Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
Please remember to review. It only takes a moment.
Chapter 5: A Team Effort Part 3
Just past the temples, that held the relics, the land stopped. In place of landmass, there were eroded stone bridges that connected multiple landmasses together. Each of these landmasses had white stone structures, each in different stages of disarray. All manner of vegetation and debris lay piled up.
In a bid to rid themselves of their pursuers, all eight teens were making ground at astounding paces. With the exception of Jaune, they were all making use of the bridges that connected the miniature cliffs. As for the blonde wanderer, he was getting comfortable above them. The high pillars situated at all the abandoned structures made a perfect mode of transportation for him.
Revealing disproportionate speed for its mass, the Death Stalker was hot on the trail of the land traveling warriors. Everything that met its storming feet were reduced to scraps. Each of its heavy steps pierced and cracked the decaying bridge.
Opposed to the Death Stalker, the Nevermore had a single target. The petite swordsman appeared to be easy prey for it. It swooped in, its beak wide open.
With practiced ease, Jaune sidestepped assault and dashed further ahead.
What an upstart bird. It needs to learn its place. Jaune is no one's meal! Especially with me as his weapon!
'Well it's working for its meal. I wonder why it doesn't attack the Death Stalker. It would make a more fitting meal, and it's unguarded. Do these Grimm only target human, or in Blake's case, sentient beings?" Jaune questioned internally.
After this, you have to get information from that Pyrrha girl. She seemed to have a good grasp on the situation and explains things simple enough.
'Agreed', Jaune thought in response to Mor's suggestion. For now, he would focus on getting out of this relatively uninjured. Looking above he noticed the bird Grimm preparing another attack.
It slowed its flapping considerately and puffed up its chest. With one mighty flap, dozens of sharpened black feathers raced towards Jaune.
He ducked beneath the first wave and hooked his feet on one of the columns and swung underneath an arch it was connected to. The array of feathers harmlessly pierced the old rock structures. Using his momentum, he swung to a further column and ended with a flip.
Eyes narrowed, he prepared for a counterattack. "Solid Air Step." The movement technique created a small platform in which Jaune bounced off of and soared above the Nevermore. As gravity took over, he performed a drop kick between its neck and back, thus launching the Grimm to the abyss below them. His landing spot was the head of the speeding Death Stalker. He heard the satisfying sound of its plate cracking beneath the weight of his descent. Not hesitating for a moment, he used the scorpion Grimm's face as a jump board to sail in front of his running comrades.
"Not bad pretty boy," Yang complimented with a smirk.
"Thanks, it's all about the timing", he replied with mock humility.
Turning around he noticed some taking the initiative to attack. Ruby, Ren and Pyrrha ceased their running to unleash a rain of long range damage from their individual transformed weaponry. It slightly slows down the Grimm after they began to target the cracks left behind from Jaune's surprise landing.
Blake was engaged in close combat. Her weapon was a thick gray looking sword that she was skillfully using to deflect the Stalker's claw. Its golden pincer swoop down and pierced her. Mere seconds after the pincer hit, its victim was revealed to be some kind of clone, the real Blake had already retreated from the Stalker's range.
"No good, it isn't leaving any openings for me. I thought I could use the dent in its armor", Jaune heard Blake mumble as she continued her running. When she passed the firing squad, they followed suit and continued their fleeing.
At that moment, an angry screech was heard, as the Nevermore ascended from its fall beneath them. It began to circle them again, it seemed to avoid targeting Jaune this time.
Just behind Ren, Nora went slightly off track and went to a pile of rubble she took notice of. Smiling that manic smile of hers, she pulled out her hammer and lightly swayed her hips. Swinging her arms, she hit the rubble with the head of her hammer, launching them forward as she screamed, "Fore!" The pieces of rubble pelted the Death Stalker and grabbed its attention.
Turning around, all of its eyes narrowed in recognition. Ignoring the rest of its prey, it began to lunge at Nora with a fervor.
The happy-go-lucky girl laughed nervously. "Hey Stingy, you're looking well." Seeing that the Grimm was far from appeased, she dashed with the rest of the group, Death Stalker hot on her tail.
Up ahead most of the group was Jaune and Ruby. They both saw that up ahead, the path diverged to the right and left. In step with each other, they yelled, "SPLIT UP!"
Jaune went right, while Ruby went left. Nora, Pyrrha and Ren followed Jaune, while Weiss, Blake and Yang went after Ruby. The Death Stalker, still in pursuit of Nora went right, while the Nevermore continued to avoid Jaune and went left.
