Something something beating the shit out of CRDL because that's soldiering
Chapter 11: Prove Your Worth
Pyrrha Nikos is many things. Skilled, polite, and caring, and it seems the latter seems to be the most evident as she and the rest of JNPR noticed Jaune's sudden absence. Her concern started when Professor Azure had called him to his office, and when she did not hear from him when curfew came around, her concerns grew considerably.
Come the following morning, she took note that her partner's bed had been used, but it was very much empty. The Blonde had most likely returned late and for some reason left earlier than anticipated. The rest of the day went by with her barely interacting with Jaune as he seemed to be very much far away and closer to team CRDL. One thing she took note of was how dejected he looked. Something was definitely up and this proved to be the case when Jaune didn't even sit with them in the cafeteria.
She was relieved when Ruby voiced her own concerns "Hey Pyrrha, where's Jaune?"
"I don't know... he's been avoiding us since last night," The Spartan replied. Nora was about to slam her fists on the table to exclaim something but was promptly stopped by Ren who eyed Beacon's Guards. He swore that they were nodding at him in thanks. After calming his partner down, the Green Clad member offered his 2 cents "We personally don't know why he's been doing this, but I think it may have something to do with what happened yesterday."
The 2 teams continue to ponder the problem when a chime came on the PA system "Pyrrha Nikos please report to Professor Azure's office."
Surprised by this, the girl in question eyed her friends who nodded at her to go. "Perhaps it has something to do with Jaune," she thought as she made her way out of the cafeteria. As she walked on, she noticed that she was being tailed by 2 Guards. It wasn't long before she arrived at the staff offices where she found the corridor leading to the Professor's office being watched by more Guards. This was certainly not normal as she was allowed in by a Guardsman to enter the office, while the two Guards from before posted themselves outside of the office door.
Before Pyrrha sat Azure who was currently reading some papers. When the door closed, Pyrrha's green eyes met Azure's dark blue before the latter gestured for her to take a seat. "Miss Nikos, are you aware of your partner's whereabouts?" the Marshal asked as he continued to read.
"No," she replied, "but his absence from our team has caused us great concern."
Azure nodded as he dropped the paper before her "These are his transcripts. They show signs of forgery, most likely from an amateur forger, but that's not the concern here."
Pyrrha's eyes widened with shock as she carefully picked up the paper presented "So Jaune... faked his way in?"
The Marshal nodded "His reasons are not mine to share, however, I can assure you that there is no malicious intent in doing so."
"That explains his performance in combat," the girl said as Azure took the paper from her hands. "Indeed, but he does have redeeming qualities no?" the Chief asked as he placed the papers in a folder.
Pyrrha stayed silent until a question formed "I'm not the only one who is aware of this aren't I?"
"Correct, Ozpin, Glynda, and I know, and unfortunately so does team CRDL. I'm afraid that they are blackmailing your partner to do their work."
These words sank in and they made the Spartan's blood boil. Before she could stand up, Azure raised his hand to halt her "Easy there Miss Nikos, fret not as we are trying to find a way to help him out."
He then stood up and looked outside the window "You may tell your team Miss Nikos, but they must remain quiet if we are to save your partner from his current predicament."
Another thought reached Pyrrha "Wait, mister Azure if you knew about Jaune's transcripts, why did you let him in?"
A light chuckle escaped the Marshal as he faced back "Truthfully Miss Nikos, it was only Ozpin who knew during initiation. Glynda and I only found out after initiation." He then took out another folder and handed it to Pyrrha who carefully opened it to see Jaune's name on a test paper.
"This is Mister Arc's test paper on Leadership and Tactics," Azure explained as he pointed to the near-perfect score, "As you can see here, he almost got a 100% on this test and this was without any external help."
Pyrrha's eyes did indeed widen as she reviewed the test results and was genuinely surprised when it was revealed that he had the highest score compared to the rest of the 1st Years. Azure took the folder off her hands before continuing "The reason why Ozpin decided to let him continue was because Mister Arc had great potential."
The Marshal's expression then soured "But it seems that the potential may not come into fruition if Cardin reveals the secret which is why we must keep this problem discreet."
