her palm felt in his grip. His hand was practically covered in grooves from cuts and abrasions, even without seeing his palm it was obvious Jaune had been in more than a few sticky situations.
"Nice to meet you Yang, and Ruby's been great! She's super cool!" The huge blush on her pale sister's cheeks was worth getting out of bed today, as well as the less angry; more embarrassed squeak that left her mouth.
"Jaaaaaune!" Ruby whined and pulled him away from Yang, "ignore my sister, she's dumb and mean!" Yang laughed.
"What? It's my duty as your big sister to embarrass you". Ruby scowled cutely.
"Was it also your duty to leave me all alone back there?" Yang winced and let out a nervous chuckle, Ruby's eyes narrowed into slits, what Yang liked to call, her; angwy eyes. Too adorable to take seriously. Yang needed to move her attention to somewhere else and the tall blond in-front of her was the best target.
"So… Jauney-boy, you think you're ready for Beacon?" It was a safe question, an easy one for Yang to ask to get Ruby's attention away from her. Jaune scratched his chin shyly, the cuteness alleviated due to the gnarly scar down his eye.
"I think i've done enough to be ready for whatever they throw at us". Yang noted that it wasn't a boast or a cocky declaration, it was just spoken as a factual statement, Jaune was truly confident he'd succeed, Yang was impressed, she was used to boys boasting to try and sway her.
More bonus points for you Jauney, keep it up!
Ruby basically had stars in her eyes as she shook her fists in excitement, "see, I knew Jaune was awesome, Yang!" Jaune turned to Ruby, a blush on his face.
"What!? I'm just me, nothing special, I bet both of you are much more awesomer…" he paused, "if that's a word".
Ruby giggled, "It totally should be! Me and Yang are definitely the awesomest!" Yang watched proudly as Ruby managed to carry a conversation with the blond boy, each bouncing back and forth as if they've known each other for years instead of minutes. It was cute, and if Yang was feeling especially sister-like, she'd even hazard a guess that Ruby had a crush on tall, blond and scarry. But she'd save the teasing for a later day, for now she was just proud of her little Rube for making a friend. Yang's mind stalled as Ruby gently shoved Jaune playfully. Ruby had made a friend before Yang.
I need to up my game, can't let Ruby suddenly become the social sister out of the pair. But for now? Yang was happy to watch Ruby gush about weapons to her new friend.
Jaune found himself standing next to Ruby in an auditorium, surrounded on all sides by prospective students. He wouldn't lie to himself and say he was comfortable right now. He hadn't been around this amount of people in… what seemed like forever in his mind. He also felt very out of place if he was honest with himself. Whilst everyone was at least dressed in pressed, or well maintained clothing, Jaune looked practically homeless in comparison. He'd also noted many odd looks sent his way from the other students. He didn't like it, the silent judgment sent his way. He was only glad he had met Ruby so early, she hadn't cared in the slightest about his clothes, just that he was kind and was impressed with Crescent Rose.
Yeah, I'd have no chance if Crocea Mors needed as much maintenance as Ruby's scythe. Once more, Jaune was grateful for his father's simplistic weapon design.
A hush settled around the students as a white haired man walked out onto the stage, followed by a stern looking blond woman.
"Hello students, my name is Ozpin, the headmaster of Beacon Academy. I welcome each of you to our humble school." A few chuckles broke out in the crowd, Beacon was anything but humble. Ozpin smiled and carried on. "Today I am honoured to see so many hopeful Huntsman and Huntressess, but alas only the best will be accepted to our school." Jaune gulped, he wasn't really nervous about his skills, but more the fact that his dream was finally within his reach. All the yeast he spent traveling, they now had the chance to bear fruit for his dream. He could do it, he could finally prove to himself his drive, his passion for his dream. His hands clenched into fists, he wouldn't fail. Not at this hurdle, he wouldn't allow it!
A small form nudged his side and he turned to see Ruby offering a shy smile. Jaune smiled in return, he had been getting too caught up in himself, his tense body relaxed and mouth a grateful thanks to her new best friend. Ruby's smile grew wider and she nodded and turned back to Ozpin.
