Sorry for the LONG wait guys! I just want to let you all know that I did not intend for such a delay on the second chapter. Things came up, and I was focused on that at the time.
BUT NO LONGER! I may be a simple nobody in the grand scheme of things, but I shall deliver thee entertainment! The 110 favorites and 145 followers can now rejoice!
But first I have to thank you all for reading. Thank you for supporting my first story.
A special thanks to the reviewers of the first chapter. I love each and every one of you guys... and girls I'm not sexist. I would like to thank you too.
Ignis823- I am happy to know that you think it was a good start. Personally, I felt it was rushed in some places but what's done is done. I can assure you that future chapters will be of much higher quality for you viewing pleasure.
ShadowGOUF- Glad you're hooked, I know Yang is going to need a hook- ha ha! Actually, she is going to need a lot more than a hook. I mean, she did lose her entire arm. Uh... whatever it was still a good joke.
IWEYC- You read the first chapter at 7 in the morning? Dang... well I am glad you liked it! I will be sure to improve the quality of the story for you viewing experience to get even better! We have a long road ahead of us, friend.
Dread Knight N7- I wouldn't say it is well written yet, but this story will definitely have a lot of elements inspired by Couer. After all, he is a great author, and I hope to reach his level eventually... I hope... a man can dream! Also, I can't believe I put that Jaune was Latin for yellow! I knew it was French for yellow, but I didn't even think about it when I was writing!
ArmantusCumPinnae- It's okay to be crazy. And yes, that omake was savage.
Spangle Jenks- One Good Turn is on my top 5 for sure. Also, I am super happy that you like the first chapter. This second chapter is much better in quality in my opinion.
theycallmebeanz- I may not like beans, but I do like all the things you listed. I am glad that this story got your attention. If this story's quality does eventually reach the level of Couer or SSC, then that would be exciting!
TheSoviets- Well, Torchwick is awesome. I can't have Jaune Arc defeat the best villain in the show in chapter one!
ThrowAwayAccount123- My friend, as you have said Jaune was an edge lord in the first chapter. I will freely admit that I should have handled the beginning of the chapter better. As we discussed, I had felt that your other complaints were only posted as a way of trolling. You used a guest account for the first review, and I was given the option to delete the review, so I went ahead and did just that. But what's done is done, I can't change my mistakes. Hope to have a good talk again! (No that is not sarcasm, I really did enjoy our conversation.)
Lelouch of the Rebellion- BEST FRIEND! I cannot believe I forgot to credit you! Pardon, my rudeness! Everyone, this man right here was indeed the beta reader for the first chapter, and I am ashamed to have forgotten to credit him. Well, no more! Lelouch, you will receive credit where credit is due! I could not have done this without you! Well, I could, but it would not have been the same!
The Space Walrus- What a majestic name you have. Also, thank you for the review. I'm glad you liked it and do not worry good sir. Jaune will not be a depressing character for seemingly no reason.
The 10th Wand- What do the letters X and D have to do with the omake? You are a strange creature. (Obvious sarcasm should be obvious, but isn't because you are reading a list of text so you can't hear the tone of my voice, thus the likely hood of you knowing that I was being sarcastic is close to zero.) What a weirdo...
Dark-Syaoran- You know what else is sweet? Blake's sexy body. God, I would do terrible, terrible things to her... Did that come off as weird?
BlackLight181- This story means a lot to me, so it makes me happy to hear that you liked it so much. Glad that someone decided to recommend this story to you, too.
Nexus Bladeguard- I hate IGN. But I love knightshade!
Now, on to the second chapter of this thrilling adventure!
Beta Reader: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Jaune Arc did not want to die tonight.
Not an original thought when one was about to die, but truthfully he didn't care about originality at the moment.
Right now, Jaune stood his ground. He was using his body as a shield, for someone who might as well be a complete stranger to him. For most people, it would be a ridiculous notion. Why would he risk his life for someone he knew nothing about and who knew nothing about him?
Well, he would have to blame his mom for that. It's funny. When his mother told him that strangers were only friends he hasn't met yet, it was only a line she used to encourage him to talk to others when he was a grade-schooler. Back then he was a child terrified of meeting new people. Afraid of embarrassing himself in front of others. Those were simple times.
Now, though. Even as Torchwick aimed his weaponized cane. His mother's words were the inspiration Jaune needed to protect Blake, his friend. The smile he had must have made him look like quite the idiot, as he heard Torchwick's annoyed growl.
"You'll die..." it was a whisper that he barely heard. But the gravity of those words made his smile collapse. What Blake said was true. He would die. He didn't need her to tell him that. After all, the agonizing pain on his back was enough to convince him of the outcome of his actions.
Intense heat would be the last thing he feels this night.
"I know." he may have replied in a shaky voice, but at least he was able to speak. "But I don't care." He was even able to tell a lie. But the way his body was quivering in fear, the chance that she believed him were slim at best. I may be afraid to die. Jaune wished there was another way. But I won't move!
Jaune Arc would stand his ground to the end.
When a shot rang out, Jaune flinched his eyes close in preparation for the agonizing heat.
He could still only feel the cold air brush against his face. There wasn't even an explosion to be heard, and instead, he could recognize the screeching of metal skidding across the pavement. Two blue orbs dared to peek as he cracked his eyes open, seeing Roman Torchwick with an expression that wasn't arrogance for once but of shock.
What on Remnant could have him worried?
"Jaune!" a voice far to his right cried for him. His gaze tracked the owner in an instant, and he felt so relieved when he saw her. All his trepidation and pain went numb as he stared at his savior. As smoke escaped the barrel of a large red rifle, she stood on the roof of a building. From this distance, he couldn't see her face, but it wasn't hard to imagine her expression softening into relief.
Ruby Rose had saved his life.
