Hello and welcome back. No beta this week because it already took me longer than I wanted do to work. Enough about that though, thank you as always for reading, following, and liking ABO. This week I recommend A Game of Hearts by ImSoAwesome. Really cool story that explores emotion in a battle focused manner. If it's not your cup of tea read Tournament Arc if you haven't Beacon take on UA sports festival, the action is inspired. AN after omake.
Chapter 9
"That's the buzzer, this match is a draw," says Ms. Faunt.
Sage Ayana and Jaune Arc shake hands after the harrowing match, both showing clear signs of a difficult fight. "Mr. Ayana, you have improved, the addition of the half sword techniques has greatly expanded your skill set during combat. You still need work with those techniques and it is a must that you improve the fluidity of switching between them and your original style."
"Also make sure that you continue to improve you hand to hand. It is nice that you are expanding but don't forget to build on the foundation you've made, improving your hand to hand may give you insight into more fluid motions for switching," states the faunus teacher.
"Thank you, ma'am," answers the green haired boy.
"Now Mr. Arc, your strategy going into this fight was much better constructed than the last time you fought Mr. Ayana. You clearly had more ways to go against his semblance and even seemed to account for his growth in his new style, but make no mistake you were able to do this because you had prior experience with him."
"This will not always be the case, keep that in mind. Putting that aside you do need to work on your spear techniques, they have improved be leaps and bounds from before. I recommend incorporating more flourishes into you style," continues the buffalo faunus.
"How would that help?" asks the blonde spear wielder.
"Take Mr. Wukong for example, he is a primary example of how proper flourishes can assist in combat. They can be used as transitions, distractions, and to create some small distances, but don't add to many. There is a time a place to use it, to many and you are just being flashy, too little and they won't serve their purpose."
"There is more I could say about your performances but part of learning is figuring some things out for yourself. Please review how you fight today and think about ways to improve," finishes the faunus teacher. The boys return to their teams and get small notes on their bout, but soon Ms. Faunt speaks up again.
"That was the last fight for today, I'm glad to see you all taking this seriously. Many of you are going to participate in the student exchange after this semester, so I must remind you to listen to the Beacon staff. For those of you who are staying a little longer know that you will receive extra attention because of the smaller classes."
"Speaking of the end of the semester, your final this year is rather inspired," says the faunus woman while pulling up a presentation on a projector. "The headmaster seems to be inspired by a trial faced by some of your peers, it will be survival themed. You will be given a starting point and be expected to traverse Anima to your designated destination. It has been set so that is should take you around 5 to 7 days to reach your goal. Once there you will patrol for Grimm for 2 days, and after you are free to start your break. Yes Mr. Vasilias?"
"Doesn't that mean if we finish faster, we can have a longer break?" asks the blue intellectual.
"Correct, but you must make sure to report to Beacon by the check in date. You will be reporting back to us via scroll every 2 days so we know your progress. Once you complete your assignment you are free to do what you want after the final report."
"You will be graded based on you pacing and condition upon arrival at the settlements that will be your destinations. We will also be using the job reports from the settlement leaders. This will let us judge your professionalism and how you handle the responsibilities of being a hunter. If you have questions, please feel free to ask," she closes out the assignment information as the bell signals the end of class.
Team AACC is getting ready to leave the classroom when their leader suddenly stops. "What's up man?" ask Cardin, "why'd you stop?"
Without answering his teammate question, Jaune turns around and walk back down to the teacher. "Mr. Arc how can I help you?" questions the teacher.
"Can I have the name of the settlement we are traveling to? I want to scout out our route and plan for any weather changes that may come up," asks the blonde knightly archer
Smiling at the young huntsman-in-training, "Of course Mr. Arc," pulling up a display, the faces of the team leaders are shown. The white circle around Jaune's face soon turns green, the faunus teacher then swipes her hand and a list of the teams is displayed.
She taps team AACC, "You will be traveling to one of the mountainous settlements, it goes by the name Donguri," pulling up a map of Anima she points at the northern mountain chain, and the image zooms to show a dot on the second mountain. With a wave of her hand, the map disappears and as if responding to her action Jaune's scroll goes off.
"There is your information, make sure you prepare properly."
"Thank you, Ms. Faunt," the blonde says making his way over to his team. Holding up his scroll, the blonde shows his team the name of their destination, "Got the information, let's go do some research and probably grab some cold weather clothes."
"How did you know to ask her about where we are going?" asks Reese
"I think it was what she said to us at the end of my fight with Sage, she said that we have to figure out some things by ourselves. She kind of discouraged us from asking her questions, but at the end of the assignment explanation, she also said we were free to ask her questions. Plus, she never said when we would receive the information, most people probably assumed it would be the day of the assignment."
