RWBY: Son of Salem

Marek's POV, a few hours later

After everyone got over the shock of hearing that I was the son of Ozpin, we went outside to practice hand-to-hand combat.

Ruby went for a right hook as I easily ducked under it and kicked her legs out from under her, knocking her over. I quickly wrapped my arm around her waist to keep her from hitting the ground.

"Thanks." she said with a smile as she stood back up.

I nodded as I held my fists up, waiting for her next attack.

She stepped back as she held her fists up as well.

She narrowed her eyes and smirked before lunging forward with a right cross. I jumped back as she pressed forward, sending another punch at me. I pushed her arm skywards as she tried to punch me again, giving me a perfect opportunity for my own attack.

I elbowed her ribs, causing her to stumble back as she glared at me.

"C'mon Red." I smirked. "Gotta be faster than that."

She stood up straight before rushing me with her semblance.

I tried to roll out of the way but she slammed into me before I had a chance, knocking me to the ground. I slid on my back as Ruby stood up straight, holding her fists up, ready for an attack.

I got to my feet with a smirk. "Nice one."

"Thanks, but we aren't done yet." she replied.

"Good." I smiled. "We all know you're fast but...can you keep up with someone like me?"

"What?"

I quickly closed the gap between us, throwing punch after punch. She blocked most of them but as I gained speed, I quickly over powered her, knocking her to the ground.

"You alright?" I asked with a chuckle.

"Hmph!" she crossed her arms as she stood up. "That was a cheap move."

"It's funny." I said with a chuckle. "Your semblance makes you faster but you can't keep up with someone who throws quick punches."

"Let's go again, then!" she growled as she took a fighting stance.

"Very well." I held my fists up as we slowly circled each other.

I noticed she had a defensive stance, showing me she was ready for an attack.

I quickly rushed her and threw a punch, only for it to be blocked as Ruby countered. Her fist connected with my nose, causing me to stumble back as she smirked.

"Hmm." I threw another punch but she blocked it as well. I spun around and lifted my leg in a roundhouse kick. She ducked under it and I saw a smile cross her face as she uppercut me.

I fell on my back, holding my jaw.

"Yes, I did it!" she cheered.

"Nice one, Ruby!" Jaune shouted.

I smiled as Ruby helped me to my feet. "Glad to see you've improved." Ozpin said with a smile.

"I couldn't have done it without Marek's help." Ruby said while giving me a smile.

"Only because I forced you to fight me without Cresent Rose." I replied. "Getting you to fight without your scythe was not easy."

Ruby rolled her eyes as she playfully hit my shoulder.

"Oscar will need some training." Ozpin said as he turned to Ruby. "I would like it if you would help him."

"Sure." Ruby shrugged. "I wouldn't mind."

"Don't go too easy on the kid." I told her.

She smirked before turning to Ozpin.

"So, when do we start?" she asked him.

"Now." he replied before flashing green.

"Wait...what?!" Oscar took a step back from Ruby.

"Don't worry." Ruby said to the kid. "I'll wait until you're ready."

A few minutes later

She knocked Oscar down and cheered. "You okay, Oscar?" Ruby asked him.

He groaned as he stared at the sky. He slowly got to his feet as he flashed green.

"Very good, miss Rose." Ozpin said. "But Oscar doesn't have the years of training that you do...or I do." he engaged his aura and Ruby started to back away a bit.

"Oh...well, maybe we should take a break?" she asked with a chuckle.

Ozpin rushed her with a barrage of attacks. Ruby had a bit of trouble to keep up as Ozpin jumped into the air, kicking her in the face.

Ruby growled as she turned around to punch Ozpin with a right cross, only for him to duck under it and headbutt her chin.

I winced as did Nora. "Damn."

"The next time you want to throw a left cross, remember to push off with the appropriate foot." Ozpin told her. "And as always, do be aware of any openings."

"Got it." Ruby groaned.

Oscar fell to his knees as he took back control.

"Hey. Are you okay?" Ruby asked him.

"How is this so exhausting?" Oscar panted.

"Your body isn't used to this kind of training." Ren answered. "Not to mention generating a defensive aura on your own. It takes intense concentration at first, but in time it will become second nature, allowing you to deflect attacks and gradually heal your wounds. After that, you can begin focusing on your semblance, whatever that may be."

"Semblance?"

"You know!" Nora said as she slid next to Oscar. "Like your very own superpower! Everybody's got one. It's just a matter of finding it and mastering it. Ruby moves super fast, electricity makes me stronger, Marek can manipulate dust, Ren can mask emotions and Jaune can...uh...hmm."

"I can't do any-"

"Jaune's like you!" Ruby said, pulling Oscar over to Jaune. "He hasn't found his semblance yet, but we all know he will. And you will, too. We all have to try and help each other get stronger."

"Cool."

"A common philosophy is that a warrior's semblance is a part of who they are." Ren said. "Some say your personality and character can define your semblance while some claim that it is the other way around. Of course, there are still many who don't see a connection at all."

"It's hard to know when you know sometimes." Nora added. "Ren's semblance was unlocked from intense stress."

"And mine kicked in during training one day." Ruby said.

"What about you?" Oscar asked Nora.

"Oh. Struck by lightning. Didn't die. Crazy Thursday." Nora replied.

"I just don't understand what's wrong with me." Jaune said. "I train. I meditate. But..."

Oscar flashed green as Ozpin took control.

"Don't worry, Mr. Arc. Your journey is far from over." Ozpin said. "And the same might be said for all of you. Unlocking your semblance isn't the end. It can still grow and evolve. Providing you're willing to put in the work, who knows what could happen."

"Then let's get back to it." Ruby said.

End of chapter 28