Chapter 8: Common Enemy

Everyone watched the match between Cardin Winchester and Jaune Arc, and Jaune was not fairing too well. Granted, Jaune's had a lot of spirit into the fight, but his spirit wasn't as strong as Cardin's brute strength. "Putting up one hell of a fight." Alexi exclaimed as Jaune charged Cardin, but ultimately failed. "True, but the board says otherwise." Dev pointed out as Jaune's aura hit the red. Cardin was about to bring his mace down until a buzzer rang and the lights came on. Professor Goodwitch walked between the two and exclaimed "Students, as you can see, Mr. Arc's aura has dropped into the red. In a tournament style duel, this would indicate that he is unfit for battle and that the official may call the match. Mr. Arc, it has been weeks now, please try to refer to your scroll during combat. Gauging your aura will help you decide when it is appropriate to attack, or when it is better to move to a more… defensive strategy. We wouldn't want you to be gobbled up by a Beowolf, now would we?"

Team Vanguard looked to their team leader, who suddenly grew rigid and tightened his fist. "Easy there Big Guy." Dev exclaimed. "No Beowolves are here to get you." Back on the stage, Cardin grumbled audibly "Speak for yourself." Professor Goodwitch went on "Remember everyone, the Vytal Festival is only a few months away! It won't be long until students from the other kingdoms start arriving in Vale, so keep practicing. Those who chose to compete in the combat tournament will be representing all of Vale." The bell rang and all of the students promptly started to file out of the area and into the mess hall. Teams RWBY, JNPR, SNTL and VAND dominated a table as Nora went on about a dream she had with Ren adding his corrections to the reoccurring dream.

The only one who didn't really seem interested in the story was Jaune, who was playing with his food. Pyrrha questioned "Jaune, are you okay?" He didn't respond for a moment, but then snapped back into reality and responded "Oh, yeah. Why?" Ruby answered "It's just that you seem a little… not… okay." Nigel spoke up from his seat at the end and proclaimed "Come now Jaune! Tell us what is causing you distress and we shall dispatch it immediately! Right companions!?" Victor mocked "Right ho!"

Jaune replied "Guys, I'm fine. Seriously, look." He gave an uncomfortable smile with a thumbs up that fooled no one. Grey exclaimed "Come on Blondie, what is it?" Jaune looked over his shoulder as a boisterous laugh filled the hall. It was Cardin and the rest of his team around Velvet Scarlatina from Team CFVY, a rabbit Faunus. "Cardin has been picking on you since the first week of school." Pyrrha pointed out. "Why don't you try standing up to him?" Nabuya cheered. "That'll show him!" Kira sighed from her tray "Or it will give him more reason to be a bully."

"Aren't you just sunshine and lollipops?" Kristine questioned. "What do you guys think?" Dev was about to take a bite of his sandwich and replied "About the sunshine or Cardin? I would probably repeat the question since my great leader is face deep in his stew." Victor was, literally, face deep in his beef stew since he had his face in the bowl. He lifted his head and the bowl to drain the last of the contents into his mouth with a joyous sigh "That! Was delicious! Another!" He held the bowl over his head as Alexi pointed out "Isn't that your fourth bowl?"

"Maybe, but you know how much I love this stew. What were we talking about?"

He looked at the rest of the table to see them staring at him with raised eyebrows. "What?" Victor questioned. "Do I have something on my face?" Yang laughed "Yeah, the remains of your lunch. Looks like your wolf sister has some influence on you." Victor rolled his eyes and proceeded to clean himself up as Grey chuckled "He just wants to be just like his big sister. Isn't that right, Little Brother?" Victor rolled his eyes again and asked "So what where we talking about?" Blake answered "About Cardin bullying Jaune." Nora jumped up and proclaimed "Oh! We'll break his legs!" Victor agreed "I like that idea. Let's do that." Alexi questioned "Can we do something nonviolent?"

"What does 'nonviolent' mean."

"It means not inflicting pain?"

"You've lost me."

Alexi was about to say something when Velvet cried "Ow! That hurts!" Everyone looked over to see Cardin pulling on Velvet's ears and laughing "I told you they were real." Two people immediately stood up, Deveraux and Victor who both had murder in their eyes. "You thinkin what I'm thinkin Big Guy?" Deveraux questioned as he stepped next to Victor. "For once, I think we may actually agree on something." Victor exclaimed as he set his bowl down. "You want to take lead on this or shall I?"

"I got this."

Dev took the lead and walked over to Cardin with Victor right behind him, Dev barking "Hey Winchester!" Cardin looked over at the two, still holding onto Velvet's ears, and replied "What do you two freaks want?" Dev opened his mouth when he heard Victor growling, like literally growling. Dev turned his head and looked out the corner of his eye to see Victor with a sneer on his face and teeth bared. "I'll talk to him later about that, but right now…" Dev thought as he turned back to Cardin.

