Chapter 25 – cucKoo's nest

They sat in the shadow of the statue in Beacon's courtyard. Pyrrha could barely meet Blake's eyes. "The White Fang used to be something marvelous. I actually asked my agent to reach out to them."

"You had an agent at age nine?"

Blake was an agent at age ten, but that wasn't the point.

"Eight, actually. I've been the Invincible Girl since I set foot in my first tournament arena, Blake. We don't always choose our own path. Sometimes we just have to leave things to destiny."

"Go on. You reached out to mom and dad?"

"The Faunus cause was one I genuinely cared about. Saving endangered penguins or stopping bullying is important and all, but I needed to pick a charity that I would feel comfortable working with for the rest of my career. We would be investing in each other, binding our fates together for an extended contract. Back then, the White Fang was the premiere outreach organization. All my friends were envious."

"They wanted you? A human? I mean, not that there's anything…but…you know…"

Pyrrha nodded, her eyes understanding. "I do know. This was back when the White Fang was led by your…well…you know."

"Still, I'm surprised that they would choose to partner with you rather than a Faunus tournamenteer."

"Well, there weren't exactly many in the industry back then. Truth be told, there were none. I may have been a human, but my parents hadn't said anything openly racist, so I was already ahead of most of my peers. They needed an athlete to boost their popularity and awareness of their efforts, and I needed a philanthropic organization to tie my name to. Back in the day, all the champions were also champions of some cause. Think, face on the cereal box…" Pyrrha blushed. "…but less consumerist and more altruistic. Marguerite Colarada was known for her work on the anti-drug movement, and Thom Frecklez was the face of youth obesity prevention programs. My sponsors wanted me to start early, build up a resume and all that, to fabricate a family-friendly, wholesome image for when I made it big. It was a win-win for everyone."

"But then my parents died. Atlas killed them." Blake could barely spit it out. The words burned to say, but she had to. She wasn't supposed to know any more than that. "And the White Fang changed."

Pyrrha nodded. "They swept me under the rug, and I them. The White Fang didn't want anyone to know that had collaborated with a human, and my managers didn't want our old partnership to show up when people searched my name. Now, it only exists in our memories – well, I guess it's just my memories, now that the organization is all gone. That's why I recognized you. Blake, you're the spitting image of your mother."

"Thank you."

"They were wonderful people."

Blake brushed back her hair. "They really were."

"C-Can I talk to you about something? It's not related at all, but I just…I feel like I can talk to you."

"Because I look like my mom?"

"Because you're as kind as she was. You and her, I can tell you're good people just by looking at you. You just don't seem like the kind of people with any deep dark secrets."

If only you knew.

"What did you want to ask?"

"You and Adam…"

Blake raised an eyebrow.

"Well, you just seem like such a good couple. Neither of you ever get mad at each other or raise your voice. Your interactions are exactly what I'd hope mine will be like if I ever get a boyfriend."

Blake shifted slightly on the bench where she sat. "Adam and I aren't a couple."

Pyrrha looked taken aback. "You aren't? But you too are always so close to one another, and you just seem so comfortable in each other's presence."

"So are Ilia and I. We've always been a trio since…wait, not like that!" Blake quickly amended when Pyrrha's face began to redden. "I mean, we've always been three peas in a pod since we were kids. We've got such a good rapport because we've spent so much time together. When you know everything about someone, it's impossible to stay mad at them, no more than you could be mad at yourself."

"So…time? You're saying that's what's the key to a positive relationship?"

"Is this about Jaune?"

By now, Pyrrha's face was as red as her hair. Her lips pressed tightly together, and she just barely managed to eke out, "Mm-hmm."

"Time is important, but that's not the only thing. You need to have enough in common to share interests, but also some differences to give you something to talk about. Take me and the gang, for instance. We're not a couple, but if you want to get your team…or your partnership, for that matter…to be like ours, you can use us as an example. Adam and I are both Faunus, and Ilia's got a unlimited Faun-word pass because of the two of us. We all have a strong sense of duty and, I'm slightly ashamed to admit, can be petty when it comes to vengeance against those who've wronged our little trinity. On the other hand, we each fill in the gaps that the other leave. Adam is our tank, Ilia's our assassin, and I can fill in for either if the need comes."

"T-Tank?"

"Our frontline fighter who can take hits and keep going. Ilia will crumple like a paper ball when she gets tagged, which is why she lets him fight first every time. On the other hand, Adam only knows how to attack head on. If we need a fight finished quick, it's up to us ladies to locate the enemy's weak spot and lock on. But enough about us. Let's talk about you and Jaune. I know a bit about him because he's friends with Adam, but I'd like you to tell me how you see him."