She must have felt so comforted to have made in on time. If Ruby had been a second too slow, then a different shot would have rung out, and a different target would have been hit. Jaune would have ceased to be, and Ruby would probably blame herself. It didn't come as a surprise to him that she cared so much. She would always tell him how he was her first friend at Beacon. He could imagine her crying for hours on end because of him dying.
And the thought made him so furious that he didn't care that his nails were digging into his now bloody hands.
"Well, hello to you too Red! Didn't mommy ever tell you that it was rude to interrupt an adult?" the skilled criminal didn't seem nervous by the girl's sudden appearance. Torchwick had just beaten three hunters in training handily, so a third shouldn't pose a threat. As strong as Ruby was, Jaune had a feeling that she would only be a slight inconvenience to Torchwick.
Well, she probably wouldn't have been a cause for concern if his weapon was on hand, and not laid on the ground far from his reach. Ruby may be a prodigy, but it was still a surprise that she was able to disarm Torchwick despite the considerable distance between them.
Jaune went from impressed to outright stunned when a flash of familiar bronze appeared in his vision.
"Didn't anyone ever tell you that it is rude to hurt someone's friend?"
"Pyrrha," he gasped at the sight of his partner. As strong as Ruby was, having Pyrrha was the same thing as bringing an army! Who cares how good Torchwick is when Pyrrha Nikos was here?
Jaune wasn't able to smile, however. He was happy to his partner. In fact, this had to have been the greatest thing to have happened in the past couple of days. But he couldn't stop the hollow feeling in his chest when he saw her. To put it more accurately, it wasn't her presence that made him feel this way, but the expression his best friend had as she aimed her rifle at Torchwick.
Unrelenting hatred.
There wasn't a single trace of Pyrrha's gentle smile to be found, and Jaune couldn't help but feel terrified of his partner even if she was angry for his sake. However, Torchwick did not seem as affected as Jaune was. Given the soft laugh that he let out as his one visible eye searched for something. Perhaps he was looking for the remainder of his subordinates. More likely, however, the thief might have been hoping to find some way of escape.
Thankfully, neither had presented itself as the last group of White Fang members went flying into the air from the swing of a mighty hammer, ensuring that escape was next to impossible. And as an icing on this incredible metaphorical cake, Jaune could hear a quiet whimper coming from Torchwick.
To be perfectly honest, Jaune had probably imagined that.
"Jaune! How could you forget to invite us?!" As quickly as she beat those White Fang members, the ginger jumped to his side. Her exhilarant turquoise eyes seemed to sparkle as the ginger twirled her mighty hammer. But there was something hidden in her cheerful gaze. It was so subtle that Jaune almost missed the way her eyes looked him up and down to see his injuries.
"Nora, I'm sure our leader has his reasons." a masculine voice joined in, interrupting his musing.
He tiredly turned to see Ren, the voice of reason on his team. Or at least, the only person that could calm the storm that was Nora Valkyrie. Which begged the question of why Ren wasn't the team leader of their team?
Jaune opened his mouth to speak to tell his only male friend that he was glad to see the two of them.
Only to close his mouth when Ren's delicate pale hands grasped his shoulders. His friend's hold was strong, but he could feel the way they trembled. It reminded him of himself just a few moments ago when he was about to die.
So even Ren can get scared, Jaune thought with a sad smile.
Thinking back, Jaune had always seen his friend as the disciplined one in the group. Behind a stoic mask of calm, his emotions were always in check. There was never a moment when he saw that mask of impassivity break. Which was why it came as a surprise that when looking into those magenta eyes, he saw the same underlying emotion that Nora had. Ren was relieved and afraid at the same time.
Relieved that the leader of JNPR was alive, but afraid to even consider the possibility of arriving too late.
Jaune wanted to apologize right then and there.
"You're late," he said instead with a weak laugh, earning a smile from Ren. It seemed a little forced, but that was okay. The leader of JNPR had gotten himself hurt. Expecting his friend not to worry was beyond the limitations of stupidity.
"We never got an invitation," he replied, a small trace of humor laced in his voice.
Seeing his team and Ruby had lifted his spirits. It was as if restraints that were so tight they stuck to his skin had been removed for the first time in years. It made him realize just how stupid he was for not having his scroll on him. If he had called his friends for help, then he wouldn't have been injured, Sun would not have had to get involved with them, and Blake wouldn't have had to deal with her problems alone with someone like him.
He didn't help Blake in any significant way.
Jaune flinched when he felt cold air blowing on his back. Even the gentle breeze that touched his raw burn made him want to scream out in pain. It was as if the skin on his back was being cooked off by an amateurish chef. His injury proved that he still had a lot of training to do. His only saving grace was his aura reserves something he didn't earn but was given.
Without the living energy that protected him, the blond would have died in the first ten seconds of his fight.
How could Roman Torchwick be so skilled in the first place? Jaune had seen news reports about him before and had always assumed that the ginger was a petty crook. It's one thing for the thief to defeat him effortlessly, but it was an entirely different matter for him to brush aside Blake and Sun. The only plausible reason was that he had the training of a huntsman. The way he blocked and parried every attack that came his way was akin to a hunter.
As much as he hated the vast gap in skill between him and Torchwick the most offensive part about their defeat was how untouchable he seemed. Then there was that smile he had the whole time they were fighting. It was just like the one his lips formed now despite being surrounded. Confident and unafraid of the kids around him.
Despite supposedly being a lowly criminal, the fight with Roman Torchwick reminded Jaune of how he saw his partner and even his father.
A seemingly invincible warrior.
"I remember now! You're the Cereal Girl!" he cheered as if the gun pointed at his head didn't exist. "I am such a huge fan! In fact, you've done many great services for me!" he continued, adding a little extra sarcasm that anyone could spot. "I've made many bets during your tournament days, and let me tell ya. I won a lot of money because of you!"
