Chapter 6: RWBY & ASMA
WinoKino: Jaune and Arslan's relationship will be explored later down the line trust me, things are gonna get interesting between the two!
GreenEyesOrigamiDragon: Ah! I'm glad you caught onto that! See, Arslan's Semblance is being described in a way that an outsider would see it. Meaning that to an outsider the Semblance of Arslan's family does seemingly exchange Aura for a boost in physical attributes. However, that really isn't the case, in reality, Arslan's Semblance never exchanged aura for a physical boost. It instead forcefully internalizes the aura deep into the body, and because of this forced internalization, the aura doesn't act like it usually does, instead of becoming a protective shield that is normally around the body and prevents physical attacks, it boosts and protects every cell in the body, which is why Arslan's skin is way harder than normal, because, inside her body, the aura is strengthening the skin cells from the inside instead of acting as an outside shield. When Arslan manifested her aura pressure, it was her allowing the stored-up aura in her body to be released and returned to its normal function for a moment but this can only happen briefly as Arslan's semblance permanently forces the aura to become internalized once it's awakened, but since it's still Arslan's soul, she still can manipulate it enough to bring it forth in the form of Aura pressure only, which she mostly uses as a scare tactic.
Guest: Ok, because you let me know that little tidbit I am now imagining Jaune as Casey from TMNT
merendinoemiliano: Thank you!
Lofus69: Thank you and I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! Also, yeah, Jaune and Arslan are gonna have way more moments down the line!
BungusAmungus: Thank you and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Guest: No, I'll keep speaking and I'll say it again: Authussy
Guest #2: Look, I get I threw a lot around in the first couple of chapters, but most of them are setups for what happens later down the line such as: The Reveal of Glynda being Jaune's mother and how that happened, Mercury's problem with Jaune, the upcoming gang war between Spider and Junior's gang, Ruby's tie with this AU's Maria. Trust me, things will get explained later on.
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Beacon's Initiation was finally over. Most of the aspiring Huntsmen and Huntresses had managed to pass, earning their place at the academy. However, the Emerald Forest bore the scars of the trials, particularly from the intense battle between Jaune Arc and Arslan Atlan. Their clash had left a portion of the forest singed and splintered, though thankfully, the damage wasn't severe enough to disrupt the delicate balance of the local wildlife.
Professor Peter Port and Doctor Bartholomew Oobleck strolled through the now-quiet woods, their task being to retrieve the hard-light projectors that had formed the barriers around the combat zones. The duo moved efficiently, their practiced hands making short work of dismantling the equipment, though their conversation meandered like the forest paths.
"It's a good thing they had the sense to take their fight out of the forest," Port remarked, his booming voice carrying a mix of relief and amusement. "Had they not, I daresay we'd be surveying a quarter of the forest reduced to kindling!" He chuckled, shaking his head at the memory of the ferocious duel.
"Quite," Oobleck agreed, his tone clipped but thoughtful. "Their restraint, while delayed, did spare us a significant ecological incident, however, I find myself intrigued by the combatants themselves, Mr. Arc's Aura reserves are... extraordinary, surpassing even many of the faculty's! And Ms. Atlan's semblance—such precision, such destructive potential— it's remarkable!"
Port laughed heartily, clapping a hand on his friend's back. "Bartholomew, I suspect you'll have all year to unravel their mysteries, you've always been drawn to promising students,"
Oobleck paused to examine one of the projectors before slipping it into his satchel. Adjusting his glasses, he glanced at Port with a raised brow. "Oh? And what thoughts are occupying your mind, Peter?"
Port rested a hand on his chin, his expression turning uncharacteristically serious for a moment. "If Beacon's Initiation can yield contenders like Mr. Arc and Ms. Atlan... I can't help but wonder—what kind of talent do the other academies harbor? And what might happen when they all come together?"
Oobleck adjusted his glasses, his sharp green eyes glinting with curiosity. "A question worth pondering," he admitted. "The Vytal Festival is not far off, perhaps we'll have our answer sooner than expected,"
Their conversation was abruptly cut short by the crackle of static, followed by a familiar voice chiming in through their earpieces—a communication system connecting all staff deployed in the forest.
[Are you two done yet? I'm getting bored with the fodder here!] came the sharp, unmistakable voice of Tock. Her tone was equal parts impatience and amusement, carrying her usual bluntness.
