Mithos here! I had some time since I was watching EVO this weekend, so I ended up finishing this chapter earlier than expected. As always, I hope you guys enjoy!
Jaune looks from the corner of the hallway, taking a glance to see if his teammates are waiting outside his room. Can't hide in the teacher's training room forever. Not seeing anyone, he tiptoes over to the door and swipes his scroll. He opens it as gradually as possible, fearing the confrontation with his teammates. Before he can step in, he hears a voice behind him.
"Jaune? What are you doing?"
He turns around to see Ruby peering at him, carrying a bag of ingredients. He closes the door and turns to face her.
"I was just about to go to sleep. You know, gotta get up early for classes tomorrow. Ha. Ha." Jaune scratches his head as a dry laugh escapes from him.
Ruby pouts at the response. "You know that's not what I'm talking about. I mean, why were you avoiding your team today?"
Jaune looks down, not wanting to answer the question. Ruby gives a sigh before grabbing his hand and pulling him forward. "Let's go make cookies!"
"Ruby, are you sure we're supposed to put a bag of sugar per three cookies?"
"Yup. That's Ruby Style Cookies! Need enough sugar to go through the day, after all!" She flips another bag, pouring all the sugar into the mixing bowl.
"Unfortunately, I'm not a big fan of sugar. So I'm going to make my own batch with less sugar, okay?" And by that, I mean only a few cups. Seriously, how many bags of sugar is she pouring in there? How does she taste anything else?
After they finish mixing the ingredients, the two cut the batter into cookie shapes before putting it in the preheated oven. Setting the timer and placing it on the counter, the two sit down in front of the warm oven.
"You have dough on your nose." Ruby grabs the small piece and puts it in her mouth. "Yum."
"I'm sure you're not supposed to eat these raw. I'm positive we put eggs in there." He grabs a towel to clean up his face.
"Strange, it's never hurt me before. Maybe Aura?" Ruby takes the bowl and starts eating the remaining batter.
"Probably Aura. One of the perks about being a Hunter, right?"
Ruby lets out an adorable giggle. "That and being a hero and defender of the people. Slayer of monsters and baker of cookies."
Jaune lets out a laugh of his own. Gosh, her laughter's contagious. "Hero, huh?"
There is a slight pause as the word runs through their minds. Ruby peers at his face, looking at him with concern and kindness. "Do you want to talk about it?"
Can I really talk to her about it? Will she judge me for what I did? Looking at the young girl's caring expressing again, he decides to reveal some of his past. "I… I used to be treated like I was inhuman." Looking down, the words spill forth as he starts speaking. "I was adopted from an orphanage, but the people who took me in weren't good people. They only thought about how to use me, and my usefulness was the only thing that mattered. So, when I fought Cardin, a lot of those emotions came rushing back. How he mistreated the Faunus reminded me of how I was mistreated." He slowly turns around to glance at Ruby's reaction, but a red blur fills his vision as she slams against his chest for a hug.
"Glynda told us the same thing. She said that that wasn't you, and those bad memories influenced you." Ruby tightens her hold, transferring her warmth to him.
"So, you're not scared or angry at me? I almost broke him, you know? I…" He looks down in fear of her answer.
"Nope." Ruby's answers clearly and without hesitation. "That wasn't you, Jaune. That was your demons. You're the first friend I met here, and I know how kind you are. And everyone has their own complicated past, you know."
"Thanks, Rubes." Before he could stop himself, he finds him rubbing her hair and patting her head. "Oh, sorry, I-"
"It's okay. Yang used to do the same thing." She gives him a smile that contains all the joy in the world. "I kinda miss it."
The two sit silently in that hold, taking comfort in each other's warmth. When the timer finally goes off, the two separate and stand back up.
As they take the cookies out, Ruby takes a quick glimpses at his face. "So do you feel better now?"
"Yeah, I do. Thanks for comforting me." And for not treating me any differently. A small smile escapes from his lips.
"Eh heh. Oh stop it, you asdfhgh." She waves her hand in front of her to hide her blush. She takes out Jaune's portion of the cookies and puts them in a bag. "Give them to your team as an apology for being missing. While they're still warm."
"Yeah." Jaune looks down, embarrassed by the intimate moment they shared. "Thanks again."
"Hey, that's what friends are for." Ruby gives him another hug before he leaves.
