Chapter 3: Batter up! Jaune Arc! (2)
WetCoastWinter: I love me some WK since it's most likely gonna be canon, but unfortunately, this story won't be a WK story, but Weiss and Jaune will have a good relationship with each other, also glad you enjoyed the chapter!
Robbeyy9588: Funny that you say that, Jaune's gonna be close to team RWBY alongside his team, but I have an entire Arc planned out that revolves around Blake and It's gonna be similar to Bleach's "Soul Society Arc" (which will also be the Arc where we get some YangXBlake)
Uvuvwevwevwe Onyetenyevwe Ugwe: I followed the canon introductions because I'll admit, I couldn't come up with how Jaune would meet the other's, so I kind of just followed the Canon, though, no need to worry, we'll be going full AU from this point on as the Beacon Initiation and the rest of the stories events will be vastly different from Canon, so no need to worry and thank you for the advice!
merendinoemiliano: Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the last chapter!
Kaze: The only canon team would be RWBY since I wanted to keep them together for what I have planned for them in the future of the story.
shaheirbashir: Thank you! Glad you liked the last chapter and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
BungusAmungus: YEEEAAAHHH! Glad you liked that Chapter, now here's a another new chapter!
Chaosconetic: Glade you really like the Fic and I hope you also enjoy this chapter!
Wolfwood777: Thannk you and I hope you enjoy this chapter because it's gonna show the action coming up for the next chapter!
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In the cozy, dimly lit teacher's lounge, Ozpin sat at a small table with Glynda, the soft clink of cutlery and the distant hum of academy life providing a calming backdrop. The headmaster cradled a warm cup of cocoa in his hands, steam rising in gentle swirls as he scrolled through the news on his device. Across from him, Glynda was quietly enjoying a meal she had saved from earlier, the aroma of the reheated food mingling with the rich scent of chocolate.
Ozpin glanced up from his scroll, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "You know," he began casually, "he almost got into a fight in the courtyard today."
Glynda arched a brow, her fork pausing mid-air. "Who?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Jaune," Ozpin replied with a light chuckle, setting his scroll down.
Glynda groaned softly, setting her utensil aside as she rubbed her temple in mild exasperation. "I can't believe it," she muttered, shaking her head. The thought of Jaune, causing trouble before the year even began was both embarrassing and yet... predictable.
Ozpin's chuckle deepened, a knowing gleam in his eyes. "Well, he certainly has your rebellious streak," he said, leaning back in his chair as memories danced in his mind. "I still remember the first time I ever saw you,"
Glynda's eyes narrowed playfully, immediately recognizing where this conversation was headed. She held up a hand in mock protest. "Please, don't,"
But Ozpin pressed on, undeterred, his tone light with nostalgia. "You were a prodigy, just like Summer," he began, his voice carrying the weight of years gone by. "But unlike her, you had a...reputation, a bit of a delinquent, if I recall, spoke your mind without hesitation, and most of us—myself included—thought you were all talk, then, of course, you entered the Vytal Festival... Wiped out team after team, one after the other, and by the time it was over, everyone knew your name,"
Glynda couldn't help but smile at the old story, though a hint of bashfulness colored her features. "That was a long time ago," she said quietly, picking at her food as if to distract from the growing embarrassment.
Ozpin nodded, swirling the cocoa in his cup. "Yes, but some legends are hard to forget, I think there are still a few in Atlas who refer to you as 'The Wicked Witch'," His eyes sparkled with amusement at the title.
Glynda snorted, finally giving in to the humor of it. "That nickname should've died years ago,"
"Maybe," Ozpin mused with a grin, "but it hasn't, you left quite the impression, even Qrow, and James—pardon my language—were scared shitless of you,"
Glynda chuckled, the sound low and genuine as she leaned back in her chair. "Oh, I'm sure I still scare the shit out of them,"
Ozpin smiled warmly, raising his cup in a mock toast. "Of that, I have no doubt," he replied. Ozpin then swirled the cocoa in his mug thoughtfully, his gaze distant. "Makes me wonder what Jaune will turn out like," he mused aloud, a trace of curiosity in his voice.
Glynda chuckled softly, though there was an edge of self-reflection in it. "Hopefully, not as bad as me," she quipped, though the humor in her tone was laced with a hint of guilt.
Ozpin hummed in agreement, offering her a playful smile. "Hopefully not. But if he does get out of line, I'm sure you can keep him in check, you know... like a good mother would," he teased gently, though his eyes watched her closely for any shift in her expression.
