Hello, just a quick note. This is the first real chapter of the story, so expect more chapters of this length and detail. Without further ado, here's chapter one.
He brought his sword done as fast as he could, but to no avail. He grimaced as he brought his shield up. A powerful blow sent him sliding a good four meters back. A blow like that would have broken his ribs if he had been slower with his shield. If only his sword were that fast.
He charged forward, thrusting his sword as hard as he could. Predictably, his opponent used her own shield to block. But he was ready. Using the momentum he from the charge, he tackled her with his shield. She skidded back a mere foot, but smiled back, impressed he was using a little more cunning in his own attacks.
However, Jaune forgot that Pyrrha had a spear. He was so close that Pyrrha merely reached over his shield and "lightly" clocked him with the side of her spear, Milo. This knocked Jaune face first into the ground. "Sorry," she meekly apologized.
Jaune lifted himself up, spitting out dirt and wiping his brow, "No need to apologize, we're training, and I made a mistake." A grin creeped on his face, "I have really felt more confident though after our sessions." He flexed one arm, "See? I went from having olives for muscles to… slightly bigger… olives," he trailed off, slightly crestfallen.
Pyrrha giggled, amused by Jaune slightly dorky behavior. "It doesn't matter how big your muscles are, it how well you can control your body."
"Guys say that about a lot of things," a loud voice said from behind the duo. Blushing, Jaune and Pyrrha saw the tall, golden haired member of team RWBY, Yang. She smiled a playful grin, "A bit early for you two love birds to be alone, isn't it?"
Both blushed at the suggestion, though Jaune was the first to try and quell it. "We're just here for practice, that's all!"
Pyrrha nodded in agreement. "Just practice, that's all," Though she added the latter rather hesitantly.
Yang just smiled in return, "Oh really?" She began to move her hands about, adding a dramatic flair, "You two, alone, in the wee hours of the morning." Her tone would from romantic and flirty, to suggestive, "Chests heaving, bodies sweating, grappling each other on the ground….." she trailed off, eyeing them like a cat.
Pyrrha wasn't naïve and was more comfortable about that subject than Jaune was, but even she was just as red as he was at Yang's suggestive teasing. "What?!" she squeaked, too embarrassed to raise her voice.
Jaune cut in, finding his voice, "It's not like that! And it's definitely not physical! Well… I guess it is technically physical." This got a shocked look from Pyrrha and a sly one from Yang. "Not like that kind of physical, but like fighting!"
"Jaune, you're not going to win. Just stop digging yourself a deeper ditch," a young voice interjected.
They turned to see the youngest member of Beacon, Ruby Rose, in her usual attire of a black and red dress. Despite her small frame, she was immensely powerful, as evidenced by the heavy scythe-rifle she carried on her back. Two years their junior, she had made an impression on everyone as a capable fighter, dedicated leader and loyal friend.
Yang pouted, "Come on! Why you have to ruin my fun? I wanted to see them squirm a bit more." She turned to the two partners, her look changing back to playful, "They are just so precious!"
Jaune opened his mouth to deny any romantic intentions with the Amazonian, but decided following Ruby's advice would be best. Pyrrha, due to her silence, must have thought so too.
Their sudden silence apparently disappointed the blonde brawler, as she again fake pouted and sighed. "Anyway, the real reason I am here is to tell you guys that we are getting breakfast now, so you are welcome to join us."
Pyrrha nodded. "We'll be there in a few minutes."
"Want some help putting away some of your stuff?" the young hooded girl asked.
"No, that's fine, you two go on ahead," replied Pyrrha.
Yang raised an eyebrow and opened her mouth, probably to add another comment on her and Jaune being alone, but Ruby lightly elbowed her in the side. "Come on, let them be."
Yang sighed, "You never let me have any fun." Though Jaune could tell by her sly grin as she walked away, she already was planning something else to entertain her.
Jaune was glad when Yang left. He wasn't comfortable with her teasing, especially when it involved Pyrrha. He walked to his sword and shield, smiling. He felt more confident than when he had arrived at Beacon, and knew that he was on his way to becoming the hero he had always wanted to be. What his family wanted him to be. Someone who was worthy of wielding the two family heirlooms that had served his family well.
