Chapter 2

* Clang * * Clang *

"No sweetie, don't swing the spear, thrust with it."

In the ample backyard of the Arc Residence Jason Arc was teaching his eldest daughter how to fight.

The estate itself was large; a single building that rose three stories high not counting the basement. In terms of size some might even call it a small mansion. Yet, rather than show off excessive wealth and luxury the building was built like a family home. It was a colossal family home capable of housing just under a dozen but it was a family home nonetheless. Being located a small ways away from the village of Aurum, the residence was afforded ample grounds as well. Before the house was a sprawling front lawn and an equally large back lawn led the way into the nearby forest.

Today the Arc family was taking advantage of this space and the beautiful weather to get a bit of sun. In the center of the yard a thirteen-year-old Jeanne was trying to learn the basics of her new weapon. Beside her with a worried look on his face Jason was trying to stop her from hurting herself. On the right side of the yard Julie was tending to her small vegetable garden. Near her and playing in the grass sat Violet and Lavender. The two youngest Arc children were aged three and four respectively. On the left the remaining Arc sisters were attempting to play soccer with a semi deflated beach ball. Lastly, sitting on the back porch observing all this sat a five-year-old Jaune.

"You're gripping it too close to the front again. Here, let me show you."

As his father began what would no doubt be another lengthy demonstration, Jaune shifted his attention slightly to the left. There, leaning against the porch railing, sat Corcea Mors. The Arc family weapon was painted gold and white. Both the sword and the shield stood at just over three feet tall.

With all the stumbling grace of a young child Jaune made his way towards the pair. To his five-year-old self the blade seemed almost like a greatsword. It was heavy too. Very heavy. Yet Jaune still did his best to lift it.

Now, most five-year-olds would have no idea how to hold a sword, let alone swing one. But Jaune was not most five-year-olds. He was born with memories. Memories of a different life in a different world. Jaune struggled to remember Seigmeyer's lessons. He placed his right hand on the grip while his left went on the base of the blade. His hold secured, he proceeded to try a few shaky swings. Jaune may have known how to use the sword but his body was certainly not fit to do so. He was just in the midst of a series of slashes when he was suddenly interrupted.

"Jaune! What are you doing!"

The boy in question looked back just in time to have the blade snatched from his hand.

"I told you not to get near any weapons. It's dangerous. Did you get hurt?" Jason continued; his voice now more worried than angry.

"No, dad. I'm fine. I know what I'm doing."

"No, you don't. Look your hand is bleeding."

At that Jaune looked down, quite surprised to find a dark red line on his left palm. He'd never even felt the cut. More importantly, that wasn't supposed to happen. Sure, Jaune wasn't wearing gauntlets but swords weren't supposed to be razor sharp. They were sharp enough to cut through flesh when swung, yes, but any sharper and they'd chip too easily. Yet the blade on Corcea Mors was sharp enough to cut on a simple grip.

Jaune was knocked out of his thoughts by his father again. Jason set the sword down on the porch before grabbing his son's arm.

"Don't ever, ever, do that again. Now let's get you inside and patched up."

"Attention. Now approaching Vale Central Station. All passengers are asked to collect their luggage before arrival."

The robotic voice of the announcer woke Jaune from his slumber. He had been dreaming and in their typical fashion his dreams had taken the form of memories. Recalling that particular afternoon brought him only sadness and anger.

Jaune took a look at his surroundings. He was seated in a small four seat compartment empty expect for himself. The trip from Aurum to Vale took a day and a half by train and not wanting to spend the extra lien for a sleeper bunk Jaune had elected to sleep in his seat. Now trying to shake his sore neck Jaune was starting to regret that choice.

Jaune looked down at the sword resting by his bag on the opposite seat. Corcea Mors, the same sword he'd tried to wield all those years ago. The Arc family weapon looked just as regal now as it did back then.

Jaune had stolen that weapon.

Part of him felt ashamed at his actions. He was a knight of Astora. He had linked the first flame. Even now he was an aspiring huntsman. Jaune Arc was not some petty thief; he had honour and integrity.

