Author's Note
Hey Guys, sorry about the long delay. I had some issues finished this chapter. I wanted to make Jaune's Arc (pun unintended) a one chapter thing, but I've made a bit of a logical mess for a few people in the story so I had to make it a two-parter like in the series. I'm not entirely happy with the tiny cliffhanger, but I think it'll do. I hope you enjoy part 1 and hopefully, the second half will be done soon.
Neo's POV:
The next morning was somewhat uneventful, but at lunch, Nora told a story about some dream she had about fighting some Grimm with Ren. Ren corrected her over exaggerations, which made me question how he knew it better than she seemed, but left it because hear the two explain the dream was amusing.
Yang tapped me on the shoulder and subtly pointed to Pyrrha and Jaune. The redhead was staring at Jaune, who was staring at the Ice Queen.
"Should I tell him?"
If he's oblivious by semester end, go ahead.
"Aw, but they'd be so cute together!" The blonde squealed as quietly as she could.
I chuckled. I refuse to believe anyone is that dense.
Jaune went to get drinks for himself and Pyrrha, but on the way back, the school bullies – Team CRDL – tripped him, spilling the drinks all over his uniform.
"How the hell did you get team leader?" Cardin laughed.
"Hey, leave him alone!" Ruby stood up quickly, only for me to push her down.
I got this. I strolled over to help Jaune but was intercepted by Cardin.
"Need something, Ice-cream Faunus?"
I looked straight up with an amused smirk. Just here to pick up drinks from blondie here.
"Really? Jauney Boy?"
He's a goof, sure, but I guess you could call that his charm.
"Hey guys, I think the Ice-cream Faunus over here has a crush on Jaune!" Mohawk jabbed.
Wrong girl. Now if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to retrieve the goof.
"Oh come, you think he's a joke as much as we do, why not just–"
I slammed my leg into Cardin's crotch.
He yelped as he fell to his knees and held his area.
I looked to the rest of his team unimpressed. What's he holding? I couldn't feel a thing.
Said team quickly grabbed their leader and ran out.
C'mon blondie, you can't be this pathetic. You've got a team to lead. I held out a hand to help him up.
"Yeah, I know…" He didn't take the bullying or my criticism well.
"Jaune, are you okay?" Pyrrha came to get her goofy prince, followed by Ruby.
"Yeah, just peachy! Why?" I can't tell if he was being sarcastic.
"Jaune, Cardin's been picking on you since the first week of school!" Ruby pointed out.
Jaune feigned ignorance, glancing at the way Team CRDL left. "Who? Cardin Winchester? Nah... He just likes to mess around! You know, practical jokes!"
"He's a bully." Pyrrha glared out the door, as though Cardin was about to walk back in.
Jaune scoffed. "Oh, please! Name one time he's 'bullied' me."
"There's all the times he opens your shield in small doorways." Ruby started.
"All the times he smacked your books out of hands." Pyrrha continued.
And that one time he pushed you into a rocket locker and sent you flying out of the school. I added the cherry on top. You really need to learn to fend for yourself.
"I didn't land far from the school!" Jaune tried laughing it off as we returned to our teams.
"Jaune, you know if you ever need help, you can just ask." Pyrrha spoke like a true knight in shining armour, which seemed to bother Jaune.
'Y'know if you listen carefully to what Pyrrha just said, you can hear her scream, 'Notice me, dammit!' and it amazes me how oblivious he is.'
"Ooooh!" Nora got up from the table and flexed with a not-entirely-sane grin. "We'll break his legs!"
I second that.
"Guys, really, it's fine! Besides, it's not like he's only a jerk to me; he's a jerk to everyone." The blond defended, but none of us were buying it.
"All the more reason to kick his ass." Yang countered.
⸎
"Good morning students," Goodwitch greeted us as we took our seats in the arena, "Last month, we began learning the strengths and weaknesses of our teammates, and so moving forward, we will be putting that information into practice by focusing on team coordination. Today, we will start with partner work, after all, your partner is arguably your most important ally. Who would like to put their partnership to the test?"
Yang leaned in. "You wanna show the class how it's –?"
"We do!" Ruby shot up before Yang could finish.
"Team ARRN, glad to how eager you are today. Step into the area."
"Ruby, we haven't fought together since initiation!" Jaune protested, silently screaming his thoughts.
"Pshht! It's fine, we got this." Ruby scoffed, ignoring the blond's legitimate concerns as she practically dragged him into the arena.
"And who would like to face Team ARRN?"
