Author's Note: Sorry this chapter took so long, I had a few family emergencies to deal with the past week...its been rough but thankfully its been resolved. Plus, this chapter has been a pain to deal with...I've rewritten this probably four times already. So it will feel a little all over the place, hopefully in the future I will find a way to fix this. But for now I can't do anything about it. Anyways, thanks to all the newcomers who followed this story, Welcome! I hope you guys enjoy.
Chapter 10: "Reputation is a Fickle Thing..."
Do you know that feeling?
...
"You're Jaune Arc, right? Maybe you and I can have a spar after lunch?"
"Damn it Steve! I was going to ask him first!"
"I doubt you would be a good enough opponent."
"Maybe but I'm sure as heck going to try..."
...
Like you had something good in your life but you just didn't notice it until its gone?
...
"Hey Jaune~ looking good, what say you and I get some hands-on combat experience..."
"Bow Chicka Bow Wow!"
"Ugh, seriously Tina?"
"What? I was going for a more comedic impression. I heard Jaune here likes girls with great humor..."
"Really? Well...uh I..."
"..."
"You got nothing huh?"
"No wait!"
...
If you answered soul crushing regret...then you got the right answer.
"Cardin it ain't worth it man!"
"You gotta let it go!"
"Shut it! He's gonna pay..."
"Oh hoho...big Cardin ain't so bad after all..."
"All muscle, no brains...serves him right."
"Grrr...I swear to Oum that I will get you next time Arc!
...
(Beacon Mess Hall - 5:30 AM)
"Be honest with me Ren..." I said as I enjoyed a bowl of Pumpkin Pete's cereal...
My usually silent companion only nodded for me to continue.
"On a scale from 1 to 10 how bad is it?" I asked.
He looked around our area for a minute before addressing me.
"I'd say 3, not as bad as yesterday..." he answered.
"And what would Nora say?" Determined to start a conversation, trying very hard to distract myself from all of the looks I was getting.
"Probably...a bad pancake out of a jar of cookies..." He replied.
I only nodded in response, completely expecting that kind of answer from our absent Valkyrie.
...
Well at least that's something...
...
Oh sorry, I was getting a little sidetracked...
Ahem...
So welcome back, its only been a few weeks...a month and a half to be specific. Life in Beacon has been...relatively...peaceful and trouble free. Yup, nothing of note to tell you...no drama to be had or any extraordinary sights to behold. Hehehe...hehe...he...he...he.
...
...
(Sigh)
Okay...a lot happened.
...
It would be good for my sanity to start with the positives first...
Team RWBY was as tight knit as ever, seeing as Weiss actually opened up a bit. My fellow leader was grinning from ear to ear as she had a "casual" conversation with her partner during lunch. She went a step further by socializing with all of us. It was just delightful to see her make an active effort to get to know everyone in the group. Hell, it put a tear to my eye when I saw the heiress actually humoring Nora with her role playing antics...it...was...awesome...that's all I can say. So yeah, our sister team's situation is resolved for now.
...
Now...what else?
...
Uhm...
...
I'm doing good in my studies I guess?
...
...
Hmm?
My Team?
Oh well, we never really had any problems with one another. Ever since day one...all of us just got along, we just clicked if that makes sense. I know its just been a few weeks but I was starting to consider them as family, something that I've occasionally missed. They are just the best team I could ask for and Pyrrha, she's been the answer to all of my problems! How you might ask? Remember the whole get stronger so I can protect everyone? That goal is being realized because she wholeheartedly agreed to help me train.
Its funny how I was so worried on what I needed to do to get better when all of this time I had a four time champion as a partner to help me out. There is no exaggeration when I say that thanks to her, I am improving at an impossibly fast pace. Which was to be expected, her exceptional prowess in combat has always been a subject by many of our batch mates. Believe me, she has shown me how good of a fighter she is.
The warrior princess was so methodical in her attacks, every swing and thrust had a purpose. Always so focused and analytical in the fight, it was almost scary how the quirky and easily flustered girl I met on the airship turned into a unstoppable force. Long story short, I got completely owned in our first spar. I probably lasted for about two minutes before I had to tap out.
