[-] Second chapter being edited and posted on my main account.
[-] I decided to keep the comments from the original, I will edit my responses but I will keep the reader's comments intact.
COMMENTS:
[-]alexdel29 (wattpad):
This one-shot is very good and fun to read, please turned into a story, the comedy part got me interested the most.
I can imagine the female students of all years try their best to catch John/Jaune eye to date them, the adult female staff would too try their luck as well since John/Jaune is in their age range.
[-]Avip:
Thank you for the kind words.
[-]Mengsk(fanfiction):
Yeah. He could be a super teacher. I do want to see what lessons he has for each cast member.
But you're going to need a hell of a convincing reason for how he got here. Or why Ozpin would hire the first hobo who turns up to teach class.
[-]Avip:
He-he (Author laughs sweating), of course I have everything planned…
[-]Ravell_Aqim(AO3):
I've seen a few stories take different tacks on the Rusted Knight coming backwards in time, but I like what you've got here, and think it is very promising. And I think considering Jaune's position, a bit of angst is going to be a necessary part of the mix, although one balancing that with some lighter-hearted stuff would be nice. I think a story showing the Jaune we see above - one who is mentally scarred, but isn't completely twisted by his experiences (perhaps due to some hope of changing things?), and who is still recognisably Jaune - has a lot of potential.
[-]Avip:
When I made the first drafts of the story I was scared by the amount of angst I had written, but you're right, at least the beginning needs the angst, so that later we can balance it out more with humor.
[-]MorbiIIionaire(questionablequesting):
He already messed up and called her Pyr bruh I thought he'd last longer haha.
[-]Avip:
He may be older, more experienced, and a better fighter.
But he still has a bit of Dorky Knight in him.
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[Professor Luna]
I take a sip of coffee, the bitter liquid scalds my throat, as I let out a sigh that seems to carry the weight of the day. The steam from the mug rises, distorting the view of the office ahead. Through the mugs fog, I look at Professor Ozpin, his eyes fixed on me with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
"Jaune." He begins, his voice steady and calm. "How was your first day as a substitute?"
I place the mug on the table between us, the ceramic clinks against the wood.
"It was…interesting." I reply, leaning back in the chair. The leather creaks under my weight, a sound that seems to echo the fatigue in my bones.
Ozpin raises an eyebrow, waiting for me to elaborate. I can see the questions forming in his mind, the wheels are turning as he tries to decipher my cryptic answer.
"The students are surprised by Goodwitch's absence." I continue to choose my words carefully. "But they seem to have accepted me as a replacement."
A slight smile appears at the corners of Ozpin's mouth.
"I'm glad the students are comfortable with your presence." The teacher says, giving a serene smile. "But I admit I'm more interested in how you're feeling now that you saw your 'old friends'."
Ozpin's words hang in the air, heavy with unspoken implications. Their weight falls on my shoulders, a familiar burden I have carried for years. I take a deep breath, the smell of old books and polished wood fills my nostrils, and meet his gaze.
"It is complicated." I begin, my voice steady despite the inner turmoil. "Seeing them again, after everything that happened..." I suddenly stop talking, I can't find the words to describe my feelings.
The professor leans forward, his eyes never leaving mine.
"It is clear that it will not be a simple matter." The teacher says, taking a sip from his mug. "But talking about the subject can help ease your pain."
I sigh tiredly, but I decide to open up.
"It's good and bad at the same time." I finally say. "On the one hand, it's a chance to see my old friends, to guide them better than I could before. But on the other…it's a constant reminder of my mistakes and what is lost."
Ozpin nods, his expression thoughtful.
"Loss is part of life, Jaune. It shapes us, makes us stronger. But it also leaves scars."
I look at my hands, the knuckles scarred and calloused from years of battle.
"You are right." I murmur. "But it's not just the loss. It's the responsibility. The weight of knowing their future is in my hands now."
Ozpin leans back in his chair, fingers intertwined in front of him.
"You already made a difference-."
DING!
The professor is cut off by the private elevator door that opens with a soft touch, revealing a figure that runs out with a burst of energy.
I stand up, but before I can register who it is, arms wrap me in a tight hug.
"Jaune!" Shouts an excited female voice.
I look down and see a head full of vibrant brunette hair pressed against my chest. Amber Sunstone, the Fall Maiden, clings to me.
I hesitate for a moment, then hug her back, feeling a mixture of surprise and joy.
"Amber." I say, relieved that she is in a good mood. "It's good to see you."
When I rescued her from Cinder's attack she was depressed. Being stuck in Beacon at the time didn't help her morale at all, but she is better off sad and alive than free and dead.
"I heard you were back, but I couldn't believe it until I saw you with my own eyes." Her gaze sweeps over me, taking in every detail. "Weren't you on a mission with Qrow and Glynda?"