"We will." Cardin raised his hand.
"Son of a–" Yang looked ready to take Nora's earlier suggestion of breaking Cardin's legs.
Weiss, Pyrrha and I quickly held her down, me being the one to save her the trouble of swearing in a class by covering her mouth.
"Miss Xiao Long, please control yourself." Goodwitch reprimanded.
"Ow!" Weiss was the first to let go of the blonde whose skin might as well as have been burning.
Pyrrha took several steps back to avoid getting cooked, being cover in metal, and I let go of her as the smell of ironed clothing came from my gloves.
"Yang calm down! It's just sparring, he can't pull anything." Weiss tried to lull the blonde's worries, but…
"I'm sorry, this is coming from the girl who her ankle broken on the first day of combat class!"
"Do you really think Ruby can't handle herself?"
"SHE'S NOT READY!"
We looked to Ruby, whose eyes wide as plates. "You don't think I'm–"
All the heat radiating off Yang quickly died down as her face covered itself in regret. "No, I don't mean that I just–"
"Professor Goodwitch, please start with the match." Ruby looked to Goodwitch with a stubborn determination.
We all watch nervously as Yang's guilt fought her anger and eventually, she pushed us off her and sat, her anger simmering into worry and guilt.
We scooched away to avoid the heat she radiated and kept her in our peripherals.
"Alright, with that dealt with, for now, are the combatants ready?"
"Yup." Cardin dropped his mace off his shoulder, a cocky grin on his face as he almost taunted Jaune to come forward. His partner, mohawk, drew his crocked daggers and nodded with a smirk.
I'm predicting bad things for those two. Ruby's capable sure, but's Jaune right: this will be their first-time training together.
I looked at the of the team and I honestly couldn't tell who was more concerned, Yang or Pyrrha.
Jaune grimaced but didn't falter, which was honestly an achievement considering breakfast. He looked first to his partner in red, who nodded, then to Goodwitch. "Ready."
Goodwitch nodded back. "Then let the match…"
Ruby swung Crescent Rose behind her and smirked.
"Begin!"
Before anyone could react, Ruby burst into rose petals and the next thing we knew, Cardin and Mohawk were on their ass and scrambling back to their feet.
Jaune, though as dumbfounded as his opponents, squared his shoulders and seized the chance to charge at the tank. Had he not screamed his way to Cardin, his sword would've met the arsehole's shoulder, but Cardin rolled out the way and kicked the blond's knee in. Jaune stumbled and just barely managed to bring his shield up before Cardin's mace connected with it, making a resounding gong and sending the blond flying back. His great-grandfather crafted a good shield, considering there wasn't even a dent after that devastating blow, but it didn't change the fact that Jaune was wincing a little trying to get up.
"Jaune!" Ruby cried out for her partner and instantly burst into rose petals to rush to Jaune's side, leaving mohawk to stumble as his attack connected with the air where she once was.
She reached Jaune and moved him a few meters back in a flurry of red and gold petals to put some distance between them and Cardin's duo.
"Are you okay?" She asked her leader as she helped him stand.
"Maybe?"
I snorted at that.
"Look, I'll take care of Cardin, keep Russel busy."
"But–"
"I can do it."
Before Jaune could say anymore, Ruby charged for Cardin and let out a flurry of attacks. Cardin was taken completely by surprise and struggled to keep up, while Jaune had gotten lucky in defending himself against Russel's Boarbatusk charge by charging straight into his opponent with his shield to lead the way. Unfortunately for Jaune, that was about the best shot he got in the entire fight since he was quickly forced to on the defence, barely protecting himself from Russel's onslaught of strikes. Russel's attacks had plenty of opening, but Jaune was far too panicked to see them and was quickly knocked off his feet again. He seems ready to roll out of the way of one of Russel's daggers when Ruby came out of nowhere and knocked him away from the blond with the back of her scythe.
"That's the match!"
Pyrrha's POV:
"Wha…" Jaune looked both frustrated and defeated and my heart sank into my stomach.
Without thinking, I ran down to help him. "Jaune! Are you okay?"
"Pyrrha, I'm fine. We won the match, right?" He forced a smile with two thumbs up.
"That may be the case," Professor Goodwitch interjected, "But both teams did terribly."
"What?!" Ruby exclaimed. "We trashed them."
"You thrashed them, Miss Rose. Had this been a 1v2, you'd have been commended, but this is a partners' spar, and both teams had minimal or no communication. Had this been a proper encounter, be it Grimm or criminals, you could very well have gotten the both of you killed with how poorly you communicated."
