Chapter 9: "An Eventful School Day..."
The first couple of days were okay, nothing but orientations on our schedules and classes. There was so much information to process I do not even know where to begin?
Well I guess our school subjects is a good start. Despite what most of the general public thinks, there were still regular subjects such as History, Math, Linguistics, etc. If you are wondering why we are still studying these things, well being a hunter takes more than just being good in combat. One cannot solve everything in the world by bashing something with a weapon, so its inclusion was very important.
The next were the specialized classes like Aura Control, Grimm Studies, Leadership and many more. Some of these subjects were only available to a few people such as Ruby and myself, seeing as we were both leaders. The others delved on the inner workings of the energy that protected our bodies as well as better understanding the various types of enemies that we will be facing.
Of course, there were also the combat classes that involved individual and team matches. In addition, there were group and personalized training sessions. The academy housed numerous facilities and state of the art training rooms to accommodate all hunters. I won't go into the specifics, so let's just say that if you lasted four years in this school you'll be able to keep up with experienced athletes. All in all, it still felt like high school...if it was used to train superhuman warriors.
Despite having a lot of things to do, I managed to get the team to bond a little by grouping everyone during lunch and dinner, just getting to know one another bit by bit. For once, I actually had people to sit with, which was a welcome change. It was pretty funny hearing all the stories Nora would create while Ren corrects her in his usual monotone voice. Pyrrha and I would just laugh by the end of it all, both of us knowing whose version was the truth.
...
"You still haven't told me where you got the strength to body slam an elder boarbatusk!" Our bubbly bomber stated.
"Nora...when you want something, you need to ask politely..." Her usually silent partner advised while eating his salad.
"Oh right, right!...Ehem...Oh Fearless leader~ Please, bestow upon me thy secret~!" She asked, causing Ren to shake his head in annoyance.
Deciding to humor her, I followed suit...
"You are indeed worthy, Ms. Valkyrie...but before I give you my secret, you must first go on a journey to find the mystical Pancakes of Destiny~" Seeing as she loves pancakes, I decided to add them. My partner's giggling was not helping me keep a straight face.
"(Gasp)! The pancakes of Destiny! I have not heard of such a magnificent treasure! Tell me where do I begin my quest!?" She questioned, her partner giving me a dead stare...
"Only Pyrrha, the All-Seeing, can guide you..." I said as I gestured to the red headed Spartan, causing her to stop giggling and her eyes to widen a bit.
I wanted everyone on my team to bond so naturally I included my partner in this.
...
Our resident Valkyrie stared at the Champion of Mistral, awaiting her instructions...
"I-uhm..." She didn't know what to say, so she looked to me for support. I gave Ren an evil smile as I wordlessly mouthed to her ("Under Ren's Bed..."). Apparently, my male companion managed to piece things together and started to hurriedly shake his head in an attempt to dissuade her.
"Go on, oh wise and powerful seer! Where are these fluffy treats of Fate located?" Nora asked, oblivious to what was going on behind her.
"...Well...I am...(Ren: "NoNoNoNoNo...")...not sure...(Me: "Go for it, he won't mind!")...but I've heard...that they are under Ren's bed..." She finally let out, causing the gunslinger to bang his head on the table while Nora looked ecstatic.
"I knew it! That's where all secrets are hidden! When classes are over...we must journey back to our kingdom, post haste!" She announced, I assumed that kingdom meant our dorm room. You can't help but love her imagination...
"Et tu Pyrrha?" He said, with a defeated expression.
"Hehe...sorry..." She replied, with a weak smile.
...
"Hey guys! Sorry we took so long, we had to get a few more ropes for our bunk beds" Ruby said, her team right behind her.
"It's alright, take a seat guys." I answered.
"So what's going on?" The red reaper asked taking a free spot to my left, her sister sitting beside her. While Blake and Weiss sat down next to Nora and Ren.
"A journey of epic proportions!" The Valkyrie announced.
"Ooh...that sounds awesome! Where are you going!" She wondered, as her eyes lit up.
"To Ren's Bed!" She stated proudly, causing Weiss to almost spit out her yogurt and Blake to cover her red face with her book.
