Jaune opened his eyes as his alarm went off. Causing the rest of his teammates to wake up and start the day.
"Alright." Jaune yawned. "We have an hour and a half til class starts. So, ladies take the shower first followed by me and Ren. I feel like I shouldn't have to say this. But please take an extra pair of clothes to the bathroom. After showers are done we'll grab a quick breakfast and then head to Professor Port's class."
"Whatever you say, fearless leader." Nora slurred, dragging herself to the bathroom.
The door shut behind her with a click and a minute later the sound of running water came from the room.
"She forgot a change of clothes." Pyrrha pointed out.
"Yeah, Nora's not exactly a morning person." Ren sighed.
"I guess I can give her them when she's done." Pyrrha yawned. "We are both girls after all."
"Thank you," Ren said.
Jaune and the others laid their uniforms out while Pyrrha grabbed Nora's clothes. Both boys were thankful for that part as it meant they didn't have to deal with any of the embarrassing parts of women's clothing.
Once Nora was done with her shower she peeked her head out nervously chuckling. Her hair wet and face red in embarrassment.
"I uh-,"
Pyrrha handed her the uniform and closed the door.
"Thank you!" Nora called from the bathroom.
Once she was done Pyrrha went in and took her shower. It didn't take long for her to exit as she knew they were pressed for time.
Ren went next followed by Jaune, and when he exited he took in his team. All dressed up in their uniforms looking like actual students.
Dressed in a black blazer with gold accents along the shoulders and collar. A blue sweater vest underneath with a white shirt and red tie. The boys wore slacks while the girls wore skirts and didn't have the blue sweater vest the boys had.
Ren and Jaune wore red ties while the girls had a red bow.
'You look fancy.' Sylvie pointed out yawning as she woke up.
'Called a dress code.'
'Hmm yes, poor you.'
Jaune rolled his eyes as Sylvie stretched and hopped off his bed. Trotting over to Nora who reached down and gave her some scratches behind the ears.
Sylvie headbutted the gesture causing Nora to giggle.
With the team dressed Jaune held out his arm to Sylvie allowing her to jump up and rest on his shoulder. She curled up around his neck and peered beside his head. Ready to start the day.
"Alright, let's go get some breakfast."
.
.
.
.
After breakfast team JNPRS went to their first class of the day. Grimm studies with Professor Port.
A medium-height portly man with a big belly and bushy white eyebrows. He was a man who appeared to be in the early stages of old age. With gray hair and a gray mustache.
His teacher's uniform was a burgundy suit with gold piping and buttons. His pants were the same color and tucked into his olive boots.
Behind him hanging up above the board was a blunderbuss with two axe heads on either side of the stock.
His classroom was also the standard one for Beacon. A semi-circle with chairs and desks connected from one side of the room to the other. Leaving the front of the classroom with plenty of room for a desk and places for Port to stand.
The team arrived at class a few minutes early. Around the same time as everyone else. They took their seats on the second row and waited. Making small talk amongst themselves as the minutes ticked down.
Ren sat at the end of the table. With Nora on his right and the wall on his left. Jaune sat next to Nora with Pyrrha to his right.
Sylvie just sat in the middle watching the class below as everyone else filtered in.
'This classroom is big.' Sylvie mused looking around.
'I wonder why a Grimm studies classroom would be so big.'
'Maybe he has life-size models of Grimm?'
The door to the classroom was suddenly thrown open and Team RWBY stumbled in. Panting and struggling to catch their breath as Professor Port looked at them with a raised brow.
"Congratulations team RWBY. You made it on time with only thirty seconds to spare. Please take your seat so class may begin."
The team shuffled their way to their seats. The row in front of seats in front of team JNPRS and sat down. Still attempting to catch their breath from the mad dash they had made to the classroom.
Ruby looked back and Jaune gave her a wave and a smile. Ruby smiled back and Professor Port started with attendance.
He droned on and on with different names. Getting affirmatives with each one as he went down the list.
"Jaune Arc!" Port called out.
Jaune lazily raised his hand. "Here."
Professor Port looked at his sheet and then at Jaune. Then back to his sheet again to reread the name.
"Is your Grandfather Alaric Arc?" Port asked.
Jaune felt melancholy fill his chest as he nodded. His face dropped into a small frown. "He is."
Port nodded. "He was a good man."
"He was," Jaune answered somberly.
Port then cleared and continued down the list of names.
Jaune sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. Memories of his Grandpa came rushing back. Of training, the old man's boisterous laugh. The first person he ever told about Sylvia and what truly happened that day.
A hand on his shoulder brought him back to reality, and Jaune turned to face Pyrrha. Her emerald green eyes looking at him with worry.
He flashed her a smile. "I'm ok Pyrrha." He said before she could even ask. "Just reliving some old memories."
Pyrrha grimaced but didn't say anything. Her hand moved lower and held Jaune's arm in a comforting manner.
She turned her attention back to class as Professor Port began his lecture. Not bothering to move her hand.
Jaune turned his attention back to class as well. Not saying a word about Pyrrha's hand. A small part of him enjoyed the feeling of comfort she provided.
Sylvie kept her mouth shut and turned around. There were other people besides her that could help Jaune now.
So she was going to keep her mouth shut and let them.
.
.
.
.
Weiss Schnee.
Heiress to the Schnee dust company. Having grown up in Atlas with a silver spoon in her mouth and lived in the lap of luxury.
She has the best tutors and trainers in the world. She has spent countless hours toiling. Giving up blood, sweat, and tears to get to where she was.
Beacon Academy.
The pinnacle of the huntsmen academies. The shining light that watched over Vale and its citizens.
She was here. She had earned her place in this fine institution.
So how come her team leader, Ruby Rose. Was too busy doodling as Professor Port dragged on about his stories.
As a leader, she should be paying attention. Not drawing a picture like the child she was.
"Now!" Professor Port's voice broke through her thoughts. "Can anyone tell me what a huntsman's greatest enemy is?"
Weiss smirked as she raised her hand in a prim and proper manner befitting a lady of her status.
The answer was easy.
"Ms Schnee," Port called out.
"The answer to your question is Grimm Professor."
A wave of pride filled her chest. If classes had questions as simple as this she would easily blow through her four years here.
"While you are not wrong Ms Schnee you are also not correct. Grimm would rank number three on that list. Any other answers?"
Port looked around the room seeing multiple hands raised. But a small smile pursed his lips seeing Jaune with his raised.
'Let's see what the old man taught you.'
"Mr Arc, do you have the answer for the class?"
