Mercury Black lay in a cramped, dimly lit hospital room, shifting uncomfortably in his bed. His leg hung in a heavy cast, hoisted just above the bed, while his arms were bandaged and his body mottled with bruises and scrapes. Weeks remained before a full recovery, which only worsened his foul mood. With a frustrated groan, he shot an irritated glare across the room at his roommate.
"Why the hell are we sharing a room?" He muttered, clenching his teeth.
"Because my dad thinks I need some humbling experience," retorted Henry Marygold, sprawled in the bed opposite him. Though covered in bandages, he'd at least avoided any broken bones. He matched Mercury's glare with one of his own, a haughty scowl spread across his face. "So I'm stuck in this dump with trash like you."
Mercury rolled his eyes. "A rich kid like you has no room to complain. Spare a thought for those of us who don't have a lot of money. Besides, I was here first. If anyone's a trespasser, it's you—you ought to be paying me for invading my private property!"
"Private property?" Henry scoffed. "This is a free hospital, you idiot! This is government property—I don't owe you a damn cent!"
The two continued bickering, neither willing to let the other have the last word, each more annoyed by the other's presence than their own injuries. Stuck in their beds, their snipes and insults were all they had, making them look like two caged dogs barking just out of reach.
The squabble was interrupted by the sound of footsteps. Coco Adel and Cardin Winchester entered, carrying a small box.
"Well, aren't you two just the picture of good health," she teased, setting down the box of cupcakes on the table. "Figured you could use a little cheer, so I brought some treats. We're experimenting with new pastries at work, and I thought you could help me test them out."
Mercury managed a relieved smile. "Finally, familiar faces. With everyone else gone, it's good to know you two are still around." After his defeat, his own clique had quickly scattered, and Coco and Cardin had been the only ones to stay by his side. Coco took a seat by the room's single window, and Cardin slumped into the chair beside her.
The two injured boys grabbed a cupcake each, their grumbling momentarily replaced by the sugary distraction. Between bites, Coco decided to drop a bit of news she figured they'd be interested in.
"Oh, by the way," she began nonchalantly, "Belladonna's back."
Mercury and Henry both froze, startled. Mercury muttered, a faint smirk spreading across his face, "So the pussycat's finally come home, huh?"
Cardin, now licking crumbs from his fingers, nodded. "Yeah, and her little field trip to Mistral was a success. She's set up a White Fang branch at Haven, and her influence is starting to spread beyond Vale."
Henry gave a derisive laugh. "A pack of animals? Beacon isn't about to fall to some pests."
Coco raised an eyebrow. "Don't be stupid. Blake's something else. She's got charisma, strength, and brains. First year, she had every Faunus in Beacon under her thumb."
Henry chuckled, giving Mercury a sly look. "For an animal, she's something, all right. Probably strong enough to knock you flat, Mercury."
Mercury scoffed, not missing a beat. "Please. And don't think I haven't heard what happened between you two. I know you tried bribing her for a 'business arrangement' if you know what i mean and she kicked your ass."
Henry flushed, giving a forced cough as if brushing off the comment. "That was simply a business proposal, and she didn't make the smart choice."
The memory clearly stung, but Coco seemed more amused than anything. As the last of the cupcakes disappeared, she stood, dusting crumbs off her hands. "Well, since Nora and the twins don't seem interested in taking control of Beacon, the only one keeping this place from turning into White Fang HQ is good ol' Yang." She chuckled, her smile sly. "Guess it's up to the blonde bombshell now."
With a parting grin, Coco and Cardin left, their footsteps fading down the hall. The moment the door closed, a furious shouting match erupted behind them.
"THERE'S NO WAY IN HELL I'M RELYING ON THAT BLOND PSYCHO!"
"DAMMIT, GET THIS CAST OFF ME! I'M GOING BACK TO SCHOOL TOMORROW!"
Down the hall, Coco could still hear their indignant cries. She turned to Cardin, laughing quietly. "Heh, things have gotten a lot more entertaining around here since Blondie showed up, haven't they? What do you think?"
Cardin gave her a half-interested shrug. "Eh, Blondie's a powerhouse, sure. She could probably take down Belladonna, but Valkyrie? Now that's a whole other level." Even the mention of Valkyrie's name was enough to make him shiver—she was, after all, something entirely different.
(…)
A new School Day, it was lunchtime at Beacon Academy. Yang, Ruby, Neo, and Jaune were seated on the edge of a stone fountain near the Academy's entrance. The fountain, ornate and surrounded by carved stone benches, held crystal-clear water that caught the midday sun, sparkling as it sprayed gently from the mouths of decorative statues encircling the basin. The cool mist added a refreshing touch to the warm day as the group munched on their lunches.
"Hey, Jaune, where did all these Faunus come from? I swear I hadn't seen so many around here until now," Yang said, glancing around.
"From what I heard, Belladonna's back," Jaune replied, taking a bite of his sandwich.
"That doesn't really tell me anything," Yang admitted, looking confused.
Fortunately, Jaune had been digging up some information. "She's one of the six pillars, like Mercury and Marygold. Except I guess she's nothing like those two. Apparently, she united all the Faunus at Beacon under her command, and they were all on an excursion to Mistral. They just returned, which is why we're seeing more Faunus around. Supposedly, it was a school trip she organized herself. Her group calls themselves the White Fang."
Yang whistled in response, impressed. "Now that sounds interesting. Maybe she's the right person for Ruby."
(…)
Blake Belladonna had just finished her classes, walking through the bustling halls of Beacon Academy with her two loyal friends, Trifa and Ilia, by her side. Blake moved with a quiet confidence, her sharp gaze flicking toward the murmuring students who eyed them with a mixture of suspicion and curiosity. Her short, dark hair, fitted black leather pants and flowing black cape she wore—it was a rebellious statement against the Beacon uniform, and a choice that, along with her quiet but commanding presence, hinted at a hidden intensity.
