Mikael made his way down the hallway passing a number of students, some of who greeted him which he returned with a nod, although his mind was elsewhere over the last few weeks Jaune had been spending more time among the members of CRDL while simultaneously pushing away his teammates and the girls of team RWBY going as far as to outright avoid them, the sudden change in Arc's personality was troubling to say the least.
Although the question remained why would Jaune willingly commit to being Cardin's lapdog, that he did not know although he had a feeling he would be getting those answers rather soon, the trip to Forever fall was tomorrow and this needed to be dealt with sooner rather than later.
"Professor Salmon" a voice spoke up from behind him Mikael stopped turning to find Pyrrha standing behind him, she looked slightly unsure of her actions but pushed on none the less "Can I speak with you"
"Is something bothering you Miss Nikos? "Mikael inquired although he felt he already knew why, Pyrrha shifted nervously before composing herself.
"Not here" Pyrrha said gesturing to the empty classroom across from them Mikael gave a silent nod in response following her inside, once inside the door shut behind them giving the two privacy. Pyrrha took a quick breath calming herself before continuing "It's about Jaune I'm worried about him surely you've seen how withdrawn he's been, avoiding us and Ruby's team I can't explain it but something just seems horribly wrong he just... won't tell me."
Her statement was laced with a tinge of anger, most likely brought on by any form of aid towards her partner being rejected or brushed of like it was a trivial matter
"When did the situation with Mr. Arc first begin to surface?" Mikael inquired leaning back against one of the desks.
"A few weeks ago, I took Jaune up to the roof, I'd noticed how he'd been falling behind in his classes I offered to help by training him, it's my job as his partner to do what I can to help him. But he turned me down he said he needed to do these things himself that he didn't want to be treated as the damsel in distress he wanted to be the hero." Pyrrha said despite her calm demeanor her eyes showed her true feeling sadness due to her kind gesture being tossed aside like it meant nothing.
Mikael sighed rubbing his brow true wanting to improve on his own was a good in its own way but blatantly throwing aside such a gesture from a renowned champion in favor of his own pride was simply idiotic, although Mikael could tell she was still withholding something and he had a feeling about what she was hiding "Miss Nikos there must be something more to this, I doubt Jaune would act this way towards Cardin and his team so willingly...unless of course there's something else involved in the matter such as Mr. Arc's acceptance into Beacon."
The color drained from her face eye's widened in slight shock and fear although not for herself "I know about Jaune Pyrrha" Mikael said getting straight to the point which only seemed to terrify the invincible girl more "But I have no intentions of throwing him to the wolves"
"Huh? w-what? I-I mean I'm glad you're not turning him in but why?" Pyrrha said in slight shock
"I had my concerns at first primarily towards his combat level and academic's here due to him being below average. When I discovered his falsified transcripts, I did think about going to Ozpin although overall I made a connection that he would have known from the very beginning."
"What?" Pyrrha asked
"Ozpin is perfectly aware of Mr. Arc and his transcript, I'm rather disappointed Pyrrha." The girl was both one of the most skilled fighters and academics he'd seen, yet her own innocence seemed to blind her from others underhandedness." I'd have thought you'd have already taken into account the level of experience and intelligence the headmaster possess, do you truly believe that he would have overlooked something like this so easily?" The Nightingale inquired.
Pyrrha rubbed her arm "But... if that's true why hasn't Jaune already been expelled
Mikael simply shrugged "Ozpin's reasons are his own for allowing Mr Arc to stay it seems he sees something within him, never the less the issue at hand is how exactly Cardin found out about Jaune's transcripts."
A pang of guilt made its way into Pyrrha's heart an idea forming in her mind " We were on the roof when Jaune told me about how he entered Beacon, it was just the two of us...unless Cardin was eavesdropping on us his dorm was close by I didn't expect him to revile how he got into beacon so I didn't check in case anyone was listening... It's my fault if I'd taken the time-"Mikael raised his hand causing Pyrrha to stop
"What's done is done we cannot change the past let's focus on our current situation, Mr. Winchester is clearly blackmailing Jaune and something needs to be done before this gets any further out of hand. "Mikael said, He may not have realized it but Jaune's actions were thoroughly driving a wedge between him, his partner and his team overall
Mikael saw the solemn look Pyrrha bore placing a hand on her should she looked to him "Pyrrha, I suggest you talk to your teammates make them aware of the situation"
"What about you?" She asked
"I'm going to have a word with Mr Arc, hopefully we can end this before it gets out of hand, Miss Nikos" Pyrrha looked to him" I need you to keep an eye on him whenever you can I'll handle the rest." Mikael said
"Thank you professor." she said smile forming on the minstrel champions face.