"How about you let the lady go?" Dev questioned with his hands in his pockets. "What? You mean this freak?" Cardin questioned as he tugged on Velvet's ears again. Dev glared at Cardin and snarled "Let. Her. Go. Winchester." Cardin returned the glare, keeping his grip on Velvet's ears, and replied "How about you tell your dog to sit." Cardin's glare redirected to Victor and whistled "Sit boy. Look! A Beowo…"

Cardin never finished his statement since Victor's fist connected with Cardin's face, releasing his grip on Velvet's ears and throwing Cardin back. Dev reacted quickly and ducked underneath Victor's arm to meet Dove and Russel, who were charging Victor from over the table. He grabbed them both by their throats and slammed them down to the floor. He looked over his shoulder to see Victor grab Cardin by the front on his armor and slam him back first onto the table. Dev also saw Alexi jump over the table and collide with Sky, bringing them both to the floor.

Dev looked to Dove and Russel to see that their eyes were rolling to the backs of their heads and his grip on their throats was a little tight. Dev let them go to see Alexi throw a punch and crack Sky across the face and Victor repeatedly slam Cardin onto the table. Dev heard Victor growl as he slammed Cardin one more time "If I ever catch you picking on anyone ever again, I will end you." Victor let go of Cardin, who rolled onto his stomach with a groan as Professor Goodwitch exclaimed over the school intercom "Teams VAND and CRDL, report to Professor Ozpin's office immediately." Dev looked around to see Nigel comforting Velvet, who was on the very edge of tears. Victor announced "Vanguard, let's get going."

He started walking out with his team right behind him and they headed to Professor Ozpin's office. "Think we're in trouble for beating the hell out of Team CRDL?" Alexi questioned. "We might be able to squeeze out of it with a lesser punishment since we were defending Velvet." Victor replied. "We really gave them an ass kicking. I think they had it coming to them." Dev added.

"Yeah, they really did. Nice work with Velvet Nigel, you really calmed her down."

"Why thank you Victor. It seemed like the thing to do. You went a little hard with Cardin in the cafeteria, the slamming was a little much."

Victor chuckled, like Nigel just said a joke, "I think I've told you guys, I have a bit of an anger issue. It really comes out when people pick on Faunus. Welp, here we are." The team stopped in front of Professor Ozpin's door and stared for a moment, unsure of what to do. Victor lifted a hand and wrapped a knuckle on the door, Professor Ozpin answering "Enter. All of you." Victor opened the door and the team filed in to see Professor Ozpin sitting behind his desk with Professor Goodwitch behind him, looking very unhappy. There were two seats in front of the desk, Professor Ozpin gesturing to an empty seat and exclaiming "Take a seat, Mr. Roman." Victor sat down with his team behind him as Ozpin intertwined his fingers in front of his face, the room in a horrible silence.

They all waited until there was another knock and Team CRDL entered, Ozpin going through the same motions as Team VAND. Cardin took a seat next to Victor, a glare coming out of the corner of both of their eyes. "Explain to me why this incident in the cafeteria happened." Ozpin exclaimed as he reached for his mug. "I have no idea why this happened." Cardin immediately exclaimed as Victor opened his mouth. "My team was just sitting there when these guys attacked us!" Victor bit the inside of his lip to prevent himself from lashing out at Cardin. "Do the rest of your team agree with your story?" Ozpin questioned as he brought his mug away from his face. All of Team CRDL nodded in agreement as Alexi barked "Bullshit! You lying…" Victor brought up his hand and Alexi quieted down as Victor exclaimed "Let them tell their side, and we will tell ours. Understood Alexi?"

"…"

"Understood?"

"Understood."

Victor lowered his hand as Professor Ozpin questioned "Then what is your side of the story?" Victor took a breath and explained "My team was in the cafeteria with Teams RWBY, JNPR, and SNTL eating lunch when we saw Team CRDL mocking Velvet Scarlatina about her ears. After they were done mocking her, Mr. Winchester began to pull on Mrs. Scarlatina's ears and make jokes. That was when Deveraux and I got up and intervened into the situation. Granted, I did throw the first punch and hit Mr. Winchester in the face. That prompted Deveraux to take on Mr. Bronzewing and Mr. Thrush while Alexi got into a conflict with Mr. Lark. The three of them would have jumped me if my team had not intervened."

"And what of Mr. Holland?"

"He was helping Mrs. Scarlatina through her moment since the rest of the team was handling themselves."

"I see."

Cardin barked "That's a load of crap! You jerks attacked us for no reason!" Professor Goodwitch interjected "That is enough Mr. Winchester. We have video footage of the entire altercation. While Mr. Roman did throw the first punch, it was in defense of Mrs. Scarlatina." Team VAND tried to hide their smirks as the color washed from Team CRDL's faces. "However," Professor Ozpin added, "both sides will be punished for violation of the rules. Both teams will receive their punishments within a few days. You are all dismissed and do not let this happen again." Both team leaders rose and they all filed out of the door into the hall way.

