Here we are at Chapter 9. Time for more hard lessons learned the hard way. I do not own RWBY or Genshin Impact. They belong to their respective owners. Here's chapter 9. Enjoy.
Chapter 9: What's a Leader?
The next few days with Glynda's class went as she explained to her students. Teams would fight and while some claimed victory, others were left with defeat. One of the teams that claimed victory was Team JNPR. Pyrrha skillfully won her match, Ren won by a close margin, and Nora smashed her opponent into the floor... literally. Unfortunately, their leader Jaune lost his fight. While that didn't stop the team from winning, it did hurt his confidence as the team leader. Worse, the one he lost to was the leader of Team CRDL, Cardin Winchester. Beacon's resident jerk and neanderthal. Since then, Cardin and his goons have been making things really difficult for Jaune. One such example being when Dehya and Candace entered the weapons locker room to get their gear for a class...
"HELP!" they hear someone screaming.
"Huh? What the Hell?" Dehya looks around.
"Someone please let me out!" they hear it coming from one of the nearby lockers.
Walking over, they open it up to find Jaune stuck inside.
"Jaune?" Candace wasn't expecting him.
"Uh, hey guys. I... I wasn't screaming or anything," Jaune tries to play it off.
Dehya crosses her arms, "Uh-huh,"
...
With everything happening, Jaune has been depressed, and the others have noticed.
"Jaune, this is getting ridiculous," Dehya notes while the three teams eat lunch.
"What are you talking about?" Jaune replies.
"Jaune, Cardin's been bullying you since school began," Pyrrha says.
"And it's only gotten worse since the team matches in Professor Goodwitch's class. You're lucky Cardin was so stupid he couldn't figure out the launching mechanism for your locker, or else who knows where he would've sent you," Nilou adds.
"Oh, come on guys, Cardin's just messing around," Jaune waves it off.
"He tried pulling on my headdress two days ago," Nilou points at said headdress.
"He made a bunch of stupid cat insults towards me and the only reason I didn't kill him right then and there was because Candace stopped me. How come you got to kick him in the nuts and I didn't?" Dehya looks at her friend.
"Because you wouldn't have stopped there. What I gave him, he woke up from... eventually," Candace shrugs her shoulders.
"Oh, and don't forget the time Cardin filled your sandwich with three-week old cheese and you ate it without realizing.," Nora adds.
"That was bad," Ren notes.
"He tried hitting on me, and I hit him back, right in the face," Yang groaned.
"And you got detention for it," Ruby said.
"He totally deserved it," Yang retorts.
"Jaune, it's okay to talk to us about this stuff. We're a team, we're friends and we're here to help each other," Pyrrha says.
"Pyrrha is right. There's nothing wrong with asking for help every now and then," Ei says.
"Oh come on, guys. I'm fine. You're making this out to be much bigger than it really is," Jaune disagrees as he stands up with his food tray.
He walks away, but as he does, Cardin walks by and flips his tray up into Jaune's face, getting his lunch all over his clothes.
"Oops, my bad. I thought this was one of those walking trashcans they have in Atlas. Then again, the trashcans there aren't as ugly as this one," Cardin laughs with his teammates as they walk by.
Jaune groans sadly before walking away, much to his teammates' concern.
"At this rate, Jaune's condition will only get worse," Candace says.
"There must be something we can do for him," Ruby says.
"While I don't condone what that idiot Cardin is doing, Jaune is the leader of a team. He has to be able to solve this problem, or else what will he do when a real challenge shows up out in the field?" Weiss adds.
"But, Weiss-," Ruby groans.
"I think you both have a point," Ei gets their attention. "Jaune needs to figure out how to get past this and become a proper leader. However, a good leader knows when to lead and when to listen. There's nothing wrong with us showing him the way down the right path. The rest will be up to him," Ei explains.
"Okay, but how do we do that?" Blake asks.
Ei sighs, "I guess I'm still figuring that out myself,"
...
Later that day, Ei is on her way to the library to pick up some study material for a class assignment. She enters the library, roaming through the aisles until she finds what she's looking for. However, as soon as she pulls out the book she needs, her face turns to one of mild annoyance because on the other side is Cardin's ugly face.
"Hello there, Sparky," Cardin chuckles.
"Cardin. I don't have time for your pranks. For the record, none of them have ever been funny," Ei says, walking away.
"Man, it must be tough, having to lead a team with an animal and a fake animal on it. At least you have one normal teammate, even if she is crazy," Cardin walks out of the aisle to get in her away.