"Think nothing of it" Mikael responded before the two parted ways departing from the classroom and moving on with their day
/
The day had gone as planned for the most part of the day he had kept his eye on the blond knight in and outside of classes his interactions with CRDL unsettling to say the least the abuse the boy had to put up with was appalling even more so that none of the professors had taken notice.
Cardin and his team were by far the poorest excuses for huntsmen at the academy, he doubted the four would last long in Skyrim if the harsh climate didn't kill them then the roaming bands of bandits, forsworn and the occasional dragon would see to that, he chuckled slightly at the thought of the four encountering a skilled warrior like Isran, the leader of the Dawnguard could and quite easily whip them into shape... yes, the armored Troll pit would certainly provide such an incentive.
But in the end, he felt that such an action would fall to him, when the day came to a close the Nightingale sought out the blond knight hoping to have a word with him before he was called away for the next demeaning task CRDL had planned for him.
Making his way down the hall towards the student dorms before rounding the corner he stopped as the sound of voices reached his ears peeking around the corner finding Ruby and Jaune speaking with one another. The former in her Pajamas ready for bed while the latter still clad in his armor slumped against the wall.
"I screwed up" the blond knight began his voice filled with despair "I did something I shouldn't have, now Cardin's got me on leash, and Pyrrha won't even talk to me...I'm starting to think coming to this school was a bad idea... I'm a failure"
"Nope" Ruby piped in
"Nope?" Jaun said looking up at her in confusion
"Nope" Ruby repeated "You're a leader now Jaune, you're not allowed to be a failure"
"But...what if I'm a failure at being a leader?" Jaune's said back although his voice was filled with defeat
"Hmm, nope" came her innocent reply
Jaune chuckled "You know, you're not the easiest person to talk to about this kind of stuff."
"Nope" Ruby said taking a seat beside him, " Jaune, maybe you were a failure when you were a kid. You might have been a failure the first time we met. But you can't be one now. you know why?"
Jaune scratched his head in confusion "Uhh...because...?"
"Because it's not just about you anymore." The younger teen said standing back up "You've got a team now, Jaune. We both do. And if we fail, then we'll just be bringing them down with us. We have to put our teammates first, and ourselves second."
"Your team deserves a great leader, Jaune" she continued " And I think that can be you " Opening the door to her room, Ruby looked back at the blond knight offering him a smile "Have a good night Jaune" With that the door closed leaving Jaune alone.
'Well said Miss Rose' Mikael mused 'Ozpin certainly made the right choice making her a leader' There was something about Ruby something special something strong he could feel it. Turning his attention back towards Jaune, he stood up and reached for the handle to his dorm but stopped when his scroll went off.
looking down Jaune sighed opening it up, Mikael listened closely to the message ""Hey, it's your buddy Cardin. I know you're probably still busy with that dust project I gave you. Buuuut, I'm gonna need you to go out and get me a bag of Rapier Wasps. And make sure they've got some really big stingers it's important, so don't screw this up."
As the bullies' voice cut off Jaune sighed in defeat, closing his scroll he began to trudge down the hallway, so lost in his thoughts while turning the corner he walked directly into someone.
"Oh sorr-" The words died in his throat as he looked up at Mikael, he stood there in silence his sky-blue eyes burning into Jaune's very soul.
Mikael turned away from Jaune "A word if you would Mr. Arc" The blond knight was silent Mikael's tone left no room for argument gulping slightly he followed the combat instructor, the duo moved through the halls before leading out a pair of double doors that lead out into the academy's courtyard stopping before the statue in the center of the courtyard
A moment of silence passed before Mikael turned to address Jaune "I've noticed you've been getting rather close with CRDL Mr Arc I find it rather hard to believe you'd be so open towards someone who treats you like a dog would you care to explain" Mikael said his hands resting behind his back.
"w-What I'm just, you know, making a few new friends." The blond said Mikael simply raised an eyebrow
"Is that so, well I'm rather sure a friend wouldn't blackmail the other into being their personal lapdog?" Mikael said
"Huh?... w-what are yo-"
"I'm well aware of your situation Mr Arc" Mikael interrupted deciding it best not to beat around the bush "I know about your transcripts and I know Cardin's using it as leverage over you"
A look of terror flashed across the blonde's face as he finished speaking "I... see..." Was the only words he could utter in that moment the whole situation finally hit him he practically collapsed against the edge of the statue sitting against the stone foundation.