I swallow hard, the memory of our operation to capture the traitor, Leonardo Lionheart, surfaces in my mind. The faunus had already become a spy for Salem, but with the help of Qrow and Professor Goodwitch, we manage to capture him without creating any commotion.
Now Lionheart is 'retired' and Professor Goodwitch is acting as headmistress of Haven Academy, to keep it running and keep an eye on Cinder.
"Jaune?" Amber's voice breaks through the haze of memories, her eyes searching mine with concern. "Are you well?"
I force a smile, pushing the memories back into the back of my mind.
"Yes, just… remembering some old battles."
Ozpin coughs into his hand, catching our attention.
"Amber, have you finished your training for today?"
Amber crosses her arms, her expression turning from joy to irritation.
"No, not yet."
"You know that mastering your powers is essential to your survival."
"I know that." She replies tiredly. "But If I have any problem Jaune is here to save me."
"He is not at your disposal, Miss Sunstone." Ozpin says in a serious tone. "He is currently working as John Luna for Beacon Academy."
"John Luna?"
"I changed my name because of… the other 'me'." I respond by intruding on their conversation. "I know John isn't that different from Jaune, but if someone in the know calls me by my old name by accident, they can use it as an excuse that they just pronounce it wrong without raising suspicion."
"That's…stupidly genius." Amber comments a little confused.
I can't help but end up laughing at her honest comment.
Ozpin watches us, a faint smile playing on his lips, but his eyes hold a depth of concern that I know all too well.
"Well, Amber." I say, gently disentangling myself from his embrace. "I'm happy to see you, but I have some preparations to make. I have a special training session today."
Amber's smile fades a little, but she nods, understanding in her eyes.
"Of course, Jaune-. I mean, Professor Luna." She corrects herself, laughing. "And who is the victim of this special training?"
Smiling, I reply to her.
"Myself."
[Yang Xiao Long]
I disinterestedly poke at the food that I have on my plate. The clatter of cutlery and the hum of conversation around me seem distant, muffled by the thick silence that has settled in my head.
Ruby's voice cuts through the fog, soft and cautious.
"Yang, you have been picking at your food for the last ten minutes. Are you ok?"
I look up, forcing a smile that feels fragile onto my lips.
"I'm just not that hungry, I guess." I lie, hoping she will give up. But Ruby isn't one to back down easily, a trait I usually admire, but now, it is just inconvenient.
She raises an eyebrow, studying me with an intensity that makes me squirm.
"Not hungry, you?" She repeats her disbelief at my statement. "Since when do you refuse a meal? Especially a steak that size."
I shrug, trying to pretend it is nothing.
"Everyone has bad days, I guess?" I stab the piece of meat with more force than necessary, avoiding her gaze.
Ruby looks at me with one eyebrow still raised, without buying my excuse.
"Yang, we both know that's not true. You're not just 'not hungry'. Something is bothering you."
I sigh, placing my fork down with a clatter.
"It's nothing, really. Just… the fight with the teacher today." I admit sheepishly, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Oh." Blake nods on the other side, understanding dawning in her eyes. "Are you upset because he wins?"
"No, that's not it." I shake my head, frustrated. "I mean, yes, it hurts a little that I lose, but it's more than that. He was holding back and beated me like I was a little kid on the first day of prep school."
Ruby and Blake look at each other, considering my words. My sister already seems to have understood what is bothering me, after all Ruby knows me very well, Blake is still confused.
"And that bothers you that much?" Blake asks.
"Of course it bothers me!" I exclaim, frustrated. "No one has ever fought me without taking me seriously."
"Father and Uncle Qrow never take you seriously in a fight." Ruby says with a cheek smile.
"Rrrrrrrr!" I grumble frustrated at the truthful comment.
I push my plate away, the food barely touched. Ruby and Blake exchange worried looks again, but it is Weiss who speaks, her voice cutting through the tension like a knife.
"You know, Yang." She says, wiping her mouth with a napkin. "I think you're looking at this the wrong way."
I raise an eyebrow, turning to face her. Weiss sits with her back straight, her hands folded neatly in her lap. His eyes meet mine with a steady gaze, without a hint of her usual disdain in sight.
"What do you mean by that?" I ask, my voice harsher than I intend.
Weiss doesn't waver. Instead, she leans forward, her expression serious.
"Professor Luna is clearly a skilled fighter. He not only understands the theory behind our training, but also has the practical skills to back it up. That's a rare combination."
I scoff, crossing my arms.
"So what? Should I just be happy when he defeats me?"
Weiss shakes her head, her voice softening.
"No, that's not what I'm saying. But think about it, Yang. We are here to learn, to improve. Having a teacher who can challenge us, who can show us where we need to grow, that's invaluable."
I look in surprise towards Weiss, the always critical, the always demanding, princess of perfection is… satisfied?
