Chapter 8

Sparring Ground

Jaune was hunched over panting while leaning on his sword for support. Cardin was simply standing still with his mace lazily slung over his shoulder. He had a smirk on his face as he watched Jaune and his position. He began to laugh because Jaune was already tired and he hasn't even broken a sweat.

"Come on…" Jaune mumbled to himself.

He then gathered up some energy he had left to attempt to land a hit on Cardin. The orange-haired hunter in training sidestepped away from the incoming attack with ease. Jaune turned around and raised his shield up just in time to block an incoming hit from Cardin's mace. However his shield was knocked away upon the collision. Jaune placed both of his hands on the hilt of his sword and charged in again with the sword swinging above his head. He brought the sword down, but it was parried by Cardin. There was a struggle between the two as Jaune pushed against Cardin's mace. Well a struggle for one of the two individuals.

"This is the part where you lose," Cardin said simply.

"Over my dead…" Jaune declared but was cut short.

Cardin cheekily kneed the Arc in the stomach causing him to hunch over and grab his stomach. Jaune was on the ground barely holding himself together. Cardin brought his mace over his head and was about to deliver the final blow, but a buzzer went off and Professor Goodwitch signaled for the fight to end. Cardin stepped aside and let Ms. Goodwitch walk up near the edge of her stage. He stood leaning on his mace with a content and cocky grin while Jaune was still recovering on the ground.

Goodwitch started gesturing to the displays above her. "Well class, as you can see, Mr. Arc's aura has become red. In a tournament-style match, this shows that Mr. Arc is no longer fit for battle and an official can call the match."

"Mr. Arc, it's been weeks now. Please refer to your scroll during combat. Keeping track of your aura helps you decide whether to attack or to assume a more defensive strategy." Goodwitch advised the boy, speaking with a tone that showed her frustration with the boy's less than adequate combat skills.

Jaune was looking at his scroll intently. The screen depicted a picture of him with his aura bar low and blinking red.

"We wouldn't want you to be gobbled up by a Beowolf now would we?" she asked with a slight hint of humor.

"Speak for yourself," Cardin muttered while walking off the stage.

Professor Goodwitch turned her attention back to the rest of the class.

"Alright class, we still have time for one more match. Would Liu Kang and Kitana please step up to the stage," Professor Goodwitch requested.

Just as she finished speaking, both fighters got into the ring, giving each other a low bow while adapting their respective battle stance.

"Begin." Goodwitch said.

Not wasting anytime, Kitana threw her fans at the monk, but Liu Kang was able to deflect them with his wrist band and rushed forward attacking with various kicks and punches. Kitana jumped into the air and tried to kick him in the face, but Liu Kang saw through her attack and grabbed her foot tossing her behind him. Kitana was able to flip herself in the air landing on her feet.

Liu Kang then ran towards her with great speed, but Kitana jumped into the air and using her fans dashed through the air like she was flying. She then landed behind Liu Kang and tried to attack him, but her opponent turned around quickly, parrying most of her attacks while hitting her with a few flaming fist on her stomach and chest. But Kitana ended his assault with a kick to the chest that gave them some distance from each other. Not letting up, Liu Kang started blasting her with multiple balls of fire.

When she saw the fireballs approaching her, Kitana took out her metal fans and began blocking and deflecting all of them. When Liu Kang saw this he then switched tactics and dashed towards her. But before he got close Kitana used her fans to create a tornado that levitated Liu Kang. Kitana then launched flying kick at Liu Kang that knocked him towards the ground, while rushing in to finish him with her fans. Liu Kang did a backwards roll evading her attack while getting up. Liu Kang then started attacking, but Kitana blocked most of the hits. Jumping in the air, Liu Kang then delivered a flurry of kicks which he then turned into a Bicycle Kick knocking Kitana to the ground which caused the buzzer to go off signifying the end of their match. Walking towards his opponent Liu Kang stretched his hand to help her up.

"You fought well." Liu Kang said

"Thank you." Kitana said taking his hand as he helped her up. As Goodwitch began entering the ring they both finally let go of each other's hand. While this was going on Kung Lao had a mischievous smirk on his face.

"Good work. You both did well." Goodwitch praised

Glynda then spoke up again. "Remember, everyone. The Vytal Tournament is only a few months away. Those fighting in the tournament will be representing the entire kingdom for all of Remnant to see, so work your hardest to make sure we come out on top."

