Chapter 5
Weiss and the rest of Team RRWBY have come to an understanding and had come closer to each other.
"Welcome students, welcome. Today is the first day of your martial arts training. I am your instructor. Call me Maku." Maku said, looking at the students.
"What's a faunas doing teaching us?" One of the students said to another. Maku smiled at them.
"Mr. Winchester, thank you for being the first to volunteer. Come on up to the stage, no worries." Maku said with a smile on his face. Cardin walked on the stage, uncomfortable with the teacher, standing off at a distance.
"Mr. Winchester, what is a martial art?" Maku asked.
"Isn't it fighting without a weapon?"
"That's one way to put it, yes. Which, if any of the arts are you familiar with?" Maku asked.
"I don't really fight without my weapon…" He held his mace out, then Maku used the force to grab it.
"Now, how would you fight?" Maku asked.
"Hey, how'd you…?" Cardin began.
"This is a teaching opportunity. I want you to try to land a punch on me in the next thirty seconds. If not, I'm going to have no choice but to give you some training exercises." Maku said.
Everyone who knew Rosa's crazy morning exercises knew it wouldn't be pleasant. Blake smiled at the idea. Maku put the mace on a table and held out his hand.
"Are you sure? You only got one arm?" Cardin said.
"Your concern is noted, but not necessarily needed. Start." Cardin threw a punch, one easily swatted away by Maku. The smile never left his face.
"Now Cardin, I can see that punch had no heart in it. Imagine I was a Grimm that knocked away your weapon." Maku said still with a smile on his face. Cardin threw another punch, and Maku swiped it away. Cardin continued to throw punches, but none of them even came close to getting him. After the thirty seconds were up, Maku used the force to hand Cardin his weapon.
"Now Mr. Winchester, your form is needed a lot of help. Your punches are best compared to a drunk man. Effective against those untrained, but against someone on a different level, useless. You have a potential for unarmed combat, but it needs to be refined. In a week or two, we'll figure out what style fits you best."
"I don't need it." Cardin said, embarrassed at the display.
"No need to be embarrassed. Everyone has growing pains. But there will come a time when you are backed against a wall and your mace won't be able to save you. You're strong, but I wonder what outlets you use your strength on." Maku said. Cardin flinched at that.
"You may take your seat." Maku said. Cardin went back to his seat, looking at his teacher strangely.
"What was that?" Cardin asked.
"Anyone else? If not, I'll pick at random." Yang rose her hand.
"Ah, Miss Xiao Long, come on up." She came up. "I've got an understanding that you've got a specialization in martial arts already."
"Yeah, boxing." Yang said.
"A strong style. Its history as long as our ability to hit each other, but it has so many nuances that are lost on those who think of it as simply punching someone." Maku said.
"Yeah. My dad taught me." Yang said.
"He's a teacher at signal, isn't he?" Maku asked.
"Yeah."
"Then let's see. Weapons off please."
Yang took off her weapons and got in a ready stance. Maku held out his hand.
"Same rules as before." Yang rushed forward, punching at Maku. He sidestepped Yang and smiled.
"Since you're further along, I'll be adding a few things. I hope you bring on a good show for everyone." Maku said.
Yang smirked and charged forward. Maku blocked some of the hits and sidestepped others. The timer went off and he gave Yang a smile.
"You will have different training. You're strong, but there are a few weaknesses you suffer from. I'd love it if I could bring your father here for special instruction." Maku said.
"I'll say something to him next time I see him."
"Alright class… What was the difference between the two examples? Take away experience." Maku said.
"Cardin took time to start taking you seriously, while Yang did it immediately." Pyrrha said.
"Good. Yes, Cardin did doubt I was capable, while Yang did not. One thing you learn with experience is to never underestimate an opponent, especially those that can think. Can I have Jaune Arc come up?" Maku asked.
Jaune came up, nervous.
"Mr. Arc, thank you for coming. May I ask if you have a specialization?" Maku asked.
"No, no not really." Jaune said.
"That's alright. Now, you lack the muscle strength of Cardin, which should mean what?" Maku asked the class.
"His hits are weaker." One of the students said.
"Yes, that is one outcome, but there is something else. He can move faster. So, something like boxing isn't recommended for you Jaune, but… there are martial arts out there that use a lot of redirection and grapples. Grappling an opponent stops attacks and can lead to an opening. Use the weight of the opponent against them. Rosa, would you come up to show the class what a grapple can do?"
"Yes." Rosa got up on stage. "Okay Jaune, make a haymaker punch." Rosa showed him a haymaker, and stepped halfway behind her, bringing a foot behind his leg.
"Okay Jaune, this is where you fall." Rosa said. "Relax and it won't hurt."
"Okay." Jaune said, struggling to calm himself. Rosa helped him. Rosa brought her leg back, swiping Jaune's leg, and bringing his body down. Rosa let him down gently.
"That is an example of a Grapple, and what it can do." Rosa bowed at the class and stepped to the side of Maku.
