It's been a week since they've enrolled in Beacon. Ruby found herself enjoying her time here at Beacon, even without her friends from Signal. Her team and team JNPR were currently eating in the cafeteria together. This has become the routine of their two teams after combat lessons. She occasionally joins team TCLV, but she feels like she's unwelcomed. At that thought, she turned her head to look at the black-haired wolf Faunus.
She turned her attention back to Nora who was telling a story about one night… or day about Ursa... or Beowolf Grimm. It was hard to follow with Ren correcting her after every sentence. She was trusting her gut in believing that Ren was the one that remembered properly.
But during the story, she felt her first friend was feeling gloomy. She turned her head to look at him with a sad look on her face. Jaune was just poking his food in a daze with a depressed look on his face.
"Hey, Jaune. Are you okay?". Pyrrha asked with concern. This got Jaune alert again, he perked up and said, "Oh, yeah! Why?".
Ruby answered for Pyrrha, "It just that you seem… you know… a little not okay.". She twirled her hands together.
Jaune tried to shrug off their concern, "Seriously, I'm fine!". He gave them a nervous laugh with a pose to show he's okay.
Then they heard laughter from a table behind them. Cardin was picking on a bunny Faunus with the rest of his team. They looked back in anger and disgust. Pyrrha continued, "Cardin has been picking on you since the first week of school.".
Jaune turned his attention back to his teammate with a sad 'shocked' expression, "Who? Cardin Winchester? Nah… He just likes to mess around. Name one time he picked on me.". Once he said that the whole table went quiet. They were probably all flashbacking to when Cardin knocked his books down. Or enlarged his shield, getting him stuck between the doors. Or maybe that time when…
"You landed pretty far from the school that one time when he shoved you into the combat lockers.". Yang told him.
"I didn't land that far from the school!". Jaune protested, only to receive a look from each person on their table.
"You know, if you ever need help you can always ask.". Pyrrha told him.
"OHH. How about we break his legs.". Nora said with a menacing expression.
"Really guys, it's fine. Besides, it's not like he's just a jerk to me.". He turns his head to Cardin holding onto the girl's bunny ears. "He's a jerk to everyone.".
He picked up his food and started to walk out. "Being a Faunus must be tough.". Yang sighed as she rested her head on the table.
"There are a lot more Faunus who have it worse.". Blake said to her. And when she did, Cardin started to pull onto her ears.
"Ouch!" She yelled out. Cardin laugh at her reaction, "See? I told you they were real.".
Pyrrha looked away and muttered to the group, "Disgusting.". She got up and walked back to her dorm.
"Hey! Let go of her ears!". Most of the students in the cafeteria turned their attention the shout.
Truci had walked over to Cardin in the time people started to pay attention to him. "Let go of her ears.". He said again with more venom in his voice.
Cardin let go on instinct but laughed it off, "You're really going to defend a Faunus?". He mocked Truci's attempt at being a hero and his teams backed him up.
"What's wrong with defending a beauty from a beast?". Truci retaliated, this got Cardin really angry. He pulled out his mace and shouted, "Try defending against this beast why don't you?".
He pulled down his mace, aiming for Truci's head. But Truci, to most of the cafeteria, sidestepped the attack. But the ones closer by, at least what Ruby thought she saw, was a large black claw quickly appear and swatted it to the side.
The as quick as the sidestep, Truci hopped onto the mace to prevent Cardin from swinging it again. "Well, some combat bullying isn't as bad as discrimination right?". Truci smirked at the boy.
Cardin tried to lift his hammer but he couldn't. He was surprised that the boy weighed that much. "Damn it. Get off my hammer!.". He looked at his teammates who didn't do anything to help him. So he just pulled harder.
"If you say so.". Truci jumped off and Cardin crashed into the rest of his team. No one in the cafe said anything, still fearing Cardin's ability to bully. "And this is why you don't bully a Faunus. They might have some hidden claws.". Blake appeared in front of Cardin and said before quickly disappearing.
"Hey, are you okay?". Truci offered the rabbit Faunus a hand.
"Y-yeah.". She replied nervously.
"Sorry about this. I didn't think most of the cafeteria would watch. I'm guessing you'd have preferred not getting any attention right?". Truci asked pulling his mask onto his head.
"No, it's okay. You got him to stop pulling on my ears. I'm Velvet, a second-year student.". She introduced herself.
"And I'm Truci, first-year student. Would you like to eat with my team?". He asked her.
"Sorry, I can't. I was about to meet up with my team.". She said embarrassed. "No, it's fine. I just thought the rest of my team would want to talk to a rabbit Faunus like yourself. Anyways take care then.". Truci smiled and waved his goodbyes.
"You too.". She waved back at him.
When Truci was walking back to his team, he sensed a dirty look. And no it wasn't the type of look Yang gave to cute or hot guys, it was more of a murderous one. He turned to where he sensed it and guess who it was?
Connie. He also sensed some from Cardin too if that mattered. But what he was really afraid of was his teammate. This past week was not the luckiest of weeks in his life.
He slowly walked to his team before Ruby jumped by his side. "Yeah! Go Truci! The bully stopper! Watcha!". Ruby said by his side, swinging a karate chop.
"I hoped someone would have stood up for her! I can't stand those types of people.". Truci said in disgust, not hiding his feelings at all.
"I wanted to help too but I don't like getting attention. You know, normal knees.". Ruby told him.
"What?". Was the only reply he could think of.
"I want normal knees. If I helped, I would have gotten hero knees like you.". Ruby tried to explain.
"Don't mind her Truci.". Yang added, getting a nod from the boy.
Ruby was about to try and explain again before she was interrupted by Connie, to Truci's terror. "And there you go acting on your own again! At least bring us with you to face him. What if his whole team ganged up on you?". She started yelling.
"But they didn't.". Lucille said with a smile.
Giving her partner a look she sighs, "Who's side are you on Lucille?". Virtus laughed, "If they did, I would have jumped in and helped you, bro.". He flung his arm over Truci's shoulder.
"Thanks, but I would have been fine even if they did. I have other skills I haven't even shown you guys yet.". He told them, getting an angry rant from Connie again. "I knew you would say that! Even after going out of my way to be a great teammate and treating you nicely, you still like doing things on your own! ".
Truci could see some red, blue, and green dust gathering around his friend. He was thanking the her emotions for not drawing in any yellow dust. When that happens, it's a very, very bad sign. This is what he called, "Uncontrolled(Emotional) dust manipulation". He's noticed that when Connie is angry, the small dust particles in the air start to gather near her. And work!
He's made her mad a few time to get fried, frozen and cooked. The worst one us getting cut, they are the equivalent of paper cuts but all over the body. In areas that you don't want them. Like where the joint above your weenis is. Or the place above the elbow, for those who don't know what the weenis is.
"C-calm down Connie. I'll remember to bring you along next time.". Truci tried to reason with her, mainly in fear of getting flamed and iced at the same time. He turned to Ruby and whispered, "help me out her lil sis.".
Ruby beamed at the confirmation of him being a new family member, "Yeah Connie! He was just helping another Faunus out. It doesn't matter if you didn't do anything.".
Truci wanted to face pal himself for asking for her help. He knew what was going to happen next. He'd become overcook, frozen spam. He saw the dust starting to sparkle around Connie. He closed his eyes and braced himself.
