The Heat
By wildstraydog
Chapter Three: The Annoyance of Bonding
Beta: Super Saiyan Cyndaquil
The reception to this story has been fantastic and I promise to you readers that I will do my damn best to make sure the quality is consistence. This chapter is going to focus more on how our Jaune in this universe begins to cope with his newfound team and the relationships around him. As for team names they have now been decided and the pronunciation will be told in this chapter. RWBY is owned by Rooster Teeth and Monty Oum.
Jaune was a man of habit, repeating his routines every morning and night to make himself comfortable. After being deemed team JBRY (Jambiya) he had the unfortunate task of deciding sleeping arrangements in their new room. Instead of bunk-beds which Yang and Blake suggested, he opted for the more traditional separation, with boys on one side and females on the other. His partner of course complained about how he was no fun, but he just ignored the pout.
This didn't explain why he was annoyed though, it was the morning events that took place which caused him great ire. As usual Jaune got up, changed his clothes and left his room to prepare for a short jog before classes; the exercise allowed him to clear his mind and focus on one thing-running. His mistake was stopping to tie his shoes only to stand up and be greeted by his new partner, Yang Xiao-long, who wore a white top and short black gym shorts. Before he could even deny her the company she slapped him on the back and pushed him along.
So there they were running at a steady pace around the large campus, Jaune trying his best to enjoy the cool morning air with Yang only a few inches behind him. The quest was pleasing, evening knowing that someone was behind him, and the pumping of his blood and adrenaline made him feel awake and alive. But there could only be peace for so long when Yang Xiao-Long was involved, as she strode up next to him and matched his pace.
"So you jog every morning?" Yang asked in-between breaths. Beads of sweat began to drip from her forehead and neck, but her hair somehow remained spotless as it shined against the bright sun.
"Usually alone, but yes." Jaune answered back. Yang of course being the observant one noticed the emphasis in his wording and cocked a grin.
"Glad to hear it, it gives me an excuse to start building up my cardio. Besides this is best opportunity for us to learn about each other."
"There isn't much to me, what do you wish to know?"
"Oh you know the usual: dark secrets, hidden techniques, and misadventures. Only the things that matter." Jaune slowed down and began to walk, wiping the sweat above his eyes.
He turned to search for a nearby water fountain and spotted one in the corner next to some pillars and a bright green bench. Refreshing cold water spewed from the top and he took it in small doses, before letting out a small sigh. "Are you always fishing for information with people you just meet?" Yang made a fake gasp and batted her eyes.
"Why Jaune, I would never do such a thing," Yang said in a sing-song voice until she lost it and began to laugh.
"I can give you the basics. I was adopted by my father General Ironwood and attended several combat schools in Atlas until recently graduating from Phoebe Academy. As for secret techniques, I have none to speak of, but my semblance is called 'Shell', and it acts as a temporary armor." Yang lost her grin and began to pout from the dull story, expecting something much grander from the Atlesian boy.
"So your father's the famous General huh? Must be rough."
Jaune cocked his head to the side in confusion and turned again to look at her. "What do you mean by that?"
"I mean, just from meeting you, your discipline must have been intense. Even now you're standing so stiff and being formal. You don't have to act in front of me Jaune." He was taken back by her remarks and began to mull. His father may have been difficult, but he meant well, and he couldn't imagine where he would be if Ironwood had not saved him.
"Miss Xiao-long-"
"Nope, what did I say?"
He hesitated for a second and groaned. "Miss Yang, I appreciate your concern, but I can tell you with the utmost confidence that my father is a great man. Everything I learned from him has pushed me further as an individual and made me who I am today." Yang folded her arms and nodded, accepting his statement with a smile.
"It's good to hear you love your father," Yang replied. "Mine can be a little pushy and overprotective, but I love him." Jaune tried to picture what the father of Ruby Rose and Yang Xiao-Long could have looked like, but he only drew a blank.
That man must have been a saint.
"I am curious though...do you and Ruby share the same father?" her eyes swung up at the sudden question. Jaune was beginning to feel he had crossed some line.
"So now you're the inquisitive one," Yang chirped. She moved back a strand of hair and smile. "We have different mothers." He simply nodded and pulled out his scroll to look at the time. Classes would begin shortly, with most of his jogging time now gone.
"We should start heading back, classes begin in an hour."
"I enjoyed our little talk," she gave him a small wink and Jaune rolled his eyes as they began their walk back to the dorm.
