Jaune stretched, feeling the stiffness from the previous night's encounter with the Grimm. The morning air was brisk, and he could hear the animals of the forest stirring, the birds calling out occasionally. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifted into his nose, and he gratefully accepted Alex's cup. The warmth of the coffee felt comforting, and he took a moment to enjoy its robust flavor before turning his attention back to his uncle.

"What's planned for today?" Jaune inquired, curious about what new challenges awaited him.

"You'll be traveling alone today. ill mark a location on your map, and you'll need to meet me there before sunset." Alex said as he handed Jaune his map. Jaune nodded as he sipped his coffee; it had been a while since he'd had any. Most everyone at the dojo preferred tea. Jaune didn't mind it, but his preferred drink was a rich, energizing cup of coffee. His morning coffee interrupted him as Alex handed him a new Scroll, sleek and modern with the latest software. "This one's on my plan," Alex reiterated, emphasizing that it wasn't linked to Jaune's previous identity. Jaune realized the significance of this - it was a gesture of trust and protection. "Your old one could've been a liability," Alex continued, "and for today's exercise, you'll need this. I'll be able to monitor your aura levels and location. And yes, you can toggle that off, but I ask that you don't do so today."

Jaune looked at the Scroll, appreciating its smooth design and intuitive interface. He remembered his old device, which he had stopped using to prevent anyone from his family from tracking him down. Under Alex's plan, he could call people without fear. He could even check up on Mallon now if he wanted to. He checked his contacts and saw his uncle's name and Ryozapaku's number, already saved.

Jaune looked at the map on his new Scroll, marking the designated rendezvous point. It was a reasonable distance away, and from his estimation, the journey would be through varied terrains. It looked like there was a decent amount of forest, but he could also see hills, creeks, or small rivers in between. Jaune got to his feet. Navigating the wilderness alone and facing potential Grimm threats was daunting. Still, he also felt excitement. It was a chance to prove himself and put his training to the test.

This feeling was familiar to the boy; when had he begun looking forward to such challenges? He wasn't sure, but all the same, he felt good.

Alex watched him, reading the mix of emotions on Jaune's face. "Remember everything you've learned, not just the combat techniques, but the survival skills, the understanding of the environment. It's not just about fighting Grimm; it's about surviving."

Jaune nodded, taking in the advice. "I'll be cautious. Thanks, Uncle Alex."

Alex gave a nod of approval, then added with a smirk, "Oh, and try not to get too lost, alright? We wouldn't want to waste the evening searching for you."

Jaune chuckled, "I'll do my best."

Navigating through the forest, Jaune was constantly alert. The rustling of leaves, the distant chirping of birds, and the sound of his footsteps kept him company. The occasional gunshots reminded him that others, probably students like him, were honing their skills against the Grimm. It was reassuring, in a way, knowing he wasn't entirely alone in this vast expanse.

Jaune would often come across tracks or signs of other Huntsmen having been in the area. Abandoned campsites, footprints, or even the remains of slain Grimm. He used these as reference points, mentally noting their locations and cross-referencing with his map.

Around noon, he reached a stream. The cold water was refreshing as he filled his canteen and splashed some on his face. He realized the importance of regular breaks to keep his stamina up. With the sun directly above, he took a moment to sit by the stream, taking out a small packed lunch he had prepared earlier. It was a simple ration, meatloaf, and instant potatoes. And some sweet bread; it was thin and dry and had the consistency of playdough left out in the sun, but it was edible and tasted alright. It's a little bland, but at least the heat pack inside made the food hot. And it came with a lemonade mixer; it had an odd taste; it must have had some vitamins or minerals inside it. His Meal was interrupted as he head loud splashing in the creek a small pack of beowolfs sprinting in his direction. he dropped his meal and stood up and drew his sword and expanded his shield.

The Beowulfs bore down on Jaune, their powerful limbs propelling them forward with speed and intent, fangs bared, and claws poised. But Jaune's mind was clear, and his movements were even more precise thanks to his training.

"Third Form: Flowing Dance!" he called out, and in an instant, the forest became his dance floor.

His first motion was like water on stone, smooth and fluid. As Beowulf leaped at him, he gracefully sidestepped, using the creature's momentum against it. His blade followed the movement of his body, slicing across the creature's flank. Before it could even react, Jaune was already transitioning to his next target.

