With newfound strength, he turned the battle's tide,
And word spread fast, across the countryside,
Of Julius Arc, whose light could pierce the dark,
In every heart, he lit hope's tiny spark.
It is said that Julius Arc, armed with nothing but his ancestral sword—the very same Crocea Mors that Jaune now wields—single-handedly confronted an entire bandit clan that had been terrorizing the outlying villages of Vale. Witnesses claim that as Julius engaged in combat, his eyes blazed with an intense inner fire.
The battle raged for hours, with Julius demonstrating unparalleled skill with his blade and an uncanny ability to predict and counter his opponents' moves. By the time the dust settled, Julius stood victorious, the entire bandit clan laid low by his prowess.
Jaune Arc hunched over the map spread across one of Beacon's library tables, a pen gripped tightly in his hand. Beside him, Nora gleefully scribbled on the edges, her latest creation a fearsome dragon with the words "Here be dragons!" scrawled beneath it in her looping handwriting.
Jaune's blue eyes scanned the topographical features, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Pyrrha?" he asked, noticing his partner's emerald eyes fixed on a black arrow pointing south.
She looked up, a slight pout on her lips. "Yes, Jaune?"
"I wanted to ask what you thought about this strategy," he said, wincing internally at the lingering tension from yesterday's incident.
Pyrrha tilted her head, her ponytail swaying. "Oh, really?" The hint of sarcasm in her voice was unmistakable.
Jaune pressed on, focusing on the map. "I was thinking that positioning Hunters atop the village walls could provide a solid defense."
"That's assuming the Hunters are skilled enough to actually hit the Grimm," Pyrrha responded, a hint of venom in her words that took Jaune aback.
"I think it's a good foundation for a plan," Ren interjected smoothly, trying to diffuse the tension.
Jaune nodded, frowning slightly. "Right. We could have long-range Hunters on the walls and try to lure the Grimm closer. With most civilians in the village center, the Grimm would be drawn to the concentration of negative emotions, wouldn't they?"
Ren nodded, pointing to the village nestled at the valley's base. "Precisely. Beowolves are agile but would struggle to dodge or find cover in open terrain."
"Ooh, and Ursai are big tanky boys!" Nora chimed in, finishing a cartoonish fish in the mountain lake. "They usually draw fire 'cause they're so hard to take down. Thick hide and all that jazz." She growled playfully, extending her hands like claws towards Ren.
"If Ursai are involved," Ren continued, unfazed by Nora's antics, "we might need ground forces to engage them or at least buy time for Dust rounds to penetrate their hides."
Jaune erased a large section of the drawing, earning a raised eyebrow from Pyrrha. "What are you doing?"
In response, Jaune began sketching small, spiked wooden structures arranged in a peculiar pattern around the village. "The Ursai need more time under fire, right?" At Ren's nod, he continued, "If we place these spikes strategically, both Beowolves and Ursai will have to navigate around them, slowing their approach and giving our Hunters more time to wear them down."
"I'm thinking flat traps with spikes, covered with leaves," Jaune explained, his excitement growing.
"But wouldn't the Grimm notice and avoid them?" Pyrrha asked, her earlier irritation giving way to curiosity.
Jaune's face lit up. "That's why we do this!" he exclaimed, drawing a series of lines around the dam structure below Nora's giant fish.
"Huh?" Nora asked flatly, her crayon poised mid-air.
"When the Grimm are spotted, we blow the dam," Jaune explained, his words tumbling out rapidly. "The village is deeper in the valley, so the water will flood the surrounding field. Any Grimm that survive the initial surge will have to wade through mud, slowing them further. And since the field is now muddy, the traps will sink, hidden until the Grimm step on them."
He continued, gesturing animatedly. "This setup keeps our Hunters safe on the walls. Those with explosive weapons like Nora's can fire from a distance, while close-range fighters can defend against any Grimm trying to scale the walls. For more rural areas, we could even use jars of pitch to set approaching Grimm on fire!"
As Jaune finished his explanation, he looked to Pyrrha, who was studying the plan with narrowed eyes and a hand on her chin. "I think... that might actually work," she admitted, a small smile breaking through her earlier frustration.
Suddenly, Pyrrha's eyes widened, looking past Jaune. The blonde turned, his gaze trailing up a white shirt to meet the wild, cactus-green hair of Dr. Oobleck.
"Excellent work, Mr. Arc!" the professor exclaimed, zipping around the table in a caffeinated blur. "Your use of environmental factors and focus on preserving Huntsman lives while accounting for available resources is commendable planning. Splendid job, my boy! You might just be a Huntsman already!" With that, Oobleck took a long sip from his ever-present thermos and zoomed away.
Jaune beamed, turning back to see Pyrrha's proud expression, her head tilted slightly. "Good work, Jaune," she said softly, the last of her earlier resentment melting away.
"Nora!" Ren's exasperated voice drew their attention. Jaune looked back to find the entire village now encircled by an enormous, snoozing dragon.
"A fire dragon guards his hoard!" Nora proclaimed loudly, drawing curious looks from nearby tables.
Jaune inwardly cringed, covering his eyes with his hand. But as he peeked through his fingers at his team – Nora's mischievous grin, Ren's resigned sigh, and Pyrrha's amused smile – he couldn't help but feel a surge of affection.