Oobleck adjusted his glasses and pressed the button on his earpiece. "Ah, yes, nearly finished! No need to worry, Larissa," he replied, his voice calm yet hurried, as though Tock's ire might hasten his movements.
[Good!] she shot back, followed by a teasing laugh. [Because the longer I have to babysit Ms. Moody here, the less time I get to spend with you, Barty~!]
Oobleck froze mid-motion, the faintest hint of a blush creeping up his face. "U-Understood," he stammered, his composure momentarily faltering.
Port, who had been quietly observing the exchange, turned away to hide his growing grin. He failed spectacularly, his shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter. "Whipped," he muttered just loud enough for Oobleck to hear, his tone brimming with good-natured teasing.
Oobleck shot him a glare, his usually fast-paced speech slowing to an icy bite. "Shut up," he hissed, though his embarrassment was evident.
Port chuckled, clapping Oobleck on the back with a hearty pat. "Ah, Bart, you've got to admit, Larissa knows how to keep you on your toes! Honestly, it's rather endearing,"
Still flustered, Oobleck focused on packing away another projector, muttering something unintelligible under his breath. Meanwhile, Port's laughter echoed lightly through the forest as the two professors continued their work.
Meanwhile, on the far side of the forest, Tock and Maria stood side by side, gazing at the overgrown ruins of an ancient kingdom. The crumbled remains of stone towers and walls peeked out from the dense foliage, a reminder of a bygone era not far from Beacon's modern grounds.
Tock leaned against a jagged pillar, her sharp teeth glinting in the light as she laughed, her voice carrying across the quiet forest. "Ah, Barty makes it way too easy~!" she said, her tone dripping with amusement.
Maria, from beneath her mask, locked onto Tock with a flat, unimpressed expression. "I don't know what he sees in you," Maria remarked, her voice deadpan and cutting.
Tock's laughter abruptly stopped as she turned to glare at Maria, "Up yours!" she snapped. "You're just bitter because you haven't had a date in years!"
Maria's silver eyes narrowed dangerously. "I'll have you know I've had plenty of dates," she retorted, her tone frosty.
Tock crossed her arms, a smug grin spreading across her face. "Oh yeah? How many of them called back?" she asked, her voice dripping with mockery.
A tense silence hung between them for a moment. Then, Maria slowly raised her hand and aimed a middle finger directly at Tock.
Tock burst into laughter, doubling over as if Maria had just confirmed her point. "Ha! That's what I thought!" she said, her wide smile showing her sharp teeth.
Maria opened her mouth, prepared to fire back with a sharp retort, but her words were cut off by an ear-piercing screech that echoed through the forest. Both women snapped to attention as the ground trembled beneath their feet.
Emerging from the shadows of the trees was an elder deathstalker, its massive pincers snapping menacingly and its venomous tail poised to strike. The monstrous Grimm charged toward them with terrifying speed, its beady yellow eyes fixed on its prey.
As the elder deathstalker barreled toward them, its massive form shaking the ground with every step, both Maria and Tock let out simultaneous sighs, their expressions painted with an almost comical mix of boredom and irritation.
"These damn kids, flaunting Aura reserves that size—it's like sending out an engraved invitation to every Grimm in the forest," She huffed, shaking her head. "And of course, we're the ones cleaning up the mess,"
"Ah, who gives a shit?" Tock snapped, rolling her shoulders as she unsheathed one of her sabers, the blade gleaming dangerously. Her annoyance was evident in the way she gripped her weapon, eager to vent her frustration. "It's not like we can't handle a small fry like this,"
The Grimm was anything but small fry. As it closed the distance, the sheer magnitude of the elder deathstalker became clear. Its thick, bone-white armor gleamed under the dappled sunlight, layers upon layers of exoskeleton thicker than steel. The beast towered over its younger counterparts, a hulking monstrosity whose sheer size could make even seasoned Hunters pause. Its stinger snapped forward with unnerving speed, while its massive pincers, each as large as a semi-truck, crushed the earth beneath them as it advanced.
An elder deathstalker wasn't just larger and stronger—it was smarter. With centuries of predatory instinct behind it, it didn't simply charge; it calculated. This wasn't a Grimm the average first-year could hope to defeat. Against students, it would have been a massacre.
But Tock and Maria were no students, nor were they average Hunters.
The Grimm let out a bone-chilling screech, its sound resonating through the ruins like a banshee's wail. Maria flinched slightly, her gloved hand instinctively reaching for her weapons. Beside her, Tock scowled, her patience already wearing thin.