Giving the boy a moment to compose himself Mikael knelt down to the panicking knights level looking him in the eye "I understand why you did this, your actions speak for you, your family has a history of warriors and hero's you want to prove yourself to them and follow in the footsteps of your ancestors."
Jaune looked up at him, hope building up in his eyes "But your reckless" in that moment it whatever hope he had died
"You throw yourself into dangerous situations without any previous knowledge or any combat experience. One cannot simply become a huntsman on a whim this take years of training, simply jumping in headfirst and hope for the best will lead you to a quick death and not only yours but that of your teammates." Jaune hung his head in silence " Since you became a leader everything you do will come to affect them in ways you simply cannot fathom. "Mikael said
"And in your arrogance, you turned down one of the few people who were willing to help you, your partner your teammate, your friend a champion several times over she put herself out there so you would have a chance at getting better, but instead you rejected her offer making her feel like a hindrance. This level of foolishness is something I have yet to see."
"Look I get I-" Jaune stopped when he saw the glare the Nightingale was giving him" s-Shutting up now." Jaune said meekly
"I don't give a damn that you lied, I am hardly one to judge, nevertheless Ozpin seems to see something redeemable within you. That is the only reason I can see why he allowed you to stay"
A tense moment of silence followed "Now the reason I am angry, is because you have failed to grasp the simplest lesson that this school and I myself have tried to show you" Jaune looked at him in slight confusion " Simply put the answer is teamwork tell me why do you think you were sent into the Emerald forest in the first place, Teams are formed so that each individual aids in the skill's the others are lacking each of them watching each other's back helping each other improve so that when the time comes that you must enter the world as fully-fledged hunters you are ready."
"You have been given a position of power among your peers as their leader. Isolating yourself from them, refusing help from your friends and trying to do things on your own and dragging them down with you. But most of all like Miss Rose told you your team must come first overall Jaune"
The Blond knight sat there in silence the weight of Mikael's words hitting him all at once "w-What do I do now"
"First, the situation between you and Cardin needs to be resolved" Mikael said
"What! but"
"Jaune, you are the one who got yourself into this, only you are capable of getting out but that doesn't mean I won't help you... nor will your team." Mikael said offering him a hand "It's time to make things right if you truly wish to stand where your ancestors were, to be the leader your team deserves then its time you stood your ground not just for yourself but for those who stand beside you"
Jaune took his outstretched hand being pulled to his feet "Please...help me make this right" He asked with conviction
"Then let us Begin." Mikael said
/
After their discussion Mikael and Jaune returned to his dorm, Amber meeting them there shortly after receiving a message from Mikael, His team had been nothing but understanding when he reviled what was going on and told them about his transcripts, by the end of it Nora and Ren had offered their aid on top of Pyrrha's own should he need it. As the topic moved onto Cardin's action it took the combined efforts of all those present to stop her from making good on her promise to break their legs.
After she was calmed down they began discussing ways in which Jaune would not be kicked out of Beacon, along with ideas of how to get back at Cardin and his cronies. Naturally, Mikael was on board even giving his own input to the group it was high time that boy learned his actions would have repercussions.
The next day the first-year students were boarding a set of Bullheads bound for forever fall, the task Professor Peach had assigned them involved retrieving samples of tree sap from deep within the forest of forever Fall, alongside Glynda, Mikael and Amber made their way to the Bullhead containing team RWBY and JNPR, some may call their actions favouritism towards the first-year teams.
But in Mikael's opinion, it was better than sitting alongside CRDL, luckily, they had been unable to get close to Jaune the whole morning due to the efforts of his team Cardin was disgruntled, to say the least, said blond knight was safely guarded among his teammates with the members of RWBY present nearby. Entering the bullhead, they took a seat across from one another he and Amber nodded to one another as their plan was set in motion.
/
The forest of forever fall was a picture of beauty and serenity, the crimson leaves falling from the trees swirling in the wind as they fell before coming to rest on the forest floor. Mikael followed behind the group at a small distance Amber by his side, the two walking in step with one another.
"This is one of the things I missed about Vale when I was travelling" Amber said finding herself more immersed in the forest natural beauty.
"It is truly a sight" Mikael responded his eyes glancing around at the picturesque view, the two turned their attention back towards the group ahead of them as Glynda began to speak.