Weiss walked by Ruby and said, "I didn't know you had that much guts Tr-".
*BOOM*
An explosion hit Weiss, though Truci was the main victim. Then she felt some chills from the same dust-user, though Truci felt like he got frostbite and was covered in frost.
"Watch where you aim that! First was our first class at Beacon. And now in the cafeteria? Why are you trying to get rid of your competition in plain daylight? Are my company and skills that much better than yours?". Weiss blew up, both figuratively and literally.
"What was that Schnee? I don't need to get rid of a human heiress to a big dust company to show I'm better than her.". Connie protested, the red dust flaring around her.
"Did you say something Pluvise? I couldn't really tell because all the dust you're about to set off is blocking your mouth!". Weiss spat out at her.
Truci wanted to stop their arguing but he was sort cooked stiff and chilled solid. He really couldn't move much at the moment. But then he saw Yang and Nora walk between the two of them.
"Hold it! We can't have you two fighting in the cafeteria like boys.". Yang said looking at him with a playful, mocking face. And now he knew, the argument] was about to be taken to the next level.
"That's right. We'll have a fight like real women! A fight to the death in the training grounds!". Nora shouts lifting her hammer up.
"She means is, a friendly mock battle to decide who is the better huntress and heiress to a renowned dust company.". Ren said his mouthful to correct his childhood friend.
"Alright, I'm ready to show the inferior heiress her place.". Weiss said looking at Connie with a competitive stare.
"Are you really ready?". Connie asked her with a smile. Weiss nodded and said, "Of course I'm ready!". Connie clasped her hands together and exclaimed, "Great! Now you won't be as devastated for your loss. You did agree to be ready to lose right?".
"Wha- I never said th-". Weiss was interrupted by Connie when she explained, "I never said if you were ready to win, did I now.". Connie gave her a smug look knowing she got one up on her.
Weiss just stomped in defea- *Weiss stares down Ruby and Truci*, stomped in anger, yeah, in anger. She pointed at Connie, standing on the lunch tables, "I'm going to take you out and call myself the true heiress amongst heiresses!".
Connie was about to agree when Goodwitch came into the cafeteria. "What do you think you were about to do?". She walked to the three teams, arms crossed. Nora burst into a hyperactive child wanting to give an answer. She rose her hand up telling Goodwitch to "Pick me", but Ren held her hands down as Ruby and Yang shut her mouth with their hands.
"T-t-they w-w-want-ted t-to.". And another mouth was shut by Connie, covering Truci's frozen lips.
"We were about to have a test of strength.". Virtus said with no one being able to stop him fast enough. Well, Lucille probably could have, but she was hoping everything will go by smoothly. Well, her lack of action got a stare from her partner.
"Oh? A test of strength now? Why don't I watch how you were going to do that?". Goodwitch suggested with a… sadistic smile? No, she would is too much of a role model huntress to have something like a "sadistic side".
"Since you three teams are extra eager for a strength test, how about we see who can finish this obstacle course first. It even adds speed and jumping ability to the test.". She gave out her innocent yet not smile to the students.
"I have a bad feeling about this guys.". Yang stated, getting nods from her team.
"Please bring your whole team to the training ground in 10 minutes. I'll get the obstacle course ready by then.". She walked away, looking like she was a teacher that complied to her student's demands.
"I'll go get Blake!". Ruby said, dashing out of the cafeteria with rose petals in her path. "Ruby!... You could have just used your scroll… And she's gone.". Weiss said, starting to walk towards the combat grounds.
"I'll go get Pyrrha and Jaune.". Ren said, heading to their dorms knowing they'd be there.
"A-and w-we should h-he-head to t-the ob-". Truci started saying before Virtus interrupted him. "To the obstacle course! We have to show these teams who's the strongest!". He cheered.
"I hope it's not as hard as I'm thinking it'll be.". Lucille added.
"It pr-pro-".
"It probably is as bad as you think it is.". Connie said with a shrug and a competitive tone.
"I-I'm s-so cold.". Truci shivered by himself, walking to the training grounds solo. He felt totally forgotten.
The students gaped at the design of the obstacle course. The Glynda really went all out with her design. And she made it really competitive, two people doing the obstacle course at the same time.
The start of the course consisted mainly of speed. It was like soccer dribbling practice, going between the pylons. Only this time it's with running and the track is a lot longer between each 'pylon', only this time the pylons were walls. Then, you would need to hop onto a wooden platform. Which you would then follow upwards.
Then, you'd need balance with speed. Running down a thin steel path in a spiral downward first, then a zigzag and finally a simple straight line. At that point, you've reached the final stage. The strength test. It was very simple actually, it was just boulders of various sizes and you just have to pick it up and bring it fifty meters, to the finish line. The larger the rock, the more time you are given compared to your opponents. Like for the lightest rock compared to the heaviest rock, you would get no extra time for the lightest one, while the heaviest one could even bring you a time beyond zero, depending if you could speedily finish the rest.
Overall, the course was pretty large. So you need the four basics stats, speed, strength, balance, and stamina. Basically, it's a course of hell, created to boost students overall basic strength.
"Alright, I hope you're ready for this. This is actually extra training since you three teams seem to be so eager to test your skills.". Glynda said smiling.
"Which two will try it out first?".
"Ooh! Me! Me!". Nora hopped up and down, way too excited for this.
"Guess I'll try it out too. Hope it's not too bad.". Lucille said stepping forward with Nora.
"Great we have our first two suc- *cough* volunteers. The only rule you have to follow is not breaking anything or injuring anyone.". Glynda said before raising her wand.
"Alright, on your marks! Get set! GO!". And the two of them were off, Team JNPR cheered for their teammate while team TCLV. Ruby's team just cheered for the two racers in general.
The race started off with Nora in the lead, Lucille wasn't the fastest of runners. With that big shield of hers, she's stronger than she is agile.
Nora was rather a speedy type, she quickly finished the running portion of the obstacle course. Her legs were rather strong too since she started jumping from platform to platform easily.
"Come on Lucille. You can catch up!". Connie cried out seeing her friend losing. Lucille smiled for having such supportive teammates.
By the time she finished running, Nora was almost at the top of the course. Thinking quickly, she remembered what Goodwitch said at the beginning. She pulled out her shield gauntlets, making an "L" with her arms. With her left hand pointing to the ground and her right arm protecting her upper body.
*BOOM*
She shot a rocket out of her weapon, launching herself up really high. When she landed, she did it again using her right arm to launch herself this time. With another explosion, she made it to the top with Nora.
"Wow! Great idea! I knew I should have used my grenade launcher to shoot me up here.". Nora complimented her before berating herself.
Then she pulled out her and used it as a handle for a zip line. Lucille panicked at her opponent's sudden action and copied her actions with her two half shields. It was a lot harder for her since she needed to balance herself with both arms. If one slipped off then she'd be falling to the ground.
Nora zoomed down the path leaving sparks in her wake.
*Cling*
She got stuck at the zigzag portion of the obstacle course. She frowned and stopped shouting "Wee" like a kid. Because of this, Lucille quickly started closing the distance. But it didn't last long since Nora started to swing herself left to right.
With a big swing, she hopped onto the steel path and ran down to the straight path in no time. Then she used her hammer for some more fun.
