Howdy do, another chapter!
I just wanted to make this clear:
While Jaune is the main character of this Fic
There will be many other main characters as well
So that means, there will be a lot of chapters
Concentrating on said characters, so don't be surprised
If some chapters focus a lot on a specific character
It's kind of like a way to show Jaune's changes in a more
personal way.
Disclaimer: I don't own RWBY
Chapter 9: Shifting Gears
Jaune sighed, wiping the sweat from his brow. Swinging forward, the sword sang in the winds, clashing with his opponent's weapon. Dashing about, he dodged a series of daggers, glowing with Dust and fire. The attacks were numerous and well planned, each one meticulous and prepared. Jumping forward, the Arc brought his shield up, stopping the overhead swipe of an axe-head halberd. The blade sparked against his shield but did nothing to deter him. Sliding underneath the attack, he swung hard, blade hitting the man's poleyn, nearly knocking him off his feet.
He'd forced the man's hand; he began to pull back on his assault, swinging the halberd once more. Taking initiative, he charged ahead, shield up and aura building to a point of impact. A series of footsteps followed in his wake but the Arc didn't dare to let up. Keeping his sword locked with the halberd, he swung his arm around, shield poised. Once his shield bashed with the man's chest, he was sent skidding back, dust and dirt flying off like a low-hanging cloud. Jaune spun on his heels, twirling his sword with expert grace, blocking a dangerous pair daggers as they came close.
He parried and redirected, nearly overtaking the dual-wielder. Nevertheless, he didn't hold back. Swinging his elbow out – the couter smashed into the man's face, knocking him back towards his team. A powerful sigh escaped his lips. Jaune watched as they dropped their weapons to surrender. He quickly sheathed his sword and fell to the rooftop, catching his breath. The men before him did the same, their faces drenched and hair slick with sweat.
"Cardin." Jaune smirked. "Good job. Your team is doing better at teamwork and fighting as a cohesive unit. I'm actually really proud of your growth."
"T-Thanks, Jaune." Cardin gasped, holding his chest beneath his armor. "That was…difficult to say the least."
"No kiddin', boss." Russel sighed as he fell back, head resting on the rooftop flooring. "How Jaune knows how to fight like that, I'll never know…it's terrifying sometimes."
"At least the dude is trying to help us." Sky laughed. "Thanks, man. I don't know what we'd be doing if you weren't helping to train us."
"Probably still being assholes." Dove frowned. "I don't know…but yeah. Thanks, Jaune. You're doing us all a solid here by helping us."
"Guys…let's not get mushy here." Jaune laughed awkwardly. "But…it's really no problem. I'm glad to help – even though someone rubbed me the wrong way yesterday, doesn't mean I can't give them a chance the next day. You guys ready to fight in the tournament at the end of year?"
"I don't know…" Cardin rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm not entirely sure we'll even fight."
"What?" Jaune's eyes trailed down from the night sky to meet them with a level stare. "What do you mean?"
"We overhead…" Sky trailed.
"Your sisters, Clair and Doré are coming with their team." Dove continued. "We already sparred against the two a few months back when we were at the Arc Compound. I don't know about you but I want no part of that. Clair was enough; Doré is a different story. Especially if they find out what we did to Velvet…"
"Look." Jaune raised a hand. "Some of the students here may not believe that you've been changing, but I can attest to my own siblings that you guys aren't as close-minded anymore. Believe me. You guys may be rough around the edges but you've got what it takes to be real Huntsmen. Especially you, Cardin."
"I know…" He looked away, wiping the beads on his brow. "I know…"
"Have you apologized to Velvet yet?"
The Winchester felt his heart clench. It had been a little over a month since the incident in the cafeteria. The look of anger and sorrow mixed together didn't bode well for the man. He knew he shouldn't have done that to her, but he did so anyway. He deserved her hate and yet, it hurt more than anything. Her peaceful chocolate eyes displayed a pain he'd never thought he'd see. Nevertheless, he was a fool and did what fools do.
"No…" He once again, kept his eyes anywhere but Jaune's face. "I just…I don't have the heart to face her…I want her to understand that I don't hate her but my words mean nothing to most people here at this point. So, I intend to win people back with action. Besides, saying what I mean has never been one of my strong suits."
"Hey, Sky, Dove, Russel." Jaune turned his head to the glimmering stars. "Go back to your room real quick. Cardin will join you after I talk to him for a bit. Cool?"
"Eh…no problem, I guess."
The three boys looked to their leader and grabbed their weapons. One by one, they climbed over the side of the rooftop access and slid into their dorm room window. Within seconds, Jaune flicked his wrist, shutting any and all windows and doors, making sure no one would hear the two of them. Cardin rested his back against a wall with his mace against his shoulder, indigo eyes trailing to floor beneath him. He wanted to speak but Jaune knew better. The Winchester was as rough around the edges as jackfruit. While he wasn't hard to read, he was a tough nut to crack – so to speak.
"Cardin." Jaune walked over and sat beside him, Crocea Mors resting against his shoulder. "If you want to tell me what's wrong – you know you can. If you don't, I won't hold it against you. I can wait till you're ready…"
The man looked to his feet, then looked to Jaune beside him, then back to his feet. He was contemplating, thinking painfully hard. It got so bad, he started glaring at himself and the floor as if it were an offending criminal. His hand wrapped around the handle of his mace, feeling his heart beat within his chest. It was then he looked up, eyes glowing in the shattered moon's light.