"But–!"
"No buts, Miss Rose. I suggest you and Mr. Arc discuss how you will co-operate and communicate in the future before you two try again."
"Argh!" Ruby screamed and burst out the door in a trail of rose petals.
"Rub-" Yang jolted from her seat to go after her sister but was quickly stopped by Weiss.
"Don't. You're arguably the last person she wants to see, save from Goodwitch and Cardin. Let me talk to her."
"Stay out of this!" Yang's temperature quickly rose as the air around her soon shimmered.
"Miss Xiao Long, control yourself!"
"Shu–!"
Before she could finish there was a bright light flashed suddenly, blinding everyone. When it disappeared, Weiss, Yang, and Neo stood frozen, Neo holding both the other girls' hands in her own.
Then a strange scream came from outside the class.
We all rushed out the doors to see that it was Neo crying as she held her one hand, Weiss trying to calm her down, and Yang just standing back from them, staring panicked.
"Weren't they just…." Jaune looked back into the class, confused as the rest.
"Part of Neo's semblance allows her to leave afterimages while she essentially teleports to somewhere within her vision, remember?" I explained.
"What's going on here?!" Professor Goodwitch demanded, staring at the scene with horror.
"Yang burned Neo's hand," Weiss explained.
"Miss Schnee, can you use ice dust to try to cool her hand while we take her to Professor Peach?"
"Yes ma'am." Weiss immediately pulled out an ice dust crystal and used the wind dust in one of Myrtenaster's barrel to create cold air for Neo's hand.
"Miss Xiao Long," Ms. Goodwitch began as she carefully lifted Neo off the ground with her telekinesis. I suggest you come with us, if not to apologise to Miss Neopolitan, then to put your semblance in check before it burns someone else."
Yang wordlessly followed, still mortified by what she had done.
"Miss Nikos, go to Find Ruby and–"
"I'm here ma'am!" Ruby announced, squeezing through the crowd.
"Good, then go with Miss Nikos and report everything that just happened."
Ruby shrunk but nodded. "Yes ma'am."
"Let's go."
"The rest of you are to go to your next class and WAIT for it to begin."
"Yes ma'am." The class choired behind Ruby and me.
We initially hurried towards the headmaster's office but slowed as we approached the tower.
"Argh… this is all my fault… If I hadn't thrown a tantrum like that, Yang wouldn't have gotten so mad…" Ruby sighed and planted her face on her hands. "Yang was right, I'm not ready to be at Beacon…"
"Of course, you are. You're a brilliant fighter and you were able to take down the Deathstalker as a team."
"But I messed up in class and…"
I put a hand on Ruby's shoulder. "Ruby, you can't expect yourself to be perfect. No one is. We all make mistakes."
Ruby scoffed and threw her hands in the air. "Yeah right, you're like the best student at this school. You might as we are Mrs. Perfect."
There it is. "Ruby I'm–"
Before I could finish Ruby smacked her forehead with her palm. "Crap, I'm sorry! Weiss told me you don't like it when people describe you like that. I didn't mean it like that, I just…!" She stopped in front of the tower and just slide her back down the wall next to the entrance. She held her knees to her chest with her arms and buried her face in them.
I sat down next to her stroked her back and she sniffled.
"Ruby it's okay, I–"
She lifted her head and blinked furiously as she was clearly fighting back tears. "I'm really sorry, I shouldn't be dumping this on you, just go talk to Professor Ozpin without me."
"Ruby…" I was at a complete loss for what to say.
"Pyrrha, please, I really just wanna be alone right now…" She stopped looking at me then looked at the sky, her head resting against the wall.
"Okay, I'll go without you…" Everything within me screamed to help her somehow but I knew I couldn't do anything for her, so I did as was told and went into Beacon Tower without her. My chest was threatening to constrict itself, but I had to put aside my guilt before I spoke to Professor Ozpin, so I used the elevator ride to remember why I was here – to report Neo's injury.
The doors soon opened, and I was greeted by the headmaster's office.
"Hello, Miss Nikos." Professor Ozpin was stand by the glass doors to the balcony behind his office with a Beacon Academy mug.
"Good morning Professor. Enjoying the view?" I faked a smile, still thinking about Ruby crying.
The headmaster chuckled. "Indeed I am. Definitely, a nice distraction when I'm swamped with work. In any case, that not terribly important. What brings you to my office today?"
