Author's note: I know it's been a while since I've update anything and I wasn't able to do a Christmas oneshot on time, but I finally finished this chapter. Shoutout to The95will for helping me out on this chapter, he wrote the sparring scene and it's so much better than what I originally had. He's an amazing writer and I recommend that you guys should check out his works.
"You ready, Ash?!" he called over the sounds of the airship engine. The adolescent snow leopard gave an audible groan before jumping in tandem with his master to the ground below. Similar to their first mission, Jaune held the leopard as he hit the ground, using his semblance to cushion the impact. Pulling up his hood and using the cloud of dust as cover, the two jumped to the nearest tree and to the next to avoid being seen by potential enemies.
Perched in the branches of a tree, Jaune took a moment to check his scroll for his position and plan out the direction he wanted to take. "What do you think, boy, do we want to?" he rhetorically asked the large feline as he scratched behind the ears, "Do we want to head in a spiral around the center, or do we just head there right away?" Distracted, Ash gave a long and contented groan as Jaune massaged the nape of his neck.
"I guess we should take the long way around," he thought out loud, tucking the device back into its place, "I mean we are out here for a whole week."
The pair started northeast, jumping from tree to tree and scanning the area for potential threats. The two had traveled for hours, avoiding as much confrontation with the grimm as possible as they tried to conserve their energy for covering more ground. 'I wonder if everyone else is getting missions like this,' Jaune thought as he recalled the events of the previous days.
"A solo mission?" Jaune asked skeptically.
"It's only reconnaissance, but if it makes you feel any better, I suppose I can allow you to bring Ash along," Ozpin answered.
"But I don't think we're ready yet, it's only been three months of training with Ash and-,"
"A month of training was already enough for you two to be able to fight off a horde of grimm," the headmaster reminded, cutting off his student.
"True, but what if something happens to us?" Jaune argued.
"You have your barrier semblance," Ozpin smirked, "Huntsman Pluto reported you being able to use it for extended periods of time, making you the most logical choice."
"Fine, what are the details?" the knight sighed in defeat.
"We are going to send you to the southern continent," the older man adjusted his glasses, "you will be equipped with a small long distance radio and tracking device so we can pick you up on a moment's notice. We've been getting reports of large bursts of energy in that area, so we need someone to investigate. An airship will be dropping you off a few miles from your destination and you will have to scout the surrounding area."
"Anything else, like what I should be looking for?" Jaune raised an eyebrow.
"We have no idea, that's why we're sending you," Ozpin pointed out.
"Makes sense," Jaune shrugged, "any other details like what I'll be provided with?"
"Enough food rations for ten days for both you and Ash and an emergency flare. You should pack light, and bring a first aid kit; your aura won't heal all wounds instantaneously. You will be dispatched tonight and will arrive at your drop off point the tomorrow morning," Ozpin explained, "Explore the area and we'll expect you back at the end of the seven days. I only hope that these bursts of energy are just a large deposit of dust, but report any and all activity in that area, grimm and human."
"Yes sir," Jaune confirmed and with that, left the office to prepare.
"Ash, it's time for- Ah!" Upon entering the dorm room, a large and heavy ball of fur pounced on his chest, knocking him to the ground. The feeling of wet sandpaper affectionately attacked his face followed by a feline head nuzzling up against the crook of Jaune's neck. "Wow, I just keep forgetting how much you've grown boy," he said as he got up to marvel at the sight of his training companion.
In the three short months of raising the cub, he had grown immensely. The snow leopard that had first appeared at the size of a small dog was now at the height of the knight's waist. The once almost nonexistent claws are now fully grown, hardened and looked menacing enough to repel the much bigger Cardin Winchester. The once cute face, now an aggressive sight enough to intimidate the largest of grimm accompanied by a muscular, but nimble and agile frame. It was a terrifying sight, the apex predator of the mountains here in his room, though he held a certain beauty that only a warrior could appreciate.
Leading the animal by the leash, Jaune headed down the hallway to the training hall. Passing Cardin on the way, the snow leopard snarled at the larger boy for amusement, earning a girlish scream in return. "Keep your animal under control, Jauney boy!" the pompous knight nearly screamed, pressed up against the wall in an attempt to distance himself as much he could from the large feline.
"It's not my fault you and your team got mauled while trying to stuff him in a sack last week during a nap. You know, I don't think he's forgotten that," Jaune reminded the boy while he unhooked the leash, "I could use a good laugh. Go on, boy, go get the meathead."
"What the hell are you doing?!" the larger knight took off running.
"I just need you to take him out for a run," Jaune called after him, "He's eventually going to catch up, so when he does just play dead, or distract him with something!"
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Weiss approached from behind, a scowl on her face.