"You dunce! That would leave most of us in the crossfire!" Weiss's shrill voice cut through the library's hushed atmosphere.
Jaune turned to see Ruby cowering slightly as her partner unleashed a tirade. "But the Grimm are coming from the jungle and the ocean on both sides. There's going to be some crossfire!" Ruby protested weakly.
Sensing an opportunity, Jaune called out, "Professor Oobleck?"
In a caffeinated blur, the green-haired professor materialized beside him. "Yes, Mr. Arc?!"
Jaune flinched momentarily before gesturing towards Team RWBY's table. "I was hoping to exchange ideas with another team. Since my plan involved water, and operations with multiple Hunter teams are common, I thought sharing information might be important for cohesion."
Oobleck's glasses glinted as he stroked his chin. "Indeed! You are permitted to assist another team. Collaboration between Huntsman teams may save your life one day!" With that, he zipped away, leaving a gust of wind in his wake.
Jaune turned to his own team. "Let's go help our sister team," he said, leading JNPR towards the beleaguered Team RWBY.
As they approached, Jaune noticed Yang dozing off, her snores barely audible, while Blake was engrossed in a history book. Ruby sat slumped in her chair, looking defeated.
"You all develop your plan yet?" Jaune asked, pulling up a chair.
Ruby pressed her fingertips together nervously. "Not yet. This one's difficult."
"Maybe for you," Weiss interjected haughtily, "but I'm more than capable of solving this." She gestured to her battle plans, which Jaune immediately noticed had several flaws.
"I don't think that's going to work," Jaune said gently. Ruby handed him the marker with a grateful smile.
Studying the map, Jaune noted the coastal village with black arrows indicating Grimm approaches from the jungle and sea. Weiss had positioned the villagers in the center, surrounded by a perimeter of Huntsmen using village huts as makeshift fortifications.
"Are there any vehicles like Bullheads?" Jaune asked.
Ruby shook her head. "No, other than horse-drawn carts, there's no vehicles."
"Where's the village located?" Jaune inquired.
Weiss scanned the map's edge. "Quill's Wing, Menagerie," Blake read aloud, her amber eyes flicking up with interest.
A vision flashed in Jaune's mind: a jungle teeming with luminescent, multicolored eyes. "So they're Faunus," he mused, a frown creasing his brow.
"Is there a problem?" Blake asked, her tone sharp.
Jaune quickly raised his hands. "No, no, it's just... it makes it easier." At their confused looks, he elaborated, "Professor Oobleck mentioned that during the Faunus Rights Revolution, a battle at Fort Castle went terribly wrong for the human troops. They couldn't effectively surprise attack at night because Faunus have excellent night vision, regardless of their traits. Grimm have limited night vision, but it's far worse than Faunus."
Jaune leaned over the map, marker poised. "Here's what we do. During the day, before the Grimm arrive, we load supplies and those who can't travel onto the carts. Keep the carts in a tight formation, with Huntsman teams split behind them. A group of villagers or natives runs at the front with a Huntsman recon team."
He traced a path on the map. "We move north. When the Grimm from the jungle chase, Huntsman team one stays a distance behind, pulling the Grimm into a large wave like an arrow. Then they pull back, swapping with team two, allowing team one to reload. This keeps the Grimm at a distance and protects the carts."
Jaune's finger moved across the coast. "The front group with local guides can pierce smaller Grimm forces, scattering them as the cart formation pushes through. Once past, the reloaded Huntsman squad can decimate those scattered forces."
His finger landed on a horseshoe-shaped cove touching the ocean. "This cove could be our final defensive position..."
Jaune's finger traced the horseshoe-shaped cove on the map. "The cove here has a small gap in the rocks, not scalable by Grimm. If we abandon the carts, the locals can slip through these gaps and take shelter inside."
He circled two points, labeling them '1' and '2'. "The water from the ocean will pour in but grow shallower deeper into the cove. Ocean Grimm will have a harder time maneuvering. Squad One can guard the locals, maintaining fire at anything coming from the sea."
Jaune's eyes lit up as he explained, "With only one land approach, if Huntsmen hold this line, the Grimm's numbers mean nothing. They'll be forced to come in single file."
A proud smile crossed his face. "It's an ancient Mistrali tactic. My mom used to read me old legends about it."
"The Spartans, right?" Pyrrha asked, a hint of excitement in her voice.
Jaune nodded enthusiastically, still focused on the map. "Yeah, I really admired them. They looked so cool!"
Pyrrha's face flushed crimson at his words, though Jaune remained oblivious as he turned to Weiss. "So, what do you think of the plan?"
Weiss's ice-blue eyes remained fixed on the strategy, her brow furrowed in concentration.
"Cappy 1, Weiss Cream 0," Nora chirped mischievously.
"We are not spreading that around!" Weiss snapped, slamming her hand on the table just as the bell rang.
Yang, startled awake by the noise, nearly fell out of her chair. "What happened? What's going on?" Her lilac eyes fell on the map. "Oh, good job, Ruby," she said, grinning at her sister. "Better luck next time, Weiss Cream," she added, skipping towards the door.
As Teams JNPR and RWBY filed out, Jaune lingered, his hand hovering over the jungle on the map. Suddenly, the sound of drumbeats filled his ears, and a vision flashed before his eyes: a bare-chested warrior with tiger-like stripe tattoos, fangs bared in a fierce roar. In his vision, Jaune heard himself scream back, matching the Faunus warrior's intensity.