Glynda let out a long, tired sigh. "Hopefully," she muttered, her voice quieter now, as if the weight of the conversation was slowly pressing down on her. She tried to busy herself with her meal, but Ozpin's next words cut through the tension.
Setting his mug down with a soft clink, Ozpin leaned forward slightly, his tone shifting from lighthearted to serious. "Glynda... are you still worried that Jaune will be angry with you when you reveal the truth?"
Glynda's hand froze over her plate, her shoulders tensing. She swallowed hard before giving a slow nod. "Yes," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "How could I not be? I've left him alone for so long, and when he finds out... I'm afraid he'll see me the way I see my own mother," Her fingers clenched around her fork, knuckles turning white.
Ozpin watched her closely, concern etching lines into his normally calm expression. He knew there was more to this—there always had been. "You're not like your mother, Glynda," he said softly, though the words didn't seem to comfort her.
Glynda shook her head, letting out a bitter laugh. "Aren't I?" she said, her voice trembling with emotion she rarely let show. "I've kept so much from him, Ozpin, for so long... My own mother abandoned me when I was just a child—gave me up like I was nothing!" Her words came out sharper now, edged with the pain of old wounds.
"Glynda-"
"She was cold, distant... The people at the orphanage described her like a ghost—emotionless and detached! I never even knew her name, but I've always feared... that one day I'd become just like her," Glynda said.
Ozpin nodded slowly, piecing together the deeper fear beneath her calm façade. He knew Glynda had been raised in Atlas, an orphan from a young age, and had fought hard for everything she had. But that fear of becoming like the woman who had left her behind had lingered in the shadows of her life, even as she grew into the formidable Huntress she was now.
"You're not your mother," Ozpin repeated, his voice firm but gentle. "You gave him to Nick for reasons you believed were right, and you can't blame yourself for the rest, you thought he was gone, you can't blame yourself for that, that doesn't mean you've abandoned him, you've protected him in your own way,"
Glynda sighed, the weight of his words settling over her like a heavy cloak. "I just don't know if he'll see it that way," she confessed, her voice quiet and uncertain. "When he finds out... everything... I'm scared he'll never forgive me,"
Ozpin reached across the table, resting his hand over hers briefly, offering silent support. "You'll have to trust that, in time, he will understand," he said softly. "Just like you've come to understand yourself,"
Glynda looked down at their hands for a moment before giving a small, reluctant nod. "I hope you're right," she whispered.
Glynda continued to eat as she thought about the Initiation tomorrow, where the students would be put to the test for their spots here at Beacon and she just hoped that Jaune could survive it... after all, some of the students that were participating in the Initiation were some of the strongest people Glynda had looked into.
Glynda ate in silence, her mind drifting away from the warmth of the meal in front of her to the looming challenge of tomorrow's Initiation. The event always carried a certain weight—a trial that would determine which students truly had what it took to earn a place at Beacon. It wasn't just a test of skill, but one of resilience, determination, and heart. The kind of trial that could make or break a future Huntsman.
As she absentmindedly pushed her food around her plate, her thoughts inevitably settled on Jaune. He had potential, sure, but she knew the truth better than anyone: he wasn't ready, not in the way the others were. Tomorrow's Initiation would push him to his limits, and she worried those limits might not be enough. Some of the students participating were the strongest Glynda had ever seen in all her years at Beacon—prodigies in their own right, many of whom had been training for this moment their entire lives.
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Woken far too early for his liking by the blaring sound of the school's intercom, Jaune groggily rubbed his eyes. His tiredness didn't last long, though, as Yang and Ruby—bright-eyed and eager—were already getting dressed, prompting him to follow suit. After throwing on his usual gear, he joined them in heading down the halls toward the cafeteria for breakfast. The school buzzed with energy, students filing in and out, preparing for the day ahead.
Once they'd eaten, the announcement came: all students were to report to the locker rooms to gather their weapons and gear. Their final destination? The Combat Arena.
Jaune glanced at his reflection in the locker room mirror as he adjusted his new addition—black fingerless leather gloves. They felt snug and offered just enough grip, adding a subtle yet welcome touch to his usual armor. Yang's attire hadn't changed much either, though her new bulky yellow bracelets caught his eye. Ruby, as always, carried something mysterious and compact hanging from her waist. He figured it was some type of Mechashift weapon, but with her, it was always hard to tell what that meant until the action started.
