Yang's bedroom was a mix of chaos and charm, perfectly encapsulating her personality. Posters adorned the walls alongside a few photographs of her and her father, A punching bag hung near the window, swaying slightly. The desk was cluttered with random trinkets—half-finished homework, a pair of combat gloves, and an empty mug with the words "Knockout Queen" emblazoned on the side.
Ruby lay on the bed, her pale skin glistening with sweat under the dim glow of a bedside lamp. Her silver eyes, usually bright and full of energy, were now half-lidded, dulled by a fever that kept her bedridden. Her crimson cloak had been set aside, replaced by a simple black tank top and shorts, though even that seemed to weigh heavily on her weakened frame. The air in the room was oppressively hot, making it uncomfortable for everyone inside.
Neo sat beside the bed, dabbing Ruby's forehead with a damp cloth, her multicolored eyes narrowing as she assessed her condition. "Lady Ruby's temperature has risen significantly," Neo said, her voice calm yet tinged with urgency. "This is bad."
Yang leaned against the wall nearest to the bed, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Her golden hair was tied back into a messy ponytail, though strands clung to her face from the heat. Concern was etched into her features as she watched her sister struggle. "The heat's unbearable," Yang muttered, her voice low and worried. "She's been like this for three days, and it's only gotten worse."
Neo glanced at Yang. "Bring a bucket of water. Quickly," she instructed, her tone leaving no room for argument. Yang pushed herself off the wall and rushed out of the room.
Ruby stirred slightly, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Don't... worry so much," she murmured weakly before her eyelids fluttered shut again. The exhaustion in her voice was palpable, each word a labor.
Jaune, sitting in a chair near the bed, leaned forward, his brows furrowed in thought. "This isn't a normal fever," he said softly. His tone carried a mix of concern and certainty.
Neo gave him a sidelong glance, a small smirk playing on her lips despite the situation. "As always, quick with your mind," she said. "This is not human sickness. It's something common among demons visiting the human world for the first time. We call it the Silver Fever. The drastic difference between the infernal and mortal realms creates a strain on the body. I'd hoped Lady Ruby's royal lineage would spare her, but... it seems luck wasn't on her side."
Before Jaune could respond, Yang re-entered the room, carrying a bucket of water. "Here," she said, setting it down beside Neo. But as Neo leaned over to test it, her eyes widened slightly. "It's already heating up," Neo observed grimly.
Neo glanced at Yang. "Pour it over her. All of it."
Yang hesitated but then grabbed the bucket and tilted it over Ruby's body. The moment the water made contact with Ruby's skin, it hissed and evaporated instantly, filling the room with thick steam. Visibility dropped, and the oppressive heat intensified, forcing Yang to rush to the window and throw it open. Cool air wafted in, cutting through the sweltering atmosphere.
Jaune coughed lightly, fanning the air. "Yeah, this definitely doesn't look good," he said grimly. But then, his eyes flicked to Yang's arm. His gaze sharpened. "Wait... the mark. It's gone."
Yang blinked and lifted her arm to inspect it. Her expression hardened when she saw that the emblem of Belphegor, once etched onto her skin, had disappeared. Neo stepped closer, grabbing Yang's arm to examine it. "This is worse than I thought," Neo muttered. "The contract is broken—likely due to Lady Ruby's condition."
Jaune's voice was steady, though laced with tension. "Do you know anyone? Someone who can handle this kind of thing?"
Neo released Yang's arm and began pacing the room, deep in thought. After a moment, she spoke. "There is someone. A demon doctor. But to bring him here, I'll need to return to Hell."
Yang straightened, her expression resolute despite the sweat clinging to her skin. "Don't worry about Ruby. I'll take care of her until you get back. Just hurry."
Jaune nodded, giving Neo a reassuring look. "We'll manage. Just focus on getting that doctor."
Neo paused at the door, glancing back at them. "Perhaps you're not entirely a waste of air, Yang Xiao Long," she said with a faint smirk.
Yang's expression darkened into a mock-threatening grin. "Careful, Neo. Don't push your luck. I wouldn't want to end up fighting you while Ruby's like this." Neo chuckled lightly, tipping her head in acknowledgment before vanishing out the door.
