LOCATION: Beacon Academy - Classroom
Jaune Arc found himself in Oobleck's history class that afternoon. Familiar faces surrounded him, His friends and teammates filled the rows, their expressions a mix of interest and fatigue, while Cardin sat a few seats away, eyeing Jaune with a hint of amusement. As the lecture progressed, Oobleck animatedly recounted tales of past battles and heroic figures, his voice echoing through the room. Despite the professor's enthusiasm, Jaune struggled to keep his eyes open, the warmth of the classroom lulling him into a peaceful slumber. The sound of Oobleck's rapid-fire speech faded into the background as he drifted off, blissfully unaware of the amused glances from his peers.
"…Yes, well prior to the Faunus Rights Revolution, or more popularly known as the Faunus War, humankind was quite, quite, adamant about centralizing Faunus population in Menagerie." The Professor explained to his class, a large map of Remnant was displayed behind him with multiple papers attached to it and connected by red wiring. The professor took a skip of his coffee before speeding along with his lecture. "Now, while this must feel like ancient history to many of you, it is imperative to remember that these are relatively recent events. Why the repercussions of the uprising can still be seen to this day."
Oobleck continued to zip around his class while drinking his coffee.
"Now, have any among you been subjugated or discriminated against because of your Faunus heritage?"
A couple of his students did raise their hands, including Velvet, who also attended the same class.
"Dreadful, simply dreadful. Remember students, it is precisely this kind of ignorance that breeds violence." Oobleck continued, taking yet another sip of his coffee. "I mean, I mean, just look at what happened to the White Fang. Now, which one of you young scholars can tell me what many theorists believe to be the turning point in the third year of the war."
Weiss raised her hand. "The battle at Fort Castle."
"Precisely," Oobleck responded. "And, who can tell me the advantage the Faunus had over General Lagoon's forces?"
Cardin hadn't been paying attention at all. Instead, he was busy flicking a folded piece of paper onto Jaune's head to wake him up.
"Hey!" Jaune was irritated.
"Mr. Arc, finally contributing to class!" Oobleck zoomed in front of him. "This is excellent! Excellent! What is the answer?"
"Uh…" Jaune was drawing a blank. "The answer… The advantage of the Faunus had…"
Jaune blinked when he heard a subtle cough. He glanced past Oobleck to Pyrrha, who pointed toward her eyes.
"Over that guys stuff…?" She made a circular gesture with her hands around her eyes, which he misinterpreted. "Binoculars."
Nearly everyone in class either laughed, particularly Cardin who laughed the loudest. Others shook their heads, while Pyrrha couldn't help but smack her forehead.
"Very funny, Mr. Arc," Oobleck said, his tone laced with sarcasm sarcastically. He zoomed back to his desk, sipping his coffee again. "Cardin, perhaps you would care to share your thoughts on the subject."
Cardin cleared his throat.
"Well, I know it's a lot easier to train an animal than a soldier," Cardin said, causing Oobleck to shake his head.
"You're not the most open-minded of individuals, are you Cardin?" Pyrrha narrowed her eyes at him.
"What? You got a problem?" He questioned.
"No, I have the answer. It's night vision." Pyrrha said for the class. "Many Faunus are known to have nearly perfect sight in the dark."
"General Lagoon was inexperienced and made the mistake of trying to ambush the Faunus in their sleep," Blake added. "His massive army was outmatched, and the general was captured."
Oobleck nodded, indicating that was the correct answer.
"Perhaps if he paid more attention in class, and less on losing his pants, he wouldn't have been remembered as such a failure," Blake said to Cardin specifically. That got to him as Cardin stood up, looking ready to punch someone.
"Mr. Winchester, please take your seat," Oobleck told him. He then noticed Jaune snickering and zoomed over toward him as well. "You and Mr. Arc can both see me after class for additional readings."
Jaune groaned as Oobleck resumed the lecture.
Pyrrha, Ren, and Nora walked outside once Class was dismissed. However, Pyrrha halted in her tracks. She briefly glanced at the classroom's doorway before facing her teammates.
"You two go on ahead, I'll wait for Jaune," Pyrrha told her teammates.
