What's up! So only some of y'all did that solid. Tsk, don't ya know what happens if you don't! It's like you've never seen Regular Show. Sheesh, talk about uncultured.
Anywho, here's chapter two! Rhyming is cool, isn't it ya fool?!
Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.
The constant turn of the clock's hands provided a beat that was always accompanied by the chorus of slow turning gears. A slurp of coffee from a mug was the verse while the bridge was the very rare scratch of pen on paperwork. Yes, this was the deep and soothing song of Ozpin's office that he so enjoyed.
When working as a headmaster for countless decades in multiple lifetimes, it was natural to assume that said person would be stuck in an office for a majority of that time. He quickly found out how boring it was to be stuck in such a place and how foul and unrelenting paperwork could be. He set on a quest in his next lifetime to rectify these calamities. He found a solution for one almost immediately, but the other proved elusive for quite some time.
To this day, it still surprises me that it took thirty years to find the perfect mysterious and unique ambience to an office of high position. Ah, still was a lifetime well spent.
Yes. Thirty years just to find a way to create an office that portrayed his image of mysteriousness. After all, if there was one thing that Ozpin took pride in it was his image. He did not spend years hiding out in a hut to create a fairytale for fun, thank you very much.
Recollecting past tales turned his thoughts onto his ancient ex-wife, now nightmarish Grimm overlord. As always, he would need to come up with a new plan to defeat Salem. His current one of holding her back seemed to be at risk with her latest pawn's machinations. How bothersome…
His age of procrastination was at its end, now was the time for action! How to go about doing that was the question. He had tried every plan possible from utilizing a giant army to a magical suicide bombing. Nothing had worked. He has all the pieces and players, but no clue what they could be used for other than fighting the good fight.
He could try going to the Grimmlands himself to fight her one on one and see if anything could be learned. See what's changed and find out information on her current minions. They would inevitably begin a furious clash of legendary proportions that would last hours. By the end of it, the two would be left fatigued with both their bodies and clothing roughed up in disorder. Then all the tension built up in the epic battle and from the countless ages between them would rise and explode leading to passionate and angry hate-sex.
Ozpin was liking this plan the more he thought about it. Mass murdering Grimmified witch she may be, she was still immortal. She had all the perks of an eternally mature body that would never suffer the effects of age from their time. She was very beautiful with wonderful curves. He could get past the black veins because she still had, as the youths now say, 'a booty that wouldn't quit.' He doubted that she has been out in centuries and gotten any action, or at least not nearly as much as he had.
Putting aside future endeavors for dangerous intercourse, what he needed was something new to add to the equation. A new element that would shake their crumbling game to his advantage. What he needed was a wildcard.
Ding.
Pulling him out of his musings was a notification from his scroll terminal. Hmm, how curious. Someone was taking the elevator to his office this early in the day. Now who could be barging in without an appointment?
Glynda? Often she would come in to report, drop off paperwork, or to just plain nag him, but she was busy planning for the Vytal Festival tournament. Surprisingly, he never gave her the authority to do all of that despite being a trusted member of his inner circle, but he delegated all of his paperwork to her and felt that was a fair enough trade.
A student perhaps? While not unheard of, it was rare for them to come on a Saturday morning due to most sleeping in and their refusal to interact with anything academic on a weekend. If it was, then they must want something as for example begging their way out of Peter's Saturday detention often saying that they'll do anything. He couldn't imagine why either, all one had to do was listen to Peter's story for two hours and take a short quiz. His Grimm Studies teacher told wondrous, truthful tales of his exploits and deep experience.
The elevator came to its destination and opened its doors. In it came the answer to Ozpin's ponderings. The first year leader of Team JNPR Jaune Arc along with another young blonde swordsman. Safe to say, he wasn't sure of the reason for the visit. If it was about his forged transcripts, then he would've expected this conversation to happen last semester.