"There's been another combat class accident, sir…"
Ozpin raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"
"Yes sir. Yang accidentally burned Neo's hand with her semblance."
"And I assume Professor Goodwitch has taken her to Professor Peach?"
"Yes, professor. Weiss and Yang are also there. I was sent to report."
The headmaster sighed into his chair and rested his head on his hands before looking back at me. "Miss Nikos, please inform your team leader – once she is assured to be okay – that I would like to see her."
"Yes, Professor Ozpin."
"Alright, well then, if that is all, then I will let you return to whatever seems to be bothering you."
The fact that the professor noticed took me aback slightly and was unsure how to respond.
"I can only assume it relates to this burning incident."
"Um, yes, sir."
"Communication is generally the way to go when you are unsure of what to do."
"Thank you, Professor."
"Best be on your way, Miss Nikos."
With that, I went back into the elevator. As the doors closed the headmaster gave me a dry smile.
Weiss' POV:
"I've only seen a few semblances have such a negative effect on their user." Professor Peach mused, writing notes as she examined Yang.
I arrived at Professor Peach's office in silence to see the rest of my team, Professor Goodwitch and, of course, Professor Peach, but Ruby was nowhere to be found.
"Ah, Miss Nikos, what did Professor Ozpin say?" Miss Goodwitch inquired.
"And where's Ruby?" Yang asked
"She vanished without warning." Pyrrha seemed ashamed by her answer to the blonde's question.
"What?" Yang jolted up with some resistance.
"Lie down, Xiao Long." I reprimanded, knowing she was still recovering
"Can you not piss me off right after I've cooled off?"
"Miss Xiao Long!"
"Why is–!"
Yang, please can it.
We all looked at Neo incredulously. Her dominant hand had been burnt so I don't think any of us expected her to actually be able to type that fast. The girl in question rolled her eye and typed again with her other hand. It was much slower than usual, making her remark all the more surprising.
Eventually, her message came through, after a minute or two. What? It's not like bot hands got hurt. Ice Queen's cold, but she wouldn't give me frostbite. And anyways, I wanted to send the message when Yang started picking a fight again, but I was too slow, so I just waited for her to keep fighting.
I snorted. 'Makes sense…'
"In any case, what did Professor Ozpin say, Miss Nikos?" Professor Goodwitch repeated her initial question.
"Oh, sorry. He said that he would like to speak to Neo once she has recovered."
We looked to Neo for a response. I can see him now. It's not like Yang burnt my arm. I'll take her with me while Weiss and Pyrrha go back to class.
"I'm afraid Miss Xiao Long may take a while to recover from her burns." Professor Peach informed.
"If I may ask, how did Yang get burned?" Pyrrha asked, confused.
"Right, you had just walked in as I was explaining this." She turned to Yang, who I then realised only had a bra sport on. She had burns on her chest and her arms. "Part of Miss Xiao Long's semblance is a sort of emotional manifester. When angered or stressed, her body temper rises beyond what is normal allowed by the human body and uses that to fuel her strikes. However, just because she's able to reach ludicrous temperatures doesn't mean her body can actually sustain it. Her body can only take so much heat before the flames she generates start burning her. She is, however, able to recover from burn damage much quicker than what is normal as a result, but that will require large amounts of aura."
Then I'll wait for her to heal, take a nap and then we go together.
"Miss Neopolitan, why are you so insistent on going with Miss Xiao Long?"
Clearly, she's not in the right headspace to talk to Ruby, so I just wanna sort her out before they talk. Pyrrha's got Goof Charming to worry about so I'm hoping Weiss will help her with that. Divide and Conquer. Neo added a shrug as the Penny voice app said: 'Divide and Conquer.'
Pyrrha, Yang, and I at Neo surprised, while the professors smiled.
"Perhaps you and Miss Xiao Long would've been a better first match against team CRDL." Professor Goodwitch complimented.
Neo smiled back and started bowing a few times before accidentally touched her burnt hand and squeaking. Everyone laughed, albeit Professor Goodwitch.
"Alright. Then Miss Nikos and Miss Schnee will go to class and Miss Xiao Long and Miss Neopolitan shall stay, then go to Professor."
"How long do you think it'll take Yang to heal her burns?" Pyrrha asked.
"I'd say by late evening if she spends the day focusing her Aura to heal it."
"Then we'll visit you after classes are done for the day." I smiled.
Yang gasped. "It smiles…"
"Don't be a pest." I sneered.
