*STASHING!*

In a dark void, a flash of golden light is seen, as Jaune's Sword is seen stabbed into the ground before us... In the reflection of the sword we see Jaune standing there, a look of deep depression around him, his face hidden as he stared at the ground...

*FWOO-SLASHING!!!!*

Appearing next to Crocea Mors, in a blinding flash of Golden Light was the brilliant and beautiful sword that Jaune failed to draw in his family's cave... In the reflection of that blade, Joanna was seen, the Ancestor Turned standing there with her arms crossed and a disappointed aura around her...

The reflections of the swords disappeared for a moment, as they suddenly changed...

Joanna's disappointed aura became much more hopeful, while Jaune appeared younger, simply wearing his normal hoodie with no armor or shield in sight, a depressed aura around him gone... as slowly, everything around us went black.

"I always wonder... almost every day... what would my life have been like... if I was just a little more selfish... if... I went to see that movie..."

"I hope we all get a big catch today."

"Yeah, me too!"

The Shattered Moon and stars were seen shining in the sky. We see a sign atop a small shack-like building that reads "Krill Issue", as the voices of several happy, somewhat Elderly men are heard. Meanwhile, Inside of the building, a Young boy was seen marching forwards, carrying two heavy boxes, a familiar sound in their voice as they trudged forwards one step at a time.

Lady: "HRNG!!!"

A female voice was heard, causing the familiar boy to perk up, only to reveal a blonde haired woman in boating gear, struggling to pick up what looked to be a generator.

"Cimarron, I've got that, you go help the customers."

Lady: "Heh, Don't you've already got enough right there dingus?"

"I can handle it."

Lady: "Alright, Don't hurt yourself."

The woman said as she backed off from the generator, allowing the familiar boy to plant the boxes he was already carrying ontop of it, going though the box on top as the woman addressed her customers, all of which were dressed in fishing gear.

Lady: "Sorry for the Delay guy! We'll have everything ready in a sec!"

Man 1: "We know where to find the boat, we'll just head on down there by ourselves."

Lady: "Don't fall into the water! I don't wanna have to fish one of you losers out again!"

The woman said, causing the men to laugh as they walked off. The woman opened a small carrying box before turning towards the familiar boy.

Lady: "Lugworms!"

"Comin at ya."

Lady: "Tackle Box!"

"Over the shoulder."

The two said as the boy threw small boxes to the woman, she easily caught the boxes before placing them in the carrying case, before grabbing a fishing rod off the wall.

Lady: "Now, to the boat! Double time!"

"Right behind ya."

The woman raced out of the building, case and fishing rod in hand, as the boy closed the top box he was just going through. He walked infront of the Generator with the two boxes ontop of it, grabbing them from behind his back and easily lifting the 3 large objects off the ground with a bit of struggle.

The boy raced down the docks, the night still fresh, as he placed the boxes of items and Generators on a fishing boat with a very familiar family symbol on the back.

*VRRRRRBBLBLBLBLBL!!!*

The boat's engine roared to life as the boy was seen at the back of it, pushing the large boat forwards as it began sailing out of the docks and into the Vale's Ocean. As the fishing boat sailed off, The familiar boy waved the group off.

"SEEYA LATER! HAVE A GOOD ONE!!!"

The boy called out, before he began whipping his face off with his sleeve. Pulling his arm away, his face was revealed with a smile as he let out a happy sigh.

Jaune: "...... Shit today's a school day..."

In a calm part of Vale's City, A small school was seen, Although it wasn't all that special at all, not a combat school, but just a normal forgettable educational prison.

Inside of a classroom, the students, all wearing simple black uniforms, were seen hanging around talking to eachother... although, the odd one out of this equation was our favorite blonde boy, who was seen sitting at his desk packing his notepad.

Glasses Boy: "Hey! Who wants to go see the new racing flick with me? I managed to score 4 tickets."

Faunus Guy: "I'm In!"

Gal: "Hey, count me in too!"

Glasses Boy: "Alright, that's 2 out of 4 now, who else is game?

Dark Haired Girl: "I'm up for it."

Glasses boy: "Great! We just need one more taker, anyone?"

The boy asked as Jaune was seen still packing up his stuff, quickly grabbing the attention of his classmates.

Gal: "Hey Jaune, why don't you come check it out with us?"

Jaune: "Agk!"

Jaune sounded in a bit of shock, nearly dropping his things as he turned back towards the other students.

Jaune: "Huh? You want me to come along? You sure?"

Jaune asked in confusion, tilting his head a bit.

Glasses Boy: "Don't be shy man! Come on!"

Gal: "It's a new semester so nobody really knows eachother. It'll be fun!"

Jaune: "Haven't really thought of it that way. Well then, I Guess I-"

Jaune began with a smile, only to quickly cut himself off.

Jaune thoughts: "Crap! There's a reservation for night fishing tonight... I nearly forgot..."

Glasses Girl: "You'll Guess youuuu?"

