A Leaf Turned

Chapter 7
Secrets

This is truly the most pathetic display of fighting ability I've ever seen. Ever. Of all time.

"This is the part where you lose." Cardin sneered to Jaune across from him while their weapons were locked. Cardin looks more like he was just trying to keep from outright pushing Jaune over, and the blonde in question looked like he was trying to shove a freight train over.

"Over my dead-"

There was sort of crunch that had even Adam wincing as Jaune doubled over onto the floor. The bull palmed his face as the rest of the crowd laugh, cheered, winced or in RWY and NPR's case looked saddened the blonde had been so readily defeated.

"I don't see why you're all surprised." Adam deadpanned from his place, looking at the gathered friends and teammates with a frown. "It's been four weeks and we've not seen a single improvement in his combat prowess. That block he got was the best performance to date."

Was it harsh? Maybe. But it was also sadly true by all of Adams' observations and as the match was called by Goodwitch, again in Cardins' favor! The others offered Jaune various sentiments of comfort as the blonde idiot rejoined their ranks and plopped down defeatedly beside his partner.

"We have time for one more sparring match, any volunteers?"

Half the class raised their hands, eager for a bout and a chance to show off their skills. Adam raised his own hand, he also pointedly ignored how some of the closer students lowered their own when his came up. Needless to say he had a bit of a reputation in the sparring ring of Goodwitchs' class.

"Mr. Belladonna," Goodwitch nodded for him to enter the sparring ring before looking over the now noticeably smaller group with their hands still raised. She blinked. Hadn't there been twelve hands raised before?

Now there were like four.

"Mr. Reed, what about you?" She addressed the usually quiet boy with a single bang over his right eye. He blinked, staring at her, before looking to Adam. Then back to Goodwitch. "…"

The silence dragged on for a good minute before Glynda slowly frowned. "Oh-kay then." She ticked him off. "Mr. Jackal, what about you?"

The student in question, a rather burly, muscle bound great hammer wielder who looked four years too old and far too scarred to pass as a student took one look at Adam before he dove off the side of the stands and ran for the door yelling about things he needed to do before running through said doors, leaving them swinging on their hinges.

The class was silent.

Goodwitch sighed. "For the love of… Anyone else?" She asked. No one raised their hands and she looked to Adam apologetically. "I'm sorry, Mr. Belladonna, seems class for today is ov-"

"I'll do it!"

Everyone in the room turned to see none other than Yang Xiao Long standing up and giving the cockiest grin they've likely ever seen. "I'll take the bull by the horns." She ignored how everyone groans and facepalms, even Adams' own growl of annoyance before hopping down from the stands and onto the ring grounds as she just pretty much strolled over to the ring.

"Very well, inter-team sparring isn't a usual practice but since no one else is willing to step into the ring with Mr. Belladonna, then I will allow it." She tapped her scroll and stepped back, glancing over the two. "You're both aware of the conditions. So no need to repeat. Begin when ready."

Adam rolled his shoulders and gave her a once over. "I don't appreciate the bull comment." He deadpanned, gripping Wilt and Blush in his left hand.

She grinned. "Still love me?"

"I'm going to love the victory I earn today."

The class "Ooooh"d around them.

Yang cocked her hands and unfolded her shotguns, raising her fists and parting her stance. Playful lilac eyes sharpened just a touch in focus. She took a breath and then jumped forward while rearing her fist back for a right hook.

The bull Faunus stepped forward and angled Wilt and Blush upwards. The fist closed in and he fired! With a crack Wilt shot upwards and into the incoming fist with enough force to direct it upwards, at the same time the sword was knocked back into the waiting sheath and he twisted off his foot, using the brief opening to plant a kick into her unprotected side.

The blonde was sent sailing through the air where she flipped landed on her boots, skidding back before throwing her arms back with a smirk and firing off her gauntlets, propelling herself forward for another charge. "Not bad!"

Adam jumped forward and drew Wilt. He'd show her "not bad", he intercepted her mid flight and the sparks of metal filled the air as he swung Wilt, cutting across the metal of her right gauntlet as the passed each other. He landed with a roll onto his knees, turning back around to see Yang firing off some of those long range shells.