"Jaune?" Blake's voice snapped him back to reality, her hand on his shoulder. He turned, noticing her bow twitch slightly. For a moment, the image of the tiger Faunus's ears superimposed itself over Blake's bow in his mind.
"Y-yeah?" he stammered, blinking rapidly.
Blake's amber eyes narrowed slightly in confusion. "Your plan was good. Not many people would care so much for Faunus."
Jaune tilted his head, genuinely puzzled. "Why wouldn't I care? They're just people."
A rare smile graced Blake's features. "Yeah. They are."
As Jaune pushed himself up from the table and headed for the door, Blake called out once more. "Hey Jaune?"
"Yeah, Blake?"
Her smile widened slightly. "You might have what it takes to be a good Huntsman. Eventually."
Jaune grinned, watching her disappear around the corner. As he stepped into the hallway, a new confidence surged through him. "Now time to kick some ass in combat class," he muttered, rushing out with renewed determination, the door slamming behind him.
/-/
Jaune's back slammed against the wall, his Aura absorbing most of the impact. The familiar sound of shifting steel told him the battle was far from over. As he opened his azure eyes, he found himself staring down the barrel of Crescent Rose, Ruby's silver eyes filled with a mix of determination and concern.
"Come on, Jaune. You know when to call it, right?" Ruby's voice was barely above a whisper, tinged with a hint of playful challenge.
Jaune huffed, his chest heaving. The rhythmic beating of drums from his earlier vision grew louder, pulsing in sync with his racing heart. In a moment of desperation, he leaned forward, pressing his mouth against the barrel of Ruby's sniper-scythe. Heat shot up his throat, igniting the inside of the weapon.
"Eep!" Ruby squealed, instinctively dropping Crescent Rose. The weapon clattered to the ground, smoke curling from its barrel.
Seizing the opportunity, Jaune surged forward, bashing his shield upwards. Ruby, caught off guard, stumbled backward. But true to her Semblance, she burst into a flurry of rose petals, vanishing from sight.
Jaune spun around, searching for his opponent. "Oh, come on! That's just not-" His protest was cut short as Ruby materialized behind him, delivering a swift double-kick to his back. The force sent him sprawling face-first onto the arena floor.
In an instant, Ruby had him pinned, pulling his arm back in a secure hold. Jaune gritted his teeth, feeling the strange fire within him respond to his desperation. The warmth spread through his body, he was reminded of Yangs semblance.
"Jaune, please!" Ruby pleaded, her voice a mixture of concern and exasperation. "Just yield already!"
Jaune's gaze darted to the bleachers, locking onto Yang's lilac eyes. The brawler gave him a slight nod, her eyes flickering to crimson – a silent message of support.
Drawing on reserves of strength he didn't know he possessed, Jaune slowly pushed himself up. Ruby clung to his arm, trying to maintain her hold, but he managed to roll, forcing her off balance. The younger girl yelped as Jaune's weight pressed down on her.
For a moment, Jaune raised his hand, ready to strike. But as he looked into Ruby's wide, silver eyes, a flicker of fear visible in them, he hesitated. His face fell, jaw going slack as he let out a shaky breath.
That moment of hesitation was all Ruby needed. In a flash, her hand wrapped around Crescent Rose's handle. The last thing Jaune saw was the blur of red as the weapon connected with the side of his head.
"This match is over," Professor Goodwitch announced, her tone crisp and professional.
Jaune groaned, slowly making his way up the bleachers. He could hear the snickers and whispers from some of the other students – comments about being beaten by a younger opponent stung his pride.
"You showed great improvement, Jaune," Pyrrha said warmly, her emerald eyes filled with encouragement.
Ren leaned forward, concern etched on his usually stoic face. "Are you alright? That last hit looked painful."
Jaune sighed, slumping into his seat. "Not really. I mean, I guess I'm getting stronger, but... I don't want to hurt people. Especially not my friends."
Ren tilted his head, considering Jaune's words. "It's just sparring, Jaune. The point isn't to cause harm, but to learn and improve."
"I know, but it still feels weird taking a swing at anyone on Team RWBY," Jaune admitted, running a hand through his messy blonde hair.
Nora piped up, her voice filled with its usual enthusiasm. "Don't think of them as friends, think of them as practice dummies!"
"Nora!" Ren admonished, giving her a pointed look before turning back to Jaune. "Look, I understand your hesitation. Back when Nora and I were on our own, we sometimes had to fight people – bandits, mercenaries. It's never easy, but, we need to be prepared for any situation."
Ren's eyes flashed pink for a moment as he placed a comforting hand on Jaune's shoulder. The tension in Jaune's body seemed to melt away at his teammate's touch.
"I get that," Jaune said, his voice low. "I just... I thought we'd be focusing more on fighting Grimm. Maybe using training bots like they have in Atlas."
Pyrrha chimed in, her voice gentle but firm. "Robots can't replicate human unpredictability, Jaune. As Huntsmen, we need to adapt to opponents who can change strategies on the fly. It's a crucial skill."
Ren nodded in agreement. "Ruby's at the top of the class, right behind Yang, Weiss, and Pyrrha. The fact that you can hold your own against her is commendable. You'll only get better with time and practice."
A mischievous glint appeared in Ren's magenta eyes. "If you'd like, I can share some of my shakes. They're great for building strength and stamina."