"Oh I get it. She misdirected us, but why?"
"Probably a test for the leaders. It's one of our responsibilities. We are in charge of the mission specifics and all that."
"So, are you gonna tell the others?" asks Cardin
"She said I can't, they need to take the initiative to get the information."
As if summoned by the statement team SSSN came back through the door. Neptune seeing team AACC still in the room points at Jaune, "See I told you there was a catch, otherwise why would they still be here?"
"Chill Nep," Sun calms his best friend. "So, I'm guessing we missed something?"
Jaune shrugs and Arslan speaks up, "Figure it out yourself," and the monkey faunus looks at Cardin who shrugs like his leader. Finally, he looks at Reese and sees her sporting a massive smile that screams I know something you don't.
"Ok Nep you're right, let's go talk to teach. Thanks Reese," team SSSN passes by with a "See you later."
Watching them go Cardin looks down at Reese, "No secret is safe with you."
"What!? I didn't even say anything." she protests.
Snorting Cardin responds, "Don't think you had to, your face said it all."
Jaune catches everybody's attention, "We should probably head down into Mistral," his scroll goes off stopping him from elaborating on their plans, and with a quick glance he changes what he was saying. "After I finish my training with Cinder."
"I don't think you should be getting help from that girl anymore," Arslan says
"What why?"
"Well, aren't she and her team entering the Vytal Festival tournament?"
"Yea, and?" ask the puzzled blonde boy.
"She could be trying to gather information about our team."
"Naw, I don't think she's trying that. She just offered to help because we both use a bow."
"We could help you improve at this point; you've got the form down. We still need to get used to some of the team attacks where you use it."
Maybe she is right, at this point it's more about making the style my own. "I'll talk to her and tell her I'll be getting help from you guys. Hopefully we can make the style my own, but I'll still work with her today. And I'll probably ask her for advice on occasion."
"Are you baking for her again?" ask the ginger knight out of nowhere.
"Naw, but if she asks I might," responds the blonde archer, "When she does, she asks for a lot, so I might need your help again. Alright I'll see you guys in a couple of hours, and then we can head to Mistral."
Crashing waves sound out, causing Jaune to pause and Reese pulls out her scroll. Answering she speaks into it for around a minute before hanging up, "That was Neptune," everyone gives her a flat look. "What he picked the ring tone. Anyway, he asked about our destination, and it turns out they are heading in the say direction. Asked if it was cool if we shopped together, I told him yea."
"Ok, well then I'll meet you guys in front of the statue in the main hall in 2 hours," with those parting words Jaune runs off.
"That was smooth, real subtle," says the nymph to the lioness.
Shooting her teammate a sideways glance, "Don't know what you think that was but I was just making sure he doesn't end up spilling information to a competitor."
"Uh huh, because I'm sure he would go around talking about all the plans he makes up on the fly," Cardin chimes in.
"He could talk to her about our team attacks," fire back the lioness
"You mean the ones you just said weren't really complete, when it involves his bow? Cause I don't really see him doing that, maybe if it was little Red, but I don't think they are that close."
Reese's eyes light up while looking at Arslan, "Did you just sigh in relief?"
"No, since we have some time, I think I will do some solo training," Arslan begins to head off in a similar direction as the other blonde.
"Going to work on your throwing?" Reese questions with a shit eating grin.
Turning around, the blonde girl walks past her teammates towards the sparing arena, "Nope I'm going to work on crowds of enemies."
After the blonde lioness leaves ear shot, "Little Green, ever heard the phrase don't poke the sleeping bear, or lion in this case," asks the ginger knight.
"No, what's it mean?" questions the greennette.
"You'll find out, and when you do I want to be there."
"Gonna protect my like the big brave knight you are?" she laughs
"Nope, just gonna let nature run its course."
Snorting she responds, "I know you would save me. Now come on," she reaches out and starts pulling him. "You can make me a snack as payment for the last game of tag," rolling his eyes the ginger knight allows himself to be pulled along.
"Thanks for all of your help Cinder," voicing his thanks Jaune sucks in some heavy breaths. "You've really done a lot for me with these lessons on archery."
"Not a problem, I'm more than happy to help," says the ravenette while sitting on one of the cover constructs with her legs crossed. "Plus, it allows me to get closer to you."
At this Jaune blushes a little, before shaking his head. She isn't interested in me, like Arslan said she probably just wants some info on the team for the tournament, since Arslan is a tourney vet. "If that's all you wanted you should've asked," he jokes around.
"I will keep that in mind, next time I want something from you," she purrs. "Speaking of you, you never did tell me why you transferred over here from Beacon."
Scratching the back of his head and laughing, "It's not really something I want to share."
"I see," she narrows her eyes while Jaune isn't paying attention. "Not even for me?" her sultry tone spills out.
