Hello again! A Silver Dolphin here. It's been quite a while since my last post. Well, life's been giving me lemons lately. The problem is, that I can't exactly brew coffee with lemons. Well…you can, but it ruins the taste. Bleh. As usual, this chapter is brought to you by coffee.

I feel this chapter could've used more work, truly. But I haven't updated in such a long time that I thought you guys would feel better knowing I'm still alive and kicking rather than wait a couple more weeks.

A couple responses to reviews:

Dragoon109: While you have a point, having a Kingdom building arms for a purpose you don't know would be terrifying. For instance, say a certain communist country were suddenly capable of Nuclear weapons production, I think finding out more would be a prudent course of action.

The PhantomHokage: In all honesty, I had Arkos or Knightshade as the intended pairing. But the Poll results are out and I did say I'd try my best to follow through with them…We'll see.


Chapter 8: Of Fencing and Taunting

Unmatched military might. No other phrase could so perfectly describe the Kingdom of Atlas. Under the direction of the Ruling Council, the Atlesian Military was the greatest martial power on the face of Remnant.

Advanced state-of-the-art technology ensured Atlas would never be outgunned. Conscription policies all but guaranteed they'd never be outnumbered. And with the might of the Air Fleet, the former kingdom of Mantle would never see defeat.

Yet it was none of these factors which crowned Atlas king of military might.

Under the direct command of General Ironwood, the specialists were the real reason the Atlesian Military stood unchallenged. Given only the finest, most advanced equipment and recruiting only the best Atlas Academy had to offer, these Huntsmen turned Soldiers ensured the might of Atlas would never falter. And of course, the best Atlas Academy had to offer was a Schnee…

Winter Schnee was livid.

Her unit was under investigation? A spy in her ranks? Her promotion denied because some foolish pencil-pushing colonel believed a spy had infiltrated her company? Preposterous. What basis could he possibly have to merit such a claim? She personally vetted every recruit in her company. A spy would've been rooted out instantly.

Calm yourself, Winter. Never let emotions overpower you.

"Good." The pencil-pusher asserted. "You are dismissed. I suggest you get something to eat before the Mess Hall closes. The food's been particularly good as of late."

"Thank you, sir." She vocalized, the disdain in her voice struggling to be contained. "A report will be compiled by twenty-one hundred hours."

With a flawless salute, she left the pencil-pusher's office, the door slamming only slightly more loudly than it usually did. Silently fuming, she departed for the Mess Hall. While she wasn't exactly hungry, the rations distributed lately had indeed been remarkably delicious.

Curses.

The Mess was closed. Merely two servicemen remained inside, cleaning up. As was standard practice for soldiers, her gaze instantaneously flickered to the insignias and ranks of the personnel.

'For where man may falter, Machine will not.'

The well-built older serviceman wore the crest of the engineering corps, denoting him as a technician. At the rank of First Lieutenant, he was above her current standing. But seeing as he belonged to a different formation, he couldn't order her around.

'For the glory of Atlas, we lead with pride.'

The second serviceman was someone she recognized instantly.

"You know son, I'm glad soldiers like you are finally taking an interest in how the Paladin machinery works! We take years to develop these revolutionary designs and you specialists just bring'em outfield for a day and they come back as heaps of Oum-forsaken scrap metal!"

"Yeah, we're always very rough on them. It's always embarrassing to return them back sliced in half or covered in grime. Sorry about that. Hey, would you mind if I visit the workshop sometime? It'd be good for me to know how to do field repairs."

"Of course not, sonny! Always willing to teach someone eager to learn. I'll even show you how to read the schematics! "

"Great! How about-"

A strict, icy tone resounded throughout the Mess hall.

Winter was coming.

"Sergeant Arc!"

Spotting the incoming Schnee with a scowl sullying her face, the technician decided that he'd be much more comfortable in his workshop rather than in her presence. Forgetting his rank, he quickly left the sergeant with his scroll number, a promise to meet and fled the canteen.

"Hello!" Jaune greeted his commander cheerfully, reeling off the success of guaranteeing himself a guided tour of Atlas's latest tech.

"Silence, you boob!"

Thwack.

"Ow!" He complained, soothing the fresh boil on his head. "What did I do?"

He hadn't actually done anything. She really just needed to vent. In truth, Jaune had been the very image of a perfect soldier. She'd truly hit the jackpot when he was assigned to her command.

Unlike the rank and file under her purview, Jaune took to strategy and field command like a fish took to water. She couldn't remember the last time she had a logistic or accounting problem either. And while he wasn't as skilled in combat as her (she was a Schnee, after all), it could be chalked up to inexperience.

