Authors never die... they're just missing in action.
A Reason to Fight
If there was one thing that Jaune Arc hated other than Grimm it would be the unexpected. Ever since he began his training as a Jaeger one important thing that had been drilled into him every day was to anticipate everything. If you can know what your opponent is going to do before they even think of it then that is the mark of a true killer.
So yeah, the unexpected was something Jaune hated with a passion.
That being said he hated today with a passion more violent than Nora's enthusiasm for pancakes.
A test in Port's… why did he not know about this?
Well I did cut class most of the time so yeah. That would explain it.
Please list all of the different fur shades of Beowolves. The page read… why does he need to know the different shades of a Beowolf's fur? Ah well at least he knew the answer. Without another moment to lose he wrote his answers. Onyx… charcoal… ebony- Hah that's the name of my gun. Now where was he? Ah yes… eerie black… licorice… jet… What else is there? Jaune knew there was another one but he couldn't think of it.
Oh I remember now! With a smile he writes the last shade. Davy's gray…
This exam proved to be elementary to him as there has yet to be a question that he didn't know. It still doesn't chang anything, Jaune still hates tests no matter how easy they may be.
Turning the last page of the test booklet he sees an exam topic. Looking at the prompt he was sadly reminded about how much he hated surprises. This prompt it's just… it's just not fair! How was he supposed to know this?! Was he even there to hear this story?
During one of our classes I told a rather famous tale of a young handsome huntsman. That huntsman being me of course! Now then in one of my many brave exploits I had come across a rather large Ursa and engaged it in unarmed battle. Please write in great detail the defining points of my heroic tale.
You will be graded for remembering:
The long and grand duration of my daunting battle with the Ursa!
What I was eating while combating the beast!
What weapon did I use to defeat the creature! (Tis a trick question!)
What was the name of the woman who expressed her unwavering affection for me that day?
Not once in Jaune's messed up life had he ever thought about committing suicide.
Not even the time when Gilbert had forced him to go through a week without food or water, or even that time when he was forced to take down a Goliath with a stick and rock.
Which I wouldn't have had to do if it weren't for IX!
Not even when he was forced to fight I in a three vs. one practice match did he ever think to end his existence early. Still though, they really should have brought a fourth member.
If only.
Regardless, there was not one time when Jaune Arc considered ending his life.
Until reading that essay prompt.
He really did hate the unexpected.
But at this moment he hated Professor Port even more.
"That test was just so… so… awful." No other words could really describe that thing known as Port's exam. Maybe if he had taken the time to ponder the existence of life itself he could have found more words. But right now he was just too baffled.
"Please do not remind me." Weiss seemed to agree. She couldn't keep her head up letting exhaustion weigh her head down to her desk.
The two clan members were seated in Dust Theory both mentally exhausted from that awful test.
Even if the two didn't trust each other they could at least agree on one thing.
Port's tests were more life threatening than Grimm.
That's a start he supposed. "So what do you think our odds of passing are?" Despite the glare he was given he kept his smile going strong.
Eventually, Weiss let out an exhausted sigh. If it was from him or from the test he didn't know. "You're being annoying." Guess that solves one mystery.
As Weiss was working on her assignment for Dust Theory she spared a quick glance at the seated blonde next to her. Like her, he was easily answering questions without breaking rhythm. If Weiss didn't know any better she'd say he was finishing faster than her.
Preposterous! I will not be outdone by him! With a resolution that was supported by imaginative pillars that could support the very sky itself, Weiss answered questions with speed that Ruby would envy.
I must beat him. Another question answered with the next one already half complete.
I will beat him. And like that another question was easily solved.
"-eiss…"
Not really caring about ice,Weiss ignored whoever was speaking. She was in the zone now. Already she was on the last three questi- scratch that the last two questions!
"Weiss…"
There was no way that Weiss could lose this race, not a chance! She will prove victorious!
"Weiss!"
"WHAT!" Her face was visibly fuming heating up her pale complexion.
Jaune was staring at her with impatience. "I was trying to tell you that class is about to end. That and you looked like your head was about to overheat."
Did I really look like that?!
Looking around she noticed the stares she was receiving from other students. They were acting like they just saw some lunatic using an uncooked swordfish as a weapon.
"Honestly, what were you even thinking in that head of yours?"
Thoughts of her inner declaration from earlier surface causing her face warm up. Thank Monty she didn't say any of that out loud. There's no telling how much damage that would have caused to her reputation with her classmates.
"And who were you trying to beat?" Jaune asked.
…
I was talking out loud the whole time!
She assumed that her expression gave away her shock since the blonde shook his head in disbelief. "You didn't even realize it."
"Shut up you dolt!"
Jaune knew that Weiss Schnee was many things. She had intelligence that few people their age possessed, a grace that was second only to one other person he knew of. And though he would never admit it out loud, Weiss was truly a sight for the eyes.
She possessed a beauty that was truly unique to her. In that sense Weiss reminded him of a snowflake. Like each falling star of ice she held a beauty that could never be mirrored. So yeah… a snowflake was an apt comparison.
But crazy? He didn't really expect that one. Well there was that one time before initiation. Jaune could have sworn he saw thunder clouds around her when she had the face of insanity.
Maybe that should have tipped him off.
"Seriously though what was going on in your head?"
"I said shut up you dolt!"
He just can't win an argument with her.
"Alright I'm shutting up." He'd rather not drag this out anyway. One: He didn't feel like arguing. Two: He'd never get through to her anyway.
So yeah, he'd rather not continue the conversation.
And so they remained silent, the noise accompanying them being the chattering of students. Despite the many miscellaneous conversations that were all happening at once, Jaune could hear a specific name being mentioned multiple times.
It was the normal school gossip he's heard so much about from Ozpin. When the words escape the lips of the adolescence false truths are told and people are either ridiculed or praised.
Gossip was something Jaune would rather not partake in. But sadly that was a luxury he couldn't escape from unfortunately. Because the name mentioned -
Why are they talking about me?!
-was his.
While that was indeed strange what he found more bizarre was the fact that his name was only being mentioned by members of the opposite sex. Why only girls? And why are they even talking about me in the first place? Are they talking bad about me behind my back? But what did I do to them?
Truly Jaune Arc is completely useless against the female population of Beacon. Maybe even the entirety of Remnant.
"Why?" The inner turmoil in his mind was cut short hearing the question from Weiss.
"I don't know, but it's really annoying how only girls talk about me."
"What?!"
"You know what I'm talking about! Every day for some Oum forsaken reason girls keep talking about me! But why?! I did nothing wrong!"
