Still, I'm not sure if I want to go the full NSFW route. So you have this at moment. No NSFW moments this chapter. Only (badly written, I really hope not) fluff and questionable things like mind control.
Also... another important thing... English is not my first language . So expect wonky grammar and weird expressions. If you would like to comment on this, I would gladly
accept criticism
Pyrrha.
You have slain an enemy
Pyrrha was bouncing. The redhead felt ecstatic; it was another productive day for her and her partner. Ever since the dance, things just clicked. She finally cracked the code that was Jaune.
An ally has been slain
Since she started training him, she asked herself what was wrong with her classmates. Jaune wasn't weak. He wasn't talentless; he was a goldmine, no… a mountain with diamonds and with untapped resources. Pyrrha tried to reach that potential for months, but all her mining tools were useless. Nothing seemed to work. Argus Spartan training, Vacuo swordsmanship, Menagerie martial arts, Vale fencing, Atlas fighting techniques.
The answer was in dancing, and a mix of everything else. Jaune was an all-rounder. How Pyrrha couldn't see it?!
Double kill!
Apparently, it took seeing Jaune dancing in a dress. Pyrrha giggled at the memory. It warmed her heart. He did it. He kept his promise to her.
And then… In the middle of the dance, all made sense to Pyrrha. Jaune already knew how to move. The moves and the fundamentals of the techniques were already there. All it lacked were the applications.
Pyrrha cursed herself for not seeing it, an entire semester smashing her head against a wall and wasting Jaune's time. No wonder why Jaune was frustrated! Pyrrha frowned at remembering his distraught face in each combat class. The redhead wanted to slap herself for her ill thought training; she was training a dancer to be a robot!
Triple kill!
Now all of it made sense, his stiff movements and his weird reaction times, the twitches in his limbs and his forced combat stance. His combat stance was his dance stance. His body was his greatest weapon, and his aura was his shield. Fortunately, Jaune was physically fit, and her physical regime made sure to maintain and bolster that condition.
Quadra kill!
The first training session after the dance was marvelous. It was adorable seeing Jaune's confused expression when she asked him to dance with her. Pyrrha giggled at seeing his nervous face. It only caused her the necessity of hugging him on the spot.
Pyrrha explained to him she finally found the perfect combat style for him. She told him to dodge her attacks, treat the spar as if it was a dance.
It was awkward at first, but once Jaune found rhythm, he literally could dance around her attacks!
It was magical! It was exciting! When was the last time she was excited about a fight?! Yes, she wasn't going all out against him, but while they fought against each other, she could feel how the fight was going faster, faster and harder.
Crocea Mors clashed against Milo and Akoúo, the 'Yellow death' no longer was weak against 'Speak' and 'Listen'. The Steel sang against steel, and Pyrrha and Jaune fought.
No… they danced.
Neither of them were aware of how bad the weather was that night, how the little drops of water clashed against the rooftop's floor and mixed with their sweat.
Thunder cracked each time their blades clashed and the lightning's light reflected on the steel.
Then their crescendo came to an abrupt climax.
Crocea Mors broke.
Penta Kill!
Pyrrha blushed at the memory. She lost count of how many times she said 'I'm sorry'. She didn't mean to do that! The redhead normally didn't have such a short fuse. Her mom could attest that… maybe not, but she was sure at least a lot of people did.
Still … It was an accident! She didn't mean to channel aura into Milo. And she didn't account for Jaune to do the same … Proudness filled the champion's chest when Jaune did that. When she met him a semester ago, he didn't know what aura was in the first place. Now, six months later, he could channel aura into objects. A technique that a normal person only could master after years under tutelage. Her blonde partner didn't have the preparation, but he had the potential. A potential he demonstrated in their spar.
She still could feel it. Jaune's aura resounding across the air, across Crocea Mors. Each time their weapons clashed, their auras did, too. With each movement, a trail of aura followed.
With each clash, their auras resounded. Yes, she could still feel Jaune's aura. Warm and big. It resounded across her body, mixed with her own. It enveloped her like a hug.
At some point during their dance, the redhead channeled aura in Milo. Her sparring partner matched her movements, aura spreading across Crocea Mors.