"Guys meet up", Jaune called out. Seeing that the Stalker was still a fair distance away, they followed his directions. Huddled up, Jaune began speaking. "Alright, the Death Stalker's armor is pretty tough, but the underside isn't nearly as fortified. So we'll hit it where it hurts. Here's the plan."
As the group made the strategy, Pyrrha pointing out necessary knowledge about the Grimm as they went on, Nora began to get excited, "This is going to rock!" Following the declaration, the group got in position.
The Death Stalker finally reached up to the group. Nora ran up above them gaining its attention. Her hammer was in its alternative mode. She shot out a heart tagged grenade directly into the Stalker's face. It recoiled in pain, as it was momentarily stunned.
Pyrrha raced ahead, as she passed Jaune, he removed his sheathe and changed it to shield mode. Without turning back, Pyrrha caught the shield her partner threw to her and removed her own shield from her back. She bashed the Grimm in the face with said shields. Not appreciating the assault, the Grimm launched into battle with the redhead.
She redirected the blows with the shields. As the pace between them picked up, sparks were flying all around. When its pincer came down for a strike, the shields were more than enough to withstand the blow.
While the beast was preoccupied, Jaune and Ren ran on opposite sides of the Grimm. As they dashed past it, they attacked the numerous legs it had. Each legs that was seriously injured caused the Grimm to slump down ever so slightly. Before it was aware, it mobility had been all but eliminated.
As per his instructions, Ren crossed back over towards his best friend. She cheered when she saw him returning.
"Yeah~. My turn. I'm gonna break me a Grimm", she said with high spirits. When Ren stopped and cupped his hands together she began her charge. She placed her foot in his hands and was launched by Ren, high into the sky. "I can see everything!", she screamed above him.
At the same time, Jaune slid, on his back, underneath the Grimm's tail. Both feet on the Stalker's chest, he heaved and kicked the Grimm high into the sky. He immediately flipped onto his feet and prepared Mors.
As the beast reached the maximum height of its ascent, it saw Nora. With a look that promised pain, Nora viciously slammed her hammer on top of the plat that guarded the Grimm, it went shooting downward to a prepared Jaune.
"Asura Blood Slasher", Jaune vocalized. From the single slash, multiple orbs of Ki appeared over the unprotected hide of the Death Stalker. Each and every orb exploded in a display of power, which caused the body of the Grimm to be covered in holes, that extended through the thick plates on the upper part of its body. The riddled corpse fell unceremoniously. Already it began to evaporate.
Momentarily, the others looked upon the corpse in surprise, then they walked up to him in cheer.
"That was so cool. It was some super combination of breaking things and explosions. My favorite", Nora applauded.
"That technique was quite well executed and thorough. An excellent choice", Pyrrha complimented in earnest.
"That's one way to finish a test", Ren finished deadpanned.
As they were patting each other on the back, they turned to see Ruby actually scaling up the side of a cliff. A number of insignias were boosting Ruby as the Nevermore was caught inside of her scythe. As she reached the top, she decapitated the Nevermore with her scythe. A pretty showy display, if Jaune could be honest.
You guys are two peas in the pod.
'I don't show off... much', he thought petulantly.
...
After successfully returning the relic to Beacon Cliff. They were brought back to the auditorium where Ozpin began to announce teams.
"Jaune Arc, Lie Ren, Pyrrha Nikos, Nora Valkyrie. The four of you retrieved the golden rook pieces. From this day forward, you are Team JNPR (Juniper).", Ozpin said. Each of their picture appeared on the large screen behind the headmaster.
As clapping took place, Nora lunged at Ren and embraced him in a fierce hug. "We're on the same team. We're on the same team. Isn't that exciting. Besties forever!"
"Nora, we're partners. We were always going to be on the same team. And you're crushing me", Ren said calmly, even as his friend squeezed the life out of him.
Ozpin continued, "Your leader will be Jaune Arc."
"I-I'm leader? Just like Big Sis", Jaune whispered to himself in surprise.
Good job, Jaune. You deserved it.
"Congratulations, young man", Ozpin said kindly.
Ren walked up and shook his hand and nodded his head in support. Nora jumped on his back and began talking about all the cool rules he could make. Pyrrha lightly punched him on the shoulder. A wide smile burst from Jaune's face, from his friend's support.
