Sorry for my bad English.
Sorry for the lack of action recently, but I'm having one of those dam mental blocks, making difficult for me to write something. Partialy is also my fault for wanting to make those chapters longer than the usual ones.
But the second round is finally here.
Side note, I gave a look on RWBY Icequeendom and honestly, I think the first three chapters were just a waste of time. Those who know about RWBY would already be interested in the anime so it did not need to remake the first volume on the three episodes. Yes, the second half of the third episode showed what they were going to deal with but could have started from the beginning.
Something else is that the authors use Jaune's fake transcription as a starting point to their stories, like I did. They could have explored that with the new Grimm and Jaune. But that's just what I think.
To the fic!
The week went like a comet for the duo.
Right after hearing the next round of the Challenge was coming, Jaune spend all his free time training for the upcoming battle, except for the day prior because Ryan told him to get the day to rest.
Which brought them to today, once again waiting in the locker room until the professor who choose their opponents, Dr. Oobleck, call them to the arena.
Except with a difference.
Beacon and all the other academies have a lot of different arenas for their students to practice combat, with one being the one their train combat under an instructor.
For the second round, Oobleck chooses a different arena for their battle. It was one which used the floating technology mostly used in the arena for the Vytal Festival and was an arena exclusive for the third and fourth years. Normally they would not let second-year students use the arena but was a special occasion.
Which also means that Jaune was feeling most desperate than ever.
Despite what he has been through in the Danger Zone, a floating arena still was something he had not faced before. Sure, the electric pylon could be something similar but was not the same thing. Sure, in both cases he needs to watch his step but in a floating arena, he needs to pay attention to see if he is not getting too close to the edge.
It was not told to them about it so Jaune had no time to prepare for this kind of combat.
Ryan once told him not to think of himself as a huntsman but as a fighter. And as such, he needs to adapt to the environment in order to gain some advantage during a battle.
-Hello! -He heard Chocolat say, getting him out of his thoughts. Pyrrha followed her. -How are you feeling?
-I'm about to throw up. -Jaune answered.
-Is this bad? -The brunette asked.
-Do you remember how this battle is going to be? -Jaune asked.
-Yeah, you explained last week. -Pyrrha began. -It will be a two-on-two match, meaning that you will have to fight alongside Ryan.
-Speaking of Ryan, where is he? -Chocolat asked.
Jaune just pointed to one of the stalls, where the sound of water dropping could be heard.
-I told him to not drink so much before the match, but he keep drinking glass after glass of water.
-Any special reason for that? -Pyrrha asked.
-Well, he said it was for relieving the tension.
-Like when you are holding for a while and taste such a relief when finally releasing in a toilet? -Chocolat guessed.
-I guess? -Jaune answered, unsure. -Although I don't know how he knew when to drink water in order to make the number one at this exact moment.
-Maybe he was holding up until now? -Pyrrha asked making Jaune and Chocolat look at her with confusion. -I mean, It is not the first of his unusual quirks.
-You mean besides the sculptures he makes during lunch? -Jaune asked.
-Or the somersaults he does when gets scared? -Chocolat asked.
Right in the cue, the door of the bathroom opened and Ryan stepped out, putting his belt back as he notices both girls had arrived.
-I heard my name, what you guys are talking about? -He asked.
-Oh, nothing at all. -Pyrrha answered. -How are you feeling, Ryan?
-Like I just got rid of weight in my hips. -The answer made Jaune chuckle, Pyrrha scratched her cheek, and Chocolat roll her eyes although still smiling.
-Care to share what was this about? -Chocolat asked.
-My mentor once told me when you are holding your pee and only release it before a big event that makes you nervous, you get relieved with this.
-And it works? -Chocolat asked with an eyebrow raised.
-Kinda does. I mean, I just relieved myself.
-Your mentor? -Pyrrha asked.
-Yeah, his name is Silver Chariot.
-Like the fencer standing beside the french guy? -Chocolat asked.
-I didn't get that reference.
-Mr. Arc and Mr. Forest, please report to the arena. -Come the voice of Ozpin. -The battle is about to begin. I will not repeat it. Repeating, I will not repeat it.
Sometimes the duo wonders if Ozpin has some pleasure in messing with his students like that.
Letting out a sight, the duo made their way out and headed for the arena. But before they left the locker room, they felt one at a time a quick peck on their cheeks. With faces red as tomatoes, they turn to Chocolat while a hand pressed on the just kissed cheek.
-For good luck, remember? -Chocolat asked with a wink, making their legs jelly as they staggered to the exit, where an elevator was going to take them to the arena.
While Chocolat let out a melodic chuckle, Pyrrha eyed her partner with a hint of jealousy in her eyes.
-Well, that is a surprise. -Chocolat spoke as she and Pyrrha approached both teams and pointed to where Cardin Winchester of all the people was standing on one of the entrances with his arms crossed.
-What is he doing here? -Pyrrha asked.
-He came a little after you both went to check on Jaune and Ryan. -Ren answered.
-What do you guys think he is doing here? -Ruby asked. -Besides watching the fight?
-Perhaps checking his competition? -Natsu, who was sitting with them, theorized as he sat beside Yang on the front roll of the seats.