"He's fine, I made sure to train him so he doesn't kill humans," Jaune chuckled as Ash gave chase, "right now he's just playing. Besides, Cardin deserves it."
"Whatever," the white-haired girl shrugged. Clutching onto her boyfriend's arm she asked, "So when's our next date?"
"How about dinner when I get back from my next mission?" he suggested as he leaned to kiss her forehead.
"Mission?" she raised an eyebrow.
"It's just recon, but I'll be gone for a week."
"Alright, but don't die," Weiss warned, "I'll kill you if I have to miss dinner our dinner date to attend your funeral."
"Wait, how does that work?" Jaune scratched his head.
"Just don't die!" Weiss clutched his arm tighter, "I'll miss you if you do."
"Don't worry," he pulled away from her, holding her shoulders to reassure her, "I'll be fine. Besides, who else has an awesome snow leopard trained to fight grimm?"
"Alright," she nodded, doubt still plaguing her mind. A girlish, but bloodcurdling scream came from the courtyard followed by incoherent screams of panic, "You should probably go check on Cardin."
"You're right," Jaune agreed, planting a kiss on her cheek before departing, "Ash might get indigestion."
When Jaune arrived on the scene, Cardin was stripped of his armor and pants, cowering next to a pillar while Nora played Frisbee with the teenage leopard. Bystanders watched in awe and amusement as the resident bully got what he deserved. "Hey, Nora, where'd you get the new toy?" the knight chuckled, "I didn't know they make Frisbees that big."
"I don't know," Nora feigned ignorance and shrugged, "when I got here, Ash was chewing on this thing and I thought it looked like a Frisbee. I think it's Cardin's armor, but at this point, I can't tell anymore."
"Alright, I think that's enough," Jaune picked up the torn pants and threw it at the terrified boy, "you should really get out of that puddle…" he trailed off as he realized that it was not a puddle of water that Cardin was sitting in. "Okay, Ash, time for training."
"Aw, I never get to play with him," Nora pouted.
"Nora, you usually say no when I ask you," he reminded.
"But it's boring because we don't get to maul anyone."
"That would be really bad, and they'd have to put him down if he mauled anyone else," Jaune said defensively.
"Whatever," she childishly crossed her arms.
"Where's Ren, anyway, I heard he was making pancakes," he said in an attempt to distract her.
"That's not working on me this time, Jaune," she turned her head away, nose in the air.
"Weird, I thought I smelled maple syrup coming out of our room on the way here," in a flash, the girl turned into a pink blur as she sped to their dorm room.
Jaune reattached the leash back onto the snow leopard's harness and led him away from the scene and towards the training hall. Upon entering the room, he was met with the sound of bullets firing and metal clanging against the floor. Rose petals fluttered around as the girl, cloaked in red and black sped around the room, leaving a trail of explosions, carnage and emptied dust rounds behind her. The boy watched in awe at Ruby's skill, wondering how such a small girl could wield such a large and seemingly heavy weapon with ease. He walked towards the girl as soon as the simulation had finished. "You know, as cool as that hood and cloak look, It's gonna get caught on something. Remember what happened at initiation?"
"J-Jaune, how long were you watching?" she stammered, losing her composure at the sight of him.
"Long enough," he smirked at her sudden change in character, "mind if we spar?"
"No, not at all," she smiled, regaining her composure, "I just hope you can keep up."
"Don't worry, I don't need to," Jaune answered as he readied his sword and shield.
"If you say so," Ruby shrugged before she took off running. She circled the pair, Crescent Rose shifted into the scythe form in her approach. She launched herself in the air; her hands were positioned for a downward slice to separate Ash and Jaune. Thinking she'd gained the upper hand, sparks flew from blade end as Ash manifested his aura into a jagged peak emanating from his tail. The force was barely visible and soon both weapons grinded for sparks to fly. Seeing this fruitless attempt, Ruby had Crescent Rose shift into sniper from to fire and propel herself away. She landed perfectly as she adjusted her balance.
"You're gonna have to do better than that, Ruby," Jaune taunted, "If an animal could follow you, then you probably need more practice."
"Hmph, whatever," she pouted before disappearing in a cloud of rose petals. Her speed was immense as she shifted into two locations to fire two rounds at Jaune's feet then the second to Jaune's head. By reflex Jaune raised his shield to deflect the bullet. Rose peddles danced in the air.
Ruby had a clear shot on Jaune's back by the time she appeared her scythe was going for the slice. Jaune monitored all the sound of her movements as was Crescent Rose came in, it was already too late. Jaune ducked then looked back as Ruby's expression changed. In the second of stillness, he rolled under Ruby's swing, his sword rose up to deflect the scythe from its intended path and he flicked it to her side as he unfurled, landing a hit. The blow left a small but noticeable cut on her corset, Ruby started to feel a new emotion that didn't exist for her. It was strange, it felt like a raging fire but one was different. "Come one Ruby, you're not slowing down just for me, are you?" Jaune teased some more. That was the last spark needed for her to be consumed with the old emotion, anger.