Ozpin went on to the next team. "And finally: Blake Belladonna, Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Yang Xiao Long. You retrieved the gold knight pieces. From this day forward, you will work together as Team RWBY. Lead by... Ruby Rose."
Yang rushed over to Ruby and hugged her, while Weiss stood still in shock.
"I'm so proud of you!", Yang said.
With an interested gaze that lingered on Ruby and Jaune, Ozpin quietly noted, "It looks like things are shaping up to be an... interesting year."
...
As the teams were getting their assigned rooms, Ozpin strolled up towards the newly minted Team JNPR. His eyes locked firmly on Jaune, even as he drunk from a steaming cup of coffee. Besides him Glynda had a stern gaze locked on him.
"Mr. Arc, we require your attendance in my office. I have a number of questions for him", Ozpin asked genially. His gaze never fell far from Jaune.
Looking troubled, Pyrrha stood in front of Jaune and made to open her mouth.
She was silenced when Ozpin raised his hand, "There is no need to defend him, Ms. Nikos. I have already accepted him into the academy. This isn't so much an interrogation, then a questioning. I assure you that I'm not here to lock him away. So what do you say Mr. Arc."
You should go, Jaune. You are at fault here. How many times did I tell you, we should have left. Time to face the consequences.
"Sure. I'm free."
Without further objections, the trio made their way towards the headmaster's office. Ozpin sat behind his large desk, while Glynda took her place besides him. He smile genially as he placed his cup of coffee down.
Pulling out some files, Ozpin began, "Do you know why I called you in today?"
Gulping down nervously, Jaune shook his head. According to the man himself, he wasn't supposed to be in trouble.
"I find a good cup of Joe settles the nerves. Would you care for some?"
"I would prefer tea, if you have some."
"Fortunately, we have a some fresh tea ready to be poured. Glynda if you would", the headmaster looked at his strict looking assistant. She rolled her eyes as she got a tea pot that was heating at the end of the room. Removing teacups from a cabinet, she brought it to Jaune and she prepared his green tea.
Sipping the soothing drink, Jaune calmed down considerably. He sat up straighter and employed all the lessons of manners from the monastery.
Glynda seemed rather pleased by the professional presence he was now giving off. While Ozpin merely looked like he understood the change.
"Now, Jaune looking at our records, we haven't gotten anything on you prior to a few days ago. You were seen dining with Ms. Nikos and entering a clothing store. Could you enlighten us on some of your history. On does not gain your skills so easily."
Remember Jaune, avoid complete lies. It's best to be vague and allow them to draw their own conclusions. We are not yet sure of their loyalties. Got it?
'That goes without saying Mors. This isn't my first time dealing in politics and half truths.' Having decided to route he would take with these talks, Jaune began slowly and evenly.
"Before going on my travels, I spent my early childhood to now in a monastery. There a rigorous lifestyle was promoted to foster an inherent regard for the martial arts. Day in and day out we studied and dedicated our lives in the pursuit of the arts. I am no different. You would not have heard of me since there was little effort to make communications with the Remnant authorities."
Both males took a light sip from their respective cups. Each eyeing the other, not with mistrust, but contemplation. Jaune was the first to pierce the silence.
"How were you able to gather such information about me so rapidly? I was with Pyrrha at those locations only a few days ago. Surely that was not enough time to compile the data?"
"I like to keep my ears open Mr. Arc. It isn't everyday that you get reports of a mass of Grimms chasing a lone person. Good job to you and Ms. Nikos in your extermination. You saved a lot of time and resources to clear out those Grimms. This is a dangerous world, and I like to keep up with the current events. Rest assure Mr. Arc, if I believed you to be an enemy to the academy or its student body, we would not be having this discussion." He punctuated this statement with an intense look. Once again Jaune was reminded of the experience fighter behind the headmaster.
It would be wise not to antagonize him too much. A battle with him will not end nicely.
'Noted.'
"You see, Mr. Arc. I am helping foster the future forces against the enemy Grimm. It sad to say, but many of these students will become mere causalities in this everlasting war. We faculty can only protect them for so long and so far. Just beneath them are hordes of Grimm ready to tear them apart. So I will take every measure to assure that their fellow man aren't part of the threat. So answer me this, are you perhaps a master class?", he asked seriously.
At that question, Glynda looked startled. Soon after, she regained composure and realigned her glasses. She returned to inscribing something to her handheld pad.
"Yes. I have only recently gain that level though. It is my intention to eventually reach grandmaster level. But that would require more experience and age. My travels were originally meant as a means to find such things. Will that be a problem?"
