A.N: So, I suppose I owe a quick update on things on my end. The One Piece Campaign chapter is going very slowly, unfortunately. I'm dealing with some really bad writer's block on that one. I have an idea of how I want the chapter to go, it's just proving to be difficult. But I am trying guys. I really am. But, until then, enjoy this Wild Hunt Chapter, where we go back to the things that made RWBY great at the start: highly choreographed fight scenes.

Chapter 31: Fight For Pride

When Weiss, Blake and Yang woke up this morning, they were not surprised to see Ruby already out of her bed. "She's getting some early morning training already?" Blake let out a yawn as she stretched eerily like a cat.

"That's my little sis for ya." Yang said with a hint of pride. "Ever since Teach started taking his job more seriously, it's like a fire's been lit in her. Seeing her working so hard is giving me a lot of confidence we can win this."

"You say that, but we all have to win our fights to win this team match." Weiss pointed out with a sigh. "Honestly, I understand the professor's thought process, but I really wish he didn't stack the deck against us like that."

"Meh, think of it this way, Teach wouldn't challenge us like this if he didn't think we could pull it off." Yang offered.

"You think the professor has confidence in us?" Blake had to chuckle at this. "With how tough he is on us, I'd have to...press x to doubt, as I'm sure you'd put it, Yang."

Yang laughed at that, making Weiss roll her eyes. "You two are eerily calm about what's coming up. You know it's today, right?"

"Well, two of the matches are." Yang pointed out. "Though, if memory serves me correctly, Teach will be arranging you and I to fight first, right Weiss?"

"That's what he said, I can't help but wonder why he'd be asking us to fight first." Weiss mused. "Perhaps it's because we fought in the doubles and singles rounds in the Vytal Festival. I mean, we were chosen for those rounds because we're the most equipped to fight in one-on-one duels. Perhaps he wanted us to go first since he felt we needed the least amount of work in that regard."

Yang sighed. "Well, we won't get anywhere if we just sit around. Come on, let's go pick Ruby up and head to morning workouts. After those and breakfast, we'll probably be called to the arena to prepare for the first match."

So, the other three members of Team RWBY made their way to the training grounds, only to see that Ruby had fallen asleep, with Winter Schnee standing over her. "Why am I not surprised?" Weiss heaved an irritated sigh. "Winter, why's she sleeping on the grounds?"

Winter let out a small laugh at this. "She was doing some early morning exercises and training with her Semblance and weapon. She clearly did not get enough sleep last night. Because as soon as she was done she fell asleep."

Yang walked over to her little sister. "Wakey wakey, Sis. Come on, the new Weapons Monthly edition is in. Don't you want to read it?" Ruby did not stir, surprising Yang. She decided to try something else. "Umm...there's a sale at Ever After Desserts on cookies. Come on, dad's giving us an allowance to go buy a bunch of cookies…"

Yang grimaced. Ruby was not waking up from her usual tricks. "That...usually works." She muttered before trying a new trick. "Umm...I heard there's a new gun prototype in development. One that fires cookies instead of bullets."

"Seriously?" Weiss deadpanned.

"She's exhausted, Yang." Blake deadpanned. "I bet Atlas could fall from the sky and she wouldn't wake up at this point."

"Well that's not going to work." Weiss pointed out. "We have to get ready for morning workouts."

"Oh, don't worry about that." Winter shook her head. "I'll take her back to my office and message your drill sergeant. I'll let him know that she's already exhausted herself from morning workouts."

Winter could not help but smile at Ruby as she picked her up. "She was really pushing herself. Even more than she was the last time she went out here. I'm going to have to tell her to exercise caution in pushing herself too hard, especially when her efforts adversely affect other aspects of her life, like her studies."

Yang could not help but giggle. For such a prim and proper woman, Winter was carrying Ruby like a sack of potatoes. "Anyway, I believe two of the matches with Team GLDN are today." Winter noted. "Best of luck to you all."

"You rooting for us, Specialist?" Yang asked.

"Officially, no. But unofficially I'm rooting for you." Winter admitted. "I do believe it would be quite beneficial for Team GLDN to be knocked down a few pegs."

"I apologize that things have been rough for you all since coming here." Winter continued with a genuinely apologetic look on her face. "I assure you, those who are actually a part of Atlas' military are far more professional. The way many of the students have been treating you...honestly I would chalk it up to being green and immature as can be."