-What do you mean? -Ruby asked.
-I heard he had a run with three pigs after the curfew and had Ryan's help to deal with them. -Natsu answered.
-And what that has to do with this? -Nora asked, pointing to the holographic screen.
The seats had no vision of the arena itself. Instead of that, a huge holographic screen was placed in front of the numerous sites, which were more occupied than in the previous battle.
-It was just after this incident, he was shown to be more active in the arena lately. Some of our classmates claimed to see him leaving the arena only late in the night, covered with bruises. I'm just theorizing thought. -Natsu said and was followed by a statement from Ren.
-Although I'm curious as to why SHE is here. -Everyone look to where he pointed and was surprised to see Fée Argent on the last roll of seats, her butler by her side holding a trey with macarons and in her hands an opera glass.
The silver-haired girl sat with her legs crossed and seemed to be deep in focus on the screen as if she was really interested in the match that was going to happen. While everyone wondered why she was there despite her hate to Ryan, Weiss wondered if she was allowed to bring her butler then perhaps Weiss herself could have brought one of her butlers as well, perhaps Klein.
-Can I ask what she has to do with this situation? -The bespectacled boy asked.
As Yang briefed him on what happened between Ryan and Fée, Ruby looks around and notices there were more people than in the first round of the Challenge. She remembers someone mentioning the Challenge was a big deal but brushed the idea after seeing so few people watching the first round. Now on the second one, more people filled the seats, some being their classmates and other upper classmates, and she could only wonder how come the name of the duo start to spread in the academy like that.
A thought for later for the duo appeared on the holographic screen, walking side by side.
-Uh, why they are walking like their legs were made of gelatin? -Ruby asked.
Chocolat merely chuckled while Pyrrha frowned a bit.
Arriving at the arena, and finally making their legs stop shaking, they did not need to wait too long as Dr. Oobleck came like a green blur to the front of them.
-Ah, greetings you both. I'm glad you both came. Now, Glynda owes me a tailored suit. -Jaune grimaces a bit while Ryan scratches his cheek. No doubt she will take this loss out on their work. -But let's do that later. Let me introduce you both to your opponents. You both may come!
Oobleck called and then, their opponents come to the arena.
The first one could be described as the most girlish boy they ever meet.
His black shirt had his shoulders exposed with a cotton choker around his neck. His jeans pants were climbing tightly on his legs while leaving his ankles exposed as well. His platinum blonde hair reached his neck and his smile was so sweet that could make a grimm melt. He also was using combat boots.
The second one was a bigger fella. His black V-neck shirt was sleeveless and had his abs exposed while his white pants were very loose, being held in place by a belt. His spiky silver hair was shaved on both sides while silver earrings were visible.
On his back, a bo staff.
-I present you both to Vénéneuse Fleur... -Oobleck introduced the small boy. -... and Yasashi Kaze. -Then introduced the big guy. -They agreed to be your opponents for this match of the Challenge. Win and you both shall go and wait for the next fight, lose and I am afraid we will have to expel you both from the academy.
-Thank you for the reminder. -Ryan bitterly said.
Oobleck, noticing he spoke too much, coughed and continued.
-Well, let's get started, shall we?
-It is a pleasure to meet you both. -Vénéneuse stated, smiling and closing his eyes.
-Your legs are also shaking? -Jaune asked Ryan.
-Just remember he is a guy. -Ryan told his partner.
-It is a guy?! -Jaune shouts to him.
-Those are their opponents? -Ruby asked, leaning closer.
-Second-year students, Vénéneuse Fleur and Yasashi Kaze. -Natsu spoke. -They both make part of the team IVRY (Ivory), with Yasashi being the leader's partner.
-They are good? -Asked Yang.
-I have little information regarding their characters besides what is spoken around the academy.
-What about their combat skills? -Pyrrha asked.
-They are in the second year, so they are clearly at a level above their previous opponents.
-And I don't think they will allow Forest to do all the work, so it is better Arc has put some effort into his training to not be a nuisance in this fight. -Weiss commented.
-Do you guys think they will do well? -Blake asked. -They are upper classmates after all.
-C'mon, guys! Have faith! -Nora exclaimed. -Ryan is super strong and Jaune is... Jaune is... uh, Ren, a little help, please.
-What Nora means is... -Ren began. -... now that he is along with his partner, all they need to do is work together as partners and they will overcome this challenge.
-What he said! -Nora exclaimed.
-Uh, déjà vu. -Chocolat said before focusing on the screen.
In another room, Ozpin along with his staff sat in front of the room's own screen to watch the fight. Fernando have his head lowered since he could not see but they knew he somehow would know what is going on on the screen. Port seemed eager for the start of the fight while Glynda was with her even present scowl, still clearly bothered by Jaune's statement in Noir Forest. Yukino and Blaze had little work for the day, so were invited to watch the fight since both ladies seemed to take a liking to the duo.
The general had important meetings for today, so he would not bestow them with his presence.
-Any expectations for how will be the outcome of this fight? -Port asked.
-With the obvious defeat of the duo, of course. -Glynda gave her opinion.
