Chapter Text
White Noise. Survival. Screeching. Tortured, young screams. Pleads of mercy. Blank.
Blaring lights. Black Visors. Metal glint. Pain. Breath. “Killteam!” Survival. Run. Blank.
Panic. Darkness. Anger outside. Anxiety inside. Escape. Light above. Get to Beacon? Bla-
“Hey... Are you alright?”
He felt a hand on his shoulder. Startled, Jaune leapt back from the railing and turned to look at who touched him. Heart racing, he locked on to two concerned, lilac eyes framed by golden tresses.
Noting the sweat on his face, the girl took a quick step back, “You look like you’re about to puke. Are you sick or something?”
Trying to relax, Jaune took her in. She was shorter than he was, with her most prominent feature being her thick, golden hair flowing down her body. As he went to take in the rest of her, his eyes immediately locked onto her second most prominent feature.
In the middle of a tan jacket, beneath a low, yellow crop top, rested two of the most pronounced breasts he had ever seen. Her chest practically defied gravity, and her neckline wasn’t exactly modest about it. Failing to suppress his blush, Jaune tried to tear his eyes away and, after great effort, succeeded in lifting his gaze only to be met with a knowing look. Having been caught, Jaune turned his head away and scratched the back of his neck, then looked to her again with what he hoped was an apologetic grin.
“At least I finally got your attention. Been trying for a while now.” Letting out a snicker, the girl stuck out her hand with a friendly smile, “Name’s Yang.”
Recognizing the olive branch for what it was, he shook her hand. “Jaune?”
Tilting her head with an eyebrow raised, Yang let out a snort. “Was that a question?”
Embarrassed, he tried again, “The name’s Jaune.” Yang nodded her head, her face filled with mirth. Jaune chuckled, grateful that she was willing to let his earlier slip up slide.
“You can let go of my hand now.”
“Gah , sorry!” Jaune slipped out his hand and shot it to his side. He really was just making the worst impression, wasn't he?
“So?”
Confused, Jaune was about to ask what she meant, when Yang went back from mirth to concern as she reiterated, “Are you alright?”
“Y-yeah? Yes! I mean…” then Jaune remembered why she asked in the first place and tried again to calm down. “Yeah. I’m fine. It's just…” Jaune scrambled for an excuse, “that it's my first time flying? I guess I’m a little nervous.”
“Ohhh is that all? C’mon let's sit down. We can chat and take our mind off it.”
Grabbing his arm and leading them to some benches further in the airship, Yang continued, “You know, I was scared the first time I got onto an airship. Actually not really, it was awesome. But! I understand getting the jitters-”
As Yang went on from her first flight, to discovering that she was an adrenaline junkie, Jaune observed the energetic way she spoke. The way her hands moved around and mimed out her stories. Her long hair swayed as her head moved, immersed in her tale. Yang was truly captivating.
All because she saw a stranger in need.
Jaune did his best to listen attentively. It should have been easy to do. He watched her face animate, as she recounted how her mother was a great Huntress, who would go out on missions and come back to tell her about her epic adventures. How those adventures are what inspired her and her little sister to become Huntresses as well. He really did try to pay attention for as long as he could. She was being so understanding in her effort to help him. Jaune felt bad that he made up an excuse about being a nervous flyer to a girl like her. However, try as he might, it was the reason he lied that drew his attention away from Yang.
It's not like he had much of a choice. After all…
He had no idea how he got on this airship. Or who he even was.
As Yang’s voice faded into the background, Jaune frowned in concentration, doing his best to think back. Everything was just so… foggy . As if he suffered a concussion. But there was no pain to indicate he had one. He certainly couldn’t remember anything he had done that could have caused something like that.
Checking in on Yang, who seemed to be going on about a place called Signal, Jaune briefly smiled at her, nodding his head as if he was listening and shifted tactics. Instead of trying to recall everything he didn't know, he will make note of what he does.
His name was Jaune. He is going to a Huntress Academy named Beacon. And for that, he had to board an airship.
A sudden surge of conviction rose in his chest, as if a small wave of peace passed into his heart.
His mission was clear.
To enter Beacon, the most prestigious Huntress academy across all the kingdoms. An academy that has produced the most successful Huntresses and Huntsmen in humanity’s battle against the Grimm. And he was going to be one of them for… some reason.. and coming to Beacon was where he would learn the inner workings of the craft.
