Chapter 7: Jaunedice, Dark Prophecy, and Tales
A couple weeks pass since the trip to Vale and a lot of things change since then. Optimus became more involve with Team RWBY by participating in small activities with them while the girls did the same with him. Blake and Weiss were able to learn the Language of the Ancient in a short amount time while it took Ruby a bit longer to learn. Yang decided it was best for her to stay out of it since she was terrible with books. RWB's assistance proven to be a great help in deciphering the book and they were able to decode 1/4 of the content.
Also, the girls decided to train with Optimus in the morning. The young Prime provided tips on how to improve their fighting style after testing their skills himself. Yang needed to improve her foot work and learn some kicking moves because Optimus was able to defeat her easily numerous times thanks to those flaws.
Blake's style was unique in Optimus' eyes, but left to many openings for Blake to get hurt. He demonstrated how open she was by grabbing the black ribbon and pulling right in. She needed to find a way to avoid swinging her weapon to often and to change her weapon modes faster.
Weiss has a perfect stance and concentration, but she rely too much of Dust and a rapier fighting style. Optimus explain to her that she have to study different sword styles in order to improve her techniques and find a way to use little Dust as possible.
Finally, Ruby was probably the easiest to find flaws. Despite her speed and handle with her scythe, she used the same attack patterns over and over again. He informed her that she needed to find new ways of attacking and utilize her speed to take control of the battle.
Overall they grew a lot closer over the past two week and they were stronger than ever. Shame that couldn't be said for Team JNPR. Though Pyrrha, Ren, and Nora showed improvements, Jaune remain the same. He was currently fighting against Team CRDL's leader, Cardin Winchester, on the auditorium stage while everybody else simply watch.
Cardin was tall man with indigo eyes and burnt-orange hair that combed backwards. He wore silver-gray armor with gold trimmings while his chest plate had a golden bird with its wings outstretched. Underneath his armor was a black shirt with red trimmings and black pants. In his hands he wielded a black mace which was resting on one of his shoulder.
Jaune was tired and could barely stand. He used his sword to support his body from falling while Cardin was at peak condition. Using last pit of his strength, Jaune charges forward, but Cardin avoided it by sliding to his left. Cardin then swung his mace at Jaune, knocking a few feet away. Wasting no time, Jaune got back up and charge again. Only this time Cardin blocked the sword strike with his mace.
He pushed the sword back in order to face Jaune, "This is the part where you lose."
"Over my dead-" Jaune was cut short when Cardin kneed him right in the stomach. Jaune was force to fall and curled up while trying to get back on his feet. Meanwhile, Cardin raise his mace in the air as he prepare to deliver the finishing blow. Luckily for Jaune, a buzzer went off and a new voice broke the silence.
"Cardin, that's enough." Professor Goodwitch stepped forward as two monitor each holding a picture of the boys appeared, "Students, as you can see Mr. Arc's aura has now dropped into the red. In a tournament style duel, this would indicate that Jaune is no longer fit for battle and the official may call the match.
She then turned to Jaune who manage to get himself up a little, "Mister Arc, it's been weeks now, please try to refer to your Scroll during combat. Gauging your aura will help you to decide when it is appropriate to attack or when it's better to move to a more... defensive strategy. We wouldn't want you to be gobbled up by a Beowolf, now would we?"
"Speak for yourself..." Cardin said before leaving the stage.
"Remember everyone! The Vytal Festival is only a few months away! It won't be long before students from the other kingdoms start arriving in Vale, so keep practicing! Those who choose to compete in the combat tournament will be representing all of Vale!"
Soon the bell rings and everyone started to leave. Team RWBY was excited for the upcoming festival while Pyrrha continued to look at Jaune with a frown while the blond knight hanged his head in shame. Optimus one last look at him before leaving as he prayed Jaune will overcome his current predicament.
The two teams were now eating lunch in the cafeteria, each doing their own thing. Blake and Optimus were busy reading their books, Weiss was trimming her nails, Pyrrha and Ruby stared at the quiet Jaune who was in a slump, and Yang listened to Nora's tale with Ren.
"So... There we were... In the middle of the night..." Nora started off.
Ren corrected her in his usual monotone voice, "It was day."
"We were surrounded by Ursa..."
"They were Beowolves."
"DOZENS OF THEM!"