(…)
The night was still and unnervingly quiet, the only sounds the distant hum of the city and the faint shuffle of Jaune's footsteps against the damp pavement. The narrow alley he walked through was poorly lit, with the occasional flicker of a tired streetlamp casting pale, uneven light across the cracked asphalt. Shadows stretched long and deep, clinging to the cold stone walls that framed the passage like looming sentinels.
In his right hand, Jaune carried a small plastic bag filled with medicine, the faint crinkle of its movement the only companion to his thoughts. His brow furrowed as he glanced down at it. "If we're lucky, this might help—at least a little. But I've got no clue how a demon's metabolism works," he murmured, his voice low and distracted.
His mind churned with worry. Ruby was in a condition he could barely comprehend, and though he knew there was little he could do, the idea of standing by and doing nothing felt unbearable. She was a friend. He wasn't about to let her suffer without trying everything he could.
As he moved deeper into the alley, his thoughts were interrupted by a figure stepping into view at the far end. At first, she was just a silhouette, her slim form framed by the faint glow of a distant streetlamp. Her movements were calm but deliberate, her approach unhurried yet purposeful.
As she drew closer, her features became clear. She was a young woman, her jet-black hair cascading down to her shoulders in soft waves. Her eyes were a striking green, vivid and sharp, glinting with a playful yet dangerous energy. She wore casual nighttime attire—a dark leather jacket over a simple crimson top, paired with fitted jeans and boots. The outfit was effortless, youthful, yet it carried an air of confidence that made her presence magnetic.
Jaune slowed his pace, his eyes narrowing slightly. He didn't recognize her, but something about her demeanor sent a prickle of unease down his spine.
"Hey there," she greeted, her voice light but carrying a teasing edge. Her confident smile curved just enough to be unsettling.
Jaune blinked, confused by her casual tone. "Huh?"
Before he could react further, she moved. Her foot struck him with the force of a cannon, slamming into his stomach and sending him flying backward. Pain erupted in his abdomen as he hit the ground hard, skidding a few meters before coming to a stop. The bag of medicine flew from his grasp, landing with a soft thud a few feet away.
"Ugh!" He coughed violently, clutching his midsection as he struggled to catch his breath.
The woman laughed, her tone filled with mocking amusement. She took a few slow steps forward, her hands slipping casually into her jacket pockets. "Wow. That's it? You're Jaune Arc, aren't you?" Her green eyes glinted with mischief. "I figured Yang Xiao Long's subordinate would be stronger. But this?" She scoffed, shaking her head. "Pathetic."
Jaune winced, struggling to push himself up. His gaze met hers, his breath labored. "Who… are you?" he managed to rasp, his voice strained.
Her grin widened, almost predatory, as she tilted her head. "Don't tell me you don't know. If you're this weak, there's no way Yang will even be able to entertain Nora for long."
Jaune froze at the mention of that name. His eyes widened, the pieces falling into place. "Nora... You're talking about Nora Valkyrie, the Pillar?"
He forced himself to his feet, his legs trembling slightly under him.
"Oh?" Her brows raised slightly, her grin growing as though she found his determination amusing. "You can stand? Not bad. Maybe your strength is just being a punching bag."
Jaune's mind raced. "That kick… She's strong. This girl is dangerous."
The woman watched him closely, as though studying his every move, before offering a slight shrug. "The name's Miltia Malachite," she said, her tone casual but carrying a sharp undertone.
Jaune's stomach twisted as recognition struck. His lips pressed into a grim line, a quiet curse escaping under his breath. "Shit," he muttered, his heart pounding. "You're one of the Pillars, too."
Jaune's breathing was labored as he stared up at Miltia, his mind racing to process the situation. The name Malachite wasn't unfamiliar to him. He'd heard whispers about the twin Pillars, though his research into them had been cut short by Ruby's illness. Still, fragments of what he'd uncovered surfaced now, clawing their way to the forefront of his thoughts.
"I've heard rumors about you and your sister," Jaune said, his voice tight as he tried to mask his rising fear. "They say… you work for Nora Valkyrie, even though you're Pillars yourselves."