It was the last class of the day, and inside a medium sized oval classroom, Professor Port made a resounding roar of enthusiasm as he began his lesson on the history of Grimm. The professor was the jolliest man Jaune had ever encountered, and even four rows above from the main podium he could hear his boasting voice clearly. But that didn't make the class any less boring or pointless to him, especially such trivial information that he learned when he was as young as ten. Everyone in Beacon Academy should know the purpose of being a Huntsmen or Huntress, including the role the various kingdoms play.
The speech began to morph into a childhood story of how Port captured a Beowolf alive inside some cage contraption, so he gave up taking notes and glanced around the classroom. Many of the students had fallen asleep, including his teammate Yang, while Blake pretended to take notes-Ren just sat their staring at the chalkboard behind the professor. As for team RNPW (Rain pour), it was almost the same, except for Weiss taking diligent notes on every major point.
She always was the studious one.
Jaune snapped his head back to the podium when he heard a small familiar growl in the corner. He spotted a large cage with claw marks sprawled across it and two beady little red eyes. The scent was recognizable even to him-a Boarbatusk. The complaints of Weiss reached his ear as he heard her chastise Ruby on her inattentive attitude during the session.
"Alas I will ask you young ones. Who hear believes themselves an embodiment of the traits I have presented?" Jaune watched as Weiss shot herself up from her seat and raise her hand.
"I do sir!"
"Very well Miss Schnee, please come down."
Once Weiss changed from her uniform into her battle attire, the small skirmish began. The Boarbatusk charged forward in the empty classroom, but froze in place as it found its feet incapacitated by her glyphs. She jumped over the Grimm and unleashed a couple of strikes from behind as her team cheered her on. The slight tick on the heiress's forehead gave away her annoyance which Jaune had to sympathize with; the jovial cheers served as a distraction in his opinion.
"For such a small girl she sure packs a punch huh?" Yang commented as she leaned forward on her elbows.
"She has definitely improved her skills, but her defense is still weak. There are too many openings an opponent or a high tier Grimm could expose." Blake shifted her eyes at Jaune and blinked a few times before responding.
"Everyone has room for improvement," She said. "I imagine the Professor is just trying to size us up today." Jaune gave out a sigh to her answer.
"I just expected more from her."
"No one is perfect."
"That's the problem..." Blake's amber eyes widened slightly for only a second in surprise at his comment. She turned back to watch the last moments of the battle as Jaune cupped his chin with his right hand.
His remark had somehow upset Blake, yet at the same time he wasn't surprised. There was no doubt some connection with what he said to some memory of her past that involved her Faunus origins. It was true that in the past some pro-human activists called the Faunus imperfect creatures despite their enhanced abilities. Jaune concluded he would have to word his opinions in a more appropriate manner. There was no reason for him to cause a rift so early in the year, though that already seemed to be happening for team RNPR.
With the class dismissed the rest of Weiss's team ran up to her to congratulate her performance, but it only took a second for Weiss to snap at Ruby.
"Why do you act like such a damn child?"
"I-I was trying to give you words of support?"
"In the middle of a battle?"
Pyrrha stepped in between the two and rested her hands on both their shoulders. "Ruby was just trying to be nice Weiss. There is no reason to take it out on her." Weiss began to grumble and pointed a finger at Ruby.
"Why you were chosen to be leader is unfathomable to me."
"..."
Yang rushed down to join her sister and let slip a few insults before the ice princess began to stomp away in anger, brushing past Jaune with a quick glance. When he turned back to look at Ruby he noticed her eyes directed at the ground, a look of uncertainty painted across her face. Yet he did believe there was some truth in the statement. It was beyond his understanding why the Headmaster appointed such a young girl to be the leader of a team.
He could sympathize with her, after all it was hard to adjust to a new environment. Although he had been trained to accept such conditions regardless of the culture. Jaune followed Weiss through the halls and out into a courtyard where she stood alone against the rays of the sun against her pale skin. The sun was beginning to set across the sky. Before he could approach the troubled girl, Professor Port walked across the yard humming to himself only to be stopped by Weiss.
"Hello Miss Schnee," he answered with merry. "Is there something I can assist you with?" Weiss titled her head down and looked at her feet, appearing nervous at the thought of her question.
"Sir...I don't understand why someone like Ruby got to be picked as leader. She acts so childish and immature-how can she lead us?"
The smile dropped from the large man and he folded his arms in thought before answering. "I don't believe Ozpin is wrong."
