Title: Arc's Crusade Continue
Rating: T for violence and swearing.
Disclaimer: RWBY belongs to Rooster Teeth. Diablo III belongs to Blizzard.
Warning: AU Crusader Jaune Arc. Violence, swearing.
Summary: Immediately after Malthael's painful death, there was a tear that lead to entirely different world. Diablo's soul fled into it, followed by a Crusader. Accidentally pushed by Imperius.
Chapter 9: Field Trip Suck!
"Today is not going to be a good day." Blake thought as she changed her uniform to her combat outfit. Actually, her SECOND combat outfit consisting of black hoodie with several white and purple rings on sleeves, black track pant with purple stripes, and pair of black running boots. Basically what civilian athletes would wear when traveling to sport event. Blake would wear all black and white but the stores didn't have any. At least, the sportswear was on sales which many first-year students took advantage of so they'll have something to wear. Suitable for Combat Setting course.
It didn't take too long for Blake and fellow first-years to realize how ill-suited their combat outfit in certain types of terrain. Mainly because of the 'obstacle courses' Instructor Arc came up (probably with aid of third- and fourth-years students and video games, but no evidence yet) and spotting many second-year students roaming around in their 'alternative' combat outfit.
As experienced by many students last year and before, the first-years already starting to hate doing laundry as it has gotten too bothersome to wash combat outfit every single day that even Weiss Schnee got tired of getting her expensive looking outfit and exposed legs dirty and got herself a gray-black theme tracksuit (since wearing white would make her stick out like a sore thumb) and pair of white-black running shoes. Running around in wedge or high heel without Aura as many girls and two guys learned is ill-advised and caused unnecessary harm to their feet and ankles. How is Instructor Arc turning terrain into freaking muddy and swamp with no sign of equipment or vehicle being used within short time frame? There has to be some sort of trick with Dust or his unknown semblance.
It is worth noting that two big footwear brands: Goodspeed and SprintZoom offering civilian and Hunter footwear made big sales when many first-years rushed into the stores in manner of piranha seeking food. It is also worth-noting that Combat Setting has been extended from originally two-weeks to now five-weeks, due to Prof. Port being on call by the Council for his expertise on Grimms. Why call Prof. Port when the Council already have dozen Grimm experts, nobody know. Well, saved for Headmaster Ozpin and faculty members but they're not telling anything other than 'focus on your studies and training' and 'Prof. Port has extensive knowledge on Grimms'.
Blake doesn't buy it and swore once she 'resolved' with Team Cardinal, she'll do investigation on it as well as the White Fang who has been strangely quiet lately. Perhaps Tukson could shed some light on what's going with White Fang? As for this whole thing with Prof. Port seem off to Blake, unsure where to start. But that will be for later, Blake decided, mystery can wait. Anyway back to present.
Behind her stood Ruby and Janna chatting something about weapons in Janna's favorite video game and how cool would it be cool if they're real. Like Blake, Ruby and Janna have their second combat outfit on with Ruby wearing dark red sport sweater wrapped by red cape, black sport pant, and same combat boots. Janna has navy blue track jacket with black and green trim patterns on upper portion, forest green sweat pant, and same shoes.
Meanwhile, Yang is currently doing her daily bathroom routine. Good Dust, how much hair supplies does that brawler need? Never in her life, Blake has ever met anyone crazy about their own hair and would even goes in berserk mode over loss of single strand of hair. Or in Sky Lark's case, spilling a chocolate pudding on Yang's hair.
"An unfortunate time to be Sky." Blake mused as she proceed to adjust her white jacket, "And unfortunately, it made Cardin more intolerable to deal with. I really need to do something about him and his team. To end this foolishness."
And to get Cardin delete blackmail material on Blake's and Jaune's conversation. For uncounted time, Blake cursed for not realizing the conversation took place near Team Cardinal's dorm. Close enough for Cardin to record word by word. Unfortunately, that included Blake being cat faunus. If the word about her being faunus and their conversation on Demons and mental stress get out, Blake's and Jaune's mentality and sanity will be questioned (in Blake's case, her background too). Being a Huntress-In-Training, Blake does not need to be viewed as a girl with mental issue and anti-human scheme by people. Especially by her team.
