You may be reading the title, the description, and the characters involved in this story.
Do not be alarmed. Let's get things straight first. This is not NTR. The story you are about to read came on after some very inspiring ideas and memes. However, I intend to not make this a joke but an attempt to bring forth something from this unusual pairing. This story will remain a one-shot as I've got too many things on my plate besides writing halfway decent fanfictions. However if one of you would like to build upon this little idea of mine then I will be happy to pass the flame to allow for a more flourishing story.
Anyways this is just a little vacation for me from Guarding Vale which I oh so love. But at times I want to write thing way off from what I usually do. Some goofy crap. And so here we are.
Now, onto the story.
Disclaimer, I do not own any of the characters, references, or music utilized in this Fan Fiction. All of which belong to the proper owners of each. RWBY is an IP owned by Rooster Teeth and all credits to Monty Oum as it's creator.
Perhaps it was time to reflect.
When death's staring you right in the face, it seems to come on suddenly. A flash of images, sounds, and faces. Things you've done all these years up to this very moment. Had it been worth it? Had it all been what you wanted? Did you make the right decisions? What would you be leaving behind? To climb that highest of peaks and stand tall above all takes a lot of work. Muscling your way through the line, shoving a few off, pulling an ear or two to clear the path.
And to think, all of that could be gone with the single swipe of Ursa's claws. A swipe that deep down inside, you somehow knew was coming for you. A swipe that felt like the universe finally getting back at you. A swipe that never came.
The sight of Arc slaying the Ursa Major was unbelievable. It was impossible, no way he could have done that. But somehow, he had. Jaune Arc had gotten better, he wasn't just some farm boy with a sword and a dream. No, he had earned his place to be at Beacon. A handshake didn't heal all wounds, but it did something to help things. However, the Bullhead ride didn't make things better. Sat beside Goodwitch, team CRDL were in different states. Russel was just pissed, Dove was snoozing, and Sky was mumbling off to himself. However, Cardin, the mastermind sat next to Goodwitch. His mace, was confiscated and held in the cargo bay, leaving him to sit resting his elbows on his knees. Lost in thought. His eyes didn't seem to show much life as they seemed to stare forward at a bolt holding down the seat in front of him.
Cardin Winchester was screwed. Royally screwed. When he got back to Beacon, he'd probably get an ear full from Goodwitch and Ozpin respectfully. He'd gotten it before, but this time was going to be even worse. He had almost died; he had attempted to get Jaune to try and harm Pyrrha Nikos. It wasn't good at all. When returning to Beacon Campus Ozpin was already there. Mug and cane in hand with a stern look on his face. Sucking it up Cardin and the rest of his team were led off to the high tower. The judging looks of his fellow classmates behind him.
"Mister Winchester? Could you please pay attention to Professor Ozpin?"
Glancing up from his mile-long stare into the floor. Cardin looked up to Ozpin as he stood behind his desk and Goodwitch beside him. Nodding slowly, he replied in a quieter voice. "Sorry, Professor."
"Anyways…" Ozpin said as he did not capture Cardin's full attention. "Mr. Winchester for your actions at Forever Fall I will have you and your team placed on long term Detention. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Professor," Cardin answered, doing his best to keep his head up and looking to the man.
"Good, now I'd like to ask you a question. Do you believe in destiny?" The man said with a sip of his mug, looking straight towards Cardin for an answer.
The question came out of the blue. Nothing on why he did it, how he did it, and nothing about Jaune's involvement. Though he didn't want to question it, he was in deep enough trouble as it is. So, he answered truthfully. "Yes, Sir. And… No, Sir."
Ozpin rose an eyebrow at the answer. "And why do you say that, Mister Winchester?"
"The universe and some mysterious powers and all that, Sir. That we're all on a set track in life. But uh… we have the option to change that, make our own destiny."