"I'm not talking about that you dunce! I want to know why you and Blake had that stupid argument?!" Those eyes of ice had somehow become colder as she looked up at him.
Ah, so that's what's bugging her. He supposed it made sense. Weiss was the type of girl who wanted everything to be perfect. The short fight between him and Blake was currently ruining the clan's cohesion as a unit. If the unity between them wavered so did the perfection that Weiss sought for in the clan.
Jaune was fairly sure he hit the nail on the head with that one.
"It was just a misunderstanding." He said, deciding that honesty was the best way to solve the problem. Jaune chose not to say anything else. There was no need to.
"A misunderstanding? I don't understand." He'll admit it; he was rather vague with his answer.
"Then I guess it'll be one of those mysteries you never solve." However vague he may be it still annoyed him that she didn't grasp what he was trying to say. So for that…
She looks away from him; anger obviously the cause of her now crimson face. "You're such a jerk!"
Like she said he'll be a jerk.
"So there we were lying on the snowy field of bedvaria seperated by a crevice!" After taking a bite of her pancake, (which was just her eating the entirety of it at once.) Nora looks at each individual seeing each person's different levels of interest.
Ruby and Yang of course were the most invested in the story both having excited smiles as they wait for Nora to continue the grand tale. Unlike Port, Nora was great at telling tales of adventure.
Jaune was paying attention the whole time, but unlike the two sisters he didn't really share their enthusiasm but made sure to offer a smile for his teammate. If he was going to be here for four years then he had to start somewhere.
Pyrrha didn't seem too invested in the story. For some reason which Jaune didn't understand, she had a concerned expression that was directed at him. If it was because of that thing with Blake then she shouldn't bother. He wasn't bothered by it… not much at least.
Weiss was just eating while occasionally checking her nails every so often. Probably from boredom but he didn't blame her.
Blake was the one who paid the least amount of attention to the story deciding to just invest herself in a different story courtesy of the book in her hands. She would occasionally spare her friends a glance. Since Jaune was not on that list of friends he was given the cold shoulder.
"We were in two separate beds." Then there was Ren who made sure to correct Nora every time she made an over dramatic detail in the story.
"Using all the strength I had in my legs, I jump over the crevice landing next him! Not wanting to get separated again I hold on to him!"
"She jumped on my bed and started hugging me." Ren corrected not breaking his stoic expression.
"But then a giant appeared!"
"It was my father."
"And with a mighty yell the giant asked 'WHY ARE YOU IN MY DOMINION!?'!" Nora was getting more and more animated as she progressed through the story.
"He was asking why Nora was at our house at three o'clock in the morning."
"Knowing that the mighty giant was too strong to fight I use my cunning instead to convince him to grant us shelter!" With the widest grin Jaune has seen all day. "He agreed of course allowing Ren and I to rest easy!"
"She asked to stay at our home over and over again. Eventually my father said yes deciding that he'd rather go back to bed than deal with 10 year olds."
Jaune didn't show it, but he was rather dumfounded by this particular story. It was certainly… interesting. But wait "Why do you have two separate beds in your room?"
In a rare moment of weakness, Ren let out a sigh. "This happens more than you think."
The blonde let a chuckle escape before taking the last bite of his sandwich. With hit empty tray he rose from his seat. "I'll see you guys at Oobleck's."
And it was as Jaune was given goodbyes that the happy comradery between him and his associates ended. Hearing the familiar pained voice of that rabbit Faunus the smiles everyone had fell.
A few tables away from RWBY and JNPR the same thing two days ago occurred. Cardinal surrounded the poor girl throwing out names such as animal, freak and-
"You're just a little monster!" Cardin yelled out getting the attention of everyone.
Especially Blake Belladonna, her book now forgotten in favor of glaring at the real monsters. The anger she felt was probably threatening to explode as she didn't seem to notice the concerned stares her friends were giving her.
She didn't even notice the gazing eyes of sapphire that was on her.
Seeing Blake in such a manner brought out an unfamiliar feeling to Jaune. For some reason, he wanted to do everything he could to help her calm down. He wanted to let her know that everything would be taken care of.
But why does he feel like that? More importantly what is it that he's even feeling.
Was it actual concern?
"You okay Blake?" Hearing Yang ask that, Jaune finally noticed that Blake was getting angrier and angrier. If what Cardin and his team were doing continued there's a small chance that she might take action with her anger in control.
It was just a small chance though.
So he didn't need to act.
Jaune started walking sensing that his friends had their eyes on him now. He wasn't certain, but he had the feeling that Blake was watching too. Because the direction he was walking to was. "Cardin!" Was towards the tormentors of a scared girl.
He didn't need to act. He wanted to.
Hearing his name called, Cardin and the members of his team give Jaune their attention. Even though they had somewhat of a truce it was obvious that the members of Cardinal despised him.
"What do you want, Arc?" Cardin asked obviously not in the mood to be around the blonde. Not right now at least.
Idly his eyes slipped over to the bullied Faunus, who couldn't return the gaze as the floor was apparently the only thing she could look at. Admittedly she was quite the beauty. Despite what he believed to be fear in her eyes those brown orbs were captivating and could probably cause most men (if they weren't a racist) to be drawn to them.
Her somewhat small stature also made her look… cute? It was a word that he never thought he'd use and he'll make sure to never use it again.
Putting the fact that the girl was attractive away, Jaune gave Team Cardinal his full attention. He would rather not receive too much attention at the moment. But how can he resolve the situation without causing a scene.
Then again, he supposed the team of men already caused one. When something such as bullying occurs the first and only thing people do is watch. Their reason to remain docile is because they think in their narrow minds that someone will end the strife. So all they need to do is watch and let someone else get involved.
But no one ever does. Everyone thinks that someone will eventually intervene. Well, he supposed they were right this time.
"Now is not the time." Judging by that smirk of his, Jaune figured that Cardin understood the meaning behind those five words. So he left the team of four to their own devices just as long as it didn't involve the girl. Not yet at least.
The time for action will be at night.
Oobleck's class. What can Jaune possibly say to describe it?
Informative?
Yes
Fast?
Unbelievably so.
Somewhat annoying?
No. Surprised by the answer? Well Jaune was too actually. It was no secret that most of the students here at Beacon view Oobleck to be, to put it lightly, less calm than others. Jaune however found the doctor's presence to be a nice change of pace.
Oobleck is a man who hates ignorance and loves to learn from the mistakes made of the past so he can make sure they are never repeated. If there were more people like him. Then maybe the world would be a much better place, a place where killers like Jaune aren't needed.