"Dehydration and the environment," Jaune answered, recalling his Grandpa's words.
Port nodded. "Correct, you see, our bodies are such wonderful things. If cared for properly. But let's say you go days without water, weeks without food. Then our bodies slowly weaken and become a prison. There is no Grimm on Remnant that can do something like that."
Yang was quick to raise her hand and Port called on her.
"Ms Xiao-Long."
"But doesn't the environment have to do with dehydration? So aren't they technically the same answer?"
Port nodded. "Yes and no. You see, the environment can speed up that process if it is hot. But even if you are in the freezing cold you can still get dehydrated. No matter where you are in the world. Be it cold, hot, warm, or just downright freezing. Lack of water will still kill you all the same. Which leads me into my next tale about-,"
Weiss tuned Port out as his ramblings began. Stewing in her own silent frustration. How come her teacher never told her that? They were supposed to be the best of the best.
She turned to look at the boy sitting behind her. Slowly running his hand through his adorable fox's fur.
Alaric Arc.
Her sister had spoken of such a man. One who had come to the school to give a speech and some tips to the huntsmen in training.
Winter had said he was an old but great warrior, and Jaune here was related to him.
Weiss began to wonder if he was related to Mica Arc as well. A renowned huntress in Atlas. One that Winter had looked up to when she was in school.
"Now would anyone like to show their grit as a huntsman or huntress?!" Port's voice boomed.
Weiss's hand was raised before she even had time to think.
.
.
.
.
Jaune watched as Weiss stormed out of the room. Having just fought against a Boarbatusk and just barely winning.
'She seems mad about something.' Sylvie chimed.
'Well her anger almost got her seriously hurt. Wonder what her problem is."
'Maybe she woke up on the wrong side of the bed?'
'That doesn't explain why she singled Ruby out when she was cheering her on.'
The bell rang and Jaune stood up. Making his way over to the downcast Ruby. He gestured his arm forward and Sylvie jumped from his shoulder to Ruby's.
Ruby jumped and turned, feeling Sylvie nuzzle into her face and bringing her a small moment's peace.
"So, any idea what her problem is?" Jaune asked.
Ruby shook her head. "No, I thought we worked everything out when we got back from the forest. And she seemed ok these last couple of days. I don't know what has her so wound up."
"Eh ignore the Ice Queen sis. She just has her pant-,"
"Yang!" Ruby hissed. "You don't need to say something so provocative."
"Righttt, I forgot you're younger." Yang turned to Jaune. "You know what I was about to say though."
"I have an idea." Jaune deadpanned.
Yang laughed as she exited the classroom with her team. With team JNPR following close behind.
Sylvie remained in Ruby's until the two came to a cross-section. Team RBY had to go left, and Team JNPR had to go right.
"Who do you have for your next class?" Pyrrha asked.
"Peach," Blake answered.
"We have Oobleck," Ren answered.
"I hear he's intense," Yang added.
"An intense history teacher." Jaune mused. "Sounds exactly like my sister."
Ruby gave Sylvie one last big hug before passing her back to Jaune. The fix wasted no time climbing up his arm and to his neck.
"We have combat class fourth period." Yang pointed out.
Pyrrha smiled. "We do as well."
"See you there?" Ruby asked.
Jaune shook his head. "Not me, apparently I'm special so I have a class with Ozpin."
Blake quirked a brow. "Really?"
"And all day for elective day as well," Nora added.
"Dang magic boy, looks like Ozpin might be training you for something big."
'You have no idea.' Sylvie mused.
"I do have third period free, and Pyrrha has a study hall. So maybe we can get some training in after lunch?" Jaune suggested.
It would be good to help build a working relationship with their sister team. They could be assigned missions together and good cohesion could save their lives.
"We have Oobleck third period," Ruby said dashing his hopes.
"Oh, well. Maybe we could schedule something for this weekend then?"
"Maybe."
With their conversation ended Jaune and his team went to Oobleck's room while Ruby and her other two teammates went to Peach's. With a good chance of Weiss already being there.
.
.
.
.
Jaune jumped back as Pyrrha pushed her offensive. Milos in xiphos form poked and prodded at his defense but Jaune held firm.
He bashed her shield away before thrusting forward with Crocea Mors. Only for his sword to miss her by a hair's breadth.
Pyrrha jumped back and used her sniper to fire a few shots at Jaune. The boy blocked the shots as he ran forward.
Attempting to use his body weight and superior height to knock her down. Pyrrha responded to this by bouncing her shield off the ground and hitting Jaune in the face.
The blow caused him to drop his shield and Pyrrha to take the upper hand. She wasted no time in pressing the offensive.
Switching between her javelin and sword to keep Jaune on the back foot. She bounced her shield off the ground again and knocked Jaune's sword from his hand.
A second later the two were face to face. Pyrrha's blade against his throat and emerald eyes filled with determination.
Jaune just smiled and playfully stuck his hands up. "I surrender, officer."
Pyrrha smiled and lowered her weapon. "So, were you able to find any weakness?"
Jaune shook his head. "No, but I do have an idea."
Pyrrha tilted her head as beads of sweat rolled down her face. She and Jaune were out of their uniforms and in workout clothes.
Pyrrha wore an orange tank top with a red sports bra underneath along with green shorts.
Jaune wore a white tank top and blue shorts. The shirt did not hide his muscular arms, and if it swayed enough Pyrrha could see a hint of abs underneath. A sight she found she quite liked.
"Let's go hand to hand. No weapons." Jaune said. "I want to test a theory out."
Pyrrha nodded and set her weapons out of the way along with Jaune. The two stepped back into the ring with Jaune doing some stretches.
Pyrrha began doing some as well. Her eyes glanced over to the clock to see how much time they had left.
They still had well over an hour.
After the two were done stretching they took their places opposite each other. Both of them glistened with sweat and exertion.
"3,2,1, Go!"
The two took off. Jaune reeled his fist back and Pyrrha aimed a kick at his head. Jaune blocked her kick with his arm and she blocked his punch with hers.
The two jumped back. Pyrrha aimed another kick at Jaune's head. Jaune aimed a kick at her head as well.
Their legs met, stopping each other's attack. They jumped back before kicking again.
The same thing happened but Jaune pushed forward this time. His fist cracked her in the face before he reached out and grabbed her hair.
His knee met her aura as she pushed him back. Pyrrha pushed him back before punching him in the face.
Jaune's aura took the blow as Pyrrha kicked him in the head. But Jaune took that hit as well as he ran forward and grappled Pyrrha's waist.