Wilt flashed through the air, two crimson arcs cutting across the pair of shells, scattering them harmlessly while he stood again and raising Blush, a flip the sheath and it became the short range rifle. He aimed and fired, forcing Yang to roll right the jump side to side to avoid the incoming rounds while moving back in.

She closed to four feet and he lowered Blush while swinging Wilt into her left gauntlet as it fired, scattering the close range shells and throwing her aim off with his surprising strength. She didn't relent however and instead let the thrown off angle carry her into a twist that brought her right elbow across his cheek, snapping his head to the side before she delivered a left hook to his exposed side.

His aura crackled and he was flung back into the protective shield wall with a crash. Where he landed and slumped, head hanging briefly. The overhead screen showed his Aura reserves still in the green, so he wasn't out. "That all you got, bull boy?" Yang called, cocking her spent shells free.

Adam chuckled, lifting his head and gazing back at her with glowing red eyes, his lips twisted into a pleased smirk. "Funny," He stood back onto his feet and rolling his shoulders as if she'd given him a nice massage rather than a shotgun powered left hook. "I was about to ask you that very same question."

He raised Wilt and Blush, sheathing the sword and crouching. Giving her an eager smirk. "Now then, you going to stand there looking pretty, or are you going to actually give me a fight?"

Yangs' eyes flashed red before she laughed and brought her fists up. "Oh boy, keep talking big. I'm going to enjoy wiping that smug smirk off your face."

Adam smirked wider, before jumping forward and Yang rushed ahead to meet him head on. They clashed! The room shook and the students didn't once look away from the display.

Team RWBY, along with the other students, were exiting Goodwitchs' class, Yang and Adam both looking like they're just run a marathon, rolled in the dirt, then fought with brass knuckles for a finisher. Adam slicked back hair was loose in some strands, one of his horns was actually chipped at the tip, he had a bruise forming on his right cheek and his jacket was singed and torn in some places. His collar was also ruffled from when Yang had gripped him by it and punched him straight in the face.

Yang on the other hand was covered in small nicks from his sword, her sand colored jacket was mostly ripped at the shoulders, but the yellow shirt beneath was split, flashing just a touch more skin than intended, but she didn't mind because if it was choose between a cut shirt or another from that sharp as hell blade? Shirt every time. Her gauntlets were also scratched up from blocking and she'd spent a good amount of shells. Her jackets buttons were also popped since Adam had tossed her into the shielding when he got a good hold on her.

All things considered the pair looked like hell itself had fought them and they came out on top. Both looked pleased, almost glowing…

It was until Weiss spoke up that the pair didn't realize how pleased they looked. "You two look like you're basking in some after glow usually reserved for intimate private affairs." She huffed, rolling her icy blues. "Ruffians."

"What can I say?" Yang grinned. "A good fight can be just as good as a good tumble in the hay," she nudged Adams' side. "Amirite?"

The bull Faunus just rolled his shoulders and gave Yang a raised brow. "…No comment." But yes, he did rather enjoy the way that Yang could take whatever punishment he could give and attempt to give it back just as readily. What had become a spar turned into a down and dirty brawl. And the way she was favouring her left leg told him she was still feeling the aches and pains despite Aura.

Yes, he could agree that fight had been just as good as sex.

So, content in existence and body pleasantly aching, Adam attended his next few classes far more relaxed than he had been in days.

It was as the day began to wind down when classes were done that he spotted an odd sight. Pyrrha Nikos and Jaune Arc, moving through the halls. The blond being dragged along by the redhead and this made Adam raise his brow before allowing his curiosity to be sated and following quietly after them. Where could they be going at this time of night? He wondered idly.

He followed them to an stairway that lead to the roof. He stopped at the door, quieted down and began to listen.

"-didn't go to Combat school! I didn't earn my place at this academy!" Jaunes' voice, muffled by distance and the door.

Adam blinked and frowned. Ah, that explains why Arc is so inept as a combatant, he snuck his way into Beacon. He almost snorted and began to listen in again. Learning that the idiot wanted to be a hero, like his grandfather before him, all huntsmen. And the more he listened the more Adam wanted to palm his face and growl at the stupidity. He expected to just come to Beacon, no research? No studying? Not even a few months to swing a sword and learn to wield it?