"But I should be leader-I much more qualified and-"
"For someone who expects to receive everything delivered to them, I doubt you would be able to instill such confidence in your companions." Weiss went agape as she was taken back by the professor's words. Jaune was half expecting the girl to start shouting in outrage, but no words exited her small quivering lips.
"I understand being upset, but sometimes these decisions are beyond understanding. From my perspective Ruby Rose is a strong girl, but when her teammates lack trust...that is truly when a leader fails." Weiss narrowed her gaze at the ground and nodded. She lifted her head and bowed.
"I apologize for my conduct Professor. Perhaps I should evaluate my opinion on Ruby."
"It never hurts to try Miss Schnee." Port waved to Weiss as he walked back into the halls from the courtyard, leaving the heiress alone to her thoughts.
If the professors wish to gamble with their students that's their business. Jaune thought as he took his leave. Instead of approaching Weiss he decided it was best for the situation to play out according to the Headmaster's wishes. He might have been in disagreement, but there was nothing he could do lest he jeopardize his mission at Beacon.
Wednesday finally rolled around with the first two days being what he expected. Today would be his first day to attend combat class with Glynda Goodwitch, and Jaune had all intents and purposes of paying attention.
As the last spar took place under the watchful gaze of Professor Goodwitch, Jaune held a surprising rare smirk on his face. Out of all the classes he had attended so far at Beacon Academy, this one held his attention the most. So much had been learned in a few short hours: different styles and an assortment of weapons all revealed to him. So far he had not been called upon to show off his skill, not that he expected much of a fight from most of his classmates.
He was not surprised then to see the piercing eyes of Professor Goodwitch fall upon him and notice his aura of confidence. "We have time for one more match today-" She began as she scrolled through her pad. "How about Cardin Winchester and Jaune Arc."
The smile on Jaune's lips faded away and he began to walk down to the arena placed in the middle of the classroom. From the corner of his eye he saw his opponent stroll up with a large mace resting on his shoulder. The boy was taller than most of the other students, with orange hair combed back to reveal his forehead. He had indigo colored eyes and wore a set of plate armor with a golden bird on the chestplate, though what caught his eye was the cocky grin plastered on his face.
Jaune came to a slight stop and raised his hand, surprising Goodwitch as she acknowledged him with a small nod. He was disappointed by the pairing, and he needed his opinion heard before engaging in such a pointless match. He didn't even have to calculate his odds against Cardin-there was no way that boy would beat him.
"Is there a problem Mr. Arc?"
"Yes, I do not believe this is a fair matchup Professor Goodwitch. Perhaps someone more of his skill level would be appropriate." Cardin narrowed his eyes and scoffed at his suggestion. Jaune didn't care however if this made him an enemy, although the mere thought was laughable itself.
"While I can appreciate the gesture Mr. Arc, I have already paired you up. Confidence is a fair trait, but arrogance leads to one's downfall." He could feel the venom in her response, but he nodded in accordance. The many stories of Glynda from Ironwood made him shiver-he had no desire to be on her bad side.
"I apologize Professor."
With no choice left, Jaune stepped into the arena opposite of his opponent and sized him up. Cardin would have the advantage of pure brute strength, but that would also cost him, while his mace left plenty of openings for him to attack from all sides. He unsheathed Crocea Mors and held it out to the side, opting to not use his shield as it wouldn't be necessary. Cardin marched into the middle with a look of disgust, grumbling under his breath several obscenities.
"You're going to regret opening your mouth," Cardin mouthed.
"Let the match begin."
Cardin heaved his heavy mace up in the air and charged forward, using his momentum to slam his weapon down at Jaune's original spot. A contained explosion erupted in the arena, a small puff of smoke blinding his vision and giving Jaune ample time to flank him. He thrust his fist into Cardin's side, causing the boy to double over and flail his mace to the left. Jaune dodged the attack and brought the back of the hilt of Crocea Mors into Cardin's face, launching him onto his back several feet away. His aura was one hit away from entering the red.
The hulk of a boy struggled to get on his knees, gripping his mace close to his chest with only a second to glance at Jaune on the other side of the arena. Jaune let out a tired sigh and walked over to Cardin as he stood on wobbling legs, his fist meeting the boy's gut and knocking him out. "This is when you lose." With his aura in the red, the match was called and Glynda announced the victor. The classroom remained silent as Jaune made his way back to his team, ignoring the small murmurs.
Once he sat down next to Yang, she nudged him in the shoulder which he reacted with a small growl; personal space was something he cherished. Although he had to admit that displaying his skills (though only a small percentage) brought him an elated joy, perhaps because it proved to everyone the strength of Atlas. In his opinion Beacon had a lot up catching up to do.