"My brother – Marshall and my mother, Ainsley." Cardin frowned. "It happened about four years ago…"
"Cardin…" Jaune raised a hand in protest. "I didn't mean…"
"No." He leaned back, pressing his head against the wall. "We've been at this for almost a month. You asked what was wrong – I'm gonna tell you what's wrong…anyway. Four years ago, my mother and brother were out on a hunt with a handful of huntsmen, there were Grimm in a nearby village. Strangely enough, the village turned out to be a Faunus enclave. They didn't know but at the time, the White Fang were also using the enclave as a staging point. I've been told it was their negativity and dark intent that attracted the Grimm to the area."
"Long story short; the White Fang were caught." Cardin paused. "The villagers cried out vengeance and called the White Fang operatives traitors and thieves. All was going well…but then the Grimm attacked. My brother and mother, when they apprehended the White Fang, the negativity of the villagers exploded tenfold, attracting the massive Grimm horde waiting for the right moment to strike. And strike they did. The Grimm rolled in, plowing through homes and killing innocent Faunus that my brother and mother swore to protect. Most in the enclave couldn't fight or defend themselves."
"The battle lasted for days, as the surviving huntsmen said." Cardin frowned. "They fought tooth and nail and even released the White Fang from their chains and binds to aid in the defense of the enclave. As ammo, dust and strength began to leave by the fifth day of fighting, the enclave turned on my mother and brother and the huntsmen gathered to protect them. There were almost five thousand Faunus gathered in the village but by the fifth day – only a quarter remained."
"The huntsmen, my brother and mother, they all tried to fight back without killing any but the villagers, with the help of the White Fang, didn't hold back." Jaune could hear Cardin's teeth grinding. "My brother and mother along with two other Huntsmen were killed by the very ones they'd been trying to protect. I can't blame my mother or brother for the deaths caused – it was the Faunus' fault for not running when they had the chance to. When I first saw Velvet, it was strange; for some reason…I-I felt anger in my chest. Whenever I saw Blair, I felt this rage in my festering within me. It took three years for my father to move on and of all the people he would marry – it was a Faunus, the very people who butchered his wife and first-born son."
Jaune was about to speak but Cardin simply raised a hand. "But…every time I try to hate Blair, I feel sorrow. Every time I try to view her as anything but my baby sister, I feel agony. Despite the pain in my chest, I tried to hate Velvet, trying to view her in the same light as the enemy but in doing so, I became the school bully. I became the fool of fools, leading a team of fools. Every action I've taken before training with you, was done to spite my father, to spite my step-mother; to spite every Faunus I came across. Now…Jaune…I'm tired. I'm so sick and tired of this life – this anger. But no one believes me. Valkyrie swears she'll break my legs if I open my mouth in her direction – Nikos would probably skewer me like a pig if she had her way and Xiao-Long…gods, Xiao-Long…don't even get me started on the rest of Team CVFY. That's a hornet nest I'm not going to mess with for the coming future."
"What are you afraid of, Cardin?" Jaune asked seemingly offhand.
"I'm afraid of what they'll see." His response was steady. "I'm afraid of what they'll think. I'm already not the most well-liked guy in the school – I'm certain a few professors strongly dislike me as well."
"Can you blame them though?"
"No. Not at all."
"But at least you've gone out of your way, sucked up your pride and asked me to help train you and your team." Jaune rested a hand on the man's shoulder. "You're a great guy and surprisingly, a good pal. I think it's about time you started seeing that in yourself – you've gone too long without feeling proper self-esteem, I'd say. That kind of thing will weigh on you if you don't get it fixed soon."
"I know." Cardin looked down, indigo eyes darkening. "Jaune…do you think there's still a real chance at redemption in the eyes of our classmates? After shoving people into rocket lockers and forcing some people to do Oobleck's extra readings…my situation seems kinda bleak."
Jaune laughed at the last part. "Honestly – every person is able to change. It's only up to you to be the one to accept that fact. You are a person after all, are you not? Change, and I'm not talking about some physical, monetary compensation, I'm talking about something that builds your character, that'll affect you, for better or worse. Hopefully it's the former, in your case. Seriously, Cardin, if you won't believe yourself, believe me. You've been making strides – so much so, even Blake, one of the most vocal about her disdain for you, has begun to notice and we've been at this for a month. You can do this, Cardin. I know you can and I know you will. When has a Winchester ever gone back on his word?"
"That's an Arc thing." Winchester laughed.
The Arc of the two, laughed with him. "Sure, but it could be yours too. Believe in something and turn it into your mantra – don't give up, don't give in. Say whatever you need to hear to see yourself become the man you want to see staring back at you in the mirror. Remember, we're here for two things, Cardin; to learn to kick ass and to learn to be heroes. The first step is believing you can even take that first step. Got it?"
"I-I got it." Cardin nodded before rising to his feet. Patting his armor and body glove underneath, he shook Jaune's hand and headed towards the rooftop edge. "By the way, Jaune…I hope you won't do anything to influence Velvet. I know my apology will be sincere but I want her reaction to be as genuine as possible. If she hates me, so be it, if she doesn't, even better…"
"Now why would you want that?" Jaune asked, a small smirk growing on his face.