After strapping Sainte Jeanne to his back, Jaune followed his teammates through the towering doors of the Combat Arena. The sound of voices echoed in the large space, and he quickly noticed almost every seat was filled with eager first-year students. The energy was palpable—buzzing with excitement, anticipation, and a hint of nervousness.
Scanning the crowd, Jaune recognized a few familiar faces, Weiss with her composed demeanor, and Blake, quietly observing from a distance. But his gaze lingered on a girl he hadn't seen before. She stood out, not just because of her striking dark skin and sleek, asymmetrical bob of teal hair, but because of the golden marking on her forehead. It was an intricate design—an oval shape surrounded by four smaller circles—and her piercing blue eyes held a calm intensity.
She wore a blue beret that sat at a slight angle atop her head, giving her a poised yet casual look. Her off-white button-down shirt, simple yet elegant, had golden buttons running down the front and an asymmetrical collar that added a subtle flair. Gold trims lined the sleeves, catching the light just enough to give a hint of refinement. A blue pleated combat skirt with a sleek black waistband hugged her form, complementing her black fingerless, elbow-length gloves, which looked both practical and stylish. On her left wrist, she wore a silver wristwatch, its design minimalistic but sharp, and her feet were clad in black shoes that paired well with her white boot chaps, which were adorned with golden buttons, tying the whole outfit together.
Jaune couldn't help but notice every detail. He was a bit surprised at himself for how easily he identified the nuances of her attire, down to the smallest accessory. The truth was, he had picked up a few things about fashion from an unexpected pair of teachers—Neo and Roman. Their penchant for impeccable style, from Roman's sharp suits to Neo's chic and ever-changing outfits, had clearly rubbed off on him over time. Maybe it wasn't the most practical skill he had learned, but he found himself appreciating the artistry behind a well-coordinated look, even in the heat of combat.
This was Ciel Soliel, another person from Atlas, or Mantle to be more specific.
The second person to catch Jaune's eye was a boy who stood out for more than just his appearance. His pale skin contrasted starkly with his ash-gray eyes and hair, which was slicked back on top, but unruly at the front. There was something deliberate in the way his hair seemed both styled and untamed, giving him a slightly unpredictable aura.
He wore a slate gray and black two-tone jacket, the partial zip giving it a sleek, utilitarian feel, hugging his frame in a way that hinted at his readiness for combat. Around his waist, a single notched belt was adorned with a draped sash or bandana, emblazoned with a winged shoe symbol—likely his emblem. His arms were protected by a set of sturdy rerebraces and vambraces, emphasizing that while his style was sharp, it was also battle-ready.
But it wasn't just the boy's look that caught Jaune's attention. There was something off about him, something that triggered Jaune's instinct—a sense he'd honed over countless bar brawls at Junior's and skirmishes with small gangs. This was his sixth sense talking, a deep, unsettling feeling in his gut warning him that this guy wasn't like the other students. There was danger lurking behind those gray eyes, something hidden and potentially volatile.
This was Mercury Black.
'Better keep an eye on him, just in case,' Jaune thought to himself, narrowing his gaze ever so slightly as if trying to read deeper into the boy's demeanor.
Then, his attention shifted again, this time to a girl who commanded presence in a completely different way. If he had to describe her in one word, it would be strength. She had a dark complexion, like the previous girl he had noticed, but her platinum blonde hair and sharp olive green eyes set her apart. The moment he saw her, it was clear she wasn't just strong—she was fit. Not overly muscular, but her lean build exuded the kind of power that suggested she could easily give Yang a run for her Lien in a competition of pure physical prowess.
Her outfit was simple yet striking: a loose-fitting yellow robe with only one wide sleeve draped over her shoulder, revealing the black tube top beneath. Her lower half was clad in black pants and shoes, and around her waist, she wore a red sash embroidered with a white endless knot emblem. It was an unusual and intricate design, and Jaune couldn't help but wonder what it symbolized. Whatever it meant, the girl wore it with confidence, as if it carried as much weight as her own strength.
She had bandages wrapped around both her legs and arms, a sign of either recent battle or constant training, reinforcing her image as someone who was no stranger to physical exertion. Around her neck hung a red necklace, its simple design contrasting with the power she exuded. Jaune also noticed two matching red sticks tucked into the back left side of her platinum blonde hair—an unusual accessory that could be decorative or perhaps even a concealed weapon. Either way, it added to the air of mystery surrounding her.
This was Arlsan Atlan, also known as the Golden Lion back in Mistral.