The second Beowulf lunged, but Jaune ducked low, allowing the creature to sail over him. His blade danced upwards as he moved, cutting a path along the beast's underbelly. It collapsed behind him with a pained howl.

For the next pair, Jaune's dance became even more intricate. The two Beowulfs tried to flank him, but he anticipated their move. As one charged from his right, he pivoted, guiding it into the path of its companion. In their momentary confusion, he struck, his blade cutting down one and then swiftly returning to wound the other.

The final Beowulf was the largest and seemingly the most cunning. It circled Jaune warily, eyes locked onto him. But Jaune's dance wasn't over. He closed the distance between them in a burst of speed, his blade arcing in a dazzling spiral. The Beowulf tried to defend, snapping its jaws at the sword, but Jaune's flow was unstoppable. With a final twirl, he sliced off its bottom jaw before stabbing it in the heart; he ended the dance, leaving the creature motionless at his feet.

Chest heaving slightly, Jaune sheathed his sword, the forest again silent save for the sounds of nature.

Internally, Jaune marveled at the transformations he had undergone. A mere month ago, facing a pack of Beowulfs like this would have been a harrowing, if not impossible, task. But now, not only had he dispatched them, but he did so with a fluidity and finesse that left him feeling more alive than drained.

As he reflected on his performance, he realized how much the water-breathing style resonated with him. It was as if the art connected with some core part of his being, amplifying his strengths and mitigating his weaknesses. He could almost feel the blood coursing through his veins, invigorating with each swing, maneuver, and flowing step.

The blade's movement through the air reminded him of water cascading through a river, its energy unstoppable but controlled. He felt a synergy with his sword that made him feel like he was wielding not just a piece of steel but an extension of himself. The natural sound it produced while cutting through the air and the enemy was so harmonious it almost felt like a melody—a melody sung by a rushing wave.

"... I was born to do this." he grinned, relishing in the feeling. Before he focused, a gunshot rang out nearby, reminding him where he was. he quickly returned his attention to the path in front of him and walked.

Meanwhile

Chris sighed as she stood in the crowd of other huntsmen and huntresses in training; her aunt had wanted her to participate in this cross-school training session to expand and meet other peers she may find herself working with. She had wanted to continue looking for her brother, but she had been assured everyone was looking for him. There wasn't much she could do to find Jaune no atter how much she wanted to help. She looked around as they were divided into teams to head into the forest. her name being assigned to team 7.

Chris approached the group, offering a smile that belied her inner turmoil about her missing brother. She extended a hand, "Christiana Arc, but you can call me Chris. Pleased to meet you all."

Roy looked at her outstretched hand, then up at her face, assessing her with a raised eyebrow. He took her hand with a firm grip, "Roy Stallion. Just Roy is fine." He grinned, showing a hint of mischief.

Sage just nodded, the gold of his eyes catching the light in a calming and intense way. "Sage," he simply said, his voice deep and melodic.

"So, we've teamed up. I hope we can all work well together."

Roy smirked, twirling his buzzsaws, "As long as you pull your weight, we'll be just fine."

Chris chuckled lightly, "I intend to."

Sage offered another nod, his silence speaking more than words ever could. He was someone who preferred actions over words.

As they all got acquainted, a familiar silhouette approached – Pyrrha Nikos. While Chris had never personally met Pyrrha, her reputation preceded her. Known as the "Invincible Girl," reigning champion for the mistral regional tournament two years running.

Pyrrha the global celebrity she was still, gave a friendly nod to Chris. "I'm Pyrrha Nikos. It's a pleasure to meet you, Chris. Sanctum Academy has been good, but I've always wondered how other schools train their students."

Chris shook Pyrrha's hand, her grip as firm as the other girl's. "Likewise. I've heard Sanctum has a rigorous program. It must be an honor to train there."

Pyrrha smiled, a hint of modesty in her expression. "It's an opportunity to grow and learn, definitely. I try not to take it for granted."

Roy interrupted, his impatience evident. "Good, good, we're all prestigious and honorable. Can we move on now? Time's ticking, and we have a training session to conquer."

Sage raised an eyebrow but said nothing only nodding in agreement, evidently approving of Roy's eagerness to proceed.

Pyrrha chuckled, "Roy's right. We should get started."

The four trainees adjusted their gear and took a collective step into the forest. For Chris, each step felt like an escape from and a deeper immersion into her thoughts about her missing brother. The juxtaposition wasn't comforting, but the challenges required her full attention.