"Two of them."
"But they were no match and in the end... Ren and I took them down and made a boatload of Lien selling Ursa skin rugs!" she finished with her arms cross and a smile.
Ren look down for a moment and sigh, "Ah... She's been having this reoccurring dream for nearly a month now..."
Pyrrha glanced over to her leader, "Jaune, are you okay?"
"Huh?" he said before putting on a fake smile, "Oh, yeah! Why?"
"It's just that you seem a little... not okay..." Ruby explained with a frown.
Everyone faced him except for Optimus who was too focused on his book. It wasn't that didn't care for Jaune, it was that he cannot offer any help for the knight. The Prime could tell what his problem is and that was to believe his own strength. This was a task that Jaune must complete alone, only he can overcome his self-doubts, nobody else.
The Spartan kept bringing up all the times Cardin bullied him since the first week of school, but Jaune continued to deny the truth. The group offered to their assistance to help Jaune and Nora even suggested to break his Cardin's legs. Jaune said he was fine causing everyone to look sad. Their attention was soon brought over to a table not too far from them where Cardin was pulling on a rabbit Faunus' ears while his Team mocked her. The group just watched in disgust to see such actions while Optimus could not stand idly by.
Optimus closed the book hard causing everyone to face him and blink. He handed the book to the kunoichi who just stared at it for a moment then to Optimus. "Please hold this for me Blake."
"S-sure" she was able to say. The group never saw this side of Optimus before. Truthfully, it was scaring them.
They watch as walked over to Team CRDL's table who were still mocking the rabbit Faunus. He then grabbed the wrist of their leader forcing him to let go of the Faunus. The bullies look to see who it was only to see a serious Optimus while his friends were shock by his action.
"Stand down, Cardin."
"Or else what?" he retorted only to receive a sharp pain on his wrist.
His team was about to attack, but one look at Optimus stop them in their place. Something about his glare caused them to freeze in fear. Optimus tightens his grip more as he glared in Cardin's eyes, "Stand down. This is your only warning, do you understand?"
Grunting through the pain, Cardin forcibly nodded, "A-Alright."
Optimus let go of the brute's wrist and walk over to the rabbit who couldn't move. She closed her eyes embracing for what may come only to feel a hand on her shoulder. She slowly opened her eyes to see the hand then to a concern look from her savior.
"Are you okay?"
"Y-yes" she stuttered in shock before wincing in pain.
Optimus notice it and offer a hand, "Let me hold that tray for you."
"Thank you" she said before giving her tray to him which allowed her to massage her rabbit ears to dull the pain from being pulled.
Optimus guided her back to his table while everybody was shell shock. Optimus blinked a few times in confusion before placing the tray in front of Faunus and sitting down next to her then face his friends, "What's the matter?"
"W-What! Y-You! How! Why!" Ruby tried to say, but couldn't find the right words. She was shock along with the rest of the group to see Optimus took such an action. They would have thought he would contact a teacher first, but boy were they wrong.
Weiss was able to recover first and was able to explain, "It just that... we didn't think you would do something like that."
"While I do always choose to resolve things peacefully, I am not afraid to use actions only if it is necessary."
"You believe it was necessary in this case?" Pyrrha asked.
"Yes."
The group blinked on how quick he responded without a second thought. The Faunus was surprised to hear such words from a Human. Normally, they would ignore discrimination that Faunus, like herself, endure and move along. So seeing a human willingly helping her was like a dream come true.
Optimus turned to the Faunus and offered a handshake, "Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Optimus Prime."
She was hesitant about shaking his hand, but the comfort his eyes melt away the hesitation, "V-Velvet Scarlatina."
"How are your ears, if you don't mind me asking?"
"They're better now, thank you" she answered while rubbing on of them.
"That's good. At least you weren't seriously hurt."
His comment caused her cheeks to burn slightly pink causing her shift her gaze and Optimus to blink in confusion. Before he could ask what was wrong, a certain blondie entered the conversation, "Hey OP?"
"Yes Yang?"
"Not trying to sound racist or anything, but why did you help her?" Yang asked curiously. She wasn't the only one who wanted to know everybody, especially Blake and Velvet, wanted to hear his reason.
"It was the right thing to do."
The group eyes widen for a response while Yang continued to ask questions, "We get that, but... Aren't you worried about how the other students will treat you? They might look down on you for helping a Faunus, no offense."