The thought of Ren's concoctions made Jaune's stomach churn. "I, uh, think I'm good, Ren. But thanks for the offer!"
"Your loss," He quipped, Nora leaned forward "Cappy, you've got mad planning skills, Fearless Leader. Even Weiss-cream seemed impressed, though she'd never admit it out loud."
Jaune couldn't help but smile at Nora's nickname for the Schnee heiress. "Thanks, Nora."
Pyrrha leaned in, her voice warm and encouraging. "A good leader isn't just about being the strongest fighter, Jaune. Strategy and quick thinking are just as important. If you'd like, we could schedule some training sessions to work on your combat skills."
Jaune's smile faltered slightly as he remembered the accidental burn from their last private session. But looking into Pyrrha's earnest green eyes, he felt a spark of hope. "You really wouldn't mind?"
Pyrrha's hand found his, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Of course not. We're partners, remember? Work with me, and I promise you'll see improvement in no time."
/-/
The clash of steel against bronze rang out across the rooftop as Jaune rushed forward, Crocea Mors connecting with Pyrrha's shield, Akoúo̱. Sparks flew from the impact, illuminating the determination in Jaune's azure eyes. The rhythmic beating of drums, a sound only he could hear, grew louder with each strike.
Jaune pressed his advantage, launching into an unrelenting barrage. Each swing of his ancestral sword pushed the Invincible Girl back, if only by inches. Pyrrha's emerald eyes narrowed in concentration as she parried his last attack, swinging her shield outward to create an opening.
In a fluid motion that spoke of years of training, Pyrrha followed up with a horizontal slash, aiming low. Jaune felt the edge of Miló graze his Aura, the protective force flickering briefly. Adapting quickly, he lowered Crocea Mors, using his elbow to deflect Pyrrha's next low swing while keeping his sword pointed downward.
With a grunt of effort, Jaune caught Miló's blade and swung his arm upward, dragging Pyrrha's sword in a wide arc. He rushed forward, free hand curled into a fist, only to meet the unyielding surface of Akoúo̱. For a moment, Jaune felt as if his hand could have sunk into the metal, the strange heat within him surging.
Gritting his teeth, Jaune reset his stance, legs bent and Crocea Mors raised in a defensive position. He waited, blue eyes locked on Pyrrha's emerald gaze, anticipating her next move.
Pyrrha didn't disappoint. She launched herself forward, the full force of her weight behind a powerful downward swing. Jaune struggled to maintain his guard, channeling his Aura into his arms to withstand the blow. But Pyrrha was relentless. In a move too fast for Jaune to counter, she pivoted, her leg connecting solidly with his side.
To both their surprise, Jaune didn't budge. Instead, he released Crocea Mors with one hand, grabbing Akoúo̱ and forcing Pyrrha down. They found themselves at a stalemate, locked together, with the sharp edge of Pyrrha's shield pressing against Jaune's Aura.
Suddenly, Pyrrha shifted her weight, pulling Akoúo̱ back. Jaune groaned as the edge sliced through his depleting Aura. Before he could react, Pyrrha landed two swift slashes, each one chipping away at his defenses. The air crackled as Jaune's Aura began to break.
"Come on," Jaune thought, his gaze falling to Crocea Mors' silver blade. In that moment of reflection, the sword seemed to tug at him, guiding his hand to block a potentially match-ending thrust from Pyrrha. Miló's bronze blade glanced off Crocea Mors, showering them both in sparks.
Pyrrha's eyes widened as Jaune reeled his fist back. Heat surged through his entire body, concentrated in his clenched fist as he punched towards her – only to stop mere inches from her face.
Breathing heavily, Pyrrha stared at him with wide emerald eyes. "Why are you hesitating?" she asked, her voice a mixture of confusion and concern.
Jaune dropped Crocea Mors, falling back onto the rooftop as he fought to contain the mysterious fire threatening to burst forth. "I... I didn't want to hurt you," he managed between labored breaths.
Pyrrha sighed, her weapons shifting and sliding onto her back with a familiar metallic sound. "I appreciate your concern, Jaune, but this is a spar. You're supposed to attack – that's how you'll improve."
Jaune looked up at her, a weak smile playing on his lips. "I know," he said. "It's just... I could tell you were holding back."
"That doesn't matter," Pyrrha said softly, taking a seat next to him on the edge of the roof. "I want to teach you properly, and you won't learn anything if you keep getting beaten up without pushing your limits."
Jaune let out a dry laugh, as if privy to a joke Pyrrha didn't understand. "How long did it take you to get this good, Pyrrha?"
Pyrrha pursed her lips, her gaze distant as she recalled years of rigorous training. "Ten years," she finally said, her tone matter-of-fact. "Hours every day, for ten years."
Jaune's eyes widened in disbelief. "That sounds... intense."
Pyrrha sighed, brushing a lock of crimson hair behind her ear as her gaze lowered from the shattered moon to the sprawling grounds of Beacon below. "It's what it takes to become the perfect 'Invincible Girl,'" she said with an unamused laugh.
Jaune leaned back on his palms, brow furrowed in thought. "You know, I never bought into that 'perfect' image everyone has of you," he said, causing Pyrrha to turn and look at him, emerald eyes searching his face.