Her expression was stern, and there was a seriousness to her demeanor that Jaune couldn't ignore. She radiated a no-nonsense attitude, someone who clearly didn't waste time with idle talk or unnecessary action. But what truly unsettled him was the almost tangible pressure she gave off. Even though she wasn't actively releasing her aura, Jaune could feel it—a subtle but intense presence that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. He couldn't shake the uneasy feeling she stirred in him, as if he was standing in the eye of a storm that could erupt at any moment.
He'd encountered many people who boasted about their strength, wearing their power like a badge of honor, cocky and loud, eager to prove themselves. But this girl was different. She didn't need to brag. She didn't need to say she was powerful—it was evident in the way she held herself. Silent, patient, biding her time as if waiting for the right moment to unleash her strength. Jaune had never met anyone like her, someone whose power was so obvious without a single word.
'Don't wanna fight her,' Jaune thought.
His gut told him that facing her wouldn't end well for him. Despite all his training and the battles he had fought, he suspected he'd lose to her. She just felt different, like someone who had been tempered by challenges he hadn't faced yet.
Still, a part of him couldn't help but wonder. If they did fight, how far could he push himself? How would his strength measure up to hers? There was a small spark inside him, a curiosity mingled with determination. He didn't want to face her—but if he did, he'd give it everything he had. Even if it meant losing, he'd want to see how close he could come to matching that power.
Plus... Jaune had to admit—she was drop-dead gorgeous. Despite the intimidating aura she exuded, there was no denying her striking beauty. Her strong features, intense eyes, and the way she carried herself with such effortless grace—it all left Jaune momentarily captivated. But he quickly pushed those thoughts aside as the sound of someone entering the arena snapped him back to reality.
The heavy door below creaked open, and the familiar click of heels echoed across the arena floor. All eyes turned, and to no one's real surprise—though they should've been prepared for it—Glynda Goodwitch stepped into view.
She surveyed the gathered students with her usual stern, professional gaze, her presence commanding immediate silence. "Students," she began, her voice firm but steady, "I want to welcome you to Beacon Academy, I am Glynda Goodwitch, and I will be overseeing your initiation,"
Jaune felt the weight of her words, as did the other students. This was it. The moment they had been anticipating—what they had to do to prove they belonged at Beacon.
"As I'm sure you're all wondering," Glynda continued, "What exactly you'll need to do in order to pass initiation and secure your place here at Beacon?"
Her sharp eyes scanned the sea of faces, watching as the murmurs of curiosity spread among the students, each of them eager to learn their task. The air was thick with anticipation, and then, unexpectedly, Glynda's stern expression softened just slightly. A hint of a smile played at the corners of her lips.
"This year, you'll be fighting for your spot... but not against the Grimm," Glynda paused for effect, letting the tension rise before delivering the final blow. "This year, you'll be fighting each other,"
Gasps and whispers erupted across the arena, stunned and confused voices filling the room. Jaune's heart skipped a beat. Fighting each other? His mind raced. He had prepared himself for facing Grimm, for defending the world from monsters, but fighting his fellow students to prove his worth was a twist he hadn't seen coming.
Glynda's smile grew a little more as she watched the reactions. She knew what she had done—this test was her idea, after all. Her eyes gleamed with a quiet satisfaction, watching the shock on their faces. There's a reason she set this all up.
Each of the students had already been accepted to Beacon, they were already going to attend. However, this test is designed to gauge more than just your combat skills. She wanted to see their resolve. She want to see who has the heart of a fighter, who will refuse to give up, and who among them can rise to the challenge of becoming a leader.
Choosing a leader for a team was never an easy process. On the surface, it might seem obvious to pick someone like Weiss Schnee or Ciel Soliel—students who stood out for their intelligence and skill in combat. Many would argue they were the best candidates, but Glynda knew better. Being smart and an exceptional fighter didn't necessarily make someone a good leader.
Leadership wasn't about who could fight the best or who had the highest grades. True leadership was about inspiration—the ability to motivate others, to bring out the best in those around you. It was about working with a team, knowing when to lead and when to listen, when to be decisive and when to adapt.
That's why Glynda and Ozpin had their eyes on two students most wouldn't have expected—Ruby Rose and Jaune Arc. Both of them had potential, not just to lead a team, but to grow into great leaders over time.
Ozpin had spoken to her at length about Ruby. Despite her youth and social awkwardness, there was something special about her. In normal situations, Ruby was shy, a bit unsure of herself, but the moment she entered a fight, it was as if a switch flipped inside her. She became focused, sharp, and fearless. Ozpin could see it—she had a mind built for combat, able to think on her feet, adapt quickly, and, most importantly, she fought with a sense of purpose. There was a quiet strength in Ruby that would surprise anyone who only judged her by her shy demeanor.
