The Emerald Forest was humid and loud. A sprawling tapestry of green that stretched as far as the eye could see. It was loud with the noise of insects and the song of birds.

Jaune didn't like insects. A slight application of lightning and soon there was blessed silence. Dead, charred leaves fluttered to the ground and the stench of burnt ichor disturbed the air.

Of the Grimm and his fellow students, there was nary a sign. He trudged through the thick foliage and a part of him just wanted to shout as loud as possible in the hopes that a Grimm would hear him.

Maybe a song?

He wasn't much of a singer, but he loved the sound of his own voice. A rousing song was just what he needed to stave off the boredom of trudging through a seemingly empty forest. It was as he was thinking of the words to his new song that he heard a rustle to his left.

Cautiously, he approached the source and found himself face to face with Blake. Their eyes met, and a mutual realization dawned on them – they were now partners.

"Hello Blake!" He exclaimed cheerfully. This was great news! He and Blake were practically roommates already – this would make his Academy life much smoother!

"Great," Blake muttered, her voice laced with frustration and a hint of resignation.

Jaune flashed a cheeky grin, stepping closer with a confidence that seemed to fill the space around them. "What a twist, huh? You and me, partners. I mean, who would've thought?"

Blake's eyes narrowed, her glare sharp and accusing. " This wasn't supposed to happen. You're the last person I wanted as a partner. You're just going to get in my way."

Unperturbed, Jaune chuckled, a spark of his characteristic lightning aura flickering around his fingertips. "Ah, Blake, don't worry. With my lightning, there's no way I'll be 'in the way'. If anything, I'll be your personal shock absorber."

"I meant more in the everyday sense. I'll speak to the headmaster. I'm sorry but I can't share a room with you for four years." Her eyes darkened as she recalled the morning's incident. "Shock absorber? Is that what you were trying to be this morning when you rudely woke me up?"

"You should be thanking me. Cats aren't known for waking up on time."

"I'm not a cat." She said in a low, angry voice. "I'm a person."

"Who said you were a cat?"

"You just did!"

"I was making an observation about cats. I don't remember saying 'Blake' in that sentence."

"You're impossible." She said with a sigh. It was impossible to tell if he was really this dense or if he was just trolling her. She suspected the latter. In any case it was hard to stay angry at him.

"For now, let's just focus." She sighed. "We can't afford to get side-tracked. This forest is dangerous. Do you even have a weapon?"

"What?" Blake stopped and just stared at him. He winked at her.

Despite the tension, Jaune's charm was hard to ignore. He leaned in, his voice low and playful. "You know, they say that a spark in the morning is a sign of a bright day ahead."

Blake felt a reluctant smile tug at her lips, quickly masked by a stern look. "Let's not make our partnership about sparks, Jaune. I'm here to pass initiation, not to play with lightning."

Jaune's grin returned, as he took a step back. "Understood, partner. Let's pass this initiation with flying colours."

Blake rolled her eyes, but Jaune's easy-going nature was infectious, and despite her reservations, she found herself slightly more at ease with him. His next words however were like a bucket of icy water.

"I've come up with the perfect song to attract all the Grimm!"

Blake blinked in disbelief. "What? That can't be right," she murmured to herself, hoping she had misunderstood Jaune's intention.

But no, Jaune opened his mouth and began singing in as loud a voice as he possibly could.

I am the Lightning Man, swift and bright,

Crackles power, a shocking sight.

In forests dark, where shadows roam,

He lights the way and leads us home.

Blake looked around desperately, her ears drooping. This was madness. There were Grimm in this forest. And Jaune's singing was unnaturally loud! It was as if he had a speaker, the song must have reverberated through half the forest.

"Jaune, stop! This is insane!" Blake exclaimed, her voice laced with urgency. But her plea seemed lost, drowned out by his booming singing.

As Jaune and Blake moved deeper into the dense underbrush of the Emerald Forest, the sounds of battle pierced the air, loud enough to drown out Jaune's melody.

They quickened their pace, emerging into a small clearing where Pyrrha was locked in combat with an incredibly large and powerful Beowolf. It snarled menacingly, its dark form a stark contrast against the vibrant greenery.

"It's massive." Blake noted with a frown. This specimen was easily three times the size of an ordinary Beowolf and instead of fur it was covered with heavy armour plating. Blake unsheathed Gambol Shroud, as she assessed the situation and started to develop a strategy.