The other part of him felt only anger. His father had personally trained his three eldest sisters. He had bought them their own weapons and spent months instructing them in their use. Two of his sisters had even gone to Beacon to become huntswomen. And yet his father had absolutely refused to do the same for him. He was forbidden from training and prohibited from attending Beacon; all without giving him a reason.

No, Jaune would not regret his actions. His father could try to stop him but he would not be denied his future. On that his mind was set.

Jaune sighed. He may not regret his actions but he knew he was not in a very good spot. He was a seventeen-year-old runaway with only vague plans to enrol in a prestigious huntsman academy. Jaune missed his claymore. He missed his armour. Above all he missed his pyromancy. He had to admit the collapsible shield was nice though.

Jaune was shaken out of his thoughts as the train finally crossed the city walls.

Vale was enormous; even larger than Anor Londo. There had to be at least a million people living here with buildings sprawled out as far as the eye could see. And yet for all its size Vale was not intimidating.

Anor Londo was intimidating. The City of the Gods was built to flaunt the might of the deities. Everywhere he went Jaune found himself in the shadow of an overbearing gothic facade or a giant glaring statue. He didn't need the host of demons and knights out for his head to make him feel unwelcome there.

In contrast Vale was quite welcoming. Instead of building high the city was built wide. While Vale did not lack in large buildings, they were much more inviting than the oppressive constructs of Lordran. The city also sported some rather curious architecture. Instead of domineering futuristic constructs Vale displayed a pleasant mix of both classical and modern designs. Some of its smaller buildings wouldn't look out of place in Astora or Vinheim. Rather than the narrow streets Jaune had come to expect of cities, Vale's avenues were broad and flanked on both sides by quaint homes and welcoming shop faces. From his position by the train window it seemed as if these streets were bustling with people too. All in all, the city looked quite pleasant.

"Attention. Now stopping at Vale Central Station. All passengers are asked to exit the train."

As the train pulled into the station Jaune grabbed his sword and his carry-on and headed for the exit. He was already liking Vale more than any place in his old world.

Vale was crowded. Very crowded. Of all the novelties the city offered, this was what ended up surprising Jaune the most.

The teenager was currently walking down one of downtown Vale's central boulevards. The street was reserved for pedestrian traffic yet was still packed shoulder to shoulder with people. The sight put Jaune in awe. The only time he'd seen this many people together was with armies in battle. The scene before him was nothing like that. It was chaotic but at the same time flowed in an orderly manner. There were hundreds of people with just as many places to be but the traffic never stopped or slowed. Jaune rather liked the experience.

Soon the boy spotted his own destination up ahead: Beacon's Vale office.

Jaune had arrived in Vale late that morning. The first thing he'd done was find himself a place to stay until the semester started. Jaune didn't have too much money on him; only his personal savings that amounted to barely a couple thousand lien. Still after a bit of wandering he'd found a suitable middle-class hotel in one of the city's quieter districts. The inn was small and out-of-the-way but it was well maintained and even served a nice lunch. More importantly it was cheep enough that he could afford to stay there for a couple weeks.

Now all he had to do was enroll at Beacon.

Jaune walked tentatively into the building. As soon as the door shut behind him it muffled the sounds of the busy central street. Beacon's Vale office was actually rather small as most of the school's business was conducted on campus. The office served only as a physical liaison of sorts between the academy and the nearby city. It was also quite empty. The only other person Jaune could see was a short plumb brunette behind the reception desk.

"Hi, can I help you with anything dear?" the woman spoke as Jaune approached the desk. Her voice was impossibly sickly sweet and she had a wide unmoving grin affixed to her face.

"Hello and yes I'd like to enroll at Beacon."

"Well you're cutting it a bit close sweetie. We stop taking applications this Friday" she replied in that same unchanging tone of voice. Jaune was beginning to think this was her natural way of speaking as odd as it was. "Still I'm going to need your ID and credentials."

"Credentials?" Jaune spoke uncertainly.

"Yes of course honey. Either proof of graduation from a combat school or a commendation by a licenced huntsman."

That was a bit of a problem. Jaune didn't have any of those. Perhaps he should have researched Beacon's application process before he left home but then again that day hadn't exactly been his best. Still, he wasn't done yet.