Placing down his mug Ozpin sat back slightly in his seat. Glancing to Glynda, he saw her with a more surprised expression plastered upon her. It seemed that Cardin wasn't much of a 'meathead' as the other students said he was. "That was quite mature of you, Mister Winchester. Though I must ask why you don't put as much thought into your actions as you did with that response."
"I… I don't know, Sir. I don't have an answer to that." Cardin replied, growing more ashamed as his head started to hang low again.
Ozpin looked to the boy with a solemn expression. Shaking it off as he stood from his desk and walked towards the window. Looking out towards the Academy.
"Mister Winchester, you are not the first troublesome individual to walk through those gates. You certainly won't be the last. However, the goal of this academy is to train the best hunters in Remnant. And with that comes making sure their behavior is up to standards. That they look out for all, regardless of their abilities, their background, or their race. Tell me, why did you apply to Beacon?"
Cardin raised his head slightly, looking to the back of Ozpin. "I want to become a Huntsman, Sir.
"And do good Huntsman belittle others, cause physical harm, discriminate against their fellows? Were your actions that of Hunter in Training?"
"No, Sir."
Ozpin turned around and faced back at Cardin. Staring holes into the poor boy. Tapping his cane on the floor loudly it drew Cardin to look up as he pointed it right to him. "Let this serve as your final warning, Mister Winchester. A reckoning if you will. Repent your misguided ways and stand to become better individual not just for your peers but for yours. Go on and change your destiny, Mister Winchester.
You are dismissed."
And with that, Cardin left the high office and returned to his team's dorm room. Retiring for the day till the next.
One week after.
"And with the Monarchy dissolved, what became of the Kingdom?" Spoke Professor Oobleck as he darted around the lecture hall. Turning to see a raised hand he stopped and pointed to it. "Mister Winchester?"
Standing up from his seat he responded, "Uhh… The people established a parliamentary system of Government."
"Correct! And could you tell me who comprised this first Parliament upon its establishment?"
"Those elected by the now citizens of Vale. However, the election was rigged by the nobles who won. They attempted to bring back the monarchy. Which then lead to the Second Valeian Civil War."
Oobleck snapped his fingers. "Correct again! Marks for you Mister Winchester. Now the Parliament would stand for another 200 years blah blahh…"
Returning to his usual rambling lecture. He went on and on about Vale's evolution to it's current council system. However, from one side of the class, things seemed to stand still for a moment. RWBY and JNPR looked toward team CRDL at the other side of the classroom. Never had they seen Cardin even answer a question asked by Oobleck. Weiss who still had her hand partially raised to respond to the question sat there aghast has her thunder was stolen.
The first to break the silence among the group was the ninja of the group. Placing down the book she was reading as class went on. "Has Cardin been acting a lot more…"
"Smarter?" Said Ruby.
"Nicer?" Replied Nora.
"Tame?" Added Pyrrha.
Blake nodded all the suggestions. Furring her brows as she stared at the now studious Cardin. "Yes, all of those. Do you guys think this is some kind of elaborate prank he's trying to pull?"
"It's got to be if he's actually getting his team to do the same. Did you see them in Professor Port' class? Russel and Sky answered Port's questions and asked him some. The Professor never stopped going on about this story of his. And they were listening." Yang said with disbelief in her voice.
"Miss Xiao Long! Please refrain from discussing out-of-class matters while I am talking." Port said as he zoomed to the isle beside her. Staring her down through his glasses. "AS I WAS SAYING, later on after the 56th election-"
BING BONG
"Ah, there's the lunch bell. Alright children, off you go. Remember that Essay on Atlesian-Mistrali geopolitics is due next week!
The classroom of first-year students began heading out to the cafeteria. RWBY and JNPR shuffled out to the hall, however as they were making their way down it. The sound of someone jogging overcame as Cardin hurried over. His team off to the side waiting and talking amongst themselves.
He called out. "Hey, Jaune? Could you spare a minute or two, I gotta talk to you. It's… It's important."
The group turned around, Jaune pausing for a moment to give it some thought. Glancing to his teammates he nodded and stepped over. "Alright, I'll catch you guys at the cafeteria."