"Not at all. I daresay this is an opportunity for yourself. From what I've seen, you aren't too accustomed to the daily events. What you lack in common knowledge, you make up in the esoteric. Yes, I believe you would be a suitable student for this school. If I may ask, what were you plans before meeting Ms. Nikos?"
'Mors?'
It should be fine, if you keep it vague. Your task was a bit unbelievable, so they may question your sanity if you come out and say it. It's all up to you, Jaune.
Another sip of his tea and Mor's encouragement in mind, he answered to best of his abilities, "I promised an acquaintance, no a benefactor that I would eventually deliver something to his allies. If I hadn't been caught up in this initiation, I probably would have traveled there. I'm not under any deadline, but I eventually plan to make the trip while in the school." Jaune rubbed his chest due to some phantom pains that came up.
"Ah, a good old fashioned quest. You don't get those very often anymore. Those were some times." At that moment, Jaune noticed that Ozpin had that unfocused look to him again. A slightly concerned look came over his assistant until she coughed and got his attention. He shook his head and returned to the present.
"Well, yes that is all well and good, but you need a paper trail. You may not be as fortunate next time. It would be suspicious for someone out of the system, to commonly interact with said system. You don't wish to be associated with certain... troublesome groups. I will set up recommendations for you to enter this academy. From what I've seen your battle capabilities would be easily used as a mean for your enrollment. I will merely, gain access to such records."
It seems Mr. Ozpin here isn't such a law abiding citizen himself. You could learn from him. Explosions don't have to be the solution to everything.
'Yes, yes, learn subtlety. Thank you Mors.'
"While I'm at it, I will create a bank account for you. Since you've spent your life in a monastery, I doubt that you have had means to create such a thing. The account will have some pocket change to start you of, but no more. I don't run a charity here Mr. Arc."
"I understand, you have already been overly kind to me. I will do well not to fail your expectations or bring further issues to your desk." A polite half bow followed Jaune's proclamation.
" Mr. Arc you are young, so I severely doubt that. But I will appreciate the effort. Who knows you may be the first that youth does not lead astray. I know mine did. Well, I will not take any more of your time. I will get working on including you in the system. Further information and directions will be given to you. So enjoy learning about your team. It is there where true friendships are forged. Silly notions of superiority and invincibility are squashed. A true team will allow you to go farther and when the times comes to make a stand, you will gladly fall under harm's way to protect. Good day Mr. Arc."
Jaune left after that last piece of knowledge. Deep down he wondered if that's how Ozpin had learned those lessons. With a greater understanding of his new headmaster, he left the office in silence.
...
Afterwards, Jaune walked in silence to the auditorium. He felt that there had been a number of things that had gone over his head as he spoke to the headmaster. The grandmaster back at the temple also had a melancholic feel to him at times. It had been far deeper than Ozpin's, but he saw the similarities. To gain true strength, would he too have to fall into that same ditch? It honestly scared him.
The mere thought that he may not be strong enough to protect what was dear to him. Would all he have would be fond memories of those he failed? He thought of his new team, goodness sake his team, and shivered. Right now their demise would sadden him. They were fellow students and humans, but as they grew closer, their loss would be devastating.
Ozpin had selected him to be leader, so he had the potential, but could he live up to them? His eldest sister had always been the leader in his eyes. She controlled the trainings, spars, and battles. Missions and the like also fell to her shoulders. He hadn't thought of it before, but most of their lives had been on her hands.
Jaune you are prepared. You may be a goofball and a trouble magnet, but you do have a good head on your shoulders. I am your weapon and I know you. In my long existence I have seen a fair number of powerful beings and leaders. Pain might be inevitable, but loss and suffering don't have to be. Didn't you choose to surpass your sister. If you stumble here, how could you hope to reach and pass her. Know this, at the very least, I will always be by your side.
'Thanks Mors. I guess I was being a little silly. It just seems like wisdom and tragedy are linked.'
Don't apologize. I'm your partner, you can cast all your doubts upon me.
Once he reached his destination, Pyrrha was there waiting for him. Seeing him, she smiled and walked up to him.
"I sent Ren and Nora ahead to our room. I didn't think you would know where we were staying."
He chuckled, "You were right. I didn't even think about that. It would have been pretty awkward to walk back to the headmaster's office for room locations."