"Wow...now that's one heck of an adventure, is there a side quest that goes to Jaune's bed? I'm sure a few people wouldn't mind completing that mission." Yang teased. My face lit up with embarrassment as I looked down on the ground, wishing I had the ability to shrink or disappear.
"Yaaaannggg!" Her little sister yelped.
I almost forgot to tell you that Ruby's team also joined us during the break. It has only been a few days but already we were a tight-knit group, though Blake and Weiss like to keep to themselves most of the time. It was nice...because the more the merrier, right?
...
...
Sigh
...
Don't get me wrong it was good that they decided to hang out with us. But remember Beacon Academy is still a school and there is always a social hierarchy in it. The bad thing for me is that in terms of notable first years, my team and Ruby's were considered top class. My friends' looks alone garnered a lot of attention but as usual I was given the short end of stick. I can still hear the whispers of passing students wondering who I was and why I was sitting next to them. Brr...I still shiver every time I feel a lot of eyes focusing on me in the mess hall.
Normally, I would be bothered by these types of things but I had other problems to worry about. I may not have looked it, but I've been thinking of ways to improve myself. I just don't know where to start? The shadow, now named Joseph, recommended to strengthen my body first but I really didn't have any knowledge on how to do so. I was planning on going to the library but due to time constraints I haven't gotten the chance. Thankfully none of my friends noticed my distress and kept on chatting happily with one another.
...
I know, I know, the first week hasn't even ended and already I was stressing myself. But I was really worried and the only way I can reassure myself is doing some training.
"Jaune, we should probably head to Professor Port's Class." my partner suggested as she started to finish her lunch, the rest of our group doing the same.
"Good idea, it's important that we get there early, Grimm Studies is an essential subject." Weiss advised.
I only nodded in reply as I followed suit.
("You need to focus Jaune! You still have your classes to worry about. Who knows, maybe Grimm Studies might help...") I thought as I stood up and exited the mess hall.
(Beacon Classroom: 4:30 PM)
"Monsters, demons, prowlers of the night. Yes, the creatures of Grimm have many names. But I merely refer to them as prey... Hahaha...haha!" Our portly professor proclaimed, laughing at...well...whatever he thought was funny.
I felt a little pity when no one laughed with him or at least clapped. Already I can hear the non-existent cricket sounds reverberating throughout our classroom. This however did not deter our teacher as he seamlessly cut back to his speech.
"...Ehem...And you shall too, upon graduating from this prestigious academy! Now as I was saying...Vale..." He continued, not really noticing that most of the students didn't pay him any attention. Honestly, I like him...he reminds me a bit of my Grandpa Augustus, in terms of reliving his glory days and narrating fairy tales...
"-that is what you are training to become. But first a story...a tale of a young, handsome man...me! When I was a boy..."
Yup, he definitely reminds me of my grandpa...
(Giggle)
My attention snapped down below where the noise came from. It was my fellow leader Ruby, she was drawing doodles of our professor on her notepad. Not the most flattering depiction of our teacher but it was a little accurate, I suppose. She didn't stop there though as she did various tricks like balancing her notebook with a pencil, juggling her erasers and even creating a small paper replica of her weapon. It was amazing that our professor didn't even notice. Unfortunately, my humor was not shared by her partner who was silently fuming.
Uh oh...
I tried signaling for Ruby to focus by waving my hands towards her, trying to stop her antics.
"Jaune!" Pyrrha whispered.
"What?" wondering what she wanted.
"Ah! Mr. Arc! He too has experienced what I have in the past. Why don't you narrate to the class your glorious exploits." He said pointing towards me, directing everyone's attention.
Crap! I wasn't as subtle as I thought, plus I didn't know what he was referring to.
...
I coughed to compose myself, always a good move to start with in these type of situations.
"I'm sorry sir but what are you talking about?" I politely asked, not wanting to look foolish by guessing.
"Hohoho...there is no need to be so modest! Though that is a good trait for any hunter! Alas, one should always take pride in their accomplishments!" He declared.
"Sir?" Feeling really confused.
"I mean killing an elder Boarbatusk by yourself is remarkable for any huntsman in training but to hold off an elder Deathstalker prior to that, well now...that is one for the record books!"
