Mithos here! Thank you to everyone who has read or is following the story. It really gives me motivation to keep writing (past reasonable hours). I didn't want to keep you guys waiting, so I decided to finish up the meeting with RWBY as fast as possible. And yes, there is a reason why he meets them beforehand.
As for reviews...IWEYC, thank you very much for the kind words. It makes me want to start the next chapter already...Everyone else that reviewed, thank you as well. I read everyone's reactions to make sure I can try and get as much good content in there as possible.
I actually intended on getting this chapter out earlier today. But I kept reading and rewriting the parts with Weiss to try and nail that down. Since she's my favorite character, I wanted to do her justice. With that, I hope you enjoy this upcoming chapter (it may have a dark moment :( )
A few blocks away from Limelight, Jaune finally catches his breath. I really hope that Junior makes up a good story. I have a premonition that Glynda is a stickler for rules; if she finds out I didn't listen to her very first request... I fear for my life.
He takes a look at Daybreak again, feeling a bit giddy. My own sword, modeled after Master's! I'm going to take such good care of you. We're going to fight together, sleep together, bathe to...
His train of thought halts when he notices a small nick on the blade. Jaune hits his mental panic button.
I've only had this for an hour! How the hell is it...He recalls using the sword to parry the troublemaker's punch. Wait, that punch did this? Note to self: If you see her again, avoid fists. Actually, avoid her completely. Something tells me causing trouble is a regular thing.
Staring at the blade again, he racks his brain for a solution. Wait, didn't Master mention a way to repair it? Something about white dust?
He takes a look at the letter again. White Dust into the sheath with the sword, and it repairs? She really did thought of everything!
Using his scroll, he hastily looks for a Dust shop open this late. Luckily, there was one called "From Dust Till Dawn" nearby, so he strolls toward it.
Finally, a break from the excitement. I'm just going to get the Dust, fix the sword, and crash on the nice and comfortable hotel bed.
I am going to ignore any and all signs of trouble. I have learned. I have matured. I...
As he turns around the street corner, two people fly out the window, landing on the ground with a thud.
That's...that's the shop I was going to. But I just said...And my comfy bed...but fixing my sword...
Muttering several curses, one of which refuted the existence of a god, Jaune starts to turn around.
I can still pretend I didn't see anything. I'm sure there's another Dust shop open this late. Or I can just get the Dust tomorrow. Yeah. There is NO reason for me to get involved. Ab-so-lute-ly none.
However, the girl in red caught his eye before he could leave. The red cloak and black dress compliments the young girl's short black hair. Her silver eyes sparkle with innocence while gazing at him, more concerned about his wellbeing than the approaching thugs.
NO! Don't look at me with those eyes!
He freezes up as the repressed memory bubbles up to the surface. Several elementary age children look at him with pleading eyes, asking for help. Their faces were disfigured; burn and cut scars ran across their eyes and lips. They extend their hands toward him; some their only arm, and others try to grasp even without fingers.
Their stares and voices all ask one thing, "Why? Why were you the one to live?"
Gastric juices rise from the pit of his stomach. He leans on the side of the building, emptying the day's meals on to the pavement. Tears stream down his face as he tries to stabilize his shaking left hand.
Why did I have to remember that now? It's different this time, that was the past! I can get over this!
"...and as much I'd love to stick around...Excuse me, I'm trying to have a moment here. Do you mind?"
Jaune turns to face the origin of the voice. The man's getup consists of a white suit, gray scarf, black bowler's hat, and cane. With his orange hair covering his right eye and eyeliner in the other, he looks more qualified to perform a play than to commit a robbery.
The other thugs all lie prone around him and the girl. Jaune notices the girl has a massive scythe out, presumably the weapon used on the thugs.
"The theatrical air is lost. Alas." The orange hair man expresses dramatically, lifting his cane and aiming it at the girl. A scope appears as he finishes his lines. "Yada yada, part ways."
Jaune's legs move as soon as the scope was shown. He charges toward the girl, tackling her to the ground and shielding her with his body. His eardrums shake from the explosion behind him. A stinging sensation runs through his spine as the shrapnel lodges into his back.
