11 – Fruits of your labor
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[#] Today I posted my new original project "Dick the Builder: A Jerk of All Trades", you can check it out on my profile.
[#] As always, Ko-fi subscribers have access to 5 chapters ahead, plans start at 1 dollar.
COMMENTS:
RWBYxMGEfan[archiveofourown]: Luna could have said to Yang that having her was the best thing Raven ever did. Nevertheless, I thought this was pretty well done.
The whole fight between Clover, Qrow, and Tyrian never made any sense to me, unless its meant to be sort of a retelling of the parable about the scorpion and the fox. Betrayal is in his nature, etc. Regardless, teaming up with a homicidal maniac to fight your friend seems like a poor decision.
AVIP: Thanks for the kind words.
ThunderBasilisk[questionablequesting]: Damn what a conversation. And yet a much needed one to. Wonder if Yangs gonna draw any parallels with Blake if she runs off again?
AVIP: Perhaps a more serious conversation about how Yang is jealous of Blake, of how Blake parents love her unconditionally.
[Cinder]
Sitting in the cafeteria, I sigh tiredly once again as the seconds drag on.
Glynda Goodwitch.
The name echoes in my head like an irritating echo, a constant presence, impossible to ignore.
She has to know something,there's no other explanation. Why else would she make us do all these pointless extra activities?
The Headmistress claimed that Team CMEN had to make up for missed classes, which lacked proper justification, by putting in extra hours
Coming from the woman in charge of Haven Academy, that argument actually makes sense, and I would normally just be mildly annoyed at the waste of time…
'But that damn hag is just torturing us,' I think, grinding my teeth as I try to contain my fury.
We have extra classes until after dark from Monday to Saturday, leaving us with only one day to act, and even then, there's a curfew at 5 PM to keep us from skipping class Monday morning.
And every single second of those extra classes, Glynda Goodwitch is there, watching us like a hawk. And to add insult to injury, all the classes are about things like 'Damage Control', 'Ethics of Aura and Semblance Usage', 'Proper Huntsman Conduct with Civilians', 'Problem Solving Without Violence', 'Philosophy of the Greater Good'… all topics centered around some sort of morality.
My whole body shudders at the thought of the torture we endure in these subjects, and whatever else is still to co
I shake my head, trying to forget Goodwitch and focus on the peasant-level meal in front of me.
"French fries and chicken nuggets," I mutter, grumbling. "I thought this was an academy for the next defenders of humanity… not some damn daycare for spoiled brats with no taste."
Emerald, sitting next to me, nudges my arm.
"Ma'am, someone's been staring at you since you sat down."
Concerned, I look in the direction Emerald indicates. My body tenses, ready for any threat. But as soon as I see who's watching me, my body relaxes, his intentions as clear and harmless as my flavorless Jell-O.
Annoyed, I turn to Emerald.
"You seriously can't tell the difference between a spy on a stakeout and a dumb, lovesick teenager?"
Four tables away, a blond-haired kid with blue eyes and an unbuttoned white shirt is staring at me with way too much intensity. When he realizes I'm looking back, he raises both hands and makes fake finger guns at me, followed by a wink.
I roll my eyes and go back to my plate.
"Pathetic," I grumble, frustrated. "The last thing I need is to waste my precious time on a lovesick idiot."
"Maybe you should pay attention to him," Mercury says, drinking from his juice box.
I widen my eyes in shock and slowly turn to face the gray-haired idiot.
"Say that again," I whisper coldly, glaring at him.
"Well…" Mercury begins, swallowing nervously as he realizes how stupid his words sound. "Goodwitch is watching us for suspicious behavior, right?"
"Get to the point, or I'll shove a glass spear so far up your ass you'll actually taste it."
"Y-y-you c-could-." he stammers, but I cut him off.
"Stop stuttering, you useless idiot!" I snap, slamming my hand on the table. "Spit out your dumb idea before I scoop it out of your soft brain with a hot spoon."
His eyes go wide in terror, but he manages to speak.
"Normal students date in school," he blurts out, raising his hands in defense.