Jaune opens his door, this time no longer afraid of who lays waiting on the other side. He sees the only light source being a small lamp by Pyrrha's bed, illuminating the waiting girl's face. At the sound of the door, she turns to face him. "Jaune, I-"
"Shhh. Let's not talk here." He looks over to see Nora sleeping face down with swollen eyes, with Ren sleeping in a chair next to her.
Pyrrha nods and follows Jaune out the door. Silence fills the air around them as they walk through the empty hallways and up the stairs to the roof. Jaune opens the door and takes a deep breath of the frigid night air, taking in his favorite sight. Taking a seat at the edge of the roof, he pats the spot next to him to gesture Pyrrha to do the same.
Pyrrha sits next to him, close enough for Jaune to feel her warmth, but not enough to be in direct contact. Ruby's warmth was endearing, but Pyrrha's warmth is… nostalgic. Taking his attention away from the two's proximity, he starts by asking about the others. "So how are Ren and Nora doing?"
"After class, Nora ran around school trying to find you. Ren had trouble keeping up and apologizing to the people she crashed into." Pyrrha gives a bittersweet smile. "Ren had to apologize to Miss Goodwitch eight times today. When it became too dark to search anymore, she threw herself on the bed and started crying. It appears your story struck a chord with her. Ren spent the rest of the night comforting her before they both fell asleep from exhaustion."
Jaune looks down in remorse. "Pyrrha, I'm sorry, I-"
"Apologize to Ren and Nora. They are the ones who ran around, worried sick about you." She takes a slight pause, unsure of how to proceed. "It hurts. I know we've only known each other for a few days, but I really meant it when I told you to come to me for help. When you ran away after the fight, it felt like you were rejecting me as your partner. I know it's painful for you to consider someone else your partner, but I have already considered you mine."
I knew she was supportive, but this is more than I expected. The nostalgic warmth makes sense now. She reminds me a lot of Master. Jaune's expression softens at that realization. "Did Glynda talk to you as well?"
"Yes. Both our teams spoke with Miss Goodwitch after class. But I would prefer to learn about my teammate personally and not through someone else." Pyrrha hints at wanting him to talk.
Jaune repeats what he told Ruby. However, after hearing about her feeling of rejection, he reveals more about his fear. "When I saw everyone's faces, I got really scared. I haven't interacted with a lot of people, and to see my new friends look at me with horror like that terrified me. But what made it even worse was the fact I scared myself by how cold I acted. I lost control, Pyrrha. And I was afraid that I would do the same to you, that I would be the one to hurt my friends. When that thought passed through me, I just couldn't find the courage to face any of you."
Pyrrha puts her hand on his shoulder, trying to reassure him. Jaune looks away, his fear not easily dismissed. "Jaune, Miss Goodwitch sent me a message to me today. It was about the boy we found in the forest."
His body stiffens as he remembers the Hunter-in-training, at how cold he acted after they confirmed his death. Yeah, I was apathetic then too. How could I be so cold-blooded?
However, Pyrrha talks about the story from a different angle. "His mother called. Though she was saddened by the loss of her son, she wanted to thank us for ensuring that his body was returned to her in full. It allowed her to see him one last time, to receive some closure about his death. I realized what you did with his body was to ensure this would happen." Pyrrha gives him a gentle smile. "Jaune, I know you're not a cold person. You take in considerations like this. I see how protective and happy you are when you look at Ruby, how embarrassed you get when Yang teases you, and how you smile and treat me just like anyone else. That's why I know for a fact that the person I saw at the arena today was not you. That's why I want you to come to us when anything happens, because you have my trust and because you're my partner."
She noticed all those things? She's... she's right. I laugh, cry, smile, and get anxious just like anyone else. I know what I'm like and what I want to be. I just have to fight against that side of myself I showed today, so I don't betray her trust.
Jaune lie down on his back, looking up at the shattered moon, with his smile showing no signs of his previous fear. "Pyrrha, I'm an idiot."
Pyrrha smiles after seeing Jaune's expression. "Perhaps. But you're our idiot, Jaune."
"Nora, what are you doing?" The blonde blinks in confusion, looking around from his bed. That's two days in a row I've woken up with absolutely no idea what the hell is happening.
"Duh? I'm keep an eye on you." Nora looks down at Jaune, staring at his sleepy face.