That bastard just seemed to know how to get under a person's skin. Jaune noticed the cold gaze from Pyrrha had quickly sparked into a wildfire of anger which Torchwick didn't appear fazed by as he chuckled at the silent death threat.
To think that he wasn't frightened of his partner was astonishing.
"What's wrong? Does the Invincible Girl not approve of a bit of gambling?" he taunted, looking like he enjoyed the way his words worked as daggers to the redhead.
His laughing stopped once the barrel of Milo tapped the back of his head. So reminding him that a gun was trained on him was good enough to make him not so talkative anymore. It was moments like these that made Jaune think to invest in getting a firearm. At least just for the intimidation factor of it.
"Not when evil men like you profit from it." Torchwick rolled his eyes at the redhead's response.
"Do all kids these days just look at the world as black and white? How can you define what I do to be evil?" so he was trying to be profound now. For whatever reason, Jaune wasn't so surprised by that. "I do whatever I can to survive like everybody else. The world isn't so sunshine and rainbows that everyone can endure life's hardships by being upstanding citizens," Torchwick began to smile when his eye found Jaune. "and we can't all try playing the hero."
Those words traveled to Jaune's heart like an arrow.
"Each and every one of you wants to be a hunter, right? Well, since you want the job so badly here's food for thought. When do you ever hear about one of your guardians dying?" no one gave him a response to his question. Jaune wished it was because he didn't want to entertain Torchwick with an answer, but in truth, it was because of how rare it actually was to hear about the death of a hunter. When there was a topic about a hunter, it usually entailed about their successes. As rare as it was, when there was news of a fatality, it was because of their heroics on the field.
It reminded him and so many other people that there was hope in the world, that the people of Remnant could not give up against the creatures of nightmares.
"You never do, unless it's about how their life was spent for the greater good!" Torchwick echoed the blond's thoughts and started to laugh as if he understood a joke that no one else caught.
Jaune couldn't find any humor from Torchwick's words. That bastard was mocking the very thing he dreamed of becoming for so long, and for that, there was no conclusion to how angry Jaune was at this very moment.
Where was Torchwick even going with this?
"I'm not surprised that you can't find the humor in what I'm saying." he seemed amused when he should be angry given his situation. Was there another reason for his constant talking, or was this just how he always was? "Since the Grimm are still the pesky threat they've always been, the council of this well-respected kingdom deems it necessary to keep the juicy details of your heroes under wraps."
Okay? Is Torchwick saying that huntsmen were also secret agents? What was he getting at, though? Is there some conspiracy theory that Torchwick was making up on the fly to distract them?
Great, now Jaune was actually interested in what Torchwick was saying.
"Do I have to spell it out for you?" Torchwick didn't seem to care about the uncomfortable silence. "You only need to understand one basic fact for all this to make sense. The easiest way to prevent unrest, and to ensure gloom never spreads is to-." Torchwick never got to finish as the barrel of Pyrrha's rifle bumped the back of his head. "Hey! Watch the hat!"
"I think we've heard enough," Pyrrha seethed. The only reason she would be angry, is if she had she somehow decipher what the ginger haired thief was trying to say?
Regardless, the talkative criminal had finally shut his mouth.
Despite how he cared more about his hat than the ones who surrounded him, Jaune knew for certain that Torchwick didn't have any way of escaping. Not unless he was skilled enough to defeat four hunters in training.
Could he be that strong?
Just the thought of him escaping gave Jaune a migraine. He just wanted to take a nap and forget about this night. But if he did that and Torchwick did escape, it could very well be his fault. Though he was injured there might be something that he could do to help. If Roman Torchwick is skilled enough to defeat his friends, then perhaps he can buy more time until the police show up. Or better yet an active hunter might be in the area, and subdue the criminal.
These constant thoughts that barraged him were too taxing for his mind. Every moment that passed his vision would get blurrier. The longer Jaune tried to will himself awake, the more tired he got. How was he going to help in such an inactive state? I wasn't much help in the first place.
Then there was his injury and lack of aura.
As much pain as he was in Jaune felt worse over the absence of his aura. He felt so hollow and cold that he might as well be a living corpse because that gentle warmth that his aura always provided was completely gone. Coupled with his burn, it was as if the rays of the Sun cooked his body, while an unforgiving winter happened from within.
He couldn't stop the sigh he let out. There was not a thing Jaune could do, but it was his team that was up against Torchwick. Ruby was there too, providing support from afar. The blond's friends were a force to be reckoned with so he needed to have faith in them. While Blake and Sun may have lost the two had never fought together.
His team on the other hand. Well, they were a team for crying out loud! They were his team. Despite what anyone would say, he was their leader, and friend. As such he made it his responsibility to ensure that their symmetry was as good as it could be. They had been working together since the beginning of their education at Beacon, and without a doubt in his mind, they made an incredible team.
So no, there was no way that Torchwick could win. While the thief may be on a higher level than his friends individually, barring Pyrrha perhaps. It was an entirely different situation for Torchwick to combat all of them at once. With Ruby providing sniper support there was no plausible way for him to win.
Besides, if Torchwick could escape, wouldn't he have made a move during his speech? Everyone seemed captivated enough by it, well Jaune at least was focused on it.
Torchwick won't escape.
We won... That single thought eased his once troubled mind, and he was aware that the grin he had made him look like a mischievous child who got away with the greatest prank in history. After that grueling fight, he could finally let his guard down. He had willed himself to stay awake for so long, but now the little resistance he had left was surrendering.
After the night he went through he deserved a little rest. He had spent a lot of lien for a girl who was trying to avoid him. Had to fight a losing battle that put a huge blow to his pride, not to mention that he was also in the most pain he has ever experienced.