"Sorry, I don't want you to think I'm ungrateful, but I just don't want to talk about it," this time his face is set in flat look, his usual smile missing.
With fake sincerity on her face Cinder goes on, "Sorry I didn't mean to pry, it just piqued my interest, and I thought we were close enough that you would tell me."
"You've helped me a lot, but I don't think we are that close, sorry," he walks out to the droids and begins to pull his arrows free. "Anyway, I think this will be our last session, you've given me a great base and there are a few things I would like to try on my own. I'll bake you anything you ask as thanks for all of your help," he shoots her his regular smile.
"I actually agree with that, you've built up enough skills with the bow for your own fighting style. Still feel free to ask me any questions if you get stuck on something," hopping down she walks up as he pulls out the last of his arrows and places a hand on his cheek. "As for dessert," tapping his cheek and sauntering away, "Something chocolate will suffice."
That was kind of weird. This isn't the first time she's asked about me, maybe I was to guarded. No last time I put my trust in someone like that Pyrrha turned on me, but I can't live my life doubting people. Mom always says strangers are just friends you haven't met yet, I guess I have to apologize to Cinder another time.
The members of team SSSN flash through his mind, him and Cardin actually having gotten closer to the team, even with the bit of tension from Cardin and Sun's small falling out. I think it's about time I let team SSSN know about my transcripts, they seem like a cool group of guys. Plus, I'm not risking my place here since I've got real transcripts from Beacon now.
Looking at the display, he realizes he has to about 5 mins to make it to the meeting spot in front of that naked statue. Making his way to the locker room he deposits his shield and spear, making sure to keep his arrowhead pouch on his right leg. Time to pick up some more arrows, maybe even ask for a few new ones. He takes off running across campus dodging people and saying hi to a few people along the way.
Approaching the statue, he sees a large group waiting around, it's made up of his team and team SSSN. As he gets closer, he here Neptune, "I'm just saying she is kind of hot."
"I don't think anyone is disagreeing with you," shoots back Sage. "We are just saying it's a little outside our taste."
"What do you have something against big girls?"
"What? No! We are just saying we don't um-" Sage tries to finish while looking at the other boys for help.
"Appreciate," Cardin chimes in.
"That's right! We don't appreciate the idea of be "man handled" as you put it by a woman the size of this statue," Sun adds in helping his teammate try to get the point across to his other teammate.
"What are you guys talking about?" Jaune asks the group as he finally joins them.
"Dude, just in time, don't you think a giant woman who could toss you around is sexy as hell?" asks the blue haired boy.
"Sorry Nep, not really my thing. Why don't we get going?"
"See man just drop it, so what do we need for this test?" Sun finally ends the conversation, and redirects it towards what they really came for.
The group begins to walk towards the path, but looking around Scarlet speaks up, "Why don't we just take the Lift down instead of walking?"
"We got used to walking, but that does sound like a good idea since we will be picking up some things." responds the blonde lioness.
"Guys my question was never answered, what do we need for this test?" questions the monkey faunus as the group enters the lift.
"Well since we are heading in the same direction, you're definitely going to need something for cold weather: clothes, tents, and small heater," starts the blonde archer. "You will also need something to cook in small pots, a pan, and a coffee pot."
"Why would we need something like that?"
"You're gonna want warm drinks when we hit the mountains. Your aura can only do so much. Trust us on this one, places you never think would get cold, drop to the negatives at night." adds the ginger knight. "As for food since you're coming with us, we can show you what to grab."
Once arriving in Mistral, they manage to get the supplies, Jaune taking the time to explain things they may have been confused on. "Dude, how do you know all this stuff?" asks his fellow leader, Sun.
"Alot of camping with big group of people. Just one of the many things that was forced into my head," responds Jaune trailing off into a slightly bitter tone. Team SSSN exchange a small glance upon hearing the blonde's shift.
"It sounds like you spent a lot of time learning a bunch of different things. Wouldn't it have been better spent training? Not to insult your skill level." Sage questions and Cardin is the one who visibly flinches.
Trying to change the subject the ginger tank suggests, "Hey, how bout we go grab some food? I really want to try that hot pot thing you guys talked about."
Sighing, his leader speaks up, "It's okay man, I was thinking about telling them anyway. You guys no anyplace we can sit, eat and talk."
"Yea, that hotpot place has rooms you can eat in for big groups." Scarlet speaks up.
(Two brief stories later)
Team SSSN just sat there looking at the two transfer students while waiting for the hotpot to cook.
"Dude, what the fuck!" Sun jumps up. "You guys fought the Nuckelavee!"
"That's what you're focused on?" asks a slightly confused Cardin
Sitting back down and picking up a pair of chop sticks and a small tray with some sauce on it Sun begins to eat, and everybody else soon follows behind. "I'm from Vacuo worse shit than that happens all the time."