"Rosa, just one?"
"For now. I assume you're going to call me up again, so why go back down?" Rosa said with a smile.
"I guess so." Maku said.
"Now Jaune, do you understand grapples?" Rosa asked.
"A little." Jaune said.
"We can show others if there's time." Rosa said.
"Alright class, there are also some types of martial arts that attack weak points on the body. A few good hits on those points on the body and you take down the opponent."
Rosa stood back up and brought Jaune back up.
"I'm going to show the largest weak point on the human body, using Jaune." Rosa said. Jaune stepped forward and Rosa put her hand on his neck, the pressure point.
"There are two main different weak points. One is pressure points, including the neck." Jaune began to squirm. "The other is points like the eyes, neck, temple, and most important for a man, the groin."
Jaune looked at her. She was about to hit him but stopped in front of the neck.
"Hitting weak points on your opponent will cripple their attack effort." Rosa finished.
"Thank you, Rosa. Both you and Jaune may return to your seats for now." Maku said.
The class went on, with Weiss taking a lot of notes. Maku had a few more people get up and began giving out the training to everyone.
Teams RRWBY and JNPR walked to the cafeteria. They were asking Rosa about the martial arts class when a faunas first year was getting picked on by a second year.
"Jaune, here's an example of using weak points." Rosa said, handing Jaune her books. Everyone turned to her as she appeared behind the bully. She put her hand on his neck, then brought her leg forward, sweeping his leg up. She turned and sent the Bully to the ground.
"It's inappropriate to harass your fellow student." Rosa said angrily. The second-year looked up at her and got up, getting in a fighting stance. He threw a punch, and Rosa sidestepped it easily, sending a Jab at his arm, numbing it. He looked at her and turned around.
"You need to do better." Rosa shouted out to him.
"Rosa… was that really necessary?" Maku asked.
"He was bullying another student. In addition, master, I was able to demonstrate what we learned in class to Jaune." Rosa said.
"Good points, but I can't let it slide that easily. I think I have a solution. You're going to have to tutor both your team and team JNPR." Maku said.
"Understood master." Rosa said.
"I'll think if anything else is necessary to add to the punishment." Maku said. Rosa bowed to her master and went back to her group.
"Looks like I'm in a little trouble. I've been assigned to tutor you guys."
"We're you punished or us?" Ruby asked.
"It's good for all of you." Rosa said. "Learning from a Jedi will be fun."
"Sure…" Blake said.
Rosa gathered Team RRWBY and JNPR and looked at them all closely.
"Jaune, what is our mission?!" Rosa said, demanding the answer.
"To be tutored, Ma'am!"
"Correct!" Rosa said, tossing him a jelly bean. He looked at her confused.
"I really don't have anything else to give out as rewards." Rosa said.
"I don't think you need to reward us for this…" Pyrrha said.
"Ruby, what am I tutoring you on?!"
"Martial arts…?"
"Correct!" Rosa said, throwing Ruby a strawberry. She ate it quickly.
"Why are you doing that?" Weiss asked
"Because I want to make this a little fun." Rosa said with a smile.
"Now, Yang, let's give the first example of a fight!" Rosa said. Yang smiled and stepped forward. Rosa and Yang got in a fighting stance. Rosa went first and Yang jumped back before Rosa was able to hit her. Yang brought her fist up and landed a hit on Rosa's stomach. She dropped to the ground and gave Yang a thumbs up.
"Rosa! Oh, my Gods, I'm sorry." Yang went to Rosa.
"You punch hard." Rosa said. She had the wind knocked out of her.
"I feel like a jackass now." Yang said. Rosa had to sit down. She took a few deep breaths and coughed.
"Why didn't you bring up your aura?" Blake asked.
"I don't got one." Rosa said. Jaune looked at Pyrrha.
"Maybe Pyrrha could help you with that." Jaune said.
"It probably wouldn't work." Rosa said.
"Why?" Jaune asked.
"I'm not from here. Remember, I'm a Jedi." Rosa said.
"…just because you're not from Vale doesn't mean an aura wouldn't work." Pyrrha said.
"I'm not from Remnant." Rosa said. Everyone was quiet, then they all screamed at once.
"WHAT?!" They shouted.
"I thought you knew. I told you I was a Jedi!" Rosa said.
"Are you an alien?" Jaune asked getting too close to her. She put her hand on his face and pushed him back.
"I'm human… just not from here."
"But… what?" Ruby started.
"I'm shocked you didn't get it before." Maku said. He walked to the tutoring class shaking his head.
"Jedi are a group that protects the galactic republic. But I assume we're so far from in the unknown region that no one alive even knows about the republic." Maku said.
"Galactic protectors?" Nora said. "That sounds cool."
"I wouldn't say cool is the right word. More like… humbling. We have a massive responsibility to everyone. But back to the aura topic. We haven't studied it, so let's give it a try." Maku said.