Jaune: "I... Gotta pass, sorry. You see, We have a fishing boat business, and my Sister's there alone, so I really need to help out tonight."

Gal: "Really? That's too bad."

Jaune: "Thanks anyway, maybe next time."

Jaune said with a smile as the girl got up with her group as they quickly left the classroom, revealing that D'Arc was now alone in the empty classroom. Jaune went back to packing his stuff and grabbed his bag, but as he went to the door to leave the classroom...

Faunus Guy in background: "Yeah, he turned me down the other day too. Maybe he's just stuck up?"

Glasses Girl in background: "I don't think that's it. Y'know, the other day I saw some tough looking guys harassing him."

Faunus Guy on background: "I'd believe it! He looks like an easy target!"

Laughing was heard as Jaune was seen standing infront of the door, his hand about to grab the doorknob... only to stop as it fell at his side... a saddened look on the boy's face.

"You know..."

Jaune was seen walking through the Countryside of Vale, right on the near outskirts of the city. His uniform's jacket and school bag hung over his shoulder as he walked forwards. Floating at his side, Joanna was seen.

Joanna: "You could have gone with those 4."

Jaune grew a somewhat annoyed expression as Joanna appeared, before he let out a sigh.

Jaune: "It was nice of them to invite me. But, just like I said before, Cimarron needs my help at the shop. Her fishing business is the only reason I'm able to go to school in the heart of the kingdom in the first place. If it wasn't for her we'd be back home in that stupid small town with that stupid name "Maison Du Roi". I've at least got a chance of doing something here."

Joanna: "A man can owe a debt and still have his freedom. A Slave is bound by a Debt had not gained."

Jaune: "Sorry, I don't speak Ancient."

Joanna: "Even a Monk, a man of selflessness can more than afford his fair share of Selfishness, thus say the Mother Goddess!"

Jaune: "What was that? I don't understand proverbs!"

Jaune said, actively ignoring his ancestor's advice as he placed his hands behind his head and marched forwards... until...

"Yo! Jaune!"

A voice called out, causing Jaune to perk up in confusion as he turned around... only for his eyes to immediately widen in shock. As 3 larger boys, 2 of them in the same uniform as Jaune, were seen marching towards him, all of them quite rough in appearance, holding the stereotypical Delinquent aura around them. The main one leading them, not wearing a school uniform at all, being the most well built and biggest of the trio, with a cocky look on his face.

"Hey-Hey! Arc-Boy! Heh!"

The man said, his cocky look turning sinister causing Jaune to flinch.

🛟O-Oh! Hey Ulixes!🛟

Jaune said fearfully, causing Joanna to groan at the sight of the man, as Jaune awkwardly laughed and began stepping off of the dirt pathway he was once walking down.

Jaune: "After you guys, please."

Ulixes and his goons continued walking, passing Jaune as he simply laughed awkwardly.

Joanna: "Tch... To think you bow to them."

Jaune: "Shut up! And I don't bow to them!"

Jaune whispered to his ancestor angrily, only to freeze in fear as immediately after that, Ulixes and his goons stopped walking.

Ulixes: "UGH, Man, something stinks doesn't it?"

The man asked, causing Jaune to relax a bit as his goons began sniffing the air.

Goon 1: "Yeah, something does stink "

Jaune: "Huh? Think so?"

Jaune asked, looking around in confusion... until-

*SPLASH!!!!*

*GRIP!*

Suddenly, Ulixes reached his hand out infront of himself, summoning a whirlpool of water right infront of him as he shoved his hand through, only for another whirlpool to appeared right infront of Jaune's face, as Ulixes hand came out of the second whirlpool and grabbed right onto Jaune's face. D'Arc panicked, as he was suddenly dragged through a watery gateway, being pulled out right infront of Ulixes, gasping for air from the sudden water surrounding his entirety... bbbuuuttt....

*BBBLLLAAAMMM!!!!*

Jaune: "KAAAAHAHAAAAHHH!!!"

As soon as Jaune gasped for breath as he exited the whirlpool portal, he was immediately slammed in the stomach with a Knee from Ulixes, winding the boy even more.

Ulixes: "Yeah! It's you! You stink like damn Earthworms! HYEHAHAHAHAAA!!"

Ulixes insulted as he held Jaune up by his collar, with a sinister smile on his face. Summoning a large whirlpool portal infront of himself, Ulixes reeled Jaune back before pushing him through, causing D'Arc to rush through the liquid portal once again, before he came out the other side, his back slamming against concrete, causing Jaune to cough, unexpected going through the Pure Liquid Portal lacking any breathable air. Before the rest of Ulixes and his gang walked through the portal, it closed behind them as the bully pinned him to the wall of the underside of a Bridge.

Ulixes: "Are you stupid Arc-Boy? You work with those Damn Earthworms everyday so you reek just like 'em!"

Jaune: "Ulixes! H-Hold on! You see, we've gotta use Bait on our fishing boat, so... Th-There's kinda nothing I can do?"