"That's not what I'm worried about. I'm talking about the ropes." Jaune attempts to get up from his bed, but the ropes bind down every part of his body. Seriously, if being a Hunter doesn't work out, this girl has a backup career in a more risque line of work.
"Oh. That's to make sure you don't run away until you explain yourself." Nora takes out a notepad and puts on aviators. To add on to her act, she takes out gum and start blowing bubbles.
Is she going for the bad cop routine? "I won't run away. Also, the smell from Ren's cooking is making me really hungry, so could you let me go?"
Ren walks over with a plate of pancakes, handing it to Nora with a bottle of syrup. Nora proceeds to pour the entire bottle on her pancakes and starts chowing down. "Aghs brz td nog rsgit."
Trying to dodge and leave the splash zone of pancakes and syrup with no avail, Jaune requests for help. "Ren, translate please? Or let me go. I will gladly take both."
Ren gives him a shrug. "Sorry. When Nora's like this, not even I can stop her. Besides, I do admit I am rather curious as well." He takes a napkin to wipe the extra syrup all over her face. "I believe she said, 'It's best to not resist.'"
She's really following through with this cop act. With what I put her through, the least I can do is play along. "Yes, yes, I'll talk." Jaune reveals his conversation with Pyrrha, apologizing profusely in between parts of the story. After he finishes, Nora puts the plate aside and leaps on him for a tight hug.
"CAN'T. BREATHE." Is there something fun in choking me? Has Yang started a new trend?! I'm not into these kinks, dammit! Jaune sends another pleading look to Ren, but he returns with a smile and mouths "Get used to it" before moving back to make more pancakes.
"Oh, Jaune! You're an idiot! Even if you're a bit crazy, you're our crazy, which makes it okay!" She puts more strength into her hold, making the boy's face go blue. "Don't you ever leave us out again!"
As if the world believes Jaune requires more punishment, the door swings open to reveal Blake standing there. "Hey, Ruby was wondering if you wanted to join us for break-" Her sentence stops as she sees Nora on top of Jaune, choking him in a hug while he's bound in ropes. She clears her throat while putting up a hand to hide her reddening face. "Breakfast. But I see you're -ahem- busy right now. I'll let the rest of the team know." She slams the door and dashes back to her room.
I can't even argue about what just happened! I think I'm losing consciousness.
As if reading his thoughts, Ren walks over and taps Nora's shoulder. "He really can't breathe, you know. Additionally, we should allow him to eat if we don't want to be late for class."
Nora finally lets him go, allowing him to take in deep breaths. "That's right! Class!" She starts undoing his restraints.
Air, please never leave me again. As he sits up, he could see Pyrrha leave the bathroom with a joking smile. "Did you approve of this?"
"I believe each of our teammates should each have their own way to show forgiveness." Pyrrha answers, dodging the question.
Traitor! The thought quickly leaves when Ren hands him the pancakes. This looks delicious. Time to… He sees Nora's grin again, reminding him of their deal. Cutting the pancakes up in half, he pushes them to her plate. Day 2. The lost of more comrades continue to ail me. I can only hope I leave from this warzone alive.
Ren gives a puzzled look, but ultimately decides not to question too much on Nora's antics. The breakfast reminds him to inform Jaune about the Goodwitch's announcement. "Jaune, Miss Goodwitch informed us that we will be going to a field trip in Forever Fall tomorrow. Normally, this would be scheduled later in the year, but it appears that the sap we're gathering tomorrow was given to a local establishment as an appeasement."
"Thanks for letting me know." Glynda probably also did it out of consideration, so I don't have to attend another fight so soon. I'll have to thank her for that. Jaune hastily consumes his breakfast, hoping not to be late to class again.
As the two teams walk down the hall, Jaune could see his other classmates pointing and whispering at him. I'm guessing the fight spread some rumors. And that's probably the reason why we had breakfast in our room today: so I didn't have to deal with this in the cafeteria. A smile appears on his face as he realizes how lucky he is to have teammates like them.
Yang glares at those who were too obvious about the gossiping, sending them scampering off. "They just talk about it without even knowing anything about you. It pisses me off."
Jaune turns to toward Yang with the happiness still on his face. "It's okay. Rumors are supposed only last a few weeks, right? Besides, I don't really care as long as everyone here treats me the same." Everyone gives a faint smile at how honest he is.