"Are you an alien?" Weiss asked.
"I'm a nonhuman yes. But alien sounds so… strange. I don't feel anything alien about myself. I'm what's called a Zabrak."
Pyrrha took Rosa to the side and tried to unlock her aura. Her skin began to glow a little.
"Looks like you have one… but…" Pyrrha started.
"But…" Rosa asked.
"It's small. It'll break after a few hits." Pyrrha said apologetically.
"Well, I got the force, so I don't really need that much of an aura, right?" Rosa asked.
"Let's try not to get hit too much." Pyrrha said.
"Alright everyone, questions later, practice now." Rosa said. "Yang, you did great. I really struggle fighting smart enemies. Droids, Grimm, and dumb criminals I got beat, but someone who can think… I struggle."
"When you don't use the force." Maku added.
"Yeah… but that's not the point." Rosa said. "Someone with skill will beat me."
"Something that we can work on." Maku said.
After classes that day, Rosa walked into the cafeteria and saw Cardin holding onto the ears of a Faunas. Rosa sighed and walked over to her.
"Cardin… what the hell are you doing?" Rosa asked.
"Just checking if it was real, and guess what, they are." The rabbit faunas looked at her.
"You want to go start your training." Rosa said waving her hand.
"I… I want to go start my training." Cardin let go of the ears and left the cafeteria.
"Weak-minded fool." Rosa said. She sat down next to the faunas.
"Rosa Reidan." Rosa held out her hand.
"Velvet Scarlatina. Thank you for that." Velvet said. Rosa smiled at the accent.
"What?" Velvet said.
"Sorry, your accent reminds me of some friends." Rosa said.
"I can't help it."
"Sorry, I didn't mean to make you self-conscience." Rosa said her hands shooting up.
"It's alright. That's the least of my worries right now. How'd you do that by the way?" Velvet asked, waving her hand.
"It's a mind trick. Weak-minded people are easy to manipulate." Rosa said.
"Mind trick? Amazing. Is that your semblance?" Velvet asked.
"Not exactly." Rosa smiled.
"Can you teach me that?" Velvet asked.
"I don't think so. Unless you have a connection to the force." Rosa said.
"The force?"
"Yeah… It's a bit complicated, but I tell you more about it later. My team just got here." Rosa took out a paper, and so did Velvet. They both smiled as they gave each other their contact information.
"Where's Cardin?" Ruby asked.
"He was bothering Velvet over there for her ears, so I used a Jedi mind trick to get him to go do his training." Rosa said.
"Jedi mind trick? Can you do that on us?" Ruby asked.
"No, you guys are too strong-willed for that." Rosa said.
Jaune sighed as he came back from the newest combat class. Cardin annihilated him. It wasn't even close. He was beaten completely.
"Come on Jaune, you'll beat him next time." Nora said.
"Nora… we both know that's not true." Jaune said. "He's strong, and I'm… well I'm pathetic."
"Jaune!" Pyrrha said.
"It's true!" Jaune said.
"Only if you make it so." Ren said. "You're mind is blocking your growth."
"And my lack of muscles, and my horrible control of my aura, and I get my weapon taken from me so easily. I don't think there's a single teacher who can help me." Jaune said.
"Mr. Arc…. That is such a negative view of yourself." Maku said. "I think you should come to my after-class sessions."
"I don't know…"
"I'll consider it extra credit for you." Maku said. "And you can take your teammates."
"Okay." Jaune said.
"Good."
As Jaune was going to attend his first meeting, Cardin stopped him.
"Hey, Jauney boy, come here." Cardin said.
"I can't right now, I have somewhere to be." Jaune said. Cardin grabbed his shoulder.
"I didn't ask. I told you to come here. I heard you were getting extra credit because you're going to this meeting. Now as I see it, you have so much extra time and points, that you owe it to us less fortunate students. You see I got homework that I need you to do." Cardin said.
"Why can't you do it?" Jaune asked.
"Because dumbass, you are the teacher's pet project." Cardin said. Jaune just looked at the ground.
"Oh, and don't forget, I'm still going to go against you in our combat class." Cardin said. Jaune clenched his fist and sighed.
"Fine." Jaune said.
"See, I knew you had some smarts in that brain." Cardin said.
He walked into the room and saw a few students. Weiss, Rosa, Velvet, and a few other students he didn't recognize were there.
"Ah, here's our newest arrival." Maku stood up and shook Jaune's hand.
"Hey, professor." Jaune said. He took a seat.
"Welcome everyone. As all but Jaune know, this class helps you deal with the stuff going on in your life, though the class isn't that great of a term for it. Therapy is a better word for it. As protectors, we see things in our line of work that can break us. Horrible things…" Maku began.
Jaune listened intently to what Maku was saying. He was surprisingly kind. Not that Jaune thought he was mean, but he cared about the students. He really cared. Jaune smiled at that.
Velvet rose her hand.