Immediately, Cardin's cheeks burned with a bright red. "N-No reason! Jeez, you loser! No need to make some dumb assumptions!"
Scurrying away, Cardin bent down and shifted his weight over the edge of the rooftop and disappeared. A loud banging was heard and the sound of creaking hinges were heard. Soon enough, it was followed by yet another loud banging. Jaune laughed to himself, seeing Cardin's reaction. It was genuine and completely different from the side he knew and remembered. Nevertheless, the Arc rose from his seat and headed back into his dorm to find Pyrrha and the rest of JNPR waiting for him.
"Why do you keep training with them?" Pyrrha asked with a raised brow, almost confused.
"While I hold no true disdain for them – I do find them…a nuisance at times." Ren added.
Nora though, picked her nose and burped. "I just want to break their legs for what they did to Velvet and other Faunus and students."
"How many times do I have to say this – they're not the same team as before." The Arc sighed in exasperation. "They are changing for the better, you guys. How can you not see that, still?"
"They may say it, but I've yet to see any real change." Pyrrha frowned. "Them no longer bullying people may be nice and all but that doesn't mean they're changed. Becoming a social recluse doesn't mean good change either."
"I'm with Pyrrha on this one." Ren shrugged. "To say you've changed would mean you'd take action in your words. Even though they don't bully anyone anymore, their attitudes towards a lot of things still haven't changed. In Nora's terms; they're still assholes."
"Well, Vale wasn't built in a day." Jaune responded as he took a seat on his bed.
Nora looked to him, giving a stern look. "You've been training with them for almost a month, since you beat them up during Combat Class. Sure, they're getting better at fighting – which isn't much because they were pretty mediocre to begin with – what?"
"Nora." Ren chided. "Don't be mean. But Jaune, she isn't wrong. Sure, their fighting and teamwork has excelled recently, their attitudes still need to be fixed."
"Why do you care so much about team CRDL anyway?" Pyrrha wondered. "With the way you defended Velvet, I would have assumed they'd be on your hate list."
Jaune laid into his bed, armor removed completely and sighed into his pillow. A small flash of their deaths appeared in his mind. Cardin's last stand beside him; Dove's, Sky's and Russel's martyrdom for the good of Solitas. Their different screams echoed against his eardrums – the horrific sounds of steel and bullets ripping their bodies. They were the worst team possible and the least qualified for a war, but despite that, they were the first to rise up to aide him when he called for help in Mistral. They were the first ones among many that stood by his side from Mistral to Vacuo and their leader was the last standing beside Jaune before everything changed. They were his friends and comrades before the end came for them all.
"I don't know." Jaune felt a hot salted tear trickle from his eye. Turning to face his back to his team, he gritted his teeth, trying to hold back the pain in his chest. "Just call it a feeling that they needed someone to help them find a better path…"
"And you think that someone is you?" Pyrrha asked as she too laid into her bed.
"No." Jaune frowned. "But I wasn't going to sit back and let fellow comrades and students struggle when there is something that I can do to make a difference."
With that, he shut his eyes, ignoring the feeling of their eyes planted at his back. Blankets and comforters shuffled as the rest of JNPR got themselves comfortable. But instead of the regular 'good nights' and 'sweet dreams' Pyrrha released a powerful sigh before speaking.
"You're too kind for your own good, sometimes, Jaune…"
"Now, I know all of you must be excited for the Vytal Festival starting soon and would rather spend your time training for the Vytal Festival Tournament, but remember you are still students as much as you are warriors." Glynda Goodwitch spoke with a steady tone. "Professor Peach was called for a hunt in the wilderness south of Vale – so I will be the huntress in charge of making sure none of you die."
Someone among the crowd of students blurted a rushed sentence. Glynda wasn't amused and simply glared, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. "Alright, may you repeat what you said?"
"What do you mean by die?" The student asked this time with a shaking voice.
"I mean exactly what I said." She frowned, throwing her arms behind her back, horse crop swinging and whistling in the wind. "Where we're going is teeming with Grimm and filled with all kinds of things that will kill you. On top of that, what Professor Peach is having you do will only attract the Grimm almost as much as negativity. So, as a precaution I will be creating groups made of three teams."
The crowd began to murmur amongst themselves, curious. "The first group will be…"
Jaune zoned out. He remembered everything that happened the first time. From being bullied and blackmailed into working alongside Cardin to bully his own team and friends, to unlocking a hint of his semblance and standing up to Cardin. A part of him frowned – after that incident, he almost never saw the former bully throughout most of the school year. Not this time, he surmised. Shaking his head, his attention was snared when Goodwitch mentioned his team.
"Teams JNPR, RWBY and CRDL will work together."
A collection of groans was heard rampaging through the students gathered. Some wanted to work with RWBY and others wanted to work with JNPR. Most though were deeply annoyed and some among them even glared at CRDL. Then there were the vocal teams that openly questioned the choice and started shouting their disagreement. Jaune looked back to find the members of CRDL blushing in embarrassment, and doing what they can to keep their mouths shut. Turning to face his team, Nora was glaring at them, Pyrrha was trying to not follow after the hammer wielder and Ren of course, was a stoic as usual.
"Guys." Jaune glared. "Stop it. Leave them be."