Jaune, on the other hand, was a different story altogether. He'd lived on the streets of Vale for a while, surviving through grit and cunning. There were rumors swirling around him—whispers that he had gotten involved in some of the darker sides of the city, leading small groups of Junior's men in gang conflicts when territory was at stake. It wasn't the kind of experience most students brought to Beacon, but Glynda had to admit, it had given Jaune a unique skill set. He had a sharp mind for reading people, for knowing how to manipulate a situation to his advantage, especially in the heat of battle.
He was raw, yes, and rough around the edges, but that same background had taught him something vital—how to survive, how to navigate complex situations, and how to lead when the stakes were high.
Both Ruby and Jaune had the makings of great leaders, but the key difference was that neither of them wanted the spotlight, at least not in the way Weiss or Ciel did. That, Glynda thought, could be their greatest strength. The best leaders weren't the ones who sought glory, but those who stepped up when their team needed them most.
Still, potential wasn't enough. These two would have to prove themselves—through their actions, their decisions, and their ability to inspire others in the trials to come. Glynda and Ozpin could see what they were capable of, but it was up to Ruby and Jaune to rise to the challenge.
"The rules of this initiation are simple," Glynda began, her voice crisp and authoritative as it carried across the arena. "You'll be dropped into a secured area of the Emerald Forest, from there, you will have one hour to not only engage in a battle royale against other students but also to make your way back to the designated extraction point without being defeated, if you're left in the forest, you fail," Her gaze was firm as she delivered the instructions, making it clear there would be no exceptions.
A murmur of disbelief rippled through the crowd of students, and one voice rose above the rest. "W-Wait! You're saying we have to fight other students just to become a student here!?" A boy with a mace stood up, his face a mix of shock and confusion.
Glynda nodded without hesitation, her expression unchanging. "Indeed," she confirmed, her tone leaving no room for doubt. "Now, off to the docks, we don't have all day,"
The moment her final words left her lips, the room erupted into action. Students sprang from their seats, the realization of what lay ahead sparking an almost frantic energy. Jaune and the others surged forward with the crowd, all headed toward the bullheads that would take them to the Emerald Forest. The shock of the initiation method buzzed through the air, but underneath that shock was determination. Everyone wanted to prove themselves, to secure their spot at Beacon for good.
As she watched them hurry off, Glynda allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. She could already see the fire ignited within them. The prospect of fighting their fellow students had clearly raised the stakes, and Glynda knew it would push them to give everything they had. This was exactly the kind of trial that would separate those who were merely eager to wear the title of Huntsman or Huntress from those who truly had what it took to earn it.
"They'll come back stronger than ever," she mused quietly to herself. "Or they won't come back at all,"
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High above the dense, green expanse of the Emerald Forest, a Bullhead hovered in place, its side doors sliding open with a mechanical hiss. Inside were Ruby, Jaune, Yang, Mercury, Ciel, Arslan, and a handful of other first-year students. They stood on the edge, peering down into the vast wilderness below, their breaths mingling with the wind that rushed into the cabin. The mission was clear—jump into the forest and fight their way back to the extraction point. But this time, it wasn't Grimm they would be facing—it was each other.
"Alright, time to go!" the pilot called out over the noise of the roaring engines.
Without hesitation, the students moved. Ruby and the others leaped from the Bullhead in various directions, plummeting through the air with calculated precision. Below, they could see other students from nearby Bullheads doing the same—free-falling into the forest, each one destined for a fight that could determine their future at Beacon. Some students looked nervous, clearly unsettled by the idea of battling their peers, while others seemed to relish the challenge, eager to prove themselves.
Ruby's stomach fluttered with nerves, but she steadied herself mid-air, using Crescent Rose to control her descent. The wind whipped around her as the forest canopy rushed up to meet her. With a soft thud, she landed gracefully on her feet, her boots crunching against the forest floor. For a moment, she scanned her surroundings, the towering trees and dense foliage offering no immediate signs of danger. The coast seemed clear.
Her scroll buzzed in her pocket. Pulling it out quickly, Ruby opened the message—directions to the extraction point. Her path was set.
"Alright, I can do this!" Ruby whispered to herself, a surge of confidence filling her. She took off in a burst of speed, weaving through the trees as the adrenaline began to build. The sounds of nature surrounded her, but it wasn't long before those sounds were drowned out by something more unsettling—distant gunfire, the clang of metal against metal, and the low rumble of explosions.