The Spartan nodded as Azure sat back down "So, what do you think about your partner now?"
"I... wish to hear it from Jaune personally," she replied, "and if what you say is true, then I will not think of him negatively."
This elicited a smile from the Chief "Very good, off to class you go now."
Pyrrha promptly bade him goodbye as she left the room.
"Jaune... please be safe..." she thought as she left the office building.
Beacon's Library, Beacon Academy
"Good job Jauney boy! Professor Port gave me a good score on this paper you wrote for me, and I gotta say, maybe this cheating stuff comes naturally to you," Cardin snickered as he and his team laughed at the Blonde who sat miserably amongst them.
Cardin then placed his scroll on the table, revealing the Beacon notice for a school trip "Now, listen up buddy, you're going to be sticking with us for the trip to this forest. You got that?"
Jaune could only nod as CRDL continued to laugh at his expense. Never in his life did he think that achieving his dreams could be this miserable. Not only was he being forced to do Cardin's dirty work, but now he was being alienated from his team and friends. It did not help that Professors were not aware of his situation.
He was continuing his self-pitying thoughts when a voice caught the 5 teens' attention.
"You know libraries are supposed to be quiet you know," a Guard said as CRDL and Jaune looked towards the armored visitor.
"Killdane and Gus..." Jaune thought as he noted the number on the Guardsmen's helmet.
"No kidding Gus, no wonder the librarian called us down here. I could practically hear this all the way at barracks," the guard known as Killdane replied, "Now what's all this Winchester?"
Surprisingly, Cardin did not seem the least fazed as he stood up proudly "Nothing sir, just hanging out with my friends."
"Seems awfully loud don't you think," Gus asked as he cracked his neck.
"We'll keep it down, now can you leave so we can continue?" the leader of CRDL asked, now acting smugger than ever.
Killdane sized the teens up before nodding "Good, and Jaune, you should hang with your team more often y'know?"
As the two guards walked away slowly, Jaune heard Cardin mutter quietly "Damn bucket heads are total tools..." His team nodded in agreement as they snickered at the two clones. They stopped when the guards stopped and turned around.
"What did you just call us kid?" Gus asked threateningly as he and Killdane walked back.
Only then did Cardin show a hint of fear "No-nothing sir!"
Killdane then answered back "I think he just called us bucket-headed tools Gus."
The rest of Cardin's team began to back up slowly as the two clones approached them, now clenching their fists.
"Go on Cardin," Gus threatened "Say it again you bleeding puss."
"I-I didn't say anything!" Cardin tried as he tried to back up, but was grabbed by Killdane as he was slammed on the table.
"Come on big guy! I wanna hear you say it!" Gus shouted as he watched Killdane pull Cardin's arm back, earning a whimper from the tall student, "Go on Winchester! Say it!"
"Y-you can't do that!" Dove tried to protest, but before he could lay a hand on the Trooper, he felt his hand being grabbed as he was then shoved off.
Cardin finally relented "O-okay! Okay! I give! I'm sorry I called you guys bucket heads! Please let me go!" Killdane did as he backed off as he and Gus then finally left "Watch your mouth, Winchester before I wipe that stupid grin off your face with my bayonet."
The two guards finally left before anything else happened. As CRDL began to recover from the ordeal, Jaune sat quietly after witnessing the Guards put Cardin in his place. Dove then checked on Cardin "You okay boss?" His leader nodded tiredly as he clutched his arm.
"Yeah..." he muttered, "We're gonna have to watch out for these guys in the forest."
Jaune gulped, now regretting his choices more than ever felt himself being grabbed by Cardin as the latter grimaced "Now listen up boys, here's what we're going to do in the forest..."
Forever Fall Forest | 5 Days later...
"Cherek Leader to all gunships, we're approaching our LZ. I want scopes and guns on the ready for any Grimm."
"Copy that sir, activating scopes now... showing clear on my end now sir."
"Same on mine, all clear."
"Nothing on mine either."
"Clear on my field skipper!"