"Alright, girls, you best be on your way. Professor Oobleck generally doesn't accept tardiness, every with an excuse." Professor Peach intercepted.
"Right, sorry. We'll be off. C'mon Weiss." Pyrrha placed a hand on my shoulder and with that, we headed out. "Get well soon both of you."
"Now which of you can tell me what is widely believed to be the turning point during the third year of the war?"
I knocked on the door as Pyrrha and I enter the class.
"Ah, yes. Miss Nikos, Miss Schnee. Glad you've finally decided to show up to my class."
"Sorry sir, we had to deal with the incident in the previous lesson."
"Yes, I've heard from the other students. Sit down."
"Of course, Sir." Pyrrha and I both made our way to our seats. I realised Ruby was there sitting next away from her team, so I decided to sit next to her. "Oh, and to answer your question, the turning point was the battle at Fort Castle."
The Professor sipped his coffee, a smile creeping onto his face, "Exactly! And who can tell me the advantage the Faunus had over General Lagoon's forces?"
"Hey!" All eyes turned to see that Jaune had just snapped awake. Professor Oobleck, however, seemed oblivious to that and rushed towards the blond.
"Ah, Mr. Arc! Finally contributing to class! This is excellent, just excellent! Now tell me, what is the answer?"
Jaune blinked, clearly flustered by the question.
Pyrrha tried to get the boys attention as he stumbled for the answer.
"Um...the answer? The advantage the Faunus had was..." the blonde slowly spoke, as he noticed Pyrrha. The redhead pointed at her eyes and made circles over them, hoping her friend got the hint. Unfortunately for her...
"Binoculars!" The blonde declared. Professor Oobleck sipped his coffee, as Pyrrha couldn't help but facepalm. Jaune seemed to realize his mistake and he slouched in his seat.
"Very funny Mr. Arc," Oobleck zoomed back to his desk, turn his attention to Cardin, who had woken Jaune up. "Cardin, perhaps you would like to share your thoughts on the subject?"
"Well, I know it's a lot easier to train an animal than a soldier," Cardin replied.
"You're not the most open-minded of people, are you, Cardin." Pyrrha almost sneered.
"What, you got a problem?" Cardin sneered.
"Nope, I have the answer," she began as she turned to Oobleck. "It's night vision. Many faunus are known to have near perfect sight in the dark."
Cardin said nothing but growled from annoyance.
"General Lagune was inexperienced and made the mistake of trying to ambush the Faunus in their sleep. His massive army was outmatched, and the general was captured." I happily picked where my partner left off, then turned to Cardin with a justified smug look. "Perhaps if he'd paid attention in class, he wouldn't have been remembered as such a failure."
Cardin got up from his seat, fist clenched. "You wanna g–"
"Mr. Winchester! Please take your seat." Professor Oobleck reprimanded. Jaune giggle at his bully's embarrassment but was cut short when the professor zoomed up to him. "You and Mr. Arc can both see me after class for additional readings."
"Aww..." Jaune's shoulders slumped as the professor took yet another sip of his coffee.
Oobleck zoomed back to his desk. "Moving on!"
I turned my attention to Yang's sister next to me, having already pre-studied this section. Her eyes were slightly puffy, and her nose was a little pink.
"Ruby, are you okay?" I asked, keeping my voice low so as to not disturb the professor
She gave a light sighed. "I'm fine."
"As if." I scoffed.
"Look Weiss, I appreciate you looking out for me, but seriously, I'm okay."
"You know, it's alright to–"
"Miss Schnee, it's enough that you come to class late, but now you're disrupting Miss Rose from learning!" The professor reprimanded, having zoomed next to me without me realising.
I swallowed my frustration and lowered my head. "I'm terribly sorry, Professor. It won't happen again."
"That's Doctor. And I hope you keep to your apologies, since this is the second time you've apologised for this lesson."
"Of course, Professor."
"Doctor."
"Right, Doctor Oobleck."
"Just because you know the subject matter, does not mean there isn't something to be learnt about it."
"Yes, Sir."
I was irritated that I got reprimanded for trying to help Ruby, but complied, nonetheless.
As we left class, Pyrrha slowly stalked behind us before stopping outside.
"I'll see you guys, I'll wait for Jaune." Pyrrha smiled.
"Pyrrha, it's my fault he's in such a bad mood in the first place, I should–"
Before the smaller girl in red could finish, I dragged her away by the hood. "Go talk to him, I've got her."
"Hey! Let go!" Red protested as we went around the corridor.
