The Best Kind of Accident
He stood there coughing his lungs out, his throat burning his eyes watering, and only a single thought coming to mind.
Dammit Nora.
Seriously why'd she'd have to blow him up, he thought he told her about adjusting Magnhild's dust grenades in the dorm room. He swept out his hand pushing the dust cloud away.
"Nora, Ren, Oscar! You three okay?" As the clouds parted light flood in, way more than the lamp they had on. However that paled when he saw it, people, dozen's all in uniform, but not the greys and black of Atlas but red, with yellow and brownish skirts and pants… Looking around he saw tons of familiar faces in the other students… and even looking before him he saw a very confused Cardin his face slammed down before him making the crater Jaune stood in.
"Jauney boy? What the-" The people above whispered before finally a voice he knew all to well cried out.
"Oh my Oum look at Crocea Mors!" He turned towards it finding Craterface on her toes pointing a excited glimmer in her eyes looking like she had back in Beacon. Right beside her Weiss and her sister and Blake… With long hair?
"Jaune-Jaune digivolved!"
"Nora that's not- Well… I suppose that's as accurate as any other explanation… whose Oscar?" Turning Jaune saw Ren and Nora looking to him the Valkyrie's filled to the brim with excitement. However, in the same moment he'd turned to them his attention had been utterly and completely stolen by on individual alone. He stepped forward to her, eyes like emeralds and hair red as fire… A tear rolling down his cheek as he ignored Professor Goodwitch and made his way to her.
"Pyrrha…"
"Jaune? What's wron-Mmph!" Her question died before it could even finish as pulled her in, his lips crashing into hers. His body shaking as more tears spilled. For a moment she struggled against him but only for a moment as soon she gave falling against him letting any thoughts of resisting go, aura glowed around his form seeping into her eliciting her own crimson hue to ignite. Over and over again it expanded and seeing it Glynda's eyes widened.
Finally, he pulled back looking to her as her eyes slowly, reluctantly opened only for her to stiffen when she felt his hand on her cheek, as he smiled somberly, guiltily.
"You're as beautiful as the day I lost you…" The moment was everything she could've dreamed of, as he looked to her, his form toner, stronger everything she knew he could be and slowly he leaned forward much to her joy and delight and as she closed her eyes readying for this dream-like moment to continue-
"YES! It's finally happening!"
"'sigh' You ruined it Nora." Jaune stopped seeming to gain back some of his sense as he looked around again finding dozens of students staring wide-eyed and slack jawed. He looked back to everyone and then to Pyrrha as the question finally came to mind, one he perhaps should've considered quite a while ago.
Why, why am I at Beacon, and why isn't it in pieces? Didn't I die falling?
A idea popped in his head then, one honed by years of growing up on comic books and action cartoons. And while before it would've seemed ridiculous and impossible after what he'd learned about magic, the Relics and Salem it just seemed ridiculous. Yes Utterly ridiculous and yet possible.
"Uh… This might sound kinda weird but… What year is it…" Glynda rose a brow but Cardin seeing an opening went for it. Jaune however noted the blow and rose his shield, Executioner slammed against the upgraded kites shield before the twin crescent's glowed violet and let loose a gravity pulse sending the ginger flying on his butt.
Jaune breathed, allowing his semblance to take the reins, amplifying his auric recovery and letting his aura levels rise back near full at a pace only Hazel could hope to match. The crowd went wide-eyed Cardin included before Jaune turned back to Goodwitch ignoring the flustered Pyrrha in front of him and the befuddled class after each shock he'd given in the last several seconds.
However, at the moment none of these registered to him, not the embarrassment, shock at his actions or flustered reasoning for what he'd done to Pyrrha would come. Cause at the moment he was focused on one thing and one thing alone. Something that he could only dream of before… And with that thought he looked to his teacher something burning in his eyes that shocked the woman. Something that a boy his age safe behind Beacon's door shouldn't have.
Eyes that carried a weight, a goal and the determination to do so… Eyes of a huntsman, the same that only yesterday she'd doubted he'd ever have… And seeing them made her draw to his words, made them ones that she'd not answer as a teacher but out of necessity as a fellow Hunter.
"What's today's date?"
And when she answered, when she'd told him and he learned it despite how utterly impossible what was happening was he fell to his knees smiling. Grateful, overjoyed… and Determined.
-0-0-0-
Ozpin sat at his desk waiting, for what he was yet to be aware, all he knew was that Glynda had requested some of his time alone. She'd even slipped the code word into her speech alerting him of its relation to her, to Salem, he only regretted that he didn't have Qrow on the way as he was still searching for the Spring Maiden.
The door opened then and Glynda certainly had stepped in but to his surprise so did another, a familiar if not new face to his school and yet it was so different than the one he recalled in Initiation…
"Mister Arc what may I ask are yo-"
"Cut the act… Ozma." Eyes widened as he found his coffee cup shattered in his grasp, before Jaune stood eyes trained on him. A storm of emotions conveyed within… Anger, distrust, disdain… Hope and even… Empathy.