"I got some, 5 wolves and an alpha, am I clear to engage?"
"10-4 gunship Treble, you're clear."
"Roger that, guns, guns, guns!"
The rapid-fire of the gunship's chin turrets echoed throughout the troop compartment of the LAAT/i that Sixers was in began it's descent on their designated LZ. After a series of checks from the ground troops and the gunship crews were made, the green light shone and the blast doors opened up to reveal the troopers of 501st's Toro Company.
"Green light! Go! Go! Go!"
"1st Platoon form into squads on the double!"
"2nd Platoon, into squads now!"
As Sixers observed Lieutenants Loch and Trev organized their platoons while the 2 gunships that brought them, began to take off, leaving them for the time being. It wasn't long before the men of Toro Company marched off to fulfill their duties. Sixers then had to remind himself that they were only half the company as the other half was left behind at Beacon under the command of the Captain Murray of the Marines.
Perimeter reports soon came to the operational comms as men from various squads submitted their sitreps to the Toro's Captain. Upon hearing these reports, Sixers tapped his arm gauntlet to get the attention of Marshal Azure who was staying with the other 3 gunships that now held the students of Beacon.
"Marshal, we have the LZ and perimeter secured. You can tell them to get off the Larties now," he reported.
"Thank you Sixers," came a strained reply as the gunship doors opened to reveal Garreth Azure, now holding a wet paper bag. Tossing it aside, the Marshal led the 1st year students out of the gunships.
Miss Goodwitch soon took control of the students as she raised her voice "Welcome to Forever Fall Forest. Now while this place is certainly beautiful, don't take too much of your time admiring it. We're here to collect sap for Professor Peach, not sightseeing. Now each of you will fill up one jar of the red sap, but stay alert. While Professor Azure, his men, and I are around, remain cautious as this forest is filled with Grimm."
"Indeed," the Marshal said as he placed his hands behind his back, pacing along with the gathered students, "My men have formed a large perimeter around where we have landed. You are to remain within this sector and before anyone asks, yes, a map WILL be sent to you so you know where to stop."
"With that being said," the Deputy Headmistress continued, "you may go ahead and start gathering, have fun."
The students soon dispersed with Azure eyeing Team CRDL in particular as they dragged Jaune Arc away. He subverted his gaze as Sixers approached the two Professors.
"I can always keep a squad nearby if you want sir," the Captain offered.
Azure had to shake his head "No, the Company is stretched too thin as it is. As much as I hate to admit it, we'll have to let him suffer another day."
Glynda sighed "Ozpin and his plans ought to bite him back one day..."
"You and me both Glynda, you and me both..."
...
"Hah! That wasn't so hard now was it Jauney?" Cardin mocked as he and his team watched the Blonde Knight stumble to the ground after putting down the jars of red sap. Jaune muttered something about allergies, but the brute paid no mind to it as he stood up, taking a jar into his hands.
"So, you might be wondering why your good pal Cardin decided to have you collect six jars of sap when there's only five of us?"
"I don't think I wanna know..."
Cardin scoffed "That was rhetorical you twig."
He soon lead the group onto a small hill with team JNPR in sight. Jaune now grew concerned "What are you-"
"Payback," the Winchester spat as he eyed Jaune's partner.
"Pyrrha..."
"Yep... that's our target. Red-haired know it all... thinking she's so clever... now you all know the plan right?"
Team CRDL grew devilish smiles as they nodded. Their leader smiled back "Good, now according to our pal Jaune here, these guys," he pulls out a buzzing box with a "W" written on it, "really like sweet stuff, and thanks to Jaune who generously offered to get them for us, we now have the perfect plan for revenge."
"No... they better not be..." Jaune thought as his eyes widened.
Cardin then yanked the Blonde up "And you're gonna do it."
"Huh?! Do what?"
"Hit her with the sap dumbass," the brute snapped "It's either that or you can kiss your stay here at Beacon goodbye."
Jaune looked at the sap jar that was shoved into his hands. He began to contemplate on what he was doing, what he might do, and what he had done. A thought then returns to Jaune.