With that RWBY and NPR headed off, talking amongst themselves, and glancing back occasionally to see what was occurring between them. Pyrrha especially who decided to walk the slowest out of all of them. Peaking to see the rest of team CRDL walk over, joining Cardin as they faced Jaune.
"Jaune, we all just wanted to apologize, for everything," Cardin said as he did his best to look him dead on. Russel stepped up and nodded. "Yeah, we were absolute idiots' man. We hurt you and a lot of other people." Dove nodded and spoke up "Ever since Forever Fall, we've been trying to do better, to be better." Sky lastly ended it with a slight bow of his head. "We didn't want to come to you too soon. But we really are sorry for everything."
All of them bowed their heads in apology. Causing Jaune to raise his hands up in defense. "Hey wait, it's alright you guys. If you're trying to be better, I can't put that against you. Apology accepted."
Raising their heads each had a weary smile on their faces. Though this was just one, they had many sins to account for. Cardin though had a larger smile as he nodded to Jaune. "Thanks, Jaune, I guess we'll be going now, see you later."
With that they departed. Leaving Jaune to stand and ponder upon his own thoughts before heading to the Cafeteria. Pyrrha who now sought shelter from the doorway of an empty classroom watched them disperse. Leaving her with a sense of joy growing within her, however, there was a cloud of doubt hanging over her. It seemed too good to be true.
Doubt can easily grow within one's mind. And it happened to be flourishing within team RWBY and (J)NPR. Small glances over to the table now occupied by team CRDL. The week prior they had been dead silent as the impact from forever fall kept them at bay. However, they were just discussing things quietly. Passing around papers as Cardin dictated the conversation. They didn't bother anyone, especially Velvet and team CFVY who always had one-member state daggers into them. To most it would seem like the usual scheming that they always got up too. However, things got quiet as Cardin stood up.
His footsteps seemed to cause the cafeteria to grow quiet. As he approached the table team CFVY occupied they all turned to glare at him, Coco especially as she began to ready her handbag to send the boy flying to Vacuo. Velvet had kept her head to the table for fear or anything occurring despite her 'bodyguards'. Though nothing ever came as Cardin sat down by the table, an empty seat between them. Doing his best to muster up the words from within he took a deep breath before speaking Keeping himself hushed knowing that all eyes watching his every movement.
"I know this isn't ideal." He started off with. A tint of cringe came from his pained expression. "But I want to get this right. I hurt you, a lot. My team did as well. But it was from my actions they did. It was wrong, it was all wrong. We shouldn't have done it, we shouldn't have even thought about it. But we did, and we screwed up. Big time. We're trying to be better people about it and, well this is one of the things felt we ought to do. We're not asking you to forgive us, we're long past that. I'm sorry for bothering you guys."
Standing up from the table Cardin walked back to his and the rest of his team. Leaving CFVY silent and giving surprised but also confusing glances to one another. Velvet remained silent as she nudged her food.
His face had been one of regret as he began to talk. His voice was quiet enough that only she and the rest of team CFVY could hear. Tension rang in the air till he stood up and walked back to where he came from. The way RWBY and JNPR discussed it, something miraculous must of happened or something terribly wrong. To Pyrrha she saw as Ruby and Nora, ever optimistic, tried to spin this as one of the many positive changes coming from team CRDL. Jaune stood with them and agreed, revealing that they had apologized to him just after Oobleck's class ended. Weiss and Blake were the skeptics as they still had an air of doubt. Blake held onto the fact that they still were bad people and that they had an extremely long way to go. Ren and Yang were neutral and stayed quiet in the discussion. Seeing them all discuss she tried to form her own opinions regarding what happened. Cardin and his team had apologized to hear last week as per Ozpin's orders along with Jaune. Though it seemed they were doing these out of the goodness of their hearts.
Perhaps they were genuine, but she still had doubts. Who wouldn't?