"Professor, how do we deal with bullying?" Velvet asked.
"That's a good topic. An important one, and one I know many of you are facing in some way or another…"
Jaune walked into the dorm and Pyrrha came up to him.
"How was the class?" She asked.
"It was… great actually." Jaune smiled. "Cardin's trying to bully me."
"What?" Ren asked. "This is coming out of nowhere."
"Yeah, that class has cleared my head. He's trying to get me to do his homework for him." Jaune said.
"We'll help you." Pyrrha said.
"There is a problem though… He's going to spar with me, next combat class." Jaune said.
"We can come up with something to beat him." Nora said.
"We don't have much time, but I think I learned something that will help me in our next fight." Jaune said with a smile.
Jaune handed Cardin the homework, and he smiled putting it away without looking at it.
"That wasn't that hard." Cardin said.
"I helped you, we're done." Jaune said.
"I don't think so. You see, I was listening to you and Pyrrha on the balcony last night. You cheated your way in here. What would Ozpin say if he knew that?" Cardin said.
Jaune's eyes widened.
"You wouldn't dare." Jaune said.
"And I won't as long as you keep doing what I tell you to do." Cardin said.
"Damn you."
"How cruel can you be Jaune. I earned my way into Beacon." Cardin said. Jaune clenched his fist and looked away from Cardin.
"Fine." Jaune said.
"Good." Cardin left. Jaune stood there for a moment, and Pyrrha came out of hiding.
"He's trying to extort you. He is horrible." Pyrrha said. "And he believed the lie."
"Pyrrha… It wasn't a lie." Jaune said. She turned to her leader shocked.
"Jaune? Did you really cheat to get into Beacon?" Pyrrha asked.
"Yes. That's why I'm so weak. I don't have talent. I'm not a master of anything. I can barely keep myself alive when we fight basic Grimm. I'm almost dead last in all of our classes. I never learned any of this." Jaune said, not looking at Pyrrha.
"Jaune, it makes a lot of sense. But why did you do it?" Pyrrha asked.
"I had no chance of earning my way in, and I really don't have any other skills. I was a disappointment to my family. The one who was going nowhere. They never said anything… but I knew it. I saw it in their eyes. They worried I was going to be stuck living at home getting a dead-end job living paycheck to paycheck. All my sisters got talents. I have no idea what my talents are. I can't write, I can't draw, I can't cook, I can't sew. What can I do Pyrrha? What can I do?" Jaune asked.
"You're a late bloomer. You've barely begun growing as a person." Pyrrha said.
"Pyrrha… you had talent and skill early on. You had people encouraging you and people began to notice you. I'm one of eight. I'm barely remembered even though I'm the only boy. I'm in everyone's shadow. My dad told me he would understand if I had to go back home. What do I have to be proud of? That my name being first made a name? If I wasn't on the team, you would all be better off." Jaune said. Pyrrha put a hand over his mouth.
"Jaune. You can't keep talking like that. You have barely explored what you could do. You can do so much, but you are letting him take a seat in your mind. We're a team and as a member, I can tell you that we need you. You came up with the strategy that killed the Death stalker. You lead this team and do a better job than anyone else. You don't even see the little things you do that help us so much. You never forget to do the dishes, you never forget to do the laundry, or to keep everything in order in the dorm. You do so much more than what you think you do." Pyrrha said. She put her hand off Jaune's mouth.
"So… I'm only useful to get the chores done?" Jaune asked.
"That's not what I said. Everything you do helps us. The small things help us so much more than you think they do. And you've been improving the most with the morning training we do." Pyrrha said.
"It's easy to…" Pyrrha put her hand back on his mouth.
"Jaune. Stop talking about yourself like that. Stop." Pyrrha looked at him.
"Why do you care?" Jaune asked. Pyrrha sighed.
"Jaune, you're one of the only people who have ever just wanted to get to know me. No ulterior motives. You don't care about what I've done. You need your friends. I won't allow you to keep talking about yourself like that." Pyrrha said.
Jaune didn't say anything.
"I sometimes wish I was never born." Jaune said. Pyrrha hugged him.
"I'm glad you were." Pyrrha said.
"Even though I'm a liar?"
"That doesn't matter. We can get over that." Pyrrha said.
"It hurts." Jaune said.
"That means you're sorry about it." Pyrrha said. "And that's the most important thing. Come on Jaune. We still have Oobleck's class." Pyrrha said with a smile.
"I need a minute." Jaune wiped away a tear. "I'm going to tell Ozpin."
"Are you sure?" Pyrrha asked him.
"Yeah." Jaune said. "But… can you come? Ren and Nora too."
"Yes." Pyrrha smiled at him.
They walked into Oobleck's class last and took their seats. Oobleck turned around when it was time to start.
"Welcome everyone. Who knows what's today subject is?" Oobleck asked the class. Blake rose her hand.
"The Faunas war and the effects on the Faunas." Blake said.