Before Ruby made her move toward Jaune, Ash roared as he lunged from her right. When that happened, peddles took her place. On the landing, Ash rotated his body horizontally to be ready on the landing. Ash did so and so did Ruby. She landed and by now, she overexerted her Semblance and needed a moment to recharge. There was no time as Ash charged again, with a right swipe, the claw was short distance at first then Ruby slammed her scythe to ground facing upward. Ash's paw was too far to reach, but the distance was closed by a barely visible blade of aura. Ruby lifted Crescent Rose slightly then when Ash's weapon met her steel, it fired a sniper round for it go forward to charge Ash. The claw manifestation wasn't prepared as it struck Ash's fur. "Alright!" Ruby chimed.
As shifted the body to reverse then the tail tugged on Ruby's scythe. Her grip was strong, but that was what Ash was counting on. The tail secured the launch as he circled around. In retaliation Ruby ducked down as Ash swung by. Then Ash jumped off because the loss of speed. Ruby kicked her scythe up then began to twirl it around with increasing speed. Ash went for a swipe but his extension was blocked.
Jaune jumped forward with his shield at the ready. Soon Ruby's scythe reached the speed to fire the occasional bullet. It made the approach difficult but not impossible. Jaune snapped his head to the right with a bullet cutting a single hair. When he closed the distance, Jaune charged at the barrage with the shield was angled upward as Ruby reversed the twirl.
The shield scrapped the first swipe. Then the second swipe was the same thing. The third was the same as well with a slight decline in speed. On the seventh hit, Jaune forced his shield upward to collide with the scythe. The when he did, Ruby was smiling; it was a Trojan horse since on the motion to return, the barrel of the weapon pointed directly at Jaune. In a split second, Ruby fired sending Jaune flying backwards. On the fall he adjusted the flight and landed on his feet.
"I always wanted a custom weapon, but then I learned that they're too loud. It's easy to track your movements." Jaune deadpanned. Ash regrouped to his side.
"That's not true." Ruby heaved as she put a fresh clip into her weapon then retracted the barrel.
Jaune raised his sword then pointed at her. "Then prove me wrong." His grin was of pure joy, and that made Ruby's lip wince.
"Let's do this buddy." Jaune crouched down with Ash charging at him as well. Summoning his aura to amplify his strength, Jaune propelled Ash into the air. When he did, he sprinted toward Ruby.
Taking a moment to see the targets, Ash above and Jaune below. They must have a plan either way so she fired two rounds at Jaune to force him to block. The scythe was brought up to smack the claws from above. Jaune came in for a horizontal slash. Ruby ducked back then Ash sent an array of attacks her way. At the end, the right paw slashed the air for a construct to manifest to her direction. The projectile covered Jaune's advance to stand in front of her.
Giving a deep growl, Ruby shot Crescent Rose, using the recoil to launch her towards him. She unleashed a flurry of attacks, powerful and yet graceful in her own way. She grew more and more frustrated each time Jaune had easily parried or blocked each of her attacks, yet not countering once. Her eyes scanned every parry then for that right moment; she lowered Crescent Rose scythe end to during the moment of Jaune's attack. With it in position, she pulled Rose back, catching him off balance. Once he started to stumble, she slapped his body with the flat of her weapon, launching him in the air. She finally felt satisfied with herself until she felt his shield hit her, knocking her to the ground. "Hey! That's not-," she was cut off by her cloak pulling her back, finding that it had been impaled against the wall and held in place by his sword.
Ash jumped up to bit the handle of Crescent Rose as Ruby hung by her hood.
"See, I told you," the knight made his point as he removed the blade from her cloak, "that was fun, though I do have to admit that it was hard to keep up."
'It didn't look like it,' she thought to herself. "Whatever, just let me down!" Ruby scrambled about as she dangled from Jaune's sword. Jaune chuckled at her causing Ruby to feel a light blush rush her cheeks. Seeing that he prodded her enough he adjusted his sword to lower Ruby.
She sat on the floor. 'How did I lose?' Jaune noticed her expression.
"Remember what I said about weapons being too loud, well that's the case of half the students of Beacon. They shift during combat and when it does, it tells the opponent what to expect." Jaune turned to Ash then waved at him. Ash complied by lowering his head to release Ruby's weapon. "I learned that while training with Ash. He loved making me dance to his hearing. Because of him, I learned sound is an important tool or it could lead to your defeat." Jaune offered his hand to Ruby, she took it as his hand felt warm when she returned to her feet.