"But, Jaune…"
"Jaune-Jaune…"
"Don't." The Arc said with a flat tone. "Just, stop. CRDL isn't going to be an issue on this mission. Concentrate more on what we'll face wherever we're going."
"All of you should listen to Mr. Arc every once in a while." Glynda spoke, silencing the now yelling students. "Don't concentrate on who your teams are getting put with; concentrate on the threat that lies ahead. In the end, it matters little who's standing beside you when all your lives are on the line. Now, as for where we're going; the Forever Fall forest is known for its delicious tree sap – that is what you will be fetching for Professor Peach. For the reason of three teams per group – one team gathers sap while the other two form a perimeter around the team that gathers sap. Each team will have to gather twelve jars of sap – three for each member of each team. But beware, all of you, it is that very tree sap that the Grimm and other dangerous wildlife are attracted to."
People around the Arc shivered but he was as calm as usual. "If you encounter any creatures of Grimm or anything else, don't hesitate to run. The forest still hasn't been cleared even with routine professional hunters sweeping the area – hunters and huntresses in training won't do much to hold off the horde, should you run into them."
"We'll have our weapons though." Another student piped. "We'll be able to protect ourselves if we band together!"
He was responded with a loud cheer of agreement. This only served to aggravate the professor. "You will not. Your mission, is to collect sap from the trees of the Forever Fall forest. Exterminating Grimm is not in your mission parameters. You'd do best to avoid any confrontations with any of the creatures lying in wait. And believe me; they will be watching you."
And with that, the gathered ensemble was silenced. With a swift thwack of her riding crop, the students flinched and turned on their heels towards the airship platforms at the edge of Beacon Cliff. Some shoved each other but almost everyone pushed past CRDL, ramming their shoulders against theirs or outright putting their hands on their arms, forcing their way past them, despite not having to. Jaune felt bad for the team but nonetheless knew they would fight past it and continue with their assignment.
Making his way to the team, he placed a hand on Cardin's shaking shoulder. "Don't worry about them, Cardin."
"It's a bit hard not to." He growled through clenched teeth.
"We're assigned to watch each other's backs." Blake spoke up, walking by the four boys of CRDL. "So, we'll watch each other's backs without fail. Now stop moping around – you'll get Ruby anxious and Nora jumpy. No one wants either of those things to happen. Just follow our lead."
"So…why am I leading the group?" Jaune turned on his heels to face the eleven boys and girls. "I thought Ruby was a team leader too."
"O-Oh!" The rose piped with a blush and sped to the front next to Jaune.
"You too, Cardin – you're a team leader as well." He added with a small sing-song tone.
With a sigh, he marched up beside the Arc standing to his left. The trio of leaders walked trepid, stern and coarse – at least Cardin and Ruby did. While the young girl was never the subject of his bullying or victim of his insults, she knew many people who were and didn't feel comfortable being around him, even though Jaune and Blake vouched for him. Even then, unlike Yang, Pyrrha and Nora, she was uncertain but willing to look past his faults and give him the benefit of the doubt.
Cardin could feel sweat pouring down his brow. His team was looking to him for leadership in this situation but for the first time in a while, he was at a loss. This wasn't something one would train to overcome or beat down training drones in the arenas to understand what to do. Damn all the training with Jaune they had; none of that mattered. They could barely face the two strongest teams of the Freshman year. He could feel heat coming from Yang's eyes. He could swear he heard Nora cackling in silence. There was even a slight tightening of his breastplate and he swore he saw his chest outlined in black but he knew Pyrrha would never go to such drastic lengths. Would she?
A thousand thoughts were swirling within each member of RWBY, JNPR and CRDL. Each one felt something similar – distraught, distrust, worry and hate. But there were three that were as calm as still waters. Jaune and Ren. Ren was calm because he was Ren – he barely expressed emotion regardless so that wasn't much of a surprise. A few thoughts popped into his head but he never fancied the images and remained stoic without a worry in the world. Blake knew the truth and the future thanks to Jaune's latent ability. There was no way she could hate the team or distrust them. She was disappointed in how they currently act but it wasn't enough to warrant the hate she felt before the blond boy in front of her spilled the facts of CRDL.
Then there was the Arc himself. Jaune, while every person around him subscribed to complex thoughts, even Nora, he himself went down a different road. Taking a deep breath, he sighed inwardly, laughing to himself at how childish his friends were being.
Yang had activated her semblance, knowingly or unknowingly, he didn't care which. The fact Cardin's presence insulted her that greatly made him want to bellow with incessant cackling. Nora's ungraceful attempt at hiding her laugh was a failure of the greatest kind. From the corner of his eye, he could see CRDL tensing as if the hammer-wielding monstrosity would harm them with reckless abandon. Then there was Pyrrha, the one who made him laugh within even harder. She was bad at lying and even worse at trying to hide her emotions. Her lack of people skills was showing as clear as her fiery crimson hair. While she wouldn't dare use her polarity to harm the Winchester, he could tell she was contemplating it.
Silence held the twelve students in a vice-like grip as they ventured into the airship, with most of RWBY and JNPR taking seats as far away from CRDL as they can. Jaune and Blake of course sat together in between the teams; Jaune didn't care and liked everyone and Blake was trying to set an example for her hot-headed teammate. CRDL had the same idea and wanted to isolate themselves from the rest of their group until further notice. The Arc didn't like the idea but felt it was the best choice of action at the time being.