As Jaune stood up with his weapons, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Pyrrha looking at him with equal parts determination and what seems like... something else. Fear? He turned to Pyrrha with concern, "What's up?"
Pyrrha bit her lip apprehensively. Jaune knew something was bothering her. He put a reassuring hand on her shoulder, "If there is something you want to say, do it. I won't judge you, you're my friend. You can tell me anything."
She smiled lightly, then sighed. "Jaune, I just want to know," she looked down at her boots for a moment, took a deep breath, and then looked back up, "How do you feel about me?"
Jaune seemed to ponder the question for a second, before answering. "I think you're a great person. I mean, you actually took time to train me and get to know me, even when it would have been easier to walk away. No one else really has really done that for me. You are kind and loyal, but also strong and determined. I guess I look up to you," Jaune replied, eyes filled with nervousness, hoping that he hadn't said anything too dorky.
She smiled back, although it didn't seem quite right. It was longing, sad almost. Jaune was about to ask when Pyrrha suddenly interjected, "I'm glad you feel that way. I feel the same." She motioned her head to the door, "Go on, I'll catch up with you."
Jaune still wanted to ask why she seemed sad, though she seemed like she wanted to be alone. He nodded, but added, "Ok Pyrrha, if anything is troubling you, just come to me. Ok?"
She smiled and nodded, "Definitely. Now go on and grab me a plate." She watched as he walked away, and as soon as he was out of earshot, she sighed. And you just let him walk away again. Good going, Red, she thought to herself. She was strong, courageous, and filled with ambition. However, having a school girl crush was kicking her butt. She wanted to tell him, but she chickened out, and she hated herself for it. She knew that it was better to get it out there sooner rather than later but she had spent years building walls around herself without ever knowing it.
She trained, she performed at tournaments, and she became a celebrity. She had never realized how that had kept from having a love life. She wasn't naive. She had suitors. She just turned them down, as they were usually other celebrities or fighters. There was an expectation to date another fighter, but she didn't like them. Most were ok people, and rather friendly. But then there were the Cardin Winchesters of the group, those who talked down to others, threw their weight around to get what they want, trying to impress her. It didn't work, and when she bruised their precious egos they didn't talk much afterwards. She didn't want to date, didn't have time, and wasn't interested in the guys she knew, so never had a crush before.
Then she met him. He was her complete opposite in terms of skills and demeanor. He was clumsy, socially awkward, lacked confidence, skill, and in all honestly, even his sense of humor was a bit weak. But that didn't matter to her. In Jaune, she saw something else. Something most people overlooked, and only saw with a lot of time and effort.
A kind and pure heart.
It was something so simple, yet for her so powerful. Even when he did something wrong, like faking his way into Beacon, he had a pure goal. It wasn't for him, he wanted to make his family proud. It was corny to say, but it was true. She fell in love with him because at his core, he was a kind, loving person, a faithful friend, and a noble soul. He was simple, had no ulterior motives, and asked for nothing from people for fear of bringing them down. And for that, Pyrrha Nikos loved Jaune Arc.
And it filled her with a warm, fuzzy feeling she always heard about when she was growing up. She enjoyed it, and wished she could feel it all the time. However, it also filled her with anxiety. That she could live without. It drove her crazy to be so close to him yet not be able to tell him how much she cared about him. What made it worse was that she couldn't tell how he felt. She didn't know if he was just oblivious, or he picked up on it and dismissed them for one reason or another. Jaune had a low self-esteem, so it was likely he dismissed the flirting as wishful thinking.
She sighed as the picked up her weapon and walked out of the training field. Better luck next time, Nikos. You better woman up before someone else takes him.
"And so, Ren and I rode the horde of Borbatusks into the sunset!" Nora ended her rather entertaining, and probably embellished, tale.
Ren just shook his head beside her. Despite this, he still had a small smile on his lips, genuinely enjoying the tales his childhood friend came up with. "You have some... interesting dreams Nora."
Blake didn't look up from her book, but added, "And they all include you. Interesting."
Ren didn't react. He must have long grew accustomed to people implying them to be together. It must not bother him, and to be honest, Blake thought it never really did.