Pyrrha got excited, Jaune did too. The champion forgot that Jaune himself still was a novice with Aura Channeling. Even if he maintained it during the fight, it wasn't still strong enough, at least not to match Pyrrha's own aura. It didn't matter if Jaune's aura was larger by a considerable margin, not if he burned it so fast. And if one were to take on to account Pyrrha's aura, they would find it hard to counter it. The champion's aura was forged through years of training and battles. There was no wasted use of energy, no unnecessary movements.
Jaune wasn't still at Pyrrha's level. But in that spar she felt he improved by miles, so Pyrrha's enthusiasm did too.
The blonde's aura flickered when Milo made its counter attack. Her aura resounded across Crocea Mors at the same time a lightning illuminated both of them and when Crocea Mors' broken pieces were on the ground, the thunder cracked.
Victory.
Pyrrha blinked. Her Fate of Remnant's match had ended. That was fast. Her team made its way towards the enemy dust nexus. After the champion's champion exterminated the enemy team, there was no opposition. Well, at least the enemy Ozymandias had attempted to stop her. Still, he was no match for her, not when he fed her entire team since the beginning of the match.
0sc4r_P1n3 (Ozymandias) has left the chat.
Desert_Dew (Arash) has left the chat.
Quicksilver (Hermes): Report Oz feeder, GG NO TEAM.
Quicksilver (Hermes) has left the chat.
A_R3AL_G1RL (Brynhildr): WUNDERBAR GAME MEIN FREUNDS. SALUTATIONS AND PEACE OUT.
A_R3AL_G1RL (Brynhildr) has left the chat.
Ell4_C1ND3RS (Gilgamesh): GG EZ.
69_PussyD3stroyer_69 (Hassan): Report Hermes flamer.
69_PussyD3stroyer_69 (Hassan) has left the chat.
Winter_Schnee (Arthur): Well played team, honor to Achilles.
Not_Pyrrha_Nikos (Achilles): Thanks! Good game everybody!
Ell4_C1ND3RS (Gilgamesh) has left the chat.
Winter_Schnee (Arthur) has left the chat.
Not_Pyrrha_Nikos (Achilles) has left the chat.
Pyrrha tossed her scroll aside. She sat on the bed, Jaune's bed. She still wondered if she wasn't being too forward. But he didn't seem to mind. Pyrrha's gaze wandered across the room, then it stopped in the bathroom's door.
Jaune was still taking a shower. He always took his time in the bathroom. He said it was because he needed his beauty time. All those empty bottles of hair products didn't lie, though she would give him he used excellent products, she used them too.
She waited a little. Her blonde partner left the bathroom. He hummed as he entered the dorm. He had a towel wrapped around his lower body. She admired her handiwork (She didn't ogle, no matter what Nora said!)
"Pyrrha."
One of things she found most endearing about Jaune was his lack of shame. Ever since she laid her eyes on Jaune, she could tell each time he didn't put on his bravado, he would wear his heart on the sleeve, it was more notorious after Forever Fall. While he was not confident of his skills, he didn't seem bothered showing off his body to others, no matter his state of dress or in this case his lack of.
"Uh, Pyrrha."
The champion nodded as she saw Jaune's body. At the beginning of the semester, he had a quite… toned physique. He wasn't skinny, just lean. Now, after all the training they did together, his body was buffed, his abdomen was more defined. She even dared to say he was taller.
"Pyrrha!"
"Y-Yeah, Jaune?" Jaune's voice snapped Pyrrha off her ogling.
"You were kind of staring at the void. Are you okay?"
Crap! She just kept looking, didn't she?
"Yes! I'm okay, I was just thinking," Not a lie, she told herself.
"Okay… If you need anything, just tell me," said Jaune after a brief pause, then he added. "Also, could you move? You are sitting on my shirt."
"Oh, sorry," said Pyrrha, as a faint blush appeared on her cheeks. She stood up and went to her own bed with embarrassment creeping across her body.
Still, she let her gaze wander when Jaune put on his shirt. It wasn't like she was doing anything wrong, right?
Pyrrha shook her head. Of course, she wasn't doing anything wrong! He was her partner! The redhead was only making sure he didn't have any injury. Normal partner things.
"Pyr, I think I'm going to hit the bed, g'night."
"Good night Jaune," said the redhead with a smile.
The blonde returned the smile with one of his own and then he said.
"Thanks for everything,"
Pyrrha's heart skipped a bit, and she wanted to say something back, but before she could, Jaune yawned as he stretched his arms, then he fell on his bed and fell asleep too.