-That's what you said last time. –Ozpin said and couldn't help but laugh to see her frown get even more noticeable.
-This time I'm sure things will be different. -She said as a matter of fact.
-And why is that? -Ozpin couldn't help but ask.
-Simple. -She began, pushing her glasses. -The rules were in their favor last time. Mr. Forest's skills were enough for him to overcome both his opponents but now, he will have to aid Mr. Arc while combating two opponents at the same time.
-That's why you decide to bet against them once again? -Fernando asked.
Glynda said nothing so Port decide to speak.
-After hearing they had a meeting with a Lycanthrope, my expectations for the duo just increased. That's why when she comes to me with another bet, I couldn't help myself but accept.
It seems she wants revenge for her last defeat.
-And what will be this time?
-Her bottle of the very expensive Crystal Champagne, made with the wine of the rare white grapes that only grow, curiously, at extremely low temperatures for my century-old bottle of the famous Valean Wive.
-Those are really expensive, are you sure about that? -The nurse's question was aimed at Glynda.
-Given the ones who will fight are from the second year, I say it is a safe bet.
This one was really expensive, Ozpin knew. It seems that Glynda was confident the duo would end up losing but they were not out yet. The fight was about to start.
-If you all are ready, take your distances.
The duo and the partners turned their backs to each other, taking some steps away before facing each other again. Jaune pulled his sword and shield while Ryan just leaned a leg in. Yasashi pulled his bo staff from his back while Vénéneuse just stood with both hands on his back.
Jaune could only wonder with what the small boy is armed for this fight. It is like his partner, who uses more his bare hands than his weapon? He will have to see himself.
-Alright, let's the second round of the Challenge... Begin! -Oobleck lowered his arm as the match officially began and then, disappeared in a green blur.
The match started with both Jaune and Ryan seeing through Vénéneuse before, by a half-second interval, they both felt a strike on their cheeks. They both were sent flying in opposite directions and once their faces hit the ground, they both turn to see Vénéneuse standing right where the duo just was.
Determined to show the results of his training, Jaune charged towards the small boy with his sword ready, only to Vénéneuse appear right in front of him. He had time only to widen his eyes in surprise before an open palm hit him in the chin. His feet left the ground for a moment before his head was shoved into the ground.
-W-what? -Ruby spoke. -H-he's fast!
Ryan put himself back at his feet faster than his partner and went to help him, but a shiver in his spine told him to bend his body back, like dancing limbo, to dodge shots from Yasashi's bo staff, that morphed into a musket.
Yasashi put his weapon back in staff mode and jumped high, spinning his weapon. Being obvious what he was planning, Ryan reached for the silver revolver and shot his opponent in midair. The silver-haired boy saw the bullet coming and put his staff to block. Not expecting the force behind the shot, Yasashi was sent flying back once he blocked the bullet.
When Jaune come to his sense, he shrieked before rolling away, avoiding Vénéneuse's feet from crushing his face. He tried to swing his sword while on his knees and hit Vénéneuse on his leg, only for his sword to pass through the feminine boy's legs.
-An afterimage? -He thought.
Having dealt with something similar with Koro, he knew that he needed instantly move away to avoid his opponent's thoughts proved to be right when he felt Vénéneuse's feet brush against his hair when the boy tried to kick him as he roll away. Once in one knee, he put the shield in front of him and blocked both feet aimed at his face. He threw the small boy and took advantage of him being in midair to approach. The moment Vénéneuse's feet touch the ground, Jaune already prepared a shield bash against his opponent, a second too late.
Vénéneuse dodges the strike but was surprised to see that his teammate was the one hit by the shield. Jaune had noticed Yasashi coming and expected Vénéneuse to dodge.
Yasashi was already back at his feet and rushed after Jaune with his bo staff raised, and Jaune answered by preparing to counter with his sword. However, before the blade could make contact with the staff, he felt something push his arm away and as a result, his sword was pulled back and the staff hit him square on the forehead.
A bit dazed from the strike, he almost could not tell that his legs lost the ground beneath them for a moment. Vénéneuse kicked his legs with a sweep kick. Yasashi was ready to shove his staff against Jaune's stomach, but Ryan caught him and pushed him away before the staff could do any damage.
Knowing the small boy would already be in his way before he hits the ground, Ryan kicked the ground with enough force to destabilize the floating arena for a moment. The result was Vénéneuse stumbling a bit on his feet.
Jaune notices that and tackled the boy to the ground. If he pins him down, he could not use his speed, that was what Jaune thought. However, Vénéneuse starts to shake, vibrating with enough speed to make Jaune feels his ears start to ring. He was not able to keep his hold on his opponent for too long as Vénéneuse was able to push Jaune away with both legs against the knight's chest.
Yasashi tried once again to use his bo staff as a musket and shot Jaune, only to something hit the bullet in the middle of the trajectory. He turns back to Ryan, who once again pulled his silver revolver, and shot him. Ryan countered in the same way as they both shot twice. The bullets once again hit each other, and another one come as Yasashi took a step ahead before pulling the trigger of his musket.