"Yes, students, the forest of forever fall is indeed beautiful." Glynda began as she led the group deeper into the forest, the student taking in the sight around them. "But, we are not here to sightsee. Professor peach has asked all of you to collect samples from the trees deep within the forest."
She stopped causing the students to do the same as she turned to face them "And the three of us are here to make sure none of you die while doing so" She stated rather bluntly "Each of you is to gather one jar's worth of red sap. However, this forest is full of The Creatures of Grimm. So be sure to by your teammates."
Glynda motioned to the spot they currently occupied " We will rendezvous back here at four o'clock. Stay vigilant and have fun." With that she began to make her way back towards the bullhead while the teams each began to pick out a tree.
Cardin reached out wrapping his arm around Jaune attempting to pull him away from the others "C'mon buddy. Let's go." Only for Pyrrha to intercept him pulling Jaune closer to their team.
"I believe miss Goodwitch made it clear the objective was to stay with our teams" Pyrrha said, Cardin grumbled releasing his grip on the blond knight, sending a threatening look Jaune's way before stalking off into the forest with his own team.
Mikael narrowed his eyes at the group turning to Amber who shared a similar look " Keep an eye on the others I don't trust those four on their own"
"Be careful." Amber said following behind RWBY and JNPR.
Mikael moved into the canopy his body vanishing into the black shroud, moving through the trees following behind CRDL finding threw group was easy with the amount of noise they were making, honestly, did these lads have any sense whatsoever. Mikael stopped just at the edge of the clearing watching the team as they begrudgingly collected their own sap.
"Why are we doing this again, I thought we had Arc on a leash." Russel groaned wiping some of the sap from his hands setting aside his own Jar of sap
"Apparently Jauney boy's grown a bit of spine" Cardin began as he collected the other jars of sap from his teammates "I think it's about time we refresh his memory and have a nice long talk once we get back to Beacon."
"I doubt that, the professors been watching us like a hawk the past few days, are you sure this is a good idea Cardin" Sky said handing his leader his jar bringing the total to five.
"Don't worry about that guy, he can't do anything to us he's all talk " Cardin smirked "besides all sorts of accident happen out here wouldn't it be terrible if something were to happen to that pretty Red head partner of his or maybe that little brat he's always hanging around with. Goodwitch did say there were allot of Grimm around here, we can have some fun." Cardin said as he and his cronies headed off towards the group
From within the trees Mikael watched the boys as they began moving back towards the clearing wear the others resided, Mikael sat in the tree canopy he had to stop himself from possibly massacring the boys, letting out a low growl he dropped down into the clearing following close behind the boys.
An orb of Violet light formed in his hand, if they wanted fun he'd give them fun.
/
Cardin and his cronies crouched down at the edge of the tree line eyeing a small pack of Boarbatusk in the small clearing he glanced back to his left through the tree's he could just make out team RWBY and JNPR who were busy collecting their own sap while Amber watched over them, Cardin scanned over the people present landing on a certain blond currently talking with his partner.
All they had to do now was give the Grimm a little incentive, Cardin pulled out the jar of sap using the sweet-smelling substance as bait
"Payback time" he said raising the sap
"Cardin" Sky said catching his leader's attention
"What?" Cardin said
Suddenly a twig snapped behind them Cardin spun around only to find nothing a small shiver went up his spine a rustling to his left caught his attention then he spotted something in the corner of his eye moving through the trees a dark figure stopped its body concealed in shadows, the figure raised its head it's eyes an endless void of violet light staring intently at the four, slowly a limb emerged from the darkness.
Its forearm was blackened bone darker then midnight raising one finger it pointed directly at the four boys, who could do little more than stare on in undisguised horror. The creature hissed as it moved forward and out of the shadows cast by the tree line reviling more blackened bone, akin to the hand shrouded in the remains of a torn cloak as it hovered just off the ground a purple mist surrounding it, suddenly it darted towards them.
/
Ruby finished collecting her jar of sap, setting it down next to her partners before rising to her feet brushing her hands against her combat skirt wiping away some of the sap that had stuck to her hands. She looked up at the others who had just finished collecting their own Ren having to do so a second time since Nora had drunk the first batch, looking over to yang who was still getting her own, while Blake was looking up towards the tree line.