As they moved deeper into the forest, Pyrrha occasionally shared tactical advice, which Chris listened attentively. Sage was keenly aware of their surroundings, his eyes scanning for inconsistencies. Confident in his abilities, Roy led the way, his buzzsaws at the ready.

The forest was dense and foreboding, with the distant sound of Grimm rustling through the underbrush. The path ahead was hardly visible, covered by creeping vines and overshadowed by towering trees.

As the team pressed on through the forest, the surrounding foliage seemed denser, and the shadows grew longer. A sudden rustle to their left caused everyone to halt. Emerging from the thickets, a swarm of Nevermore descended upon them.

Roy swiftly unhooked his Circular Saws, launching them as projectiles. The blades spun through the air, cutting down a couple of the airborne Grimm before they returned to him like lethal boomerangs.

Chris, impressed, called out, "Nice shot!"

Roy grinned, catching his saws effortlessly. "They're more versatile than they look."

Diving back into the fray, he used them in close combat, the whirring blades proving to be as effective at slashing as they were at ranged attacks. Sage and Pyrrha covered his flanks, each seamlessly moving as a unit.

After a few intense minutes, the Nevermore were dispatched, and the group took a moment to catch their breath.

The quartet moved seamlessly through the forest, each showing their own distinct style and proficiency in battle. The Grimm seemed relentless, but the trainees were up for the challenge.

Chris was nimble, her footwork precise. She would parry and thrust with her rapier, the slender blade finding its mark each time. Each lunge and riposte was executed with practiced skill. But as effective as she was, her gaze would often drift to Pyrrha.

Pyrrha was a marvel to behold. Each swing of her weapon, each strike, was fluid and effortlessly elegant. The way she danced around the Grimm, dispatching them without breaking a sweat, made it seem like a choreographed performance rather than a life-or-death battle.

Chris couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. "Show-off," she muttered under her breath, though there was a playful tone to her voice. She respected Pyrrha immensely, but a competitive streak within her wanted to prove she was just as capable.

Roy noticed Chris's occasional glances at Pyrrha and chuckled, "Don't compare yourself too much. We all have our unique strengths." His Circular Saws whizzed through the air, taking out a Beowolf that had tried to flank them.

Sage, not one for many words, nodded in agreement with Roy. He launched a powerful strike, his blade shimmering as it cleaved through a couple of Grimm.

The late afternoon sun bathed the campsite in a warm, golden glow as the four teenage huntsmen and huntress in training completed their respective tasks in training.

Roy had already started a pot of chili over the campfire, the tantalizing aroma wafting through the air. He hummed to himself as he stirred the simmering concoction, occasionally tossing in a spice or ingredient to perfect the flavor.

Sage sat a little distance away from the campfire, his legs crossed, and eyes closed as he entered a deep state of meditation. His aura pulsed gently around him, a protective barrier in this unfamiliar territory.

Pyrrha patrolled the perimeter of the campsite, her movements graceful and purposeful. She scanned the surrounding area with hawk-like precision, her shield at the ready and her spear in hand. Her presence alone seemed to keep the Grimm at bay.

And then there was Chris, the speedster of the group. With her agility and incredible swiftness, she darted through the underbrush, collecting firewood and hunting down any stray Grimm that dared approach the camp. Her rapier moved like an extension of herself, striking with precision and speed.

Occasionally, an academy drone would fly by, checking on the students. It reassured them that they weren't entirely isolated in this wilderness. The forest's tranquil beauty contrasted with the underlying tension of their training session, where danger lurked around every corner. Chris sighed as she dispatched a Grimm with relative ease, her mind drifting to her brother, wondering where he was. Only to freeze in her tracks at the sight before her. The forest was beginning to grow dimmer in the late afternoon before she saw her brother staring at her like a deer in the headlights.

"Christiana? What are you doing here?"

Jaune had been walking through the dense forest for hours, focusing on reaching the rendezvous point his uncle had marked on the map. The sun was beginning its descent, casting long shadows through the trees. He was determined to arrive on time, but he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as he moved deeper into the wilderness.

As he continued, his thoughts drifted back to his family, especially his twin sister, Christiana. It had been a month since he left home, and he had decided to pursue his path as a Huntsman. He knew his departure had caused worry and anger among his family, but he couldn't ignore the calling within him.