"Will you shut up?" Tock growled, her glare locking onto the Grimm with unbridled disdain. "You're making my ears bleed, you overgrown bug,"
Tock channeled her Aura into her saber, the blade glowing with an intense yellow light. With a powerful swing, she unleashed a crescent-shaped arc of energy that blazed through the air at incredible speed.
The elder deathstalker had no time to react.
The attack struck true, cleaving the massive Grimm cleanly in two. Its segmented body came to a halt, frozen for a moment as if in disbelief, before it collapsed to the ground, splitting apart. Slowly, the remnants of the Grimm began to dissolve into black smoke, its ancient menace reduced to nothing more than fading ash.
"Nice job," Maria remarked, her tone dry but genuinely appreciative as she lowered her weapons.
Tock sheathed her saber with a practiced motion, the blade sliding into place with a metallic click. Turning to Maria, she flashed a smug smirk. "Got a question for ya, Maria."
Behind her mask, Maria raised an eyebrow. "What is it?" she asked, her silver eyes glinting with mild curiosity.
Tock's grin widened as she leaned against the hilt of her other saber. "You think any of the fresh meat we're babysitting will ever reach our level?"
Maria tilted her head, considering the question. After a moment, she nodded. "I believe a few of them will," she said thoughtfully.
"Yeah?" Tock replied, her smirk turning into a wolfish grin. "That Arc boy's got potential, a lot of it, same goes for that Atlan girl he was sparring with—strong kid, but she's got a long way to go before she's in our league,"
Maria folded her arms, listening as Tock continued.
"And that Rose kid—Summer's brat—she showed some serious stuff back there," Tock said, her tone carrying a hint of admiration. "Can't believe she's already using those silver eyes of hers! Gotta admit, that's impressive, you must be proud that Summer drilled that into her so early,"
Maria's posture softened slightly, and she nodded again. "For that, I'm thankful," she said quietly. "Summer worked hard to teach her everything she could, and it's paying off, I'm also relieved..."
Tock cocked her head, her curiosity piqued. "Relieved about what?"
"That Ruby didn't inherit her mother's weakness," Maria replied.
Tock let out a sharp whistle. "Yeesh! Harsh words for someone you once called family," she said, her tone carrying a mix of surprise and disapproval.
Maria stood still, her silver eyes fixed on the ground beneath the ruins. For a long moment, she said nothing, the air between them heavy with tension. When she finally spoke, her voice was icy. "Summer was never family... She made that clear the moment she betrayed the family," Maria said, her tone as cold and unyielding as steel.
Tock's smirk faded as she glared at her fellow Huntress, irritation flashing across her sharp features. It wasn't the first time she'd heard Maria speak about Summer with such bitterness, but it still grated on her nerves. "Still hung up on that, huh?" Tock muttered under her breath, shaking her head.
She couldn't understand why Maria, of all people, clung to her anger so tightly. Summer had done so much for her. Yet, here Maria was, as cold and distant as ever when her name came up.
The tense silence was broken by the crackle of their earpieces as Port's voice came through.
[Are you two there?] he asked. [We've finished gathering the projectors, we can head back now,]
Tock's mood instantly shifted, and she broke into a wide grin. "Thank the gods!" she exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air dramatically. "Another minute out here, and I would've died of boredom!" She turned on her heel and started walking back toward Beacon with a spring in her step.
Maria glanced at her with a faint smirk. "On that, we can agree," she said as she fell into step beside Tock. "We'd better hurry, I'm sure Ozpin will want us there for the announcement of teams,"
Tock groaned loudly, her shoulders slumping. "Ugh, I forgot about that!" she complained, kicking a stray rock out of her path. Then her expression brightened again, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "But hey! I can't wait until those brats get a load of my class! It's gonna be a blast!"
Maria rolled her eyes, her voice dry. "Is fighting all you ever think about?"
"And fucking!" Tock said with a wicked grin, throwing a suggestive glance Maria's way. "But that's reserved for Barty~!" She licked her lips dramatically, clearly enjoying the reaction she knew it would provoke.
Maria visibly shivered, her face twisting into a look of disgust beneath her mask. "You're revolting," she muttered, quickening her pace to put some distance between herself and the smirking Faunus.
"Aw, don't be such a prude, Maria," Tock called after her, laughing. "You should try it sometime—might help with that permanent stick up your ass!"