"Now! Have any among you been subjugated or discriminated because of your Faunus heritage?" Every Faunus in the room ought to raise their hands. It's common knowledge that humans rarely gave the Faunus any form of respect.
So Jaune wasn't surprised when he saw that rabbit Faunus raise her hand. She looked for around to see if any other Faunus would raise their hand, but also for any form of insult to come her way. Her unconfident behavior only showed weakness that should never be in a combat school.
All he saw was a helpless girl with no real reason to be here.
And that is what made him so angry. This cowardice was the only reason why he decided to help Cardin and his team with their confrontation. He had to make a point that the feeling of helplessness needed to be removed.
"I will answer the problem accordingly." It was only a mumble a very quiet mumble that no one should be able to hear.
"Mr. Arc!" Oh Monty no! "Finally contributing to class instead of lounging about! This is excellent! Excellent! What is the answer?" How should he know? He wasn't even paying attention!
What should he do? What can he do? This is just great and right after just praising the man he was forced to look like an idiot in front of him! Why is the universe so cruel?
Okay calm down. It's really quite simple. All I need to do is ask what the question was.
"Doctor Oobleck-"
"It's actually Doct- oh wait, carry on!" It was a rare moment to see him actually stutter. So some things do surprise the good doctor.
"Forgive me sir but I was thinking out loud. Can you perhaps repeat the question?"
"While I do not approve of day dreaming in my class I will repeat myself regardless. Please tell me the advantage the Faunus had over General Lagune's forces in the battle at Fort Castle!" Jaune figured that remembering to call him doctor was the thing that saved him from getting in trouble.
"Oh is that all?" Despite how smug it sounded Jaune didn't really mean anything by it. It was supposed to be the sound of relief since he wasn't sure what he was even being asked in the first place.
"The advantage that the Faunus had was night vision. The Faunus are known for their near perfect vision in the dark." He would have stopped here but seeing as how he wasn't even paying attention in the first place. Jaune supposed adding more information would please his teacher. "While General Lagune had an impressive army he was inexperienced and failed to realize the advantage the Faunus held in the dark. His ignorance of the strength his enemy had is what ultimately cost him the battle and the reason why he was captured in the end." Seeing Oobleck nod gave him a small amount of relief. Admittedly he was a little rusty when it came to history since it wasn't deemed as important as the rest of his training in the Jaeger Program.
Then again he was still confident enough to try and pass the class on his first day.
I really should have more confidence in my abilities.
"Very good Mr. Arc! I see that despite your abundance of absences you are rather knowledgeable of our history! Good! Very good!" He took a sip from his mug before appearing in front of the map hung on the board. "Now! Moving on!"
Jaune couldn't help but smile. Nice save! One point for Jaune! The universe… 41 points. Now that he thought about it that isn't very impressive. Great now his smile was gone. Regardless, he was rather happy in the end. He proved that he wasn't an idiot. If that wasn't a victory than he didn't know what was.
"Oh and Mr. Arc please see me after class!" The doctor said as he takes yet another sip of his coffee.
Jaune: 1.
Universe: 42
Damn you universe… damn you to hell.
"Mr. Arc I'll make this quick."
When have you not made things quick?
"Your recent absences have left me rather concerned! Very concerned!" Taking a sip of his coffee Oobleck places a stack of papers on the blonde's desk. Jaune began looking through the assignments seeing 100s and the occasional high 90s in red on the papers.
"Your grades in my class have been exceptional yet more than half of your time at this school has been wandering about doing whatever you please! Now I don't know if it's a lack of interest in Beacon or just your pride!"
"Excuse me?"
"Mr. Arc!" He was cut off from speaking but the glare he gave his teacher was present. Oobleck didn't seem to pay it any mind as he continued. "You show promise! You are a talented individual yet you squander it!" For the first time Oobleck set his mug down giving him his full attention. "Tell me this: Why do you want to be a huntsman?"
He was left speechless. It was so sudden but not only that, Oobleck was basically questioning his goal! Why does it matter to him? Yet as he was under the man's gaze he was tempted to answer. The answer was clear to him. It has been ever since he was a boy who lost everything.
"I want to kill monsters."
"That is your responsibility. I want to know why you do it. The honest reason as to why you want to be a Huntsman."
"It's because that's our responsibility that I want to become one! I want nothing more than to kill those monsters!" He didn't mean for that to be his response. It just came out. But this was personal to him! Even if Oobleck is an experienced Huntsman he refused to let the man question his goals!
The lecturing doctor seemed to think about his answer. For once he didn't reply quickly but took his time to give a response. "Tell me young man. What about the people we are also obligated to protect?"
"Huh?" Why would he ask about that? Of course he would ensure the safety of the innocent. There's no doubt in his mind.
Yet why can't he answer the question? Instead he was just speechless feeling helplessness that he never wanted relive again. He felt as weak as the cared child he once was.
"Are you saying that you would rather ensure destruction than preserve life?"
"No! No not at all!" He sounded like a child trying to tell his father that he didn't mean to cause any trouble. "That's not what I meant."
"Then answer me Mr. Arc! Why do you want to become a Huntsman?"
"I told you! It's so I can kill the Gri-"
"That is what you are tasked to do!" He exclaimed cutting him off so he wouldn't repeat himself. "Why? Why have you chosen this life?"
"TO GET REVENGE!" Slamming his fists on the desk he rises up. His face was only inches away from his teacher's. As the two continued to stare at one another Oobleck takes his mug.
"So it is revenge that drives you." He grabs his mug taking a sip. "Why is it that General Lagune carelessly attacked the Faunus?"
Jaune didn't understand the meaning of asking that question. He already answered during class. It was ignorance that cost him the battle of Fort Castle.
Oobleck didn't seem to expect an answer as he just continued. "General Lagune was regarded as a born leader and a talented soldier becoming one of the youngest generals during the Faunus Rights Revolution. Though he never led an army many believe that with time and more training he could have become one of Remnant's most successful generals."
"Where are you going with this?" If Jaune sounded impatient he meant to. His time was being wasted by knowledge he already knew.
"The young general lost the Battle of Fort Castle because of something far more dangerous than ignorance and inexperience. What truly cost him victory for not just the battle but for the war was his want for vengeance."
Then with a sudden realization. "You don't mean…"
"Yes, what truly created the turning point in the war was the death of General Lagune's younger brother, Lapis Lagune who died while in battle."
The loss of a younger brother, it is something that no elder sibling should ever have to experience. As the older one, it is their responsibility to protect their little brother.
