No Longer Invincible

It has been a few days since Jeanne's brother arrived, two days to be in fact, and he has taken up all of her time over the weekend.

Pyrrha had tried to spend time with her best friend but was placed on the back burner for Jaune. She wasn't normally a jealous person, but things were quickly starting to pile up.

On Saturday, Jeanne spent most of the day with him, which is completely understandable. Their reunion was very… stressful, which she did have a big hand in. It was nice to see Jeanne so cheery after her day with her brother.

But Pyrrha could've done without the constant talk of Jeanne's brother and her being compared to him.

Hearing how their day went was one thing, but hearing "Jaune killed a Legendary Grimm" "Jaune is the strongest fighter ever" "Jaune could show you a trick or two" was completely different. But she wouldn't let it get to her, she didn't want to ruin the mood. Plus, it's not like she wasn't impressed by her leader's twin. Jaune was a skilled fighter… very skilled. But it was only that day, and everything needed time to settle down and things would return to a new normal.

Sunday only got worse. Pyrrha had awoken to find Jeanne missing, which was completely unlike her since she was always the second to last to wake up. But then she noticed a bunch of Jeanne's dressers was cleared out as well, grabbing her Scroll Pyrrha tried calling their leader to no answer. Her first thought was they were tricked, Jaune lied to them and took her in the middle of the night. Checking her scroll using the Hunter Tracker app, Pyrrha location Jeanne's scroll to be at the airdock.

She wasted no time, rushing there to save her best friend only to get roped into helping Jeanne and Jaune carry boxes upon boxes of stuff sent by their family. Most of it was Jeanne's personal things and some clothes.

Jaune also received very few boxes but one item was a case that Jeanne was eager to see inside but her brother refused.

Jeanne was so thankful for the help, she didn't even question why Pyrrha was there in the first place, saving her the embarrassment.

After helping Jeanne unpack, Pyrrha was ready to take Jeanne to their favorite little training spot, only for her to find that Jeanne already agreed to train with her brother but offered for her to come along. Two teachers are better than one, right? Wrong. Pyrrha was completely overshadowed during the training, no better than a glorified test dummy.

Everything she showed Jeanne was being thrown out of the window, telling her that her stance was wrong, her guard was poor, her movements were going to trip her and to make matters worse, Jeanne didn't even try to defend her teachings. She just took her brother's word as gospel… And why shouldn't she, Jaune bested all of them in an eight versus one match. Jeanne even stated he's the strongest fighter she knows.

How could Pyrrha compare to him?

But that didn't matter now, it was Monday. A school day, which means they all had to return to their studies and lessons, meaning things can go back to normal for a bit.

Plus, they were in combat class, meaning Pyrrha could work out a bit of her stress. Even if she did feel a bit guilty for thinking that way. She hadn't felt this stressed since Jeanne was dealing with Cardin.

"Everyone, I would like to introduce you to my Assistant," said Professor Goodwitch.

Pyrrha felt herself deflate as Jaune stood beside the Professor.

"This is Jaune Arc, from this day forward he will be aiding in looking over your training, and with the Vytal Festival Tournament rapidly approaching he will also spare with those students who are qualified to join."

Glynda's gaze turned toward a student who raised their hand, Pyrrha glanced over to see Cardin with his hand up.

"Yes, Mister Winchester?"

He pointed to Jaune "Is that Arc." Then pointed to Jeanne. "Related to that Arc?"

"Yes, Mister Winchester. Mister and Miss Arc are in fact siblings." Professor Goodwitch explained. "But do not be fooled by Mister Arc's age, he is a fully licensed Huntsman."

"Well, if he's as weak as his sister, I guess they just hand out licenses to anyone now a days."

"Mister Winchester, how many times must I warn you to think before speaking?"

"I don't mean any disrespect, Professor," Cardin held his hands up in defense. "I just wanted to know if your new Assistant was up to par."

"Would you like a demonstration?" Jaune asked, his eyes locked on the bully. "You are a part of the teams that are qualified for the tournament, right?"

"You bet I am. I'm pretty much the best fighter in the first year." Cardin stood and looked down at Jaune from his elevated seat.

Professor Goodwitch went to speak but stopped herself before her lips formed a small smile.

Yang was disappointed, she wanted a rematch with Jaune but instead it's Cardin who gets to be in the ring with him, she guessed watching him get his ass kicked would help her get over it.

"I can't believe Professor Goodwitch would let him fight," Yang heard Jeanne say to Pyrrha. "Hopefully he doesn't go overboard."

"What?" Nora chimed in. "Why wouldn't we want him to go overboard? Ooo if we piss him off, do you think he'd beat Cardin like a ragdoll."

"Nora, the last thing I want is Jaune to be upset in any shape or form."