So yeah, sleep sounded fantastic right about now. Still smiling, Jaune met darkness without a care that he would fall. The young Arc almost didn't notice that someone had caught him. His first guess was Pyrrha, but she was too far away to catch him, that and she had to keep her eyes on Torchwick. He would have assumed that it was Ren or Nora, but the grunt he heard when the weight of his body collapsed on his catcher was someone else entirely.
"I've got you," she said.
He would have to thank Blake later when he woke up.
Despite his seemingly lanky appearance, Jaune was heavier than Blake had imagined he'd be. She almost buckled from the weight of his body when he fell on her. With help from Ren, they set the team leader down on his stomach so to not aggravate his injured back. Ren seemed as stoic as ever when they set the blonde down. She wanted to ask how he could remain so calm despite what had happened, but she stopped herself as she saw it. Saw the latent hatred in his eyes as he saw that horrible burn upon his leader's skin. Golden eyes looked upon it as well, and her stomach dropped.
The skin on the center of his back was black like charcoal from the intense heat of Torchwick's attack. Blake followed the extents of the damaged tissue, amidst the blackened skin were spots that exposed his red flesh with erected blisters that looked as if they could burst at any given moment.
Then there was the repulsing smell of his damaged flesh.
It amazed her that she didn't throw up, but she was more stunned at the fact that Jaune hadn't cried out from the torture he must have been experiencing. When he was awake, Blake didn't even see tears from those blue eyes of his.
But Jaune had to have been in pain there was no question about it. That idiot was in such agony because he followed after her. Why did he have to be so stubborn? How could he not tell that she didn't want him to get involved?
Why was he such a fool? Blake thought, biting the bottom of her lip. No, Jaune wasn't an idiot. As much as she wanted to deny her fault in this, she was part of the reason for his affliction. Jaune was only trying to do what he believed was right. Even if he had no reason to be here, this was her fault.
If anyone is a fool, it would be me. If Blake could see herself in the mirror, she knew that her eyes softened at the sight of Jaune's sleeping form. Even though he must be suffering, he still looked so peaceful as he slept, like a tiny child who was blissfully unaware of the dangers around him. How could she have let him be a part of her problems? She should have kept her distance- reject his help so he could go back to Beacon. He probably would have felt dejected that she shunned him... but he would have been safe.
That was what mattered.
Instead, he was allowed to know her past by her volition. Once again she made a mistake, only this time, it was because she didn't run away. How is it that running away could be so inconsistent? In some ways, running away can hurt the ones she cares for, but in this case, her decision not to run has caused someone to be on death's doors possibly.
Why was it that no matter what she does someone gets hurt in some way?
"-ake. Blake,"
It was Ren who guided Blake out of her daze, who also let out an exhausted sigh when their eyes met. Already he was fatigued it would seem. The sight of his leader and friend must have been taxing on his mind. Blake couldn't blame him. She may not have known much about Jaune, and she was worried sick about him. Blake couldn't imagine how Ren must be feeling.
Then there was Pyrrha, who must be in shambles right now. Blake knew for certain that the only reason why the redhead wasn't bawling her eyes out, was because the one who hurt Jaune was in her presence, free for her to punish.
"Watch him, please." she accepted the request with a nod. It was the least Blake could do for the stoic member of JNPR. It was her fault for putting Jaune and his team through this mess in the first place.
She watched as the members of her savior's team surround Torchwick in a triangle formation. Blake made a quick glance over to Ruby, seeing that the team leader was still on the roof with her sniper aimed. The four had blocked any path of escape for the criminal. Torchwick must have realized it as well, as she heard the bigot let out a low growl of annoyance.
"Honestly, if I had known that it was time for recess for you all, I would have canceled this heist." Torchwick chuckled. "What is with you kids? In my day, I knew when to stay out of something bigger than me." how he could find ways to antagonize them given his situation was beyond the heights of irritation. First was his speech about hunters that Pyrrha thankfully interrupted, now this. Did he always have to try and seem like he held the advantage against everyone?
No one gave the talkative criminal a response. Instead, the three members of JNPR let their weapons handle the conversation. With the addition of Ruby's Crescent Rose, there were four firearms pointed at Torchwick, which meant four different ways of receiving pain. Problematic for him, but oh how satisfying it was for Blake. She would have aimed her weapon if not for the fact that her body was far too exhausted to lift Gambol Shroud.
It was not a complete victory, but a victory nonetheless. In the end, that was what mattered. Though Torchwick of all people beat her pride and body, at least she played a part in his capture.
"You are under arrest," Pyrrha said in a quiet voice. It was like the final scene in a clichéd cop drama. She being the officer who finally caught the antagonist, and Torchwick being the criminal who caused so much suffering. If this were such a story, then this would be the ending scene of the dramatic film.
It was an ending Blake would have liked to see.
But this was the real world.
Three bullheads flew above, a dozen White Fang troops from each ship jumped off with the arsenal of a militia, their sudden appearance causing chaos. It happened so fast and abruptly that even a champion like Pyrrha was stunned by it all for a brief second.
Which gave Torchwick all the time he needed to knock the redhead aside and run to his weapon. Despite the surprise, Pyrrha made to run after him only for members of the terrorist cell to stop her. She expertly dodged and knocked aside her attackers with precise strikes, displaying how well deserved her title of champion was.
Before, Blake would have been sad to see her former comrades batted aside so effortlessly. But given the recent events of tonight.
Steel skid across the bronze blade and Pyrrha quickly kicked the masked assailant, the point of her heel cracking the mask, no doubt giving the faunus a well-deserved concussion.
Blake wasn't so upset about it now.
The grunts didn't pose a threat to the other two members of JNPR either. Like their teammate, they batted aside their opposition with an ease that befitted hunters in training. Nora using her unmatched brute strength to swing her hammer to defeat crowds of enemies, while Ren expertly used his martial arts and weapons to overcome any foe that would dare try to attack him or his friend.