Yang grabs him in a hold while giving him a noogie. "You are so adorable with how honest you are! I wouldn't mind having a kid brother like you."
"Ha, ha." I'm not sure I would survive that endeavor. Ruby, you have my condolences.
As they walk into Professor Port's class, he could see Cardin's team sitting by the corner, giving him the stink eye. Looks like I'm his target now. But with friends like these, who cares about enemies?
"Yes students, the Forest of Forever Fall is indeed beautiful. But we are not here to sight-see. Professor Peaches asked all of you to collect samples from the trees deep inside this forest. And I'm here to make sure that none of you die while doing so." Glynda gives a stern look to the first year students, tone warning them of how serious this trip is.
Jaune takes a look around at the red forest. "It kind of smells like home. Does anyone know what the sap we're collecting is used for?"
Ren pulls out the Grimm book, flipping to the page on Ursas. "The red sap attracts different types of insects. Of the Grimm, it is most effective in attracting Ursas. This explains why we bought air-tight jars, to ensure the aroma does not act as lure for the Grimm." Ren's really liking that book. Now that he mentioned it, I remember that tidbit as a footnote on Ursa types near Vale.
Nora chimes in. "It's also delicious. We got some once as a gift, and it made the pancakes a bizillion times more delicious." She rubs her tummy in anticipation for gathering the material.
Okay, try and keep them away from Nora. She might just end up slurping up the entire forest.
Glynda continues her spiel. "Each of you is to gather one jar's worth of red sap. However, this forest is full of the creatures of Grimm, so be sure to stay by your teammates. We will rendezvous back here at four o'clock. Have fun!"
"Alright, I'm good at navigating through forests!" Jaune pulls out his compass. "As long as we follow me, we shouldn't get lost." We got off the train from the south end of the forest, so deeper in would be north. He starts walking toward that direction, both the teams following behind.
Ruby, remembering the tragedy before initiation, chimes in her skepticism. "Umm, are you sure? I mean, I'm sure Weiss probably has some…" She remembers the catastrophe at Initiation. "Blake has…" Blake shakes her head, while Weiss yells out a 'HEY!' at the what Ruby hints at. "Yang?"
"Sorry, Rubes, but it's kinda interesting seeming him take charge for once. I want to see what kind of fun disaster he ends up leading us into."
"Relax, it'll be fine." Jaune answers, trying to reassure Ruby. He walks over the nearest tree and starts sniffing it. "Hmm. Let's go slightly more eastward here." Everyone raises their eyebrows at this action. "What? You can tell approximately a tree's age from its smell. Since we're going deeper into the forest, I'm assuming the older trees are there."
"Doh…" Ruby's display of concern does not leave.
"Relax. I'm sure our leader knows exactly what he's doing." Pyrrha gives him a reassuring smile.
"Thanks, Pyr." He puts his ear to the ground to see if he can hear any footsteps near them. There's some Grimm due east. But, what bothers me more is that there are four people's worth of vibrations following behind us. If I have to put money on it… Jaune recalls the hostile look Cardin and his team gave the last two days. It'd probably be them.
After walking for fifteen minutes, Ren stops them. "There. That's the tree the sap is supposed to come from." He points toward an older looking tree, where the red-leaves' color appear to bleed into the branches, giving it a haunting look.
The two teams split up, each putting up a tap onto the trees. A few clanks ring out as Nora hands Ren a jar.
"Nora?"
"Yes, Jaune?"
"Why do you have thirty jars?"
"Isn't it obvious? There's going to be four for the assignment, and the rest for me."
She really might try to bleed out this forest of red sap if left alone. "Nora, at most only fifteen jars. We need to leave some for the other teams as well. And don't drink some to bypass the rule."
"Okay~"
Seeing the two make steady progress without him, he gestures Pyrrha toward him. "Ren and Nora, stay here. Me and Pyr are going to do something. We'll meet back at Goodwitch."
Ren opens his mouth to stop him, but seeing how Jaune is going with Pyrrha, decides against it. "Stay safe, you too." Nora gives them a quick wave as the two walk away.
Pyrrha follows him in the direction they came from. "Where are we going?"
"Cardin and his team are following us. I want to make sure he isn't going to do anything dumb and dangerous when there's a chance of Grimm messing things up." He checks the trees around him, looking for any signs of others.