"Come on vomit girl," Yang smiled down to Jeanne who turned to look up at her. "You have to admit, it's going to be fun watching Cardin try to take down someone who beat all of us."

"And you get to root for your brother," Ruby added. "And well cheer with you!"

The door of the changing room opened and Jaune stepped out.

"Woah!" She heard Ruby gasp.

He was in a set of deep purple plate armor with golden highlights, matching his twin sister. Resting on his shoulder was a long devilish red spear that he kept up right with one hand as the other hand carried his helmet. His eyes were locked on Cardin who was already standing in the ring in his grey armor.

"He's like a knight right from a fairy tale!" Nora said excitedly.

"More like the dark knight." Weiss countered.

"White gets dirty easy, so we chose purple!" Jeanne argued.

"His spear looks so cool!" Ruby said, shaking Jeanne. "What's its name?"

"Gae Bolg, The barbed spear."

"And we're sure your brother isn't a villain?" Weiss looked at Jeanne.

"He didn't name it!" Jeanne pouted. "It was a gift."

"Quiet," Goodwitch ordered, and the class hushed. "The training match between Mister Winchester and Mister Arc will begin soon. This will be a time match, the winner decided by Knock Out, dropping your opponent's aura to the red or who has more aura by the end of the time. Is that clear Mister Arc?"

"Yes, Ma'am." He smiled at her as he placed his helmet over his head.

"Good, You a begin at the sound of the buzzer." Goodwitch stepped out of the training ring leaving the two knights to face off.

Cardin spun his mace in his hand, a big smile on his face as he stared at Jaune. "Let's see if you put up a better fight than your loser sister."

Jaune stuck his spear into the ground, his covered face just staring at Cardin.

With the ring of the buzzer Cardin rushed in. He swung his mace but missed by a mile as Jaune sided stepped him.

"Slow," Jaune said as he ducked under a back swing from Cardin. "Predictable."

Cardin growled at him as swung again which Jaune just dodged. Giggles and whispers started flowing from their fellow classmates.

"His reaction time is very good." Weiss said, as she was watching the fight closely.

"He did catch Ruby when she was flying past him. Compared to her Cardin is a slug." Nora smiled. "He has Cardin looking like an idiot, hehe."

"Stop dodging and fight back, coward!" Cardin roared and swung down towards Jaune's head. The purple knight stepped to the right, avoiding the attack and threw a hook slamming into Cardin's jaw staggering him.

"Don't leave yourself open." Jaune dodged another swing before hitting Cardin with an uppercut. "You left yourself open."

Yang failed to hold back a snort. "Where was all this fun when we were fighting him?"

"Look at him go!" Nora cheered as Jaune punched Cardin in the nose.

"Wait until Jaune steals his weapon." Jeanne said with a smile.

And like he was following his sister's command, Jaune grabbed the handle of the Cardin's mace, spun, pressed his back to Cardin's chest, hooked under his arm, pulled, and flipped him over his shoulder. The bully slammed to the floor and he took the mace from him. "You're angry, you need to control that better."

Yang couldn't help but roll her eyes hearing that from him, but she was in no place to talk.

Jaune walked away from Cardin, twirling the mace as he picked up his spear, resting both weapons on his shoulder.

"Time." The buzzer rang out, ending the match.

"Winner of the match is Jaune Arc," Goodwitch spoke, holding her hand on the side Jaune stood. "Mister Winchester, we have already spoke about your reckless behavior and you allowing your anger to take over during a fight, I've said it once and I will say it again, Grimm will not play with you."

Cardin got to his feet while Goodwitch spoke, his eyes glaring at Jaune.

"Mister Arc, please return Mister Winchester's weapon." Jaune followed her orders, holding the mace out and Cardin snatched it from him. "Now, as for you, Mister Arc. I see you've picked up your father's nasty habit of showboating. That stops as soon as you walk into this room. While you are in my classroom you are here to assist me in training the students. Not humiliating them in front of their peers. Am I understood, Mister Arc?"

"Yes, Ma'am." He gave her a nod.

"Good, now to continue with today's class."

Match after match passed as class ran on, Yang besting Neptune, Ruby beat a haven student in a sniper duel, Nora crushed Sky from Team CRDL. Pyrrha paid attention to each match, but none closer to this one, as her Leader faced off against Dove Bronzewing of Team CRDL. Their best fighter in Pyrrha's own opinion.

Jeanne's been on the defense since the match started, following her brother's teachings over hers. Dove was dancing circles around her, slashing at her forcing her to dodge or block but some managed to eek though, chipping at her aura.

"What's she doing?" Weiss asked. "She would normally counter swing, or at least press back."

"Maybe she's trying something new?" Ruby questioned.

"She trained with Pyrrha and her brother yesterday, maybe they showed her something new," Nora answered.

"He showed her something new," Pyrrha corrected.