Ryan was able to dodge the shot and took a step ahead before he pulled the trigger of his revolver once again. Yasashi also dodges the took another step before shooting against his opponent once again. They keep like that, dodging, taking a step ahead, and shooting until they were almost at the range of Yasashi's staff, something that the silver-haired fighter noticed.
When Ryan was about to give the next shot, Yasashi spun around and hit the revolver with his staff, pulling away for a moment as he give another spin and aimed a strike against Ryan's face. Only to be surprised that the gunslinger used the same hand he pushed away to hold his strike. He also notices Ryan was holding his revolver by the long barrel, a blade sticking out from the handle.
-It is also a tomahawk? -Ruby asked. -Why did he never use it before?
-He was constantly being watched during the sparring matches, so it is only natural he tries to hide some tricks on his sleeve. -Natsu answered.
-But from all the times he revealed this, why on this match? -Nora asked.
-He must know what he is doing, or else he would not reveal this secret in front of everyone. -Ren stated. -Let trust that Ryan knows what he is doing.
-Damn. -Ryan thought while holding the bo staff. -I pressed the button by accident. Oh well, at least no one is watching this match.
Only if he knew.
Yasashi pulled his staff away and tried another strike. Seeing his opponent already saw one of his tomahawks, Ryan decide to pull the black revolver and use it as a tomahawk to block the next strike.
-As I thought. -Yasashi said in his mind. -The other revolver is also a tomahawk. You made well to hide your abilities during the sparring matches. Fighting against the unknown is one of the best ways to improve my skills. My apologies Ryan Forest, but you are just another stepping stone for me to archive greater strength.
From there, they started to trade blows, blocking and dodging each other attacks. Yasashi felt the weight behind Ryan's strikes and already knew how strong physically he is, something he should keep an eye on.
While Ryan was dealing with his own opponent, Jaune was not doing any better.
He swung his sword in all directions but Vénéneuse just keep dodging and attacking him from the opposite direction Jaune just attacked.
He grabbed his sword with both hands and gave a vertical swing down, it hit only the ground but was exactly what he wanted. Using the force behind the strike he sent his body back and the moment Vénéneuse appeared behind his back, Jaune was able to hit his nose with the back of his head.
Vénéneuse stumbled back while holding his nose, tears dripping from his eyes. This distracted him long enough for Jaune to approach and even with his speed, he was not able to take the leg away in time before the blade of the sword hit the back of his knee.
Getting Vénéneuse on his knee, Jaune wrapped an arm around his neck and maneuvered himself above the smaller boy, Vénéneuse was thrown away near the edge of the floating arena.
He got himself on his knee just in time to see an arrow inch from his face. He took his headway just in time but notices too late the red dust in the arrow. It exploded behind him, sending him after Jaune who was with his sword ready, except the blonde knight was surprised to see the small boy be able to set his foot on the blade and leap behind him.
Jaune quickly turns around and put his shield to cover whatever would be coming, but only saw Vénéneuse in his knee, breathing.
-A mix of a shield and a crossbow? -Yang asked. -He always had that or it is your doing?
The question made Ruby smile proudly.
-It is a good thing he remembered to practice with the explosive arrows. -Chocolat commented.
-They seem pretty evenly matched with their opponents. -Natsu commented.
-Go go, Jaune! Go go, Ryan! -Nora shouted with a foam finger raised above her.
-Nora, where did you get that? -Ren asked.
-Dammit. -He cursed. -I was being too predictable, I see.
It doesn't matter how fast you are as long he knows where he will strike next, something Ryan teaches him. But it seems Vénéneuse is conscious of this weakness as well, which means he will try something else.
To his surprise, Jaune start to multiple images of his opponents, also being able to see through him. The images suddenly disappeared and Jaune immediately felt five strikes on his chest, sending him back away. He rolled on the ground roughly but was able to get on one knee, right in time to see Vénéneuse in front of him. Wearing combat boots, his kicks carried a lot more force, enough to Jaune felt something similar to a baseball hitting him square on the face after being hit by a bat.
He was sent rolling back and once he got on his knee, fired the crossbow against Vénéneuse, but the arrow passed through him. What came next was a strike on the back of his neck.
Each strike or shot he tried would eventually go through Vénéneuse like he was a ghost, and he was getting hit over and over again by the feminine boy.
His face was sent roughly to the floor, face against the ground. He tried to get up but before he could react, a foot hit the back of his head sending his face back to the ground. The foot hit him over, and over, and over.
At some point, he was able to roll away from the multiple stomps and tried to attack with his sword, but Vénéneuse held his arm by the wrist. Suddenly, the knight felt a burn below Vénéneuse's hand, forcing him to let go of his sword. He crawled away, holding his burned wrist and wondering what Vénéneuse has just done.
The boy sent another kick right on Jaune's stomach but was surprised to see Jaune holding his leg. He thought to had finally stopped his opponent, only to feel once again the burn in both his hands, groaning in pain and letting go of Vénéneuse's leg.
-W-what? What just happened? -Ruby asked.
-Friction. -Pyrrha answered. -Vénéneuse moved his leg at a fast pace to the point of creating enough friction to burn Jaune's skin.