A 2 days later
Free Days were usually spent doing the least educational activities available to teams. Going to Vale to dine out, shop, drink, and engage with the nightlife that roared through the entertainment district. Cardin though was set on a mission. To become stronger, to become better, to be a huntsman. He declined the offer by his team to head out on the town. Opting to stay in and practice in the training arena. Sending dummies and holographic grim his way in hordes as he tried to shape up with his skills. He was expecting attacks from different types of grim. Paying attention to Port started to grow very fruitful as he learned the differences in attack from a Beowulf and an Ursa.
What he didn't expect was to find that he wasn't the only one with the idea. He knew other students were in the library or roaming about enjoying their freedom but never heading in for some extra practice. Though he couldn't deny it as he saw a glimpse of bronze and red stepping down the stairs into the combat arena. He had to do a double take though this left him open to being attacked by a dummy bot. Striking him in the shin and knocking off his feet by the shock. He called out to the computer, pausing the training simulation and getting back up as he turned toward the individual. The Invincible Girl.
"Oh- I apologize for interrupting you, Cardin." She said with an apologetic expression and tone.
Raising his hand, Cardin did his best to catch his breath. "It's… It's fine, Nikos. I was just taking a break right about now." He stated as he slung Executioner over his shoulder.
Walking back the stands where Pyrrha stood she nodded. "Thank you, Cardin." They traded places as Pyrrha selected from the computer a far more difficult scenario than Cardin.
Taking a seat in the stands, Cardin sat and watched as Pyrrha withdrew Milos and Akouo. Facing off against a horde of Ursa. When the start timer ticked down and the fight began, Cardin couldn't help but watch in awe. The way she was able to switch between her fighting styles from melee to ranged. It was flawless. As soon as the targets were eliminated a record time was displayed on a large holographic screen. Pyrrha took a moment to catch her breath and rest Milos on her back before turning to see her captive audience. Sheepishly smiling at the impressive feat.
"Wow." Was as much as Cardin could ever manage to get out of his mouth. Looking on to see Pyrrha walking back to the stands. Though with a sterner expression upon her face. She seemed far more focused than ever.
Stepping over to the barrier separating the Arena and the stands she turned to Cardin. "Care to spar, Cardin?" Her voice commanded. It didn't feel like an invitation but more like an order from her.
"Uh, sure why not?" Cardin said as he got himself off of his butt and grabbed Executioner. Heading into the Arena he took his place at the opposite end to her and readied himself. She had programmed the computer to track their auras. Giving the countdown before the spar began.
She let him make the first move, Cardin rushing in with his mace, swinging back to make a slam upon her, only to be stopped as he hit Akouo, her shield. Causing a loud crash of metal as he seemed to not do anything to her. She simply stood her ground as withdrew. Allowing her to gain the advantage and sprint in. Using Milos in its spear form and throwing it towards Cardin. Clashing against his aura and armor as it ricocheted off to the side. There she quickly withdrew it and continued the defensive. Firing shots with the rifle configuration as Cardin attempted to swing the Executioner to block the volley of fire. Though with it being a mace it didn't do so well as spinning the more lopsided weapon caused him to go off balance. Seeing the opportunity Pyrrha rushed in to deliver the crushing blow. Though spotting this Cardin raised Executioner and activated the dust crystal encased inside. Causing a shockwave of fire dust to blow Pyrrha back. Causing her to stumble back but remain on her feet.
"Excellent counter, Cardin. I've always wondered how that crystal worked." Pyrrha said as she raised her shield. Circling the Arena as Cardin got on his feet and did the same.
"Oh you'll get more than just some black blast Nikos." He said as he began to swing his mace around him. Using the crystal Cardin used the same black blast to propel him high into the air. Raising head of the mace high above him as he activated the blast. Sending him downward at a high velocity to strike just a foot away from Nikos. Knocking her back and damaging her aura, however her Akouo took a good portion of the blast. Dust from the arena kicked up and caused a haze to form around them.