"Sure thing," Nora said while Ren simply nodded as they walked off.
Pyrrha stood at the classroom's doorway and waited for her team leader and friend.
Oobleck sipped his coffee for what could be the hundredth time in his classroom. The bitter taste barely registered as he contemplated the situation before him. His gaze fell heavily on the two boys sitting in front of him, their contrasting expressions telling a story of their own. Jaune, with his head slightly bowed, wore a look of genuine shame, the weight of his actions evident in his downturned eyes. In stark contrast, Cardin's demeanor radiated annoyance; his arms crossed defiantly and a scowl etched across his face as if he believed he was above reproach. Oobleck sighed, pondering how to address the behavior that had led them to this moment, hoping to instill a sense of responsibility in them before the day slipped away.
"You two have been struggling in my class since day one. Now, I don't know if it's a lack of interest or just your stubborn nature, but whatever it is… it stops now." The professor told them with finality in his voice. "You've worked hard to gain entrance into this school, and we only accept the best of the best, so I expect you to act like it."
That caused Jaune to look away slightly.
"History is important, gentlemen. If you can't learn from it… you're destined to repeat it." Oobleck said somewhat dramatically. "Pages fifty-one to ninety-one. I want an essay on my desk by next class. Now, run along."
The two boys got up from their seats and left the classroom.
Pyrrha saw Jaune and Cardin leave the classroom. She gasped in shock when the latter pushed the former to the ground in annoyance. Pyrrha glared at him as he left while she helped Jaune to his feet.
"You know, I really will break his legs," Pyrrha told him, while Jaune could only hang his head with a sigh.
A smile graced Pyrrha's lips.
"Come with me, I have an idea."
Pyrrha grabbed Jaune by the arm and sprinted around a corner.
LOCATION: Beacon Academy - Rooftop
The moon casts its silvery glow over the towers of Beacon Academy. The atmosphere was thick with a sense of anticipation and quiet reflection. The First Years, each lost in their worlds, either prepared for sleep or buried themselves in their studies, the weight of their new responsibilities settling upon them. Midoriya Izuku, however, found solace in the solitude of the rooftop. It was his second sanctuary away from the bustling energy of his friends, a place where he could gather his thoughts amidst the whirlwind of new knowledge. The scroll in his hands flickered with information, the screen illuminating his face as he absorbed the intricacies of Remnant.
He recalled the four Kingdoms: Vale, with its lush landscapes; Mistral, known for its culture and trade; Vacuo, a harsh desert land; and Atlas, a technological marvel that towered over the rest. He pondered the fate of Mantle, once a thriving Kingdom, now a shadow of its former self. The Faunus-nation of Menagerie lingered in his mind, a reminder of the complexities of this world. And beyond it all, the ominous presence of the unnamed continent, home to the fearsome Creatures of Grimm, loomed large in his thoughts, a stark reminder of the challenges that lay ahead. With each passing moment, Izuku felt the weight of his journey deepen, igniting a fierce determination within him to protect this world and its people.
Izuku's fascination with the Grimm deepened as he delved into their enigmatic nature. Initially mistaking them for mere wildlife, he quickly realized their true essence when he witnessed their bodies disintegrate upon death. This bizarre phenomenon, coupled with the existence of other wild animals, shattered any notions of them being part of the natural ecosystem. The Grimm's relentless focus on humans, seemingly fueled by negative emotions, raised unsettling questions about their origin and purpose. Unlike typical predators, they did not hunt for sustenance, as their lack of internal organs suggested a different motivation entirely. This revelation solidified Izuku's belief that the Grimm were unnatural entities.
Remnant's society grappled with deep-seated discrimination against the Faunus In addition to the ever-present threat of the Grimm. A reality that weighed heavily on Izuku's heart. He had hoped that this world would have evolved beyond the prejudices that plagued his own, yet the stark reality was disheartening. The reports of hate crimes and systemic discrimination against the Faunus were rampant, revealing a society that had relegated them to the smallest territories. This marginalization undoubtedly fueled the rise of the White Fang, a group that initially sought to advocate for Faunus rights but eventually resorted to violent measures against humans.