This built much hype amongst the students. The Vytal Tournament was a time to meet fellow students from around the world and to prove your skills against the very best. Should by some miracle you won, you would earn fame and recognition as the greatest fighter of your generation.

Cafeteria

"…and there we were, in the middle of the night…" Nora began.

"It was day…" Ren corrected his friend.

"surrounded by Ursai…" Nora continued.

"They were Beowolves…" Ren interrupted.

"DOZENS OF THEM!" Nora yelled.

"Two of 'em." Ren added.

"But in the end, Ren and I took 'em down and made a buttload of lien selling Ursa skin rugs!" Nora completed her story to their bewildered friends.

Ren sighed. "She's been having this recurring dream for over a month now."

Of the four teams of students seated at the table, Pyrrha noticed her leader poking at his food with a melancholic look on his face.

"Jaune… are you okay?" Pyrrha asked him.

Jaune flinched at her words. "H-huh? Sure! Why?"

"It's just that you seem a little… not okay," Ruby said

"Pfft! Nooo! I'm fine. Seriously! Look! Ehehehe…." Jaune put on a fake smile, only earning more concerned looks from his friends.

The group then heard some laughter behind them. Each turned and saw team CRDL teasing a Faunus girl.

"Jaune… Cardin's been picking on you since the first week of school." Pyrrha informed Jaune.

"Cardin Winchester? Nah! He just likes to mess around, you know? Practical jokes!" Jaune replied.

"He's a bully." Ruby rebutted.

"Oh, please! Name one time he's "bullied" me." Jaune said in denial.

"Well there was the time he smacked your books out from your hands," Johnny said.

"There was the time he activated your shield while you were walking into class, and it got wedged into the doorway," Kung Lao stated simply.

"And the time he shoved you into a locker and sent you flying into the Emerald Forest," Yang added.

"I didn't land far from school…" Jaune still denied his friend's implications.

"Jaune, you know you can always just ask us for help, right?" Pyrrha advised the boy.

"OOH! We'll BREAK HIS LEGS!" Nora suggested

"I second that." Sonya said

"Seriously, guys! I'm fine! You don't need to worry about me!" Jaune protested.

"Besides! He's not just a jerk to me; he's a jerk to everyone!" Jaune tried to protest, only to meet raised eyebrows.

"Ow! That hurts!"

The group turned to see Cardin tugging on Velvet's ears, her brown eyes welling up with painful tears while team CRDL only laughed.

"Please stop…" Velvet insisted.

"I told you they were real! What a freak!" Cardin laughed cruelly.

At this, Scorpion slammed his fist on the table abruptly standing up from the bench as he started walking towards Team CRDL. The other three members of Team JKHL looked at one another already having an idea of what was going to happen.

"Hanzo." Liu Kang called

"Do not try to stop me." Scorpion said

"I wasn't going to stop you, just try not to kill them." Liu Kang said causing Scorpion to nod.

"I'm just going to make sure he doesn't go overboard." Johnny said chasing after Scorpion

As Cardin still held onto Velvet ear, a hand suddenly grabbed his wrist and rung it back to the point there was a loud snap and his wrist was broken. Cardin yelled in pain as he sunk into the ground. The individual who was holding his wrist still held onto it. He looked up to see the cold blank eyes of Scorpion who looked pissed. The rest of Team CRDL were about to help their leader out, but there was a tap on Russell's shoulder. He turned around and was met with the fist of Johnny. The two turned around to see what happened, but they were swiftly taken out. Cardin turned to see Johnny giving Scorpion a thumbs up.

"What's your problem dude," he growled at Hanzo.

Scorpion replied by punching him in the face with his free hand and breaking his nose in the process. Cardin grunted in pain and yanked his wrist free from Scorpion's grip. Cardin then wiped his nose to see blood all over his hand and fingers.

Cardin then tried to throw a punch of his own, but Scorpion just grabbed his fist and socked him square on the nose. Cardin was sent on his back, his nose trickling with blood. Cardin attempted to get up, but Scorpion pinned him down by his neck and mercilessly pounded down on his face.

Teams RWBY and JNPR were shocked by Scorpion's brutality. He was not holding back at all and it scared them a bit. They cringed with every crack and smack that sounded every time Scorpion would pound into Cardin. By the time Scorpion was done, Cardin just layed there unconscious.

But it was at this moment that the door swung open to reveal a very, very angry Glynda Goodwitch. "What's going on here?!"