"Don't get me wrong," Jaune continued, a gentle smile forming. "You're amazing, probably the greatest fighter I've ever seen. But perfect? Nah. And honestly, I don't care if you are or not."
Pyrrha's eyes widened slightly as Jaune went on. "I have to wake you up every day because you wrap yourself up like a cocoon. You leave Miló on the nightstand, and I almost impaled myself reaching for my alarm clock. Oh, and you always leave your boots by the bed instead of the door. I've stubbed my toe more times than I can count."
"I'm sorry," Pyrrha said, looking genuinely ashamed, but Jaune quickly shook his head.
"Don't be," he insisted, lying back on the rooftop with a contented sigh. "If you were perfect, I'd probably be too intimidated to talk to you. I'd always be on edge, worried about saying the wrong thing. But living with you? It reminds me of home, of my sisters. They'd leave their stuff everywhere, and I'd have to wake them up for school. I never minded it. Actually, I kind of miss it."
Jaune's eyes softened as he gazed up at the starry sky. "But doing the same here, hanging out with my totally not-perfect partner? It feels like home, you know?"
Pyrrha smiled, a warmth blooming in her chest as she mirrored Jaune's position, lying back on the rooftop with her hands folded over her stomach.
"You'll always be the 'cereal girl' to me, Pyrrha," Jaune said with a grin, eliciting a giggle from his partner.
"I suppose I can live with that," Pyrrha replied, her emerald eyes twinkling with amusement.
A comfortable silence settled over them, broken only by the distant sounds of Beacon's nightlife. After a moment, Pyrrha's voice, tinged with curiosity and a hint of nervousness, broke the quiet. "What's... what's having sisters like?"
Jaune hummed thoughtfully, a nostalgic smile playing on his lips. "It's a mess, honestly. But the good kind of mess, you know?"
Pyrrha laughed softly, encouraging him to continue.
"My sister Coral? She's into these weird fanfics. Started writing them recently and makes me read her drafts." Jaune's face contorted in mock horror, causing Pyrrha to laugh harder. "I wish I could use Dust to powerwash my brain sometimes."
"That bad?" Pyrrha asked, her voice light with amusement.
"You have no idea," Jaune groaned, before continuing. "Then there are the twins, Sapphire and Jade. They're... unique. Jade's proper, a homebody like Mom. But Sapphire? She's wild. When I got taller than her, she used to make me carry her everywhere because she 'didn't feel like walking.'"
Pyrrha's eyes widened as Jaune went on, "Once, some girl put gum in Sapphire's hair. So, she stole Lightning Dust from Dad and slipped it into the girl's hair dryer. I don't know much about split ends, but apparently, that girl had a lot of them after that."
"That's... terrifying," Pyrrha said, looking both horrified and impressed.
"Yeah, I pray for the guy with the balls to marry her," Jaune chuckled. "Hazel's the oldest. She's smart, but sometimes she acts so much like Mom it's scary."
Pyrrha nodded, absorbing every detail. "What about your father? You mentioned he was a Huntsman once."
Jaune's expression grew more serious. "Yeah, Dad's... he's cool. He was a Huntsman, and his father before him. The Arcs have been Huntsmen for generations, even fought in the Great War." His brow furrowed slightly. "But Dad... he never wanted me to follow in his footsteps."
"Really?" Pyrrha asked, surprised.
Jaune nodded, a mixture of sadness and frustration in his eyes. "When I turned 13, I asked him to train me. He flat-out refused, said he never wanted me to be a Huntsman. Ever." He sighed deeply. "It was tough. He was my hero, you know?"
Pyrrha reached out, placing a comforting hand on Jaune's arm.
"Mom used to tell me stories about my great-great-sometime great-grandfather, Julius Arc. He was a legend, one of the most powerful warriors on Remnant in his time." Jaune's eyes lit up as he spoke. "But when he got older, he hung up his sword to care for his family."
Jaune's gaze fell to Crocea Mors, lying beside him on the rooftop. He picked it up, the moonlight glinting off its surface. "This was his sword. He swore Crocea Mors would protect the Arcs no matter what." A small smile tugged at his lips. "An Arc always keeps his word."
"It's special," Pyrrha said softly, her eyes on the ancient weapon.
Jaune nodded. "It means everything to me."
Pyrrha shook her head slightly. "No, I mean it's literally special, Jaune. Remember when you asked me to hold it during training? I couldn't use my Semblance on it. It's not made of any normal metal or even Dust-infused alloy."
Jaune's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? I... I never knew that."
"One of a kind," Pyrrha confirmed, her voice filled with wonder.
They fell into another comfortable silence, both gazing up at the shattered moon hanging in the sky.
"I like hearing about your family," Pyrrha said softly after a while. "I... I never had any siblings. It was always just me and my mother."
Jaune turned his head to look at her, seeing a wistful expression on her face.
"I want to have a big family one day," Pyrrha confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.
Jaune smiled warmly. "And give up the life of the 'Invincible Girl'?" he asked, his tone gentle and free of judgment.
"In a heartbeat," Pyrrha replied without hesitation, a sense of longing in her voice.
Jaune's smile widened as he shifted slightly, getting more comfortable on the rooftop. As he gazed up at the starry sky, he found himself secretly wishing they could stay there for the rest of the night, sharing stories and dreams under the broken moon.