Ruby's eyes widened in surprise. 'Already?' she thought, a slight chill running down her spine.
The initiation had barely started, and yet, battles were breaking out all around the forest. Some students weren't wasting any time engaging in combat. Ruby's instincts screamed at her to move faster, but her mind drifted to Jaune and Yang. Were they caught up in the fighting too? She hoped not. The idea of her friends having to fight so soon made her uneasy.
As she pushed forward through the forest, her thoughts flickered back to her sister and new friend. 'I hope they're okay… Jaune, Yang… you can do this!'
Ruby had faith in them, but a part of her couldn't shake the worry. This was more than just a test of skill; it was a test of their will to fight for their place at Beacon.
As Ruby dashed through the dense forest, her speed barely leaving a blur in her wake, she suddenly skidded to a stop at the edge of a clearing. Her breath caught in her throat, eyes widening in disbelief as she took in the figure standing before her. A cold wave of dread washed over her, and for a split second, her confidence wavered.
In the middle of the clearing, with her back turned, stood none other than Weiss Schnee. The heiress of the Schnee Dust Company slowly turned to face Ruby, her expression calm, almost indifferent. There was no sign of nerves or hesitation in her icy blue eyes—just cold, focused determination. Her rapier, Myrtenaster, was already drawn, the blade gleaming in the soft light filtering through the trees. It was held out in front of her with the grace of someone who had practiced this moment countless times.
"So, it looks like you'll be my opponent," Weiss said, her voice as cool and sharp as the blade in her hand. She looked Ruby up and down, her blank expression flickering with a hint of boredom. "This should be easy then,"
Ruby's heart pounded in her chest as the full weight of Weiss's aura pressed down on her. She had felt it the day before, when Weiss and Jaune had nearly clashed. Even then, from a distance, the force of Weiss's aura had been overwhelming. It was unlike anything Ruby had ever encountered, and that was saying something, considering she had been trained by her Uncle Qrow, an S-Class Hunter.
But Weiss? Her aura dwarfed his.
It felt like standing in the middle of a harsh winter storm, the biting cold winds cutting at Ruby's skin, freezing her resolve. The sheer pressure of it made Ruby's hands tremble slightly. For the first time since arriving at Beacon, she felt weak. The thought of defeat crept into her mind, uninvited. How could she possibly stand a chance against someone like Weiss? The heiress was polished, controlled, and powerful, exuding the kind of strength that Ruby could only dream of.
But just as quickly as that fear took hold of her, it was gone. A spark reignited in her chest, and her thoughts shifted, grounding her.
'No,' she reminded herself. 'I'm here for a reason!' Ruby had a purpose, a dream—to become a Huntress, to be the kind of hero who could save and protect others, just like her mother had. She wasn't going to let fear stop her from achieving that.
With a swift motion, Ruby reached behind her, grabbing Crescent Rose from her back. In one fluid movement, she activated the mechanism, causing the compact scythe to unfold dramatically. The metallic sounds of gears turning and parts clicking into place echoed through the clearing as the weapon revealed itself in full—an enormous mechanical scythe, gleaming in the light, easily towering over Ruby's small frame.
For a moment, Weiss's icy demeanor faltered. Her eyes widened ever so slightly in awe at the sheer size of the weapon, her mind racing with questions. How could someone as small as Ruby wield something so massive, let alone fight with it? It was unlike anything Weiss had seen before. The elegant, almost brutal design of Crescent Rose contrasted sharply with Ruby's appearance, but there was no mistaking the strength it took to handle such a weapon.
Ruby tightened her grip on the scythe's shaft, the weight of it steady in her hands, feeling as natural as breathing. She caught Weiss's brief look of surprise and couldn't help but let a small, confident smile tug at the corner of her lips. Her silver eyes gleamed with determination, and that familiar rush of adrenaline surged through her veins. Any doubt she had felt earlier had melted away, replaced by the sheer exhilaration that came with wielding her weapon.
"You like it?" Ruby asked, her tone playful yet bold. There was a newfound confidence in her voice that wasn't there before. "It's a little big, I know, but I think it suits me!"
Weiss's expression quickly returned to its usual cool composure, but Ruby could tell that her opponent had been thrown off, if only for a second. That was all Ruby needed—just a sliver of doubt in the heiress's mind.
Her confidence continued to grow, filling her from head to toe. 'This is why I'm here...' Ruby thought. 'This is what I've trained for!'