Yet try as he might, whenever he tried reaching past that basic information, there was still so much fog . He still couldn’t remember when and how he boarded the airship. What was the process? Did he have luggage? Weapons?
Where did he even come from ?
Clearly, there were still some important things to figure out, and maybe; he should be more worried about his loss of memory.
But strangely, he wasn't. Instead, he was filled with compelling, driving purpose. He will enter Beacon Academy, and become the best damn Huntsman he could be. He would be a hero.
Eh, hopefully with time, his memory will start coming back to him. And if it takes too long, well he could always go to a nurse or something.
“-so that's how I applied for Beacon! And wouldn’t you know it, even my little sister got into Beacon too. She can be a little badass when she wants to be... Well heeey , someone is looking better! Good ol’ Yang the Bang cheer you up?” Jaune tuned in just in time to see Yang wink and pop twin finger guns at him.
Filled with newly acquired confidence, Jaune gave her an easy grin. “Yeah, I say you have. Maybe flying isn’t so bad if I’m with someone like you.”
Giving Jaune a punch to the shoulder, Yang’s cheeks slightly colored. “P’shaw, you’re sweet. And here I was thinking I’d end up calling you Vomit Boy, Lady Killer.”
‘Good grief, she is strong.’ Jaune thought to himself. He then responded, “Well I’m glad I avoided that disaster. You seem the type that would never let me live it down if I puked all over your shoes.”
“See, you're tougher than you look.” Yang remarked, having hit him with a good amount of force. It was something she liked to do to surprise people, especially huntsmen. But Jaune took it like a champ, seemingly not registering the hit. Though, now realizing what she just said, Yang's eyes widened, “N-not that you don’t look tough, hehe! You were just so weirdly... queasy, when I first saw you, you know?”
‘Phew. Nice save Yang!’
“Gee thanks, Yang the Bang .” Jaune drawled out with sarcasm. He chuckled to himself, watching as Yang strained out her own apologetic smile. It's not like he was offended though. How could he be with a girl who has gone this far out of her way for him?
It was his turn to extend an olive branch.
“Seriously though, thanks. I’m… a long way from home, and just out of my element.” Jaune reached out his hand, “Friends?”
Yang looked down at his hand.
Yang Xiao Long was feeling herself today.
New school, new faces, new adventures—and maybe a fresh batch of cute people to tease. Her boots clicked across the hall as she wove through the airship with her usual swagger, hair flowing behind her like a passing comet. She caught a few stares as she passed, and honestly? She enjoyed every single one of them.
But then she saw him .
At the time, she was looking for people she might have known from Signal when she came across Jaune, shaking, with an absolute death grip on the airship’s railing. Maybe it was the big sister in her, but she did not want to leave someone alone when they were so obviously in great distress. She tried calling out to him but he wouldn’t respond. So she went up to him to get his attention, when she got a good look at his face.
His face was stark white and covered in a film of sweat, looking like wet porcelain. He was hyperventilating, air audibly going in and out of his mouth at an almost inhuman speed. But nothing shocked Yang more than his eyes .
She had seen nervous fliers before. People getting airsick, things like that. Yang has also seen what someone looked like when they were haunted. She had plenty of experience watching her dad whenever he re-lived a moment from his Huntsman days. It had been quite the argument when she and Ruby declared that they were going to become Huntresses, his eyes carrying that same look.
But Jaune’s eyes… This was different. Different from anything she had ever seen before. They were so… vacant. While the rest of his body was shivering in what seemed like fear, his eyes just looked gone . Yang did not know how else to describe it. Becoming desperate, her hand had begun shaking his shoulder before she knew it.
And then he just kind of woke up, looking raw, lost, and vulnerable. Like how she once felt when she lost her mother.
Uh-oh. He also looked like he was about to puke all over her shoes.
Then he finally noticed her. Yang chose to remain quiet, giving him time to collect himself.
She let her gaze sweep over him. Tall. Messy, blond hair. Absolutely beautiful and unique eyes that contained vibrant blue irises surrounded by faint dark ring highlights. And that blush . Bright. Obvious. Climbing up his neck, a volcano about to erupt.
She knew that look.
Eyes flicking down, cheeks getting redder.
‘Bingo.’