"Well, he's got this boyish charm about him. Everything he says and does is so innocent, and in the sweetest way possible. I don't think he has a mean bone in his body. When I'm with him, his carefree spirit lets me just…I dunno, float away."

"Sounds like he could've been a great leader."

He probably wasn't – the man was more incompetent than a four sided circle – but his disposition was fine enough, she supposed.

Pyrrha rubbed her chin, then shook her head. "I think it might have dragged him down. He's happy now because he can just focus on his personal growth, but the responsibility of it would have eaten him alive. Yang's having a tough enough time as it is." She mumbled, "Though the rest of us aren't making it any easier on her…"

"You know, Pyrrha, your partner doesn't have a date to the Beacon dance just yet. Men tend to be the ones to ask, but there's no reason you can't make the first move."

"I…I can't. The way he goes after Weiss so doggedly, ignoring me entirely? I'm pretty sure I know what his answer would be."

Blake personally couldn't see what was so great about the Schnee that had snapped up Jaune's heart, but then again, she couldn't exactly see what was so great about Jaune himself that had enraptured the great Pyrrha Nikos.

"Maybe you're going about it all wrong because of that line of thinking. Look at it from Jaune's point of view. He asks out Weiss and you don't react. The two of you spend time together and you say nothing. I'd bet he's putting you on a pedestal because of your fame, and your own lack of response is feeding that invisible disconnect he's accidentally engendered. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that he's just as interested in you as you are in him, but you're both keeping your distance for the other's sake."

"I never thought of it that way. Do you really think I have a chance? Would he ever say yes?"

Blake smiled. "Only one way to find out for sure."

"Find a magic wishing relic and ask the genie inside?"

"Wha–"

An alarm on Blake's scroll went off. "Shit, Goodwitch's class starts in five. Shall we finish this conversation later?"

"Okay. That would be grand. Thank you, Blake. It's been a pleasure talking with you."


"Students, as you all no doubt know, the Beacon dance shall be tomorrow evening. While it is indeed known as one of the focal points of Valean cultural intrigue, it also marks your last day as civilians and the beginning of your genuine career as huntsmen and huntresses. The immediate following day, you shall embark on your first missions against the threats that plague our world. Grimm, banditry, crime – there is no doubt that you shall encounter these and more.

"Thus, in advance of this momentous occasion, I shall be conducting what we at Beacon refer to as Combat Practicals: a test or series of tests to assess your abilities. These tests shall be in the form of spars with adjusted parameters tailored to your specific strengths and limitations. Some of you shall participate as full teams, while other teams will be broken up and individually graded. I may forbid the use of weapons, Dust, or semblances as I see fit. Now, on to the first examination. Would the following students please report to the combat ring…oh, and before I forget. Priority in choosing your first mission shall be granted in accordance with your scoring on these practicals. I do hope that thoroughly motivates you, children."

Ruby looked at Ilia in excitement. "Did you hear that? If we–"

"Ruby, how could I not have heard her? She just announced it to the whole class."

"Yeah, but…well, I guess. Hey, what do you think our test is going to be? Will we have to fight each other? Or maybe we can beat up Team Sword – that'd be fun?"

Ilia brightly smiled at Ruby. "Hey, you know what would be really fun?" Her smiled immediately dropped. "Sitting in silence until Team Rabies is called."

"Geez, okay, Adam. Sit on any good upright sticks recently? What's gotten into you?"

"Nothing."

"Is this about the missions? Are you nervous?"

"No. I'm fine, Ruby. Drop it."

"If you're fine, you wouldn't be asking me to drop it."

"When did you get so wise in the ways of personal interactions? Aren't you supposed to be some social reject who can barely speak without tripping over your own words?"

As soon as she'd said it, Ilia felt a pang of regret. Ruby's past was plenty fucked up on its own without Ilia reminding the poor dear of it for no reason. The hurt on Ruby face at the snapping was visible, but it was quickly replaced by zealous perseverance.

"Now you're lashing out to avoid the topic. I won't fall for it. As the leader of Team Rabies, I order you to tell me what's wrong."

"You want to know what's wrong? Ever since – arrrr!" Ilia nearly went and said it in her anger. While it may have felt good or even cathartic to lose her shit and vent how crappy the thought of Blake's attraction to the monkey made her feel, doing so would put Ruby on the spot. It was her who'd invited Sun to their room, and she might feel some misplaced guilt over introducing the two.

"Ever since arrrr? Pirates? Ohmygoshdoyouwanttomakeourfirstmissionhuntingpirates?"

"Alright. I'll tell you what's bugging me…" Ruby nearly fell over herself in an attempt to crawl in front of Ilia and give her her undivided attention "…but I'm going to change the names and faces to protect the innocent."