Weiss scoffed. "Well, whatever it is, it isn't working."

"Nah, it's working fine." Yang smiled just as Dove swung his sword only for Jeanne to meet it with her shield, back handing out of his weak grip and sending it across the stage.

Jeanne slashed at her unarmed opponent, knocking off a good chuck from his aura as he tried to backpedal but she landed another slash and another. He turned to flee but Jeanne slammed her shield into his back and knocked him over.

"I yield! I yield!" He rolled over holding his arms up defensively.

"That is the match. The winner is Jeanne Arc." Goodwitch announced. "Mister Bronzewing, while your technical skill is impressive you need to work on your pacing, you wasted a lot of your energy far too quickly. And you Ms. Arc, have come a long way. But you still have much to learn. One being your tracking and understanding just how much you can take. You only have so much aura. You must allow your armor to do its job by putting it between you and your opponent. You both may take your seats."

They nodded, but before walking off, Jeanne turned to Jaune who gave her a small thumbs up with a smile and Jeanne's face lit up.

She was met with cheers and hi-fives from her friends. The attention was a little embarrassing, but she couldn't help but feel proud of herself after the match. This was the first time she's outright won a match. Normally they would be close or settled by time, but this time she overpowered someone, it felt like the biggest leap to catching up with her friends.

"Way to go vomit girl!" She fist-bumped Yang as she slid past to take her seat next to Pyrrha.

"Thanks, I've got some amazing teachers."

Jeanne smiled as she shoulder bumped Pyrrha, who jumped slightly as she turned to look at her. "What?"

"I was talking about how great of a teacher you are." Jeanne noticed Pyrrha's face drop for a moment before she smiled. Her fake smile. "P-"

"Pyrrha Nikos," Aunt Glynda finished for her. "Will face off against Jaune Arc."

Yang threw her hands in the air. "Booo! I want a rematch first."

"It appears you also want detention as well Ms. Xiao Long."

"… I apologize for my outburst."

Pyrrha stood, carefully sliding past everyone to make her way down to the locker room to grab her weapons. Jeanne knew something was on Pyrrha's mind, but that was something she would have to ask about later.

"Who ya rooting for, Vomit girl?"

She turn to Yang with a smile. "Neither. I'm planning to watch closely to see what I can learn."

"Lame."

"Maybe you should apply yourself the same way Jeanne is. Then you might be able to best one of them." Weiss chimed in.

"I can beat them."

"Ha, aren't you 0 and 10 against Pyrrha, or did I lose count?" Nora teased.

"You lost count." Ren piped up.

"Thank you." Yang crossed her arms.

"It's 0 and 13."

Jeanne giggled along with most of the group before turning back to the ring as Pyrrha stepping into it. The champion's eyes were glued on Jaune. Her best friend vs her brother, one v one. She had so much to learn.

"Miss Nikos, are you ready?" Pyrrha gave Aunt Glynda a nod. "Mister Arc?"

With a nod, she stepped from the arena as the two combatants took their stance. Once she was clear the buzzer rang.

The pair rushed one another, and sparks started flying as their spears clashed three times in just a few moments.

Jeanne always had a hard time trying to keep up when watching Pyrrha fight but this time it was nearly impossible. What she could tell was Jaune was quickly overwhelming Pyrrha with his strikes. He forced her to block and dodge, leaving her very little room to counterattack. Still she managed to weave in a few pokes while Jaune hadn't landed a clean hit on her.

"We didn't get to see this much of your brother, he is actually very well trained." Wiess said behind her.

"Well duh, he did beat all of us." Nora countered.

"Not in that sense," Weiss rolled her eyes. "What he did the other day was overpower us by bull rushing forward. No different than a train running us over. But now watching him without all that… anger, he is showing skill and technique. He isn't giving Pyrrha any room to breathe while using his longer reach to his advantage."

Weiss was right. Most of Pyrrha's counterattacks were just out of reach. She swung at him only for Jaune to move back just enough to cause her to miss and leaving herself open for Jaune's attack.

She spun, narrowly dodging the spare as he slammed it into the ground wedging it there. Pyrrha capitalized on the opening and hit Jaune with three quick strikes before dodging out of the way of his armored fist.

Jaune yanked his spear from the arena floor as he eyed Pyrrha. "That's a neat trick you got there."

"I'm not sure I know what you mean." Pyrrha spoke back to Jaune.

"Ah, I get it, Pyrrha forced him to overswing with her semblance." Jeanne heard Weiss whisper to herself. "She does it so subtlety I sometimes forget she has a semblance."

"You didn't tell Jaune about her powers, did you?" Ren asked her.

"No," She shook her head. "Why?"

"Because it looks like he caught on."