Blake, Weiss and Yang were all taken aback by Winter's apology. Winter nodded curtly. "Again, best of luck to you all. Fight hard, and remember what's at stake. If one of you loses, the whole team loses."

With that, Winter left with Ruby, leaving Yang, Weiss and Blake to wait for the arrival of the rest of the students and the drill sergeant.

Meanwhile, Hansel Kobalt was catching some extra minutes of rest in the teacher's lounge. The teachers were giving him a wide berth in said lounge due to their utter terror of him and his family name. The young combat professor soon stirred awake, groaning slightly. "Ugh, did I doze off?" Hansel muttered. "Why? I never get a good night's sleep anyway."

"Must've been all the activity last night." Hansel realized with a yawn. "That was a long night, even by my standards."

Suddenly a message rang out on his scroll. Who could be texting him? Was it perhaps Dr. Polendina with the results of that footage being scrambled already? Opening his messages, he frowned at the number and the name. He did not need to hear from General Ironwood this early in the morning. Then he saw the contents of the message and perked up. They were of the two matches for today.

The message read: "Good morning, Hansel. I've reviewed your requests on who you'd like to see fight first, and felt they were reasonable requests for what you were trying to accomplish."

Of course it was reasonable. Hansel rolled his eyes.

"As such," the message continued, "the first match will be between Yang Xiao Long and Lutin Rouge. The next fight will be between Weiss Schnee and Nezha Zise. I will message you tomorrow morning with Blake Belladonna and Ruby Rose's opponents."

Hansel raised an eyebrow. Well, Rose is probably going to end up fighting Team GLDN's leader. That leaves Belladonna with the last of them. Guess I should be glad that they let the two Team RWBY members most suited for one-on-one fights go first. Hopefully, they will help Belladonna and Rose learn by example.

Hansel yawned and stretched. Well, I really can't make much progress in the investigation until that unscrambled footage gives me some new information. Or I find some new lead. With how wiped I am from last night though, I doubt I'll get much. I guess I'll spend some time cheering on the students.

Well, whatever constitutes cheering in my case. I'm sure as hell not the 'rah-rah' type.

Hansel rose to his feet, tiredly rubbing his eyes. Maybe I should see if I can get some medicine to help me sleep better. That won't help with the nightmares, but if I'm not at a hundred percent for when I take in whoever the mole is…

Deciding to table those thoughts another time, Hansel decided to make his way to the arena. A few hours later, Yang, Weiss and Blake were calmly sitting in the locker rooms next to the arena, waiting for the announcement of the first match. "Ruby's still not back." Weiss noted.

"She must've really been working herself hard this morning." Blake added. "Hopefully she doesn't sleep through the matches. She should use them as a good learning experience to prepare for her own fight. That's certainly what Professor Kobalt would say if he were here right now."

"She'll be here to watch." Yang promised. "It's Ruby. She's never let us down before when it matters the most."

Then, the trio heard a voice over the intercom. "Yang Xiao Long, Lutin Rouge, please report to the arena for your match, immediately. Yang Xiao Long, Lutin Rouge, please report to the arena for your match immediately."

"Oho?" Yang grinned, stretching her legs. "We're letting the sexiest of the bunch go first, eh? Well, hey, ya gotta give 'em a good show to start things off right, right?"

Blake and Weiss both rolled their eyes. "Well, wish me luck, you two. I'm going to show Team GLDN what the rest of 'em are in for."

"Just remember the advice that the professor gave you, Yang." Blake reminded her.

"Best of luck, Yang, you're going to do just fine." Gin Byakko suddenly revealed himself.

"Gin?" Weiss shrieked in surprise.

Yang lost her composure and started screaming at Gin. "What are you thinking? Don't just walk into the lockers? What if we were changing?"

"Huh? This is unisex, since it's next to the battle arena." Gin pointed out. "Can't be blamed for that."

"Besides, I don't need to peep on you to see you naked or underdressed, Yang." Gin grinned. "One of these days, I'm going to charm you right out of your clothes. Bet on it."

"LIKE HELL YOU WILL!" Yang screamed.

Gin laughed. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry, that was a bad joke." He then gave Yang a bright smile. "I came here to wish you luck, Yang. You're going to do fine."