Furthermore, he'd somehow managed to foster an affable relationship with the tech division if the lieutenant he was chatting with was any indication. It also didn't hurt that he was a good cook. She'd never imagined looking forward to eating rations. Winter had no doubts he'd quickly climb the ranks. But for now…

"You will watch your tongue, Sergeant." She ordered. "That's no way to speak to a superior officer."

"I'm sorry, Second Lieutenant." He grimaced.

"Your punishment will be mess hall duty for the next week."

Definitely no ulterior motions…

"But ma'am, I'm already on mess hall duty." Jaune rebutted.

"Oh…"

"Actually, while I enjoy cooking, isn't it about time someone switched out with me?" The Sergeant questioned. "I've been on this duty ever since I was posted here…"

Her anger was temporarily replaced by an emotion a Schnee was never supposed to show.

Fear.

She'd have a munity on her hands if she reassigned Jaune. And with how her unit was under investigation, she could kiss any chance of a promotion goodbye if that happened.

"Then instead," She ignored his comment. "You'll be sparring with me today."

She felt a slight smirk adorn her face as Jaune flinched. Sparring was the best way to relieve stress. And she had a lot of stress to relieve.

Her favourite sergeant was definitely good in combat, especially so for his age. He'd proven himself to be a tough challenge. But she wasn't a lieutenant for nothing and with her versatile semblance, she hadn't lost a match yet.

"Could we have a coffee break first, ma'am? See, I've recently discovered a new brew…"

Sometimes, the tried and true method of bribery didn't work wonders.

"No. Report to training room two by fourteen-hundred hours."

"Damn it."


"Ho ho! It appears two have risen to the challenge! It bolsters my spirit to see youthful Hunters such as yourselves volunteering!" The grey-haired teacher declared, his tone grandiose. "But alas, I need only one volunteer. Hmm… "

Cerulean blue and sky blue eyes traded glances. The Kingsman was met with a haughty glare, to which he returned a stoic gaze.

Sigh.

Ever the gentleman, Jaune relinquished his claim.

"It's fine, Professor. I'll go next time." Why must life be so- Why are you still glaring at me?! I'm letting you go first!

"Nonsense, my dear boy!" Peter jovially proclaimed. "Both of you deserve a chance to prove yourselves!"

Jaune idly wondered if the man was in love with the sound of his own voice. It'd certainly explain why he was about to go deaf in one ear.

"Ah! That'll do." The professor found a solution. "Since I don't have enough Grimm for both of you to demonstrate your skills, you shall both spar against each other! Yes, a marvellous idea!"

"Alright." Jaune replied nonchalantly. This'll be fun.

"Of course, Sir!" Her tone was the epitome of respectful.

As the two fledging Hunters left to retrieve their equipment, the entire room seemed to perk up with renewed vigour at the mention of battle. It also helped that they didn't have to hear any more of Peter rambling on about 'the boy who cried Beowolf'.

"So, who do you think'll win, Blake?" Yang asked, smirking. "Blondie or Icy?"

"Yang…" The palm decorating Blake's face drew far more attention than the twitch of her bow. "We haven't seen either of them fight enough to properly judge. But by virtue of semblance, I'd say Weiss."

"Cool. How about you, Sis?" Yang continued. "Coffee or Iced Tea?"

"Damn it, Yang…I don't really know." The defeated expression coloring Ruby's face was photo worthy. "I think that if Jaune's really good with his Aegis, he'd win. His weapon's almost as awesome as my Crescent Rose. But Weiss is great with her Dust Rapier and her semblance is cool. And how does coffee relate to Jaune anyway?"

"Didn't you see the tumbler on his desk or him drinking some back in the locker room before initiation?" Yang rebuffed, her smirk growing. "Oh, and sis, how would you know how good Jaune's weapon is?"

"I-I-I. It's just well. Eh…"

Teasing Ruby was one of Yang's greatest joys in life. Right after strawberry sunrises and terrible puns of course.

The scent of coffee filled the classroom. Jaune returned, a mug in one hand and Aegis in the other. Ruby blinked at the sight.

"Umm. Jaune, aren't you going to get changed?" The Prodigy asked.

"I'm actually already wearing my combat gear. Since my suit looks similar enough to Beacon's uniform, all I needed to do was change the tie to fit the dress code."

"Oh, okay…"

"You're going to fight me with an umbrella of all things?" The Heiress entered the room, seemingly affronted. "How do you expect to slay the Grimm with that?"