The Headmaster explained the details of what the students would be doing, they would stay the night at Beacon and early tomorrow would be sent into an initiation test. Top which the details of said test would be explained shortly before it began. June didn't mind, he figured it'd involve Grimm in some manner and Jaune knew Grimm, he knew them very well. Ozpin began to wrap up his speech.
"That's all for now. Now, if you would all be so kind as to listen to what my deputy head; Ms. Goodwitch has to say, I shall see you all tomorrow and I expect great things!" With that the headmaster of Beacon walked off and left it all to the stern blond teacher.
Jaune listened as she explained the details of where they would all stay for the night and where they could store their luggage. She then bade them all to follow her to their accommodation for the night. Jaune took note of the many twists and turns Beacon had as they arrived at a large warehouse looking building near the edge of the academy. They would be staying there for the night, sleeping bags had been given to them and they were basically left to their own devices for the rest of the day. They could change into sleeping clothes and store their stuff away. To which almost every student rushed over to put their stuff away and change for the night. Jaune just waved Ruby off and headed over to the corner nearest to the warehouse entrance and got himself set up. He ignored one of the sleeping bags for a simple well used blanket from his rucksack, removed his hoodie and shirt to reveal black long-sleeve compression top. He put his clothes into his rucksack and untied his boots and attached them to a hook on his pack.
Having ignored the lockers, Jaune was the only student there at the moment. An odd enough sight for a portly elder man in a suit to approach, Jaune assumed him to be a teacher and he was correct.
"Hello young lad! Do you not wish to put your stuff away?" His voice was both booming and yet calming, like an older relative telling a story.
Jaune smiled shyly. "I'm sorry, it's just…", he gripped his rucksack and looked at his sock covered feet. Thankfully the portly man understood and chuckled good naturedly.
"I understand my boy! Many Huntsmen find it difficult to part with their essentials in the field, but I assure you, Beacon has the highest security! I swear on my name as Professor Port, your gear will still be there in the morning!" Jaune looked upon his pack, he hadn't been separated from it for a long time, and even though he knew logically his gear would be safe, the idea of parting from it, even momentarily left him feeling… exposed. But he trusted the professor, he seemed too warm to be deceitful, so he nodded and hefted his equipment and headed over to the lockers. Not before he thanked the man.
"Think nothing of it my lad! It warms my heart to see the next generation taking their equipment seriously, many a young Huntsman or Huntress have been found wanting in that regard!" Port chuckled and patted Jaune on the back, and watched the blond teen walk over to the lockers. As Jaune left, Port's eyes narrowed at the teen.
"Such an experienced look about such a young man, I will be keeping my eye upon you good lad. I expect great things". With that Professor Port returned to his post of keeping watch over the students for the night, he only hoped Oobleck hurried up with that coffee, his old eyes needed that caffeine boost stat!
Jaune shuffled uneasily to the lockers, many students having already put their stuff away, and changed into their sleeping clothes in the changing rooms. Jaune found an empty locker and put his stuff inside, but when it came to his weapon, he hesitated. He unclasped Crocea Mors from his waist and stared at it. He had not been separated from the weapon in all of his travels, it was very much his lifeline on many of his traveling days. To be away from it, even in a safe location like Beacon left his stomach rolling in anxiety. Jaune took a deep breath and with more strength and willpower than most would expect, he reverently placed Crocea Mors into the locker and locked the door, even apart he would be keeping watch on his locker. He would not let anyone take his weapon from him. And it was as he stepped away to return to his spot, he found himself between two beautiful girls in discussion. One he would much rather avoid.
"Excuse me! This is a private conversation! Who do you think you are!?"
Jaune paled internally, there went him just walking away, his eyes spotted the short, white hair beauty from the landing pads and a much taller striking redhead. Jaune gulped.
I should've stayed where I was.
Pyrrha watched the tall blond teen listen quietly to the Schnee heiress berate him, well listened was a generous term in her mind, it seemed like the teen had gone to his happy place to get through the rant. Honestly, the redheaded spartan was kind of glad for his interruption, the Schnee whilst well meaning was definitely hoping for the Invincible not Pyrrha; the 17 year old girl. She had come to Beacon to get away from the fame, to try and be just another face in the crowd of hopeful Huntsman and Huntresses.