Like a soccer player, Vénéneuse hit the point of his combat boot right on Jaune's face, the knight was sent back again. He was about to follow Jaune but was surprised to see an arrow laying on his feet. That distraction gave Jaune enough time to shoot another arrow at Vénéneuse's legs in the hope to cause a small explosion, only for the arrow hit the ground a bit far from where the arrow laid.
-You had me worried for a moment. -Vénéneuse said.
-Not to myself, add a remote trigger for the arrows. -Ruby told to herself.
Jaune put the crossbow back into the shield form and waited for the right moment. The moment came when he notices Vénéneuse was about to move again.
-Now! -Jaune shouts in his mind.
Before Vénéneuse dashed, Jaune got ready. Before Vénéneuse moved, Jaune already moved his shield in front of him, putting the point to where Vénéneuse was about to move.
The result?
-Just because you are fast, doesn't mean instant win. -Ryan stated. -You may have heard that before along with 'not matter how fast you are if I know where you are coming', right?
-Yeah. -Jaune spoke. -Since I know where it is coming from, I can think of a counterattack.
-But the opposite also can be applied, Jaune.
-What do you mean? -Jaune asked, confused. -If I know where it's coming from, I can count.
-And what if your enemy is too fast for you to react?
-It is possible?
-There is always a possibility. If your enemy is too fast for you to react, knowing what he will do will be no help.
-Then what do I do?
-The only thing you can do in this situation is attack your opponent before he attacks you.
-But if he's faster than me, how come I can attack first?
-By attacking before he starts his move.
At first, Vénéneuse felt the worst pain his aura ever took as he rolled ahead on the ground. When he stopped rolling, he clutched his chest after his speed tripled the damage behind Jaune's strike.
Looking at Jaune, everyone saw him holding his shield in front of him horizontally, the point on the lower part a little bend from Vénéneuse's run. He could not help but smirk, feeling that Vénéneuse's aura got a huge tow from this.
-Ho ho! He react before his opponent moved. -Port exclaimed, clearly enjoying the match. -It seems their defeat is not so obvious after all.
Glynda could only frow from the statement, which got worst hearing the headmaster chuckle at her expense. Even she was starting to think the duo may get this. She could only hope Yasashi could deal with Ryan or else, she will have to say goodbye to her Crystal Champagne.
Speaking of which, she should see how he is faring against Ryan.
-Wow! Wow! Wow! -Ryan loudly exclaimed.
The gunslinger was currently being held by his ankle by Yasashi, who spun him around like a mace. At first, he planned to just throw him against the ground but changed his mind seeing Jaune was able to find a way to deal with his teammate. So using all his strength, he threw Ryan far away, planning to throw him out of the arena. But the gunslinger pulled his black revolver and pulling the trigger, he used the kick of the shot to kick away the momentum.
Thinking the problem was solved, he failed to notice Yasashi coming from behind and with a well-sent kick on the face, Ryan was sent flying away once again. Except that the gunslinger moved his body in a way to reach the ground with his foot and maneuvering himself, the momentum was completely lost once both his feet touch the ground.
-So he wears sandals not only for his own fashion sense, huh? -Fernando asked himself, but this caught the attention of his co-workers.
-What do you mean? -Glynda asked.
-Did you all see how he moved while in midair? -Fernando asked.
-This move seems to involve three breaks. -Pyrrha began, also noticing the way Ryan moved midair, and explained to the gang. -The first one, or rather five are his fingers, which are the first parts of his body to hit the ground to hold himself, followed by the heel of his foot, which is the second break. Finally comes the third break, his other leg absorbs the rest of the force used to throw him away.
-Each part break at least a little of the force used to send him away. -Fernando explained. -But also can be problematic. With little force left when he stops with his leg means that he uses too much strength in his fingers and foot to absorb the force used to send him flying away.
-But considering his exceptional physical strength, it is a little problem for Mr. Forest. -Port stated.
While Port gave his statement, Fernando notices Glynda tapping her finger over her upper arm, clearly getting nervous about the fight. She clearly was on the side of the upper classmates, so seeing the duo overcoming them was making her grow nervous.
Yasashi knew that if he keep going like that, there was a possibility he would have to deal with the duo by himself, the damage on Vénéneuse clearly would affect his movements, giving Jaune the chance he needed to overcome his teammate.
Speaking of him, both Vénéneuse and Jaune were breathing on the ground. Vénéneuse still was feeling the damage taken from running against Jaune's shield while the knight was trying to recover from all the damage he received from the fast combo.
Seeing they needed a change of scenarios, Vénéneuse and Yasashi nodded to each other before the smaller boy disappeared from Jaune's sight.
Ryan pulled both his revolver and got ready when a chill on his spine told him something was coming, a little too late seeing once again got him in the head.
-Can you guys please stop hitting me in the head?! -Ryan asked, loudly and annoyed.
Jaune was about to rush to his partner when he also felt the chill in his spine telling him something was coming. He put his shield above him and blocked a powerful strike from Yasashi's bo staff. The blow was strong enough to put him in his knee, showing the strength Yasashi has.
-They switched opponents. -Weiss commented.
-Seeing they were having some difficulty dealing with their current opponents, exchanging them seems to be a viable option for them. -Ren commented.