So to make amends for failing his brother, General Lagune must have.
"He decided to get revenge for him." Jaune began understanding the point that Oobleck was getting across. "Seeing an opportunity to strike he took it without hesitation. Because of his impatience and drive to avenge his brother, he didn't take into account the perfect sight that the Faunus had in the dark."
He was met with a couple moments of silence probably so his own words could sink in.
"Revenge is a dangerous passion. It can surface many other dangerous aspects we have."
Hearing the slurp from Oobleck drinking his coffee, Jaune finally looked up at the man who gave him a pitied look as if he were a pup alone on the streets without his mother.
"Is revenge truly worth sacrificing everything you hold dear?"
Jaune did not have the answer for once.
"I'll be sure to ask you the next time. Carry on Mr. Arc. I'll see you next period."
With that he zooms out of the classroom in a green and white blur.
And at the moment of his absence, Jaune couldn't help but let rage take over as his fists tightened. His calm ocean stare turned into a storm. What was wrong with his reasoning? Why did it matter if he wanted revenge? He wouldn't make the same mistakes that General Lagune made in the past!
How could Oobleck ever understand what he's been through?!
Drip
Why did they have to have such a stupid conversation?!
Drip
Why does he have to go through some damn lecture over and over again?!
Drip
First Ozpin!
Drip
Then Glynda!
Drip
And now Oobleck!
Drip
Coming to Beacon was a mistake!
"Jaune?" That voice, it was familiar but who did it belong to. He looks up realizing that his vision was blurry for some odd reason. He could make out three colors. Red, green and bronze, he knew only one person with such a combination.
"Pyrrha, why are you here?" She probably flinched from how cold his tone was. He didn't really care though. The last thing he wanted now was to talk with her or even anyone on his team.
"You're crying." She stated matter of factly choosing to ignore his question. She wasn't trying to be rude he knew that. Pyrrha was just worried since he was. He was crying?
Bringing his hand up to touch the corner of his eye, Jaune felt the unfamiliar feeling of the salty water on his finger tip.
He suddenly felt a warm touch on his cheek. As he gazed into the green orbs of his partner he understood that it was her hand. As he looked at her he saw the same look she had at the cafeteria.
She was worried about him?
"Are you okay?" Such a simple question and yet Jaune couldn't answer it. But her question held something he didn't know very well. Pyrrha was… she was…
She was actually worried about him. Besides his godparents, he never really knew what it was like for others to worry about him.
Realizing that he hasn't given her an answer, Jaune removed her hand from his cheek. Wiping away his tears he tried offering a smile, but he thought it probably came out as more of a grimace.
"Me, not okay? It must be the end of the world."
Seeing her frown he let his attempted smile drop. She didn't say anything nor did he. Then he felt sudden warmth envelope his hand. It should have been obvious but he didn't know why Pyrrha would hold his hand. What a strange girl, he thought.
Before he could question her, she dragged him along as she turned down the corridor after exiting the room. He would normally try and stop her from such a sudden action by just pulling his hand away from hers and demand that she leave him alone.
But here he was. On the rooftop of one of the many buildings at Beacon with a clear view of the glowing emerald orbs in the central tower of Beacon. It looked so magical, this scene that would only be seen in a fairy tale.
Seeing Pyrrha walk forwards he followed making sure to match her pace as soon as he was next to her. When they reached the edge, Jaune couldn't help but smirk as he looked over it.
"You're right I really should just end it here."
She too looks over the edge not really understanding. Then, like a bullhead crashing into a building, realization hit her with horror. "N-no!" She dashed to put him away from the edge, really believing that he would jump. "That's not why I brought you up here!"
He laughed releasing Pyrrha from her fear. It was laughter that he didn't use before as all the times before he had to force himself. "I was only kidding, Pyrrha!" With eyes shut and a smile that felt different than the others he gave before. "I won't be leaving anytime soon."
Expecting her to smile too, Jaune opened his eyes.
Instead he saw her mouth agape and cheeks as crimson as her hair.
"What's wrong?"
The question seemingly freed her from her stupor as she finally blinked. Then she smiled, one that was unlike all the others before, as if she was a bride looking at her groom. "You smiled."
Tilting his head to the side like the confused boy he was. "Haven't I smiled before?"
As her smile remained she shook her head. "Your smiles before were always forced. But this time it was truly genuine."
He turns his head to the side doing his best to make sure his partner didn't see the pink tinge on his cheeks. Jaune prayed to every god people worshiped that it worked.
"You're blushing…" She said it playfully which was admittedly cute. So much for not using the word cute…
"How did you know?"
"Huh?" She didn't quite understand the question due to how vague he was.
So while making eye contact with her he decides to elaborate. "How did you know that my smiles were fake?"
Although her smile had dropped, her response held the same kindness she always had. "When you see me smile what do you see?"
Jaune didn't really expect his question to be replied with another question. Usually he would say something about how annoying it was. But he made no such comment deciding to concentrate only on her or more specifically, her smile.
When he looked at her he saw something so alien to him. Her smile was so radiant expressing the one thing a smile does best. "Happiness…"
She nods. "Though, I didn't really get to use this smile before my time at Beacon. Back then I was rather familiar with the smiles you've used."
"Why is that?" Really why did she not get to use such a smile? It was so… so breathtaking. I'm starting to worry about my mental health.
"You know how I'm… well a celebrity of sorts?"
"Yeah I remember Weiss talking about your accomplishments. What does that have to do with this?" He really didn't get it. He honestly didn't understand the weight of her achievements or why they mattered.
Which was why Pyrrha was just so happy while she spoke with him and for once she could speak to someone who saw her, not as the champion of the Mistral Tournament or the top student at Sanctum or just some mascot for an unhealthy cereal, but as Pyrrha Nikos.
"I am constantly surrounded by love and praise because of my blessed talents. But that's just it; it's because of my talents that people wish to be around me." As she looked out at the wonderful scenery of the breathtaking green lights, the radiance of her eyes were enhanced giving them a dazzling glow. "People only wanted to be around the invincible girl. They never really wanted to be my friend."
She looks at Jaune with eyes that somehow maintained that breathtaking glow from before. Was it his eyes playing tricks on him? Or was it really her eyes that shined so bright?
"So like all the people who offered me such false smiles, I returned them with my own deciding that I would never smile genuinely again." Her smile, her real smile had formed again. "That is, until I met you… a-and our friends." She added the last part rather quickly but he didn't pay it any mind.