Miltia tilted her head, her green eyes glinting with amusement as she let out a soft chuckle. "Oh, that old rumor?" she said, shaking her head. "People just love to talk, don't they? Nora's our best friend. She's always dragging us along to whatever chaos she's cooking up, so I guess it looks that way. But working for her?" She smirked, the edge in her expression sharpening. "Please. Nora's too simple for something like that. The girl barely functions with her own plans, let alone trying to manage us."
Before Jaune could respond, Miltia moved. She closed the distance between them in an instant, her fist colliding with his face in a brutal strike. His head snapped to the side, and before he could recover, another punch landed, splitting his lip and leaving his ears ringing.
"Ugh!" Jaune staggered, pain blooming across his face, but he didn't have time to react before she grabbed the back of his head.
"Stay still, blondie," she purred mockingly, slamming her knee up into his face.
The impact sent him sprawling to the ground, the sharp metallic taste of blood filling his mouth as it dripped from his nose. His vision swam, and he blinked rapidly, trying to focus through the pain. Looking up at her, he couldn't hide the fear creeping into his expression.
"Oh, damn it. This is bad. I'm in serious trouble," he thought, his heart pounding in his chest. "According to the rumors, one of the Malachite twins is supposed to be calm, maybe even reasonable. But the other? She's a sadistic psycho. And I think I just figured out which one this is."
Miltia crouched down over him, her movements deliberate and unsettlingly smooth. She straddled his chest with an almost feline grace, her weight pinning him down as she leaned in close. Her lips curled into a slow, predatory smile, her green eyes sparkling with sadistic glee.
"You know," she said, her tone light but dripping with mockery, "I was going to let you off easy. But I think you owe me for wasting my time with your weakness."
Jaune froze as she shifted her hips slightly, her movements deliberate and taunting, her posture radiating a mix of dominance and amusement. Her grin widened as she saw the panic flicker across his face.
"Relax," she teased, her voice taking on a sultry edge. "We're just gonna play a little game." She leaned in closer, her breath brushing against his ear. "Here's the deal: if your little friend wakes up, I'll give you the kind of beating that'll haunt your nightmares. But…" She pulled back just enough to meet his wide-eyed gaze, her smirk deepening. "If you last five minutes without breaking, I'll let you off the hook. Hell, I'll even invite you to my club sometime."
Her tone was dripping with amusement, but her words carried a chilling weight. She wasn't bluffing, and the casual way she delivered the ultimatum only made it worse. Jaune felt a cold sweat forming as he tried to think of a way out, but Miltia wasn't giving him any room to breathe—literally or figuratively.
Just as Miltia leaned in closer, her mocking grin as sharp as ever, a blur of movement cut through the oppressive tension.
CRACK!
A kick struck Miltia square in the side, sending her sprawling off Jaune and skidding a few feet across the damp pavement. The sudden force made her grunt in surprise, her confident smirk faltering for the first time.
Jaune blinked in shock, still sprawled on the ground, as a familiar figure stepped into view. Standing tall, her blonde hair glowing faintly under the dim light of the streetlamp, was Yang Xiao Long. Her lilac eyes gleamed with a mix of amusement and simmering anger, her stance relaxed yet undeniably ready for a fight.
"I was wondering why you were taking so long, Jaune," Yang said, her voice carrying a teasing edge as she cast a quick glance at him. "Looks like you were having some fun."
Jaune let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding as Yang offered him a hand. He clasped it, her strength easily pulling him to his feet. Wiping the blood from his nose with the back of his hand, he managed a weak grin.
"Huh, well, I can't complain about having an attractive girl on top of me," he said, his voice tinged with dry humor. "But getting hit in the face isn't really my thing, so I wouldn't say I was having fun."
Yang smirked, clapping a hand on his shoulder as if to reassure him. "Don't worry, I'll take it from here"
Meanwhile, Miltia had already pushed herself to her feet, brushing off her clothes with an almost casual air. Her green eyes locked onto Yang, their sharp glint returning as her smirk slowly reappeared.
"That was a good kick," Miltia said, her voice calm but with a distinct edge of appreciation. "Not bad at all." She adjusted her jacket slightly, then placed her hands on her hips. "Honestly, you were the one I was looking for in the first place, Yang Xiao Long. I had heard that your house is in this area and it seems that it was true. Running into your little friend here was just a happy accident."