"Are you serious?" I say, more of a statement than a question.
Weiss nods.
"Absolutely. I have had tutors and instructors my entire life, and very few of them are able to balance theory and practice the way Professor Luna does. It's refreshing to see a professional of his caliber at Beacon and not another… Port."
"I guess I haven't thought of it that way." I admit, my voice softer now.
Weiss smiles, nodding in approval.
"It's a chance for us to grow, Yang. To strengthen ourselves. And isn't that what we're all here for?"
"And it also helps that he's a hunk of a DILF, perfect for a girl like Weiss's with tons of daddy issues." Blake says, smiling mischievously.
"What!?" Shouts the horrified heiress.
I can't help but end up laughing at Blakes comment.
[Jaune Arc]
I stand up quickly, my heart beating like a drum. The scroll screen casts a bright glow in the dark dormitory. I pick up the device, squinting at the message from the unknown sender.
{I know your secret and if you want to stay in Beacon, meet me alone in the combat room.}
A shiver runs down my spine. My thumb hovers over the reply button, but another message appears.
{Now!}
I look at my roommates, their sleeping faces and the sound of Nora's snoring calms me down a little. Getting out of bed, I grab my jacket and tiptoe to the door.
I walk through the dimly lit hallways of Beacon Academy, my footsteps echoing on the cold stone floor. The silence is deafening, each step a reminder of the weight I carry. The message burns in my mind, a constant reminder that my secret is out.
"I'm a fraud, and someone knows it." I whisper, shaking.
The door to the combat room looms ahead, a silent sentinel waiting to pass judgment. I stop, my hand hovers over the doorknob. The metal is cool to the touch, a stark contrast to the heat of my nerves. I take a deep breath, preparing myself for what lies beyond.
When I open the door, the room is bathed in a soft glow from the overhead lights. In the middle of the room is a figure in black armor that is unknown to me.
[Image]
"Good." The figure says, his voice low and serious. "You show up."
I nod, my throat dry.
"Who are you? What do you want from me?"
The figure approaches, walking slowly; despite being dressed in heavy black armor, his steps are silent.
"I know your secret, Jaune Arc." He sounds familiar.
"And you're going to report me?" I ask, fearing the worst.
"No." He takes his hand to the helmet that hides his face. "I will help you," says the now helmetless figure.
"P-Professor Luna?" I stutter. "I like the new armor," I say, trying to lighten the mood.
I stand there, frozen, as Professor Luna's stern gaze passes through me.
"You cheated your way into Beacon, Jaune." He says, his voice as cold as it is melancholy. "You took an opportunity that could have gone to someone who really deserves it. Someone who worked hard, who trained, who was ready."
I feel a lump form in my throat, a mix of shame and regret choking me. I know that he is right, of course, but hearing it from someone else puts more weight on my conscience. I look down at my feet, unable to meet his eyes.
"Do you think you can just walk in here with forged documents and become a huntsman?" He continues, his voice rising. "Beacon is no joke, Jaune. It is a place to forge huntsmen and huntresses. Not for cowards and liars."
Every word hurts, a harsh reminder of my mistake. I came to Beacon with the best intentions, wanting to make a difference, to be a hero. But now, under his scrutiny, I feel anything but.
"I am really sorry." I whisper, my voice barely audible. "I just wanted to help. To honor my family's legacy."
Professor Luna sighs, his expression softening a little.
"I know you do, Jaune. But good intentions don't make up for bad actions."
I feel a tear slide down my cheek, a hot trail of shame. I was so naive, so foolish. I thoughtI could just blend in, learn, become a real Huntsman.
"But." He says, his voice calmer now. "It is too late to change what has been done. You passed the initiation, and expelling you now would only cause more harm than good."
I look at him, a glimmer of hope shining in my chest.
"What do you mean?"
"Your team will be without a leader and we would have to find another student to complete JNPR." He says, his eyes steady and determined. "And that's why I'm going to train you, so that you deserve the opportunity you stole. I will make you someone worthy of Beacon."
I look at him, a mix of fear and excitement coursing through my body.
That's what I want, isn't it? Become a real huntsman, make a difference. But now, under his watchful eye, I know it won't be easy. I know I will work harder than ever.
"I took the liberty of taking your sword from your locker before coming here." Says the teacher, tossing Crocea Mors to me. "Attack me with everything you have, not with the intention of scoring points or draining my Aura, come with the intention of killing me."
I swallow hard, facing the teacher with my legs shaking a little.
"B-b-but professor, that wouldn't be." I try to speak but I am cut off.
"Listen here Jaune!" He says, pointing his black steel sword towards me. "I don't have time to justify every step of your training, do as I say or go back home like the liar that everyone will know you are."
I let out a horrified sigh; the thought of being humiliated and losing my friends is worse than any kind of training this teacher can put me through.