"Not so big and tough now are yah, Cardin?" A sneer came from one of the other seats beside CRDL. The heads of JNPR and RWBY turned to see the source of the offending tone. "Scared of RWBY and JNPR, eh? Not surprised. If you actually did any projects you were assigned instead of forcing us to do it – you'd might have known that bullies are cowards. But who needs books anyway, right?"
A loud clanking was heard as a hand slapped a weapon from another student's hands. Jaune's eyes widened at the sight. Cardin's mace was on the floor, rolling between the seat in front of him and his feet. The rest of CRDL prepared to strike but just as their bodies rose from their seats; before the seats could fold back up, his arm shot up stopping his brothers from making a move. He turned to face them with a heated glare and fire burning in his indigo eyes. One by one, the rest of CRDL took their seats and Cardin, reached down lifting his mace once again, eyes pointed forward, making sure not to meet the student's gaze.
"Oh, now you don't want to fight back?" The voice practically hissed. "I should've known training to kick your ass would be for nothing."
Cardin was given a final shove, forcing him into the seat in front of him. His broad shoulders hit first eliciting a soft growl unheard by all except Jaune and Blake. Snapping up, he rose from his seat, fists clenched and mace ready. Jaune turned his head to face RWBY and JNPR to find their expressions a plethora of ranges. Some not surprised, others slightly sympathetic. For who, Jaune didn't know. Turning back to face the two students nearly on the verge of breaking into a fight, Cardin froze and took a deep breath.
Dropping his mace, he too fell into his seat, sighing in defeat. Soon enough, he leaned into his armrest and his hand found its way to his face, fingers pinching the bridge of his nose. His frustration was bared for all to see; the anger festering and growing within. But with Jaune in his presence, the Winchester remained calm and collected. The Arc's words repeating in his mind. Believe in something and turn it into your mantra…
Don't give in to your hate…
Cardin watched the team of weaklings take their seats, only to continue glaring at him. Turning his head away, he caught the looks from Jaune and Blake that spelled pride and a hint of worry – more so from Jaune. Behind them, just down the row of seats, RWBY and JNPR sat in awe of what just transpired. He fought the smile from growing on his face – he hadn't won anything. There was nothing to be proud of. What just happened, should be the example he should be setting on a daily basis – being the bigger man. Figuratively, of course.
There was another group of lesser teams that the Winchester couldn't be bothered to remember that sat beside the offending team that practically assaulted him. Their eyes narrowed with distrust and hate, much like the first team, but this one more refined and concentrated directly on him. While the ones from before were hateful of anything team CRDL, these newcomers seemed incredibly put off by his presence among them. While, if he were the same Cardin from a month prior, these students would be cowering just for being in range of his shadow.
Now, while he was leagues away from being weak and leagues ahead of these two teams, their bullying was incredibly justified. While he can't remember their names all too well or even their team names for that matter, he could remember their faces and what he did to them. Two, he stuffed their faces in toilets because he thought it would be hilarious. One was a Faunus, whom he pulled the horns on. Three, he shoved into rocket-lockers and the rest he did menial things – knocking books from their hands as they passed by him and forcing all eight of them to do Doctor Oobleck's after class readings and essays. At the time, he thought the pranks were hilarious – now he finds himself almost hateful of his past self.
It sucked being the target of bullying for once, but Cardin took it. Daring not to show weakness in front of his team and impromptu teacher of combat arts, he took their words, glares and physical taunting in stride. Every action they took obviously enraged him and every second, every waking moment was burning with a desperate hatred. But regardless, their words bounced off of him, their glares reflected off his polished armor, showing them how foolish they looked.
Jaune felt his heart swell within his chest. Cardin was changing greatly, so much so, he took insult after insult and didn't even lash out against those who talked down on him. While it was justified in a way, the frequency the insults left their lips was a bit concerning. Yes, the Winchester did severely questionable things to his peers; yes, the Winchester was racist to Faunus at first but to continue to use that title, that description was wrong and outdated. Under the same coin, Cardin, if he never changed, would have jumped at the chance to insult and fight back against those teams he'd beaten and bullied before.
That would have been the official plan if Jaune hadn't come into the picture to change them for the better. Every moment spent swinging mace against sword and shield – every second spent watching his friends and teammates rushing to clash with the Arc during training was spent through an eyeglass. Cardin could see his failures in the distance, calling to him to pick them up and join them again. Their calls and songs were alluring, captivating but he was holding himself back. Hissing, his world regained color as the airship landed in an empty clearing within the Forever Fall forest.
"Alright, students, remember to band together and don't leave your group for absolutely anything." Glynda Goodwitch gave the final word of advice. "Oh, and have fun."
Immediately, the three large groups parted ways, one heading to the northeast, another heading straight north and JNPR's group, headed towards the south. Jaune overheard some of the students plotting to sabotage CRDL and others were just planning to be nuisances to the team of former bullies. At this point, none of their actions were justified. They got even when Cardin was lowered to their level when he himself, beat CRDL in the cafeteria and during Combat Class. Jaune was getting annoyed with how the entire class was taking this as some sort of field day to mess with his charges.