Ilia, her energetic and outspoken friend, had vibrant, chameleon-like skin that shifted subtly in reaction to her mood—a slight flush of red in her cheeks reflecting her frustration as she listened to the nearby whispers. Trifa, on the other hand, was more composed, with her sleek, gray hair and striking amber eyes lending her an elegant, predatory air. Though both girls carried an air of strength, they complemented Blake's steely presence with their own unique qualities.
"Ugh, it's the animal group. Too bad their little trip wasn't permanent," a voice muttered as they passed, while another, more vulgar, added, "Damn, Ilia's legs are so sexy. I could sleep on those."
The lewd remarks were not lost on them.
"Well, Belladonna looks like a sadist, right? I mean, look at those tight leather pants and that black cape—screams 'super sadist' from a mile away. Doesn't even bother with the Beacon uniform," one of the more gossip-prone students added.
Ilia clenched her fists, clearly irritated. "Ugh, this place is just as disgusting as always. Racists and perverts everywhere. We should teach them a lesson."
"With Mercury and Henry out of the picture, it's not surprising," Trifa said calmly. "No one's keeping the trash in check."
Blake only nodded; she knew Trifa was right. As if on cue, Trifa's Scroll buzzed, and she quickly checked it. "Oh, thanks for the info," she murmured, then turned to Blake and Ilia. "She's outside by the fountain, but she isn't alone."
Blake sighed, already tired of dealing with the new challenges at Beacon. "Yang Xiao Long," she murmured. "In our absence, that woman's been stirring up quite a bit of chaos. We can't let some first-year strut around so boldly. We'll teach her a lesson, and in the process, give the White Fang a reputation boost around here."
With the goal set, they headed toward the fountain outside. It didn't take long to spot Yang and her group. The fountain itself was a grand, stone structure, Yang was laughing and lounging near the edge of the fountain, exuding a relaxed confidence that bordered on cocky.
Blake strode forward, her steps measured, drawing the attention of several students as she reached the edge of the fountain. She raised a wooden training sword, pointing it directly at Yang, who looked back with a hint of amusement.
"Stand up, Yang Xiao Long. It's time to fight," Blake commanded coolly, her eyes narrowed.
The surrounding students stopped, intrigued by the confrontation. Some murmured in awe at the sight of Blake, her feline ears adding to her intimidating appearance. But Blake's attention was caught by a familiar face among Yang's friends.
"Jaune?" Blake's surprise broke her stern expression, revealing a flicker of surprise and discomfort.
Jaune, equally taken aback, blurted out, "Holy shit, Blake! Why are you pointing a sword at my friend? Wait—are those... cat ears? Ohhhhh." The realization hit him, piecing together why she was such a staunch supporter of Faunus rights.
Blake tried to brush off the awkwardness. "Ugh, this can't be happening. I meet someone decent, and of course, it goes wrong. But stay focused, Blake," she muttered to herself before addressing Yang again. "You're Yang Xiao Long, right? Just want to avoid any misunderstanding."
Yang grinned, cracking her knuckles as she stood. "That's me, Kitty Cat," she replied, her self-assured tone grating on Blake's nerves.
Blake's mind raced, struggling to reconcile the things she'd heard about Yang with Jaune's friendly demeanor. "What should I do? Why is Jaune with this girl? Is he actually a bad person? All I've heard about her has been awful."
Jaune, scratching his head, couldn't help but laugh at the situation. "I can't believe it! I met the pillar Belladonna herself and didn't even realize it. And here I thought I was the smart one," he chuckled, remembering that when they met in the library, Blake had been wearing glasses with her ears hidden, giving her a studious, unassuming look.
Blake smirked, tightening her grip on her wooden sword as she glanced at Jaune. "You mentioned you were from Beacon, but I never expected you'd be friends with someone so troublesome, Jaune. Well, we'll talk later—after I'm done with this."
With a powerful sweep of her sword, Blake sent a nearby group of students stumbling back, clearing the area. "If you don't want to get hurt, step aside!" she ordered, her voice cool and commanding.
Ruby watched, wide-eyed with excitement. "Ooh, this girl is awesome! Definitely top-notch," she said, clearly impressed.
Yang's confidence only grew. She stepped back a bit from the fountain, creating space for the duel. She raised her right hand, gesturing for Blake to come at her. "You look badass, but I'll need to see for myself. I'll even let you take the first shot, Kitty Cat."
Blake's patience wore thin at Yang's cocky attitude. "You'll regret underestimating me, human," she retorted. Without hesitation, she charged, her movements so swift that Jaune felt she almost vanished. "She's fast!" he gasped.
The students watched intently as the two combatants squared off. "Hey, you crazy cat! Were you trying to kill me?!" Yang yelled, dodging Blake's thrust. The wooden sword nearly grazed her side, tearing through her uniform to reveal the skin beneath. Several students murmured in shock and awe at Blake's precision and power.
Ilia watched with narrowed eyes. "Well, Blondie's not half bad, Trifa, but it looks like Blake's getting serious, too."
Blake steadied her breath, her stance shifting as she gripped her sword tighter. "Let's see you dodge this!" she challenged, her voice steady and fierce. "Cat Dance Mirage!"
Jaune blinked, watching as Blake blurred in his vision. Her sword seemed to lose its solid shape, the movements so swift they left a faint, hazy trail in the air. "What the hell? She's moving that sword so fast it looks like it's lost its solid form. Wait—did she just say Cat Dance Mirage? That's… adorable and a little embarrassing to be honest," he murmured, half in awe and half in disbelief.