"There's a lot more to it than you think." The Kingsman replied, slight irritation seeping in his tone. "After all, our initiation would have gone very differently without it."

"Kick his ass, Weiss!" Yang really liked his abs but Weiss was going to be her teammate for the next few years. She had to keep her priorities in order.

"Fight well." Blake called out neutrally, waving a cute flag inscribed with her team initials on it.

Ruby was conflicted. She didn't know who to cheer for. Weiss was her partner, but Jaune was her first friend here…

"Go Weiss!" Ruby called out. She needed to earn some brownie points with the Heiress. Surely Jaune wouldn't mind right?

"Ruby! I'm trying to focus here!"

"Sorry…"

"Lighten up, Weiss." He called out. "She's only cheering you on."

Jaune honestly didn't expect her glare to intensify even further. Staring straight into the eye of the tigress, he took a sip of coffee. The icy stare turned murderous. The youngest Kingsman couldn't stop a smirk from forming behind his coffee mug.

He finally understood why Ozpin acted the way he did. Partaking in your favorite drink while taunting your opponent at the same time was such fun!

"The spar will stop as soon as one of you drop below the fifty percent Aura mark. Now, take your positions and begin when ready!"

With practiced motions and the grace of a swan, the Heiress assumed her favored opening stance. She exhaled a breath and relaxed her body. Her grasp on Myrtenaster tightened, shifting into optimal position for a fast lunge. Her legs applied pressure onto the floor, awaiting the order to push off and soar. Her eyes centered themselves on her opponent and-

He was still drinking coffee.

It was only years of experience in dealing with arrogant guests and annoying journalists that allowed Weiss to rein in her anger.

"Would it kill you to take this seriously?"

Most of her anger.

"You pretentious excuse for a gentleman."

"Well, in that case," Jaune returned, a slight smirk colouring his face. "Ladies first."


"So be it!" She proclaimed.

Her legs struck the floor with all the force she could muster.

The Fencer willed a speed Glyph into existence and doubled her momentum. Soaring through the air faster than an eagle, another haste Glyph flickered into being. Her pace tripled as she shot through it.

With the mesmerizing grace of a world-class ice-skater, she rapidly closed the distance between them. Myrtenaster lunged forward in position to strike.

Why isn't he moving?!

Jaune had yet to change his stance. He simply stood still, mug in one hand and umbrella in the other. The only action he took was to maintain eye contact.

To repel a foe, there is but one course of action. Settle things in a single swift, decisive motion.

Merely inches before Myrtenaster pierced through his skin, Jaune reacted.

In a single movement, he sidestepped the rapier and reversed his grip on Aegis. Piercing thin air, Weiss's gait was broken and she stumbled forward. Fortunately, she didn't fall over. Unfortunately, the only reason she remained standing was because her wrist was caught by Aegis's hook.

"I may have said 'ladies first'. But…"

The Kingsman flexed his wrist. Caught by the hook and using her own momentum against her, the Heiress was flung backwards towards the teacher's desk.

Impact.

"Don't be hasty." He taunted. Same opening tactic. Was she taught by Winter? In that case, at this distance, the next move should be either Summoning or Time Dilation…

"Excellent counter!" Port exclaimed. "And a fine opening gambit, Miss Schnee."

Don't be hasty. Don't be hasty?! I'll show you hasty!

With gritted teeth and a fist clenched tightly around her rapier, the Heiress sprang back up. With a swish and flick of her empty hand, a golden glyph with a clock motif shimmered to life. The hands of the clock spun slowly.

Quickly.

Rapidly.

Her body lightened. Her senses sharpened. Her perception heightened.

Taking a breath, the Heiress renewed her assault. The rapier danced in haste, shimmering white and flashes of silver. The Fencer darted across the classroom stage, never in the same position.

A swift vertical slash from the front.

Jaune took a step left, his footwork confident and solid.

A quick jump to a platform glyph above. A fast lunge descended from the skies.

With one foot off the floor, he pivoted right.

A speed glyph to flank. A series of horizontal swipes from behind.

Taking two step forward, he rotated and waited.

A swipe from the left, and stab from the right.

His foot raced forward and his body flipped backward. His mug lost only a drip of coffee as he landed soundly.

"Stop dodging!" She hollered. "Stand still, you fiend!"

Jeez. What exactly have I done to earn your ire?

Finally deciding to take action, Jaune dashed forth, Aegis furled and poised to strike.

