Jaune was in one of the training rooms, practising with his throwing knives. He wasn't doing very well. The knives either went wide or they hit the targets with the pommel.
"I'm starting to think that throwing knives are a no go for you" Lurmina said sitting on the side line "Why don't you take a break"? Jaune ignored her as he continued throwing the knives, not making any progress. Lurmina sighed. She picked up a dumbbell, tossed it a few times in the air and then casually threw it at Jaune's head. He barely managed to dodge the training equipment.
"What was that for"! Jaune shouted.
"You weren't listening" The brown haired fox said like she didn't try to kill her nephew. "I told you to take a break".
"I can't do that teach" Was the reply back "I need to get to training so I can use the knives in combat class".
"Jaune" Lurmina began "You're so focused on this that any experience isn't coming through. Take a step back and try at a later time. If you don't show any progress then, drop the knives cause you are never going to be good at them". The fox stood up and went to pick up the knives that were all over the place. "Beside it's has been two weeks already and you still haven't done any team building. You are supposed to be the leader start acting like one".
"Wouldn't they do that by themselves"? Jaune asked.
"That's Zannost mentality Jaune" Lurmina answered "They are not from there so they would most likely just train to keep their skills from rusting. Add that they are teenagers they are way more likely to slack off or to go out to get shit faced drunk". The blonde fox looked down. He should have known that people of two different places wouldn't act the same. He looked back up as he felt a hand on his head.
"Don't beat yourself up over that little one" Lurmina smiled as she ruffled jaune's hair "The only time that it is shameful to make a mistake is when you don't learn from it. Beside you're at a school, a place of learning. Make as many mistake as you like cause you will only learn more".
"Say teach" Jaune said "Can we have a spar? It has been a while since we had one". Lurmina's smile became more feral.
"Excellent suggestion Jaune" The survival Professor said as she walked over to the ring with Jaune following "It will let me know if you're ready to take the next step in your hand to hand training". The duo stood across each other in the ring.
"You can begin whenever you feel like it little one" Lurmina said as she got into her stance. Jaune shot off and went for a straight punch with his right fist. Lurmina directed it to the left and went for an uppercut. Jaune spun out of the way while sending his elbow towards Lurmina's head. She duck under it while at the same time jumped as her legs went for behind her back to clap around Jaune's neck. She succeeded and with finesse threw jaune across the room into the wall. Jaune recovered quickly and used the wall to jump away from the kick that Lurmina send to him. The kick left a huge crack in the wall. Jaune was on the defensive as Lurmina sent a barrage of punches towards him. He managed to block or direct a lot of them but a few broke through. Jaune ducked under the next punch and did a leg sweep. Lurmina did a little jump and slammed her foot onto Jaune's leg when her other one smashed into his chin, sending spittle and a little blood into the air. The blonde trainee landed on his hands and immediately launched himself into the air, dodging the dropkick of his opponent. Lurmina used the failed dropkick to jump after Jaune, going for his stomach with her knee. He blocked it with his own knee while sending a punch towards his teacher's face. It barely grazed her face. Meanwhile Lurmina had sent a punch of her own at Jaune's face. It hit him just under the eye, sending him barrelling to the ground.
"You haven't improved as much as I hoped you had" Lurmina said as she landed back on the ground. Jaune pushed himself back onto his feet with a bit of effort. Being slammed into the ground wasn't fun.
"So no advancing to the next level then"? Jaune groaned.
"That and prepare yourself for punishment" The brown fox nodded.
"What why"?
"Cause when you dodged my dropkick you went to the sky instead of stepping back". Jaune face palmed. He knew that when you were fighting a superior opponent the second dumbest thing to do is jumping into the air. Because once you were in the air you were a sitting duck. Number one was to turn your back to you enemy.
No need to explain that one.
"That said we better get out of here" Lurmina said at the two cracks in the room. Jaune mentally agreed. He did want to know what Goodwitch would give as punishment to him for damaging the room.
"Wow Jauney did you fight a brush and lose"? Nora asked cheerfully as she lay on her bed. That was an accurate description. His body had scrapes all over it and his workout clothes had tears in various places. A few twigs and leaves in his hair made it spot on.
"No just punishment from my aunt for doing something stupid in our spar" Jaune said while holding an ice pack to his face. The punch to the face had given him a nasty bruise. Pyrrha was removing the twigs from his hair.
"By throwing you through a bush" Pyrrha asked.
"No by making me run one round around the Emerald forest and then fighting the Grimm that followed me with my bare hands" Was the reply
"That's unorthodox" Ren said.
