Rusted Professor

Bom dia pessoas,

I'm happy to see that the story had a positive impact on the platforms I posted on, so I'll keep writing it.

I'd like to reiterate that this story is more focused on Slice of Life. That's why some, but not all, plot points will happen in the background and you'll find out about what happened through dialogues or internal monologues.

Ps: I need a Beta Reader, if you're interested, send me a message.

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RP # POV: Professor Luna

I took a sip of coffee, the bitter liquid scalding my throat, and let out a sigh that seemed to carry the weight of the day. The steam from the mug rose, distorting the view of the office ahead. Through the fog, I looked at Professor Ozpin, his eyes fixed on me with a mixture of curiosity and concern.

"Jaune." He began, his voice steady and calm. "How was your first day as a substitute?"

I placed the mug on the table between us, the ceramic clinking against the wood. 

"It was…interesting." I replied, leaning back in the chair. The leather creaked under my weight, a sound that seemed to echo the fatigue in my bones.

Ozpin raised an eyebrow, waiting for me to elaborate. I could see the questions forming in his mind, the wheels turning as he tried to decipher my cryptic answer.

"The students are surprised by Goodwitch's absence." I continued to choose my words carefully. "But they seem to have accepted me as a replacement."

A slight smile appeared at the corners of Ozpin's mouth. 

"I'm glad the students are comfortable with your presence." The teacher said, giving a serene smile. "But I admit I'm more interested in how you're feeling about seeing your 'old friends'."

Ozpin's words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications. Their weight fell on my shoulders, a familiar burden I had carried for years. I took a deep breath, the smell of old books and polished wood filling my nostrils, and met his gaze.

"It is complicated." I began, my voice steady despite the inner turmoil. "Seeing them again, after everything that happened..." I suddenly stopped talking, I couldn't find the words to describe my feelings.

The professor leaned forward, his eyes never leaving mine.

"It was clear that it would not be a simple matter." The teacher said, taking a sip from his mug. "But talking about the subject can help ease your pain."

I sigh tiredly, but I decided to open up.

"It's good and bad at the same time." I finally said. "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 was lost."

Ozpin nodded, his expression thoughtful. 

"Loss is part of life, Jaune. It shapes us, makes us stronger. But it also leaves scars."

I looked at my hands, the knuckles scarred and calloused from years of battle. 

"You are right." I murmured. "But it's not just the loss. It's the responsibility. The weight of knowing their future is in my hands now."

Ozpin leaned back in his chair, fingers intertwined in front of him. 

"According to your reports, you have 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 stood up, but before I could register who it was, arms wrapped me in a tight hug.

"Jaune!" Shouted an excited female voice.

I looked down and saw a head full of vibrant brunette hair pressed against my chest. Amber Sunstone, the Fall Mainden, was clinging to me.

I hesitated for a moment, then hugged her back, feeling a mixture of surprise and joy.

"Amber." I'm 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 was 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." His gaze swept over me, taking in every detail. "Weren't you on a mission with Qrow and Glynda?"

I swallowed hard, the memory of our operation to capture the traitor, Leonardo Lionheart, surfaced in my mind. The faunus had already become a spy for Salem, but with the help of Qrow and Professor Goodwitch, we managed 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 broke through the haze of memories, her eyes searching mine with concern. "Are you well?"

I forced a smile, pushing the memories back into the recesses of my mind.

 "Yes, just… remembering some old battles."

Ozpin coughed into his hand, catching our attention.

"Amber, have you finished your training for today?"

Amber crossed 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 replied tiredly. "But If I have any problem Jaune is here to save me."

"He is not at your disposal, Miss Sunstone." Ozpin said 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 responded 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, they can use it as an excuse that they just pronounced it wrong without raising suspicion."

"That's…stupidly genius." Amber commented confused.

I couldn't help but end up laughing at her honest comment.

Ozpin watched us, a faint smile playing on his lips, but his eyes held a depth of concern that I knew all too well.

"Well, Amber." I said, gently disentangling myself from his embrace. "I'm happy to see you, but I have some preparations to make. I need to prepare for a special training session."

Amber's smile faded a little, but she nodded, understanding in her eyes. 

"Of course, Jaune-. I mean, Professor Luna." She corrected herself, laughing. "And who is the victim of this special training?"

Smiling, I replied to her.

"Myself."

RP # POV: Yang Xiao Long

I disinterestedly poked at the food that I had on my plate. The clatter of cutlery and the hum of conversation around me seemed distant, muffled by the thick silence that had settled in my head.

Ruby's voice cut through the fog, soft and cautious. 

"Yang, you've been picking at your food for the last ten minutes. Are you ok?"

I looked up, forcing a smile that felt fragile onto my lips. 

"I'm just not that hungry, I guess." I lied, hoping she would give up. But Ruby wasn't one to back down easily, a trait I usually admired, but now, it was just inconvenient.

She raised an eyebrow, studying me with an intensity that made me squirm. 