She adjusted her stance, Crescent Rose spinning gracefully in her hands before resting firmly at her side. Ruby's smile grew a little wider, her heart pounding with anticipation. She wasn't just a nervous student anymore—she was a warrior. And as she stood before Weiss, the towering scythe in her grasp, she felt ready for whatever was coming next.
"Don't worry, Weiss," Ruby said, her voice steady. "I'll make sure this fight isn't as easy as you think!"
In that moment, the fear Ruby had once felt was replaced by resolve. She was here to prove herself, not just to Weiss, but to everyone watching—and more importantly, to herself.
Ruby felt the pressure of Weiss's aura bearing down on her, the cold, biting sensation of it wrapping around the clearing like a winter storm. But Ruby wasn't about to back down. She closed her eyes for a split second, took a deep breath, and released her own aura in response. Though not as immense as Weiss's, Ruby's aura had its own distinct power. It surged forward like a powerful gust of wind, fierce and determined, threatening to blow away anything in its path. It wasn't about raw strength—it was about heart, about her determination to protect and fight with everything she had.
Without hesitating, Ruby charged forward, Crescent Rose pulled back, ready to strike. The scythe whirred through the air, its blade gleaming, as Ruby dashed toward the heiress with breakneck speed. Her feet barely touched the ground as she moved, every step fueled by purpose. She knew Weiss was strong, but Ruby wasn't going to hold anything back.
Across the forest, Yang paused mid-stride, a familiar tug in her chest making her stop. A wide grin spread across her face as she felt the unmistakable signature of Ruby's aura. It was wild and free, just like her little sister. "Heh, looks like Ruby's getting serious!" Yang muttered, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I wonder if she's the one fighting against that massive aura I just felt."
Standing opposite Yang was Blake, her weapon, Gambol Shroud, already in hand and poised for combat. She narrowed her eyes slightly, focusing on the distant energy signatures. "Looks like she's up against Weiss Schnee," Blake said, her tone thoughtful.
Yang raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A Schnee, huh? Kinda scary how big her aura reserves are, considering she's our age," she mused, clearly impressed. "I knew the Schnees were talented, but this girl? She's on another level!"
"Tell me about it," Blake agreed, her voice carrying a hint of admiration. Then, her expression shifted back to the present as she held Gambol Shroud at the ready. "So, are we doing this, or what?"
Yang chuckled, her playful energy impossible to contain. "Jeez, take a girl out to dinner first before we get down to the naughty stuff!" she teased.
Blake's eyes rolled in mild exasperation. "You know what I meant,"
"Sure I do!" Yang grinned, winking at the Faunus.
"Ugh," Blake groaned, her ears twitching slightly in annoyance. "Just for that, I'm not going easy on you,"
Yang chuckled, cocking her Ember Celica gauntlets with a resounding click as they primed for action. "Who said I want you to go easy on me?" Yang shot back, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "If you don't give it your all, then we're not even having a good time!"
With that, Yang let loose her aura, the intensity of it surging outward like a blast of heat from a roaring bonfire. It radiated power, energy, and raw excitement—Yang's way of saying she was ready to go all out. Blake could feel it washing over her like she was standing right next to a blazing flame, the kind you knew could consume everything if it got out of control.
Without warning, Yang shot forward with a speed that was almost impossible to track. Her movements were so fast, Blake barely had time to react, dodging by a few seconds. But Blake was quick to recover, immediately going for a counterattack. However, Yang was just as quick, blocking Blake's strike with a raised gauntlet, still smiling as though this were all just a thrilling game.
"C'mon!" Yang laughed, her voice practically dripping with adrenaline. "That all you got?"
Blake's eyes narrowed in concentration. She wasn't about to let Yang have the upper hand for long. She struck again, this time with more force, but Yang countered her counter with a heavy punch. Blake blocked it with her sword, but the impact sent her flying back, crashing through the trees. She only managed to stop herself by shooting her weapon's grappling line, anchoring herself to a tree and landing back on her feet, her body skidding against the dirt as she slowed.
"Guess I've got no choice," Blake muttered to herself, taking a deep breath.
She released her own aura, and the air around them shifted as her energy clashed with Yang's. The weight of Blake's aura was different—it was thick and murky, like trying to wade through knee-deep mud. It pulled at you, heavy, almost like the feeling of fatigue pulling you toward sleep, but beneath that, there was a quiet, dangerous power.
Yang grinned, her fists tightening. "Oh, now we're talking!" she shouted, her excitement palpable. She could feel the strength behind Blake's aura, and she was more than ready to rise to the challenge. "LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!"