"Wonderful Miss Belladonna! Yes! Yes, prior to the Faunus Rights Revolution; more popularly known as the Faunus War, humankind was quite, quite adamant about centralizing Faunus population in Menagerie. Now! While this must feel like ancient history to many of you, it is imperative to remember that these are relatively recent events! Why, the repercussions of the uprising can still be seen to this day! Now! Have any among you been subjugated or discriminated because of your Faunus heritage?" Oobleck asked the class. Velvet and others raised their hands. Rosa felt guilt come from Blake, but she didn't question her.
"Dreadful, simply dreadful! Remember, students, it is precisely this kind of ignorance that breeds violence!" Oobleck said while taking a sip of coffee. "I mean, I mean, I mean just look at what happened to White Fang! Now, which one of you young scholars can tell me what many theorize to be the turning point in the third year of the War? Yes?"
"The battle at Fort Castle!" Weiss said.
"Precisely! And who can tell me the advantage the Faunus had over General Lagune's forces?" Cardin flicked a paper football at Jaune's head, making him make a noise.
"Mr. Arc, thank you for participating in class. Do you know the answer?"
Jaune looked around and saw Pyrrha mouthing 'night vision'.
"Did they have night vision goggles?" Jaune asked.
"Close… but no." Oobleck said.
"Couldn't get that right?" Cardin asked.
"Ah, Cardin. Do you have the answer?" Oobleck asked.
"Look, all I know is that it's a fact that Faunas are easier to train than a human." Cardin said.
"Racist." Rosa said.
"What was that?" Cardin looked at her when Blake rose her hand.
"Faunas have night vision. General Lagune was inexperienced and made the mistake of trying to ambush the Faunus in their sleep. His massive army was outmatched, and the general was captured. Perhaps if he'd paid attention in class, he wouldn't have been remembered as such a failure." Blake said that last part looking at Cardin. Oobleck turned to Blake and congratulated her. Cardin stood up, but Oobleck turned around to him.
"Mr. Winchester, take your seat." Oobleck snapped. Jaune let out a chuckle, and Oobleck was in front of him in a second.
"Mr. Arc, may we continue our lesson? Or do we need some extra reading assignments?" Oobleck said.
"Sorry, sir. It won't happen again." Jaune said. Oobleck went back to the front and sighed. Cardin flicked another paper football at Jaune, and he turned around.
"MR. ARC, MR. WINCHESTER, see me after class." Oobleck turned around again.
"Not good." Ruby said.
They continued on in the lesson, with Jaune and Cardin not trying to fight until the end of class, there were no more big fights. When class ended everyone except Cardin and Jaune left. Pyrrha stayed behind at the door, waiting for Jaune.
Oobleck looked at the two students and sighed.
"You two have been struggling in my class since day one! Now, I don't know if it's a lack of interest, or just your stubborn nature, but whatever it is... It stops now! You've worked hard to gain entrance to this school, and we only accept the best of the best, so I expect you to act like it. History is important, gentlemen! If you can't learn from it... you're destined to repeat it. Pages fifty-one to ninety-one! I want an essay on my desk by next class! Now! Run along Mr. Winchester, Mr. Arc, one more word." Cardin left. Jaune looked at his history teacher. He felt guilt rushing over him when he talked about him earning his way in.
"I don't know what's going on… but something is holding you back, and I believe it's due to the tension between the two of you. I can only do so much to help you here. I know you're going to the new class with Professor Maku, but you need to focus on yourself. Your grade has slipped since Mr. Winchester moved close to you. I can't force him to move. This isn't one of the lower academies. You will face people who don't like you as a hunter, and in the end, it ends up to you seeing how you handle it. I don't want this to happen again. I want your grades to go up to better than they once were. You had a talent in history, but you let yourself get distracted." Oobleck said.
Jaune was taken aback by everything Oobleck said.
"A talent in history?" Jaune asked.
"Hmmm… yes when you took that opening test you scored an amazing grade. But that's been slipping recently." Oobleck showed him his grades at the start of the term and now. "There is still time to get that grade once more, but you need to work on it." Oobleck said.
When Jaune walked out of the class, he had a blank look on his face. Pyrrha grabbed his shoulder.
"What is it?" Pyrrha asked.
"I have a talent…" Jaune said, tears of joy streaming down his face. He brought his hand up and clenched it.
"We'll help you however we can." Pyrrha said. "I have an idea!"
Pyrrha took Jaune to a balcony, he looked over it then turned back to Pyrrha with a confused look on his face.
"I'm happy Pyrrha. I don't want to jump. I can be a historian." Jaune said. Pyrrha grabbed Jaune to make sure he was safely away from the edge.
"That's not what I meant. Here, I can help you with your studies and fighting with no one trying to stop us." Pyrrha said.
"Just the two of us? That seems a bit… private." Jaune said, not noticing Pyrrha starting to get a blush. "People might get the wrong idea. They'll assume I'm stalking you or trying to pressure you into indecent things with my luck."