Pyrrha gives him a nod of acknowledgement as she follows behind him.
After walking for a few minutes, Jaune notices the extra footprints and broken branches. "Alright, Cardin, come on out. I know you've been following us."
A few minutes elapses before Cardin steps out behind one of the trees. "Good job noticing me, you monster." Jaune visibly flinches at that title. "So you can't face me without your girlfriend?"
Jaune scowls at that accusation. "She's my partner." Pyrrha can not stop her lips from curving upward at his declaration. "In case you get your ass handed to you by Grimm, since I won't be saving you. What do you want?"
Cardin takes out his weapon and puts on an aggressive stance. "I want a rematch. You know what names I've been called the last few days? The worst one. The good for nothing. Trash. I'm going to destroy you, and regain my pride."
Pyrrha stands between the two boys. "I would advise against that. We are in the middle of a Grimm infested forest, without our teams near. I believe-"
"Can it, smartass. Or are you afraid your boyfriend is going to lose?" Cardin sneers, looking at her with disdain.
"No. I believe the results won't change." She gives a look of confidence at Jaune and whispers, "I know you won't make the same mistake."
"Thanks Pyr." He returns the smile. "Fine, I'll take on your challenge. But let me contact the rest of my team in case something happens. I don't want to be responsible for your death." I really hope this works… Taking out his scroll, he sends a message to Glynda, who immediately replies with an Okay.
"Pyrrha, stand as a referee and watch for Grimm. Cardin, let's go." Jaune takes out Daybreak and lowers his center of gravity in a defensive posture.
Cardin repeats the beginning of their previous fight. With mace in hand, he charges forward. How predict- However, instead of a swing, he attempts a jump kick.
What the hell?! The attack takes Jaune by surprise. He barely rolls out of the way, the kick centimeters from hitting his head. The strength of the kick even causes his hair to rustle.
Seeing his opponent's surprise and how close the attack was, a smirk appears on Cardin's face. Taking that as an indication to continue his attack, he swings his mace at him in varied patterns, interlacing with kicks in between.
Dammit, his attacks are so heavy! How the hell did I deal with them before? Sidestepping, parrying and blocking, Jaune avoids damage from all of Cardin's attacks.
"HA!" Cardin takes another swing that Jaune steps to his right to avoid. Jaune could feel the sweat on his face as his stamina drains from the extra movements. In two days, he's adjusted his eyes and posture. He's still using a mace, but now I have to be so much more careful. I think it's time to use Twilight Bracelet.
"Not so confident now, are you?" Cardin's takes several swings at him before he strikes with his signature overhead swing; Jaune blocks by bringing his sword upward, his knees buckling from the power behind the attack. "NOW!"
From the corner of his eye, Jaune could see Cardin's team appear from the trees, each carrying a jar of the red sap. TWILIGHT BRACELET! Nevermore Series: Feathershot! As the jars sail through the air, feathers from both his arms fire forth to break two before they could reach him.
However, the last jar remains untouched and continues on its trajectory. I can't grow feathers out fast enough for it! Cardin grins after reaching the same conclusion, pushing his mace down even harder to prevent him from moving.
Perfect! Jaune twists his wrist to tilt the sword to his side, causing the mace to slide down the weapon and impale the ground with the additional force. Kicking at the leg, he breaks Cardin's posture, making him fall forward as Jaune jumps back. The jar continues its path and slams into Cardin's armor, spraying the red sap all over him. He sends a glare at his teammate that misfired.
"I didn't think you would fight fairly, but this is too much. I believe our fight is annulled by outside interference. And I would clean that up quickly before-" As if validating his prediction, a loud roar interrupts him as three nearby Ursa Majors come out from the trees, surrounding Cardin. His teammates run up to him with weapons out, ready to fight. "Well, before that happens. Good luck!"
Pyrrha takes out her weapon and shield, preparing to join the fight, but Jaune grabs her hand to stop her. "Don't. If that jar hit me, I would be in there right now. They deserve this."
"But-"
Jaune leans in close, only allowing her to hear what he says. "Trust me. They'll be okay."
Seeing Jaune's smile again, completely different from the expression of his previous fight, Pyrrha gives a nod and puts away her weapon. The two walk out of the clearing as Cardin yells out profanity from behind them.