Yang raised an eyebrow at that, crossing her arms as she stared Miltia down. "Is that right? And what do you want with me?"
Miltia chuckled softly, her smile turning sly. "Oh, nothing too complicated. I'd been hearing some interesting rumors"
Yang's posture didn't change, but her lilac eyes narrowed slightly. The faint tension in the air grew heavier, a silent signal that things were about to escalate.
Jaune moved to her side as he spoke in a low voice. "Yang, be careful. That's Miltia Malachite—one of the Pillars of Beacon. She's dangerous. Her sister and Nora Valkyrie are the only ones left for us to deal with."
Yang's grin widened at the revelation. "Another Pillar, huh?" she said, her lilac eyes gleaming with excitement. "Finally. Guess that makes this my warm-up before the big fight with Nora."
Miltia tilted her head, her green eyes flashing with intrigue. "Confident, aren't you?" she mused, rolling her shoulders. "I like that. But I hope you're not all talk, Yang Xiao Long. I'd hate to be disappointed."
Without another word, Yang launched forward, her speed surprising despite her solid frame. She closed the distance in a heartbeat, her fist swinging in a powerful arc toward Miltia.
Miltia's reflexes kicked in, her body twisting gracefully as she dodged the blow by a hair's breadth. Yang's fist collided with the brick wall behind her, the impact leaving a small dent in the stone.
"Not bad," Miltia admitted, darting backward to create space. "But I'm quicker."
Yang smirked, unfazed. "You'll need to be."
The fight intensified as Yang pressed the assault. Her strikes were ferocious and relentless, each swing of her fists carrying enough force to crack bone. Yet Miltia danced around them with an almost feline agility, her movements fluid and precise. She countered with sharp kicks, each aimed with deadly accuracy. A spinning kick struck Yang's ribs, but the blonde barely flinched, shrugging off the blow with a grin.
"Is that all you've got?" Yang taunted, stepping forward as if daring Miltia to try again.
Miltia's expression remained calm, though a flicker of tension crossed her face. "I'll admit, you're tougher than I expected," she said. "It's dangerous to take your hits head-on, isn't it? That kick earlier—" she smirked—"you were holding back, weren't you?"
Yang's smirk grew wider. "Maybe. You'll just have to keep guessing."
Miltia chuckled, her amusement tinged with admiration. "You might even keep Nora entertained for a little while."
With that, she launched a flurry of attacks, her speed forcing Yang to shift to a defensive stance. Yang absorbed the blows, her sturdy frame weathering the storm, but Miltia's strikes were precise, each one aimed to exploit an opening.
Jaune, watching from the sidelines, spotted an opportunity. He grabbed a nearby trash bag, its contents sloshing faintly, and hurled it toward Miltia. The bag flew through the air, and Miltia reacted instinctively, swatting it aside with her right hand. The bag didn't burst, but the distraction gave Yang the opening she needed.
With a sudden burst of speed, Yang's fist connected with Miltia's face in a thunderous blow that sent her staggering. Yet even as she reeled, Miltia twisted her body, using the momentum from the hit to deliver a brutal roundhouse kick to Yang's head. The impact echoed through the alley, and Yang stumbled back a step, but it was Miltia who wiped a faint trickle of blood from the corner of her mouth.
Miltia's Green eyes locked onto Jaune, a wicked smile curling her lips. "Oh, you're going to pay for that, Jaune Arc," she said in a voice dripping with mock sweetness. "Bad boys always get punished." Her tone was playful, yet the edge of menace was impossible to miss.
Yang steadied herself, shaking off the kick and watching Miltia with renewed focus. "She's strong," Yang thought, flexing her fingers. "But after taking a few of her hits, I'm sure of it—I can beat her."
Before the fight could resume, the sound of a ringtone cut through the tense air. Miltia sighed and pulled out her Scroll, her expression shifting into one of mild irritation. "Oh, damn it," she muttered, glancing at the screen. "Sorry, sis, I lost track of time. Yeah, yeah, I'm on my way. Don't worry, Mel. Don't get mad—I'll be there soon."
Ending the call, Miltia slipped the Scroll back into her pocket and turned to the two blondes, a disappointed pout crossing her face. "Well, playtime's over," she said, shaking her head. "Duty calls. But Yang, you've got potential—I'll give you that."