Leading the three teams along, he and Ruby lead ahead, with Cardin in tow. Behind them, the rest of RWBY and JNPR stuck together, trying to keep a reasonable distance from the rest of CRDL. Something that greatly aggravated Jaune. Clenching his fists and marching along, he found a small clearing that had enough light peering from the sun that every part of the forest surrounding them could be seen. If any Grimm would be coming, they'd be ready.
"Ruby, do you think we should take first watch and let CRDL get their sap first?" Jaune asked. "We are the best fighters here thus far, so it would be a good idea to let the weakest link go first."
"Yeah, fair enough." The girls smiled. "Jaune. I think your care for team CRDL is incredibly noble – even for you. Please, never change."
"Alright, so what's the plan, guys?" Cardin asked, stretching his arms.
"Team CRDL will take their turn to get sap first." Ruby started. "RWBY and JNPR will stand guard first. After CRDL is done, RWBY will go and then JNPR last. Sound good, everyone?"
"I have a question." Nora piped, hand raised into the air.
"Ask away, my dear queen." Ruby curtsied as best as she could.
"Jaune-Jaune." Nora frowned. "Why are we going last?! The sap tastes so~ good! Do you honestly think I'll be able to wait this long for something so delicious?!"
"Ren…" Jaune gave the pink eyed ninja a look.
With a begrudging sigh, the man placed a hand on Nora's shoulder. Within seconds, her entire body glowed in a shimmering shield of pink and grey. Before she could explode off into one of her sugar induced tirades, she was as calm as she ever would be. Sighing in defeat, she grabbed her hammer and marched with Ren in tow into the forest to take her position. RWBY without much question or concern, walked off in different directions as well, each one spreading out to have a wide range of view.
Soon enough, CRDL went to work. No words were shared except for a few requests for the tools needed and help transporting jars into larger crates for transport back to the airship. Jaune knew Goodwitch chose CRDL for a reason. It was nagging the back of his mind since she decided to make groups of teams. At first, Jaune thought the decision was just a random happenstance decision, based on nothing more than rumors that Jaune was training CRDL. But it dawned on him – CRDL was with his team and Ruby's because Ozpin, or whomever was watching, felt that it would be best if RWBY and the rest of JNPR saw Cardin in a new light.
"Alright, Jaune. We're done." Cardin sighed, wiping his hands on his body glove and sighed in relief. Doing a couple squats to stretch out his legs, he and his team boxed the twelve jars and clapped their hands to get the rest of the groups attention.
"Alright, team RWBY! Let's get our sap!" Ruby cheered.
Just like CRDL, the group went to work. Cardin and his team filled in the spots that RWBY left unoccupied, making sure to stand guard. While they were nowhere near as skilled as JNPR or RWBY, they believed that there would have to be no less than hell and fire to make them falter. If they weren't doing it for themselves – they were doing it for the Arc who believed in them so strongly. The Winchester more so; which is something that still echoes in his mind. Jaune Arc – the boy who knew everything, who was unbeatable save for a few other students, even upperclassmen were beyond impressed by his skills – believed in him.
Cardin sighed at his unbelievable luck. The former school bully and former bloodthirsty racist, was being trained by someone that even impressed upperclassmen and those guys' egos were more inflated than Dust prices. He was told he could be someone great, by the same guy. Now, the only problem was actually taking his words to heart. Jaune was so kind and caring – even when he shoved his fist into someone's face. The Winchester knew first hand, what the Arc meant when it came to a bout of fisticuffs. Lessons to be taught and lessons to be learned. Which is something the teen has been meaning to ask him about. How the fuck does he know so much? A part of me wants to think he's been bullshitting and making up some philosophical crap to try and change me. Regardless – it's working.
Taking a deep breath, he began to pace his part of the forest. Marching softly, feeling leaves crunch beneath his boots. The Forever Fall forest was calm and winds were smooth, brushing against his cheeks. Turning his head, Jaune was pacing as well, sword drawn and shield still in its sheath configuration, magnetically attached to his spine brace in the armor. Cardin, if he were still immature and lacked the training Jaune had put him through, felt he would have been jealous of the Arc and the power he had.
Screw that.
He was going to be honest with himself. Cardin was jealous of Jaune. Beyond jealous even; envious. The Arc was so good at everything he did, he carried an aura of pride and command that made people want to follow and believe in him. The Winchester wanted that. He wanted that badly. To be admired by everyone he met and adored by everyone he came across. That is what he wanted. Sighing in defeat, he turned back to face the forest, trying to force down his jealous fire burning within his chest. Frowning at his misfortune, his eyes dropped to his hands, feeling his semblance bubble within.
With a scowl, he once again turned to look at Jaune. The Arc had Yang's, Pyrrha's and Ren's semblances and his own hidden along – yet he managed to use all four as if he'd been born with them. His ability was terrifying and awe-inspiring at the same time. He turned on his heels once again, feeling so incredibly conflicted with himself. With a soft chaste laugh, his mace suddenly felt heavy for the first time in many years.
"Hey, Cardin." A voice came from beside him.
Turning to face the voice, he paled. "V-Valkyrie…"
"Come with me." She waved him along. "It's JNPR's turn to start gathering sap. I'm trying to escape Ren's prying eyes and fill my belly."
"But…why me?" Cardin asked with a worried look.