The constant roar of chatter consumed the cafeteria as he stood in line for his lunch, observing some of the cliques already forming among some of the students. When it was his turn he grabbed one slice of pizza and a small garden salad with croutons nestled atop, and made his way to find a seat. Near the middle, he saw the familiar blonde mane of Yang, and proceeded to maneuver himself and his tray between the students until he made it to the table, only to be surprised to see team RNPW as well. He wasn't expecting so much company.
"There you are!" Yang announced when she spotted him. "We were just talking about your show." Ruby shoved down some cookies and turned with a bright smile and crumbs on her cheeks to acknowledge Jaune.
"You did great Jaune, it went by so fast."
"T-thank you Miss Rose, but it was quite simple." Jaune sat and grabbed his fork, beginning to feast on his healthy dish when Weiss decided to add her opinion.
"You would do good to learn from Arc, he was one of the top students at Phoebe Academy. Perhaps if you ask he would be willing to show you some tips." Jaune was caught off guard by Weiss, her tone and attitude completely different then it was yesterday. Her talk with Professor Port no doubt was involved, but for such a sudden shift? He decided to confirm this with a simple question directed at the heiress.
"I see that you and Ruby settled your differences." Weiss titled her head a bit, and her eyes perked up at the mention of her squabble. However it did confirm his suspicions about the quick change.
"Yes...I was a little selfish in my thinking."
"Oh its okay Weiss, I'm just glad we're friends!"
"Aw, my little sister is such an inspiration," Yang cooed as she embraced Ruby in a tight hug and ruffled her hair, ignoring the tiny girl's protests.
His teeth mashed away on the crunchy leafs of the lettuce, stabbing his fork into the succulent tomatoes before Pyrrha began speaking. Jaune had no intention of becoming the center of attention, regretting the match between him and Cardin-of course they were at a school, and gossip was common.
"Jaune, I was very impressed by your match," Pyrrha complimented. "It would be wonderful if we could spar sometime." He paused and swallowed his food, mulling over the proposition. He had to admit he was glad to see Pyrrha Nikos engaging him once again, as he was worried their first interaction caused a severe rift.
"Yes, perhaps if Professor Goodwitch matches us up. Fighting someone of your prestige would be an honor." Pyrrha let out a forced chuckle, again off put from the mention of her past accomplishments.
"We could always arrange a private match."
"I will put it in consideration." She nodded and turned back to her team, her uneasiness vanishing as Nora told a tale of ridiculous proportions. How anyone put up with the girl was a mystery to him.
"You should try and lighten up, no need to be so proper around us," Yang commented as she threw a chip in her mouth. Jaune could hear every crunch as she leaned in. Blake sat across from the table reading a book, only slightly paying attention at the mention of Yang's remark.
Jaune however felt attacked. "What is wrong with the way I act? I don't see Miss Belladonna or Mr. Ren telling me to change my ways." The rest of the table looked at Ren who only shrugged. The voice of reason-Ruby in this case- decided to try her hand and make a suggestion.
"I think what my sister is trying to say is...be yourself!"
He blinked a few times and sat his fork down. Before he picked up his pizza slice, he looked down at the table to hide his look of frustration. Jaune was confused-what did they mean be himself? Ever since he had arrived at Beacon all he had been doing was acting normal. Yet everyone told him to drop his guard and act to their standards-it was insulting to his character in his opinion. He was thankful that the discussion was diverted by an accented female voice that sounded in pain.
"Stop it, let go." Jaune turned to the source of the voice and spotted Cardin and his team harassing a Faunus with Bunny ears. The girl had long brown hair and soft colored eyes, but they winched in pain as Cardin tugged on her appendages. The act disgusted him, but it was not his place to act.
"I think I'm about to punch him," Yang whispered in disgust.
"Don't waste your time...besides, if she is going to be picked on for her race then she needs to learn to stand up for herself." The rest of the table went somewhat quiet as Jaune began to chomp down on the rest of his meal. He could feel the piercing amber eyes of Blake penetrating him.
What I say is cruel is but necessary.
"That doesn't mean we should tolerate it," Blake responded.
"I totally agree," Yang added. Everyone nodded their head in agreement, and as they turned back to look, the bunny-eared Faunus had already disappeared.