"I see." He didn't really have much to say after that. To suddenly say all of that almost left him speechless. Did Pyrrha truly believe that they were friends? Was he really considered a friend? It was touching to say the least. He certainly felt better now than he did before. He was truly grateful for her. For once he considered Pyrrha to be his partner… his friend.
With that out of the way… why in the hell did Pyrrha bring him up here? She didn't really need the nice scenery to help make him feel better. Her words alone were enough.
Seeing her partner's admittedly adorable confused face made her smile grow. "I'm guessing you'd like to know why I brought you up here."
Thank Monty that Pyrrha was good at reading people because that would have been nagging at him for weeks to come.
After giving her a nod, Pyrrha continued. "During the first week of school, I decided to journey around the campus. Eventually I found this spot before curfew had ended." She decided to look at the illuminated lights again. "When I saw those lights for the first time I thought to myself, "This will be my secret spot." so ever since then I kept it to myself."
A secret spot with a pretty scenery belonging only to Pyrrha Nikos. He couldn't help but let out a laugh at the almost childish secret. "I'm afraid it's not much of a secret now that you've shown me this place."
She smiled at that. "It is as long as you don't tell anyone about it." This time they both laughed enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. "Now as for why I brought you here… well." She began to fidget as she was about to tell him.
Jaune was just confused at the sudden nervousness. What possible reason could Pyrrha have to be nervous?
The redhead on the other hand just wanted to keel over and die. It sounded so cheesy but it was the truth. What if she sounded weird? Would Jaune just see her as another one of his fan girls?
"Seriously why did that girl throw her bra at me?"
Then again… Jaune didn't seem to understand just how popular he was. So maybe it wouldn't be weird. But there is still a chance that it might sound like she's trying to get in a relationship with him, which, if Pyrrha were to be honest she wouldn't mind at all. I guess I really do have a crush on him.
"Um, are you going to tell me or what?"
Well, pray that it goes well for her.
"I wanted this to be a special place for the both of us." She couldn't even look him in the eye anymore because of how embarrassing this was. "I want us to spend time together as not just partners… but as friends." Somehow she finally mustered the courage to look at him again, but with her blush still going strong. "So as I said previously don't tell anyone about this spot."
To Pyrrha's surprise her partner's entire face held the same shade of crimson she had. Unlike her, Jaune was looking away to the side not daring to look at her. "Sure… I won't tell a soul." This time he looked at her and with a nervous smile. "This will be our special spot, partner."
Upon hearing him call her "partner", Pyrrha Nikos couldn't help but smile once again. And somehow the happiness in her one of a kind smile… had tripled in its radiance.
He really is a good person…
So please…
Blake…
Don't hate him…
"Hey, I appreciate what you did. But I would like to be alone for just a bit." The nerves he had before were gone. "I'd like to think over some things."
She really wanted to stay. And she meant really wanted to stay. But there are some things that people need to overcome on their own. So if he needs to be alone she would let him.
"I'll let you be then. Just, if you ever need to talk… please don't hesitate to ask."
With a smile, "I promise." With those two words he removed all of Pyrrha's worry.
So seeing no reason to stay any longer she left. Opening the door, she gave Jaune one last glance and offered a quick smile in which he returned. She waved goodbye as she closed the door to return to their dorm.
The moment she left. The exact moment that door closed.
Jaune let out an exhausted sigh.
"I didn't think my heart could take much more…" He truly appreciated what his current partner did for him. Her words were sincere; he couldn't find any trace of deceit. All of the feelings she conveyed were honest and beautiful.
He really didn't deserve a glimpse of any of that. Yet he didn't care in the least. Because he truly felt more alive at that very moment than he ever did before.
Nothing could possibly ruin this.
"I've gotta admit, Jauney. I never would have guessed that chicks could turn you into such a stuttering mess." That is until he heard his current associate for the night, who decided to climb up on the roof from his window.
"Cardin…"And as if flipping a switch all traces of his prior self vanished, instead allowing his cold exterior to reach absolute zero. Right now the man that Cardin Winchester was looking at was someone who didn't hold a name… but a number.
"Since you've decided to show yourself I am assuming you and your team are ready."
With a smirk that resembled an arrogant baron who assumed he's won a chess match. "Yeah, we are. My team called and said they're getting the freak to the combat room."
XIII didn't even bother to offer a nod instead he decided to remain unmoving until he finally walked toward the edge of the roof and only allowed Cardin to look at his backside. As he stared at the scenery that he and Pyrrha marveled at, his eyes reflect the green lights that surround the Beacon Tower.
"So what is your plan?" The blonde never did ask and he didn't even know the extents of what Cardin wanted to do. So he supposed asking now was better than not asking at all.
"Didn't I already tell you?" Though he couldn't see him, XIII knew without a doubt that the team leader behind him was still smirking like the arrogant fool he's being. "We're going to send a message to every freak in this school."
"And what would this message entail?" Still he had his back towards his accomplice.
"That they should stay where they belong." XIII didn't have to wait long to here where it is the Faunus apparently belonged. "Those monsters are just trash so they belong with garbage. Better yet, why don't they just make themselves useful and become bait for the real huntsman. I mean what better bait to lure Grimm with than easy prey?"
At that, XIII finally turned and gave Cardin a side glance that could easily pierce any shield.
"Tell me something. Why do you hate the Faunus?" Taken back by the sudden question, the larger student didn't give a reply but a bemused stare. Cardin didn't seem to understand the point of asking such a question.
"The reason I ask…" The young assassin didn't seem to care and just pressed on. "… is because when I look in your eyes I see hatred that has been nurtured for years." He walks toward Cardin until he was only a couple steps away. He looked up at the larger teenager to meet eye to eye.
"Yet you don't have pain in your eyes which could only mean that you haven't lost anyone dear to you from the Faunus." As he surmised this, XIII began to glare at his current ally. "Your hatred is unguided without any real purpose. You just hate simply to hate."
Cardin didn't seem to understand, but that didn't mean he wasn't feeling annoyed right now. He instinctively raised his fist at the smaller target and swung.
But he stopped just before he could connect.
There was no doubt in Cardin's mind that he would have suffered the beating of a life time if he let his punch go through the full motion. He didn't forget about his defeat last time, not a chance in the world.
"Whatever let's just go! My team should be there now."
This is hatred of Cardin's. This is mindless detestation. Was something that XIII found quite annoying.
But nonetheless, he would follow.
"Now is not the time." When the words escaped Blake's mouth she began recollecting that little standoff between Jaune and team Cardinal. Those were the words he said to the team of bullies.
While at first glance it seemed that Jaune was truly helping. His last words kept echoing in her mind. What did he mean by that? And why did it get Cardin to stop?