Withdrawing away Cardin took a moment to catch his breath, only for Pyrrha to rush around through the dust and swiftly strike against him. Bringing him down into the red and causing a buzzer to go off. Signaling the end of the spar and announcing Pyrrha had won. With the dust settling Cardin took a few deep breaths as he used Executioner to prop himself slightly.
He chuckled, though quietly as he had tuckered himself out to only see that he had barely brought her down in aura. "That… That was some nice fighting there, Nikos." Cardin turned himself to face her who was walking over. The serious expression she once wore was gone but now replaced by her regular jubilant smile.
"I could say the same for you Cardin. It seems you keep that dust crystal back only for certain situations?" She said as she crossed her arms in a curious expression.
"Yeah, I don't like using it too often. Especially since it's a pain in the neck to keep replacing the dust inside the head. Been trying to design a newer weapon in Port's class." He said sheepishly, a dry chuckle escaping his lips.
Looking to the ensemble upon Cardin, Pyrrha pondered but responded. "If you don't mind me suggesting. How about a shield to pair with Executioner? Though not a big one but perhaps… A buckler shields?"
"Oh! One of those small ones Professor Port brought out from the Great War collection?" Cardin said as he remembered one of the earlier lessons from that year. Causing Pyrrha to smile to see that he was paying attention in class.
"Mhm, it'll allow you something to block any melee blows with though it shouldn't hinder your blunt style of fighting."
Cardin gave it some thought and nodded. "That sounds like a good idea. Though I need to get more agile. I can't always rely on Russel to cover my flanks."
"You know, I don't mind helping with that. Aside from helping Jaune, I can always help increase your agility." Pyrrha said with smile. "That is, if you'd like the help?"
"Yes, I'd like the help. Thank you, Pyrrha." He said with a grateful expression.
"You're welcome, Cardin. Well, I best head out now. I have some extra papers for Professor Oobleck to complete." She said as she slung her shield over her back and began to head out of the Arena. "Have a nice day."
She began to make her way up the steps. Cardin looked on but furrowed his brows. Opening his mouth to speak and calling out to her. "Wait! Pyrrha!"
This cause her to quickly stop and turn around. A concerned expression upon her face as she looked down to Cardin. "Y- Yes?" She was quite startled by him.
"I just wanted to say I…" He paused, thinking about his words before speaking. Pyrrha seemed to notice his change in demeanor from earlier. Relaxing slightly and giving him some time. "I'm sorry. I know I've said this before last week but I want to say it properly to you. I tried to hurt you, I manipulated Jaune to hurt you. I wanted you out of Beacon. It was just a huge mistake and I really messed up. I was lucky Arc was able to save me from the Ursa Major. I wouldn't be here without him… Me and my team, we're trying to be better. I need to confront the people I've hurt, to apologize not just under duress but freely. I won't ask for forgiveness. You don't need to talk to me or my team ever. We just want to become better people, to become better Hunters. We've got a long way to go, but we'll do our best to right our wrongs."
Cardin bowed his head at the end of his apology. Not wanting to make the scenario even more awkward than it should of. Pyrrha stood on the steps and thought. Though a smile grew on his face as she walked down the steps. Causing Cardin to draw his head up and look to her as she put a hand on her shoulder.
"I'm happy that you're doing this, Cardin. I'm happy that your team is doing this as well. To be honest, I had some doubts. Not just me but a lot of other people. We all thought that this was just some sort of ruse you were pulling but no… I'm glad that you're being genuine. I watched you apologize to Jaune after Oobleck's class. We all saw you talk to Velvet in the Cafeteria." Cardin started to grow a small smile on his face at the recognition. "Everyone deserves a second chance to redeem themselves. And I'm willing to give you one, Cardin. So long as you keep to your promise."
"I will, Pyrrha. I will."
Weeks later, just after the semester break.