It was strange, as Jaune felt he had somehow seen the girl before. He couldn't remember at the moment, but he was sure the memory would return. His stomach was full, and he was ready to endure the rest of his classes for the day; his lecture would be conducted by a man name Dr. Oobleck. History of the wars and human and Faunus interactions was the class, and he was sure to be bored as he was in Professor Port's class yesterday.
Yet somehow he felt a pit in his stomach.
Dr. Oobleck was nothing what Jaune expected in a teacher. There was no time to even rest as the man teleported all across the room back and forth to his desk and blackboard that was covered in various maps from across Remnant. The basics of the Faunus Revolution later known as the 'Faunus War', were explained, including the effects it held in society today. He had heard it all before, and all of the questions he posed to the students who struggled to keep up were child's play.
"Now tell me children have any of you suffered discrimination or even hate because of your Faunus heritage, no need to be shy in this class!" Everyone darted their heads waiting for someone to answer, when Jaune spotted the same Faunus from Cardin's bullying raise her hand nervously.
"How awful! This ignorance is what led to long battles of violence and death, now who here can tell me what many theorize was the turning point in the third year of the war? How about you Mr. Arc, you seem bored." Dr. Oobleck took a quick sip of what Jaune assumed was a high caffeine coffee and sat up in his chair.
"Fort Castle," he answered promptly.
"Very good, and what advantage did the Faunus have over General Lagune's forces-Mr. Winchester how about you this time, you seem fully involved in the class." Cardin leaned back in his chair and answered with a sarcastic answer instead of what Dr. Oobleck sought.
"To be honest I'm not sure, but I imagine it must be easy to train animals." Dr. Oobleck shook his head in vast disappointment before Pyrrha shot her hand up to answer.
"I believe it was night vision-"
Blake added to the answer as she stood and looked over at Cardin with disdain. "General Lagune was very inexperienced, and made the huge mistake of underestimating the Faunus. His army was outmatched and the General found himself captured by his foes. Perhaps if he paid attention in class he would not be remembered as such a failure." Cardin jumped out of his seat until Oobleck ordered him to sit down and see him after class.
"The countless deaths could have been avoided if the Faunus only accepted the General's conditions," Jaune added in the class to the surprise of his teammate.
Blake turned to direct her gaze at Jaune. "If the Faunus had sacrificed their beliefs and surrendered to the General, there whole revolution would have been for naught." Jaune closed his eyes and receded away from the argument, knowing that there was no way to win with Blake in this subject. Oobleck clapped his hands sensing the tension in the air and ended the class on a long lecture.
Jaune gathered his books and noticed that Blake had left the room before the rest of her team in an attempt to avoid Jaune.
Classes were over and dinner had ended on a peaceful note, although Jaune had noticed that Blake would give him a questioning glare from time to time; the exchange of glances did not go unnoticed by Yang or Ren. As Pyrrha and Weiss finally sat down to join the others at the table, Yang decided to start up a conversation about the resident bully in Beacon Academy, an obvious tick for the buxom blonde.
"Damn, what is with that dude?" Yang said through a piece of grilled cheese she began to smack on, a bit of crumbs falling to the table, causing Jaune to scoot down.
"Some people are just not as open-minded I'm afraid," Pyrrha responded. "It's hard for some individuals to change their views." Jaune could have sworn the statement was being directed at him.
"There should be no tolerance for bullies, we should totally break his legs and wheel him around the school for everyone to laugh at him, and then force him to buy us all pancakes for the rest of the year!" Nora shouted at the speed of light, Jaune drowning out most of the nonsense. The rest of the table gave off a chuckle as Ren explained to Nora all the lesser points of her proposal.
There was one thing that Jaune did agree with that the hyperactive pink haired bomber said-bullies were not needed in any establishment. Cardin would never have lasted at Mantle, narrow-minded students were picked apart.
Throughout his years being raised by his father Ironwood, Jaune had been exposed to a plethora of information concerning human-Faunus relationships and the political ramifications that were introduced after the Faunus War. He learned of the discrimination, not just of Faunus but of humans of different color. Political back-dealings and the corruption within the various kingdoms-basically the nefarious and dark-side of the human race.
In the walls of Atlas, Jaune could have taught Cardin a lesson and been congratulated on dealing out a form of punishment for his actions. However Beacon was different, and he would have received the ire of the teachers for dishing out anything more than necessary. The powerful stare of Glynda Goodwitch revealed all of this. But Jaune had more to worry about than the baseless antics of Cardin Winchester.