"You can apologise later, let's leave her with Goof Charming."
"Huh?" The girl looked at me confused and annoyed.
"Nevermind. Let's just leave them together. Yang's been asking for you anyways so let's go see her after diner."
Red seemed conflicted but soon obliged.
'This is definitely going to be a tough year for her.'I thought to myself, remembering my first year at Atlas Primary.
Yang's POV:
"Alright Miss Xiao Long, as you ready?" Professor Peach after Weiss and Pyrrha left for Oobleck's class.
"Yeah." I started focusing on amplifying my aura to heal the burns all around my body and
Is this the first time you've burnt yourself or the first time you've burnt yourself this bad? I heard Neo through the Penny voice.
I initially ignored her to focus on healing my burns, but when the answer came, I sigh and pause my focus. "I've burnt myself like this before, it's just been a while." I replied and after hearing nothing else from Neo, went back to trying to heal myself.
"Miss Xiao –"
"Just Yang's fine, Professor." I corrected through my teeth.
"Right." She smiled. "Are you alright? You seem to be having a hard time focusing your aura."
"I think it's just pain from the burns."
You should've waited for the pain killers to kick in.
"Yeah." The pain killers had already kicked in but being reminded of the last few times I've burned myself this badly, however, was making it hard to concentrate.
Professor Peach, would you mind giving the room to ourselves?
"That's doable. I, in any case, have a class to teach and I share a lecture hall with Professor Port, so I have to make sure he doesn't go overtime with 2nd years."
Yang chuckled. "Does he always brag about when he was a kid?"
Professor Peach rolled her eyes and left. "He never stops."
I looked to Neo, unamused. "Any reason you wanted to be alone together?"
What's up with you and Weiss?
"Oh." I paused for a bit, trying to decide whether to tell her or not. Eventually, I sighed and looked at the ceiling. "When Ruby and I were kids, our mom – Summer – died and our dad kind shut down. He's gone back to being himself since, but I learned the reason why he was so shaken by it was because Summer wasn't the first love he lost. She was the second. The first was my mom – Raven. Determined to find out why she left, I looked around for answers. Eventually found a lead, so one day, when my dad was out, I put Ruby in a wagon and headed out. I must've walked for hours. I had cuts and bruises, I was totally exhausted, but I wasn't gonna let anything stop me. When we finally got there, I could barely stand, but I didn't care; I had made it. And then I saw them…" In the shadows of that worn-down house I had come all that way to find, "Those burning red eyes…" I was never "There we were: A toddler sleeping in the back of a wagon and a stupid girl too exhausted to even cry for help. We might as well have been served on a silver platter. But, as luck would have it, our uncle showed up just in time."
You put your sister in a wagon instead of leaving her at home?
"Seriously?" 'Why'd I even bother.' I sighed and looked at the ceiling. "My stubbornness should've gotten us killed that night."
Why'd you bring Ruby along?
"I don't know! I was a stupid kid and did something stupid, alright?!"
Simmer down. I'm just asking.
Feeling my burns flare up again, I bit my thumb took a couple deep breaths. "It doesn't matter what I thought, that thought almost killed us."
What. Did. You. Think?
"I thought my mom could be a replacement for Summer, okay?! There, I said it!" I screamed and I could feel my voice getting hoarse.
What's wrong with that?
"The ends don't justify the means Neo!"
I never said that, but it's not like you wanted to make Ruby Grimm food. You can't beat yourself up for wanting to give yourself and Ruby a mom. You did it in a dumb way, sure, but the intention wasn't anything to feel guilty.
"Well, news flash for you, that didn't work out."
Look, all I'm saying is that you were still trying to look out for your sister, which I think makes a good sister, regardless of whatever you might think.
I eventually just scream in frustration and yanked the covers over my head as I turn away from her.
Have you ever talked to Ruby about what happened?
I couldn't bring myself to answer and just stayed under the covers, fighting the urge to cry.
I heard movement from Neo's bed and soon Neo was sat on my bed with a huff.
Y'know, I think it'd do you a lots good. The Penny voice app errored. Oh sure, you can swear but you can't say 'a lot of' in slang. Anyways, I had a similar grim encounter and I think 'he' still blames himself to this day, but I also think that having spoken with him about it helped him manage his demons a little better…
PS. I know I'm doing a shit job of comforting you, just don't burn me again.
I snorted. 'She's trying, I guess.'
Progress! Neo applauded. Should I grab us supper? I can message Weiss and Pyrrha to see if they're heading to supper after class. Let's see what they're serving.