"Oh, shit!" Yang finally showed a flicker of nervousness as the ground erupted with dust and small rocks, obscuring the view. Neo, quick on her feet, used her parasol to shield herself and Ruby from the dust cloud, but Jaune, unfortunately, took the brunt of it, his freshly cleaned uniform now covered in dirt and debris.
"Ugh, I just washed this! Damn it, Yang," he muttered, brushing himself off.
When the dust settled, Yang was still standing, albeit with a torn uniform and a faint grin. Blake rested her sword on her shoulder, her expression hard, but Yang looked rather amused.
"Heh, you got me for a second there. That was pretty cool, huh?" Yang admitted, clearly impressed. "I couldn't even see the shape of your sword—I had to dodge purely on instinct. I'm pretty sure taking those hits would've hurt like hell."
Ilia and Trifa exchanged astonished glances. "She really dodged that," Ilia whispered. "Trifa, we might have to jump in to back up Blake."
Trifa nodded, still processing what had just happened.
Blake was shocked "She dodged multiple attacks purely by instinct? My Cat Dance Mirage relies on messing with the opponent's perception to land multiple hits, but she dodged all of them. Not even Nora Valkyrie has managed that—not that she tries. She's more the 'bring it on' type. Great, now I'm reminded of another problematic girl."
A sudden chime interrupted the standoff as Blake's Scroll went off. She checked the message and sighed, pocketing the device. Turning back to Yang, she said, "I have to help my subordinates with some homework. We'll finish this another time, so you'd better prepare yourself, Yang Xiao Long." She pointed her sword at Yang one last time before turning and heading toward the second-year building.
"Wait up, Blake!" Her friends called, quickly following.
"Well, that was… something," Neo said, genuinely surprised. Yang, with her usual nonchalance, sat back down to continue her lunch.
"What do you think, Ruby?" Yang asked her sister.
Ruby watched Blake's retreating form with a mix of respect and doubt. "She's strong, yeah, but I'm not sure if she's quite at your level yet."
Jaune finished wiping the last bit of dust off his uniform, shaking his head at the unexpected encounter. "Blake… The first time I saw her, she didn't seem strong at all. Just goes to show—anyone can surprise you."
Yang was sipping her soda when something suddenly sliced through the bottle, shattering it and spilling its contents all over her. "Ah, fuck! What the hell?!" she yelled, blinking through the fizzy mess. Jaune turned in time to see three intimidating students swaggering toward them, each with a hardened look that warned they weren't here for friendly chat.
"Hey, you first-year pieces of trash are in our spot. Just seeing you lounging around like you own the place makes me sick," the tallest of the three growled, his voice laced with disdain. A ripple of unease spread through the nearby students, some muttering fearfully among themselves.
"Oh, shit—it's the three killers!" Whispered one student.
"Looks like their suspension finally ended," another added, shivering.
"Shh! Don't let them hear you—they're insanely ruthless," someone hissed.
"I heard they gouged out someone's eye," one muttered darkly.
Jaune rolled his eyes at that last one, suspecting it was just another Beacon rumor taken way too far. While Beacon had its fair share of troublemakers, something that extreme would have caught the authorities' attention. Nonetheless, the reputation of these three wasn't undeserved.
Sky Lark, Dove Bronzewing, and Russel Thrush were notorious third-years, each known for his own twisted specialty. Sky, with his hawkish gaze and broad shoulders, was rumored to take delight in making people's lives miserable. Russel, with a wiry frame and shifty eyes, wielded a pair of knives like they were extensions of his fingers; he'd clearly been the one who'd thrown the knife that broke Yang's soda bottle. And Dove—well, Dove was known for his temper, his bruiser build, and a mean streak that made him intimidating even at a glance.
Russel twirled another knife, sneering down at Jaune and the others. "You rookies are really careless. You should know by now that the six pillars aren't the only ones you need to watch out for."
As Jaune was trying to keep his cool, he noticed something odd. "Wait… where's Neo?" he whispered. She'd been standing with them just a moment ago, hadn't she? But now she was… gone?
Suddenly, Neo appeared behind the trio like a ghost, her footsteps silent and her expression dark. "You're the ones who should watch your backs, you worthless pieces of trash," she hissed.
Before the three could react, Neo moved like a shadow, striking Dove with a knee that landed with pinpoint accuracy. Dove's eyes widened as he doubled over, clutching his groin, completely incapacitated. Russel barely had time to register his friend's downfall before Neo swung her umbrella like a bat, sending him flying into the nearest wall with a resounding crash. Sky stared, dumbstruck.
"What the hell?!" Sky shouted, his face draining of color.
Before he could make a move, Yang placed a firm hand on his shoulder, leaning close with a vicious grin. "Listen here, you little shit. You'd better think twice before you pull a stunt like that." Her fingers dug into his shoulder just enough to make him wince, and Sky, completely pale now, lost his nerve. With a rough shove from Yang, he stumbled backward, landing with an undignified splash in the Beacon fountain, completely unconscious.
The crowd watched, wide-eyed, as Sky's limp form floated in the shallow water, his friends crumpled nearby. If anyone had doubted Neo's dangerous side, they certainly didn't anymore. Jaune could only watch the whole thing with a weary sigh and a shake of his head.
"Why do I suddenly feel so inadequate?" he muttered. "Every girl I know is literally or figuratively some kind of demon."
Yang burst into laughter, clearly amused by how the whole thing turned out. "Hah! That wasn't half bad. Shame the fight with that Blake girl didn't have a satisfying conclusion" she said, cracking her knuckles.
At that moment, two more figures approached: Coco Adel, sporting her trademark sunglasses and sharp style, and Cardin Winchester, his hulking form and scowl making him easy to recognize even from a distance. Yang, still chuckling, threw a casual nod their way.