"How much do you know…"
"Everything about you two… Jinn told us so." He swallowed, Jinn, so he knew about the Relics… About Salem. He risked it, gambled despite Glynda being right there.
"Do you know about Salem and my relation?" There was a pause, a surprise, perhaps he expected him to beat around the bush, but he wouldn't, not under these circumstances. He could recognize a Hazel in the making… And he'd not make that mistake again.
"…I know 'everything' about you and Salem… Even what you hid from your circle… Your 'real' plan to win." Or lack thereof, he could read between the lines, the glare of the boy… But the fact that he'd said it like such told him so much. That he was here before him instead of running towards 'her' said more.
"… Do you hate me mister Arc?"
"… I don't know… Not at the moment at least." The way he spoke… past tense. He licked his lips as he debated his words, as he worked the maze of his mind for the proper response.
"Mister Arc, allow me to be blunt… Why are you here instead of gone, if you truly know our chances?" He tossed it then, his Scroll and the moment he caught it, the moment he'd seen the images on it he understood. Eight faces, licenses… Atlas certified he believed were pulled up, seven he recognized despite their features being older and details different their the current and the eight ones he knew instantly by the look in his eyes…
"For them… And for Pyrrha." His eyes burned with determination, the same determination that'd made him risk enrolling here despite the odds, the same determination he'd gambled on during Initiation. And while he was confident Jaune would become a fine huntsman he couldn't have dreamed he'd make himself such in a months' time. He felt many things looking up to the boy.
"What do you want of me mister Arc?"
"To stop her… But we both know the chances there… So I'll settle." He was intrigued.
"Settle?" Jaune stepped forward then and despite Glynda being wary he rose his hand and stood himself.
"I'll settle on stopping your plan for Pyrrha." Eyes widened; he knew up to that point. Glynda spoke up then.
"He wouldn't force her on it."
"No… But we all know she's not the sorta person who'd say no… And 'Cinder' will kill her!"
"Cinder?" Jaune growled, his eyes hateful, something that honestly shocked him to see before he looked to Ozpin and for a moment, the anger was gone, and he could see sympathy.
"Lionheart betrayed you…" And no matter how much he hoped they were the words of a child deep down he knew, because so many times had it happened, so many times had those he held faith in betrayed him… He breathed, his fist tense for but a moment his shame and pain visible but then lost, hidden behind the soul jaded by an eternities curse…
"I feel we have much to discuss… Mister Arc… No according to this you are a colleague now, Jaune. May I ask, what can you contribute, in this time?" He smiled.
"The one thing you couldn't ask Jinn… The Future."
-0-0-0-
The Cafeteria was a buzz with gossip as always, also as always teams JNPR and RWBY sat eating together yet the atmosphere was different then the norm. For lack of one person.
"Pyrrha?" The spartan sighed as she relived that moment, those were arms around her, the warmth of his lips. The indescribable feeling he'd infused into her during that magical moment.
"Hey P-Money." It was everything she could've wanted and yet… His words, those eyes that glistened with tears and the tremble in his voice…
"PYR-PYR!"
"Wha!? Yes! Nora what is it!?"
"Where's Jaune-Jaune, he hasn't messaged you back yet!?" She blinked cheeks burning before she looked down to her scroll. He had said he would once he returned from whatever miss Goodwitch had dragged him away for.
"No, he hasn't messaged me yet…" There was a tinge of disappointment, it all had happened so fast after all. And, she never did get to speak to him about what he did… Her cheeks burned at the memory. Soon she covered her face in embarrassment, what was she supposed to do after that? What were they? Could he expect her to be his- Her mind raced, confusion evident and the gears in her head spinning far too fast. Seeing this Weiss sighed shaking her head.
"Honestly for you to become like this over that dolt." Yang snickered.
"I don't know, did you see VB after he blew up, looked a heck of a lot knightier to me, plus dig the new due might wanna ask where he got his hair done 'heh'" The heiress rolled her eyes.
"Please it would hardly be possible for him to get any worse." Yang however smiled.
"So your admitting he got better."
"Wha? D-don't put words in my mouth Xioa-Long!"
"Eh, whatever you say, guess it doesn't matter for you anymore anyways whether you're into VB now, seemed pretty obvious to me our lover boy's moved on from small and frosty to our tall, leggy, right sis? Sis?" Yang turned to her sister finding the reapette looking down to her plate an assortment of cookies she'd manage to sneak and yet currently they remained on her tray instead of their rightful home in her belly.
She looked down to them a pout on her features as she ignored the world, what was happening to her? Why was she so bothered? She didn't even get why she was bothered right now… Well… Maybe she knew a little bit why. Again the image flashed, of the maybe slightly cooler Jaune… Kissing Pyrrha.
Her stomach knotted again and the cookies looked that much less appetizing in turn.
This was so stupid, why, why did it bother her, Jaune was her friend, her first friend here in Beacon. Her bestie above the restie! So why wasn't she happy? He wasn't getting Weissed by Weiss anymore from asking her out. And Pyrrha liked Jaune back, heck she was coo coo for Jaune-Jaune puffs or at least that's how Nora put it. She just didn't get why that idea made her feel so… not awesome…
"Hello Remnant to sis?"