"You would be wise to watch your words, Cardin. I am honored to lead Team RDCN. Just as I am honored to call Dehya, Candace, and Nilou my teammates and my friends. At least I focus on being a good leader for them instead of wasting my time with bullying others and making people miserable," Ei counters.
"What, is this about that blonde idiot, Jaune. Come on, that wimp is in way over his head here. He doesn't deserve to be a leader, or even be at Beacon," Cardin says.
"And what makes you think you do? I believe Professor Ozpin chose Jaune to lead his team for a reason. What I can't fathom is why he allowed someone like you to enroll in Beacon. Being a leader is a tremendous responsibility, Cardin Winchester. People look to us for guidance, for hope, for protection and wisdom. We must work to uphold their expectations. However, when I look at you, I don't see a leader. I see an overgrown child. If you ask me, I believe Ozpin only named you as leader, either because the rest of your team would be worse leaders, or he simply did so out of pity," Ei retorts.
Her words tick Cardin off, "Oh, someone thinks they're so special. Well, at least I'm on a team with normal, strong future huntsmen. I'm not on a team with an animal, a freak, and that little fake fr-," Cardin's rant stops when Ei has her blade at his throat.
"I'd like to think I'm someone with a calm disposition, but even someone with my level of patience has limits, Cardin. If this had been back in my home, I'd likely cut you down. But, I won't do that here simply because you use words like knives. However, I shall warn you only once: insult my teammates again, and you will answer for it," Ei glares at him, her eyes glowing.
Cardin sweats with the blade mere inches from his neck. Ei eventually relents and walks away while Cardin falls onto his ass.
Ei sighs, "So much for self-control. Miko would have words for me if she knew,"
...
Ei would return to her dorm room and find her teammates there. She explained what happened in the library to them.
"That idiot is still up to his tricks. Well, if he tries something with me, I'll make him regret it," Dehya cracks her knuckles.
"Now, now, Dehya, let's not have you join Yang in detention for breaking another student's bones, even if he would deserve it," Candace says.
"Oh, come on, Candace. The guy's a racist piece of crap. He does nothing but slack off in class and bully anyone he wants. Worse, the school has done nothing about it. If they won't fix him, I say we do their job for them, consequences be damned," Dehya says.
"While I may not agree with her methods, Dehya has a point. As long as nothing is done about it, Team CRDL's behavior will only escalate. Cardin's been getting worse with bullying Jaune too," Nilou notes.
"I'm sorry for not keeping my composure at the library. I speak about leaders striving to be good examples, and yet, I acted like a child," Ei bows her head.
Nilou waves her hands, "No, no! It's fine. You were just looking out for us. I'm happy you did,"
"Yes. I never said we had to just stand there and take Team CRDL's abuse. We just need to be smart about it. Force them into a situation where they'll be so traumatized that they'll never bother anyone ever again," Candace says with a smile that seems so innocent, yet so terrifying at the same time.
"Um, Dehya, Candace is scaring me," Nilou quivers.
"Yeah, you get used to it... probably," Dehya glances away, sweating.
...
The next day, Ei and Nilou are returning from their last class for the day. As they come around a corner, they spot Jaune walking out of one classroom, only to get shoved to the ground by a laughing Cardin. He notices the girls walking by and sneers at them before leaving. Ei watches him with a subtle glare before turning her attention to Jaune.
"Are you alright, Jaune?" Nilou asks as she helps the blonde up.
"Y-Yeah, I'm fine," Jaune rubs his head.
Nilou looks at Ei, "Think we SHOULD let Dehya deal with Carin her way?"
"Perhaps, but that's for another time. Jaune, do you have a few minutes?" Ei asks.
"Huh?" Jaune cocks his head.
...
The three find themselves by the statue in front of the school.
"Um, what's this about? I'm fine, honestly," Jaune asks.
Ei stares at the statue, "Jaune, what do you think makes a good leader?"
"Um, what?" Jaune is confused.
"Answer the question," Ei tells him.
"Oh, uh, someone who's strong and never fails?" Jaune thinks.
"What else?" Ei asks.
Jaune scratches his cheek, "Um, someone who always knows what to do?"
"You're somewhat correct, but also quite incorrect," Ei replies.
"Huh?" Jaune and Nilou utter.
"A leader is indeed someone who is supposed to be strong and strives to always succeed. But, even leaders can fail. It doesn't make them failures; it makes them just like everyone else. Leaders may not always have the answers either. Sure, a leader must be able to fulfill their role, but there's nothing wrong with asking for aid," Ei explains.
"Ei, what are you trying to say exactly?" Jaune asks.