"True but it sure is effectiv -ouch" Jaune said but ended with a flinch when Pyrrha put some disinfectant on one of the scrapes. "Warn me the next time you do that".
"I'm sorry"
"You can get slammed around and you don't care but a bit of alcohol make you wince like a baby" Nora grinned.
"Those craters in the training room weren't mine" Jaune objected.
"Nora never said anything about craters or training rooms so why did you said that" Ren inquired. Jaune paused for a moment. He turned to look at Nora whose grin got even bigger.
"You're more sneaky then I expected" Jaune finally said.
"I'm not just muscle fearless leader" Nora said "So Mrs Lurmina and you were having a spar. How good is she"?
"Strong enough that she would kick our asses with two arm bound behind her back" Jaune said casually.
"Even our resident champion" Nora pointed at Pyrrha. Said girl looked embarrassed as her title was brought up.
"Even adding team RWBY wouldn't change a thing".
"A very strong women" Ren said with a nod.
"And with her semblance"? Nora asked.
"Then even adding all of the first students we still wouldn't win" Jaune said it like a fact.
"It's that strong"? Nora asked amazed.
"It's not strong" Jaune shook his head "It's disruptive".
"What does it do? Tell me tell me" Nora seemed to fibrate with excitement. Jaune smiled at her.
"I'm not telling you". Nora's mood did a one hundred and eighty.
"Hmpfh you're mean fearless leader. Getting me al hyped up and then leaving me high and dry". Nora pouted.
"Sorry about that" Jaune scratched the back of his head "But wouldn't it be rude to talk about someone's semblance without the person being here"?
"Jaune got a point there" Ren said "Semblances are a rather personal. Telling some stranger about it without permission could be seen as an act of betrayal". Nora thought about it and then nodded.
"Ok I will just ask the professor about it" Nora declared.
"Save it for tomorrow Nora" The blonde said "Because after classes we're going to some team training".
"Jaune why would professor Arc be at our team exercise"? Pyrrha asked as she put back the medic supplies in Ren's first aid kit. The man sure was prepared.
"Well we're master and disciple so it would be logical for her to be there" Jaune explained.
"It's like we have our own personal instructor" Nora cheered.
"You sure you can do it tomorrow Jaune"? Pyrrha asked concerned. He was pretty banged up.
"Don't worry, I will be fine in the morning" Jaune waved Pyrrha's concern off as he went to is bed. It was getting late. "Well I will see you guys tomorrow". It didn't take long before the team was asleep or almost asleep.
'Wait a minute how did Nora know I was slammed around'? Was Jaune last thought before falling asleep.
That question was still on Jaune's mind as de day progressed. He was now in history class with his team. He was just half paying attention.
"Yes prior to the Faunus Rights Revolution more popularly known as the Faunus War human kind was quite adamant about centralizing the Faunus in Menagerie" Doctor Oobleck lectured zipping around the room while drinking coffee. "While this must feel like ancient history to many of you it is imperative to remember that these are relatively recent events. Why the repercussions of the uprising can still be seen today". Oobleck took another sip. "Now have any among you been subjugated or discriminated because of your Faunus heritage"?
All of the Faunus students raised their hand. Some more timid then others. All except Jaune. Oobleck took notice of this but didn't say anything about it.
"Dreadful, simply dreadful" The doctor said disgusted at the behaviour that had been aimed at his students "Remember students it's precisely this kind of ignorance that breeds violence. I mean just look at what happened to the White Fang". At the mention of the Faunus rights group Jaune eyes became sharp. This too wasn't missed by the doctor.
"Now can anyone tell me what many theorists believe to be the turning point in the third year of the war"? Weiss raised her hand. She got permission to speak.
"The battle at Fort Castle" Weiss answered.
'Whoever thought up that name was a genius' Jaune thought sarcastically.
"Precisely and who can tell me the advantage the Faunus had over General Lagune's forces"? Oobleck asked. At that moment Jaune felt something hit his head. He raised his hand to his head as a reflex.
"Mr Arc" Oobleck said quite happily. He loved it when students actively join in his lectures. "Finally contributing to class. This is excellent. What's the answer"?
"The Faunus used their advantages way better than their foe" Jaune answered.
"You're not wrong but I was hoping for a more specific answer" Doctor Oobleck said "Cardin perhaps you could care to share your thought on the subject"?
Cardin, a burnt-orange hair that is combed backwards with a slight peak at the front and indigo eyes student, who was leaning backwards on his seat answered "Well I know it's a lot easier train am animal than a soldier". Oobleck shook his head in disappointment. A few of the Faunus students glared at him.