Normally, I would be gritting my teeth in anger or frustration but I didn't feel any of that. If anything I was strangely happy. In a way it showed me that despite all of my new abilities, there were still people stronger than me. Sure it was a jarring reminder that I still had a long way to go but I just had a gut feeling that so long as I keep on fighting stronger opponents, I will improve as well.
The funny thing is that my partner took my loss a lot harder than I did, seeing as she tried to cheer me up numerous times. Which was strange given how frantic she looked but I managed to calm her down and told her that we should definitely do this every night. The smile she gave me that night was so wide I thought her face would split in half. No idea why she was so happy but hey anything to make my partner smile is a good thing in my book.
So yeah, the training part and team chemistry is all in the green for me.
...
...
...
...
Yup that's probably all of the positives...
(Sigh)
I wish there was more...but life doesn't work that way as my grandpa used to say.
...
Now bear with me for a moment okay, I know this might seem like a good thing but trust me its not.
...
...
I'm popular...
...
...
...
(GASP!) (SHRIEK!) The world is ending! Call the army! Save the Women and Children! The Horror! OH the Horror!
...
You're probably super confused right now because last time I checked, I was an average Joe. Heck I was considered a parasite to my more popular friends. Well reputation is not an easy concept to explain. One moment you're a nobody but in the next one you're suddenly a big time celebrity. In the past, I would crave this kind of attention...but circumstances change and I was finding this whole inflated reputation to be more trouble than its worth.
"Let's Fight!"
"Yeah I wanna see this Super Freshman everyone's talking about!"
"Hey Jaune~"
"Wanna hang out with us? We'll give you a good time~"
Yes...popularity in Beacon was like being a target in a training range. Everybody or in my case most of the first years and some seniors had an interest in me. You would not believe the amount of requests for sparring I've got ever since Professor Port showed my fight with two Elder Grimm. Oh but that's not all...because suddenly I've become a little more attractive to most of the female population in the academy. Apparently, I'm ranked in the top twenty hot guys in the school, not going to question what position I'm in or how a list like that got created.
So day after day its been nothing but tough looking warriors asking to fight me and hot huntresses-in-training inviting me to do who knows what. It didn't help that Cardin, the big bully from before, kept trying to push me around. Unfortunately for him, my new abilities kept me relatively safe while the big guy bore the consequences of his pranks. Even worse is that I basically embarrassed him in combat class, which solidified my bloated reputation...I still remember that match...
(Beacon Combat Arena)
...
...
...
(Swing)
(Whoosh)
(Swing)
(Whoosh)
...
"Hold still damn it!" The leader of team CRDL yelled.
I kept silent as I dodged every swing from his mace, my enhanced speed helping immensely.
(Whoosh)
(Whoosh)
"Grrr..." he growled as I saw his frustration continue to build up.
The fight has been going on for about a good five minutes, at this point I've pretty much figured out my opponent's fighting style. Which was simply, smash everything in sight and hope for the best. Don't get me wrong Cardin is a decent fighter, but he doesn't use any tactics or strategy. The big guy just relied on brute force to solve everything. To be fair he possessed an ample amount of strength, the few hits that I blocked at the start of the match were pretty tough to block. If I fought him without my new abilities, he'd probably send me flying. Unfortunately for him, the force from a Deathstalker's attacks is...well...on another level...in a different planet.
(Clang)
(Shove)
"Guh!"
I waited for one of his big swings and once I saw him commit to one, I dashed forward until we were almost chest to chest. His eyes widened in surprise as I closed the distance and I bashed my shield on his weapon arm disarming him. Cardin unexpectedly reacted quickly by throwing a wild haymaker. Before it could hit me, I responded with a knee strike to his abdomen that knocked all the air out of him. He doubled over in pain but still looked ready to get up, so I followed up by striking his head hard with the pommel of Crocea Mors.
(SMACK!)
I expected him to just fall over and I would point my sword to force Cardin to submit. However, I severely underestimated my strength as my opponent was knocked out...his body remaining still on the floor.
"Enough!" the stern voice of Professor Goodwitch echoed across the room.
I flinched before sheathing my sword and standing at attention.
"Mr. Arc, while I commend your performance against Mr. Winchester. There was no need to render him unconscious. Being mindful of one's strength is crucial for a huntsman-in-training." She advised, as she gestured to the stationed medical staff to take action.