"Of course! We've always been together! Well, not together together. But I couldn't imagine what life would be like without my Ren!" Nora exclaimed, pulling the young man in question into a rib crushing hug. Something he had grown accustomed to also.
Blake simply raised her eyebrow in suspicion. She didn't believe it, and most people didn't. It was plainly obvious that Nora had feelings for Ren. The question was whether or not Ren did as well. Of course, Ren wasn't big on emotions. But like Blake had room to talk.
She had been back at Beacon for some weeks after her team found out she was a Faunus. She was accepted back with RWBY and JNPR with much fanfare and little debate. They didn't care who she used to be. They loved her just the same, even Weiss. Of course, once the news hit that a certain black clothed cat Faunus fought Roman Torchwick, it didn't take long for the entire student body to find out. Most didn't care. Faunus students welcomed her, well, most of them. Some held a grudge against her for helping the White Fang. And then there were the bigots of the school. Oh, them. They made life tough at times. But they knew their limits. Few fight Torchwick and walk away like she did, so they never pushed it to a point where she would have an excuse to fight back.
She turned to see Jaune sit down at the table. Without Pyrrha. Oh, that can't be good. Blake knew of Pyrrha's affections too, though this was through more direct means. Pyrrha had come to her for advice, and Blake said probably the most honest, but also hardest advice anyone could give to someone who was in love. Be honest, and be up front. She said she was going to ask him today, and judging by Jaune's concerned look...
Ruby cut in, interrupting her thoughts, "Jaune, is everything alright?"
He looked up from his plate, no, plates. He must have got one for Pyrrha. He nodded, "Yeah, I'm fine." However, his look was anything but reassuring. He must have noticed this because he elaborated, "It's just that Pyrrha seemed down today. She asked me a weird question."
Blake decided at this point it was time for some direct action. "What did she ask you?" she said, not looking up from her book, trying to appear disinterested.
Jaune turned to her, fully acknowledging her, "She asked how I felt about her. I said she was a great friend and I looked up to her, and she seemed, I don't know, sad. Almost..." he paused, as though remembering something from long ago, "disappointed."
Blake resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the blonde boy's expense. It had been a simple question, one where all the flirting Pyrrha had done should have been able to pick up on the true meaning of. Of course, in his defense, most boys didn't pick up on subtle clues like that. Personally, Blake didn't like them either, and usually was very direct with her feelings. Though that tended to get varying results.
Ruby had a concerned look on her face. "Did you guys have a fight recently? Something that would make her question your friendship?"
Jaune shook his head, "No, which is why I am confused."
Blake was a little shocked Ruby didn't pick up on what Pyrrha was really asking either. Then again, she didn't deal well with people unless she was fighting them or ogling their weapon. She played around with the idea of suggesting the idea that Pyrrha may like Jaune, but decided that it was Pyrrha's fight.
She slide her eyes to her partner, who had an expression similar to her internal one. Yang knew what went on, and she wasn't pleased either. Recently, she had started giving Pyrrha advice also. Blake held several ideas why she would do that, her favorite was that she liked playing matchmaker. She wondered how Yang would react or even if she would.
She felt the weight of the table shift slightly. She glanced over to see Pyrrha sitting down. Across from Jaune. Definitely not good. She usually sat next to him, meaning she was trying to put distance between her and Jaune without trying to seem too stand offish.
Pyrrha spoke immediately, "Thanks for getting me breakfast Jaune." She smiled, and unlike her knight, her smile was convincing. If she had been disappointed before, she hide it well.
"You're welcome," he replied.
And thus began the longest two minutes at the lunch table Blake had ever experienced. No one talked. Which was odd, especially knowing who were the kind of people who sat there. Yang seemed to be pondering the Pyrrha-Jaune situation. Ruby looked sympathetically at Jaune. Jaune seemed to be thinking whether or not to ask Pyrrha what was wrong or let it go. Pyrrha seemed happy enough, but was quiet. Nora for some reason had stopped talking and seemed to be content gazing off into the distance. Weiss wasn't even there, having been called to Glynda's office for something. And Ren was being Ren, who seemed unfazed by the potentially growing wrench in his team's dynamics.
The silence was then thankfully broken, however it was by an unlikely and unwelcome source.
