A/N: It's so hot, it's exhausting... I just wanna sleep. Didn't check for grammar or spelling for this one, I was too tired.
Breaking Free
With Weiss.
"Mirror, mirror~"
"What's behind you~"
Weiss covered her face in her hands and groaned painfully as Ruby and Blake were singing together.
"Please stop…" The heiress begged tiredly.
"Save me from the things I seeeee~" Ruby continued to sing.
"I can keep it from the world~" Blake followed along.
The two girls had set up to karaoke all day, ever since Ruby had come back from her spar with Jaune. And their voices sounded absolutely horrible to Weiss' hears. They were butchering her song…!
This is all Jaune's fault… Why did that dork suddenly decide to take an interest in music?!
"Come on, Weiss!" Ruby encouraged, "Come sing with us!"
"No way! This is just some remix trash!" Weiss protested, "It's not even my real song!"
"You're not singing loud enough, Weiss!" Ruby cheered.
"I won't be singing at all!" Weiss corrected stubbornly, arms crossed.
"So if we play the real song you'll come to sing with us?" Blake asked.
"No! I've left that behind me." Weiss replied, "I'm focusing on my studies now."
"That's a shame," Blake commented.
"Booo! If it was Jaune, he would have come to sing with us." Ruby pointed out, pouting.
"I don't care what Jaune would do!" Weiss huffed, crossing her arms and turning away, causing Ruby to let out a whine. "And stop whining! That may work on your naive partner, but I can see through your little tricks, Ruby!"
"Dammit," Ruby giggled and stuck out her tongue at her.
Weiss rolled her eyes, which caused them to land on a particular book that was lying on Ruby's bed.
"Hmm? This is…" She recognized its cover. She stepped forward to grab the book and widened her eyes when she examined it. "Ninjas… of love… book three?"
Gaping, Weiss turned to stare at the other two. Ruby was looking away innocently, while Blake looked proud.
"Blake!" Weiss narrowed her eyes on her partner, scandalized. "Don't let such books lie around Ruby's bed!"
"Too late, she's already read it." Blake shrugged.
"Wh-what?" Weiss gasped, glancing at Ruby, who was shifting awkwardly, but did not seem very embarrassed, "But she's only fifteen!"
"I was twelve when I started reading this stuff." Blake shrugged, while Ruby was giggling awkwardly and scratching her hair, cheeks pink.
Weiss frowned, "That is no reason to let a child…!"
"I'm not a child!" Ruby protested childishly. "You're a child!"
"No, you!"
"No, you!"
"I'm two years older!" Weiss pointed out.
"Yet you're as immature as a toddler!" Ruby replied.
"How dare you!" The heiress huffed, putting her hands on her hips.
"Hah! Doesn't feel good to be called a child, now, does it, princess!" Ruby laughed victoriously.
"It's Heiress!"
"Whatever. Let me remind you, my dear Weiss," Ruby drew Weiss to her side by putting her arm around the heiress' shoulder, "That I am the leader of this team Rainbow. As such… I have the duty to be aware of the readings of the members of my precious team…"
"Isn't that just invading our privacy?" Weiss questioned.
"Oh come on, I just read a book!" Ruby protested.
"A smut book!" Weiss specified.
"Still just a book!"
"…Blake!" Weiss turned to her partner, "You say something!"
The two girls turned to the cat Faunus who was observing the altercation with a satisfied smile.
"….Two down, one more to go." Blake mused pleasantly.
"…Wh-what did you say?" Weiss asked Blake, not sure to have heard correctly. "Did you… Did you just...?"
"…"
There was a short pause, before Blake smirked evilly. "I will corrupt every single member of this team."
Ruby and Weiss glanced at each other, widening their eyes as they realized what she was up to.
Later, with Jaune.
Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack!
"Haaa!" Jaune panted as he threw his palm forward to break another projectile coming at him.
Jaune was currently breaking every single purple Aura projectiles that Miss Goodwitch was sending in his direction. Using his two hands to successively block as many projectiles as possible, as fast as possible.
It was well known that all competent Huntsmen knew how to handle a stream of Dust bullets heading their way with their weapon. This was why Miss Goodwitch had decided to train him in blocking her projectiles. While much slower than standard Dust bullets, it was the perfect transition for Jaune, since Miss Goodwitch could control the projectile's speed.
Plus, considering Jaune's abilities... It was obvious that his weakness was getting attacked from a distance at which he would not be able to use his semblance. People firing their guns at him while fleeing to maintain the distance between them would be pretty troublesome to defeat. However, this training made him learn how to deal with such a strategy.
Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack!
One after the other, Jaune was breaking each purple projectile coming at him.
Not only this training improved Jaune's control over his Aura, but it also increased his dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and stamina. All his weak points, basically.
Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack!
...Needless to say, it was a very loud training.
...
After some time, Glynda lowered her crop, panting.
"...I'm out of Aura..." She breathed, her Aura completely depleted.
Meanwhile, Jaune was sitting at 83%. Honestly, he had so much Aura. It was really insane... Jaune was finally starting to realize how large his reserves were.
However, he was still limited by other factors, such as fatigue.
"Ugh... My arms..." Jaune complained, leaving his limbs hanging from his shoulders.
To parry all these projectiles, he had to constantly move his arms. It was very tiring. He had to take a lot of breaks to not injure his weak muscles or get cramps.
"Well, that's all for today..." Miss Goodwitch sighed, as exhausted as Jaune. Because she had a broken arm, she could not wield her Aura as proficiently, which also made her part of the training tiring.
"Okay..." Jaune nodded along.
"Take your rest, we'll be back at it tomorrow first thing in the morning."