Maria shot her a withering glare but didn't dignify the comment with a response. Instead, she focused on the path ahead, eager to return to Beacon and leave the conversation—and Tock's crude humor—behind.
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Back in Beacon's grand hall, the newly accepted students stood in excited clusters, buzzing with anticipation for the announcement of their official teams. Among them, Jaune, Ruby, and Yang stood together, chatting animatedly as Jaune recounted his battle with Arslan during Initiation.
"Wait, that was you?" Ruby gasped, her silver eyes wide with amazement. "The fight that shook the entire forest?"
Jaune nodded, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. "Yeah… that was me," he admitted.
Yang burst into laughter, clapping Jaune on the back with enough force to make him stumble. "Damn, Lady Killer! Didn't know you were packing that much Aura in the tank!" she said with a playful grin. "You and I are gonna have to spar sometime, let's see if I can smash through it!"
Jaune chuckled, adjusting his armor from Yang's enthusiastic hit. "You can try, but don't blame me if it's harder than you think!" he teased.
"Big talk!" Yang shot back with a wink, cracking her knuckles.
Turning his attention to Ruby, Jaune smirked. "By the way, Ruby, I sensed you were going up against that Schnee girl during Initiation—and I also sensed you won, so... how'd you pull that off?"
Ruby puffed out her chest with pride, a confident smirk on her face. "That's my own little secret," she said, playfully wagging her finger at him.
Jaune rolled his eyes, grinning. "Alright, keep your little secret for now," he said. "But don't think I won't figure it out eventually."
Yang leaned over, grinning mischievously at her younger sister. "You used them, didn't you?"
Ruby pouted, crossing her arms. "I plead the fifth!"
Jaune was confused as to what the two were talking about but smiled. "Mind filling me in on what you two are talking about"
Ruby shot him a mock glare, though her smile betrayed her amusement. "It's a top secret only family can know!" Ruby said. "If I told you... I'd have to kill you" she said, reaching for the handle of Crescent Rose.
Jaune chuckled as he nodded, "Alright, alright, I won't ask for this top-secret information!" Jaune said, raising his hands in surrender, though he couldn't hide his grin.
As the trio bantered, the grand hall grew quieter as Headmaster Ozpin stepped onto the raised platform, Glynda Goodwitch by his side. The murmurs of excitement turned into a hush as everyone turned their attention to the stage.
Yang nudged Jaune with her elbow. "Looks like the moment of truth, ready to find out who you're stuck with for the next four years?"
Jaune shrugged, though a hint of nervousness crossed his face. "Guess we're about to find out," he said.
Ruby gave him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Jaune! Whoever's on your team is lucky to have you."
"Same goes for you," Jaune replied with a chuckle.
As Ozpin stepped onto the stage, the room fell into a hush, every eye in the hall turning toward the Headmaster. His calm, commanding presence seemed to fill the space, and a small, knowing smile crossed his lips as he surveyed the crowd of eager, nervous young faces.
"Today marks the beginning of a journey for all of you," he began, his smooth voice resonating throughout the hall. "Today, you will be placed into teams—teams that will challenge you, push you, and ultimately shape you into the Huntsmen and Huntresses this world desperately needs,"
The students leaned forward in anticipation, hanging on his every word.
"You will face many obstacles, both in training and in the battles ahead," Ozpin continued. "But I want to speak to you about what I believe to be the greatest challenge of all when forming a team: differences!"
A murmur ran through the crowd as students exchanged curious glances, wondering where he was going with this.
Ozpin's expression grew more serious, though his voice remained steady. "Some of you grew up in comfort, others in poverty. Some of you had the privilege of a peaceful life, while others had to fight for every scrap of survival. Some among you have faced discrimination—terrible, unjust prejudice that sought to define you by something as simple as the color of your skin, the Faunus traits you were born with, or the place you came from. And I am sure that among you are also those who, knowingly or unknowingly, have been the source of such prejudice."
The hall was silent now, the weight of his words sinking in.
"But," he said, his voice rising slightly, "When you walk through these halls, when you stand as a student of my academy, those differences must be overcome! Here, you are not rich or poor! You are not human or Faunus! You are not your past mistakes, nor are you the scars you carry! Here, you are one thing and one thing only: Huntsmen in training!"
His piercing gaze swept across the students, as though challenging each of them personally.