Despite no sign of sexual nature, it didn't stop Cardin from thinking there's some forbidden relationship between Blake and Jaune. Between a student and prof-ahem-INSTRUCTOR which is frowned upon by the society. Between human and faunus, not illegal in Vale City which doesn't mean anything to many anti-faunus racists and some anti-human racists (mainly White Fang). Thus, for almost five days, Cardin and his team have been making lewd gestures and jeers at Blake. Not even one time beat-down given by Yang and Janna in cafeteria deter Team Cardinal's effort when the blonde duo noticed.
"Fucking pigs. If Cardin make sucking gesture one more time, I will gut him and feed him to Grimms." Blake thought darkly, not realizing she gripping her hoodie's zipper tightly. Slightly shaking.
Ruby's voice snapped Blake out of her mind, "Blake? You ok there?" Blake could see her concerned look and relaxed her grips.
"Hmm? Oh...I'm fine. Just trying to zip up my hoodie." Blake replied, watching Ruby's concern shifting to beaming, "Oh yeah, I have that zipper problem too. Hate when it get stubborn to-"
"To zip it up, eh?" Yang suddenly spoke seemly out of nowhere, causing Ruby to yelp, "Ah-Yaaang! Stop sneaking on me! You know how much I don't like that!"
"Heh, I know I know. You told me that thousand times, Rubes." Yang has teasing grin before asking, "So, we ready to rock the world? Or should I say..."
"Don't do it, Yang." Ruby rolled her eyes, knowing what's coming.
"Rock the wood-"
"Annnnd I'm out." Ruby interrupted with Janna snickering and Yang pouting, "Oh come on! That was solid-"
Yang got interrupted when Team RABY heard someone knocking followed by Nora, "HEY! You gals still in there? Race you to the meeting spot-Bye slowpokes!"
"Wh-Nora, that's not we're-Nora!" Ren's voice said as all four members of Team RABY stared at each other for few seconds before rushing out of the room.
Later...Outside…
"This will not end as a good day." Jaune thought as he studied the first-year students, all geared up in their somewhat suitable outfit with their weapon. Good, they're all here because today will be different. Very different from what they've been doing for almost two weeks. Today, Combat Setting's late afternoon class will be going on field trip-damn that Ozpin and damn that witch Glynda whose excuse was 'I had to do paperwork'. Also, damn Ozpin for agreeing to let Prof. Port go to the Council. And here, Jaune thought Beacon was supposed to be independent or perhaps, he misunderstood the relationship between Beacon and the Council. Bloody politics, the Council should ask THEIR own Grimm experts or have dozen Hunters go out and kill off hundred Grimms, thin them out.
Never mind Jaune would rather do it himself, since his instinct screamed demons' doing. This way, less chance for possession of 'important' vessels. Just what are they up to, a Nephalem wondered, if the demons not planning to make use of Grimm horde to invade Vale City. No sign of Baal or his 'siblings' in Vale City, whenever Jaune goes on self-appointed patrol. They're learning, his mind said, masking their demonic presence within their borrowed vessel.
But no, Ozpin just have Qrow to do some scouting instead of Jaune, who is far more qualified to track down and kill the demons. And damn Ozpin for making sense for not sending him out and damn himself for agreeing. Though Jaune's not a fan of this waiting thing, he will wait, see, and take action as needed.
"Instructor?" called out a bright red hair girl in her gray-red tracksuit. Almost suitable suitable for Forever Fall Forest. Sadly, most of first-years bought ill-suited colored outfit that wouldn't aid them in hiding. Though, it make locating them easier.
"Yes..." Jaune paused, going through his memory, "...Nico."
Pyrrha's right eye barely twitched as she POLITELY inquired, "Those cases of empty jars next to you, are we doing...search and retrieve?" Privately, Pyrrha wondered why Instructor still get her name wrong on purpose. At first, she thought it was Instructor's 'subtle' way of telling students that they're all equal regardless of race, face, and social class. But after attending Combat Setting for almost two weeks, Pyrrha couldn't figure out whether to be annoyed or amused when it became clear that Instructor doing it for some sort of lesson with his eyes constantly showing disappointment while his face remained stoic. What lesson, Pyrrha couldn't exactly figure out, but assumed Instructor is exposing her and her peers to possible civilian's behavior with all those negative spotlights on Hunters. Specifically, Hunters vs rogue Hunters in city setting and collateral death and damage.