/-/
Yang Xiao Long rested against a fallen tree, her lilac eyes glancing at her scroll. "2:23 AM," she sighed, her keen ears picking up the sound of a twig snapping nearby. She looked up, arms crossed, as a familiar shadow stumbled into the moonlit clearing.
Jaune Arc pushed aside a low-hanging branch, his normally neat blonde hair disheveled and damp with sweat. "Yeah, sure, let's walk two miles into Beowolf-infested woods. At night. Great idea, Jaune," he muttered sarcastically.
Yang cracked a smile. "Ready to train, Vomit Boy?"
Jaune wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. "I think I've already gotten my workout today. Pyrrha put me through the wringer with sword training."
"I'm sure she did," Yang chuckled, patting the ground beside her. "But perk up! We're working on something new tonight."
Intrigued, Jaune sat down next to her, mimicking her cross-legged position. Yang promptly bashed an open palm against his chest, forcing him to sit up straight. "There you go, good posture is key," she grinned.
"So, what's this all about?" Jaune asked, curiosity overcoming his fatigue.
Yang's expression grew more serious. "In combat class today, the others might have missed it, but Crescent Rose didn't misfire. I know you heated up the barrel." She fixed him with a knowing look. "That confirms something for me. Your fire... it's kind of like mine. It's tied to your emotions, especially anger. I could tell you were about to deck Ruby with a fiery fist because you were frustrated."
Jaune looked down, shame coloring his features. "I didn't mean to-"
"Hey, no sad faces," Yang interrupted, her tone softening. "Sparring with teammates is normal. Learning to take a hit is part of life as a Huntsman." She paused, a hint of gratitude in her voice. "By the way, thanks for helping Ruby and Blake with that plan in class. I know you finished it instead of Weiss. Blake's been in a better mood because of it."
Jaune nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Yang's expression turned serious again. "But listen, Jaune. In a real battle, you can't hold back like you did with Ruby or Cardin. I know you're trying to keep your ability under wraps, but it's painful watching you get your butt kicked when you could probably dish out some serious damage."
"I don't like hurting people," Jaune said softly.
Yang sighed. "At Signal, they taught us something important: 'In battle, the most dangerous thing is an idle hand.' There's a lot of bad stuff in this world, Jaune. Sometimes, to protect the people you care about, you have to be willing to fight."
Jaune frowned, considering her words.
"Alright, let's try something," Yang said, closing her eyes. "Sit up straight. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Don't let your shoulders rise."
Jaune followed her instructions, struggling at first before settling into a rhythm.
"My Semblance is based on my emotions," Yang explained, her voice calm and steady. "In a fight, your body goes into overdrive. You get angry, happy, passionate – it's all part of the battle. These feelings swirl inside you, and for people like us, they come out as fire."
As if to demonstrate, Yang's golden hair burst into flames, her eyes shifting to a deep crimson. Yet her face remained neutral, a testament to her control.
"There are things worth fighting for, Jaune," she continued. "Focus on them. Let your fire swirl around those thoughts, and then... let it out."
Jaune closed his eyes, concentrating. He thought of his team, of RWBY, of his family back home. The weight of Crocea Mors at his side, the legacy it represented. Unbidden, the image of a falling star flashed in his mind. As he exhaled slowly, he felt a warmth spreading from his core.
"Woah!" Yang's excited exclamation broke his concentration.
Jaune's eyes snapped open to see Yang staring at him in awe. She wordlessly handed him her scroll, and Jaune gasped at his reflection. His hair was alight with golden flames, the short, scraggly locks blazing before settling into a fiery crown reminiscent of Pyrrha's circlet.
"Did... did I do that?" Jaune asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"This is so cool!" Yang grinned, her own flames dying down as she leaned in for a closer look.
Jaune raised a tentative hand, his fingers moving through the fire effortlessly. To his surprise, he felt no heat. "So this is... my passion?" he asked, wonder evident in his voice.
Yang tilted her head, her lilac eyes sparkling with excitement. "I guess so. I'm kind of new to all this too, Vomit Boy. My hair lights up, but not like that."
As the golden flames danced atop Jaune's head, casting a warm glow over the clearing, both he and Yang felt a sense of anticipation. This was just the beginning of unlocking Jaune's true potential, and the implications were as thrilling as they were daunting.
"So," Jaune said, a newfound determination in his voice, "what's next?"
Yang's grin widened. "Now the real training begins, Firecracker Junior."
Jaune mirrored Yang's stance, his body tense with anticipation. As Yang swiped at the air, Ember Celica letting out a small burst of Fire Dust rounds, Jaune followed suit. A flame shot outward from his hand, mirroring Yang's attack.
Encouraged by this success, the two fell into sync. Jaune kicked the air, and fire burst outward from his heel, the control of his flames seeming to come easier as the fiery crown rested on his forehead. Yang's hair burned similarly, golden flames dancing in the night air.
The two paused, looking at each other with a mixture of excitement and wonder.
"Mind if we test something out?" Yang asked, a glint of curiosity in her lilac eyes.
Jaune stopped his movements, breathing deeply. Small plumes of fire escaped his throat as he spoke, "Like what?"
"Can you make a sustained flame?" Yang tilted her head, considering the possibilities. "You can shoot out quick bursts, but you can't use your sword and your fire at the same time. What if you could manage something like a beam?"