Pyrrha was a vision of focused grace and power. She moved fluidly, her weapon gleaming in the sunlight as she expertly parried each of the Beowolf's attacks. Her red hair flowed like a fiery banner as she spun, delivering precise, calculated strikes that forced the Grimm back step by step.

Blake was astonished at the skill and sheer power on display but despite that, the Grimm was relentless, and it was clear Pyrrha was looking for an opening to deliver a finishing blow.

"Oh, it's just a wolf." Jaune said in an almost sulky tone. Blake looked at him in disbelief. This is what she had been worried about. None of her interactions with the blonde so far had given her any confidence that he would be of any use in battle. The fact that he could be so light-hearted in a life and death moment like this showed the extent that he was just not ready for this.

He surprised her by stepping forward, his aura flaring with a brilliant blue light.

"Jaune, are you out of your mind? Get back here!" Blake called out, her voice sharp with a mix of alarm and command.

Extending his hand, he summoned his lightning power, the air crackling with energy. In a flash, a bolt of lightning arced from his fingertips, striking the Beowolf with overwhelming force and sending it reeling backward, its form disintegrating under the intense discharge.

The clearing was momentarily illuminated with a bright, electric blue light, casting long, dramatic shadows around them. As the light faded, the Beowolf was no more, leaving only a faint trace of ash floating in the air.

As the remnants of the Beowolf vanished, Pyrrha and Blake stared at Jaune, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief.

Pyrrha was the first to break the silence, her voice tinged with incredulity. "Jaune, that was astounding. I've never seen anything quite like it."

Blake, still processing what she had just witnessed was stricken to silence.

Jaune, trying to downplay his display of power, responded with a half-smile. "Well, I guess I do have a bit of a knack for lightning."

Pyrrha, her eyes still wide, said, "A bit of a knack? Jaune, you practically vaporized it."

Blake, her usual composure returning, spoke up thoughtfully. "Yesterday, when I tried to hit you, and this morning's... surprising entrance. It's all starting to make sense now. So, you're not just a goofball…"

Pyrrha nodded: "With your strength, Jaune, we could really make a formidable team."

Blake, considering the possibilities, agreed. "Maybe you aren't completely useless..."

"I thought I was the last person you wanted as a partner!"

"Shut up."

As they continued their trek through the lush undergrowth of the Emerald Forest, Pyrrha, Blake, and Jaune navigated the terrain with differing attitudes. Pyrrha moved with purpose and precision, her eyes scanning for any sign of Grimm or other students. Blake, equally focused, moved silently, her senses alert to any danger.

In contrast, Jaune walked with a casual ease that seemed out of place in the dense forest. He continued singing loudly:

I am the Lightning Man, with thunder's might,

Makes Grimm flee in terrified flight.

With volts and zaps, he rules the storm,

Transforming battlefields from the norm.

Blake stopped abruptly, her frustration evident. "Jaune, not this again. Do you want to attract every Grimm in the forest?"

Pyrrha couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. "Jaune, perhaps a quieter approach would be more prudent," she suggested diplomatically.

Jaune just grinned, unfazed. "Come on, what's life without a little risk? And besides, if any Grimm show up, we're more than capable of handling them."

Their banter was interrupted as they stumbled upon Weiss, who was surrounded by several large, frozen Grimm. She stood with an air of expectancy, her expression shifting between pleasant surprise and polite curiosity.

"Weiss, what a coincidence to find you here," Jaune greeted, halting his song for a more formal tone. "Nice work on those Grimm."

Weiss raised an eyebrow, slightly amused. "Well, this is unexpected, especially in the midst of a... serenade, I presume?" She looked at Jaune, her expression a mix of amusement and mild disbelief.

Weiss's gaze briefly lingered on Jaune before turning towards Pyrrha. "Pyrrha, it's good to see someone capable. I was hoping to team up with strong allies."

Then, her eyes settled on Blake, her expression polite but distant. "And you must be another participant. I'm Weiss Schnee. Teamwork is crucial here, but of course, everyone has their strengths."

Blake responded with a measured nod, her voice cool. "Blake Belladonna. As long as every member pulls their weight, we should manage." There was a subtle edge to her voice.