Or maybe Pyrrha is just thinking too deep and Instructor secretly just doing it for his inner entertainment. If he is, then he is an excellent actor with high control over his facial expression.
"That's right! Astute observation you have, Nikola." Jaune nodded to 'Fire Nico', bearing unsure expression. Unsure whether she has been complimented or insulted. Not minding her as it's not important, Jaune picked up one of the empty jars as he felt many students watching him.
With a jar in his hand and some pipe-drill stick thing, Jaune walked up to nearest tree before stabbing it with a pipe, twisting it, and held a jar under it. With purplish liquid dripping out of tree. Setting the jar down, Jaune turned around to address his class, "See what I just did? This is what you lot will be doing for our field trip! And yes, you are allowed to use your Aura-"
A Crusader spotted many students bearing relieved expression, "You can thank Professor Peach for this opportunity! As Peer-ha (Pyrrha's right eye twitched) said, consider this your very own Search and Retrieval exercise and you WILL be graded based on number of jars filled out and the color of sap. Although this is team assignment, you lot are not restricted strictly to your team. You are ENCOURAGED to work with different team or in mixed group. Or even in group of 2, 3, or however team configuration you want. Team grade will be average of team members' grade."
Jaune waited and felt pleased when not a single person complaining, it seems they're fast learner. Continuing, Jaune spoke, "Know this, not every tree will have sap available so be sure to check before you mindlessly stab it and Forever Fall Forest has plenty trees for you lot to try out. Now you heard your mission, you have exactly three hours to complete."
Jaune was about to let them go when he remembered something, "And one more thing! You're also expected to mark down any sighting of Grimms on your Scroll-" At this, Jaune mentally smirked when many students' face fell, "You can also thank Professor Goodwitch for THIS opportunity to make up today class, graded separately. She has already sent instruction to your Scroll. Moving on, Form your team or however you want and send one person to pick up twelve jars. ORDERLY. We're starting now."
"Oi Blakey!" Blake held back her irritation when she spotted Cardin walking toward with cocky smirk.
"Yes…Cardin?" Blake 'politely' greeted, privately wanting to rip Cardin's smirk off.
"Since our instructor encourage intra-team work, you wanna to work with us?" Cardin has fake friendly expression. Obvious to Blake and Team RABY.
Janna was about to say heck no when Blake unexpectedly answered right away, "Sure, let's work together." Addressing her teammates, "You girls don't mind if I work with 'friends', do you?"
Later...Forever Fall Forest…
"Work with friends, my as-" Yang cleared her throat upon seeing Ruby's stare, "My butts!" A blond brawler amended as she rammed her drill into a tree.
"Yeah," Janna nodded in agreement, "But did you see that glint in Blake's eyes?"
"Wh-huh? What glint?" Yang has confused look, same with Ruby.
"You didn't notice how Blake look at us?"
"Well..." Ruby began, but drawled off with Janna waiting, "...Not really, was too busy glaring at Cardin."
"Yang?" Janna look at Yang, who shrugged sheepishly, "What Ruby said."
Janna sighed, "Does anyone not watch Orderly Lawful Showdown show here?"
Ruby and Yang briefly stared at each other before snorting with Ruby sticking her drill into a tree, "Pfft, with that boring detective?"
"Yes, that bori-Oh never mind, I'll just tell you. Remind me to show you 3rd season tomorrow." Janna shook her head, "Anyway, Blake has this glint basically saying she got this and we should just trust her. And I bet she figured out how to make do away with Cardin and his cronies."
Ruby paused with a thoughtful look on her face before beaming, "I guess she got tired of us trying to get her accept our help and has been secretly planning to take care of Team Cardinal herself." Her beam turned into a frown as she muttered, "Would still be nice if she trust us and include us. I don't appreciate how they're treating Blake. I know Blake doesn't talk much, but she's still our teammate! She is one of us!"
"Agreed! I don't know why we're beating around the bush when we should be beating Cardinal boys up and end this whole nonsense against Blake." Yang added, remembering inappropriate gesture in cafeteria. Oh, how she and Janna pummeled Cardin and his teammates before Prof. Goodwitch showed up and assigned the blonde duo and Team Cardinal a detention for fighting outside sparring arena. All six students ended up cleaning the floor in Beacon's training hall under Prof. Goodwitch's supervision. Not a fun time.
