Chapter 7:

"Nora… Please… We.. can't do this…."

"What are you saying Jaune-Jaune? You like this, remember?"

"I… can't. You're breaking me…!"

"Don't worry Jaune-Jaune, Renny will give you his health juice, you'll be right as rain in no time. After all….. You promised to train with each one of us, and Arc keeps his word, right?! Now! Last 5 pushups!" Nora says, sitting on Jaune's back while he does pushups on a training mat inside Beacon's gym at the crack ass of dawn.

If you listen to them without getting the context, you'd probably think that they were doing something inappropriate. Nope, just training here. It was only yesterday when he beat Cardin and promised his team that they'll train together and be the strongest team in Beacon. It was only last night after dinner when he told Nora and Ren the truth in the privacy of their dorm room.

"Guys, there's something I want to tell you. I'm sorry for keeping this a secret to all of you but I lied my way into Beacon." Jaune tells both Nora and Ren.

"What?! How could you lie to Beacon anyway? What did you even do?" Nora replies, asking her questions while Ren just sits there silently, letting his leader have the time to explain.

"I faked my transcript to sneak my way into Initiation."

"So all those things on your transcript are fake?"

"All of it was fake, Nora."

Waiting for his teammates to finally take in the bomb he just dropped, he doesn't expect the reaction.

"That's awesome Jaune-Jaune! Going through Initiation untrained makes you more of a fearless leader than before!" Nora exclaims excitedly while throwing herself forward to hug him.

"Wait, you're not mad?" He can only ask confusedly while accepting Nora's hug.

"Of course not silly, I'm irritated that you didn't tell us sooner but I'm not mad. You still owe us though for keeping something like this a secret." Nora answers, breaking their hug and giving his shoulder a punch.

"Don't get us wrong, if you kept this a secret and one of us got hurt, we would probably be mad. The fact that none of us got hurt is helping us take this so well. So far, we were lucky, but we couldn't have beaten that deathstalker back at Initiation without your leadership Jaune." Ren finally pipes up, letting his opinion on the matter be known.

"I know, I'm really sorry guys. I promise to be better. Arc's word, and an Arc never breaks a promise"

"We know, that's why we're happy to have you as our leader. We also promise to help you get better and reach the level you need." Ren smiles at him and offers to shake his hand.

"Judging by Pyrrha's smile and lack of surprise, I believe she already knew about this?" Ren adds

"Yes, Jaune told me, and Cardin overheard. That's how he was blackmailing Jaune to do what he wanted last time."

"So that's what happened! Want me to still break his legs, fearless leader?!"

"No need Nora, I think we've already taken care of it between us back at Forever Fall. After that fiasco, I asked Pyrrha to train me to become stronger, to be the leader and teammate you deserve"

"That's good Jaune, I believe Nora and I could also help you in your training."

With that conversation, they planned to have Jaune wake up early in the morning to work out in the gym with Nora before breakfast. Nora will then switch with Ren the next day, where he will teach Jaune about Aura Control and allow his body to rest from the workout. Finally, Pyrrha will work on his skills with the sword and shield as well as footwork every night.

The routine they developed will cover all the bases they need to in order to raise Jaune up into the best version he can be.

"Up! Down! Up! Down! And that's 5! Good job Jaune-Jaune! You managed to do 25 pushups!"

I'm glad they want to help me train. I wouldn't know what to do if they actually hated me! I'm surprised that they didn't actually give me a hard time for lying to them.

"Now! No time to rest! On your back, time to do some crunches! After that, we're doing planks until we drop!"

Ahhh there's the hard time.

And that's how Jaune finds himself in Nora's tender mercies early in the morning, working on his body.

—

Walking into the Cafeteria with Nora for breakfast, they find their partners together with their sister team already at their usual place. Pyrrha hands him his breakfast and Ren's special health juice, while Ren gives Nora her usual breakfast of pancakes and some orange juice.