Ulixes: "Tch, I'm fed up with you. Whenever you show up at school the whole place starts smelling like Earthworms! I CAN'T FREAKIN STAND THAT DAMN SMELL!"

Ulixes roared, causing Jaune to look away from the stronger boy.

Jaune: "Well they aren't actually Earthworms, they're Lugworms..."

Ulixes: "GRRRR!!!"

*BLAM! SMACK! BASH!*

Ulixes: "WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE!? EARTHWORMS! LUGWORMS! WHO CARES!? HUH!? HUH!? NOBODY WORM BOY!!!"

Ulixes was seen punching Jaune over and over again, an angered look on the taller boy's face as he beat D'Arc down, quickly bruising and bloody-ing the boy's face, The blonde not being able to defend against the assault. Jaune was then thrown to the ground and kicked in the stomach by Ulixes, causing the boy to fall onto the ground fully as the bully glared down at him.

Joanna: "Jaun-"

Jaune thoughts: "No!"

Jaune cut his ancestor off as he was seen struggling to get back on all fours.

Jaune thoughts: "I don't need your help! I can handle this myse-"

*BLAM!*

Jaune: "KAH!!"

*THUD!*

Jaune was kicked once again, much harder than before as he was sent into the air a bit before crashing back onto the ground, as the trio of bullies laughed at him, Jaune's nose bleeding heavily as he struggled in pain.

Ulixes: "Well if you stink this much from that funky fishing boat... Then that Sister of yours Must REALLY REEK!"

Jaune's eyes shot open at this, the boy clenching his fist in the first as he quickly struggled back onto all fours. Using the wall of the bridge to help himself to his feet, Jaune glared at Ulixes with intensity, his nose and mouth bleeding.

Jaune: "Grrrr!... Bastard..."

Jaune growled, causing Ulixes to gain an amused expression.

Ulixes: "Oh? Is Arc-Boy finally gonna fight back? HEYAHAHA! Now this is fun! Come on! Show me what you're made of? I'll even let you have a free shot."

Ulixes said, turning his cheek and patting it with two of his fingers, a cocky smile still on the man's face as Jaune glared with intensity. With fist clenched so tight it hurt, Jaune ran at Ulixes with his fist reeled back, focused on the man ready to knock his lights o-

*SPLASH!*

🛟GOTCHA DUMBASS!!!🛟

*BBBLLLAAAMMM!!!!*

*THUD!*

As Jaune rushed forwards, a whirlpool portal appeared next to the boy as Ulixes fist came out, slamming Jaune in the face and rocketing him to the ground, a ringing sound radiating in the boy's ears as he crashed down onto the dirt, Ulixes seen laughing but unable to be heard by D'Arc... Jaune's vision was somewhat blurry, but the sight of a panicked Joanna was seen, her voice calling out her Descendant's name quietly echoing in his mind.

Suddenly, Jaune felt himself rising up... but he wasn't standing on his own... it was confusing in his stunned mind... but he thinks he could put together 2 and 2, realizing he was about to get punched aga-

🛟*SSSPPPLLLAAASSSHHH!!!*🛟

Jaune: "MMMMMPPPPPHHHHH!!!!?!?!?!?!?"

Suddenly, Jaune was shocked out of his stunned state as a mass of water splashed onto his face... problem was... the water didn't stop... he felt as though his entire face was submerged in a rapidly spinning riptide.

It was quickly revealed that Ulixes was holding Jaune up by the back of his head, summoning a Whirlpool portal in the air with no exit as he pushed Jaune's head inside of it. A near demonic smile on the man's face as the Blonde boy's arms and legs moved around in obvious panic trying to grab onto something and pull himself out of the water he found himself in, only to find nothing but air.

At this point, Ulixes goons were seen watching the scene with fear in their eyes.

Goon 1: "U-Ulixes... I-Isn't this a bit too far!"

Ulixes: "Huh?

Goon 2: "Yo-You could kill him, Dude!"

Ulixes stared at the two with no expression for a moment before his sinister smile appeared.

Ulixes: "Guess that gets rid of our Earthworm stink problem, huh?"

Goon 2: "THIS ISN'T A JOKE MAN!"

Goon 1: "Seriously! Cut it out, that's enough!"

The two yelled, causing Ulixes to glare at the two with intensity, causing a look of fear to appear on their faces.

Ulixes: "Hmph! You really wanna try and tell me what I can and can't do? How about I put the two of you through a Wash Instead!? HUH!? I'll gladly stop right now if the two of you wanna take his place!"

The two Goons were shocked by this... as fear immediately overtook them... the two went silent as they struggled to watch the scene before them, causing Ulixes to smirk.

Ulixes: "That's what I thought. Lessers should know their damn place! And that lesson is what I'm teaching Arc-Boy here."

Meanwhile, Inside of the whirlpool portal, Jaune struggled to just to keep himself conscious, as the water splashed around him with rapid speed.

"JAUNE!"

Joanna's voice was heard, but she wasn't seen in the depths of the twisting water.