"Yes!"
...
When Jaune came back to his apartment, he found something peculiar on his bed.
"Eh? What's that?" Jaune frowned at the book. "It wasn't there this morning…"
'Ninjas of love, book two.' He read.
"Isn't that one of Blake's books?" Jaune mused, picking it up. "I wonder what it talks about. Maybe she wants me to read it?"
He opened it and skimmed through it.
"No pictures." Jaune sighed, disappointed. "Let's try to read a section." He decided.
"-one thing different from before was that she did not take off her own clothing. She wore Kumiko's dress the whole time. I tried to move, but it felt as if my body were tied down by invisible threads. I felt myself growing big and hard inside-"
"Nope nope nope nope!"
Suddenly, someone snatched the book from his hands.
"H-hey!" Jaune protested at Ruby who was holding the book away from him as he tried to take it back. "I was reading that! Give it back!"
"Nope!"
"Come on!" Jaune complained, getting more and more curious. "This... This is censorship! Come on!"
"This is filth!" His partner screamed back at him.
"Eh?" Jaune blinked.
"FILTH!"
She smacked the book on his head and bolted outside in burst of rose petals.
"Wha-?" Jaune gaped, very much confused. "What was that about…?"
"Nothing to worry over," Weiss replied, having apparently entered his room at the same time as Ruby. Every member of his team was waltzing in and out of here like they owned the place, it seemed. "She was probably not happy that you started by the second book," Weiss suggested.
"…Really." Jaune raised an unimpressed eyebrow.
"More importantly…" Weiss coughed in her hands, "Jaune! Why did you suddenly start listening to my song? Do you know how sick I am of hearing about it?"
"Ah?" Jaune tilted his head to the side, "Um… Coco recommended it to me…"
"Coco? Coco Adel? You know the leader of team CVFY?" Weiss' eyes lit up, interested, "They're the best team of Beacon!"
"Yeah," Jaune nodded. "Though I've yet to meet Coco's partner, Fox."
"I see…" She smiled, somehow a little more pleased to hear that. "So it is she who made you listen to it. It can't be helped then… Fufufu…"
Ah, she was doing her evil laugh again. Was she that happy that Coco appreciated her music?
Coco must be pretty popular among the students, huh...
"…You know, she was right, that song is really something." Jaune smiled, "I've been listening to it a lot! Your voice is great, Weiss, it got me all emotional!"
"Oh god…" She sighed tiredly, "Ruby and Blake pestered me with this as well, but it seems your case is far worse than theirs…"
"What do you mean? Your voice is so full of emotions, and the lyrics of your song!" Jaune insisted, "I understand now, it must have been tough for you, huh…?"
"H-hey, hey, hey! Stop! Stop that right now!" Weiss demanded as she stepped away from him, "You're acting like one of my creepy fans who think they know all about me after listening to one of my songs!"
"But...!"
"No butts!"
"...No butts?" Jaune blinked.
"No butts."
"...But-"
"Atatata!" She silenced him, placing a finger in front of his mouth. "I don't want to hear anything! About my songs! Don't you dare start singing as Ruby and Blake did!"
"...Then how about you hear your song sung by yourself?" Jaune suggested as he grabbed his scroll, and played her song.
Mirror, mirror~
"What are you, a child? I told you I'm sick of hearing this..." She rolled her eyes as the music was playing, "Fine then, if you're going to be like that, I'm leaving!"
As she said that, she huffed, turned away and left.
"W-wait," Jaune panicked, turned off his scroll, and followed after her, "Wait, wait, wait! Weiss, Weiss, Weiss, I'm sorry, I was joking!"
"Joking?" Weiss huffed as she stopped in front of the window.
"N-no, I took it too far…" Jaune tried to apologize, "Please, Weiss, actually, I really need you to help me… I want quality advice, you know, and I think you're the only one I can ask!"
"…Oh?" She raised an eyebrow at him, as if saying 'go on'.
"Th-that's right!" Jaune insisted, "I need to request my release to the headmaster soon, but I don't know how to say it! And Yatsu told me it wouldn't be easy and that I had to you my words wisely!"
"Yatsu... You mean Yatsuhashi Daichi?"
"Yes!" Jaune nodded, and continued to try to butter her up, "Please, Weiss, only someone as knowledgeable as you can help me, there's no one else capable!"
"…" She turned to stare at him, with a smile on the corner of her mouth. "…You're already not half bad with words, you know that?"
"Ahaha…" Jaune chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head.
"Sit down, you… insufferable… donkey." Weiss ordered, on the same tone that she would say 'You got me, you little rascal.'.
"Y-yes…!" Jaune grinned and obeyed.
"...Now, wait here, I'll be back in a minute."
Saying that, she went into the bathroom and closed the door behind her.
"…?" Jaune tilted his head to the side. Did she need to go to the toilet?
But no, she quickly came back. And when she did, her eyes had turned cold and calculating, glaring at him as she tensed her body.
Suddenly, it was like the temperature in the room had dropped to arctic levels.
"E-er?" Jaune blinked at her, unsure of what was going on with her. "You… you okay?"
"You wanted this." Weiss groaned coldly. "So don't come crying to me when it hurts your feelings."
Jaune reared back at the sudden change of tone.
For the first time, he was getting to see the other side of Weiss: the ruthless, ambitious business-woman that she had been raised to become.
Two hours later…
"And that is why you must never lose your calm! Do not listen to your emotions, do not let yourself talk on your own! Do not run your mouth! Your own words will be used against you!"