"Hey there, girl!" Yang called out to Coco, her voice playful. "and…you're who now?" she asked, turning to Cardin with an amused grin.
Jaune stifled a laugh, feeling just a bit sorry for the guy. Yang got a chuckle out of him; after all, it was classic Yang not to remember people she'd floored in a single punch. But Cardin didn't find it so funny.
"Tsk. Cardin Winchester, bimbo," he growled. "Remember it, or I'll beat it into that thick skull of yours."
Yang, unbothered, responded in the only way she knew how—by landing a well-aimed punch directly to his gut. Cardin doubled over, gasping, and sank to his knees, trying to catch his breath.
Ignoring the groaning Cardin, Coco turned back to Yang, clearly impressed. "Well, if you manage to fight Belladonna, you'll be that much closer to facing Valkyrie. Watching you go up against the strongest person in Beacon would definitely be a spectacle."
"The strongest?" Yang's eyes gleamed with interest, her competitive spirit instantly piqued. Of course, it had to be one of the infamous six.
Coco nodded knowingly. "Yeah. That girl doesn't have much interest in controlling Beacon, which is why she doesn't have the reputation the others do. But make no mistake, she's without a doubt the strongest here."
(…)
The final bell echoed through the hallways, signaling the end of classes, and the students filed out, eager to escape. Jaune, however, had other priorities and dashed towards the bathroom, one hand on his stomach. A few minutes later, he emerged from the bathroom with a relieved sigh, looking significantly more comfortable.
"Aah, so much better," he muttered, content, only to freeze when he looked up and saw two figures waiting for him.
"Jaune Arc."
His name hung in the air with a dangerous edge, and he recognized the two girls instantly. Standing in front of him were Illia, her intense eyes narrowing as she crossed her arms, and Trifa, whose gaze was piercing, dark, and silently condemning.
"You two?" He said, confusion flashing across his face.
"How do you know Blake?" Illia demanded, taking a step forward, her stance radiating hostility.
Jaune raised an eyebrow, momentarily taken aback. "Uh… Blake could probably answer that question better herself. Not sure why you came to me."
Illia's response was as immediate as it was intimidating; she cracked a black whip against the floor just inches from his feet, the snap echoing ominously.
"Blake wasn't exactly… informative," she said icily. "She mentioned meeting you before and said you 'didn't seem that bad.' But she dodged every question we asked. So let's cut to the point—what are you holding over her? She would never be friends with a human."
Both girls looked like they were ready to pounce. Jaune swallowed, noticing their stances, his pulse quickening.
"W-Whoa, hold on!" He stammered, hands raised defensively. "Aren't you overreacting a bit? We're barely even friends. We just… met in the library and ended up talking about Faunus history." He took a cautious step backward, eyeing the distance to the nearest escape route.
Illia cracked her whip again, the sound sharp and menacing. "We're going to get the truth out of you, one way or another."
Jaune's mind raced. "Uh—wait! What's that?!" he shouted, pointing dramatically behind them.
Both girls instinctively whipped around, eyes sharp and focused, ready to confront whatever threat he had pointed out. But by the time they turned back, Jaune was already sprinting down the hallway as fast as his legs would carry him.
"Hey, get back here, you coward!" Illia yelled, and both she and Trifa bolted after him, their footfalls thundering as they raced down the corridor, determined to close the distance.
Just as the girls disappeared around a corner, another figure cautiously poked his head out of the women's restroom, glancing up and down the now-empty hallway.
"Finally… clear skies," muttered Cardin Winchester, emerging with a mix of relief and embarrassment. After dashing into the wrong bathroom to relieve his own sudden stomach issue, he'd been stuck, too nervous to move with the White Fang members hovering nearby. He sighed, brushing off his jacket. "So, that's Yang's so-called friend, huh? Thought I'd get to see him put up a fight, but instead, he just ran for it like a scared bunny. Real shame." Shaking his head with an amused smirk, he wandered off, muttering under his breath, "Honestly, I expected at least a little action around here."
(…)
Blake sat at the edge of Beacon's sports field, a peaceful autumn breeze brushing past her as she munched on a small bag of chips, enjoying a rare moment of calm while she waited for Ilia and Trifa. The late afternoon sun cast a warm, golden glow across the campus, the surrounding trees painting a vibrant picture of reds, oranges, and yellows. Students were scattered around, some practicing on the field, others chatting in small groups. The scene felt serene, almost picturesque.
Yet that tranquility shattered as Blake caught sight of a slender figure approaching—a familiar one with short, multi-colored hair and a parasol casually held over her shoulder. Blake immediately recognized her, Yang Xiao Long's friend, and felt a prickle of unease. This woman, though deceptively petite, exuded a menacing air, her graceful stride imbued with an undercurrent of malice.
Blake folded up her now-empty chip bag, her casual demeanor hardening. She rose, one hand instinctively reaching for the wooden practice sword at her side, her gaze locked onto Neo as she approached.
When Neo was close enough, Blake finally broke the silence. "What do you want?" Her voice was steady, yet cautious, as her hand tightened on the hilt of her sword.
Neo stopped a few steps away, her lips curling into a slight, unsettling smile. With a practiced flick, she pointed her parasol directly at Blake. "I'm just here to confirm something," she said softly, her voice barely above a murmur but sharp enough to carry over the gentle sounds of the breeze.
Blake's heart quickened; she could feel a dark intent radiating from Neo, a bloodlust that made the fine hairs on her neck stand on end. Yet she steadied herself, forcing her pulse to slow, her resolve crystallizing. "If it's a fight you're looking for," she said, her voice cold and resolute, "then you've found it."