Yang calmed down and scoffed. "Well, yeah, of course I'm going to do fine. I'm going to do more than fine though. I'm going to win."

Gin chuckled and smiled, clapping Yang on the shoulder. "Of course you will. You and me are one in the same, after all." He reminded her, much to Yang's visible confusion. He decided to explain himself upon seeing her face. "I mean, we chose our jobs because we're junkies for positivity. Whether it's adrenaline, adventure, fun or love."

Gin winked playfully at that last word, making the girls look at him with deadpan, disgusted expressions. "And what's your point?" Yang asked.

"It's more fun when you win, is it not?" Gin asked. "Professor K's got a pretty sour opinion on winning, but mine's a bit more positive. Winning equals accomplishment, and for folks like us, that's the best damn thrill you can possibly experience."

"With that in mind, give it your all, Yang." Gin encouraged. "But yeah, do try to keep in mind the advice Professor Grumpy gave ya. He only gives it because he thinks it'll help ya, after all."

Gin could not settle on a nickname for Hansel, apparently…

"You've got this." Gin held out his fist for Yang.

Yang smirked and bumped it without hesitation. "Thanks, but you're still on trial, you whacko. You're more of a junkie for thrills than me, ya know."

With that, Yang started making her way to the arena. "Is that why you tease her so much, Gin?" Blake asked. "Because you think you two are similar?"

Gin laughed. "Call it a kindred spirit kind of thing." He admitted. "I knew as soon as I first saw her that we had a lot in common."

Gin's smile then became a bit sad. "And, I saw what went down with her during the Vytal Festival." He admitted. "Lady Circe felt terrible about how her rep got dragged through the mud by the bitch who ruined that whole thing. I did too."

Blake and Weiss both frowned at that memory, and how they both were unable to truly believe Yang when she said she saw Mercury Black attack her. She needed their support, and they let her down. "I know, I know, I may seem a little...much." Gin acknowledged. "Chrysos would probably say the same thing."

"But, this is how I am. I gravitate towards people who've had a rough go at it, and I cheer them up by being...me." Gin revealed. "When I saw how scared and confused she was, surrounded by the Atlesian soldiers...I just wanted to cheer her up with a smile and a joke. And maybe see that smile I saw in the earlier rounds."

At that moment, Weiss and Blake both realized just what kind of man Gin Byakko was. Odd, but genuine and sincere.

Meanwhile, Ruby Rose was frantically scrambling to the arena. "Nononononono!" She frantically yelled. "Not good, not good, not good!"

This was the price for sleeping as late as she did after training early in the morning. All she could do was thank Winter for letting her rest up in her office before hearing the announcement that Yang's fight with Lutin was about to begin. To try and make up time, Ruby transformed into rose petals, bursting past the other students. She could hear protests and shouts of frustration as she sped past them.

Soon, she was at the arena. She sped to the lowest level of the spectators seats. "Okay, need to find a good seat." She muttered, taking note of how many students were actually here to witness this fight. The arena was half-full.

Thankfully, the most unlikely person came to her rescue. "Over here, Rose." Ruby's attention was drawn to the tired sounds of a certain professor.

She saw Hansel Kobalt, waving at her, with a few open seats near him. In fact, there were quite a few seats open near him. Hansel speculated it was because none of the Atlas Academy students wanted to be anywhere near him. "Heya, Professor!" Ruby sped over and saw how he really looked. His eyes at the faintest hints of dark circles around them and his eyes even seemed a bit baggy. "Whoa, you look terrible."

Hansel gave Ruby a deadpan expression. "That's a fine hello." He muttered.

"Er...sorry." Ruby muttered.

Hansel sighed. "Yeah, I do look terrible though." He admitted. "I was up nearly all night, conducting my investigation. Might have a few leads to go on..."

Hansel yawned. "But information always comes at quite a cost."

Ruby pouted, making Hansel frown. "What?" He asked.

Ruby instinctively jabbed Hansel in the chest. "You need to take better care of yourself." She said. "It's bad to lose so much sleep."

Never mind that Ruby fell asleep after pushing herself so hard on the training grounds, early in the morning…

"Huh? You think you can order me around, Rose?" Hansel did not have the energy to actually get mad at her.