She stepped back, offering them a mock salute. "Tomorrow, two in the afternoon. The small lake near Beacon. Nora will be waiting for you. Don't keep her waiting."
With a playful wave, she turned and strolled away, her movements as casual and confident as ever. Yang and Jaune watched her go, the tension lingering in the air long after she disappeared from view.
(…)
The dim glow of the bedside lamp bathed the room in a soft amber hue, casting long shadows across the walls. The oppressive heat lingered like an unwelcome guest, making the air thick and stifling. Yang sat on the edge of the bed, holding a small glass of water and a bottle of medicine in her hands. She let out a quiet sigh as she measured out the dose, her lilac eyes flicking to Ruby's pale, fevered form.
Ruby lay beneath the thin sheet, her silver eyes half-lidded and dulled by exhaustion. Her breathing was shallow, and the sheen of sweat on her skin reflected the dim light. Despite the overwhelming heat, she managed a faint smile as Yang handed her the medicine.
"I don't even know if this stuff will work," Yang muttered, a frown pulling at her lips. "It's made for humans, not demons. For all I know, it could do nothing—or worse."
Ruby chuckled softly, her voice hoarse but filled with gentle reassurance. "We won't know unless we try. Besides," she said, taking the glass and swallowing the bitter medicine without hesitation, "it's better than sitting here doing nothing. Thanks, Yang. And… I guess I owe Jaune a thanks, too."
Yang snorted, leaning back and crossing her arms. "Jaune deserves a bit of credit. Though I'll admit, he got himself into a bit of a mess tonight."
Ruby blinked at her, curiosity flickering in her tired gaze. "Mess? What happened?"
Yang sighed, tilting her head to the side. "On the way back, Jaune ran into another one of Beacon's Pillars. Miltia Malachite." Her tone held a mix of irritation and grudging respect. "She roughed him up a bit. I sent him home to rest."
Ruby's brow furrowed, her concern cutting through the haze of her fever. "Another Pillar? Miltia… That's one of the twins, right? Aren't they supposed to be close to Nora Valkyrie?"
"Exactly," Yang confirmed, her voice firm. "And tomorrow, it looks like I'll be facing Nora herself. Miltia told me she'd be waiting in the lake near Beacon. In The afternoon."
Ruby's frown deepened as she shifted slightly under the sheet. "You're really going to fight her?" Her tone was a mix of worry and resignation.
Yang waved off Ruby's concern with a confident smirk. "Don't worry about it. If Miltia's anything to go by, I've got this handled. Nora can't be that much stronger although it would be nice if she were, if she's not the right one to be your contractor we won't find anyone better in Beacon."
Ruby's lips quirked into a weak smile, though her gaze lingered on her sister with quiet doubt. "I wish I could be there to cheer you on… but like this?" She gestured vaguely at herself, her strength too sapped to even lift her arm fully. "I can barely move."
Yang reached out, brushing a damp lock of hair from Ruby's forehead with uncharacteristic gentleness. "Hey, don't sweat it. You just focus on getting better, okay? I'll take care of this."
Ruby's silver eyes softened, and she closed them with a faint smile. "Alright. I'll hold you to that. Good luck, Yang."
Yang stayed by her side for a few moments longer, watching as Ruby's breathing evened out and she drifted back into a fitful sleep.
(…)
Next day was here, the path to the lake was serene, lined with tall trees whose golden leaves swayed gently in the breeze. The faint sound of water lapping against the shore grew louder as Yang and Jaune walked side by side, the midday sun casting their long shadows over the trail. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth, but a subtle tension hung between the two friends.
Jaune glanced at Yang, noting the faint crease of worry in her otherwise confident expression. "You ready for this?" he asked, breaking the silence.
Yang turned her head, flashing a grin that was all bravado and fire. "Ready? I'm excited. They say Nora Valkyrie's the strongest person at Beacon. How could I not be pumped to take her on?"
Her tone was light, but Jaune caught the way her gaze flicked toward the distance, betraying a deeper concern. "You're still thinking about Ruby, huh?" he said softly.