"Okay, Professor Luna." I say, my voice shaking a little. "I will do whatever it takes to prove that I belong here."
The teacher nods, strangely he seems relieved with my choice with a proud smile on his lips.
"Excellent. So let's get started." He says, taking a defensive stance with his sword. "Attack me with all your strength."
[Professor Luna]
As he is a younger version of me, I already know he has no training, but I still need to get an idea of where he is compared to the other students. With that in mind, I do the first day of training with him focused on a fight against me, him attacking me seriously while I stay on the defensive and using only counter attacks so I can evaluate his performance.
"You can rest now, Jaune." I speak only for the boy to fall to the floor, panting.
His limits are very low. His resistance is pathetic, his movements slow, his blows are strong but lack coordination and technique to connect them correctly. I sigh, disappointment settling in my chest once again. This will be a long and difficult road.
'The worst part is that even though I want to help him, in the end I'm a hypocrite.' I think silently, evaluating the young man. 'Because he is me.'
I approach the young man, my expression serious, my voice firm.
"You're going to have to train three times harder than any other student at Beacon, Jaune."
His eyes widen, a mix of shock and determination flickering across his face.
"What?" He questions with his mouth agape. "Are you serious?"
I kneel down next to him, with my gaze steady I begin to explain.
"Because you're starting from scratch. You have the heart, but you lack the technique, the stamina and the experience. Your colleagues have been training for years. You need to bridge that gap, and it won't be easy."
Jaune props himself up on his elbows, his breath coming in ragged gasps.
"But… how can I do that? I'm already suffering just trying to keep up with them."
I nod, understanding his concern.
"I know it's scary. But remember, every great hero starts somewhere. You have potential, Jaune. You just have to be willing to put in the effort."
He looks at me, his eyes filled with a mixture of fear and determination.
"What if I don't make it? What if I fail?"
"Failure is part of the journey, Jaune. It's how you learn and grow." I say, trying to cheer the boy up. "You only need to do one thing to achieve your goals."
Jaune's eyes widened, staring at me, waiting to hear the secret that it's going to make him better.
"Don't give up." I say seriously, looking at the young man. "If you fail, try again, if you fall, get up, if the sword slips from your hand, pick it up and hold on tighter."
The young man, still tired and breathing heavily, stands up without breaking eye contact as I keep speaking:.
"If you never give up, you will always have a chance to improve."
Jaune's breathing slowly steadies as he stands before me, his eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and determination. The training hall is silent; the only sounds are the distant hum of the gym and the occasional echo of our movements.
"Thank you, Professor Luna." He says, his voice still a little breathless. "For keeping my secret."
I nod, a small smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.
"It's not just about keeping secrets, Jaune. It's about giving you the chance to grow."
He looks at his hands, flexing his fingers as if imagining the weight of a weapon.
"I know I have a long way to go, but I'm willing to put in the effort. I don't want to disappoint anyone."
"That's the spirit." I reply, approaching. "Now go to sleep; as soon as you get to your dorm I will have sent you a training schedule; there will be a lot of running and a lot of working out."
"Hmmmm." Jaune replies, groaning in fear.
[Pyrrha Nikos]
I am lying down when I hear the sound of the door opening. I get up to see who it is, when I come across Jaune limping in.
"Jaune?" I speak, keeping my voice low.
When he turns to me, he tries to hide a pained grimace. His hair is wet with sweat, his uniform is dirty, his body is sweaty and he is breathing heavily. Something is wrong.
"Hey, Pyrrha." He replies, forcing a smile.
"What happened to you?" I ask worriedly. "Are you hurt?"
He sighs, running a hand through his hair.
"Just... some late training with Professor Luna."
I look at him with a raised eyebrow.
"Training? Or getting beaten up by him?"
He tries to laugh, but he feels a stab of pain in his side.
"A little of both, maybe." He sits on the bed, carefully touching his ribbs.
I get closer, becoming more and more worried about him.
"Let me see."
He hesitates before lifting his shirt. An ugly bruise is forming along his ribs. I frown, kneeling down to examine him.
"This isn't just training, Jaune. What really happens?"
He looks away, embarrassed.
"The teacher fought with me for an hour; we only took short breaks to catch our breath. At the time I hadn't even noticed this injury, but now that my body has cooled down everything started to hurt."
I sigh, standing up.
"That's not right Jaune; a teacher can't treat a student like that, much less at such a weird time."
He looks down, tugging at a loose thread on his bedspread.
"It's okay Pyrrha, I promise."
I sit down next to him, nudging his shoulder with mine.
"I want to help you, Jaune." I murmur melancholy.
He smiles, this time genuinely as he sighs tiredly.
Jaune swallows hard and looks with his blue eyes at me.
"Pyrrha, I have something to tell you."
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E ai gurizada,
[-]I hope you enjoyed the chapter.