But what worried Blake was the bigot who was escaping. Still running, Torchwick stretched his hand out for his cane. She stood to pursue only to yelp in pain as her legs gave out. No, not now! As loathed as she was to admit it, with his weapon Torchwick was above most of their level. Her aching body and Sun's unconscious form was proof of that.
Pyrrha she could see winning. Her polarity would give her a much-needed edge in dealing with him, and when it came to fighting other warriors, the redhead was the best there was. She was a champion, an undefeated one at that. But after Blake's defeat at the hands of Torchwick, she was still uncertain of the outcome of a fight between the two.
Thankfully, she would not have to wait and see who would win in such a match. A shot echoed out, and the cane Roman Torchwick sought to reclaim ricocheted away. The crack of the gun that rang out was familiar and welcomed as it belonged to a one of a kind crimson sniper.
As a true testament to his character, Torchwick didn't hesitate to leave his weapon behind. That scum of Remnant readily abandoned the deadly cane that he likely spent long agonizing days and nights perfecting in its craftsmanship all so he could escape. The smarter choice would have been to shoot the coward, but Blake knew that her leader didn't have it in her to risk hurting someone.
Ruby would probably go on a rant about the criminal's neglect of his weapon, before actually bringing harm to another. Aura or not, Ruby would never have willingly shot Torchwick. Aura isn't invincible no matter how grossly fantasized it is by others.
When one of the bullheads landed its hatch opened, and Torchwick's pace had somehow quickened, demonstrating that he was far faster than the average person. In just a matter of seconds, he was going to get away.
No! After subjugating herself to such a humiliating defeat by that damned bigot, he could not be allowed to escape! Someone had to stop him, anyone! Blake didn't care who just as long as they had the power to stop him! Allowing that villain to continue his crimes would be the worse possible outcome.
Her plea came in the form of a flash of green light that tore the aircraft asunder. Miraculously, the crew members survived, probably in great pain but alive. Blake didn't know if it was because of calculations impossible for a person or by divine protection the crew had. It could even have been dumb luck for all she knew. With the things Blake has seen and been through, anything seemed plausible. It honestly didn't matter to her in the end, though.
What mattered was that Torchwick looked like a moron as he gaped at the remains of his former getaway ride.
"Are you serious!?" the thief shouted as he looked towards the source of the light. Everyone still conscious, White Fang members included, all took a moment to look where that piercing light had originated.
Like Torchwick, Blake's jaw dropped.
It wasn't the floating swords that made her stunned. It wasn't even because it was the girl that Blake's team literally ran into at town just a couple of days ago. No, what left her speechless was that the girl kept waving at everyone in-
"Salutations!" the strange girl exclaimed as if she didn't destroy a bullhead just seconds ago.
"Penny!" Ruby dropped down from her vantage point and zoomed towards the strange girl in a mere moment. Silver eyes looked the girl up and down to clarify if she was real.
Blake would have pinched herself to confirm if this was a dream, but that would have required what little energy she had left. So whether this was a fantasy or not could be figured out later. For now, she was just happy that someone had stopped Torchwick from escaping.
"You kids just keep getting weirder!" if Torchwick were anyone else, Blake would have pitied the man.
"Oh, I do apologize mister, but I believe you are what people refer to as a bully. So I felt that it was my duty to stop you!" the strange girl looked at Ruby with bright eyes, as if questioning the younger girl if what she said was acceptable.
Other than the unsure smile Ruby had, the response she gave was a thumbs-up.
"I hate you. I hate all of you from the bottom of my heart," Torchwick said as his hands rose in surrender.
"Wait, so does that mean we won?"
"I think so, Nora," Ren said with a confused expression.
Blake had a feeling that everyone was confused at this given moment.
"I'm surprised that Nora didn't have the last explosion," Ren said with a relieved sigh, as he and everyone else in their group watched a disheveled Torchwick without his hat get taken away by the Vale law enforcement. Blake couldn't help but smirk when he was forced into the back of the officer's car, saying something along the lines of 'take it easy.'
Did he take it easy during their fight?
Thinking back, he probably did which annoyed her to no end. She had been an operative of the White Fang. Trained by Adam Taurus, one of the most skilled individuals she had ever met yet she couldn't beat a crook.
It was embarrassing, to say the least.
Back then, she would dread the inevitable moment when Adam found out. Honestly, just imagining how angry he would be is still terrifying.
"You mean the last word, right?" Sun asked with a raised brow, referring to Ren's earlier statement.
"Oh come on Ren! You know my dust canisters don't cause explosions that large!" Nora said with her usual crazed smile, wearing a bowler hat. Is that Torchwick's? "I'm confident that I wouldn't have caused all the dust to go kaboom!" Blake couldn't help but shutter. Also, did Nora say she wouldn't cause all of the dust to explode? Even if Nora was sure that her explosion wouldn't have reached any of the containers, the off chance of causing a chain reaction would stop any sane person from risking it.
Then again, can Nora be considered rational?
"I for one would have LOVED to see Magnhild in action!" Ruby cheered, becoming giddy as she no doubt was imagining the grenade launcher in great detail.
Ruby and Nora, a combination made in hell. Thank god that they weren't on the same team as her. Blake had a difficult time with the sister duo, but replace Yang with the ginger and what little peace she would have would burst asunder.
"Seriously, you meant the last word, right?" Speaking of the little peace she had left shattering. Sun, who never got a response to his question, inched closer to her. Hopefully, it wasn't to start flirting. Given tonight's events, the last thing she needed was someone trying to get it on with her. "Despite being crazy, your friends seem cool. Why would you want to run away from people like them?"
Does he not realize how close they were to dying?
Her head shook, "Shouldn't you be fleeing the scene of the crime?"
"Why would I do that?" he asked, genuinely confused.
"Does being a stowaway ring any bells to you?"
Her fellow faunus laughed, thinking that it was just a joke.