"THIS IS DANGEROUS! NOW ISN'T THE TIME TO PROVE YOUR INDEPENDENCE! LET ME HELP YOU! LET ME TAKE CONTROL!"

Jaune thoughts: "........"

"Jaune?... JAUNE!?"

Jaune thoughts: ".... No.... It... It'll be over sooner... if I just... tough it out..."

.
..
...
....
.....
......
.......
........

"I always wonder... almost every day... what would my life have been like... if I was just a little more selfish... if... I went to see that movie..."

........
.......
......
.....
....
...
..
.

*GRIP!*

*SPLASH!!!*

Jaune: "*COUGH! COUGH-COUGH-COUGH!!!* Haaaa! Haaa!"

Suddenly Jaune was pulled out of the Aquatic portal as he fell onto his hands and knees once again, quickly coughing up water and gasping for air. A hand was felt slapping Jaune on the back as he coughed.

???: "Ah man, They really did some major Damage on you, huh?"

Looking up for moment, Jaune was shocked to see Ulixes on the ground.

*FWOOO-STASHING!!!*

A giant black and red rectangular sword then stabbed into the ground next to Jaune, as a brand new figure was seen standing up, revealing their form.

???: "But if you ask me..."

🍢These punks just don't look that strong... Like at all.🍢

The man said as Ulixes glared, getting back onto his feet.

Ulixes: "And just who the hell're you!?"

???: "Don't go showing off to me kid."

Ulixes: "WHAT!?"

The bully yelled as the unknown man picked up the Injured blonde boy, carefully sitting him against the Bridge's wall. Jaune watched the man as he stood back up, placing his hands in his pocket lazily. All the while Ulixes glared at the man with intensity.

Ulixes: "Who's the one showin off!?!? LET'S GET THIS GUY!!!"

Ulixes and his goons charged at the unknown man, getting ready to attack, but the man simply stood there with a bored expression on his face.

Ulixes: "GRRAH!!"

*FWOOSH!!!*

???: "...."

As Ulixes threw a punch at the man, suddenly in a blink of an eye, the two seemingly swapped places. Then, the two Goons attacked, only for the same oddness to happen to them as they swapped places with the man as one by one, they all fell to the ground, seemingly immensely disoriented, The sight causing Jaune's eyes to widen in awe.

???: "Man, what're you guys doin? I get that teenagers can be assholes, but doesn't drowning seem like a bit much?"

Ulixes: "So you're quick. Alright! But don't get a swollen head over it!"

*SPLASH!!!*

*BBBLLLAAAMMM!!!*

Ulixes: "GAAHAHH!!"

Everyone's eyes went wide, Ulixes summoned a whirlpool portal and went to punch the man in the face with it, only... When Ulixes punched through the portal, suddenly he was standing where the man was, the two swapping places again, as Ulixes quite literally punched himself in the face.

???: "I gotta say, that's a nice Semblance you've got there."

The man said with a smile, before he pulled his hands out of his pockets causing Everyone's eyes to widen even more. As the man pulled out the wallets of Ulixes and his goons with a smile.

???: "Gotta say tho, I think I like mine a lot better."

Goon 1: "W-What the hell?"

Goon 2: "Who is this guy?! L-Let's get out of here!"

Ulixes: "......"

Ulixes was silent as he glared at the man, before he and his goons ran off in a panic... Jaune watched the man with a mass of Awe as he held the 3 wallets in his hand... until...

???: "Aaannnddd-"

The man tossed the 3 wallets into the air, only for them to disappear in the blink of an eye, in their place, 3 suit buttons that the man caught out of the air.

???: "Heh, you're allowed to have a swollen head when you know you can back it up."

The man said with a smirk as he placed the buttons back into his pocket. Suddenly, from Jaune's point of view, his vision began to grow blurry and dark... Causing the man to perk up and panic a bit, when suddenly, just like that. Everything went black.

.
..
...
....
.....
......
.......
........

*FFFWWWWOOOOO-*

🍢BBBBBBBLLLLLLLLAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!🍢

Jaune: "WAH!"

Jaune was seen jumping up in shock, suddenly awakening from his unconscious state... as something fell to the ground next to him... only to reveal a lifting weight... The blonde boy then looked around, only for his eyes to widen at the sight around him.

Jaune found that he was no longer under the bridge like he once remembered, but now sat in what looked like a large gym, although it was much more than that. Looking around you could see people training in a mass of different ways in the large building-like room, some people punching sand bags, some people testing out different high tech combo weapons, shooting them in another room with a large window for others to watch, and there was even an outside like area were you could see Training Dummies as some people were seen using their weapons against them. The room was one large gathering of Strong Men and Women, human and Faunus alike, some similar in age to Jaune himself, and others older aswell. In one corner of the room, a large arena-like ring was seen as two people wielding their own weapons were seen sparring against eachother with a mass of speed and power. Jaune watched everything in a mass of awe, stars appearing in his eyes at everything around him. A man who was seen training before, stopped once he noticed Jaune.