Couldn't even get my aura up in time. That shot was aimed to kill. The thought made him sick to his stomach.
"Are you okay?!" The girl he is shielding asks him, looking at him with those same silver eyes.
Jaune looks away as he stands up, giving her a curt reply. "My Aura will take care of it."
That statement lets her realize that he can handle himself. The cloaked girl looks around and sees the robber climbing an emergency ladder to escape.
"There he is!" Before Jaune could even reply, she runs toward wrongdoer, leaving behind a trail of roses.
He recalls part of the memory again. I have to protect her, he decides as he follows behind her.
Reaching the ladder, the girl in red fires her scythe rifle downwards, using the momentum to launch herself upwards and following the outlaw.
With his weapon unable to emulate, Jaune summons his Twilight Bracelet instead. Goliath Series: Reinforcement.
The black muck spews forth from the bracelet, covering both his arms. It seeps into his skin, binding around his muscles and amplifying their movements.
Grabbing the steps of the ladder, he pulls himself up. However, from other's perspective, it appears more like he was launching himself upwards using the metal steps. Grooves in the shape of his fingers appear where he lets go, hinting at how much strength he was using.
Arriving shortly after the girl, Jaune scans the scene. A Bullhead hovers near the edge of the building as the runaway boards it. The scythe user seems unsure what to do against the getaway vehicle.
"End of the line, kids!" the outlaw shouts, as he tosses a red Dust crystal that bounces toward them.
No way! If he detonates that, it's going to blow the top off this building! The blonde is already in movement, running towards the crystal in an attempt to prevent this from happening.
The shot came out before anything else could be done. If I can just use...
A white blur interrupted his train of thought. Covering his eyes as the projectile explodes, he opens them to reveal a large glyph made by Glynda in front of them.
"You are in so much trouble," she annunciates with coldness seeping in her voice. The pain in his back gets replaced by the chilling fear of the Huntress in front of him.
The silver-eyed girl sighs in relief, not noticing Jaune's anxiety. Glynda flicks her riding crop, sending several blue laser shots toward the Bullhead.
The collisions push the Bullhead around as it struggles to orientate itself. After a few seconds, it stabilizes and turns around in an attempt to leave.
Glynda's Aura glows around her. A second later, she fires a shot above the Bullhead, activating another glyph.
The glyph takes effect, accumulating several dark clouds. Once they cover the entire ship, ice shards descend and embed themselves into the wings and hull.
One shard pierces through the pilot's windshield, but fails to stop their flight.
Suddenly, a fireball launches at Glynda from the side of the Bullhead. Squinting, Jaune could see the outline of a women in high heels and a red dress.
An accomplice? But I'm sure Glynda can take care of any street hoodlum.
With a flick of her riding crop, Glynda deflects the fireball. A red circle appears immediately underneath, forcing her to jump back. A pillar of flame rises toward the sky where she recently stood, sending the rooftop debris flying around chaotically.
The teacher responds instantly, drawing all the shrapnel together to construct a spear. Adding spin, she fires it at the Bullhead.
Several fireballs launch themselves at the makeshift spear, breaking it apart. This proves futile, as the spear reassembles itself and threatens to puncture through the ship.
Right before collision, the craft angles itself toward the spear and it bounces harmlessly off the top. Glynda flicks her whip, separating the spear into three parts and redirecting it towards the plane again.
That's it! A perfect flank!
Right before the impact that ensures their victory, a blast of heat radiates off the plane and disintegrates the shards.
Wha...That woman can contest with Glynda? Then what am I standing around here for? Nevermore Series: Feathershot!
The Grimm feathers spout out from his arms, launching themselves toward the craft. His silver-eyed companion has a similar idea, sending several shots from her rifle to follow shortly after.
Some projectiles ricochet themselves on the side, while the others were blocked by the women in the red dress. None of it were able to stop the plane.
When the barrage stops, the defender takes the opportunity to counterattack. The red circles return and light up around the three, this time in larger quantities; several explosions come forth as they dash towards the rooftop edge to avoid them.
Finally buying enough time, the Bullhead takes off.