Ruby grumbled. "I do when you're hurting yourself by not sleeping properly."

Hansel let out another yawn. "It's really not so bad, once you get used to it." He tried to brush off Ruby's concern.

Before Ruby could ask what he meant by that, she heard a few more familiar voices. "You're here to watch the fight, Professor?"

Ruby turned to see Weiss, Blake and Gin. "Hey girls, oh and Gin! You came to watch?"

Gin grinned and flashed Ruby the peace sign. Blake looked at Hansel. "I'm surprised, I thought you'd be busy."

"I'm your teacher, and I also needed a bit of a break after the night I had." Hansel told Blake. "So, I'll be here to cheer you on."

"Don't say that while looking like you're going to fall asleep." Weiss deadpanned.

Still, seeing him tired is actually a welcome sight. She added inwardly. Seriously, I was starting to think he just had limitless energy with how he is.

"I'm here too, by the way." Gin flashed Hansel a peace sign.

Hansel just looked at Gin and shrugged. "Whatever," he said, turning to the arena. "Look, Xiao Long and her opponent are stepping into the arena."

The rest of the group took their seats to watch Yang's fight…

Meanwhile, on the battlefield that was Atlas Academy's arena, Yang stared down Lutin Rouge. He was a short, stocky fellow with bright red hair. He actually reminded Yang of an elf or a dwarf with his size. Still, she could not underestimate him. She had made that mistake when she had charged in to fight Adam and almost lost an arm over it. Also that weapon he was carrying, a ball and chain, it looked simple but so did the professor's katana. And that blade was dangerous. No reason this ball and chain would not be the same.

"Nice to see you show up." Lutin told Yang.

Yang grinned, cracking her neck. "Wouldn't miss it for the world." She said. "I've been waiting to pound at least one of you into the ground for the crap you put us through yesterday."

Lutin scowled. "That won't do, Gra said to put you through the wringer, to show you why we're the best." He pointed at a section in the seats. Yang turned to see Gra and the rest of Team GLDN, watching the fight intently. "I have no intention of embarrassing my teammates. The only thing they're going to see today is me kicking your ass all across this arena."

"Combatants, are you both ready?" Yang and Lutin turned to see the ref for the match.

"Let's do it." Yang raised both of her fists. It was time to put Ember Celica to work.

Lutin just smirked and began to swing his ball and chain, called the Lucky Star. "I'm ready too."

"How do you think this will go, Professor?" Blake asked curiously. "Yang's a heavy hitter, but that weapon definitely gives Lutin the advantage in range."

"Yang's fast though, if she can just get inside his attacks, she's got this." Ruby, of course was a source of positivity.

Hansel shook his head. "When you're facing an unfamiliar enemy, physical prowess is not the most important factor to consider." He explained. "How this fight will go...will depend on how quickly Xiao Long can figure out the ins and outs of his weapon and his Semblance."

"Wouldn't that go for Yang as well?" Weiss asked.

"No, because Team GLDN probably has the videos of all of you in the Vytal Festival." Hansel reminded them. "Unfortunately, they have the advantage as far as 'know thy enemy' goes."

"And we have to beat all of them, in order to win." Weiss groaned, realizing that this made things even more difficult, cursing herself for not realizing that sooner.

"Can't be a Huntsman if you can't deal with the odds being against you." Hansel reminded them. "Win or lose, this is going to be a good experience for all four of you."

"Aura amounts are now being displayed on the wall! Begin!" The referee yelled.

Lutin immediately went on the offensive. "I'LL SHOW YOU THE MIGHT OF TEAM GLDN!" He yelled, swinging Lucky Star and sending it right at Yang.

Yang grinned and rocketed forward with Ember Celica, straight at both Lutin and Lucky Star. "She's going right for a direct assault?!" Weiss was surprised.

"She probably had the same idea Ruby did, to get inside the length he can swing that ball and chain and punch him before he can pull it back to defend himself." Blake noted.

Yang then let up on the blasts and let herself fall a little, moving right underneath Lucky Star's ball. "Alright, she dodged it!" Ruby excitedly noted.

Yang was now right in between Lutin and the iron ball, 30 feet from the both of them, to be exact. She prepared to rocket forward with Ember Celica again, ready to nail Lutin with a deadly haymaker. Lutin then smirked. "That is such a predictable move." He taunted before. "One that will cost you. Come back, Lucky Star!"