Weiss smiled thinly. "Precisely. Let's utilize our combined abilities effectively."

The group navigated through the dense forest, and soon a lively discussion was taking place between Jaune and Weiss.

"White Peak is not just a guild, it's a pillar in Huntsman history," Weiss explained. "It's renowned across Atlas for its contributions. I'm sure you're aware of its prestige."

"Yeah, of course! I've always wondered about what it would be like to be part of something like that."

Weiss beamed. "It's about upholding a tradition of excellence and responsibility. White Peak has been key in many victories against the Grimm. It's about a commitment to a higher duty."

Blake's expression hardened, her voice laced with barely concealed contempt.

"White Peak's 'tradition' isn't just about excellence, though, is it? It's also known for its... particular views on faunus."

Weiss glanced at Blake, her expression momentarily faltering. "Well, every institution has its principles. White Peak has always prioritized the safety and advancement of Atlas's people. The faunus have their…island after all."

Pyrrha, sensing the growing tension, tried to steer the conversation towards neutral ground. "The role of guilds in our society is significant. They shape much of our approach to defence and education against the Grimm. I do not endorse the White Peaks' views on faunus but there is no denying that they are a force for good in the world."

Weiss, redirecting her focus, continued, "Absolutely. For instance, my grandmother, Celestia Schnee, has been an inspiration for me. Did you know she was my personal tutor? Why she basically raised me herself. Mother was always too busy for such things."

Blake's gaze drifted away, her thoughts clouded with memories of protests and rallying cries against injustice. The White Peaks may have been in Atlas but they were an organisation of world spanning power and influence. Their disdain for the faunus filtered down to the common folk and translated to real harm for ordinary faunus just trying to live their lives.

And then there was the Schnee Dust Company, a part of the White Peak Guild that actively promoted the discrimination and subjugation of faunus, all so that they could have cheap labour for their mines. Hearing Weiss talk about such a disgusting organisation in such glowing terms made her sick.

Even Pyrrha thought it was a force for good. This is why I have to keep my identity hidden, she thought.

"Hang on." Jaune said. "What do you mean 'views on Faunus'?"

Weiss kept silent so Pyrrha tried to fill in the lull. "Well…" She said. "They are known to hold…questionable views…that is to say they do not value faunus the same way they do humans."

"Nonsense!" Weiss retorted. "The White Peak is a pro human guild. It is not anti anything! Why, I'm sure that if humans decided to migrate to the Menagerie, they would face similar hostility from the local population. I have personally witnessed no racism or hostility to the Faunus from any White Peak member that was not fully deserved. This caricature that we are just a bunch of Faunus haters is simplistic and absurd."

"I…see." Jaune said. "I don't really get the difference though. The Faunus I've met just seem like regular people."

"I would rather not discuss the topic." Weiss replied curtly. There was a blessed moment of silence before Jaune broke it, this time with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"You know, I met Guardian Copper Wall on the way here, to the Academy I mean. He told me this incredible story about a Goliath Grimm and something about Celestia Schnee, your grandmother."

Weiss straightened proudly. "Oh? Do tell?"

"Something about trying to distract a Goliath Grimm with a thousand cows?"

Weiss, initially proud and smiling, suddenly froze, her expression turning to one of incredulity. "Cows? You can't be serious. My grandmother, a tactical mastermind, using cows as a distraction? That's absurd."

Jaune couldn't help but chuckle at Weiss's reaction. "Yeah, he said she bought them all with her own money, hoping the Grimm would be too busy eating to fight back. Kind of a clever distraction, don't you think?"

Weiss's face reddened with a mix of embarrassment and anger. "Clever? It's preposterous and demeaning! To think that a Schnee would resort to such a farcical tactic. Copper clearly doesn't appreciate the finer points of strategy. It's an insult to her strategic acumen! Such a story belittles her true achievements. Copper's account is clearly lacking in respect.""

Pyrrha interjected, trying to smooth things over, "It does sound a bit unorthodox, but sometimes unorthodox methods can be effective in battle."

Blake remained silent, her lips curving into a barely noticeable smirk at Jaune's teasing and Weiss's flustered response.

Jaune, undeterred by Weiss's growing frustration, continued, "He did mention it didn't quite work out. The Goliath just... stamped on them. Must have been quite a sight."