"Good morning, Mr. Arc. Can I ask as to what reason you have come to my office during the weekend? As well as to who your companion may be?" The esteemed headmaster inquired.
With a polite wave, his student responded. "Morning, Headmaster. This is my cousin Cloud Strife and he's the reason I came to speak with you."
Extended family? He had never heard of Nicholas having such, but then again he was just an old student of his and the resemblance between the two young men was undeniable. Paying close attention to their facial features, he could see how similar they were. They certainly had some kind of familial connection.
"Enlighten me then on your situation and how I can assist you Mr. Strife." Ozpin asked before drinking from his morning mug of coffee.
An expression that spoke of no nonsense was over Cloud's face. "I'm broke, need a job and a place to live, old man." The rude, stoic young man demanded.
Jaune's eyes turned wide and he cried out. "Cloud! Sorry Headmaster. He's been hit on the head too many times, so let me explain." The young leader ducked, thereby dodging a swipe from his cousin. "Cloud is a delivery man from Mistral. He was robbed of everything after arriving here along with the package he needed to deliver. Since I'm the only one he knows in Vale, we were hoping that he could stay in my dorm and that you could give him a job until we can get the package back."
Mistral? Now that was quite a long journey from home and only to lose it all so close to the end was truly tragic. Mr. Arc's explanation did paint a better picture and this wasn't the first time a loved one of a student needed similar aid. He was glad that Mr. Arc informed him unlike the previous time where they were thought to be an intruder and had to be manhandled by Glynda. Was not a fun day for the student as well once the truth came to light.
The shorter blonde glared at the taller one. "Rabbit's Foot, why the hell did you say all that? My way was more direct, and why do I have to stay in your cramped room? Can't I get my own?"
Jaune glared right back. "Because you told him nothing! No reason why he should help you at all! And why are you complaining now? Staying in my room was originally your plan." He argued.
Cloud waved his hand dismissively. "That was before I knew we were gonna talk to the guy in charge, now that we are I might as well get something better out of it."
Incredulous, Jaune fired back. "Better!? We're literally asking for a free room, food, and bathing for you! You know people in Vacuo would kill for that."
If there was any doubt in Ozpin's mind before, it was gone now. The two clearly had a close relationship. That kind of brotherly bond where arguing was a constant couldn't be faked. Yes, that was all he needed. Ozpin had nothing to worry about. However, he should put a stop to their little playful fighting.
Ozpin gave a loud hum that brought the two's attention back to the headmaster. "Very interesting and quite an unfortunate welcome as well. Is the client already aware of the missing item at hand?"
At that, Cloud returned to his normal demeanor. "Yeah, He already gave me an extension. Said that he doesn't care how long it takes, just that he gets it."
"The silver lining in your little predicament, I take it." The headmaster had an amused smile and said. "Given your story and the trust I have in Mr. Arc's nature, I do not see a reason that you would have any malicious intentions. As a result, I will grant you temporary lodging in Mr. Arc's dorm and with it limited access to Beacon's facilities." Their faces lit up with glee and Ozpin took a sip of his coffee before diving into the bad news. "However, Beacon has no need for a delivery service at this time and I must inform you to try your efforts elsewhere."
Cloud crossed his arms. "Hey, delivering isn't the only thing I can do. I can fight as well." He pondered for a moment then came to a conclusion. "I can help out with Combat class. Those kids you've got sure need it."
"Ohh." Ozpin drew the word out. "Insults to Glynda's teaching aside, you are aware that those 'kids' include your cousin as well, do you not?"
The spikey haired swordsman scoffed. "Who the hell did you think I was talking about?"
"Oh, you little... " Jaune muttered with narrowed eyes.
"Mr. Strife, you are not a Huntsman, isn't that correct? You have not graduated from any academy and studied any of the theoretical work. So then why should I employ you?"