...
Oh...that...
...
The once quiet classroom filled up with whispers, all of them wondering if I really did any of those things.
"That's impossible, must be fake..."
"Did he really?"
"Two elder Grimm!? I would have ran away..."
"Hmph, I call BS on that..."
...
Great, so much for laying low but then again the company I keep already puts me in the social spotlight.
"I see many of you are wondering if these claims are true, fear not for I have video evidence. Which I will promptly give to you once I locate the remote?" He said as he strode to his desk.
...
(whisper) (whisper)
I just looooove bringing all sorts of problems in my life...it's what I get for being nice...
...
"Ah! How silly of me! I already prepared everything! All I needed to do was press this button! Haha! Now everyone, keep your eyes on the screen, for you will all witness a true huntsman-in-training!"
(Press)
A large screen slowly dropped down, hanging a few meters above Professor Port's desk. The lights dimmed down and the screen flickered to life, it almost felt like watching a movie in a theater.
The feeling of nervousness grew as it suddenly showed me and a deathstalker in a deadlock before shoving me back a few feet. Fortunately, there were no sounds so at least I wouldn't be labeled a lunatic for bantering with a Grimm.
("This is going to mean trouble in the future isn't it?") I thought as all of my classmates watched our battle unfold. There were gasps of fear and amazement as it showed the numerous times I was sent flying as well as the few moments where I managed to hold off its attacks. My friends were in a similar state, nothing but shock and awe on their faces. It wasn't until it showed the part where I did my shield bash that stunned the large scorpion, that the room exploded.
"Hot Damn! The amount of strength that would take..."
"I think we need to get some tips from that guy if I ever face one of those..."
"He doesn't look like much but man, he can hold his own. Guess you really can't judge a book by its cover..."
"Tha-that's not i-impressive I mean I could...probably...maybe...do that on a good day."
"No way man...I doubt you could survive, even if you trained for three years!"
"Oh shut up!"
...
...
I don't know what to say. I mean it's nice that I get some acknowledgement but I really don't need the added attention. Unfortunately, the video was not done yet as it kept on going, cutting to the part where I was face to face with a second elder Grimm.
"Oh my God...there's more!? Where did that thing come from?"
Yes, random student number 1, I was wondering that myself.
We watched as the over sized boar charged at me and I grabbed on to its tusks, trying to stop it. All of my classmates quieted down as they witnessed my contest of strength with a mammoth, going through tree after tree. The suspense was building as we reached the segment where I stopped the elder Grimm's charge. I looked around and saw jaws dropping and mouths agape as they saw me lift the creature before slamming it down, hastily piercing my sword through its soft spot to kill it.
...
(Silence)
...
It would not last as the entire class once again erupted...
"Holy Crap!"
"Okay we gotta befriend this guy, he is awesome!"
"Man I do not want to fight him, he'll probably skin me with his bare hands!"
"Yeah me neither, did you see the way he held it off...I mean he stood his ground."
"You should have seen that body slam at the end, that was badass!"
...
...
I felt a tingling sensation in my body as I was overwhelmed by all of the indirect praises. This...this is what I wanted...acknowledgement...I longed for this feeling in the past. I've always seen my sisters receive this kind of treatment but now...now it was my turn. It was good...no...it...it felt great...
...
But...
...
I couldn't appreciate it...because I had other problems that I needed to worry about.
...
"Good show Mr. Arc! You reminded me of my younger self, a blast to the past as you youngsters call it. Why, I remember performing the same maneuver with a King Taijitu once, ugh...those slippery snakes gave me a hard time. I tell you..." Professor Port said as he returned the room back to normal and restored order.
"Bah! That story will have to wait for another time because I have something special planned for today. a small test before we end this session." He announced as he gestured to a large box that he brought in at the start of the class.
The stout huntsman grabbed an axe that doubled as a blunderbuss from his desk before opening the said container, revealing a regular sized Boarbatusk in a cage. The beast was constantly trying to get out, shaking and rattling its prison.
"It's not as impressive as the one Mr. Arc defeated but it is still a dangerous opponent, is there anyone here who would like to prove that they too are true hunters!" He asked as he spread his arms wide, gesturing to all of the students.
