Chapter #1: Records & Training
Even after the food fight at the beginning of their second semester at Beacon Academy, Pyrrha couldn't help but feel useless. She'd heard about the incident at the docks at the end of last semester and how two members of team RWBY were involved, along with a girl and a boy she'd never met.
Blake and the boy she learned to be Sun had found and fought a few of the White Fang members, including Roman Torchwick. She hadn't pressed them for answers but after a time Ruby came and informed her team. What she revealed both shocked, and perked her curiosity.
Ruby had told them all that Blake and the boy Sun, are both Faunus. At first she was shocked by the news. Blake, her fellow huntress in training was a Faunus and even though she'd been around her a fair amount she'd never picked up on the fact. She then knew exactly why Blake always wore her bow.
Her team sat in silence after that until Jaune broke the silence. He told them that they'll treat Blake no differently from normal. Of course, Pyrrha as well as the other two agreed immediately. There was no reason for them not to.
Now, several weeks on everything had returned to normal. The two groups were the only ones that knew about Blake being a Faunus. That is the only students that knew. On this particular day Pyrrha found herself in the arena where she was fighting against the bots that the academy has. This wasn't her first time using the bots to train but it was the furthest she'd gotten before having her aura drained.
She'd set the difficulty to the highest and dressed in her combat gear. She'd already passed the previous lowest of the top ten records set, astounding for a first-year student, but she was far from an ordinary first year. Pyrrha had won the Mistral regional tournament for four consecutive years before enrolling at Beacon. A feat that is unmatched.
The bots of Beacon were all set for different tactics. Some were more aggressive in their attacks. Other more defensive or worked in a combo with another. Some even used ranged attacks and they carried a variety of weapons. It was one of the best forms of training the academy could provide for its students that didn't involve endangering another student or putting them up against Grimm.
With Milo and Akouo in her hands Pyrrha had advanced rapidly to this point. Now on the current wave she was beginning to struggle, beginning to fade. The bots pressed her hard while Pyrrha's movements usually smooth and precise have begun to falter. She bounces Akouo off several bots whole blocking with Milo in its Xiphos form.
Using her semblance to bring back Akouo to her left arm she jumps over a strike form a bot. While arcing over its head she strikes it with Milo and is falls defeated. Most students knew about certain semblances, like Weiss and her glyphs, or Ruby and her speed. Pyrrha's was polarity, and only a few people knew it. It is a secret she guards well, only ever revealing it to those whom she trusts.
She manages to pass her current wave furthering her new record when during the intermission of the next wave she hears the door opening and two familiar voices. More accurately one, loud and energetic. She turns to find both Yang and Blake walking in before the take their seats.
What are they doing here? I thought Jaune said they went to Vale for the day? She wonders before the buzzer signalling the start of the next wave pulls her back to her training. Over a dozen bots come at her this time, all with slightly higher speed and damage resistance.
She takes a couple of hits before finishing that wave in a little over four minutes. Come on, got to fight faster, harder, smarter. She tells herself, intent on pushing herself, her skills to the limits and beyond. The next wave takes it out of her. With her aura low and muscles aching, sweating running down her back and off her chin she calls for the system to stop the simulation.
Placing Milo and Akouo on her back Pyrrha wiped the sweat from her brow as the system read aloud of the new record she'd set. She now saw her name in bold alongside her mug shot in the ninth spot. She allows herself a moment to feel a small amount of pride for knocking someone off the leader board and even moving ahead of another. When she hears clapping, and single person cheering, she turned.
"Woo hoo! Shot Pyrrha!" Pyrrha found herself slightly red cheeked as she turned to find that is was Yang calling out while Blake remained seated, but clapping.
She walked over slowly so she could catch her breath properly. She makes sure to push her ponytail back and straighten her posture as the partners meet her half way.
"Pyrrha that was amazing. A new record. Wow!" Yang says smiling. Pyrrha smiles back, her parents always told her smile when someone complimented you.
"Thank you, Yang. I'm sure you would have been able to get passed one if you tried". She responded, letting yang know she had faith in her ability to pass the old record, but perhaps not her own new one.
"No way, I've already tried".
"And fell short two waves before didn't you". Blake adds in, letting Pyrrha know that Yang was at least very close to setting a new high score.
"Congratulations on the new record Pyrrha. The way you fought was amazing to watch". Pyrrha turns her head to Blake and their eyes meet. She knew now why Blake had amber eyes, a common trait among feline Faunus.
Pyrrha didn't realise she was doing it but had paused and was staring into Blake's eyes. Only when those amber pools shifted away did she reply.
"Thanks Blake. Are you two going to do some duo training or have turns at single combat?" Pyrrha inquired, turning her head back to Yang. She knew she'd just made Blake feel uncomfortable, she only hoped Blake didn't think it was because of her recent revelation of being a Faunus.