"Huh?"
"'Heh' Way to space out there, well I was saying that our resident noodle boy… Well not so noodlely after that explosion boy moved on to bigger leggier things. Right P-Money." Pyrrha flustered while Weiss huffed insulted… Ruby however surprisingly didn't snicker or defend her partner. But instead her features scrunched up as she looked away.
"Maybe it was an accident, he did just blow up after all… maybe he wasn't thinking straight." Yang blinked.
"Uh, kinda mean thing to say in front of P-Money don't you think?" The little reaper blushed adorably.
"S-sorry." Pyrrha smiled back not willing to show how much the comment bothered her.
"None taken anyways-"
'OHHHHH~
There's a place I know
That's tucked away;
A place where you and I can-'
Ruby blinked looking to her Scroll recognizing the ring.
"It's Jaune." As she pulled out her Scroll Pyrrha blinked a bit surprised, he had said he'd call her after all.
"He said he's done talking to the headmaster and heading back."
"He messaged you that? But then, why didn't he send it to me?" The moment of triumph was quick to leave as she saw Pyrrha look sad.
Why didn't he message her instead?
-0-0-0-
Heels clicked as he stepped through the halls, beside him Glynda, his former- well, current now he guessed Teacher still in mild shock over what she heard.
"I can't believe it… Beacon will-" He wouldn't let her finish that statement.
"No, it won't." She looked to him her features calming, as she fixed her glasses reason showing as she contemplated.
"Right, it is possible your semblance could prolong Amber's state and if you truly do know her attacker's-"
"Cinder…"
"Yes, Cinder Fall… The student coming to Beacon from Haven… From Lionheart…" He felt her usual calm assertiveness vanish, a rare moment of weakness plain to see. Of… fear.
"And you're sure?"
"… I'm sorry." She closed her eyes before breathing and looking to her tablet again going through the records, on the other subject Jaune had insisted on.
"And this Oscar Pines… You're sure about him as well?" He nodded.
"He'll be Ozpin's next host… But not for a long time if I can help it." She wanted more details, after all he was a year even miss Rose's junior, to allow him into their school would bring an assortment of problems forth. However, the walk was all too quick and no sooner did the two find themselves before the cafeteria doors.
Jaune looked to it for a second, letting the sounds of the students eating and chatting away fill his head… He never realized how much he missed Beacon, missed those days with his friends… With all his friends. And now that the one was back from the impossible another was gone in a village off somewhere uninvolved in all this…
A part of him couldn't help but wonder if he'd be happier that way… If he was being selfish to pull Oscar back into it all. But he knew, if Ozpin died, when Ozpin died Oscar would likely be inhabited and just like before he'd be far too fresh to be thrown into all this. No, he had to make sure Oscar would be fine, just like Pyrrha, he'd protect both his partners.
The official one and the one from a path far too much like his own.
"Miste- 'ahem' Jaune… Should you not enter, I'm sure your team is worried about you with all that's happened." He nodded and readied to enter before pausing to look back to her, he steeled himself. After all while his feelings for Ozpin may still be complicated at best, Glynda was a different matter. She stiffened when she felt it, his aura, his semblance, he imagined it'd been a shock but according to Weiss and Ren it was comforting, reassuring.
He smiled her way, the kind he'd given Ruby when she'd needed it.
"I can't promise that I can fix everything… But, I do promise I won't let Beacon, let Vale fall again."
She stared, he was just a child, as if he should be saying something like that, especially to a woman her age. It was embarrassing to have a student worry for her regardless whether he should actually be considered her student anymore. However, something in those eyes surprisingly did reassure her… Perhaps she was going senile for Arc of all her students to make her feel reassured…
However, she would admit, he no longer looked like the hopeless boy swinging about his families heirloom. Now there was a measure of experience, and yet at his core that nativity seemed to remain even if its shell had been properly jaded. Perhaps it was merely the haircut, yes surely that was all.
"'Hmph' Perhaps before you worry for me or Vale as a whole you should win a match, especially before claiming to protect anything." He chuckled, rubbing the back of his head.
"Yeah, you got a point." She smiled a tinge of mirth evident.
"'Ahem' For reference, how old are you now Jaune?"
"Hmm, around 19 last I checked, why?"
"Well I need to take record even if it'll be unofficial." He nodded while she questioned herself, it was merely a curious thought nothing more. Yes assuredly…
Jaune turned in then towards the cafeteria, he entered noting a few students quieting upon seeing him. Some even just flat out staring, finally he spotted them, his friends however before he could approach he heard it.
"Ow!" Looking to his side he saw one of the few sights he really didn't miss about Beacon, CRDL up to their old ways… Velvet wincing as the resident bully pulled on her ears.
"See told you they were real."
"Please stop." The upperclassmen went ignored as the four boys chuckled.
"Hey Cardin." The ginger turned finding Jaune there standing straight, eyes fixed squarely on him.