To everyone's surprise at the table, I don't attack him.
I sit still, thinking silently.
"Normal students date in school…" I repeat softly, almost a whisper. "I can't believe I'm saying this… but you're making sense, Mercury."
Sitting in the cafeteria with my team, I can't help but smile at that girl with the black hair and intense eyes.
"Dude! Did you see that? I think she just waved at me," I declared, feeling pumped. "She did! She waved at me!" I cheered, standing up.
Excited, I nudge Neptune with my elbow, nodding in her direction.
"See? Told you the finger guns would work."
Neptune rolls his eyes, chewing on a nugget.
"Even a broken clock is right twice a day, Sun."
I shrug with a confident grin on my face.
"You're just jealous."
Neptune chuckles, shaking his head.
"Jealous? Nah, I'm happy for my buddy makin' moves on a cutie," my brother from another mother says, waving his hand. "But seriously, that's the girl you're into?"
"What's wrong with her?" I ask, genuinely confused. "She's hot as fire, my man."
"She never talks to anyone outside her team, and she's got that crazy intense hot-girl vibe…" He glances at me, suddenly a little worried. "Like she'd cut someone just for looking at her wrong."
Arching an eyebrow, I look at her again, her amber eyes shining even from across the room.
"Her eyes are so pretty," I mutter, feeling all bubbly.
"She's staring at you like you're prey, dude," Neptune pleads. "Can't you pick another girl?"
"I dunno, man. There's just something about her…" I start, then drift off into my thoughts. "Maybe I just like girls with long black hair and golden eyes. Simple as that."
Neptune shrugs and goes back to focusing on his food.
"Whatever you say, Sun. Just don't come crying to me if she turns out to be a total psycho."
I smile, full of confidence.
"That's never gonna happen, bro. Trust me."
I look at her one more time, she's staring back at me with an even more intense gaze.
"Oh yeah. She's totally into me."
I'm sitting in Professor Luna's class, chin resting on my hand, eyes glazed over as my thoughts drift. The professor's voice fades into the background, replaced by the echoes of clashing metal and the thud of hits landing on the arena. A smirk tugs at the corners of my mouth as I recall the hours spent pushing my limits, sweat dripping, muscles aching.
Each day, I feel it… the difference. My strikes are swifter, my blocks have better time. The extra training with Professor Luna and Pyrrha is paying off. I can see it in the way my body moves, feel it in the rhythm of my breath as I lunge and parry. The relentless drills, the endless sparring matches, they're all sculpting me into something more.
My gaze shifts to Pyrrha, seated a few rows ahead. Her posture is flawless, her focus unwavering. She's everything I strive to become… strong, skilled, confident. A warmth spreads through me, a mix of admiration and gratitude. She believes in me, sees something worth nurturing.
I straighten up, the smirk blossoming into a grin.
'I can do this,' I think to myself. 'I can face whatever challenges come my way.'
"Next fight!" the professor announced loudly, capturing everyone's attention. "Cardin Winchester versus Jaune Arc."
The name echoes through the room, and ice courses through my veins.
'I take back everything I was thinking... I'm not ready. I need more time.'
The room blurs, and my breath hitches.
A warm hand rests on my shoulder, firm and steady. A soft voice cuts through the haze of my self-doubt.
"Jaune," says a gentle feminine voice, "are you okay?"
I look up and see my partner. Her eyes, pools of emerald concern, search mine. She squeezes my shoulder, a silent reassurance.
"I can take your place if you're not feeling up to it," she offers, her voice barely above a whisper.
Her words kindle something within me.
'How can someone so amazing, care so much about me?' I think in silence. 'She believes in me, even when I don't believe in myself.' That thought sparks a fire in my chest, a determination that burns away the cold grip of fear.
I stand, my chair scraping loudly against the floor. The room comes back into focus, and I see Professor Luna watching me, his expression unreadable. I take a deep breath, Pyrrha's hand still on my shoulder, her presence a solid anchor.
"I'm ready," I declare, my voice steady and sure.
There's a murmur of surprise from my classmates, but I tune them out.