The clash began with Neo's parasol lashing out, the attacks fierce yet precise, forcing Blake to block with every ounce of speed and strength she could muster. Each strike from Neo came faster than the last, her agility overwhelming, like a storm Blake could scarcely withstand. Wood and metal met in sharp clashes, each blow sending vibrations up Blake's arms, threatening to throw her off balance.
Neo didn't let up. She danced around Blake, her movements fluid and calculated, like a deadly waltz. Blake tried to keep up, her instincts sharp, her reactions honed from years of combat, but Neo was on another level. Each time Blake thought she could anticipate Neo's next strike, her opponent was already there, one step ahead, her parasol a blur of motion. Blake could barely keep up, deflecting and dodging with difficulty as Neo attacked with a cold efficiency that sent chills down her spine.
Amidst the chaos, Neo's voice broke through the steady rhythm of clashing weapons. "You have impressive instincts," she said, her tone almost amused, yet deadly serious. Her next strike was swift, nearly grazing Blake's cheek as she narrowly dodged, sweat beading on her brow.
Frustration mounting, Blake knew she had to try something different if she wanted any chance of turning the tide. She leapt back, creating a few precious feet of space. She steadied her stance, the energy pulsing through her veins as she prepared one of her more powerful moves—a technique she'd nicknamed the "Shadow Fang Tempest." With a swift motion, she propelled herself forward, her sword slicing through the air in rapid, spiraling arcs, leaving a faint, dark trail in its wake as she aimed directly for Neo's chest.
But Neo was ready. With a speed and precision that defied belief, she deflected Blake's barrage, each arc of the sword met by a flawless block of Neo's parasol. Despite Blake's determination, Neo countered each move with ease, sidestepping or deflecting with an almost effortless grace. However, one strike managed to slip through, grazing Neo's arm and slicing a thin line across her sleeve. The fabric tore, and for a brief second, Neo's expression flickered with surprise.
Yet it was Blake who felt the toll. Her breathing had become ragged, her limbs heavy from the strain of pushing herself so hard. She could feel her strength waning as Neo stood before her, calm and barely phased, her gaze assessing, as if she had been testing Blake all along.
Neo tilted her head slightly, as though in silent acknowledgment of Blake's tenacity. Her thoughts remained hidden behind her unreadable expression, yet a glint of something like admiration flashed in her eyes as she considered her opponent. "You are quite an impressive creature, Blake Belladonna" she thought silently, the thought tinged with a hint of something darkly appreciative. "Not many mortals could last more than a few seconds against a demon like me. Still, Yang remains the superior fighter… but this girl could make an excellent contractor someday."
Blake steadied herself, gathering the remnants of her strength. "Why aren't you finishing it?" she demanded, voice strained, chest rising and falling with rapid breaths. "I can still fight."
Neo's response was a cool, almost pitying smile. "Perhaps you should value your life a bit more," she said simply, retracting her parasol with a faint click. "Thank you for the brief diversion. I'll be taking my leave."
Without another word, Neo turned on her heel and walked away, her figure disappearing into the fading sunlight. Blake dropped to her knees, her strength finally giving out, her breaths coming in shallow gasps as her mind replayed the fight. "What the hell just happened?" she thought, frustrated yet unable to deny the cold truth. "Even though I said I could keep going, it was all bluff. I'm sure she could've finished me if she wanted to. That woman… she might even be stronger than Yang. And there was something about her… something that made my skin crawl."
Clenching her fists, Blake looked down, her pride stinging. "Tch… there's no doubt. I still need more training."
(…)
A few days later Jaune Arc was blissfully sprawled out in the lounge of a luxury hotel in Vacuo, soaking up his first true taste of relaxation in months. The soft hum of an automatic massage chair was working magic on his back, the golden sunlight was streaming through tall, arched windows, and the whole room felt like a private oasis of calm. Plush sofas, exotic Vacuoan tapestries, and a polished marble floor gave everything an elegant touch, and for once, Jaune felt like he was in a place he could really let himself unwind.
The Arc family had gathered in Vacuo, marking the start of summer vacation, and it was a rare opportunity to reunite with some of his sisters, who were scattered across other academies. His sisters were out exploring the city with their parents, giving him a cherished moment of peace. Honestly, he loved his sisters, but sometimes he couldn't forget how they'd been instrumental in getting him into Beacon in the first place. So here he was, enjoying some time to himself.
With a satisfied sigh, Jaune closed his eyes, letting the rhythmic pulse of the massage chair wash over him.
"Excuse me. Are you Jaune Arc?"
Jaune's eyes snapped open, and he looked up to see a giant of a man standing right in front of him, blocking out the sunlight entirely. The man was dressed in a bartender's uniform, but his expression was anything but welcoming.
"What the heck…" Jaune muttered, sitting up, trying to get a better look at the stranger.
The man's face remained stony, unblinking. "Are you Jaune Arc?"
Jaune hesitated, nerves pricking at the back of his mind. "Uh… yes?"
The bartender's expression didn't change, but his entire body began to shift, his skin turning an unsettling, inky black speckled with stars, as if he were transforming into a living fragment of outer space. The bartender was now a dark, cosmic figure that looked like he had stepped straight out of a sci-fi nightmare.
Jaune's jaw dropped. "What… the… hell?!"
Before he could even begin to react, he felt an intense, otherworldly pull, like gravity itself was pulling him toward the cosmic figure. He tried to grab onto the armrests of the massage chair, but it was no use; his grip was broken, and he was yanked forward, spiraling into the endless darkness within the man.
"This can't be happening! I'm on vacation!" Jaune yelled, his voice vanishing into the void as he was absorbed into what felt like a black hole.
In an instant, he was expelled, tumbling out and landing with a loud thud onto a wooden floor. Groaning, he pushed himself up, blinking and dazed, and realized he was no longer in the Vacuo hotel.