Once dinner was over, Jaune and others began to pick up their trays and leave the cafeteria, but as Blake passed him, something fell in one of his pockets. He pretended not to notice so the others wouldn't bring it up, but as everyone left, including his normally nosey partner, Jaune took out the small crumbled piece of paper in his front pocket. It was a small note addressed to him in beautiful cursive writing.
Meet me on the roof tonight at 10:30 – Blake
Much sooner than I expected, Jaune thought. It had only been two days with them together as part of a team, but he must have made enough comments to rile her up.
The time of the so-called meeting was approaching as it turned 10:20, the lights already out in their room. Jaune had remained under the covers wearing only a black sleeveless t-shirt and gray shorts. His eyes stayed opened as he turned to see the empty bed next to Yang's, which even he found impressive that she was able to slip out and not awake his snoring partner. Being careful, he removed the covers and made his way out of the dorm, shutting the door lightly.
While the note didn't specify which roof Blake wished to meet at, Jaune came to the conclusion that it wouldn't be far from their dorm because of how late it was, so that left only the one on the east wing. When he reached the stairs leading up, he noticed the door was already unlocked-somehow she rigged it open. Jaune stepped outside and saw Blake wearing a small black sleep gown with her bow still nestled on her head.
With a slight sigh he stepped forward. "You wished to speak with me Miss Belladonna?" She nodded and turned around, her bright golden eyes alit in the dark.
"Yes...I believe there is something we should discuss."
"Does this have to do with the fact that you're a Faunus?" Blake's head snapped back and her eyes widened in fear, a small bead of sweat pouring down her neck, her mouth slightly agape in shock.
"H-how did you...?"
"I've known since we met," Jaune answered. "You may be able to fool most people, but I was trained to spot these things. Plus your bow twitches in slight intervals. She instinctively reached for her bow and blushed, but it disappeared fast as she stared Jaune down.
"Why haven't you told anyone-?"
"Because I see no reason to. You have chosen to not reveal your heritage to your friends, so I respect your decision. However you may need to eventually reveal this-you cannot keep them in the dark forever."
"I am aware of this, but let's talk about why I asked you up here." Jaune watched as Blake folded her arms and began to pace, still no doubt nervous that he knew of her secret. He would have to watch his words.
"Do you hold ill will toward the Faunus?"
"..." Jaune didn't answer right away, even though he expected the question when he received the note from her. He wasn't stumped on how to answer, but he wished to tread as carefully as he could, especially considering that she was on his team. Yet perhaps the truth was in order.
"No...I never have, nor do I believe they are a lesser race. What I do have a problem with is the White Fang and the various violent methods which some of your people have taken upon themselves."
Blake gave a huge sigh of relief, but her frown did not disappear. "You...are not wrong. My people have definitely gone astray. But it still pains me to see others be treated like common animals." Jaune closed his eyes and started to walk away, but not before posing a question at the girl.
"Why do you hide behind your bow?"
"It's...personal."
"Very well, but remember Miss Belladonna. We are not distinguished by our outer appearances or traits, but by our actions as people. I do not believe any of your friends would treat you differently." Jaune headed back to the door and left the roof, leaving Blake alone with a small smile on her lips, all the anxiety she felt about her leader's supposed prejudice fading into the dark. Though she still found him arrogant.
"Well, well, so you're a Faunus Blake?" She froze, recognizing the husky and cocky voice anywhere. She hesitated to turn around, when she laid eyes upon the bulky form of Cardin Winchester standing before her.
"How much did you-?"
"All of it, and I have to say it explains a lot about your stuck-up attitude. But no one has to know your secret Blake...for a price of course."
"I won't do anything to degrade myself." She hissed.
"No, of course not, I was thinking something much simpler."
No it's not going to be sexual, everyone get your mind out of the gutter. So Cardin heard Blake's secret, and in all honesty I was crossed at having Blake's origins brought out so soon, but I found it necessary, and it will be fun to play around with what the canon had established. There are a couple of things I wish to address in this extra author's note.
So I have heard some people dislike how I portray Jaune in this story. I can understand why, but this is an alternate universe in which Jaune has been raised to be authoritative and by-the-books. With each chapter his character will learn and redeem himself, and I hope some of that was apparent in this chapter, and as far relationships go.
Will there be some Arkos? Maybe. I haven't decided yet who the foil to Yang will be yet in the pursuit of Jaune's feelings, and while there was some lack of Yang in this chapter, expect much more in the next one. Don't expect any characters to have a sudden realization that they love Jaune with all their heart. Again thanks for reading!