Lucille really hated the zigzag portion of this path. Like it was bumpy and gave her headaches. Not to mention she almost cut herself with the pointed parts.
Once she got past that part she heaved a sigh of relief. And before she got to the ground, "Nora is disqualified for destroying the obstacle course items. Please continue the obstacle course for your time.". Glynda Goodwitch shouted like a robot.
Lucille heard a shout from below her, "Not fair! I didn't think the rock was going to be that weak!".
When Lucille got the ground, she saw pieces of broken rock. Yup! Nora used her hammer to smack the rock to the finish line, only to destroy it.
Lucille might have won by default, but this was getting timed. Which means she's still competing with the others. So she went and picked up a boulder about a half her size. It was one of the larger rocks, not the largest but still quite big. She lifted it with ease and ran to the finish line.
"Lucille finished in two minutes and thirty-five seconds. For choosing the fifty-pound weight, her time adjusted to two minutes and fifteen seconds.". Goodwitch said giving her student a water bottle to drink from.
"Represent! Show them what Faunus and Team Trucelves are all about!". Connie cheered giving an off glance at Weiss. Weiss returned it with a glare, a challenging glare. Like they gave each other a sign, they both walked forward and took a ready stance.
"Guess we have two more volunteers.". Glynda raised her wand again, "Read? Set! GO!". she shot out an explosion of dust above her. The two rivals were off to a speedy start. They were neck in neck if this was a straight line Weiss would have overwhelmed Connie with her speed. But the turns for the first part made the beginning seem like they were equals.
With Weiss having a small lead before Connie takes over on the turns and Weiss taking over after the turns. It repeated like this until they reached the end of the four hundred meter run. Arriving at next stage, Weiss began creating glyphs to jump on, while Connie had to rely only on her physical prowess to get to the top.
The cheers were louder for this race, probably because there was a huge rivalry between the two heiresses. Both on who is a better huntress and because of their dust companies.
"GO, Weiss/Connie!". The two young leaders shouted, looking at each other when they did. They burst into a small laugh before cheering them on further.
"What's wrong Pluvise? I thought you were going to beat me.". Weiss yelled down to her opponent.
"Just watch me!". She shouted back. She crouched down on fours like she was going to pounce her prey. Green dust started to gather around her, her skin started to give a slightly green hue. Then when the dust stopped sparkling around her, she jumped and her speed and jump height increased by margins.
Again, they reached the top basically at the same time. But this time, Connie had more momentum than her counterpart. Taking an early lead down the steel path. Not to be outdone, Weiss used her glyphs and coated the path with ice, sliding down quickly. She caught up to Connie in seconds. Connie was still green in hue, but she was looking worn out.
With her semblance helping her, Weiss took the lead, again. It was all or nothing now. Weiss wanted to keep her lead and thought it was the best choice to use her speed to her advantage she grabbed a rather small rock and dashed for the finish line.
Connie knew she couldn't beat her in speed, even if she used her dust technique. She had to get a larger rock than Weiss if she had any hope in winning. So she grabbed one larger than Weiss's but it was smaller than Lucille's and headed to the finish line.
"I win!". Weiss cheered, slamming her rock down onto the ground, not noticing how Ruby and Yang have already started to affect her. Just a few seconds later, Connie passed the finish line.
"Weiss finished the race in two minutes and ten seconds. For choosing a twenty-five-pound weight, her time is reduced to two minutes and two seconds. Connie finished the race in two minutes and eighteen seconds. For choosing a thirty-five-pound weight, her time is reduced to two minutes and five seconds.". Glynda said in the same robotic voice.
"Haha! Now tell me who's better?". Weiss put her hand around her ears, leaning it towards Connie's mouth. "-ou.". Weiss heard her rival say.
"What was that? I couldn't catch that?". Weiss intimidated with a mocking smile.
"NOT YOU!". Connie shouted loudly. Weiss became stiff because of the shout and yelled back, "Well look at the results. This proves I'm the more superior huntress than you!".
"By three seconds. That means that we're basically equals! Plus, this was mainly an agility test! You had the advantage and still barely won!". Connie argued at her face.
"What did you say?! 'Basically equal' is not equal if I beat you. And I didn't have too much of an advantage!". Weiss protested, everyone stared at them, changing who they looked at per sentence.
Connie copied her own words, "You 'didn't have too much of an advantage right?". Connie gave her a smirk, the red dust around her calmed down.
Before Weiss could continue the argument, Miss Goodwitch interrupted, "Enough! Now, who will be the next two volunteers for this physical test?". Jaune looked away from her and Virtus looked eager to go next. But Yang went up to the starting line, dragging Pyrrha with her.
"How about we have a go at it?". Yang asked her, even though she was already dragged to the starting line.
"It would be my pleasure.". Pyrrha said, giving Yang a smile.
"Great! I've always wanted to see which one of us was stronger, though I would've wanted to fight you instead.". Yang said pumping her fists together.
"It'll be an interesting race. Maybe we can spar later then?". Pyrrha offered with a more challenging tone.
"Sure! Get ready to be beat!". Yang shouted, both for this race and for their future spar.
On the signal, they both took off. And to the shock of most the other students, minus Ruby, Truci, and Jaune, Yang was taking the lead. Everyone thought that the four-time champion would be winning this race, but Yang launched herself ahead of her competition.
Her shotgun shots really gave her a huge advantage. And with the control she had over her weapon, she didn't even slow down much during the turns. Pyrrha was falling behind her, she knew that if she didn't close the distance, she'd lose for sure!
Her hand started to emit a low glow, which covered her weapons and boots. Nobody noticed except Goodwitch and Truci who watched more carefully at that point. Yang was still leading, but she wasn't overtaking Pyrrha as quick as before.
When they arrived at the jumping platforms, Pyrrha had better technique than her opponent. But even then, she wasn't able to catch up to the sheer speed Yang jumped by. Yang had a large lead on Pyrrha by the time she reached the steel path. But it was here where she knew she would outshine Yang.
Copying Nora's technique, she put her spear on the path. The low glow that most people missed coated the spear as she slid down the path. Then she started speeding up, faster and faster, much to the shock of everyone watching.
Truci widened his eyes when he noticed how well Pyrrha controlled and hid her semblance. Because of that one stage in the obstacle course, Pyrrha had basically caught up to Yang. Now the fifty-meter dash with weights.
Yang ran and carried a huge boulder double, maybe even triple her size. Pyrrha also carried a large rock, it was a little larger than she was. They both dashed down to the path and for the first time, Pyrrha passed Yang.
"Pyrrha finished with a time of one minute and forty-three seconds. Her time is reduced to one minute and one second for carrying a weight of one hundred and ten pounds.". After Goodwitch said that, Yang passed the finish line. She was breathing like she was dying.
"Yang finished with a time of two minutes and eight seconds. Her time is reduced to fifty-nine seconds for carrying a two hundred and thirty-pound boulder.". The robotic voice said.
"Yang representing team Ruby! Nice going sis!". Ruby shouted hearing her sister won.
"Good race Pyrrha.". Yang said lying on her back. Pyrrha handed her a drink, offering her a hand up, "It was fun!".
"Wow, Yang was that impressive?". Weiss asked in shock, watching the two competitors share drinks. She believed that Pyrrha was the strongest student in their grade, maybe even all the grades.