"Jaune, please stop. This is training." Pyrrha said.
"Yeah, I guess. It's not like someone as amazing as you would like someone like me anyway." Jaune closed his eyes, waving his hand. Pyrrha turned away from him with a blush on her face.
"So Jaune? Training?" Pyrrha asked.
"It sounds like a great idea. But then we have to fit it into our schedule, and with everything going on… Damn, where's my planner?" Jaune asked.
"Planner?" Pyrrha asked.
"I carry it everywhere. You know, write my homework, make my schedule… prep work." Jaune said.
"I'm a bit surprised…" Pyrrha said.
"Are you implying something?" Jaune asked.
"That's not what I meant." Pyrrha said. "Okay, let's start."
"We're still in our uniforms." Jaune said.
When it took them to get back to the dorm and get changed, Jaune's happy high was gone.
"Pyrrha…" Jaune started.
"Yes."
"I'm… taking too much of your time." Jaune said.
"What happened to the Jaune on the balcony?" Pyrrha asked.
"That Jaune forgot all about how little I know. That Jaune forgot how everyone sees me." Jaune said.
"What do you mean?" Pyrrha asked, wondering where this train of thought was going.
"You know… here comes Jaune the class clown. Here comes Jaune the failure. Here comes Jaune, the person teachers warn you about. Here comes Jaune to bring the great Pyrrha Nikos down." Jaune said.
"Jaune, where are these ideas coming from?"
"It's not just Cardin you know. He's just the most obvious about it. Even now when we pass someone they look at me and laugh. They keep saying that they feel sorry for you having to be on my team. They keep saying that my stupid will rub off on you." Jaune said.
"Who's saying that Jaune?" Pyrrha asked.
"You haven't heard them? They pass by and point and laugh." Jaune said.
"It doesn't matter what others think about you Jaune. What do you think about yourself?" Pyrrha asked.
"I feel that I have no idea what I actually want to be. A historian was Oobleck's idea. A huntsman was my dad's idea. A failure is fate's idea." Jaune said.
"Jaune… do you experience… depression?" Pyrrha asked.
"I don't know, I never got checked. I'm sorry, stuff like this keeps happening. It's why I didn't go to a combat school before this." Jaune said. "But… sometimes it is hard to get out of bed."
"Jaune, if you have depression, you need to find someone who will help. Either way, we need to get someone to check on you." Pyrrha said.
"I can't ask you to do something like that for me." Jaune said.
"No, you aren't getting out of this." Pyrrha said, real concern in her voice. "As soon as possible we need to get you to someone."
Jaune didn't know what was happening anymore. He was terrible at everything and everyone else saw it. Why didn't his teammates? He couldn't get anything right. And now he needed someone else's help again.
"I'm so pathetic." Jaune said. Pyrrha turned to him.
"Don't. You aren't allowed to say or even think like that." Pyrrha said.
"I can't help it." Jaune said.
"That's what I worried about." Pyrrha said. "Are you still going to be able to go Ozpin today?"
"No better time." Jaune said. He didn't know what he felt anymore.
Team JNPR gathered in Professor Ozpin's office.
"Thank you for seeing us Professor Ozpin." Jaune said.
"This matter seems to be weighing you down… along with others I hear." Ozpin said.
"What?" Jaune asked.
"Mr. Arc, I've heard from a concerned individual here at Beacon that you need to see one of our specialists. There is no need to worry about that, and no shame whatsoever in seeking out help. But onto your first concern. What would you like to tell me?" Ozpin said.
"Professor Ozpin… I…" Jaune took in a deep breath, then let it out. "I lied. I cheated my way into Beacon." Jaune said.
"Mr. Arc… it is a serious issue that you lied to me about this… but one I've known about for quite some time." Ozpin said.
"What?" Jaune asked. Everyone behind him also felt confused.
"I hope you don't think it's that easy to sneak into my school, Mr. Arc. No, your transcript was falsified, and I would have revealed it in the interview if I didn't believe you could… repent is the best word, for trying to get in here. I looked into your family background, and I believe I found the reason for the need for you to join this school. Of course, they want to join wasn't the reason I allowed you to join. Call it a bet. I'm betting on you, Mr. Arc. I believe in you and in your potential." Ozpin said.
Jaune sat down. A giant weight was lifted off his shoulders, and he worried he would start floating if he didn't bolt himself down. He felt tears coming down his face. Ozpin smiled at him.
"Miss Nikos, I believe you have seen the same potential in Jaune as I have." Ozpin said.
"We all have sir." Pyrrha smiled.
"Jaune, I want you to know the strength, bravery, and upright character it took to come up here and admit this. If for no other reason than that, you have a right to be proud of yourself. Believe in yourself Mr. Arc and you'll see wonderful changes in not only you, but everyone around you." Ozpin said.
Jaune started crying.
"I'm sorry." Jaune said.