Velvet just shook her head stating it was alright before shifting his attention to the Prime, "Yeah, normally people us differently and you helping me will cause major problems." The group looked down for a moment waiting for the shock reaction from Optimus, but what they heard was not what they were expecting.
"So?"
The group turned to him with his arms cross while their eyes widen. Weiss managed to regain her composer before speaking, "What? Aren't you worried?"
"Why would I be worried over the action I take? I don't regret it and I would do it again if I must."
"What?" the group asked together.
"Things like reputation, status, or popularity doesn't interest me. Doing the right thing and helping those in need are far more important than self-glory."
"Really?" Yang asked in disbelief.
"Yes, really. Also, I don't see anything different between us and the Faunus."
The group grew confused to what Optimus meant be that. They were different yet he boldly said that they were not. Curious, Blake asked the question that was one everyone minds, "What do you mean?"
"Though physically we are, but spiritually we are one and the same. We live in the same world, we share the same sky, the same stars, and have the same dream to live in world in peace. Tell me, what other difference do we have from them?"
The group all looked at each other and ponder to come up with an answer, but came up with nothing. Two particular females were shock to hear such words from him. Blake now looked at Optimus with greater respect and interest while Velvet has a slight blush on her face. For the Faunus, she never thought she will see the day when a human treated her kind with such respect. Though the humans on her team treated her kindly, they paled in comparison to Optimus.
A small smirk appeared on Blake's face, "You sure are one of a kind, Optimus."
"Yeah", Velvet nodded in agreement, "You're one of a few people who doesn't treat me like a monster."
He turned to her with a serious gaze, "Monsters are those who harm the innocent and you are far from being a monster, Velvet."
This caused the rabbit Faunus's blush gotten a little redder causing to face the opposite direction. Being the concern type, Optimus quickly ask if something was wrong, but she said she was fine. All the while, Cardin glared at the Prime swearing he will pay for this embarrassment.
The group was now in their history class with Professor Oobleck. They were currently trying to listen to his lecture on the Faunus War, but it proven to be a difficult task for most students. Some were trying to stay awake while others tried to understand what he was saying. Professor Oobleck always gave his lectures in a hyperactive manner.
Optimus was sitting next to Weiss reading his book while Blake sat next to Pyrrha right in front of them. Jaune was busy snoring and Cardin was simply ignoring the lecture.
As he continued on while pointing to numerous areas on the map which was on the board, Optimus continued to decipher the book. He learned about the Faunus War and such during his time at the library and he can recall every detail the books said about it. So instead of paying attention to the Professor, he decided to spend his time working on the book. As he flipped the page, it showed something that really stunned him.
It showed a large image, which took two pages to complete show it, of a swarm of Grimm across the land attacking everything in sight. Behind the beasts, were shadowy figures standing over cliff almost like they were ordering the Grimm to attack. Above the figures was a gigantic figure completely made out of shadows and it appeared to some sort of devil. In a sky a black comet flew across hovering over the shadowy devil. Underneath it the picture was a message written in code.
Before Optimus read the message, he instinctively recognized who the devil and softly muttered his name, "Unicron..." He shifted his sight at the message and began reading it aloud inside his head.
"When the Black Comet comes, darkness shall rise
The sky will blacken
The land will turn ravage
The oceans will become turmoil
Hope will become nothing
Spawns of the Chaos Bringer will devour the Light of Creation leaving the shroud of Chaos to rise
Emerging from the madness the Heralds of Chaos will rise
Bringing the age of destruction and the return of Bringer of Chaos"
This message left a strange taste in his mouth. He prayed that he was wrong, but everything he feared is coming true. The Grimm being related to Unicron, a Herald being responsible, and the rising darkness is Unicron. This was exactly like the time back on Earth when Unicron reawaken. Just like before, Optimus will stop this dark prophecy from coming true even if it cost him his life. He was broke out of his trance when the Professor spoke really loudly.
"Yes! Yes, prior to the Faunus Rights Revolution, more popularly known as the Faunus War, humankind was quite, quite adamant about centralizing Faunus population in Menagerie." The Professor stopped for a moment to take a sip of his coffee before continuing the lecture, "Now! While this must feel like ancient history to many of you, it is imperative to remember that these are relatively recent events! Why the repercussions of the uprising can still be seen to this day!"