"Knew you had it in you." Pyrrha smiles at me, her eyes shining with pride. "Now go show them what you're made of."
I will do this to prove to everyone, and most of all to myself, that Pyrrha is not wasting her time with a cowardly loser.
Quickly, I slip into my armor, the cool metal a familiar comfort against my skin. Each piece clicks into place, a ritual that grounds me and prepares me for what's to come. I heft Crocea Mors, ready to fight.
I walk to the ring sprawled before me. Cardin stands across from me, a sneer twisting his lips. He rolls his shoulders, his massive mace held loosely in one hand, a cruel glint in his eyes.
"Thought you'd chicken out, Arc." His voice, a low rumble, carries across the space between us. "Guess even a loser like you has some spine."
I don't rise to the bait, don't let the anger show on my face. Instead, I plant my feet, square my shoulders, and meet his gaze dead-on.
"Let's get this over with."
The professor's voice booms through the arena, each word sharp and clear.
"This is a full-contact sparring match between Jaune Arc and Cardin Winchester. The conditions for defeat are as follows: ring out, aura depletion, surrender, or loss of consciousness. Do both contestants understand these conditions?"
Cardin grunts his affirmation, and I nod, my grip tightening on Crocea Mors. The cool metal grounds me, a stark contrast to the heat of adrenaline coursing through my veins.
Professor Luna steps back, his gaze sweeping over us both.
"Begin!"
His voice echoes, and then it's just Cardin and me, circling each other like predators. Cardin's sneer deepens, his eyes narrowing as he sizes me up. I keep my expression neutral, my focus honed to a razor's edge. I can't afford to underestimate him, not with Pyrrha watching.
Cardin charges, his battle cry echoing through the arena.
"Drop dead, Arc!" He launches into the air, his heavy mace arcing downward, a brutal force aimed at my skull.
Instinct kicks in. I thrust my shield up, angling it to meet his blow. Metal clangs against metal, the impact juddering through my bones.
CLANG!
His mace slides off as I angle my shield, momentum carrying it wide. Cardin's guard drops, his smugness replaced by a flicker of surprise.
I seize the moment. Stepping forward, I slam my shield into his face, putting my weight behind it.
BOOM!
The shield bash connects, and Cardin stumbles back, his Aura flickering from the impact. He shakes his head, taking a few steps back, dazed, then scowls.
"Lucky shot, Arc," he growls, raising his weapon.
Cheers erupt from the sidelines. I glance over to see Team RWBY on their feet, fists pumping the air. Nora's voice rings out above the rest, her enthusiasm infectious.
"Come on, fearless leader!" she cheers. "You got this!"
Ren sits beside her, his eyes never leaving the fight, calm and focused. Pyrrha, too, watches intently, her expression unreadable. Even in their silence I fell their support, a steady warmth in my chest.
Cardin circles me, his earlier cockiness replaced by a wary anger. He feints, testing my defenses. I hold my ground, shield ready, sword poised. I've trained for this, drilled the motions until they're second nature. I can do this.
"You don't stand a chance, Arc," Cardin mutters, more to himself than to me. He lunges, a quick jab with his mace. I deflect it, the clang of metal against metal ringing out.
Cardin presses forward, a flurry of strikes testing my defenses. His mace swings in tight arcs, jabs aimed at my ribs, my shoulders, my head. Each blow is met with a sharp clang as my shield intercepts, deflects, parries. He tries a kick, but it's too telegraphed, easily avoided.
I'm starting to see a rhythm to his attacks, a predictability that makes them almost lazy. I sidestep a clumsy swing, his mace whistling through empty air. He stumbles, off-balance, and I seize the opening. My shield slams into his back, sending him sprawling.
A thought stirs in the back of my mind, whispering insidiously.
'He's weak.'
I dismiss it, shaking my head as if I can physically dislodge the notion.
Our fight continues, and I keep deflecting Cardin attacks. I've drilled these motions countless times, sparred with partners far more skilled than Cardin. Pyrrha, with her fluid grace and lightning-fast strikes. Professor Luna, with his relentless, brutal efficiency. Compared to them, Cardin is...