"...I... don't like this…" Jaune whined, very uncomfortable. "I want the old Weiss back…"
"Friend?!" Weiss stomped her heel right in front of him, making him jump in fright, "Did you actually mistake me for your friend?" She chuckled cruelly, "Do not be mistaken. I was only placed on the same team as you, nothing else!"
"B-but you helped me several times…" Jaune pointed out.
"Only because I thought your power could prove useful to me. From the beginning, our relationship was nothing but mutual benefits. You know that yourself, right? Friends always have an ulterior motive!"
"N-no, that's not true…" He shook his head, refusing to believe her. "The Weiss I know would never do that… She's a caring person."
"Only because it is the politically correct thing to be." She replied contemptuously, "In order to fit in with our classmates, you have to show well-rounded morals befitting of a true Huntress. To maintain a good public image! It is nothing but manipulation of the opinions of the masses!"
"I-if that's true, why are you telling me this?" Jaune questioned.
"Because you asked for it. Of course, I'm lying, you idiot!" She smacked his knee when she saw him take her seriously, causing Jaune to sigh in relief, "But in order for you to grow, you need to understand the cruel reality that is the business world! Words are weapons, and the one who takes the mental high ground always wins! Because you are feeling hurt by my words, I will have an advantage on you during our negotiation! That is how they think!"
"…" Jaune lowered his head, getting more and more unsure. "I-I… Um…"
"Do you think Ozpin will not use such methods?" Weiss questioned relentlessly, not letting him the time to answer, "Do you think he won't point out how you destroyed Winchester's body? Do you think he won't make you feel like crap, to convince you to stay isolated from others? You must not let yourself be influenced by these arguments!" She raised her voice, "My own father played the guilt card on me, so you better be prepa-"
She suddenly froze, realizing she had said a little too much.
"Y-your own… father?" Jaune repeated, gaping at her.
What did she mean, her own father played the guilt card on her?
Jaune couldn't know, since he never had one, but… Weren't fathers supposed to support their children?
That's how it is, right? Just look at Mr. Xiao-Long, he's a perfect example of a great dad.
"…Forget that," Weiss coughed and stepped back. She closed her eyes and exhaled softly.
Jaune once again sighed in relief as he watched the expression on her face slowly return to the normal Weiss.
Scary… That Weiss sure had been intimidating.
She turned around and walked to the bathroom. She splashed some water on her face, and looked at her reflection in the mirror, exhausted.
She hates this. Jaune realized.
"H-hey, Weiss…" He called hesitantly, "Let's stop this… Okay?"
"…Who-" She glanced at him, her gaze reverting back to a full glare for a moment, before it turned nicer as she realized it was only Jaune. "Oh…" She breathed in relief. "Right…"
"…I think I got it, I don't need any more advice now." Jaune said.
"…You got it?" She asked tiredly.
"Yeah…"
"That's good…" She sighed. "Or maybe that's bad... I don't know."
"Don't worry about it too much," Jaune waved his hand, kinda worried for her.
"Right." She breathed, "I'm… gonna leave then."
"Okay…"
Jaune watched her walk to the window without a word. She looked like she could really use a break…
Stepping on the edge of the window, she paused for a moment, before jumping away and leaving, without saying a word.
Thinking about it, Jaune may have opened up about himself to his team, but the same could not be said for Weiss, or even Blake. What did he know about them, really? Not that much. And now he wanted to know more.
Well, one thing's for sure… Let's never ask Weiss to do that again. Jaune decided.
With Weiss.
It has been a while since I last flipped my 'switch' like that…
Maybe she should not have tried teaching to Jaune what the Schnee family had taught her… That ideology had messed her up in more ways than one.
Yet, in order to get into the right mood, she had just put on the 'mask'. The one that she had worn so often back at home, that when looking in the mirror, she did not recognize herself anymore.
It still takes me a while to get it off. Come on, Weiss, get composed. What would Winter say?
Weiss walked back into her dorm, and let herself drop on her bed. She gave a sigh as she thought back to her family. She had not once called ever since she had left Atlas.
Weiss had at least sent a couple of letters to Winter. But her mother, her father, and Whitley… How were they doing, Weiss wondered?
And even though she wondered about them, she never called them.
Why? Because Weiss hated wearing the 'mask', of course.
Weiss just couldn't be herself around her parents, because of the weight of their endless expectations and harsh criticism. Especially from her father. She hated that oppressive atmosphere. His eyes constantly judging her.
Yet, at the same time, Weiss felt guilty for not calling her family. Because, well, they were family, and she was the daughter of that family… The heiress, even. Of course, she felt bad that she did not even contact them.
Especially when she thought about her mother's drinking problem, or her little brother staying alone in such an atmosphere, or her Father's stressful workload from managing the company. They all needed help, that was certain. Yet Weiss had run away, which had most likely poured salt onto their wounds.
So she couldn't help but think that she was making things worse for them by running away from home like this. But she would have also felt terrible if she had stayed home.
One way or another, Weiss felt bad about the situation, regardless of her decision.
Well... Breaking free often required sacrifices.
So Weiss had chosen to try to get a taste of freedom, away from such a heavy environment, and came here… to Beacon.
"Weiss?"
"Hm?"
Blake's face suddenly appeared above hers, her golden eyes narrowing and her cat ears flat on her hair.
"You okay?"
"Yes," Weiss answered automatically. "Where's Ruby?"
"She's working on her new weapon, won't be back for a while," Blake replied, before jumping away.
"…"
The Faunus quickly came back with a cup of coffee.
"Here. That should keep you awake."
Weiss remained cold and inexpressive, making sure to-
Ah… Wait.
That's right… Weiss remembered, I don't need to pretend here.
Weiss exhaled softly as she allowed herself to relax, making the golden eyes in front of her narrow.