So much for that hope, I'm pretty sure everyone here knows who I am. She paused as the boy's eyes glanced at her, as if hoping for her help. Pyrrha felt sorry for him and was about to interject when it hit her.
He didn't recognise me. She was sure, his eyes had seen her as clear as day and there was no change, none of that recognition that the redhead had become so used to over the years. Instead he just saw her; another hopeful student.
MINE!
She blushed, easy there girl! She had to recollect herself from the happy surprise, but she did need to talk to him, if only to confirm her hopes. It was just about when the white haired Heiress was about to call him a buffoon again when she jumped in.
"I'm sure it was just an accident", she stared at the Schnee and then at the boy who nodded gratefully.
"Yes! I'm really sorry… I was just uhhhh". He glanced around, she assumed for some kind of excuse. Pyrrha jumped in to save her future partner.
"I'm sure he was just amazed that the Weiss Schnee was applying to be a Huntress, were you not?" The boy stalled as his mouth formed words his voice couldn't produce, caught in such a strange interaction. Thankfully for Pyrrha and her future partner. The White haired Schnee came to her own conclusion.
"Yes… well, I assume that's merely natural for someone to be shocked to see me", Pyrrha internally jumped for joy, she had managed to save the boy. "However, I am sure, he is more surprised to see you here Miss. Nikos". Pyrrha internally despaired inside. They both watched as the boy's eyes shot between the two of them, an almost desperate look on his face, he opened his mouth and…
"I'm really sorry… but I've no clue who either of you are…"
The silence really was quite deafening.
For Pyrrha, it was a silence of sweet relief and abundant joy!
For the Heiress, it was a silence of abject shock and utter disbelief.
Jaune watched in trepidation as the beautiful red and white haired girls developed far differing expressions. The redhead seemed almost blissful in her smile, one that could brighten up a room in Jaune's opinion. On the opposite spectrum was the white haired girl who looked at him like something on the bottom of her high-heels. It was truly a whiplash of responses to her cluelessness.
This is why I don't talk to people! I'm so bad at this!
"How do you not know who we are!?" The white haired girl screeched.
"I just haven't…"
"Have you been living under a rock or in the wilds your whole life!?"
Jaune answered without thinking, "only in the past 7 years, didn't get much opportunity to keep up with the news". Jaune took a second to realise what he said, he blushed heavily and made his excuses to leave, "anyway, I'm sorry I don't know you, but I see my friend and I gotta go. It was nice meeting you, bye!" Jaune made a swift exit pretending to call for Ruby as he rushed away from the awkward conversation.
As Jaune moved further and further away, he never spotted the cold glare on one girl and the delighted smile on the other.
I really need to work on my social skills, hopefully Ruby and I can practice together.
Night had fallen by the time all of the students had found a sleeping bed and settled in for the night, for most of the students it must have been quite an unusual experience to not sleep in a warm bed or actual house. And to be fair it was an unusual experience for him, but more because of the fact that for one of the few times since his travels, his place of rest was actually safe.
Or at least as safe as an open warehouse near the edge of a cliff could be, uncomfortable to most, but down right comfy for his sleeping arrangements. Relatively warm, safe from most forms of Grimm and protected by professional Hunters/teachers. Really It was a shock he wasn't asleep already like most of the students. But he wasn't. He couldn't, the amount of noise was too loud, to most what would be the ambient noises, snores and people tossing and turning in their sleep. To Jaune, was the dinner bell for nearby Grimm, such noises whilst defenceless was tantamount to suicide in his experience. And thus he was awake, not because he wasn't tired, but because his body wouldn't let his eyes rest whilst such noise could attract danger!
He knew it was a stupid feeling, what threats could reach all of them? A Nevermore would be spotted in the open skies far away, Beowolfs were unable to scale such sheer cliffs. They were safe. But the many years of constant awareness of threats prevented his mind from believing he was safe. And thus he stayed a vigil for the moment, over watching ready to strike at a moment's notice. Something he definitely didn't need the night before an important task!