"Why did I want to become a huntsman? To uphold the family legacy of course! But what is that legacy? Helping people... I want to help people like my ancestors did before me..."
"No..."
"What'd you say?"
"I SAID NO YOU SON OF A BITCH!"
All of a sudden, Cardin fell to the ground with sap all over his face and chest as Jaune smashed it on his armor, sap flying everywhere. Just as Jaune was about to do something else, he felt himself get knocked by the ground as Cardin's team backed their leader up. The Winchester growled as he stood up, looking at Jaune with malice "That wasn't very smart now was it?"
The brute soon sent a punch to the Blonde's face, bruising him as he crumpled on the ground.
"When I'm done with you, they won't even have to get a coffin for you!"
"Do your worse," Jaune spat as he looked back in defiance, "I don't care what you do to me, but you are NOT messing with my team!"
This enraged the bully who was about to deliver another punch, a white glow shone brightly, engulfing the two students.
"Argh!" Cardin yelled as he clutched his suddenly injured hand, and to his and his team's surprise, they found Jaune fully healed up, glaring at them.
However, before a single word could be said, a loud roar echoed throughout the forest. A series of thuds followed as the five boys looked in the direction of the sound and to their horror, stood face to face against the largest Ursa they have ever seen.
"Sh-shit! Book it!"
"Fuck that man!"
"HOLY SHIT RUN!"
The RD and L shouted as they left Cardin and Jaune to their fend for themselves. The former still shocked by what has transpired, was smacked away by the bear-like Grimm. Jaune sat still as he was sniffed by the Grimm, but was surprised when it ignored him and approached a stronger source of negativity, Cardin.
Before Cardin could brandish his weapon to fight, he found it smacked to the ground by the Ursa, making him stumble to the ground as he tried to shield himself from another strike. Then, the Grimm's powerful claws came crashing down, now ready to deal the final blow. However, to the surprise of the now approaching group of Ruby, Weiss, Pyrrha, and the fearful Cardin, the attack was blocked by Jaune as he pushed the claw away with his shield arm, slashing at the Ursa. It was then four students watched as the Blonde go toe to toe against the Grimm with quick movements, dodging an attack if necessary before striking again with his sword.
However, he was not unscathed as the beast dealt some powerful blows, sending the Arc's aura to dangerously low levels. Then and there, Jaune realized he had to end this now. Raising his sword into an attack stance, he charged at the Ursa, failing to notice another attack from his exposed left.
From a distance, an intervention in the form of Pyrrha manifested as she raised the shield with a black glow surrounding it, blocking the strike and allowing her partner to decapitate the Ursa in one swipe. This confused the two girls who were with the Spartan, but she simply explained her semblance before noticing what Jaune was up to next.
Cardin, now confused more than ever, found himself being offered a hand up by Jaune.
"Holy crap Jaune... that was sick..."
Jaune held a hand up "Save it, Cardin, you can mess with me all you want, but never EVER mess with my friends," he threatened with a glare that could've rivaled Professor Goodwitch, "Got it?"
The Winchester nodded apologetically, confused at why he was saved, but at the same time, grateful that he was.
"Move in troopers! On the double!" a voice sounded as Beacon's Security Forces soon arrived at the scene with rifles at the ready and heads on a swivel.
One of the soldiers who Jaune recognized as Gambit approached them "You kids alright?"
"Yeah, we had a close call, but we're fine," Jaune said as he finally smiled.
"Good, get yourselves some rest and wait for the Professors, we'll go watch the area for more of those Grimm."
The two boys nodded as Gambit rushed to investigate the scene.
With the Ord Squad, investigating the scene was a proper mess all things considered as the squad of troopers watched the trees for any more Grimm. Sergeant Gambit himself was now looking at the fading corpse of the Ursa that attacked the students.
"Rapier wasps? The hell are they doing in a box?" the trooper named Jest asked as he pulled up his blaster rifle and set it to its highest setting.
Gus shook his head "I don't know Jest, just shoot it already." His squadmate nodded as he pulled the trigger, disintegrating the box with its dangerous occupants.