"Good morning Jaune, we got your breakfast ready. Drink Ren's juice later, it will help your muscles recover after your workout." Pyrrha greets him with her good morning smile. Looking at his breakfast, he sees grilled fish topped with spiced herbs with an omelet on the side

"Thanks Pyr, I wouldn't know where I would be without you." He smiles back, trying not to let a blush show on his cheeks. He turns back to his breakfast not noticing the blush he gives Pyrrha with that nickname.

"Sup VB, heard you were working out. Training to get into the big leagues?" Yang greets him with a smile.

"Morning Yang, you know me, just wanting to be the best huntsman I can be. Plus I wanted to keep my streak from yesterday."

"Yeah, we noticed that. Good job kicking Cardin's ass yesterday. I could have done it quicker and better but not bad for tall, blonde, and scraggly."

"Ha! Thanks Yang, I'll call you next time I need tips to beat Cardin's ass."

Noticing that Yang's the only one who greeted him from their sister team, he looks at the three other members. He sees Blake reading her book as usual while eating her fish. His eyes land on Snow Angel and he sees her looking at Ruby like a hawk. Ruby, who is usually one of the most energetic people at the breakfast table except for Nora, is dejectedly stabbing her fish breakfast.

Wait. Fish? Not cookies?

"What's with Ruby?" He asks Yang.

"Heh, Weiss is using her as an experiment if she gets smart like you did by eating fish."

"And you let her do that?"

"Hey, I've been trying to feed her a healthier diet. I'll take this than letting her only eat cookies at breakfast"

"They're finally learning the benefits of fish as the superior food. It's all thanks to you Jaune." Blake speaks up from her book, nodding at him with a smile.

"Thanks? I guess. Morning Blake." He greets back at her, only receiving a quiet good morning in response.

"Uhmm. Morning Ruby, what's with the fish? No cookies today?" He greets Ruby.

"This is your fault Jaune!"

"Me?! What did I do?"

"If you weren't so smart because of fish yesterday then Weiss wouldn't make me eat this!"

"I told you Ruby, if this could make that dolt smarter then you should eat it too. As our team leader you need to set an example not just in combat but also in academics." Weiss pipes up from across Ruby.

"Good morning to you too Snow Angel." Jaune calls out to Weiss.

Huh, when did I last talk to Weiss like this? I must've been so occupied yesterday I didn't notice.

"Don't call me that!"

"What? You call me Dolt, I call you Snow Angel. The way I see it, we have nicknames for each other." He fires back, giving her a winning smile.

"Ugh! Why you! Stop that! We do not have nicknames for each other! And Ruby! Don't sneak your fish to Blake!" Weiss snipes back, cheeks blushing in embarrassment (fury, actually), before snapping at Ruby.

Heh, it's working! (It's really not).

"Weiss! You told me you would give me something that would make me grow!"

"I told you it would make you grow smarter! If this dolt could do it, then so can you. I believe in you Ruby. You can do it. Eat it and you could be the best team leader in beacon" Weiss replies, using years of business experience to manipulate Ruby to the best outcome.

"Really Weiss? You really believe I could be the best leader in Beacon?" Ruby asks her with a pout to confirm her beliefs.

"Of course Ruby, I truly believe that eating that fish will help you be a better team leader." Weiss answers, not able to meet Ruby's silver eyes.

"Then as team leader, I order you to eat it Weiss! You could help me, help myself!" Ruby strikes back, turning the tables on Weiss.

"Hahaha, she got you there Snow Angel." Jaune laughs from his side of the table. He doesn't know why people always think Ruby is that easy to manipulate. She's 15, not 5. Sure, she might be a bit naive, but which 15 year old isn't? She got into Beacon two years early and is actually keeping up with the curriculum, people should give her more credit.

"Ughh! Why you! The both of you!" Weiss shrieks indignantly.

Taking a deep breath to calm down. She continues her tirade.

"Listen Ruby, the dolt ate fish for breakfast yesterday and managed to answer questions in our classes. He got better and beat Cardin when last week he was just struggling. Point is, he is putting a respectable amount of effort into improving himself. Do you really want to be left behind by him?"