"You must learn to set aside your differences," he said, his tone firm. "Not just for your own sake, but for the sake of your team, because only by working together as friends—no, as family—can you stand united against the true enemy! The enemy that has slaughtered our people, razed our villages, and taken from us the ones we loved most"
Ozpin paused, letting the weight of his words hang in the air before asking in a powerful voice.
"And do you know who this enemy is!?" he cried out
"THE GRIMM!" the students roared in unison, their voices echoing through the grand hall.
Ozpin's eyes lit up with fierce determination as he replied with equal vigor, "That is correct! The Grimm—those soulless beasts of darkness—are the plague that has tormented our world for centuries! They are the creatures that haunt our nights and test the strength of our spirit!" He stepped forward, his hands gripping the podium as his voice became more impassioned. "But why is it us? Why are we the chosen few who must stand against them? Why is it you—each of you sitting here—who has been called to this most honorable of tasks?"
"BECAUSE NO ONE ELSE WILL!" the students roared, their collective voice booming across the hall like a thunderclap.
Ozpin's expression hardened with fierce determination as he raised his voice to match their intensity. "That is correct!" he shouted, his voice ringing with authority. "But we cannot undertake this noble task if we are divided! We cannot stand against the Grimm while we waste our strength fighting amongst ourselves. For if we are fractured—if we turn on each other—how can we ever hope to call ourselves Huntsmen? How can we call ourselves protectors of humanity?" He paused, his piercing gaze sweeping across the room. "We cannot!"
The silence that followed was electric, every student hanging on his every word.
As Ozpin continued, the atmosphere in the room began to shift. Some students felt a warmth rising in their chests—a spark ignited by his words. The weight of his speech seemed to lift their spirits, and for the first time, they truly felt the magnitude of their purpose.
"We must band together and face the forces of Grimm as one!" Ozpin declared, his voice unwavering. "We must set aside our differences—be they the color of our skin, the traits of our birth, or the privileges of our upbringing. We must not let the mistakes of the past define us or divide us. Instead, we must look to the future—a future where we stand united, as one unbreakable force against the darkness!"
He gestured out toward the crowd, his words resonating like a call to arms. "Human or Faunus, rich or poor, it does not matter! What matters is the strength of our bond, the depth of our resolve, and the fire in our hearts! Because when we stand together, nothing—nothing—can break us. We will fight. We will endure. And we will keep moving forward, toward a brighter tomorrow—a tomorrow free from the terror of Grimm!"
The hall erupted into cheers and applause. The students rose to their feet, their voices blending into one unified roar of triumph. In that moment, they felt unstoppable, as if no force in the world could stand against them.
Ruby, standing with Jaune and Yang, clenched her fists tightly, her silver eyes shining with determination. "Wow," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the cheers. "He's... really amazing."
Jaune nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. "Yeah... makes you want to get out there and fight right now, doesn't it?"
Yang grinned, the fire in her eyes mirroring the passion in the room. "Hell yeah. Let's see the Grimm try to take this down!"
As the cheers gradually subsided, Ozpin raised a hand, his calm demeanor returning, though the fire in his words remained. "Your journey will not be easy," he said, his tone softer but no less powerful. "But remember this moment. Remember the strength you feel right now. Carry it with you into every battle, every hardship, and every trial. Together, you can achieve greatness. Together, you can change the world."
With those final words, the Headmaster stepped back, allowing the hall to fall into a reverent silence, his speech lingering in the air like an unspoken promise. The students stood taller, their spirits bolstered, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
"Now then," Ozpin began, his voice calm yet commanding as he scanned the crowd, "with your spirits lifted high, let us proceed with the formation of your teams," A small, encouraging smile graced his lips as he gestured toward the large screen behind him.
The screen hummed to life, casting a bright glow over the assembled students. All eyes turned toward it as the first set of names and faces appeared. Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao-Long.
"Will Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao-Long please step onto the stage?" Ozpin announced.
Ruby and Yang exchanged nervous glances, their earlier confidence faltering as the weight of the moment settled in. Ruby fidgeted with the hem of her cape, her silver eyes darting toward her older sister, who offered a hesitant smile in return.
"Don't be scared, you two," Jaune said, chuckling softly as he gave them a reassuring nudge. "Go on, you've got this,"
Ruby nodded, though her hands still trembled slightly. Yang gave Jaune a quick grin before placing a hand on Ruby's shoulder, steadying her.