"What is it Jauney Boy?" He didn't react to the name merely looking towards Velvet, towards her ear and by extension his hand.
"Let her go." He chuckled.
"What, mind speaking up." Apparently he did, because in the next moment the blondes hand launched out grabbing him by the wrist and squeezed with a grip strength honed over two years of constant training. Cardin winced and intended to pull his hand back releasing Velvet's ear. He succeeded in the later yet his hand was helpless against Jaune's grasp.
"Augh! Dammit let me GO!" He threw a fist the Arc's way but when it met its target light flashed and his knuckles stung as it felt like he'd punched a Paladin.
He grunted as his fist ached before looking up to Jaune who paid him no mind his other hand stretched out to Velvet a light at his palm that enveloped the Faunus's trait with aura. After several minutes though finally he let go and Cardin jumped back glaring.
"You wanna go Jauney Boy! Don't think just because you landed a good shot in class today means your anything special!" Jaune stared at him confused and even a bit… disappointed.
"What!?"
"Huh? Oh, nothing, it's just… were you always this annoying, I sorta remember you being, well intimidating…"
Guess I should thank Tyrian for that.
It was Russel who spoke up next.
"You picking a fight blondie!?"
"Wha? N- Hmm?" He turned and it was then the four noticed a 'very' annoyed Goodwitch glaring their way.
"Hey Miss Goodwitch? Can we use the Combat Class arena." The woman rose a brow intrigued.
"For?"
"Well… You did say I should win a match and…" He gestured to Cardin and his team.
"They look like they're gonna bother me until I give them what they want." She blinked before nodding.
"I see, I suppose I could make an exception." Cardin smirked then looking to Jaune.
"'Heh' Guess I'm gonna get the wipe the floor with you today after all Jauney Boy." Jaune however looked unphased as he made his way out unaware his team and friends were staring confused and shocked. However that effect doubled with his next words.
"Yeah, well we'll see after you 'four' gear up."
-0-0-0-
Seven sat in the seats of the combat class, and while usually Glynda might glare at this currently she could only give silent acceptance. After all they were clearly worried and honestly she couldn't blame them.
"Ha, look at that, guess Jauney Boy's friends wanted to see him get his daily beating too." Glynda shot the student a look making him shut his mouth. She wanted to groan, was that what Winchester though, he'd clearly become arrogant from his continual victories against Arc.
She really did despise that, arrogance wouldn't serve Winchester well on the field, perhaps she should pair him against other students but honestly he was the best opponent for Jaune to face. Strong but not impossible to surmount.
"In your dream! Fearless Leaders gonna kick your butts." The burnt ginger laughed while his team joked about not a care in the world.
"I dunno, I mean sure VB looks a heck of a lot tougher now but I mean he's still Jaune right?" Blake was the next to speak.
"If what he said was true." Weiss rolled her eyes.
"What? That He's from the future, Blake you actually believe his delusions?" Ruby protested.
"But his armor and he even told us about the future…"
"'Hmph' Yes yes, that I'd fall helplessly head over heels for some Mistralian. As if, clearly he hit his head when he exploded. Blake rose a brow.
"And the new outfit?"
"That's…"
"Enough out of you I ain't hearing no cheering for our fearless leader!"
"Speaking of cheering." Yang grinned looking to their resident Spartan.
"W-What?"
"Don't 'What' me P-Money, I see what your doing." Said spartan flushed a bit.
"I-I have no idea what you're talking about."
"~Sure you don't~, nice dress by the ways." Pyrrha avoided meeting the brawler's gaze as she played nervously with some of her dress's fabric.
"My, my uniform just happened to get a spill on it and this was the only change of clothes I had… It's for the dance…" Blake unintentionally helped her partner in her teasing.
"Are you wearing makeup?" And now Pyrrha's face was as red as her dress.
"'Hmph' Dolts…" Despite the conversation Ruby sat back quietly, something festering in her tiny chest.
Dumb Pyrrha I can wear dresses and junk too… Huh? Where'd that come from?
The seven continued they're squabbling until the doors opened and Jaune stepped. Now that a chance had really been given the seven actually truly looked to their friend.
Noting how different his outfit was, how more noble the armor shone and how well the gold trim fitted it. It wasn't simply his looks either, nor the extra tone to his muscle but more than that, down to the very way he moved about. His footsteps weren't simple or clumsy but… heavier with a rhythm betraying no hesitance only a steady expected stride.
Had what he said been true he'd only experienced a bit more than a year and yet they could tell he'd closed the gap between them all by quite a length. Which only begged the question, what could've happened in but that mere span. Even Weiss the most doubtful felt a bit drawn to the idea of his fantastical tale.
Cardin however didn't see the profile change in his victim, he never noted the way he examined them nor even consider how much broader the blonde had become. No all he saw was his favorite punching bag, The odd one out among his group among the top freshmen, as far as he was concerned Arc got lucky with a sucker punch and a fancy gizmo that brat Ruby probably added to his shield. Resting his mace over his shoulder he smirked.