"Thanks, Blake." Weiss gave her a heartfelt smile and accepted the cup.
"That's better." Blake smiled as the heiress took a sip. "What's going on, Weiss? You seem preoccupied."
Weiss tensed at the personal question, already putting her mask back on, to protect herself.
"Hey." Blake frowned. "You don't have to tell me."
It had become a reflex at this point. For Weiss to be perfect, she had to look like she was always fine.
It took a monumental effort for her to relax again. That session with Jaune had really reminded her of things that she would have preferred to forget… She hoped he would never ask to do that again, she would probably have to refuse.
"Blake… Do you have family?" Weiss asked eventually.
"…Yes."
"Do you miss them?"
Her cat ears flattened on her hair. "Yes…"
"I miss my family too…" Weiss breathed, "But at the same time, I don't want to see them."
"..."
"I don't make much sense, I know..." Weiss chuckled dryly.
"…No, you do make sense." Blake bowed her head. "Me too…"
Weiss looked at Blake. "You too?"
"I did something bad and pushed them away… my parents." Blake specified. "It's been a long time since I've seen them."
"How long?"
"Years."
"…Years?!" Weiss gasped, widening her eyes.
"We had a fight, and I'm just… It turned out that I was wrong… about everything." Blake muttered regretfully. "And now, I can't bear to face them."
"You feel like you've let them down… so you don't call them?" Weiss assumed.
"They… they probably hate me now…" Blake declared sadly, her cat ears trying to hide under her hair.
"…" Weiss was left speechless.
This was surprising, Blake did not open up very often, she was usually a pretty mysterious girl.
"I'm the same... My parents didn't want me to leave." Weiss declared. "But I did it anyway."
"...Me too." Blake nodded along.
"And I don't really want to give some news..."
"...Me neither..."
"...It's just too..." Weiss hesitated.
"...It's just too hard." Blake finished with her.
"..."
"..."
"…What did you do?" Weiss asked after a moment of silence.
"Huh?"
"You said you did something bad and pushed your parents away." Weiss said, "What did you do?"
"I'd… rather not talk about it." Blake turned away, uncomfortable.
I pried too much. Weiss realized.
"The point is…" Blake stared at Weiss, "It's normal to feel down when you've left your family behind, against their wishes."
"…"
"It's natural to wonder what they're currently doing... It will pass." Blake nodded. "Don't worry."
"Is that how it is…?" Weiss sighed.
"Not really," Blake smiled, "But a good book makes it easier to avoid thinking about it."
Saying that, she handed Weiss a book.
'A man with two souls' Weiss read.
"Not smut?" She raised an eyebrow, "How surprising. I'm almost disappointed."
"I enjoy all kinds of literature," Blake smiled and jumped back to her bed.
"…"
Weiss decided to take her advice and give it a try. She opened the book and started reading.
Meanwhile, Blake went back to reading her own book, too.
"…"
"…"
Time passed.
Sometimes, the two girls heard the other turn the page of her book, along with a bird singing outside.
It was a comfortable silence; a nice, cozy atmosphere.
Though the two of them were each reading a different book, on different beds, without communicating with each other… comfortable smiles had grown on their faces.
They were both away from their respective families, but at that moment, it felt like they were able to have something warm and precious again, away from such heavy problems.
From that point onward, Weiss and Blake would start reading together a lot more often, without really talking to each other, just to seek a quiet, serene, and enjoyable company.
A few days later, with Jaune.
"I'm getting kinda nervous…" Jaune mumbled, uncomfortable.
He and Miss Goodwitch were heading to the headmaster's office, the two of them inside an elevator rising to the top of the tower.
It was time.
She raised an eyebrow at him. "You said you wanted to see Ozpin, but… What are you going to ask him?"
"Er…" Jaune scratched his head, remembering Weiss' words from the day before.
Listen, Jaune: you must conceal your intentions.
Do not take an appointment. Do not tell them what you are going to request. Surprise is key, so that they don't have time to plan counter-arguments. Be quick and confident!
Jaune felt like he could trust Miss Goodwitch, but just to be sure:
"I just want to thank him..." Jaune said.
This made Miss Goodwitch raise her other eyebrow at him, but thankfully she didn't comment on it.
The elevator finally stopped and opened its doors, revealing a large room with giant windows.
Right in front of these windows was Ozpin's desk, above which giant gears were moving. It seemed gears and clockworks were the themes of this office.
The headmaster himself was sat at his desk, apparently doing paperwork.
"Ozpin," Miss Goodwitch greeted.
"Glynda," Ozpin replied, looking up. He raised his eyebrow when he saw him. "And… Mr. Arc...?"
He seemed surprised.
"Hello, professor…" Jaune greeted as he followed after Miss Goodwitch, approaching the desk. "Um, it's very nice to meet you."
"You as well." He smiled pleasantly, "Miss Goodwitch has told me a lot about you."
"Ahaha…" Jaune laughed awkwardly, "Um... I'm sure she left something out?"
Ozpin raised an eyebrow. "Such as?"
"…E-er… N-nevermind." Jaune blushed.
Not a good start. Not a good start at all.
"To what may I owe the pleasure, Mr. Arc?" Ozpin asked.
Once again, Weiss' words surged back in Jaune's mind.
Butter him up, so that he'll be more inclined to listen to your request. Just like you did with me. Weiss' voice surged in his head again. Remember to play the fool, so that he underestimates you. He will be more eager to release an honest and dumb Jaune than a scheming Jaune.
"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing."
This quote is misleading: the one speaking did not actually believe of himself that he did not know anything. It was simply his way of disarming people. Sometimes you have to play dumb so that others let their guards down.