"Sorry Professor, it won't happen again..." I said as I tried to calm my nerves.
She nodded in reply, pleased at my response. The famous huntress turned to address the rest of the class who were seated in stands. The dimmed lights coming alive and illuminating the whole room.
"Now...there are many things to take away from this fight. Is there anyone who can share their thoughts?"
There were a few hands raised...
"Yes Mr. Sandler?" She asked her eyebrow raising.
"Cardin got wrecked! Am I right, bro!?" He shouted as he lifted his hand.
"Hell yeah he did!" His friend replied as finished the high five.
...
...
...
Uh oh...
"Mr. Sandler and Mr. Schneider, please stay after class. It seems the both of you need a reminder on my ground rules for combat class." Her eyes glaring at the two, making the both of them flinch before sitting down looking quite feeble. I could only gulp in nervousness as our teacher exuded an intimidating aura. It wasn't as bad from afar but the sheer pressure that I was feeling from near point blank range was almost unbearable. The seniors weren't kidding...
Undeterred by the display she fixed her glasses before resuming.
"Now is there anyone with constructive answers?" She stressed.
...
"Yes, Ms. Lu?" Looking towards a rather petite woman.
"He...adjusted...very quickly to...his opponent and exploited...his...weakness." She said with an eastern accent.
"Very good, yes Mr. Arc took note of every action his foe made and adapted accordingly. He made use of his superior speed to tire out his opponent before choosing the appropriate moment to strike. Mr. Winchester on the other hand just charged without any hint of a plan and relied solely on his strength, perhaps thinking that this would be an easy battle. Let this be a lesson to those who think themselves superior to most, do not underestimate your enemy...or you will pay the price." She explained.
...
"Is that clear?" The professor asked.
"Yes Professor!" All my classmates answered.
"Good" Nodding as she closed her scroll.
"Remember everyone the Vytal Festival is only a few months away. It won't be long before students from the other kingdoms start arriving in Vale, so keep practicing. those who choose to compete in the combat tournament will be representing all of Vale." She finished as the bell rang and everyone left.
I was about to follow but I was stopped by Professor Goodwitch.
"Mr. Arc..." She called out.
"Yes, professor?"
...
...
"Professor?" The headmistress of Beacon for the first time I've witnessed, looked a little hesitant. She looked like she wanted to say something but just couldn't get the words out.
"Never mind, run along Mr. Arc and stay out of trouble." She reminded me as she shooed me away and went to address that two troublemakers in class.
("Well that was weird...") I thought as I slowly walked to the door, only to double time when I heard the loud clap of Professor Goodwitch's riding crop.
"Now then, what is Rule no. 1!?" She barked.
I am outta here!
...
...
(Sigh)
Sorry for sighing so much, I know it looks bothersome but the past few weeks were stressful. Thankfully my friends were there to help out, Pyrrha and Ruby especially...were quite active. Without them I'd probably head to the Emerald forest and live with the Grimm.
...
-ne
-une!
"Jaune!"
"!" I flinched as I felt someone touch my shoulder, I turned towards the perpetrator...only to see that the rest of our gang had arrived.
"Oh...Girls...you're here..." was all I could say as I came back from recapping everything.
"We were here five minutes ago, you've had that faraway look of yours ever since we arrived." Ruby explained with a look of concern that was shared by Pyrrha.
"Really? Sorry about that, I've just been a little distracted...hehe." I answered trying to alleviate both of their worries.
"Jaune is everything alright?" my partner asked.
"Yup! No problems on my end." Unfortunately, both of the redheads weren't convinced. Their looks of concern was making it tough to keep quiet.
"Okay...I've been a little stressed lately..." I relented.
"I suppose your 'fans' have had a hand in this." Weiss pointed out as she gestured to a nearby table. I looked behind me and was greeted to the sight of a team of trainee huntresses waving and winking at me. Not to be rude, I gave a weak smile and waved in return before looking away...trying to ignore their giggles.
"He's so cute..."
"Definitely a keeper..."
(Shake) (Rattle)
("Huh...did my spoon just move?") I thought as I could've sworn that my utensil just bent a few degrees.
"Hey guys did you just se-"
"Nope, nothing happened...absolutely nothing happened!" Nora interrupted as she gave a hysterical chuckle while patting Pyrrha on the back.