While Izuku understood the desperation that led to such actions, he couldn't condone the targeting of innocent people; it mirrored the very oppression the Faunus sought to escape. Ultimately, he recognized that despite their differences in appearance, the fundamental human experiences of both groups were strikingly similar. Underscoring the need for empathy and understanding in a world divided by prejudice.
Izuku felt a deep sense of sympathy for the Faunus. He recognized the struggles they faced due to humanity's long-standing discrimination and understood that the Faunus had been marginalized and oppressed, suffering at the hands of those who wielded power on Remnant. This awareness stirred a conflict within him, as he grappled with the injustices that the Faunus endured, prompting him to reflect on the broader implications of prejudice and the importance of standing up against it. Despite his challenges, Izuku was determined to advocate for equality and justice, believing that every individual, regardless of their background, deserved respect and dignity.
There was another thing Remnant had in common with his world. While children like himself in his world were trained to fight against Villains daily, the children here train to combat monsters like the Grimm. Izuku understands the reasoning as the Grimm outnumbered humanity and showed no signs of nearing extinction, so humanity had to have some way to defend itself. Based on what he saw in Beacon, it seems the students had a relatively safe and stable environment to hone their skills and better prepare for the future ahead.
Izuku's worries extended beyond the Huntsmen academies; he was deeply troubled by the absence of a military presence in Remnant. While he recognized the logic behind avoiding military forces—preventing the escalation of conflicts like the Great War—the potential for a powerful villain to exploit this vulnerability weighed heavily on his mind. He couldn't shake the thought that without a robust defense system, Remnant could easily fall prey to unforeseen threats. Although the world had not faced adversaries like the League of Villains or All for One, it was a precarious situation that left him feeling a tad bit uneasy. After all, he was the only one from another world, and the responsibility of understanding these dangers felt daunting.
Izuku closes his eyes. Remnant's internal problems weren't his concern at the moment; he'll have to put them in the back of his mind for now. His central focus was preparing to embark on a journey with the fully recovered Fall Maiden. But before they could begin said journey, he at least wants to introduce Amber to Team RWBY and Team JNPR
Izuku's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a door opening. He looked to see Pyrrha leading Jaune to the rooftop. Neither of the two appeared to notice him, and he wasn't planning on drawing their attention, so he moved around the corner to the other side of the building to listen.
"Pyrrha, I know I'm going through a hard time right now, but I'm not that depressed," Jaune said, looking over the edge of the roof. "I can always be a farmer or something…"
A horrifying realization dawned on Pyrrha.
"No!" Pyrrha dashes to push Jaune away from the edge. "That's not why I brought you up here!"
Jaune arched a brow at her.
"Okay… then why are we here?" Jaune asked, a bit confused.
"Jaune, I know you're having a difficult time in class and that you're still not the strongest of fighters," Pyrrha began. "So... I want to help you!"
Jaune blinked blankly at her.
"Wh-what?" Jaune didn't seem as enthusiastic as one would think.
"You and I can train up here after class when no one can bother us." Pyrrha offered.
"Y-You think I need help…?" Jaune asked, sounding somewhat offended.
"N-No! No. That's not what I meant." Pyrrha responded.
"But you just said it…"
"Jaune, everybody needs a little push from time to time," Pyrrha said. "It doesn't make you any different from the rest of us. You made it to Beacon! That speaks volumes of what you're capable of!"
Jaune turned away from her and lowered his head.
"You're wrong. I-I don't belong here." Jaune mumbled, his tone lowered.
"That's a terrible thing to say! Of course, you do!" Pyrrha responded, her voice firm but gentle. She placed her hands on his shoulders.
Jaune turned to face her, now angry.
"No, Pyrrha, I don't!" Jaune snapped at her.
Jaune sighed as Pyrrha looked bewildered and gave way to a brief silence.
"I wasn't really accepted into Beacon..." Jaune admitted, not looking at her.
Pyrrha was shocked at what she heard. Even Izuku, who was listening to the conversation silently, was surprised.
"Wh-what do you mean?" Pyrrha asked, almost afraid of the answer.