"Hey there, Jauney-boy!" A cheerful voice rang out. He looked up to see Yang standing nearby, a mischievous grin spread across her face. "Finally decided to join us for summer, huh?"
Jaune groaned, rubbing his sore back. "Yang… what… what just happened?"
Standing beside her, Ruby beamed, waving at him. "Hi, Jaune! It's so great to see you! Thanks for the help, Junior." She turned to the bartender—who was now back in his human form, bowing respectfully.
"Always at your service, Lady Ruby," he replied, straightening up and adjusting his jacket.
Jaune looked around, trying to process the situation, his hands still braced on the floor as his mind caught up. "Wait… Yang's house? In Vale? I was just… that means… I'm not in Vacuo anymore." He stared at them, baffled and a little heartbroken. "I'd only been there for one day! My vacation…"
Yang smirked, giving him a slap on the back that nearly sent him reeling again. "Aw, don't get so hung up on that. You get to hang out with us now! Besides, we've got a whole day planned at the amusement park."
(…)
The entrance to the amusement park sprawled out in front of them, a grand, bustling archway adorned with brightly colored lights that winked and sparkled in the afternoon sun. Towering banners flapped in the breeze, showcasing the park's signature attractions: towering roller coasters that snaked into the sky, a gleaming ferris wheel that turned slowly against the horizon, and an endless array of carnival games and food stalls, each promising delights and thrills.
The three of them—Jaune, Yang, and Ruby—had waited patiently in a lengthy line, surrounded by the laughter of families and the eager chatter of groups of friends. The air buzzed with the scent of cotton candy, popcorn, and something deliciously fried wafting over from nearby food vendors.
At the front of the line, Yang was busy purchasing their tickets, while Ruby and Jaune lingered close by. Ruby stretched her arms up and breathed in, her face radiant with excitement.
"You know," she said, flashing Jaune a grin, "there's no need for me to hide out here, so I'm skipping the usual invisibility spell I use at Beacon. I'm going full Ruby today."
Jaune raised a curious eyebrow, looking over at her. "Wait, so… no Neo today?"
Ruby's smile softened, and she shrugged. "Nope, not today. Unfortunately, Neo said she had some 'matters to resolve' back in Hell." Her eyes twinkled with mischief. "But don't worry—she'll be back soon enough."
Yang, who had just returned with their tickets in hand, had caught that last part. She rolled her eyes, letting out a scoff. "Good. I don't want her here anyway. Today's for fun, not for dealing with that little hellhound." She handed Jaune and Ruby their tickets with a grin. "The day will be so much better without her lurking around."
Jaune glanced between them, stifling a laugh at their familiar dynamic. He knew full well that Yang and Neo rarely saw eye-to-eye, and the thought of the two of them clashing in an amusement park was almost too much to imagine.
With tickets in hand, they stepped through the massive gates, which gave way to a fantastical scene: bursts of colorful lights lined the pathways, and the faint hum of cheerful music floated on the wind. Nearby, a merry-go-round spun slowly, the painted horses bobbing up and down in a gentle rhythm, and the laughter of children and adults alike blended into the lively atmosphere.
An hour had passed since they'd entered the bustling amusement park. The trio now sat on one of the many colorful benches scattered throughout, shaded by bright parasols while clusters of people hurried past. All around them, lines snaked in seemingly endless loops in front of the rides, and the air buzzed with music, laughter, and the occasional shriek from one of the larger roller coasters that twisted high into the sky. Jaune sat with his arms crossed, a look of resigned frustration on his face.
"Ugh, this place is packed," he groaned, glancing around at the people. "I knew summer break meant crowds, but this is ridiculous. There's barely room to breathe, let alone enjoy a ride without waiting forever."
Yang nudged him with a grin, clearly enjoying his misery. "Come on, don't be such a downer, Jaune. Where's your sense of adventure?" She stretched her arms behind her head, looking all too relaxed compared to his slouched and defeated posture.
Ruby, meanwhile, was perched on the bench beside them, her legs swinging as she took in the park with wide-eyed wonder. Her eyes darted from ride to ride, enchanted by everything around her. For her, even the lines seemed worth it, given that amusement parks were nothing like the realm she was accustomed to. "Isn't it amazing? So many people, so many things to do! I mean, this is waaaay different from… well, you know, the underworld."
Jaune sighed, waving his hand dismissively. "Normally, I'd agree, but today is just… bad luck. We'll barely get to do anything with this many people." He gestured around at the packed walkways, exasperated. "And here I was, minding my own business, getting the royal treatment in a luxury hotel in Vacuo… Now I'm here, crammed shoulder to shoulder with half of Vale."
Yang shot him a smirk, resting her head on her arms as she reclined back. "Oh, quit whining. Thanks to you being here, I can actually relax. Imagine if I'd come alone with Ruby. I'd be pulling my hair out trying to keep her from getting lost—or worse, eating all the cotton candy in the park. At least now I have someone to torment." She chuckled, looking far too pleased with herself.
Jaune rolled his eyes, crossing his arms tighter and muttering, "Wow, what a considerate friend you are."
Yang laughed, unfazed by his sarcasm. "Hey, misery loves company, right?"
He gave her a tired look, raising an eyebrow. "Right. So, tell me again why you and Ruby didn't just come to the hotel in Vacuo with me? Wouldn't that have been… you know, a little more comfortable?"
Yang started to reply with a laugh, "Ha, yeah, right. Like we'd…" She trailed off, her grin faltering as realization dawned on her. Her face froze, and she stared at him, the laughter dying in her throat. She looked as if she'd been struck by a revelation, her expression torn between shock and regret.
Ruby, catching her sister's look of utter dismay, burst into laughter, clutching her sides. "See, Yang? Even I figured that one out!"