It was not.
"I think me helping catch a criminal makes up for that." She supposed that made sense. Besides, the police in Vale were... incompetent, and that was her being nice. Chances are if the same two officers from the docks were here they wouldn't even recognize Sun. Went to show how abysmal the law enforcement was in Vale.
"If you say so," she would leave it like that. If Sun didn't want to leave, then she wouldn't force him to go away.
They were quiet afterward. On a typical day, Blake would have loved the silence, and let it continue until Sun did decide to leave. Even if he were infatuated with her, the chances of Sun being patient enough for her to talk first would be the day that she lives with a dog. But the silence between them did not bring her any comfort. It was apparent even to her that there was something she needed to say.
She let out a sigh when she figured out what that was. Looks like living with a dog might just be around the corner for her.
"Thank you, Sun." he shot a hopeful glance towards her. "If it wasn't for you, Jaune and I might have died. You helped us when you didn't have to. So thank you. You're a good friend." she had to make sure her intentions were clear. She was thankful for him, but the last thing she needed was to be in a relationship. But a friendship with her fellow faunus was something she would not mind having.
Becoming friends with Sun didn't sound too bad actually. One thing was clear, however. He would be the last blond she would associate with in this life.
Blake was either expecting his mood to deflate at mentioning him as a friend, or for him to grin like the schoolboy who has a crush that he was. Either way, Blake didn't want to have to deal with it, but she would. He helped her so she could indulge him with light conversation. It would mostly be one-sided, with Sun doing all the talking. Blake had a feeling that he wouldn't care.
"No problem, it's what friends are for." Blake was pleasantly surprised about the small, understanding smile he offered. He didn't wink or add some words he thought were smooth to try and charm her. Nor did he try to start a conversation that she didn't have the heart or the energy to have. There was only silence again, but this time, Blake knew that she and Sun both found it comforting.
It felt good to agree on something.
"I hope Jaune is okay."
That peaceful silence that she loved so much left her faster than it had begun.
Taking off that ridiculous hat Nora's eyes drifted to the medical van nearby, her expression becoming despondent, something that many thought would be foreign to the girl. Blake looked over as well and saw Pyrrha talk with a rather tall man wearing a thin white jacket. Blake guessed that he was the on-site medic, informing the redhead of her partner's health.
The Mistral champion was silent the entire time as he spoke. She nodded her head now and then, with her eyes focused on her sleeping partner. Whatever Jaune's condition was, Blake hoped that it was not as bad or worse than what she had initially thought it was.
With a sigh, the medical expert dismissed himself. It seemed that was the cue for Nora and Ren to join their teammate with Sun trailing behind them. She went to follow, she too wishing to know if Jaune would be okay.
She stopped at the first step.
What right did she have to be anywhere near Jaune and his team? It was because of her that he got injured in the first place.
What was once a moment of hesitation turned to minutes of contemplating. To others around Blake, it looked like she was staring off into space, daydreaming about whatever it was teenage girls imagined. Attractive men without their shirts on perhaps? The assumption would be partially correct, she supposed. Jaune wasn't ugly, in fact, she would admit that he had a boyish charm.
She was also imagining Jaune shirtless, but not for reasons that lovestruck girls would have. Abs were not the forefront of her thoughts.
Blake could still picture the blackened skin and the awful stench of her protector's flesh.
"Are you going to ask Pyrrha how Jaune is?"
Ruby stood beside her with a smile. Which was rather odd, seeing as her supposed first friend was injured. Maybe she hadn't yet realized the reality of it. That Jaune's life could be in danger.
No, Ruby may be young and idealistic, but she wasn't completely clueless about the world. People got hurt all the time, even those in their line of work. Especially people in their line of work. Hunters aren't invincible despite the boasting of the councils, despite being called the defenders of the world. Hunters are people too, and behind aura and years of training, they bled and died like any other ordinary individual.
That was what Torchwick must have been trying to tell them. It must have been an attempt to discourage their goals of becoming hunters. It would mean less potential threats to him.
"Aren't you worried about him?" the young girl probed further. Ruby must have assumed that Blake wasn't listening given the lack of a response.
Blake is worried. The question of whether Jaune was okay or not had weighed heavily on her mind since he got injured. It seemed silly to dread over the question when she could just ask Pyrrha. If she was too nervous to approach her, then she could ask the medic from earlier. The latter seemed like the more favorable approach, but whatever she chose to do it still led to her fear.
Blake was afraid to confront her mistake, to be told of the consequences of her actions. She knew that the truth would hurt. Jaune may not be someone Blake felt particularly close to, and he may not even be a friend, but she was the reason for all this pain and worrying. Despite capturing Torchwick, she didn't feel like she had won.
What was she supposed to do? The question ate away at her like a starving Beowolf. Blake was beginning to debate if she should ask her young friend for advice on what to do.
"What about you?" she asked instead. Blake respected her leader, but the thought of Ruby giving her good counsel seemed farfetched. "You don't look too worried about him. Do you think he's not in any grave danger?" it was a weak attempt to point the conversation towards Ruby, but it was worth a try.
Ruby appeared to contemplate the question, silver eyes looking up at the sky for possibly some inspiration to help her answer. It seemed some deity had provided the answer, as the younger girl met her gaze.
"Nope,"
Wait, what?
"I'm sorry, but could you elaborate." she was hoping for more than just a single word answer. After all, this was a person's well-being they were discussing now.
"Sorry," the scythe wielder covered her mouth to repress a giggle. "You know how bad I am at talking to people," she said as a matter of fact. If it weren't for Blake, then Ruby would be the most socially inept of the team. "Well, I guess you are too so we have that in common."
Compared to the beating she got from Torchwick, Ruby's words did nothing to her self-esteem. When a man who wears more makeup than Blake outclasses her, there wasn't much else that could top that.