After walking out of Cardin's vision, Jaune stops. After he hears the sounds of combat, he sneaks and circles back around with Pyrrha in tow. Looking out from the bush, he can see Cardin and his team fighting the Ursas.
Due to their size and the surround, the creatures of Grimm have an advantage over Team Cardinal. Each of their attacks are pushed aside by the monster's strength and speed, and their surround makes it impossible to dodge and maneuver around. Each of the beast's attacks inflict small amounts of damage, slowly chipping away at their Aura. Jaune could hear Cardin curse every time a swipe glances his armor or flesh.
"Jaune, we have to help them. They can't win against the Ursas." Pyrrha whispers. "They are still people, even if they aren't the most upstanding."
"Give me more time." Jaune checks his scroll again, looking at the time. "Come on, where are you?"
Ten more minutes pass as the fighting continues. Cardin and his teammates slowly lose the fight of attrition, movements growing sluggish as their stamina drops. The Ursas shows no sign of stopping, even letting out a roar in confidence of their victory.
Pyrrha takes out her weapon in preparation to help. "We can't delay anymore. Their lives are in danger." Before she could step out, a blur slams into one of the Ursas, knocking the creature down.
YES! Cardin has a look of surprise at the rabbit Faunus that arrives at the nick of time. Changing into a displeased expression, he screams at the reinforcement. "What are you doing here?!"
"Miss Goodwitch got worried and sent people out." From Velvet's hand, a hard-light copy of a sword appears. "I don't like you, but you don't deserve to die for it!"
Pyrrha eyes open wide. "That's your sword!"
"Yup, that's Daybreak. If her semblance is what I think it is, they should be fine."
Velvet has a puzzled expression as she tightens her grip on the sword. Sensing danger from the new challenger, the closest Ursa slashes at her. As the attack approaches, she sidesteps out of the way with the blade cutting off the arm in a fluid motion.
A look of surprise emerges on her face from how clean her movements were. The Ursa she knocked down gets up and charges at the Faunus. Just like before, she instinctively steps back as the Ursa attempts to slam its arms into her, barely avoiding the impact. Shifting her weight forward as the creature's arms hit to the ground, she jumps over its arms and beheads the creature. The Ursa falls down and starts disintegrating without a chance to even roar in pain.
The exhausted boys look in amazement at how easily she defeats the beast they have trouble with. Reinvigorated by the assistance and the number's advantage, the four surround the Ursa that only has one arm remaining. Velvet walks forward to face the other Ursa.
Velvet's opponent appears more cautious after her display of skill. Focusing on several quick swipes and jabs, it focuses on trying to land weak attacks without being vulnerable. She hops around each attack, dodging them with ease. However, unable to spot any openings, she does not retaliate with any attacks of her own.
After a few cycles of rolling and evading, she finally dashes forward when the Ursa prepares a criss-cross slash. Able to read and predict the creature's attacks, she slides underneath its arms and legs to elude the strike. As she skids along the ground, she brings the weapon up, cutting from beneath its body and creating a large incision in its torso. The monster screams in pain before collapsing as Velvet pushes herself off the ground.
Observing the last Ursa's fight, she could see Cardin on the ground as the three others stab at its backside. In a similar fashion, the creature screams before falling over. Her weapon disappears and she walks over, offering a hand to her bully.
Cardin displays a conflicted expression, but ultimately decides to accept her hand. As he stands up, he could see a fearless expression on her face, contrasting from the timid look from when they first met.
Jaune grabs Pyrrha's hand and start leaving after observing this scene, not wanting to disturb the moment. Once they leave the fighters' hearing range, Pyrrha begins speaking. "Did you plan all of this out?"
Jaune struggles to keep his laughter at the accusation. "Nope. It just happened that way. Well, I set up a few things and hoped it worked out, but I think this ended up being the best case scenario." Pyrrha has a perplexed expression, prompting Jaune to continue. "See, I knew Cardin followed us, so I met him to see what he wanted. When I realized he wanted to fight, that's when I acted. I sent Glynda a message to ask people to look for us, but specifically Velvet towards my location." He taps at the scroll. "I originally intended for her to stop me as I pummeled him, but that plan went out the window. When the Ursas showed up, they basically took over my role as the bad guy. If they were really in trouble, then I would have jumped in to help. However, Velvet appeared to have copied my fighting style, which made that unnecessary. Hopefully, with Velvet saving Cardin, those two should at least be on neutral terms." He hums in satisfaction. "Really, everything worked out better than expected."