"Hey," came a voice standing behind Yang, though not directed at her. Everyone adjusted their attention to the man wearing dark gray armor, with slicked back, shoulder length hair. Sky Lark, one of Cardin's teammates. That was strange for a number of reasons. First, he never spoke with RWBY or JNPR, usually Cardin did that. Secondly, speaking of which, he was alone. Third and finally, he only talked to people when he was making fun of them, and judging by his tone of voice he wasn't here for that. In fact, it actually sounded friendly. Like, genuinely friendly.
He was looking at Jaune, and when no one said anything he continued, "Look, man, I know CRDL been kind of a jerk to you, Cardin especially, but I wanted to apologize for you on behalf of our team." He smiled, sheepishly, "I know we probably don't deserve it..."
"That's right, you don't," Yang interrupted, with a tone suggesting she found Mr. Lark's presence a burden.
He nodded, "Ok, I can agree with that, but I am legitimately sorry." He then rubbed the back of his neck, clearly feeling awkward about what he was going to say next, "And even though the jerk isn't going to say it, Cardin is sorry too. Even more so than the rest of us."
Blake thought that was somewhat kind, expressing the apologies of someone she felt even Sky didn't hold in high regard, judging by his tone. And how he abandoned Cardin to an Ursa Major. However, Yang felt differently.
"Tell him if he's really sorry, he should come here and say it to Jaune," Yang said in quite possibly the sassiest way Blake has ever heard someone speak.
Sky looked sheepish again, "The thing is, I kinda just came on my own. None of them wanted to admit that they felt bad."
"Even Cardin?" asked Jaune.
"Especially Cardin," replied Sky. He then quickly followed up, "Not that he isn't sorry, he's just too proud for that. So are the others."
Pyrrha gave Sky a cold stare, one not dissimilar from one a strict school master would give to a disruptive pupil. "If anyone one of them want us to forgive them, they have to come here and ask for it." Blake agreed, internally of course.
Jaune shook his head, "No, it's alright Pyrrha." He turned back to Sky, smiling, "I accept your apology, and Cardin's." While she found this admirable, forgiving your bully unconditionally, she also found that it only rewarded their bad behavior.
Ruby then cut in, "No, Jaune. Pyrrha's right on this." Blake was impressed. She figured Ruby would be all for Jaune live and let live attitude, but this was surprisingly mature for her. Apparently she must have read Blake's mind because she then added, "You are only rewarding them for not having the decency to apologize themselves. It's cowardly."
"Well, we are that," Sky joked, grinning. "Speaking of which, while I could get Dove and Russel here, Cardin..." he paused, a look of shame coming upon his face."Isn't really speaking to us."
"Does it have anything with you guys leaving him to become lunch for a Grimm?" Nora asked, in a surprisingly innocent tone.
Sky smiled sadly. "Yeah..." His voice weak, "Like I said, we are cowards." While Blake was inclined to agree, the look on Sky's face... She couldn't help but feel pity. While she was quiet, she was skilled at reading emotions, even from the slightest things. The way someone's eyes shined, posture, the angle of how they held their head. It didn't take that much skill to read Sky though. He legitimately felt bad for bullying Jaune, and probably everyone else he bullied too. He also felt terrible for being a coward, leaving his team leader to die, just to save his own skin. And here he was now, trying to make amends, to save some self-respect he must have had for himself.
People who have low self-esteem tend to bully people who are weaker than them to feel like they're in control, Blake thought, remembering her psychology class. What happened to you to make you want to hurt others and put them down? What made you feel like you are powerless? Not that she forgave him, or excused his behavior. If he wanted respect, he would have to work for it.
Jaune smiled sympathetically, "Look, I know what it's like to be scared, but you have to overcome it." He gestured to himself, "When I came here, I was a loser, scared to even think about fighting a lowly Beowolf. But I trained hard, made good friends who supported me..." He then gestured, rather grandly, to the rest of the table, "And gave me someone to fight for. They helped make me proud of who I am, made me brave, and made me a better person. You need someone who would help you do that too." He then put a reassuring hand out to Sky, "I would be honored to be your first real friend at Beacon."