Jaune rolled his eyes "you are an idiot"
(…)
Jaune stood in line at the ice cream cart, watching the attendant scoop colorful mounds of various flavors into crisp waffle cones for the eager customers in front of him. The air was sweet with the scent of vanilla and chocolate mingling with the warmth of summer. Jaune glanced back at Yang and Ruby, who were a few benches away, looking over a map of the park and debating their next stop. He shook his head with a small sigh.
"That idiot never changes… and now that we're tangled up with this whole demon thing, I can't help but wonder what's in store for us," he thought, feeling a weight of concern he rarely voiced. "And that giant brute who yanked me out of Vacuo—so that was Junior, huh? The same Junior from that crazy story Yang told me back when I first met Ruby. I've got to admit, as terrifying as that experience was, he seems… strangely useful. A demon capable of spatial transfer? That's something."
Lost in thought, he didn't immediately notice the presence behind him. A moment later, he felt someone's shadow loom, and he turned to see two familiar faces: Ilia and Trifa, both dressed in casual attire.
Ilia wore a sleeveless top in a muted olive green that complemented her complexion, along with well-fitted dark jeans and sneakers. Her hair was tied back, giving her a casual yet striking look, while her eyes held their usual steely focus, honed in on him. Trifa, on the other hand, had a softer style, wearing a white blouse that flowed at the sleeves and a pair of black, fitted trousers that hinted at elegance but didn't compromise on comfort. She gave him an appraising look.
Ilia was the first to speak, crossing her arms with a smirk. "Ah, what a coincidence running into you here, coward."
Jaune let out a weary sigh. "Just what I needed… you two," he muttered, rolling his eyes.
After about ten minutes in line, Jaune finally stepped away from the ice cream cart, balancing three cones with an awkward sort of triumph. The first cone was his own—a classic scoop of chocolate, his favorite. The second, a swirl of rainbow sherbet for Ruby, and the third, a mint chip for Yang. Ilia and Trifa were still standing beside him.
"Uh… thanks for covering the cost, Ilia," he muttered, feeling slightly embarrassed. He hadn't expected them to pay for his ice creams.
Ilia waved off his thanks, a hint of a smirk on her face. "Don't worry about it. Blake gave us an earful when she found out we went after you." She shrugged. "And now that I think about it, you're… well, pretty weak, honestly. It was an error on our part to even consider you a threat to her."
Jaune scoffed, trying to hide the sting in her words. "Gee, thanks. Really know how to boost a guy's confidence."
Trifa, however, was less amused. Her eyes narrowed slightly, a dark seriousness crossing her face. "This changes nothing, Arc. You might be harmless, but Yang? She's another story. She's a genuine threat to the White Fang, and you'd do well to remember that. You might find other Faunus at Beacon aren't so fond of you, simply because of who you choose to spend time with."
Jaune shook his head, giving a short laugh as he defended his friend. "Yang? A threat? You're seriously overestimating her ambitions. Yang doesn't care about power or control, and she definitely doesn't have plans to take over Beacon or anything like that. She's just—" he hesitated, then spoke with a small, fond grin, "—she's an idiot who lives to fight strong opponents. That's all there is to her. Honestly."
For a moment, Ilia seemed taken aback, though she quickly masked it with an exasperated sigh. "Ah, I see. Well, in that case, I'm beginning to believe she really is a lot like… Valkyrie."
As Jaune, Ilia, and Trifa stood talking, they soon found themselves encircled by five individuals, each wearing grim, intense expressions. Jaune immediately recognized them as Faunus but didn't recognize any faces, while Ilia and Trifa stiffened, clearly aware of who they were. The leader stepped forward, unmistakable with his dark hair and fierce, slitted eyes. He wore a tailored jacket that seemed both imposing and militant, and most strikingly, two large, bat-like wings folded neatly behind his shoulders, casting sharp shadows across the pavement.
"Yuma?" Ilia asked sharply, her voice carrying a mix of wariness and irritation. "What are you doing here?"
Yuma's lips twisted into a smirk, his gaze moving slowly over the three of them. "Oh, it's pretty simple. After plenty of talk amongst ourselves, we've come to a decision: Blake Belladonna isn't fit to continue leading the White Fang."
Jaune noticed Ilia's fists tighten slightly, and Trifa's eyes narrowed. Yuma continued, his voice laced with frustration and mockery, "With Mercury and Henry out of the picture, Beacon should already be ours. If that girl wasn't so blinded by her naïve principles, she would have seized the moment. But her reluctance? It's unacceptable."
Trifa's voice was steady as she responded, "Blake doesn't believe in unnecessary violence. If we're attacked, we respond. But instigating a lot of conflict? That's not her way, and we won't stand by and let you disrespect her ideals."
Yuma gave a scoff, his eyes flashing with something darker. "I figured you two, as Belladonna's loyal pets, would be a problem. So we decided we'd deal with you first. And then, we'll deal with her."
His gaze finally shifted to Jaune, sizing him up with disdain. "And who the hell are you?"
Jaune, uncomfortable under the sudden scrutiny, cleared his throat "Me? Oh, no one important. Really, just passing through." He took a careful step backward, attempting a casual exit, only for Yuma to swat the ice creams from his hands, sending them splattering across the ground. Jaune's mouth opened in surprise and then in frustration as he watched the last remnants melt into sticky puddles on the concrete.
"Hey!" He started, closing his eyes for a moment as he felt a headache coming on. "You have no idea what you just did. Trust me… knocking over Yang's ice cream? Really, really bad idea."
Yuma scoffed, a look of disdain crossing his face. "Who the hell is Yang?"
Before he could get an answer, he felt a sudden grip on his wings. His eyes widened as powerful hands clamped down, pinning his wings tightly. Then, a solid weight pressed into his back, forcing him down to his knees with brutal strength. "What the hell—" he gasped, twisting his neck to see his attacker, but all he could glimpse was a flash of blonde hair and a dangerously amused grin.