Returning from the long break felt like a slap in the face. After spending some much-needed time with his mother and little sister. Cardin felt much more… happy. Things had only gotten better since the spur to repentance. Alongside honing his team, team CRDL was starting to grow. Sky and Dove had gotten along swimmingly with their newfound appreciation of birds. Russel in the meantime was actually scoring some hits with one of the teams coming in from Vacuo. Cardin had started to improve his grades greatly, gaining some help now from newfound friends since his change in attitude. All in all, everything seemed to be going swimmingly.
Now it was the evening, with night falling over the Academy. Letting his team rest after a hard day of breaking themselves back into their regular routine. Ditching his uniform and armor for a hoodie and khakis, Cardin opened the window and stepped onto the ledge. Taking a deep breath of the fresh air outside before climbing up the side of the dorms to the roof. Dusting his hands, he looked up to see a returning student to his lecture on Standing Up for Yourself 101.
"Good evening, Cardin." Pyrrha said with a smile as she held her hands behind her back. "How was the break for you and your team?"
Smiling, Cardin nodded in reply. "Oh, it was fine, Pyrrha. Got to spend time with my mom and Sister. Sky went back to his hometown, Dove got to visit that aviation museum with his girlfriend, and Russel managed to finally unlock his semblance. How about you?"
"Well I traveled back home to Argus, Nora, and Ren spent some time shopping around Vale. Jaune tagged along with them. But they all had a lovely time." Pyrrha said with a grin. "Though I believe we should be getting on with our lesson."
"Right! Right, now where did we leave off last time…? Oh yes, your semester homework. Now you do remember what it was right? How did it go?" Cardin said as he crossed his arms, looking to Pyrrha curiously.
"Well…" She said as she recollected her memory. "I was approached by some fans as I was getting groceries. They asked for some photos but…"
There was a pause before she continued.
"I told them I was busy and had to get home. They understood and we went our way." Pyrrha said triumphantly. Smiling ever brightly and earning a grin from Cardin.
"Good work there Pyrrha! Now that's the ticket right there. You're a regular person after all. There isn't a need to always satisfy a fan, especially if you're busy doing something like groceries. Congratulations Miss Nikos, you've earned a gold star for this. Now onto one of the hardest lessons of all…"
"Tell me" Cardin said with a smirk to his face. "How goes things with Jaune?"
"W- What?" Whatever you mean, Cardin?" Pyrrha said with a sing-song voice. Looking off to the side with a heavy blush on her face.
"Pyrrha, it's obvious, it's so Goddamn obvious. A lot of people know you've got the hots for him and yet you haven't made the slightest move. Of course, he's got eyes for Schnee but the way she's rejecting him and going for that dude from Haven? You've got a clear opening Pyrrha. And so I will take it upon myself to teach you how to ask Jauney-Boy out to the dance within the next few weeks." Cardin said with a bold voice. Looking right toward her as she slowly looked up at him.
"Do you think I have it in me?" She asked cautiously. "He's always looked at her so much… I don't kno-"
"Ahbp-bah-bah-bah! None of that, remember lesson 2 Pyrrha. Doubt will only lead to nothing. Sometimes you got to take a shot for anything to happen. Now I'll even sweeten the deal, if you manage to make this work I will do the most embarrassing thing at the dance in atonement for my many sins." He said with a bit of chagrin. "However, if it doesn't work out, you can choose whatever outcome you'd like."
Pyrrha swallowed hard and nodded her head. Emboldened by the possible outcome with Jaune but also to see Cardin embarrass himself. "Consider it a deal. So, when do we begin?"
"Now."
20 minutes later
What started as a proper lesson in learning how to catch the eye of Jaune turned into a barrel of laughter. Cardin at recalling his failed escapades back at Signal Academy. Pyrrha sat by listening and laughing alongside him. But within each story stood a lesson, least from the male perspective of dating. Directness with the other individual, open communication, reading the room.