"You've gotten better since our first mission," she complimented.
"I'd hope so," Jaune responded as he sheathed his sword, "I don't think that Ozpin would send me on a mission alone if I hadn't."
"Alone?"
"It's just recon, but I should be back next week."
"Then make it back safely," the petite girl looked at the knight with a worried look on her face, "I've already lost my mother and I don't want to lose anyone else."
"I promise, I'll make it back," he placed a hand on her shoulder to assure and comfort her, "but if I don't I just want to say I'm sorry. I'm sorry for not returning your feelings and for not being a better friend."
Ruby stared at the floor in silence, letting her hair hide the emotions ready to burst. She felt him turn to leave and took her chance. She wrapped her arms around him from behind, stopping him in his tracks. "Ruby, I have to go," she heard him say, to which she dropped her arms and heard him leave. As soon as she was sure the pair had left the room, she fell to the floor and hugged her knees in sorrow.
'Please don't go,' Ruby's left eye began to well up a tear. Before it fell, a warm sensation rubbed on her shin. Ruby looked down in surprise to see Ash rubbing himself along her legs. He was comforting her. Then after several rubs, Ash walked to Crescent Rose to take a bit then passed it to Ruby before leaving.
Jaune walked back to his dorm room, dreading the next task he had to complete. Upon entering the room and unhooking Ash's leash, he went straight to packing and preparing for his recently assigned mission. 'Extra set of clothes, check. Food rations, check. Extra battery for my scroll, check…' the knight went through a mental checklist before his train of thought was interrupted by the sound of the door opening. He cocked his head towards the source of the noise and locked eyes with a certain redhead. At the sight of him, she paused and turned on her heel to exit the room. "Pyrrha," he called.
"Yes, Jaune?" she replied nervously.
"Why are you avoiding me?" He stood up from his corner of the room and walked over to meet her.
"I haven't, I just…" she trailed off, unable to find the correct words to say.
"Pyrrha, please. You haven't talked to me much since, you know…" Jaune referred to her confession at the hospital, "Besides class and sleeping in this room, you can't stay in the same room with me for more than five minutes without making a terrible excuse to leave, and you refuse to even make eye contact when you actually talk to me. You're avoiding me."
"I just need some time," she answered before turning away.
"You're acting like a child, Pyrrha," Jaune grabbed her wrist before she had the chance to walk out the door, "I know how you feel, to not have someone love you back, believe me when I say 'I know it hurts.' But acting like this, you're no better than an elementary school student."
Pyrrha kept her back to the boy, she shivered as the first few drops crept down her face, "Jaune, I've silently loved you for so long. I tried my best to support you even when you had trouble asking Weiss to the dance. What she did before our first mission was inexcusable. She took what most girls would give the world to have and stomped it into the ground, you deserve better than that."
"Pyrrha, I'm sorry that I don't feel the same way," Jaune started, "you're an amazing friend and I wouldn't want to change that. I admit that I did have a crush on you at first."
"Then what changed?" Pyrrha turned to face him, showing the tears that had been flowing from her eyes.
"It wasn't long before I started seeing you differently. I can no longer see you as someone I could have romantic feelings for. You've become the one I could depend on the most both in the heat of battle and when I just need someone to talk to. You've become more like a sister to me," Jaune pulled her into a hug, "You're an amazing woman, and although you might be right about me deserving better than Weiss, I know for a fact that you deserve better than me. You deserve someone better to lead this team, a better friend, and someone better to love you."
"Why tell me this now?" the girl asks, pulling her hand away in frustration, "It's been a month since you've rejected me and all you told me was that you just didn't feel the same way! Why don't you just disappear?!"
"You said you needed some time, so you'll get it," he answered calmly, holding back and trying his best to hide his sadness, "I'll be gone for a week, but if I don't' come back, I just want you to know I'm sorry."
Jaune silently held the crying warrior in his arms for what seemed for an eternity until Pyrrha violently pulled away from the knight and stormed out of the room. He sat on his bed lamenting the pain he had caused to the people so close to him. Ash cautiously approached the boy before rubbing up against his leg in an attempt to comfort him while letting out a small groan to get his attention. "Thanks, boy, but I'll be fine," Jaune smiled, rubbing the nape of the snow leopards neck before resuming his previous task of packing.
As he approached the airship, Jaune looked around to find no one present. 'Figures,' he thought to himself as he and Ash boarded the vehicle, 'I broke some hearts, I was an asshole, of course they wouldn't show up to at least say goodbye.'
Once Jaune was in his seat, he looked out the window as the aircraft took off, unconsciously petting his companion. He watched with guilt in his heart as the school faded from view.