Training Guy 1: "Hey! Big Guy, the kid's awake."

The man said causing Jaune to turn, following his Gaze, only to see-

🍢BBBBBBBLLLLLLLLAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!🍢

The unknown man from before punching a heavy sandbag, sending it rocking backwards with a mass of power. The man perked up, as he stopped the back from hitting him before he turned towards and began approaching the newly awoken Jaune.

???: "Hey, you alright there Kid?"

Jaune: "Uh-"

Jaune quickly patted himself down, quickly noticing that the injuries on his face had been bandaged up.

Jaune: "Yeah, I think so... Where am I?"

???: "Signal Academy."

Jaune: "The Hunter's School!?"

???: "So you've heard of it. Yeah, I work here and we've got pretty good first aid, so I dragged you here when you passed out."

The man said before Jaune perked up again, realizing how exactly his face did get bandaged before he quickly stood and bowed to the man a few times.

Jaune: "Th-Thank you! Thank you very much for your help sir!"

???: "Gods! Cut that out! No need to be so damn formal. Sides, I barely did anything anyway."

Jaune: "Huh?"

???: "By the time I got you here your wounds were basically already healed. I just patched up the worst looking parts. Hell, you can probably take all of those bandages off already."

Jaune: "Oh yeah, my mom did say I always heal really fast..."

???: "Anyway, you're all bandaged and awake now, so just run home."

The man began, a somewhat angered look growing on his face.

Jaune: "Huh?"

???: "I Seriously hate the bullies in town who prey and pick on the weak."

The man began before he sent a small glare at Jaune.

???: "But what really bothers me are people like you who just let it happen and don't fight back."

Jaune: "......."

⟪Flash⟫

Ulixes: "WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE!? EARTHWORMS! LUGWORMS! WHO CARES!? HUH!? HUH!? NOBODY WORM BOY!!!"

*BLAM! BASH! SMACK!*

Joanna: "Jaun-"

Jaune thoughts: "No!"

Jaune cut his ancestor off as he was seen struggling to get back on all fours.

Jaune thoughts: "I don't need your help! I can handle this myse-"

*BLAM!*

Jaune: "KAH!!"

Ulixes: "Well if you stink this much from that funky fishing boat... Then that Sister of yours Must REALLY REEK!"

Jaune: "Grrrr!... Bastard..."

*SPLASH!*

🛟GOTCHA DUMBASS!!!🛟

*BBBLLLAAAMMM!!!!*

⟪Flash⟫

Jaune: "I... I tried... but-"

???: "He was better than you, then you got punked and just gave up, right?"

Jaune: "I...!"

⟪Flash⟫

🛟*SSSPPPLLLAAASSSHHH!!!*🛟

Jaune: "MMMMMPPPPPHHHHH!!!!?!?!?!?!?"

"JAUNE!"

"THIS IS DANGEROUS! NOW ISN'T THE TIME TO PROVE YOUR INDEPENDENCE! LET ME HELP YOU! LET ME TAKE CONTROL!"

Jaune thoughts: ".... No.... It... It'll be over sooner... if I just... tough it out..."

⟪Flash⟫

In a moment of Realization, Jaune grit his teeth as tears began to well up in his eyes, quickly whipping them away as he stood up, grabbing his school back and jacket which sat next to him.

Jaune: "Sorry... to have troubled you..."

Jaune said as he began walking off, head hung in shame, causing the man to growl in annoyance before he grabbed D'Arc by the collar.

???: "Hold it. *Sigh*"

Jaune stood there as the Man sat down with a sharpie and paper quickly beginning to write something.

???: "Aw man, if this whole thing is bringing you to tears, wait a minute, I'll let you do something that'll cheer you right up."

*TADA!*

The man then drew a crude picture of Ulixes and taped it onto one of the sandbags with a smile.

???: "TADA! Think of this as the Scum Sucker and punch it to pieces!"

Jaune: "That doesn't look-"

*KNEE!*

Jaune: "GAHA!"

The man then wrapped his arm around Jaune and began giving him a noogie to the chin.

??? : "I'm a Hunter not an Artist! Now just shut up and do it, it'll make ya feel better!"

Jaune: "Y-Yes sir... If you insist..."

Jaune approached the sandbag quite awkwardly, reeled back his fist and-

Jaune: "Like... This?"

*Pat...*

*KICK!*

Jaune: "ACHA!!"

???: "When you're angry you punch full blast! FULL BLAST!"

Jaune: "Right!"

Jaune said as the man backed up. The blonde boy approaches the Sandbag once again and-

Jaune: "Full Blast... Full Blast..."

*BLAM!*

Jaune punched the Sandbag again, actually doing a bit of damage this time as the bag shook a tiny bit, Jaune looking down at his fist with a smile.

???: "There we go! That's the spirit! Now look over there, he's really hurtin ain't he?"