Well, that just stinks. Can't catch them all right? Jaune retorts at himself. Next to him, the girl looks at Glynda with admiration.
"You're a Huntress! Can I have your autograph?"
Jaune makes a mental face palm. She just endangered herself and the first thing she can think of is an autograph? Wait...maybe she can divert Glynda's wrath!
He makes a note of the girl's sacrifice before tiptoeing towards the edge of the roof. Not much ground gets covered before he feels a pull towards the huntress.
"And where do you think you're going?" Jaune hears behind him. Hesitantly, he turns around to lock eyes with Glynda's glare.
That face is going straight into my nightmares.
No words were exchanged as the two of them were bought to separate interrogation rooms. While Jaune waits for his examiner, he starts evaluating all his life choices that led him to this point.
I wonder how many times Glynda is going to kill me...I really hope it's in the low 10s. That was the farthest Jaune could get before the door opens, showing Ozpin.
"I did not believe we would meet again so soon." He announces to him, while taking a drink from his faithful companion. "You must have misheard me. I said to avoid trouble, not partake in it. I am beginning to see the reason why Xenith insisted you live on the edge of Vale."
Jaune lets out a dry laugh. "Seems like trouble actively looks for me. Trust me, I am NOT doing this on purpose."
"Xenith said the same thing." Ozpin takes a small pause before adding, "Which also caused a fair share of headaches."
"Ehehehe."
"That was not a compliment." A bit exasperated, Ozpin continues. "We looked at Limelight's footage and listened to the shopkeeper's testimony. Both indicated you mitigated the damage, so I will be lenient in your punishment. It will be..."
"No." Jaune replies. The long day and overexposure to danger finally pushes him toward his breaking point.
"No?" Ozpin did not expect that answer.
The boy gushes out his thoughts. "I see that glint in your eyes. Master had the same exact look when she told me to do something dumb. 'It's just another 100 Grimm,' she said. 'It's only HALF of the forest," she said. 'Just TRY on the dress,' she said." Jaune mentally kicked himself for adding that last one.
"Point is, I just have a feeling your order is going to be ridiculous, unreasonable, or a combination of both. So please allow me to respectfully decline, sir!" He adds that last part in an attempt to appeal.
"Unfortunately, this is your punishment. It is also an order from your commanding officer. I do not believe you are in a position to refuse."
Jaune slumps his head on the table.
Oh, woe is me.
Life is hopelessness times ten.
I miss my bed.
"At least let me say one thing." Ozpin gestures for him to continue. "If something happens during this punishment, you cannot discipline me for it. Since it will be completely out of my control."
I'm also scared to get stuck in a loop. One punishment leads to another, and I will never get any time to myself. I'm too young to not finish the Love Across Multiverses trilogy!
Ozpin nods. "That is acceptable. I will send the details to your scroll later. Now, about this incident..."
"That's right! Is the other girl okay?! She looked like a Huntress-in-training, but their skills vary, and I wasn't..."
"Settle down. Ruby Rose is fine." Jaune lets out a sigh of relief. "She claimed you protected her from an explosion. She was quite worried about you as well."
Jaune stays silent. He recalls the surfaced memory when she looked at him. After a few awkward minutes, he speaks up again.
"A memory of Child's Box came up again."
Ozpin tighten his grip on his cane. With a drink and the burn of alcohol, he urges Jaune to continue.
"I could see their faces clearly. They all looked at me with pleading eyes, asking me why I was the only one to live. I haven't seen it since Master took me in." He struggled to get the words out, with his heartbeat rate increasing and growing headache.
"Would you like for me to request a psychiatrist? I'm sure they can prescribe something..."
"No. I need to face this eventually. This is also the first symptom. If I ever feel like it's affecting my performance, or is too much to handle, I'll let you know."
Ozpin nods. "Keep me updated. A trauma that severe should not be faced alone."
More time slowly passes in silence before Ozpin speaks up again, "I have to take care of matters with Ruby now. The guards have been notified, and I will tell Glynda to let you be."
"Thanks," Jaune whispers to Ozpin as he walks out the door.
After his headache subsides, he leaves the interrogation room.