The crack of a shotgun echoed through the dense forest, signaling the start of an intense fight between the blonde brawler, Yang, and her feline opponent, Blake. The forest was alive with the sounds of their clash—Yang's explosive strikes against Blake's swift, precise counters. The air around them hummed with the energy of their auras, each blow shaking the ground beneath their feet.
Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the Emerald Forest, Jaune sat casually atop a small pile of unconscious students he'd dispatched with little effort. He leaned back, grinning as he felt the familiar flare of his friends' auras from across the battlefield. Yang's aura burned like a wildfire, hot and relentless, while Ruby's was swift and fierce, a gust of wind slicing through the chaos. Jaune couldn't help but recognize Ruby's opponent as Weiss Schnee, the girl he had secretly hoped to face himself. With a shrug, he mentally filed that away, confident that his chance to fight her would come eventually.
"You shouldn't be so laid back," a voice interrupted his thoughts.
Jaune turned his head slowly to the right and found Mercury Black approaching, dragging two unconscious students by their collars before tossing them down in front of Jaune like discarded toys. Mercury's nonchalant expression made it clear that the effort had been minimal for him.
"I guess you're right, We are fighting for our spots as students, after all, can't just sit around all day," Jaune replied, standing up and stretching as if he hadn't just been lounging on top of defeated opponents. He hefted his bat onto his shoulder with a casual ease, a grin spreading across his face. "Jaune Arc, by the way, nice to meet you."
Mercury matched Jaune's grin, cracking his knuckles as he gave him a once-over. "Mercury Black," he introduced himself coolly. "Nice to meet you too,"
At the mention of his last name, something stirred in the back of Jaune's mind. 'Black... that name sounds familiar,' Jaune thought, trying to place where he had heard it before. He couldn't quite shake the feeling that there was something more to Mercury than met the eye, but the specifics eluded him.
"So," Mercury's voice broke Jaune's train of thought, his brow raising in amusement, "you ready to do this?" He flashed a smug smirk, one that carried an air of confidence, maybe even superiority. The kind of look that said he was ready for a good fight and fully expected to win.
Jaune nodded confidently, his smile widening. "Always am,"
But before the two boys could make their move, the forest around them came alive with new threats. From opposite directions, two more challengers burst into the clearing—Ciel and Arslan. Moving with precision and speed, Arslan charged toward Jaune, her fist aimed squarely at him, while Ciel rushed Mercury, her saber gleaming in the dim light.
Jaune barely had time to react as Arslan's punch came crashing toward him. He swung his bat up to block, but the force of her blow sent a shockwave through his arms, the impact like being hit by a semi-truck. He gritted his teeth, amazed by her raw power. Arslan's strength was no joke.
Meanwhile, Mercury, ever the opportunist, caught Ciel's saber mid-swing, smirking as he dodged her follow-up attack. His cockiness was short-lived, however, as Ciel revealed a hidden pistol in her other hand and fired at point-blank range. Mercury jerked his head to the side just in time to avoid the bullet, his smirk faltering as he grabbed her wrist to restrain her.
The four combatants quickly disengaged, each leaping back to gain distance, now forming a tense standoff in the clearing. The air was thick with tension, and for a moment, the forest was silent except for their heavy breathing.
Jaune glanced around at the other three. This was no longer just a one-on-one fight. It was a chaotic four-way free-for-all, with each of them poised and ready to strike. His grip tightened on his bat, a flicker of excitement dancing in his eyes. "Looks like we've got ourselves in quite the situation," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"Indeed," Arslan responded, her voice gruff yet unmistakably feminine. Her intense gaze was locked on Jaune, clearly eager for the next exchange.
Ciel's eyes darted between Mercury and Jaune, her expression unreadable but her grip on her weapons tight, ready for anything. Mercury, on the other hand, was still wearing that smug grin, like he relished the idea of chaos.
This wasn't going to be a simple one-on-one battle. It was about to become a chaotic, unpredictable clash of four powerful fighters, each of them dangerous in their own right.
As the four fighters eyed each other, each waiting for someone to make the first move, Jaune knew one thing for sure: things were about to heat up, and this would be one of the toughest fights he had ever faced!
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I'll leave it right there, because I've gotta leave you wanting more!
But what's in store for the next chapter? Well Ruby faces off against Weiss in a battle to see who's superior! Can the young reaper defeat the Schnee heiress and prove that she does belong at Beacon!? Find out in the next chapter!