"Jaune… if you want to make it up to me… be the best you can possibly be. Make it so no one can ignore you and show me that I have not made a mistake." Ozpin said, standing up, giving the boy a firm hand on his shoulder. "The shame and hurt will one day leave you, and you'll wonder why you ever held onto it. It will be a wonder how different you'll be." Ozpin smiled and turned to his teammates.
"Do you all understand your role as teammates?" Ozpin asked.
"We're here to support each other and help each other become the best we can be. But we also bring our leader back when he needs it." Ren said.
"In other words, we got to be friends and trainers." Nora said. Ozpin smiled.
"We've got to be ready to die for each other and know that they would die for us. We're the light in this dark world." Pyrrha said.
"You all pass."
Jaune handed in his essay before Cardin, and Oobleck was surprised by Jaune's change.
"My, what a wonderful change in you Mr. Arc." Oobleck said.
"Yeah, I finally decided to take this seriously." Jaune said.
"Better late than never… but I'm glad to see it."
Cardin handed his essay in, and Oobleck looked it over.
"Mr. Winchester… I can't help but notice that no subject after page Seventy is discussed in this." Oobleck said.
"I couldn't finish reading it…" Cardin said quietly.
"Cardin… This is serious. I need to see a change in you like I saw in Jaune. You may not like each other, but you have studies. You need to keep up your grades. If you get one more assignment like this, I will be forced to give you a tutor." Oobleck said. Cardin's face was red, and he turned away from Oobleck.
"This is all his fault." Cardin mumbled.
Jaune and his class went back to forever fall to gather syrup for Professor Peach. Jaune was with his team, smiling and happy.
"You know Pyrrha when I went there, I didn't know what to expect, but then everything felt… good." Jaune said.
"That's great Jaune. That's what they're there for." Pyrrha said.
"And since you've started taking the medicine, you've been doing better in class." Ren said.
"Yeah, it feels like I can function again." Jaune said.
"Hey Bitch boy!" Cardin said, with his team walking towards them.
"Cardin." Nora said. Team JNPR all stood next to Jaune, all ready to start something.
"What do you want Cardin?" Jaune said.
"I've been thinking a lot recently and you know what, fuck you and you're team. I'm not taking the bullshit anymore having to be compared to you. No, we're ending this here like men. Fight me then we can prove who deserves to be in this school."
"No." Jaune said.
"I know I just heard you wrong. Because if you don't fight me, I'm going to Ozpin about your little secret and you'll be gone. Just like that!" Cardin yelled.
"Go ahead Cardin."
Cardin took a step back and looked at his teammates. He nodded, and his teammates grabbed their jars of syrup and threw them at Nora, Ren and Pyrrha. Jaune looked at them, then realized what was going on.
"You're trying to kill us." Jaune said.
"You stay, they go."
"That's not happening." Pyrrha said. They heard a Grimm let out a rumble.
"They're going to come here soon, and Jaune there can't fight. Are you going to kill him?" Cardin asked smugly.
"You might try." Ren said.
"Fine, get them." Cardin said to the rest of his teammates. They all rushed forward, fighting a member of Team JNPR. Jaune glared at Cardin.
"No more friends to hide behind. Just you and me." Cardin said. "I break a couple bones, and you learn never to FUCK with me again!" Cardin ran forward. Jaune got into one of the stances Pyrrha taught him. He waited for Cardin to get close then…
Cardin brought his fist up; he threw the punch and Jaune sidestepped it. He put his hand on Cardin's arm and tossed it down with all his strength. Cardin stumbled, slamming into the ground. Jaune stepped back and waited. Cardin got back up; dirt on his face.
"So, you want to play dirty?" Cardin asked.
"I'm not here to boost your ego." Jaune said. Cardin rushed forward, and he avoided the attack again, and tripped Cardin again.
"Fight me like a real man!" Cardin said.
"But I don't see a man here." Jaune said.
"Are you calling me a pussy?" Cardin asked, getting angrier. He rushed forward, throwing a haymaker. Jaune smiled as he did what Rosa did to him. In a second, Cardin was on the ground, and Jaune dug his knees into Cardin's armpits, not letting him move.
"You have nothing on me anymore." Jaune said.
Pyrrha tossed three members of CRDL at Cardin's feet.
"Good work Jaune." Pyrrha said. Goodwitch came over to look at the scene.
"What is going on?" Goodwitch demanded.
"Team CRDL attacked us. They tossed the syrup on us. Jaune beat Cardin." Ren said.
"And we defended ourselves against these three. Don't worry, we got proof." Nora said.
"Mr. Winchester, is this true?"
"No… ah no."
Rosa jumped down from the top of the tree.
"Professor, he's lying. I recorded everything." Rosa said.
"Why were you up there?" Jaune asked.
"I felt Cardin's anger. I knew he was going to try something, so I told my team and we all came here to be backup if needed." Rosa said. Yang and Blake jumped down from another tree. Ruby and Weiss did the same. They all looked at Cardin.