"Hey Blake, you ok there?" Ruby asked her quiet teammate
"Yeah, I just thought I heard something" she replied
Suddenly a loud scream echoed through the forest around them as three figures stumbled out of the tree line, Dove, Russel and Sky sprinted across the clearing towards them "MONSTER, MONSTER!" Dove cried stumbling into yang.
The blond brawler grabbed him by the scruff of the collar lifting him up off the ground "Whoa slow down, what are you even talking about?!" Yang demanded
Dove thrashed around in her grip "Monster freaky floating monster back there it's got Cardin."
"A Geist" Weiss surmised the others eye's widened Amber herself was alarmed at such a Grimm being present in the forest "Yang, you and Blake go get professor Goodwitch" Yang dropped dove she and Blake heading back in the direction of the Grimm
"You two, go with them! There could be more" Pyrrha said as she, Jaune, Ruby and Amber deployed their weapons and sprinted off toward where the three had come from they may not have liked Cardin, but they weren't about to let him be killed.
The sight they arrived to made them freeze, Cardin sat they're against a tree pale as humanly possible surrounded by a disintegrating pack of Boarbatusk the monstrosity hovered over him it's skeletal features on display for all to see beneath what remains of its tattered apparel as it reached out towards him whatever this creature was it most certainly was not a Grimm "Hey!" Ruby yelled getting the wraith-like being's attention.
It turned to face the newcomers who stood weapons ready the creature raised it outstretched hand a purple mist flowing around it, suddenly an ebony arrow pierced through it skull the creature stumbled in midair before turning into a pile of ash reviling Mikael standing a few feet away Nightingale bow in hand. The others blinked at the sight before the ash was blown away in the wind surprised the nightmarish terror had been felled so easily.
Mikael walked into the clearing retrieving his arrow slipping it back into his quiver he glanced down at Cardin who had just begun to regain some of his color "Strange isn't it after everything you did to him, he still came to aid you." Mikael said while Cardin got back to his feet, the bully glanced over to Jaune who sheathed his sword with the threat dealt with the two-locked gaze for a moment before Jaune turned and walked away with the others Cardin soon following behind.
Amber walked alongside the Nightingale beginning their trek back to the Bullhead lagging just far enough behind so the others were out of ear shot "What was that creature that was no Grimm I've ever seen"
"It was a Mistman a spectre summoned from the soul cairn. Before you ask Mr., Winchester was in no danger it wouldn't have harmed him without my say besides" Mikael said gesturing to the dead Grimm "It seems to have protected him more than hounded him"
"Wasn't that a little extreme though?" Amber said
"Perhaps a bit petty on my part, but it was necessary the boy needed to learn that his actions come with a price" Mikael said handing Amber his scroll playing a video of Cardin attempting to herd the Grimm towards the others with the sap, Amber scowled at the video her eye's darted over to Cardin she could agree that Cardin deserved the punishment not only putting themselves in danger but also purposely endangering their classmates.
"I see your point." She said turning her attention back towards him "Still Glynda won't be happy that a supposed Grimm especially a Geist got so close to them, do we tell her" Amber Asked as the two arrived back at the bullhead, Ruby and the others were in deep discussion with Glynda, off to the side Mikael noticed Cardin speaking with Jaune the bully apparently thanking Jaune for coming back for him.
"That the 'Grimm' was dealt with before any harm could be done to the students." Mikael said, following the nightingales gaze Amber hummed in agreement, before making her way over towards the bullhead as the others began to board, Mikael made to follow but stopped he glanced up into a nearby tree a small Nevermore with bone armor across its body sat perched on one of the branches. Its crimson eye's remained locked with Mikael's, he could feel this Grimm watching his movements.
"Mikael" He turned to find Amber waiting by the bullhead "are you alright?" she asked worry in her tone, glancing back towards the strange Grimm only to find it gone
he sighed "It's nothing" He responded making his way over to the Bullhead "Let's just get back to the academy" he glanced back one final time a small speck of darkness escape into the cover of the trees. He turned back towards the aircraft climbing aboard 'So this is what Nocturnal warned me of.' he inwardly mused
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AN/hello again my reader, I apologise for my absence over the last month I was hoping to get this chapter done a long time ago but an unexpected trip to the E.R put a damper on that any who I hope you enjoyed this chapter, also some of you were asking in the reviews and a few PM's if I had an update schedule, I'm gonna level with you I don't I like to take my time with my chapters quality over quantity as the saying goes so I don't have a guaranteed date for when I update my story but I'm trying for at least once a month so bear with me for the time being.