How stupid was this kid?

He wasn't sure he wanted to know the answer but it was becoming apparent this idiot needed a lesson. He stood and opened the door, stepping out onto the room to the surprised faces of both Pyrrha and Jaune.

Adam eyed them. "Nice evening, huh?" He drawled.

They tried to recover, Pyrrha even trying to smile her best at him. "Evening, Adam." She greeted. "It's.. A lovely evening."

"Y-Yeah," Jaune nodded, trying to aid in the performance.

"Yes, so lovely, I was almost willing to forget hearing about how some blond idiot snuck his way into Beacon." And he dropped the bomb and their faces fell so hard it was almost satisfying to see the infallible Pyrrha Nikos in such a state. But Jaunes' own horror struck one was almost as good.

Adam realized he might be a terrible person and he was okay with this.

"Don't bother denying it, I got curious and followed you two up here. I heard everything I need to," He glanced to the side, before back at Jaune. "A hero, really? You thought you could just stroll into Beacon Academy, the best of the best come here from across the four kingdoms. They go through training, years of it, and you just thought you could blend in without an ounce of studying or training?" He demanded.

Pyrrha stepped forward to defend her leader and friend. "He did it-"

"Stupidly!" Adam snarled and stopped her right in her place with his glare. "He came here without a clue, did he even have his Aura unlocked prior? Or was that when you saved him from a fall that would have killed him?"

They were both silent and the bull sneered.

"Amazing." He looked back to the crestfallen Jaune. "I should report you, dust knows I want to since you've all but trampled on the hard work and reputation of this academy by sneaking in here. Because you took up a slot, some other student, more deserving than you, didn't." Adam went on. "And now, here you are, spurning the aid of the one woman in this whole academy who is offering her help and you refuse because of some foolish notion that you need to be able to do this alone?"

"Face it, boy." Adam hissed. "If you don't accept help now, all you'll be is expelled for poor performance or die during the more on hands expeditions against the Grimm." The pair flinched, and he frowned further. The boy was so useless, so pathetic!

And Adam hated how he reminded him of his past.

And he was suddenly a child again, no less than eleven and small. Wielding a small, rusted knife threateningly at who would become his mentor. He glared. "Give me your food!" He demanded, raising the knife even as he shook from the cold, Atlesian night. The rags covering his body barely serving to offer warmth.

The woman just stared at him. Her impressive sword at her side, sheathed. In her right hand was a bag of food, freshly bought that he could smell the meats and buns. Her red eyes stared unblinkingly at him. "Take them, child." She deadpanned.

Adam hissed, and with teeth chattering from the cold and not fear, he rushed forward. Going to try and cut her side, if he could make her drop her food he could get it and feed himself-

A line of crimson cut across the air and his knife blade fell to the ground, cleanly sliced. He stepped back and looked at his shoulder, the fabric split apart and a clean line of red appeared on his pale, malnourished skin. He cried out as he bled, clutching his shoulder while the woman flicked her sword to the side and sheathed it again.

"Is that all the effort your survival is worth, boy?" The womans' voice echoed in the cold city night as she approached, her boots crunching the snow beneath them as she stood there, above his shaking and bleeding form. "Well?"

Adam looked at his bloodied hand, clenching it and then jumping forward, swinging his fist for her face, jumping up to do so. His trouble earned him the butt of her sword into his gut, forcing him back and into the snow, emptying what contents remained in his stomach onto the snow covered alley ground with a retch.

"What do you want, boy?"

"I want food! I need it!" He had tears in his eyes from the pain and humiliation.

"That'll only last you the night, at best. What do you really need?"

"What?" Adam looked up at her, glaring, matted brown hair clinging to his forehead.

"What do you need to survive in this world, boy. I won't ask again." The woman deadpanned.

"I need…" Adam thought, closing his eyes. "I need… I want to be strong. I want to be able to fight! I need to be able to do that. To fight!" His eyes glowed, his Aura flaring as his resolve hardened. "I need power."