Pyrrha admitted, "She really has a great physique.", eyeing Yang up and down. Pyrrha meant physically, like how Yang's physical condition is great, right?
"It wasn't a fight, but it was still a great match.". She finished, walking to Jaune's side.
"Hell yeah, it was! We should really fight soon Pyrrha!". Yang yelled, bumping her gauntlets together.
"So, which two will go next?". The Huntress in glasses asked.
"Ren! Why don't you go next? I volunteer Ren!". Nora said hopping up and down.
"I can go next, but Nora, you didn't have to tell her.". Ren said with a sigh.
"It's fine Ren, we've been friends for years. Boop!". Nora tapped his nose and shoved him forward.
"Guess I'll go too.". Blake said, walking forward.
Ren offered her a handshake, "Let's have a good match.". Blake shook it, "Sure.".
"Start!". Ice dust exploded in a firework. What can Glynda say, she gets bored sometimes too.
They both started running. Ren was surprisingly just as fast as Blake. They were neck in neck. Their race was like that for most of the obstacle course.
Running? They were about the same speed. Jumping? They both had nimble feet, jumping from platform to platform gracefully. And balance? They ran down the steel path like ninjas. Arms flying backward.
And again, it all came down to the strength portion of the course. They both had to play it strategically. If they are both as fast as each other, the one with more strength wins. Their stamina wasn't affected at all in this obstacle course.
When they reached the ground, they both dashed for a weighted boulder. Ren picked up a twenty-five pounder and dashed off. Blake being a sly cat had dashed by where he picked his rock.
Knowledge is power and she used that to her advantage, picking a rock slightly heavier than Ren's. They both dashed to the finish line at the same time. Everyone cheered like crazy! This was the closest match so far.
They were neck in neck, moving quickly. But near the end, Ren passed Blake by a bit. But that bit was large enough to be noticed by the spectators, he finished first by two standing Ren's.
"Yeah Ren!". Nora cheered and jumped onto her friend. They were both out of breath, they ran as fast as they good during the last portion of the course.
Interrupting the cheering of her students, Goodwitch announced, "Ren finished with a time of one minute and thirty-seven seconds. With the weight of twenty-five, his time is adjusted to a minute twenty-five. Blake, on the other hand, finished one second later, at a minute thirty-six. But because he carried a heavier weight of thirty, her time is adjusted to a minute and twenty-four.".
"Yeah Blake!". Ruby went crazy. She started yelling and celebrating Blake's victory of one second. Truci whistled at how close it was. Even Connie cheered Blake on. Everyone was laughing and smiling, enjoying the atmosphere.
"Two more races to go! Who's up next?". Miss Goodwitch asked, calming down the children.
Ruby looked really eager to go next, her body language was practically screaming "Pick me!".
But before she could volunteer, Virtus shot forward pulling Juane with him, "We'll go next! Let the two young leaders finish this passionate test of ability!".
Jaune was reluctant to go up, but because of Nora announcing a fight in the cafe their whole team had to participate. Just by watching the boy walk forward you could tell he lacked confidence. He lacked the drive to be a good leader and be a better him.
He let out a sigh, it was like the world didn't want things to go his way. And while he was thinking of that, Glynda shouted for them to start. Virtus had already dashed quite far ahead of him, where the man only gets further ahead because of his small trip.
"Jaune, just do your best!". He could gear Pyrrha shout, he clenched his fist harder as he ran. He knew he shouldn't be mad, she was cheering for him but he felt like he wasn't believed in. He felt weak.
He ran faster, making up his mind to do better. When he reached the jumping platforms, Virtus was nearing the top.
"Jaune, keep it up! Working hard is the best way to prove your strength.". Virtus cheer him on, alongside the other students.
He wanted to get mad at him, get angry at him like he did Pyrrha. But he couldn't. He knew he was weak, Virtus knew it and he was pretty sure everyone else did too. But he really couldn't get mad at someone who sounded like he was reminding himself of his very own words.
It sounded like something he would tell himself. But why would someone as strong as Virtus say that? He wondered, jumping trying to catch up.
It was futile he thought, that was until he reached the path down to the strength area. He knew he was behind, but when did he catch up?
"Virtus, are you alright?". He asked descending down the solid rope.
"I'm alright. Just a little… slow going down.". He said, three-quarters of the way there. Jaune agreed with his statement since he should have already been on the strength phase.
He should be celebrating that he caught up, but that didn't seem to matter to him anymore. He just had to do his best. Do his best huh? He looked at Pyrrha and smiled.
When he reached the bottom, he was impressed at what he saw. Virtus was holding a boulder even larger than Yang's and hers was huge. Jaune shook his head, he needed to stay focused. He started running with a twenty-five-pound rock. He wasn't going as fast as Ren, but he wasn't stopping either.
"Virtus finished with a time of two minutes and thirty-four seconds. Carrying a weight of three hundred and pound weight, his time is down to thirty-two seconds.". Everyone looked at Goodwitch in shock, then at Virtus for carrying such a heavy weight.
"Jaune finished with a time of two minutes and fifty-two seconds. Carrying a weight of thirty pounds, his time is reduced to two minutes and forty seconds.". Jaune sighed when he heard that. When he did, he got a pat on the back, "Nice try bro.". Virtus said with a smile.
"Thanks.". Jaune smiled back looking the Faunus in the eyes. His smile grew slightly, knowing he was looked at like an equal. He held out a fist and Virtus returned the gesture. They were both beat and tired after their race. Jaune for overworking himself during the course and Virtus for carrying such a heavy weight.
"Now will the final two leaders get ready.". Glynda said, interrupting the cheering for the hundredth time. "By the way, I did say that it was still a strength test with some extra agility.". The students gave her a look before she coughed and yell "GO!".
Ruby and Truci started running towards the platform area. During the first portion, Truci had the upper hand, that was until Ruby used her semblance to take a lead. Even then it seemed like it could go either way. Ruby got out of the first part of the course leaving behind rose petals. Keeping her advantage, she leaps from platform to platform, using her Crescent Rose to leap higher and faster.
Truci wasn't that far behind, well he was pretty far behind but he won't be for long. He used his double-bladed twin daggers and shot them up to the platforms, latching onto the platforms. He then pulled himself up after jumping. This made his jumps a lot better than one platform per jump. Even then, Ruby still had a noticeable lead.
Truci saw Ruby running down the path at a quick speed. He wanted to jump from there, all the way to the ground but he knew Goodwitch would make him go back up himself and go down again using the path. There was only one way to catch up, he sighed slightly and prayed his steel-toed boots wouldn't break.
He started running down the path but it was a lot quicker than before. It wasn't as fast as Ruby using her semblance but it was still very fast. If you looked at Truci carefully, there were five dents on his boots and his pants were puffed. He was slowly but surely gaining some ground on Ruby. Her stamina didn't really hold out well after repeated uses of her semblance it seemed.
Ruby still ended up getting there first and chose a rock of similar size to Jaunes. She used her semblance for the rest of the way and passed the finish line, breathing heavily. "Ruby finished with a time of two minutes and ten seconds. Carrying a rock of thirty pounds, her time is now one minute and fifty-eight seconds."