-And Jaune still is a bit sore from all those strikes from Vénéneuse. -Ruby commented.
-How much that run could be affecting his moves? -Yang asked.
-Enough for him not to run to the point of multiplications. -Natsu answered.
Needless to say, Jaune was not getting a good time against Yasashi. All bruised from Vénéneuse's strikes and without his sword, he was put at a huge disadvantage. He was able to block a few strikes but soon was hit in the opposite direction, not able to move the shield in time to block the incoming strikes.
He blocked a strike with the shield and took his leg away before the bo staff could hit him in the ankle, then he ducked but got hit in the stomach. He put his shield in the way in time before was hit in the face but was then hit in the chin. He stumbled back and a strike on his legs made him fall on his back. Instinctively, he rolled away, right before the bo staff came down opening a small hole in the ground.
Jaune quickly got hold of the staff and used it to lift himself from the ground, aiming a kick at Yasashi's face. But with a move of his hand holding the staff, Yasashi made Jaune's leg pass by the side of his head. He followed by taking hold of the knight's ankle and spinning his around as he did to Ryan minutes ago.
Speaking of which, Ryan was busy dealing with Vénéneuse, the small boy running in circles around him. It wasn't as fast as before due to the injury on his chest but he still could run fast enough to fool the eyes of his opponent as long as the distance is not too long.
Knowing to try shooting him would do him no good, Ryan charged electricity and spread it around the ground, forcing Vénéneuse to take his distance. It was only there Ryan notices his partner being spun around by his ankle.
He was about to help his partner when suddenly felt something bash his arm. He retreated and then felt something hit his face on the left side, followed by the right side, his belly, behind his left knee, and his chest.
Knowing it was Vénéneuse dealing with him, he tried to hit the small boy but he was just too fast for him, surprising everyone with how fast he was running despite the injury on his chest.
Reaching with his arm, the small boy was already gone from that zone and moved to behind Ryan, kicking him on the back. He tried to reach behind but ended up getting another kick on the belly, he tried to reach to his front and got an elbow on his face.
Coming next were strikes coming from almost every direction, forcing Ryan to cover his head with his hands and got to his knees as the strikes keep coming.
-How can she move so fast with that bump on her chest?! -Ruby loudly asked.
-She must be using her aura to hold back the pain from her chest. -Ren theorized. -She is using her aura to heal the wound without the need of stop her movement to recover. Like that, she can still move and slowly return to her prime speed.
-Do you guys remember that Vénéneuse is a boy, right? -Chocolat asked.
-Oh, right. -Ruby and Ren said, forgetting about that detail.
Yasashi threw Jaune and once he fell to the height of his chest, released a barrage of strikes against the knight, who while in midair covered his upper body with his legs and shield. But this did not stop him from feeling like five martial artists were attacking him.
One last strike on his stomach, passing his defense, sent him flying back, rolling a few times on the ground before falling face fist on the ground.
-Jaune! -Both Ruby and Pyrrha exclaimed in worry.
-Even if Vénéneuse is quick on his feet, Yasashi also strikes fast. -Ren commented.
-Jaune is not in a good position. -Blake added.
Using what was left of his strength, Jaune pulled himself back to his knees. Unfortunately, his aura was not working fast enough with his bruises. So he was down to the ground as Yasashi approached him. His opponent raised his bo staff, ready to deliver the final blow.
-Victory is mine! -He exclaimed with conviction.
-A thin line divides victory and defeat. -Jaune muttered, knowing that was his chance.
Alone in one of the school's training grounds, Jaune was swinging his sword in the same pattern for a while now. First swinging down in a diagonal move, then one in horizontally to the opposite of where his blade was, and finally, giving a lunge with the blade.
-Remind me why I'm practicing the same move over and over. -Jaune said, still moving the pattern.
-A man once told me to not fear the one who practiced one hundred kicks, but the one who practiced the same kick one hundred times.
-This isn't from a movie?
-But do you get the meaning of those words? Just because you know how to use a movement, it doesn't mean you mastered it. Even a simple kick can overcome the most complicated techniques as long you know how to use it. That's why you need to practice a move more than one single time because using it in combat is far different than while training.
He parried the strike with his shield and let Yasashi wide open for a strike, remembering about three moves Ryan made him practice. Yasashi was not out of the count yet as he spun to try to hit Jaune with his staff again.
Jaune first gave the diagonal swing, parrying away the staff. Next, he gave the horizontal swing, taking away the staff Yasashi tried to use to block an incoming strike, being put away instead. His weapon flew from his hands, and Yasashi was left wide open for Jaune to lunge with his sword. The point of the blade connected to his chest and what comes next surprised everyone.
Jaune's aura become visible for a moment and all went from his body to his blade, sending a small wave of aura through the blade and hitting Yasashi with more force than he was expecting.
He flew back but was still not out of the fight, except that while in midair he notices an arrow approaching him, one that Jaune shot right after he sent Yasashi to fly away. With no time to react, he could only watch with wide eyes as the arrow makes contact with his chest, exploding.