Stuck in his thoughts, he didn't realise someone was next to him until they tapped his shoulder. Instincts took over and Jaune rolled to the side and drew Crocea Mors. Or at least his hand went to where his weapon should've been. That was the moment, reality caught up to him, he turned his head to see Ruby in her pyjamas; hands in the air in a placating manner. Yang behind her, both blond brows raised. Jaune had the decency to feel the heat rush to his cheeks in mild embarrassment.
"I'm sorry Jaune… I didn't mean to scare you…"
Jaune sighed, "no, it's fine, my bad". He returned to his seated position and pulled the blanket over his legs, very much aware of the two sets of curious eyes filled with questions.
Yang smirked cheekily, "a bit jumpy tonight Jauney-boy?"
Jaune chuckled. "Sorry, I'm not used to this kind of thing…".
"Big sleepovers?" Asked Ruby as she rolled out her sleeping bag next to Jaune's seated form, Yang followed suit and rolled hers out next to Ruby.
"Feeling safe".
Jaune took Ruby and Yang's silence as a silent request for him to elaborate, not aware that they were more shocked into silence than curious.
"Most nights for me involved maybe 4 hours of sleep if I was lucky, most places were too risky for me to lose focus". He pulled his knees up to his chest and wrapped his arms around them. "This whole… sleepover thing in such a secure location? It's… strange I guess". The silence settled around the three, Jaune, unaware of how unusual his statement was from a teenager. Ruby eventually broke the silence.
"Jaune… are you oh-"
"I'm fine Ruby, i'll get used to it", he laughed quietly, "I think I'll end up liking this whole 'safety' thing", he shot a smile at the pair in an attempt to reassure Ruby at least. "Besides, I've got super Huntress; Ruby Rose watching out for me, right?"
Ruby giggled at Jaune's attempt of deflection and let it go, she jokingly flexed her bare arm, "that's right! I'll keep you safe Jaune!" Yang laughed behind her.
Jaune nodded his head, "I'm glad." He looked out upon the sleeping masses, "then it looks like I have nothing to worry about". He stretched out his legs and visibly loosened up his body.
"Knowing you two are here, I'm going to try and catch some rest again. Thanks Ruby, Yang. Good night". The blond traveller clasped his hands on his lap and closed his eyes, for once confident he'd be safe whilst he slept.
Ruby watched as Jaune's chest rose and fell, it looked like he finally fell asleep. She turned her silver eyes onto her sister, a sad look on her face. Yang shook her head."I know Rube, I know. He's as jumpy as Crow".
"But he's your age Yang!" Ruby insisted as she cuddled up into her warm sleeping bag. Yang did the same into her own sleeping bag.
"I know sis."
"He shouldn't be like uncle Crow!"
"I know sis."
Ruby sniffled slightly, "he's my friend".
"I know."
The younger sister glanced at Jaune's leant form, how even in his sleep, his body looked ready to react at a seconds notice. "I want to help him, Yang". Ruby felt her sister's arms wrap around her.
"That's not your choice Ruby, it's up to him to let you help… maybe just being his friend will be enough kiddo". Ruby nodded into her sister's hug, she would be the bestest of best friends for Jaune. He didn't care that she was younger, he didn't care that she loved to talk about weapons. Even in the short time she had known him, already he was her best friend. Some would call that sad, Ruby believed she just knew how awesome Jaune would be! She closed her eyes to sleep.
"Good night Yang".
"Good night Rubes".
When Ruby awoke, she expected to see Jaune' sat against the wall like last night. Instead, she found the spot completely empty. She shifted Yang's arms and sat up, her bedhead clear for all to see.
"Morning Ruby". Her head turned to see Jaune approach, already fully dressed and equipped for whatever the test threw at him. He smiled as he sat down against the wall, and placed his rucksack between his outstretched legs.
"Morning Jaune." She yawned, "what time is it?"