"We should've sneak into their room and get some blackmail material on them last Saturday." Janna remarked, "They were off-campus that day, remember? Maybe do some little decorating with...I don't know, unicorn and stuff."
"...Janna?" Ruby called.
"Yeah?"
"You don't think Team Cardinal have blackmail stuff on Blake, do you? Yang?"
"Well...No idea, I mean...Sure, Blake is quiet and all." Janna has contemplative look, "It's not like she's a serial killer or anything like that."
"Can't imagine that," Yang remarked casually, "But seriously, it must be real serious blackmailing on Blake. Have you notice how Cardin and his stooges have been focusing on Blake?"
"Oh yeah! And don't forget those boys have been jerk to faunus." Ruby said, "Even on our first day of Academy!" Silver eyes girl pulled out her drill after filling up a jar, "Whatever Blake is being blackmailed-IF she is being blackmailed-" Ruby quickly added, "And I know we all agreed to give her space and not to be pushy, there's no reason for Blake face this alone."
Suddenly, Ruby stood up as she continued her speech in unexpectedly firm voice, "We don't know what kind of issues she has, what secret she has and for all we know, she could be faunus passing off as human or Atlas secret spy or cookie-stealing spaghetti experiment escaped from Atlas secret lab or even some ninja from different world set in different era with its own monsters-" At this, Janna awkwardly let out "Heh..."
"And you know what?" Ruby has firm expression.
"What?" Yang has interested look as it is rare for Ruby to be this engaging outside of weapons and cookies. Little awkward speech there, but she's improving. Though Ruby watched too many movies-oh wait, so did she.
"It doesn't matter. Because we're her teammates and what we're going to do is find her and do what we should've done earlier." Ruby has proud look on her face after ending her short speech, "And let's face it! I super doubt that Cardinal boys will do their work."
Both blond members paused to look at each other and at Ruby who stared back. All three girls proceed to ponder on Blake's behavior regarding Team Cardinal. More specifically toward Cardin from last Thursday to today. Thirty seconds later, Yang stood up with a jar almost half full in her hand with strangely serene smile, "You know, girls...I have feeling this whole field trip might be too much for Cardinal boys to handle. Wouldn't want them get...sapped." Her words oozed with sarcasm.
Janna stood up with equally serene smile, "What a coincidence. I have that feeling too, what about you Rubes?"
Smiling, Ruby merely shifted her weapon into scythe mode and held it on her shoulder, "Why, off course Jan. Let's find them and...refresh them." She held a jar full of sap. In return, Yang and Janna have jars in their hands.
Member R, A, and Y all beaming at each other before bearing serious mode. They're not going to wait for Blake to take care of Team Cardinal. Oh no, they're going to add their own plan in addition to...whatever Blake planning.
Unknown to Team RAY and not far from them, stood Blake who heard it all. She pressed her lips together as she processed her teammates' words about her. She felt guilty for all the effort her team put into making her feel like she belongs on Team RABY with their attempt to get her engaging in team activities (Ruby's words) and have been surprisingly understanding, Blake has been rather quiet and aloof. Maybe a team trip to Vale City tomorrow wouldn't be such a bad idea. The corners of her lips curved up before turning into a frown when Cardin growled, "You blew it, Blakey!"
"I think I humor them long enough." Blake decided, "No reason to keep hiding my cat ears from my team." Beside, it's not like Weiss Schnee is on her team which is a good thing in her opinion. Not that she has anything against Weiss for being Schnee, it's just that Weiss's personality leave a lot of desire. Same with Car-Actually, scratch that. Who is she kidding, Blake has a lot against Cardin with blackmailing and recently, trying to get her to throw a jar of sap at her team so they'll be soaked in sap and Cardin will signal his teammates to release the Rapier Wasps afterward. Why her team? Because Yang hit Cardin's face too hard while Janna insulted Team Cardinal's masculinity.