"I mean I didn't go to combat school, I didn't pass any tests. I didn't earn my spot at this Academy!" Jaune turned to face her again. "I lied! I got my hands on some fake transcripts, and I lied!"
"What…?!" Pyrrha questioned. "Why… would you do that…?"
"Cause, this is what I've always wanted to be!" Jaune began. "My father, my grandfather, and his father before him, they were all warriors! They were all heroes! I-I wanted to be one too…! I was just never good enough…"
"Well, you can be." Pyrrha tried to convince him. "You can get stronger… and I can help you—"
"I don't want help!" Jaune exclaimed, his voice slightly increased. "I don't want to be the damsel in distress or the sidekick! I want to be the hero!"
"Jaune…" Pyrrha tried to talk to him.
"I'm tired of being the lovable idiot, stuck in the tree, while his friends fight for their lives, don't you understand?!" Jaune sounded like he was breaking down. "If I can't do this on my own… then what good am I?!"
Pyrrha tried to reach out to him, only for Jaune to pull away and gently grab his arm.
"Just… leave me alone… Okay?"
Izuku glanced down at the rooftop floor after listening to Jaune's excuses and dodged genuine attempts to help him. He had to admit, he felt sick to his stomach at such a sad display from Jaune and Pyrrha. He was planning on heading back to his dorm and going to sleep. But after what he heard, this was just wrong; so wrong that he couldn't leave it alone.
"If… that's what you think is best," Pyrrha said finally, sad and defeat written over her countenance.
Pyrrha halfway turned and paused. She and Jaune blinked in surprise when they saw Izuku descending gracefully, landing on the rooftop's floor near the doorway. Izuku stared at Jaune with a frown, while the latter gazed back at the former with circular eyes. A terrifying realization dawned on him.
"H-How….how much did you hear?" Jaune stuttered out, his mind reeling.
Izuku took a step forward.
"Enough…" Izuku stated plainly.
Silence fell between them. The weight of Jaune's confession and the pair's shock weighed him down, and he couldn't move a muscle. The air around them became tense and heavy, suffocating.
At last, Izuku walked towards Jaune until he stood four feet in front of him.
"Jaune, please answer me with honesty," Izuku stated firmly, though softly. "What did you think would happen when you entered this school the way you did? What did you hope to achieve?"
Jaune was silent for a moment. Then, he looked up and stared back at Izuku.
"I thought I could get stronger," Jaune replied. "I thought I could learn everything all the great heroes of the world know and I'd be just like them. I'd be just like my father, my grandfather, and everyone else before them"
"Why?" Izuku questioned.
"What?" Jaune looked perplexed at that question. "I just told you…"
"No, why do you want to be a hero? A Huntsman?" Izuku clarified.
Jaune looked more confused than anything else. "W-Why do I…? I… I just thought…?"
"Do you even know what a Huntsman does?" Izuku questioned.
"They… fight Grimm," Jaune answered hesitantly.
Izuku closed his eyes and shook his head.
"They protect those who can't protect themselves," Izuku explained, reopening his eyes. "By choosing to be a Huntsman, you've chosen the path of responsibility by putting the lives of others in your hands. But not only have you shown little care for innocent people, you only care about yourself."
"That's not true…" Jaune protested, trying to deny it.
"Then why are you pushing Pyrrha away?" Izuku questioned, causing Jaune to look in surprise. "She saw that you were struggling, and she went out of her way to offer you support when you REALLY need it. Instead, you are pushing her away - thinking that needing help from others is weakness. There's nothing wrong with being weak, Jaune."
Jaune glared at Izuku.
"That's easy for you to say!" Jaune shouted. "You have like, what, seven quirks?! With that power All Might gave you on top of it, you're practically invincible!"
Izuku gazed sadly at Jaune. He reached for his full gauntlet and began taking it, his arm braces, and his Air Force gloves off. Jaune's eyes widened upon seeing the sight and Pyrrha gasped while clasping a hand over her mouth. Izuku's fingers on his right hand were slightly deformed and said hand showed visible scarring. His right arm was further damaged after his intense fight with Muscular, leaving many more scars.