Then, much to the shock of the rest of Team RWBY, the iron ball suddenly reversed course and smashed right into Yang's back. Yang's eyes widened as she yelled in pain. Her Aura meter dropped ten percent. "That was just one blow!" Weiss could not believe what she was seeing.

"Yang can't take too many of those hits!" Blake was immediately worried for her partner.

"How did he do it, Professor?" Ruby's inner weapon geek came out as she tried to figure out the secret behind Lutin's weapon. "Does the ball have some holes that fire out airstreams to manipulate its trajectory?"

Hansel shook his head. "No, I didn't see anything like that." He replied. "I think that might be…"

"Nice, huh?" Lutin taunted, grinning at how a single blow had forced Yang to her knees. "That was my Semblance: Course Correction. I can manipulate the trajectory of inanimate objects. Pretty handy when you've got people shooting at you, but it's even more handy when you've got the right weapon to steamroll weaklings like you."

Lutin twirled Lucky Star before sending it at Yang once more. Yang instinctively rolled away from the iron ball. Lutin laughed. "It's like you don't learn from your mistakes." He mused, before commanding Lucky Star to move towards Yang once more. He was going for the head this time. He would ring her bell, so to speak, and give her a nasty concussion she would feel for days, Aura notwithstanding.

Yang, however, was ready this time. She turned slightly and fired a shotgun shell from Ember Celica to knock the iron ball off its trajectory. "Like I wouldn't consider something like that." She heard Lutin say before she watched as the shotgun shell suddenly veered off course. The iron ball was still coming towards her.

So he can manipulate the trajectory of multiple objects. Yang noted before leaning and avoiding the iron ball. She felt it graze past her cheek. Damn it, if he can change the trajectory of his and my attacks on demand…

Yang trailed off, frantically trying to figure out how to beat her opponent. Hansel narrowed his eyes, noticing the already panicked look in her eyes. "Not good, Rouge has already thrown her off her game. He's already inside her head because she doesn't know what he's going to do with that iron ball of his next." He noted.

"Well, if he hits her, Yang will just get stronger and faster." Ruby pointed out. "Her power meter will build up…"

"And will that happen before she runs out of Aura or loses consciousness?" Ruby fell silent at that piercing question. "This is exactly what I was trying to explain to her during our training sessions."

"Xiao Long's Semblance is powerful, but if we're going to use video game analogies when explaining her Semblance, consider my analogy." Hansel continued. "Rose, what happens in an RPG when a level 1 party fights someone who's level 10? Or even 20?"

Ruby's eyes widened. "This is the real weakness of her Semblance." Hansel revealed. "Any enemy who's simply stronger, faster or smarter than her. I don't know if I'd necessarily say Rouge is stronger or faster than her, but he's definitely smarter with how he uses his weapon and his Semblance."

"Yang's not out of the fight yet, Hansy." Gin grinned. "Keep watching, she might surprise you."

Hansel fell silent at this. Maybe, but how this fight proceeds is how you keep your cool and think over your next move, Xiao Long. Hansel noted. I told you during our training session to fight smarter, not harder.

That may actually be the key to win for you...so what will you do now, Xiao Long?

Back in the arena, Yang took a deep breath, regaining her composure. Keep your cool, Xiao Long, you're not out of the fight yet. She got to her feet. Be smart here, review what you've learned of this guy so far and change your strategy.

Using Ember Celica's shotgun shells is out of the question. He'll just redirect them off course. And I certainly won't accomplish anything if I just let him chase me with that iron ball of his.

Guess that means I have no choice. If I can just get close to this douche I can ram Ember Celica right down his throat!

Yang charged forward once more. "She's charging him again?" Weiss gasped.

Lutin chuckled. "Charging forward again? You definitely did strike me as the simpleminded one of your team."

Still, I can't let her get close. That Semblance of hers is simple, but effective. And every time I hit her, she converts the blows into power. It's like Gra said, I can't draw this fight out either, even if I am built for endurance.

I'll humiliate her quickly and end this farce of a battle between teams right here and now. Lutin decided before pulling what appeared to be a dust cartridge out of his pocket. He then loaded it into a compartment at the base of the ball and chain's handle. I've got just the thing.