"Not hungry, you?" She repeated her disbelief at my statement. "Since when do you refuse a meal? Especially a steak that size."

I shrugged, trying to pretend it was nothing. 

"Everyone has bad days, I guess?" I stabbed a piece of meat with more force than necessary, avoiding her gaze.

Ruby looked 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 sighed, placing my fork down with a clatter. 

"It's nothing, really. Just… the fight with the teacher today." I admitted sheepishly, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Oh." Blake nodded on the other side, understanding dawning in her eyes. "Are you upset because he won?"

"No, that's not it." I shook my head, frustrated. "I mean, yes, it hurts a little that I lost, but it's more than that. He was holding back and beat me like I was a little kid on the first day of prep school." 

Ruby and Blake looked at each other, considering my words. My sister already seemed to have understood what was bothering me, after all Ruby knows me very well, Blake was still confused. 

"And that bothers you a lot?" Blake asked.

"Of course it bothers!" I exclaimed, frustrated. "No one has ever fought me without taking me seriously."

"Father and Uncle Qrow never took you seriously in a fight." Ruby said with a cheek smile.

"Rrrrrrrr!" I grumbled frustrated.

I pushed my plate away, the food barely touched. Ruby and Blake exchanged worried looks, but it was Weiss who spoke, her voice cutting through the tension like a knife.

"You know, Yang." She said, wiping her mouth with a napkin. "I think you're looking at this the wrong way."

I raised an eyebrow, turning to face her. Weiss sat with her back straight, her hands folded neatly in her lap. His eyes met mine with a steady gaze, without a hint of his usual disdain in sight.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked, my voice harsher than I intended.

Weiss didn't waver. Instead, she leaned 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 scoffed, crossing my arms. 

"So what? Should I just be happy that he defeated me?"

Weiss shook 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 looked in surprise towards Weiss, the always critical, the always demanding, princess of perfection was… satisfied?

"Are you serious?" I said, more of a statement than a question.

Weiss nodded. 

"Absolutely. I've had tutors and instructors my entire life, and very few of them were 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 hadn't thought of it that way." I admitted, my voice softer now.

Weiss smiled, 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 DILF for Weiss's daddy issues." Blake said, smiling mischievously.

"What!?" Shouted the horrified heiress.

I nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of my mouth as Weiss lectured Blake. 

"What is DILF?" Ruby asked curiously.

"I'll tell you in 2 years." I responded by cutting my sister right away.

RP # POV: Jaune Arc

I stood up quickly, my heart beating like a drum. The scroll screen cast a bright glow in the dark dormitory. I picked up the device, squinting at the message from the unknown sender.

A shiver ran down my spine. My thumb hovered over the reply button, but another message appeared.

I looked at my roommates, their sleeping faces and the sound of Nora's snoring calmed me down a little. Getting out of bed, I grabbed my jacket and tiptoed to the door. 

I walked through the dimly lit hallways of Beacon Academy, my footsteps echoing on the cold stone floor. The silence was deafening, each step a reminder of the weight I carried. The message burned in my mind, a constant reminder that my secret was out. 

"I'm a fraud, and someone knows it." I whispered, shaking.

The door to the combat room loomed ahead, a silent sentinel waiting to pass judgment. I stopped, my hand hovering over the doorknob. The metal was cool to the touch, a stark contrast to the heat of my nerves. I took a deep breath, preparing myself for what lay beyond.

When I opened the door, the room was bathed in a soft glow from the overhead lights. In the middle of the room was a figure in black armor that was unknown to me.

"Good." The figure said, his voice low and serious. "You showed up."

I nodded, my throat dry. 

"Who are you? What do you want from me?"

The figure approached, walking slowly, despite being dressed in heavy black armor, his steps were silent. 

"I know your secret, Jaune." He sounded familiar.

"And you're going to report me?" I asked fearing the worst.

"No." He took his hand to the helmet that hid his face. "I will help you." Said the now helmetless figure.

"P-Professor Luna?" I stuttered. "I like the new armor." I said, trying to lighten the mood.

I stood there, frozen, as Professor Luna's stern gaze passed through me. 

"You cheated your way into Beacon, Jaune." He said, his voice as cold as it was melancholy. "You took an opportunity that could have gone to someone who really deserved it. Someone who worked hard, who trained, who was ready."

I felt a lump form in my throat, a mix of shame and regret choking me. I knew that, of course, but hearing it from someone else puts more weight on my conscience. I looked 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 continued, his voice rising. "Beacon is no joke, Jaune. It is a place to forge huntsmen and huntresses. Not for cowards and liars."

Every word hurt, a harsh reminder of my mistake. I had come to Beacon with the best intentions, wanting to make a difference, to be a hero. But now, under his scrutiny, I felt anything but.

"I am really sorry." I whispered, my voice barely audible. "I just wanted to help. To be someone important, to honor my family's legacy."

Professor Luna sighed, his expression softening a little. 

"I know you did, Jaune. But good intentions don't make up for bad actions."