"See you guys were worried for nothing," Reese says while grabbing some meat.
"Indeed, you've already shown team SSSN how serious you are about everything, even changing some questionable tendencies," Arslan throws her two cents.
"Yea Jaune your workout schedule is insane," Scarlet says flinching in memory at the time him and Neptune joined the blonde.
"Oh, back on badass Grimm, have you guys heard about those Imperial Imps?" Neptune ask while slurping up some noodles he threw into the broth at some point.
"Oy, what've I said about those noodles, they always absorb to much broth," Scarlet yells at the blue haired boy.
"You guys are really just blowing, off the whole transcript and blackmail thing," Jaune says grabbing some of the noodle Neptune threw in.
"You wanted to help so you found a way to do it, and clearly that big oaf over is trying to change for the better, can't judge you for trying to improve. Just try not to fall back into that kind of thing," says the dark-skinned boy, throwing chili paste into the pot.
"Sage! Add it to your own bowl!" snaps the pirate.
"Oh, I've heard of those. The new types of Imps, right? The ones above elder class?" Reese finally responds to the question. "They have names to, not many Grimm earn that. What was it again?"
"They are named after the old guards of the gate to the God of Darkness's domain. Gozu and Mezu, or Ox-Head and Horse-Face, they were supposedly the fiercest Grimm, took a bunch of armies banding together to take them down. At least that's the way the fairytale puts it," the lioness closes out, adding in a sweet sauce.
"Blast it all!" yells the pirate.
"Yea, apparently they took out a few settlements and hunters in western Anima before disappearing. They are supposed to be really strong, like Nuckelavee strong, and smart too. They say they fight like the hunters they've killed," the sea god explains pointing his chop sticks at the group. They all continue talking and eating, enjoying themselves and talking about their plans for the break after the test.
(Headmaster Lionheart's Office)
"121...122...123...124...125" Leonardo lets go of the pullup bar he recently had placed in his office. This really was a good idea. I'm not back to my old standard but at least I'm in fighting shape now. Thinking about what to do next he reaches over to his buckler and stops the aura flow, causing the purple glow it was emitting to stop and the black field around his body vanishes.
He walks over to a wooden dummy for martial arts with circles at the ends of the arms, and with the flip of a switch the pads begin to glow and flash before going blank again. Soon the pads start to light up at random intervals and while his forearms hit the arms on the dummy, his fist would hit the pads whenever they lit up. He continued this for around an hour before a series of knocks on his door made him stop.
"Come in," calls the headmaster. Soon Ms. Faunt walks into the room and greets a sweaty Leonardo.
"It's good that you've gotten back into the habit sir, did you want to spar later?"
"Yes, that sounds like a lovely idea. Can't be back into fighting shape without fighting."
"Nothing to do with your students almost pushing you around, a few months ago." responds the buffalo faunus with a mirthful smirk.
"Funny Melissa, very funny. I'm guessing you are here to report on the leadership from the first years. So how did they do?"
"Team AACC didn't even leave the room before Mr. Arc came back and asked me for the information immediately and team SSSN was not far behind. It seems like they were able to get some hint from AACC staying behind and Ms. Chloris's face. None of the other leaders came back into the classroom, they have not contacted me on my scroll either."
"I see, it looks like there will be a leadership class on information gathering and management," sighs the lion faunus. "I must say, I wasn't expecting Mr. Wukong to go back for information."
"I think their interactions with team AACC has done wonders. I even heard them talking about curing Mr. Vasilias's fear of water so he can utilize his semblance," Ms. Faunt informs him. "Mr. Arc also seems to be learning how to use a staff weapon from Mr. Wukong and some books."
"I'm glad my students are helping each other. Hopefully the other leaders can learn from-" constant buzzing interrupts the headmaster. Ms. Faunt glances down at her scroll and sees messages from all of the remaining first year leaders.
Sighing, "It seems they caved faster than expected, excuse me sir I have to go answer the students," and with those words Ms. Faunt exits the office. Chuckling to himself the headmaster walks over to the in-floor tread, and begins to run at a brisk pace slowly building up speed till he was at his fastest. He maintained this pace for around fifty minutes, while using his scroll to complete some of his minor duties as headmaster.
"My, my, Lionheart you seem to be eager about your health as of late," the mellow voice of Cinder Fall breaks him of his concentration. "Are you worried your heart might give out?"
"C...Cinder, um no," getting off of the tread, he answers the shorter woman. "When I started to get closer to the Winchester, I realized I needed to be able to keep up with him if I wanted to continue to probe for information. So, I made to decision to get back into active hunter shape,"
"Hmmm, that makes sense in its own way but you won't have to worry about that after their assignment."