"Aww, thanks Snow Angel. You're gonna make me blush." He could only speak out in embarrassment.

"Quiet you!"

"You're right Weiss. If Jaune is putting in effort to improve then I should be too…. But can you please share this with me? I don't think I can eat all of it." Ruby quietly responds to Weiss.

"Fine, I guess we all have to start somewhere."

Hearing Snow Angel berate both him and Ruby, he just laughs and smiles. He looks around his friends, he sees Nora talking with Ren and Pyrrha telling them about their workout, he notices Yang laughing at Ruby and Weiss dynamics, Blake glancing at them from time to time and giving a small smile, he resolves himself.

I want to stay here. I want to do this everyday. I've probably dealt with Cardin but my transcripts are still out there, anyone could discover it at any time. If that happens I can kiss Beacon goodbye. I need to prove that I belong here, no matter what my transcripts say. I need to be strong. Stronger than my dream self. Strong enough to win the Vytal tournament.

With that thought in mind, Jaune Arc greets the day with a will to learn and become the strongest he can be.

—

The will to learn is slowly dying.

Who knew answering the Professors' questions yesterday would get you their attention? He's been trying to answer questions in class from both Professor Port and Doctor Oobleck the whole morning. At first, he just wanted to impress Weiss using the knowledge he got from his dream. But constantly being called to answer questions gets tiring eventually.

Who knew being the smart one in class would be so draining? I should just let Weiss be the smart one. At least it's Combat Class now, even if I'm called I just have to fight. No answering questions here.

Sitting in his place beside his partner, he watches his brother from another mother, Ren, fight off his crush at first sight, Weiss. Ren tries his best to rush Weiss and beat her at close range but he can only do so much when he's fighting who can literally control the battlefield with her dust and semblance. Despite doing his best, Ren still loses to Weiss.

"Mr. Ren, despite rushing Ms. Schnee to stop her from controlling the battlefield, it only works if you are fast enough. I would suggest you try outlasting that particular type of opponent by letting them waste their ammo."

"Ms. Schnee, despite having the advantage of reach you wasted some opportunities by aiming at the place your opponent is. Next time, when you have a moving opponent, try aiming at the spot where he or she would be. It would help you save your dust and thus enable you to fight longer at range. Now both of you return to your seats."

Listening to Professor Goodwitch give her advice to his friends, Jaune writes them down, not willing to waste an opportunity to learn. He greets Ren just as he returns to their shared table.

"Good try Ren. You'll get them next time."

" Indeed, you did good there Ren."

"Awww it's ok Renny, I'll break their legs next time."

"Thank you everyone, Nora, you don't need to break anyone's legs. Looks like I still have a long way to go."

"Jaune Arc vs Dove Bronzewing, please prepare yourself and come to the arena." Professor Goodwitch announces in the middle of the arena.

"Well, looks like it's my turn now. Wish me luck."

"Good luck Jaune, you can do it." Pyrrha smiles at him.

"Break his legs, fearless leader!" Nora cheers excitedly.

"Do your best Jaune." Ren says to him in support.

Walking to the center of the arena, he sees Dove bringing out his gun-sword, Hallshott. Seems like this time no one wants to underestimate him. Bringing out Crocea Mors and shifting his sheath into a shield, he waits for Professor Goodwitch's signal.

"Tournament Rules as usual boys. Are you ready?"

"Ready, Professor" Both he and Dove say at the same time.

"Then Begin!"

Before Professor Goodwitch finishes the signal, both he and Dove were already moving. Jaune rushes forward, hoping to bring this to fight to the end at the only distance he can matter, close quarters. Only for Dove to jump back and shoot him with Hallshot's bullets.

Jaune uses his shield to block the shots and keeps running forward only for Dove to jump sideways away from him to keep his distance.

Damn, there goes my plan to rush him. He's keeping away from the edges so as not to get cornered. Every time I try to get close he just jumps away to keep his distance. The more this goes on the more tired I'll get, he'll eventually pick me off if this goes on.