The redhead shook her head as she smiled. Not only Jaune had improved, but her relationship too. Maybe it was only the spring vacations, but now there were more moments spent with her partner.
And in those moments, there were no more awkward silences where Pyrrha had no idea what to say in order to keep alive a conversation. Mainly because she didn't feel the need to say something, she didn't feel obligated. Jaune made her feel comfortable, made her want to stay with him. She could be Pyrrha, the normal-knees girl. Not some fake celebrity persona, just Pyrrha, who had "weird" hobbies, hobbies that could share with Jaune.
From the turbulent Remnant's rift of FOR, to the epic adventure of Maiden's Gate. It turned out that videogames were a shared interest of the couple.
The both of them had made game nights a tradition. It was perfect. Just Pyrrha and Jaune. Nora and Ren would usually hang out outside. Something about spending Nora's energy.
Pyrrha liked to see Jaune play. She liked to see the fire in Jaune's eyes when she was winning in a game. And she loved how that fire was beginning to manifest when they had their nightly practices on the roof.
She just wished that fire would show more in the combat classes. Or when they were in public. Pyrrha knew that maybe it was too much for Jaune to do. But she didn't like how sometimes their classmates would look down upon Jaune.
They didn't know anything. Those troublemakers of RWBY sometimes would do the same. She just wished to show them how amazing Jaune was becoming.
If there was a way, Pyrrha would take it. As she looked at the sleeping form of Jaune with fondness, she just knew her knight would surprise her.
Just as he always did.
Pyrrha.
And surprised she was. There was no other way to describe it. The champion was on her knees, both of her shield and sword were thrown out at her sides. She couldn't control her breath. Partly because she was tired, and partly because she couldn't control her excitement.
She had lost to Jaune!
The invincible girl was no longer undefeatable. Pyrrha Nikos the champion was no more!
She stared at Jaune's blue eyes. Those eyes were looking at her with surprise. The blonde was trembling on his knees. He was at that point where he was tired enough that he couldn't stay firm on the ground.
It had been only one week since Croce Mors broke. Seven days of intense training and dances. It turned out that Jaune was more than a genius of "battle dancing". The knight was a monster of battles.
A smile began to form on Pyrrha's face. It began as a small smile, and it transformed into a full, wide, toothy grin.
Jaune smiled shyly at this, then his face displayed a full, goofy grin. She loved that grin on his face. It was adorable!
"You… You did it! You beat me in a fight!" said Pyrrha as she tried to get up, but failed in the process. Jaune caught her with her arms before she fell on her knees again.
For a moment, Jaune frowned, trying to process what she had said. "I beat you… I DID!"
The blonde embraced her into a full hug and even lifted her!
They spun as Pyrrha giggled. This was everything she hoped for. She had known it since day one! Jaune had not only to be a good huntsman, but one of the best!
And she would make sure to fulfill that destiny, and more importantly, to be part of Jaune's growth. She felt that if they stayed together, they would accomplish marvelous things.
She couldn't wait for Jaune to show everyone how he had grown. For RWBY to be surprised, for Nora and Ren to be amazed. She knew for sure that the person who would be more startled by Jaune's growing combat prowess would be Professor Goodwitch.
There was, after all, a small part of her that wished to see Professor Goodwitch's disapproving frown wiped out from her face.
As Jaune gently put her on the ground, he said to her in a soft tone.
"Thank you for everything, seriously thank you for being here with me," Jaune's voice cracked as Pyrrha's face pressed against the crane of his neck.
This time Pyrrha got to answer.
"Oh Jaune! I wouldn't know where I would be If I hadn't you… I'm glad to be part of your life,"
Once those words left Pyrrha's mouth. The blonde's blue eyes got teary, and he leaned forward to embrace her in another hug, a more meaningful one.
And then it happened.
At first, it was subtle. It could be mistaken for Jaune's warm hug. But the warmness was spreading across her body, slowly but steadily. Until it covered her from her head to her toes.
Then, the sore muscles weren't sore any longer. Her legs didn't feel weak. Whatever tiredness she had disappeared.
Finally, power came. Full, raw, unaltered power. She hadn't felt so complete in her life. So capable of doing something.
"Pyr! You're glowing!" said Jaune with wide eyes as he stared surprised at Pyrrha. "I think I did something! But I don't know what!" Jaune began to panic.