"Okay. Go ah– wait, is there time for me to grab a buttered popcorn? Actually, never mind. Go ahead."

"So, there's this girl. Let's call her Susan."

"Is it Blake?"

"N-No. It's Susan."

"Blake, then. What did Blake do?"

"Let's start over. There's this guy, named–"

"Wait, Blake's a guy? How did I not know this? This whole time, I…oh, I bet she's so mad at me. Er, he's so mad at me."

"No, the guy isn't Blake. Blake is Susan, remember?"

"Susan is a guy? But then who's Blake? A-Am I Blake, in this analogy? A-Are you Ruby?"

"Forget it."

"So…you're Susan?"

Ilia sighed deeply. "I just…got a little jealous of someone, that's all. Nothing you need to worry about, Rubes."

"If you're jealous of someone, the best remedy is to make them jealous of you."

"And how shall I go about doing that, oh wizened leader?"

Goodwitch cleared her throat. "Team Rabies. If you would please enter the sparring ring. Your team is next for the Combat Practicals."

Ruby raised an eyebrow. "Here's one way."


"Teams Yellowjacket, please join them."

"Yellowjacket-P, ma'am," called out Yang as she rose and ushered her team out of their seats.

"Miss Xiao-Long, I'd appreciate it if you didn't waste everyone's time by interrupting the class. We have five more spars to conduct, and less than an hour in which to conduct them. It matters little if I pronounce a meaningless silent letter or skip it entirely."

"We just like to include The Pyre in our name, you know." Yang patted the Invincible Girl on the back, eliciting a small grin. "Makes her feel more included."

"Perhaps if Miss Nikos chose to assert herself as a real huntress of Team Yellowjacket rather than remain a passive background actor, I would be more inclined to give her mention. Now, if you and your team would please join Teams Rabies in the sparring ring without any further delays?"

Pyrrha looked like she'd just been punched in the stomach with her aura down. Any excitement she must've been feeling towards the Combat Practicals instantly drained out of her face, replaced by bright red embarrassment at being singled out in front of the entire class. Yang scowled but said nothing further. The two girls and Sky Lark joined Team Rabies on the opposite side of the arena.

Jaune, on the other hand, hovered over his seat in the bleachers. He looked into the arena towards Pyrrha apprehensively, then sat back down.

"Mister Arc," said Professor Goodwitch. "Is there a problem?"

Fear was written across his face, but he didn't budge. "S-Sorry, ma'am. But I haven't heard you call my team down yet."

Adam had to hand it to the human; he definitely had a spine…even if Goodwitch looked like she was about to tear it out telekinetically and wear it as a stylish feather boa.

"If you continue to waste everyone's time by–"

"I'm not trying to waste anyone's anything, Professor. You just haven't called my team down to the arena yet, and I don't want to go without having been called." He cleared his throat. "That would be rude."

"I shall mark this down as an instant failure for you and your entire team if you do not cease this backtalk immediately and come to the sparring ring in the next ten seconds," hissed Goodwitch.

A single second passed. Then, Yang shrugged and walked back up to join Jaune. Pyrrha stared in shock at the happenings, but after Sky gently nudged her elbow, both returned to the audience.

"Very well. You rank last and shall choose your missions last."

At this point, Pyrrha was glowing. Her smile, directed at her entire team but mainly Jaune Arc, was wider than whale Faunus' belly. Adam had seen insubordinate soldiers plenty of times in both Atlas and the White Fang, but never before had he seen a trained fighter so gleeful to be receive a failing mark.

"Very well. Team Rabies shall–"

"Hey Ruby," said Blake, speaking directly over Goodwitch. "Professor Goodwitch didn't call a team for us to fight, so I think that means we can leave."

Ruby cocked her head. "I, uhhhhh–"

"Miss Belladonna–" Goodwitch began.

"I didn't hear her say the name of any of the other teams in our year, did you?"

Ruby took a second, but then she got it. "I…no. No, I didn't. You guys, let's go."

"Miss Rose! Don't you dare step over that boundary!"

Ruby nodded at Blake. The two of them retreated back to the stands, followed shortly thereafter by Ilia.

"Miss Amitola, do no–"

"Sorry, teach. Leader's orders. Gotta follow 'em, if ya know what I mean."

She winked.

Adam was the last person standing in the ring with Goodwitch. The metaphorical steam pouring out of her ears could fog up her glasses. "And you, Mister Taurus? Are you going to join your peers in your insubordinate behavior?"

This feels awfully familiar.

Adam was too curious to not see how this played out up close, so he acquiesced for now. "I'll stick around. But, I must ask – who am I going to be fighting?"

Goodwitch nodded. "Mister Winchester and Mister Bronzewing, to the arena, please."