Without any other choice, Jaune hunkers down on his shield hoping to get Dove after he runs out of ammo. He tries to hide his body behind the shield but Dove just aims at his legs. He kneels down to cover it but Dove just runs to another side to shoot his body.

Jaune takes a look at the Aura Meters and he sees Dove still full while his own is steadily dropping to 89%.

Crap. I really wish I have something with range on me right now.

Jaune sees his chance when Dove finally stops shooting to reload his gun-sword. He rushes forward before Dove can shoot from afar again. Yelling a battle cry, he swings his sword only for Dove to dodge away and counter-attack.

He meets the swing with his shield and he tries to push it forward to unbalance Dove. Only for him not to meet any resistance. Dove has already twisted away, not willing to meet Jaune in a direct contest of strength. Without Dove there to receive the bash, Jaune overextends his body and pays for it.

Dove sweeps his feet off with a kick and slashes his body from above. Jaune crushes into the ground with a cry of pain.

"Don't think just because you beat Cardin you're hot shit! Your place is on the ground!"

Not willing to let Dove deliver the final blow, Jaune uses his shield to block off any strikes that come. He sheathes Crocea Mors in the shield and uses his free hand to plant it to the ground, push his body up and swing his feet around in a move that wouldn't look too out of place in a dance off. He clips Dove on his feet and knocks the other boy while he finishes his move managing to get both his feet under him.

"Who's on the ground now huh?!" Jaune yells back to Dove.

Turning the shield back into a sheath, Jaune draws Crocea Mors and swings to finish the fight. Not willing to lose, Dove points Hallshot at Jaune and fires. Jaune lands on his back again with a cry of pain, losing his grip on his sword.

"I gotta admit, you surprised me Jaune. You got stronger really, but not strong enough." Dove finishes with a sneer, finally managing to stand up while Jaune is still on the ground.

"You had ammo left?" Jaune asks as he tries to get up.

"I always leave one before I reload for cases like this. Give up yet?" Dove answers as he kicks Jaune down again.

"In your dreams."

"Suit yourself. This is the part where you lose anyway." Dove says, as he walks towards Jaune's head, intending to look down at him as he knocks him out.

"Not yet." With his sheath still in his hand, Jaune puts it between Dove's legs and activates it forcing Dove to spread his legs at an uncomfortable angle. With a sharp cry, Dove lets go of his sword as he falls to his knees and holds his family jewels in his hands.

"Ooooooohhh" He hears a sympathetic sound from the sideline.

Not wanting to waste this chance, Jaune gets his feet under him and hits Dove with an uppercut to the chin. Without being able to focus his aura because of the pain, Dove is knocked out and falls on the ground face first.

Crap… huff… huff…. That was too close.

"Winner, Jaune Arc."

"Team CRDL, please bring your teammate to the Infirmary, tell him not to waste time with trash talk when he can finish the enemy off. It is something a lot of you need to learn." Professor Goodwitch announces, as Jaune sees Team CRDL come to the arena and take Dove away. The team only nods silently as Cardin gives Jaune a pinched look.

"Now, Mr. Arc. Despite your win by using unconventional tactics with your shield, that was a match you should have lost. You would have lost if your opponent wasn't careless and opted to finish you off. I recommend you find something that provides you some range to face off against ranged opponents." Professor Goodwitch tells him with a stern look.

"Yes, Professor Goodwitch. Thank you for your advice." Jaune thanks her and sees the Professor express a softer look.

"Good, Now, return to your seat."

Walking back to his smiling friends and teammates he thinks to himself that it was really too close. He was helpless back when Dove was just taking shots at him from afar. Getting a gun would make him carry it. A small gun wouldn't be enough to hurt anyone with aura, and a big gun would just be hard to carry. Thinking of a solution, he goes back to something familiar, something he's relied on the past two days.

Dust. It would have to be the dust. I think it's time for me to get some dust. I wonder if Pyrrha would go out to buy some with me?