"Just turned 6 am, we have a couple of hours until the test begins". The blond teen rummaged through his sack and pulled out what looked to Ruby, like rationed meat sticks. He pulled two out and offered one to Ruby, she gave it a sniff and immediately blanched. Jaune chuckled, "yeah, not for everyone. They're pretty much only good for their calories and energy. The taste leaves a lot to be desired." Jaune put one back and began eating his.
Ruby grimaced, "why would you eat them then?"
Jaune shrugged, "they're what I had to eat when the game was scarce".
"Game?"
"Wild animals, like deer or rabbit", Ruby's eyes widened in mild horror.
"You ate cute animals!?"
Jaune looked puzzled, "well yeah… it wasn't like I could pop into a DocMonalds where I went".
"Oh yeah. That makes sense", Ruby agreed. She then tilted her head, "why were you up at this time? We still have 2 hours to get ready". Jaune finished off his rationed meat and took a swig out of a water bottle hooked onto his rucksack.
"Woke up 'bout an hour ago, figured I'd get ready early".
"Three hours early!?"
Jaune nodded, "yeah, I got near 6 hours sleep to be fair, anymore and I'd just be being lazy". Jaune never noticed Ruby's expression of abject horror. Too busy attaching his water bottle.
"You're both gonna be dead meat if you don't stop shouting", groaned Yang from behind Ruby, the blond bombshell very much determined to catch as much sleep as possible. Ruby squeaked and Jaune blushed.
"Sorry Yang". She grumbled and rolled over, back to the pair. Ruby looked back at Jaune as he checked his rucksack.
"Feel free to grab a shower and some snacks from the cafeteria, Ruby."
"How did you find the cafeteria?"
"I asked Professor Port If I could explore a bit when I woke up".
"Professor Port?" Jaune pointed at the rotund man taking a big swig out a coffee cup. "I think they were serving different hot drinks, maybe grab yourself a pick me up?"
"Did they have hot chocolate?" Ruby asked shyly.
Jaune smiled. "They did, you should grab some."
"What about you, Jaune?"
He shrugged and stood back up. "I'm going to warm up my body, all that sleep really tired me out… somehow?" Ruby giggled as Jaune jogged off, they waved at each other. The blond teen passed by Professor Port and nodded, the elder male did so back; a tired smile on his lips.
Ruby watched him go, she looked at Yang; back asleep and debated to herself. In the end Ruby decided she was too nervous to get back to sleep and started getting ready for the day.
After all, the early Nevermore gets the worm! She had a Beacon Academy to get into!
Eventually, they had been asked to follow Ms. Goodwitch towards the test location. The hopeful students found themselves atop a sheer cliff, below a forest Goodwitch had called; Emerald Forest. Headmaster Ozpin stood calmly, cane held within both hands as he dictated each student stand on top of indicated sections. Jaune thought nothing of it and took his place, his section was left of Ruby's, and right of Miss. Nikos. Jaune resolved to at least find out the redhead's first name when time was available. Right now, he smiled at the girl, to which she responded in kind. He waved at Ruby who giddily waved back.
Ozpin then went on to explain the details of the test; explore Emerald Forest for certain Relics. Survive any Grimm within, find your partner through the use of eye contact and make it back to the base of the mountain for pick-up, wherein each pair will be placed into a team of four students. Jaune listened intently, but one part of how the students were supposed to get down the mountain bugged him. Jaune raised his hand as Ozpin finished his explanation.
"Headmaster! How did you say we were getting down the mountain?" The aged headmaster smiled deviously.
"I didn't, please have a nice fall".
Fall?
That's when the section underneath Jaune's feet turned out to be a launch pad and he was sent sailing into the forest below.
Jaune was very much not amused by this event.
6657 words
A/N: Thank you so much for reading! Don't worry, the next chapters onwards will have more words. I just feel a shortened opening chapter helps with the onboarding process. This is my first time writing a RWBY story and I hope I have demonstrated an understanding of the characters so far.
Please feel free to let me know what you think.
Also, if anyone is interested in being a Beta reader for this story, I would be most grateful if you sent me a PM.
Kind regards and have a wonderful day.
From Gavin Tyson.