Jaune raised an eyebrow, contemplating the idea. He held out his hand, and flames scattered across his bare palm. "I can set my hands on fire, and I think I can do it with the rest of my body. But I think I can only shoot fire in short bursts."
"What does it feel like to shoot a fireball?" Yang asked, her tone curious.
Jaune shrugged, trying to put the sensation into words. "Like throwing a punch, I guess. I stretch my arm out, and the energy built up in the muscles is just released, like a spring."
To demonstrate, he pulled his fist back and punched forward. A wave of fire burst out, illuminating the clearing briefly.
Yang nodded, her mind working through the problem. "What if you tried to draw it from the rest of your body?"
Jaune closed his eyes, concentrating. He crouched low, as Pyrrha had taught him, letting the energy in his muscles accumulate. He thought of himself as a coiled spring, remembering how Pyrrha leapt at him, her entire body like a snake ready to strike.
His eyes snapped open, and he slammed his fist forward. But instead of the powerful blast he'd hoped for, only a small plume shot out. A lone spark floated towards the ground, fizzling out in the grass.
"Well, that didn't work," Yang said, putting her hands on her hips.
"Yeah, I noticed," Jaune replied, staring down at the dying ember with a mixture of disappointment and frustration.
Yang clapped her hands together, her enthusiasm undimmed. "Well, I think we've had enough of the theory side. What do you say we get into some... practical application?" She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.
Jaune couldn't help but chuckle. "You're starting to sound like Weiss."
Yang's eyes widened in mock horror before a mischievous grin spread across her face. She bashed her fists together, activating Ember Celica with a satisfying click. "Oh, I'm going to get you for that one, Vomit Boy."
As Yang stuck out her tongue playfully, Jaune felt a surge of warmth that had nothing to do with his flames.
"Alright then, Firecracker," Jaune said, sliding into a fighting stance and willing the flames to dance across his arms. "Show me what you've got."
/-/
Jaune Arc stumbled into Beacon Academy's training ground, his muscles screaming in protest. Despite the physical exhaustion, his Aura meter glowed a steady green. He'd spent the entire night training with Yang Xiao Long, pushing himself to his limits before her departure at dawn to wake her sister, Ruby.
After a meager breakfast and a quick nap in an unused broom closet, Jaune found himself facing his impending match against Cardin Winchester. Yang's advice echoed in his mind: "Remember, Vomit Boy, when you fight Winchester tomorrow, stick to what we practiced. Your sword skills are improving, but your instincts are in your fists. If Cardin gets too close, use that Semblance of yours. A little fire should throw him off balance."
Jaune had tried to argue for a fairer approach, but a swift jab to his gut from Yang had quickly silenced those notions. "Fight smart, not fair," she'd said, her lilac eyes flickering red for a moment. "Because your opponents won't hesitate to fight dirty."
"Mr. Arc, how kind of you to grace us with your presence," Professor Glynda Goodwitch's stern voice cut through the air, her riding crop pointing directly at him. "You're just in time for the next match."
Jaune suppressed a groan, glancing up at his team. Pyrrha Nikos wore a concerned expression, while Nora Valkyrie practically vibrated with excitement. Lie Ren remained stoic as ever, but his eyes betrayed a hint of worry.
"Are you injured, Mr. Arc?" Professor Goodwitch inquired, her emerald eyes narrowing as she observed his awkward gait.
"No, ma'am," Jaune lied through gritted teeth, forcing himself to stand straighter. "My leg just fell asleep."
Goodwitch's gaze lingered on his full Aura meter before she turned away. "Cardin Winchester, take your position."
As Cardin's teammates offered encouragement, Jaune sought out Team RWBY in the stands. Ruby gave him an anxious smile, while Weiss Schnee looked on with cool indifference. Blake Belladonna observed quietly from behind her book. And Yang... Yang flashed him a thumbs up before dramatically inverting it, her eyes flaring crimson.
Jaune squared his shoulders and faced his opponent. I've already been pummeled six times today, he thought. What's one more?
"Begin!" Goodwitch's command rang out.
Cardin charged, his mace raised high. Instead of cowering behind his shield, Jaune drew Crocea Mors and held the scabbard in his off-hand. He waited, muscles tense, for Cardin to close the distance.
At the last second, Cardin activated his mace's Dust chamber. The weapon's head exploded downward with terrifying force. Jaune crossed his sword and scabbard, his arms and legs straining as he absorbed the crushing blow. Using the momentum, he sprang backward into a defensive crouch.
Yang's threat rang in his ears: "If you throw this match by sticking to your sword instead of using what I taught you, I'll personally grind you into Dust and hand you over to Weiss for target practice."
As Cardin rushed in for another attack, Jaune saw his opening. He hurled his expanding shield at Cardin's face, the satisfying clang accompanied by a dip in his opponent's Aura levels. Seizing the moment, Jaune dashed forward, striking Cardin's chestplate with Crocea Mors.
Their weapons clashed, steel ringing against steel. Jaune's gaze flicked between Yang's fierce grin and Pyrrha's worried expression. Making his decision, he gritted his teeth and drove his knee upward, connecting solidly with Cardin's groin.
The larger boy's grip on his mace faltered. Jaune dropped Crocea Mors and assumed the fighting stance Yang had drilled into him. He poured all his frustration and determination into a devastating right hook that connected squarely with Cardin's jaw.