In fact, it wasn't that she was a Faunus that had Pyrrha staring at her eyes. Simply how beautiful Pyrrha found them. She hadn't met anyone with such bright, languidly amber eyes before and she'd been stealing glances at those eyes for many months now. Though she wanted to add some vitality to them
"That's right, a bit of partner bonding before Ruby and Weiss meet us here for some team building. How about you Pyrrha?"
"Oh, I think I'll retire to my room after a shower and do some study or read a book". She was telling the truth, after this she had a lot of free time. Ren and Nora were off in Vale while Jaune had hunkered down in the library to study.
"That sounds fun". Yang said with a snort. Pyrrha knew what she meant in regards the study, but she liked reading something of her choosing from time to time.
"I know! How about you watch me and Blakey do some training?" It was a suggestion that Pyrrha wasn't completely opposed to, and not because she saw the benefits of seeing half of team RWBY in action, but more so Blake.
"Yang, Pyrrha doesn't want to watch. I'm sure she would rather….".
"No no. It's fine, I'd like to watch you two. Can I have a shower first before you start?" Blake is taken aback by Pyrrha, but Yang wears a smile.
"Told ya Blakey. We'll warm up while you freshen up".
Pyrrha nods and turns away heading for the locker room, giving them both a wave as she does so. She hoped that Blake didn't mind her watching, although she never actually opposed the idea, only suggested Pyrrha would find it boring.
While Yang began to stretch, Blake swatted her partner across the back of her head. Yang just laughed and turned around.
"You could have asked if I didn't mind Pyrrha watching". Blake starts with, Yang only shrugs back.
"Oh come on, it's only fair. We watched her fight a few rounds. Besides, its Pyrrha. I don't see what the big deal is". The blonde replies.
It wasn't that Blake didn't like Pyrrha, in fact she found the red-haired warrior to be of good company. Always willing to help, never jumping to conclusions and she always seemed to be patient. She found herself thinking of Jaune and the patience it'd take to help train him. And above all, she didn't judge people simply by their looks or family background, Blake imagined Pyrrha judged based on her experience with the person. Otherwise she and Weiss would probably be closer friends seeing they were both rather famous.
"Forget it… its fine Yang". Blake bites her inner lip, remembering how Pyrrha's prolonged gaze had made her feel, not uncomfortable, but anxious. She'd told Ruby and her team about her being a Faunus and her past with the White Fang on accident and went into further detail after her run in with Roman. She knew that Ruby had gone and told team JNPR about her and the dock incident.
She hadn't talked one on one with anyone outside her team, so Pyrrha's longer than normal gaze was something she wasn't expecting, let alone be accustomed to. Yet those emerald eyes seemed full of honest interest.
Already in her training gear Blake stood in front of Yang and began stretching. From ankles to neck Blake limbers herself up, as does Yang doing a few variations of the same stretches. Blake knew she was more flexible than her partner, and that Yang was the powerhouse of their team. But she had a tendency to rush in without thinking, replying on her teammates.
Here in this match Blake knew she'd have to communicate with Yang more frequently. Sure they were only bots, but they were specifically designed to help train the students, and poor communication would lead to an early exit from the simulation.
"Weapons and ammo check done?" Blake inquires.
"Yeah of course. You feeling up to fighting again?"
Blake shot a bothersome look at Yang who raised her hands. "Ok ok, calm down kitty".
At this Blake's ears turned back, and just like cats it meant she was irritated and Yang was the cause of it. She didn't want to be called kitty and continued to stare at Yang, challenging her to say something else that might make her angry.
It had been hard enough for Blake when she let slip to her team that she was a Faunus and former White Fang member. The argument with Weiss, a Schnee had brought it out of her. But now after talking things through in a more calm and open minded manner with Weiss the two had come to even ground, both educating the other about why they viewed things the way they did.
She'd realised the reason for Weiss's initial distrust and hate towards Faunus just as Weiss had learned why Blake considered most humans to be cruel or arrogant. And here was Yang calling her kitty, she felt degraded and she was intent on letting Yang know.
Even before opening her mouth she saw Yang's expression change to one that knew she had gone too far. "Sorry Blakey, didn't think that was offensive".
Blake growled from her throat and closed her eyes to breath in deeply. "Its fine. It just feels like you're treating me like a pet, or an animal".
Yang straightens up and puts a tentative hand on her partner's shoulder. "Sorry Blake, I'll try to refrain from doing so in the future ok? We good?"
Blake nods her head allowing Yang to release a sigh. She goes back to looking like her usual self just in time, as Pyrrha emerges in her uniform with a plain white towel in her hands. She continues to towel off her red hair while Yang gets the simulation started.
Blake feeling a little uneasy, gripped Gambol Shroud, mentally preparing herself for what was to come. The first wave passed easily, with neither of the pair breaking a sweat. As did the following few waves before Yang and Blake both took a small amount of damage.
There is a small cheer a few waves later that makes Blake's lose her focus. A bot hits her twice before she manages to dodge and knock it out.
"What the hell Blake, we're not even that far in". Yang yells after smashing a bot to the ground.
