Hello Accelerator here Like comment thoughts and opinions and enjoy
Let's start:
It was around 6am when Glynda had woken up, only to find the boy mumbling in his sleep and fidgeting in bed. As she noticed the tears and dried blood at the corners of his strained eyes, she could only imagine the pain and trauma the boy was experiencing. Nightmares plagued the boy's mind as he tossed and turned in the bed.
She leaned forward and placed a gentle hand on his cheek. The boy initially flinched in his sleep, only to calm. His breathing settled down and he visibly relaxed. Glynda let out a sigh, glad that the boy was calm now. Though in her mind the image of those eyes frighten her to no end
(00:15 to 00:19)
He had gone through so much in the past few weeks and only now did Glynda have an idea of what he was going through. It frustrated her that she couldn't help the boy with the chaos he faced.
He tried to be strong and struggle alone. Was he trying not to burden others with his mistakes and issues? Or was he trying to run away from the issue and avoid solving it altogether? Facing things alone only made things worse and Glynda only hoped that he would finally accept the support of the staff members at Beacon. Not just for his own sake, but for the sake of the staff members themselves. The teachers cared for the students. They invested in the students so that they could become ideal hunters and huntresses. Strong-willed, wise, noble and just.
Glynda felt the boy stir underneath her hand. She watched as bloodshot eyes slowly fluttered open. He didn't move his body, only surveying his surroundings until his eyes rested on Glynda.
"M-miss Goodwitch....", his voice was hoarse and weak, but she heard it, nevertheless.
She gave him a weak smile, but it quickly faded as she recalled the events of the previous day.
"How are you feeling?"
Jaune sat up slowly and tried to gauge how he felt.
"Empty, nothing at all."
Glynda nodded.
There was a moment of silence before Miss Goodwitch laid a hand on Jaune's hand. He flinched but relaxed soon after.
"Jaune, Professor Ozpin is gonna want to speak with you. Will you be okay to go there?"
Jaune nodded but didn't say a word.
They quietly made their way to Ozpin's office. It was luckily still too early, so there were no students roaming the halls.
When they arrived, Ozpin was gazing out over Vale's horizon.
"Ah, Mr. Arc, nice to see you still in one piece. Please, take a seat. Glynda, would you be so kind as to fetch us some breakfast? I'm sure he must be rather hungry after yesterday's ordeal."
Glynda nodded and left the office. Ozpin took his seat in front of Jaune.
The headmaster and Jaune sat in silence for several minutes. Jaune kept his eyes on his shoes. He already felt his heart break several times yet since yesterday all that was gone just nothing
Ozpin just continued to stare at Jaune. It's as though he were pondering something very important.
"Tell me Mr. Arc, would you like some coffee?"
Jaune looked up to see a sombre smile on Ozpins face. Ozpin knew a lot, so it was no surprise that Ozpin knew how Jaune must've felt. He too had made mistakes in his life. He too had betrayed the trust of those dear to him. And he too had to deal with being betrayed.
Jaune just nodded his head. Ozpin got up from his seat and made his way to a desk on the one side of the large office. He took out two mugs and prepared some coffee.
He made his way over to Jaune and handed him one of the mugs before taking his seat again. They sat in silence once more. Every now and then one of them taking a sip from their mug. And then Ozpin decided to speak.
"Miss Nikos said that they kicked you out of their dorm room after they found out about your transcripts. Where were you sleeping during this time?"
"mainly in some empty classrooms...or on the roof of the dorms...."
"Prof. Port and Dr. Oobleck said that they would see you exiting said classrooms some mornings. At the time we simply looked past it since there weren't any signs of vandalism, drug use or any sort of actions outside Beacon's code of conduct. At the same time, those two believe you are too nice to ever do something bad. According to many of the staff, they had tried to address you on matters such as your drop in grades. They were desperate to assist you in any way they could. But you refused any offers of help, making excuses such as having a bad day or something along those lines."