Jaune winced at the impact but pressed his advantage. He launched a series of kicks, driving Cardin back until the bully's legs hit the edge of the arena. Adrenaline surging, Jaune prepared to finish the match with a leaping elbow strike.
"Mr. Arc!" Professor Goodwitch's voice cracked like a whip, freezing Jaune in mid-air with her Semblance. "I believe I've made it clear that I will not tolerate undisciplined brawling in my arena."
The heat of battle drained from Jaune's body, replaced by icy dread as Goodwitch turned him to face her. "You will be reprimanded for this display. Such behavior is unbecoming of a future Huntsman."
She glanced at Cardin, who remained doubled over and wheezing. "Team CRDL, please escort Mr. Winchester to the infirmary for an ice pack."
As Cardin's teammates helped him limp away, Jaune felt a mix of satisfaction and shame. He looked to the stands, where Nora was cheering wildly and even Ren looked impressed. Pyrrha's expression had softened from horror to cautious pride.
Team RWBY's reactions varied: Blake peered over her book with newfound interest, Weiss seemed torn between disapproval and reluctant admiration, and Ruby bounced in her seat, silver eyes shining. Yang, true to form, was shaking Weiss in her excitement, firing imaginary guns at Jaune. "That's my Vomit Boy!" she crowed.
Goodwitch set Jaune back on his feet. He raised a triumphant fist, his voice hoarse. "I... I did it!"
With those words, the last of Jaune's adrenaline ebbed away. His knees buckled, and he collapsed face-first onto the training mat, consciousness fading as the sounds of cheers and Goodwitch's exasperated sigh washed over him.
Jaune sat propped up in his dorm room bed, wrapped tightly in blankets, nursing a bowl of Mistralian thunder-pop ice cream that Nora had somehow procured. The icy treat numbed his tongue, providing a welcome distraction from his aching muscles.
"So, let me get this straight," Jaune said, his words slightly slurred from the cold. "I get my butt handed to me once then manage to beat Cardin, and my reward is... a day off and ice cream?" He chuckled, wincing as the movement aggravated his bruises. "I should get pummeled more often."
Nora's eyes lit up with excitement. "Oh fearless leader, you've got to teach me those moves! Where'd you learn to fight like that?" She leaned forward eagerly, accidentally pressing on one of Jaune's many bruises.
Jaune hissed in pain, and Ren gently pulled Nora back. "Perhaps we should give Jaune some space to recover," Ren suggested, his voice calm but tinged with concern.
"Oh, you know," Jaune said, attempting to flex a bicep but failing miserably as his arm flopped back onto the bed. "Just been hitting the gym, working on my guns." He laughed weakly at his own joke.
Pyrrha stood nearby, arms crossed, her emerald eyes filled with a mix of concern and disappointment. "And now you're bedridden," she said, her tone reminiscent of a disappointed parent. For a moment, Jaune was reminded of his own mother, but he quickly pushed the thought aside.
"But I beat Cardin, didn't I?" Jaune countered, a hint of pride in his voice.
Pyrrha shook her head, her crimson ponytail swaying. "Through underhanded tactics, Jaune. Kicking his groin? That's not what I've been teaching you."
Jaune swallowed another spoonful of ice cream before responding. "I know, I know. But I was running on fumes, Pyrrha. I didn't have the energy for an epic duel."
Pyrrha sat on the edge of the bed, her hands gripping the sheets tightly. "It's not about the spectacle, Jaune. It's about honor and safety. Fighting dirty like that... it's risky. You could get seriously hurt."
Jaune reached out, gently squeezing Pyrrha's hand. "Hey, I can handle it. It was a one-time thing, I promise. Once I'm back on my feet, you can train me until I drop. Trust me?"
Pyrrha's emerald eyes met his for a moment before flicking to Crocea Mors, propped against the wall. "I trust you, Jaune," she said softly, though her tone suggested she wasn't entirely convinced.
The sudden rattling of the doorknob sent Team JNPR into high alert. Ren and Nora assumed defensive stances around Jaune's bed, while Pyrrha reached for her weapon. The door burst open in a flurry of rose petals, revealing Team RWBY.
Ruby materialized at Jaune's bedside in a blink, her silver eyes wide with concern and curiosity. "Jaune! Are you okay? That fight was so cool! How did you move so fast? Can you teach me that shield throw?"
Blake lingered near the doorway, her amber eyes observing the scene with quiet interest. Weiss stood just inside the room, torn between concern for her fellow student and maintaining her glare.
Yang sauntered in, grinning from ear to ear. She gave Jaune a hearty pat on the back, causing him to wince. "You did it, Vomit Boy! I knew you had it in you. Looks like I won't have to use you for target practice after all."
Pyrrha's brow furrowed at Yang's words. "What do you mean by that?" she asked, her voice laced with suspicion.
Yang's grin faltered for a moment as she realized her slip. "Oh, you know, just a little motivational threat between friends," she said, laughing nervously. "Nothing serious!"
Jaune could feel the tension rising in the room. He looked between Yang and Pyrrha, suddenly very aware that he was caught between two of beacon's most formidable fighters. "Hey, who wants some ice cream?" he offered weakly, hoping to defuse the situation.
As the two teams began to mingle, discussing the fight and Jaune's condition, he couldn't help but wonder how he was going to explain his late-night training sessions with Yang to Pyrrha. For now, though, he was content to enjoy his ice cream and the company of his friends.