"Haha! Take that Truci! I beat you~!". Ruby cheered. When she turned to look back she stopped her small celebration. She saw the boy the same age as her, carrying a boulder the same size as Yang's with ease.
"Truci finished with two minutes and twenty-three seconds. His time is adjusted to one minute and three seconds for carrying a two hundred pound weight.". Goodwitch said with a smile.
Truci gave a small smirk at Ruby, "Who won now?". Most of the students were shocked at what just happened. First, someone carries a three hundred pound weight and now another person, fifteen years of age, carried a two hundred pound one.
Virtus noticed how Truci wasn't tired after the race. He held back while everyone else was giving it their all! He still had the courage to hold back his true strength? Virtus clenched his fist tightly.
He felt mad at someone who was his leader, friend and someone he'd even consider a brother. Why was he mad at him?
Virtus looked into Truci's eyes, there wasn't a shred of weakness. It was just a look of strength and something else he couldn't pick up on.
Virtus seemed to fall into a daze, and he remembered something he didn't want to. 'Am I weak?'. His mind was clouded with doubt, not taking into the results that were displayed in front to him. In front of the three most promising first-year Hunter and Huntress teams.
Virtus:00:00:32
Yang: 00:00:59
Pyrrha: 00:01:01
Truci: 00:01:03
Blake: 00:01:24
Ren: 00:01:25
Ruby: 00:01:58
Weiss: 00:02:02
Connie: 00:02:05
Lucille: 00:02:15
Jaune: 00:02:40
Nora: Disqualified.
"All right,", Goodwitch started as she started disassembling the obstacle course, "I hope this took out all your energy for the day. Make sure I don't catch you fighting or attempting to next time. Now go rest up a finish your homework. You don't want to fall behind when we go on your first field trip next week.".
"Yes Ma'am!". They all basically saluted. Yeah, most were afraid of the pretty but strict secretary.
"You held back, didn't you?". Virtus asked Truci when they arrived in their dorms.
"Virtus, I think Truci was trying his best!". Lucille said, trying to calm him down.
"I tried pretty hard. But you're right, I didn't go all out.". Truci told him and the rest of his team.
"Wow, we actually have a capable leader, strength wise anyways.". Connie remarked from her bed.
"Haha. I can so be a good leader, leader wise.". Truci said glaring at her.
"Sure you can.". Connie said.
"See? You just believed in me.". Truci smiled in victory.
"That was sarcasm.". She facepalmed.
"Sure it w-". Truci started before Virtus cut him off, "Can we get back to the actual conversation. You can continue your childish bickering later.".
"It wasn't childish!". They both said simultaneously.
"So why did you hold back?". Virtus asked him, clenching his fist lightly.
"I-I'd personally rather not say. But I will say, you guys will probably notice it.". Truci admitted honestly. "What about you? You didn't even use your semblance.".
"I only use that on Grimm.". Virtus said clenching his fists tightly and glared at Truci. "But you, you can't say? Why don't you trust us?". Virtus asked, clearly angry this time.
"...I do trust you guys.". He replied, but it was lacking energy.
"Wow! So you don't trust us?". Connie said, clearly hurt. She put her trust into Truci and he doesn't do the same with her or her teammates.
"Come on guys. He trusts us. He's our leader after all, right?". Lucille asked, turning to Truci.
"I-I truly believe I can trust you guys.". Truci sputtered out.
Virtus snaps, "First you hold back without giving us a reason. Now we find out you don't even trust us! What's next? You're going to tell us you're siding with the Grimm?". Virtus shouted angrily. Angry Truci wasn't giving it his all. Angry he wasn't putting his trust in them.
That was the last straw, Truci shouted at Virtus, "You know what? Just because I don't trust you now, didn't mean I wasn't trying to put my trust in you!". He then ran and jumped out the window.
The team was shocked at his actions, it was so… so immature. Their leader who seemed like such a responsible person, just up and ran from their conflict. Then a black shadow a figure flew up to the roof.
"Maybe, you guys shouldn't have gone so far,". Lucille said, "I hope you two will believe in him a bit more.". Though she said that, she was also a bit hurt that Truci didn't trust any of them. After a whole week as a team and he still didn't give them his full trust.
"Hmph, he can leave for all I care. If he won't trust us as teammates, then I'd have been better off as leader then him.". Connie stated to her friend, then she muttered, "Even after I tried to get along with you…".
The person who felt the most guilty was Virtus. He was the person who really brought this up and dragged it out. "Maybe I went too far.". He said, mainly to himself. The two girls in the room stared at him but didn't know what to say, his tone created such a heavy atmosphere.
Virtus stared at his hands, 'Am I really mad that he's strong?'. He clenched his fist, "No! If he's that strong, he should show it off and help others!'. He walked into the bathroom to clean himself up for bed.
On the roof stood, Pyrrha and Jaune. Jaune looked down the roof and told Pyrrha, "I'm not that depressed Pyrrha, I can always be a farmer or something.".
"What?", she said in response until it clicked in her head. "No!". she shoved Jaune away from the ledge, "That's not why I brought you up here. I know you're having a tough time in class and that you're not the strongest of fighters yet. So... ". Pyrrha took a deep breath, "I want to help you!".
"W-what?". Jaune asked, with a slightly depressed tone.
"We can train here after class where no one will bother us!". Pyrrha stated with energy.
"You think I need help?". He asked, giving her a look of sadness.
"N-no! No, that's not what I meant.". She stated and got a quick reply from Jaune, "But you just said it.".
"Jaune, everybody needs a little push from time to time. It doesn't make it any different from the rest of us. You made it to Beacon, that speaks volumes of what you're capable of!". Pyrrha tried to encourage her leader.
Jaune turned around and sighed, "I-I don't belong here.".
"Of course you do!". Pyrrha tried to emphasize.
"NO I DON'T!". He shouted before sighing again.
"I… didn't really get accepted into Beacon.". Jaune told her.
"What do you mean?". Pyrrha asked confused.
"I mean, I didn't really go to combat school! Or pass any tests! I didn't earn my spot here!". Jaune turned around to face Pyrrha, "I lied! I got my hands of some fake transcripts and lied!".
"But why?". Pyrrha asked him. " Cause this is what I've always wanted to be. My grandfather, my father, they were heroes! I wanted to be one too. I was always never good enough.". Jaune said sadly.
Pyrrha pats his shoulder and said, "Then let me help you.". She looked into his eyes sincerely, Jaune avoided her eyes.
"I don't want your help! I don't want to be the damsel in distress! I want to be the hero!". Jaune yelled at her.
"Jaune I-.". Pyrrha was cut off by Jaune, "I'm tired of being the lovable idiot stuck in a tree while his friends fight for their lives! Don't you understand? If I can't do this on my own… then what good am I?".
Pyrrha tried to comfort him, but he backed away, "Just leave me alone. Okay?".
"If… that's what you think is best.". Pyrrha said sadly, she turned away and exited the roof.
There was a small sound on the roof of the doors to the roof before a laugh could be heard.
"Oh, Jaune.". The voice said in delight. Jaune turned around and saw someone he didn't really want to see right now, "Cardin?".
"I overheard you from my dorm room. But wow Jauney boy, I never expected you to be such a rebel!". Cardin said to Jaune.
Jaunes' heart stopped when he heard those words. He put his hand over his heart and begged him, "Please! Cardin, please, don't tell anyone.".