Suddenly, a figure appeared before him in the dimming light of the forest. Jaune blinked, his eyes widening as he recognized his sister, Christiana. Her presence here, alone and far from home, was both a surprise and a shock.

"Christiana? What are you doing here?" Jaune asked, his voice tinged with a mix of surprise and concern. He had never expected to encounter his sister in the wilderness.

Christiana expressed a tumultuous blend of anger, worry, and frustration. She had tracked her brother down, her concern for his safety outweighing her anger over his abrupt departure. She took a step closer, her rapier at her side.

"What am I doing here? What do you think you're doing here, Jaune?" she replied her tone a mix of exasperation and disappointment. "You ran home without a word, causing Mom and Dad so much worry. You've been gone for a month, and I had to come after you to ensure you're safe."

Jaune felt a pang of guilt, understanding the pain he had caused his family. He stepped back, his hand inching towards the hilt of his sword. "I left because I needed to follow my own path, Christiana. I want to be a Huntsman, to protect people from the Grimm."

Christiana's expression hardened. "And you think running away from your family is the way to do that? We could have supported you. We could have found a way for you to pursue your dream without breaking our hearts."

"No, you don't get to say that," Jaune yelled, his voice filled with frustration as he drew his sword. "Everyone had years to try and support me. All anyone tried to do was delay and sabotage me! Now I'm far behind."

He circled his sister, his eyes filled with a cold determination. "Let's say you're right, and they do train me. They aren't going to push me hard enough. They'll do enough to make me think I'm progressing and sit back to watch me fail. Not going to happen."

Christiana's expression wavered between anger and guilt as she raised her rapier. "You're coming home, Jaune. You can't outrun me, and you can't beat me."

Their words hung in the air like a storm about to break. Jaune took a deep breath and adopted his Water Breathing stance, ready for the battle ahead. "I guess we're going to have to do this the hard way." they both muttered bitterly.

With those words, they both dashed towards each other,

As Jaune and Christiana closed their distance, their clash began in earnest. Jaune's frustrations and determination fueled his every move, while Christiana, equally resolute, was determined to bring her brother back home.

Jaune moved with the flowing grace of the water-breathing style, his blade becoming an extension of his will. He deftly parried Christiana's initial rapier thrust, and the clash of metal rang through the forest. It was clear that despite his limited experience, Jaune had grown remarkably under the tutelage of his masters. But that didn't matter much; his sister had been training a whole year more than him. and had an advantage. He still wasn't sure how to get around.

Christiana's Semblance, her incredible speed, was a formidable advantage. She moved like lightning, making it difficult for Jaune to predict her strikes. However, Jaune's Water Breathing style allowed him to maintain a fluid defense, deflecting and dodging her attacks as he sought an opening. Each time she would dash past him, a flurry of thrusts and slashes in her wake. If it weren't for his shield, he'd be riddled with cuts by now.

Their exchange was intense, each strike and parry punctuated by sparks and the resounding echoes of their weapons clashing. Christiana was relentless, her rapier striking like a viper. At the same time, Jaune's movements seemed almost preternatural as he flowed through his stances. Occasionally forcing Chris to jump back from a flowing cut. The few times Jaune did manage to hit, he took a decent amount of aura with it. He was bigger than his twin and could generate a lot more force.

As the duel raged on, Jaune was gradually pushed back by Christiana's relentless assault. Her experience and mastery of her Semblance were undeniable advantages. Jaune was driven to the defensive, parrying her thrusts and trying to keep pace with her speed.

Jaune panted as his sister widdled away at his aura; this wasn't working; he couldn't meet her blow for blow with his sword. Chris was just way faster and had more sparring experience. He eyed a thick bamboo wall; it would hinder his swings, but it would also get rid of his mobility. As Chris flew past him, he ran into the thicket as Chris closed the distance behind him.

As he sprinted through the dense bamboo trees, his blade sliced through the stalks, causing them to crash in his wake. The fallen bamboo barrier effectively slowed Christiana's pursuit, making it difficult to maintain her incredible speed.

Christiana found herself faced with a chaotic obstacle course as she attempted to follow Jaune. The crashing bamboo and the maze of fallen stalks made it nearly impossible to maintain her top speed. She collided with the stubborn bamboo, each impact chipping away at her aura and momentarily causing her to lose focus as she tried to slice and dodge to keep Jaune within reach.