"I don't have credentials. I trained myself. Is there some other way to prove myself to Beacon?"

"No there isn't pumpkins. You need the credentials if you want to apply."

Now Jaune was getting rather worried. He knew he was skilled enough to enrol at beacon. As arrogant as that sounded he was most likely more skilled in arms than any of its students. He only needed a way to show this.

"Perhaps I could provide a demonstration? Or maybe take a test?"

"Sorry dearie. I don't make the rules. No credentials; no application."

Jaune had expected that answer but it was still unwelcome. He was beginning to feel quite frustrated. He needed to go to Beacon. There had to be some way he could apply? He refused to believe he would be stopped here at the application desk because he didn't have the credentials. He was a knight. The worth of a knight was not based on mere paperwork.

"Is there some way I could apply for an exception?"

"Well you'd have to get in contact with the Deputy Headmistress. But just between you and me dearie that won't ever happen."

Jaune's frustration was quickly beginning to turn to anger. This was unfair. Who was this woman to deny him the chance to go to Beacon? He doubted she could even lift a sword let alone swing one. No, this was all his father's fault. All this because his father had insisted that he not become a huntsman. Now he was once again denied the chance to prove himself. What would he do now? He couldn't go back home like this. He had run away to go to Beacon and he would certainly not face his father empty handed and in shame. He doubted he would be allowed to take on huntsman missions without a licence. Jaune absolutely needed a way into Beacon.

Jaune was about to open his mouth and let his displeasure be known but he paused with his mouth half open. Jaune took a deep breath. He needed to hold back his anger. The woman was right on one point; this was not her fault. She could not do anything to help him and it would be useless to take out his anger here. He needed to leave and find a place to cool down. Later he would need to contact this Deputy Headmistress.

And so Jaune closed his mouth and walked out of the office.

That evening found Jaune meandering aimlessly through the streets of Vale.

Exploring had always been a favorite hobby of his. As a child once more he'd greatly enjoyed wandering through the woods around Aurum. Even as far back as his journey through Lordran, Jaune had made it a point to seek out every long-forgotten nook and cranny. It was a practice that had made him quite rich despite the constant danger.

Jaune found that exploring a city was very different from exploring in the wilderness. For one it was peaceful. Jaune was not averse to the thrill of potential combat but there was something soothing about taking in the sights without a care for his safety. It was a feeling he simply couldn't get in hollow-infested Lordran or the grim-infested woods around his home. Walking through Vale was actually quite relaxing.

For another Jaune was never alone. No matter where he went Jaune could always see or at least hear the ever-present ever-moving citizens of Vale. Yet for all these people Jaune might have well been invisible. Even with his sword and shield strapped to his belt he rarely got more than a passing glance from any passerby. It was quite an odd feeling really.

And yet Jaune found he simply could not enjoy his walk through the city. It wasn't Vale that was the problem; the city was impressive from afar and even more beautiful up close. Rather Jaune could not stop thinking about the day's events. For all intents and purposes he was stuck. Yes he could apply for an exception to the admission requirements but he'd been all but guaranteed that wouldn't work. It seemed as through his already poor luck had entirely run dry.

Jaune looked up, disturbed.

He could see the last remnants of the sunset make way to the night sky. It was a beautiful sight but it wasn't what had caught his attention. Rather that was the overly loud music. At least his sisters would call it music before they made fun of his 'old' and 'outdated' tastes. To him the noise was more closely related to the siren used in the Duke's Archives to agitate the Pisacas. Jaune could clearly make out a throbbing repetitive bass line overlaid by some high-pitched incomprehensible-but-vaguely-rhyming lyrics. It was the type of 'music' that often made him wish his former home had thicker walls and doors.

The sound in question originated from a nightclub across the road; the giant flashing neon sign identifying the place as 'Junior's'. Jaune was about to keep moving when he thought better of it. The club would almost certainly have some sort of alcohol on hand. Perhaps a glass or two accompanied by a mind-numbingly loud distraction would be enough to make him forget his troubles for the night? It wasn't like he knew of any other bar in the city.