Sky looked at it hesitantly, "Are you sure? Even after the crap we put you through?" Jaune nodded, smile not fading. Sky looked at it hard, weighing his options. His body suddenly relaxed, he smiled, and he grabbed Jaune's hand. "Thanks, man. I owe ya." He looked back at his table and his expression saddened. He turned back, "Hey, I know this is a bit early to ask for favors but..."
Jaune cut in, expecting that his question would be, "Yes, you can sit here. And yes, I noticed their death glares too." Sky nodded thankfully, and then left.
Pyrrha couldn't help but smile at Jaune as he sat back down. "You really are too nice of a person," she said. To which Jaune just gave his trademark goofy grin.
Blake noticed the look in Pyrrha's eyes. It was a loving look, one Blake remember seeing on her parent's faces as they spoke to each other over late dinners when the kids were in bed. Blake enjoyed seeing that look, as it reminded her of the love stories she read as a child. It made her remember that there was still love in this world, a deep love that people usually dismissed as fairy tales and romanticism. A love she always had to be reminded did in fact exist.
However, as she slid her eyes back to her book, her eyes caught Ruby's. Ruby hadn't noticed, as she was looking at Jaune. Her eyes were full of admiration. But they held something else. Something familiar... Oh my.
Blake was usually a master of hiding her emotions. But there were times her facade failed. Once was when she accidently pulled "Ninjas of Love" out of her suitcase. Something she meant to keep a bit better hidden. Another was when Adam had first told her his feelings about her, which she reciprocated at the time. And now she couldn't hide the look of surprise and realization she had. It was good that she had held her book up the entire time, otherwise it would have been plain for everyone at the table to see, and if anyone had noticed they would've assumed she had just gotten to a particularly interesting part.
No one noticed, except her partner. Who was sitting right across from her, looking straight at her with a knowing look. Not just a knowing look, a confirming look. Yang knew what Blake knew, and she knew that Blake knew now too. Suddenly, Yang's actions were beginning to make some sense. Blake gave Yang a look saying she got the message. She and Yang had grown to be able to communicate like that, and right now she was very thankful for that.
Internally, she felt a great wave of discomfort. What would Pyrrha say? Should she even tell Pyrrha? Does Ruby even recognize it herself? She probably didn't have a great grasp on her emotions. Should Blake talk to Ruby about it, or see if Yang would? Yang knew. Hell, she even sometimes teased Ruby about it. But she also was helping Pyrrha. Why? What were her goals? This could negatively impact both teams and not to mention friendships if handled incorrectly. This was beginning to seem like something out of those romantic comedy books she read. Oh my, how the plot thickens, Blake thought to herself.
Weiss stepped out of Goodwitch's office, head swirling from the meeting she had between Goodwitch and her father. She was having difficulty controlling her breathing. Every fiber of her being wanted to break down and cry, like she had years ago as a little girl saying goodbye to her mother. She hadn't expected to see her father. And she really hadn't expected what he had said. Everything that happened gave her reason to worry, even the way her father acted.
To say Weiss's father was a not very affectionate man was an understatement. He had shown very little love to his daughter, and at times even seemed like he... No, Weiss stopped that train of thought. Now he was different. He was fearful. He never showed fear. And it had made him suddenly very protective of his daughter. He held her, something he hadn't done in years, and it felt like he was afraid that if he let go, he would never be able to see her again.
What had happened before she arrived was her father had asked Goodwitch for extra protection around the school, to which she immediately denied, refusing to put armed security droids on school grounds. He wanted Weiss taken out of classes, to which she also denied. She had actually threatened to have him physically removed from the property unless he explained his erractic suggestions. He did, and because of the nature of those suggestions, Weiss was called to the office so she could hear what he had to say.
Shehad to tell her friends. Weiss was in danger, and it could put them in danger too. Even if Glynda promised the school would take extra measures, the best measure Weiss could take would be to have a team of well trained and equipped Hunters. Weiss couldn't ignore the danger to herself, but she felt confident she and teams RWBY and JNPR could handle it.
But her father... Dust, she hoped he would be ok. He was in danger too, and even though her father had been cold and pushed her hard, he did it out of love. He wanted her to be able to take care of herself, to protect herself, from what was happening now. In case... in case... she felt tears roll down her face as she remembered the exact words he said when he first made her take all those combat lessons, in case I can't be there to take care of you.