Jaune let the information sink in. He didn't expect any of the teachers to think of him in such a positive light. Let alone for them to want to help him. I mean his friends didn't care and neither did his own family.
Ozpin sighed before continuing "We're here to help and support you, Mr. Arc. The staff want nothing more than to see you become the best huntsman you can possibly be. If you take on everything alone, you are bound to hit a dead end. Trust me, I know just how loneliness can lead one down a path of darkness and despair."
Jaune lowered his head. He felt bad for not talking to anyone about what he was going through.
"And don't worry. Even with your transcripts, I do not intend to expel you, Mr. Arc. It's up to you to decide if you want to leave. You proved yourself time and time again here at Beacon. From passing initiation to your growth during your months spent at Beacon."
The news caused Jaune to lift his head again. Ozpin couldn't help but be surprised by the boys eyes red different from before yet smiled that some hope was still there 'so he isn't lost'
"How did your family take the news of your transcripts?"
Jaune sighed before responding. "M-my dad took Crocea Mors and disowned me. He said it was for the best. That way, my mother and sisters won't be affected as badly by the news when it becomes a public scandal. So, I'm not really Jaune Arc anymore, just...Jaune....".
"I see...."
The silence continued once more. Both simply taking sips of their coffee.
"Do you have any plans for the future? I mean do you intend to continue studying at Beacon?"
"To be honest, Professor, I don't know what I want anymore.... I feel like everyone has turned their backs on me. It's like everyone just stopped caring. Heck it seems like they never even cared to begin with. I-i mean how would you feel if everyone you ever cared about turned their back on you?!"
"Believe it or not Jaune, but I've been in a similar situation to yours when I was younger. I knew about your transcripts long before you arrived at Beacon. And yet I still accepted you."
"Then why? If you knew I didn't have the skill to back up me wanting to be at Beacon, why accept me in the first place?"
Ozpin smirked. "That really is the million-lien question now isn't it...?"
Silence returned as Ozpin decided on his next response. Jaune was baffled by Ozpin. He was usually unreadable, but for some reason he was easier to read now then before he notice the calculating gaze as well as someone who understood what he was going thru.
Suddenly there was a knock at the door and Glynda entered with a tray of food. She placed the tray on Ozpin's desk. Jaune saw an array of pastries, some savoury and some sweet. His stomach suddenly grumbled.
Ozpin let out a light chuckle at the boy's reaction to the presence of food. "It's clear your body is desperate for sustenance. Please, help yourself."
Jaune didn't hesitate and eat the croissants, bagels and danishes on the tray. Ozpin and Glynda couldn't help but smile at the boy scarfing down food to his hearts content. In comparison to his previous emotional state, this was a welcome sight.
Jaune, feeling the stares on himself, lifted his head to find the staff members staring at him. Pausing in his eating he asked in a monotone voice, "did I do something wrong?"
Glynda smiled wider at while he wasn't the same as before it was an improvement to the lifelessness he showed before. "No, Jaune. It's just good to see you in a much better state."
Jaune nodded and returned to his eating, however, ate more slowly now. The teachers then also helped themselves to the remaining pastries. After some time passed Ozpin spoke again.
"I have a proposition...."
Jaune raised an eyebrow at Ozpins words. "What do you mean?"
"Well this whole ordeal has negatively affected your grades. And there's no doubt that it will take some time for the attention on you to die down. So, I would like to send you on a mission as a way to spend some time away from all this chaos. You said you were unsure of your future plans. So see this as a time of reflection as well. When you return you can decide whether or not you want to continue your studies at Beacon academy. Should you choose to leave, I can arrange employment in Vale since I doubt you would be able to return home after your family disowned you. It's the least I could do after not being able to intervene sooner."
"Thanks professor, but wouldn't a mission be dangerous? Especially considering my lack of skill. Plus I don't exactly have a weapon. And what about my classes? Wouldn't I be falling even further behind on my work. I mean my grades are already pretty bad anyways."