"What do you mean? Y...You promised not to harm my students."
"Yes, and for the most part I will not. Those poor girls on those boys' team are a necessary sacrifice though," says the fiery woman with false sympathy.
"What did you do?" asks the headmaster with worry and a small trace of anger in his voice.
"What was needed, Arc was not cracking and is keeping me at arm's length," she says with a scowl on her face. "And It seems you've been unable to get anything out of the Winchester."
She saunters around the office admiring some of the headmaster's knickknacks and continues speaking, "So I've gone ahead and made arrangements, their mission should prove too much for any up-and-coming hunters-in-training. And Leonardo don't forget who I work for, it is not your place to question me."
Leonardo swallows the breath he's been holding, and bows his head. "It's good you understand, just remember as long as you work for us things will work out for the better. You and your remaining students will not face danger from us," the ebony haired woman seems to preen at her position over the headmaster.
"What would you have me do next?" comes the even voice of the headmaster.
"Nothing for now, but don't worry you will have more orders before you know it," and with another wave she exits leaving the headmaster with his head still bowed. Will they really keep their word? Will my students be safe? Will Mistral be safe?
(Cliffs of Taki)
"It's good to see you all know how to be on time," Ms. Faunt addresses the first years standing in front of her. "As you all know by now, you will be traveling through the wilds of Anima to a designated settlement where you will be preforming patrols."
"Remember, this may be a test but the dangers are very real. You must look out for each other, fight for each other, and protect those who believe in you. If you run into something you cannot handle, use the emergency broadcast and it will ring on the scrolls of all the teachers," the headmaster calls to his students.
Continuing and letting his eye soften, "After you've finished your assignments, you will be brought back to Haven, where you will be graded and then released to go on your break. I look forward to your success and hope to see you all back safe and sound."
"Yes, Mr. David?" the combat teacher addresses the student with the raised hand.
"Do these settlements already have hunters?" questions the pirate of SSSN.
"Yes, they do, and they will be the ones judging your condition upon arrival and how well you handle your assigned task. Now please move over to your designated areas," she points to spots on the ground with team names in front.
"Must be designated bullhead pick up spots," Reese says to the rest of her team.
"I wonder how far they will take us?" questions Arslan.
The moment they move to their spot, the ground lurches a small amount and Jaune suddenly snaps his head in Cardin's direction. "I'm getting horrible flashbacks," as he begins to tighten the bag on his back.
"I mean he is supposedly friends with Headmaster Ozpin, right?" asks Cardin with a sympathetic smile, while doing the same. "No, leggy red head to catch you this time though," he quips while bending his knees.
"You think I could aim for the water?" Jaune responds, also bending his knees.
"What are you two talking about?" asks the nymph, face one of confusion.
"How good is your landing strategy little green?" Cardin asks looking forward.
"Pretty good, I do use a hoverboard after all."
"He wouldn't!?" Arslan eye widen in realization while looking down. A mechanical whirling sound begins to come from beneath their feet, just before the world is moving sideways with air battering their bodies as they fly over a sea of green with spots of blue.
Cardin flies through the air eyes already locked on his landing area, soon his hands emit the cracking glow of his semblance. With a clap angled forward and down he kills most of his moment, then flattening out so he is parallel with the greenery passing below, he claps again. This causes him to soar further until he is about to hit the tree line, where he catches a branch, spins around it once, and let go landing on the ground. Easy.
Reese quickly pulls out her twin pistols Fairy and Fire, then with a flip transforms them into their hoverboard form. Placing her feet on the board and leaning back she is able to catch the wind, this causes her to slow down and direct herself after the falling ginger knight. Leaning forward her speed increases as she streaks behind him, and around ten feet from the ground she flips the board drawing a green circle expelling a gust of wind.
"Did you wait long?" she asks landing gracefully
Ok, Jaune time to put this into practice. Bringing his arms together Jaune, steers himself after his speeding teammates, forming his spear. Getting closer to where his teammates are landing, he flips so his feet are pointed at the ground, and begins spinning the spear overhead. One of the vents opens expelling gravity dust, causing a swirling purple mist, and he then bring it forward in a descending strike causing a pulse that flips him again. With a quick flip of his other wrist his bow expands taking on a wing like appearance. It catches the wind and slows down his last fifteen feet.
"Nice," Cardin whistles
Laughing Jaune responds, "You gotta thank Sun for that one, helped me in exchange for help with the leadership classes."
Arslan follows Jaune's flight path by bringing in her arms, steering herself behind him. Pulling out Delkhiin Del in its chakram form she throws all four forward, pulling herself to each one, cutting through the air in a lightening like pattern. Catching each one as she touches them, and once all four are gathered she forms the ohmlatl, and with a spin throws it further in her flight path. Passing through it the gravity dust makes her float, grabbing the handle she brings it to rest on her shoulders landing next to Jaune.