I heard a few whispers that I should go but all of that died down when Weiss raised her hand abruptly.
"I do sir!" She all but shouted.
"Confidence, I like it! You may head to the vacant locker area and call in your combat gear, when you return we will all see if you can back it up."
The irate heiress of the SDC power walked outside, only to shortly return with her combat attire and weapon. If you are wondering how she got her equipment so quickly, I have two words for you...Rocket...Lockers. No idea how they work but they allow us to access our weapons pretty much anywhere in the school. It's convenient...if not a little unorthodox...
The strange invention aside, I focused on the match that was about to take place. Watching the heiress of the Schnee Company take her place on the opposite side of the caged boarbatusk. The professor asked if she was ready before letting the beast out.
...
...
The fight was interesting to say the least, I expected Weiss to kill it with ease but she was irritated and angry. How do I know? Well she kept glaring at Ruby whenever she cheered for her. Despite being given some solid advice by her partner, she told her to just shut up.
(Pierce)
(Whine)
The bout ended when Weiss used one of her glyphs to flip the boar on its back, exposing the weak spot Ruby mentioned. Afterwards, she used another glyph to propel her with enough speed to immediately pierce the beast's stomach...ending its life. She slowly released her weapon from the corpse, looking out of breath as she held her rapier.
"Well done, we are in the presence of a true huntress in training. I'm afraid that's all the time that we have for today, be sure to cover the assigned readings and stay vigilant. Class dismissed." He said before carrying the cage somewhere else. I saw the heiress give a mean glare to Ruby before heading outside to get changed, my fellow leader chasing after her.
...
None of the students wasted anytime leaving the classroom, it was the last subject for today and well free time was valuable to teenagers. I half-expected to be approached by some of my classmates but thankfully no one did. Not wanting to test fate I gathered everything in my desk as quickly as possible...
"I shouldn't have left you alone." I heard my partner say. Looking to my side, I noticed that she had a guilty expression.
"Pyrrha, we had a plan." Keeping my voice down, trying not to attract any attention to the remaining people in the room.
"But we're partners...we...we..."
"We protect one another. I know it was a selfish request, but it all worked out in end, didn't it?" I interjected, speaking a little freely now that we were the only ones left in the classroom.
"I...I guess...it still doesn't excuse the fact that I ran away..." She muttered, looking down to her desk not being able to look me in the eyes.
...
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(Pat)
...
...
"Jaune?"
"Listen Pyrrha...Its like you said, we're partners now...we work together, look after one another and lend a hand if one of us down. But for any of those things to work we need trust to each other, am I right?" Giving her one of my goofy smiles in order to lighten the atmosphere.
...
Fortunately it worked, as the champion responded with a grin of her own before nodding.
"Good, because if you didn't agree...I was ready to pull out another cheesy line to cheer you up." I teased.
(giggle)
"Maybe I should have said no." She teased back as she stood up and waited for me.
"I dunno if you are ready for the amount of cringe this one will bring." I'm going to be honest, I didn't have anything...
"Now you've made me curious, what were you going to say?" She asked as we made our way to the exit.
"You really don't want to know besides you don't really need it." Please stop pushing Pyrrha, I don't have any cheesy lines!
"Come now, I think I'm still feeling a little sad right about now..." She teased again.
"Nope..."
"Jaune..."
"No..."
"No chance?"
"Yes..."
This pattern continued until we were both laughing at how ridiculous the whole interaction was.
("This is nice...") I thought as I just chatted with my partner about various topics. Just two teenagers enjoying their time in school, while taking in the wonderful sights Beacon offered. No worries, no problems other than grades and extracurricular activities, of course I was an exception seeing as I had a legacy to keep in mind but I shouldn't let it distract me from my other duties. We linked up with Nora and Ren in one of the hallways, all of us deciding to head to one Beacon's gardens to catch some R&R. As we walked together, I was reminded that I was made the leader of a team.
...
I have a responsibility to them and I should never run away from it.
...