Her leg was stuck atop his shoulder leaving her off balance and defenseless as Jaune lifted her up and slammed her on the ground.
Pyrrha didn't have a chance to even react before Jaune was atop her. His arm pressed into her neck and pinned her leg down with his knee.
His other hand pulled her arm out and twisted it and she was laying on the other one. Leaving her well and truly trapped in a training scenario.
She could break out of this if she wanted to. But that would require her to hit Jaune somewhere she didn't want to.
That would be too mean for a simple training exercise to find her weakness.
"Well." Jaune panted. "I think I found your weakness."
"Really?" Pyrrha asked equally out of breath. "What is it?"
Had anyone else entered the room at that time they would have been treated to a wild sight.
Jaune atop of Pyrrha. Pinning her down to the ground while they both were covered in sweat and panting.
Sylvie thought that would be pretty funny watching Jaune try to explain that.
Jaune got off Pyrrha and held out his hand to her. She gladly took it and felt Jaune practically whisk her back to her feet.
Once making sure she was stable Jaune let go and spoke. "Out of the five spars we had you won all five of them. However, when weapons or metal wasn't involved I was able to win. Which leads me to believe that you rely on your semblance too much. Which given its nature is not a bad thing. However, you could run into someone who uses a wooden staff or something non-magnetic. Which could lead to something bad under the right circumstances."
Pyrrha nodded along and digested Jaune's words. It made sense, ever since she had awoken her semblance she had used it. It was a logical thing to do.
"So you suggest I cut back on my use of it?" She asked.
Jaune shook his head. "No, not really. I think we need to train you without the use of your semblance at all. Or train you to fight against people who don't use metal in their weapons." Jaune grabbed his chin and hummed. "Maybe Yang would be a good test fight. If we remove her gauntlets she still has martial arts training of some kind, and that doesn't use metal."
"So I need to be better at hand-to-hand as well?" Pyrrha asked.
Jaune shook his head. "More hand-to-hand wouldn't be bad. But I'm more thinking of you with your weapons against weapons that aren't metallic."
"I see, but I wouldn't mind more hand-to-hand combat, and you're pretty good at that."
Jaune smiled at the compliment. "Thanks, my Grandpa bought this old training robot that my sister Sam modified. Let's just say she made that thing ten times better than it was before, and all the bruises I got from that thing can attest to that statement."
Pyrrha laughed imagining a tiny Jaune getting beat up by a robot twice his size. "Sounds like your Grandpa and sister help you out a lot."
"They did," Jaune confirmed. "But enough about that. I say we have another thirty minutes left before we need to get ready for our next class. And I want to spend that thirty minutes evening the score."
Pyrrha gave him a mock bow. "Well, then you are welcome to try. Or maybe you'll suffer another five losses? Who knows?" She teased.
"Alright, I'm gonna take you down."
Pyrrha made her way to her weapons and equipped them as Jaune did the same. "Like I said, you are welcome to try."
"Oh, did I perhaps happen to find your competitive side, Ms Mascot?"
"Perhaps Magic Boy."
"Let's make a bet then."
"And what will I win?"
"The winner." Jaune clarified. "Gets their homework done by the loser for the next week."
"The first week of school with no homework? Oh Jaune, if you wanted to do my schoolwork for me all you had to do was ask."
"Just shut up and get in the ring."
Pyrrha giggled as she bounced to her spot and Jaune walked. The two faced off from each other as Stevie watched from the entrance.
'I hope Jaune realizes this could be taken as flirting.' She thought. 'No, he's too dense for that. The one lesson Alaric skimped out on.' She sighed.
Jaune and Pyrrha's sparring continued for the next half hour. When they were done Jaune grumbled about having to do more work while Pyrrha looked at him smugly.
"I was holding back. If I used my semblance you would've lost."
"And I appreciate you doing that for me. But make sure when we get homework it's on my desk before the day is over."
"I can still use my semblance you know?"
Pyrrha gasped and placed a hand on her chest. "You would use such violence against an opponent outside of the ring? Oh, the humanity Jaune."
The boy laughed and rolled his eyes. "Just shut up and go take your shower."
Pyrrha laughed as she grabbed her change of clothes and made her way into the women's locker room. Jaune grabbed his and made his way to the men's.
Once they were done the two had ten minutes left before the next class started.
"Well, I better start heading to Professor Ozpin. I think I'm supposed to meet him in Beacon Tower."
"See you at dinner?" Pyrrha asked.
"If not before then yeah. Oh and if Nora and Ren fight during combat class let me know how they did. That goes for you as well, but I have a feeling you'll win."
Pyrrha regarded that comment with a nod. "Thank you for the confidence."
Jaune and Pyrrha made their way to the exit. Jaune stuck out his arm and let Sylvie climb on his shoulder.
Once they exited the gym Jaune went right and Pyrrha went left. The two departing from each other with one final goodbye.
.
.
.
.
Jaune felt nervous as he ascended the elevator to Beacon Tower. Floor after floor flew past him as he drew ever closer to the top.
This was it. He and Ozpin were about to have another conversation. About Jaune's magic, Asura's, why he had taken up almost his entire schedule.
Jaune exhaled as the elevator dinged and opened. Revealing Ozpin's office at the top of Beacon Tower. With only a simple black crescent desk near the biggest window in the room.
Jaune didn't know what to expect coming up here. But being inside a literal clock meant there were a lot of gears.
Ozpin himself stood in front of his desk with a smile. Still wearing his shades and holding his cane.
"Mr Arc, it is a pleasure to have you in my class." He lightly joked.
Jaune stepped out of the elevator with Sylvie on his shoulder. "Um yeah, it's an honor. But I am a little confused as to why you basically hijacked my schedule. Didn't you say you had someone who could teach me the inner workings of mana?"
Ozpin nodded and set his mug on his desk. "I did, and I do. However they will take time to come here, and after that incident in the Emerald Forest, I have decided to move your training up just a bit. Forgive me for hijacking your schedule."
"It's fine," Jaune muttered. "Professor, what exactly can you teach me about mana? You said it yourself, you're not an Asura. So what exactly can you teach?"
Ozpin's smile betrayed nothing as he set his mug down. "Mr Arc, have you ever heard of a beast will?"
Jaune's brow furrowed as he shook his head. "No, I haven't."
"Thought so," Ozpin said. "Mr Arc, when Sylvia gave you your mana core. What did she do? How did she do it?"
Jaune took a few steps forward and further away from the elevator. "She leaned down and pressed her snout against my sternum. Then a few minutes later it felt like I had a second heart."