"That… is a terrible plan. You hoped it worked out? What if something went wrong? Then…" Pyrrha grimaces at the possibility.
"That's why I had you here, just in case anything did. You told me you trusted me, so I returned that trust. I believed that you would have taken care of anything that might went wrong."
Pyrrha can only smile at the boy's confidence in her. "You trust me?"
"Well, with how much you kept telling me to ask you for help, I figured I should eventually listen. You're not angry, are you?"
Pyrrha smile grows. "I am not, but I am beginning to realize how much of an idiot you are."
Jaune responds with a smile of his own. "Hey, but I'm your idiot, right?"
"I can't believe Glynda made me copy the rulebook." Jaune lies on the bed, clutching his shaking right hand. "Was that really necessary?"
Ren continues making pancakes without any sympathy for his leader. "Jaune, you broke four rules: leaving your team, disobeying orders, being late, and lying to civilians. At this point, I'm surprised she didn't make you suffer through remedial classes or detention."
"Hey, that last one was just unlucky! What are the chances that I meet up with the guy I gave incorrect contact info?" That bouncer guy was so angry, I thought his face was going to swell up like a balloon. Pyrrha hands him a cold towel to put over his hand. "Thanks."
"Considering he was the ticket collector, the chance is extremely likely." Ren flips the pancake into the nearest plate. Nora attempts to grab the plate, where he slaps her hand to stop her. "Not until everyone gets their portion."
Nora clutches her jar of red sap in anticipation. "But I can't wait! It's been four years, Ren! Fours years since I last tasted heaven! I WANT TO SEE THE LIGHT AGAIN!" Her holds on the jar tightens, the force almost creating cracks in it.
"It's been two." Ren corrects her. "And I'm sure you used the same description in our pancakes yesterday."
Nora gives a shrug before opening the jar, chugging the entire thing. A red outline appears around her lips after she finishes.
Pyrrha laughs at her teammates' antics. "I'm glad everything worked out. I heard Cardin's group encountered Grimm and barely survived before help arrived." She gives Jaune a knowing smile.
"Hopefully, this experience changes his perspective." Ren flips another pancake on another plate. "A huntsman must watch their behavior, considering the importance of the title. Nora, you can start eating."
"That reminds me, where did the two of you go? When you two returned, Pyrrha was smiling from ear to ear, and Jaune just had his typical goofy expression on." Nora grabs a plate and dumps another jar of red sap on the pancakes before she starts eating. "Rummy."
I didn't think of an excuse! Glynda knew what happened after Cardin explained his story, but I didn't think this through! "Uhh… Pyrrha and I had some private business to attend to. Alone. Mmm."
Everyone raises their eyebrow at Jaune's vague and suggestive answer. Nora inhales the rest of her pancakes before she gives a mischievous smile. "I see, 'private business,' huh? Pyrrha, I have to give you props. You're more proactive than I expected."
Pyrrha's face goes completely red at what Nora is implying. "No! We simply patrolled around to clear out Grimm! Nothing else happened." She is thankful for the diversion as someone knocks at the door. "I'll get it!"
She opens the door to reveal Cardin standing there with a pained expression. "Hey. Can I speak to Jaune please?"
Pyrrha frowns but still turns around and stands aside to face the blonde. "Jaune? He wishes to speak with you."
Ughhhh. Whatever this is, I can feel like it's going to be a fricking pain. "Sure, let's head out. Please watch Nora to make sure she doesn't eat everything."
"No promises." Pyrrha and Ren speak in unison. "But I'll make more in case that happens."
"Alright. Follow me." The two walk out the room and through the hallway. Jaune turns around to see Cardin looking around, refusing to meet his eyes.
After walking up the stairs and opening the door to the roof, Jaune sits in his usual spot. With how often I come up here, this might become less and less of a secret spot. At this point, I might as well bring chairs and cushions.
Cardin stands slightly behind him. "I'm not really good at this whole talking thing, so I'm just going to be straight with you. I'm sorry!" He bows down apologetically.
Jaune turns to face him with a confused look. "Uhhh… If I remember correctly, I'm the one who called you names, beat you up, and left you to fight against the Grimm. I feel like our roles are reversed here."
