Chapter 11
Extended training and a night on the town
Katya leaned back in her chair with a groan before bending forward and striking her forehead against the book
"Why did we think coming here was a good idea again?" She asked plaintively
"We needed a place where we would not be bothered and where we could learn to assimilate among the natives." Hina answered
"Also where we can get room and board and get paid a salary that was not borderline poverty level while we do so while LA1D get the droids on the other ship fixed and the ship cleaned and operational" Jaune added
"Nor did we want to squid off from Jaunes human family" Yara added her input
Yara took a look at her chronograph, no watch. She started packing her books away
"Lunch is due to start soon and then we have supplemental combat training." She said
The remedial group met in the gym adjacent to the combat studies class. All were dressed in Beacon's official training gear. Goodwitch and Colt walked in just before the start of the time. Colt walked around the assembled groups a few times before stopping before them.
"It has been a week since your arrival and frankly I am disappointed with what I had seen." Colt said bluntly
He pointed around him
"Beacon exists to train the next generation of fighters against the darkness that threatens us all. We strive to guide the next generation to be the best they can be. To improve yourself in mind, body and spirit. To help you in this we keep a close eye on all of you to se where and how we need to guide you."
Colt produced his tablet from a pocket on his combat fatigue
"Shall we go over your week? Let us start with physical before going to the academic side. Visitors to this gym, two Xio Long and Arc. Combat practise area three Nikos, Arc and Xio Long. Informal practise Ren. Weapons range none."
He looked at the group daring them to dispute his claims. He looked at his tablet and read from it
"Let us move on, Arc, Ichira's and Ren. Well done on working diligently on erasing your educational back log. Rose trying to study till you pass out with fatigue is not helping, you have an appointment with professor Peach after this session, she will help you find an effective studying mechanism, I would also suggest joining the study session the other have. As for the rest of you Beacon maintains a minimum seventy percent pass rate in all subjects. Scoring perfectly in one or two subject will not get you a passing average. So unless you have been ignoring what I have been saying you will realise that hitting the books is in your own best interrests"
Colt tapped a few times on the tablet.
"When you get back to your rooms and your scrolls you will find a training and studying schedule has been set up for you. You will also find a carefully calculated diet that you will keep to."
Colt put his tablet away and stepped onto the sparring mat
" Mister Arc, when you were practising I noticed you used another style. Care to explain?" He asked waving Jaune forward
Jaune stepped onto the mat.
"It is a style I started learning long ago and was reviewing, My first style is called Karas Ti, but thinking about it, it is better as a form of exercise and not fighting. The second one is the same as my sisters but as I am not like them the finer techniques will be outside my reach as it was designed for their kind."
"Let us see then if this style suits you better."
Jaune moved once he was in range and threw a volley of punches and kicks. One punch got through and rocked Colts head and the man stumbled back
The older students using the gym stopped their exercises and watched
"Did that firstie actually land a hit or am I seeing thing?" An older girl stated
"If you were seeing things I must be too. And I still don't believe it, no one has managed to touch Colt in close quarters never mind rocking him." A fifth year commented
Colt stepped back and touched his lip and looked at his hand where a touch of blood was present. He shifted into a ready stance and motioned for Jaune to come at him
"Good. Now let us see if you can repeat that?" He said with a wild grin
The two combatants engaged again. The battle moved forwards and backwards with kicks and punches being thrown. Colt started mixing his styles and reduced the amount he was holding back. Katya leaned closer to Hina who was frowning as she studied the fight
"Where did Jaune learn Sekare?" She asked softly
"Jacarda was a close quarters specialist from what I remember." Hina replied
"Okay, what has you so worried?" Katya asked
"Is it just me or is Jaune moving different from how he normally does, he is more fluid in his movement and I can almost say he is predicting some of those strikes."
"Possible I have noticed I am a bit quicker too since my aura thing was unlocked." Yara said from the behind them
Jaune crashed to the ground and Colt kept him down with a foot on his chest. He kept his foot on Jaune's chest till Jaune tapped on the ground before he stepped of, breathing hard
"A massive improvement mister Arc, i do believe we have found a style that suits you. No join professor Goodwitch and let her help you pick out a bladed weapon. Miss Nikos you are next."