"Go for the crotch, Weiss!" Ruby Rose tactlessly (and cheerfully) recommended. "It's his weak point!"

The classroom went silent and the spar came to a grinding halt. Weiss broke eye contact to glare at the young Reaper and Jaune halted in place. It seemed as if time had stopped as every student in the room stared unabashedly at tactless girl.

"Ruby." For the first time in her roller-coaster of a life, Yang put on a stoic expression. "You just ruined any chances you had of getting a date at Beacon."

"What?" All she'd done was give her partner some much needed advice. She'd already lost twenty percent of her aura, and Jaune was still sitting pretty at ninety-ninth percent. "Why, sis?"

"Just…Just look around you."

For the second time in her life, words failed Blake. Remembering Ruby's weapon of choice, it came as no surprise to her that any seat in the general vicinity of their team was suddenly devoid of any form of male life. From the back of the room, her Faunus ears heard one student drawing up schematics, mumbling something about add-on armour and protecting family jewels.

"Ruby. Surely you're not suggesting what I think you're suggesting." Jaune ventured, his eyes still trained on his foe. "Was I wrong to think we were friends?"

It finally dawned upon her. All it took was an incredibly overt gesture from her dance club-loving sister. Her face looked as if a make-up artist had a little too much fun with her, blushing redder than a rose in its prime.

"I'm sorry! I really didn't realize and I just actually wanted to help Weiss and you are definitely my friend and I-"

Words raced out of her faster than Crescent Rose's bullet velocity.

"It's fine, Ruby." Jaune sighed. "Just be a little more aware, alright?"

"Umm. Thanks Jaune. And I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to-"

That does it!

"Quiet, Ruby! We're in the midst of battle!" The heat in her tone was painfully obvious to the Dolt.

With force, she spun Myrtenaster's cylinder and stabbed the rapier into the floor. Ice enveloped the concrete ground, expanding quickly, overtaking the teacher's desk and chilling Jaune's coffee, much to his dismay.

"Ho ho! Let's see how you two handle a more slippery terrain."

Drawing patterns in the air with her empty hand, a dozen white glyphs shimmered to life centred behind her. As her Aura flowed into the glyphs, the symbols pulsed with life.

A dozen ice needles formed, with the promise of more to come.

"Woah…" Ruby's expression set the tone for the entire class.

"Block this! I dare you!"

With a downward swing of her arm, the needles shot forth.

"With pleasure."

Taking a deep breathe, he pulled on his aura and unfurled Aegis. White Aura visibly gleamed into existence, solidifying into a circular barrier expanding out of the unfurled umbrella.

"Woah is right, sis…" Yang's statement set the mood for the students in attendance.

"Marvellous! I'd never expected a first-year to boast such a high level of aura control!" Peter broadcasted.

As the needles impacted the barrier, they dissolved into nothingness. Weiss's heated visage crumbled into an expression of shock before quickly steeling itself.

In one swift motion, Jaune discarded his mug and pushed off against the ground, sprinting on a collision course.

The sound of shoes hitting against the floor rang throughout the room. The ice did nothing to impede his movement as it shattered pointlessly against the barrier.

The Heiress pressed the attack, hastening and concentrating fire onto a single point, hoping to crack the shield and break his momentum.

The barrier withstood the onslaught. It's not working!

As the distance lessened, the Huntress-in-training hurriedly switched tactics. She dismissed the ice glyphs and rapidly spun the time dilation glyph.

It was too late. He's too close! I can't dodge!

Weiss braced herself for impact as Jaune began the attack.

The Aura barrier dissipated as he furled the Aegis and his palm shot forth. A wry smile broke through the stoic face he maintained throughout the battle as he mouthed a certain phrase.

'Silence you boob!'

Thwack.

"Ow!"

No wonder Winter did it on an everyday basis. The feeling was therapeutic.

Quickly recovering from the shock, Weiss hurriedly put some distance between them. W-what was that?!

Her anger was supplanted by feelings of shock and confusion.

"Remarkable." He complimented. "If I hadn't fought so many battles with someone using a similar skillset, you'd definitely give me a run for my money."

"Oh…"

Whatever she was expecting, it certainly wasn't a compliment.

"Thank you." She returned, voice unsure.

"Though, that last attack just lost you the match."

"What?"

"Winner by Aura level, Jaune Arc!"


AN: So. That happened. Did you spot all the references?

This was my first attempt at writing a fight scene of sorts. What did you think?

While some of you guys may think I've nerfed Weiss or that the battle wouldn't be so one-sided, this Jaune has gone through Kingsman training, and has had experience duelling with a more powerful (assumed) glyph user.