As the rest of Ord Squad cleared out the forest clearing, a suspicious item irked Gambit's eye as he looked at the remains of an Ursa. The first thing that put him off was the collar found where the Grimm once was.
"That's odd... why would they have a collar?" Gambit asked as he slung his rifle, picking up the collar to investigate.
"What you got right there Sarge?" Killdane asked as he looked over Gambit's shoulder.
"Strange, isn't that the White Fang's symbol?" he asked, but before they could say anymore, a hail of dust rounds flew towards Gambit, knocking him to the ground.
"SARGE!" Jest exclaimed.
Killdane pointed his rifle as he yelled "AMBUSH! GET TO COVER! SLICK, GET THE LT ON THE LINE!"
The troopers began to find available cover in the trees as they returned fire. This got the attention of the six student huntsmen and huntresses as they sprang to action to figure out what was going on.
"Squad! Thermal visuals! NOW!" Killdane ordered as he tried to spot a muzzle flash.
"What's going on?!" the student who Killdane then recognized as Ruby asked.
"Unknown hostiles, they got our sergeant pinned down and on the ground," he explained before firing his rifle again, "He's hurt and knocked out, but we can't risk getting ourselves hit."
Ruby nodded as she got behind cover as well before approaching her teammates to formulate a plan.
Just then, a yell sounded out from Jaune "COVER ME! CARDIN! HELP ME GET HIM!"
Some of the troopers looked at the Arc kid and Cardin of all people push towards where their leader was. They then heeded the Blonde's words as they fired their rifles once again, blasters melting anything that got in the way.
"I think I see them!" Hex, another member of Ord Squad, yelled while pointing in a direction. This direction was put off however as a grenade was tossed into the air.
"DOWN!" yelled Killdane as the squad followed the order immediately.
The grenade then burst into a wall of flame, preventing the troopers from using thermal scopes to track their assailants. The troopers and the students felt the pressure more than ever, especially the two boys who were approaching closer to Gambit.
When the flames began to subside, a cry was heard "FOR THE WHITE FANG! CHARGE!"
The defending combatants now had to act quickly as a hoard of Faunus rushed out of the tree line and went straight for Ord Squad's leader who was finally picked up by Cardin. The latter began to run back to friendly lines as Jaune kept him covered with his shield.
"KEEP UP THE FIRE! GIVE THAT BOY SOME COVER!" Ord's second in command yelled once more as he, his squad and remaining huntresses began to fire their weapons at the approaching ambushers. The fire began to take many Faunus down, but one was about to leap at Jaune with a large spiked club when suddenly a hand grabbed Jaune's shoulder.
"Hold still for me if you please," the cool and collected voice requested as a white-coated arm sprang out from behind Jaune, with a blaster pistol in hand shot the Faunus square on the chest.
"Reinforcements! Give him some covering fire!" a familiar voice yelled which was revealed to be Captain Sixers as he and several more troopers began to fire at the approaching Faunus attackers.
Back with Jaune, he was stunned to see the arm began to shoot any Faunus that dared to approach them.
With the combined fire of the Sixers' reinforcements, Ord Squad, and the present students, the White Fang grunts soon ran away less they be caught in another one-sided battle.
"Sixers, charge them back 300 meters from our position. If they still run, leave them be and return to this location," the voice from earlier which was now revealed to be Professor Azure, ordered.
"Yes sir! Squads! Fix bayonets and forward!"
"HOORAH" the men cried as they followed their Captain's orders.
"Now, Mister Arc, Mister Winchester, would you like to explain from the very beginning what had happened here?" Azure asked as he eyed the two boys, Cardin in particular as he propped up the unconscious Sergeant Gambit against a tree.
Professor Azure's Office, Beacon Academy
"So you're saying that after you tried to beat up Mister Arc, the Ursa Major showed up, making your team scram, leaving you and Mister Arc to fend for yourselves?" the Marshal asked as the leaders of CRDL and JNPR sat in front of him.
"Yes sir," Cardin replied with a resolute tone.
"And when you could not defend for yourself, Mister Arc stepped in and defended you?"