Cloud spoke with his eyes straight on Ozpin's and filled with dead seriousness. "I may not be a Huntsman, but I've still got tons of combat experience in the field against people and monsters, sometimes both." His tone was bitter and felt too real. "I'm strong. I'm asking to help out a class where two dumbass kids hit each other until one goes down. I can take them down easy and show them what they need to work on. It's not rocket science." Cloud ended with a roll of his eyes.
The young man did bring up some valid points. Fighting Grimm was simple, the most important aspect one needed was experience. People were different, they were complex and could react unpredictably to one's assault. The young man also didn't appear to be all talk either. His clothing and weapon were combat ready and were worn out, showing evidence to extensive use. His build was that of a warrior used to swinging that massive sword with ease. Those eyes of his also spoke of seeing countless battles while also hiding something that Ozpin could not ascertain.
"A fair argument, then by that reasoning all I will need to see is a demonstration of your seemingly overwhelming, civilian capabilities. But if I am shown that you are as you say, then I'll hire you as our temporary Combat class aide." Ozpin the Great and Powerful proclaimed.
The school had enough room in the budget for a class to have an assistant. If Mr. Strife was truly skilled as he claimed and could improve his student's performances, then it was just what the school needed. Or rather what he needed to get Glynda off his back. A young, rude, and hotheaded assistant full of attitude that she would have to spend a considerable amount of time with was the perfect target to draw Glynda's ire and frustration.
"Really! Thank you Headmaster. We really appreciate what you're doing."
"Yes yes Mr. Arc. No thanks are needed. I'm only lending a helping hand to one who needs it." He said with a smile that spoke of his pure intentions. "Now, come along gentlemen."
The two blondes both lifted an eyebrow. "Uh Headmaster, what do you mean?" Jaune asked.
"Obviously to the arena, so Mr. Strife can give his demonstration. The sooner the better as they say." Ozpin answered. After all, he would need to take a close, thorough look at Mr. Strife's abilities.
Besides, it's not like he had been doing anything important anyway.
Ozpin stood up from his seat. He walked past the perplexed young men still in their chairs to the elevator. After a moment to catch their wits, the pair of blondes soon joined the headmaster and off they went towards the practice arena.
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"Finally! I thought the old man would never let us leave."
"Yeah. He seemed really interested in seeing how strong you were. Especially after you demolished that huge second year."
The unluckiest duo were leaving from the training area. Cloud had passed his unexpectedly long and irritating examination, he was now a part of Beacon's faculty and would start Monday. After easily crushing the training robots, the old coot put him against some lanky first year that used dual daggers. Well, the result ended up the same, and he thought that was enough to prove his earlier argument.
Apparently not because his next opponent was that second year. He was a little bit of a challenge, but still went down like the rest. Damn headmaster seemed satisfied after that and Cloud thought that was that. But then he just kept asking questions on Cloud's techniques and fighting style! Cloud was tempted to just throw Jaune at him and bolt, he knew his style after all, but remembered that Jaune was his navigator. So he just dealt with the dull interrogation for a while.
It was now the afternoon and they decided to head out to Vale. Beacon had been full of pain in the asses so far, so they agreed that they'd have better luck in the city. Thinking of pains reminded Cloud of something that had been bothering him.
"Hey Jaune. Is… Is that headmaster always like that?" Cloud uncomfortably asked.
Tilting his head, Jaune innocently asked. "What do you mean?"
The idiot was really going to make him spell it out? What a bastard. "You know... All creepy and suspicious like. Like a better looking and hopefully less insane Hojo." He further described with a hope that what he saw was all in his head
"Ohhhh." The disgusted face he gave dashed Cloud's hopes. "Yeah, he's always been like that." Jaune winced and then slowly said. "I'm pretty sure it's why all the older students never go to him for anything unless… they're really desperate."
Cloud gave out a frustrated shout. "I can understand. I mean, you saw all those looks he gave me right? The weird stares on my body. And those smiles of his." The shorter blonde shivered intensely. Just the memory of it was enough to gross him out again like when he was chosen by Don Corneo. Eugh. "Made me feel like there was something nasty crawling on my skin.."