"Well you ready Jauney Boy." Jaune looked to him quirking a brow.
"Am I ready? What about you, or to be more specific your team?" Cardin laughed a cocky arrogant bellow, before gesturing to Sky, Dove and Russel.
"Like they'd even need to do anything, you must've hit your head during that explosion that explosions huh?" Jaune sighed, scratching his head.
"Are you sure?"
"Oh yeah I'm sure, after working up my appetite beating you down for that scene in the cafeteria I think I'll get the animal to buy my lunch as an apology for not telling you to stop. Jaune's featured shifted, his eyes narrowing.
"Her names Velvet… And trust me your gonna end up regretting making her mad once Coco's had enough of your shit or worse Daichi." The burnt ginger snorted.
"Enough talk lets go!" And with that the brute was off mace raised and eyes fixed on his mark a cruel cocky smile on his face.
"Jaune! Dodge!" It was his go to strategy after all, avoid his bully till he couldn't anymore, the only thing Jaune knew how to do in human to human combat. Or so that's what he'd once only been capable of, Crocea Mors shot forward then not towards Cardin but instead his hand, stabbing the finger's gripping The Executioner and like that he let go his weapon in the air and before he could scream at the pain of his finger's having sustained damaged aura or not thick heavy metal slammed into his face. His head bucked back and the shield lowered to his chest and before the second could even pass it's emblem glowed violet.
A roar or energy and the ginger was sent flying out the arena and hit the floor outside the ring before his weapon did. Silence filled the room at the sight and looking up the crowd saw the score, Cardin 94% Jaune 100%. Blake was the first to say what they were all thinking.
"Did, did that just happen?" Weiss the second.
"I don't believe it…"
"Damn, I didn't even see what VB really did but I know he only did it in like three hits…" Pyrrha smiled proudly.
"Jaune, that was-" Before she could finish her thought though Ruby and Nora all but launched from their seats.
"WOHOOO FEARLESS LEADER/ JAUNE!" Glynda needed a moment to adjust looking to Cardin who rose with a snarl and then back to Jaune who looked to him seemingly ready despite the match having ended.
"Winner, Jaune Arc…" Jaune stilled.
"Wait what?"
"You won, well done mister Arc in fact, I'd even go as far as saying it was a flawless victory." Simple yes, but practical and even now he remained ready. In a way he was the first student to earn this praise within his first year…
"Won? But…" Jaune looked to the three other members of CRDL each stunned blinking.
"I only took out Cardin what about them?"
"Wait, do you mean to say-"
"Huh? didn't I say it before?" Cardin didn't waste a second adding his complaint too.
"That's right! Arc started before my team was ready!"
Glynda's eyes narrowed to a spine-chilling degree on the ginger Winchester.
"As I recall you were the first to attack Winchester." The burnt ginger clicked his tongue and seeing it she truly regretted having him fight Jaune so often. But she turned to Jaune then hesitantly.
"Jaune, I mean 'Ahem' Mister Arc, do you really intend to face them all?"
"Well yeah, that's what I said right? Oh actually hold on Cardin's aura's took a hit right?" Without warning Jaune rose his hand to his bully and it begun to glow white and no sooner so did Cardin himself. Light filled the burly student and the Aura readings ting and when she looked up Cardin's aura was back to full and Jaune's had barely dropped half a single percent before abruptly returning back to a perfect hundred. Several gasp filled the room but no more so then Glynda's as she fixed her glasses.
"Mister Arc, what, what did you just do?"
"Oh right, never told you about my Semblance did I?"
"Your Semblance?"
Jaune smiled.
"Yeah, Aura Amplification, I can amplify another person's aura and any auric related trait of theirs. It's how I'll help Amber." She struggled at the words given, to empower someone's aura was to effect they're very soul… Which could mean…
Amber… He might not just prolong her health be even…
"Round two Jauney Boy!" Her musings were cut off though when Cardin stomped into the arena again his teammates by his side gear on haphazardly still adjusting they're armor.
"Mister Winchester!"
"'Sigh' So we actually doing this or are you four not gonna take this seriously again." Glynda blinked looking to Jaune who stood ready shield up and body lowered, in the distance his team blinked surprised sitting back down at seeing they're leader look so… well not unprepared. As much as it pained them to admit though, none of them saw Jaune coming out this fight the winner well all but two.
Ruby watched silently cheering, believing in her best friend and why she couldn't really say besides just the air around him, it was so much less like theirs and more… well more like her uncles or dad's, as if ready to take on the world but 'very' aware of it. Somehow the Jaune before her had more actual experienced then her and how she could only believe was due to the story she was that much more certain in that Jaune spoke of.
However more than that was Pyrrha who looked to him wide-eyed but with the largest smile spread across her face, she knew it. That Jaune could achieve this, could reach this level even if she hadn't offered her help yet… It wasn't showy, not in the least like her own style and yet she could see it, the way he swung, the utter focus and yet ability to act certainly. He was using her way of fighting as a foundation despite it at first glance appearing so utterly different.