Ozpin hummed and nodded. "I see. Mr Arc, before Sylvia passed she bonded with you. Along with your mana core, she also left you with her beast will."
Jaune shook his head. "Wait, hang on." He grimaced. "What the hell even is a beast will?"
Ozpin smiled and gestured to the seat in front of his desk. "Please, sit. You have a lot to catch up on."
Jaune did as the professor asked. Wanting answers more than anything about further insights into mana and this beast will.
"A beast will is-was a rare thing. Mana beasts, something akin to Grimm but magical. Passed on their beasts will once they reached a certain level of power. They rarely bonded with humans and the ones that did were known as beast tamers. Having a mana beast pass on their beast will allowed said recipient to have more power than normal." Ozpin paused for a second. "A power up if you will."
"So…Sylvia passed on her beast will to me?"
Ozpin nodded. "That she did, meaning you're not operating at your full power Jaune. Not yet at least. Which is why until our friends arrive I will personally oversee your training and awakening your beast will."
Jaune leaned back in the chair and sighed. "Ok, if that's what you think is best. But how is it you know all of this stuff? You're not an Asura, yet you know all about them, the gods that wiped them out, magic and beast wills. I'm gonna be honest, you kind of scare me, Professor."
Ozpin gave Jaune a gentle smile as he grabbed his cane. "That's a story for another day Mr Arc, but I can assure you that I only have your best interests at heart. Oh, and we'll also train up your swordsmanship as well. I can see you using mana to pick up the slack from lack of continued training."
Jaune winced and rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah…about that-,"
Ozpin raised a palm. "Quite alright Mr Arc. I am a teacher and this is a school. It is my job to help my students and not ask too many questions."
He gave Jaune a playful yet knowing look that made Jaune nervously chuckle.
"Now then," Ozpin said. "Let's begin, by the time our friends arrive I want you to at least have either awakened phase one of your beast will or push you into the dark yellow stage of your mana core."
"Sounds like a lot of work." Jaune gulped.
"It will be, but you're up to the challenge?"
Jaune nodded. "Of course."
"Excellent." Ozpin nodded. "Now Sylvie you're welcome to rest on my desk while I beat your father."
"What!?"
"Come on Jaune, up up. Class is starting."
Jaune sighed and stood. Ozpin kicked over a training sword that seemed to appear out of nowhere.
"Now I assume your Grandfather taught you the basics?" Ozpin asked with a tilt of his head.
"That and the dangers one's environment can pose. Pretty sure he was trying to scare me into quitting."
"Hmm, sounds like Alaric."
Ozpin then shot forward and smacked Jaune across the face with his cane. Jaune quickly raised his sword and blocked the next attack.
Only to be struck across the back, stomach, and thigh all in quick succession.
Jaune was getting ready to flush mana through his system but Ozpin cracked him upside the head.
"No mana Mr Arc." He calmly said, tapping his cane on the ground. "Only swordsmanship."
Jaune clicked his tongue and raised his sword again. "I don't see how this helps with beast wills."
Ozpin delivered a flurry of thrusts to Jaune's chest. The boy was only able to block one of them before Ozpin swiped down and took Jaune's legs out from under him.
He prodded Jaune in the chest as he stood over him. "You rely too much on mana. I'm going to beat that habit out of you."
"Isn't that child abuse?" Jaune groaned.
Ozpin took his cane off Jaune's chest and easily lifted the boy to his feet. "It's a learning environment. Now get ready, the warm-up is over."
"That was the warm-up?" Jaune asked, feeling dread creep up his spine.
"Why of course," Ozpin answered. "I have to stretch my old muscles after all."
Jaune wasn't able to respond as Ozpin poked him in the face followed by a jab to the knee. Jaune blocked another aimed for his knee only to get hit in the back and then side.
Jaune tried to jump back to get some space but Ozpin already closed the distance before he landed. Tripping him and making the boy slam into the ground.
Several more jabs followed, hitting his chest before Ozpin relented. Jaune groaned as he pushed himself to his feet. Hair messy and uniform dusty.
"Hmm, from now on come to my class in casual clothes. Don't want to ruin your uniform."
"Thanks for the advice." Jaune breathed out.
"You're welcome. Now again."
Jaune sighed as he raised the training sword once more, and promptly got his ass handed to him.
Over and over again until the sun began to set and Jaune had not landed a single hit on Ozpin.
"Well Mr Arc, I have to say your swordsmanship is not bad. But without mana, your movements are slower along with you as well."
Jaune groaned, lying on the ground in pain as he gave Ozpin a thumbs up. "Thanks."
Ozpin nodded before leaning down and helping Jaune up for the umpteenth time that day.
Jaune grunted and groaned. Feeling his aura healing away the fresh bruises. Sylvie meanwhile lazed around on Ozpin's desk and slept.
"Lazy fox," Jaune muttered.
Ozpin took the training sword from Jaune and propped it up against his desk. "Tomorrow we will practice mana control and take our first step to unlocking your beast will. Give your bruises a chance to heal before we pick up on your sword training again."
Jaune winced as he grabbed his side. "Got it."
"Now you are dismissed, however, if you have any questions please feel free to ask."
Jaune lifted Sylvie off the desk and the fox awoke curling around his neck. "See you tomorrow, Professor."
Jaune then limped his way back to the elevator. Hearing Ozpin humming a small jingle as he made more hot chocolate.
'He kicked your ass.' Sylvie chuckled.
'Shut up.' Jaune said, pressing the ground floor button. 'That man is not human.'
The doors closed and the elevator descended. Leaving Ozpin alone in his tower to look out on campus down below.
Chapter 9
Jaune awoke the next day in pain. Fresh bruises littered his skin from Ozpin's training. Leaving him stiff and weary as he rose out of bed.
He groaned as Nora got up and made her way to the shower. Again forgetting an extra change of clothes.
"Ozpin really let you have it huh?" Pyrrha asked.
"Yup." Jaune groaned. "He's helping me brush up on my swordsmanship."
He sucked in a wince before grabbing his side. Both Pyrrha and Ren looked at him worriedly.
"What exactly did he do to you?" Ren asked.
"Beat the hell out of me with his cane," Jaune answered. "Give me a second, everything will hopefully be healed soon."
"Do you want some ice?" Pyrrha asked. Though with the glint in her eyes, Jaune could tell she was joking.
"Oh just wait. I'll win against you one of these days. With weapons."
"Just remember to do my homework when you're done with classes."
Ren's eyes drifted between the two of them in confusion. 'Are they flirting?' He thought.