"You've been having trouble here at Beacon ever since classes began. Not just with a few of the classes, but also with Cardin," Ei turns to Jaune. "Jaune, you made it into Beacon. From what I heard, not every individual that applies here gets accepted. And not every initiate passes the entrance exam. I believe you have what it takes to be a great huntsman and leader,"
Jaune sighs, "...You're wrong. I don't belong here,"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Nilou asks.
"I mean I didn't go to combat school or pass any tests to get here. I... I lied. I used some fake transcripts and cheated my way into Beacon. I never really earned my place here at Beacon," Jaune confesses.
"What? But, Jaune... why would you do that?" Nilou asks.
"Because this is what I've always wanted to do. To be a huntsman, a hero. My grandfather, my great-grandfather, and all the grandfathers down the line were all warriors. They were heroes. I wanted to keep that history going. To be a hero like them. I was just... never good enough," Jaune explains.
"Jaune..." Nilou mutters.
"Jaune, I don't know what to say in regards to the fake transcripts, but... I can at least see your drive. Let me tell you something about me, Jaune. I once thought I knew what was best for those who live in my home. But, it took outside help to make me realize that I was wrong. All I ever sought was eternity, and I still do. But somewhere down the road, I forgot to see the present and those right in front of me. I forgot what eternity truly means. I was just running. What I'm trying to say, Jaune, is that having a goal is good. But, don't let that goal blind you. I had help to make me see my mistakes. I had help to make me realize what I really needed to do. And that's how I came here to Beacon. You can still earn your place at this school, Jaune. But, you need to look past yourself and see those around you," Ei explains.
"But how can I do that? How can an idiot like me who is always in need of saving be a huntsman? A hero? How can I do that all by myself?" Jaune pleads.
"By not doing it by yourself. And by not thinking of only yourself. Jaune, those who became known as heroes only became as such because they were focused on helping others. They weren't interested in glory, but in doing what is right. Right now, you are NOT doing that," Ei walks past Jaune. "I suggest you take some time to think about how you can be a true hero, Jaune. And how you can be a proper leader for your team. Your teammates, your friends, are waiting for you. Don't keep them waiting forever. Come on, Nilou," Ei walks away with Nilou in tow, leaving Jaune alone to his thoughts.
"You think he'll be okay?" Nilou asks.
"I don't know. I'm still learning about being a proper leader myself. I can only give him advice based upon my own experiences. The rest will be up to him," Ei replies.
"Well... I think you're a great leader, Ei," Nilou says.
Her words make the archon smile, "Thank you, Nilou. I appreciate it,"
The two return to their dorm room and call it a day.
...
The next day, Team RDCN is out in the Forever Fall Forest along with Teams RWBY, JNPR, and a few other teams being led by Professor Goodwitch. Amongst the students, Ruby looks in awe at the beautiful scenery.
"This place is awesome," Ruby says.
"Ruby, please try to focus. We're here for a class assignment, not to sight-see," Weiss berates her.
"Home's got nothing on this place," Dehya notes.
"Now, don't forget about the beautiful oases we have back home, Dehya. They have their charm," Candace says.
"Yes, yes, students, I know the Forever Fall Forest is quite lovely, but do not forget why we are here. Like in the Emerald Forest, grimm linger in these woods. And while we use them in our initiations, we also need to make sure their numbers do not grow too large to endanger the city of Vale. As such, today's assignment is basically a clean-up operation. You are to patrol these woods and bring down the grimm numbers to more manageable levels. However, do not underestimate the dangers within these woods. Stay together with your teams and keep in constant communication. We will rendezvous back here in one hour. Good luck," Glynda explains.
The teams split off with their weapons at the ready to begin their patrol. As Team RDCN goes one way, Ei looks to the side and spots Jaune walking ahead of his team as if he's trying to separate himself from them. Ei sighs before going with her team.
"Think Jaune listened to your advice?" Nilou asks.
"I can only hope so. We'll have to wait and see," Ei says.
Team RDCN spends the next several minutes patrolling the forest while cutting down any grimm they come across. However, as they do, Cardin Winchester and his teammates eye from behind some trees before turning their attention to Jaune. The blonde continues to walk further away from his teammates, which makes them worried.
"Shouldn't we make sure he doesn't wander off?" Nora asks.
"There may be more grimm lurking about," Ren notes.
"I know. Just... give him a little time," Pyrrha says, watching her partner.
Jaune looks around for any grimm nearby, not realizing that he's become separated from his teammates. He doesn't see any grimm around and eventually sighs, since his mind is elsewhere.