Weiss huffed, clearly outraged. "Such a depiction is not only disrespectful but also patently false. My grandmother's tactics were always dignified and effective."

"Oh really? Copper seemed quite impressed!"

"Copper? An A Ranker? His perspective on strategy is hardly comparable to that of an S Ranker, especially one as distinguished as my grandmother!"

""You know, Weiss, Copper didn't stop there. He said after the... failed distraction with the cows, your grandmother had another brilliant idea. She decided to freeze the crushed remains. Copper told me that she called it her 'cow juice strategy,'" Jaune said with a completely straight face. Weiss clearly couldn't tell if he was being serious or playing the role of court jester.

Weiss's face went from red to beetroot purple, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Cow juice strategy? That's utterly preposterous! Celestia Schnee engaging in such folly? It's beyond belief. Copper is fabricating tales!"

Jaune, playing up his innocence, shrugged. "Hey, I'm just repeating what Copper told me. He seemed pretty convinced about the whole thing."

Weiss actually growled and stamped her foot. "Who does Copper Wall think he is? Spreading such baseless, slander against not only one of the greatest S Rankers in history but spreading such absurd rumours about a Schnee is disgraceful! I won't stand for it!" Weiss stamped her foot again with rage.

Pyrrha noticed the ground starting to freeze and desperately attempted to mediate. "Well, stories do get exaggerated over time. Perhaps there's a kernel of truth that got... embellished."

Blake, who had been quietly observing the exchange, found it increasingly difficult to maintain her composure.

There was silence for a few seconds but just when Pyrrha was about to breathe a sigh of relief, Jaune suddenly spoke up again.

"But wait, there's more!" Jaune continued, enjoying Weiss's reactions and ignoring the desperate shaking of Pyrrha's head. "Copper said after freezing the 'cow juice', your grandmother used it to create a slippery battlefield. The Goliath Grimm kept slipping on it, giving the strike team an advantage. Ingenious, right?"

"That's preposterous! My grandmother is not some... some circus performer who uses her powers to create ice rinks! I refuse to believe she would partake in such tomfoolery. I will tell grandmother about this assault on her dignity. Copper will be turned into an ice cube and shattered into a million pieces!"

Jaune, still feigning innocence, nodded sympathetically. "Well, Copper did say it was one of those 'you had to be there' moments. Sounds like it was quite the spectacle."

Weiss, unable to find a retort, huffed and quickened her pace, moving away from the rest of the group. Pyrrha gave Jaune a reprimanding look but he just shrugged.

"Just saying."

Blake gave Jaune a warm smile and he winked back. For the first time she was actually glad he was around.

Meanwhile…

Not far away, another group of four students cautiously and quietly moved through the forest.

"Stay alert, everyone. This forest is full of surprises." Ruby said.

"Aww…is Rubes scared?" Yang laughed as she ruffled her little sister's hair.

"Of…of course not!" Ruby pouted.

"Not so loud guys. We need to focus. It's not just the Grimm we need to worry about. This terrain can be tricky."

"I bet I could take on ten Beowolves! Right, Ren?" Nora laughed. Loudly. Ren winced.

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that, Nora."

"I think you guys are all pretty badass! How many Grimm have we beaten so far? I've lost count! Together what can't we take down?" Ruby said excitedly.

"Now you're talking." Yang grinned.

"If any stupid Grimm are dumb enough to show their ugly faces, they'll get some personal time with Magnhild! This sneaking around is boring." Nora cradled her hammer like a baby.

"Patience, Nora. We need to be strategic."

"Ren's right. Rushing in without a plan is asking for trouble."

"Let's keep our eyes open for any signs of other students too. Remember, forming teams is part of this." Ruby said.

"Teams, huh? I hope we're all on the same one! We'd be unstoppable!" Nora laughed.

"That would be ideal, but we need to be prepared for any outcome."

"Well, we're partners at least. If the whole thing about eye contact wasn't just a joke." Yang said to Ren. "And Ruby and Nora are partners too."

"I don't want to be on a team without Ren!" Nora declared.

"Well there you have it!" Yang laughed. This had turned out well for her. She was on a team with her sister and both Ren and Nora seemed straightforward and trustworthy, not to mention useful in a fight.

"What do you think about that lightning guy?" Ruby suddenly asked. "You know? The one who just appeared out of nowhere."

