Outside a grand, meticulously designed building that served as the dormitory for Beacon's students, a lone figure stood in the bitter cold. The dormitory itself was a striking example of Atlas engineering—tall and rectangular, with walls of polished steel and glass that gleamed even in the subdued morning light. Frost clung to its edges, giving the building a crystalline appearance, as if it had been sculpted from the very essence of winter.

Oscar Pine, a first-year student of Atlas Academy, stood at the edge of the dormitory's main entrance, bundled against the freezing cold, his resolve burned strong, his eyes fixed on the doors ahead.

"So this is the place," he murmured to himself, his breath visible in the frosty air. He shifted on his feet, attempting to keep warm as he surveyed the structure. "I was expecting something more... intimidating. But I guess it makes sense. This is Atlas, after all."

For the next minutes, Oscar waited patiently, his hands tucked into his coat pockets and his scarf pulled tight around his neck. The snow-crusted ground beneath him crunched lightly as he occasionally shifted his stance. The anticipation in his chest swirled with equal parts excitement and nervousness, a fire that not even the icy wind could extinguish. Then, at last, the doors swung open, and his heart leapt.

Emerging from the building was Yang Xiao Long, her signature golden hair gleaming even in the muted morning light, accompanied by her younger sister, Ruby, and another young woman. This third figure was striking—a petite girl with snow-white skin, mismatched eyes of pink and brown. She carried herself with a mischievous air, her smirk playful yet sharp.

Oscar straightened, his cheeks tinged red—not from the cold, but from the sight of Yang herself. He stepped forward with purpose, stopping just a few paces away from the trio.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all again," he began, his voice steady despite the quickened pace of his heartbeat. "I'm Oscar Pine. As we agreed yesterday, I'm here to fulfill my part of the deal. From now on, I'll be the number two subordinate of Miss Yang, the love of my life."

Yang's reaction was immediate and visible. Her cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink, a contrast against the cool tones of the morning, and she folded her arms with a huff. "Tch, this idiot," she muttered under her breath, her golden eyes narrowing as she looked away briefly. "I didn't think he'd actually go through with becoming my... servant."

Neo, who had been absent during the events of the previous day, raised a delicate eyebrow, her mismatched gaze flicking between Oscar and Yang with clear amusement. A grin spread across her face, and she let out a soft laugh. "Oh, Yang, I can't believe it! You've acquired a slave already? And here I thought it would take years for you to reach that level. Perhaps I underestimated you. Huhu... soon, Lady Ruby will have an army under her command!"

Ruby, who had been quietly observing the exchange, gave a dismissive wave of her hand, her silver eyes half-lidded with disinterest. "Ehhh, I don't really need any slaves right now, but if Yang wants one, that's fine. Besides," she added, glancing at Oscar with a hint of begrudging respect, "it takes a lot of guts to confess the way he did. Not just anyone could pull off being that much of an idiot."

The group began their walk toward Atlas Academy, the crisp morning air biting against their cheeks as their boots crunched softly in the freshly fallen snow. Yang led the way. She strode forward with a slight scowl, her irritation palpable as she spoke, her voice tinged with frustration.

"I was joking yesterday, alright?" She snapped, glancing sideways at the young man beside her. "Get lost. This is so freaking embarrassing for me. Fuck."

Despite her obvious discomfort, Oscar walked determinedly by her side, his expression steadfast and unyielding. "If this's what it takes to prove my determination, then I'll be the best servant you could ever have," he declared with a fiery passion.

Behind them, Ruby and Neo trailed silently, exchanging amused glances. Ruby's silver eyes sparkled with barely contained laughter, while Neo's smirk was one of pure mischief.

Yang let out an exasperated sigh, her fingers running through her golden locks as she finally addressed him again. "Alright, Osky... right? What year are you in?"

The young man answered immediately, his voice brimming with pride. "It's Oscar, and I'm a first-year student."

Yang groaned, rubbing her temples as though physically pained by the information. "A first-year, huh?" she muttered. "Well, since you're just a rookie, let me give you a little advice as someone who's got more experience in life. First of all, I'm not going to be your girlfriend. Second, you need to get better goals in life than becoming someone's servant."

Ruby's grin widened as she watched the exchange, her thoughts a quiet stream of amusement. "Oh, now she's trying to act like she's all older and wise. Yang, you're a first-year too."

Oscar, however, was undeterred by Yang's words. If anything, her rejection only seemed to fuel his resolve. "But Miss Yang, it's impossible for me to ignore my feelings," he protested earnestly. "I aspire to be as strong as you, the living legend herself—Yang Xiao Long, the woman whose mere presence causes delinquents to kneel in fear, the strongest first-year who conquered Beacon. Just being in your presence, basking in your strength and beauty—how could I possibly resist these feelings? Even if my love remains unrequited, please allow me to serve you in whatever way I can!"

Yang halted in her tracks, her boots crunching sharply against the snow. She didn't turn to face him, her back straight and her fists clenched at her sides. For a moment, the silence stretched thin, save for the faint whistle of the cold wind. Then, she spoke, her tone begrudging but with an unmistakable tinge of pride.

"Geez," she muttered, almost too softly to hear. "If you're that dead set on this, then fine. I won't stop you. Follow me."

As she resumed walking, Ruby and Neo exchanged knowing looks. Ruby noted the subtle satisfaction in Yang's voice, even as she tried to maintain her gruff demeanor.

Unbeknownst to the others, Yang's cheeks were burning brighter than the morning sun, her face a vivid shade of red. Her expression, however, was far from irritated. Beneath her embarrassment lay a small, satisfied smile. Her thoughts betrayed her true feelings as they wandered in a direction she'd never admit aloud.

"This kid's shameless, saying all that out loud. But if I'm as awesome and charismatic as he says, then why not let him stick around? Honestly, it feels pretty damn good to be this adored." Weak against genuine flattery and unable to resist basking in the admiration, Yang found herself secretly pleased by the unexpected turn of events.

(…)

Jaune Arc exited a quaint café nestled near Atlas Academy, the warmth of his coffee seeping through the insulated cup in his hands. He took a deep breath, the crisp morning air invigorating despite the biting cold. Spotting the approaching group of his friends, his face lit up with a cheerful grin.

"Oh, so you finally decided to get up. Good morning!" he called out, his tone light and friendly as he waved to them.

The group returned his greeting, but as they fell into step together, Jaune quickly found himself walking on Yang's right side. Glancing at her, he raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued by the sight of Oscar trailing diligently beside her.

"Looks like you've got the new guy tagging along," Jaune remarked, his tone teasing. "Couldn't shake him off, huh?"

Yang, in stark contrast to her usual grumbling, seemed unusually pleased with herself. She smiled smugly, tossing her golden hair over her shoulder with a confident flourish. "Heheh, well, someone as magnificent as me... I'd feel guilty denying him the opportunity to bask in my glory."

Jaune gave her a look of pure incredulity. "Uh-huh. Let me guess: he showered you with compliments until you gave in?"

Oscar, who had been quietly following, suddenly moved to Jaune's side, his face lighting up as though he were standing next to a personal hero. "Wait a second—you're Jaune Arc, right?" he asked, his tone brimming with awe.

The blonde blinked, a little startled. "Uh... yeah, that's me," he replied, his voice tentative.