Walking in, Jaune found himself in a large room. The club itself was only lit by sporadic flashing spotlights and strobes. Most of these were white but Jaune spotted some blue, green, and pink there as well. Most of the clubgoers were on the dancefloor though a few more had taken spots at tables placed around the room or were leaning against the walls.

At the back of the club Jaune found his target: the bar. The bar was surprisingly empty for such a busy place. Jaune could see only two others seated there; likely identical twins by their appearance. They had taken up spots by the corner and were sipping on a pair of colourful drinks. The bartender himself was a tall man. Near seven feet if Jaune's eye was correct. He was wearing a black vest over a white shirt with a plain red tie. He had short black hair and a well-groomed beard and seemed to be silently observing the club's patrons. This, Jaune assumed, was Junior.

Jaune took a seat at the bar before addressing the man.

"I'd like a glass of whiskey please."

The bartender paused and looked at him with a critical eye.

"You look a little young to be drinking boy."

Oh, that was right. Vale had laws against serving alcohol to minors. Still, the bartender hadn't yet denied him his drink. This wasn't the best part of town and something in the man's voice told him that Junior wasn't unfamiliar with the other side of the law. Jaune decided to take a shot.

"I have lien. You have drinks. I'd like a glass of whiskey please."

At this the bartender raised an eyebrow. He looked at Jaune for a second before turning around. Then a moment latter he came back with a glass in his hand. At least Jaune had this going for him.

The teenager took the offered glass to his lips and downed half of it at once. Then he bit back a cough. Damn this whiskey was strong. Jaune was certainly not a lightweight or at least he used to be able to drink substantially. He didn't know if it was due to his younger body or if this was just a stronger brew but that drink was more potent than any he'd had before. Jaune did however manage to keep it down, albeit with a muffled cough. He decided he would take it a bit slower with the rest of his glass.

Jaune didn't know how long he spent at the club. It could have been merely fifteen minutes or a few hours. Jaune spent that time in quiet solitude. Well, as quiet and solitary as you can get in a busy nightclub. The drinks didn't help nearly as much as he'd hoped but the buzz of alcohol was certainly welcome. Jaune was finally interrupted when Junior came back.

"So what brings you here kid?"

Jaune looked up at the man. It seemed like he wanted to chat.

"What is it to you?"

"Just curious. It's not everyday I see a kid at my club drinking like he's having a midlife crisis."

Jaune looked the bartender and pondered his question. It wouldn't hurt to talk to the man. Perhaps it could actually help. What was that phrase? Bartender therapy?

"I … failed to get into Beacon."

"That's rough kid. They do have some pretty high standards."

Jaune sighed.

"I couldn't even apply. I don't have the 'credentials' so they won't even consider me."

Junior looked at the teenager curiously. He opened his mouth to reply but just then the two were interrupted by a third. This new arrival was a young girl; likely the same age as Jaune and slightly shorter than him as well. She had lilac eyes and long flowing blond hair that reached all the way to the small of her back. The girl wore an all-too-revealing yellow shirt covered by a brown jacket and complemented by impossibly short black pants. She confidently walked up to the bar and took a seat next to Jaune before addressing Junior.

"Strawberry sunrise no ice. Oh, and one of those little umbrellas."

Once again Junior looked like he was about to speak up; either to chastise her on her blatant interruption or to once again point out that minors should not be consuming alcohol. Then he thought better of it and went off to prepare the drink.

As for Jaune, he just sat there confused. How would one serve a drink with an umbrella? Why would a drink need an umbrella? Jaune was still trying to make sense of this when Junior returned with the order. Sure enough perched on the rim of the glass was a small yellow parasol made of toothpicks and paper. The girl must have caught him staring because she turned to face him.

"Well watcha looking at?" her tone was clearly teasing.

"The umbrella. It seems pointless."

His reply must have flabbergasted the girl as she sat there gaping at him for a few seconds. Then she burst out laughing. And kept laughing.

"Not bad. Not bad" she spoke again once her chuckles had died down "But I'm here on business."

Then she reached out and grabbed Junior by his collar.

The bartended had been standing idle behind the bar likely waiting to resume his conversation with Jaune. He was caught completely unawares as the girl grasped the base of his tie with an iron fist. Jaune too was caught by surprise. He could do nothing as the girl pulled the bartended nearly over the counter.