He flew like a small comet, causing a small tremor on the floating arena. Surprisingly enough, his aura was still yellow. Seeing he was out for a while, he turns to his partner who of course, was still having problems with Vénéneuse.
The small girl-I mean, boy was still at high speed, hitting the gunslinger from every side while Ryan covered himself with his stone armor. He planned to tire the boy by allowing him to hit his hard armor but seemed his semblance gave him superhuman stamina, so it was time for plan B.
After a while of being hit by the small boy, he notices.
-Up. Left. Down. Right. -Ryan whispered. -Up. Left. Down. Right. Up. Left. Down. Right. Up. Left. Down. Right. Up. Left. Down. Right. Right. Up. Left. Down... -Vénéneuse approached, ready to deliver another strike. -... Right!
Only Ryan hit him on the belly with his elbow with enough force to remove a good portion of the air from his lungs. In desperation, Vénéneuse run as fast as he could, forgetting to try to be unpredictable, with means there was a pattern in his moves that Ryan explored.
Vénéneuse fell roughly on the ground and Jaune went after him, but a chill in his spine told him to put his shield on the back of his neck, blocking a kick from Yasashi.
-He still is standing? -Yang asked.
-Stubborn fellow. -Natsu commented.
Losing his weapon, Yasashi attacked with a barrage of punches which Jaune blocked with difficulty. He was about to counter-attack when felt something hold his legs and look down at Vénéneuse holding his ankles. Yasashi took advantage of this moment of distraction and aimed an uppercut at Jaune's chin, which he dodges by doing the dance movement called 'Limbo'.
Ryan also took the opportunity of the move and gave a high kick against Yasashi's face while Jaune hit Vénéneuse's back with his elbow. Ryan then pulled Jaune by the leg to help him quickly stand back on his feet.
Using what is left of his stamina, Vénéneuse moved back to his feet while Yasashi recovered from the kick and both rushed at the duo from both sides.
-Jump! -Ryan shouted and Jaune obliged as the gunslinger covered his arm with a small tornado.
From the audience, Cardin recognized the move from when Ryan fought against the triplets, thus he was not surprised by what comes next. Ryan punched the ground, causing the ground to twist from the point of impact, and causing both Vénéneuse and Yasashi to stumble on their feet.
Vénéneuse fell back on the ground while Yasashi nearly lost his balance, but barely had time to react before Ryan's fist connected to his face, followed by Jaune bashing him on the face. Ryan followed with a palm strike on his chest, stunning him enough for Jaune to kick him in the stomach. Ryan then hit Yasashi on the chin with his palm, allowing Jaune to give a small leap and hit Yasashi's face with his shield.
With a loud roar, he put all his strength in his fist to hit Jaune right in the face. Feeling some pressure in his fist, he was sure the strike connected, or he thought.
Paying attention, he notices Ryan's hand had protected Jaune's face and used the momentum to pull Yasashi off the ground and throw him on the ground with a judo throw, strong enough to cause a small crater on the ground.
It was when a yellow aura briefly appeared around Yasashi's body, disappearing a second after.
Vénéneuse witnessed with wide eyes what just happened, and eyed the duo with worry on his face. When they turned to the small boy, he was on his knees with his hands raised in defeat.
-I can't deal with both of you alone. -He said. -I surrender.
And with that, victory was theirs.
-Victory! -Chocolat excitedly exclaimed.
Among them, the audience let out cheers after the great fight they witnessed. Among them, none were happier for their second victory than both RWBY and CNVL. Pyrrha was grateful they manage to make it.
-That's what I'm talking about! -Yang exclaimed.
-I must admit, they performed exemplary. -Weiss commented.
-Did you guys see their last combo?! They punch! And kicked! And punch again! And bashed with the shield! And was awesome! -Nora cheerfully stated.
As both teams cheered, Yang noticed that her little sister was quieter than usual. Her silver eyes sparkled and her fist closed in determination.
The young leader of team RWBY made up her mind after witnessing how much Jaune grew since they first meet.
-Would you look at that? -Port began, snickering behind his mustache. -They won.
-They just had luck for having opponents they knew how to deal with. -Glynda answered.
-It doesn't matter. -Fernando spoke next. -A victory still is a victory, being from luck or not.
Glynda huffed and make her way to the exit until Port's voice rang in her ear.
-Glynda, I hope you don't forget about our... agreement.
If Glynda clenches her teeth even more, she will need a dentist, especially after Ozpin failed to hold back the chuckle upon seeing her misfortune. He ignored her death glare and focused on the duo.
Both were exceeding everyone's expectations from the fights to the troubles they got themselves in. But it mattered little, next they were going to face students from the third year. This is where everyone failed in the Challenge, and she was confident they were not going to go further than that. Their combat capabilities so far told her that.
Similar thoughts were in the staff's mind. The third fight was the far someone got in the Challenge and wondered how the duo would fair against their next opponents.
As Jaune helped Vénéneuse back to his feet, Ryan pulled Yasashi from the ground.
-I'm gonna felt that tomorrow. -Vénéneuse said. -I need to stop being so predictable.
-There's always something to learn. -Yasashi stated. -Today we just learned something new.
-I'm glad you guys are not so sore about the defeat. -Jaune said.