"Don't worry Jauney boy, were friends.". Cardin said with a laugh.
"F-friends?". Jaune choked out.
Carin brought Jaune into a choke hold and said, "Of course. We'll be friends for a long time. That being said... ". Cardin released the blonde from his hold, "I don't want to do those extra readings today. Think you could take care of that for me...buddy? … That's what I thought.".
Cardin started climbing back to his dorm room, "Don't worry, your secret's safe with me.".
Jaune looked at him very depressed as Cardin descended. "Damn it!". He muttered to himself.
"Why do you let him do that to you?". A voice said.
Jaune looked around and didn't see anyone, "Who said that?".
Truci revealed his face on the roof, like the actual roof. "And why didn't you take Pyrrha's offer?". Truci asked again, looking at him with his slightly red eyes. He looked really scary to Jaune with his red irises and a shade of red surrounding them.
"W-why should I?". He asked him.
"That's why you should be asking when Cardin picks on you.". Truci retorted where it hurt.
"Well, now I do have a reason! He knows my secret! If that ever got out, I'd be kicked out!". He shouted.
"I'm pretty sure Ozpin already knew about but whatever. You can handle a bully anytime. What I'm concerned with is why you turned down her offer. You said you want to do this yourself right? Then why did you go to Beacon? Why not just go straight to the fields? I don't think anyone would stop you.". Truci said to him.
"I-i could do that?". Jaune asked him.
Truci facepalmed himself, "Did you really just ask that? With you're skill, it'd be suicidal.".
"But I could have become a huntsman then! I'd have learned the skills eventually.". Jaune protested.
"No, you wouldn't. You'd be dead. You need teachers to learn. And personally, I think you lost a great opportunity to get a combat teacher.". Truci told him honestly.
Jaune thought about it for a bit, he clenched his fist and yelled, "You're only saying this because you don't know what it's like to be helpless, to be weak! It's something that you'd rather not feel!".
This time Truci yelled back, "So what if I haven't! So what if I've never felt truly weak! It doesn't mean I don't try and become stronger! You have to work hard to get strong!", Truci looked at the blonde with unwavering eyes, "And sometimes you need a teacher to show you how.".
"B-". Jaune wanted to say something but Truci turned around and jumped off the roof. Jaune was left there alone, thinking about what just happened.
It's been a week, the field trip to the Forest of Forever Fall is tomorrow. A lot of things happened for team JNPR and TCLV. Well, a change in their leader's attitude at least.
Jaune was… being Jaune. He came back to his dorms later than normal. His friends were getting worried about his relationship with Cardin. They all knew they weren't just 'good friends'. But as they were worried about Jaune, they were more worried about Truci.
He has been practically missing ever since the obstacle course. You would see him in class but he would show up late to sit where no one else was sitting and leave quickly. One day, Ruby and team TCLV were waiting for him to go to class at the front door. But somehow he avoided them and got in there, did he go in early? The true sign they were worried about… was that he had his Grimm mask on each time they saw him.
Even in his dorm, he wouldn't return at all. At least that's what his teammates thought. They tried staying up late but fell asleep before they could verify if he came back.
"I hope Jaune and Truci are alright.". Ruby said, with her head on the cafeteria table and kicking her feet.
"Don't worry Rubes, they'll be back to their normal selves in no time.". Yang said hoping to cheer her sister up.
"I hope Truci would at least face us.". Lucille added. Connie nodded and agreed, "He should at least man up, though I think we did go a little far with him. Though it was his fault too.".
"We went a little far? I think he should have been more honest.". Virtus argued stabbing his food with his fork.
"He was honest in my opinion, he just hid his mistrust. But I do think you went a little too far." Lucille said to him, crossing her arms.
"No, I can't handle the way he did things. He should have tried. He had the power to and he didn't. And trust? We fought together during the recruitment! How could you not trust each other after that?". He angrily shouted.
"But you did go too far. You even said he would side with the Grimm.". Connie clarified. She didn't deny that Truci should have at least told them he didn't trust them, but she believed Virtus went too far.
"Wow, for once I might side with Pluvise here.". Weiss said in horror and shock.
"Like I need you to agree, I already know I'm right.". Connie told her.
"Sure, believe that Faunus.". She said in sarcasm. "Well, if I don't wouldn't that mean you're wrong for agreeing with me? Human.". Connie replied sticking her tongue out.
"And Weiss scowls softly admitting defeat in her small battle with Co-". Ruby started before her face was getting squished by Weiss, "Quiet you dolt!".
"I think Truci will be alright on his own. I'm personally concerned with Jaune.". Ren told the group.
"I'm telling you, we should just break his legs!" Nora called for a vote. "Oh, maybe we should get some Grimm to attack him for us!".
"She doesn't mean that she's having the same Ursa dream again.". Ren clarified for the group.
"I'm sure our leaders know exactly what they're doing.". Pyrrha said looking out the cafe to where Jaune had left with Cardin.
"You mean, you hope Jaune can get through this and that Truci will talk to us.". Blake corrected her, not taking her attention off her book.
"Well, we all just hope they can just join us again.". Lucille told the group as they finished their lunch and headed to class.
"Yeah.". Pyrrha said with a sigh.
"Yes, students, the Forest of Forever Fall is indeed beautiful. But we are not here to sight-see. Professor Peaches asked all of you to collect samples from the trees deep inside this forest. And I'm here to make sure none of you die while doing so. Each of you must collect one jar of sap. However, this forest is full of Grimm so remember to stay by your teammates.". Glynda explained to the students as they admired the scenery. "We'll rendezvous back here at four o'clock. Have fun.".
The students all went their separate ways, Jaune got dragged away from his team by Cardin. While Truci grabbed his jar and disappeared.
A little while later, Jaune finished collecting seven jars of the sap, dead tire he fell face first to the ground. "I think I'm allergic to this stuff.".
"Good job Jauney boy. Now you may be wondering, why did I make you get seven jars when there is only five of us?". Cardin asked for Jaune. "That is one of my many questions.". Jaune confirmed.
"Well, follow me and you'll find out.".
The five of them crouched on the ground of leaves and watched team JNPR, RWBY, and TCLV collect sap. "We're here for revenge.". Cardin finally told Jaune. "Hey, isn't that the guy who humiliated you?". One of Cardin's teammates said pointing up a tree nearby. They saw a boy with a mask over his head and hands behind his head.
Cardin laughed and smiled evilly, "Perfect, now we don't have to go looking for him either.".
"Pyrrha and Truci?". Jaune mumbled to himself.
"According to an essay you wrote, Rapier Wasps love sweets.". Cardin said, handing Jaune a jar. "Here, you hit her. I'll get him, it's a little personal.". He commanded Jaune pointing at his targets.
"You go first.". Cardin pat Jaune's back and pushed him forward.
Jaune put up a stance, ready to throw it at Pyrrha… or not, he was shaking. He needed to throw it. He didn't want to get expelled for fake documents, or worse, put into jail. Pyrrha turned around and Jaune remembered her supportive words and how she believed he could get strong. Though not win, get good enough to win.
Then Ruby's words from last night rang in his ears. "You're a leader now Jaune. We can't afford to fail. Even if you were one when you were a kid, you can't be one now. You know why? Because it's not just about you anymore… If we fail, we'll just be bringing our team down with us.".