Oscar's excitement only grew at the confirmation. "I was so focused on Miss Yang that I didn't even realize, but—wow! I'm standing with the Jaune Arc. The number-one subordinate of Miss Yang, the legendary mastermind, the only man who can walk beside Yang Xiao Long and live to tell the tale! The super-cool strategist Jaune Arc! It's an honor to meet you, sir. Honestly, if I were a girl, I'd probably be chasing after you!"

Jaune's lips twitched, his expression softening into one of quiet satisfaction. Though he didn't turn to look directly at Oscar, the faint color in his cheeks and the pleased glint in his eyes betrayed how much he was enjoying the flattery. "Hahaha, you know, Yang," he began, his tone unusually light, "I think this guy might just turn out to be a pretty great friend."

Yang gave him a sidelong glance, her smug smile growing wider as she caught the subtle pride in Jaune's voice. It seemed her "number-one subordinate" wasn't as immune to praise as he pretended to be.

As the group strolled through the frosty streets of Atlas, Jaune, holding his coffee and clearly still waking up fully, glanced at Oscar with a curious expression. Breaking the comfortable silence, he decided to probe.

"Oscar, I've got a question," he began, his tone casual but pointed. "I mean, I get it. You fell for Yang. After all, even though she's a complete idiot, she's undeniably gorgeous."

The comment earned him a sharp thwack on the head from the fiery blonde in question. Yang glared at him, though the faintest hint of a smirk played on her lips."Watch it, Jauney-boy" she muttered, crossing her arms as Jaune rubbed his head with a wince.

"Anyway," Jaune continued, undeterred, "you do know we're from Beacon, right? Atlas doesn't exactly have a soft spot for delinquents and future criminals like Yang over here. Shouldn't you want to keep your distance from us?"

Oscar's expression softened, a melancholic smile curving his lips. "I suppose I'm a bit unusual for someone from Atlas," he admitted. "My parents are incredibly strict, so I've always been fascinated by the freedom and the way you all live your lives, even if it's chaotic. But you're not wrong—Atlas Academy is a place of prestige, designed for the best students and the future leaders of the world. The strong people here… their lives are bound by order and control. That's never appealed to me."

Yang's attention, previously wandering, snapped back to the conversation. She raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Wait, wait—hold up. Did you just say there are strong people at Atlas? I thought this place was full of nerds, rich kids, and the so-called future of society."

Oscar paused, contemplating his response. "Well, there are definitely strong individuals here, but they're not... delinquents like you. To give students a way to relieve stress and build skills, Atlas Academy allows all sorts of clubs—boxing, chess, cooking, you name it. Some of these students have even competed in tournaments against Mistral and Vacuo." He hesitated briefly before adding, "Every year, the top six students across all the clubs are selected to join the student council—the elite. They're the best Atlas has to offer."

Jaune's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Huh. One of my sisters studies here, but I never really asked her much about it. Maybe I should."

Oscar's face grew serious as he issued a warning. "You should all be careful. It's very likely the student council already has their eyes on you. They don't take kindly to disruptions, especially from outsiders."

Yang, instead of showing concern, grinned widely, her lilac eyes sparkling with excitement. "Heh. I'm starting to like this place more and more. Maybe ending up in Atlas wasn't such a bad thing after all."

Jaune sighed, his expression one of exasperated resignation. "Don't get too excited, Yang. Remember, we're not supposed to cause too much trouble here. Atlas is strict, and the last thing I want is to get kicked out."

Yang waved off his concerns with a dismissive flick of her hand. "Meh. Shut up, Jaune. As My number-one subordinate, these are your new orders: we're going to find the student council!"

Oscar, walking a step behind them, could hardly contain his enthusiasm. He clenched his fists with determination, his thoughts a whirlwind of admiration. "As expected from the girl I love. I wonder... can Yang defeat the student council? It's bound to be incredible to watch."

(…)

Blake Belladonna walked calmly through the pristine halls of Atlas Academy, her sharp amber eyes focused on the path ahead. The polished floors reflected the bright overhead lights, and the chill of the morning air still lingered in the corridors. Despite her composed demeanor, her sensitive Faunus ears couldn't help but pick up the murmurs of disdain from a group of students nearby.

"Hey, that's the leader of the wild animals."

"I heard there was a fight yesterday with Shay's local gang."

"Even the animals in Atlas have better manners than them. You can tell they're from Vale."

"Hope they all just die. Criminals like them don't deserve to ruin our paradise."

Blake clenched her fists for a brief moment but forced herself to relax. She was used to such venomous comments—an unfortunate reality of being a Faunus and also from Beacon—but it didn't make them any less uncomfortable. With a steadying breath, she ignored the whispers and continued walking, her stride never faltering until she reached her destination: the classroom assigned to the Beacon students on the third floor.

Opening the door, she stepped inside and greeted the classroom with a calm, "Good morning," before making her way to her seat.

The classroom was already bustling with energy. Most of her classmates were present, though a few seats remained conspicuously empty. Yang, who had been in the middle of an animated conversation with Jaune, was the first to notice.

"Hey, Jauney-boy, looks like we're missing a few idiots, huh?" she remarked, leaning back casually in her chair.

Jaune nodded, scanning the room. "Yeah, seems like Nora, Yuma, and the three stooges aren't here."

Before he could speculate further, a pair of hands suddenly wrapped around his neck from behind, pulling him back slightly. The culprit was none other than Miltia, her green eyes gleaming with playful mischief.

"Jauney, you better not be forgetting that you owe me a date," she teased, her voice a mock purr. "Now that we're not in Vale and don't have to worry about running the club, we've got all this free time. You shouldn't keep a lady waiting."

Struggling against her grip, Jaune sputtered, "Yes, yes, I know! I'll take you out this weekend—promise!"

Satisfied, Miltia released him, but not before toying with a strand of his blonde hair. "Heh. You better, or I'll make you regret it. Anyway, if you're worried about Nora, she's fine. Turns out the job interview she went to yesterday was a success. As For Yuma and those three morons... no idea."

With that, Miltia sauntered off to her seat, leaving Jaune to fix his disheveled hair. Meanwhile, the conversation turned more serious.

"I've been hearing some rumors," Ilia interjected, her expression somber. "We might want to tread carefully."

"The Atlas student council, right?" Jaune guessed.

Ilia nodded. "Word is, they're looking for any excuse to expel all the Beacon students. They've got their sights set on us."

Yang, far from being intimidated, grinned. "Heh. If they're picking a fight, they've gotta be strong. I like the sound of this already."

Ilia pressed on, undeterred by Yang's enthusiasm. "It's possible they're the ones who took down Yuma and the three assassins."

A sharp laugh cut through the air as Mercury leaned back in his chair, clearly amused. "Hah! What a joke. You're all seriously worried about this? It's embarrassing to share a classroom with cowards like you."

Ilia and Trifa shot him twin glares, their expressions brimming with anger, but Mercury wasn't done.

"Yuma and those idiots lost? That just proves they're trash, nothing more. And really, the bigger problem here is that they got beaten by students from this pathetic academy for pampered elitists. That's what's gonna hurt our reputation."

Without warning, a string of sticky webbing shot toward him, courtesy of Trifa. Mercury raised an arm just in time to block it from hitting his face, smirking all the while.

"Heh. You wanna play, bug-girl?" he taunted. "Come on, I'll take you and frog-girl down at the same time."

Ilia began to rise, her voice cold and measured. "You want a fight? Fine. But I guarantee the humiliation you'll feel afterward won't be pleasant."