I watched Nora suddenly initiating a game of tag with Pyrrha, who was happy to oblige. Seeing the two running around without a care in the world, Ren told both of them to be careful of tripping as he took a seat on one of the benches...opening his book, while keeping one eye on both of them. I smiled as I took everything in...their quirks, their backgrounds and the happiness on their faces, all of it I kept in my mind.
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I'll be strong for you guys...that's a promise...
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It's a good day I thought, as I looked upon the setting sun...
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I hope there are better days to come...
...
...
...
...
...
"I see a girl before me, who has spent her entire life getting exactly what she wanted..."
"So the outcome did not fall in your favor, do you believe that behaving in such a manner would cause those in power to reconsider their decision? So instead of fretting over what you don't have...savor what you do. Hone your skill...perfect every technique...and be not...the best leader, but the best person you can be."
Professor Port was right...I, Weiss Schnee had been childish...
What was I doing, letting out my grievances and rebuking Ruby for helping...
...
My sister would have done better for sure...
...
("I wish I was just as perfect as you Winter...") I wistfully thought as I walked through an empty corridor to the student dorms. I needed some time to formulate an apology before I went back to the dorm room. Unfortunately, I was too engrossed in my thinking to notice another person coming my way.
...
(Bump)
"Oof!"
"Guh!"
I fell to the ground, feeling like I got hit by a wall made of steel...
"Sorry, I wasn't watching...its a bit of a bad habit of mine." A familiar voice muttered.
When I looked up, I was surprised to see Jaune...Jaune Arc, Ruby's first friend and Pyrrha's partner. My first impression of him was, average at best...he was decent looking and well mannered. Other than that there was really nothing else to say.
But the things I have seen him do in the Initiation were amazing, especially with the added knowledge of how he dealt with an elder Deathstalker. It's because of him that I swore to never judge a person based on appearance. I know, I didn't follow through with Ruby but my pride was hurt and I wasn't thinking clearly.
"Oh crap, Weiss...I'm really sorry...here let me help you up." He replied nervously, looking a little shaken.
"Thank you..." I replied as I took his hand, his grip firm and strong.
It was a little strange seeing him jittery, after what I witnessed. The complete opposite image of a warrior that faced two elder Grimm.
...
...
...
...
The silence was a little understandable seeing as we didn't really interact with one another. I was about to bid him a good day and leave but he started talking...
"So...what brings you to this part of the school?" Rubbing the back of his neck, looking unsure.
If it were someone else, I would have just left but the trainee Knight has shown good character. Oum knows I've pretty much heard all about it from my young leader...
"I was just taking a stroll around the campus, what about you?" I replied.
"Oh uhm...I just wanted to roam around some more. Beacon is still a maze to me, I have a ways to go before I get used to things." He answered.
"I see..." Feeling a little lost as there was nothing I could say to continue the conversation.
...
...
"Yup...give or take a few days...I'll have this area memorized!" He declared, trying to fill the dead air.
...
...
...
"I think...I should get going..." I uttered hastily, not really liking how awkward everything felt. Nothing against him, it's just that I wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone right now.
...
...
"Wait...I'm sorry, its just that...(Sigh)...I wanted ask if everything was okay between you and Ruby?" He asked, looking quite concerned.
"What does it matter to you?" I replied a little too harshly, the topic was still a little sore for me to discuss.
"She's a friend and I can't help but worry for her, especially if she's having issues with her partner." The blonde knight continued undeterred.
There it is again, my temper was rising as I bristled in anger and indignation. His concern was justified but I...I couldn't ignore how much it irritated me to be treated as a problem.
"I think you should keep your thoughts to yourself." I snapped back, the words just flowed out of my mouth.
His eyes widened in surprise before focusing...
"Weiss, I-"
"I'm a horrible partner...I get it." I interrupted, something happened...a trigger of some sort, as scenes of the past flooded my mind.
...
She was never good enough...
...
"That's not what I'm saying..." He quickly stated.
"What else could it mean other than I'm at fault!" The words just kept flowing out...
...
I refuse to have a useless daughter in this family!
...
"Weiss..." He said, reaching out to me.
I needed to stop, before I did something I regret...so I started to walk away.
..
A problem child...
I've planned everything for her, she will be a valuable piece in the future.
Love is of no use to me child...