"Jaune! This is incredible! I don't feel tired anymore," Pyrrha said with an excited voice. "Look!"
Pyrrha aimed with one of her hands at her weapon. Then she closed her fist. Milo began to distort, its surface began to look and flow as if it were water.
But it wasn't only that. Pyrrha could manipulate metals with her semblance, but now she also could feel each of the components of her weapon. Different metals, different alloys. Now she could manipulate its properties too.
Milo became a metallic liquid stream. The champion made Milo swirl and twist. She made the weapon take many forms outside of its usual mecha-shift forms.
A trident. A Katana. A scythe.
Crocea Mors.
Jaune's look was one of pure amazement. With his jaw open wide and his eyes nailed to Milo's many forms.
"W-what? Pyrrha? You couldn't do that before, right?" asked Jaune, as he glanced at Pyrrha.
"No," said Pyrrha with curiosity. Then she realized it. "I think we just discovered your semblance," said Pyrrha as she stared at Jaune, with one of her rarest facial expressions, a wild grin.
Jaune blinked a few times as he tilted his head with a confused look. And then he nodded as he reached a conclusion.
"Ah, I must have… amplified your aura and amplified your semblance, right?" said Jaune with hesitance and doubt in his voice. It seemed that Jaune still didn't believe what was happening in front of his eyes.
"Yes, Jaune," said Pyrrha as she stopped manipulating Milo, said weapon fell on to the ground. Then she leaned forward to give Jaune one of the fiercest hugs she had given in her life.
"You didn't only defeat me, but you discovered your semblance also!" There was proudness filling Pyrrha's body with each second that passed.
As Jaune returned the hug, he muttered with awe. "Awesome"
Then with a childish glee he added. "Imagine the possibilities! Even the weight of things you can lift must have increased! You could even lift me or something like that!"
At hearing that last part. Pyrrha's eyes gained a mischievous glint, and then thought, why not do that?
Pyrrha broke the hug and aimed with her hand at Jaune, with the intention of lifting with the help of his light armor. Normally, she would be able to push opponents very far, but not to control them in the air.
"Uh Pyr, you are not doing what I'm thinking, right?" said Jaune with a nervous grin.
"It is exactly what you think," said Pyrrha playfully. Jaune let out a resigned sigh.
"Fine," said Jaune. "But no funny business, yes, Missy?" the blonde added in a mock voice.
Pyrrha snorted. "There is no such thing as funny business. There is only fun!"
And Pyrrha activated her semblance. But instead of the effect she desired, of lifting Jaune a few inches (or feet) in the air. Something happened, something that shouldn't have happened.
Jaune's eyes went dark.
It took Pyrrha a few seconds to realize that something had gone wrong. Where there were two shining blue eyes, now they were replaced by two dark ocean pools.
Pyrrha felt a new surge of power. But this power was a different one from when she manipulated Milo at her heart's desire. This was not a physical one. This new ability was more intimate. One that could listen to the soul and speak to the mind. One that the champion was going to discover now.
"J-jaune?" asked Pyrrha as she frowned. The champion began to get worried, not to the point where she felt the necessity to panic, but to the point where she felt a pit in her stomach.
"Jaune?" Pyrrha repeated. "Are you okay?"
There was no answer. No sign of intelligent life. Just a blank face and a lifeless stare. One that was beginning to get Pyrrha uncomfortable, one that made her fear for her partner.
"T-this is not funny, Jaune!" Pyrrha tried to find a reasonable explanation for her partner's behavior. But again there was no answer.
"Please! Listen to me!"
Pyrrha hadn't paid attention to the latest surge of Power. But now came into action. For a moment, her vision zoomed. And she wasn't seeing Jaune any longer. Now she was seeing herself. This new vision was like Jaune saw her. A smile and a hand extended at him.
Warmness, Pride, Belonging, Love.
"Yes Pyrrha?" and the champion was thrown out of her trance. Her partner's voice was devoid of emotion. There was an icy tone in how he spoke. It wasn't the usual kind tone Jaune used, neither was unkind.
And that was the moment Pyrrha understood what was happening. At least to a certain degree. The thing was that it was just so… unbelievable.
But unbelievable or not, Pyrrha decided to act.
"Jaune, please. Return to normal," said Pyrrha with the hope that her partner would be alright. The redhead didn't know if it was going to work, but to her at this moment, it was the only thing that made sense.