The chain holding Lucky Star together suddenly lit up in the color red. Then the iron ball turned red. "Here we go!" Lutin yelled, using his Semblance to direct the iron ball towards Yang. "I'm coming in like a wrecking ball, Yang Xiao Long!"

Yang gasped, stopping in her tracks. She leaned back, avoiding the first strike from Lucky Star. She could feel the heat the iron ball was giving off now. Whoa, so that was fire dust he loaded into the handle.

Lutin chuckled and directed Lucky Star back towards Yang. Yang avoided the next speeding strike from the iron ball. At least I know he has to commit to a single direction when he uses his Semblance. Or is there some sort of timed delay between when he commands the ball to move and when it actually does it?

Yang kept moving forward, bit by bit. She knew the only way to stop this constant assault was to strike Lutin. Then, Lutin directed the iron ball to strike at the ground right at Yang, making her stop in her tracks. Lutin grinned. "Burn!" He yelled as the ball suddenly lit up, opening several small circular compartments in the process.

Said compartments suddenly blasted fire out of them as it then leapt up at Yang, striking her in the stomach.. Yang yelled in pain as she was struck by the force of a large iron ball and burned at the same time. Yang's Aura dropped down to 65% from the blow. She was then knocked onto her back.

"Oh no, Yang!" Ruby yelled in concern.

Hansel narrowed his eyes. "Damn it, I tell her during training to focus and not take too many unnecessary hits and this is happening." He muttered.

"That's not fair, Professor, she's trying her best, that's just a difficult Semblance to fight against." Blake countered.

Hansel shook his head. "At first it is, but the truth is, there's a very easy trick to beat it. Xiao Long's got the right idea to try to force the fight up close. But she's still making the mistake of thinking she can power through the blows she takes."

"If Rouge manages to break her Aura, it's over, that's the fight." Hansel reminded his other three students and Gin. "But she can still pull this off. She just needs to stop charging in like a damn bull and actually think about why he's able to make that Semblance of his so damn dangerous."

Lutin, meanwhile, watched as Yang got to her feet. "I guess I should've figured the fire wouldn't be enough to keep you down. You probably liked those flames." He noted, referencing the videos of her past fights from the Vytal Festival.

Lutin called Lucky Star back to him. "Still, you're out of your league, Xiao Long. You can try to force the fight up close all you like, but I'll just trap you with Lucky Star and my Semblance and smack you around until your Aura drops to zero. Of course, if your body gives out first, then that just makes it easier. This next blow will be a concussion."

Damn, Yang thought in frustration, he's tough. Those last two hits of his built up a bunch of power, but what's the point of it if I can't even hit the guy?

I guess this is what Teach meant…

"You girls constantly compare Xiao Long's Semblance to a power meter." Hansel had said. "But do pro gamers rely solely on power meters to win fights? No, they string combos, block and counter. Hell, there are certain games where super moves are straight-up banned in pro matches."

"You're already plenty strong without using your Semblance to power up, Xiao Long. But if you're only building up your Semblance like a power meter, you won't win too many fights when you run into tougher opponents. Something I'm getting a little sick of having to repeat to you."

"So fight smarter. String the combos. Block. And above all else, figure out your enemy's limits. That way, you don't have to rely on simply overpowering your enemies."

Okay, so what do I know so far? Yang recapped. His Semblance allows him to alter the directions of inanimate objects. He usually uses it on the iron ball in that ball and chain to keep his opponents from getting near him. But he can redirect my shotgun shells, so using Ember Celica's long-ranged mode is out of the question.

Yang took note of the fact that he was using a ball and chain. She could not help but note a very simple fact. Chains have a limit to their length. So perhaps I can push the length to its limit? That should at least slow him down enough for me to get close to him.

"Take this!" Lutin yelled, twirling Lucky Star to build up momentum before throwing it forward.

Okay...here we go.

Yang rocketed herself to the side with Ember Celica to pick up speed quickly, avoiding Lucky Star in the process. "Hold on, what's she doing?" Weiss asked.

Gin smirked, immediately realizing what Yang was up to. She's trying to stretch that chain to the limit to slow down his Semblance. Not the best way to stop Lutin, but it's a start. What are you going to do next?