Glynda was running out of training examples of bladed weapons. She had initially started him with a sword and shield combination but soon saw it was not suited to him. She noticed him picking up a katana, a Mistrali weapon that saw more ceremonial use than field use these day. She noticed that he seemed to flow into a stance and start practice swings. The stance was well practised and the weapons seemed to work with it, but something was still off.
Yara nudged Hina this time
"Isn't that a lightsaber style?" She asked
"Shi Cho, there is a lot of similiarities with that type of blade and a saber."
"So you will go for something similar then?"
" Most likely."
The two instructors were monitoring the training as the twelve had moved into the equipment section of the gym, Colt was leaning against the wall a slight sheen visible as he used his aura to heal himself.
"Miss Xio Long packs quite a punch." Glynda stated idly
"It was Mister Arc's work, compounded by his sisters. Xio Long did not touch me once." Remington chuckled
Remingtom straightened
"Once that boy get his strength and stamina up and get used to aura he will be a deadly hand to hand fighter. Though I have to ask why did you let the four pick thise Mistrali vanity pieces." He said
"Strangely enough those vanity pieces suit them, though I will have to admit miss Hina picking a katana instead of the twin blade staffs like her sisters surprised me." Glynda replied
"At least Wilkes will have fun forging their new weapons." Remington remarked
He looked over to where the group seems to have stalled a bit. Ruby , April and Weiss were struggling to lift above their weight on various machines
"Wilkes made the right call on banning them from culls till they improve." He said softly
"The ban may have to be extended Arc and the Ichira's are doing dismally in Dust studies. Peach is actualy stumped by that. Science and mathematics they are well head of the curve she believes they are up at university level."
"That is not so surprising, their weapons do not use dust as a base, as wanderers they would not have been able to maintain technology using dust as a base And to be honest I think they are better of for it. It is not a secret that the accessible dust mines are starting to run dry and with the increase in dust thefts we are likely to start feeling the pinch ourselves."
"That has the council veering between demanding the establishment of an army to defend our borders and sending a massive expedition to find this kingdom. Not mentioning the idiots who want to re-establish Mountain Glen as a settlement." Glynda replied
"Not a truly unreasonable demand considering how high the cities population density is now. Clearing mountain Glen would be a massive undertaking sure but at some point we will be forced to create more settlements. The walls of Vale can not be expanded any more and we both know it. Yes the original settlement failed but who could have foreseen that a rogue scientist would bribe construction workers to leave weakspots so that he lure grim closer for his experiments." Remington pointed out
"It was not just Merlot who contributed to its fall." Glynda replied
"Yes, but of course we must not mention Winchester and his cronies supplying sub standard defensive equipment or that more than two thirds of the available hunters had been pulled away to go and defend Magnus from a grim migration that never happened. Or the fact that government employees and their families were on the first train out leaving the civilians to fend for themselves."
Remington took a deep breath
"Sorry, Mountain Glen is still a bit of a sore spot. And we are going of subject. I would suggest having a third year tutor them in dust use. Yatsuhashi Daichi would be best." He said
"Not miss Schnee? Her family is leading the industry in both minining and research" Glynda stated
"Till she get that stick out of her ass no. And considering she and miss Rose nearly blew up on stepping on to the grounds I would question her proficiency. That and the fact she clearly has some issue with faunus." Remington shook his head
"I have had no complaints." Glynda replied
"More the way she shies away from those that openly display their features, if you look closely she avoids interacting with the Ichira's. Though to be fair they can be overwhelming. Another reason I suggest Daichi, he will be able to teach them and deal with their exuberance."
Like the showers in the rooms the gym showers communal, as a common rule the set of lockers in the middle of the room served as a separation line for the genders. Yang looked at the group around her as she was getting ready for her shower
"I honestly could use a break after this week. And if what Colt had said was waiting for us next week is going to be as bad if not worse." She said
"What are you suggesting?" April asked
"Getting on the bullhead and go out on the town for the night." Yang answered
"A bit credit strapped here." Yara replied
"You can make your lien stretch if you know how. For example there is a restaurant close to the docks for a hundred Lien per person it is all you can eat and drink, they also have a decent dancefloor and DJ. Though fair warning the drinks are restricted to tap beer and no name sodas and the food is buffet style." Yang responded
The three sisters looked between each other before nodding
"I think we can cover that, Jaune's family gave us some Lien but it does not feel right to use it." Katya said
"Me and Renny are in as well, it is within our budget." Nora said
"I am afraid I will have to sit this one out." Pyrrha said with a sigh
"Why?" Hina asked
"I don't want to spoil your night and it takes one person recognising me and the press and fans will descend and the night will be spoiled."