"The one who was dressed as a woman?" Yang glanced sideways at her sister.

"I wonder what the story behind that is." Ren smirked.

Yang whistled. "Well, I bet if you had that guy on your team you could handle anything. You heard him right? He basically just teleported from the kitchens."

"I wonder what his weapon is!" Ruby said excitedly.

"Please keep it down guys. There are sure to be Grimm nearby." Ren gently reprimanded.

"Whatever! I'm ready for anything. Bring it on!" Yang punched her fists together.

As they continued, a low, ominous rumble echoed through the forest, halting their conversation.

Ruby, gripping Crescent Rose tightly edged closer to her sister. "Did you guys hear that?"

"It came from up ahead, in that clearing. Be on your guard."

"Sounds like something big. Maybe it's a new friend for me to play with!" Nora smiled viciously.

"Or something big for us to knock down a peg." Yang cracked her knuckles, the adrenaline already starting to flow.

"Whatever it is, we face it together!" Ruby said.

Advancing slowly, the team prepared themselves for what lay ahead. It was to their great dismay that the Grimm who greeted them was a Deathstalker.

"Okay, team, this is no small fry. We need to be smart about this." Yang whispered.

"Focus on evasion and look for an opening. We can't take it head-on!" Ruby assessed.

The group stayed on the edge of the clearing but the Deathstalker noticed them and it was quick to begin hostilities. It lunged forward, shockingly fast, its tail arcing dangerously.

Yang and Nora quickly darted to the sides, attempting to flank it, while Ruby and Ren prepared to engage from a distance.

"Let's see if we can't crack that shell! Nora, with me!"

As Nora launched herself into the air, aiming to draw the Grimm's attention, the Deathstalker's swift reflexes caught them off guard. It countered with a sweeping tail strike. Nora tried to dodge but was only partially successful. She was thrown into a tree hard enough to cause the wood to splinter.

"Nora! Get back! If that had hit you fully, you would be dead! Its defences are too strong! We need a different approach!" Ren yelled, a desperate worry evident in his voice.

Yang, fuelled by determination, charged forward, her eyes flashing red as she unleashing a flurry of punches, hoping to cover Nora's retreat. Each strike, however, seemed to barely phase the massive Grimm. In a swift retaliation, the Deathstalker swiped at Yang with its pincer, sending her crashing to the ground hard and spraining her ankle.

"Yang! Ren, help her! I'll cover you!" Ruby cried.

Ruby fired Crescent Rose, attempting to distract the Grimm. But the creature was relentless, its armoured exoskeleton repelling their attacks. Ren rushed to Yang's aid, helping her to her feet.

Yang, groaned. "This thing's a tank! Ruby, we're outmatched! The four of us aren't enough! We need more people!"

The team regrouped, their attacks having little effect on the formidable creature. The Deathstalker, seemingly undeterred by their efforts, prepared for another assault.

"We can't beat it like this... we need to fall back!"

"She's right. We're not equipped for this. Retreat, now!"

The team began a tactical withdrawal, evading the Deathstalker's aggressive advances. Ruby provided cover fire, while Ren and Nora assisted an injured Yang.

"Keep moving! We need to put distance between us and it!"

But the Deathstalker did not stop the chase. And it was faster than them.

"Shit!" Ren swore.

As Jaune and his team treaded through the dense forest, they suddenly came across another group of students, panting and looking over their shoulders in fear.

"We have to keep moving! There's something big chasing us!" A short girl in red clothes shouted in a panicked voice.

Is that a scythe?

Jaune stopped in his tracks, his expression shifting to concern. "Hey, are you all okay? What's chasing you?"

"It's a Deathstalker! We barely got away. You should run too!" A girl with blonde hair shouted. She made to run past but stopped when he didn't move. Weiss, Blake and Pyrrha had also stopped.

"Are you guys crazy!" The blonde shouted. "Run!"

Jaune chuckled lightly, dismissing their concern. "A Deathstalker? Oh, please, they're not that bad. You just need to know how to handle them."

The blonde girl was so shocked by that statement she forgot to run. The small girl in red grabbed her hand and tugged it.

"What are you doing? Let's go!"

"Jaune, this is serious. A Deathstalker is no laughing matter." Weiss said, but she sounded neither afraid nor particularly interested in fleeing.