"O-oh, yes." Jaune clapped his hands as if he just remembered, "First, I wanted to thank you for giving me the chance to come to this school."
"You should thank Miss Crappert for that, Mr. Arc," Ozpin smiled. "She was the one to call us, after all."
"It was a bit late, wasn't it." Jaune frowned. "I would have liked to meet Miss Goodwitch sooner."
"Now, now. Let's not judge Miss Crappert too harshly… I am sure she did her best for you to give a normal childhood."
"Right…" Jaune rolled his eyes, unwilling to spend more time talking about that person. "I had a question for you, headmaster, it's about my training…" Jaune lost his voice as he approached the desk.
"Hm?" Ozpin raised an eyebrow.
"E-er…" Jaune hesitated, before gathering his courage, "I… I want to go back to my classmates." He finally demanded.
"Oh?"
"I want to go back to being a normal student!" Jaune repeated.
"…Jaune!" Miss Goodwitch spoke up.
"It's fine, Glynda." Ozpin smiled. "…I was wondering when you would ask, Mr. Arc."
"R-really?" Jaune widened his eyes.
"You do understand why you were isolated from your peers?" He questioned.
"Yes. But I can control my semblance now." Jaune stated, "I-it is no longer an issue, I ... I won't hurt anyone anymore."
"…That is your word against your actions, unfortunately, Mr. Arc." Ozpin replied, "It may be that you have gained control over your semblance simply because you haven't been exposed to normal school life, or to people who will challenge your emotional state as Mr. Winchester did. Therefore, in that regard, releasing you would have detrimental effects."
He's prepared for this, Jaune grimly realized as he listened to him.
"You're… You're wrong. It's the reverse." Jaune protested, his voice shaking, "N-not releasing me would have detrimental effects."
"Oh?" Ozpin leaned backwards on his chair, clearly comfortable with the conversation, almost as if he was enjoying it. "How so?"
Jaune gulped, remembering what Weiss had told him about the dangers of isolation.
"Professor… Isolation is a dangerous thing, you know." Jaune started, "The more I stay isolated, the easier it is for people to deceive me. Isolated people… really lose touch with reality."
"…"
"…The way I see it, if someone is urging me to remain isolated, it's because they want to control and influence me all by themselves." Jaune stated, basically repeating what Weiss had told him by heart, word for word. "Whether it's intentional or not, it is still a malicious thing to do!"
"…Jaune!" Miss Goodwitch spoke up, outraged.
"Let him finish, Glynda." Ozpin requested.
"It doesn't matter if someone is introverted or not," Jaune continued, "Either way, isolation can cause great psychological harm. I can't remain separated from others like this forever. Until now, I've loved Beacon, but currently, I'm starting to hate it, it's becoming like a jail for me. I… I feel… oppressed."
"I understand that," Ozpin replied calmly. His eyes narrowed at him, making Jaune freeze on the spot. "However, isn't 'isolation' a bit of an extreme word? Even though you are still seeing various members of the staff, and training daily with Glynda." Ozpin pointed out, "Professor Xiao-Long has even allowed you to see your partner Miss Rose. We can do the same with all of your friends and plan weekly visits.
"In such terms, I do not think you are isolated, Mr. Arc.
"Also, you may talk about psychological harm, but what about the harm you may bring onto others?"
"L-like I said, I... I have mastered my semblance." Jaune replied, "Please! I won't bring harm to others." Jaune claimed. "I swear!"
Do not give in to your emotions! Weiss' cold voice reminded him. Your opponent will use them against you.
"That is still too early to tell for sure," Ozpin replied. "I'm sorry, Mr. Arc. We cannot simply take your word for it. We can discuss your release at later terms during your the second semester. In the meantime, please remain patient, I understand it may be frustrating for you, but this is all necessary; we must follow procedure."
"N-n-no…! I won't discuss it at a later term!" Jaune exclaimed. "It's... It's here or never. I came to Beacon to master my semblance! Now that I control it, I… I-I have no reason to stay here anymore."
As he spoke, Jaune once again remembered Weiss' words.
'Listen, Jaune. I know… I know what I'm about to say will be hard to hear… Trust me, I know.
But you absolutely cannot stay like this. The school is exercising control over you. At this rate, you will lose your sense of self and become a doll that will do whatever the school tells you to do.
…Just like I was, with my family. I know it myself. If you want to grow as an independent person, and discover more about yourself, you must take your own decisions by yourself.
Sometimes, it is necessary to leave your family, as I did. Even if it's painful.
For you, Jaune… It may be that you need to leave Beacon on your own.
If you truly want to be freed, you must have the determination to abandon your team. Do you understand? Just like me leaving my family was necessary, you leaving Beacon and your team, maybe the same kind of necessary.'
'But… I can't do that…'
'I know it's unfair. But that is the kind of decision you have to make. Will you stand on your own, or stay the school's lackey?'
Although Jaune didn't know the details, he knew that Weiss spoke from experience. Whatever was going on with her family pushed her to come to Beacon instead of staying in Atlas. For her to go as far as using the word 'lackey'… That Schnee family sure had something weird going on, Jaune was certain of it.
And if Weiss said so… He could trust her judgment.
…No, actually, he didn't even need her opinion. Jaune himself had known it all along. He couldn't stay like this.
It was necessary to give an ultimatum!
"Release me," Jaune finally demanded after a moment of silence, "…or I will quit Beacon myself!"
"…!" Ozpin widened his eyes in surprise.
"Jaune!" Miss Goodwitch exclaimed, shocked.