"Would you care to explain, Mr Hasashi?" Glynda asked Scorpion in a threatening voice.

Scorpion's expression didn't change as he only gestured to Velvet, who was quivering in her seat. "I am only looking out for those that need my help. That is what we were trained for, is it not?"

Glynda blinked once, taken aback by his blunt response, but her expression returned. "You make a good point, but we would rather limit violence to the sparring ring, thank you very much. I will see you after classes today, young man."

She then turned to Cardin. "I will be taking Mr. Winchester to the infirmary."

Cardin was whisked away on a stretcher, while Scorpion approached Velvet. The Rabbit Faunus then managed in a small voice and an accent. "T-thanks for helping me. He made fun of my ears. Called me a freak."

To this Scorpion just placed a hand on her shoulder. "Do not let the words of others break you. Fight for yourself and don't be afraid to stand up for yourself."

Velvet wiped away a tear from her eye and smiled. "S-sure thing. Thanks!"

Scorpion merely nod and went back to his seat, where he was met with shocked looks from teams RWBY and JNPR, but approving looks from Teams JKHL and TSKK. Well Nora was actually happy and Blake gave him an almost thankful smile.

History Class

"Yes! Yes, prior to the events of the Faunus Rights Revolution, otherwise known as the Faunus War, humanity was highly adamant about centralizing Faunus population in Menagerie, and smaller islands like Nassau." Professor Oobleck lectured, zipping left and right at abnormal speed while sipping from his thermos.

While Jaune had fallen asleep, the rest of the class was more interested in knowing how the hell the green-haired man could move and speak so quickly. Ruby could've sworn that the man moved faster than her semblance lets her as she turned her head left and right to follow Oobleck's movements.

"Now, while this does seem like ancient history to most of you, allow me to remind you that this is relatively recent events in our history! Effects of the war can be seen in our modern-day society!" Oobleck droned on.

He zipped to his table to slurp down some coffee, and sped back to his previous position. "NOW. Have any amongst you been discriminated or subjugated due to your Faunus heritage?"

Velvet hesitantly raised her hand. "Hmm. Dreadful, simply dreadful! Remember, students! It is exactly this kind of ignorance that breeds violence! I mean, just look at what happened with the White Fang!"

Oobleck sipped his coffee and inquired his students again. "Can any of you tell me what many historians believe to be the turning point in the war?"

Weiss raised her hand. "The battle of Fort Castle."

"Precisely! And who can tell me the advantage the faunus had over General Lagune's forces?" Oobleck continued.

But then, Cardin flicked a piece of paper at Jaune, causing him to raise his hand by accident. Oobleck noticed this and was suddenly in front of the poor boy.

"Mr. Arc! Finally contributing to class! Excellent! Excellent! What is the answer?"

Jaune was caught in a bind. He hadn't been paying attention in class at all and knew jack about history and his world to begin with. "Uhhhh… the answer…."

Jaune then noticed Pyrrha trying to signal him with hand getures. He continued to stall as long as possible. "The advantage… of the faunus… had over that guy's stuff…"

Pyrrha pointed at her eyes, but Jaune squinted more, showing her he didn't get it. He then saw her cupping her hands over her eyes. "Um, B-binoculars!"

Jaune's response earned him laughter from the class, especially Cardin. "Very funny, Mr. Arc." Oobleck said with a slightly annoyed tone.

He noticed Cardin's response and turned to him. "Cardin! Perhaps you would care to share your thoughts on the subject?"

"Well, I know for a fact that it's much easier to train an animal than a soldier." Cardin answered bluntly.

"You're not the most open-minded of individuals, are you, Cardin?" Pyrrha responded to his answer.

"What? You got a problem?"

"No. I have the answer. It's night vision. Most faunus are known to have near-perfect sight in the dark, giving them an advantage in stealth and mobility." Pyrrha elaborated, much to Cardin's discontent.

"General Lagune was inexperienced and made the mistake of trying to ambush the faunus in their sleep. He was caught off-guard and his entire army was overwhelmed." Blake finished, earning an impressed look from Oobleck.

"Perhaps if he'd paid more attention in class, he wouldn't have been remembered as such a failure." Blake continued, not so subtly referring to Cardin.

"OOOOOOOOHHHH!" Kung Lao suddenly started up, followed by the laughter of the other students. Cardin stood up seething with rage towards Blake, but Oobleck raised his voice.