I ignored her but took the covers off my head and turned around to watch Neo's scroll. I was still burning up, but I wasn't angry, just conflicted.
While she waited for a response, for either me or the other two, she pulled up solitaire on her scroll.
How the hell would I talk about this with Ruby? I thought as I watch the team leader play.
I'm gonna put a pillow over your face one of these days…! In any case, yes, I'm going to lunch with Ruby before we come to visit the both of you, so I'll let you know what's there. Leave that room and I'm suffocating you in the med bay. Neo played what I assumed to be Weiss' response.
I chuckled feeling my body cooling slowly. "She's oddly caring for someone so uptight."
Right? What's up with that?
"I think she likes being called Ice Queen."
Neo cocked an eyebrow. The murder threat says otherwise.
"Hear me out." I sat up, with a lot of resistance. "If she's like this, imagine her family."
I'd be surprised if the Schnee Mansion wasn't an ice sculpture at this point.
"Exactly. So maybe she's not used to getting a nickname."
It's not exactly a flattering one.
"I've called Ruby worse. And besides, I'm starting to like her as is."
I highly doubt that, but in any case, that my friend, is what we call Stockholm syndrome.
I sighed. "I don't hate her, it's just a 'me' problem."
I still doubt, but whatever.
"Also, since when are we friends?" I asked, a little surprised that she actually liked anyone in the school.
Since I forgave you for burning my hand.
"Are you ever gonna let me live this down?"
Not a chance, smould-ilocks.
"A woman after my own heart." I pretended to swoon.
You feeling calm now?
"It'll bother me for a while, but yeah."
She snorted. Like it hasn't been bothering you before.
"Ture."
You wanna try healing up?
"Well, first let's–"
Neo held a finger up as she fiddled with her phone. Alright, we're at the cafeteria. It looks like they're serving lasagne. There's beef bolognaise or vegan.
"Huh. Speak of the devil and she shall respond."
Beef or vegan.
"Why chose when you can have both?"
I'm glad I'm not the only one who's starving.
"Well, we didn't eat much at lunch."
True. Neo responded to Weiss and leaned back on one hand. Alright, Weiss is picking up the lasagne for us.
"Cool." I sighed and went back to lying down. I closed my eyes and focused on healing my burns. After a few minutes of concentrating, I could feel my aura activate. The feeling always reminded me of Dad and Summer. It was warm but in a comforting way. I then focused my aura on the burns. I smiled as I remembered Summer's cookies and dad's bad puns. The days on Patch when Ruby and I would play in the back yard. And the stories mom told us.
She was definitely super mom.
Pyrrha's POV:
After a few minutes of waiting for Profess-Doctor Oobleck to finish with Jaune and Cardin, I saw something green and white, which I assumed to be Doctor Oobleck, zoomed past me and Jaune followed dejectedly. Cardin emerged from the class and shoved Jaune off his feet before laughing and strolling off.
"Ow!"
I quickly helped Jaune to his feet. "You know, I really will break his legs."
Jaune sighed.
"Jaune you can't just let him bully you, you have to–" I paused, remembering what Neo said earlier. "I have an idea! Here, come with me!" I grabbed Jaune by the arm and led him to the dormitory rooftops.
As we came out to the rooftop, were greeted with a clear view of the glowing green orbs in the central tower of Beacon.
"Pyrrha, I know I'm going through a hard time right now, but I'm not that depressed." Jaune chuckled as he looked over the edge of the roof. "I can always be a farmer or something..."
It took me a moment to understand what he meant, and I was horrified when it hit me. "N-n-no!" I rushed to push Jaune away from the edge. "That's not why I brought you up here! Jaune, I know you're having a difficult time in class and that you're still not the strongest of fighters, so... I want to help you!"
Jaune seemed put off by the offer. "Wh-what?"
"We can train up here after class where no one can bother us!" I elaborated.
"You think I need help?"
Dammit. "N-no! No, that's not what I meant."
"But you just said it."
I sighed. "Jaune, everybody needs a little push from time to time. I've been helping Weiss up here for the past. Getting help doesn't make you any different from the rest of us. You made it to Beacon! That speaks volumes of what you're capable of!"
Jaune turned away and lower his head and mumbled out: "You're wrong. I-I don't belong here."
What's going on with him? "That's a terrible thing to say! Of course, you do!"
Jaune turned back to me, angry. "No, I don't!" He stated curtly before sighing. I was at a loss for what to do or say. He turned his back to me and looked at the view. "I wasn't really accepted into Beacon..."