The man said, revealing the now crumpled drawing of Ulixes, causing June to grow a cocky smile, but now a few people in the background were seen watching the two now.

???: "Alright! Try to step in harder now!"

The man stomped a bit, showing himself stepping in like he said.

Jaune: "Step in?"

???: "The moment you step in you lock it down with your hip, you also wanna twist your shoulder inwards when you punch, that oughta give ya more power!"

The man said, demonstrating the movements with his body, causing Jaune to quietly follow, before he nodded and approached the sandbag again.

Jaune: "Alright... Here we go."

Jaune said, rotating his arm a bit before he got into a fighting stance, facing the drawing of Ulixes with a serious expression. As he stared at the poorly made drawing, the image of Ulixes appeared in his mind once again... Causing Jaune's serious expression to turn into a glare.

Jaune: "GRRRRRRR!!!"

Stepping in, locking it down with his hip, twisting his shoulder and-

*SHA-KING!!!!*

Jaune: "GGGGRRRRAAAAHHHH!!!!"

*FFFWWWWOOOOO-*

🛡️BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!🛡️

A Golden White aura surrounded Jaune's fist as he punched forwards, slamming his fist into the sandbag as he immediately reduced the Paper Drawing of Ulixes to shreds, before the Sandbag was sent flying back with so much power that the back of the sandbag slammed into the ceiling.

The man, and everyone else watching the scene caused their eyes to widen in a mass of shock at this, watching the Sandbag swing back and forth as Steam radiated from where Jaune impacted.

??? Thoughts: "No way... He used Aura Armament to enhance his punch? He didn't even know how to throw one a second ago, and he was able to use a Hunter Technique that advanced?"

The man thought in shock... all the while...

Jaune: "Hrrrrgggg.... It feels... GREAT!!!"

Jaune said happily holding up his fist as he spun around with a giant smile on his face.

*splat*

But as he did... a tiny splotch of red flew through the air and hit the man's face.

Jaune: "I DID IT! I DID IT JUST LIKE YOU TOLD ME TO! DID YOU SEE IT!? DID YOU!? IT FEELS REALLY GREAT! UNBELIEVABLE! HAHAHAH-"

Jaune said with a mass of joy, only for the man to approach and grab D'Arc by the arm... only to reveal that the skin on the knuckles of Jaune's fist had ripped clean off, bleeding, shocking the man.

???: "Come here."

Jaune: "Ow! Owowowowo! Hold on!"

The man said as he dragged Jaune into an office inside of the training room, as the onlookers watched in awe.

Inside of the man's office, the man was seen wrapping up Jaune's hand in bandages as an open First Aid kit sat next to them.

Jaune: "Man, guess I never realized how solid a Sandbag is..."

???: "There, all done."

The man said as Jaune's had fully been bandaged up... when suddenly... the man glared at Jaune with suspicion... until...

*Poke*

Jaune: "Eh?"

*Po-PoPo-Poke-Poke-Poke-Poke-PoPo-Poke-Poke-*

Jaune: "H-HEY! WHAT'RE YOU DOING!?"

???: "Man, who wouldn't guess... those school uniforms hide your muscles well, with strength like that I'd confuse you for a Hunter's School Student, not some run of the mill one. SO, You play sports or something?"

Jaune: "Nope. I'm uh... more into Video Games..."

Jaune said quite awkwardly, as a mass of different RPG hud elements appeared around his head.

???: "Hah? You've gotta be shitting me..."

Jaune: "My sister also owns a fishing business, so I'm usually up early in the morning helping her..."

???: "That explains the strength a bit... That aside, you've gotta feel for punching. Why don't you give fighting a try and just flattening that Whirlpool spawning sucker?"

Jaune: "N-No way! If I pick a fight with Ulixes I'll be the one getting Flattened... he might just kill me."

???: "Never know unless you try it. No ordinary person could stay on their feet after a monster blow like that you just pulled! You could even give a Grimm a run for their money with that punch!"

Jaune: "Heh... I wish that were true... Even if I was strong enough to save myself from Ulixes that wouldn't really change much..."

Jaune said, looking down at the ground with a saddened expression, causing the man to perk up.

???: "I get it now... This isn't about that Waterbag... It's about your lot in life, huh kid?"

Jaune simply nodded at this.

Jaune: "I wanna do more with my life... I wanna be something more than just the kid who smells like Lugworms and gets picked on..."

There was silence for a moment as Jaune stared at his hands and the man stared at Jaune, before he turned towards the boy crossing his arms.

???: "Why not become a Hunter?"

Hearing this caused Jaune to perk up as the man looked down at him.

Jaune: "Huh?"

???: "Lotta people say that being a Hunter's the best thing in the world or something like that. It's full of Action and Adventure. You basically live a fairy tale. So, why don't you do that?"

Jaune: "... I Would need to go to a Combat school and-"

???: "I could teach you?"

Jaune: "Eh?"

???: "Lemme teach you the basics of Hunting. Then from there, you can go where you want with that knowledge. Apply to a Combat or Hunter's School and go all the way from there."