The two shared a laugh at that and began to make their way to the room. From the corner of his eye, he soaked in the sight of her vibrant red hair. That crimson color wasn't exactly common where he came from. Idly he wondered if it felt as nice as it looked.
Pyrrha also had a stronger frame opposed to some of the girls at the temple or even at the academy. Not that the other girls were weak, especially at the temple, but he just found something interesting about her strong frame.
She, in his humble opinion, had a good balance between her strong body and femininity. Best of all, she was just so pleasant to be around. Polite but very candid too. Considering that and her apparent fame, if the snow woman could be trusted, she must have had a lot of suitors.
Jaune thought back to himself. He had been called beautiful in the past, but never masculine. Would he appear as one of the girls to her? He hoped not. After he finished proving himself as manly, she couldn't make that mistake. A sigh escaped him, his thoughts were getting him depressed.
"Something the matter, Jaune?"
"W-What, no. Just thinking, you know?"
"Sure", her voice sounded a bit subdued. She took a shallow breath, "Jaune, you don't have to stay if you don't want to. I know I kind of strong armed you through this. I am sorry."
It irked him how downtrodden Pyrrha had become. For all the time, he had know her, she presented herself as strong and maybe a tad optimistic. Now she look sadden, her arms wrapped loosely around herself. Jaune was quick to comfort.
The blonde swordsman grabbed her at the shoulders and turned her towards him. Despite the giddiness bubbling up inside of him, he looked her directly in her eyes. "You didn't force me to do anything. I've always been a tad bad at keeping focus on the little things. If I wasn't interested in what was going on, I would have left. I share a bit of the blame as well. Instead of admitting that I didn't belong here, I just decided to go along with the flow. Not that it did any good, Ozpin knew about me the moment I set foot here."
Surprise etched her features, "Y-You're staying? Didn't you want to travel around? Won't you be restricted when school starts? And Ozpin knew you were here?"
"There's a lot of fascinating things in the outside world, but I'm in no rush. When one wanders, nothing is set, the direction, pace, or even time. Besides I don't plan to have this school confine me. If there something I want to see, I'll get there. Don't you worry. The Arc Wanderlust can't be subdued", he punctuated his statement with a cheesy smile and puffed chest.
This got a small laugh from his partner, at how silly he sounded and looked. At the very least, he dispelled the morose atmosphere.
"Well Jaune, you're a man of many talents and titles. Is the Arc Wanderlust an actually thing", she asked skeptically.
Jaune took an offended tone, "It could be! Arcs are known for many marvelous things. They're great warriors, thinkers, and adventurers, so why not wanderers? A true man needs to be flexible. I'm shocked you could doubt my claims."
"Of course Jaune. How could I have been so foolish", she said in a placating tone. Once again stroking the boy's ego. "Well we're here." She pointed towards the door and opened it.
As the two entered the room, they heard a loud pop and were covered in colorful, glittery strips of paper. An ecstatic Nora began waving her arms around.
"Yeah Leader and Red are here. No the party can began. This is going to be great."
This child needs to cut back on the sugar. One can only have so much energy.
Before they knew it, Nora had placed party hats on the two of them. Looking behind the girl, Jaune saw that Ren had already fell victim to Nora. Despite how ridiculous he looked, with a painted face, glitter, and multiple hats, he was the image of cool and collected.
On a table, in the middle of the room, was a large square chocolate cake that had the words 'Team JNPR' written on it.
"Yes! Cake. Give me some right now, Nora!" Jaune demanded in excitement. Said girl rapidly nodded her head in agreement. The two began to fall into a childish argument about the best way to best cut a cake.
Shaking her head lightly, Pyrrha took a seat on the bed Ren was on. Looking at their more pumped up members, they simply smiled and allowed them to get carried away.
Author's Note
Team JNPR is now official! I'm glad to have gotten the initiation out of the way. How did I portray everyone? My major concern for this was Jaune, Pyrrha, and Ozpin. With Jaune I'm trying to get a good mix of Id's confidence and cannon Jaune's bravado and insecurity. For Ozpin I want to make his motivation regret and experience. A lot hasn't been revealed of his character, but I feel that his past could be pretty dark. Finally there's Pyrrha. I want to make her a lot more comfortable around Jaune than in the show. She's supportive, but tends to be a bit reserved with her own desires. Hopefully I was able to right everyone in character.
I'm glad I was able to type this chapter out so soon. The reviews I got were a major inspiration. So remember to give feedback. Even criticism is appreciated.
Thanks for your time.