"Mr. Winchester! Please take your seat. You and Mr. Arc can see me after class for additional readings. Now, moving on!"

MMM

"You two have been struggling in my class since day one! Now, I don't know if it's a lack of interest or just your stubborn nature, but whatever it is… it ends now." Oobleck lectured the two students.

"You've worked hard to earn your admission into this academy, and we only accept the best of the best, so I expect you to act like it! History is important, gentlemen! If you can't learn from it… you'll be forced to repeat it." At these words, Jaune was struck badly.

"Pages 51 to 91! I want an essay on my desk next class. Now, run along!" Oobleck dismissed the two as he rushed out the room himself.

Jaune exited the class, followed by Cardin, who shoved him to the ground with a smug chuckle. Pyrrha, who was waiting by the doorway glared at him as he walked away.

"You know, I could break his legs." Pyrrha joked. But Jaune just sighed depressingly. Pyrrha furrowed her brow for a minute, then lit up like a light bulb.

"I have an idea! Here, come with me!" She ran off, dragging Jaune with her by the hand. She then stopped at a door, opening it to reveal a balcony overlooking the campus.

Jaune looked down the ledge, then back at Pyrrha. "Pyrrha, I know I'm going through a hard time, but I'm not that depressed. I could always be a farmer or something…"

Pyrrha's eyes widened as to what he was implying. "Wha-? NO!"

She pushed Jaune away from the ledge and explained to him, "That's not why I brought you up here! Jaune, I know you're having a hard time in class, and that you're still not the strongest of fighters, so… I want to help you!"

Jaune raised an eyebrow. "W-what?"

"We can train up here after class where no one can bother us!" Pyrrha explained.

"You… think I need help?" Jaune asked skeptically.

"No! No, that's not what I meant. Jaune, everyone needs a push from time to time. It doesn't set you apart from the rest of us. You made it to Beacon. That speaks volumes of what you're capable of!" Pyrrha tried to reassure him.

"You're wrong… I-I don't belong here." Jaune responded.

"Jaune, that isn't-" Pyrrha began, only to be cut off.

"Yes it is!" Jaune burst out loudly.

"I wasn't really accepted into Beacon." Jaune finally said.

"W-what do you mean?" Pyrrha asked him.

"I mean, I didn't go to combat school! I didn't pass any tests! I didn't earn my spot at this Academy! I lied! I got my hands on some fake transcripts and I lied!" Jaune confessed.

"But… why?" Pyrrha asked him again.

"Because this is what I've always wanted to be! My father, my grandfather, and father before him! They were all warriors! Heroes! I wanted to be one too, but I was never good enough." Jaune ranted on.

"Then let me help you!" Pyrrha pleaded him.

"No! I don't want help! I don't want to be the damsel in distress! I want to be the hero! I'm tired of being the lovable idiot stuck in the tree while his friends fight for their lives, don't you understand?! If I can't do this on my own, then what good am I?" Jaune cried.

Pyrrha reached out to hold Jaune's arm, but he stepped back, refusing her kindness. "Just… leave me alone." Jaune hesitantly said.

Pyrrha looked down and turned to the door while trying to fight back a tear. "Okay. I-if that's what you think is best."

But just as Pyrrha closed the door behind Jaune, the young man heard another voice.

"Oh, Jaune…" Cardin said to him.

"Cardin?!"

"I couldn't help but overhear you from my dorm room. So, you snuck into Beacon, huh? I gotta say, Jaune. I never expected you to be such a rebel." Cardin laughed.

Jaune went pale. Being found out was one thing, but Cardin of all people? "Please, Cardin! Please don't tell anyone!"

Much to his surprise, Cardin simply replied, "Jaune! Come on! I'd never rat out a friend like that!"

"F-friend?"

Cardin then gripped him in a headlock, giving him a rough noogie on the head. "Yeah. We're friends now, Jauney boy! And the way I see it, as long as you're there for me when I need you, we'll be friends for a long time."

Cardin then released the boy from his choking grip, letting him inhale deeply. "By the way… I didn't have time to finish that extra work Oobleck gave us tonight. How 'bout you… take care of that for me? I knew I could count on you!" Cardin sneered wickedly as he climbed back down to his dorm.

"Don't worry, Jaune; your secret's safe with me." He said one last time before he disappeared. Jaune could only stare and whimper once he realized what he had gotten himself into.