Disclaimer: I don't own anything

Chapter 3

Team JNPR were an odd bunch, and Cal Kestis knew just from sensing their presences in the force. All of them gave off extremely unique auras, possibly even more so than team RWBY. Immediately, the first one he could sense belonged to a blonde boy in the corner of the room, just because of the sheer size of it. The boy had a rather sheepish, innocent look on his face, but by the force his aura capacity was kriffing huge. It- by far- outclassed the aura of any beacon student he had encountered during his stay in the academy, and Cal silently wondered if the boy could qualify as a jedi.

No. Aura is different from force, remember. Cal silently reminded himself. While the two forces gave off similar energy signatures, they were hugely different where it mattered. Aura was an internal energy, something that every living soul had- similar to the force. However, Aura didn't manifest itself like the force did, flowing around every single little thing in the world. The force was more widespread, more external, while Aura felt like a power coming from a person's soul.

The next signature he noticed came from a girl with short orange hair, who had an infectious smile on her face. Cal had been surprised by the size of the aura of the boy earlier, but somehow, the way that the girl radiated her energy was even more astonishing. Similar to Yang in some ways, her aura- her presence- was unrestrained, similar to the raging energy of a thunderstorm.

The next aura signature was impressive, but surprised Cal much less than the two preceding presences. Coming from a girl in spartan armor, it was reasonably large in size, and radiated with controlled pulses. Her energy was definitely powerful for sure, but her control was similarly extremely impressive. It reminded the jedi of a razor sharp blade, cutting through the air in perfect strokes. Focused, powerful, and deadly.

However, no presence surprised the jedi as much as the final figure in the room. It was a boy in traditional clothes, and a pink streak in his hair. While the other three auras were powerful in their own right, the boy's presence could be only be described by one word: Control. Somehow, the boy had almost nearly masked his presence in the force, with his aura enveloping him like a dim glow. If the spartan girl's aura was a sword cleaving through the air, this boy's aura reminded Cal of an arrow, or a sniper rifle. Complete control, with perfect accuracy and focus. This boy could possibly be the most deadly of them all. Unlike the others, he seemed to be aware of how much power the unknown could carry.

For sure, these 4 an interesting group of people.

"Guys, this is Cal! He's the guy with the laser sword I told you about!" Ruby yelled enthusiastically. All four faces turned towards him, and for a brief moment, the jedi felt uncomfortable. However, the feeling was thankfully short-lived, as the spartan girl was the first to offer a friendly greeting. She raised her arm towards him and waved, with an instant smile on her face. Cal slightly smiled, and greeted her back in return.

Ruby then carried out the exact same procedure she had used to introduce her own team, pointing at the team's members one by one. First, she pointed at the blond boy, saying, "That's Jaune! He's suuuper nice, even if he does need a little help in combat class!"

"Oi!" The boy- Jaune- protested. Ruby flushed and offered an apologetic smile in return.

"He's improving though!" she added finally, earning both a sheepish and friendly chuckle from the taller male. Cal chuckled himself, slightly amused at the banter between the two. It feels good to just relax like this. He immediately thought, instantly feeling a wave of guilt afterwards.

I don't deserve this.

He was nothing but a jigsaw piece. He wasn't the jedi to change the future of the world, neither was he some chosen hero filled with good deeds and intentions, so why him? Once again, the force refused to answer. Cal bit his lip, his mood turning bitter.

"Uh, you ok?" a voice interrupted. Cal snapped out of his internal musings to find a concerned looking Team JNPR, the blond boy looking especially sheepish with a hand held out for a handshake. "Uh, sorry. You just looked really bummed out there for a second, and-"

Cal cut his sentence short by shaking his hand with a firm grip. "Sorry about that. Just musing over the past for a second, no need to worry about me." he said. It's... almost touching to have people this concerned for a stranger, especially a jedi like me. Such a sight was sadly rare in the times of the clone wars and the empire. If there's anything I'm sure of, it's that the people in Remnant are compassionate.

Just as he expected, guilt threatened to flood him once more, but the jedi cut it off instantly. I can't do anything about what's already happened. These people... This place is affecting me in ways I never expected... But the best thing I can do- the only thing I can do right now, is to stay strong and carry on. He could only hope that that was enough for now. The force truly worked in the strangest of ways.

Just like always, Ruby was the one to bring back the good mood. "Weeell, now that that's done, I need to introduce the rest of Team JNPR!" she yelled, earning a smile from the room's inhabitants. She pointed towards the spartan girl, and in the blink of an eye, the reaper was standing shoulder to shoulder with the redhead, a cheeky smile plastered on her face. "This is Pyrrha! She's super nice too, and the strongest fighter in Beacon!" she yelled. For a brief moment, the red haired girl- Pyrrha- had a gaze that was a strange mixture of curiosity, fear, and nervousness. Cal had no idea why.