Jaune knew he couldn't keep running forever and needed to find a way to gain the upper hand. As he emerged from the bamboo thicket into a small clearing, it was small, maybe 20-30 ft., more than enough for Chris to use her Semblance. He knew she wouldn't give him another chance to get back into the forest, so he skidded to a halt, turning to face his sister. he could see her jumping over the fallen bamboo stalks. As soon as she had a clear enough line, she activated her Semblance, the wind picking up behind her. The boy watched as she zipped towards him, closing the distance, her rapier poised to strike him in his shoulder, intent to lower his aura and get Jaune to surrender more than anything. He collapsed, his shield pivoting away, his left foot shifting, and his weight transferring to his right. "Kouho." Christiana's rapier sliced through the air, narrowly missing Jaune's shoulder. With the momentum of her attack carrying her forward, Christiana was mid-run past Jaune, her own speed working against her. Jaune capitalized on this opportunity, stepping forward and slamming his right elbow into her face, her aura flaring brightly to defend against the explosive attack."Haiho!" Jaune yelled as The blow and the speed she was going caused her to flip backward as she flew past, her aura shining with each crash she made before she stopped, laying on her side.

Christiana got back to her feet, trying to activate her Semblance once more, only to feel nothing happen as she tumbled forward. She checked her bracelet, her aura dangerously low from the overuse of her Semblance in her attempt to end the confrontation early. She couldn't help but plead one last time, her voice filled with desperation.

"Please, Jaune... just come home. You've already gotten strong enough to close the gap between us. Is it impossible to come home and train with me and Aunt Margaret?"

Jaune sighed as he checked his own aura, which was in the yellow. Then again, he had taken a more defensive stance during the fight. He looked back at Christiana, the two of them lowering their weapons briefly.

"You all had your chance," Jaune replied, his voice tinged with frustration. "It's too late to play the supportive loved one. If you really want to help me... don't look for me... goodbye."

With those words, Jaune sheathed his sword and sprinted away from her as hard as he could. He knew she couldn't use Semblance to catch up, as her aura was dangerously low. And if there was one thing ryozapaku trained to a ridiculous degree, it was his lower body. Christiana was about to chase after, only to hear heavy snapping and rustling from the forest. She raised her rapier, sweat dripping off her forehead as she waited for whatever Grimm was nearby, only to sigh of relief as a familiar head of green caught her eye.

Sage had rushed into the clearing, clearly concerned for Christiana's well-being. He held his sword at the ready to face any potential danger. His voice held a mix of relief and reproach as he questioned her.

"There you are! What the heck happened? You were supposed to call us if you run into any Grimm." he said, looking around. "We need to get going. The instructors just called; there's a massive amount of Grimm gathering here for some reason."

Christiana offered a weak apology, looking worse for wear with rough bruises and a bleeding nose. She knew she couldn't explain the valid reason for the encounter with Jaune and the emotional turmoil that had come with it.

"Sorry, I just... ran into something weird," she said, her voice trailing. "Let's... let's get back to camp. We still have to get through tomorrow."

Sage's expression shifted from concern to seriousness as she mentioned tomorrow's hike.

"Not gonna happen," Sage asserted. "There's a dangerously large number of Grimm gathering in the area. Instructors are recalling everyone."

But Christiana couldn't let it go, her worry for her brother outweighing her own injuries. "There's a boy who ran off that way. He's in danger!" she insisted, pointing in the direction Jaune had fled.

Sage frowned, trying to piece together the situation. "Boy? Did he do this to you?"

"It's complicated, but he doesn't know about the Grimm," Christiana replied, her concern for Jaune evident in her eyes.

Sage sighed and reached for his Scroll, quickly sending a message to Pyrrha, who had been searching in that direction. He knew she was skilled enough to handle a large pack of Grimm independently.

"I've messaged Pyrrha. She was heading to look for you while Roy waited at camp. I told her to watch for stray students and bring them back to camp," Sage explained. "She fine. She'll be fine. shes a champion, after all. You, on the other hand, are in no shape to fight."

As if to emphasize Sage's point, a chilling howl echoed through the forest, signaling the Grimm's increased activity as they began their hunt in earnest. "Come on. We cant stay here."

30 min later

As Jaune ran through the forest, his focus squarely on the immediate threat of the Grimm pursuing him, he had no time to dwell on the emotional encounter with his sister. The loud howl and the relentless pursuit of the Grimm made it clear that he needed to prioritize his safety. A quick glance at his shoulder proved that a pack of Grimm was chasing after him. Way more than the last two packs he fought.