He felt something brush against his leg and saw Sylvie prodding it. As if confirming his thoughts she jumped up and rested on his shoulder staring directly into his eyes.
"How come you didn't use your aura?" Ren asked. "Shouldn't that have ya know…taken the blow?"
"I did," Jaune answered standing up. "We kept going after it broke."
Pyrrha seemed to flinch at that answer. "Ozpin made your aura drop to zero?!"
"And that was after the first hour of fighting. We went on for another two before we stopped."
Both Pyrrha and Ren winced at that. Fighting without aura was rough and a lot more likely to lead to injury. Which is why Jaune seemed to be so bruised the day after.
Jaune then waved them off. "Don't worry about it though. Not the first training session I've had like that. Besides, a few bruises never hurt anyone."
'Except you.' Sylvie teased.
Nora then peeked her head out the door and Pyrrha already shoved the spare clothes into her. "Remember them next time."
"Heh heh, sorry."
The bathroom door clicked shut again and Nora began changing.
"Ren, how long does it take for Nora to adhere to a new schedule?" Pyrrha asked.
"That would assume she sticks to schedules in the first place."
Jaune sighed before an idea came to his mind. "Maybe we can get one of those little cubbies with four shelves and each one of us has a section to ourselves we can use." He paused. "Ya know, to store clothes and stuff."
"It's not a bad idea, but we would need one that doesn't have those plastic see-through ones." Pyrrha agreed.
"It would also make it to where we don't have to remember to bring a change of clothes each time," Ren added.
The door opened and Nora stepped out dressed in her uniform. "I think it would be a great idea as well. That way I can just walk on in and not embarrass myself afterward!"
"I'll head into Vale this weekend and grab it then." Jaune groaned as Pyrrha walked into the bathroom.
"Ooh, we could have another picnic!"
Jaune chuckled before wincing. "We'll see how the rest of the week goes."
"You mean to say how the rest of your week goes?" Nora countered. "Because Ozpin's going to kick your ass over and over again until you learn how to block."
"Took the words right out of my mouth Nora." Jaune grinned.
"You sure you're ok Jaune?" Ren asked with a hint of concern.
"Yeah, it's just been a while since I've been covered in so many bruises."
Ren hummed but didn't say anything more.
.
.
.
.
"Nora, save some pancakes for everyone else." Jaune softly chided.
Nora pouted as she placed one last pancake on her tray. Then moved down the line as the rest of her team followed her.
The tower was quite big this time.
They took their seats in the middle of the cafeteria. A few minutes later team RWBY joined them. With Weiss looking much happier than yesterday.
Jaune didn't say anything about it and began digging into his eggs. Feeling a little better thanks to a nice warm shower that loosened a few things up.
Ruby, who was sitting across from him with a bowl of strawberries, tapped his foot under the table.
"So Jaune, how was Ozpin's class yesterday?"
Weiss's head whipped around so fast that Jaune thought it would fly off. The heiress gave Jaune a bugged-eyed look of surprise and shock as he swallowed his eggs.
"It was very informative."
"Oh, what kind of diplomatic answer is that?" Yang groaned. "Come on, tell us the nitty gritty."
Weiss didn't say anything but it was clear to everyone she was listening along with Blake who was reading a book
"He got his ass kicked." Nora laughed downing more pancakes. "For three hours straight."
Jaune closed his eyes and shook his head while Ruby screeched. "For three hours! What about your aura?"
"Gone after the first hour."
"That's also not to mention we were sparring for an hour beforehand." Pyrrha chimed in.
"Hold on a minute." Weiss chimed in. "You mean to tell me Arc could withstand two hours of punishment before his aura broke?"
Team JNPRS looked at each other before Jaune nodded. "Give or take, it really depends on how hard I'm being hit. Like if Nora hit me with her sledgehammer it would go down quicker."
"Wow magic boy, you keep getting more and more interesting."
"I hope that's a good thing." Jaune chuckled. "But still, it didn't matter how much aura I have. Ozpin still beat me like it was nothing."
"It's because he couldn't block." Nora grinned.
Jaune rolled his eyes and felt Sylvie nudge his arm. He looked down and noticed that she had finished her plate of bacon and was staring at one of his.
With a sigh, he grabbed a piece and held it out to her. The result was almost immediate as she bit down and yanked it away. Bringing it back to her plate as she chowed down.
"Oh, that's so cute!" Ruby squealed. "Here Sylvie have some strawberries."
Sylvie perked up and started eating them out of Ruby's hand. Drawing a chorus of coos from the girls.
'Look at me. I'm sending your popularity level through the roof.' She gloated.
'My hero.' Jaune deadpanned.
The rest of team RWBY minus Blake began to feed Sylvie parts of their breakfast as well. With Yang sharing an orange and Weiss sharing some blueberries.
Jaune did notice the small blush on Weiss's cheeks as she fed Sylvie. A war of following the rules and partaking in Sylvie's cuteness warring on her face.
Blake didn't directly partake in the feeding. But Jaune did notice a small piece of fish set in the corner of Blake's tray that she didn't stop Sylvie from taking.
'We've been here for a week and you already have them wrapped around your little paws.'
'What can I say? I'm just that adorable.'
Jaune rolled his eyes and went to take a sip of his water.
"Ow!" A voice cried out. "Stop it."
Jaune's cup froze an inch away from his lips as his eyes slowly looked over to the sound.
Sitting at a table nearby was a brown-haired rabbit fanus. Surrounded on all sides by four boys. One of which was pulling her ears and laughing.
"See, I told you they were real."
"What a freak."
Jaune's eyes drifted back to his table as he started to drink his water. Ruby's face had dropped from a smile to a grimace. Yang's eyes burned red with fury. Weiss looked disgusted and Blake looked hateful.
Pyrrha looked with barely concealed rage and anger. Ren remained passive but his muscles were tense. And Nora looked like she wanted to break something.
"Really?" Yang said. "It's the second day and shit like that is already happening."
"How disgusting." Weiss sneered.
Blake said nothing and continued to glare with hatred while Ruby looked timid.
"I hate bullies!" Pyrrha said.
"Let me break his legs!"
Jaune calmly finished his water before setting it on the table. Sylvie trotted her way back to Jaune who was taking the plates off his tray and setting them on the table.
'You're about to get into trouble aren't you?'
'So much.'
'Can I have the rest of your eggs?'
Jaune stood and grabbed his empty metal tray. 'Help yourself.'