I frowned, confused. "Wh-what do you mean?"
"I mean I didn't go to combat school; I didn't pass any tests. I didn't earn my spot at this Academy!" He turned and looked me in the eye again. "I lied! I got my hands on some fake transcripts, and I lied!"
"What? But... why?"
"Cause this is always what I've wanted to be!" He declared. "My father, my grandfather, and his father before him were all warriors! They were all heroes! I wanted to be one, too. I was just never good enough."
Without any other ideas, I approached him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Then let me help you!"
"I don't want help!" Jaune suddenly shouted. "I don't want to be the damsel in distress! I want to be the hero!"
"Jaune, I–"
"I'm tired of being the lovable idiot, stuck in the tree while his friends fight for their lives! Don't you understand? If I can't do this on my own... then what good am I?"
I tried to reach out for his arm and console him, but he winced away.
"Just... leave me alone. Okay?"
I felt my heart in my throat. "If that's what you think is best..." I bowed my head and headed back to the dorm, closing the door behind me. I was greeted by an empty dorm, so I locked the room and cried against the door hoping no one would be coming back anytime soon.
My hopes were dashed, however, when I heard Ruby and Weiss in the hallway.
I ran to the bathroom to keep Weiss from seeing me cry and clean up my face. As I splashed my face with water, I heard Weiss enter.
"Hello…? I know I heard someone in here…"
"It's me. I just ran to the bathroom." I answered from the bathroom.
"Oh, thank goodness. I thought someone had snuck in. Ruby and I went to check in on Yang and Neo and give them dinner, but Yang had fallen asleep and was snoring louder than an Ursa can roar."
"That definitely sounds like Yang." I half-smiled as I came out of the bathroom. Weiss was sifting through her wardrobe and took a nightgown and towel.
"Fortunately, Yang's fully healed, and Neo's hand seems like it'll be okay, though she's staying in Professor Peach's office with Yang for the night, so it's just us."
"That's good to hear." I went to my wardrobe to get my sleepwear and change out of my combat gear.
"Hey, are you okay? You seem kinda off. Is Jaune okay? I mean all things considered."
"He's…" I wasn't sure how to answer.
"Jaune?"
"Well yes, but he's really struggling…"
"Well, I hope he knows that he's got a team and you to help him." She said leaning against the wall in the door.
I sighed and sat on the bed, defeated. "He won't… take my help."
"What?"
I threw my hands up in frustration. "He's so warped by his own guilt and failures that he won't even let me help him!" I was fighting the urge to let tears well up in her eyes, but I could hear and feel that my heart had stayed in my throat. "I don't want to help him improve out of pity or a sense of superiority! I just…" I put my face in my hands just cry, unable to say any more. Weiss sat down next to me and caressed my back.
She was quiet for the longest time before she eventually sighed. "I don't think it's something you can help him. He needs to prove to himself that he's meant to be a huntress. Everyone goes through that feeling. I sure even the great Pyrrha Nikos has had her doubts."
I chuckled and looked up at the Heiress.
"Sorry, I had to."
"No, it's okay. I definitely needed that, thank you." I sighed, letting my chest heaving and allowing my heart to return to my chest. "I just wish I could do something for him. He's definitely done more than enough. He did think up the plan to kill the deathstalker in the Emerald Forest."
"But he did get taken down several notches today, in combat class and in history with Professor Oobleck."
Of course. "And Cardin's bullying today. How had I not realised?"
"You can't expect yourself to pick up everything, you're only human."
"But still, I should've known…"
"We're all wired differently, Pyrrha. It's okay that you didn't pick it."
I sighed. "I think I'm going to just take a shower and sleep. Thank you, Weiss, for trying to comfort me."
Weiss made a face but didn't protest. "Alright, if that's what you want."
I grabbed a T-shirt and shorts from my wardrobe and went to the bathroom. I turned on the water and played with the temperature until was I happy with the heat. I then stripped down and sat in the shower, replaying the day through my head. Cardin tripping Jaune in the cafeteria, Jaune and Ruby in combat class, Ruby crying outside Beacon Tower, Jaune in Oobleck's class, and then on the roof.
The more I thought about each one, the worse I felt. Weiss was right – there's only so much I could've done – but that didn't help my growing guilt. I couldn't help but feel like I could've done something better for them. Hell, that I could've done something for them.
Great Job… you're a world-renowned fighter who can't help her friends…