Now is not the time.
…
One would think that Blake was one of the more patient people in Remnant. At least compared to others her age.
This is so aggravating!
However that is simply not true.
"Why did I have to ruin my midnight walk on wasted thoughts?" Like her wandering eyes Blake's question was directed to the broken moon.
When she was younger she loved to look at the moon. Every chance she could, she would always stay up late at night to gaze up at the breathtaking spectacle that was in the sky. She would even try to count the small floating fragments of the moon just to pass the time.
Blake truly loved the way the moon was. Though a third of it is dislodged and broken she believed that it actually added to its beauty.
It may be strange to think that. But she didn't really care because the broken moon showed perseverance. No matter how broken, deformed or terrifying it may look to others. The moon continues to exist despite how unwanted its appearance was.
Just like her people. No matter how many times the Faunus were brought down, they always got back up. No matter what the obstacle was her people continued the march to true peace for everyone.
They were broken but continued to strive for equality, if not for their generation then for the next. And though others would lash out cruel remarks about their "deformed" appearance, they would never back down.
Even if they seemed terrifying for fighting for their rights, the White Fang would never back down!
The White Fang…
Blake was no longer an ally to them and yet she still had moments where she thought highly of them. But she knew that the organization she once loved had changed for the worst. That is why she abandoned them. But they abandoned our peaceful path to equality! She still couldn't help but care for the now terrorizing organization and for its members.
Adam…
"Move it you freak!"
Startled by the sudden rude remark, Blake turned the corner seeing the four figures. But judging by the voice and by the horrible insult she deduced that it was team Cardinal. But she didn't see the large team leader. So why are there four people?
She focuses on the group seeing that it was indeed the three members of Cardin's team buth with them was a girl with brown hair and bunny ears wearing a school uniform. That girl!
It was the rabbit Faunus who held the same look she always had when those jerks surrounded her, the look of a scared girl who wanted to know. Why? Why does she have to go through all this? Why can't they just stop and leave her alone? Why can't she just be treated like a normal person?
Blake and every Faunus knew the feeling all too well.
"Where are we going?" The girl's question was soft and shaky. Blake wouldn't have been able to hear it if not for great hearing.
She didn't receive an answer only a shove that guided her to their destination.
What their destination was, Blake didn't know. So to remedy that she decided to follow them, she made sure to keep enough distance between them so she wouldn't be spotted.
The members of team Cardinal may not be the best of students. However, they were still hunters- in-training so caution was a must.
And if Blake was spotted she would be at a massive disadvantage. She did not have Gambol Shroud while the three teammates in front of her had their weapons and armor.
So stealth was the best approach. Simple enough stealth was her forte anyway.
"Did you hear that?"
Shit! She quickly hid behind a wall and made sure to not make another sound. Being caught by the bullies of Beacon was not something she would ever want to happen. Her pride as a stealth specialist would be tarnished forever!
If she still cared about what Adam thought of her, Blake would dread the thought of him finding out.
"What are you talking about, Dove. I didn't hear a thing." It was the one with a Mohawk who asked, she believed his name was Russel.
Dove, the one with the sword looked towards the hall. "I could have sworn I heard someone walking."
"Um, yeah that would be us." Russel said blankly.
"No you idiot! I meant someone else!"
"Guys, we shouldn't keep Cardin and Arc waiting." The one with the blue hair said with his halberd resting on his shoulder.
Blake's eyes widen as she heard her leader's surname. But what could Jaune have to do with this? "Now is not the time." No, it couldn't be. Yet she couldn't deny that it all made sense.
Dove sighed deciding to just drop it. Walking back to his team he gives a light punch to Sky's arm. "You're just scared that Arc might punch you."
"Did you see what happened to Cardin after that one punch?"
"… I'll give you that one."
If her leader was involved in this if he would really stoop to the same level as Cardinal then she had to stop this. But what can she do without her weapon?
I can't think about that right now. I can't lose them.
So silently she followed.
Unsurprising, what Blake saw when she entered the building for combat training was the leader of Cardinal, as well as her own leader.
Unlike the escort she followed, the two leaders wore their school uniforms. However, Cardin still sported his mace that rested on his shoulder while Jaune was unarmed with his hands in his pockets.
Whatever it was they planned on doing, Blake was determined to stop them.
But what can I do without Gambol Shroud? Even with her weapon though she knew there was no way that she could fight all of them. In truth the only one she was worried about fighting unarmed or even armed was Jaune.
She hated to admit it but the blonde proved quickly that he was someone without equal. He has shown a wide range of skills from his raw power to his abundance of knowledge and seemingly genius like intellect.
She didn't know what type of training he went through, but she could determine one thing. It must have been as rigorous if not more so than Adam's. Her partner and mentor was by far the strongest person she knew who was their age.
Even as she looked at the situation in front of her, Blake couldn't help but wonder what kind of fight those two would have. She honestly couldn't see those two getting along, what with Jaune's seemingly racist attitude towards her people and Adam's… lack of tolerance for humans.
I'm getting off topic! I need to figure out a way to stop this. Her eyes were locked on the group of six, waiting for the appropriate time to intervene. Rushing in recklessly would do her no good.
"You're probably wondering why we brought you here, freak." All except for Jaune, the men started circling around their target. "I don't really appreciate the fact that animals like you are at such an important school." The calmness Blake had begun to vanish when Cardin kept talking.
"It doesn't really seem fair that animals like you stole the opportunities of hardworking people to come here." Blake didn't buy such garbage! So just because Faunus are different their hard work should mean nothing compared to others!?
NO! Such line of thinking was disgusting and immature!
But what's worse than even the nonsense that Cardin said was the fact that her leader did nothing. He just stood there with that same bored expression he always wears! As if everything is just beneath him, that matters that go on outside his own personal interests were just a waste of time!
Blake Belladonna had enough of such discrimination. I am not going to just stand here and do nothing! Even if she ended up revealing her secret through her actions there was no way in hell that she was just going to stand there and watch someone suffer!
Never again!
Without another thought, the cat Faunus goes to step out of her cover.
"Wait, Miss Belladonna…"
Just do nothing.
That's what Velvet Scarlatina did in the face of her discrimination. If she just let the bullies do what they want then surely they'll grow bored of having her as their target eventually. That is what she hoped for.
But they never stop!
"Do us all a favor and leave Beacon!" Hearing Cardin's voice she opened her eyes to a fist. She didn't feel much pain thanks to her aura, but she still felt a sting on her cheek.