Jaune painfully related. "I know what you mean. I noticed it after I came back from the semester break." He scrunched up his face in befuddlement and continued. "Thing is, when I talked to my friends about it, they gave me funny looks like I was talking crazy. Asked if I was feeling alright and that his behaviour is just from him being all mysterious and junk."
"Which he is." Cloud helpfully pointed out the obvious. Great. Now, he was acting like Yuffie.
"Oh yeah totally. You saw his office. Thanks though for seeing it too. I was worried it was just me, but now I know that I'm the normal one." Jaune replied with a wide smile.
"Jaune?"
"Yeah?"
Cloud broke down Jaune's delusions. "Quit talking crazy. Me and you are anything but normal."
"You know Thunder Head, I was perfectly fine living in my fantasy world till you came and ruined it." The taller blonde complained.
"Just doing my job. Knocking sense back into dumbass kids is what I'm getting paid for now." Letting his friend delude himself at his age was something he couldn't allow. After all, he was a great friend who definitely had his friend's well being always first and foremost. Just like back at Gold Saucer.
Shaking his head to cease his recollecting, Cloud continued "But back to my new, freaky boss, maybe that's just how he is? Those stares and grins were strange but it's not like he's some kind of predator or that he controls you guys somehow." Cloud joked.
"..."
"Jaune, this is the part where you're supposed to laugh."
Jaune's face turned incredibly nervous like the time when he had been hiding from him the fact he had accidently walked in on Tifa changing. Lucky bastard. "Uhh right, about that. I've heard some… rumors."
A pit of despair started swelling in Cloud's core. "You're not filling me with confidence here. Neither is it helping out my opinion of your school." Which to say so far was not very high.
Not able to maintain eye contact, Jaune looked to the side and muttered lowly. "Apparently, he manipulates who becomes partners during our initiation to the school."
Was that it? Didn't seem like a big deal. "Ehhh, that's not really anything big." Cloud tried to wave off.
But Jaune wasn't done. "Aaand that he is very interested in the female students." Cloud froze and thought that was the worst of it. Too bad nothing was ever good for him. "The younger ones." Jaune finished lamely.
"For fuck's sake, Jaune." What the hell was wrong with his life? And the school for that matter?! Why was he born with such shitty luck? Cloud kept cursing until he had an epiphany. "Wait! You said young girls? Great! If I never see it happen in front of me, then I can forget all about it and not deal with any pedophilic professors." Cloud happily exclaimed. It was a completely foolproof plan.
Jaune could only feel exasperated at hearing that. He tried to bring logic to his friend's 'great' plan. "That's not how it works Spike. Plus aren't you forgetting that eighty percent of my friends here are young female students?"
"So?" Cloud honestly questioned. "There your friends. I don't see the problem."
Not wanting to get into another argument, Jaune let the stupidity of it all go. "Whatever, what's the plan for when we get to Vale?"
"I thought I told you, you're going to take me to a bar with some nice, strong whiskey. Then I'm going to get so shitfaced drunk so that I'll forget everything that's happened today."
Jaune turned incredulous. "You want to do that now? It's like three in the afternoon. Why not just wait until it gets dark?" Giving an honestly pretty valid question to the shorter blonde.
At that, Cloud's eyes narrowed and he spoke gravely. "Look, Jaune I need you to listen to me. I've had a pretty bad day. First, I found myself suddenly in the wonderful kingdom of Vale after I had finally confessed to and banged the girl of my dreams. Then instead of morning sex, I have to deal with a morning robbery that I accidently helped. That ended with me getting attacked by a little girl before I came here to your school in the sky-"
"Can we go back to you getting beat up by a child? Also what was that about a robbery?" Jaune interrupted. Those details seemed pretty significant.