'Slow,' I realize, the thought crystalizing in my mind. 'He's slow. He's clumsy. He truly is-.'
"Weak," I murmur, the word slipping out before I can stop it.
Confidence surges through me, an electric current igniting every nerve. I feel so alive, every sense heightened, every muscle coiled and ready. Cardin's eyes widen as he sees the change, his cocky smirk replaced by a wary scowl.
Crocea Mors flashes, a silver arc slicing through the air. Cardin jerks back, barely avoiding the strike. He grips his mace tighter, his knuckles white, as he swings it in a wide, powerful arc.
I duck under the blow, feeling the wind of its passage ruffle my hair. I straighten, driving my shield up and into his chin. His head snaps back, a grunt of pain escaping him. I press forward, my strikes coming fast and furious, each one fueled by a newfound aggression.
Cardin falters, surprise and desperation warring in his eyes. He blocks, parries, dodges, but I'm relentless, my strikes flowing like water, each one building on the last. I can see the strain in his eyes, the tension in his muscles as he struggles to keep up.
A wild swing, a desperate gamble. Cardin activates the Dust crystal in his mace, a brilliant flare of red light engulfing the weapon. He puts his all into the strike, a savage roar ripping from his throat.
"RAAAAARGH!"
Time slows. I see the strike coming, see the trajectory, the force behind it. I step into it, angling my shield, I hit his hand with the edge of my shield sending his mace spinning from his grasp. Cardin's eyes widen in shock, his mouth opening in a silent 'O'. I don't give him time to react. My sword arm whips around, Crocea Mors slicing through the air in a wide, powerful arc.
The blade connects, cutting across Cardin's chest. His Aura flares, a desperate attempt to absorb the blow. The force of the strike lifts him off his feet, sending him crashing to the ground outside the ring.
Silence falls, a stark contrast to the thunder of combat mere moments ago. All eyes are on Cardin, sprawled on the ground, his Aura flickering like a dying flame. Professor Luna steps forward, his voice echoing through the stunned arena.
"Ring out and Aura depletion. Cardin Winchester is defeated." Announces the professor. "Winner, Jaune Arc."
A cheer erupts from the sidelines, Team RWBY on their feet, fists pumping the air. Nora's voice rings out above the rest, her enthusiasm infectious.
"Thats my leader!" she cheers, her eyes shining with pride.
Ren nods, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. Pyrrha, too, watches me with a beautiful smile.
Professor Luna approaches me, his expression thoughtful.
"Good fight, Jaune. You've shown remarkable improvement," he says, his voice steady and calm. "But at the start, you seemed uncertain of your own abilities, and by the end, you let overconfidence get the better of you."
I nod, the adrenaline still coursing through my veins.
"I know, Professor. I won't let it happen again."
"See that you don't," he says, his eyes fixed on me, searching. "Overconfidence can be just as deadly as underestimating your opponent." He pauses before continuing, "You've barely lost any Aura, so you can still fight. I want you to face someone who'll teach you a bit of humility."
Before I can respond, he turns to the class.
"Yang Xiao Long." Announces the teacher.
Yang springs up, her chair scraping loudly against the floor. Her eyes gleam with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine.
"What do you need, Professor?" she asks, her voice eager, almost hungry.
Professor Luna turns to her, his expression serious.
"Yang, I know Jaune is a close friend to you and Ruby. But I need you to fight him, giving it your all. He needs to learn a lesson."
Yang blinks, confusion flickering across her face for a moment. Then she turns to me, a cruel smile spreading across her lips.
"My pleasure," she purrs, her voice a low growl that makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
I swallow hard, gripping Crocea Mors tighter.
E ai gurizada…
[#] IAs I mentioned above, today I posted my new original project, "Dick the Builder: A Jerk of All Trades". Here is the cover art:
[#] I hope you enjoyed this new serialization, if you are interested, my Ko-Fi[avipbr] subscriber has access up to this chapters posted there:
Chapter 12 - Teacher's pet
Chapter 13 - What's a sub?