He’d definitely noticed her chest. And her hips. Probably her legs, too. Not that she blamed him. She’d picked this outfit for a reason. This cropped jacket and snug yellow top didn’t just say, “I can punch a hole through a wall.” They also said “I’m hot and I know it.” She liked to think of it as providing a service, helping everyone’s aura stay topped up with… positive feelings.
But after an awkward and kind of adorable start, Jaune explained it was his first time flying.
Maybe.
It would have been the first time she had seen such an extreme reaction. More likely, he was hiding the real reason and lied. Probably to avoid further embarrassment after his reaction to her looks.
Eh, it was probably personal. It wasn’t going to stop her from helping this guy in need. Plus, once Jaune started to relax, he seemed normal. Well not just normal, but kind, and patient.
And when he started to relax and his color returned, he looked kinda cute.
Ashamed as she is to admit it, while Yang is confident in herself for the most part, she can get kind of nervous around cute boys. Cute, mysterious boys. But instead of brushing her off or looking for an excuse to get out of the conversation, Jaune remained quiet. He didn’t make any faces or roll his eyes as she rambled, letting her go on and on as she dumped her stories on him. And well, that earned a couple points.
Looking up from his hand, Yang struggled to contain a quiet gasp. She was met with an almost overwhelming warmth from his deep, blue eyes. How can such a mysterious guy have eyes that looked so honest?
Trying to calm her heart, Yang pepped herself up. ‘Alright Yang. You’re NOT the same girl from Signal. You know you’re gifted and sexy! Let's leave an unforgettable impression. Just wait for the right time to strike!’
May it never be said that Yang was afraid of a little adventure. Trusting her gut, Yang made her decision.
Letting a smirk creep onto her face, she grasped his hand, reveling in his firm handshake. Shining lilacs met vibrant blues as Yang chirped out, “Friends.”
Jaune quietly sighed in relief. He made his first friend. Wait, was Yang his first friend? Did he have any other friends? Like back at home? Where was home anyway?
Did he have a family?
Before he could delve much further into that thought, a soothing wave of peace overcame him again. He was reminded again that the start of a new life, in Beacon, was fast approaching. Wherever he came from wouldn't matter soon. What did matter were the trials that laid ahead of him and overcoming them. And now, he wouldn’t have to go through it totally alone. The thought warmed his heart. He settled a little closer to Yang, shoulder to shoulder. If she minded, she made no sign that she did.
However, before any hope of a comfortable silence could follow, Yang’s mouth interrupted, “So what led you into coming to Beacon?”
Jaune stiffened.
“Well, c’mon! It's your turn. Fair’s fair right?” Yang needled as she pressed her shoulder into his. “I told you about my family. Tell me about yours.”
Jaune internally sighed. He had no answer. For himself or for Yang.
Should he try the truth? Would Yang think he’s weird? Or worse? What was he even supposed to say? ‘So for some reason, I don't remember anything except my first name and that I want to be a Huntsman. No really, I’ve forgotten everything else.’ He just got her as a friend and he didn’t want to lose that.
Jaune peered into her curious eyes, transfixed to him with intense expectation. A smile creeping on her face.
Releasing a breath, Jaune decided trying to lie wasn’t worth it. As much as his instinct screamed to come up with some kind of deception, Jaune just couldn’t do that to a friend. Resigned, Jaune settled for the truth.
Slowly licking his lips, he attempted to steel himself. Sensing the change, Yang excitedly sat up and launched her attack. Wrapping her limb around his, she quickly yanked Jaune into the side of her chest, watching closely for his reaction.
Derailed, Jaune’s mouth went dry. Briefly looking down at the breast softly pressing into his arm, he got an uninhibited view of her cleavage. Her bust stretched the curve of her shirt; her plunging neckline sharing a glimpse of the treasure hidden beneath the fabric. Unaware of Yang straightening out her back, he stared as her tits pushed out, looking like melons ready to spill.
Pants painfully tight, Jaune swallowed loudly in a vain attempt to wet his throat. Looking back up, he saw the light of mischief beneath her fluttering eyes. She knew exactly what she was doing. Unable to contain herself, Yang leaned in even further, her warm breath tickling his flushed cheek.
In that moment, Jaune knew he would have given her anything she asked.
“Go on~ ” Yang blew in a heated whisper.
He opened his mouth to explain.
“Well.. the truth is-” A loud tone blared from the airship speakers.