The Winchester nodded again as Azure wrote on a file.
"And tell me, what were you threatening Arc with?" Azure asked as he eyed the two again.
"U-uh..."
Finally, Azure dropped his facade of cluelessness, "Relax, the staff and I are well aware of Mister Arc's transcripts. Why Jaune Arc remains in the school despite the fact? Well, that's for us to know, for you to not find out and keep quiet about."
Cardin gawked at what the Chief of Security was saying, but if Ozpin himself knew, then he had no reason to question it. He owes Jaune that much for saving his life anyway.
"Alright sir," he replied.
"Hmph, good enough I suppose..." the Chief said as he finished writing his file, "Now I suppose I can close up shop, Cardin, you're free to go. Stay out of trouble and I can guarantee you a thriving career in this school, understand?"
The boy nods again before standing up and leaving the room. Then, another 3 more people enter the room, revealing to be the other members of Team JNPR.
Azure smiled "Ah, Miss Nikos, Miss Valkyrie, Mister Ren, please take a seat."
Jaune sat shocked as he saw his team offering him smiles, but his thoughts were interrupted by the Chief of Security "Well, I believe you all know why were here, so go on, out with it."
"Guys... Pyrrha... I'm so sorry about all this, I really wanted to become a hunter and I didn't have many options-"
"Why?" his partner asked, "Why did you want to become a huntsman?"
"I... at first it was just to fulfill my family's legacy, but I realize that it's more to that," Jaune explained, "I looked up to my ancestors because they helped people and I want to do it too... help those in need like hunters should..."
A silence filled the room, as Jaune looked down in shame. Then, the silence was broken by none other than Nora "I don't know Renny, doesn't seem to be a sinister reason right? What do you think?"
"I agree," her partner replied, "While your methods were not the greatest, your intentions are indeed pure without a second thought. Just try not to lie again okay Jaune?"
The Blonde looked up in surprise as the two gave their thoughts, but what finally broke the dam was when Pyrrha spoke "It seems our team really missed their leader Jaune, what do you say? Do we try and do better?"
JNPR's leader smiled brightly as he nodded, and as the team left Azure's office, the Chief couldn't help but applaud Jaune for his actions.
"I can certainly see why Ozpin allowed you to stay," he said to himself as he looked over Jaune's refabricated transcripts. The Marshal pulled out a seal and stamped it on the papers.
"Signed and authorized by the Beacon Administration"
And cut! Another one down! The White Fang strikes once more but of course, good training and tactics always win as showcased by the members of Ord Squad.
Now, for those who are curious on who the members of Ord Squad are, here's a list!
GAR Personnel Roster
Ord Squad
Leader: Sergeant Gambit
2IC: Corporal Killdane
Medic: Vicker
Riflemen: Gus, Hex, Jest, Nozzle, Pipe, and Slick
And yes, Slick is the same traitor in the Hidden Enemy episode. Why is he here? I might drop hints as the fic goes on so look out for those!
Anyways, time for the reviews!
ODSTFRymann: Very interesting critic, and one that may have crossed my mind at once. However, the reason why Azure is suddenly thrust into a position of teaching in Beacon is for numerous reasons. For starters, being a Field Marshal from the Clone Wars gives him a great many experiences which he can teach the leaders of the Hunter teams. Another reason is to help him operate within Remnant without drawing too much attention (note how there is little interaction with his Fleet above). Finally for the plot, one of the many things I want to showcase in this fic is the capabilities of a much better trained and equipped army than what Remnant currently has (looking at you Atlas). This is why I incorporated Special Forces operators like Besh-6 (Bravo 6, but for Clone Commandos) and the usage of other forms of Modern Warfare. Finally, to address the culture shock or the lack of one. This is something that will be covered in the later acts of the story (I'll let you guess which one), and suffice to say there will come a time when this shock might spark hostilities between certain factions. One more thing, yes I will also cover the details in regards to our beloved Clone Troopers' fact of being clones.
Anyways, that concludes this AN, I'll be sure to keep the next chapter around soon, but until then, stay frosty because that's soldiering!
o7