"Enough."Blake's voice, though calm, carried a weight that immediately silenced the tension. Ilia and Trifa, both still bristling with anger, sat back down, though their expressions made it clear they weren't happy about it.

Blake's gaze shifted to Mercury, her usually gentle eyes now sharp and unyielding. She didn't say a word, but the silent, intimidating stare was enough to make him scoff and finally shut his mouth.

The classroom door swung open, and Junior, better known as Hei Xiong, stepped inside with his usual commanding presence. His voice carried across the room with ease.

"Everyone, take your seats. Belladonna, Jaune, Yang, you've been summoned by the faculty board. Report to the faculty lounge on this floor immediately."

Yang sighed, visibly annoyed by the disruption. "Ugh, great," she muttered, rising from her seat.

Jaune was already heading toward the door, and Blake stood as well, her calm demeanor masking a flicker of irritation. Before leaving, she addressed her friends with a quiet but firm voice.

"Trifa, Ilia, Deery, make sure there are no problems here. Keep things in order."

With that, the trio exited the room and began their short walk down the third-floor corridor. The walls were adorned with banners featuring Atlas Academy's emblem, a mark of the institution's pride. The polished floors reflected their steps as they approached their destination.

"This must be it," Blake said as they stopped in front of a door marked Faculty Lounge.

Jaune pushed the door open, and they stepped inside. The room was spacious and meticulously organized, embodying the same sterile precision that Atlas was known for. Rows of bookshelves lined the walls, filled with neatly arranged tomes on various academic subjects. A large desk stood at the center of the room, its surface immaculate except for a few stacks of papers and a gleaming nameplate. Standing near the desk were two faculty members in formal Atlas uniforms, their postures straight and disciplined.

Seated behind the desk, however, was an older woman who immediately drew their attention. She was short and stern, her sharp brown eyes framed by her cropped silver hair. Her uniform was far more elaborate than those of the standing faculty, featuring gold trim and a medallion pinned to her chest—a clear indication of her high rank. Despite her small stature, she radiated an aura of authority and condescension.

"I am Professor Caroline Cordovin," she announced, her voice crisp and laced with arrogance. "I hold the second highest rank among the faculty here at Atlas Academy."

Her sharp gaze flicked over the trio as she continued. "Do you know why I've summoned you?"

Jaune stepped forward, polite as ever. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Professor Cordovin, but no, we have no idea why."

Cordovin allowed herself a faint, fleeting smile. "Ah, Jaune Arc. I should have guessed. Your sister is an exemplary student—an excellent role model and a credit to Atlas. It's a pity you've fallen in with..." Her eyes shifted to Yang and Blake, her expression twisting into one of disdain. "...this sort of company. To think you've already managed to stir up trouble."

Yang crossed her arms, unimpressed, while Blake narrowed her eyes but stayed silent.

"We received word of your involvement in a fight with a local gang," Cordovin continued, her tone scathing. "Such violent behavior is unacceptable here. If it were up to me, you'd be expelled on the spot."

Blake, unable to hold back, responded evenly, "They attacked us first. We were defending ourselves."

Cordovin slammed her hand on the desk, silencing Blake. "Silence! Your duty was to contact the authorities, not to engage in barbaric behavior. Violence is never the solution. Consider yourselves fortunate that I've been persuaded to show leniency this time."

Jaune let out a quiet sigh of relief, but Cordovin wasn't finished.

"I understand that Belladonna and Xiao Long are regarded as leaders among your... disappointing academy. Therefore, I am placing a direct order: control your peers. If incidents like this occur again, there will be no second chances."

What followed was a grueling lecture that tested the trio's patience. Cordovin droned on about the superiority of Atlas, the importance of discipline, and her unwavering expectations. When she finally dismissed them, the three left the room without a word.

Walking down the corridor, Blake's irritation was evident. Her ears twitched as she muttered, "So now it's our responsibility to keep everyone else out of trouble, or we'll be expelled. That woman is insufferable."

Yang stretched lazily, completely unbothered. "Meh. I don't care about any of that. It's lunch time, I'm gonna find Oscar—I wanted to ask him something."

"Yang, wait!" Blake called, panicking as the blonde began descending a nearby staircase. "We need to get back to our classroom!"

Blake turned to Jaune, hoping for backup, but he shrugged nonchalantly. "Don't worry about it. I'm a good student—I'll head back. You should keep an eye on her."

With a resigned nod, Blake hurried after Yang, leaving Jaune alone in the hallway. He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Huh. Should've known we'd have problems here. Anyway, I'm thirsty. Guess I'll go find a vending machine."

(…)

Oscar's classroom was a meticulously organized space, much like the rest of Atlas Academy. The room was spacious, with polished white floors and sleek silver desks arranged in perfect rows. Large monitors were embedded in the walls, displaying the academy's crest when not in use for lessons. The ceiling lights emitted a cool, clinical glow, and the air carried a faint, almost sterile scent, characteristic of Atlas' obsession with cleanliness and order.

Several tall windows lined the wall near the classroom entrance, offering a clear view of the hallways outside. At the moment, the teacher had stepped out, leaving the students to their own devices. Conversations buzzed across the room as groups of students chatted or indulged in minor distractions.

Oscar sat near one of the windows, absently spinning a pen between his fingers as he listened to the murmurs around him. A group of students seated nearby were muttering complaints, their voices low but audible enough for him to catch.

"Ugh, the academy feels so oppressive lately," one muttered, tapping irritably on their desk.

"Probably because of those bastards from Beacon," another replied bitterly. "Just having them here is enough to ruin this place."

"Delinquents are the worst," a third added with disdain.

Oscar ignored the remarks, his expression calm and composed as he glanced out the window. Despite their harsh words, his thoughts remained fixed on the fiery blonde and her spirited companions.

Breaking his reverie, a classmate leaned over, addressing him with a concerned tone. "Hey, Oscar. There are rumors going around that you've been hanging out with those delinquents. You should be careful—you don't want to ruin your future."

Oscar turned to the speaker, offering a small, easygoing smile. "Eh, I don't think they're all that bad. Yesterday, they handled Shay's gang pretty easily."

That drew some surprised reactions from nearby students.

"Wait, Shay's gang? Seriously?" one said, eyes widening. "Those guys are lunatics!"

"Well," another chimed in, "if the delinquents are taking each other out, that's probably good for us."

The first student leaned closer to Oscar, their tone more urgent. "Still, you should watch yourself. You're one of the top students here—you have a lot to lose."

Before Oscar could respond, a faint tap-tap against the glass behind him drew his attention. He turned to see Yang Xiao Long standing just outside the window, her bright hair catching the light as she waved cheerfully. Beside her, Blake Belladonna appeared far less enthusiastic, her hands on Yang's arm as she tried to pull her away, her expression one of mild exasperation.

"Oh, Miss Yang!" Oscar exclaimed with delight, immediately pushing open the window.

Gasps erupted around the room as the other students recognized who was at the window.

"Oh no! It's Beacon!"

"Wait... Isn't that the delinquent girl with the ridiculous boobs?"

"Look at her! Okay, maybe not all delinquents are bad..."

"Hmm, the one with cat ears is kinda cute."

Yang, utterly unfazed by the commotion, leaned casually on the window, her signature grin in full effect. "Yo, Oscar! Got a minute?"

Blake sighed heavily, still tugging at Yang's arm. "Yang, seriously, we need to get back. This is already bad enough!"

"Relax, Kitty Cat," Yang said with her characteristic smirk. "I just wanted to ask Oscar where to find the student council. I forgot to ask before."