"Good afternoon, passengers. This is your captain speaking. I'd like to welcome everyone to Beacon Academy. We are currently descending and will be landing shortly. Please ensure you grab your nearest seat or handrail and all loose items are secured for touchdown. Thank you for flying with Vale Air. Your world awaits.”
As soon as the announcement ended, a high pitched, panicked voice whined through the hall from somewhere in the airship.
“Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaang! Where are you?! Where did you goooo?!! We’re almost there!”
This was followed by a loud groan as Yang squeezed her eyes shut and let her head bang against the wall. “Thaaat would be Ruby. My sister I told you about.” Letting his arm go, Yang stood up with a pout. “Sigh, I better go find her before she has a meltdown. I’m already going to have to listen to her go on about her knees again.”
Jaune’s eyebrow raised in confusion, but Yang’s hand waved him away, not bothering to explain.
Suddenly she turned, bent at the waist, her face leveled with Jaune. He did his best not to fall for her trap again.
Yang’s impish eyes shined, catching Jaune’s quick glances downward. ‘Seems like Jaune is quite the open book,’ Yang thought, as she watched Jaune’s eyes race between her face and chest. She pressed her advantage, sticking a finger in his face.
“You still owe me a story, buster. Don’t think you’ve been saved by the bell. You flake on me, an’ I’ll introduce you to fist one and fist two. Hiyah! ”
With a wide grin, Yang straightened and flexed her arms in time with her words. Jaune couldn’t help but laugh. He just found Yang so charming. She really had a knack for putting him off balance, only to then set him at ease.
“I wouldn’t dream of it. Arc’s promise.”
“Arc’s promise? That your last name?”
Jaune paused. ‘Arc? Where did that come from?’ Though, something inside told him that was right . This time choosing to follow his instinct, he let his mouth continue. Jaune held Yang’s eyes with a steady gaze.
“Yeah. Arc’s promise. And an Arc never goes back on their word.”
“Never goes back on their word, huh? I’ve gotta feeling you really mean that. Look I need to get going, but could you do me a favor?”
Jaune, without hesitation, responded. “Of course. We’re friends now.”
A bashful smile curved upward on Yang's lips, “It's about my sister Ruby. See, she got into Beacon earlier than normal, and it has her feeling all self conscious.” Hands falling behind her back, Yang looked down to her feet and shuffled in place. “I'm not asking you to be her friend or anything, but, if you happen to run into her, could you be nice to her? Please?”
‘Finally,’ Jaune thought, ‘for once, something simple.’
“Of course, Yang. If she is anything like you, it would be my genuine pleasure.”
Yang looked up, absolutely beaming. Pink dusting her cheeks. “Thanks, Jaune Arc. I really appreciate it. See you around, Lady Killer. ”
With a tilt of her hip and a wink, Yang walked away at an energetic pace, her loose stride containing a cocky swagger. Every bounce of her step making that wild mane dance like it had a life of its own. He gawked at the way her bare midriff shifted, causing her hips to smoothly sway side to side. His eyes flicked down to the way her black shorts clung to her butt, the way that brown, leather belt framed her thighs like they were emphasizing the point .
Jaune stared for as long as he could until she turned a corner. Once Yang was at last out of sight, Jaune remembered to breathe. Briefly fanning himself, Jaune stood up,and began looking for the exit. As well as a flight attendant. He really should figure out if he brought any luggage.
“Xiao-Long by the way!”
Jaune spun back around to find Yang’s head poking around the corner, her hair a golden curtain lit up by the sun.
“My last name! Xiao-Long! Sooo.. yeah! Xiao-Long and so long, Jaune!”
And just like that, she was gone with a giggle.
His lips split into an unstoppable grin.
While the shadow of his memory draped over him, it could do nothing to swallow his mood.
There was a spark. For a moment there, even if it was small, he remembered who he was. Jaune Arc.
And Yang seemed like she would remember his name.
Following the soft lights guiding him to the off ramp, he felt the tell tale shake of the airship landing. Jaune continued without pause. There were a lot of questions that needed answering. He had no idea where to start solving that problem. But instead of dread, he felt the call of adventure. Among others that have gathered, he watched as the airship doors opened, the fresh, outside air rushing in and ruffling his hair. Ramp touching down, he was met by the waiting tower of Beacon.
And Jaune’s heart instantly knew, this was where he belonged.