"Well I was potty trained at the age of four" Jaune said "So by your logic that means that you probably were eight when you stopped wetting your pants". That caused a few students to snicker.
"What did you say dirty flee bag" Cardin growled.
"Wouldn't that be you because I can smell that you haven't taken a shower today" Was the reply back. More snickers while nearby female students looked disgusted and moved further away for the orange haired boy.
"Ok settle down everyone" The teacher said "Mrs Nikos do you know the answer".
"Night vision" The champion answered "Many Faunus are known to have nearly perfect sight in the dark".
"General Lagune was inexperienced and made the mistake of trying to ambush the Faunus in their sleep" Blake added "His massive army was outmatched and the General was captured". Oobleck was nodding through Blake's answer indicating she was right.
"Perhaps if he paid attention in class he wouldn't have been remembered as such a failure" Blake finished as a snipe towards Cardin.
"Served on a golden platter" Jaune said. Cardin stood up and looked like he was ready to pummel Jaune into the ground.
"Mr Winchester, please take your seat" Oobleck said "You and Mr Arc can both see me after class for additional reading".
'Totally worth it' Jaune thought.
History class had ended. Jaune and Cardin were the only students left in the room.
"You two have been struggling in my class since day one" Oobleck started "Now I don't know if it's a lack of interest or just your stubborn nature but whatever it is it stops now. You worked hard to gain entrance to this school and we only accept the very best. I expect you to act like it. So no more fights in class and start paying attention. History is important gentlemen if you don't learn from it you're destined to repeat it. Pages fifty one to ninety one. Want an essay on my desk by next class. Cardin you can go". Cardin had a smug look on his face as he looked at Jaune.
"Mr Arc when I asked if any of the Faunus were discriminated you were the only one who didn't raise his hand" Oobleck began "However from what you said earlier you aren't afraid of speaking your mind. Sadly society is quite callous towards Faunus kind. So if you don't mind me asking why didn't raise your hand"?
"Easy I have never been discriminated" Was the answer.
"I highly doubt that" The professor said sceptic.
"No really it's true" Jaune said "I have been travelling with my aunt through a lot of outer settlements and not once did it happen".
"While I can certainly believe that, I can't believe that it never happened. You lived in Zannost, a kingdom that to the rest of the world knowledge is a safe haven. Are you implying that even there it never happened"?
"Discrimination is a heavy crime in Zannost professor" Jaune explained "And the punishment for it isn't something you want to get".
"Doctor, I didn't get a PhD for fun" Oobleck said "But what kind of punishment would deterrent people for doing it"?
"Facing your worst fear for a whole week without break" The blonde said casually.
"While that is effective it's also quite barbaric"
"It was even worse when the kingdom wasn't as stable as it is nowadays" Jaune grimaced "Back then it was plain execution and even today that could still happen". Oobleck was a bit shocked to hear that. Vale had abolished her death penalty at the end of The Great War. He could however see why places used capital punishment. If someone did something terrible in an outer settlement execution would swiftly bring an end to the negative emotions, seeing that justice had been delivered. It was however a double edged sword. If people started to fear the death sentence it would lure the Grimm to the village.
"I see" Oobleck took a sip from his coffee "It looks like Zannost's history is a dark one".
"It sure is" Jaune agreed "So was that al or did you need me for something else"?
"My curiosity has been sated. You can go now". As Jaune left the classroom Oobleck was deep in thought. It seemed like Zannost was a harsh place to grow up. Kind of fitting for the kingdom of Duri, if you knew what the meaning in the old tongue was. While it did explain some of Jaune's behaviour, it didn't explain the emotion that flashed through his eyes. When the topic of the White Fang came up people tend to have emotions like disgust, fear, anger, respect, gratitude or among those lines. Jaune's eyes had rage in them. Upset or disappointment where more logical if he thought that the organisation was going down the wrong path. Anger if they had caused a friend problems even if it was indirect. Rage was a too powerful emotion for any person to have. Add that there was no trace of sadness made it very unusual. He didn't ask because he already pried too much when he asked his first question. But that did leave one thing unanswered.
What had cause that rage to fester in the first place?
"There we were in the middle of the night" Nora began ominous. The gang where in the cafeteria having lunch. They only had combat class and survival class before the weekend started. Nora was telling an epic story.
"It was day" Ren corrected.
"We were surrounded by Ursi "
"They were Beowolves"
"Dozens of them"
"Two of them"
"But they were no match and in the end Ren and I took them down and made a boatload of Lien selling Ursa skin rugs" Nora finished proudly.