Lutin narrowed his eyes, keeping his gaze on Yang as best he can as he redirected Lucky Star towards her. I've already stretched the chain's length to the limit. Lucky Star's slower at this range when I use my Semblance on it!

Lutin yelled and pivoted, moving Lucky Star towards Yang. Yang smirked. Let's pick up a bit more speed.

Yang did just that and watched as Lutin desperately pivoted to try and keep up with her. So there are limits to his Semblance. She noted. That iron ball is only dangerous when it's got enough slack on the chain to move freely. Okay, now let's go give him something to really be scared of!

Yang quickly reloaded shotgun shells into Ember Celica and rocketed towards Lutin now. Lutin's eyes widened. Shit! He screamed inwardly, directing Lucky Star towards Yang now.

However, Yang was outrunning it, thanks to the speed she had already picked up. He can still dodge from side to side though. She noted before smirking, already having a plan to catch him off guard. Which is exactly why…

Yang suddenly rocketed upwards with a shotgun shell, blasting the ground in front of Lutin, blinding him with the blast. Ruby gasped. That move...it's just like the one Professor Kobalt used on me during his first day teaching!

Hansel was now watching Yang with interest. That girl…

Lutin gasped. No, Lucky Star… He frantically thought before the ball came out of the blast from Ember Celica, striking him in the stomach.

"UGH!" Lutin yelled in shock and pain.

Yang was briefly confused by why Lutin didn't redirect Lucky Star. He knew it was coming towards him...so why? Ah, I can't let up. Time to chain a combo!

Yang punched forward repeatedly, firing several shotgun shells right into Lutin's back. Lutin yelled in pain. On the screen, his Aura dropped to 55%. "Alright Yang!" Weiss cheered.

"She's nearly got his Aura down by half! Just like that, she's turned the fight around!" Blake added.

Meanwhile, Team GLDN, Gra Steinn frowned at this sudden development. "Looks like Lutin may have underestimated her just a little." Dollie Grass noted, while Nezha Zise simply nodded.

"No, the fight's just more even than we realized." Gra shook his head. "That girl's got a lot of determination...but Lutin's got even more."

As Yang landed and prepared to continue her assault, Lutin recovered from being blasted by Yang's Ember Celica and loaded a new dust cartridge into Lucky Star. Hansel noticed this and frowned. "She needs to let up her assault, right now." He muttered.

Lutin looked over his shoulder as Yang neared him. "You think just because you hit me once, you've already won?!" He glared at Yang before spinning around and swinging Lucky Star sideways, aiming at Yang's head.

"She can't dodge that!" Blake yelled.

"No, she can, Yang's Ember Celica can stop her momentum with shotgun blasts." Ruby quickly reassured Blake as Yang did just that.

Lutin, however, just smirked. "It's like you refuse to learn your lesson. You won't beat me that easily, you understand!" He yelled before redirecting Lucky Star at Yang's face.

"No, Yang!" Weiss yelled in concern.

Then, much to the Beacon Group (and Gin's) shock, ice spikes came out of the compartment just as Lucky Star hit Yang in the face. "Yang!" Ruby yelled as her sister was sent flying by the blow, her Aura dropping to 35%.

"Cheap shot." Blake growled. "He's lucky Aura protects her from that kind of stuff. What would've happened if it ruptured? He could've killed her."

Hansel shook his head. "Damn it, Xiao Long, you got greedy." He muttered.

"Maybe, but she's still in this." Gin reminded Hansel. "As long as Yang's got Aura, she's still in this. But those spikes increased the force of the last blow. She can take one more of those at best, and then it's over."

Lutin took a look at the board and frowned. "Damn it, I can't believe I let you wipe out almost half of my Aura like that. Dollie's never going to let me hear the end of this."

Yang slowly got to her feet, swaying slightly. Lutin chuckled at the sight. "Oho? So even with Aura protecting you, I still gave you a concussion? I'm almost tempted to have the ref call it here. You're not really in any shape to continue now."

The sooner I can get him to call this match, the better. I can't take another combo like that. Lutin acknowledged inwardly.

Yang managed to steady herself, and then, much to Lutin's shock, she started to chuckle. "Oh, so that's all it was." She said, continuing to chuckle. "Wow, what a lame-ass weakness."

"Huh?" Lutin frowned.