"He's going to help me find someone."

Junior was left sputtering and coughing. The girl's hold on him was clearly painful yet he couldn't seem to free himself. Jaune sighed. He really hadn't expected to get into a barfight; not at a place like this. Still it couldn't be helped.

"I'd suggest you let him go" Jaune addressed the girl "He's the one who brings me my drinks."

The girl looked at him then smiled.

"Sure I will. Right after he tells me where I can find her."

At those words she pulled out her scroll with her other hand and flicked it open to reveal some kind of image. Jaune assumed it was of the woman she wanted to find but from his angle he couldn't make anything out. Jaune could however see the rest of the club. A collection of men dressed in identical black and white suits were quickly making their way towards the bar. Bouncers maybe? But there were quite a few of them?

"I have no idea who that is" Junior managed to choke out still caught in the girl's hold.

"That's not good enough" her voice was mocking; almost singsong.

"Even if I did *Cough* you've got something else coming"

And indeed it seemed as though there was something else coming. At least a dozen of the suit-clad men had formed a semicircle around the girl. Most of them carried some kind of small hatchet with a few sporting pistols as well. It was an odd choice of weapons but Jaune wasn't about to comment.

At the same time the twins from earlier were approaching as well. The two had gotten up from their place at the corner of the bar and were making their way through the crowd of men. If the men sported unusual weaponry the girls almost made Jaune laugh out loud. They both wore some form of extremely tacky dress complete with tall heeled boots. One seemed to be themed in red and black while the other wore blue and white. The one in red seemed to sport some kind of claws while the one in blue had no identifiable weapons on her. Jaune was sure they would end up tripping over their own feet before contributing to the coming fight.

At this point it seemed as though the girl had noticed the attention she had gathered. To her credit she didn't look afraid at the prospect of fighting so many foes. If anything, she actually seemed excited.

Then in a surprising show of strength the girl lifted Junior over the counter and with both hands threw him at his men. Jaune could only sit there in surprise as the three-hundred-pound man went careening head over heels across the floor.

Getting over his shock Jaune looked back to the girl just in time to see the pair of bracelets she wore morph into some kind of strange gauntlets. Then the girl turned towards him and Jaune could see her smiling as she pulled back for a punch.

The teenager's instincts screamed at him to avoid the coming blow. Jaune didn't know what those gauntlets were but they were no doubt some kind of weapon. As it was he was barely able to unfold his shield before he took the blow.

* BANG *

The force of the punch sent Jaune stumbling backwards. Shotguns. Those gauntlets doubled as shotguns. After regaining his footing Jaune looked back to the fight. It was no exaggeration to say the suit-clad men were being absolutely demolished. It took at most a single punch from the girl to send them to the floor. In just a few seconds half of their number had fallen and the other half didn't seem so eager to try their luck.

Surprisingly the twins seemed to fair much better. The pair were darting around the girl in yellow with amazing speed occasionally closing in for a few blows. The one in red predictably attacked with her claws while the one in blue seemed to prefer kicks. Wait were those bladed heels? Whatever they were the twins were still incapable of landing a solid blow. The girl in yellow was currently content to keep them at bay with the occasional punch and shotgun blast. The duo was fast enough to avoid the projectiles but all it would take was one hit.

Jaune took the time to look over his opponent's style. She was strong, that was for sure. She certainly didn't lack in offense and what her fists lacked in range she made up for with the shotguns. Still for all her power she didn't seem to have any defensive potential. Alone that wasn't necessarily a problem but while the twins made up for such a lack of defense with their speed the girl seemed almost planted on the ground.

Content with his analysis Jaune decided to get back into the fight. With his sword in his right hand and his shield in front of him he charged at his opponent. The girl noticed him of course but she seemed content to let him approach her. If he wasn't mistaken she even flashed him a smile. When Jaune was only a few feet away she pulled back her right fist and slammed another punch into his shield.

* BANG *

This time however Jaune was ready for the blow. While the punch did halt his momentum he wasn't forced back. Instead he took another step forward before slamming the cross guard of his sword into the girl's gut.