The casual mention of the student council had an immediate effect. The students inside the classroom, save for Oscar and Blake, froze as their faces turned pale.

"Oh no, is she insane?" One whispered in horror.

"Looks like the nutrients are going to her chest, not her brain," another muttered under their breath.

"If they face the student council, they're dead meat," someone else said grimly.

Blake caught the last comment and rolled her eyes, finding the dramatics a bit much. However, her attention snapped to the sound of approaching footsteps. Turning, she saw two figures making their way down the hall.

"Oh," one of them said with a playful tone. "Looks like Emerald is going to miss the fun."

Yang, finally sensing the shift in atmosphere, turned to see who had arrived. Oscar visibly tensed, his complexion paling as he whispered, "Oh no."

The first figure, a striking young woman who exuded confidence. She had fair skin, medium blue hair tied in a long ponytail wrapped in white bandage-like fabric, and piercing yellow eyes. She was wearing a modified version of the Atlas Academy uniform, with athletic-inspired accents, reflecting her role.

"It's nice to meet you, students of Beacon," she said, her tone calm yet edged with authority. "I am May Marigold, captain of the Athletics Club here at Atlas and a proud member of the student council."

The second figure beside her was equally eye-catching, though her demeanor was far less intense. She was a Faunus with short, messy white hair and expressive olive-green eyes. Her sheep ears twitched slightly as she smiled warmly, a stark contrast to the tension in the air. She wore the Atlas uniform with whimsical adjustments, including a small bell earring and hoop earring, and carried a sleek fencing foil at her side.

May's sharp yellow gaze flicked toward the Faunus girl, a hint of irritation flashing across her face. "Fiona! Aren't you going to introduce yourself? This was supposed to be our super cool intimidating entrance!"

The sheep Faunus placed a hand on her cheek, looking genuinely surprised. "Eh, but May, you're way better at that sort of thing. I just came because you wanted company."

May pinched the bridge of her nose, letting out an exasperated sigh. "Ugh, now these delinquents won't take us seriously. Read the room, Fiona!"

Yang watched their exchange with visible disinterest. "Are these two from the student council?" she asked, her voice dripping with boredom.

Oscar, still tense, answered quickly, "Yes, Miss Yang. Be careful, especially with the sheep Faunus. That's Fiona Thyme, captain of the Fencing Club."

Blake's expression grew more concerned as she assessed the situation, her mind racing. "This is bad. I didn't think the student council would come after us so openly. If we fight, we'll be expelled. But escaping won't be easy if they're as skilled as the rumors say."

Yang, however, seemed unfazed, her grin widening. "Heh, guess I can have a little fun then."

Blake turned pale, her stomach sinking at Yang's reckless attitude. "This idiot doesn't understand the predicament we're in."

Taking a deep breath, Blake stepped forward, adopting a calm and composed tone. "Good morning, members of the student council. My companion and I were merely here to visit this young man." She gestured toward Oscar. "He's a friend, so to speak, and my companion had some questions for him. We're not causing any trouble. Surely, you wouldn't resort to violence without reason, would you?"

May crossed her arms and began walking, positioning herself at the opposite end of the hallway while Fiona stood at the other. Together, they blocked both exits. May's expression hardened. "Unfortunately, little kitty, as members of the student council, it's our duty to enforce discipline. Given your actions yesterday, we're within our rights to take... corrective measures."

Blake felt the spike of killing intent just in time to dodge as Fiona lunged with her foil. The blade, though blunted, was wielded with such precision that it grazed Blake's uniform, leaving a clean cut across the fabric.

May watched the exchange with an appraising eye, a small smirk tugging at her lips. "Impressive. She dodged Fiona's attack. Even though Fiona's weapon is non-lethal, her terrifying precision can turn any tool into a deadly instrument."

Inside the classroom, Oscar couldn't hide his amazement. "Wow. I didn't think she'd react in time. Miss Fiona is incredibly fast, but it looks like Miss Blake isn't far behind."

Fiona, for her part, looked unbothered by the miss, her smile remaining innocent and almost childlike. Blake, now fully on guard, turned to Oscar. "Hey, do you have a broom, a stick, or something long I can borrow?"

Oscar sprang into action, rummaging through the classroom until he found a broom and handed it to her.

The students watching from the classroom gawked.

"Is she seriously going to fight with a broom?"

"Miss Fiona's going to kill her!"

May's cold gaze lingered on Blake as a faint smirk curled her lips. "What a joke. Does she really think she can face Fiona with a fucking broom?"

Blake steadied her breathing, taking the broom in both hands. She locked eyes with Fiona, her voice steady. "Your move."

Fiona's smile widened, almost gleeful. She held her foil behind her back, mimicking Blake's breathing pattern. "I'll count to three. Let's see what happens, hmm?" Her tone was light, as if she were playing a harmless game.

"1... 2..."

The air grew heavy with anticipation as everyone watched in silence.

"3!"

Both women moved simultaneously, their strikes swift and decisive. Blake's broom collided with Fiona's foil, disarming her with a sharp, calculated motion. However, not before Fiona's blade grazed Blake's uniform again, this time along her right arm.

The classroom was silent save for the sound of Fiona's foil clattering to the floor. The stunned expressions of everyone present—except for Yang, who watched with a confident grin—were palpable.

May's eyes widened, her thoughts racing. "Unbelievable. She's no ordinary delinquent. Her skills are honed, almost like... someone with high-level training. She reminds me of Ren."

Fiona, recovering quickly, retrieved her foil but seemed anything but upset. Her smile was brighter than ever. "You're incredible! I didn't think anyone could match my speed. And you even sacrificed your uniform to gain an advantage. Honestly, I'd love for you to join my club. Huhuhu!"

May, meanwhile, turned her attention to Yang, flexing her legs slightly as she prepared herself. "I suppose Em was right—Beacon does have skilled fighters. You must be the famous Xiao Long. How about we have a little fun, you and me?"

Yang's grin widened, her eyes glinting with excitement. "Sure. I was starting to get bored anyway."

(…)

Jaune stood in front of some vending machine, watching the bottle of water he had just purchased drop to the bottom with a satisfying clunk. He bent down to grab it when a familiar voice called out from behind him.

"Well, well, Jauney-Boy. Long time no see. Are you still a crybaby, or have you finally grown into a real man?"

Startled, Jaune turned around to see the speaker. His eyes widened in shock as he recognized her. She was a young woman with medium-brown skin and striking dark-red eyes. Her mint-green hair framed her face with a straight fringe and long locks trailing down her back. She wore the Atlas Academy uniform, but it was customized, with a skirt slightly shorter than normal, revealing toned legs that made Jaune blink for a moment before recollecting himself.

"No way… Emerald?" He said, incredulous.

Emerald approached him with a casual stride, her expression cool yet faintly amused. "Looks like that brute Yang isn't with you. What a shame."

Jaune broke into a grin. "I can't believe it. It's been years since you moved to Atlas. I never thought I'd see you again."

As he took in her appearance, a faint blush dusted his cheeks. "You've, uh, changed a lot. You look really… nice. Although, isn't it against the rules to wear skirts like that? I thought Atlas was strict about uniforms."

Emerald stopped directly in front of him, her sharp red eyes scanning his face. She raised a hand and placed it gently against his cheek, her touch light but deliberate as she examined him. "Since when did the shy, clueless Jaune Arc learn to talk to girls like this? Did you turn into a ladies' man or something? You could barely form a sentence around girls back in the day."