-Meh, it happens. -Spoke Vénéneuse. -Besides, we could learn something from both of you.
The statement made Jaune a bit surprised. Usually, he is the one learning from the gunslinger, so he thought when something was said for them, they would be talking about Ryan only. What they could possibly learn from him?
This is perhaps a sign that he is improving.
A green blur made its appearance and Oobleck spoke on the microphone.
-It is with great delight and surprise that I announce that Jaune Arc and Ryan Forest are the winners of the second round of the Challenge! -Oobleck declared. -Congratulations Mr. Arc and Mr. Forest.
-Woohoo! -Jaune exclaimed, letting go of Vénéneuse, who fell roughly on the ground.
-Ouch... -Vénéneusewinced.
-Alright! Chest-bump! -Jaune said, standing in front of Ryan and getting ready.
-Jaune, I don't think this is a good idea. -Ryan tried to reason with his partner.
-C'mon! Don't let me waiting! -But it seems he ignored him.
Ryan shrugged and got ready. They jump on each other, chest hitting chest, which made Jaune comically fly back out of the holographic screen, earning some chuckles from the audience, including both teams and Natsu and even their previous opponents.
-And with that, both of you are officially qualified for the third round of the Challenge!
More cheers could be heard from far away.
Jaune could not believe he actually hold his ground against someone from the second year. They may not be the bests, mind you, but still were a huge accomplishment for him. Not only that, he was able to actually give his partner a lending hand during the fight.
He also must remember to thank Ruby for the long-range weapon in his shield, it was very useful during the combat.
Fée was frustrated.
She witnessed the battle and could tell that Ryan got stronger since he left Vacuo.
And seeing the improvement in the use of his semblance made her blood boil in anger. She never left that move where he twist the ground with a hurricane punch, and she knew it was not the last of his new tricks.
Not far from where she was, Cardin also could tell that Jaune improved since their first duel in Goodwitch's classes. In no time, the blonde will be able to surpass him, something that gave a knot in his stomach, and knew he needed to do something. He had an idea of what to do but would be against everything he believed before, but already started to have doubts after Ryan's victory against the triplets.
Both teams RWBY and CNVL were glad they managed to win the second round and continue in the academy for a couple of more days. Now they could only hope they are able to deal with their next opponents, whoever they shall be.
Their train of thought was suddenly interrupted by a voice speaking a little far behind, one that sounded familiar to the sisters.
-So, what do you think? Did he get stronger? I mean his skills. But he also got stronger physically? I remember him being able to break nuts with his fingers. The guys always had the wrong idea each time I said that. Do you know what those words also mean? I mean breaks a man's-
-I get it, Milk. -Spoke another voice. -He got stronger. We all did.
Ruby and Yang turned back and their eyes widened in surprise.
-Milk? -Both sisters asked at the same time.
Both teams turn to see a girl with black hair with pink tips sitting beside a blonde girl wearing a yellow military bonnet. But what caught their attention is that the girl had an uncanny resemblance to the leader of the team RWBY, even the silver eyes.
-Hi Ruby! Hi Yang. Or should I start with Yang since she is the older sister? But the first letter of Ruby's name comes first if we go alphabetically. But Yang's surname is longer and can take more time to speak, at least half a second. But perhaps I should choose the first by age since-
The girl's monologue was interrupted when Ruby tackled her on the ground in a hug compared to the one she gives to her own weapon.
-Oh Milk! I can't believe you are here! -Ruby excitedly exclaimed.
-Yeah, why did you say you were coming to Beacon too? -Yang asked, approaching her sister.
-But I did. Did I? I remember that I did. But I did? I remember I did. But I can not remember that I not did. I-
-We get it Milk. -The blonde girl said.
-Uh, Yang. -Blake called, approaching the scene with the rest of the gang. -Can you introduce us?
After Ruby helped Milk back to her feet, Yang patted the girl with pink hair on the shoulder and made the introduction.
As the duo made their way out of the locker room, they were welcomed by both teams and Natsu, almost all of them smiling.
-Congratulations, you both. -Pyrrha said first.
-I knew you both could make it! -Nora exclaimed next.
-Well done, you both. -Weiss said, putting a dope smile on Jaune's face. He was about to say something when-
-Hi-llo! -A girl similar to Ruby in appearance interrupted him. -Did you hear? I said Hi-llo. I mixed hi with hello, making a new word out of two words that have the same meaning, thus making both words as one without the need to change over and over between hi and hello.
-Uuuuhhh... who are you? -Jaune asked the girl, also noticing a blonde by her side.
-This is Milk Rose, she's Ruby's cousin. -Yang introduced. -And apparently, she had meet Forest in the past.
End of the chapter.
Something I forgot to mention is the new Grimm on RWBY Icequeendom has the same name of a Grimm I created in my OC story. But the Nightmare I created has different effects from the one in the anime. Perhaps I could use it in this story and see what people think.
Anyway, more characters appeared and some will soon come but eventually some will return for something else. Like I mentioned before, since I plan to keep the duo out of the White Fang's plot to some extend, they need their own enemies to fight. More enemies to come soon.
That's all folks, see you next time.