"Fuck." Cardin said.
"Jaune beat him without even throwing a punch." Yang said.
"Yes, I'm so proud!" Rosa said, hugging Jaune after he got off Cardin. Goodwitch asked team RRWBY to help her take team CRDL back to the transport.
"Jaune… You were great." Pyrrha said, putting her hand on his shoulder.
"It doesn't feel like it. It's just sad he was so obsessed." Jaune said.
"Yeah. It is unfortunate that he felt attacked by your success." Pyrrha said.
"But are you guys okay?" Jaune asked.
"Yeah…" A giant Ursa Grimm slammed itself into Pyrrha, knocking her into Ren and Nora. Jaune took out his weapon and looked at the Grimm. He let out a breath he was holding. He rushed forward and went for a killing strike on the Ursa, just where Port taught them to. Pyrrha used her semblance to move Jaune's shield up, blocking the hit from the Ursa, then quickly sliced off its head.
The head hit the ground, and the body soon faded.
"We need to get out of here." Jaune said.
"Agreed." Ren said, helping Nora and Pyrrha up.
"Mr. Winchester, I can't understand it. I gave you chance after chance but you are determined to throw them all away. Attacking another student, and endangering the lives of three more? Why? What possessed you to do it?" Ozpin asked.
Cardin didn't say anything.
"I'm afraid you crossed the line this time. You are to be expelled from this school." Ozpin said.
"What about Jaune?" Cardin asked.
"He defended himself, tried to deescalate the issue, and never threw a punch. What would you have me do?" Ozpin asked.
"Throw him out. He cheated and lied to get in here." Cardin said.
"Mr. Winchester, do you honestly believe I wouldn't have been able to figure that out easily? He's here because he belongs here, and I thought you could too… but that is no longer possible. You and your team have been racially targeting your fellow students, you've been bullying students, cheating on studies, failing most classes, and now you've tried to kill three students. What right do you or you're team have to demand someone else get expelled?" Ozpin said.
Cardin didn't say anything.
"I'm sorry I was wrong about you Cardin. You're going to need to pack. We've already informed your families. I'm disappointed." Ozpin said. Team CRDL went to their dorm. Cardin was the first to leave.
"Hey, Cardin." Jaune said.
"What do you want?" Cardin asked.
"I want you to know that I forgive you for the bullying. I forgive you for all the things you said about me. But I will never forgive you for trying to kill my teammates." Jaune turned around, meeting back up with his team. Cardin watched him walk away with his team and felt a deep hatred for Jaune.
"That was disappointing." Maku. "He had potential in him, but he locked it away by always taking the easy way out. He had an inflated ego and some natural strength. But he decided to use it to step on those weaker than him."
"Yes, sadly, there are a few like him every year that slip through. But onto bigger business." Ozpin said. "We have a lead on the stolen blasters. In the underworld of Mistral, there have been multiple murders with blaster tech."
"Mistral?" Maku asked.
"Sorry, I forgot you're still new here. Mistral is the largest Kingdom of all with the largest population. Many of the cities of Mistral have a seedy underbelly. It seems whoever stole the blasters brought the tech there. Too many incidents across Anima to be one person. Anima is the name of the continent. It seems whoever stole the blasters has been able to make their own." Ozpin said.
"But these holes come from the blaster pistols. We're still missing the primary weapon. Also, the droids have never been recovered." Maku said.
"Correct. So, whoever went there after us took the droids and primary weapons. Whoever went after them took the pistols and has a connection to the underworld. But are they one, or two people?" Ozpin asked.
Goodwitch entered the head office.
"Sorry to interrupt, but Qrow just sent us another report. Another shipment of dust was stolen. At this rate, only those with deep pockets will be able to afford dust." Goodwitch said. She handed Ozpin a tablet looking at what was stolen.
"Another troubling topic. But this shipment stolen is larger than usual. So why steal so much? Perhaps the answer to this is related to our first issue?" Ozpin said to no one in particular.
"Whatever the answer is, it's hurting our students now. This can't keep going on. Perhaps we need to assign hunters to this issue. The police seem to be unable to handle this by themselves." Glynda said.
"Who?" Ozpin asked.
"I don't know…" Glynda said.
"Then for now… we must wait."
Author's notes: Got another chapter done!
I got a few reviews last time, so let's talk about them.
First, thank you for reviewing. Next, we're five chapters in now. For my stories, that is barely enough time to get the story rolling. This is going to get interesting trust me. The plot will expand and may become mind-numbing, or maybe not. Third, I know about the Mary-Sue character, and I doubt you'll think of Rosa as one. And Rosa isn't perfect. She's messed up, like everyone is. It's the point for people to see her as someone above. She's a Jedi. Everyone is messed up. And the next two reviews are talking about stuff that I can't answer.
But don't worry, Rosa isn't perfect.
That being said, please leave a review.
May the Force Be with You
-DragonZlayerX12