"Whoa whoa whoa. Is VB losing his mind, I mean sure he nailed Cardin good there but four on one really?"
"The Dolts getting arrogant." Reluctantly Blake spoke up.
"… I'm not so sure." Blake recognized many things in her life, battle, bloodshed and injustice, she also could see when someone was confident in their abilities, not cocky but self-assured. And Jaune was just that.
"Whoohoo! Go Fearless Leader! Kick their butts and break all the legs!" Ren sighed but didn't bother correcting her. Jaune smiled at the cheers behind, but now was hardly the time, now he had work to do, to see how far he'd improved since his days here. And what better measure tool was there then Cardin who knew how he used to fight best.
Glynda sighed, seeing their was little point in arguing.
"Very well, begin.""
Cardin came forward again this time his mace swung horizontally. But he could recognize a feint and stepped back just out of its reach raising his shield in time to tank two round as Dove and Sky fired from a distance and Russel closed in. It was a good strategy, a great one even except. His body shone white as he moved forward shield raised tanking the bullet fire. Cardin swung down at him expecting him to block the blow so Russel could nail him from his blind spot but instead upon making contact the blonde flashed an intense white. His hand ached in pain as the Executioner vibrated after having slammed into a multiplied barrier. However that wasn't what caught his attention, no Russel yelping was what made him focus again and see.
Jaune's shield boomed with Gravity Dust slightly stunning Dove and Sky long enough for Jaune to bring the shield straight into Thrush's stomach, winding him. Before he could even process it all Crocea Mors came down, its edge glowing faintly with aura reinforcing it's steel. The attack came down hard the wind splitting some as Thrush was sent flying his aura crackling as a visible cut was clear to see on his shirt.
The fast one backing off Jaune moved his shield over his face again enduring more dust-rounds. He spun then shifting back on light nimble feet avoiding the crater made by Cardin who glared his way.
But the glare was short-lived as no sooner did he find the steel heel of Jaune's boot slammed into his face. The air whistled and though his hand wasn't fast enough his barrier's manifestation was. A wall of light caught Shortwing the dagger bouncing off as Russel charged its twin blades raised in a stabbing hold.
He leaped, jumping in stabbing deep into Jaune's barrier that crackled against the blades force. But in doing so Russel gave his biggest advantage away and was in clear view and well within striking distance. Crocea swung out and connected again this time batting the boy away, before he could recover Jaune was on him, his blade swinging down and in response Thrush raised his dagger in mock defense only for it's blade to shatter to the nobler steel. A ring upon contact and it'd been decided.
"Russel Thush is out." Jaune gave an actual smile at his first true victory at Beacon but it was short lived as she felt bullets slam into him. He rose his shield then enduring the barrage only to receive a cruel blow from behind. Cardin roared as The Executioner glowed a hellish red before exploding point blank against Jaune.
Cardin smiled at his victory… for all of a second, as from the dust cloud he heard it, the wind's screams as they were torn apart. He Rose The Executioner then, the mighty mace blocking it just in time. His legs buckled, his eyes widened as he looked to find a Claymore in his way. It's edge golden and biting the slightest bit into his mace's hilt.
"This cloud is the perfect cover…" Before he could ask what he meant a foot stomped down into his knee, he grunted in pain as the force behind the Claymore increased. Slowly the smoke cleared between them and what he saw made him go wide-eyed as Jaune stood there over his bucking form. His hands gripping the blade before he rose it up. Before he could react, before he could even speak Crocea Mor's came back down, he blocked it. And again, and again Jaune swung down.
Sparks flew with each clash of steel, the blade's edge not even the slightest bit worn, but his hilt, dozens of spiderweb cracks appeared. Again his blade came down and again The Executioner creaked and cracked. He panted winded, looking up and finding it a Jaune only slightly heavier of breath his blade up high. Jaune shifted his wrist and like that the same dust compartment activated for his blade instead of his shield.
Blue bright edges appeared along the gold trim, like plasma cutters and no sooner did he act swinging his blade down one last time and unlike before The Executioner could not endure. The steel shattering to its better as the energy hot and ready tore into Cardin's reserves. A sound so similar to shatter glass filled the air as Cardin's aura was reduced to zero. The brute fell back out of the cloud his chest piece torn open by a huge cut. Weiss could only stare speechless.
"What just happened…" Pyrrha looked to her partner with a approving smile as she spoke proudly as if the achievement was her own.
"Jaune took advantage of the opening Cardin made."
"Opening?"
"The explosion, the dust cloud made it impossible for Dove and Sky to attack without risking hitting Cardin." Ren spoke now.
"But now that Cardin's out." As if to answer their question they two unloaded into the cloud of dust.
"Sorry to say… but unless you have armor piercing rounds its pointless." From the dust, streaks of light shot forth, and slowly he stepped out, his body unharmed as he glowed a pale white. As he stepped forward he shifted Crocea Mors back into its shield and sword before charging. While Dove fired panicky Sky took aim and landed his mark striking not Jaune but Crocea Mors. The blade flew from his hand making Sky smile.