Ren sighed. "She has having this reoccurring dream for over a month now".
"Wait that was a dream"? Blake asked while having a book in her hand.
"I don't know what's more weird" Weiss said "The fact that she had the same dream for a month or that Ren knows the dream better then Nora".
Ren sighed again.
Jaune smiled as he looked on. Nora was telling another grand adventure while Ren was correcting it.
"Jaune" The Faunus heared to his left. It was Pyrrha trying to get his attention.
"Yeah what is it"?
"You didn't get in a lot of trouble with professor Oobleck"? The champion asked. The rest of the table had gone quieted.
"No, just need to write an essay of page fifty one to ninety one" Jaune replied.
"Yikes that's a pretty hefty punishment" His fellow blonde said.
"If you see it as punishment it sure is"
"What do you mean by that"? Ruby asked.
"Well you're more likely to drag your punishment out if you see it as punishment" Jaune explained "If you see it like help or something fun it will be a lot easier. Add that I suck at history it will only help me inprove".
"That a mature outlook" Weiss said as she was doing her nails "How did you get that"?
"I got little sisters" was the answer.
"I get that they are sometimes too much at times" Yang began. Ruby didn't look happy at that. "It's only for a few moments".
"True but my sisters moments are a continues flow"
"How many do you have then"? Blake asked.
"Two elder ones and five little ones". Yang and Ruby paled at that.
"You guys just imagined seven Yang's and Ruby's right"?
"So much energy"
"So many puns"
"Be glad that there's only one Yang" Jaune said.
"Amen to that" RWB said as one.
"Hey my puns are comical gold" Yang protested.
"More like fools gold" was Weiss reply.
"No need to be so Weiss cold"
"Ok that one was just sad" Nora said.
"Get Noraed Yang" Jaune said.
"Is that a thing now"? Pyrrha Asked.
"Please don't let it be a thing" Ren begged.
"Oh I could use that when I break some legs" Nora cheered. Ren send a glare at his leader. Now he had to deal with that as well. The Faunus leader just smiled back.
"Ow that hurts" someone cried. The gang looked at the direction where the sound cane from. The good mood they had immediately vanished. Cardin was pulling on a rabbit Faunus's ear. His team was laughing at it.
"Please stop" The girl begged.
"I told you it was real" Cardin didn't listen.
"What a freak" Russel said. Cardin finally let go of the girl's ear. The Faunus quickly left the cafeteria.
"Atrocious" Pyrrha said in distain "I can't stand people like him".
"He's not the only one" Blake glared at Cardin and his team.
"It must be hard to be a Faunus" Yang said.
"Not really" Jaune "I should know I am one". Blake's attention went to Jaune.
"Why didn't you help her" Blake accused.
"Wait what"? Jaune was confused. What did he do wrong?
"Why didn't you help her? She is your Faunus sister". Blake said, still glaring at the fox.
"What has that to do with this"? Jaune asked.
"She's your Faunus sibling. You should have helped her. Doing nothing is despicable" The black haired girl's voice started to rise.
"Hypocrite" Was the short reply. Blake flinched at that.
"Hey wait a minute" Yang came to Blake's defence "Blake isn't a Faunus"
"No but she and Cardin are fellow Humans so shouldn't she stop him from being a jerk"? Jaune asked Yang "The Human Faunus problem won't be solved if only one party is doing all the lifting".
"It surely won't be solve if you won't even help your fellow Faunus" Blake accused again.
"That's because she didn't even try to stop it" Jaune said "If she tried, even if it was just to pry her hand free, I would have helped her. Sadly I doubt that you would have gotten of your ass". Blake huffed and continued to glare at Jaune. The blonde Faunus grabbed his tray and got up.
"I will see you guys at combat class" The fox let the group. He never noticed Cardin eyeing him. The leader of CRDL hadn't forgotten how that animal had humiliated him. At combat class he would pick him as opponent and crush him for embarrassing him and getting revenge for Russel. The beast barely even moved during his fights so this should be easy. He couldn't wait to bring him on his knees were he belonged with the rest of his kind.
SoWriteIt here. A little peak at how Zannost society works and a closer look at how that influenced Jaune. How he looks at things like bulling for example. That said I have never read a story that anyone of team JNPR or RWBY just went to help Velvet because it's the right thing to do. And even if someone helps they just stay on their seats. If Jaune does it, it usually to show how strong he is or Velvet falls in love with him and joins the harem. I love it when people do something different like in World of Bloody Evolution by Stormshroud. He did something I haven't seen before and that made it interesting to read.
Anyway that's it for now. See you guys in the next chapter.