"No.". Jaune lowered his arms and turned around.
"What did you say?". Cardin asked, thinking he misheard the boy.
"I said…". Jaune closed his eyes and remembered words from a week ago, "Why do you let him do that to you?".
"NO!". He threw the jar with pure emotions. The jar magically hit the other one in Cardin's hand. How he did it with his eyes closed? No one will ever know.
"Oh-ho-ho. Now you've done it!". Cardin laughed and glared at Jaune. Jaune returned his evil laugh with a nervous, a very nervous laugh.
They dragged him to an area devoid of students, still close by Jaune's friends. Cardin knocked him to the ground where a bruise slowly formed on Jaune's cheek. "Don't mess with my team!". Jaune said.
This only agitated Cardin further and he delivered a right hook. With a shine of a bright light, Cardin held his hand in pain. Jaune looked at his arms in shock as his aura seemed to flicker. That was until he was kicked in his back, landing face first.
"Don't mess with your team?.". Cardin asked. He took the jars they were meant for them and walked back to where he was going to throw them, at two people's faces. Right when he threw it, coincidently, an Ursa larger than average appeared behind the group of five. Being the manly men Cardin's group was, they all ran away to get help.
*Clank*
The jar broke by Pyrrha, some getting on her armour, she was confused and looked around to find no one near her(that would throw that). The rest of the hit the branch Truci was napping on, he actually threw it too high but the splash actually ended up getting more on Truci. The sudden noise got him up only to feel something sticky on his pants.
He looked through his mask to his pants, noticing a red colour he sighed in relief. He thought he just… you know… in public too. Truci then heard an Ursa roar, he turned his head and saw Cardin getting knocked back by the Ursa. He tried to fight back with his hammer but that was also knocked away by the Grimm. Jaune stood up and pulled out his sword and shield.
*RAWR*
The Ursa's roar echoed throughout the forest. "Did you guys hear that?". Ruby asked the teams nearby.
"AHHH! URSA!". Cardin's teammates ran towards them.
Yang stopped one of them and held him up by the collar, "What? Where?".
Cardin's teammate pointed in the direction of the Ursa, "Back there! It's got, Cardin!". They looked up onto the hill and what do you know, a large Ursa had somehow snuck up on them.
"Jaune!" Pyrrha said in revelation, dropping her jar.
"Yang! You and Blake go get Professor Goodwitch.". Ruby told her sister and Blake.
"You two go with them, there could be more.". Pyrrha said to her team, getting a nod as they ran to where Glynda was.
"We'll help you hunt down the Ursa.". Connie told them. They nodded and the group of seven headed up the hill.
When they arrived, They saw the Ursa knock Cardin to the ground. The Ursa still chased him as it was about to hit him for the kill.
"Oh no!". Pyrrha shouted as the bear Grimm slammed his claw down.
*Clang*
Jaune jumped in front of Cardin, blocking the shot with his shield. The Ursa tried to kill Jaune for stopping him from eating a sweet meal. It clawed and clawed at Jaune, trying to stop him from interfering again.
Jaune was able to dodge all the attacks, rolling away or jumping over it. But then he got hit by the Ursa, getting quickly back on his feet he charged the beast. His charge only got him knocked down again.
Then like a slow-motion action scene, Jaune and the bear both charged at each other. The teams watched as Jaune brought his sword down onto the beast. Pyrrha smiled at his leader's new found courage. Her hand shined with her aura and she brought his shield up, blocking Ursa's attack.
*Shing*
His sword cut of the Grimm's head clean off. Ruby and Weiss looked at Pyrrha oddly, to which she explained her semblance. Jaune held out his hand for Cardin to get back to his feet.
"Holy crap Jaune.". Cardin said in surprise.
"Don't ever mess with my team...my friends, ever, again! Got it?". Jaune said to the shocked Cardin.
Jaune walked towards Pyrrha and the rest of his friends. Then he heard Virtus yell, "Hey, guys! What's this?".
In his hands was a box. A box that was buzzing with a lot of angry wasps, which only got angrier as he shook it.
"Virtus, don't! Put the box down,". Jaune started cautiously, "very car-".
Virtus tossed the box backward and started walking away. "Okay!".
"-efully.". Jaune finished.
"Why? What was in the box?". Ruby asked him.
"From the buzzing, they seem like Rapier Wasps or Paralysis Bees.". Weiss informed her leader.
"It doesn't matter what it is at this point. We just have to get ready for battle now.". Connie said to her.
The box broke upon landing, the wasps swarmed out of the box and was heading towards poor sap covered Cardin.
The was moving too fast for any of them to get to him in time. "No, we won't make it.".
Cardin shrieked and told himself, "Karma's a bitch.".
Then the Grimm masked boy jumped in front of him, cutting all the wasps that swarmed around with his blades. The twirling twin double blades spun in his hands and shredded the wasps.
"Karma is a bitch, only if you know what you did was wrong.". Truci told the bully, putting away his blades. He started walking away again.
"Wait! Truci!". Lucille yelled at her leader. She knew that if she didn't, no one would. He stopped in his tracks and waited. He turned around to look at them with his mask covering his expression.
His team slowly walked to him, then they noticed something and shouted, "Watch out!".
Truci flipped backward and landed on top the Ursa that snuck up behind him. It was even larger than the previous Ursa. More roars were heard surrounding the group. It seemed like the jars of sap Cardin threw, attracted a lot of them.
"Get ready for a fight.". Pyrrha told the group. When she looked around, everyone was already prepared for the fight.
Truci tried to stab the bear but it didn't do anything, his blade was too short. When he gets back, he's going to make longer blades with Ruby.
He hopped off and landed by his team. He took off his mask since he gets in a bad habit of using his semblance while fighting with it on his face. He didn't want to rely on his semblance, especially in front of his new teammates and friends.
"Lucille and Connie, go help clear the area with Ruby. Virtus and I will handle this large guy.". Truci told them. They all nodded and went to deal with the Grimm.
"Again! Why are you holding back!". Virtus yelled at Truci.
"We can handle him if we work together!". Truci dodged the question. He noticed a slight red glow surrounding Virtus.
"But why do you need my help if we both know you can take him on yourself!". Virtus yelled at him, knocking the Ursa back with his brass knuckles.
Truci dodged the Ursa and rolled back. "But we c-.".
"What are you afraid of!". Virtus yelled, letting his anger get the better of him. The Ursa knocked him back before he could land a hit.
Truci didn't reply to his friend and charged at the Ursa.
"If people you- if people like you actually go all out in the beginning! There would be fewer casualties!". Virtus yelled, sending a punch at the Ursa. Oh, how he wanted to punch Truci though.
"Go all out in the beginning? Then what'll happen when I'm too tired and get swarmed? Then what?". Truci yelled back.
"Then trust your team! If you-if people like you go all out. Then my family would still be alive!". Virtus cried out.
Those words left Truci shocked, leaving wide open for the Ursa's claw. He crashed into a tree, almost broke through it too.
He got up quickly and returned to the fight. Virtus seemed to be going through many emotions right now. He wasn't in the right mindset to fight. "If only I wasn't so weak." He could hear the Faunus mumble.
Truci bent the hilt of his two double blades daggers. Using the blind hilts, he delivered a punch sending the Ursa back. He walked up to Virtus and put away his weapon.