"I didn't have control over my power back then when I first inherited it. Even now as I stand here I still don't have full control over it," Izuku explained, staring blankly at his arm. "Right now I can currently utilize forty to fifty percent of One for All's power. A-hundred percent is my limit, and my body will suffer the backlashes if I overuse it. Only through Fajin and Gearshift am I able to utilize a-hundred percent without breaking my bones."
Izuku adjusted his arm brace, Air Force, and Full Gauntlet back together.
"I know what it's like to feel weak; to be unable to do something. I was weak before I even transferred to U.A, and I was weak for not being strong enough to save Kacchan from the sludge villain," Izuku added. "But after accepting All Might's proposal and transferring to U.A High, I couldn't afford to stay weak anymore. And it's thanks to all the people who supported me, All Might, my teachers, and my friends, that I've gained strength that I've never dreamed I was capable of. I wouldn't be who I am today without their help."
Izuku glanced up at Jaune.
"You may have been weak outside of the academy, but you can't be weak now," Izuku stated firmly. "Because it's no longer about you anymore, Jaune; you have Ren, Nora, and Pyrrha—a team that needs and depends on you. And if you fail and crumble, then you'll just be bringing them down with you. You have to put your teammates first, and yourself second. You can't call yourself a hero if you turn your back on them, whether it's a civilian, an ally, or a friend. Otherwise, they will pay the price…even with their lives."
Jaune was genuinely shocked and appalled by everything he heard from Izuku. He honestly didn't think about that. Indeed, deep down, Izuku was right. Reality had finally dawned on Jaune, and it was the worst thing imaginable. He's starting to understand that this is not a game; It's not about his need for glory, it's not about him at all. It's about the people and his friends.
If they die because he chose not to be there for them, their blood is on his hands and his alone.
"I… I don't want to stay weak…" Jaune mumbled, glancing at the rooftop's floor.
Izuku nodded his head in understanding.
"In that case, then go back to your team," Izuku suggested. "They're your responsibility now. I would also suggest you reconsider letting Pyrrha help you get stronger so you can be the hero you want to be. Just think about it, Jaune."
Izuku turns away towards the rooftop's doorway.
"Hey wait…" Jaune called out. Izuku stopped dead in his tracks. "Why tell me all this? No one told you to try to help me?"
Izuku turned to face Jaune once more.
"Because meddling when you don't need to, is the essence of being a hero," Izuku replied, determination set in his eyes.
Izuku turned away and left. Jaune shifted his gaze toward Pyrrha as she looked back at him. Smiling softly before turning away and leaving the roof as well. Silence reigned on the rooftop once more. Jaune let his shoulders droop dejectedly.
"Oh Jaune…"
Jaune whirled around and saw Cardin climbing over the rooftop's precipice.
"Cardin!?" Jaune was shocked.
"I couldn't help but hear you and your little friends from my dorm room," Cardin revealed with a somewhat sadistic grin. "So, you snuck into Beacon, huh? I gotta say Jaune, I never expected you to be such a rebel."
"Please, Cardin! Please, don't tell anyone!" Jaune begged.
"Jaune, come on. I'd never rat out a friend like that." Cardin replied, confusing Jaune.
"A… A friend…?" Jaune was confused.
"Of course." Cardin pulled Jaune in with his arm around his shoulder, a seemingly friendly expression; but it was far from it as he squeezed a bit around his neck. "We're friends now, Jauney-boy. And the way I see it, as long as you're there for me when I need you, we'll be friends for a long time."
Cardin let him go, letting Jaune fall to the ground and catch his breath.
"That being said, I really don't have time to do those extra readings Doctor Oobleck gave us today. Think you can take care of that for me, buddy?" He ruffled his hair with a sadistic grin. "That's what I thought."
Cardin climbed back down to his dorm.
"Don't worry Jaune, your secret's safe with me."
Jaune didn't have to be a genius to realize he was being blackmailed. But there didn't seem to be anything he could do about it.
Jaune began to sink into his self-dug pit of despair.