The two sisters began making their way toward the stage, weaving through the throng of students. Weiss and Blake, standing further back, glanced at each other briefly before silently following suit. The group of four moved steadily toward the stage, the crowd parting to let them pass, murmurs of curiosity and speculation trailing in their wake.
Once on stage, they stood in a line before the Headmaster, each of them carrying varying expressions: Ruby's nervous excitement, Weiss's sharp focus, Blake's calm reserve, and Yang's eager anticipation.
Ozpin regarded them with a calm but approving gaze. "The four of you have shown exceptional promise during Initiation," he began, his words carrying both praise and expectation "Ms. Rose, you are one of the most promising students we have seen in years, You navigated the challenges of Initiation with skill and determination, blazing through with flying colors, Despite initial doubts from some of the staff regarding your readiness, you exceeded expectations."
Ruby's face lit up with pride, a small but genuine smile breaking across her lips as her silver eyes sparkled with emotion. Hearing those words from Ozpin himself felt like a dream.
Beside her, Weiss folded her arms, a glare forming on her face as she side-eyed Ruby. The praise directed at her opponent from Initiation clearly struck a nerve. Though she kept her composure, her frustration was evident in the way her fingers tapped impatiently against her sleeve.
"And," Ozpin continued, glancing briefly at Weiss, "You managed to achieve victory over formidable competition, including Ms. Schnee,"
Ruby's pride swelled even further, though she tried to remain humble, while Weiss's jaw tightened. The tension between the two was palpable, and Blake, standing quietly beside them, shifted her gaze between the pair with mild interest.
Ozpin, unfazed by the subtle drama, turned his attention to the others. "Ms. Schnee, you were trained by the best of the best as I am told, and Specialist Taurus spoke highly of you, and he was not wrong, you possess amazing intellect and your skills are of the highest caliber, however, I still see that you need to... broaden your horizons," he said.
Weiss was happy to hear the praise from some of the Headmaster positions, however, she was confused by the last part of his sentence, wondering just what he meant.
Ozpin then looked at Blake next. "Ms. Belladonna, while you were defeated by Ms. Xiao-Long, you still were amazing, able to last quite a bit against her," he said. "You showed conviction and when faced with a more powerful opponent you did not run, you showed the bravery I'm sure you strive to achieve in the future, and I hope with your time here, you will grow and become the person you hope to be... and I know your parents would be proud of your choice to change," Ozpin said with a wink.
Blake was shocked to hear that Ozpin knew who she was, but was happy to hear that Ozpin recognized what she was striving to become.
"Finally, Ms. Xiao-Long," Ozpin began as he turned to the blonde girl. "You performed well, you defeated everyone in initiation, and while you might not see this as a strength, your lively spirit and upbeat attitude will ensure that in the darkest of times, you will ensure your team spirits will be up, you are quite literally, the life of the party,"
Yang grinned at the praise. "Heh, the life of the party, that definitely sounds like me!" she said under her breath, earning a small smile from Blake.
Ozpin straightened, his tone becoming more authoritative. "Together, the four of you have the potential to become a team that exemplifies what it means to be Huntsmen and Huntresses, but potential alone is not enough, It is up to you to overcome your differences, to trust one another, and to grow as a team," The Headmaster stepped back slightly, gesturing toward the four of them. "From this day forward, you will be known as Team RWBY—led by Ruby Rose,"
Ruby's eyes widened in shock, her mouth opening slightly as if to protest, but no words came out.
Yang clapped her on the back with a proud laugh. "Congrats, sis! You're the leader!"
Weiss's glare intensified, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Her? The leader?" she muttered under her breath, clearly displeased.
Blake remained silent, her expression neutral as she observed her new teammates.
Ruby finally found her voice, her cheeks red from a mix of embarrassment and excitement. "Th-thank you, Professor Ozpin. I-I won't let you down!"
Ozpin nodded with a faint smile. "I trust you won't, Ms. Rose, now, please take your seats," he said. "The rest of the teams will be announced shortly,"
As Team RWBY stepped down from the stage, the crowd buzzed with whispers, some excited, some skeptical. Ruby, still processing her new role, followed her team back into the audience, where Jaune greeted her with a wide grin.
"Congrats, fearless leader," he teased, earning a nervous laugh from Ruby.
Weiss, meanwhile, walked stiffly, her displeasure evident in every step. "This is going to be a long year," she muttered under her breath.