"Not to worry, Mr. Ar-Jaune. The mission is in an area with minimal Grimm and there are a number of hunters in that area ensuring it remains so. And you won't have to worry about Grimm since you will be investigating the ruins that have been excavated 2 months ago. Hunters have already cleared out the place so there should be no issues whatsoever."
Jaune breathed a sigh of relief, "Okay, that doesn't sound too bad. But what exactly do you want me to do there? I mean what exactly am I going to be looking for?"
"Information of any kind really. We have done some minor investigations but couldn't find anything useful yet. Artefacts, scrolls, tomes and anything that might give us information on the people that stayed there or what they might have done there. There are strangely no signs of them having lived there for the past few decades, apart from the documents that led us to the ruins in the first place. It's like they simply packed up and left. Like they disappeared. Any info of what might have happened to them would be appreciated. For the moment however, I would like Glynda to escort you to your current living courters since you are no longer a part of team JNPR. There are solo hunter rooms that should accommodate all your needs."
'Oh yeah, not part of a team anymore. Strangely enough no matter what .... I Feel nothing', thought Jaune as he recalled not being in a team anymore.
Ozpin spoke up again. "She'll also help you pack and move your things into your new room. Once everything has been moved, take some time to prepare yourself for the mission. You will be spending 7 days at the excavation site. Return to my office at noon and we can make further arrangements for the mission. Any questions?"
Jaune shook his head 'no'. "Very well, then I will see you at noon."
They made their way towards the office doors but were stopped right before exiting by Ozpin's last words. "And, Jaune...? Remember that you can come to the staff about any issue and we will be more than happy to assist in any way we can. You're not alone in your struggles, we're here for you. Don't hesitate to reach out, for anything."
Jaune let the words sink in for a moment before responding. "Thanks, Professor Ozpin...for everything."
Ozpin nodded and they made their way out the office.
It was Saturday, so there were no classes. This made Jaune fear the likelihood of seeing his friends at their room. He didn't want to face them at the moment. Glynda was accompanying him, so perhaps he wouldn't have to worry about that so much.
When he arrived it was around 9am, but the room was strangely empty. He figured Nora was probably desperate for pancakes and dragged Ren along with her. Pyrrha most likely joined them. Maybe they were just all having breakfast now. Either that or they went to Vale with team RWBY or something.
'Whatever. As long as I don't have to deal with them today.'
He quickly packed all his things. His wardrobe was pretty minimalistic considering his fashion sense and also the fact that he technically ran away from home to join Beacon. The only other things included toiletries, stationary and any other menial things that he owned. Once he was sure that he had everything he hesitated.
He was leaving the room that he shared with his ex-teammates. He wouldn't be able to return ever again. It was starting to sink in very uncomfortably. He wasn't sure what the future held. He wasn't sure what his next move would be.
Glynda placed a hand on his shoulder causing him to pause in his thoughts. "Don't think too much about it all. I'm sure everything will work out. Just have some faith.". She spoke with a light smile.
Jaune was quite surprised by Glynda's behaviour over the past several hours. She wasn't her usual strict enforcing self. Perhaps she didn't want him to feel worse after everything that happened. Or maybe she actually did care dearly about her students, just like Ozpin said.
He nodded and they left the room.
They made their way to a different section of the dorms. They soon came to a room that Glynda opened.
It revealed a much smaller room than his ex-team's one. A single bed, dresser and desk. A small closet. An even smaller bathroom. Well small might have been exaggerating it a bit. After all, it was just going to be him in the room.
'Well that's if I decide to stay at Beacon.'
"I'll give you some time to yourself while you unpack your things. Your scroll has been programmed to access the room. Be sure to pack whatever you need for the mission and to freshen up before you see Ozpin later."
"Thanks, Miss Goodwitch. I really appreciate everything you've done for me."
"Like Ozpin said: we're here for you. Don't hesitate to contact me if you need anything. I'll see you later."