"The ref ain't calling jack squat, Lutin." Yang told him, giving him a determined glance. She reloaded her shotgun gauntlets. "I didn't hear no bell, so let's keep going!"

Lutin brought Lucky Star back to him. He twirled the ball to gain more momentum before tossing it at Yang. I'll stick to the ice dust to end this! That hit her the hardest.

Yang then aimed Ember Celica at the ground. She's going to go for an airborne assault? Lutin smirked triumphantly. Now that is a rookie mistake! She'll be a sitting duck! Now, make your move and let's end this, Yang Xiao Long!

Lucky Star continued nearing Yang, but she made no attempt to dodge it. "What is she doing, it's going to hit her?" Blake worriedly wondered.

Ruby smiled. "She's got a plan." She responded simply, knowing her big sister better than anyone.

"Damn it!" Now Lutin was starting to freak out. "Hurry and dodge!"

Then, at the last possible moment, Yang fired two shells of Ember Celica into the ground, rocketing into the air and kicking up a smokescreen from the blast that enveloped Lucky Star. Lutin's eyes widened. No, I can't use Course Correction!

Yang then rocketed towards Lutin with another double blast of shotgun shells. I have no choice, I have to pull it back manually! Lutin realized, pulling on Lucky Star like it was a fishing rod.

Lucky Star quickly emerged from the smoke. Yes, I've got her now!

Yang smirked and fired another shotgun shell into the ground, rocketing herself back into the air and enveloping Lucky Star in another smokescreen. Nonononononononono! Lutin screamed inwardly.

Yang continued firing shotgun shells upwards and downwards, adding to the smokescreen from the constant gunfire. Hansel could not help but smirk slightly as Yang rocketed herself towards what seemed to be victory. She figured it out.

And then, on the twelfth shotgun shell, Yang was right in Lutin's face. Lutin could only yell in fear before being nailed by a powerful hook from the blonde brawler. Yang landed as the stocky Atlas student stumbled, reeling from the punch to the face. Yang then looked up, ready to strike Lutin once more. She launched herself upwards, punch ready to connect.

As she prepared to punch him again, Lutin watched as Lucky Star suddenly emerged from the smoke. There we go! I win! Lutin's eyes and mouth opened with glee.

Then, Yang's punch suddenly changed course, hitting Lutin's outstretched arm; the arm holding Lucky Star. Lutin yelled in pain, instinctively letting go of Lucky Star, leaving it to drop harmlessly onto the floor, forcing the ball off its course and letting it land harmlessly on the ground.

"Game over, you lose, Lose-in!" Yang yelled before throwing a third, and final, punch that smashed Lutin in the jaw, making him leave his feet and go 90 degrees into the air.

Yang then yelled as she drove Lutin into the ground, her hair lighting up in flames. A small crater was made as Lutin was slammed into the ground. Red-colored Aura briefly became visible before it shattered like glass.

"Lutin!" Dollie Grass yelled in concern for her teammate while Nezha and Gra frowned.

The students of Atlas who had decided to watch the fight all gaped in disbelief, staring at the sight of Yang Xiao Long standing over their short, stocky classmate. Ruby cheered her big sister while Hansel just nodded, sincerely satisfied with his student figuring it out at the very end.

His Semblance only works when an object is in his line of sight. That was why his attacks were from the sides at the start. He didn't want her to try to circle around him. He was screwed as soon as Xiao Long recovered enough to try and move around to outpace him.

I gotta hand it to her. That smokescreen she put down with the blasts from her shotgun shells was a pretty smart move. But, I do have to dock her for that weak start.

Yang then pumped her fist in the air victoriously. Lutin was lying beneath her, arms splayed and mouth wide open in shock and pain. She could hear the ref making the call that he was unable to continue.

And more importantly, she heard him call her the winner. She had won. And damn did she feel proud. That sense of accomplishment was the biggest rush a thrill junkie could get.

A.N: I mean, with all the focus Hansel gets sometimes, we do sometimes need a reminder that this is still a RWBY story. And character growth is a thing. Actually, I really enjoyed writing this fight, even though it was a lot more methodical than say the Hansel vs. Reaper fight nearly 20 chapters ago.

Anyway, one down, three to go. Next chapter will be Weiss vs Nezha. Hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. I'll see you all next time.