Both teams faced each other in an aura of aggression as the leaders stared each other down. Of course, Cardin had to look up at Victor while Victor looked down at Cardin. "This is far from over, freak lover." Cardin growled. Victor remained silent as Team CRDL walked away, all of Team VAND's hands clenched into fists. "What do you think our punishment is going to be?" Dev finally questioned, breaking the silence.

"I don't know, but Team CRDL's punishment had better be much worse since they are all assholes." Alexi grumbled. "Quite so, my foul mouthed friend." Nigel exclaimed. Victor turned to his team and exclaimed "Let's just go about our day. I'll be at the gym, I have some steam I need to blow off." The team dispersed throughout the school and went about their day.

O00000O00000O

Victor was in the gym on the bench press, basically taking up all of the 45 lb. weights since they were all on the bar. Victor took in a breath as he brought the weight down and then basically let out a growl as he brought the weight up. He did another few reps and then racked the weight with a massive clang. "Care to share the weights with the rest of the gym?" Victor heard someone question. He sat up to see Blake walking over to him, strangely a book not in her face. "Hey Blake. Can I help you with something?" Victor questioned.

"Just wanted to ask you a question." Blake answered as Victor grabbed a large pair of dumbbells and went to the incline bench. "Yes, today is chest day." Victor responded as he started to lift the massive weights up and proceeded his work out.

"Not even close to what I was going to ask."

Victor set his weights on the ground and responded "Then what would you like to ask?" Blake looked around the gym and questioned quietly "Why are you hiding your ears with all that hair?" Victor was reaching for his weights when he looked back up at Blake with a serious look and responded "I have no…"

"There is no point in lying to me Victor. I know that you're Faunus."

Victor sighed "What gave it away?" Blake crossed her arms and answered "Let's see. You eat like a dog, growl like a dog and most importantly… you smell like a dog." Victor couldn't help but chuckle and reply "I could ask you the same thing. Why do you wear that bow around your ears?" Blake gave him a look that he couldn't really place as irritation or anything really. "It's probably the same as my reason." Victor continued as he grabbed his weights. "You want people to judge for who you are, not what you are. I get it."

"I just wanted to see how you would react when I confronted you about it." Blake responded. "So you and Grey are actually siblings."

"Yep. Mom's a Faunus and Dad was human. Me and Grey are fraternal twins and we have a little sister named Marie. Any other questions?"

"I don't have any other questions. I'll see you around Victor."

"See you later."

Blake left and Victor continued his work out, honestly feeling a little bit better that he wasn't the only hiding what he really was.

O00000O00000O

Everyone's heads shifted back and forth as Professor Oobleck darted back and forth across the front of the classroom as he gave his lecture. He was talking a lot about the Human-Faunus War and also being very close to giving every student whiplash. "Now, have any among you been subjugated or discriminated against because of your Faunus heritage?" Professor Oobleck questioned. Nigel sat next to Velvet, who seemed incredibly nervous about raising her hand until another Faunus raised their hand. She finally brought her hand up as Professor Oobleck exclaimed "Dreadful, simply dreadful. It is precisely this type of ignorance that breeds violence. I mean, I mean, look what happened to the White Fang! Now, which one of you young scholars can tell me what many theorists believe was the turning point in the third year of the war?"

Weiss' hand immediately shot up as Nigel slowly raised his like he was too bored to answer the question. Weiss answered "The Battle at Fort Castle." Professor Oobleck replied "Precisely! And who can tell me the advantage the Faunus had over General Lagune?" Nigel looked over as June grumbled "Hey!" Professor Oobleck caught it immediately and proclaimed "Mr. Arc! Finally contributing to class! This is excellent! Excellent! What is the answer?" Jaune attempted to answer "The answer… the advantage…"

"This is utterly painful to watch." Nigel chuckled as he looked away. "I can't do it. Tell me how it ends Velvet!" Velvet chuckled a bit at Nigel's joke, prompting a smile from Nigel and exclaiming "You really should smile more often my dear. You have quite a lovely smile." Nigel couldn't help but hear Jaune's attempted answer continue "Of the Faunus… over the guy's stuff… binoculars!" Nigel couldn't help but laugh at Jaune's answer along with the rest of the class. "Very funny Mr. Arc." Professor Oobleck commented as he darted behind his desk. "Cardin, perhaps you would care to share your thoughts on the subject?"