He could hear the creatures around him, their menacing presence closing in. Jaune's instincts kicked in, and he drew his sword, pivoting to face a Beowolf that attempted to swipe at him. Jaune severed the creature's arm swiftly and precisely, causing it to howl in pain and fall back.

But there was no time to celebrate the small victory. Jaune continued to run, the pack of Grimm hot on his heels. His heart raced, and he knew that he needed to find a way to shake them off or, at the very least, reach a safer location.

The dense forest provided cover and obstacles. Jaune had to navigate it carefully, choosing his path to hinder the pursuing Grimm while maintaining his speed.

As Jaune entered the clearing and caught sight of the lone huntress in training engaged in a fierce battle with the pursuing Grimm, he knew he had a decision to make. The scene before him was both a relief and a curiosity, as he could hear gunfire ahead and see the flashes of yellow from the huntress's attire.

The young huntress was a tall, fair-skinned woman with striking lilac eyes and long, wavy golden hair that faded to a pale gold at the tips. She had a distinctive outfit that included a tan jacket, a low-cut yellow crop top with her emblem on the left breast, and a pair of yellow gauntlets.

Her combat skills were impressive, and Jaune could see that her gauntlets packed a powerful punch, each strike delivering what he assumed were shotgun rounds to the Grimm. She fought with determination and skill but was still outnumbered by the relentless creatures.

Jaune knew he couldn't continue running, leaving her to face the Grimm alone. He rushed towards her, positioning himself to cover her flank. He blocked a swipe that would have hit his fellow blonde side and retaliated with a stab into the beowolf's stomach, killing it quickly. "Hi, there's more behind me. Get ready!" Jaune yelled, taking a moment to catch his breath, and raised his shield.

Surprised but appreciative of the assistance, the huntress in training gave a nod before grinning. "Thanks; I guess we got quite the party going on now. im yang!" she shouted as she punched a shell into a Beowulf as it lunged over a boulder.

The relentless Grimm continued to pool into the clearing, their numbers seemingly endless. However, Jaune and Yang had formed an effective partnership, using their skills and teamwork to hold their ground.

As one Grimm swiped at Jaune, he skillfully batted its arm away. Still, Yang lunged through his side before he could counter, delivering a powerful right hook that sent the Grimm reeling. Jaune seized the opportunity, pivoting and spinning in the opposite direction to provide a swift backhanded swing, cleanly decapitating the creature. Meanwhile, Yang turned around and unleashed a shotgun round from her gauntlets, obliterating a Grimm sneaking up behind them.

"I need a boost!" Yang shouted, and Jaune knelt down, raising his shield over his head. Yang hopped on it, firing her gauntlets as Jaune jumped up, propelling her into the air. The blonde brawler flipped in the air and fired 12 flaming shots of fire-infused bullets into the Grimm around Jaune before she landed back on the grounds, tossing two strips of ammo into the air as she reloaded.

As the battle raged on and the Grimm continued to pour into the clearing, Jaune began to feel the effects of his earlier encounter with his sister. His movements were growing slower, his arms ached from the relentless fighting, and his body was sweaty due to the forest's humidity.

On the other hand, Yang appeared to be holding up remarkably well, her combat prowess undiminished. However, even she had her limits, and Jaune could see that her ammunition was beginning to dwindle. They were both facing the physical toll of the battle in their own ways.

Jaune knew that they couldn't keep up this pace indefinitely. The relentless onslaught of the Grimm made it clear that they needed a plan, and they needed it soon.

"We need to get out of here! We're gonna get overwhelmed soon if we don't!" Jaune yelled, his mind racing for a plan. He recalled the map he had studied that morning, precisely the location of a river to the north. It was their best chance to escape the relentless pursuit of the Grimm.

"There's a river north of here," Jaune explained, his words quick as he continued to fend off the Grimm. "If we can get there, we might be able to lose them by jumping in."

Yang considered the information, but she pointed out, "Students are supposed to evacuate south."

Jaune, however, was resolute. "We won't make it with this many Grimm chasing us. The river's our only shot."

Yang surveyed the chaotic scene around them, acknowledging the sheer number of Grimm in the clearing. With a determined nod, she agreed, "Alright, lead the way."