"You can't hold me here against my will!" Jaune continued, his breathing accelerating, and his voice shaking, "I-I've finally gone through a breakthrough with my semblance… I-if you don't let me spread my wings, I will…! I will leave the school by myself!"
"Should you leave the school," Ozpin warned, "We will no longer be able to protect you from the authorities, or even some malicious organizations when you break something-"
" 'When' I break something? Y-you mean 'if' I break something!" Jaune cut him, starting to feel annoyed. The headmaster did not have an ounce of trust in his ability to control his semblance. "Th-that won't be a problem! As I said, I won't break anything anymore! I know I won't."
"…"
"Release me now! Or I quit!" Jaune claimed, his stomach twisting painfully. His heart was hammering in his chest, "I've already prepared my bags! And I never even wanted to become a Huntsman, to begin with! I'll do it!"
"…"
There was a short moment of silence as Ozpin stared him into the eyes.
"…Mr. Arc…" The headmaster eventually sighed, his expression turned sad and regretful. "Would you really be willing to… leave your teammates behind?"
Jaune's heart squeezed in his chest.
So this is his trump card…
Ozpin was going to let him do it. He was actually going to let him quit Beacon. He was not going to release him and let him be a normal student again. Because he did not believe Jaune was capable of leaving his friends behind.
Don't let him get the mental high ground. Weiss' voice came back to him, Say something!
Say what?
Say that I'm willing to leave them.
Indeed. Very simple.
But… Why were these words stuck in Jaune's throat? They would not come out… He just could not say it.
Jaune's stomach twisted dreadfully.
What… What should Jaune say?
"Connections are important, Mr. Arc." Ozpin was continuing, "If you quit Beacon, you also cut off all your connections, all the help you could get from us. This includes your friends."
"…"
"I am sure Miss Crappert has already told you… Beacon is your last chance. After that, you will not receive more assistance from society."
"…"
"…And if you really quit, you would leave Miss Rose without a partner. I'm sure she would be very sad to hear that…" Ozpin continued to speak with a regretful expression.
Don't listen to him. Weiss' voice claimed, He's manipulating you! He is using guilt!
No, he's right… Ruby would be so sad… Jaune thought, his willpower wavering. She would be…
Wait… Ruby…?
Suddenly, an idea surged in Jaune's mind, and he widened his eyes.
It was a genius idea, one that would require him to act selfishly.
The kind of idea that Jaune would never have gotten if he hadn't experienced the cold, ruthless negotiation methods that Weiss had told him about. But it could work. He had to try it.
"A-ah," when Jaune spoke up again, his voice was trembling under the pressure of Ozpin's gaze, "Wh-what are you talking about, headmaster…? Ruby… Ruby will stay with me!" He declared, pointing a shaking thumb at his chest.
Ozpin blinked in confusion, and stared at him. "...What do you mean…?"
"She said… She said that if I were to quit Beacon, she'd follow me and stay with me." Jaune continued, his heart hammering in his chest as the headmaster's gaze was piercing through his soul. "I-I remember it. Sh-she said… She said: 'I will stick with you until the end. Even if you're expelled I'm gonna quit Beacon'. That's what she said…!"
He gulped as his words led to a heavy silence, with Miss Goodwitch looking back and forth between him and Ozpin.
Jaune had managed to turn Ozpin's own trump card against him!
I'm sorry, Ruby…
Jaune was shamelessly using Ruby's feelings of loyalty for him against Ozpin! This alone spoke of how much he was sick of being isolated.
But it couldn't be helped. It was because of the heartless tips that Weiss had given him, that Jaune had been able to think up this despicable method: using his own partner as leverage…
Needless to say, Jaune felt like the lowest of scumbags right now!
What would Summer say?
This is a negotiation. Weiss' voice reminded him coldly. Everything is allowed. Play dirty.
"…Did she, now." Ozpin muttered lowly, staring at him. "And you believe her father would let this happen?"
He thought Jaune was bluffing?
Then… how about this?
"Y-yes, it's because I knew her mother, Summer Rose." Jaune explained. "Summer was a huntress who used to visit me. She taught me a lot, before she died, including meditation. Ruby… I think she is taking it upon herself to finish what her mother started. And I've talked with Mr. Xiao-Long, I don't think he is someone who will go against his daughter's wishes… let alone his wife's. And I want to help Summer's daughter, too, that's why… we'll stay together.
"And don't get me wrong… I-it's not like I would be kidnapping her…!" Jaune added hurriedly, "She would be the one leaving on her own... Y-yeah, even if I leave Beacon alone and abandon Ruby behind on her own… That girl, I wouldn't be surprised if she ran away to chase after me. That's just how she is!"
I'm really sorry, Ruby… Telling this to the headmaster like that.
"…I see." Ozpin sighed.
At this moment, it seemed like the headmaster finally gave up.
Ruby was that precious to him, huh…
NOW! Weiss' voice rang through his mind, cold, merciless, decisive. You have the mental high ground! Go in for the kill!
"…Plus, y-you said I would not receive help from society anymore… But that's only true for the kingdom of Vale, isn't it?" Jaune asked, sweating out of nervousness, "I can still apply to other Huntsmen academies, in other kingdoms. I'm sure I would get accepted." Jaune stated, "In fact, I have already asked headmaster Ironwood of Atlas Academy… And… And I have also considered sending letters to headmasters Lionheart at Haven and Theodore at Shade…"
"…And?" Ozpin raised an eyebrow.
"…I don't have an answer yet, but I would really prefer to stay at Beacon." Jaune leaned forward, "Please, headmaster, it doesn't have to be like this. Please allow me to be a normal student at your school!" He begged once more, "Give me a trial period of a month! If I break anything I'm not supposed to within a month… Then you can take me back to isolation, and I will obey, I promise! If you just give me this chance, I won't disappoint you!"