He held the Faunus up by the collar, "You? Weak? Give me a break! Whatever happened in the past can't be changed! But what we do with the future and present can! So what if you were weak before! Now that you're strong, fight back! Show the mindless Grimm your strength!".
Virtus wanted to tell back at his leader. He wanted to ask, "What about you?". But for some reason he couldn't. He couldn't say those three simple words. Because… the look in Truci's eyes showed him, Truci was afraid of his own semblance? He was afraid of something, that's for sure.
Virtus looked at his brass knuckles and clenched his fist. He remembered his father wearing this, remembered how he was killed protecting his family. He remembered how weak he was, letting his brother defend him and his sister. He wanted to resent his brother for not going all out, for dying in the hands of a Grimm he could beat. But not again, he won't leave any regrets.
Virtus stood up and slammed the Ursa. "Thanks, Truci. Sorry about the things I said before.". He said with confidence.
"We can worry about that later, for now, let's get rid of this foolish Grimm.". Truci said, looking at the Ursa with pity.
Truci charges at the Ursa, spinning his blades around his fingers. Virtus seemed to brawl with the Ursa, a red aura grew into an image of a bear. The bear seemed to be shadowing over him. The Ursa couldn't push him back, they were at a standstill.
Truci used this chance to behead the Grimm, throwing his blades at it. Its head fell off and the bear figure hovering Virtus disappeared. Virtus held out his fist, Truci fist bumped it with a smile.
When they looked around, they noticed the dead Grimm around. They walked towards the group of tired hunters in training. "Jaune and Truci are back!". Ruby cheered, "Now we can be friends like before, no fighting and no bullies!".
Lucille looked towards her teammates and asked, "Now… Don't you two have anything to say?".
Connie clenched her right arm from behind her back, "Um-, I… I might have gone a little too far with what I said… and I'm sorry.". Connie said red-faced when she heard Weiss laughing quietly behind her.
Virtus also added, "I'm also sorry for what I said. I know I went too far but I still honestly think you were wrong. But I apologize for my words and actions.". He bowed in Truci's direction.
"Truci? What about you now? You also owe me an apology too.". Lucille emphasized.
Truci also bowed, "I'm also sorry for causing you guys to worry.".
Virtus coughed loudly, "And?".
"For not trusting you guys.". Truci added in.
"There we go!". Virtus put his arm over Truci. "Now let's get to the meeting spot.". Virtus smiled dragging Truci along. The rest of their team smiled too, relieved that this tension was gone.
"Thank you.". Truci said to his team, his head held down.
"What are you thanking us for? We're your teammates! It's a given we'll have your back.". Virtus proclaimed.
"For once, the muscle head is right! Even after telling you I'd try my best, you didn't even trust me? You know how bad it hurt when you said that?". Connie added her remark with a laugh.
"And don't get me started on how I felt.". Lucille told him, pinching his cheeks.
Truci lifted his head, revealing his bright red eyes, "Thanks for putting your faith in me.". He smiled.
"What are you saying?". Lucille said.
"We're a team!". Virtus gave a pose revealing his muscles.
"Even if you are a human, we'll still be great hunters together!". Connie said with her arms crossed.
Truci laughed and brought them into a hug. "Alright then! We'll be a small little family. A group of broken Faunus and their beast.".
"What did yo-". Connie tried to question.
"Let's go! We still need to collect the sap… as a team!". Truci said a little childishly.
"What are we going to do with him?". Connie asked herself, laughing at her leader's burst of energy.
"We just have to put our trust in him and he'll put his in us.". Lucille answered.
"He'll open up eventually. Just like how we all will.". Virtus said, surprising his two teammates with his rather intelligent sentence.
"Lucille, muscle head here night actually gain a brain!". Connie whispered.
"Hey! I heard that!.". Virtus said turning around to look at them. Lucille and Connie laughed, chasing after their group of friends ahead.
"No Cardin tonight?". Pyrrha jokingly asked Jaune.
Jaune stopped looking at the night sky and let out a breath, "Pyrrha, I'm sorry… I was a jerk. You were only trying to be nice and I-i had all this stupid macho stuff in my head-".
"Jaune. It's okay.". They smiled at each other, "Your team really misses their leader, you know?". Pyrrha, turned around to start going back to their dorm. "You should come down, Ren made pancakes~.".
"Wait! I know I don't deserve it after all that happened, but… would you still be willing to help me, to becoming a better fighter!". Jaune asked nervously.
Pyrrha turned around, which got Jaune even more nervous. Pyrrha smiled before turning around again. She slowly walked to Jaune before pushing him to the ground.
"Hey!". He shouted.
"Your stance is all wrong. You need to be wider and slower to the ground.". Pyrrha offered her hand after she said that.
Jaune took her hand and smiled as he stood back on his feet. "Let's try that again.". Pyrrha said to Jaune's silly smile.
On the actual roof, a voice said to himself, "At least he's making progress.".
A/N:
Thanks for the reviews guys, it really motivates me to write more, even though I'm stressing about all my uni courses.
Merendinoemiliano: There'll be no harem, the max I usually tolerate is 3 people relationship, but I still prefer a pairing. Also about Connie's semblance, I wanted it to be dust related so I named it Dust Manipulation (Which I'll be changing to Dust Flow). I promise you, that it'll be more than just using dust like you saw a bit of in the chapter. (Making use of the little dust in the atmosphere and using artificial dust by combining two of them using her semblance. I also added in this ability to embed her body with dust, minus the large side-effects and need for crystals). I'm open for any ideas if you have any on her semblance though, always happy to make it more unique :3
Dzzzy228: Don't worry, his mask will be safe. No one will be touching it, at least for now. As for names, I don't really speak latin but I do know how I pronounce it while writing it and how it is actually pronounced. Yeah, it's just something I like knowing.
Truci: My way, "True-see" (like lucy but with "tr") | IRL, "True-Chee"
Virtus Ferocia: My way "Vertus Fur-o-shia" | IRL, "Veertus Fur-o-shia"
Connie Pluvise: just read it normally, "Connie Plu-vise"
Lucille Valeria: My way, "Lu-seal Val-air-ia" | IRL, "Lu-Cheel-lay Val-air-ia
And as I was listening to these, I've noticed that a 'C' ends up as a "ch" sound while a 'CH' gives off a "c" sound.
Tell me how you felt about the chapter. It was pretty long because of the little obstacle course I wrote in, I hope I didn't give wrong impressions of their strength. Sorry about the small rehash of volume one, I tried to change parts of it but most of it was still the same. I was going to make Jaune accept Pyrrha's offer, but it didn't really feel in character. And somehow, I went from trying to develop Virtus into developing Jaune. No clue how that happened. But at least team TCLV is closer now.
And the main point of this was to get a sense of how strong everyone currently was, a bit of their abilities and some insight into what could have happened in the past. The next chapter, I'll be trying to do better on him and Lucille. There's going to be less Truci and Connie next chapter and more team RWBY.
Truci semblance:?
Virtus semblance: Over-Shadow
Connie semblance: Dust Flow
Lucille semblance:?
Anyways, hope you enjoyed it! Side note- I can't believe this chapter is basically the same length as the other two. Cheers to me!
Kai going to study like hell now ~.