Returning to the office, Ozpin informs Glynda about his conversation with Jaune. Glynda's eyes narrows in disapproval with how light the boy's chastising was.
"Ozpin, he needs to realize the effects of his actions!"
"He will, but he needs space right now. You cannot hold him to the same standards as a trained Hunter, when he is just a teenager. Even if he is destined take the 1019 position, you cannot judge him before he settles into it."
"Disobeying orders so blatantly..." the headmistress trailed off.
Ozpin considers how much he should inform Glynda. She will be working with him, and I would prefer if he gets all the allies he can. I can disclose a few details.
"Glynda. Are you aware of an experiment called Child's Box?" She stiffens up at the name.
"I have heard rumors. It was an experiment, born of desperation, to control Grimm. This ranges from mind control to even attaching Grimm appendages to children... They hoped it would allow them to communicate with the Grimm and to make use of their abilities. But that was a rumor; it would be far too unethical to conduct."
"That was just how well the Council swept it under the rug. Many things slipped through the cracks after the Faunus Rights Revolution." Ozpin finishes his drink. "The experiment was very much real, and Jaune was the only survivor. However, I use the word survivor very liberally."
"That does explain his semblance..."
"Slightly. From what I know, his semblance is entirely his. The experiment merely activated it. Some children were able to control their Grimm counterparts, but none lived very long. The...experiment, if we can even call it such, was called Child's Box, because the box was a euphemism for a coffin."
Glynda's face softens as she considers Jaune's past. "Why are you telling me this?"
"Because I wish for you to understand his origins. After his escape, he did not express a single word. It took a year of coaxing before Xenith could make him speak, and another two before he showed any signs of emotion." Ozpin sighs. "He suffers from survivor's guilt, believing that he has done something wrong to survive when the others did not. That is why he used himself as a shield for Ruby; he believes he could atone by saving a life with his own. If you were to chastise him now, he would only feel worse."
Glynda grabs her elbow awkwardly. "It seems like I still have much to learn as a teacher."
"I believe you can use this as reference for the more exemplary students this year. And," Ozpin looks at the file of Ruby Rose in front of him, "there are plenty."
The scroll's screen updates itself to 10:00 am, timing itself with the alarm. Jaune attempts to hit the snooze button, but with eyes closed, it became a Herculean task.
Might as well wake up. Ozpin probably sent me the details of my mission.
Begrudgingly, he gets up to wash his face and take a shower. As his sleepiness washes away, he recollects yesterday's events.
Ugh. I hope today is infinitely less exciting. Life is good with a little trouble, not drowning in it.
Throwing his clothes into the laundry, he takes the chance to check his scroll. As expected, Ozpin sent him an email.
To Jaune,
As I stated previously, you will now receive the details of your mission. The SDC is hosting a dinner party tonight, which I was graciously invited to. However, due to prior engagements (And not because President Schnee is a bore to talk to), I will be unable to attend. You will attend as my representative. Please do not disappoint.
Attached is the invite, location, and time. Make sure to dress formally.
Tata,
Ozpin
At the end was an emoji of a character sticking their tongue out.
There are so many things wrong with this I don't know where to start. Is this what they call an internet persona? I feel bad for calling him a robot now...which I will now replace with prick. What kind of teacher makes his student attend his party for him, just because he doesn't want to go? Well, at least he didn't wait till the last minute...
Checking the time, he calculates he has seven hours to get ready. He considers his preparations, making a note to obtain White Dust.
I shouldn't even be surprised that I will end up using Daybreak.
Going through the list of preparations, he despairs over the last task.
He types into his scroll, "how to party fancy," and scowls at his most hated enemy.
Studying...
The party was held at one the SDC's personal buildings. Thankfully, it was close to his hotel so he did not have to travel very far. Unthankfully, he was the only teenager there, making him very out of place.
Jaune did a bit of research beforehand. The building is a refurbished castle, used by royalty long ago. Once a symbol of the kingdom's strength, it now stands as an example of wasteful spending.
The SDC better not skimp out on the food. If there is any way I survive two hours with old rich guys, it's good food.