"…"
Miss Goodwitch spoke up. "He does seem to have full control over his semblance, Ozpin." Jaune grinned at her. She was rooting for him! "It has already been three weeks since he hasn't broken something unintentionally." She added.
Ozpin was silent for a few seconds, before he finally spoke up:
"Mr. Arc…" He smiled, and glanced at Miss Goodwitch, "Glynda never mentioned how eloquent you had become."
Miss Goodwich let out a chuckle as Jaune blushed under the compliment.
"Th-thanks…"
"The trial period you were talking about. It will last until the end of the first semester." Ozpin decided, "One month is too short of a test period. Am I understood?"
"O-of course! I understand completely!"
"According to Miss Goodwitch's report, you will also have to see a therapist." He added.
"A therapist?" Jaune frowned. "Again?"
"The same person you were seeing years ago." Miss Goodwitch specified.
"Oh, very well, it's been a while," Jaune nodded easily, remembering that the therapist he had seen was a good person.
"Do not waste this chance, Mr. Arc," Ozpin warned.
"I-I won't!" Jaune bowed his head.
"…For you to come to me so prepared..." The headmaster smiled at him. "I must say, your spirit impressed me. I can tell you will make an excellent partner for Miss Rose… You already have so much faith in her."
"Er… Th-thank you," Jaune bowed his head, embarrassed.
"She possesses a spark, doesn't she?" Ozpin mused.
"Y-yeah… A spark…" Jaune nodded, finding the word oddly appropriate.
"Sometimes, it is such a spark that terrifies me, even more than the darkness of Grimm." Ozpin declared,
"I believe we were all meant to shine, as children do… It is not just in some of us, it is in everyone.
"As Miss Rose lets her own light shine brightly, it illuminates the people around her, and she unconsciously allows them to ignite the spark hidden within their soul, as they are liberated from their own fears. And thus they will shine a new, bright light, and continue the cycle.
"The presence of such honest souls automatically liberates others around them…"
"…Um…" Jaune blinked, not sure what in the world the headmaster was rambling about.
"You, Jaune Arc, are a perfect example of this." Ozpin finished, giving him a… nostalgic smile?
Who knew what this man was thinking.
"Er… Thanks." Jaune said awkwardly.
"I see that I am boring you." He chuckled, making Jaune wince in embarrassment. "I won't hold you any longer… How about you go announce the good news to your team?" Ozpin suggested, "I'm sure they're missing you."
"Yes, sir! Thank you so much, I won't let you down!"
Minutes later.
Jaune was ecstatic as the elevator was taking him and Miss Goodwitch back down the tower.
Crap, that was scary… So scary!
That confrontation with the headmaster had been soooo terrifying. Jaune had nearly gone into stage-fright several times, stuttering and babbling his way through the conversation… It had been so hard to even find the courage to speak up…! Just thinking about it was making him shudder again!
And yet, he had managed to convince Ozpin!
He had done it!
As the elevator's doors opened, Jaune rapidly took a step outside to take a breath of fresh air, eager to go announce the news to his team.
"Jaune!" Miss Goodwitch called him as he was already jogging towards the dorm.
Jaune stopped, and looked back at her.
"That... was impressive," She smiled at him. "I was surprised… You've grown up."
"You're right, I was surprised too!" Jaune grinned excitedly, "Thank you for everything, Miss Goodwitch!"
"...Keep working hard and you'll go far, Jaune." Miss Goodwitch nodded, "Now, off you go! You have some friends to see."
Jaune didn't hesitate.
He started running.
With Yang.
Yang was making her way through the corridors when someone suddenly crashed into her.
"Oof!"
"Aouch!"
"Who's... Jaune?" Yang recognized after looking at him. "…Heyyyy, how are you doing, noodle boy?" She grinned. "Or crashing boy? Or is it explosion boy now?"
The blonde looked up, rubbing his shoulder painfully. "Yang!" He widened his eyes and stood up, smiling widely. "It's good to see you…! I-I just got released, and um, I'm really sorry for what I did to your arm…" He bowed his head, "I swear it will never happen again, you know, I got a hang of my semblance now!"
"N-no, uh… It's… It's fine…" Yang said awkwardly as she played with her hair nervously.
"It's not fine at all!" He insisted, "I broke your arm… I'm really sorry that happened."
"…Well, uh... My arm got broken only because I thought you broke Crescent Rose." Yang declared, unable to look at him in the eyes. "And, uh… I was wrong. What I did really didn't help your case with the Cardin thing… When Ruby gets hurt, I kinda lose my temper… It's no excuse, but I just wanted to protect her." She pulled her hair over her shoulder awkwardly, "So, um, I just want to say, I'm sorry, too."
"…" Jaune was taken back for a moment. "Ah, no… It's completely fine." he eventually smiled, "Ruby has a really good sister." He nodded, "Please continue to defend her so passionately! She doesn't show it, but Ruby, she really needs her big sister."
"…"
"But you're both in different teams…" Jaune continued, deep in thought, "Hm, hm, I get it, family is important. But she's still mad at you, huh? You must miss each other a lot." He caressed his chin pensively. "Then, how about we hang out together, both our teams?"
"..."
Yang bowed her head, looking away in shame.
"We'll say it's my and Pyrrha's idea," Jaune suggested, grinning, oblivious to Yang's feelings, "That way, you and Ruby will have an excuse to see each other!"
Ah… How did I ever have a problem with this guy? Yang thought, That's just impossible.
"Yang...?"Jaune called hesitantly, "Is... Is that no good after all?"