Also, I finally got around to showing a bit of Jaune's time in the Atlesian Military. Yay.

Regardless, I'd like to know your thoughts on the chapter. Is there any glaring errors or plot holes? If you spot one, please let me know. Much obliged.

A Silver Dolphin,

Signing out.


Attempting to cram all sorts of references into one omake resulted in this happening.

Omake: A Magical Beginning Fixes Everything. (Spoilers for Volume Three)

"You…Have silver eyes." The man began as he laid down a plate of cookies and a coffee mug onto the table.

"Uh. Um…"

"Do you know what that means, Miss Rose?"

"No?" She squeaked.

"Hmm. Very well then. Let me be blunt." The Silver-haired man continued.

"You're a Wizard, Ruby."

"What."

If it wasn't for the sheer number of cookies she was trying to chew on at the same time, her face would have had a picture perfect confused expression. Wait a second…

"Uh. Don't you mean witch?" She mumbled in between bites.

"No. We do not use the term 'witch'. That title is reserved only for her." The frown on Ozpin's face was quickly replaced by his trademark stoic look. "If you must, use the term 'magical girl' or 'mahou-shoujo'."

"Oh. Okay…Well, it's not like I don't believe you or anything, but I'm a little…"

With a wave of his cane, the cookies in her hands and on the table vanished.

"No! Okay! I believe you!"

With a wave of his mug, the cookies reappeared. Motherly instincts kicked in as Ruby collected all the cookies and hugged them against her, shielding them from the evil Wizard.

"Tell me, Miss Rose, do you know who I am?"

"A cookie thie-"

The glare from the blond Huntress behind him was nothing short of murderous.

"I mean, you're Professor Ozpin, headmaster of Beacon Academy." Her tone quickly changed after realizing the cookies were his in the first place.

The Headmaster smiled.

"Indeed, but to a few others, I am known as The Emerald Wizard, Arch-mage of Vale." The Wizard clarified. "And I'd like to extend to you the opportunity to master magic."

"Well…I kinda want to be a Huntress. I mean, being a magical girl is cool and all, but I'd never part with Crescent Rose!"

She took a second to grab hold of her baby. The cookies fell to the table as she realized the police had confiscated her weapon.

"Oh no!" She felt exposed without her weapon. Tears started forming. "What'll I do?"

"As a Magical girl," He lectured wisely. "You'll never find yourself missing anything."

"Flick your wrist from left to right, and repeat after me."

"Gladium revertentur." He spoke.

"Gladium revertentur."

Silver eyes illuminated the interrogation room, turning the ghastly grey a shade of white for merely a second. As grey once again became the dominant colour, there was only one difference from before.

"My baby!"

The Magical Girl gave a new meaning to the word 'love', as she hugged the scythe tighter than ever before.

"So?" He asked.

One word was enough to convey the meaning.

"Um, just one question. Why now? I mean, I've had silver eyes since well, ever. Couldn't you, you know, come earlier?"

"Well, Miss Rose. A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to." Ozpin alluded.

The Deputy Headmistress was sorely tempted to remind him that the only reason he was even remotely on time was because she managed his schedule.

"That makes sense." Ruby cheered.

Damn it Ozpin.


"It's unfortunate you were promised a power that was never truly yours." Cinder affirmed, smiling. "But take comfort in knowing that I will use it in ways you could never have imagined."

The Spartan, resigned to her fate, stared into the amber eyes of the Anarchist.

"Do you believe in destiny?"

Amber eyes narrowed.

"Yes."

Pulling back the bowstring, she let loose the guillotine.

"Biscuitum Convertere!"

Pyrrha was pelted by a cookie. A particularly hot cookie.

"What!"

"Ruby!" The Spartan called out.

Amber eyes met Silver.

"Ugh! You again." The Anarchist spoke with unmistakeable disdain in her tone. "Don't you realize that all you do is delay the inevitable?"

Silver eyes glared back, glowing with power.

"Humph. It matters not. Dragon, feast!"

The echo of nightmares resounded throughout Beacon.

"Biscuitum Convertere!"

The Dragon Grimm became a cookie. A very sinister looking cookie.

"Oh come on!"

Silver eyes focused on their next target.

"No. No. This can't be happening. Pleas-"

"Biscuitum Convertere!"


Omake Note: ...I think the Nargles must have gotten to me. Either that or I've had way too much coffee. Wait. It has to be the former. You can never have too much coffee.