The other three members of team AACC begin clapping. "Shut up, shouldn't we get going?" she snaps at them with a joking smile. "By the way, Grimm incoming," she says without concern while taking up a stance with Delkhiin Del.
Soon after a pack of beowolves burst through the brush, snarling and growling. Cardin charges forward with an explosion from his mace, impacting the lead beowolf with his drawn shield, causing it to stand tall in a daze. As soon as the head lifts, an arrow finds its home deep in the creature's neck. Ignoring the lead Grimm, the ginger knight leaps at the beowolf to the right, bringing his mace down with semblance active, crushing the skull in one swift motion.
Arslan fills in the spot the ginger left behind, bringing her ohmlatl down in a diagonal slash finishing off the first beowolf. Another one takes the chance to pounce on her only to receive three arrows to the chest for its trouble, the lioness spins on her heel whipping the bladed ring around in a circle, bisecting the grimm.
Flipping his bow down to it buckler form, Jaune draws his spear, gripping it with both hands. When Arslan cuts the jumping beowolf in half, he charges forward, aiming to stab the beowolf that appeared between his two teammates. Seeing the charging spearman, the monster dodges to his side ready rip the human apart.
Channeling aura into his spear, the vent on the side of the blade expels more gravity dust causing the head of the spear to chase the dodging beowolf, cutting it across the chest. Using the momentum, Jaune spins the weapon above his head and finishes the beast with a diagonal cut.
When Cardin charged, Reese began peppering the grimm with gun fire, corralling them close to her teammates. As soon as they finish off three of the pack, "Magic Time!" she yells. The three fighters in melee leap back, as she uses her pistols to draw a light blue jagged circle, freezing the last three in ball of ice.
"Dust slingers have it so easy," Cardin gripes, admiring the big ball of ice.
Jaune walks over and kicks it, "Learn it yourself."
"Naw I'm not built for it."
"Then why complain?" asks the lioness.
"He's just jealous," the green nymph teases. "Which way boss man?"
Pointing off in the distance, Jaune signals that is their heading, "But first, inventory," clicks soon ring out in the clearing as dust, bullets, and arrows are checked. "Well, that cost me two arrows, but my dust loss was almost nonexistent."
"Same," answer Cardin and Arslan.
"Cost me about a clip in total, and around 1/8th of my first vial of Ice dust. My milage on this type of thing isn't the best yet," Reese reports.
"That's fine you'll get there. How much ice dust did you bring?" questions her leader.
"I have five vials including the one I'm using," Jaune reaches into his pack and toss another two vials of ice dust her way. "You sure?"
"Yea, I was gonna try some stuff out with it but it's best if you keep it," answers the knightly archer. "Come on let's get going, the faster we finish, the faster we can start our break," turning around he begins to walk in the direction he pointed earlier.
Arslan walks up next to Jaune, and begins to inspect the look on his face. He's really taking this seriously, that's good. "I'm glad to see you're actually putting some thought into this."
"I do use my brain for more than reading comics," he jokes.
"I never said you were stupid, just that you don't think things through all the time."
"Yea, that's kind of why you're here right. I'll under think some things and you over think some things. We balance each other out," he nudges the lioness.
"Funny," she says flatly. "You sure you've got this?"
"No," he starts. "I'm sure we've got this."
If things go south, I will have to take over. He has shown improvement, but I don't think he will be able to handle if something goes wrong out here. "I will say our teamwork is probably some of the best in the year," Arslan carries on. "You've done a great job at that."
Blushing at the complement, he looks away a little embarrassed. She laughs at how easily a compliment can make him blush, after she is done laughing, she looks back at Jaune only to see him looking at her. "What?"
"You should really try to laugh and smile more; both are very pretty."
She pushes him, and he almost falls into the brush. "Whatever," she responds with a slight dusting of pink on her cheeks. "Come on focus up."
Jaune just looks at her back in confusion, "Smooth," comes his partners voice from next to him.
"Keep going, I think you'll get there," chirps Reese.
They are able to get to the base of the mountain after a two-day trek, cutting a fast pace, but in a way that leaves them rested and no worse for the wear. Thanks to their pre planning, they are able to travel the fastest path to Donguri, only encountering a few Grimm here and there, nothing they can't handle.
"Things only get colder from here on out," Jaune says staring up at the snow-covered forest that covers the mountains. "Luckly with as far as we've come, it should only take us around another day and a half to reach Donguri."
"Yay a night in the snowy forest," Cardin says removing his axe from the ground and shifting it back to his shield and mace.
"Damn it, it got so cold so fast," says the lioness shivering, causing the rest of Team AACC to stare at her. "What?"