"Maybe I should've listend to Ei's advice," Jaune mutters.
"Fat lot of good that will do you," he hears and looks to see Team CRDL approaching with their weapons out. "You really shouldn't wander off in the forest all by yourself, Jauney-boy. You never know what could happen to ya," Cardin chuckles.
"What do you want now, Cardin? We have an important mission here," Jaune says, raising his shield.
"Oh, you're right about that. You see, I've been in a bad mood ever since that know-it-all Ei and her little friends embarrassed me. So, I think I'll take my frustrations out on you," Cardin claps his mace.
"So you're made because there are people who aren't afraid of you? Is that it? What kind of leader are you?!" Jaune yells.
"Well, I'm a way better leader than you. And at least I'll still be alive, unlike you," Cardin says as his team surround Jaune.
Jaune gets nervous. He knows he can't beat them all by himself. But then, they hear a loud roar from the forest and look to see a large grimm approaching: an Alpha Beowolf.
"That's a big grimm," Sky mutters in fear.
The grimm must've been attracted to the negativity they were exuding. It roars and charges at them. Cardin tries to nail it with a swing of his mace, but the Alpha smacks it aside and then hits him in the chest with a claw strike, sending him crashing into a tree. It turns and roars at his teammates, who turn tail and run screaming like little girls. Off to the distance, the others hear the roar and grow concerned.
"That... doesn't sound good," Dehya notes.
"Hey look!" Rub points as the three members of Team CRDL run by them.
"It's a huge grimm. Run!" Russell screams before Yang grabs him by his collar and hoists him into the air.
"Where's the grimm?!" Yang asks.
"Back that away. It's got Cardin, and that blonde idiot will be next!" Russell replies.
With that being said, Yang tosses him aside, "We'd better go help Jaune. As for Cardin... yeah, I'm not helping him,"
"That makes two of us," Dehya nods.
"Come on. We need to deal with the grimm. However, there could be more lurking around," Ei says.
"She's right. Yang, Blake, go find Professor Goodwitch," Ruby says.
"Ren, Nora, go with them," Pyrrha adds.
"The rest of us will go find Jaune," Ei says.
They split off and race through the forest. Soon enough, they find the Alpha Beowolf, Jaune standing with his shield at the ready, and Cardin crawling away on the ground. The grimm turns to Cardin due to his fear. If Jaune is being honest with himself, he'd rather run and let the grimm have Cardin. But, would a real leader do that? Would a real hero do that?
"I'm gonna regret this, I just know it... Hey, ugly!" Jaune yells, gaining the grimm's attention. "Come and get me!" he bats his sword against his shield.
The grimm growls and stalks towards him.
"Come on, let's go help him," Ruby says.
"Wait!" Pyrrha holds out her hand.
"She's right. Let Jaune do this," Ei says. "Come on, Jaune. I know you have what it takes."
The grimm jumps and swings its claw at him. Jaune ducks under the swing and turns towards the grimm. The grimm attacks again and hits Jaune in his shield, knocking him to the ground. Jaune gets back up and makes a swing of his sword, but the grimm steps back to dodge it and then makes an upward claw strike to knock Jaune against a tree. Taking a breath, he brings up his shield.
"I can do this. I have to do this. For my team... For my friends," Jaune mutters.
Jaune charges at the Beowolf, which responds in kind. As they close in, Pyrrha sees Jaune lowering his shield and raises her own arm. A black energy forms on her hand, and then on his shield, bringing it up. His shield blocks the claw strike from the grimm, allowing him to thrust his sword straight through its skull. The grimm's body dissipates into dust as Jaune catches his breath.
"How did you do that?" Nilou asks.
"Well, it's my semblance. It's called polarity," Pyrrha replies.
"Really, controlling poles sounds so cool," Ruby gasps in awe.
"No, Ruby, her semblance gives her control over magnetism," Weiss corrects her.
"That's pretty cool too," Ruby replies.
"Come on, let's head back," Ei says.
"Are you sure? What about Jaune?" Ruby asks.
Pyrrha smiles, "I think he'll be fine now,"
However, Dehya and Candace notice Cardin trying to sneak away and quickly cross his path.
"And just where do you think you're going?" Dehya cracks his knuckles.
Cardin's screams echo across the forest.
And that's the chapter. Ei helps Jaune figure out his issues with being a leader, while also dealing with the cockroach that is Cardin Winchester. There will be more fun to come. Personally, this was one of my favorite moments in the original series when Jaune started to rise above himself. And look how far he's come now. Until then, please Read and Review.