Chapter 14 - Ruby doesn't like cookies?
Chapter 15 - Hydra and the Knight
Chapter 16 - Let's go to the mall
[#] You can reach me on X/twitter, @AvipBr
[#] As always, Ko-fi subscribers have access to 5 chapters ahead, plans start at 1 dollar.
COMMENTS:
RWBYxMGEfan[archiveofourown]: Luna could have said to Yang that having her was the best thing Raven ever did. Nevertheless, I thought this was pretty well done.
The whole fight between Clover, Qrow, and Tyrian never made any sense to me, unless its meant to be sort of a retelling of the parable about the scorpion and the fox. Betrayal is in his nature, etc. Regardless, teaming up with a homicidal maniac to fight your friend seems like a poor decision.
AVIP: Thanks for the kind words.
ThunderBasilisk[questionablequesting]: Damn what a conversation. And yet a much needed one to. Wonder if Yangs gonna draw any parallels with Blake if she runs off again?
AVIP: Perhaps a more serious conversation about how Yang is jealous of Blake, of how Blake parents love her unconditionally.
[Cinder]
Sitting in the cafeteria, I sigh tiredly once again as the seconds drag on.
Glynda Goodwitch.
The name echoes in my head like an irritating echo, a constant presence, impossible to ignore.
She has to know something,there's no other explanation. Why else would she make us do all these pointless extra activities?
The Headmistress claimed that Team CMEN had to make up for missed classes, which lacked proper justification, by putting in extra hours
Coming from the woman in charge of Haven Academy, that argument actually makes sense, and I would normally just be mildly annoyed at the waste of time…
'But that damn hag is just torturing us,' I think, grinding my teeth as I try to contain my fury.
We have extra classes until after dark from Monday to Saturday, leaving us with only one day to act, and even then, there's a curfew at 5 PM to keep us from skipping class Monday morning.
And every single second of those extra classes, Glynda Goodwitch is there, watching us like a hawk. And to add insult to injury, all the classes are about things like 'Damage Control', 'Ethics of Aura and Semblance Usage', 'Proper Huntsman Conduct with Civilians', 'Problem Solving Without Violence', 'Philosophy of the Greater Good'… all topics centered around some sort of morality.
My whole body shudders at the thought of the torture we endure in these subjects, and whatever else is still to co
I shake my head, trying to forget Goodwitch and focus on the peasant-level meal in front of me.
"French fries and chicken nuggets," I mutter, grumbling. "I thought this was an academy for the next defenders of humanity… not some damn daycare for spoiled brats with no taste."
Emerald, sitting next to me, nudges my arm.
"Ma'am, someone's been staring at you since you sat down."
Concerned, I look in the direction Emerald indicates. My body tenses, ready for any threat. But as soon as I see who's watching me, my body relaxes, his intentions as clear and harmless as my flavorless Jell-O.
Annoyed, I turn to Emerald.
"You seriously can't tell the difference between a spy on a stakeout and a dumb, lovesick teenager?"
Four tables away, a blond-haired kid with blue eyes and an unbuttoned white shirt is staring at me with way too much intensity. When he realizes I'm looking back, he raises both hands and makes fake finger guns at me, followed by a wink.
I roll my eyes and go back to my plate.
"Pathetic," I grumble, frustrated. "The last thing I need is to waste my precious time on a lovesick idiot."
"Maybe you should pay attention to him," Mercury says, drinking from his juice box.
I widen my eyes in shock and slowly turn to face the gray-haired idiot.
"Say that again," I whisper coldly, glaring at him.
"Well…" Mercury begins, swallowing nervously as he realizes how stupid his words sound. "Goodwitch is watching us for suspicious behavior, right?"
"Get to the point, or I'll shove a glass spear so far up your ass you'll actually taste it."
"Y-y-you c-could-." he stammers, but I cut him off.
"Stop stuttering, you useless idiot!" I snap, slamming my hand on the table. "Spit out your dumb idea before I scoop it out of your soft brain with a hot spoon."
His eyes go wide in terror, but he manages to speak.
"Normal students date in school," he blurts out, raising his hands in defense.