Yang sighed, the grin slipping away for a moment. "Yeah. I hate leaving her alone, especially when she's like that." She shook her head, her blonde hair shimmering in the sunlight. "But she insisted. Guess you're my backup cheer squad."
Jaune chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. "I offered to stay with her, you know. But Ruby can be pretty stubborn."
"Tell me about it," Yang muttered with a smirk.
Ahead, a flight of stone steps descended toward the lake's shimmering surface. The water reflected the vibrant blue sky above, dotted with a few wispy clouds. The shoreline was a mixture of smooth pebbles and patches of grass, the perfect setting for the confrontation to come.
As they approached the steps, Jaune felt a sudden grip around his neck, yanking him backward. "What the—!" he exclaimed, struggling against the surprisingly strong arm holding him.
"Well, well," a familiar voice purred, tinged with mischief. "Look who decided to show up. Jauney-boy, don't think I forgot about that little stunt you pulled yesterday."
Jaune twisted his head to see Miltia Malachite smirking at him. Her black hair was tied back in a ponytail, and she wore a sleek black leather jacket over a fitted red corset. Her short pleated skirt matched her corset, accentuating her sharp, bold style. Green eyes glittering with amusement, she tightened her grip slightly, her other hand ruffling his hair and occasionally delivering a playful—though not gentle—punch to his scalp.
"Hey! Cut it out!" Jaune protested, squirming. "You're gonna give me a headache!"
Yang, watching the scene with crossed arms, burst into laughter. "Wow, Jaune. Making friends everywhere you go, huh?"
Miltia let out a satisfied chuckle before releasing him, letting Jaune stumble forward as he adjusted his collar. "Relax, I'm just messing with you Jauney-boy. Anyways," she said, turning to Yang, her expression shifting to one of sharp amusement, "Nora's already waiting down by the water with my sister. Let's go."
The three of them descended the steps, the cool breeze off the lake growing stronger as they neared the shore. Walking along the edge, Yang's eyes locked onto two figures in the distance.
The first was unmistakably Miltia's twin, Melanie. Identical in appearance, she had the same piercing green eyes and black hair, though her style was distinctly different. Melanie wore a fitted white blazer over a pale gray blouse and a silver pencil skirt, her overall appearance more refined and elegant compared to her sister's brash demeanor.
Beside her stood a shorter girl with a striking presence. Nora Valkyrie had vivid blue eyes that sparkled with mischief and energy. Her bright orange hair was styled in a tousled, carefree bob, with a small braid framing one side of her face. She wore a sleeveless black crop top with a white lightning bolt emblem and a short, flared pink skirt with a layered design. A pair of black thigh-high stockings and white boots completed her outfit, accentuating her lithe yet powerful frame. She exuded confidence and excitement, her hands resting on her hips as she watched the group approach.
As they drew closer, Miltia smirked and called out, "Hey, Nora. She's here."
Nora turned her attention to Yang, her lips curling into a wide grin as she sized her up. "So, you're Yang, huh?" she said, tilting her head slightly. "Hah! Your boobs are huge! Bigger than mine, even! And trust me, I thought mine were pretty impressive." She burst into laughter, her voice carrying across the lake.
Jaune coughed awkwardly, his face flushing a deep red. "I mean… she's not wrong. Honestly, Yang, you're kind of a phenomenon in that department. I don't think I've met anyone else as big—"
A loud thwack cut him off as Yang delivered a playful yet firm flick to the back of his head. "Shut up, Jaune."
Ignoring the throbbing in his skull, Jaune mumbled a sheepish apology, rubbing the sore spot.
Yang turned her focus to Nora, her eyes narrowing with determination. "Look, I don't have all day. Let's get this started."
Nora's grin widened, her excitement almost palpable. "Oh, I like you already. This is gonna be fun!"
Nora began her warm-up routine with an energy that bordered on theatrical. She flexed her arms, stretched her legs, and leapt into a few high-kicks, her movements bold and exuberant. However, each exaggerated motion caused the hem of her skirt to lift, revealing far more than intended—or perhaps precisely as intended.
Jaune's face turned an alarming shade of red, and he coughed awkwardly, quickly averting his gaze. His discomfort didn't go unnoticed.
Yang, smirked knowingly. "Don't worry, Jaune," she teased. "I can't blame you. She's got some killer legs."