Cloud ignored him and kept ranting. "Looking for an idiot because of course he's the only one I can count on to find some magical rock which is who knows where, but now I'm stuck with kids who are in over their heads and a headmaster who might probably have played a part in creating the next big villain." Gaia, that felt great to let out.
Jaune's face turned sympathetic and after a few moments replied. "Wow Cloud. When you say it like that, I feel like such an asshole for- Yeah right!" All traces of pity quickly left, with only an accusing expression left behind like a cop who already had all the evidence. Or Tifa in the morning when they got caught drinking too much and let it get out of hand the night before.
"First of all, there's no way you got with Tifa! You are the worst person I have ever seen dealing with their emotions. Secondly, don't expect pity from the guy who has to deal with the same bullshit as you. Third, Wahhh! My name is Cloud and I'm being a huge baby. Wahh!" Jaune mockingly wailed aloud.
Cloud grew extremely annoyed that A) he got caught, B) that what Jaune said was true, and C) that he still hasn't slept with Tifa yet. It just wasn't fair! "Tch, you're one cold bastard Rabbit's Foot. We're still going to that bar." Cloud said resolutely.
"No." Jaune fired back with a steely expression. "We are going to get my weekly fix of comics that a certain someone stopped me from getting, then some food. Afterwards, we can go see my boss and ask for some drinks." He proclaimed while arriving at the landing platforms.
Cloud's aggression slowly faded. "Boss? As in you work for a bar, making drinks?" His lips slightly quirked upwards, he said. "You, Jaune Arc?"
"It's a club actually, but yeah I'm a bartender there." Cloud started snickering. In response, Jaune indignantly cried out. "Hey, what's so funny? Tifa taught me how to mix drinks and I have to say that I have some pretty nice skills."
Cloud couldn't hold it in anymore. The final straw was his fellow blonde's face full of sheer pride and he soon burst into loud laughter.
"HAHAHA! Nice skills! That's too much!" He laughed at the top of his lungs for a few minutes and soon started to calm down. "I'm s-sorry. I think I got it all out."
He was proven wrong when one look at Jaune's face was enough to make him double back into furious howling. Jaune, by this point, was just done with everything now and simply waited for Cloud's mocking laughter to finish.
"Pfft Haha! OK ok, I'm good now. I'm done." Cloud's wide grin was still there to make fun of Jaune, but at least he finished laughing. "Gaia damn Rabbit's Foot, I really needed that thanks. But you have to understand, you do remember that you're the guy who made and served a Lemon Drop with just gin and blended cough drops?" Cloud happily recalled.
Jaune couldn't say the same. "Yes Cloud, I remember." he recalled it with a grimace. Yuffie had been worse at the time with her relentless jokes crushing his self-esteem. At least his customer had enjoyed it, but then again Red pretty much liked everything. "But I'm serious, I actually have gotten better. Nobody takes a sip and then spits it in my face anymore."
As he distractedly entered the hatch to the open and ready Bullhead, Cloud raised an eyebrow to challenge that bold claim. "I'll believe it when I see it. But since you gave me the best laugh I've had for a while, I'll play nice and hold off on the drinks til later. Though I just have to meet the person who thought it would be a great idea to hire you."
Jaune followed, perked up, and then excitedly described his boss, "He's a big, slightly intimidating guy called Junior who's actually pretty cool. His club is pretty popular and a little shady, they've got this fancy suit theme. I got lucky in getting the job, the other applicants were, umm, 'occupied.'" Jaune sheepishly tried to gloss over.
Cloud's grin turned predatory. "That sounds like a story! I'll look forward to it later and then I can tell you about how Yuffie tried to prove her arm wrestling superiority."
Jaune chuckled, remembering the antics the young ninja would get into. They usually got him involved and dragged along for the ride. "Sounds like something she'd do. What's up with the sudden happy mood? You're kinda freaking me out here." He asked with slight suspicion evident in his voice before sitting down.