It washed away just as quick as it appeared, however, and Cal decided not to question it. In place of said expression, an almost relieved smile appeared on Pyrrha's face instead. "Salutations, Cal. It's wonderful to meet you." she said. Cal smiled. The girl had a natural mixture of manners and friendliness, that made her extremely easy to approach. It was a refreshing stance to see, after he had experienced the polar opposite personalities of Ruby and her partner Weiss. Although, it's interesting that she's the best fighter in her year. What are the chances that I would have ended up with such a talented group of people? It's truly strange.

"Aaand finally, that's Ren and Nora! They can be a bit quirky sometimes, but they're suuper cool once you get to know them!" Ruby exclaimed. Cal turned his head towards the two people in question, receiving two polar opposite responses. Nora put on a friendly- yet slightly animalistic grin, waving her hand in an almost comical manner. Meanwhile, Ren simply put on a slight, respectful smile, and offered a curt bow. Cal simply waved at the two in response.

"My name is Cal Kestis. Nice to meet you all-" said Cal, when his vest suddenly started to vibrate again. The weapon. The jedi bit his lip momentarily, before finally standing up respectfully and offering a bow. "Sorry to cut this so short, but I need to be somewhere at the moment. If I'm not wrong, there's a weapon for me to collect."

"Ooooh! Can I follow you!?" Ruby pleaded. Cal briefly contemplated the idea, before finally chuckling and nodding.

"Fine, just try not to erm... Actually, never mind." he said.

He heard the blond boy's- Jaune's- voice yell, "Bye!" as he closed the door to JNPR's dorm room.

This really is a nice place.

Cal looked over the newly made weapon, slowly turning the sword over in his hands. Ozpin did a damn good job, he admitted. The sword's balance- while not completely like a lightsaber, was damn similar to one, and Cal found it much better than the vibroblade that he had scrapped off his days as an exile. It would never replace Jaro Tapal's lightsaber, but it could definitely serve as a suitable replacement for it. It was a simple, yet effective weapon- with a silver, cylindrical hilt and a leather grip, coupled along with an extremely thin blade that had a shining cobalt hue. The blade segment almost looked similar to that of a rapier, due to its tiny width. It was also noting that it almost felt like one, due to the fact that the blade was extremely lightweight- Cal estimated that it was only half the weight of the hilt of the sword.

It was simple, unlike the weapons of most of the people he had met here, but he could definitely use it. Ozpin had seemingly specifically balanced it so that he could apply his lightsaber forms to his fighting style. Silently, he thanked the headmaster, briefly flooding his feelings with gratitude- instead of the lingering distrust that had been seeded earlier.

Now, it was time to put the new weapon to the test. Cautiously, Cal gave the sword a few swings, starting out by testing simple moves with the initial Shii-Cho technique. A horizontal swipe, a spinning twirl. It swished through the air with ease, encouraging the jedi to further his experiments. Enhancing his physical abilities further using the force, Cal began to execute a more advanced kata- this one being from his more preferred form, Ataru. It involved a series of spinning attacks that utilized unpredictable and agile slashes to overwhelm an opponent.

Once again, Ozpin's newly made sword didn't disappoint, and the air gave no resistance when the move was performed. That's definitely a good sign. I guess the speed is slightly slower, but that's just something I'll have to deal with. And besides, I'm probably not going to have to fight with my all here. While the beacon students were good for sure, Cal was a jedi, and wasn't a pushover either. At the very least, I doubt that Aura can provide the same effect as the force. Maybe the two have some similarities, but judging from what I've read, the force is much more versatile, and has more raw power, albeit less specialized. That gave him a tactical edge in a combat scenario. While there was a chance that the beacon students had mastered their semblances far further than his own proficiency in the force, it left one flaw in their strategy: They were one trick ponies. That gave Cal a huge edge, especially seeing as the force could be used for minor precognition.

Although, that Yang girl might pose a problem. She was inhumanely strong earlier, although I wonder how well that would translate over towards her actual skill in battle. One thing for sure though, he would not want to be hit by her during the initiation. Unlike Aura, the force was only a protective barrier when he put a strain on it, and he didn't trust himself to create a barrier around himself like that fast enough to deflect any serious attacks.

Thankfully however, the sword held up to his standards. It was seriously the next best thing to a lightsaber that he could obtain with current technology.

The jedi's moment of peace was interrupted when the forge's door finally slammed open, with an even-more-excited-than-usual Ruby Rose. He had told her to stay put while he had inspected the weapon, but judging by the slightly pout-ish look on her face, she wasn't able to stay patient. Cal slightly chuckled at the younger girl's enthusiasm. Once again, the diversity of personalities was truly something refreshing.