Melanie, standing nearby with her arms crossed, sighed with exasperation. "Nora," she chided, her tone sharp but tinged with resignation. "Can you please show some decency? Flashing your underwear isn't exactly appropriate when there's a man present."
Nora paused mid-stretch, looking over her shoulder with a mischievous grin. "A man?" she echoed, her voice brimming with mockery. She straightened up, planting her hands on her hips. "Oh, come on, Melanie. I don't consider anyone weaker than me a 'man.' So, really, there's no issue here." She punctuated her declaration with a carefree laugh that echoed across the lake.
Jaune, flustered and still trying to compose himself, didn't get a moment's reprieve before Miltia sidled up to him once again. Her arm snaked around his neck, pulling him into another headlock. "Don't worry about it, Jauney-boy," she purred, her green eyes glinting with amusement. "Unlike Nora, I've got a soft spot for weaklings. They're so much easier to manipulate."
Her words were laced with teasing menace, and she gave him a rough shake for emphasis. Jaune grimaced, muttering, "Gee, thanks. That's so comforting."
Miltia dragged him back a few steps, giving the combatants more room. She finally let go, shoving him lightly toward a nearby boulder. "Relax," she said, brushing off her hands as though she'd done him a favor. "This fight won't last long anyways."
Jaune frowned, brushing himself off and shooting her a pointed look. "You shouldn't underestimate Yang, you already know she is good after all"
Miltia arched a brow, glancing toward Yang, who was rolling her shoulders and cracking her knuckles with an easy smirk. "She is good but not that good," she replied, her tone amused but unconvinced.
Nora closed the distance between herself and Yang, stepping so close that their faces were mere inches apart. Her blue eyes locked onto Yang's with an almost predatory excitement, her smile wide and electric. "That look in your eyes," she began, her voice low and brimming with exhilaration. "I know it well. Surrounded by weaklings, unable to unleash your full strength, never given the chance to truly let loose… It's the same for me." She leaned in slightly, her tone turning almost reverent. "I can satisfy that hunger, Yang Xiao Long. But the real question is—can you satisfy mine?"
Before Yang could answer, both fighters moved in an instant. Yang's fist shot forward with fiery determination, aiming directly for Nora's chest. At the same time, Nora swung her leg in a powerful arc, her kick slicing through the air with startling speed.
Nora's attack landed first. The impact was like a thunderclap, and Yang was sent hurtling backward, crashing into the lake with a splash.
Jaune's eyes widened in disbelief, beside him, Miltia smirked, her expression smug and triumphant. "If you thought your friend had a chance because she managed to hold her own against me, you're dead wrong," she said. "Nora's on an entirely different level."
The water rippled as Yang emerged, walking steadily back toward Nora. Her golden hair clung to her face and shoulders, but her gaze was as fierce as ever, her lilac eyes practically glowing.
Miltia raised an eyebrow, impressed "Still," she admitted, crossing her arms. "I have to give her credit. Even I couldn't take a hit like that from Nora and get back up like it was nothing."
Nora's grin widened, her delight unmistakable. "That's what I'm talking about!" she exclaimed, cracking her knuckles. "What do you say we try that again?"
Yang's lips curled into a confident smile. "Bring it on."
This time, both fighters launched themselves forward in perfect synchronization, but Yang's punch connected first. Her fist collided with Nora's torso, the force reverberating like a cannon blast. Nora was sent hurtling backward, skidding across the grass and dirt until she came to a stop several meters away.
"Shit, are you okay?" Melanie cried as she sprinted over to Nora's side, crouching down to check on her.
Jaune couldn't help but smile as he turned to Miltia. "That could've been you yesterday if you hadn't dodged her punches. Yang's strength is on another level."
Miltia didn't respond immediately, her expression unreadable. "It's the first time I've seen Nora get knocked down like that" she thought, her smug demeanor faltering slightly.
Nora sat up, waving Melanie off with a grin. "Don't worry about me," she said, brushing the dirt from her skirt. Her eyes sparkled with unrestrained excitement as she stood, locking eyes with Yang once more. "We're just getting started, right?"
Yang nodded, her smile as confident and fiery as ever. "Damn right."