To everyone's surprise at the table, I don't attack him.
I sit still, thinking silently.
"Normal students date in school…" I repeat softly, almost a whisper. "I can't believe I'm saying this… but you're making sense, Mercury."
[Sun Wukong]
Sitting in the cafeteria with my team, I can't help but smile at that girl with the black hair and intense eyes.
"Dude! Did you see that? I think she just waved at me," I declared, feeling pumped. "She did! She waved at me!" I cheered, standing up.
Excited, I nudge Neptune with my elbow, nodding in her direction.
"See? Told you the finger guns would work."
Neptune rolls his eyes, chewing on a nugget.
"Even a broken clock is right twice a day, Sun."
I shrug with a confident grin on my face.
"You're just jealous."
Neptune chuckles, shaking his head.
"Jealous? Nah, I'm happy for my buddy makin' moves on a cutie," my brother from another mother says, waving his hand. "But seriously, that's the girl you're into?"
"What's wrong with her?" I ask, genuinely confused. "She's hot as fire, my man."
"She never talks to anyone outside her team, and she's got that crazy intense hot-girl vibe…" He glances at me, suddenly a little worried. "Like she'd cut someone just for looking at her wrong."
Arching an eyebrow, I look at her again, her amber eyes shining even from across the room.
"Her eyes are so pretty," I mutter, feeling all bubbly.
"She's staring at you like you're prey, dude," Neptune pleads. "Can't you pick another girl?"
"I dunno, man. There's just something about her…" I start, then drift off into my thoughts. "Maybe I just like girls with long black hair and golden eyes. Simple as that."
Neptune shrugs and goes back to focusing on his food.
"Whatever you say, Sun. Just don't come crying to me if she turns out to be a total psycho."
I smile, full of confidence.
"That's never gonna happen, bro. Trust me."
I look at her one more time, she's staring back at me with an even more intense gaze.
"Oh yeah. She's totally into me."
[Jaune]
I'm sitting in Professor Luna's class, chin resting on my hand, eyes glazed over as my thoughts drift. The professor's voice fades into the background, replaced by the echoes of clashing metal and the thud of hits landing on the arena. A smirk tugs at the corners of my mouth as I recall the hours spent pushing my limits, sweat dripping, muscles aching.
Each day, I feel it… the difference. My strikes are swifter, my blocks have better time. The extra training with Professor Luna and Pyrrha is paying off. I can see it in the way my body moves, feel it in the rhythm of my breath as I lunge and parry. The relentless drills, the endless sparring matches, they're all sculpting me into something more.
My gaze shifts to Pyrrha, seated a few rows ahead. Her posture is flawless, her focus unwavering. She's everything I strive to become… strong, skilled, confident. A warmth spreads through me, a mix of admiration and gratitude. She believes in me, sees something worth nurturing.
I straighten up, the smirk blossoming into a grin.
'I can do this,' I think to myself. 'I can face whatever challenges come my way.'
"Next fight!" the professor announced loudly, capturing everyone's attention. "Cardin Winchester versus Jaune Arc."
The name echoes through the room, and ice courses through my veins.
'I take back everything I was thinking... I'm not ready. I need more time.'
The room blurs, and my breath hitches.
A warm hand rests on my shoulder, firm and steady. A soft voice cuts through the haze of my self-doubt.
"Jaune," says a gentle feminine voice, "are you okay?"
I look up and see my partner. Her eyes, pools of emerald concern, search mine. She squeezes my shoulder, a silent reassurance.
"I can take your place if you're not feeling up to it," she offers, her voice barely above a whisper.
Her words kindle something within me.
'How can someone so amazing, care so much about me?' I think in silence. 'She believes in me, even when I don't believe in myself.' That thought sparks a fire in my chest, a determination that burns away the cold grip of fear.
I stand, my chair scraping loudly against the floor. The room comes back into focus, and I see Professor Luna watching me, his expression unreadable. I take a deep breath, Pyrrha's hand still on my shoulder, her presence a solid anchor.
"I'm ready," I declare, my voice steady and sure.