"Well, I know it's easier to train an animal than it is a warrior." Cardin commented, receiving a bunch of dirty looks from a few people. "You're not the most open minded of individuals, are you Cardin?" Pyrrha commented. "What? You got a problem?" Cardin immediately snapped. "Ms. Nikos may not have a problem with you, but I for one do. Mr. Winchester." Nigel spoke up as he stood. Cardin stood up and glared at Nigel as the Brit went on "Your basic ignorance of Faunus history and culture are despicable. Rapscallions such as yourself are the reason that aggression and discrimination against Faunus exist and prevent us from ascending beyond the mortal dung we now live in." Everyone stared at Nigel in general confusion since no one understood a word that he said.

"I think that Nigel is saying that the world won't get any better unless we end discrimination and work together." Velvet interpreted in a quiet voice. "Precisely me dear Velvet!" Nigel declared. "Now that our philosophical debate is over, does anyone have the answer?" Professor Oobleck questioned. "I have the answer." Pyrrha proclaimed. "It's night vision. Many Faunus are known to have nearly perfect sight in the dark." Blake added "General Lagune was inexperienced and made the mistake of trying to ambush the Faunus in their sleep. His army was outmatched and the General was captured." Nigel interjected "Perhaps if he'd paid attention in class, he wouldn't have been remembered as such a failure." Cardin did not appear happy to be made the fool of class as he stood up in an aggressive stance. "Mr. Winchester, please take your seat." Jaune laughed until Professor Oobleck shot in front of him and proclaimed "You and Mr. Arc can both see me after class for additional readings."

The class went on as normal until the bell rang and almost everybody left.

O00000O00000O

Pyrrha brought Jaune to the rooftop of their building with the intent of helping Jaune with his fighting technique. What she didn't expect was to find Nigel sitting on the edge and staring up at the sky. "Hey Nigel." Jaune greeted. "What are you doing up here?" Nigel took a deep breath and sighed "Nothing, just divulging on childish dreams." Pyrrha raised an eyebrow and questioned "What do you mean?"

"Do you ever look up at the night sky and just wonder if there is anything else out there? I did a lot as a child, and I still do now. Could you imagine being able to soar among the stars and explore the final frontier?"

"I'm still not following." Jaune replied. "Space travel, my dear boy, space travel." Nigel answered. "But enough of my childish dreams, what brings the two of you up here?" Pyrrha answered "I came up here to make Jaune an offer." Nigel stood up and questioned along with Jaune "An offer?"

"Yes. Jaune, I want to help you train. We can come up here after class where no one can bother us."

Jaune replied in a sad tone "You think I need help?" Nigel chuckled "Come now my boy, there is no need to be ashamed. All of us require help at one point in our lives. It happens to everyone." Pyrrha jumped in "Everyone requires a little push now and then. It doesn't make you any different from the rest of us. You made it to Beacon. That speaks volumes of what you can do."

"Right ho! Come now Jaune! Keep a stiff upper lip and ready yourself! Things will only get harder unless you work at it!"

Jaune turned away from the two and sighed "You're wrong, both of you." Pyrrha replied "That's a terrible thing to say! Of course you do!" Nigel shook his head and added "Come now. There is no sense is beating yourself up about a bad day." Jaune spun around and barked "No! I don't! I… wasn't really accepted into Beacon." Nigel was struck silent as Pyrrha questioned "What do you mean?"

"I mean I didn't go to combat school! I didn't pass any tests! I didn't earn my spot in the academy! I lied… I got my hands on some fake transcripts… and I lied."

"What? But… why?"

"Because this is what I've always wanted to be! My father, my grandfather and his father before him were all warriors! They were all heroes… and I wanted to be one too. I just wanted to be good enough."

"Then let me help you."

Jaune spun away from Pyrrha's touch and shouted "I don't want help! I don't want to be the damsel in distress! I want to be the hero!" Pyrrha tried to add in but Jaune went on "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 took a step towards Jaune, but he backed away and grumbled "Just… leave me alone." Pyrrha replied "If that's what you think is best." She walked away and Nigel exclaimed "Think about your choices Jaune. If you so desperately want to be the hero, then earn it. No one simply becomes a hero, they work for it."

Jaune was going to argue, but Nigel went on with his lecture "You have a team, Jaune, a team to lead. We all have to work together if we wish to survive this school and life outside of it. You are never going to be working alone and have the spotlight on you. If you want to lone wolf Beacon, you may as well leave."

"You're one to talk! You and your team hate each other!"

"And yet none of us try to take everything on alone! Yes, I would rather knock a few teeth out of each of their heads but I do what I must to survive. Think about you do next, Mr. Arc. You actions dictate that you belong here, and right now, you truly don't. Have a goodnight, Mr. Arc."

Nigel left, a little angry that he just had to lecture a team leader that interrupted his star gazing.

As'/N: Here is the next chapter! Sorry again for another one being so late. Chief's been working good on each one and I'd rather it stay that way. Hope you guys enjoy!