Furthermore, it felt silly to keep hiding cat cars from teammates who have shown no negative attitude toward faunus students for past three weeks. Oh, how Janna casually pulled that rabbit ears girl away from Cardin's grip to 'avoid missing exciting lunch meeting with friends' (excuse given by Janna). How Yang gave a high-five to Braun, an otter faunus whom Prof. Goodwitch paired with after getting good grade in 1-day group assignment in Grimm Studies. And how Ruby-
"You know what," Blake thought, "I'll tel-no, show them. As soon as I deal with them." Only to her team, though. Everybody else don't need to know.
Still holding a jar that has been shoved by Cardin, Blake turned around to face Team Cardinal with Cardin continuing with a sneer as he held his Scroll up, "How disappointing, Blakey. If you just do what I told you to do, your secret-Oft!" A jar shattered against his face, splashing sap. His Scroll flew out of his hand as Cardin fell backward. With spilled sap over his face and his jacket.
Before any of Team Cardinal members could react, Blake drew her weapon and rushed toward Dove who failed to react in just time to avoid getting kicked in face. Being quickest member of Cardinal, Russel pulled out his weapons and parried most of Blake's offense that halted when Sky swung his halberd.
Thanks to quick reaction, Blake jumped backward in air while Russel barely ducked in time. Unfortunately, Cardin got pissed and picked bad time to charge with "You filth-" and ended up getting whacked by Sky's halberd. Cardin's back slammed against the tree before falling against the ground.
At the same time, a duo of white armored Grimm bears chose to show up with growling and snarling, announcing their presence. Thanks to Prof. Goodwitch's teaching, Blake and boys could easily tell that those Grimms are of Major type. Ursa Major, to be specific. To make it worse, three regular Ursa showed up, trailing after their superiors.
"Not good. They must've smelled the sap on Cardin." Blake thought as she proceed to analyze the situation. It is fortunate she is not alone-
"GRAWRRR!" One of Ursa Majors roared, joined by other Grimms. Never mind, the cowards fled. Ditching her and their team leader, who just stood up with dazed look on his face. Not realizing that his teammates just abandoned him.
"Run!" Blake shouted as she ran toward dazed Cardin who let out "Huh?" before noticing five Grimms and was immediately dragged by collar into running. Seeing Cardin starting to run, Blake let go and run with all five Grimms pursuing.
Not even three minutes, Cardin tripped over an exposed root and shook his head before cursing himself for letting go of his mace. What is wrong with him? Hearing growling noise, Cardin turned his head and widened his eyes. One of Ursa Minors towered over him, readying to swipe his head of-
Cardin shut his eyes and heard couple gunshots, a stabbing sound, and roars from other Grimms.
"Get! Up!" Blake's voice snapped his eyes open to see an Ursa fell down back with Blake pulling her blade out.
"Wha-why-"
"No time!" Blake glared at him with still tired eyes, "More Grimms showed up! We're surrounded!" Sure enough, Cardin could see few more Ursi and Beowulves joining and have already surrounded them. "What? Where did they come from?" Cardin's mind frantically raced, trying to see how to get out of this-
"Up the tree!"
"Wh-"
"NOW!" Blake snapped harshly, causing Cardin to start climbing a rather thick sturdy tree after grabbing his mace in process. Probably sturdy enough to withstand two Ursa Majors' tackle. Blake continued to fire her weapon in gun mode at nearby Beowulves, killing three of them. Another Ursa Minor charged toward her side with intention of tackling her. Spotting incoming danger, Blake rolled to her side before slashing a charging Ursa's side. Not lethal enough to kill it, sadly.
Blake didn't has chance to kill that Ursa because she has to dodge two Beowulves' lunge.
BOOM!
Two Beowulves that just lunged? Got blown up. Along with other Beowulves and damaged a nearest Ursa Major's face, pissing it off more.
"Hey! I'm up here now!" Standing on a large branch, Cardin waved his mace with no sign of Dust in it while keeping his other hand on one of smaller branches for support. "Get up here!" It seems Cardin pulled Dust crystal out of his mace and primed it like a grenade.
"About time." Blake thought before she ran toward the tree that Cardin on and quickly climbed up. As soon as Blake got on her own branch, Cardin called, "Hey, you keep shooting and I'll do my best to whack them off."
"So you do have brain." Blake stated calmly, causing Cardin to glare at her, retorting, "Oi, there's a reason why I'm the team leader." His expression changed to serious, "Look-Let's just focus on defending ourselves."