On his way to the entrance, he was stopped six times. Each time, he explains himself as Ozpin's representative, showing them the ticket. Each time, they search him with a short interrogation before letting him go.
Security is tight. At least they took my Huntsman excuse to let me keep my weapon. Though the thick security probably means I won't have to use it. Ha. Ha. Ha.
Showing his ticket one last time, he is given access to the building. Walking forward, he does a full scan of the room. The room is large enough to hold a few hundred people. A large glass chandelier hangs in the center, which one would pass when walking up the stairs. Though there are lights, the torches on the walls were all lit, giving a solemn atmosphere.
Jaune is escorted to the ballroom. A few glances were thrown at him, but he ignores them as he walks past.
Not like I'll ever see them again. My social skills aside, there will never be another reason for me to be here.
The ballroom's design mirrors the room at the entrance. However, instead of one chandelier, there were several, each bigger than the last. The lights refract off them, giving a diamond design on the dance floor. Surrounding the dance floor were spacious tables, each with a number designation. There is a stage on the very front where he assumes the speeches will be made.
Looking around, Jaune sees that only a few have taken their seats. Most are walking around, having light conversation with their peers. Overhearing a few of them, their topics consist of company profits to family vacations.
Since I don't know anyone, I should just take my seat. Don't want to embarrass myself with anything way over my head.
Checking his table number, he strolls over to his table. However, he was stopped halfway by an elderly man of pure white hair and moustache. With a white suit and white tie over his collared blue shirt, he is the splitting look when one considers "businessman." Matching the color scheme, his white eyebrows raise as he examines Jaune.
"Greetings. I do not believe we have been acquainted? I am the host of this party, President Schnee." He extends out a hand.
"It is an honor to meet you, sir." Jaune grasps the hand, trying to remember the contents he read. "My name is Jaune Arc. I am acting as the representative for Ozpin."
"I see. I had high hopes I could see my old friend today. There were a few things I wish to discuss with him, especially with my daughter's enrollment at his school. Tell me, Jaune, what is your relation to the headmaster?"
The man gave him a cold look. It is the look of a predator stalking his prey, seeing any weaknesses to exploit, any reasons to suspect.
This guy is dangerous. He didn't become President Schnee by being nice. Quickly, remember the lesson. Uhh...Lie and deflect!
"I am one of his students. Due to my exemplary behavior, he has granted me the privilege of attending this party. You mentioned your daughter will attend Beacon Academy? You must be proud of her."
"Of course. However, I feel flabbergasted that she chooses not to attend Atlas Academy. Perhaps it is the sentiment speaking, but I would like for her to stay in my care. It was one of the topics I had wish to discuss with Ozpin today."
He stares at Jaune, insinuating he is the culprit for Ozpin's absence.
"Unfortunately, Ozpin is a busy man. I will be sure to bring up the topic when I see him. Until that changes, I feel privileged to study with your daughter." He takes a small bow before walking away.
I want to throw up just saying those words, not to mention that pressure. How the hell does Ozpin handle it?
Sitting down, he realizes he has never seen Ozpin without his mug. I need to get whatever he's drinking.
The voices hush all around him as everyone takes their seat. The spot next to him is empty, while the other was occupied by someone focused on whispering to their partner.
A man walks up to the stage, beginning his speech. Jaune follows his instinct and instantly starts tuning all of it out.
I understand that Ozpin may not like President Schnee, but this is a big risk on their relationship to send me. And it definitely is not worth risking the SDC's wrath. He was also way too easy to accept that condition of mine. It's almost like he expects me to make up some trouble...
As Jaune considers all the possible reasons, a girl of his age walks forth to the stage. She wears a light blue and white dress, with her long white hair tied in an off center ponytail. She carries a fencing sword at her side with a multicolored revolving hilt. Her most distinguishing feature are her sharp ice blue eyes; they look down at you, as if she stands at an unscalable cliff.
Wait, I didn't see her around. Was she behind the stage for her performance?
"Good evening, friends and family of the Schnee Dust Company. Most of us have been acquainted; if not, I am Weiss Schnee, daughter of the esteemed President Schnee. I have the honor of performing today for my father's forty-second birthday. I will be singing will be an original, named 'Mirror Mirror.' Please enjoy the showing."