Cardin lifts his head up. "Maybe that's the case, but I realized I've been somewhat of a dick lately. I kinda deserve some of that stuff, and in the forest I almost put you in the whole 'surrounded by Ursa' situation. So that's what I'm apologizing for."
Jaune stands up and looks around suspiciously. "Alright, where's the cameras? Where's your team that jumps out saying 'Punk'd' before throwing more red sap at me? A fight will ruin my mood for pancakes."
"No, I'm being serious!" Cardin yells out, before letting out a sigh. "Look, when I was fighting the Ursa with my team, I was terrified. I thought 'Is this how I'm going to die? Because I had a grudge and tried to do a petty prank on someone?' It makes all the grudges I have seem small. When Velvet saved us, I just couldn't imagine it. I said some terrible things to her and hurt her, so what reason does she have to save us?"
Jaune interrupts. "But she did. And you're telling me, what? That's enough to change your mind completely? Because I don't buy that."
Cardin shakes his head. "No. But at least it cleared my thinking. I talked to Velvet after, along with what barely passes as thanks. She just gave me a smile and said, 'That's what a Huntsman is for.' I just thought… she was a much bigger person than I am. It made me feel shameful."
"Alright, apology accepted. Just don't bother me anymore, and we're fine." Jaune does a sweeping motion, telling him to go away.
However, Cardin stays and continues speaking. "Can you hear me out for a bit longer?"
Dammit, my intuition was right. When the hell did I trigger this flag? Groaning and putting his hand up to his face, he tells him to continue.
"When I was a kid, I listened to stories from my retired Huntsman grandfather. He always had great tales about the Grimm he's beaten, how many people he's saved, and all the stories inspired me to be a Huntsman. But he was always haunted by one thing. The Battle of Fort Castle."
Mistakes were made! Can I load my save to say no to listening to him? Where's my skip or fast forward button?
"Grandfather Lagune was appointed as a general of the Human forces, since he came from a family line of generals. There were only a few others that qualified at the time, which made him reluctantly take the job. He copied a lot of tactics he used to fight against the Grimm, which gave him small successes. But, he was not a general, and his defeat Battle of Fort Castle stained his name forever. Ignored are his tales of saving villages, and replaced with it the disdain of losing the war so terribly. With the loss, his disdain for the Faunus grew; they were the ones to ruin his life, to destroy his career, and to make him be such a shame. Growing up hearing his stories, I believed the same."
"When I came to Beacon, I wanted so much to prove him right. I wanted to prove that Faunus are less than people, that grandfather Lagune wasn't mistaken when he thought they were weak, and wasn't wrong to hold his grudge. But I lost sight of why I wanted to be a Huntsman in the first place: to be a savior like he was, to hear people sing praises as I defeat the forces of Grimm. When I saw Velvet looking past my offenses, for once I thought that my grandfather was wrong. So you're right, I can't change my beliefs about the Faunus overnight. But at least I'm going to try and talk and listen to her, to get my facts straight, and not ruin my Huntsman dream like he did."
Silence hangs in the air as Cardin finishes his long confession. After a minute, Jaune finally lets out a sigh. "Why are you telling me this? I already said I forgave you."
Cardin looks down, the words stuck in his throat. "I want you to help me. I want you to train me!"
"No way in hell." Jaune shakes his head. "The way we fight is completely different, and basically, it just sounds like a giant pain."
"You're the only one I can ask! I saw the video of how your team beat the Deathstalker, and you beat me so easily. Outside of like...Pyrrha fricking Nikos, I don't think anyone else is a more suitable teacher." Cardin hangs his head, discouraged by the rejection. "But I understand if you don't want to."
Jaune pulls his hair in frustration. "Cardin, I still don't like you. I can respect your desire to get stronger and fix your biases, but I won't train you. Instead, if you want, I can spar with you and point out things you can improve on. That's all." He pulls out his scroll. "Now let's exchange contact info."
Cardin does as Jaune instructs. "I think that's the first time you called me by my name. You know, you're a pretty nice guy, Jaune."
"Alright, don't lie to my face. Now shoo." As Cardin walks away, a thought passes through him as he realizes what he got himself into.
I really hope I didn't lock myself onto Cardin's route.
I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! Cardin's arc isn't really all that interesting, but it gives a bit of light to the next real arc, so it was kind of mandatory. Please leave reviews so I can improve on the story and my writing!