Glynda exited the room and Jaune immediately plopped on the bed. He let out a huff of breath. It was all so chaotic. But he needed to make sure not to think too much about it. It would only make things worse.
So, for now he decided to just focus on making preparations for this weird mission that Ozpin was sending him on.
After he showered and unpacked all his stuff into his new room, he then proceeded to pack a weeks' worth of camping-type supplies and clothing that he figured he might need for the mission.
Checking his scroll, he found a message from Ozpin. He said that a bullhead was on route to pick him up after their final briefing at noon.
Without further thoughts, he put on his armour and grabbed his things. Exiting the room, he made his way to the headmaster's office.
Beacon hallways with team PNR
"Maybe Jaune came to grab his things when we were having breakfast.", Ren suggested.
"I was kinda hoping to at least say goodbye.", said Nora. She still felt bad about everything that happened.
"Hey if we don't see him, we can still send him a text, right?". Pyrrha put on a forced smile, but deep down she wasn't really eager to see Jaune. She preferred closing the chapter and moving on. Right now, they needed to focus on moving forward. Regrets and ill-feelings would only hold them back as huntsmen-in-training. They had their studies to worry about.
They turned a corner only to see a familiar mop of blonde hair walking in front of them. He was carrying some bags and was walking away from them. He hadn't noticed them since he was facing the other direction.
"Jaune...?", Nora almost whispered the name but Jaune stopped. He didn't turn around but remained frozen in place.
"We...we just wanted to say our farewells and wish you well for the future, Jaune...". Even Pyrrha's words didn't make him budge. He seemed to be shaking slightly and his fists were clenched tightly on the straps of his rucksack.
"We also wanted to say sorry for the way things turned out.". Pyrrha lowered her head but continued to speak. "We did what we felt was best for everyone. We just wanted what was best for you."
Jaune recalled the similar excuse that his father gave for not training him. Those words echo in his head 'We just wanted what was best for you' over and over
The image of his father and Pyrrha overlapping one another
"We understand if you don't want to speak to us. But we still just wanted to say goodbye.", Nora spoke the words very softly. It seemed the entire experience dulled her usual bubbly personality.
"Irrespective of anything, we wish you well Jaune. I hope things turn out well for you. Let's go guys.". Ren spoke as respectfully as he could manage. It was difficult but he needed to make sure everyone moved on from the experience.
"Bye, Jaune. I know you'll manage.", said Pyrrha.
"Bye, Jaune-Jaune.", Nora spoke up next before they walked away from Jaune.
A couple minutes passed with Jaune still just standing alone in the hallway. He wasn't ready to face them or talk to them. After all the terrible things he went through he just never wanted to speak to anyone at Beacon. Everyone had laughed at him. Everyone turned their backs on him.
Breathing heavily and a small headache one thought pass through his head 'Forget them there aren't real friends'
After a while he controlled his breathing. Taking deep breathes he settled down and refocused.
'Just do Ozpin's weird mission and move on. You'll never have to see them ever again....'
He took one more deep breath to settle himself and made his way to Ozpin's office. Unknown to him the change in his eyes
Ozpin's office
"You'll find all the information we currently have on the site in this folder.". Ozpin handed Jaune a folder with a few documents and pictures in it. The folder was pretty thin, which just showed how little info they had on the site.
"Dr. Oobleck will meet you at the site and brief you on the excavations there. He is the head huntsman of the entire operation. I've asked that Glynda provide you with one of the spare training weapons during the mission since you currently don't have one. It should suffice in case you face anything dangerous. Otherwise we will also be giving you an emergency beacon which will alert us if you are in any kind of serious danger. We have also arranged for food rations to be provided. They have already been loaded onto the bullhead. Any questions?"
Jaune pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "Very well. Good luck, Jaune."
Jaune walking out the office as he left Ozpin called Miss Goodwitch "Miss Goodwitch tell Dr.Oobleck to keep an eye on him" 'I wonder if found his semblance'