Chapter 19: Town Defence


It was now the next day after the Dance and today was the day where teams get to do a job along with a assigned Huntsman, Everyone had their luggage at the end of the amphitheater and grouped up together, facing forwards to the stage as Glynda stood there and was prepared to commence the start of the assembly. 

Glynda: Quiet! Quiet please. Professor Ozpin would like to share a few words before we begin.

Ozpin: Today we stand together, united. Mistral. Atlas. Vacuo. Vale. The four Kingdoms of Remnant. On this day, nearly eighty years ago, the largest war in recorded history came to an end. It was a war of ignorance, of greed, and of oppression. A war that was about much more than where borders fell or who traded with whom, but about the very idea of individualism itself. We fought for countless reasons, one of which being the destruction of all forms of art and self-expression. And as you are well aware, that was something many could not stand for. As a result, those who opposed this tyranny began naming their children after one of the core aspects of art itself: color. It was their way to demonstrate that not only would they refuse to tolerate this oppression, but neither were the generations to come. And it was a trend that is held to this very day. We encourage individuality, expressionism, and unity through diversity. As I have said, today we stand together, united. But this bond cannot exist without effort. Which is why today, while the rest of the world celebrates peace, Huntsmen and Huntresses will work to uphold it. As first year students, you will be tasked with shadowing a professional Huntsman or Huntress on a mission. Some of you may be taken out of the Kingdom for several days. Others may work within the walls for the rest of the week. But no matter which path you choose, remember to be safe, remember your training, and remember to do your very best.

Ozpin steps away as the students all begin to file out of the amphitheater.

Nora: Awesome! Where should we head to then?!

She was very excited by her expression and her fast pace hopping on the spot as Jaune and his team stood before a board displaying various mission options, each tailored to the year of the team and involving different objectives and locations. As Jaune considered their choices, a tap on his shoulder caught his attention, and he turned to see Ren.

Ren: Jaune, is it alright if we do this one?

Ren pointed past Jaune's shoulder at a specific job on the list. It was a mission for first-year students involving heading out of the kingdom to help defend a village for about a week under the supervision of the village chieftain.

Jaune contemplated the suggestion, his eyes scanning the details of the mission.

Jaune: Village protection, huh? Why not.

He smiled and nodded, showing his approval for Ren's idea. Ren expressed his gratitude, and Jaune proceeded to sign up their team for the mission. With the mission selected and their duties fulfilled, Team JNPR was now free to enjoy their time until their departure for the village defense mission, which was scheduled to begin in two days.

With their mission selected and a few days of free time on their hands, Jaune addressed his team with an enthusiastic grin.

Jaune: Well, team, let's do what we want for the next few days before we head off!

Nora's excitement was evident as she nodded vigorously, eager to make the most of their free time. Pyrrha smiled warmly, while Ren and Nora went off to pursue their chosen activities.

Pyrrha, however, had other plans in mind and proposed some training to Jaune, reminding him of the upcoming tournament.

Pyrrha: Want to train, Jaune? The tournament is coming up, after all.

Jaune considered her offer for a moment but eventually declined, explaining that he had promised to join Todo in practice.

Jaune: Maybe later on, but I promised Todo that I would join him in practice.

Pyrrha felt a pang of disappointment but quickly reassured Jaune with a nod and a pat on the shoulder.

Pyrrha: I'll wait, then. Enjoy and be careful, Jaune.

With those parting words, Pyrrha made her exit, leaving Jaune to seek out Todo for their training session. It seemed like each member of Team JNPR had their own plans for the days leading up to their mission, making the most of their free time in their own way.

While on his way to find Todo, Jaune unexpectedly encountered Team RWBY, who were heading towards the docks. He greeted them with a warm smile and inquired about the mission they were embarking on. They explained that they were off to undertake a mission with Professor Oobleck in the mountains of Mount Glenn.

Jaune chimed in with a friendly suggestion.

Jaune: I suggest calling him Doc or Doctor Oobleck. It'll put you all on his good side.

He rubbed the back of his head with a nervous smile, offering a small piece of advice to his friends. After a brief exchange of words and well-wishes, Team RWBY continued on their way, and Jaune wished them luck on their mission.

With that, Jaune resumed his search for Todo, leaving the docks behind as he looked forward to their upcoming training session.

.

.

.

The previous day had been filled with rigorous training for Jaune. He had dedicated his time to sessions with Todo and Pyrrha, pushing himself to his limits. While he had nearly defeated Pyrrha during their training, the fatigue from his earlier session with Todo had weakened him, leading to his eventual loss. However, the intense training had left him feeling accomplished and prepared.

As the new day dawned, Jaune received a call from Ruby, but after answering, there was no response on the other end. He couldn't help but worry, though he tried to convince himself that Ruby had simply dropped her scroll or experienced some minor issue.

Later in the day, the team gathered at the docks, ready to embark on their village protection mission. However, their plans were abruptly disrupted when sirens blared, and the sky became shrouded in smoke from Vale. Jaune's concerns grew as they learned that a Grimm invasion had been triggered by a train accident in the abandoned tunnels leading from the old city of Mount Glenn.

Jaune apologized to Ren, explaining that they couldn't proceed with their mission at that moment. Instead, they headed toward Vale to assist in dealing with the Grimm invasion, a situation that required immediate attention. With reinforcements arriving, including other teams, transfer students, and professors, they all joined forces to battle the Grimm and protect the people of Vale.

Though they managed to overcome the Grimm and safeguard the city, the battle came at a cost, with a few lives lost. While this was unknown to most of the people they had helped, Jaune and the professors, including Oobleck and Glynda, bore witness to the casualties, their somber gazes fixed on the fallen who had sacrificed their lives in the defense of their city.

The weight of the situation bore down on Jaune as he clenched his fists in frustration. Professor Oobleck offered him a comforting hand on the shoulder, trying to console him.

Oobleck: You did your best, Mr. Arc, but unfortunately, these things do happen.

Jaune's frustration was evident as he responded, his voice tinged with sorrow and anger.

Jaune: I know... but... They shouldn't... Every life has worth, no matter who they are...

The loss of lives weighed heavily on Jaune's heart, and he couldn't help but feel the injustice of it all. However, he knew he had to suppress his emotions for the time being, not wanting to worry his friends with his inner turmoil. With a heavy heart, he turned away and tried to put on a facade of normalcy, concealing his true feelings as he prepared to rejoin his friends.

Jaune Thoughts: I need to get stronger....

.

.

.

Sukuna: It is almost time... I will enjoy seeing you break, Jaune Arc.

Comment