If Cloud was being honest, then it was mostly because of his previous roaring laughter. It was just what he needed to completely let go of all that stress he had built up. And boy had there been a lot of it, it wasn't all just from that day, but festered from the end of his previous adventure and its aftermath. While taking his own seat, Cloud remembered that although the situation wasn't ideal, he was back with Jaune. Someone who helped bring fun everywhere they went and his sudden absence had really left an impact. He was interested in what now lay ahead of the pair of unlucky blondes.
"It's just thanks to you being your dumb, blonde self. Really let me get all that built up stress out. Although I am wondering if we're going to see the return of the 'Toxic Knight' later."
"In case you forgot you're a dumb blonde too, so thanks for helping the stereotype." Jaune deadpanned before turning nervous. "And Brothers I hope not! I would die of shame if any of my friends caught me acting like that."
Not wanting any negativity to start and because he was in such a great mood, Cloud told one of the most embarrassing jokes he had ever heard. "Hey, you need to quit acting like a… stormy Cloud… a-and be more like Zack."
"Huh? Who's Zack, and why should I be more like him?" Jaune could not believe what he was hearing and could only unknowingly go along with the joke.
"Zack Fair is an old friend I'll tell you about later, and b-because with Zack, it's always a fair day." Cloud finished with a face full of agony and shame.
Jaune spoke with his eyebrows raised at what just happened. "Wow, that looked painful for you to say and me to hear, but I appreciate the effort. But Cloud, I feel like aren't we forgetting something really important?"
The rumble of the Bullhead's engines was the horrible answer to Jaune's question. The machine from hell began to take off and served as a painful reminder to the pair. Their skin was completely covered in goosebumps and they soon hunched over with their heads down, most likely to lower the blast radius. If one could see past their trembling bodies in what seemed like the fetal position, then they would see that the two's faces were starting to turn a sickly green akin to rotting vegetables.
The Bullhead was soon in the air with all the exits sealed off, effectively dooming every single occupant there for the curse that has plagued humanity for ages was unleashed. Screams of wailing agony and fright followed and lasted for the whole ride.
The passengers were waiting for their suffering to end, but none more than the two blonde swordsmen who had forgotten they had to take a Bullhead, thus neglecting to bring barf bags.
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Pyrrha liked to think that she was a very patient girl. She lived in a dorm room with Nora and Jaune after all, the two biggest magnets for crazy she had ever seen!
But when it was late and she hadn't heard from her love interest friend in a couple of hours with not a clue as to where he was, then she felt like her state of worry was pretty justified.
Pyrrha was walking back and forth, moving her arms frantically "Ohhh, I hope he's alright. He's all by himself in the big bad city just like a puppy without their owner. Hopefully, he didn't get lost or locked inside of a store again! Gasp Maybe the Waffle Supremacists have come back for revenge?! And they've kidnapped him, putting him through the torture of eating only waffles for every meal of the day. He'll never survive! You know how much he needs his chicken nu-" She incessantly wailed.
Thwap
Nora, tired of the ever spiraling pit of worry and distress that her gal pal was heading towards, as well as that really obnoxious pacing, took some inspiration from her favorite rapper Kris Hazel to help. Slapping some sense back in dem crazy hoes.
Pyrrha, eyes wide and a bright, red handprint on her cheek, only looked at her attacker with gratitude. "Ah! Thank you Nora, I very much needed that." She said.
Nora beamed. Ha! Take that Ren! She knew copying what she saw on the media was a great idea. "Yeah Pyrrha, I could tell! You were really saying some C-R-A-Z-Y things there."
The champion let out an embarrassed chuckle. "Yes, I do believe I was a bit out of hand with the bit about the Waffle Supremacists."
"You know it! I mean, there's no way those heretics would put our Fearless Leader through any of that." Nora suddenly had a scary look on her face and muttered menacingly. "After all, they'd know it would go against the wishes of the High Queen of Breakfast."