"Can I PLEASE see it now!?" Ruby exclaimed, rushing forwards towards Cal at a breakneck speed. Cal slightly stepped back as the weapon in his hand was suddenly snatched from him, falling into the hands of a devious red reaper. Despite the fact that the simple blade was relatively uninteresting compared to the lightsaber or Remnant's mechashift weapons, the young girl glossed over it all the same.

"Gosh, it's so light! It might even be lighter than Crescent Rose!" Ruby tossed and turned the weapon in her hands, her eyes sparkling with a childlike excitement. When she gave it back to Cal, she had a firm smile on her face. "It's super light, but well balanced! The weight distribution is a bit weird and unconventional, but that's probably because you were using a laser sword earlier, and you're used to it. It's simple, but extra sharp, and you could probably take out loads of aura if you give it the right momentum! Although it doesn't have a gun, it's really impressive!"

Although the last part was slightly questionable, Cal astounded at how much the young girl figured out about the weapon just from a glance and a few seconds of tossing and turning. Sure, the information wasn't anything groundbreaking, but the speed in which she figured it out was truly something to behold.

He suspected that with enough training, Ruby Rose would turn into an quite an opponent.

Cal, knowing your opponent is key to a fight. Remember- the real world doesn't work like movies and cartoons. The outcome of every fight is decided before the fight begins. Cal repeated his masters words once more to himself, smiling slightly at the memory.

Regardless, he needed his weapon back for the time being. After all, despite Ozpin's efforts, there was still a noticable weight difference between the sword and his lightsaber. He would need time to practice for him to adjust with the sword. So, Cal sheepishly held out his hand towards the younger girl, raising a single eyebrow.

"Ruby?" Cal asked, prompting a response from the reaper. "Could I have it back now please?"

Cal watched in amusement as the young huntress-in-training flushed in slight embarrassment before handing the sword back to its owner.

Form IV- Ataru, was an extremely tiring form of lightsaber fighting, and Cal quite literally felt the strain involved when he used his newer weapon. Ataru was a physically demanding style even with a weightless blade like a lightsaber. With an actual weapon, the strain on his body multiplied tenfold.

Swinging his sword he could do, along with most of the basic katas. But the problem was, he couldn't pull off anything beyond those moves in sustained combat. Despite its highly offensive way of fighting, the matter of fact was that Ataru as a style left lots of openings. It was a hyper-offensive fighting style that relied on unpredictable, acrobatic moves that left gaping openings but struck the opponent with such speed and strength that the opponent would not be able to exploit any of them. Of course, there was also the aspect of unpredictability, but at the moment, Cal didn't see it becoming a problem.

Either way, his new weapon was going to be a problem. He was confident that he could make it through initiation, but against say- another force user? If he used this sword, he was screwed, and that was way too close for comfort. I need to grow stronger.

But for now, he would need to play Ozpin's game. As Cal finished up an advanced kata, he felt the scroll in his vest ring once more, and knew that it was time.

Time for initiation.

To be fair, Cal thought, this is actually a pleasant surprise.

The Beacon Arena was indeed- perfect for the acrobatic movements that his fighting style specialized on. The giant Colosseum was predominantly wide, and flat. I can definitely work with this, Cal immediately told himself. But, I still should be wary of my opponents. I can't let my guard down.

This was an arena where he was an unknown- but more importantly, so was everybody else. It was a fight where a single mistake could instantly decide fates- similar to a lightsaber battle. Cal's opponents most likely had no idea of how he fought, but it worked the same way vice versa. He had both a huge advantage and a disadvantage.

Cal steeled himself, preparing for the fight by briefly flexing his arms and legs while he steadily stepped towards his 'starting ground.' Upwards, there was an extremely large holographic screen that displayed a list of names. The names from Ozpin's letter.

And then, initiation started.

"Students, you may be wondering why I called you here today." Ozpin's voice boomed. "At least, the ones that showed up, seeing as the attendance was strictly optional." the headmaster added with a slight chuckle at the end. "Anyways, I have invited you here today because for the first time in years, Beacon Academy will potentially be hosting an exchange student, from outside the kingdoms." At this, a large number of students gasped. Cal heard nothing but mumbles and whispers, but it was obvious that there was talk.

"For the record, this student has already proven his combat prowess during the Breach. However, despite this, formalities must ensue for both yourselves and the Vale council. So, today, Mr. Cal Kestis will be fighting a medium level grimm, along with a few randomly selected students among his age group." Ozpin said. Once again, the crowd gasped.

"Of course, he isn't expected to win these fights. After all, this is both an initiation of skill, and one of endurance as well. We will not only be judging how strong he is, but how long he can hold out. Thus, the Beacon staff team have deemed this level of... Challenge, as the best possible option." Ozpin explained. "But anyways, I think you are all getting tired of all this talking. Students, let this initiation be a lesson, no matter how Mr. Kestis performs. Now, if Professor Port shall do the honors...?"