Yang and Nora stood facing each other, the air between them charged with unrestrained energy. Their grins were wild, their eyes alight with the thrill of combat. Neither seemed interested in strategy or caution—this was going to be a fight purely for the sake of it.
Yang charged first, her fist swinging with raw power aimed at Nora's side. Nora met the attack head-on with her own punch, the impact resounding like a thunderclap. Neither woman backed down, their strikes coming hard and fast, with no attempt to dodge or deflect. Each hit landed with a brutal thud, and each was answered in kind.
Miltia, crossed her arms and shook her head in disbelief. "These idiots aren't even trying to dodge. They look like a pair of gorillas bashing each other senseless."
Yang landed a heavy right hook to Nora's jaw, snapping her head to the side, but Nora barely seemed to notice. She responded with a powerful uppercut to Yang's stomach, forcing a grunt from the blonde as she staggered back a step. Before Nora could press her advantage, Yang recovered and lunged forward, delivering a thunderous blow to Nora's shoulder.
Both fighters were grinning madly, their faces flushed from exertion and the sheer joy of the brawl. Their attacks were relentless, and the sounds of fists meeting flesh filled the air, accompanied by occasional grunts and labored breaths.
At one point, Nora swung a vicious overhead punch, but Yang caught her wrist. Nora retaliated with her other hand, only for Yang to grab that arm as well. Now locked in a fierce grapple, they pushed against each other, their muscles straining, teeth bared in effort.
"Rrrgh!" Nora growled, her eyes gleaming with excitement. She pulled back slightly, then lunged forward to deliver a headbutt.
Yang anticipated the move and countered with her own headbutt, the two foreheads colliding with a sickening crack. Both women staggered slightly, blood trickling from small gashes on their brows, but neither released their grip.
Yang grinned through her labored breathing, her voice filled with a mixture of pain and exhilaration. "I have to admit—I didn't think I'd find a real challenge at Beacon."
Nora chuckled, her grin matching Yang's. "Finally! A name worth remembering. I don't bother learning the names of weaklings."
Yang laughed, tightening her grip slightly. "Funny, I'm the same way. Well… Jaune's an exception."
Nora took advantage of Yang's brief distraction, pulling her leg up to attempt a knee strike, but Yang released her grip just in time to step back, narrowly avoiding the blow.
Nora took a deep breath, her expression still gleeful. "We'd better pick up the pace. Didn't you say you were short on time?"
That reminder sent a jolt through Yang. "Ruby's still sick and waiting for me" she thought, her gaze hardening. She rushed forward, unleashing a flurry of punches. Her fists landed repeatedly against Nora, driving her back with each strike. Blood began to drip from Nora's lip, but she didn't falter, her grin never wavering.
Finally, as Yang went for a finishing blow, Nora ducked and sidestepped, repositioning herself with remarkable speed. She shifted her stance, her body coiling like a spring, one leg drawing back as she prepared to unleash a devastating kick.
Her voice was filled with a mix of respect and exhilaration. "You've satisfied my hunger a bit, Yang Xiao Long. It's been a pleasure to meet you."
With that, Nora unleashed her kick, her leg slicing through the air with terrifying power. The impact struck Yang square in the chest, the force of the blow sending her flying backward. She soared through the air, crashing into the lake with a massive splash far from the shore.
Jaune's jaw dropped, his voice barely above a whisper. "Holy shit."
Miltia watched, stunned into silence for once. Even she couldn't muster a snide comment, acknowledging the spectacle for what it was. Melanie, however, darted over to Nora, her eyes wide with concern. "That was insane! You think she's okay?"
Nora let out a hearty laugh, placing her hands on her hips. "Relax, she's strong. She just took a little swim, that's all."
Nora turned toward Jaune, her smile softening slightly but still brimming with confidence. "You're Jauney or something, right?"
Jaune, still overwhelmed by the sheer power he had just witnessed, nodded silently.
"Do me a favor," Nora said, her tone light and almost cheerful. "When she crawls out of the lake, tell her I had a great time. Even though it didn't last long, I haven't had this much fun in forever. Let's do it again sometime."
She gave him a playful wink before turning back to Melanie and Miltia, laughing as they walked away.
Thank you for your reviews, I really appreciate it.