Pyrrha, remembering the last incident with the 'heretics', could only weakly grin and nod. "Yes… How could I forget?"
Changing her tone as fast as lightning, the bomber asked. "Heeey, didn't Jaune send a message earlier today"
Yes. Yes he had. It wasn't unusual for their leader to be gone in the morning on the weekend, but when he hadn't returned for lunch was when Pyrrha sent him a text on his whereabouts. His reply said that something sudden and important had come up and that he would be in Vale for the day. And that she shouldn't worry about him, he'd be fine. Silly Jaune. Telling her lies wasn't going to work. Tricks were for kids.
Pyrrha complained. "He did, but that was hours ago and we haven't heard a thing from him since." Not to mention that he wasn't picking up any of her calls. Something very unusual considering he hated to make her worry. "I'm sorry Nora, but I can't help but be anxious."
"Geez girl, you're still so wound up! You need to calm down and relax like Ren! Just look at him!" Nora exclaimed, throwing her arms out at her partner. "Witness the calm elegance and amazing tranquility coming from the queen's consort!"
Amused, Pyrrha turned her attention towards him. Ren was sitting cross legged at the foot of his bed. His eyes were closed and his hands were on top of his intersected legs, making a 'O' that she had no idea what it meant. His body was completely relaxed, there was no hint of stress or anxiety coming from him. Only an air of peace as if he had found Enlightenment in his meditation.
However, Pyrrha was no fool. One could be mistaken that the 'R' in JNPR was simply in deep meditation at first glance, but Pyrrha saw signs of the truth. The way that his head was ever so slighting dipping downwards, the fact that he was taking slow deep breaths, how he sat there as a way to lean his back, and who could miss the quiet, but still audible snoring resonating from him.
"..."
"Nora, I believe it would be safe to say that Ren is in his daily nap."
"Bah! OK! So that was a bad example, but seriously this isn't the first time this kind of thing has happened and besides Jaune-Jaune can take care of himself. "
"How can you be so sure?"
"Duh! Because he's evolved from a noodle to lasagna!"
Strange as they sounded, Nora's words made sense and put Pyrrha more at ease. At the Breach, her partner showed the fruits of his training and was able to fight against the Grimm effectively on his own. Since then, he has gotten significantly better with Jaune now being capable enough to win spars during Combat class. His growth was frightening to the point whether Pyrrha wasn't sure she should be proud of herself for being such a great teacher or the hidden potential that slept inside of Jaune.
Oddly enough, the fastest increase of Jaune's strength came from after the semester break. Not only that, but Jaune had also changed. He started the second semester a little bit more mature, more skilled, and his body in better shape. Ooh how could she forget the confidence? He finally gained this natural confidence that every warrior has and boy does Pyrrha like it! When Pyrrha asked about this sudden change, Jaune just said that he went through some extreme training and soul finding. She was glad to see the results of his efforts were grand! Next time he would do something like that again, Pyrrha was definitely going to be there with him training, supporting, watching closely… thoroughly… suggesti-
Brrriiing
Pulling Pyrrha out of her possibly filthy thoughts was an incoming call on her scroll. Hastily taking it, so she could see if it was Jaune, she became disappointed when the caller ID was just an unknown number. She answered it to help clear out the probable misunderstanding.
"Hello~ Can I help you?" She politely and sweetly answered.
A familiar voice replied. "Pyrrha~ Pyrrrrhaaa! Are ya there?"
"Jaune! I've been worried sick, are you ok? Where are you? Why haven't you picked up any-"
"Pyr, Pyr, Pyr. Ya need to caaalllm dowwwn. Imma doing great! Over here havin a blast with my best bud Cloud! Ain't that right Cloud?!"
A distant shout emanated from the scroll, most likely this 'Cloud.' "You got that right you beautiful blonde bastard you!"
"Yaaa hear that? He called me beautiful! Ish like I said, s'all goood here!" He happily exclaimed.