Yang looked her up and down
"I think we can do something about that. How do you feel about temporary hair dye and contact lenses?" Yang asked
"Do you have any?" Pyrrha asked, a hopefull tone in her voice
"I don't but I know who will and she owes me a favour for me and Ruby claiming some of her luggage was ours they day we came to Beacon. She was way over limit of what she was allowed to bring." Yang smiled
"What made you think of this?" Blake asked
"Was already going to have to do it for Weiss unless we go to all the fancy places we can not afford so I asked Coco for some tips." Yang said as she stalked to the shower
"Wear a towel you barbarian." Weiss called out blushing furiously
"See something you like Weissy?" Yang called over her shoulder
Rusty's Crab shack looked a lot better inside than outside. It had been converted in a restaurant from an old dock warehouse. The outside still looked like a warehouse. Inside two decks had been created. The buffet section was at the bottom with the dance floor the upper level for the al la carte diners. Still being early it meant the upper section was seeing more business but as the night progresses the clientele will shift. With the nearby nightclub closed for renovations they had already picked up a few more customers than usual
The group was met at the door by the doorman slash bouncer and produced their identity cards for inspection as several of their number looked much younger than they were and in one case was below the age of the regular weekened clientele. He was holding up Ruby's Beacon student cardwith one hand the other dialling the scroll number to verify its authenticity. Finishing he reluctantly handed Ruby the same colour wristband that the others were already wearing, the wristbands marking them as fully paid up for the buffet section
"Is there a problem?" Blake asked
"No the ID is legit, but letting a fifteen year access to alcohol is not right." The man said
"Old enough to fight old, enough to drink." Blake shrugged
They found a table close to the back and close to the serving station. Yang turned to Ruby
"Seeing as this is your first time in a place like this. Some ground rules. Never leave your drink unattended it does not matter what it is that you are drinking. Two make sure one of us knows where you are. Three never go anywhere with anyone not in this group. And this applies to us all." She said
A server came up to their table bearing a tray with the plastic beer mugs with the restaurant name printed on it that was to be used for their complimentary drinks. Pyrrha now a brunette with glasses and blue eyes was looking around happily as this was her first time out in a setting like this. Jaune got up and extended a hand to her
"Care for a dance?" He asked
The DJ was currently playing a slow dance and Pyrrha eagerly grabbed his hand and led him lead her to the dance floor. Yang nudged Katya
"Not going to give Pyrrha a hard time for moving in on your brother?" She asked
"Jaune is old enough to take care of himself. And frankly getting out will do him good." Katya replied
"That does not mean we will not mercilessly tease him should he do something stupid." Yara added
Katya got up and held her hand out to April
"So partner, up for a dance?" She asked
April took her hand and got dragged to the floor. Yang pointed to where the bar section was
"If you want something stronger than beer go there. However those drinks are not included in our deal." She said
Blake went to the bar and returned with fruity smelling drinks as Jaune and the other dancers returned
"Something from Kua Kuana. " She said
Ruby took a cautious sip before throwing caution to the wind and downing it, Weiss the second to follow suit. Pyrrha and April were next to down theirs
"What s in it?" Yang asked, taking a sip
"Passion fruit, mango, coconut milk and seventy percent proof golden rum." Blake replied, hiding a smile
Yang chuckled as she noticed Ruby and Weiss staring to show the first signs of being flushed
" So they are really going to feel that in the morning?" Yang asked
"Ren, slow down." Nora cautioned from the far side of the table
The music picked up pace and Yang dragged her team to the floor, followed by the sisters and April. Jaune slowly sipped his drink beside him Pyrrha was thirstily emptying her beer mug. Nora tried to get Ren up to the floor before giving up and moving into the huddle dominating the dance floor and started bopping along to the beat of the music.