She let her hand drop, and Jaune, flustered, coughed into his fist. "W-well, that was a long time ago. My sisters helped me figure out how to talk to women. Besides, I never really thought of Yang as a girl. She's gorgeous, sure, but I always saw her more like a force of nature."

Emerald stepped back slightly, still smiling but with an enigmatic glint in her eyes. "I've heard some rumors about Beacon, so I decided to look into it. Supposedly, they sent their best students here for this little exchange program. But that can't be right, can it? Aside from you, I doubt anyone from that trash heap has the brains for it."

Jaune frowned, her words unsettling him. "Don't underestimate them. Sure, most of them are idiots, like Yang, but there are a few who are pretty sharp."

Turning back to the vending machine, he bought another drink and handed it to Emerald. She accepted it with a small nod, and the two walked toward a nearby window overlooking the Academy's grand courtyard.

Leaning against the window frame, Emerald broke the silence. "Heh, seems like you've gotten attached to those delinquents, huh?"

Jaune took a sip of his drink before replying. "Some of them, yeah. Honestly, if it weren't for Yang, my life at Beacon would've been a lot harder."

Emerald watched him closely, her smile shifting into something faintly mocking. "Right. Still a weakling, I see. Some things never change."

Jaune sighed, clearly accustomed to such remarks. "I'm still thinking about getting stronger. Maybe I'll join a club for self-defense training. It's never too late to learn. Although, with the way students from Beacon are treated here, that might be a challenge. Even I, who looks normal, get treated like I have some kind of contagious disease."

Emerald chuckled, taking a sip of her drink. "Hah, poor Jauney. But you need to understand that here in Atlas, we don't take kindly to society's trash. It's no wonder they treat you like that when you're always glued to Yang's side."

Jaune's expression grew complicated. "I guess it's unavoidable. After all, Beacon was my only option. My family's money went toward better education for my sisters. Actually, the youngest, Jenny, starts at Vacuo next year."

Emerald listened quietly, her expression softening slightly. It seemed she was enjoying the conversation more than she let on.

Jaune glanced at her, deciding to change the topic. "I have to admit, you've changed a lot, Emerald."

She raised an eyebrow at him, intrigued. "Oh?"

He continued, "You used to be like Yang—always causing trouble and teasing me every chance you got. You two even fought all the time. Now look at you. You're refined, respectable… almost like you were born here in Atlas."

Emerald burst out laughing, her voice rich with amusement. "Hah! I got lucky. My parents had good breaks with their jobs, and the chance to live in Atlas came along. Otherwise, I'd probably be just another piece of society's trash, like most of Beacon. Or maybe I'd have ended up a professional thief."

Finishing her drink, she tossed the empty bottle into a nearby bin and began to walk away. After a few steps, she paused and glanced back. "It was nice talking to you again, Jauney-Boy. I really did miss you. If you're interested, you should consider joining my club."

Jaune tilted his head. "Oh? You're in a club?"

Emerald's smile turned cold and slightly intimidating, sending a shiver down his spine. "Forgot to mention, didn't I? I'm the captain of the Muay Thai Club and a member of the student council, Emerald Sustrai." With exaggerated elegance, she grasped the edges of her skirt, giving a mock-curtsy like a high-class lady.

Jaune stared at her, shocked by the revelation.

Emerald straightened and continued, "I just came to deliver a warning. If anyone from Beacon crosses the student council, they'll lose—even if they win the fight. Be careful, Jaune. Tell that fucking brute of a friend of yours to tread lightly. I'm only saying this because I've always liked you. Stop by my club sometime. I'll personally teach you, heheheh."

With that, she turned and walked down the hallway, leaving Jaune standing by the window, still processing what had just happened.

"Holy shit," he muttered. "I need to tell Yang. She's not going to believe Emerald is here. I can't believe how much she's changed. The way she talks—it's like Atlas has completely gotten into her head. And what's with her attitude toward Yang? She wouldn't stop talking trash about her, but I don't remember anything bad ever happening between them..."

(…)

Yang and Blake walked down the pristine corridors of Atlas Academy, the sound of their boots echoing faintly against the sleek metal floors. Blake was the first to break the silence, her tone calm but tinged with exasperation.

"Honestly, we were lucky," she began, her amber eyes narrowing slightly. "That girl, May, got a call from someone and they decided to leave. If you'd fought her, I doubt we could have come up with a believable excuse to get out of trouble."

Yang, however, didn't share her classmate's cautious relief. She stretched her arms lazily, her golden hair catching the light as she grumbled, "Meh, how boring. I would've loved to send her flying, but oh well."

Blake sighed, clearly unimpressed by her classmate's attitude. "You still don't understand the consequences we could've faced, do you? Those two started acts of violence with no fear of reprisal. That kind of confidence suggests the student council is above Atlas' strict rules. We can't afford to take them lightly."

Yang shrugged nonchalantly, a mischievous grin tugging at her lips. "If you keep worrying about stuff like this, Kitty Cat, you'll get wrinkles before your time. Loosen up a bit, would ya?"

Blake gave her a flat look but refrained from replying. Moments later, they reached their classroom. As they stepped inside, the tension in the air was palpable, and it only took a glance to realize something was wrong.

"Blake!" Trifa and Deery rushed toward her, their expressions tight with worry. "We've got a problem!" Deery exclaimed, her voice hurried and anxious.

Blake's brows furrowed as concern swept across her features. "What happened?"

The answer came from Henry Marigold, who sat in his usual seat, his face unusually grim. "They beat up Cardin. Mercury's absolutely livid after seeing the state he's in."

Blake's eyes widened, her stomach sinking. "They attacked Cardin?"

Deery nodded, stepping closer to explain. "Those bastards came over to bother Trifa and me. We were having lunch outside near one of the gardens, and they decided to harass us."

Trifa, her arms crossed tightly, closed her eyes in indignation. "They know we'll get into trouble if we retaliate, so they kept provoking us with disgusting remarks. Cardin happened to be nearby and stepped in to de-escalate things."

Blake listened intently, her expression darkening as Deery continued. "Cardin tried to reason with them, but they wouldn't back off. So he told them they could hit him as much as they wanted as long as they left us alone."

Yang, who had been leaning casually against the wall near the door, straightened slightly. Her normally carefree demeanor gave way to a serious expression as she listened to the unfolding story.

Blake's voice was filled with disbelief. "And then?"

Trifa clenched her fists tightly, her ears twitching in barely restrained anger. "Those bastards are part of some martial arts club. They weren't particularly strong, but they knew how to fight. Cardin didn't defend himself, so he ended up badly hurt. Thankfully, a professor intervened before it got worse, and we took him to the infirmary."

Blake pressed a hand to her forehead, her frustration clear. "What a headache. I didn't think the students here would stoop this low." Trifa broke the tense silence, her voice tinged with urgency. "Ilia went after Mercury to try and stop him, but—"

Before she could finish, Jaune stepped into the classroom, a cheerful grin on his face as he called out, "Hey, Yang! You won't believe who I just ran into—" Blake didn't let him finish. Her ears twitched, and without hesitation, she bolted toward Jaune, grabbing his arm. "We need to find Mercury. Now. Yang, let's go!"

She practically dragged Jaune out of the classroom, leaving him stumbling after her. Trifa and Deery exchanged a glance before following close behind, their worry evident in their hurried steps.