Blake uses her semblance, Shadow, she created a clone so she could manoeuvre around the bot before taking it down with the cleaver form of Gambol Shroud while it shatters the clone. Using her pistol to take down another two. The buzzer goes off again signalling the end of the wave.
Blake doesn't look to Yang instead she looks to Pyrrha who was sitting there with a slightly concerned look on her face. She turns away quickly, doing her best not to move her ears that are hidden beneath the bow. Why was she clapping? Why is she still here? Blake wonders.
She jumps as a hand falls onto her shoulder, nearly striking Yang with the cleaver. Thankfully Yang was aware enough to jump back, but she too looked at Blake with worry.
"Maybe we'll call it there for the day. Seems like you could use the rest".
"Fine, but we're not resting. Torchwick is still out there and the authorities haven't got a clue". Blake replies sheathing her weapon and walking into the locker room without even a sideways glance at Pyrrha. Once there she leans against the lockers with her eyes shut. Images flash before her tightly shut eyes about the White Fang working with a human criminal.
She kicks the locker. Why aren't the authorities doing anything? Why isn't Ozpin doing anything!? She punches the locker leaving a small dent in the front of it. Her frustration at the lack of anyone doing anything was growing, as was her desire to just go out and find answers herself.
She knew the White Fang, she knew the organisation wouldn't work with humans like that. So why then were they working with that scum Roman? Blake only stops fretting when Yang joins her in the locker room. She goes to have a shower, wanting to avoid talking to Yang, talking to anyone.
Pyrrha had seen the way Blake had reacted to her cheering and felt terrible, felt like it was her fault that Blake had called their training short. The Faunus didn't even look towards Pyrrha as she left after exiting the locker room. Pyrrha who had been patiently waiting for the other girls to finish showering was saddened, she wanted to find out if it was indeed her that caused her focus to lapse.
Blake just headed straight for the exit with Yang tailing her a few seconds later. Only Yang stopped once Blake had left the room and there Pyrrha heard the blonde let loose a cry of frustration, stomping her foot on the ground. Of course Yang remembered that Pyrrha had been watching and turned to find emerald eyes looking right at her.
She makes her way to Pyrrha's side and rubbing the back of her neck, speaks. "Sorry you had to see that. Blake's been moodier as of late". She reveals, only adding more worry to Pyrrha.
"It's not your fault Yang. Did my cheering put her off by chance?" Pyrrha inquires.
Yang's eyes turn to the ceiling as she thinks, a small smile coming to her face. "No way, she'd just going through a rough patch. What with the White Fang and her telling us she's a Faunus. Not that it matters, right Pyrrha?"
Pyrrha seemed to be surprised by Yang. She wondered why the blonde brawler asked her if it mattered. Pyrrha only had the information passed on Jaune and Ruby to go on and although she trusted them, she couldn't decide without having a talk with Blake one on one. Though when it came down to it Blake was still the same Blake she'd known since her their second day at Beacon. That didn't change just because she is a Faunus.
The part that concerned her was that Blake was a member of the White Fang, an organisation that has started to turn towards violence. She couldn't help but wonder why Blake would have joined them, other than the obvious reason of, because they are a pro Faunus organisation. But Pyrrha was sure Blake had a better reason.
So did it matter to Pyrrha that Blake was a former member of an organisation that uses terror and violence, and that she is a Faunus. No, Pyrrha didn't care about that. The Blake she knew was quiet, hardworking, knowledgeable, and fought for what to her are good causes.
"I don't mind that she's Faunus if that's what you are asking. I just don't want to be the reason she lost concentration in your training".
Pyrrha looked at Yang hopefully, wanting Yang to pick up on what she wanted. And sure enough her smile grew larger.
"No problem. I'll have a word with her and ask if you were a part of the reason. I wouldn't worry though Pyrrha. Blake's an introvert, but she's not mean or cruel".
Yang's confident voice helped to put Pyrrha's worry to rest. Of course she isn't cruel. Just… Has a troubled past. She thinks, putting her current emotional state down to what happened in her past and how it might be affecting her currently.
"Thank you, Yang. I appreciate your help, and if there's ever anything I can do to help please, just ask". Pyrrha closes her eyes and smiles at Yang who returns a smile of her own. From there the two girls leave the room and head off in their own directions. Yang to find Blake, Pyrrha to her room.
The past pride she felt of making the top ten on the leader board was now gone, replaced with a small but constant worry for her friend Blake. Her thoughts turned to wanting to get to know Blake better, and get stronger, much stronger during her time at Beacon.
Hello readers, this is a match up that I've wanted to read about personally and after only finding a few others I decided to write my own Blake x Pyrrha fanfic. I intent to continue this story, for how long I'm not sure. But so far I've had fun writing it and have a few places I want to go with this story.
If you want to leave a comment or so constructive criticism. Follow it if you enjoyed it as I'll be sure to bring out chapter two shortly, so long as RL does provide any bumps along the way.