From that clumsy strike of his, Velvet could tell that Cardin had next to no experience in unarmed combat. If she wanted to and oh how much she wanted to fight back, she was sure that he wouldn't stand a chance.
Hearing someone approach her left side she glanced over seeing the shortest member of her tormentors swinging his fist. He was fast but predictable.
She recoiled from the strike but still stood.
This time she could hear someone from the rear. She didn't even bother to turn, knowing that it was the blue haired one.
What felt like a boot had sent her to the ground face first. Her aura shielded her but hitting the floor was still rather painful. As she was about to stand, she once again felt a foot on her back preventing her from getting up.
Velvet glanced up, and unsurprisingly she saw Cardin standing in front of her with a smug smile. Next to him were the ones who hit her earlier. So the one who pinned her down now must be the swordsman of Cardinal.
"I don't know how you've made it this far being as weak as you are." Cardin began popping his knuckles trying to look more intimidating. Trying is the key word here. "But it's about time someone put you in your place."
Velvet was by no means scared of her bullying underclassman.
All her shaking now and from before was not from fear. No, what she felt was anger. She was so angry that she just let this all happen to her! Every fiber of her being told her to fight back! To stop her tormentors from humiliating her even further.
I can't though. Her thoughts prevented her from taking such action however. I will not resort to violence.
"I just don't understand why you let them do that to you!" Though her eyes were hidden by black shades, Velvet could tell that her team leader was worried about her.
The two friends were taking a stroll around Vale. It was just the two of them since Fox and Yatsuhashi decided to spend their day off to train. They were basically being boys.
Which meant this was a girl's night out.
"Coco, it's quite alright." She said doing her best to reassure her dear friend.
"No! It's not alright!" Her leader got in front of her, determined to have and win this conversation. "Every time I see you, you look so miserable!" Velvet knew that Coco was just being a good friend-. "You hardly ever smile like you used to!" -But she just wanted her to stop.
"I smile all the time. See…" Seeing her friend's downcast expression, Velvet assumed that her smile came out as a grimace.
"You can't let them keep doing this to you. You need to stop them."
"Look, I know you're just being a good leader-"
"This isn't because I'm your team leader. I'm asking you as your friend to fight back."
"What good would more violence accomplish?" Velvet didn't mean to sound so cold when she said it. She just wanted it all to end. The conversation, the bullying, the discrimination, all of it!
Coco didn't seem to mind the cold tone she was given. She continued with an expression she only wore during critical moments of a mission. "There's nothing wrong with fighting back, Velv. You just have to know when to stop."
Despite how important her words were, Velvet did not take them to heart.
Velvet didn't know how many times she's been hit thus far. Thirty? Forty?
She honestly didn't give a damn. The point is, the mild pain she felt had multiplied in its intensity. She could feel bruises all around her body making it difficult to even move. Thankfully, her aura was already beginning to patch her up.
But for every injury healed, Cardin and his team would add four more each one individually given.
The member, who always seemed to have his eyes closed, ran towards her determined to hit her again. Velvet put her guard up to cover her head in hopes to prevent any serious injuries. Her forearms took the brunt of the attack and her guard held true.
However, with a single uppercut from Cardin her guard was broken. While he lacked any skill or experience, he definitely had brute strength. As he followed up on his attack, she had taken the opportunity to jump back to avoid the slow punch.
Though the leader of Cardinal was slow, his teammates made up for that with their own speed. The one with the Mohawk was at the front proving that he was definitely the fastest of the team, with the other two lagging behind him.
It was obvious to her that the team lacked coordination. They didn't even bother to match their speed to attack together and they were all wide open too.
She crossed her arms together deciding to just take the punishment. Each punch and kick she received reminded her of all the cruel remarks they gave her.
A kick to the face.
Freak!
A punch to the stomach.
Failure!
Another strike to her bruised face.
Animal!
This time it was Cardin who punched her cheek, sending her to the ground.
Monster!
Cardin waltzed up with his cruel smile. He seemed so pleased with himself. Was he actually proud that of his barbaric actions? Velvet didn't really care anymore. What difference did it make anyways? No matter what his reasons are the fact remains that Cardin and his cronies are racists, and there would be no reprieve. Not now at least.
She prayed that they would stop.
She just wanted this to end.
"Why don't you join in, Arc?" For the first time Velvet traced her eyes over to the blonde who intervened at the cafeteria. She believed his name was Jaune Arc. She had heard quite the rumors about him.
Looking at him now, Velvet could tell what all the commotion was about. Jaune definitely had a pretty face. Though his face wasn't really masculine per se, he was still quite the "catch" as Coco would say…
She didn't know why he had intervened at the time. However, that didn't really matter since it was obvious whose side he was on. Just like these brutes. Jaune Arc was a racist determined to beat and ridicule her.
The young Arc said nothing as he approached her. His eyes that resembled the vast ocean were locked on her, and at that moment it was as if she was drowning from the tides. She couldn't breathe and her entire body began to shake.
This shaking… it wasn't anger. It was… it was…
I'm afraid
So blinded by her fear, Velvet didn't realize that he was only a few steps away from her. He looked down at her as if waiting for any sign of retaliation. Why is he just standing there?
"What is your name?" He asked. Why does he even care? Does he find more satisfaction in knowing the name of the person's whose life he's tormenting?
She didn't even care at this point. She just wanted it all to end. "Velvet… Velvet Scarlatina." So she gave the blonde her name and closed her eyes for the beating to come.
…
…
She waited and waited but felt nothing. She heard nothing. There was only silence, contemplative silence on what to do.
Until finally…
"Stand and fight."
She looked up seeing his determination to have her fight. How strange it is to want such a thing, but she felt the urge to do just that. Fighting back sounded very appealing at the moment.
But she did not yield her decision to stay docile. Reacting with violence would only lead to more. Not only that, but she would be no better than Cardin and his teammates if she fought them for herself.
"I won't…"
"Is it because you're afraid?" She couldn't help but scoff at such a question. She could hear the team in the background grunt in annoyance. Maybe she shouldn't have done that but it was too late anyways.
"So if you're not afraid then why don't you fight?"
Uncharacteristically, Velvet glared at the blonde. Whatever it was that he was trying to accomplish she didn't really give a damn.
Her glare didn't seem to deter him from waiting for an answer. She could tell that Jaune wouldn't speak until he received an answer. She didn't mind the prospect of him staying quiet, but his staring was starting to get uncomfortable.