He flipped it around and grabbed it tightly as he made his way over to the table. Not saying a word to his team or team RWBY.
All of them looked on in confusion except for Ren who slowly grabbed a plate. Pyrrha seemed to get the message and grabbed her tray while Nora cracked her knuckles.
"Man look, no matter how hard I pull, they don't come off." Cardin chuckled.
He was tall and stocky. Much bigger than Jaune. But Jaune didn't seem to care as he imbued his arms with mana and let it strengthen his arms.
The broad-shoulder boy and his friends didn't notice Jaune approaching. Not until Jaune whistled, grabbing their attention.
Then without another thought, he slammed the metal tray into the boy's face. Blood spurted from his nose as his aura wasn't up, and Jaune wasted no time as he kicked him in the balls.
The boy collapsed to the ground. Grabbing his groin as his broken nose bled profusely. But Jaune didn't seem to care as he smashed the tray into his face over and over again.
After the fifth time, he stopped. Calmly standing to his full height before looking at the boy's friends.
"Anyone else?" Jaune asked.
The other three boys gulped before running to their leader and dragging him away. Jaune merely sighed before wincing.
'Damn bruises.'
Ignoring the pain he turned and smiled at the rabbit fanus who was now standing. "Hi, my name's Jaune. I noticed you were eating alone, why don't you come and eat with me and my friends?"
Jaune didn't wait for her answer as he softly grabbed her shoulder and gestured her to his table. The girl didn't resist as he led her, and was soon to quietly take her seat next to him.
"Guys, I'd like to introduce you to my new friend-," Jaune paused as he slowly looked at her. "What's your name? I don't think I caught it."
The rabbit fanus swallowed roughly before answering. "V-Velvet." She timidly said.
"Velvet, meet my new friend Velvet." He said with a smile.
The rest of the table looked at him in shock while Nora had a wild grin on her face. Sylvie finished eating the rest of Jaune's eggs before lifting her head and walking over to Velvet.
The rabbit fanus flinched seeing the fox approach. But Jaune's voice eased her worries.
"Don't worry, Sylvie's harmless. She just wants to offer you some comfort."
Velvet let out a shaky breath as Sylvie approached, and then flinched when she rubbed her head against the rabbit's hand.
However, after another few rubs Velvet felt herself start to calm down and raised her hand to pet Sylvie.
'You are in so much trouble.'
'It's for a good cause.'
The rest of the table finally snapped themselves out of their stupor and Nora immediately started laughing like a maniac.
"Oh, that was awesome team leader! You were all like BAM and WAM and Cardin was all like oh that hurt and you just went. WAM WAM WAM!"
Jaune smirked as he reached over and grabbed Ruby's napkin. "I need to borrow this if you don't mind."
Ruby said nothing but nodded.
Jaune flipped his tray back over and began wiping the blood off the back. Yang was the next to speak up.
"Didn't know you had that in ya magic boy."
Jaune shrugged. "My Grandpa always said stick up for those who can't. I also just don't like bullies."
"With such brutality that much was obvious," Weiss added.
Jaune dropped the napkin and gestured to Yang's who handed it to him. "Well, he said the good way to get rid of a bully is to either make them your friend. Or use violence."
Jaune finished wiping the blood off his tray before flipping it and setting it back down. He then turned to Velvet who had remained quiet this entire time.
"So Velvet, what team are you a part of?"
"C-CFVY, we're second years." She answered in an accent Jaune had never heard before.
"Oh, that's pretty cool. But where's the rest of your team? Shouldn't they be here with you?"
"They had some extra work they needed to do." Velvet turned away. "So I came here alone to get breakfast."
"And then those assholes bullied you huh?" Yang asked.
Velvet nodded. "I normally get bullied. But never as to where they actually pull on my ears."
Yang growled while Jaune just smiled. "Well, you don't need to worry about those guys. At least not now anyway."
"They might come after you now, Jaune," Pyrrha said.
"If they do, I'll break their legs!"
Jaune gestured to Nora. "I'll be fine, Nora will protect me."
Velvet felt a small smile grace her lips at how unafraid Jaune seemed. He was confident, able to have a backbone to stick up to bullies.
She wasn't.
"Oh, I almost forgot to introduce everyone else," Jaune said, breaking her from her thoughts.
He gestured next to him and Velvet could see two redheads and a tall dark dark-haired boy. "We're team JNPRS, you already know my name but I'm the leader. Next to me is Pyrrha, next to her is Ren, and well I already said Nora's name."
Velvet gave a small timid wave before her brow furrowed. "Wait, you said JNPRS. Who's the fifth?"
Jaune gestured to Sylvie who was sitting in Velvet's arms. "Why Sylvie of course."
The fox perked her head up and smiled. Causing the noticeable tension at the table to calm down significantly.
"And right across from us-,"
"Jaune Arc to the headmistress's office. Jaune Arc to the headmistresses." A voice said over the loudspeaker.
"That took longer than I would have thought," Jaune said standing up. Sylvie went to follow but he shook his head. "Stay here Sylvie, you don't need to be a part of me getting yelled at."
'Like I haven't been before.'
'This isn't my Dad. Besides I need you here to help keep the peace and warm Velvet up to everyone.'
Sylvie sighed before sitting back down. 'You really do have a heart of gold sometimes.'
'What can I say? Grandpa taught me all the right lessons.'
"Good luck Jaune." Ruby called out knowing how scary Goodwitch could be."
"Thanks, Ruby"
.
.
.
.
Jaune sighed as he entered the elevator to Beacon Tower. He pressed the button which led to Goodwitch's office and watched as the door shut.
The sound of a hum filled his ears as the elevator rose. Passing by floor after floor. Drawing him ever closer to Goodwitch's office.
He didn't feel bad for what he did. Not in the slightest. Cardin was a bully and Jaune promptly took care of it.
Just like his Grandpa had told him.
But he knew that excuse wouldn't fly in a school environment. They had all these rules and such about violence and bullying.
Yet those rules didn't seem to matter when Velvet was being bullied. So why should he care for them?
The elevator door opened and revealed Goodwtich's office to Jaune. One a few floors lower than Ozpin's that had a gold-like sheen to the walls.
Giant windows littered the office allowing fresh sunlight and a view. Off to the right was Goodwitch's metal desk with a plush red office chair. In front of the desk were two normal wooden ones with red cushions.
Off to the left was a rack with her riding crop hanging from it. Which was located next to a few bookcases.
But in front of Jaune was the lady herself, Glynda Goodwitch. Standing with her arms crossed and an imposing gaze she gestured with her head to her desk.