With the urgency of their situation weighing heavily upon them, Jaune unleashed his sword techniques, his voice filling the air as he yelled, "Third form: Flowing Water Dance!" The familiar sound of rushing water echoed in his ears as he weaved through the pack of Grimm.

Jaune's movements were swift and graceful as he swung and bent his blade windingly, his body dancing in a flowing pattern. Each swing sliced through the Grimm that stood in their path, clearing a way for Yang to follow him. The clearing began to thin out as they cut through the mass of Grimm, with Yang not far behind, occasionally taking shots at any Grimm that Jaune missed.

Together, they pushed through the clearing and continued to run through the forest, their pursuers hot on their heels. The relentless Grimm showed no signs of slowing down, and Jaune and Yang knew that they needed to reach the river to the north to have any chance of losing their relentless pursuers. The forest's dense foliage surrounded them, their breaths labored. Still, they pressed on, determined to reach safety and escape the menace that chased them.

Using her gauntlets to propel herself forward, Yang shouted her frustration at their unyielding pursuers.

"They don't give up!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with determination.

Despite his exhaustion and the relentless pace of their flight, Jaune managed a wry response. "Yeah, I noticed."

Amid the chase, Jaune executed a swift move, spinning to slice a Beowolf that had gotten dangerously close. He could feel the hot breath of the Grimm against his skin as he made the cut, causing the creature to stumble and be pushed aside by one of its packmates.

Jaune couldn't help but express his hope as they neared the river. "I hope they can't swim."

Yang responded with a touch of humor, "Yeah, then we'd have to deal with wet dog smell on top of it. Too bad we can't get them to bark up the wrong tree."

Jaune chuckled despite the dire circumstances. "I'd take them getting distracted by a squirrel."

The river was now in sight, offering a glimmer of hope to the two Huntsmen in training.

With the river before them, Yang didn't hesitate. She used her gauntlets to propel herself into the water with a mighty leap, plunging in with a determined splash. Following closely behind, Jaune had to run into the river before plunging into the water. His armor weighed him down, threatening to pull him into the unseen depths if he wasn't careful.

The river's current immediately grabbed them, carrying the two blondes downstream. As they swam, they could hear the frenzied snarls and barks of the pursuing Beowolves on the opposite bank. Jaune shouted to Yang over the rushing water, "Swim to the other side!"

They fought against the current, finally going to the opposite shore. Exhausted and drenched, they crawled onto the sandy beach, panting heavily. From their vantage point, they could see the Grimm barking and snarling in frustration on the other side. But their attention was soon drawn away by gunfire echoing through the forest behind them.

The Grimm immediately shifted their focus, abandoning the chase for their new prey. Jaune and Yang watched as the creatures disappeared into the forest, quickly counting how many he could: 5, 10, 20,30. A small army of Grimm left the two young Huntsmen in training safe, at least for now.

Breathing heavily but relieved, Jaune and Yang took a moment to catch their breaths and recuperate from their harrowing escape.

"I don't know about you...but I'm dog tired," Yang said, grinning, shaking her head to shake off the water.

"huff huff huff yeah...that was...too close for comfort."

Jaune couldn't help but feel flustered as Yang wrapped her arm around his shoulder and held up her Scroll for a celebratory selfie.

"Alright, we survived our first horde of Grimm!" she cheered, clearly reveling in the adrenaline of the encounter.

Jaune looked bewildered by the sudden burst of enthusiasm. "Wooo?" he asked, clearly not entirely understanding her excitement.

Yang chuckled and introduced herself again. "Well, like I said before, I'm Yang, and go to Signal Academy. What school do you go to?"

Jaune hesitated momentarily, deciding to reveal only part of the truth. "I'm Jaune, and... I kind of don't go to a Huntsmen school. My instructor gave me permission to use this place to hunt a bit. I was on my way to meet him when things... escalated."

Yang looked a bit surprised. "Oh, how you fought; I was sure you were from a training academy."

Jaune offered no further explanation, and Yang didn't press the matter. She simply stood up and suggested they make a fire to warm up. "These clothes are getting cold," she added.

Jaune nodded and began gathering firewood, grateful for the chance to warm up and dry their clothes. The best they could.

"So, how did you end up in this forest if you're not in one of the schools?" Yang asked.

Jaune took a moment to gather his thoughts before explaining, "A bullhead dropped me off further east of here yesterday morning."