"We should listen to them. They've seen it first hand." Blake said. She recognised the girl in red as the one who had had the argument with Weiss in the morning.

Weiss was slower on the uptake but it wasn't long before she too recognised the girl.

"You!" She demanded. The girl shrank back.

"Perhaps we should consider a strategic retreat, Jaune."

"What is wrong with you? Trust us, it's not something you want to face unprepared. With eight people I think we have a chance of taking it down, but it will require teamwork and a plan. Let's form one as we're retreating. To just stand here is madness!" The boy urged.

"But imagine if we beat it! We'd be legends!" Nora, chiming in excitedly.

Jaune was confused at the panic these new students were showing. Had he misheard? They had said Deathstalker, hadn't they? As in the overgrown scorpion Grimm?

Why would they be in such a state over such a pathetic foe? There were usually a couple of them around Ansel that needed killing but they were hardly a threat to a Huntsman.

He decided that they clearly needed something to raise their spirits. A new verse of his song would be perfect.

I am the Lightning Man, with a grin,

Faces challenges, never gives in.

A spark, a flash, in the darkest night,

He turns fear into a thrilling fight.

The blonde girl looked at him with disbelief.

"This isn't a game! What is wrong with you?"

"You don't seem worried at all. Are you sure you know what a Deathstalker is?" The small girl, looked at Jaune curiously.

Jaune nodded, his smile broadening as he confirmed that they had indeed been talking about a Deathstalker. "Sure, I do. But fear's not in my vocabulary. You'll see, everything's under control." He put on his most confident voice, trying to calm everyone down.

Weiss, looking sceptically at Jaune: "Your confidence is... unusual. But caution is a virtue here. It would be no good to senselessly lose your life."

The tension between the two groups grew as Jaune's nonchalant attitude towards the Deathstalker clashed with the palpable fear and urgency of this new team.

Weiss seemed to be perfectly content in just standing there while Blake and Pyrrha seemed to be taking their cues from Jaune.

"You don't understand. We were lucky to get away. It's too dangerous to confront it directly." The small girl said. "It'll be here any moment."

"If we are going to stand here like idiots, let's at least plan our strategy." The boy said. No one listened.

Jaune, with a confident smirk: "Danger is just part of the job. Besides, I've handled worse."

"Different or not, it's reckless. We can't just charge at a Deathstalker!" The blonde shook her head.

A girl wielding a giant hammer butted in eagerly, "Maybe this guy is right. We could take it down together! Can you sing some more? It made me feel all fired up!"

"Hell yeah!" Jaune nodded, glad someone else appreciated his singing. This girl with the hammer was the first person to have ever praised his singing. Usually, his sisters told him to shut up.

I am the Lightning Man, undeterred,

Faces Grimm without a word.

With courage as his trusty shield,

To fear and doubt, he shall never yield.

Nora actually clapped and Jaune preened. The others were not so impressed.

"I think this guy's retarded!" Yang cried.

"Maybe we should listen to them." Pyrrha said softly and put her hand on Jaune's forearm. A loud roar from nearby alerted everyone to the danger of the situation. Everyone…except Jaune who hardly seemed to care.

Jaune, laughing off the warning: "It's just a Grimm. How bad can it be?"

The blonde tried to step forward, her protective instincts kicking in, but her injured ankle throbbed painfully.

"Fine, if you want to face it, go ahead. But we're not sticking around for that." She sounded reluctant.

But it was too late.

As the Deathstalker broke the tree line, its massive form casting a shadow over the group, Jaune casually stepped forward.

"No! You fool!" The blonde cried and tried to grab him but he effortlessly shrugged her off.

As soon as he was within range the Deathstalker sliced him in half with one of its claws.

"No!" The small girl cried in horror as she hid her eyes.

"Fuck!" The blonde swore angrily. "Fuck! Fuck!"

But Jaune was not dead. In fact, as the four newcomers watched in shock it became obvious that he was completely unaffected. He stepped forward.

Blue lightning coiled around his foot as he dropkicked the Grimm as if it were a mere football. The poor monster screeched as its thick exoskeleton was shattered apart and it was sent hurtling out of the forest.

The entire scene unfolded in mere seconds, leaving everyone stunned.