I felt a tear slide down my cheek, a hot trail of shame. I had been so naive, so foolish. I had thought I could just blend in, learn, become a real Huntsman.

"But." He said, 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 looked at him, a glimmer of hope shining in my chest. 

"What do you mean?"

"Your team would be without a leader and we would have to find another student to complete JNPR." He said, 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 looked at him, a mix of fear and excitement coursing through my body.

That's what I wanted, wasn't it? Become a real hunter, make a difference. But now, under his watchful eye, I knew it wouldn't be easy. I knew I would have to work harder than ever.

"I took the liberty of taking your sword from your locker before coming here." Said 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 swallowed hard, facing the teacher with my legs shaking a little.

"B-b-but professor, that wouldn't be." I tried to speak but I was cut off.

"Listen here Jaune!" He said 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 was worse than any kind of training this teacher could put me through.

"Okay, Professor Luna." I said, my voice shaking a little. "I will do whatever it takes to prove that I belong here."

The teacher nodded, strangely he seemed relieved with my choice. 

"Excellent. So let's get started." He said taking a defensive stance with his sword. "Attack me with all your strength."

RP # POV: Professor Luna

As he was a younger version of me, I already knew he had no training, but I still needed to get an idea of ​​where he was compared to the other students. With that in mind, I did the first day of training with him focused on a fight against me, him attacking me seriously while I stayed on the defensive and using counter attacks so I could evaluate his performance. 

"You can rest now Jaune." I spoke only for the boy to fall to the floor, panting.

POF!

His limits were very low. His resistance was pathetic, his movements slow, his blows, despite being strong, lacked coordination and technique to connect them correctly. I sighed, disappointment settling in my chest once again. This would be a long and difficult road.

I approached 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 widened, a mix of shock and determination flickering across his face. 

"Three times harder?"

I knelt down next to him, with my gaze steady I explained. 

"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 propped himself up on his elbows, his breath coming in ragged gasps. 

"But… I don't know if I can do that. I'm already suffering just trying to keep up with them."

I nodded, 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 looked at me, his eyes filled with a mixture of fear and determination. 

"What if I don't make it? What if I fail?"

I placed a hand on his shoulder, my grip firm but comforting. 

"Failure is part of the journey, Jaune. It's how you learn and grow." I said, 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 for what he needed to do to get better.

"Don't give up." I said 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 again and hold on tighter."

The young man, still tired and breathing heavily, stands up without breaking eye contact.

"If you don't give up, you will always have a chance to improve."

Jaune's breathing slowly steadied as he stood before me, his eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and determination. The training hall was silent, the only sounds were the distant hum of the gym and the occasional echo of our movements.

"Thank you, Professor Luna." He said, his voice still a little breathless. "For keeping my secret."

I nodded, 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 looked 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 replied, approaching. "Now go to sleep, as soon as you get to your dorm I would have sent you a training schedule, there will be a lot of running and a lot of working out.

"Hmmmm." Jaune replied, groaning in fear.

RP # POV: Pyrrha Nikos

I was lying down when I heard the sound of the door opening. I got up to see who it was, when I came across Jaune limping in.

"Jaune?" I spoke, keeping my voice low. 

When he turned to me, he tried to hide a pained grimace. His hair was wet with sweat, his uniform was dirty, his body was sweaty and he was breathing heavily. Something was wrong.

"Hey, Pyrrha." He replied, forcing a smile. 

"What happened?" I asked worriedly. "Are you hurt?"

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. 

"Just... training with Professor Luna."

I looked at him with a raised eyebrow. 

"Training? Or getting beaten up by him?" 

He tried to laugh, but felt a stab of pain in his side. 

"A little of both, maybe." He sat on the bed, carefully touching his side.

I got closer, becoming more and more worried about him. 

"Let me see."

He hesitated before lifting his shirt. An ugly bruise was forming along his ribs. I frowned, kneeling down to examine him. 

"This isn't just because of the training, Jaune. What really happened?"

He looked 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 cooled down everything started to hurt."

I sighed, standing up. 

"That's not right Jaune, a teacher can't treat a student like that, much less at such a weird time."

He looked down, tugging at a loose thread on his bedspread. 

"It's okay Pyrrha, I promise."

I sat down next to him, nudging his shoulder with mine. 

"I want to help you, Jaune." I murmured melancholy.

He smiled, this time genuinely as he sighed tiredly. 

Jaune swallows hard and looks with his blue eyes at Pyrrha. 

"Pyrrha, I have something to tell you."

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Boa noite pessoas,

[-]I hope you enjoyed the chapter.

[-] I would like to let you know that I read ALL the comments, I just set aside some comments here to answer if I can add something interesting to the talk.

[-]In the next chapter I think I will focus a little on Weiss. Would you like that?

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.

[-]Renan: 

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.

[-]Renan: 

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.

[-]Renan:

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.

[-]Renan:

He may be older, more experienced, and a better fighter.

But he still has a bit of Dorky Knight in him.