"I got his weapon, charge hi-Ugh!" Before he could finish Jaune closed the distance regardless of his blade being lost and slammed his shield square in his face. The teen groaned not noticing how Jaune reached out grabbing his wrist stopping him from using the already very limited polearm. He hadn't the focus to notice as Jaune connected the Shield and his face again. He seized the weapon tossing it out before grappling the boy and shoving him at the charging Dove's way. Dove pushed aside his friend glaring Jaune's way and saw how he shot forward shield in hand. He leaned back knowing he'd be out of a bash's reach only to receive a blow to the head.
He stumbled as he looked on to see Jaune holding not as shield but a sheath as he charged in using it much like a baton. Not wasting a beat Jaune swung the pseudo baton out again and this time Dove met his blow but was shocked when his arm was flung aside the force behind Jaune's apparently much greater swing. A fist launched out then catching his chin making him stumble. The last mistake he'd ever make as no sooner did the sheath shot forward slamming square in his throat.
Dove reached for his throat only to be kicked harshly and sent on his butt just out of the stages bounds. Jaune breathed and slowly surely his aura returned, but nobody noticed that, not when shock was the main thought on everyone's mind. Sky roared as he leaped at Jaune from behind.
"It's not a sneak attack… IF YOU YELL!" The Sheath shifted back to his shield slamming into the boy's face making him lose balance as his head snapped back. Jaune rose his free arm catching Dove's blade swing with his braced wrist.
"What the hell!"
How is he holding me back! I'm using both hands for this swing.
Jaune moved forward before snarling and let loose a war cry his wrist pushing back against the blade compared to the Nuckelavee this wasn't even childs play! Hallshott flew out of Dove's hand leaving him weaponless against the unamused Arc. Pivoting forward he punched catching the boy square in the face. His shield's edge meeting Bronzewing's chest then denting in his breastplate.
Before Dove could even panic at the pain his air was relieved from him via Jaune's knee slamming into his stomach. A hard sideways knock of his fist was all it took to send the unbalanced man tumbling off. Sky gaining back focus locked eyed with the Arc before going blind as light flashed out, before he could even process it he felt a hand slam down on his shoulder while the other gripped his belt buckle. With no warning he was relived of gravities burden and lifted up and thrown out of the ring.
Dove struggled to rise his aura in the yellow he looked up to figure out his next move only to see Jaune there stepping his way Crocea Mors once more in hand and more terrifying was that with each breath his aura rose already back to over 90.
"I-I give." Jaune stopped readying to sigh but Dove smiled shooting forward to give a sucker punch the Arc's way only to feel pain as his knuckle slammed into what felt like reinforced steel. He fell back with a cry gripping his hand as that self-inflicted blow had done his aura into the red.
Glynda stood surprised at the scene unable to believe it, true she thought one day Jaune could achieve the ideals she wished for each of her students but this… This was far past what she'd expect from even a third year. So raw and to the point, no showing off or wasted movements simple yet practical.
"The winner, Jaune Arc." She'd expected some grand smile to spread across the boy's face but instead what she saw was a contemplative look as he wondered to himself.
"Mister Arc, is everything alright?"
"Huh? Oh yeah… It's just, Mrs. Goodwitch where would you say my capabilities are at about now?
"Hmm, well all things together I'd say you well surpass mister Winchester." Cardin glared but both choose to ignore it.
"Hmm, I'd say you about on par with a third year, perhaps a fourth." Jaune blinked surprised.
"Wait seriously, like above CFVY?" Glynda blinked before sighing.
"No, mister Arc please answer me this? What do you believe the average second year's capabilities is? Or better yet even your year?"
"Mine, oh well… I mean Pyrrhas probably above average alongside Nora and Yang so… Maybe Blake or Ren?" She felt a headache threaten to take over.
"'Sigh' No Jaune, not at all… In fact Ren and Blake much like the rest of your team are on par with most graduates." He blinked.
"Wait… What?" Again she sighed.
I knew this day would come but its still no less irritating, why does Ozpin insist of random pairings for teams and partners.
"Mister Arc, each member of your group of friends is capable for fighting off criminals the average huntsman couldn't match… Some could even win them or wipe out entire packs of Grimm with little effort. To be frank our first years this year are beyond exceptional so much so that 3 spots were taken by them for the Vytal Festival… Team CFVY is of similar skill as well."
"But wait what about the Transfer teams like SSSN or FNKI?" For a moment she looked surprised before recalling his circumstances.
"I imagine they're of similar skill, to be frank mister Arc a normal student can be expected to face a Beowulve perhaps two in their first year. Anything else and I'd suspect they'd run."
"But… Initiation?"
"Jaune, just how many Deathstalker and Nevermore bigger than a Bullhead do you actually think exist? Ideal most students would run till forming a team in a near death like battle for survival… After surviving that it helps cement a team's trust in one another."
"So then I-"
"I'll admit when I saw you partnered with miss Nikos I was… 'Concerned' You'd hold her back. However that is not the as thinking you were useless just unfit to be her partner… Imagine my surprise when she unlocked your aura?"