Nothing but perfection is acceptable...
I closed my eyes trying to block out the noise and the pain I felt in my chest.
...
(Grab)
I felt an iron grip on my shoulder, stopped me from moving.
"Weiss..."
"Let go of me..." I stated as I tried to shake his hand off.
"Not until you listen to what I have to say..." His voice filled with determination.
I looked back and glared at him, but he didn't let go.
"Please..." he pleaded once more.
...
...
(Sigh)
I conceded to his demands as I turned around to face him, once more.
"Look...I don't think you are a bad person..."
"You don't even know me..." I responded
"We can get to know one another right now?" He answered back.
"What a wonderful starting point you have chosen." I retorted.
"Well I got to start somewhere don't I..." He countered.
"If all you are going to do is be snappy with me, then I'm gone." I threatened, it was irrational and rude but I could not stop myself.
"Alright, alright...I'm sorry...I get that I messed up. Let's just say that I'm here to help sort out any problems...as a friend."
...
"You are no friend of mine..." Normally that would have stopped all discussion but the knight in training had a habit of surprising everyone.
"I can be, if you're willing..."
...
"Yo-yo-you're just saying that..." I uncharacteristically stuttered, feeling a little astonished.
...
"Weiss...what reason do I have to lie?" He pointed out.
"There's always a reason..." I answered, having a history with so many backstabbing people.
"If you think I'm saving face because you are some heiress to a big company, then you couldn't be further from the truth. I don't care who you are, the only thing that matters to me is that you are Ruby's partner and if there is a problem then I'm here to lend a hand to both of you." His words kept me silent, as I was...well...dumbstruck.
"I don't want to pretend to understand your circumstances. You're strict, you keep to yourself most of the time and you are cold to everyone who approaches you...but maybe you've gone through some stuff that made you that way. Who knows, maybe I'm wrong and this is who you really are. "
I was stunned, this is the first time I have ever been addressed this way.
"Doesn't mean I won't stop trying to be your friend or anything. You might be a little more difficult than most people I've met but that only means it will take more time to get to know you. So like it or not, I'm not giving up until you acknowledge that we're friends by the end of the year." He finished.
He was honest, I'll give him that. He kept eye contact with me throughout his entire speech. Nothing, no sign...there was no signs of a lie...
...
Hmph...alright Ruby, maybe you are on to something.
...
"Weiss?"
"Everything is fine...I was actually going to apologize to Ruby." I admitted, feeling all the tension in the air...fading away.
"Oh...then...all of this was..." It was a bit funny seeing his agape expression, only a bit.
"Unnecessary..." I simply answered.
In a flash, the cool and calm image that he presented to me crumbled as he fell to the ground with mock tears in his eyes.
"Then why didn't you say so!?" He remarked, perhaps feeling a little foolish for trying to persuade someone who was already convinced.
"Well I was a little upset and you weren't exactly helping with my mood." I answered, to which he only groaned back at me.
I was trying my best not to chuckle at his pitiful form, it felt a little vindicating. Seeing as I've been talked down to throughout the day...
...
...
Thankfully Jaune was quick to compose himself.
"(Cough) (Cough) Ehem...well sorry to have bothered you Weiss. I wish you luck in any future endeavors, now if you will excuse me...I'm going to look for a corner to cry in shame." He said with a straight face, that almost made me laugh out loud.
...
Pfft...almost...
...
But just as he was about to leave, I stopped him...
"Jaune..." I called out, feeling a little nervous.
"Yeah?"
"Did you, really mean everything you said?" I've dealt with so many two-faced scum, I wa-no needed to be sure.
...
...
"Every word and I put that on my family name." he replied, giving me a small smile.
...
...
"I see..." was all I could say, feeling a little warm in my chest. It's something that I haven't experienced since...since...since my mother was still alive.
"Have a good night Weiss and well, don't be a stranger!" Were his last words as he walked past me.
...
...
"Good night..." I replied, as he slowly disappeared.
...
...
"Thank you..."
...
...
Don't be a stranger...huh? Sounds like a good idea...
Author's Note: Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter! If you guys feel that I'm going too slow or too fast with the pace please tell me.