Yang nodded, taking a moment to stoke the fire. Jaune reached for his canteen and sipped water before asking another question. "How many schools are there around here?"

Yang thought momentarily before answering, "Sanctum is the only one with all its students present. Then there's a couple from Signal, Pharos, Oscuro, and, I think, an Atlas combat school. It's part of some cross-continental training program the kingdoms are trying. They send a few of us to other regions to train with our peers worldwide."

Yang admitted, "I did it just to get out of my dad's hair. I can only attend many classes with my dad as my teacher."

Jaune raised an eyebrow, curious. "Your dad's a teacher?"

Yang accepted the offered canteen, taking a sip of water before replying, "Yeah, Sanctum Academy. He can be so embarrassing sometimes. The minute I step into his class, it's ' sweety this' or some embarrassing nickname he gives me. At least Uncle Qrow is cooler about this kind of stuff; he just calls me 'kiddo.'"

Jaune chuckled a bit as he turned in front of the fire to dry off his own clothes. "Too bad he's been gone most of the month."

"Everything alright?" Jaune asked, genuinely concerned.

Yang sighed, "Yeah, he's trying to track down some missing kid. Apparently, he ran away from home."

Jaune's nervousness became evident as he heard that. "R-really?"

Unaware of Jaune's anxiety, Yang nodded as she flipped her jacket again. "Yeah, he tracked him all the way to Gemini City but still hasn't found him yet."

Jaune gulped, realizing that his uncle might be on his trail. "Dang, well, I hope everything goes well with his search."

Yang grinned confidently, "It usually does. Uncle Qrow is one of the best Huntsmen out there."

Jaune quickly changed the subject, looking around as he heard more gunshots across the river. "I think we're good on this side of the river. Most of the Grimm must be on the other side hunting," he said, trying to divert their conversation.

Yang nodded in agreement. "Yeah, that's where most of the students are. Having so many Huntsmen in one place hunting for the first time must have whipped the Grimm up into a frenzy."

Jaune nodded and pulled out his map. He was a bit off course, but if he didn't run into trouble, he could meet up with his uncle and get out of there before Chris found him again. "Come on, if we follow the river south, we'll probably find one of the instructing Huntsmen," Yang suggested.

Jaune shook his head. "Sorry, I'm heading in the opposite direction."

Yang looked at him, clearly confused. "On your own?"

Jaune nodded with determination. "Yeah, like we said, most of the Grimm are on the other side. I'll be fine."

"I don't think that's a good idea, dude,"

Jaune hesitated for a moment, not expecting Yang to be so accommodating. "Jaune, why don't you want to meet with the rest of us? It feels like you're avoiding the rest of the students," she inquired, curious about his intentions.

Jaune waved her concerns away, trying to downplay his reasons. "No, not at all. I just figured it would be better for me to leave with the Huntsmen who are training me. I'd rather not get grilled by teachers who don't believe me, you know?"

Yang placed her hands on her hips and raised a skeptical eyebrow. After a moment, she simply shrugged. "Alright, lead the way."

Jaune blinked in surprise at her change of heart. "W-what?"

"Lead the way to whoever you're supposed to meet up with. There's safety in numbers, especially with Grimm all over the place."

"But shouldn't you be going south? Is it really alright for you not to meet up with the staff?" Jaune questioned, surprised by her willingness to follow him.

Yang leaned in a bit closer, her expression determined. "Don't see the problem. If I come back followed by a proper Huntsman, don't you agree?" her tone clearly telling him he wouldn't be able to weasel out of this.

"...i...suppose you have a point," he said nervously, heading towards his uncle. They stomped out the small fire they had made, and Jaune wanted to scream in frustration. How the hell was he gonna lose this girl!

Alright There you guys go, we have our First meeting between some of the RWBY Cast.

This chapter was loads of fun to write, and i was really torn on how i wanted to play out the fight scenes. i feel a little unsatisfied with the fight with Chris but i didn't want to go down the same route I went before. I justify the win with her spamming her semblance and underestimating her brother. I was also really torn on if i wanted him to meet Pyrrha in this chapter, but I decided to go a way more fun route and have him meet yang instead. Ultimatley i feel like i made a really fun Chapter and look forward to writing part 3.

As usual i hope you all enjoyed the chapter and Look forward to the next one it'll be out sooner then you all think.

until next time

~Later Days~

-Wiseotaku