Chapter 14 - One Step Back, Two Steps Forward
"That. Was. Awesome!" Matt yelled down towards Pyrrha, who had just took down all of team CRDL. "Alright," Miss Goodwitch began to say, "now I know that's a tough act to follow, but we have time for one more sparring match. Any volunteers?" Glynda asked, only for her to look around, realising no one wished to have a fight. "Miss Belladonna?" Glynda said, getting the attention of Blake, who was reading a book. "You've been rather docile for the past few classes. Why don't you-" Miss Goodwitch was cut of by a man with grey hair. "I'll do it.". "Mercury is it?" Glynda continued. "Very well. Let's find you an opponent.". Mercury then requested that he would like to fight Pyrrha, only for Glynda to inform him that she couldn't because of the recent match. "No, it's fine." Pyrrha responded. "I'd be happy to oblige!".
Mercury and Pyrrha both got into fighting stances, and Mercury immediately set off, attempting to kick at Pyrrha. She blocked it, and struck at his other leg, knocking him off balance and onto the floor. He quickly recovered only for Pyrrha to charge quickly. Pyrrha blocked two counter-attacks from Mercury, and blocked another two after one of her own attacks were blocked. She then rammed him with her shield, forcing him backwards. Mercury, then went for a kickflip followed by a barrage of kicks. Pyrrha retreated knowing she couldn't block all the attacks. Mercury kept on charging, this time kicking three times in one spot. Pyrrha changed stances mid attack, and blocked Mercury again. Mercury followed up the attacks, knocking her spear out of her hand. Mercury attempted another attack, only for him to miss knocking him off balance. Pyrrha took the opportunity to pick up her spear, and charge at her target. Mercury now bounced of the shield, and used his boots to blast himself away.
Pyrrha charged again, only for Mercury to say "I forfeit.". This caused Pyrrha to stop herself, still shocked that someone would stop in the middle of a battle. "You don't even want to try?" Pyrrha asked. "What's the point?" Mercury responded, "You're a world renowned fighter, we're obviously leagues apart.". "In that case, Pyrrha Nikos is the victor of the match, again." Glynda began to say, before continuing "Next time you may want to think a little harder before choosing your opponent.". "I'll be sure to do that." Mercury replied. "That is all for today." Glynda said, waking Blake up. "And remember, the dance is this weekend, but you all have your first mission this Monday. No excuses."
"I'm just saying that it's kind of weird for a guy to call of a match, despite asking for one." Jason said, before Sun ran over to the group. "Hey Blake! You, uh, doing okay?" Sun asked, sounding concerned. "I'm fine." Blake replied. Sun cleared his throat and said "So I hear there's this dance going on this weekend. Sounds pretty lame but, you and me I'm thinkin' not as lame, huh?". "What?" Blake asked. "The dance, this weekend! You wanna go or what?" Sun continued. "I don't have time for a stupid dance. You of all people should know that." Blake said before storming off. Sun began to look down. "Don't worry man. We're all still gonna have a good time!" Matt said, with a smile on his face.
"You what!?" Blake questioned. "We want you to go to the dance." Ruby repeated. "That's ridiculous." Blake said. "Blake, we're worried about you." Jason said, which Yang followed up. "This investigation is getting to your head!". "You can't sleep, you hardly eat, and to be honest, your grades have been suffering." Weiss spoke up. "You think I care about grades!?" Blake snapped, "People's lives are at stake!". "We know," Matt replied. "And we're all trying to find out what Torchwick is up to.". Ruby looked at Blake, "Thanks to you and Sun, we know they're operating somewhere out of Southeast Vale.". "And," Weiss followed up, "the Schnee company records singled out Vale as the primary target for Dust robberies over the last few months.". "Don't forget about their missing military tech too…" both Matt and Yang said in unison while smirking.
"But there's still unanswered questions!" Blake tried to argue. "You won't be able to find anything if you can't keep your eyes open." Ruby responded. "All we're asking is you take it easy for one day." Yang said. "It'll be fun, Yang and I will make sure of it!" Weiss said while smiling. "Yeah!" Yang said excitedly. "We're planning the whole event.". "Excuse me?" Blake questioned. "Team CFVY's away mission lasted longer than expected." Weiss responded. Yang continued, "So Weiss and I are gonna pick up where they left off. And now, we can make sure you have a perfect night!", "And once it's over, we'll return to our search, rested and ready.". "So, what do you think?" Jason asked. "I think this is a colossal waste of time. I'll be in the library." Blake stated, before she left. "She can't keep going like this…" Jason said, sighing.
Suddenly. knocks were heard at the door. Weiss answered, only for Jaune to appear, holding a guitar. "Weeeiiisssss." Jaune began to sing, only for Weiss to slam the door in his face. "Oh come one." Jaune said. "Open the door. I promise not to sing…". Weiss opened the door, and Jaune immediately sang "I liiieeed. Weiss Schnee, will you accompany me, to the dance on...Sunday?". "Are you done?" Weiss asked. "Yes…" Jaune replied sheepishly. "No." Weiss blankly said before slamming the door. "And that's why they call you the Ice Queen." Matt said, grinning at her new nickname. "All my life boys have only ever cared about the perks of my last name. Besides, I already have a date in mind." Weiss said, giving a little smile.
"What about you Matt?" Yang asked. "Do you have a date?". Matt replied "I would, but I haven't seen her around recently…". "That's a shame…" Yang said, with a devilish smirk. "If she's a no show, I'll be sure to give you a dance.". "Uh- you, uh don't have to do that Yang, but thanks for the offer." Matt replied, trying to hide a blush. "Okaaaaay…" Yang continued, "but the offer is always there.". Ruby interrupted both of them, "Date or no date, none of this will matter if we can't get Blake to go…" Ruby said, looking gloomy.