A new voice boomed. "Of course, thank you Headmaster! Now, the medium level Grimm that Mr. Kestis will be facing off against..." 'Professor Port' said, as Cal got into stance and raised his new weapon, "Is none other than a Boarbatusk!"

Boarbatusk... I should have read about that one... What was it again?

Cal gripped his sword tighter. Somehow, he was confident in his ability to win, and yet he was unsure about the fight that would ensue. The torture of not knowing things... As a jedi who had to rely on practically nothing but wits and intelligence to survive, Cal suddenly felt stripped from his armor. Just like when I fought the second sister... This is an unknown.

Well, at the very least, he had his constant precognition, even if it was extremely limited. Maximum, it would only help in predicting completely unpredictable attacks and movements, but it still gave a sense of comfort. Knowledge is power here.

In that instance, the cage door in front of him slid open, and a large monster charged him. Just like the name implied, it was a grimm with very noticable tusks that were most likely its primary offensive limb. Good. At the very least, this thing looks extremely telegraphed... and for a jedi like him, facing a single opponent like this was next to nothing.

Cal leaped out of the way as the boarbatusk charged him, using the force to amplify his jumps as the large beast charged forwards. Cal couldn't help but notably grin at the fact that the monster was completely unable to change its trajectory. That meant that he would be able to bait and exploit its weaknesses.

All he needed to do was to wait for the beast to charge once more, and stab it.

Cal quickly jumped backwards, distancing himself from him and his opponent. This way, the grimm would have a cut clear path for him to exploit. And just as he had expected, the monster charged towards him at blazing speeds, its eyes set on its target.

And then- it turned into a ball.

Cal's eyes widened as the grimm suddenly transmorphed into a spherical projectile, increasing its speed by tenfold. Once again, the jedi lept to the side- this time with much more urgency- as the grimm rolled past him, crashing into an arena wall. Cal took the chance and repositioned himself, once again creating distance from him and the grimm.

Dammit Ozpin, Cal mused in frustration. There was only one strategy that he could think of on the fly that would enable him to defeat the grimm without revealing all of his abilities with the force along, and even then, he would have to give away at least one of his abilities to the entire student population. It would kill the mystery that gave him a tactical edge.

But if Cal was going to reveal one of his abilities, he would reveal the one that the beacon staff most likely already knew about. He wouldn't give them the satisfaction of victory. Not until I find out what exactly Ozpin wants from this entire endeavor.

As the grimm approached once more, Cal sighed and stretched his hand forwards, not bothering to move. Inwards, he felt his connection to the force, and called on it to manifest in the physical world. Just like last time.

And instantly, time slowed down for the grimm. So much so that time practically stopped altogether.

Huh, now that I look at it, it isn't a complete ball. Instead, the grimm had merely overstretched its body and curved up. What an odd breed of monster, Cal mused. Hmm, I can't pierce the armor, but there has to be a bit of open flesh somewhere in the grimm, right! Oh, a-ha!"

Cal smiled in triumph as a chunk of open skin revealed itself in the grimm's stomach. The jedi simply walked up to the beast and stabbed it, allowing himself a moment of satisfaction as his time freeze was undone and his opponent dropped onto the ground, dead.

"And the grimm is dead! Well done, Mr. Kestis!" Port's voice boomed once more, making Cal jump back in surprise. This was seriously starting to give him deja-vu from when he was captured and thrown into an arena. Although I do suppose the company is much better this time around.

That bounty hunter had seriously been an ass.

"Now, the first of the three students that Mr. Kestis will be facing is...!" On queue, the screen shifted into a spinner and starting to twirl around.

"Russel Thrush!"

Notes

Nothing much to say this time around. :|

Just a few questions though...

1. Do you guys want a pairing? Personally, I'm fine with either option, but just like my other story, any romance subplot will be minimal and well... Just a sub-plot.

2. Do you want the interactions to be focused more on RWBY, or JNPR? Do you want any other 'sideline' characters to be more involved in the story as well? (Ex: Velvet, Winter, Taiyang, Goodwitch, Tukson...)

3. Overall, what direction do you want this story to go? (Focus on characters or lore?)

And finally, to answer a few reviewer questions/concerns...

1. Why was Cal encased in carbonite?

I know the thing was weird, but just... Wait for a while lmao. It isn't just an asspull, there's a very specific reason that specific method was used.

2. What reason does Cal have to join Beacon?

This one's a bit of an asspull, but let me just emphasize this. Cal is a stranger to this world, and so far his only experience of it is people getting attacked by hordes of monsters. The inner jedi in him would obviously want to protect them, and since Ozpin offers him an obvious chance to do that, he would see it as the most logical progression.