"Blake, what the hell is going on?!" Jaune shouted, bewildered by the sudden commotion.

"I'll explain on the way!" Blake replied, her voice steady but filled with determination as she led the group through the halls of Atlas Academy.

Yang lingered for a moment, leaning against the doorframe as she watched them go. She let out a long, exasperated sigh, her lilac eyes narrowing slightly. "Honestly, I think it's already too late to save this situation." With that, she pushed off the wall and strode after them, her gait relaxed but her expression hardening.

(…)

Another classroom buzzed with activity, students chatting or idly scrolling on their devices. The teacher had stepped out, leaving the room in a state of barely contained chaos. Amidst the noise, three boys sat near the back, their conversation laced with cruel amusement.

"Haha! That idiot really didn't even try to fight back," one of them laughed, his voice dripping with derision.

"The delinquents from Beacon are so stupid," another sneered, reclining in his chair as he twirled a pen between his fingers.

The third, however, looked uneasy. "Are you sure this was a good idea? I don't think the Beacon students are just going to stay quiet about this."

The other two scoffed, brushing off his concern. "Relax. If those idiots so much as touch us, they'll get expelled," one of them assured him smugly. "Besides, you were the one who hit that loser the most. Don't chicken out now."

"Yeah," the other chimed in, his confidence unshaken. "We're doing a public service, don't you think? Everyone here wants those Beacon rejects gone anyway."

"And we're in the Muay Thai club," the first added, grinning. "I doubt most of those criminals even know how to fight properly."

The three burst into laughter, but their merriment was abruptly cut short by the crash of shattering glass. A chair flew through one of the windows overlooking the hallway, sending shards scattering across the floor. The entire class froze in shock.

Before anyone could react further, someone climbed through the broken window. Mercury Black stepped into the classroom, his cold gaze sweeping over the terrified students. "Took me a while, but according to what I found out, the bastards who beat up my friend are in this class, huh?"

The most cowardly of the three stammered in fear. "No way… How did you find us?"

"Shut up, you idiot!" The other two snapped at him, glaring.

Mercury chuckled darkly, his tone dripping with menace as he stepped closer. "Well, that was easier than I thought. Looks like I won't have to take out the whole lot of you."

The two bolder boys, members of the Muay Thai club, sprang into action. They charged at Mercury, fists raised, but their confidence was misplaced. Mercury sidestepped the first, delivering a brutal elbow strike to his ribs, then caught the second by the wrist and twisted it sharply before kicking his legs out from under him. Both were on the ground, groaning in pain, within moments.

Mercury shook his head, disgusted. "Pathetic. To think Cardin let himself get beaten by trash like you. That idiot… all for helping the Faunus girls."

The last of the three, visibly shaken but clinging to a shred of bravado, pointed at Mercury and yelled, "Haha! You idiot! Do you really think you'll get away with this? Now you're definitely getting expelled! Delinquents like you don't have a brain to think ahead!"

Mercury's smirk vanished, replaced by a glare that could freeze fire. He closed the distance in an instant, grabbing the boy by his shirt and pulling him face-to-face. "You think I care about that?" he snarled, his voice low and filled with fury. "You Atlas brats are so naïve it's almost pitiful. Expelled? What a fucking joke. The fact you picked a fight with Beacon tells me you don't understand how the real world works. All your money and prestige mean nothing if you don't know how to use them."

With that, Mercury delivered a powerful kick to the boy's stomach, sending him crumpling to his knees. The boy gasped for air, tears forming in his eyes as fear took over.

"Pathetic," Mercury spat, his voice a venomous hiss. "Let me show you what real fear looks like."

"Black, stop!" A sharp voice called out, cutting through the tension.

Mercury turned to see Ilia standing by the shattered window, her face a mixture of anger and worry. "Stay out of this, frog girl!" he snapped. "These sons of bitches deserve every bit of this for what they did to Cardin!"

But before he could act again, a new voice rang out, calm yet commanding. "I think it's time to end the show here. You've done more than enough to guarantee your expulsion, so I can't let you hurt anyone else."

Mercury barely had time to react before a swift, precise blow sent him crashing into the wall, unconscious.

The classroom collectively exhaled in relief. "Emerald, thank you for saving us! As Expected of a member of the Student Council!" one of the students exclaimed.

Emerald Sustrai, captain of the Muay Thai club and member of the Atlas Student Council, her stance was poised and composed. Ilia's eyes widened in shock as she realized who had intervened.

The group arrived at the scene in hurried steps. Blake was the first to reach Ilia, her eyes wide with alarm. "Ilia, where's Mercury?"

Ilia, tense and clearly shaken, motioned toward the classroom. "Inside. He's unconscious near the wall by the door. That girl… she defeated him. She's part of the Student Council."

Blake's gaze snapped to the classroom, spotting Mercury slumped against the wall. Her fists clenched as frustration and worry flickered across her face. Yang, trailing behind the group, perked up at Ilia's mention of the council. With an intrigued smirk, she approached the doorway, her boots echoing against the tiled floor.

"Well, well," Yang said as she stepped into the room, her tone laced with mock amusement. "Didn't expect this. So, you're part of the famous Student Council, huh?"

Emerald stood in the center of the room, an air of calm authority radiating from her as she smiled—a cryptic, almost playful expression. Her eyes locked onto Yang. "It's been a while, hasn't it, Yang? Surprised you still remember me. I thought that tiny brain of yours wouldn't allow it."

Yang's smirk widened, but her golden eyes glimmered with a dangerous edge.

Before anything further could unfold, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the hall. Jaune turned his head just in time to see Oscar sprinting toward them. "Jaune! I heard there was trouble!"

Jaune pointed toward the classroom, and Oscar froze as his eyes landed on Emerald. His expression darkened with recognition. "Oh no… You ended up crossing paths with her?"

Blake, standing close to Jaune, shot him a questioning look. "Wait, does Yang know her?"

Jaune nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah. The three of us studied together at Signal. Emerald moved to Atlas because of her parents. Back then, we were close. Really close. But Emerald and Yang… they always fought. They argued about everything, though it was never serious—at least, not that I noticed. But…"

Ilia, still watching the scene carefully, interrupted with a question aimed at Oscar. "Hey, kid. If she's in the Student Council, doesn't that mean she's a club captain?"

Oscar nodded quickly. "Yeah. Emerald's the captain of the Muay Thai club. She's also the only first-year in the council."

Ilia's brow furrowed, her mind racing. "Muay Thai? The attack that knocked out Mercury… it didn't look like Muay Thai at all."

Jaune crossed his arms, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Emerald was strong, sure, but never at Yang's level. She usually lost their fights. Honestly, I never thought she'd pick up a martial art. She didn't have the patience. She was just a troublemaker, like Yang."

Blake cut him off sharply. "This isn't the time for a history lesson Jaune. Girls, grab Mercury. We're leaving."

Deery, Trifa, and Ilia nodded, stepping into the classroom to retrieve their fallen comrade. Ilia shot Yang a pointed glance. "Hey, Blondie, don't even think about fighting her. I don't know how strong she used to be, but trust me—if you take the hit that knocked out Mercury, you won't walk away unscathed."

Yang chuckled, though her tone was laced with sarcasm. "Oh, don't start with me too, sexy legs. I've got enough lectures from Kitty Cat over there. Besides, fighting in a crowded classroom? Not really my style."