"Jaune-Jaune said that I should at least try to make conversation with you." Nora smiled, surprisingly not forced. "This is the best way."
Looking to find Jaune's look of confirmation, he didn't find it. The Arc was too busy fussing over where he should be shoving the spile into the tree bark. Pyrrha was certain and pushy about where he should put it and Ren sighed in defeat as he watched the interaction continue. Almost slapping himself for feeling so dumb, of course team RWBY didn't even bother to keep watch. He was caught off guard when he could see Blake pulling the rest of CRDL along to join in on the conversation. Blake. The girl barely talked in general, much less, them.
"C'mon, they'll handle themselves!" Nora cheered. "I'm sure Jaune won't be too mad."
With a long-drawn sigh escaped his lungs, Cardin followed after the Valkyrie, as she skipped through the forest with a beaming smile. While he had no sisters, the Winchester wondered how Jaune did it. Nora was almost like a mix of Violette and Clair – Clair's strength and Violette's boisterous personality. Following after the bundle of explosive electric energy, it felt like almost ten minutes had passed. He was about to question where she was leading him, but then found himself following after Nora through the landing zone.
No groups had returned from their assignments and Goodwitch seemed mildly pleased with the peace and quiet the forest was giving her. But her smile dropped when she saw he and Nora waltzing up to her.
"Ms. Valkyrie and Mr. Winchester…" Glynda pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose and pushing her scroll into her pocket. "This is quite unexpected. How can I help you?"
"I need a new spile." She responded quickly. "Yeah, our spile broke."
"The spile I gave your team was made of steel." Glynda raised a brow.
Cardin raised a hand with sweat trickling off his brow. "Yeah, she got frustrated and accidentally shoved it into the tree bark without shaving the area first. Jaune was pretty peeved and asked if I could accompany her back here."
The professor eyed the pair with a deadpanned expression. Her eyes trailed between the hyper, smiling Nora and to the sweating, nervous looking Cardin. Remembering Ozpin's words, she sighed and reached into one of the crates beside her and tossed the two a steel spile. With a simple nod in a random direction, the pair went on their way, ignoring her pulling her scroll out to play some games.
"I didn't think you'd lie." Nora suddenly said after a long silence. "Thanks, big guy! Have you had the tree sap here yet?"
"No?" Cardin shook his head, feeling slightly lighter. "Have you?"
"Why do you think I'm out here with you?" Nora laughed. "Ren got tired of me eating the tree sap. C'mon, let's look for trees that haven't been drawn yet."
Traversing through the forest, they found a large clearing filled with various teams and groups, all of them cutting into trees and others drawing sap. They were laughing and enjoying time together – much like the family he left behind on the southern end of the Forever Fall to follow Nora. She motioned him to follow and punched a tree, immediately shaving off the thick bark down to the flesh underneath. Cardin paled at her strength but nodded as she stabbed the spile into the flesh. Slowly but surely, she put her hand beneath the opening and caught the sap as it oozed from tree.
Slurping away, she sighed in relief, eyes glazing over. If Cardin didn't know enough about her from Jaune, he was certain this sight would have scared him. But she shook her head, snapping from her sugar induced mental daze and nodded excitedly pulling his arm and forcing his hand open. The sap continued oozing from the tree, splashing into his palm, cold and gooey. But the smell was intoxicating. Cardin had never smelled something so delicious before and immediately shot his hand to his lips, engorging on the sweet tree sap.
Emotions and excitement grew tenfold, multiplying within his heart and mind. Everything felt so incredibly real and surreal at the same time. But before the ecstasy could continue a shout came from across the clearing. A few of the teams gathered immediately dropped what they were doing just to rise up and march up to the pair.
"What are you doing here, Cardin?!" One of Cardin's former victims began to close in. He stayed a good distance once he noticed Nora standing beside him. "Nora, why would you bring him here?"
"I didn't think we'd see you here." She frowned. "Doesn't matter! Leave us alone and we'll leave you alone, cool? Kay, thanks bye!"
Not wanting to be outdone, the boy kept pushing, slowly growing more irritated. "So the rumors were true, eh? That the great bully Cardin Winchester became Jaune Arc's pet. Why else would he be with Nora Valkyrie, Jaune's hammer? I bet the master didn't trust his little bird – go back to your little cage, Cardin. You're not wanted here. Faunus among us already feel uncomfortable in –"
"Can you like, leave us alone?!" Nora turned to the small group of students. "What you're saying is really unfair! Keep that up and I'll happily break your legs too!"
"Nora!" Cardin shouted, over the growing anger among the large group. "Stop it! Let's just go…it's getting a little too crowded here for my tastes anyway…"
Turning on his heels, Nora finally noticed how hurt the Winchester actually was. His indigo eyes were windows to his soul, displaying how painful their words really were. While he held his shoulders as high as he normally did and stood as straight as possible, his face was shadowed in his ire. He was struggling to hold his anger and negativity back, after all, everyone heard Professor Goodwitch warn them about the Grimm hordes within the forest. But damn – Nora actually felt his sadness.
"C'mon, big guy." She rested a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "The rest of our group should be done already. Forget them, they're losers anyway."
"Y-Yeah." Cardin sighed. "Y-You're right."
Behind them, the guy didn't seem too happy. "Hey! Cardin! I'm not done! Fine – ignore this!"