"I know that Jaune is hurt, and I am aware that he's in a lot of pain." she began to smile despite her words. "But he's my friend, and I should believe that he'll be okay no matter what." Ruby finished with eyes that reflected her faith for the blond's recovery. She sounded so confident when she spoke that Blake found herself wanting to agree inattentively.
But the more rational side of her knew that what her leader had was blind faith.
Ruby always was the optimistic one on the team. Blake thought with a frown.
Ruby wasn't there when it happened she didn't see the damage that Jaune suffered through when he fought Torchwick. If she were just to see the horrid injury that bigot gave him, she would worry too. Ruby's blind hope would become a distant feeling.
"I know that he's going to okay in the end. He wants to be a hero like us, and I know he's going to be one." she walked forward, to finally join JNPR to find out about the team's leader, right before turning to offer a smile. "And heroes always stand right back up!"
Blake could feel the muscles of her face make a smile.
Having Ruby Rose as a teammate was worrying in the beginning. Blake even thought that she would come to hate the girl, just as Weiss had when the team had first formed. She was always so optimistic and happy. She could always see the lighter side of things, and her cheerfulness was infectious, able to bring a smile to anyone's face. Despite wanting to become a hero of all things, a dream that belonged to most children, Blake found herself respecting her leader's goal.
Though innocent and somewhat childish, what mattered was that Ruby was a kind and gentle person. She was a capable huntress in training despite how young she was. She was a good leader. One that Blake could follow in any situation. And Ruby never tried shoving her idealistic views onto their disjointed team. A team that Blake wasn't sure she would fit in with at first. It was one thing to be on a team with the heiress to a company that brought so much suffering to the faunus, but to have a girl like Ruby be her leader should have added to her stress. Then there was her partner Yang the polar opposite to Blake in every way. Adventurous, bright, trustworthy all things that she was not.
An annoying heiress, an idealistic child, and a boisterous party girl. Each member was so different compared to one another that it didn't seem possible for them to find common ground. In almost every case scenario, a team like RWBY should have fallen upon itself in the very beginning.
Blake was happy to be proven wrong. Through the months that sped by so quickly, Team RWBY became a family to her. The more irrational part of her mind dared to hope that they would stay together for years to come. For the first time since the early days of the White Fang, Blake had a family.
But she ruined that herself.
"It's one thing to run away from us, but I'm actually more angry that you got that blond buffoon involved."
The familiar voice and the sound of heels clicking reached her ears, causing her faunus features to flick back nervously as they approached. She didn't want to face her yet. Blake was too terrified of the ridicule she would inevitably face from the person who had every right to hate her.
She deserved the contempt, though.
"Oomph!" Something blonde and heavy collided with her, dragging her up in the air as if she were a small child that was found by her mother.
Yang Xiao Long then began to suffocate her with what should have been a simple hug. Instead, Blake's face met her partner's bosom, the cause of her current lack of oxygen. At this moment Blake desperately wished she could be anywhere else. She would gladly be in the same room as a dog than be trapped in the blonde's hold.
Is this how Ruby feels on a daily basis?
"We're so happy to see you!" Yang cowed happily while unknowingly continuing to kill her friend. She even began to quicken the process by drawing her runaway partner even closer to her chest. Slowly, painfully, and surely, Blake was losing consciousness.
Is this how it ends? Killed by her partner's breasts after surviving a battle against her former comrades and a dangerous criminal.
Not like this...
Blake thanked every god above if there was one when Yang released her. She was grateful for the euphoric oxygen that entered her lungs when she breathed in. She wouldn't allow her partner to do that again; that was a near death experience that she wished to stay away from entirely.
Despite her plea, the faunus couldn't stop the second hug that Yang caught her in. It was as quick and unexpected as the first one, and Blake prepared herself for the inevitable pain her body would experience.
The pain never came.
It was funny, Blake thought. Yang could act like a mom at times in different ways. The first hug was like a mother trying to embarrass their child in front of a crowd of people. It was too smothering and near impossible for her to escape. No doubt, Ruby had experienced that many a time.
This instant, Yang's hold was far more gentle, treating Blake like a delicate child who had been away for too long. Despite everything that happened Yang made sure that Blake could feel safe in her arms. It was easy to forget how helpless and hurt she was when in her partner's embrace.
Blake found that as easily as she could break free, she discovered that she did not want to. So is this what Ruby gets to experience? Honestly, the faunus would take all the bad that came with Yang if she could feel like this more often.
Blake's own personal sun.
"I'm okay," a two-word answer, to an unspoken question.
"We were worried about you," Yang cooed, tightening the hold just barely. Was she concerned that her friend would run away and get herself hurt again?
Her partner could be a fool sometimes. Then again, Blake supposed that she was a fool too.
"I'm sorry," was all Blake could reply with as she wrapped her arms around her friend, reassuring her that she wouldn't run. If running away could bring one of the strongest people she knew such pain, then she would never run away from them again.
The image of that devastating burn tormented her mind once again.
No, if allowing people in could bring such pain, then perhaps it was better to avoid others. She needed to do things on her own. That way if she does get into trouble then she'll be the only one hurt. Blake refused to allow anyone from her team to get hurt on her behalf.
Was that the right thing to do? Two sides that both had awful consequences.
"Blake..." her white-haired teammate said softly. Bright golden eyes met ice-blue as she looked upon the girl she should have hated. The girl Blake had once hated. Heiress to the company she came to despise for years, was now someone she couldn't even bear to think ill will towards.
Weiss didn't do anything to deserve her animosity. There was never any merit to such hatred from Blake or from anyone for that matter. Through all the fighting and hatred she was merely caught in the middle. Blake was wrong about her.
Weiss was a victim.
"Weiss, I know you have every right to hate me, and I know you don't tru-"
"I don't want to hear it!" she snapped, silencing the taller girl as she stepped forward. Blake flinched as the pale girl narrowed her eyes."Are you still with the White Fang?"