"Seriously, how much does he drink? I don't remember Agent Fowler drinking this much coffee" Optimus asked himself as he putted his book away.
Professor Oobleck took another sip of his drink and began appearing and reappearing, "Now! Have any among you been subjugated or discriminated because of your Faunus heritage?"
It took a few seconds, a couple of students raised their hands. Among them was Velvet who took her time raising her hand.
"Dreadful, simply dreadful! Remember, students, it is precisely this kind of ignorance breeds violence! I mean, I mean, I mean just look at what happened to the White Fang! Now, which one of you young scholars can tell me what many theorists believe to be the turning point in the third year of the war?"
Weiss quickly raised her hand to answer, "The battle at Fort Castle."
"Precisely! And, who can tell me the advantage the Faunus had over General Lagune's forces?"
While Professor Oobleck asked the question, Cardin made a paper football and flick it at Jaune causing him to wake up. Unfortunately for him, he accidently raised his hand catching the attention of certain teacher.
"Mr. Arc! Finally contributing to class! This is excellent! Excellent! What is the answer?"
"Uhhhh... the answer... the advantage, uhh of the Faunus... uhh had over that guy's stuff..." Pyrrha tried to give him the answer by performing some hand gestures, but sadly Jaune misinterpreted it. "Um, b-binoculars!"
Sadly for him, the students just laugh at him and Professor Oobleck look unamused. Pyrrha simply slapped herself in the face as Optimus shook his head. Cardin was enjoying it completely because he was the one who forced Jaune to embarrass himself.
"Very funny, Mr. Arc! Cardin, perhaps you would care to share your thoughts on the subject?"
"Well, I know it's a lot easier to train an animal than a soldier" he answered calmly as Optimus glared at him. He couldn't believe how disrespectful Cardin was to the Faunus he was acting like a Decepticon.
"You're not the most open-minded of individuals, are you, Cardin?" Pyrrha asked.
"What? You got a problem?" he snapped with a smug expression.
"No, I have the answer! It's night vision. Many Faunus are known to have nearly-perfect sight in the dark."
"General Lagune was inexperienced and made the mistake of trying to ambush the Faunus in their sleep. His massive army was outmatched, and the General was captured" Blake added on.
Optimus nodded in agreement, "Also, the Faunus has excellent hearing so trying to ambush them was a careless mistake on the General's part. It's not just the Faunus' advantages, his pride and lust for power played a role. He was so blind by his emotions that he failed to learn more about the Faunus which led to his capture and defeat.
"Correct!" the Professor said enthusiastically.
Blake turned to face Cardin, "Perhaps if he'd paid attention in class, he wouldn't have been remembered as such a failure."
Cardin clutched a fist in anger and stood up, but he was stop in his place by Oobleck, "Mr. Winchester, please take your seat." Jaune began to laugh softly sadly it did not go unnoticed. "You and Mr. Arc can both see me after class for additional readings."
After class, Optimus went ahead with Blake and Weiss for the library. Blake and Weiss decided to hang out with Optimus more by going to the library to either study or help with the book. Out of the two of them, Blake spent more time in the library with Optimus since she is a big fan of reading. Once in a while, Blake lent one of her book to him so he could take a break from reading history except for her private collections. She can't allow him to read those. The two never disturbed each other in their readings and they discussed what they like and dislike.
The trio noticed Pyrrha stay behind for Jaune caused Weiss to sigh, "Honestly! How could Jaune not know the answer?"
"Maybe he got stage fright?" Blake suggested.
"Perhaps, but the answer is quite simple."
"Whatever the reason, if Jaune don't get his act together he will fall behind" Optimus said which the two girls nodded in agreement. Before they made a turn, Optimus noticed Pyrrha dragging Jaune to the opposite direction. He hoped Pyrrha will get through to him, but something tells him that it won't.
A buzz rang from the Prime's pocket and it was his Scroll. He quickly opened it to see message from Ozpin asking him to come to office immediately. Optimus narrowed his eyes at the message before putting it away, "I'm sorry guys, but Professor Ozpin wants to see me now."
"Why does he need to see you?" Blake asked.
"I don't know, but it seems urgent. Sorry for leaving you guys. Could we do this tomorrow?"