"It doesn't matter Arc!" Cardin chimed in wanting to just continue the beating where they left off. "Look, the reason why we brought you with us wasn't so you could ask ques-"
"I wasn't speaking to you." His glare stopped Cardin from trying to continue. Seeing him back off, Jaune focuses his attention back to Velvet. "I'm waiting for an answer."
What reason could he possibly have to ask that question? Why did it matter? Why did he care? Why can't he just hurry up and push her around like her tormentors?
She just wanted this night to end!
"I know you can end this."
It came out as a whisper, so quiet in fact that she was the only one who heard it.
"What did you say, Arc?"
Jaune didn't pay any attention to the growling brute behind him, his eyes were on Velvet. Nothing else mattered to him at that the moment.
"I don't want to fight for myself. I refuse to be fight for such a selfish reason." In her stupor she had let the words slip out.
From all the reactions she was expecting from the blonde a stunned expression was not on the list. It looked like her answer was something he never would have guessed. But it didn't take him long to smile. In fact, he even seemed to respect her decision somewhat.
He respected her?
"I see. Forgive me but I had the wrong impression." His smile dropped afterwards before he continued. "I had been wondering why someone with your power was allowing herself to be tormented by these oafs."
Before anyone on team Cardinal could lash out at him for the insult, a wall of swords had separated them with her and Jaune on one side while Cardin and his teammates were on the other. The four man team responded by taking their weapons out. They expected the blonde to attack them.
But Jaune made no such movement. He continued to stand there and just look at Velvet who got up to stand. "I thought you were pathetic for being afraid of them… but I was wrong."
"I'm truly sorry." His smile came back as he said his apology.
Even as Cardin and his cronies were trying to break through the swords, Jaune and Velvet had their focus solely on each other.
After moments of looking at him, Velvet finally returned the smile and with a quick bow that her partner always did as a sign of gratitude or respect. "It's quite alright."
"Your reasoning isn't pathetic." Taking steps to be beside her, he places his hand on the girl's back. Velvet began to glow a faint white light. "But I don't agree with it."
She was about to question why, until she felt so warm when bathed in that light. This feeling of warmth it reminded her of the caring embrace of her mother. All her worries and pain were vanishing as if they were never there to begin with.
How someone with such a warm and kind aura could also seem so ruthless was beyond her understanding. Well, as the saying goes 'don't judge a book by its cover.'
"Deciding not to fight for yourself is honorable of you. But it's not wrong." What he said. It reminded her of wise words that she didn't listen to. "There's nothing wrong with fighting back, Velv. You just have to know when to stop."
Despite how comfortable she was, Velvet was not distracted. As he spoke she would listen trying to find her own answer as to what was right.
"Fighting for yourself can also be for the right reasons." His eyes seemed to soften as he said this.
Is it really true? Would it really not be selfish of her to fight for herself? Would her reasons for doing so justify it? Would fighting back really be okay? She honestly didn't know.
She no longer felt his hand on her back, causing the previous warmth she had to go away. "I'm not the best at healing others with my aura, but since yours was already patching you up it wasn't too difficult."
As she was rubbing her arm unsure of what to really do. "Is it really okay to fight for a selfish reason?"
"Fighting for a selfish reason isn't the same as fighting for yourself." Jaune offered her a smile that began to remove her doubts. "If you fight them right now you'll show them that the Faunus are not weak. You have the strength to open their eyes so they can see just how incredible you and the Faunus truly are."
Incredible and Faunus, two things she never expected to hear in one sentence from a stranger. Velvet couldn't help but smile at such praise given to not only her but to her people.
"So fight! Fight and win!"
And so she did.
Velvet Scarlatina, a huntress-in-training and a proud member of team CFVY was going to fight. And she was going to win. Though it was for herself, this fight was also for the respect her people deserved.
A reason to fight for oneself that is not selfish. How rare it is to find that in such a small world within a small timid girl.
How rare indeed.
Omake: A Massage?
It was simple. In fact it was amazingly simple.
Cardin just had to play the waiting game. Wait until Arc and Nikos were done with their cliché romantic/friendship moment and then contact said blonde. Doesn't that sound so simple?
Well, sadly he met complications when their moment turned more… personal.
"Right there, right there that's the spot!" Pyrrha exclaimed with a euphoric tone.
Yeah… personal.
Wait, wait… just wait.
They couldn't really be doing that!
"I mean come on no one would randomly have sex in the middle of the night on the roof." His reasoning was sound. It was common sense that something like this wouldn't happen. If anything, Arc must be giving the redhead a massage.
"Oh god!"
A really good massage.
"Harder!"
Pyrrha's probably really stressed from… stuff? That makes sense, right?
"You're so tight." This time he heard Arc speak for the first time.
Jaune's probably referring to her back. So Pyrrha must be really stressed from all the work they've been getting. Beacon's curriculum is a pain in the ass. So even the great Nikos must get stressed at times.
"I can't believe how wet you are down there."
Okay uh… maybe he's talking about the lotion that's on… uh… her lower back… and stuff… yeah! Jaune just can't believe that he put so much lotion on Pyrrha's lower back! Totally makes sense…
"Right there! Don't stop!" It was Pyrrha again, shouting out one of those girls you'd see in a hentai... So Jaune must have found the tensest spot. "Ah yes… keep going…"
For the love of Monty how long is this massage going to be?!
And after one last scream that came from Pyrrha, Cardin's prayer was answered and the moaning finally stopped. Instead, he began hearing ragged breathing from both of them. "Fucking finally…"
In between their exhausted breathing, Cardin could hear Pyrrha's voice.
"That massage session was simply divine." So it was a massage! He fucking called it!
Cardin had to admit though. He was starting to believe that those two really were having sex. Seriously, who screams like that during a massage? That whole thing reminded him of a fanfiction he once wro- read… a fanfiction he read.
Anyways now that Arc and his partner are done, Cardin can finally talk to his accomplice for the night.
"Hey Pyrrha, is "massage" slang for sex or something?"
AN: As you can tell I'm not really good at stuff like this. I tried though so you can't fault me for that… right?
Anyway... So a while ago I said that I was going to update my other RWBY story which I truly was. But uh… I sort of… well…
I forgot.
…
Yeah I know it's not a good excuse but it's the truth.
Anyway, I hoped you enjoyed this chapter of XIII and are pleased with the way this chapter ended.
Wait you're not?
Why though?
I've shown you that Jaune isn't a heartless bag of douche! What more do you want!?
Wait, is it because I basically ended the chapter on a cliff hanger and have forced you to wait for another god forsaken duration to see what happens?
It is?
Huh… well fuck.
I guess I need to release the next chapter as soon as possible.
;)
Did I do the winky face correctly?