Jeanne turned back to see Jaune ripping his armor off to Pyrrha's surprise. He threw his gauntlets and helmet behind him and was just removing his shin guards before reaching up and grabbing his breastplate, clipping it and pulling it off and letting drop in two pieces. He removed every ounce of metal and just stood there in his black padded under armor.

"Thanks for waiting for me," Jaune looked towards Pyrrha. "But you shouldn't have done that."

Before Pyrrha could speak, Jaune was already dashing towards her. She shifted Milo into its rifle form. She fired at Jaune only for the rushing fighter to weave past the shots. Pyrrha didn't let up until he was nearly up on her.

At the last moment she shifting the rifle into a sword and blocked the heavy punch from Jaune with her shield. The power from it slide Pyrrha back. Pyrrha ducked under Jaune's follow up punch and brought her shield up to block the side kick sending her rolling and sliding back onto her feet.

Pyrrha brought her shield up and charged, slamming the shield into Jaune's chest. The blow staggered him just long enough for her to swing her sword, only for Jaune to catch it in midair. She tried to pull free, but Jaune just ripped it from her grasp and threw a front kick which Pyrrha blocked, sending her sliding back once more.

Jaune fiddled with the weapon. "How do you make it turn into its spear form? I'm a little more comfortable with that over a blade with no crossguard."

"Mister Arc." Aunt Glynda gave him the 'You're about to be in trouble' look.

"Right, sorry." Jaune hurled the sword at Pyrrha which she dodged only for Jaune to close the distance on her once again. He grabbed the bottom of her shield as she went to block and shoving her arms up straight up. Even from the stands Jeanne saw the surprise on Pyrrha's face right before Jaune slammed a roundhouse kick into her side. Many of the other students stood with a gasp, others in awe.

Pyrrha, The Invincible Girl, was no longer invincible.

Pyrrha went flying across the ground as the bell rang. Not the match timer but the actual school bell, class was over.

"We will have to call this match short, the winner is Pyrrha Nikos by aura level." Auntie spoke. "Mister Arc, please gather your armor and come to my office we will need to speak about what your job entails once again."

Jeanne smiled as she watched her brother's arms shrink and he walked towards his armor. Her attention quickly turned back to Pyrrha… or where Pyrrha was as the redheaded champion was already making her way into the locker room.

She lost.

It was the only thing Pyrrha could think about. She lost in front of everyone. Years of hard work, grueling training, pushing her body past her limits only to lose in a casual spar. She could hear her trainers already overwhelming her scroll once word of this hit them. The headlines screaming how the Invincible Girl lost her edge.

But why did she care? She came to Beacon to escape all that. To remove herself from the limelight. To be able to make real friends and have a normal life. Well for how normal a Huntress could be. It shouldn't matter if she loses to someone who has a huntsman license. It should be expected. Right?

Plus, Miss Goodwitch declared her the victor. So she didn't technically lose. Even if she was struggling with all of her might to land a hit, and her strategy was dismantled by him disrobing, and he quickly started to overpower without even using his semblance.

Pyrrha just sat on the bench and hid her face in her hands.

What was she to do? In a matter of days she was almost completely replaced with a far superior model. He was stronger, faster, steadier, and a better teacher than her. They even had a closer bond, how could six months compare to eighteen years?

"Pyrrha?" The redhead nearly jumped out of her skin as she stood and turned to find blue eyes, but… not the blue eyes she wanted to see as she came face to face with Jaune. "Are you okay?"

"Yes," she said sharply but was quick to correct herself. "I am fine."

"Oh…" It appeared he didn't believe her. "Okay."

"Why do you ask?"

"Oh.. uh well… your still here." She gave him a questioning look. "It's been ten minutes since class finished."

Her eyes widen in horror. She was late, she hadn't even started to change back into her uniform.

"If you want, I can white you a note." Jaune offered.

"No… it was my mistake for losing track of time."

"Ah… Okay…" She watched as he rubbed the back of his neck as they stood there. His eyes were looking anywhere but at her.

"Is there… anything else?" she questioned, which caused a small jump from him. It reminded her of Jeanne when surprised.

"Yeah I did, I just wanted to say umm… I…" He let out a deep breath before making eye contact with her. "I want to say thank you."

"Excuse me?"

"I wanted to thank you, you know for everything." He shrugged. "You're pretty much my sister's best friend and she told me all of things you've done for her over the months, So… thank you."

"You don't need to thank me for helping my friend."

"Yeah… but I want to, Thanks." He smiled at her. "And now she has me to help her so-"

He cut himself off as his scroll went off stealing his attention as he pulled it out and groused.

"What?" He answered with a huff. After a few moments he rolled his eyes before looking at Pyrrha once more and mouthed a 'Thank You' before taking his leave. "Sure, Headmaster."

Pyrrha stood there alone, with only one thought going through her mind.

She was being replaced.