A few seconds later, and a few blinks from Jaune's part, Pyrrha let out a sigh of relief. Jaune's eyes shined again.
"Uh, Pyr? I think I spaced out harder than any other moment in my life. You didn't lift me, right?" Jaune's voice was full of emotion once again. Nervousness, honesty and kindness.
Pyrrha leaned forward to give Jaune a hug. The blonde stared at her with genuine curiosity but returned the hug.
"Not that I don't mind the hug Pyr… but did something happen I miss?"
"Oh Jaune, I'm glad you are okay"
"I'm glad too, I think. But seriously, what happened?"
"Instead of lifting you… I think I gained control over you? I think?"
"Oh," said Jaune, as he rubbed his head sheepishly." Like hypnosis?"
"Yeah, I think I mind controlled you," said Pyrrha as she buried her face in his chest, and then she added hurriedly. "By accident, still, I'm sorry!"
"Don't worry Pyr! As long as it is you, it is fine!" The champion blushed as soon as she heard what Jaune had said.
"A-are you sure?" Pyrrha stammered, not expecting that honest answer.
"Yes Pyrrha, there is no other person I would trust more than you," said Jaune as his blue eyes shined with intensity, the blonde's statement was full of determination. Pyrrha's heart melted at Jaune's declaration and her green eyes even teared up a bit.
"So… my semblance enhanced your semblance?"
"It seems. Besides the aura replenishing effect, it amplifies… well… everything,"
"But why the mind control thing? It is because you can bend metal you can… bend minds?" Jaune guessed. In Pyrrha's opinion, while that was a stretch, it was a good guess, but still…
"I… I don't know. That could have been a one-time thing,"
"Well, there is only one way to find out then," said Jaune, hesitant at first, before adopting a more confident expression.
"A-are you sure you are okay with this?" Pyrrha wasn't as confident as her knight.
"You've been helping me since the beginning… even when I rejected your help," said Jaune hesitantly. That was right, that week had been horrible for Pyrrha.
"I think it is time I return the favor. It is the least I can do for you," finished Jaune with a grin.
Pyrrha's heart melted again.
"Okay, okay. You got me there. But if I see there is something wrong, I will stop it!"
"I wouldn't expect anything less from you Pyr,"
With Jaune's permission, Pyrrha took a deep breath. Then she steeled her gaze, aiming at Jaune once again with her hand. She tried to remember the same sensation, the same emotions she felt when her amplified semblance took effect on Jaune the first time.
The sense of belonging. Pride of her partner. Love.
A surge of power followed
"Listen to me,"
Dark ocean eyes.
"Yes Pyrrha?"
And then there was the emotionless voice. It was eerie for Pyrrha. Quite disturbing to see Jaune without his usually cheerful demeanor.
The champion decided to try a simple command.
"Jump," the blonde jumped.
"Take a step forward," He did as ordered. It didn't look as Jaune was trying this only to please her. The blonde wasn't deceiving her by faking being mind controlled.
Pyrrha then decided to be bold. If this new power could do what she thought it could do, then… the implications were outside of her imagination.
Some people would totally abuse this power. Her inner Nora was telling her to do that! But Pyrrha was more responsible than that… right?
"D-do you still like WEISS?!" Apparently, Pyrrha wasn't that responsible.
"No," said Jaune, staring at the void. No? Just like that? Pyrrha wasn't still convinced by the answer. It was too good to be true!
"Why?"
"I have not liked Weiss since the dance. I found someone else."
For a moment, Pyrrha felt happy! She was glad that Jaune didn't like Weiss any longer! And a part of her was feeling a mix between fear and hope. Jaune had found someone else. She needed to know.
"W-who?" A few seconds passed before Jaune opened his mouth. Those seconds were the longest in Pyrrha's life.
"You. My partner, Pyrrha Nikos,"
And Pyrrha fell to her knees. It felt like a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Warmth filled her heart and her eyes teared up.
But then a question surged in Pyrrha's mind. Why didn't he tell her? With Weiss… Well, she wasn't even in their team, and since day one, Jaune made numerous attempts to flirt with her, albeit with… less than favorable results for the blonde. So she decided to ask her next question.
"Why…why haven't you told me?"
"Because I don't want to lose you. And I don't feel worthy of you. I don't feel confident in my chances of being beside you as someone more than a friend."