A light applause fills the room as Weiss walks toward the microphone. The applause dies out as the music starts playing.
"Mirror, tell me something...Tell me who's the loneliest of all?"
She's...good.
As she continues singing, Jaune could feel how deep her emotions connect with the song.
I don't know much about music, but I can tell it's not just her singing talent that's carrying the song. She pours her heart and soul into writing this, into conveying her loneliness. It reminds me of...
He notices Weiss' eyes never left her father. With the previous conversation, it all clicks into his head.
She wants to persuade him, to let her attend Beacon. I...I can respect that. But I don't think he sees it the same way.
As the song draws to a close, Jaune feels a tinge of guilt.
I doubt anyone here can understand her song. They are all surrounded by people who will always be around them for their wealth, but never for the person themselves. This...this was deeply personal. It feels like I got a glimpse of her personal world without her permission.
The song ends with the audience's applause. Weiss looks around to see the mass of faces, especially her father's, stay unchanged from the performance. She gives a small sigh before attempting to leave the stage.
Three loud crashes echo throughout the ballroom before she gets the opportunity. A ten feet tall bronze knight bursts on to the stage, with two exact replicas coming from the back of the ballroom. They all pull out six feet long swords from their back, ready to strike.
If there is a god, then please try harder. I'm not even surprised at this point. But I don't understand... The only people bold enough to attack would be the White Fang, but I don't see any of their members.
Bodyguards around the room pull out their weapons, taking shots at the knights at the back. A few with large hatchets charge them as well, auras glowing.
Good. They're prioritizing the ones blocking the escape route, and with their focus to get civilians out. I should do the same.
Jaune leaves his seat while taking a brief glance at the stage.
?! Why is no one helping her?! She's the daughter of the President! Her importance is only second to his!
The singer faces the bronze knight, fencing sword in her left hand. The Giant Armor swings the great sword at her, but she dodges with a practiced back flip.
Immediately, she launches herself toward the knight, sword aiming for the helmet. It blocks the stab with its sword as she uses the momentum as a twirl in the air, landing behind the knight.
The knight swings exactly the same way as his first attack and gets read by Weiss. She dashes toward his right, dodging the attack by a hair's breadth.
The giant's sword stabs into the ground, making it difficult to remove. She uses this opportunity jump and make eight lightning-fast jabs at the inanimate, striking around the shoulder.
Unhindered, the knight extracts the sword from the ground, twisting its body to swing horizontally towards her. In the air, she has no place to maneuver and is forced to block. The swords collision sent her flying a few feet, but she looks undamaged.
The scene of the lone girl against the knight reminds Jaune of her song.
This..doesn't sit right with me. Ozpin said he wouldn't reprimand me for doing anything, but I would still feel remorse if I were to ignore Glynda's order again. She's only looking out for me...But would I be able to sleep at night if I just ignored Weiss right here?
The knight continues his attack, jumping at her with an overhead swing. She rolls sideways to dodge the attack, but the knight does not let up. A shallow swing at her feet forces her to jump back; he follows up with an immediate attack before she gets the chance to recover.
Weiss uses the precious second to bring her sword up to block. The impact still sends her a few feet away, out of the knight's range.
Unwavering, she casts a white glyph underneath her feet. It accelerates her toward the assailant, who attempts to swing and match her speed. The sword crashes in the ground as he misread the timing. Not missing the opportunity, Weiss uses her blade to take two swings at its torso.
Exploiting her speed and glyphs, she dances around the knight, stabbing at any joints in her range. The knight tries to counterattack, but each swing only hits air.
That was beautiful. That thought makes Jaune's decision for him. He runs toward the stage, sword unsheathed, while calling forth his bracelet.
Goliath Series: Reinforcement! The black matter comes forth again, covering both his arms and legs. Permeating through his skin, they weave itself around his muscles, pushing them past their limits.
I'm at 75% corruption again. I really hope this situation doesn't call for using any more of Twilight Bracelet.