There was no doubt that Goodwitch frightened the two boys, but the laser death glares of seven fully armed students honing in on them at once must have scared Cardin and Dove more. Neither was willing to be the first one to cross the metaphorical picket line, so neither stood.

"Detention. Both of you. All nine of you – five hours detention each, to be held in the hours overlapping the Beacon dance."

Weiss opened her mouth, but Goodwitch beat her to it.

"Schnee – ring, now."

Schnee may have been a cretin, but she clearly disapproved of the punishment of her equally cretinous teammates. The heiress drew a file from her knapsack and began to smooth her nails.

Goodwitch pointed to one of the weaker team, one so small that they typically flew under Adam's radar altogether. "Team Grain. The four of you will fight Taurus."

Galicia Foxtail, leader of Team Grain, clearly wasn't willing to risk the ire of the entire class by disrupting this show of camaraderie and visibly choosing a teacher over her classmates. Adam doubted she even cared for Nikos or the Yellowjacket-P's team name. At this point, it was more the choice of pleasing Goodwitch or staving off certain strangulation at the hands of Yang Xiao-Long. Galicia looked at her team nervously, then stayed seated. Jaune patted her on the knee from his seat, one row below her.

"Detention."

"Detentions all around," said Yang mockingly. "One for everyone, put it on my tab!"

"Miss Xiao-Long. Mister Arc." Professor Goodwitch spoke through gritted teeth. "Do not test me."

"Pyrrha's a part of the team," said Yang nonchalantly, as though she were chatting with a girlfriend instead of cutting off Beacon's most feared Professor. "You could stop wasting everyone's time if you choose to include her when you call us down. Just say our team's name, don't leave anyone out, and we'll all go back and fight."

Adam understood the professor's problem, and why she wasn't backing down. Her ability to control her class had been called into question, and she needed to cow the disruptors into submission before the rebellion got out of hand.

This was the price she paid for choosing to maintain disciple through fear. James had always led by respect instead, and his soldiers chose to obey of their own free will. Loyalty always beat out fear, because loyalty spoke to the individual. Fear spoke to the masses. It relied on every F̶a̶u̶n̶u̶s̶ student being too scared to stand up for themselves and choosing to join the intimidated crowd. When the people stood up together, the truth was revealed – one teacher couldn't punish the entire class.

"If you continue, I shall consider you both the ringleaders of this disobedience and have you expelled."

That raised the eyebrows of several students. Yang simply shrugged and reclined in her seat. Jaune's head snapped up, and he bit down on his lip. The distress he felt showed, but he said nothing.

If Jaune were to be expelled, Adam would lose his spy. And yet, he somehow felt like something greater would be lost if Jaune capitulated.

He'd never thought he would feel pride in a human, but somehow, against all odds, Adam Taurus considered himself proud to be Jaune Arc's friend.

And so, Adam calmly walked over to a fuming Glynda Goodwitch, snatched the pen that rested in her ear, and marked a quick few notes on her clipboard. The blonde woman was too shocked to react to his sudden action, and he was already in his seat by the time it was over.

"What. Was. That."

"Well, I was thinking about how all four of our teams didn't lose any fights, and I realized that we were pretty much undefeated by that logic. So, I gave us all a 100% on the practicals."

It was stupidly petty and jeopardized the mission for no discernible reason, but Adam was fairly confident that this little test of wills was already over, and victory was theirs.

Like any leader that ruled others through fear, Goodwitch's power wasn't real. It only existed as long as the students chose to give it to her. The students held the real power in this situation. If they all chose not to comply, what would Goodwitch do? Expel them all? Dismissing a student or two for insubordination wouldn't raise any questions. Three, though, or perhaps more? That many expulsions in a single day would merit investigation from the board of governors, and Adam doubted Goodwitch wanted to raise all this fuss over a single non-silent P. The city would throw a fit and have her head. Plus, Adam trusted that Team Rabies and Team Yellowjacket-P would have his back and stand with him through it all.

He'd called her bluff. Everyone in the class knew she couldn't kick out an entire crop of prospective hunters over a petty argument. Threatening to do so would be an obvious lie, the most blatantly empty threat in the history of threats, and it would only shatter her illusion of power further.

James' words rang in his mind. Power only exists in our minds.

That was why Adam had to shatter this illusion for the children of Beacon.

…Adam touched the pocketknife in his back pocket…

Because long ago, he'd nearly been too afraid to shatter one just like it in the past.


Author's Notes

Whoo! Halfway! Unlike The Empty Seat, though, this actually feels like we've reached a halfway point (at least in terms of word count). The chapter lengths in K are fairly consistent.

BTW, just to be fully clear, me saying Pyrrha ate Blake's parents in yesterday's author's notes was a joke.

Happy rats, and don't do crime!