"Ars, you should probably put on your cold weather clothes," Reese points to her half exposed upper body. "I mean I already put on pair of pants on."
Arslan reaches into her pack and pulls out a yellow zip up with baggy sleeves, quickly throwing it on. After closing it, the zipper flashes a dull red color, indicating it was dust infused to keep her warm. "Did you not bring anything with a hood?" Jaune asks upon seeing the jacket.
"No, why-"
A masculine voice crying for help cuts off the rest of Arslan's question. "Arslan, where is he?" Jaune quickly ask.
With a quick pulse of her semblance the lioness locates the man and begins taking off in that direction. The rest of team AACC is right on her tail, running through the snow cover forest. Soon they come across a man running from a group of ice sabers, every few steps he would turn and fire his pistol, until he trips.
The Saber looms over him ready to end this chase, but the man smiles. Raising his pistol aiming right at the maw of the creature, he pulls the trigger, and the gun jams. A look of horror crosses his face, like the world is betraying him when he needs help.
"Winged Lion!" Jaune yells mid stride.
Cardin quickly forms his axe, with the broad side forward and a jumping Arslan plants her feet on it. He swings launching her forward at break neck speed right into the saber closest to the fleeing man. She lands and slides in the snow as the saber rolls into a tree with a crunch. Soon her chakrams implant themselves into the grimm ending its existence.
The following saber is peppered by bolts, and bullet hitting any available soft spot, turning the beast into smoke. Jaune is on the last saber driving his spear into its side, sending it off course. He follows up with four stabs sped up by the release of gravity dust from the vents, killing the last one.
"Are you ok?" Reese asks the down man while offering a hand. "Did those grimm hurt you?"
"Naw, thanks. Ya'll really helped out," he responds while standing, finally getting a good look at Reese, he runs his hands through his dirty blonde hair, and gives her a smile. His single gold tooth catches the sun and shines. "Name is Shay, Shay Mann. And your name cuteness?"
"We are team AACC (Ace)," the nymph smiles ignoring the obvious flirting.
"I was asking about you though," he pushes on.
Cardin walks up and places his hand on the man's shoulder, pressing down with noticeable strength, "What were you doing out here?"
"I got separated from my group when some grimm attacked. We were headed for the nearest settlement."
"That should be Donguri, we're heading that way. We can bring you with us, maybe your group has already arrived and are waiting for you," Jaune offers.
"That would help a lot, thanks."
Arslan pulls Jaune to the side, "What are you doing?"
"Offering to help him," responds the male blonde.
"We don't know anything about this guy, he could be a criminal or something."
"Yea he could be, but right now he needs help, we can't just abandon him. We will keep an eye on him," Jaune turns and faces the man. "We do have a condition though."
"What is it?" asks Shay.
Jaune nods to Cardin, who tightens his grip on the on the man's shoulder causing him to wince, "I'm gonna need your scroll and gun, you can never be too safe out here in the wilds."
Shay opens his mouth to begin to argue but Cardin cuts him off, "No deal, no escort."
"i heard you tell her you wouldn't abandon me," states the lost man pointing between the two other blondes.
"We won't, but if you really need help going without those things shouldn't be a problem. Especially since you've got four hunters-in-training with you," Jaune's smile and Cardin's tightening hand cause the man to sweat a little.
Reese slides up next to Arslan as the two boys on the team threaten and search their new tag along. "I didn't know he could do something like this."
"What help a stranger?" Ars questions.
"No, threaten someone like that."
"I don't think he actually means it though."
"Probably not, but it's just unexpected," she answers as the boys finish searching Shay for anything else. "Looks like there done."
"All right we'll be hiking up into through the forest for most of the next day, but once we are out, we should be able to see the settlement," Jaune says while looking towards their destination. "Ah before I forget," he pulls out a black hoodie and tosses it to Arslan.
"Put that on under your jacket, you're gonna need something to cover your ears," he says flipping up the fur lined hood attached to his armor, Cardin, Reese, and Shay soon follow suit as the wind begins to cut through the forest.
Arslan just stares at the cute bunny on the front of the hoodie for a second before putting it on underneath her jacket. Team AACC begins hiking through the forest with a new addition to look after, and like Jaune said, a day later the leave the forest.
What they lay eyes on is an incredible sight. The settlement has been positioned in a giant opening in the side of the mountain, making it look like the mountain is going to close and swallow the town whole. There is a wall surrounding the part not protected by the mountain and they can see a few taller buildings barely peeking over it.
"Wow, that kind of cool," Reese yells making sure she is heard over the light wind whipping around them.
"Yea it is," responds Cardin.