Pyrrha's face adopted a small smile. That smile expressed a mix of sadness, but of a greater joy. The redhead got up and hugged the motionless knight.
"Oh Jaune, you are more than worthy. You are more than anyone in the four kingdoms." The redhead whispered as she buried her head in his chest.
Pyrrha's eyes filled with fierceness. Green fire filled with determination.
"And you will never lose my friendship, Jaune. Don't be afraid of that."
And then an idea popped into Pyrrha's head. One that would change everything. Pyrrha wouldn't force Jaune to straight out confess to her. She just would give him the tools.
"You can be confident enough to do whatever you propose. I know you are a hard worker. I know you are a wonderful person and a better huntsman in the making. You just need to believe in yourself!"
"Confident… believe in myself…" repeated Jaune.
And before Pyrrha undid her "mind control", she quickly added.
"A-and you just need to be more aware o-okay? You are good enough to ask me out!"
"Aware… good enough," muttered Jaune.
"Good," said Pyrrha as she nodded. The redhead was satisfied with her commands, but a part of her was still doubtful about this whole affair. If this was ethical, because Pyrrha knew that her mother would raise an eyebrow if she heard of this…and she wondered if this was good for Jaune.
But Pyrrha steeled her resolve.
"We'll show them, Jaune. We'll show the world. So please, return to normal."
Jaune.
Jaune ran a hand across his forehead to wipe off the sweat. His partner and him had finished their morning run. It was part of their daily routine since Pyrrha began training him. At first, Jaune hated it. The blonde couldn't keep up with Pyrrha. Whatever "warm up" as she liked to say, didn't feel like it.
It feel like torture. The morning wind crashed against his face. His legs burned and his lungs cried for air. It was horrible and frustrating. It felt like he was wasting Pyrrha's time…
But his redhead champion never gave up on him. Even when he was in a foul mood, Pyrrha somehow managed to lift his spirits. When he was on his knees, Pyrrha didn't scold him, just gave him a smile and a hand to stand up again.
Now, thanks to all of her support and encouragement, something as simple as a morning run was something that the blonde enjoyed.
Yes, joy. It wasn't Nora's level of joy. But it was more like Ren's. A joy that he felt when he was around Pyrrha.
Being partnered with her… honestly was one of the best things that happened in his life.
Pyrrha always found a way to make him calm. Even if took her new strange powers.
A small smile appeared on Jaune's face. It was kind of adorable how Pyrrha apologized and looked guilty for giving him "commands".
Honestly, if she looked to brainwash him, then it wasn't a good idea giving him a confidence boost.
His… nervousness and anxiety gave him a lot of problems. From taking dubious advice to hit on girls to entering Beacon without the necessary preparation.
Each day he woke up, he always pondered on the what ifs. If Professor Goodwitch thought he was a disappointment. If team RWBY thought he was an idiot… If Nora and Ren thought he was a bad leader. If Ozpin would finally kick him out because there was no way he didn't know those transcripts were fake… If Pyrrha only helped him because of pity…
Since Pyrrha used the new aspect of her semblance, those thoughts weren't as invasive as before. Sure there were still there, but those didn't have as much impact as before. Now he could sleep better and have no troubles getting out of bed.
His days were looking brighter and being besides Pyrrha only made it seem right.
Maybe… Maybe it wasn't a bad idea to ask her out. Ever since the Forever Fall incident, they always hung out together. And ever since the dance, he felt that their bond had grown stronger.
Pyrrha had not only trained him, but succeeded in doing so. She had made him better at fighting, at being a huntsman. Suddenly, his best friend wasn't out of his league… maybe in the first place wasn't any way. Maybe their relationship could be something more than friends.
The fear of losing Pyrrha had diminished. The champion would always be a friend in Jaune's eyes.
"So, how was it?" Pyrrha's voice interrupted his thoughts. The redhead was in a sports tank top and leggins that clung to her figure.
"A new record, look," said Jaune smiling as he showed his scroll's screen, it showed a timer.
Pyrrha let out an excited squeal as she embraced him in a fierce hug. The blonde returned with equal force.
Hugging Pyrrha had become a habit since he unlocked his semblance in his first victory. It was a habit he intended to keep.
Pyrrha stared at him directly in the eyes. Her green emerald eyes were always shining when she looked at him. Those were filled with a certain fondness that made Jaune feel warm inside.
Then Jaune made up his mind.