The other White Fang members rushed to help, but Ilia and Trifa sprang into action, swiftly knocking them back with impressive skill. Meanwhile, Jaune watched the scene with a wry smile. "You really should do your homework if you don't know who Yang Xiao Long is."
At Jaune's words, Yuma went pale, connecting the dots. "Wait… you mean that Yang Xiao Long?"
Yang's smirk only grew wider as she leaned down, still holding Yuma's wings firmly while her foot kept him grounded. Her voice was dripping with menace and a twisted sort of enjoyment. "Oh, look who's finally catching on," she cooed mockingly. "I was waiting for Jaune here to bring me a nice, cold ice cream. I was in a great mood. And then I see you ruining my perfect day by ruining my ice cream. Now, let's see if I can get something out of you that's almost as satisfying."
With a brutal twist of her foot and a merciless tug on his wings, Yuma let out an involuntary scream of pain, his voice echoing across the park. "Wait! Stop! Please!" he begged, completely at her mercy.
Yang chuckled darkly. "Oh, don't worry. Keep screaming like that; it's almost as good as ice cream." She was clearly savoring every moment, her expression one of almost sadistic amusement as Yuma squirmed beneath her.
The torture continued for what felt like an eternity to Yuma, but in reality, it was only a few minutes. Yang finally released him, but only after confiscating every last bit of money he had on him. "Thanks for the tip," she said sweetly, watching as Yuma and his cohorts scrambled to their feet and bolted, thoroughly humiliated.
Ilia and Trifa stood in stunned silence as they watched him flee. Ilia, who had seen Yuma in action many times before, whispered, "Yuma's considered one of the strongest in the White Fang. Even we'd have a hard time dealing with him. But she… she humiliated him like it was nothing." She shivered slightly, her respect for Yang tinged with a hint of fear.
Once they were out of sight, Ilia managed to find her voice. "Thank you for your assistance, Yang Xiao Long."
Yang turned to them, blinking as if she'd just noticed their presence. "Uh… who the hell are you guys?"
Trifa bristled, clearly insulted, but Ilia quickly grabbed her arm to prevent her from doing anything reckless. Before she could respond, Jaune stepped in. "Oh, they're friends of Blake's. We were just talking when those guys showed up." He glanced back toward the ice cream stand. "No worries, Yang. The line at the ice cream stand is shorter now, so I can just get you another one."
Ilia, still reeling from Yang's display of power, cast a nervous glance at Jaune. As she mulled over his words, one thing was clear: Yang Xiao Long was definitely someone she didn't want as an enemy.
(…)
Nora Valkyrie sat triumphantly atop a small mountain of unconscious bodies on the sands of Vale's beach. Around her sprawled a chaotic scene: a lot of dudes, bloody and bruised, lay scattered as though a fierce storm had struck. Broken bats and shattered wooden sticks littered the sand, mixed with a few discarded knives glinting in the sun. It was clear this group of rough-looking gang members had underestimated their opponent—and were now paying for it. Unbothered by the carnage surrounding her, Nora reclined, idly enjoying her ice cream as she gazed out over the rolling waves. She wore a vibrant, sky-blue one-piece swimsuit with white lightning bolt designs zig-zagging across it, complementing her fiery spirit. Her wild hair was tied into a messy bun, with a few loose strands framing her face.
With a long, drawn-out yawn, she took another indulgent bite of her ice cream and muttered to herself, "Geez, a girl can't get a moment's peace these days. These idiots always get so overexcited, thinking they'll actually stand a chance. All they do is end up disappointing me."
As she finished her sentence, the sound of footsteps approaching from behind caught her ear. She didn't bother to look—she already had a good idea of who it was. Stepping into view were the Malachite twins, Miltia and Melanie, both in casual, beach-friendly attire. Miltia wore a cropped dark red tank top that accentuated her athletic frame, paired with black shorts and sturdy, flat-soled sandals. Her dark hair was tied back in a low ponytail, and she wore her usual sly, knowing smirk. Beside her, Melanie had opted for a similar style: a sleek black tank top, shorts, and a silver pendant around her neck. Her hair hung loose, catching the sunlight and adding an edgy shine.
Melanie's eyes roamed over the wreckage with a mischievous grin. "Wow, the whole beach is a massacre. Another gang that thought they'd actually get somewhere with you, huh?"
Nora rolled her eyes, lazily licking her ice cream. "It's such a bother. I was just trying to get a job at the beach's ice cream stand when these knuckleheads showed up. Didn't get the job, obviously… but at least the guy felt sorry for me and gave me a free ice cream."
Miltia gave a chuckle, her arms folded as she looked down at Nora with interest. "You know, we've offered you a job at our club more than once. The offer's still open."
Nora shrugged, showing only a mild interest. "Nah, not really my scene. I'll find something else. Nightlife's a bit too much of a yawn for me." She took a final, satisfied bite of her ice cream, then leaned forward slightly, her eyes lighting up. "So, heard any rumors about someone who could give me a real challenge?"
The twins exchanged a look, then Miltia nodded, looking thoughtful. "Honestly, it's slim pickings. But we've heard a few things about someone from Beacon Academy."
Melanie leaned in, her grin widening. "Yang Xiao Long. First-year student. Apparently, she's already taken down Marygold and Black—not that they're much to worry about. But she also fought Blake Belladonna herself and walked away without a scratch."
That caught Nora's full attention. She paused, finally glancing over at the twins with a wide, eager grin. "Hoooh… Xiao Long, huh? Interesting."
Hello, I just warn you that I may have to be away for a couple of weeks.
Review: ShJjh: Yes, Jaune could probably fight in the future, but it's a distant future.