After his rather embarrassing fall, Jaune was sure to walk a bit more carefully. Although he wasn't fully bothered by it considering Blake had unlocked his Aura. The knight could feel a new sort of energy run through his body. He felt safe, powerful even.
He and Blake had been walking through the forest for a few minutes now in the quiet, and he felt the urge to break the silence. "So Blake… Where are you from?" she gave him a small glare and continued walking away. "Right, we'll avoid small talk." Jaune said in a deflated tone.
Jaune was conflicted about his new partner. On one hand, she held a confident stride, like she knew how to handle herself. On the other hand, she clearly had no interest in small talk or 'getting to know you' conversations. Well at the very least he would have a whole two other people on his team!
He began to wonder who else would be joining his team.
Getting her feet on the ground had been the least of Yang's problems. The girl ran through the forest with her usual care-free attitude. That's probably what got her wrapped up in her current predicament. Yang rolled to the side quickly dodging the claws of an Ursa. The current predicament was a pair of very angry Ursa. Yang took the opening and delivered a haymaker to the beast's open side. The brawler stayed nimble, dodging another strike by shooting her gauntlets to the side and letting the momentum create space between her and the Grimm. A hail of rockets fired from Yang's weapons but had little effect on the charging beasts. The first raised its paw high and slammed it down, which Yang caught with her left arm and proceeded to unleash a devastating uppercut to Grimm's exposed stomach.
The first Grimm began to disintegrate as she chuckled, taking a look at the second Grimm which began to slowly retreat backward. "I guess it's just you and me pal!". The blonde prepared to get in close, but a green streak flew through the air, cutting through the Grimm's left leg! A second streak raced out of the forest and hit true, severing Grimm's head. Yang deflated "Hey! Whoever you are, I don't need help!" she yelled with a growl.
A twig cracked behind her and Yang spun on her heel, arm wound up for a punch, but she was stopped in her tracks, as a boy in green caught her outstretched arm in an open palm. "Nice catch." Yang threw a wink at her newly minted partner as he let go of her.
He was taller than her, dressed in green with dark hair, and had stunning pink eyes. "My name is Lie Ren, but please call me Ren." His voice was monotone and serious.
"Well Ren, I'm Yang Xiao Long. You can call me Yang" she teased with a giggle. Ren simply nodded, and the two began to walk into the forest.
The walk through the Emerald forest would have been a peaceful affair, if not for his newly minted partner. Yang's loud voice and her barrage of questions made sure of that. "So Ren, where are you from?"
Ren wasn't interested in divulging his past to Yang currently, but he was willing to placate her questioning. "I grew up in Mistrial with Nora." Yang looked as if she was going to push for more information but Ren quickly asked "Where are you from?" Yang went on about the Island of Patch, her father, Uncle, and sister. Ren listened rather loosely. Yang seemed like a good partner, but he felt uncomfortable being separated from Nora.
The two trainees were soon led to an open field, which was dotted with the remains of an ancient building. "You think this is the place?" Yang questioned.
"I believe so." Ren began to make his way towards the ruins as Yang followed close behind.
"So you're not much of a talker, huh?" Ren sighed. Hopefully Yang will catch on sooner or later.
"Indeed," He responded. They entered the loose string of pillars, which revealed several platforms holding Chess pieces. "I'd rather focus on the mission." He stated simply.
"Ah, mission first type of guy. I like a serious guy." She said with a. Ren replied with a Stern look. "Okay, not the joking type either."
Ren observed the pieces closely. "It appears that students have already passed through here. Several pieces are missing."
Yang walked up to the White Knight. "How about a pony!?" Ren gave a small smile, and nodded in agreement. It reminded him of something Nora would do.
The sudden sound of explosions also reminded him of Nora. "Are those explosions getting closer?" Yang questioned.
"Yes." An earth shattering roar suddenly occurred, as two students were sent flying towards them.
One of the students recovered mid-air, and landed gracefully next to them. Such bravado couldn't be mistaken. " Heya Ren!" Nora screeched. Nora gave an inquisitive look towards Yang. "Is that your partner? Nora questioned.
Ren nodded. "I lost my partner!" A girl in white was thrown directly between the two. "There she is! Ren this is Weiss, Weiss this is Ren!"
Weiss stumbled to her feet "Nora! You are insufferable!"
Ren felt a sting of anger run through him at those words. "Thank you!" Nora responded
"That wasn't a compliment! Can we focus on killing this Grimm that you woke up and move on with this?"
Before she could respond the distinct sound of a Nevermore flew ahead, and two new students joined their little group. "Ruby!" Yang exclaimed.
Ren sighed. His school career wasn't going as smoothly as he originally had thought.
Jaune and Blake were about to break the forest line. When they entered the clearing they saw pandemonium. Giant Grimm and students locked in combat. The two students made eye contact.
"It's not too late to go back into the forest, you know." Jaune offered. Blake rolled her eyes and ran to the battle weapons in hand. "Oh man…" Jaune brought his sword and shield to bear as they entered the fray.