With a surge of confidence he said.
"Pyr, I know this is our first day after the break… but… would you like to grab something to eat after class?"
Jaune had never seen a more brilliant smile on Pyrrha's face.
"I would love to!"
Jaune.
The blonde's face was actually hurting from how hard he was smiling today! He… he actually had done it!
He asked out Pyrrha! And she had said yes!
Not even Professor Goodwitch's class could bring down his spirits right now!
Admittedly, he was still a little nervous being in Goodwitch's territory. But another, much bigger, part of him was looking forward today for the combat class.
Now, if he could go toe to toe with Pyrrha, then he actually could fight anyone among the first years.
He passed his gaze across his classmates. Jaune saw how Team RWBY was talking quite heatedly amongst themselves. He saw CRDL skulking in the background. And even CFVY was here! Maybe because their class schedule didn't start until noon. He got admittedly a bit nervous at Coco's gaze, then he blushed when Coco gave him an appreciative nod. Yeah, that outfit change he got thanks to Pyrrha really was doing wonders for his coincidence.
He still wore a hoodie. Not a Pumpkin's Pete, but a sports one. This particular hoodie brand was still sponsored by Pyrrha. It was a red one with tints of gold. Besides that, he no longer wore his old worn jeans, but military grade pants that allowed for greater mobility and boots.
The part that Jaune liked more of his new outfit was the red golden sash he wore around his waist. It was like a tribute to his mentor, partner and possibly girlfriend…
His heart skipped a bit at the last thought. Jaune still didn't believe he had gotten this far. But he was reassured every time he looked at Pyrrha.
And talking about looks and stares… Nora was looking at them quite intensely, or more specifically at their hands. Yes, Jaune and Pyrrha were holding hands, probably it didn't help that they wore color themed outfits.
The only thing that stopped Nora from literally jumping at them with an entire ocean of questions were Ren, who had a hand on her shoulder, and the presence of Professor Goodwitch.
The knight and the champion hadn't seen Nora and Ren since the break started. The pair decided to make a trip to Mistral. It only made sense that Nora wanted to kick names and take asses. Since she couldn't do that, the only thing she did was show a wide smile while she wriggled her eyebrow at Pyrrha.
As Pyrrha tried to not blush too hard, Professor Goodwitch started the class.
"From this day to the end of the year, we'll incorporate the transfer students into our curriculum…I don't have to remind you that while is good to socialize with your fellow Huntsman in training, you are here to learn," said the blonde professor as she passed her gaze through each of her students. Professor Goodwitch stopped his gaze on Jaune,it felt like the longest second of his life, before speaking again.
"So let's begin with today's combat. I would like to ask for Mercury Black to step into the ring… to show us what Haven has to offer"
Jaune could see a silver haired guy as he got up from the other side of the classroom. He was beside a green haired girl and a scary looking woman. Aside from Mercury's teammates. He could see how Mercury looked bored… he stretched his arms and stretched his legs before getting up.
"And for Jaune Arc to step into the ring as well… I think it is time for a different… challenge," While ignoring the subtle at Cardin and himself, Jaune stood straight.
Giving a last squeeze to Pyrrha's hand and receiving a nod from the redhead, he stepped forward.
Jaune wasn't the same guy he was weeks ago. Even his weapon wasn't the same. The nervousness no longer overwhelmed him. He felt freer than ever, physically and mentally.
He felt aware… And not in a bad way. He saw how Nora and Ren saw him expectantly.
How Ruby was giving him an awkward thumbs up. How Blake had stopped reading to see the fight. How Yang was looking at him, not with her usual jokingly attitude, but a serious one. He saw how even Weiss wasn't looking at him with disdain but with curiosity.
And finally he saw his partner, who gave him a sweet smile.
Even if with his new combat prowess he lost this battle, he could say that everything that led to this moment was worth it. But this day, he had no intention to lose. But to win.
Once both fighters were in the ring. The timer began to run out. Mercury let out a yawn. Jaune entered in the combat stance Pyrrha had taught him.
Once it reached zero, Professor Goodwitch said:
"Begin."
Well, this is everything. If Selene Sokal someday reads this, then I would like to say that I like your works! This idea popped out in my head since I read your fic!To the readers... well. comment what you liked and what you didn't like. If the grammar was unbearable for you, then feel free to point out of the mistakes.I hope that you really liked this concept!