Eventually, the knight deduces the girl's strategy. Deliberating leaving an opening at his right elbow, she takes the bait. She uses a glyph to stand in the air near the opening, ready to continue her assault. The giant did not allow her, sending the blade flying towards her.
Forced to dodge, she hops and lands on the glyph again, persistent in this attack. However, a fist comes hurling at her. Unable to summon another glyph, the punch completely goes through, sending her flying.
Dammit! Jaune finally jumps on to the stage, with his weapons ready. Weiss gets back up, with a trail of red running down her left eye.
"What are you doing? I can do this fight alone!" Weiss yells at the stranger.
"That doesn't mean you have to!" Jaune retorts back.
Before she has the chance to argue, the knight swings the sword at both of them, forcing them to separate.
"Follow my lead!" the white hair girl spins her revolver hilt, landing with red at the marker.
"Screw that!" Jaune darts toward the knight, keeping an eye on its shoulder. The moment it swings, he has already read its trajectory.
How predictable! He rolls underneath the blade, and slides between the knight's legs.
Unable to instantly adjust its center of gravity, the armored body was unwillingly slashed from the back. Dents finally appear on its armor where Daybreak cuts into.
Indestructible? Yeah right! Let's see Daybreak poke holes into your papier mache armor!
Identifying him as the bigger threat, the Giant Armor turns around to face him. Weiss immediately takes advantage of the distraction.
She stabs into the armor's left elbow, simultaneously activating the red Dust set. With a quick swing, its arm comes clean off and flies off the stage.
Realizing it could not fight two people at once, the knight charges at Jaune, attempting to remove him from the fight.
However, the partners have already realized its weakness. They take turns distracting it, slashing and cutting into as any opportunity that opens up.
In desperation, the armor throws the sword at Jaune.
Wha-?!
Unable to dodge in time, he brings up Daybreak to block. The jolt knocks the sword out of his hand, landing next to his feet. The inanimate takes the chance, slamming his fist towards him.
"Blondie!" Weiss cries out as the ringing sound of the impact reaches her. Yet, when she looks at him, she seems something surprising.
He has his arms up, holding the fist only a few inches away from his face. With a large grin across his face, he quips back, "I would like my last conversation to at least have my name in it!"
The contest of strength continues. As the bracelet glows, he could feel the pulse of Grimm strengthening him.
Well, if it works once.
Calling forth his aura again, he directs it all towards his arms. The muscles scream in protest as the two colliding forces pump power into his flesh, way past their limits.
"GAHHHHHHHHHH!"
With that one last shout, he pushes back against the knight. The force not only flipped it backwards, but also sent it flying and somersaulting through the air.
"NOW!"
Weiss takes the suggestion and launches six glyphs at the Giant Armor. Shoulders. Legs. Pelvis. Neck. They hold it in the air as Weiss spins the revolver one last time. The entire blade glows white, runes running through the blade. She launches herself straight through the heart of the armor, the sword ripping through like butter.
Defeated, the knight lands and disappears as a collection of ice shards.
Jaune scours around the room. Only one enemy stands, with a broken arm and lost sword. President Schnee frowns at him with more animosity than the look at the start of the party.
That's my cue to get out.
Picking up Daybreak, Jaune walks toward hole the invaders made.
"Wait, I never got your name!" Weiss asks the blonde as he jumps out.
"Jaune's the name, and don't you forget it, princess!" He replies while pretending to shoot an imaginary gun at her. He hears a faint "dolt" as he escapes the building.
Jogging back, he couldn't help but feel like he forgot something.
Wait, isn't my suit a rental?
He looks at his formalwear. Rips and holes littered around, with pieces dangling out. The clothes looked like they took a trip to hell and back.
Something tells me they won't take this back. Or take my explanation. Jaune thought as he runs toward the rental shop.
Whew, and that's another chapter! That finishes up the meeting with team RWBY. Also, I do have plans to include Melanie/Milita more. They will get their chance in the spotlight!
Umu. I'm really tired now from writing this, but as always, I hope you guys enjoy reading this! Any reviews would be much appreciated to help me approve, and to motivate me to keep writing~