"Well come on let's go," Jaune says stepping forward onto the blank expanse that separates the forest from Donguri. "We're almost there, Reese get on your board and use a little fire dust to make us a path up to the settlement," Jaunes says eyeing the emptiness. We need to cross this open area as quickly as possible.
"You got it," Reese answers, flipping out her board and cutting a path for everyone to walk on.
"I hope this goes as well as the trip has, something has been bugging me about the number of Grimm," Arslan speaks up while they walk the path.
"It will be fine Ars, I'm sure you're just over thinking things."
"I hope so."
Omake
Sitting at the small counter Jaune and Reese are playing cards while Cardin walks around the kitchen working on the team dinner, when the blonde boy speaks up, "Hey, where did Arslan go?"
"She said she needed to pick up something in Mistral. Really important said it might be a matter of life and death," Reese answers. "Got any 4s."
"Go fish, I wonder what was so important?"
"Probably something to help her with fighting Nikkos, you remember how hard she pressed that forge about her weapons," the ginger cook throws in his opinion.
"Naw it's nothing like that its-" Reese clams up mid sentence causing both boys to give her a questioning look.
"Well?" Cardin presses
"Well, what?" she responds.
"You were telling us what she went to Mistral for," Jaune finishes the thought.
"Was I? I don't think I was, cause I don't even know."
The boys exchange a look, before Cardin speaks up, "Yea sure. Look, we all know you're gonna end up spilling the beans so why not just skip the interrogation."
"You'll never make me talk."
"Last chance, Reese, Cardin looks really eager to get you to talk," Jaune motions to the large boy as he step away from the range cracking his knuckles. Reese shakes her head and stands up backing away from the counter, and Jaune just shrugs.
Cardin comes around the counter, him and Reese begin to walk around in a circle, "It still doesn't have to go this way," offers the larger of the two. "You can still tell us before you turn into a laughing mess."
"You're assume...it's going to be me!" she exclaims going on the offensive and tackling Cardin. It catches him be surprise and the both go crashing into the arm chair breaking it into pieces. The dust clears and Reese is straddling Cardin with a smug look on her face. "Now you're at my mercy," her hands roam his upper body looking for sensitive spots to make the large boy laugh.
"Should I leave you guys alone for a second or an hour?" Jaune quips from his stool watching Reese essentially feel up Cardin's abs. Suddenly the door opens and Arslan walks in holding a sizable package. "Look times up anyway."
"Shouldn't you be doing that in your room," she looks at the disheveled Reese and motions with her head to the nymph's room.
"What no it's not what it looks like," frantic the green haired girl gets off of the ginger knight.
"Uh huh, if you need me, I'll be in my room," with that she enters her room closing the door behind her.
"You guys broke the chair again, I'm not calling Ms. Faunt about that," Jaune states looking at the wreck. Then a scream rings out from Arslan room, responding quickly, Jaune runs over to her door, throwing it open. He sees her twirling arounds a stuffed Pumpkin Pete with it's colors inverted and wearing a striped black and white suit. This scene gives Jaune pause and he examines the room seeing two separate piles of cute stuffed creatures. "What in Oums name-"
Jaune is cut off as Arslan aura infused palm strike sends him flying back out of the door barely missing Reese and Cardin, and crashing through the couch. Both Reese and Cardin look at the pile of Jaune and couch debris, before the sound of a closing door and heavily breathing Arslan snaps them out of it. "I told you to never come into my room."
Groaning and pulling himself from the pile, "We heard a scream, I thought you were in trouble. I didn't thin you would be freaking out over-"
Arslan closes the distance and clamps her hand on his mouth, getting very close and staring him in the eyes, "You saw nothing, are we clear?" Jaune nods as best he can and she removes her hand from his mouth. "Good, glad you understand."
Laughing Jaune gets the last word, "Never pegged you as the type to like all that cute stuff. I got seven sisters and they would be jealous of that collection," the pillow from the broken chair finds his face before Arslan's door opens and closes again. Looking around the blonde boy looks around at the damage, "And now I've gotta ask for another couch too."
The three member of team AACC start picking up the debris and Arslan soon joins them after getting over her embarrassment, "Don't worry Ars you're still the big bad Noble Lion of Haven," Reese says in a sing-song manner.
AN
So I promise I'm trying to get these out every two weeks, but I work nights, a lot of nights. I haven't given up on my two weeks release schedule. It just might be two-ish weeks. So lets talk about Arslan really quick, she is described as serious with a caring center. I figure she has little experience with romance, because the show and the books give me that impression. Putting that together I realized while writing that makes her kind of Tsun. Now mine isn't completely humorless and can crack a joke but it made me realize tropes are tropes for a reason. This AN was literally a quick thought and to let you know she isn't two faced but she just isn't confident Jaune can handle the big time just yet. Hope that's how it comes across. Update the weekend of July 2nd.