LOCATION: Beacon Academy - Patient's Room
Amber's eyes shot open. Shot bolted upright on the bed, scanning her surroundings but found none as if to defend herself from the last remnant of her memory. She paused, her muscles twitching, her chest rising and falling quickly. Amber could feel her heart pounding wild against her ribcage, beating as though she was still living through the last waking moment, even though she vaguely became aware she was no longer in danger. Fresh adrenaline coursed through her veins - eager and waiting for something that would happen, which it already had. Not only was her body motivated to be alert thanks to the adrenaline, but it also sharpened his other senses.
Amber closed her eyes once she was aware she was no longer feeling the dread of incoming physical danger. She places a hand over her heart, trying to get her body to slow down. Bringing herself out from the last memory of whatever it was.
It was just a nightmare, Amber thought.
Amber slowly opened her eyelids. She blinked a couple of times to re-adjust her eyes to the dimly lit room and looked around. The room was filled with a few arrangements of two chairs situated beside her hospital bed. She turned to her right and blinked in surprise.
Amber saw a man sitting on a chair beside her bed. His head lowered, his eyes closed, and sat upright with both hands resting over the crown of his cane. He was middle-aged with tousled silver hair and had a light complexion and sharp facial features. Interestingly, the man had black eyebrows, suggesting that he may have had black hair when he was younger.
He wore shaded glass spectacles and a small, purple, cross-shaped pin on the cowl around his neck. His outfit mainly consists of an unzipped black suit over a buttoned vest and green shirt. He also wears black trousers, shoes and long, dark green pants.
"I see you're awake."
Amber cocked her head back as she recognized the voice from the man's lips. The man slowly opened his thin brown eyes, lifted his head, and smiled at her.
"Professor Ozpin..?" Amber murmured, shock evident on her face. Ozpin smiled warmly at her.
"Indeed I am," Ozpin replied. "It's good to finally meet you."
Amber looked around the room.
"And this is…Beacon Academy?" Amber guessed, looking back at the headmaster.
"Yes," Ozpin replied, nodding his head.
Amber glanced down at her blanket. Her hands clutched the edge of it tightly, while her fingers trembled lightly. Ozpin noticed this but remained quiet, waiting patiently for Amber to speak up.
"Professor…last time I woke up, I was in some sort of pod," Amber started slowly. "How long was I out?"
Ozpin's smile turned into a more somber expression. He took a deep breath before speaking.
"You were put in stasis for half a year," Ozpin replied gravely. Amber snapped her head up and hung her jaw agape. "You were in critical condition when my associate found you, and we did the best we could to keep you alive. But by the works of a miracle, you have fully recovered. A miracle my friend Mr. Midoriya unintentionally performed."
Amber arched a brow at the headmaster.
"Midoriya?" Amber repeated, not recognizing the name.
"Yes, he's the reason you're still alive," Ozpin explained. "One who I intend to introduce you to in time. But before we get to that, I must ask - how do you feel?"
"Honestly, I feel great," Amber answered. "Although I am really thirsty."
Ozpin reached down to the side of his chair. Holding a glass cup of water with ice in hand, he handed it to Amber. Amber accepted it and took a sip from the cup and savored the coolness. She lowered the glass and stared back at Ozpin.
"Professor, there's so much I want to ask. Things to say even. I don't know where to start," Amber admitted, staring down at her glass cup.
Ozpin leaned forward and rested his chin on his folded hands.
"Why not start with the last thing you remember?" Ozpin suggested. Amber nodded slowly, taking another gulp of cold water.
Amber took a deep breath and then stared at Ozpin with narrowed eyes.
A/N: Well, there you have it young readers. Hope you all enjoyed today's seventeen chapter. Don't have much to say other than wanting to announce something for you all. After thinking this over, I've decided that there will only be two arcs for RWMBY; one that will revolve around Amber and Izuku, and the last will basically be the Dust shipment arc from canon except an altered, epic, and Plus Ultra version. These two I will be anticipating writing the most. I even have an official name for this second arc I'm plotting: the Underworld arc. You will see why in the near future. With all of that said, I'll be taking my leave.
See you all in the next chapter, young readers!