"Agreed." Blake nodded before aiming her weapon in gun mode at a charging Ursa Major, trying to slow it down while Cardin bending his knees so his mace can reach any Beowulf or Ursa attempting to climb up. Strangely in Blake's opinion, it's rather funny that they're up on tree like two cats, surrounded by bunch of dogs. All jumping in their attempt to bite the cats' tail.
"GRUWRR!" An Ursa Major has reached to the tree and started to climb. Seeing this, Cardin held his mace until it's close enough for him to jab one of its eyes, "Down, damn you!" His mace managed to crushed an Ursa Major's eyeball. With another jabbing from his mace, it fell off the tree with its back crashing into the ground.
Second Ursa Major, not far from first one, stood on its legs and roared loudly. Presumably calling more Grimms. To Blake's and Cardin's horror, more Grimms showed up. Where's in freaking Remnant did they come from? Did the Grimms suddenly learn how to teleport or something?
"This is not good...Blake, do you have enough ammo to deal with...all of them?" Cardin asked only to receive an expected answer with Blake shaking her head 'no'. All melee then, Cardin thought as he and Blake held their weapon readied to keep the Grimms from reaching them. No more words exchanged between a human and a faunus. They must work together to stay alive.
Below them is a horde of thirty Grimms with Ursi, Beowulves, and Boarbatusks. All gathering around the tree with Beowulves and Ursi being relentless in their climbing attempt while Boarbatusks simply snorting and snarling. Waiting for one of Hunter trainees to fall off and get run over or mauled.
Together, Blake and Cardin managed to kill eight Beowulves, three Ursi, and one-eye Ursa Major before something unexpected happened. A blazing flying object flew in semi-circular path and upon impacting a standing Ursa Major, a loud violent explosion erupted. Killing it along with five unfortunate Grimms close to it.
Shaking her head to fight off ear-ringing, Blake barely heard Ruby's voice, "Get away from the tree, Grimms!" followed by several gunshots. Upon regaining her bearing, Blake spotted Ruby firing her weapon in sniper mode, supported by Janna's pistol, Ren's SMGs, and Weiss's Dusts while Yang worked along with Pyrrha and Nora. And Instructor next to them, crushing a spinning Boarbatusk with his flail.
"C-Cardin! We're here!" Sky called out. Oh, it seems the cowards have returned and could be seen offering close combat support.
"RARRRR!"
"On guard, everybody! Blake! Car-Ding! Get down and behind us! More Grimms coming!" Instructor Arc barked as he held his empty hand up and caught his...shield before going into combat stance.
"What? How-Where did that came from?" Blake shook her head. No time to ponder as she and Cardin got down on the ground before running behind Instructor and melee line of students.
"Alright, start running! Melee on sides, gunners in middle! I'll be rearguard! To extraction zone! Follow Ruby's and Ren's lead!" Instructor barked with the latter one being for Blake's and Cardin's benefit. And so, a group of students proceed to run with those with range occasionally turning to shoot down some Grimms far out of Instructor's reach.
Running to extraction zone in group with bloodthirsty Grimms is chaotic. But everybody managed to reach extraction zone where a single Bullhead already landing. Instructor Arc waited until everybody on board before boarding it himself. Afterward, a Bullhead proceed to go up with Nora firing few more grenades at angry horde of Grimms.
Sitting to catch her breath, Blake found herself being questioned by her teammates on her health with concern. With so many people on board, It felt cramped with few of them having to stand up in middle. Blake held her hand to get them to stop, "I'm alright, I'm fine...Just let me catch my breath."
"You sure?" Ruby asked.
"Yes..." Blake gave her a faint smile, "I'm sure." Before noticing Instructor making his way to Team RABY and CRDL, "Blake and Carder."
Cardin flashed 'Are you kidding me' look which got ignored as Instructor goes, "In case you have not been told, there will be no grade. You two are fortunate that team CRDL came running for..." Instructor's blue eyes laid onto Russel, Sky, and Dove who all squirmed before looking back between Cardin and Blake, "help. Which I believed we'll be doing more...teamwork exercises for next week..."
Instructor took few steps toward the cockpit before adding, "Recommend you lots head to infirmary once we get back on campus."