"No, I left them before I came to Beacon."
"Then this matter is resolved," she said as if she were concluding a board meeting. "If you are no longer associated with them, I see no reason for you to avoid us." Weiss didn't even blink when she spoke.
Just like that?
"Bu-"
"I don't want to hear it! The only thing I do want to hear is that the next time something this important comes up..." she paused, her features soften, showing just how concerned she felt since Blake left. "you'll come to us next time, okay? Instead of running away, and getting that blond dolt..." she straightened her body as she sighed. "instead of Arc, you should have trusted us, Blake."
Jaune could be trusted. Blake may have gotten him hurt, but what if he wasn't there? Sure, he may not be as skilled as she or others in their year, but he fought too. While she and Sun were incapacitated, Jaune was there fighting Torchwick with every ounce of his strength.
He even protected her from a blast that would have broken through what little aura she had left. That sickening wound he received would have been what her entire body looked like if not for him. "I would have died if not for Jaune..."
She didn't realize she had said it aloud until she noticed Weiss and Yang's shocked expressions. But her boisterous partner began to smile, throwing an arm around her neck. "I didn't know Vomit Boy had it in him! Well, if you ever want to marry him you've got my consent."
Blake could only muster up a weak glare that only made the girl laugh.
"We should check on him," Weiss walked past them, not wasting time. It was the first time that Blake could think of that the ice queen was worried about the boy who would always flirt with her. Yang giggled as she removed herself from Blake to follow.
Blake was left alone once again with her thoughts. She let out a sigh. There was still some hesitation, something that she couldn't get rid of no matter how much she wanted to. Her frie-
How cruel could she be? Even after he risked his life for her, she couldn't see him as a friend yet. He helped her, yes, but that was most likely due to some hero complex that he shared with Ruby. If she was Pyrrha, Ren, Yang, Weiss, or even Cardin! Jaune would have helped almost anybody.
So did that make them friends?
"Even if I can't fight – even if I'm weak. I refuse to step back and watch a friend get hurt."
They were both fools it would seem. The thought made Blake smile. Jaune Arc is her friend. She told the blond her past, and he still wanted to help her. Whether it was because of some hero complex that he had mattered little. In fact, she didn't care at all.
What mattered was that she needed to see if her friend was okay.
This story is being canceled so you can all leave now...
I'm not joking...
...
Why are you still here?
Where did you get that gun?
OH GOD DON'T SH-
MY KNEEEEEEE CAP! OH GOD THE PAIN!
What do you want from me damn it?!
More of this story? BUT WHY?!
Okay, okay just don't shoot my other knee cap!
YOU WANT A NEW CHAPTER NOW! There's just now way!
Don't shoot, I have an omake! Here, just take it you, psychopath!
Short Omake...
Why Children Need to be Murdered.
"I WILL NEVER HAVE CHILDREN!" Torchwick had yelled as he began stomping on the pavement. "You God awful brats are like cockroaches! You just don't die, and somehow, even more, show up!" the smooth criminal started shouting profanities that caused Blake's feline appendages to flatten. As a faunus, she was used to racial slurs as well as other hurtful words, but this was taking it to an entirely new level. How could someone be that vulgar?
"-stinks more than a warthog faunus who just refuses to wipe his ass!"
At least that wasn't bad as the one about the pussy cat.
"-hornier than a mutt faunus during heat who wants to have sensual intercourse with a pussy cat!"
Now he's talking about cats again.
"-I'd rather let a mosquito suck me dry than be here!"
Was he still going?
"- in fact, you all suck more than mosquitoes! At least with those disgusting creatures, they stop sucking you once you slap them!"
She didn't think it was possible to hate him more than she does now.
"ENOUGH!" shouted the Valkyrie.
Blake didn't know about everyone else, but when she saw pink lightning that seemed to hug Nora's body her face paled. The human Tesla coil had a broad smile as the lightning she commanded took on her personality, becoming wilder in nature. The lights that illuminated the docks began flickering on and off rapidly until the lamps gave out.
The only source of lighting was the electricity, but even the pink light source began to fade as Nora seemingly absorbed it.
"Nora, it's too dangerous to do that here!"
Blake's stomach dropped when she heard Ren of all people shout.
"I can't Ren! Not even a fellow ginger can have the last explosion!" the personification of insanity replied as she aimed her destructive weapon.
She meant the last word, right?
Eyes of gold gleaned something new. Something that was so terrifying that Blake didn't want to be alive at that moment. The front of the launcher retracted exposing six heart-shaped tips of her destructive grenades. "For my awesome leader! And for my LOVE LIFE!"
No, surely not.
Nora pulled the trigger to unleash hell on Remnant. Simultaneously all six of Nora's pink dust grenades shoot forth, each one traveling through the sky with pink dust trailing behind them, looping around each other like an intricate dance. Until the six canisters joined to create what Blake believed to be the ginger's favorite shape, a giant pink heart.
Blake had a feeling that it was Nora's way of letting people feel her love.
But with Torchwick so close to shipments of Dust, the explosion would-
"ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL US ALL!?" he exclaimed.
"The answer to his question was the rainbow colored explosion that killed everyone that night," Ozpin said as he closed the book, a smile upon his features.
All while Glynda began to tie a noose with her semblance as she muttered to herself about ending it all here. She did not even care about traumatizing the children that watched her.
Ozpin already succeeded in that endeavor it would seem, given the pale faces of the group of kids who could barely talk.
The class of preschoolers all looked at him incredulously. The teacher who was standing above the children looked as if she would die from a heart attack.
"What the hell is wrong with you!?"
Ozpin quietly enjoyed another sip of his coffee while Glynda tied the knot around her neck.
And people thought RWBY Volume 3 was dark.