"Did he just...?" The small girl whispered, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Blake, speechless, merely stared at the spot where the Grimm had been, trying to process what she had just witnessed. A Beowolf was one thing. But this had been a giant Deathstalker. It should not have been possible.

Jaune wasn't just powerful. He was S ranker powerful. She sat down on the ground as the world swirled around her.

The injured blonde, despite her pain, couldn't hide her amazement. "Okay, that was... kind of awesome. But how?"

"Wow Lightning Man! That was amazing! You're like a superhero!" The girl with the hammer raised it high in the air and cheered.

I've never seen anything like that. Who are you?" The boy asked as Jaune returned.

"I'm Jaune Arc. Who are you guys?"

"I'm Lie Ren, this is Nora, Yang and Ruby."

Well met!" Jaune said. "I told you the Deathstalker wasn't a big deal. Just an overgrown scorpion is all."

"Jaune, that was extraordinary. But how did you...?" Pyrrha said as she stared at the scene of the 'battle.'

"When I was a kid, I used to play football." Jaune shrugged nonchalantly.

"But we struggled so much, and you just... Wow." Ruby said. She couldn't understand what had just happened. Her own attacks had been completely in effective and this…this Lightning Man,' Jaune has just kicked the thing out of the forest!

Weiss, stared at Jaune with interest. She had of course defeated a Deathstalker alone and unaided before. That and worse. But she was a Schnee, such things were expected. This boy was a…who? A lot more than she had given him credit for. She had in the past defeated a Deathstalker by herself, but never with such casualness. It was as exciting as it was troubling.

He needs to be recruited to the White Peak.

That was obvious. He was clearly a future S ranker. The Guild would gain immensely from him joining.

Yang, chuckling despite herself: "Guess we owe you one for saving our hides.

Thanks, Lightning Man."

"Please do not call him that." Blake said flatly as she rubbed her temple. "Don't encourage him."

Jaune grinned before seeming to notice his partner for the first time. "Don't sit on the floor Blake." Jaune admonished. "You're going to ruin our clothes."

"My clothes!"

"I thought we were sharing?"

"I never agreed to that!"

"I don't have any other clothes though. Also, do you have any different underwear? These are really tight and uncomfortable."

"Shut up!" Blake leapt to her feet and hissed. But it was too late. Everyone was staring at them.

"So…are you two an item?" Yang asked with a raised eyebrow.

"No!" Blake denied.

"Blake…? Are you…breaking up with me?" Jaune's eyes widened, and he clutched his heart dramatically.

Blake rolled her eyes and looked away to try and hide her smile. If she let him see it, it would only encourage him more.

"Alright, shall we get going? Want to travel as a group?" He offered. When everyone agreed they set off and Jaune started singing again, to Nora's great delight.

I am the Lightning Man, without fear,

Strikes the heart of darkness near.

With a flash, the battle's won,

His lightning shines like the morning sun.

Nora clapped again and Jaune's ego swelled. He wondered if his sisters just had no taste. This fine and upstanding girl clearly had excellent taste.

"You…uh…really like singing don't you champ?" Yang clapped him on the shoulder.

"I love it. I must have really improved recently though. I've never had such a favourable reaction."

"I love it too!" Nora laughed. Everyone else kept silent but there were also no complaints. While the singing was by no means good, it was seemingly incredibly effective at putting everyone at ease and breaking the ice. Soon everyone was getting along like they were old friends.

"So we just need to get the relic now, right?"

"This will be a piece of cake…"

A few hours later…

The initiation at Beacon Academy had come to a close, and the atmosphere in the grand amphitheater was charged with a blend of exhaustion, relief, and eager anticipation.

The aspiring candidates, still reeling from the day's rigorous trials, had all gathered. Blake noted that there were significantly less people than had been present in the morning.

Now, the sun was setting and it bathed the amphitheatre in a warm golden light.

Center stage stood Headmaster Ozpin, and behind him, a large digital scroll was set to display the newly formed teams. Students murmured among themselves, speculating about their potential teammates and the adventures that lay ahead.

The amphitheater, with its semi-circular stone benches, offered a clear view of the central stage where Ozpin was about to speak. Statues of renowned Huntsmen and Huntresses from Beacon's history lined the edges, serving as silent, inspiring sentinels of the legacy each student was poised to inherit.