The move staggered the girl though not as much as Jaune would have liked. He tried to follow up but was forced to hunker down behind his shield as she fired off a few more shotgun blasts. Yet while he was forced back on the defensive the twins had found their second wind. The pair leapt forwards one of either side of him and used the opportunity to push the girl back. As for Jaune as soon as the girl had stopped firing at him he had taken the opportunity for another charge.

The teenager was halfway to his opponent when it happened. The girl in blue had leapt at the one in yellow clearly intent on bringing her heels to bear. Instead she found a hand firmly grasping her ankle before she was thrown at her twin. The twin in red was caught by surprise and was unable to dodge her sister before they both went down in a heap on the floor.

Now with only one enemy left the girl turned on Jaune. Like before she met his charge with a punch; the resulting sound echoing throughout the room. This time however instead of bringing his sword to bear Jaune swung his shield. The girl tried to block the blow but it was futile. She took the heavy metal instrument to the face and went stumbling backwards.

Unfortunately for Jaune that move left his defenses wide open. At the same time as he swung his shield the girl had swung her left hand it an attempt to hit his stomach. Of course Jaune had seen the blow and moved out of the way accordingly. Yet while he managed to dodge the incoming fist he did not take into account the following shotgun blast.

* BANG *

Jaune hissed at the sudden influx of pain. Luckily it was only a glancing shot. If it wasn't he'd have a gaping hole in his gut. As it was his wound was minor and wouldn't prevent him from fighting. In the end it was his pride that took a real blow there; he really should have expected that.

In the time it took Jaune to compose himself the girl had done so as well. Yet as Jaune raised his shield up his opponent took a step back in horror.

"Wait you're bleeding."

Jaune fought the urge to roll his eyes. Of course he was bleeding. That tended to happen when people got shot. She was the one to shoot him.

"I'm sorry! I didn't know! Are you okay?" her voice was panicked now.

As for Jaune he was simply confused. This was a barfight. A barfight she had started. Sure it was unlikely anyone would die but hurting people was generally the point. Was this some sort of trick to lure him off guard?

Even as Jaune watched his opponent she took a few steps back and surveyed the room. Jaune took the opportunity to glance around as well. The club was truly destroyed. Tables and chairs were overturned likely by fleeing clubgoers. Most of the suit-clad men lay sprawled on the floor with the rest having backed up to the walls. Junior was gone. Jaune hadn't been paying attention to the bartender but he had apparently fled sometime during the fighting. As for the twins they were just now getting themselves untangled and upright but both seemed quite weakened.

"I … really need to get going. Heh heh …" this was the girl in yellow again sounding almost sheepish.

As soon as she finished talking the girl turned tail and bolted for the main door. The remaining suit-clad men scattered before her not even trying to slow her down. Jaune didn't try either; she was far too fast for him to catch anyways. Instead Jaune was left standing in the middle of the room completely confused as to what had just happened. In just a few seconds the girl was already gone plunging the club into an awkward silence.

"That's it girl! It's over now!"

Junior crashed through one of the doors leading to the back rooms. The man bore a manic grin on his face and massive rocket launcher on his shoulder and was sweeping it across the room. It took him a moment to realize his target was no longer there.

As the big man launched into a stream of curses Jaune took the time to inspect his wound. It wasn't much; the few pellets that had managed to find his flesh had only grazed him. The wound was bleeding but not profusely. Still his shirt was ruined. Jaune sighed. It wasn't like he had many of those to spare.

"Kid you're hurt!"

That was Junior. The bartender had apparently stopped his cursing to walk up to Jaune. He was flanked by the twins and all three of them looked at him with worried looks.

"It was just a glancing blow. It's nothing."

The three still looked worried at least the gave him some space now.

"Still thanks for the help back there. You're not half bad."

"It was nothing. I'm sorry about your club."

At this Junior's look soured. He took a moment to glance around the room before looking back at Jaune.

"Nothing for you to worry about kid. That's between me and her now. I got a first aid kit in the back. It may not be much but let's get you patched up."

Jaune shrugged and followed the bartender as he and the twins moved towards the back. The quartet was halfway to the door when Junior looked back at Jaune.

"Say kid, you said you wanted to get into Beacon?"