Emerald, who had been watching the group with a detached smile, suddenly spoke up, her voice carrying a sharp, mocking tone. "That boy… He's supposed to be one of Beacon's six pillars, isn't he? I heard the rumors, but what a complete disappointment. For all your fame, you're nothing but garbage when it comes to actual fighting. Just a bunch of bullies whose only strength is intimidation."

The students of Atlas, emboldened by her words, began to jeer.

"Shameful!"

"Society's trash!"

"Go back to your dumpster where you belong!"

"Get out of our paradise, you fucking delinquents!"

The Beacon group stood their ground, though the verbal assault weighed heavily. Ilia, unable to bear it any longer, stepped forward, fury in her eyes. But before she could act, Yang grabbed her by the arm.

"Seriously?" Yang muttered, her voice low but firm. "You all give me shit about causing problems, and here you are about to screw everything up. Calm down, sexy legs."

Ilia exhaled deeply, her anger simmering as she stepped back to help Deery and Trifa lift Mercury. They began to retreat toward the hallway.

Emerald sighed dramatically, her disappointment almost theatrical. "What a shame. I would've let her hit me. That alone would've been enough to get her expelled."

As the group made their way out, Emerald called after them, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "Beacon students, meet us on the rooftop of the third-year building after classes. The Student Council will be waiting. Especially you, Yang. You're their leader, aren't you?"

Yang paused at the doorway, turning back one last time. Her lips curled into a cruel smile, her lilac eyes flashing. "You shouldn't talk to me so casually, weakling. Have you already forgotten what happened last time?"

Emerald's smile faltered, her expression hardening as Yang walked away, leaving the room in tense silence.

(…)

As the day's classes came to an end, the tension in the air was palpable. Most students had already left, but a handful remained in the classroom. Neo and Ruby had made their swift exit with Junior, they had some business in the demon world. The silence was broken by Henry Marigold, his voice dripping with disdain.

"How pathetic. Mercury was defeated, but the real embarrassment is you lot coming back with your tails between your legs. No one here is going to fear us anymore."

Ilia's temper flared instantly. She grabbed Henry by his collar, lifting him from his seat with surprising strength. Her venomous glare bore into him as she snarled, "I wouldn't expect anything else from a spoiled brat like you! You're no different from those Atlas bastards! You should've been there! Mercury was supposed to be your friend, but by the way you're acting, it's clear you don't give a fuck, you miserable coward!"

Despite being held off the ground, Henry didn't flinch. His smug expression only fueled Ilia's rage further.

Before the situation could escalate, Blake stepped in, placing a firm hand on Ilia's shoulder. "That's enough, Ilia. We can't afford to fight amongst comrades."

Reluctantly, Ilia let Henry go, shoving him back into his seat. He adjusted his collar with an air of mock composure and smirked. "Comrades? Don't make me laugh, Belladonna. Let's not pretend. Every single person in this classroom is an enemy, or have you already forgotten?"

Deery, clearly uneasy, turned to Ilia. "Are you really planning to go to the rooftop?"

Ilia's determination was evident in her sharp nod. "Of course. We can't let her get away with this."

Blake, however, cut in firmly. "Enough, Ilia. If we do that, we'll just be playing into her hands. That girl, Emerald, wants nothing more than to see us expelled. That's her goal."

Blake closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady herself. Her mind was racing, trying to piece together the fractured unity of their group. "Henry isn't wrong," she admitted in her mind. "Our situation is bizarre. Even back in Beacon, we were never truly allies. Most of us fought each other as much as we fought anyone else. There's no real unity here."

When she opened her eyes again, she turned toward Yang, intending to ask for her opinion. "Hey, Yang, I think—" But her words faltered when she realized the blonde wasn't there. "Wait… where's Yang?"

Trifa, standing nearby, chimed in. "Jaune's not here either. Don't tell me they…"

Blake's complexion paled as realization struck. "Oh no."

Before she could act, the attention of the room was diverted to Coco Adel, who stood from her seat with a nonchalant smile. "Heh. I wouldn't worry too much. Yang probably just went to the bathroom or something. No big deal." She stretched casually, her grin widening. "Speaking of which, I think I could use a trip to the bathroom too, so if you'll excuse me…"

She started strolling toward the door, her movements languid and unhurried.

Deery stepped forward, trying to block her path. "Hey hey Miss Coco, no one's going to believe that excuse."

Henry, rising from his seat with equal casualness, let out a chuckle. "Actually, Adel, now that you mention it, I think I might need the bathroom too. Must've eaten something bad."

Blake's voice was sharp, her worry evident. "Hey, wait! You two—!"

From the corner of the classroom, Miltia, who had been silently observing the escalating situation, calmly reached for her Scroll. With a quick press, she called her friend. "Hey, Nora," Miltia said, her tone casual but laced with intrigue. "You done with your work? There's an interesting situation brewing here at the academy that you might want to check out."

(…)

Yang ascended the stairwell to the rooftop with steady, determined steps, her golden hair catching the faint light filtering through the windows. Behind her, Jaune hurried to keep up, his voice filled with concern.

"Yang, wait! This is a terrible idea! Emerald warned me—if we go up against the student council, we'll lose. I'm mad about what happened to Cardin and Mercury too, but now isn't the time!"

Yang didn't turn around but spoke with a calmness that did little to ease Jaune's worry. "Jauney-boy, relax. I just want to meet them. Don't you trust me? You know I'm a calm and reasonable person."

Jaune's face twisted into an incredulous expression, his skepticism practically radiating off him.

In only a few more steps, they reached the door to the rooftop. Yang pushed it open with a casual confidence and stepped through.

Four figures stood waiting under the open sky. Emerald, with her ever-present sly grin, leaned against the railing. Beside her was May, standing stiffly with arms crossed, and Fionna, who glanced their way with a neutral but calculating gaze. The fourth figure, however, caught Yang's attention immediately.

She was a tall, tan-skinned woman with masculine features, short dark green hair partially spiked, and beige eyes that glinted with a sharp intensity. Tattoos marked her nose and forehead, adding to her striking appearance. Her Atlas uniform had been customized—sleeveless, with shorts that ended just below her knees—emphasizing her muscular build.

The woman was the first to speak, her voice rough and gravelly, brimming with impatience. "What the hell is this? Just you? Tch. This isn't going to be much fun."

Emerald smirked and gestured toward the door Yang had just walked through. "Calm down, Joanna. Look, more of them came."

Yang turned at the sound of approaching footsteps, her lilac eyes widening in surprise as three familiar faces entered the rooftop.

Coco Adel was first, her usual playful demeanor replaced by a rare, serious expression. Her hands rested in her pockets, but there was a distinct tension in her posture. "I have a lot of patience," she said, her tone sharp and cutting. "But since two of my favorite guys are hurt, I'm particularly pissed off today."

Henry Marigold followed closely behind, rolling his neck with an audible crack, his smirk full of smug confidence. "I'm just here to give you the treatment you deserve for how you've been treating Beacon."

Finally, Blake, a sigh escaping her lips as she seemed to give up on restraint. "I wanted to stop them, but I have to admit—I'm pretty angry too."

Yang's lips curled into a confident grin as she looked at Blake. "Hah, in the end, you're just like us, Kitty Cat."

The confrontation between Beacon and the Student Council was about to begin. Jaune stood just inside the doorway to the rooftop, watching the escalating situation with unease. He muttered under his breath, "This is going to get ugly."

The tall, rugged woman with spiked dark green hair took a step forward, her smirk sharp and challenging. "Heh. So, which one of you is the strongest delinquent here?"