"Wait you knew?"
"Of course, we were monitoring you during the test after all…"
"But-"
"Jaune-Jaune!" A excited Valkyrie launched into her Fearless Leader 2.O.
"Whoa! Hey Nora!?"
"That was awesome! I knew you could do it fearless leader! Could've been more leg breaking and explosions but still!" Ruby suddenly appeared, eyes practically sparkling as she stared with almost a worshipping level of admiration towards his sword.
"Yeah! Oh my Gods what was that a Claymore! Jaune you have a Sword that turns into a bigger sword!?" Following her Ren and Pyrrha smiled no less happy for him but still admittedly very surprised. While the rest of Ruby's team weren't far behind.
"Holy cow VB you really showed them. Thought only P-Money and yours truly could beat those four without breaking a sweat." Blake spoke more to herself, her eyes narrowed in contemplation.
"Those movements…"
Those aren't the result of practice but experience…
"'Hmph' And here you said you didn't know who the SDC was and yet clearly you utilize our Dust, nice try Arc or are you going to go on that bout about being from the futu-Hey!?" Jaune walked up to and then passed the heiress slightly shoving her aside much to her surprise.
"Sorry but scuse me Weiss."
"Hey what's the- Wait… Weiss? Despite her thoughts Jaune ignored her stepping past the group to Pyrrha recognizing that dress, that night from the night of the dance. With his whole team, where he'd finally felt…
"Wha? J-Jaune." Her face burned as she felt Jaune take her hands in his before working his best smile despite the unkemptness of himself after the fight.
"Uh, so… 'inhale' Pyrrha would you consider… Y'know maybe sorta… Going to the dance with me?"
"Wha-what?" She spluttered for words as she almost suffered several meltdowns to her rosy red cheeks.
"'Heh' it's just seeing that kinda makes me think of an old regret of mine… So I was hoping. I mean you don't have to and I know it's a ways off till but-"
"I-I'd Love To!" All eyes turned on the spartan whose face was red with the words that just came out of her mouth. Her own face burned from the words,
"I-I mean well… I need some time alone!" And like that she was off and no sooner-
"Wha? Hey sis what's wrong!? Get back here!"
"No! Leave me alone!" Ignoring her sister Ruby launched off seeming more then a bit upset for some reason.
What's wrong with me!? Why am I so-
"Quick Jaune-Jaune we need to catch Pyr-Pyr!"
Things are finally happening I'm not letting you ruin it for yourself Pyrrha!
"Wha!? Nora let go!"
"'sigh' You've spent a month with us Jaune, you should know it's pointless to resist." Ignoring the enigma that was Jaune's transformation at the moment Blake looked to the pair of sister's vanishing and sighed.
"Come on Weiss lets go get her before Staff complain again. Weiss?"
"He didn't say Snow Angel"
"I suppose he didn't."
"But how? That Dolts always been so persistent?" Blake's brow quirked before she gave to a slight playful whim.
"Maybe he got over you in that future of his, found someone better." She'd choose to spend time with Pyrrha any day over the Schnee at least. Weiss's eyes however narrowed at the Belladonna's wording.
"And what's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing, now lets go." And like that she was off, and a fuming Weiss followed.
"What, wait get back here! Are you suggesting I'm somehow inferior to Nikos!? First of all Arc would not be 'Finding Someone Better' By stopping his pursuit of me! He'd be settling at best!"
"Whatever you say." Weiss gritted her teeth at the slight.
I'll show you! Future nonsense or not Arc is at least smart enough to recognize I was the best possible woman to pursue and I'll prove it!
-0-0-0-
"Oh Pyr-Pyr! Where are you!"
"She's probably in our room."
"Of course the perfect hiding place! Renny you're a genius" Without a care for his opinion Nora once again went on the move dragging away Jaune while spewing forth every idea in her head.
"So Jaune-Jaune cause you're from the future wanna tell me how many kids you and Pyr-Pyr have!"
"'Sigh' Nora he said he was from a year or so later."
"I know what I said." She expected her fearless leader to blush or maybe even tease but instead, abruptly Jaune stopped planting his feet and surprisingly stopping her pulling in its tracks.
"Jaune-Jaune?" He looked to her and in his eyes she found a look that was nothing like the goofy blonde she knew and was quickly coming to love like a nerdy big brother.
"Nora, Ren… we need to talk…" Before either could speak their Scrolls rung alerting them of something and slowly they opened them finding schematics for Magnhild and Storm Flower… Team formations and even license of… them, but from next year… But also JNPR their team was on a picture there but that was what made the two blink in confusion the most.
"Whose… Oscar Pines?"
"Ren… next page…" He looked to her seeing Nora's face pale, her body trembling the slightest bit. And looking to Jaune he just looked so… Bitter all of a sudden but it all became clear once he looked to the next page and saw it. A Statue of someone all too familiar dedicated to her fall as well as all those who fell during something called 'The Fall'.
"You may not remember it… but you once said we were a team… A family… And I… I want to save it, all of it… Her…"