"Guess being popular ain't what its cracked up to be huh?" Yang cut in, perhaps noticing that I was in a little bit of pickle.
"I-"
"Ow! Stop it!" A pained voice cried out.
All eyes turned to the source, it was a rabbit faunus being picked on by team Cardinal. Their leader was pulling on her ears, laughing with each tug completely ignoring the pain he was causing. I balled my fists as I grew more and more irritated at his actions. Its not enough that I have to deal with his antics but the, excuse my language, 'bastard' has been a jerk to everyone especially Faunus. It has been grating on my nerves every time he harasses innocent students for something outside of their control.
"Atrocious, I can't stand people like him" Pyrrha stated as her emerald eyes glared at the bully.
"I'm with you there...what a jerk." Ruby agreed.
"He's not the only one..." Blake surprisingly added.
...
"Ouch! Stop please!" she cried out again, this time she looked around hoping to for someone to step in. But just like in Ruby's case, no one went to help.
...
"Jaune?" my partner's asked as everyone in our group saw me stand up.
It was stupid and I knew that I'd probably attract more unwanted attention. But I couldn't ignore this...
(Sigh)
Hopefully I don't have to do this alone.
"Yang..." I called to my fellow blonde.
"Yeah?"
"Remember that offer you gave me before the initiation, can I still cash it in?" I asked before gesturing towards the bullies. She turned towards them before looking back at me with the most predatory grin I have ever seen.
"I thought you'd never ask! Sure I'll back you up lady killer!" She replied as stood with me.
"Ooh! Are we going to break some legs? I wanna join!" Nora jumped in as she followed me, the rest of our group looking a little confused.
"Nora...we won't be crippling anyone..." Fearing for Cardin's limbs, since I saw first-hand what the bubbly bomber could do with her hammer in combat class...ugh...not a pretty sight.
"Aww..." She visibly deflated.
"Don't worry, if everything goes well...I'll help you find the Milkshake of Power." Its...uhm...difficult to explain.
"(Gasp) The ultimate drink to go with the pancakes of Destiny! I will follow your every command fearless leader!" She affirmed with a salute as we made our way to team CRDL spot in the mess hall.
Well that's two badass huntresses-in-training on my side...I hope for Cardin's sake that this doesn't turn into a fight.
"I would not recommend this Jaune." Ren warned, immediately understanding what I was about to do.
"I know..." Sorry Ren but I have to do this.
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Ugh...I felt all eyes turn towards the three of us, specifically me. I'm never going to get used to that...
...
(Sigh)
That's the fifth time I've sighed this day...I wish this was the last...
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...
"Cardin..." I called out, standing a few paces behind him.
He froze in response before turning to glare at me.
"Jaune...and company! Well well well, what can I help you with, Mr. Popular? Here to showcase your harem?" The bully responded condescendingly while winking at Yang who glared back.
"No, I'm here to tell you to let her go. You are hurting her." Going straight to the point, not wanting to prolong the suffering of the poor girl who looked ready to burst into tears.
He only grinned back as he pulled even harder, causing another yelp.
"Why do you care? She's nothing but an animal, unless you're into that sort of thing. Don't worry I won't judge...much." He replied, as he tugged again.
"Cardin...I am warning you." My anger rising as he didn't stop, I am so close to the boiling point.
"Oh and what are you going to do about it, big guy?" He let go of his victim, who took cover behind us, while the bully walked closer towards me. The room grew increasingly silent as his team stood up and surrounded us.
"We got your back, Jaune." Yang reassured me as she and Nora cracked a few knuckles, intimidating Cardin's Team.
...
"Look I know you and I don't have a good history, but we don't have to fight all the time." I tried to reason, hoping that this racist would at least have the decency to stop with so many eyes on us. The tension in the cafeteria was slowly rising as everything went silent.
Unfortunately, Cardin only shook his head before giving a stupid grin.
"I'm going to enjoy this..." He whispered as we stood chest to chest.
"Great..." was all I could say before I had to dodge a fist.
...
It's a little short but I had to get this chapter out pronto...it was making me lose my mind. Anyways, updates will be a little slow but rest assured that there will be updates at least once or twice a month. I think I can promise that.