Jaune was shocked by this, as the man stared down at him with a serious expression.

???: "So? What do you say?"

Jaune: "I... I have to-"

⟪Flash⟫

Joanna: "You know... You could have gone with those 4."

Jaune: "It was nice of them to invite me. But, just like I said before, Cimarron needs my help at the shop. Her fishing business is the only reason I'm able to go to school in the heart of the kingdom in the first place. If it wasn't for her we'd be back home in that stupid small town with that stupid name "Maison Du Roi". I've at least got a chance of doing something here."

Joanna: "A man can owe a debt and still have his freedom. A Slave is bound by a Debt had not gained."

Jaune: "Sorry, I don't speak Ancient."

Joanna: "Even a Monk, a man of selflessness can more than afford his fair share of Selfishness, thus say the Mother Goddess!"

Jaune: "What was that? I don't understand proverbs!"

⟪Flash⟫

Jaune thoughts: "Even a Monk, a man of selflessness can more than afford his fair share of Selfishness, thus say the Mother Goddess..."

Jaune thought to himself as he looked down at his hands for a moment...

*STASHING!*

Both Jaune and the man jumped in shock, when suddenly in a flash of golden light, Crocea Mors appeared in Jaune's open hands.

The man was confused by this, but Jaune's eyes widened in a mass of shock and awe as a smile came to his face.

Jaune then looked up at the man, a new found determination extremely visible on his face as the boy smiled.

Jaune: "When do we start?"

The sun was seen shining, as the city of vale was bustling with activity, but meanwhile, on its outskirts, Rigorous Training Began!

???: "COME ON J! HURRY UP! IF I LEAVE YOU IN THE DUST THEN THAT'S EVEN MORE RUNNING!"

Jaune: "HAA! HAA! YES SIR!!!"

On the outskirts of town, Jaune was seen sporting a brand new look as his sword strapped to his back in a leather sheath as he and his trainer ran down the dirt road. The man leading the way, progressively getting faster as they got further and further down the road.

???: "HUNTER'S NEED STAMINA FOR DAYS! IF YOU'RE FACING AN ENEMY OR A HORDE OF GRIMM AND YOU GET TIRED! THEN YOU'RE DEAD! SO YOU BETTER NOT DIE KID!"

Jaune: "YES SIR! UNDERSTOOD SIR!"

???: "NOW GO DART ON THE INCLINE!"

Jaune: "GOT IT!"

The man stood atop a hill as Jaune was seen running up and down that hill over and over again, panting heavily as he did.

"Day after Day..."

Jaune: "HHHHUUUURRRGGGHHH!!!!"

Jaune was seen throwing over the edge of the land into the water nearby as his trainer waited... until...

???: "Alright! Time for some Swordsmanship!"

Jaune: "Ugh! Yes sir!"

*CLASH! CLASHING! CLANG!*

Jaune: "HHHRRRAAAHHH!!"

*CCCLLLAAANNNGGG!!!!*

The man was seen using his rectangular buster sword like a shield as Jaune attacked with his blade over and over again.

???: "Come on! Gimme Quicker Slashes!"

Jaune: "Right!"

*CLASHING!*

*BLAM!!!*

Jaune: "GAHA!"

???: "What're you doing!? You're using a Broadsword! Never give your opponent an opportunity to strike back!"

Jaune: "Understood!"

"Week after Week..."

*SHAKING!!!*

Jaune: "Woah! What's this!?"

???: "It's a Shield, Had it custom made for you at Signal."

Jaune was seen staring in awe as his signature shield was seen now in his hands, stars in his eyes as he rubbed his hands over his family symbol on the front of it.

???: "Press this button here and it becomes your sword's new sheath!"

Jaune: "AWESOME!... Wait... wouldn't it still weigh the same?"

*BLAM!*

Jaune: "GAHA!"

???: "OF COURSE IT WEIGHS THE SAME! ALL HUNTERS HAVE TO CARRY AROUND THEIR BIG ASS COMBO WEAPONS! JUST BECAUSE THEY'RE EASIER TO CARRY DOESN'T MEAN YOU HAVE TO WORK LESS! THE MORE COMPLEX THE WEAPON THE HARDER THE WORK! NOW RUN SOME LAPS WITH THAT SHIELD! GET USED TO IT BECAUSE YOU'RE CARRYING IT FROM NOW ON!"

Jaune: "Y-YES SIR!!!"

As Jaune, in every scene, right behind him, Joanna was seen watching her Descendant.

"Month after month..."

Jaune was running out of school, rushing home to change and get ready to train... but...

Goon 1: "Hey Jaune!"

Jaune: "Oh crap!"

Ulixes: "What's the rush Arc-Boy? You gotta plane to catch?"

Jaune: "Listen, Ulixes, I really need to go somewhere right away."

Ulixes: "Going somewhere, eh? Big whoop-de-do! Forget about it and come with us."

Jaune: "But... I gotta go!"