There aren't many faunus, she thought with a frown. Hardly any at all…

Surrounding trees gently swayed in the evening breeze, whispering the tales of generations past. The backdrop of Vale, with its undulating hills and distant twinkling city lights, could just be made out in the distance.

Ozpin stepped forward, commanding the attention of every individual present. He cleared his throat, his voice resonating with wisdom and experience:

"Students of Beacon, today marks a significant milestone in your journey. You have demonstrated courage, strength, and teamwork - qualities essential to a Huntsman or Huntress. The teams formed today will be your support, your family, and your strength in the days to come. Remember, it is not just the skills you wield, but the bonds you forge and the decisions you make that will define your path. Let the values of Beacon guide you as you embark on this journey together."

With these words, a hush fell over the crowd. The anticipation was palpable as Ozpin turned to the scroll, ready to announce the team formations, each name set to shape the destiny of these young warriors at Beacon Academy.

"Team JBWP," Ozpin announced. "Jaune Arc, Blake Belladonna, Weiss Schnee, and Pyrrha Nikos. You will be known as Team Jewel. And the role of team leader will be held by Jaune Arc."

Blake sighed. She had known she would be on the same team as the "Lightning Man" but she no longer felt like complaining. It could be worse, she thought.

But she would have to have a talk to him about the whole sharing clothes thing. That was not going to happen.

This must be some kind of mistake," Weiss muttered under her breath, her voice tinged with barely contained anger. "Jaune? A leader? Impossible. I'm the leader. It's what I was born for. What on Remnant is he thinking?"

Blake glanced at Weiss and her mood soured. She just had to be on the same team as the Schnee. Weiss turned to face Jaune and stepped into his personal space.

"I will be the leader." She asserted. "Regardless of what Ozpin says. Our team needs to excel, to be exceptional in every way. No matter what. I believe I can provide that leadership and that you are not qualified or experienced enough to do so. It is not a slight against you, but rather an innate difference between the two of us due to the nature of our bloodlines and innate talents. Do you disagree?"

Jaune looked down at her and recognised the threat to his leadership. He very much wanted to be leader. That way no one could tell him what to do. If Weiss was made leader she would be a nagger, of that he was sure. She reminded him of his sister Coral.

"Your breathe smells." Jaune snapped. "Have you brushed your teeth today?"

Weiss' eyes widened, clearly shocked at the unexpected reply. It was just as Jaune had hoped. Shock and awe, to destabilise your opponent.

"Wh…what are you taking about?" Weiss' cheeks burned red and she looked around to see who had heard. Pretty much everyone, but Jaune reasoned it was her own fault. She had grabbed everyone's attention with her own loud challenge.

"I don't know how they do things in Atlas but in Vale we brush our teeth every day. Have no fear, as leader I will ensure that you follow our custom and that your breathe does not smell in the future.

Now as for your ludicrous offer, I decline. I am the leader as decreed by the illustrious and great Ozpin. You are merely my underling."

"How dare you!" Weiss actually screeched and stamped her foot. "Do you know who you are talking to?"

"Weiss Schnee, smelly Atlas girl and attempted heretic."

"Heretic?"

"You just tried to depose me."

"You are a fool! A thrice damned fool! I refuse to be in a team under you." She was shouting now.

"Stop shouting! Why do you insist on spreading your foul breathe all over me?"

Weiss looked at him for a second, her face twisted in anger. And then she tried to freeze him.

His whole body turned to ice and Weiss gave him a victorious smirk.

"Now." She said. "I will forgive you for your outburst. But I demand an apology and you will of course have to step down as…"

Jaune shattered the ice and approached her menacingly. He suddenly felt a lot better. She looked at him, her cheeks reddened, and she took a step back. In fact she actually squawked.

"JAUNE ARC!" Glynda shouted. Jaune looked up at her in annoyance.

"What?"

"What are you doing? Where are your clothes?"

Jaune looked down. He was naked. He hadn't just shattered the ice. He had shattered Blake's clothes. Huh.

Everyone was staring at him.

So that explained why he felt so much better. Blake's clothes were just too restricting. He didn't look forward to putting them back on, if she even had any spares.

"I'll get them later."

"You will put them on now!" Glynda sounded scandalised. "And have some decency, man! Cover yourself!"

"Blake's bag is in our room. I don't have the clothes."

And that's when all hell broke loose.