"Oh, and then when we went out on our second date. His friends were over at another table with disguises! We could see them as plain day!" A hearty chuckle came from Cardin and Pyrrha but winded down as they started to catch their breath. "It was awkward at best but in the end, we ended things peacefully. She was super sweet about it too."
"It sounds like her friends had some small hand in the matter. What lesson could be derived from that, Professor?" Pyrrha said teasingly.
Cardin thought about the question for a moment. Thinking before he responded. "Friends are good, they'll help you out and watch your back. However, in circumstances like this? You gotta fly by the seat of your pants. As much as advice is good to have, it's bad advice, you're screwed. And for your sake, don't stalk your friends while they're on dates. It's weird, but only do it if they are in imminent danger."
Taking imaginary notes on an imaginary piece of paper, Pyrrha nodded with a grin. "Thank you, Professor. I do believe that this lesson has been quite fruitful."
"Indeed, it has Miss Nikos. I do hope your homework goes well. I don't mean to add more pressure, but I got some money riding on this." He said as he got back up onto his feet. Reaching down and giving a hand to Pyrrha she took and pulled herself up.
"As do I, and I hope you'll split that money with me given my newfound knowledge?"
"Of course. Well, we best get to bed. I know Port's going to be going over another story about his own semester breaks in his youth again…" Cardin said as he walked back to the railing. Turning back to face Pyrrha. "Good night, Pyrrha."
"Good night, Cardin. I… I want to thank you again for these lessons. I've been starting to feel like a new person. A new me. Thank you." Pyrrha said, holding her hands together.
"Ah thank you Pyrrha, but that was all you. All I did was give some advice, you put it to work." Cardin said as he climbed over the railing and headed back down into his room. Leaving Pyrrha alone on the roof. The two stood in their respective locations, a small lingering thought in either of them. Though they played it off and returned to bed
Two days before the dance.
"He- He WHAT? You're kidding me? After everything I've taught you, everything you've done he hasn't even caught on?" Cardin said with an exasperated expression. He wanted to scream to the heavens above but that would only lead to his team and all the other teams occupying the floor waking up. He hissed and seethed through his teeth at the present circumstance.
Pyrrha sat quietly, head hung low as Cardin fumed. Doing her best to keep it together. Though she let off a few quiet sniffles, which caused Cardin to quickly stop his tantrum and look down to her. Hearing his sudden pause she looked up and wiped a bit of water from her eye. "I'm alright, Cardin. I just- I… I don't know…" She said as he slung her head once more.
His face formed into one of pity for the poor girl. After all the things he had taught her, in the end, Jauney Boy was just about the densest person on Remnant. Walking over he sat down beside Pyrrha. Crossing his legs and arms as he tried to calm down from earlier. After a few deep breaths, he settled down and responded. "It's okay to cry, Pyrrha. You don't need to hold it in… Cause in the end, you gotta pick yourself, take a deep breath, dust yourself, and start all over again."
She started to sniffle more and more. Only looking up with puffy red cheeks and tears rolling down her eyes. Pyrrha leaned into Cardin's shoulder and began to sob. Causing him to reach an arm over and pat her back. Oum knew she needed it. The two seemed to stay that way for a short while until Pyrrha calmed down. Sniffling a little before getting off of Cardin's shoulder. Wiping away any remaining tears. "I don't know how to thank you, Cardin."
"You've helped me in more ways than one. And despite the outcome today? I feel… content. I was able to approach Jaune more than ever. Suggest things that I probably would have kept silent for a long time. I can stand taller now, I can say no. I don't need to be the 'Invincible Girl' all the time. I can just be Pyrrha Nikos. Just plain old Pyrrha. For me and me alone." Cardin looked on to Pyrrha as she delivered her gratitude. Smiling all the while just as she did to him. The past month or two had been quite the lesson for both.