Emerald gestured toward Yang. "The blonde. Yang Xiao Long. No doubt she's the strongest of Beacon."

May Marigold let out a bored yawn, eyeing Yang dismissively. "Really? I would say the cat girl is the real deal"

Fiona Thyme, gripping her fencing saber casually, chuckled darkly. "Good thing Blake showed up. I've been hoping for a proper duel with her. This should be fun. Huhuhu."

From behind, Jaune heard the sound of someone climbing the stairs. He glanced back and saw Oscar approaching, his expression curious.

"Jaune," Oscar asked, his tone light, "has the action started yet?"

Jaune chuckled, unsurprised by his timing. "You're just in time. Looks like it's about to."

Oscar leaned against the doorframe, peering through the opening. His eyes widened slightly as he took in the scene. "Whoa. Four members of the Student Council, two of the Six Pillars, and Miss Yang... This is going to be rough. But who's the girl with the sunglasses?"

Despite Oscar's vast knowledge of Beacon, it seemed there were still gaps in his understanding. Jaune didn't blame him. "That's Coco Adel, one of Mercury's underlings. Don't let her fool you, though. According to Ruby, she's apparently really strong."

Jaune seized the moment to satisfy his own curiosity. "Hey, Oscar, all of them are in the Student Council, right? I know Emerald's in the Muay Thai club, but what about the others?"

It was Jaune's first time seeing the other three.

"The Faunus with the white hair is Fiona Thyme, captain of the Fencing Club," Oscar explained, gesturing toward her. "Next, there's May Marigold, captain of the Athletics Club. And finally, the rugged one who looks like she'd fit right in at Beacon—that's Joanna Greenleaf, captain of the Wrestling Club."

Jaune nodded, unsurprised by the explanation. "Figured it was something like that. She definitely looks strong."

Oscar's tone shifted slightly, a trace of nervousness creeping in as he continued. "Joanna's probably the most violent member of the Student Council. She's competed in several tournaments in both Mistral and Vacuo, winning multiple trophies. People say she's already starting a career at the professional level."

Jaune had to admit, that was impressive.

Back on the rooftop, Joanna seemed to grow impatient, her intimidating smile widening as she spoke. "Come on, come on. Enough wasting time. Get over here already. I can't wait to beat you all to a pulp."

May stepped up beside Joanna, her expression calm but her words cutting. "Don't worry. We're not looking to get you expelled for fighting us. We just want to teach you a lesson, right, girls?"

Emerald nodded, her grin never faltering. "Exactly. We could get you expelled any time we wanted, but I brought you here to show you how weak you really are. No using expulsion as an excuse to back out of this fight. That's good enough for brainless thugs like you, isn't it?"

Fiona shifted uneasily, glancing at May. "Hey, isn't that your cousin? Are we really okay doing this?"

Henry, who had been silent until now, overheard and let out a laugh. "Don't worry about it, little sheep. My cousin and I don't exactly get along, so I've got no problem beating her up."

May's smile turned cold as she looked back at Fiona. "You heard him, Fiona. Don't worry about it."

Joanna began flexing her arms and legs, her confident smirk deepening. "If the blonde's the strongest, then she's mine."

Fiona, however, looked confused. "Eh? But Emerald, you said she's an old acquaintance of yours, didn't you? I don't think we should get involved in personal disputes."

Emerald's grin turned cold, her tone sharp. "Thanks for the concern, Fiona, but there's no need to worry. I'll let you all have your fun first if you're so eager. I'll deal with Yang after you're done."

Her words visibly annoyed the others. May's thoughts bristled with irritation. "This girl… does she seriously think she's the only one who can take down that blonde?"

Joanna, meanwhile, scoffed internally. "Arrogant little freshman. If she weren't part of the Council too, I'd have taught her a lesson already. Meh, no matter. I'll just have my fun with these idiots instead."

Without further hesitation, Joanna launched into a sprint toward Yang, her movements confident and aggressive. "A bunch of street trash like you doesn't stand a chance against someone with real experience like me!"

But just as she was about to close the gap, a sudden kick intercepted her path. Joanna instinctively leaped aside, narrowly avoiding the blow. Coco stood between her and Yang, casually adjusting her sunglasses with one finger.

"So naive," Coco said with a sly smile. "There's no way I'd let you get to the leader so quickly. Don't you agree?"

Joanna's grin widened into something cruel and feral. "Huh. If you've got the guts to step in, then maybe you're worth my time."

Meanwhile, Fiona approached Blake, waving a hand in greeting. "Hey, Blake. Let's do this."

Without waiting for a reply, Fiona lunged forward with her fencing saber. However, her attack was stopped mid-swing by a stun rod in Henry Marigold's hand. He blocked her strike effortlessly, his tone sharp and mocking. "Hey now, little sheep. Belladonna doesn't have a weapon, so I'd say this fight's a bit unfair, don't you think?"

Fiona's eyes widened in alarm as she jumped back instinctively. Henry grinned wickedly. "Tch, what a shame. One second later, and you'd have been fried mutton."

He clicked the activation button on the stun rod, the crackle of electricity punctuating his words. Fiona kept her distance, her nerves clearly frayed. Henry glanced at Blake with a serious expression. "Stand back, Belladonna. Without a weapon, you're not much use here. I wanted to teach my cousin a lesson, but it seems I'm the most qualified to handle the little sheep."

Emerald observed the unfolding chaos with her signature smirk, saying nothing as May began circling Yang in rapid, athletic movements.

"Since Emerald doesn't want to start, I guess I'll handle you myself, blondie," May said, her tone light but her movements sharp.

Yang stood motionless, her expression unchanging as May darted around her. May lashed out, her kicks connecting with Yang's body, but they seemed to have no effect.

"What's wrong? Am I too fast for you?" May taunted, delivering one kick after another. A second, a third—all landed cleanly, yet Yang remained unfazed.

"Haha, just as I thought. You're nothing special. I'm an athlete. My speed and physical prowess are leagues above yours," May bragged, her confidence growing with every strike. She landed a punch to Yang's face, but it was like hitting a wall.

"Come on! After I'm done with you, I'm going to teach my annoying cousin a lesson next!" Another kick, this time to Yang's stomach, but it yielded the same result. "Can't you fight back? It's like I'm hitting a log! Hahaha! Try to—"

May's sentence was abruptly cut short. Yang's fist connected with her face in a single, devastating punch, sending her hurtling across the rooftop. She crashed into the metal railing with a sickening clang, the barrier the only thing preventing her from plummeting to the ground below.

Yang finally spoke, her tone calm but laced with contempt. "You're worse than your cousin. At least he's smart, I think. You're just an irritating bitch."

Greetings, fortunately I found the time to write at least one chapter this month, but now yes, see you in February. I also take this opportunity to respond to some reviews

Guest: Neptune is the younger brother, I know I mentioned that in the chapter a couple of times at least. Crayiel hates Ruby mainly for her personality and also Ruby tended to play pranks on her when they were younger. About the Schnee. In fact, I almost made Weiss Leviathan but I thought it suited her better to be Lucifer. I also remembered Neptune and thought that he definitely was better as Leviathan.

Guest: In the case of Oscar, he is the same age as Yang in this story, let's say that due to the circumstances in which he was raised in this story which are more normal (here he has two strict parents), also he has not experienced things like those of the original canon and that is why he is different. I honestly really like Oscar's character and wanted to use him, hmm it's possible that he ends up having other love interests too.