Jaune leaned closer Pyrrha
"Easy there champ, pace yourself. Why don't we grab something to eat before all the alcohols starts to hit you." He suggested
Pyrrha nodded and Ren nodded to them
"Go on I will grab something when you return." Ren said
The group returned to the table to find a tray of shots had been delivered. Ren pointed the buyers out
"Biught by that third year team as congratulations for passing initiation." He said
"What is it?" Ruby asked looked at the drinks
"I believe it is called Sex on the Beach." Ren shrugged
Ruby spluttered at the name. Yang grinned devilishly
"Could be worse. They could have bought us blowjobs." She grinned
After two rounds of food Nora finally managed to get Ren onto the dance floor and Jaune and Pyrrha joined them in initially a singles dance but it evolved into a group dance, They stayed on the floor for three more dances. They returned to the table to another round of food and the drinks Blake had bought for the first round, again Nora had to caution Ren to take it slow.
Ruby and April were by now slightlt blitzed and were tearing up the dance floor, not caring that their dancing was more appropriate to primary school dances, Weiss was proving the statement that Atelesians can not dance. Yang was surrounded as she was undulating on the dance floor. Blake and the sisters were jumping around on the dance floor trying to catch the spotlight, a game they were joined in by a few other feline faunus
Even more mayhem ensued as the DJ took a break and the karioke machine got activated. Blake had a surprisingly nice singing voice, Weiss made up for her dancing skills and was called back a few times to sing more.
The night passed on, dance partners got swapped around, not mentioning the group dances. Plates were piled on their table as they ate and drank between their dances. The music got more energetic as the night progressed and more time was spent drinking and dancing than eating
The group stayed together to the disappointment of several other patrons that had tried to cut into the group. At some point the traditional drinking games were started too much hilarity and embarrassment for some.
Well past midnight the DJ called last rounds and they started getting ready to leave. They were all slightly drunk some more than others. They had been the recipients of several rounds of shots bought by other patrons and had spent some extra money buying from the cash bar.
Pyrrha was draped over Jaune and giggling her head off. She still had her glasses but had lost a contact lens somewhere. Ruby and Weiss were holding each other up. Weiss was trying to stand up ramrod straight but swinging as if she was in a storm wind. Ruby was hanging on her waist trying to sing but was mixing the lyrics from different songs. Nora had an unconscious Ren draped over her shoulder, a possessive hand on his rear. The sisters and Blake were trying to coax April out from underneath a truck she had scurried under. The tequila shot having been that one too many for her. Yang was pleasantly buzzed and was determined to stop at a speakeasy Qrow had told her about on the way back to the bull head docks to pick up a bottle or two for nightcaps for those still standing, this despite Beacon's no alcohol policy
Pyrrha woke with a groan and wished for death. They had made it back to Beacon at about three that morning and had stayed up longer finishing the bottles Yang had brought back with them. She shifted in her bed and paused. Cautiously and blearily she looked over the edge of her mattress on top of the bunkbeds. She wanted to swear as she spotted her clothes lying in a pile on the ground, joined by several other sets. A vague memory of playing a game called sabac surfaced in her memories. Then the game had evolved into clothes being bet.
She leaned further over the edge and looked to see if the bottom bunk was occupied. The bed had been taken by Hina and Yara. Nora was sprawled on her mattress face down and snoring away. Yang was in the fourth bed with Blake sprawled over her stomach
Deciding it was safe she climbed from the bed and moved as fast as she could to her dresser and grabbed a nightdress and quickly pulled it on. Turning around she noticed the last two occupants of the room. April and Katya had both crawled under a bed, April cuddling a bottle with at least a quarter of its contents left.
She grabbed her shower caddy and stumbled from the room and looked upon the scene in the common area. Jaune and Ren were sleeping in the armchairs, she was getting neck and back pain just looking attheir postures. Ruby was hanging halfway down the arm rest of the couch she had claimed, butt in the air. Someone had covered her with a blanket and Weiss's head and chest were under the bottom part of the blanket, having claimed the same couch as Ruby
"Looks like you had a fun night." Cameron remarked loudly behind her
Pyrrha winced as pain slammed into her sensitive head. Cameron pointed to the sleepers
"Get them to their rooms or get them awake. Goodwitch likes to throw surprise inspections on the first weekend so if you have any alcohol left get rid of it quickly."