"No, that…seems like a great idea," Yang admitted.
"Right? Come on, then!" He grinned, "I haven't even announced my return to my team yet. Come with me!"
He laughed happily and started running towards Ruby's dorm.
"Ah…Hey, don't get too excited!" Yang called after him and followed along.
What the hell? This guy… He's completely changed. She realized. Where's the awkward guy who couldn't even hold my gaze for two seconds? What in the world happened to him when he was held in quarantine?
He energetically knocked on his dorm's door.
"Who's there?" A muffled voice came from inside.
"Guess who!" Jaune replied happily.
He and Yang heard three collective gasps come out from behind the door, as well as the noise of Ruby's semblance activating.
The door slammed open.
"Jaune!"
"I'm free!" He revealed, waving his arms excitedly, "They let me go!"
"Eeeeee!" Ruby squealed happily and gave him a quick hug, "Finalllyyyyy!"
"…Good job, Jaune!" Weiss smirked. "Did you consider my advice useful?"
"Very!" Jaune beamed, "Honestly, I don't think I would have managed it without your advice, Weiss! I was right to ask you for help."
Without that knowledge, he would have probably shrunken on himself and accepted the headmaster's refusal instantly.
"Hmph." Weiss bombed her chest, full of herself.
"Welcome back to the team, Jaune," Blake finally spoke up, "Looks like we'll lose some space, it's going to get crowded in here…" She sighed in annoyance.
"Ah, sorry about that..." Jaune apologized, scratching his head.
"I'm joking, dummy," Blake smirked.
"O-oh." Jaune blinked, and grinned at her. "Sassy as always..."
"How about we celebrate?" Yang finally spoke up, "Let's hang out, our two teams together?"
"…"
Yang tried her best to maintain her smile as the three girls turned to stare at her.
"Yeah, Pyrrha was asking us just before." Jaune lied, "And that sounds great! It's been a while since I've seen them. Right, Ruby?"
"Right..." Ruby nodded hesitantly.
"Well, if Pyrrha is asking." Weiss nodded along.
Smooth...
"How are they?" Jaune asked.
"They're good," Yang breathed in relief. "I'm sure they'll be thrilled with the news!"
"Are you done being a yandere?" Ruby suddenly asked Yang.
"You mean, a Yang-dere?" Yang grinned and winked. "Eh? Eeeeh?" She looked at them one after the other, wriggling her eyebrows.
Everyone groaned collectively. Except Jaune, who probably didn't know the meaning of the word.
"That's not even what yandere means," Blake remarked, "I know, cause I had a yandere boyfriend. And it really sucks."
"Really?" Weiss gaped at her, seeing her in a new light. "You had a boyfriend?"
"And here I thought you were gay," Yang commented.
"I'm staying open to new ideas and opportunities, I suppose," Blake replied.
"P-preposterous!" The heiress groaned, making everyone laugh.
With this, the atmosphere finally relaxed, and everything returned to the way it was.
With Glynda.
"Ozpin," Glynda called, after having head back to his office.
"Glynda." The headmaster simply replied.
"About Jaune... I did not think you would actually release him so early." Glynda admitted. "Honestly, you've surprised me both..."
"...We had no choice, unfortunately." Ozpin said, "It was this or letting him leave Beacon for good…"
"Would that really be so bad, though?" Glynda asked. "He has mastered his semblance. He could start studying a civilian course now. Are you really that skeptical of his progress?"
"…" Ozpin paused for a moment. "Listen, Glynda… We cannot allow him to roam freely without our distant supervision."
"...Why not?" Glynda frowned.
"..."
"...Ozpin?"
"...Well, I suppose it's only fair to tell you." Ozpin sighed.
"Tell me?" Glynda raised an eyebrow.
"…Listen carefully, Glynda. The truth is, Mr. Arc…"
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
"N-no… Such a thing… That's impossible! Are you sure?" Glynda asked, eyes wide after hearing Ozpin talk.
"There is no way to be certain about such things, Glynda… But, for what it is worth, I believe the chances of this not being true are infinitely small."
"I see… this explains everything. And why you want to make him see a therapist…" Glynda breathed shakily, somewhat horrified by what she had just heard. "But… That means, Jaune will never… I mean, he's not really... really..."
She lost her voice.
Ozpin looked at her with sympathy. "No… I'm afraid not."
Glynda paused and turned away, taking a moment to recollect herself.
"…Who else knows about this?" she eventually asked.
"Too many." Ozpin sighed, and enumerated. "The two of us. His former caretaker: Miss Crappert. His biological father. And… the therapist he is going to see."
"…It's not that many...Only five..."
Glynda looked down, frowning, unsure.
"I know that you have grown to care for the boy…" Ozpin spoke up, turning to look at her. "But... he can never know. The very knowledge of it will change him to the core… Do you understand, Glynda?"
Ozpin looked at her in the eyes. He was extremely serious.
"…" Glynda bowed her head. "Yes… I understand, Ozpin. I will guard this secret, just like the others. That goes beyond saying."
"I felt that you should be in the know." Ozpin smiled sadly. "I'm sorry for… burdening you with this knowledge, once again."
"No… We are the ones keeping the kingdoms safe from the evils no one knows about, aren't we?" Glynda patted his arm in support, "We already share a much greater burden than this already."
"…Much greater…" Ozpin hummed. "I must admit... Today, I really felt my age."
He exhaled quietly as she stood by his side, the two of them contemplating the horizon through the window.
A/N: And so, this is the end of the 'suspension' or 'isolation' arc, if one can call it that. Sorry I had to hush what Ozpin was revealing to Glynda.
Going to sleep now.
Next chapter: next week