Once she moved Jaune was able to see two plush chairs sitting across from each other. Along with a small table next to the one closest to the window.
Jaune wondered what that area was for before a sharp clearing of the throat took his attention back to Goodwitch.
He sighed again before making his way to her desk. Taking a seat at one of the chairs as she took hers. The blue glow of her computer shone on her face.
"Mr Arc, do you know why I've called you here?" Glynda asked in a sharp tone.
Jaune fidgeted slightly and grabbed his pants. "I have an idea."
"And that would be?"
Jaune looked away and cleared his throat. "Smashing a metal tray into Cardin Winchester's face over and over again."
"You broke his nose and right cheekbone Mr Arc." Goodwitch glared. "Mr Arc I know you didn't go to a combat school but that behavior here is completely unacceptable."
Jaune held back the urge to roll his eyes as he sunk into his chair. "Well, he was picking on another student. I assume that's against the rules as well?"
Glynda's glare hardened. "It is." She slowly said. "Which is why you go and grab a teacher and not send the student to the infirmary."
Jaune couldn't stop the urge this time as he rolled his eyes. "So sit back and do nothing and let someone else solve the problem. I thought this was a school for huntsmen."
Glynda took a steadying breath. "It is Mr Arc, but your duties as a huntsman and dealing with a schoolyard bully are vastly different."
"Aren't huntsmen supposed to stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves?"
Glynda took another sharp inhale before the elevator door opened once more. Jaune turned in his seat and saw Ozpin calmly stroll in.
"Headmaster, I was just dealing with Mr Arc and his punishment."
"Yes, I saw the video. Mr Arc was that a mana-infused hit with the tray?"
Jaune quirked a brow. "It was Professor."
Ozpin hummed and nodded. "I see. Glynda if you don't mind I would like to handle Mr Arc's punishment personally. As you know we have a zero tolerance policy for violence outside the arena."
Glynda's posture went straighter as she nodded. "Very well Headmaster, I was just getting ready to assign Mr Arc detention."
"He can serve it with me," Ozpin said. "Come along now Mr Arc. Class started a few minutes ago."
Jaune stood up feeling a chill run up his spine at Glynda's glare. But he kept his head held high as he ran away from her and into the elevator with Ozpin.
Once the doors closed and the elevator started moving again Ozpin turned and faced Jaune.
"How did you sleep Mr Arc?"
"Roughly, every time I moved it aggravated a bruise, then I felt all achy and stiff when I woke up."
"Were you still in pain when you assaulted Mr Winchester?"
"A little."
Ozpin smiled. "Good form Mr Arc. But I thought I told you not to rely on mana as much as you do."
Jaune nervously chuckled. "I wanted him to hurt."
"You certainly did that." The elevator stopped and the door opened. "Now time for class, I assume Sylvie is with your friends?"
'Who are you with?'
'Pyrrha.'
"She's with my friends."
"And you trust them?"
Jaune nodded. "Of course, they love Sylvie and Sylvie loves them.
'Are you in trouble?'
'I have detention.'
"Very good Mr Arc, now class is in session. Today we will work on helping you better absorb the ambient mana in the air."
Jaune furrowed his brow. "How would you do that?"
"Tell me Mr Arc, when you first unlocked your mana core. How did you start to absorb the mana in the air around you?"
Jaune frowned slightly as he remembered those early days. "It didn't happen overnight, it took me a while to absorb it. But I remember using breathing as an analogy. Like I inhale but don't exhale and keep the mana trapped inside my core."
"An…interesting analogy, and you figured this out at five?"
"It took me a few weeks to even think of it. I mean a lot of things happened before that and I had a lot on my mind."
"I understand, still very impressive though Mr Arc. But what if I told you there was a much easier way to absorb mana. A much easier way to circulate it throughout your body."
"I would like to learn it. The other way isn't exactly the best when it comes to absorbing mana. It takes too long."
"Let me guess, the conversion rate for the amount of effort put into it is not suitable for you."
Jaune said nothing but nodded.
"Well, we are here to fix that. Now take a meditative position. We'll most likely be doing this all day, and for your detention as well."
"My detention is learning mana control?"
"Detention is such a loose term, Mr Arc. You're merely spending time after all classes end with a teacher. It doesn't say how you have to spend them."
Jaune smiled but quickly wiped it away. "I'm ready to learn Professor Ozpin."
.
.
.
.
Days passed by in a blur for Jaune. With constant training with both Pyrrha during third period, doing her homework, and training with Ozpin. It was finally the weekend.
Two days without any school where he could do whatever he wanted. A few ideas came to mind, training with his team and team RWBY, a picnic like Nora had suggested, he could also relax some if he wanted.
But right now all he wanted to do was sleep in. His training with Ozpin was exhausting both mentally and physically.
They had been pushing everything to the limit to try and push his mana core into the next stage or awaken his beast will.
Jaune admitted to himself that he enjoyed the training. He finally had someone who understood him. Saphron and his Grandpa tried their hardest and he loved them for that. Sam and Mica too.
But magic was just something they couldn't quite wrap their heads around. Jaune could barely do so as well.
But now at Beacon, Jaune had Ozpin able to explain things to him. And he also had Asura's coming to help him as well.
He was getting better at his swordsmanship. The rust from lack of sparring was starting to rinse off. He was getting better control over mana. Able to absorb it more easily than before. His spells were also becoming more powerful as well.
Ozpin said there was even a chance he could awaken a deviant element further down the line.
A sense of hope was beginning to fill Jaune. He was getting stronger and stronger. Strong enough to protect Sylvie and keep his promise to Sylvia.
He could follow his Grandfather's words and protect those who couldn't protect themselves.
'You're a strong kid Jaune. It's your duty to help others. There are those who abuse their power and those who don't have enough to protect themselves. But you're an Arc, and an Arc always fights for what is right. It doesn't matter if you win or lose. As long as you keep others safe then that's all that matters.'
Jaune smiled in his sleep at those final words. Because that night Alaric would close his eyes for the final time and never wake up again.
.
.
.
.
Jaune yawned as his eyes fluttered open. He sat up and looked at his scroll seeing it was nine in the morning.
The rest of his team was still asleep. He smiled as that meant he got the shower first. Sylvie laid on his pillow above him. Soft snores escaping her body as it raised up and down with her breathing.
Jaune reached over and rubbed her head before throwing his feet over the side and standing up. He grabbed a change of clothes from the dresser and made his way to the bathroom.