Anger dictated his movements. Turning on his heels, he grabbed a jar of sap from one of his teammates, gaining smiles and nods of agreement from his comrades. Several students gathered, anger and hate steaming off their bodies. The boy cocked his arm back, and used all his skill to aim the attack perfectly. Hurling his arm forward, the jar filled with the delicious intoxicating sap flew through the air, spinning and twirling in the winds and rustling winds. But his confident smirk dropped, along with everyone surrounding the boy. The jar wasn't heading for Cardin's back – it was heading for Nora's!
But Cardin wasn't in Beacon for nothing. "Nora!" He pushed Nora out of the way, spinning on his toes to take the brunt of the jar as it shattered against his breastplate. The sap was sealed in the jar, fermenting its beautiful scent. Once it was released, the smell wafted into the area, moving through the forest in the growing winds.
The Valkyrie looked at Cardin with wide eyes, awestruck at what he did. Why would he do that?
"You are so lucky, Jaune wouldn't like it if I beat your asses into the ground!" Cardin roared. "Because I am so close to not giving a damn!"
Drawing his mace, he took a step forward, causing the gathered students to jump in fear. It was then that he cursed himself, backing down as quickly as he can, trying to lower the negativity gathered in the clearing. His attempts were for nothing. His armor was soaked in powerful scented tree sap that attracted Grimm and a decently sized group of terrified nerds.
Speaking of the Grimm…
A great beast ripped through the forest, tearing trees and rocks from the forest. It was an Ursa Major and some Beowolves. One was covered in larger spikes and more bone armor – an alpha. Cardin cursed at his luck and readied his mace, breath starting to grow fast and coarse. What would Jaune do? What would Jaune do? What would Jaune do?!
"Cardin!" A few shouts came from beyond the forest trees, catching everyone off guard. "Boss!"
Red bushes and flora shuffled as three armored fools burst through the foliage. Their armor was covered in scratches and dents but they kept moving, running with weapons drawn. Cardin, if he wasn't so terrified, would have facepalmed at how ridiculous they looked. They have trained with Jaune for over a month – they should have been more surefooted and – oh.
A handful of trees were ripped from the ground just like before, but instead of a small gathering of Beowolves and Ursai, a freaking Deathstalker appeared, fangs twitching, almost shivering in delight. The other students drew their weapons, shaking at the number of creatures gathered. Their fear only seemed to attract more Grimm and hungry ones at that.
What would Jaune do? What would Jaune do?! What would Jaune…do…?
"Hey!" Cardin called, running past the gathered students. "You smell this?!"
Running towards the team that attacked him with a jar of sap, he sheathed his mace against his waist, eyes strained and focused. The other students were shaking at what they saw. The one who attacked him was pleading, almost on the verge of screaming at his presence. The attack from the Winchester never came – instead, they were responded with a burning glare.
"Go and protect the landing zone!" Cardin roared. "I'm already covered in tree sap; they won't follow you!"
Loosening the jar caps, Cardin began to pour the tree sap on his armor, lathering his torso in it, attracting the attention of the creatures of Grimm. The intoxicating scent was so powerful, the Grimm ignored the permeating negativity for the walking candy stick. Even the Deathstalker turned its attention from the group of students just mere feet from their faces. The Grimm hissed at Cardin as he hurled jars of sap at trees opposite of the landing zone.
"C'mon, you big ugly sacks of shit!" He roared. "Come to papa. CRDL! Gather on me! We'll try to lead them to the stockpile of tree sap jars!"
"What's the plan, boss?" Russel rushed up to the Winchester. "You've got one, right?"
"Of course!" Cardin twirled his mace. "The plan is to lead the Grimm to the leftover jars of tree sap gathered on the far side of the clearing."
"What about your armor?" Sky asked, steadying his halberd. "That thing is covered in the stuff."
"I have a spare back at Beacon." He responded. "I'll leave this there as you guys distract the Grimm."
A weapon shifting configuration was heard and footsteps crunched through grass and fallen leaves. "What about me, Cardin? You're the only leader here."
"Nora, go find Jaune and Goodwitch." Cardin spoke stern. "They'd know what to do about this situation…"
"Boss!" Russel shouted, daggers glowing with dust. "The Grimm are advancing!"
"Hurl the tree sap jars in random directions – I know this goes without saying; aim away from the landing zone, got it?!"
"Be careful, Cardin…" Nora frowned, backing away slowly. "I'll be back as soon as possible!"
Cardin watched her jump away. Once her figure disappeared in the shadowy realm of the forest, Cardin turned his attention to the gathered mini-horde. Boarbatusk, Beowolves, Ursai and a damned Deathstalker. This was worse than what he heard JNPR and RWBY faced during their initiation. This was worse than getting insulted by every student he once bullied – this was the absolute worst thing he'd ever experienced. Gripping his mace with shaking fingers, Cardin fell into a stance that Jaune had taught him, preparing himself for the coming onslaught.
"It's time to be heroes for once!"
So the next chapter will be the end of the Forever Fall
And introduction arc, basically.
The first ten chapters were kind of like an introduction Arc
for Jaune's return to the past and setting the groundwork
for what's to come in the future.
Anyway!
Don't be afraid to Review, Favorite and Follow!
Ja ne!
gottahavekyuubi