Ulixes: "You haven't been very sociable lately, how come? You Trying to make fools out of us?"

Jaune running away already: "SORRY!"

Ulixes: "YOU IDIOTS! HOW COULD YOU LET HIM GET AWAY LIKE THAT!?!?"

The boy said as he and his gang quickly began chasing after Jaune, but as soon as he turned the corner the bullies went to follow... They quickly came face to face with nothing, the goons already panting heavily.

Goon 2: "PHEW! That kid is getting faster and faster everyday!"

"I watched as you took that immense untapped potential..."

*CLANG! CLASH! CLASHING!!!!!*

Jaune: "HHHYYAAAHHH!!!"

???: "NICE NICE! COME ON! SLASH THAT SWORD LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT!"

Jaune: "UNDERSTOOD!"

"And in you hand... even that blade you condemn as Bland and Boring..."

Ulixes: "HEY! There's Arc-Boy! Let's get him!"

Goon 1 & 2: "Wha?"

Ulixes: "And the hell's wrong with you?"

Goon 2: "I'm tired of it... it's too hard, he runs so fast!"

Goon 1: "We don't wanna chase him anymore."

Ulixes: "GRAH! YOU LESSERS ARE PATHETIC!"

"Became Beautiful in the eyes of those who watched its blade being forged."

???: "GRRAAHH!!!"

*SSSLLLAAAMMM!*

Jaune: "HHYYAAHH!!!"

🛡️CCCCLLLLAAAANNNNGGGG!!!🛡️

Jaune and the man were seen sparring together, clashing their blades almost as if they were really dueling. As the man slammed his buster sword down, Jaune dodgerolled out of the way, before quickly rushing forwards, with his blade reeled back, slashing at his trainer, despite the man easily being able to block the attack, he was impressed, causing him to smile. The man raised his Sword, resting it on his shoulder.

???: "Yep, that's good... We're done."

Hearing this shocked Jaune, as he lowered his fighting stance.

Jaune: "Huh? Seriously? We usually keep going till the sun starts setting."

???: "Nah. If We kept training now, All I'd be doing is reteaching old lessons."

The man said, confusing Jaune for a moment, before his eyes widened.

Jaune: "Wait, you mean..."

The man just chuckled a bit, sheathing his sword onto his back as he placed his hands in his pockets and began walking off.

Jaune: "T-There's no way... You've really taught me everything? N-No final exam or something?"

???: "That was the final exam just now. And you passed with flying colors J."

Jaune: "But... I-"

???: "Oi."

The man suddenly held up his hand... only to reveal that he was holding Jaune's wallet, causing the blonde boy's eyes to widen as he patted himself down, only to find one of the man's buttons where his wallet used to be.

???: "I offered to train you for aslong as it took to get down to the basics. And you've excelled. You're a quick learner kid. It's almost been a year since we first met, and you were the loser getting his ass kicked. But, now you almost look like a full-fledged hunter."

Jaune: "Almost?"

???: "You're missing one thing kid."

The man said as he pulled something out of his pocket and placed it in Jaune's wallet before suddenly, Jaune's wallet and the man's button swapped places.... Jaune opened his wallet in confusion... only to look in Awe as sitting there was the man's own Hunter's License...

🍢... Arashi... Merlin...🍢

Arashi: "Once you've got one of those. Then you'll be a Real Hunter."

Jaune: "Sir..."

Arashi: "I'm leaving Vale for a long time..."

Jaune: "Huh?"

Arashi: "I've got other business in places... An old family member of mine just reappeared after going missing for a while... I was actually getting ready to leave almost a year ago... But... You were my last responsibility here."

Jaune: "....."

Arashi: "I want you to keep my Hunter's License for me... I won't really need it for a while. Once you get your own... I want us to meet again."

Arashi then turned around, fully facing Jaune with a smile.

Arashi: "And when we do, you can return it to me... and then, we can have a real sword fight! A REAL FINAL EXAM! HOW YOU LIKE THAT?!?!?"

The man yelled holding out his fist, causing Jaune to return his smile as he punched out his fist aswell.

Jaune: "Yeah! I'll become a hunter... I prove myself... to my family, to myself, AND TO YOU!"

Arashi: "That's what I like to hear!"

Jaune: "But... before you go..."

Jaune began.... Before he took a deep breath and fell onto his hands and knees bowing towards Arashi with intensity, his forehead slamming into the ground.

🛡️THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING MR. ARASHI! I'LL NEVER FORGET IT! THANK YOU!🛡️
🗡️FOR SHOWING ME WHAT IT MEANS TO BECOME STRONG!🗡️

Arashi: "..... Heh... No problem. But remember... You can always get stronger."

The man said, as he turned around once again, walking off causing Jaune to look up at him with a smile.

"I always wonder... almost every day... what would my life have been like... if I was just a little more selfish... if... I went to see that movie..."

The first of many backstory chapters.

AND I LOVE IT BABY! WHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAA!!!!!

Anyway