Blake glanced at her new teammates, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips as she adjusted her bow.
Finally, the screen behind Ozpin flickered once more, displaying the next set of names and faces as the Headmaster's voice rang out across the hall.
"Will Jaune Arc, Ciel Soleil, Mercury Black, and Arslan Atlan please make their way up to the stage," Ozpin announced, his calm yet commanding tone drawing everyone's attention to the new team.
A ripple of murmurs swept through the crowd as the students processed the announcement. Jaune's eyes widened in surprise as he heard his name, his heart skipping a beat. Standing nearby, Ciel adjusted her stance, her expression calm and unreadable, while Mercury smirked with a hint of mischief. From her spot in the crowd, Arslan folded her arms, clearly unfazed by the call.
Jaune turned to Ruby and Yang, a nervous chuckle escaping him. "Well, looks like it's my turn,"
"You'll be fine, Vomit Boy," Yang teased, giving him an encouraging nudge. "Go show them what you've got,"
Ruby smiled warmly, offering a thumbs-up. "Yeah! You've already proven yourself in Initiation, you've got this, Jaune!"
Feeling slightly more at ease, Jaune nodded and began making his way through the sea of students. Along the way, he caught sight of Ciel, her composed demeanor unshaken as she adjusted her posture and followed suit. Mercury swaggered lazily toward the stage, his smirk growing wider as he joined the group, while Arslan moved with purposeful strides, exuding an air of quiet confidence.
The four of them ascended the stage, standing side by side before Ozpin. Despite their different demeanors, they all looked expectantly at the Headmaster, awaiting his words.
Ozpin regarded the newly formed team with a small smile. "Each of you showed remarkable skill and potential during Initiation," he began. "Though you come from very different backgrounds, it is these differences that, when overcome, will become your greatest strength,"
He turned to Jaune first. "Mr. Arc, you have demonstrated impressive endurance and courage, your Aura levels are exceptional, and your determination in the face of adversity is commendable, though you still have much to learn, I believe you have the heart of a leader,"
Jaune blinked in surprise, his nerves returning for a moment. "L-Leader?" he stammered, pointing to himself.
"Yes, Mr. Arc," Ozpin replied with a faint smile. "You will lead this team,"
Mercury raised an eyebrow, his smirk turning into a subtle look of intrigue, while Arslan gave Jaune an appraising glance, her grin unwavering. Ciel, meanwhile, nodded slightly, her expression as neutral as ever.
Ozpin continued, shifting his attention to the others. "Ms. Soleil, your precision and discipline are unparalleled, and your attention to detail will provide this team with a steady and reliable foundation,"
Ciel gave a small bow of acknowledgment. "Thank you, Headmaster,"
"Mr. Black," Ozpin said, his tone carrying a hint of caution, "Your adaptability and combat instincts are extraordinary, while you may have a penchant for pushing boundaries, I trust you will channel your skills into becoming a valuable member of this team,"
Mercury chuckled, shrugging nonchalantly. "Heh, I'll for sure keep it interesting, Headmaster," he said, earning a raised brow from Ozpin.
Finally, Ozpin turned to Arslan. "Ms. Atlan, your strength and determination stood out during initiation, and your competitive spirit will push this team to be its very best, however, remember that not all strength comes not from competition and power alone, but from those around you who support you,"
Arslan nodded, her grin softening slightly. "Understood, sir,"
With a final glance at the team, Ozpin straightened and addressed the crowd. "From this day forward, you will be known as Team ASMA, pronounced Asthma, led by Jaune Arc,"
The crowd erupted into applause and cheers, though Jaune still looked slightly stunned as he processed the weight of his new role.
Mercury chuckled, "With a name like that, we're gonna definitely be taking people's breath away," he joked.
Ciel looked at Jaune with a neutral expression. "Leadership is not simply a title, Mr. Arc, It is a responsibility, I trust you will take it seriously,"
Jaune gave a small nod, determination flickering in his eyes. "I'll do my best," he said, more to himself than anyone else.
"Arc,"
Jaune turned around to see Arlsan who looked at him with a smile.
"I'm gonna make sure you take responsibility," She said with a smirk.
Jaune looked absolutely confused. "Huh?"
Mercury began to try and hold his laughter while Ciel was also confused. Eventually, they left the stage, and the newly formed Team ASMA walked together, each already beginning to size up their teammates. It was the start of a new chapter—one that promised both challenges and growth for all of them.