Cardin reached over again and placed a hand on her shoulder. Though he was surprised to see her hand raise up and place itself upon his. It was a small surprise, but he pressed on. "Y'know, I always thought the 'Invincible Girl' was going to be some stalwart sort of girl. Strong, mighty, powerful, an absolute hailstorm of bravado. But it turns out you're just like every other girl. But now you've grown beyond that. You've learned to live for yourself, to be selfish, to say no. I'm proud of you, Pyrrha. I am so immensely proud of you."
A pregnant pause came between the two. Staring at each other they seemed to find some solace in each other. An understanding not just between two individuals, but friends. They didn't know what force drove them to do it but they wrapped their arms around each other in a tight hug. The two enjoyed the other's comforting embrace. With eyes closed, they came closer to each other. Slowly parting for a moment to meet each other's gazes. Pyrrha was as red as her hair by the sudden advancement. Some nervousness arose from Cardin but he seemed to burn up as the Mistrali leaned in for a small peck on his cheek. Withdrawing with a smile growing upon her lips.
And so, Cardin pulled a question he had been considering since the week before.
"Would you go to the dance with me?"
Beacon Dance
Swaying to the music, the two looked quite fetching. It seemed Arc did have something within him. But it wasn't charm but it was something about the legs. The dress didn't suit him but he wore it like a badge of honor as he danced with Ruby. The two seemed to be having a ball as they got along quite well together. As for Weiss, it turns out that when you're not serious with a Schnee, things seemed to fall apart. Bad luck for that blue-haired dude. In the end, it was Weiss standing at the punch bowl. Though that dumpster fire of a night was far away from where Pyrrha and Cardin were. Out by the balcony in a secluded section by some hedges.
The music from the ballroom leaked out from the large glass windows, allowing the two to find some solitude to enjoy the evening. The dress that she wore only seemed to draw Cardin more and more to her as he wrapped his arms around her from behind. Swaying slightly to the music as she held his hands in front of her. Breaking the peace, Cardin spoke up as he looked down slightly to the bob of red hair just under his chin.
"So, how has the night gone for you?" He asked as he seemed to slow down his swaying. Allowing her some room to answer.
"Just fine." She said in reply. "Though that dance number we had been working on for a while. Though I do hope we didn't make too much of a scene."
"Don't sell yourself short, you all rocked it out there. I mean I never thought you all could actually choreograph a dance routine like that. Much less execute it flawlessly during the dance." Cardin said with a pleased tone. "I'm impressed."
"Thank you, though if it's any consolation. I prefer to dance out here. It's quiet and serene. With only the moonlight illuminating us." Pyrrha said as she glanced up to it. Drawing Cardin to look towards the shattered fragments.
"Sounds like a perfect night, though it seems that it could only get better from here." He said with a chuckle. "Perhaps you'd like to step back inside?"
Thinking about the offer for a moment. Pyrrha shook her head, spinning around in his arms as she now faced him. Giving a smile that caused his knees to buckle slightly. "No, but I would like to redeem that failed confession prize right about now. You said anything… Right?"
Cardin stopped his swaying completely as she did as well. Looking down to her and nodding. "Yeah, what about it- "
Wrapping her arms around his neck she stepped upon her toes to lean in and touch lips with the boy. Holding it there for a few seconds as she eased herself back down onto her soles. Flustered would be an understatement to describe her expression, as Cardin tried to recompose himself from the attack. Putting it all together, Cardin gave a chuckle as he leaned his head down and looked right into her eyes.
"Care for seconds, Miss Nikos?" He asked.
"Certainly." She replied with a cheshire grin.
The two joined together once more. Not wanting to let go in the slightest.
I dub thee, "Orthodox"
My own name for this ship is based on the Greek Orthodox Church. Digging into the original Cardinal of Winchester's background and origin of Achilles heel.
This ship is out of the ordinary considering that most of the fics featuring the two as a pairing either make it NTR or just a toxic relationship. But now I am happy to shed some light upon what could have been a better, more light-hearted story of love between two of Beacon's strongest. Anywho... thank you to the Cardinpostin subreddit for giving me the inspiration and the motivation to attempt this fic. I wish you all the best and...
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