Pyrrha looked longingly in the direction of the shower room. Before she moved closer to the armchair containing her team leader, she was going to need help to corral the teams. Today was going to be another very long day. Cameron cleared her throat behind her
"By the way I want all of you on the training fields in an hour." Cameron said
"Why?" Pyrrha asked
"It is either I give you PT as punishment for the noise you all made when you continued your party in the dorms or I let Colt handle that. And no I can not let it slide. I mean I would love to after seeing what you lot did to Bensen."
Pyrrha paled slightly
"What did we do?" She asked shakily
" Stuck his head through the staircase support beams duct taped him to it and pulled his pants down. Also not going to mention the trail of booze bottles you lot left from the Bullhead docks to the other stuff you did in full view of the campus cameras." Cameron cackled
Glynda dropped into the chair next to the headmaster in the staff room. She was furiously rubbing her head simmering in anger. Nor was she the only one Peach was visibly vibrating in anger her ears kept flickering. Remington was highly amused as he sat down
"Did you find anything?" Ozpin asked
"Nothing, not bottles were found anywhere on campus, strangely enough there were a lot of glass shards in the firing range this morning."
"The older students?" Ozpin asked dryly
"Cant prove it and with no bottles with their finger prints on it cant bust them either."
"But we can punish them for their disorderly conduct." Bart snapped
"Nope, Miss Branwen has them doing punishment drills as she is entitled to as student advisor." Remington smirked
Bart huffily took a sip of his coffee. Remington looked at him in surprise
"Bart, why are you so upset? Normally you are more tolerant of students getting a bit rowdy." Remington asked
"The flag pole." Peter said chuckling
"So they are going to get away with it?" Peach snapped
Ozpin chuckled
"Nothing we can do about it, however nothing is stopping us from letting their parents and guardians know is there."
He tapped the tablet in front of him and the screen on the side wall lit up. The screen subdivided in smaller sections and faces started appearing in them
"Good day. Governor Arc, Misses Nikos, Miss Schnee. Taiyang Qrow, Mister and Misses Miller. And Finally Governer Belladona and Misses Belladona" Ozpin greeted them in order of their appearance on the screens
"Good day Headmaster Ozpin. How can we be of assistance" Ghira Belladona asked
"I am afraid this is not a social call, it involves you children and wards." Ozpin replied
Momentarily panic flashed over the faces. Ozpin took a sip from his mug
" I regret to inform you that they have behaved rather inappropriately on campus ground on returning from a night out in Vale."
"Weiss acting inappropriately, I find that hard to believe." Winter Schnee replied frostily
Ozpin hid his smile
"Luckily Beacon has one of the best surveillance systems in Vale and I will happily walk you through the footage." He said blandly
Another monitor lit up with a still of the Bullhead docks a pause icon clearly visible on the screen.
"Are you all seeing this?" Ozpin asked
Various replies came and Ozpin started the recording narrating as he did so
"Here we have them returning to Beacon at two o clock. I will draw your attention to the bottles and bags in their hands and their obviously intoxicated state. And as you can see they are determined to increase that state."
The footage shifted to show the group passing several bottles between them as they walked to the academy. The next shot was of the girls dumping Ren onto Jaune and sprinting for the fountain in front of the academy. Before long they started frolicking in it, Pyrrha climbing to the top of the figures in the fountain and starting dancing on the taijitsu's head. Music started playing from one of their scrolls. They had a shot of Yang pointing to the side and what followed could only be described as a drunken pole dancing competition using the flag pole with the flag of Vale still prominently displayed on it. What was the most surprising was that April was the best performer, Ruby placed second with Weiss in third. Scores being given by other returning students , who helped diminish the stash of alcohol the first years brought back
Ozpin stopped the recording. He struggled manfully not to show his amusment with the antics or the angry expressions of the parents and relatives not mentioning the glares of Peach, Glynda and Bart. He noticed tha both Arc and Qrow seemed more amused than angry and strangely enough misses Nikos
"I do believe my point has been made." He said dryly
Qrow pulled out his flask and drank before addressing Winter
"And here I thought upper class Atlesians could not pole dance. You been holding out on us Snowflake?"