He heard Pyrrha stir slightly, and Jaune winced hoping he didn't wake her up. But Pyrrha simply turned around and went back to sleep. Her red hair splayed over her face.
'Cute.' Jaune thought.
He entered the bathroom and shut the door behind him. Locking it and setting his clothes down on the sink counter.
Jaune was quick to discard his pajamas and turned on the shower. He didn't wait for the water to heat up. He just stepped inside and let the cold wake him up more.
Then sighed in relief as the water began to turn warm. He stood under it for a few minutes. Letting the warm water wash down his skin. It felt relaxing knowing he had nothing to do today.
Jaune took a step back and reached for his body wash. Luckily for him, the shower was massive enough that everyone could use their own.
However, he swiped his hand a little too fast and knocked the bottle over. Jaune's eyes widened and his hands smacked the bottle up in the air in an attempt to catch it.
The world seemed to slow to a crawl as he smacked it again. Sending it closer to the wall. But on his fourth try, he finally caught the bottle and let out a sigh of relief.
He didn't accidentally wake up his teammates.
'Why can't I feel the water? And why did everything get super quiet?' Jaune thought as he stood to his full height.
'What the hell!?'
The water in front of him was frozen. Not moving slowly, no it wasn't moving at all.
Jaune felt his breathing quicken as he dropped the body wash held in his hand. Yet that froze in the air as well.
What the hell was going on?
Before he could panic time seemed to resume and the body wash crashed into the ground and water began moving.
Jaune slipped and slammed into the ground. Wincing as his aura didn't block the attack and suddenly feeling the effects of a near-empty mana core.
The world felt like it was spinning and Jaune's body felt weak. His legs were like jelly and his arms felt weighed down by cinder blocks.
'Don't pass out. Don't pass out.' He chanted over and over in his mind.
Jaune grabbed the side of the tub. Feeling water from the shower head pelting him as he climbed out.
"Jaune!" Pyrrha called out knocking on the door. "Jaune, are you ok?!"
"Fine." He groaned. "Just slipped."
'What happened.' Sylvie worriedly asked.
'I don't know. I feel like something just sucked all the mana out of my core.'
"Jaune do you need help?" Pyrrha asked, having no doubt woken up Ren and Nora. Or was that him?
"F-fine, just give me a second."
Jaune crawled to the toilet and lifted himself up. Feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over his body.
Whatever had just happened nearly drained him of all the mana in his core in one go. Like a leech had sucked him dry.
His vision swam and his head felt hollow and heavy. But he pushed himself to his feet. He needed to put some clothes on, and he needed to talk to Ozpin.
Reaching over he turned the shower off and the annoying patter of water on tile finally ceased.
With another deep breath, Jaune grabbed a towel and began to dry himself off. Feeling a soft trickle of mana beginning to enter his core.
After drying himself off he put his pants on before grabbing his shirt and finally opening the door.
Pyrrha's worried green eyes immediately met him. Followed by Ren's pink and Nora's blue. Sylvie was sitting atop Pyrrha's shoulder boring into Jaune's skull with her golden eyes.
'We need to talk with Ozpin.'
'You need to stay and get your mana back. Your team is worried about you and you're close to suffering from backlash.'
"Jaune, are you alright? What happened? Are you hurt?" She reached her hand out but quickly pulled it back and rested it at her side.
"I'm fine." Jaune smiled, soothing their worries ever so slightly. "I just slipped in the shower and didn't have my aura up. I promise you I'm fine."
"Are you sure?" Nora asked. "It sounded like you had quite the tumble."
"Your fall shook the wall," Ren added.
Jaune nodded and shuffled his way over to his bed. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just slipped, that's all."
He sat down and sighed as Sylvie jumped off Pyrrha's shoulder and jumped onto his lap. The feeling of his bond's soft fur calmed him slightly as his mind still raced with thoughts.
The main thought was wondering if he had just frozen time. Why else would everything around him but him freeze?
He needed to talk to Ozpin and needed to talk to him now.
But he couldn't leave, not when his team was looking at him like he was fragile glass. Sure he had fallen in the shower but Jaune wasn't an old man. He didn't need them watching him like that.
"You're sure you're ok Jaune?" His partner asked. And while he loved that she was concerned, he was fine.
"Yeah, I'm sure. Just a simple slip in the shower."
Pyrrha looked as if she didn't buy that excuse. Ren and Nora didn't either but all three kept their mouths shut.
"Sorry for waking you guys up. But why don't we take a tour of Beacon later? I feel like with all our classes and me having detention the entire week we haven't really explored campus that much."
This seemed to perk them up slightly as Nora's eyes brightened. "Oh, we could go and find the pools! Velvet said Beacon had some near the gyms!"
'A pool. When was the last time you went swimming?'
"A pool doesn't sound half bad," Ren said.
"Oh, I do love swimming," Pyrrha added. "It's great for training and exercise."
Jaune smiled as the attention was finally being taken off him. "Then as team leader, I decree that our first mission is to find those pools and then use them afterward."
"We don't have bathing suits." Ren deadpanned.
"I decree we use the pools after we buy bathing suits."
The room became more lively after that, and soon everyone was dressed and ready for the day. Jaune began feeling better as well as his mana core was now half full.
They left the room to go get breakfast but when reaching the cafeteria Jaune stopped and called after his team.
"Hey, I'll catch up. I need to speak with Professor Ozpin about something."
"Alright, we'll save you a seat." Pyrrha smiled.
Jaune shot her one back before turning and walking to the tower.
.
.
.
.
Ozpin watched over his school atop Beacon Tower. Watching as students were starting to come and go. Enjoying their weekends like the young adults they were.
He smiled upon hearing the elevator open, however. Already knowing who it was before he turned around.
"Mr Arc, do you remember what I said to you before you left yesterday?" Ozpin asked, turning around.
Jaune stopped walking and paused for a second. Trying to push past his racing thoughts and remember what was said.
"You said that it felt like we were on the verge of a breakthrough. But you never specified what."
"And I assume you found that breakthrough?"
"I…I don't know. But something weird did happen this morning."
"Explain."
Jaune was silent for a moment. A war of emotions raging on his face before he took a deep breath.
"I think I froze time."
Ozpin's smile widened. "Excellent Mr Arc, it appears your training is working."
"My training?" Jaune's eyes widened. "Wait did I-,"
"Awaken the first stage of your beast will?" Ozpin answered. "Yes, yes you did. However, your second phase will not be so easy. The first one was because it was simply unlocking your potential. How you harness it is now up to you and how well you acclimate to my training. Now Mr Arc, tell me all about your first stage