The woman was silent for several moments before she nodded, seemingly satisfied. "Gather yourself up then, boy. I will give you the power to take your fate into your control. And we will see if you are worthy anything really."

Adam stared at her back… Before too stood, his cut was healing…He'd unlocked his Aura. The bull Faunus slowly, cautious ambled after the woman.

And into his new life.

"You're a fool, Arc." Adam muttered, staring at Jaune. "But if you've got the resolve to actually become a hero. Then we'll see if you're even worth the effort of that." He turned away, glancing back at them. "Meet me in Forever Fall tomorrow after classes. Bring your weapons."

"W-What?" Jaune asked, him and Pyrrha both surprised. "Why?"

"Because if you're going to become a Huntsman, you need to learn to wield that thing and to kill Grimm. We're going to kill two birds with one stone from here and on until you've impressed me, Arc."

"You're going to train him?" Pyrrha stepped forward, frowning. "No offense, Adam but you don't seem the best type to-"

"You would coddle him. Tell him "he's improving" and make corrections. A tactic that would work were he a child, but not now. He needs to hit the ground running and roll right or break a leg. You're welcome to come of course, if only to escort him so he doesn't die in transit." Adam snorted. "And Jaune, spurning my help isn't an option. You don't come. I'll simply inform Goodwitch of your secret and you'll be expelled."

"Now get going, both of you. I need to deal with something else." Seeing his glare, neither argued, though Pyrrha glared at him for harsh demands and treatment. He just accepted the consequences. Softness… kindness? No room for those in training to become a fighter of evil.

Once the pair were gone. Adam stood there, before growling. "Winchester. I hope you're not listening like a common sneak."

The boy in question appeared from over the edge of the roof, climbing up and looking rather smug. "So, Arc sneaks in and you're just gonna help him? Him and Nikos? That's pretty bad." He sneered.

"And?" Adam raised a brow.

"And," Cardin continued, unperturbed by Adams' nonchalance. "if I told Goodwitch, that could mean trouble for all three of you. That is, unless-"

He didn't get further until Adam grabbed him by the scruff of his uniform and lifted him up and over the edge of the roof. "Are you trying to black mail me, Winchester?" Adam growled lowly. "Let me tell you something, as a boy. Humans would have me do tricks for food, just to survive I was forced to perform like some circus animal."

Adam held tightly, glancing down the several story fall. "Now here I am, holding your life in a hand and the fact I haven't dropped you is a testament to my patience. I hate Humans and make no mistake, Mr. Winchester. I hate you, you're a bully. A coward and if I had any say in the matter you'd be paste on the ground." He slacked his hold a bit, making the boy grab onto his arm in desperation.

"I don't care for Arc, he's a disgrace. I don't care for Nikos either, she's high and mighty and so perfect it sickens me. But they're still worth more than you. So if you get either of them expelled then no force on Remnant will save you from my very real, very threatening wrath."

"Am I clear, Mr. Winchester?"

"Y-Yeah! Just… pull me back onto the roof!" Cardin was tossed onto the roof and he looked at Adam, eyes terrified. "You're crazy!"

"Just very forward. Now return to your dorm, forget everything about Jaune Arc, and just remember my words." Adam stepped past the Human, who flinched as he passed. "Have a good night." And Adam went back inside and returned to the RWBY dorm.

He was immediately assaulted by Ruby, who was clinging to his neck and hanging behind him, hiding from Yang and Weiss. Who were holding up a menagerie of hair care products. "Come on sis, just gotta see works!"

Weiss nodded. "Your hair could use a bit of work too." She said.

"Save me." Ruby squeaked to Adam.

The bull Faunus sighed. Damn you, Blake. And it was going so well!

End of chapter 7

There's chapter 7 and boy was I stumped more than Yang at the end of Vol 3 for what to do with it! Part of me wanted to skip to the whole dock White Fang thing, but then I had a neat little idea for Jaunes' teacher. So, here is the result! Also some fiery tension between Yang and Adam for reasons involving said volume.

Hope it was fun to read, now, would you kindly leave a review? I do so love them.