Later...Outside infirmary…
Team RABY could be seen walking out of infirmary after the nurse determined them to be of good health, though she has stated Blake need to sleep 8 hours or so.
"Hey gals!" Nora, being first to spot RABY girls, called out with her teammates coming toward them and greeted them. In their own way with Ren nodding, Pyrrha politely smiling, and Weiss just being less Schnee. As in not saying anything and just gave an acknowledged nod. Out of all, a white hair girl isn't exactly on friendly term with team RABY while Nora and Pyrrha seem to taking shine to Ruby, Janna, and Yang with Ren being cordial to whole RABY.
"Well? What did the nurse say?" Nora impatiently asked which Yang responded, "We're all healthy as we can be. Why, in hurry to get your butt kicked in rematch?" Yang has confident grin which Nora took it as a challenge.
"Glad to hear-" Suddenly, both teams felt the floor-no, Beacon Academy began to shake and have to grab something to hold on as not to fall or bump into each other. The groundquake lasted twelve seconds before stopping.
Having composing herself, Janna spoke, "What was that?"
Somewhere outside Forever Fall Forest…
Jaune stood up stoically after slamming his flail down. In front of him is a scene of destruction with large volume of black smoke slowly dissipating in air. After team RABY, LNPS, and CRDL got off the Bullhead, Jaune had pilot to fly him back to Forever Fall Forest but to different location. Where Ozpin and Glynda waiting.
Ozpin had nodded to Glynda who proceed to distract Bullhead pilot while Jaune got himself in position. Channeling his Zakarum faith, Jaune slamming the bottom end of his flail against the ground and three rays of destructive brilliant colored light came down. Due to amount of power Jaune pour into, the Heaven's Furies caused a brief groundshake.
Ozpin stood next to Jaune, observing scorched zone with impassive expression before finally speaking, "We will continue to give our usual answer to the Council."
"They were led deliberately." said a Crusader without looking at an immortal wizard.
"Did you see who?"
"No, but I know two of them were there."
"Hmm..." Ozpin took a sip of his drink, "That was very risky of you to take children with you to re-"
"They volunteered." Jaune interrupted without looking apologetic, "And all of us got out." Though, he made mental note to make certain part of next week exercise more...obvious to Team CRDL. Abandoning their leader. How fortunate this is Remnant, not Sanctuary. For those three boys would be hunted down and be given a traitor death.
"Glynda will not like your answer, Jaune."
"That is her issue." Jaune's short response.
"...I believed the Grimms have been sufficiently eliminated. Let's us return to the campus. I will inform the Council."
Somewhere in Vale City…
"What was that?" a White Fang grunt with pig ears asked his faunus brother, who's currently driving a white van with generic roof cleaning service logo on its side.
"Don't know, don't think Vale City ever has a groundquake like that."
"Not common here?" asked a pig faunus, having moved from Vacuo last week for 'job opportunity'.
"Nah, though Vale City has been experiencing some weird shits lately."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah, with Dust-damn mountain blowing up and bunch of nutcases-"
"I believed," A hoarse male voice spoke from backseat, "I asked for silence. Or do I need to help you understand the definition of silence?"
Both White Fang grunts shut their mouth as a weasel faunus continued to steer a white van. Better not piss off Brother Adam, who got out of hospital last week as a changed man. It is said that Brother Adam and his group encountered an extremely dangerous, but unknown MONSTER who managed to kill majority of his group and the survivors were mostly left for dead. Saved for one who supposedly managed to escape. For reason unknown to many, it is ill-advised to do anything related to fire in his presence. And not to say anything about MONSTER being imaginary. Lest, they want to find themselves with Adam's sword in their stomach.
In backseat, Adam silently watched through thin-line visor of his white helmet covering his head completely with red colored White Fang symbol on front, painted by his blood. As in way of swearing an oath. That MONSTER will DIE.
A/N: Yes, everybody wore secondary outfit-jacket, hoodie, track pant, sweat pant, running shoes, etc. Basically, Nike, Reebok, and such. Simply easy to wash, compared to 'regular' combat outfit. First-year students were expecting field trip to be as filthy as Combat Setting whose sole purpose seem to make teenagers miserable and miserably dirty.
So yeah, Blake took Jaune's place to get blackmailed by Cardin over her faunus heritage and her (and Jaune's) mental state.