Her partner was acting very strange. He was very loose and energetic. She had an idea why and since she was never good at subtlety, she directly asked the source. "Jaune… Are you drunk right now?"
"Naaah, I've only had like… three drinks, four tops! But my partner might get all antsy if she found out I went to a bar, so can ya do meee a solid here Pyrrha and just keep this between us?" Jaune whispered like it was supposed to be top secret.
She giggled. Her partner could be so ridiculous. "Jaune I am your partner." Nora, who had her ear next to scroll as well, chuckled at their cute antics. But now it was time for Pyrrha to get serious! "But I will do you that solid if you do me one in telling me what bar you are in."
"Ahhh really Pyrrha! I don't deserve ya, you surrre are the best! But ya gots da listen, ish very important! S'why I called ya." He declared with determination.
Why was he so goofy and cute! The two giggled again. "Oh alright. Ok, so what is it that you need to say." Pyrrha inquired.
Jaune epicly began his tale, or as epicly a drunk man could. "So, me and Cloud were talkin bout some real cool shit like life lessons, funny stories, and whether Chocobo greens were better than Beo Party Powder, spoilers it ain't. Anyways, Cloud wash tellin me about how a redhead's fatal weakness was falling in love with blonde swordsmen. Said that they end up dyin cuz of it, true story, and I was like, who do I knooow that has pretty red hair?"
A small blush grew on Pyrrha's face. He had called her hair pretty! "Jaune, don't be silly now. There's no way I'll be killed just because of feelings I might or might not have for a blonde. Nothing like that has ever happened."
"I doon't know, you surre Pyrrha? Cloud and me go way back, so he's preetty reliable."
"Yes Jaune, I'm sure. Now, tell me the name of the club." Going into Vale this late would be a pain, but getting their drunk leader back before he got in any trouble was worth it. "Ren, Nora, and I will come get you and your old friend." Pyrrha found it weird that he had never made any mention of 'Cloud,' despite saying how close they were.
Jaune's voice was full of awe. "Really Pyr?! You da best! Ain't she the best Cloud? She's da best! Umm, so I'm pretty sure this place is called the slammer!"
Pyrrha grew a perplexed frown."The Slammer? I haven't heard of that club?" She turned to Nora to see if she knew it. Helpful as ever, the bomber just gave a confused shrug back. "It doesn't sound very pleasant, why would you go there?"
He explained. "Ish cuz these guys came an gave us a free ride here from the party at the bar after we got kicked outta da first club. There's lots of iron bars here, and da workers are all wearin blue. I like it!"
"Bars? Workers in blue? Slammer… Jaune are you in jail?! Is this your one phone call?" Pyrrha put the pieces together and was shocked.
"Oh yeah, they did say somethin bout that. How'd ya know?"
She shouted. "Hold on Jaune, we're coming to get you!"
At that Pyrrha ended the call and turned towards Nora, ready to tell her to get changed, but she shouldn't have bothered. She was all set and ready to go! Nora had on her combat skirt, Magnihild, and her patent-pending Ren-Pack on her back. That being a sleeping Lie Ren on her back tied to her waist and shoulders with extra extra strength rope. For times like these when waking the lazy ninja would take too long. Pyrrha already had her gear on, her worry not permitting her to leave it off. With that, Team JNPR set off to save their team mascot leader from his latest blunder.
Why couldn't they ever just have a normal Saturday!
Big oofs all around. Now that that's done, I gotta say I got new respect for regular writers, it's not easy and takes a whiiiille. On that note, don't expect the next chapter to come as soon as this one. My roommate got tested for Corona, he came back negative btw, but they put me in quarantine for two weeks that gave me plenty of time doing absolutely nothing. It ends in like two days, so back to 'working' my 7-4. Anyways see ya! Oh! Cloud is canonish, he's a mix of the original and Machinima. Is that an excuse just to put in references? Hell Yeah!