WB looked at each then to Optimus, ""Sure.""
"Okay, I'll see you guys back in the dorms" he said before leaving them to see Ozpin.
Meanwhile, Pyrrha guided Jaune to their destination. It was one of the rooftops of a building, with a clear view of the central tower of Beacon. The sky was dark fill with countless stars and a green orb of light from the central tower.
"Pyrrha, I know that I'm going through a hard time right now, but I'm not... THAT depressed", he said as he look over the edge, "I can always be a farmer or something..."
It took her minute, but she realized what he meant and shoved him back a little, "N-no! That's not why I brought you up here! Jaune, I know you're having a difficult time in class and that you're still not the strongest of fighters, so... I want to help you."
"W-what?"
"We can train up here after class where no one can bother us!"
"You think I need help?" Jaune asked while scratching the back of his head.
"N-no! No, that's not what I meant."
"But you just said it."
"Jaune, everybody needs a little push from time to time. It doesn't make you any different from the rest of us. You made it to Beacon that speaks volumes of what you're capable of!"
Jaune turned away from her and look down, "You're wrong... I-I don't belong here."
"That's a terrible thing to say, of course you do!"
"No I don't!" Jaune snapped causing Pyrrha to be confused. "I wasn't really accepted into Beacon."
"Wh-what do you mean?"
"I mean, I didn't go to Combat School! I didn't pass any tests! I didn't earn my spot at this Academy! I lied! I got my hands on some fake transcripts and I lied" Jaune admitted.
"What? But, why?"
"Because, this is what I always wanted to be! My father, my grandfather, and his father before him were all warriors! They were all heroes! I wanted to be one too... I was never good enough."
Pyrrha tried to comfort him by placing a hand on his shoulder, "Then let me help you."
"I don't want any help!" Jaune retorted and back away from her, "I don't want to be the damsel in distress! I want to be the hero!"
"Jaune, I-"
"I am tired of being the lovable idiot, stuck in a tree while his friends fight for their lives! Don't you understand!? If I can't do this on my own... Then what good am I?"
Pyrrha didn't know what to say nor do. She tried to reach for his hand to comfort him, but Jaune step back.
"Just, leave me alone. Okay?"
Pyrrha stared at him for a moment then look down, "If that's what you think is best."
Jaune watched as his partner walk away as he made a few paces. He came to a halt when a familiar mocking laugh echoed through the air. Turning around he recognized who it was.
"Oh, Jaune..."
"Cardin!"
A devilish smirk spread across his face as he slowly cross his arms, "I couldn't help but overhear you two from my dorm room. So, you snuck into Beacon, huh? I got to say Jaune, I never expected you to be such a rebel."
"Please Cardin, please, don't tell anyone!" he begged.
"Jaune, come on, I'd never rat out a friend like that."
"Uh, a friend?" Jaune asked hesitantly.
Cardin wrapped an arm around Jaune's neck to put him in a headlock, "Of course. We're friends now, Jauney boy. And the way I see it, as long as you're there for me when I need you, we'll be friends for a long time." He let go of him allowing Jaune to gasp for air for just a moment then rub the top of his head. "That being said... I really don't have time to do those extra readings Dr. Oobleck gave us today. Think you could take care of that for me, buddy?"
Jaune reluctantly nodded yes which made Cardin smile even more.
"That's what I thought. Don't worry Jaune; you're secret's safe with me."
Jaune watched him climb down the ledge as he questioned himself on how did he ended up in this situation.
Inside the headmaster's office, Ozpin sat at his desk with Glynda standing right beside him. It was a quiet atmosphere as they waited for the Prime.
Glynda crossed her arms and stared at Ozpin, "I still can't believe you're doing this."
"We have no choice. He knows what under the school and he must learn the truth."
"He's just a child! He's far too young understand the magnitude of this situation."
"Glynda, whether he's young or not, he deserves to know the truth." Ozpin placed a hand over the other as he rested his elbows on his desk, "Besides, if what Qrow say is true, he must join us."
The witch simply looked the other way and sighed in defeat. A beep entered the room along with a pair of doors open. Coming out was Optimus who took his seat in front of them. He noticed the change in atmosphere and decided to get straight to the point.
"Hello Professors, is there something that you need from me?"
"Yes, could you tell me what is your favorite fairy tale?"