There's a murmur of surprise from my classmates, but I tune them out.
"Knew you had it in you." Pyrrha smiles at me, her eyes shining with pride. "Now go show them what you're made of."
I will do this to prove to everyone, and most of all to myself, that Pyrrha is not wasting her time with a cowardly loser.
Quickly, I slip into my armor, the cool metal a familiar comfort against my skin. Each piece clicks into place, a ritual that grounds me and prepares me for what's to come. I heft Crocea Mors, ready to fight.
I walk to the ring sprawled before me. Cardin stands across from me, a sneer twisting his lips. He rolls his shoulders, his massive mace held loosely in one hand, a cruel glint in his eyes.
"Thought you'd chicken out, Arc." His voice, a low rumble, carries across the space between us. "Guess even a loser like you has some spine."
I don't rise to the bait, don't let the anger show on my face. Instead, I plant my feet, square my shoulders, and meet his gaze dead-on.
"Let's get this over with."
The professor's voice booms through the arena, each word sharp and clear.
"This is a full-contact sparring match between Jaune Arc and Cardin Winchester. The conditions for defeat are as follows: ring out, aura depletion, surrender, or loss of consciousness. Do both contestants understand these conditions?"
Cardin grunts his affirmation, and I nod, my grip tightening on Crocea Mors. The cool metal grounds me, a stark contrast to the heat of adrenaline coursing through my veins.
Professor Luna steps back, his gaze sweeping over us both.
"Begin!"
His voice echoes, and then it's just Cardin and me, circling each other like predators. Cardin's sneer deepens, his eyes narrowing as he sizes me up. I keep my expression neutral, my focus honed to a razor's edge. I can't afford to underestimate him, not with Pyrrha watching.
Cardin charges, his battle cry echoing through the arena.
"Drop dead, Arc!" He launches into the air, his heavy mace arcing downward, a brutal force aimed at my skull.
Instinct kicks in. I thrust my shield up, angling it to meet his blow. Metal clangs against metal, the impact juddering through my bones.
CLANG!
His mace slides off as I angle my shield, momentum carrying it wide. Cardin's guard drops, his smugness replaced by a flicker of surprise.
I seize the moment. Stepping forward, I slam my shield into his face, putting my weight behind it.
BOOM!
The shield bash connects, and Cardin stumbles back, his Aura flickering from the impact. He shakes his head, taking a few steps back, dazed, then scowls.
"Lucky shot, Arc," he growls, raising his weapon.
Cheers erupt from the sidelines. I glance over to see Team RWBY on their feet, fists pumping the air. Nora's voice rings out above the rest, her enthusiasm infectious.
"Come on, fearless leader!" she cheers. "You got this!"
Ren sits beside her, his eyes never leaving the fight, calm and focused. Pyrrha, too, watches intently, her expression unreadable. Even in their silence I fell their support, a steady warmth in my chest.
Cardin circles me, his earlier cockiness replaced by a wary anger. He feints, testing my defenses. I hold my ground, shield ready, sword poised. I've trained for this, drilled the motions until they're second nature. I can do this.
"You don't stand a chance, Arc," Cardin mutters, more to himself than to me. He lunges, a quick jab with his mace. I deflect it, the clang of metal against metal ringing out.
Cardin presses forward, a flurry of strikes testing my defenses. His mace swings in tight arcs, jabs aimed at my ribs, my shoulders, my head. Each blow is met with a sharp clang as my shield intercepts, deflects, parries. He tries a kick, but it's too telegraphed, easily avoided.
I'm starting to see a rhythm to his attacks, a predictability that makes them almost lazy. I sidestep a clumsy swing, his mace whistling through empty air. He stumbles, off-balance, and I seize the opening. My shield slams into his back, sending him sprawling.
A thought stirs in the back of my mind, whispering insidiously.
'He's weak.'
I dismiss it, shaking my head as if I can physically dislodge the notion.
Our fight continues, and I keep deflecting Cardin attacks. I've drilled these motions countless times, sparred with partners far more skilled than Cardin. Pyrrha, with her fluid grace and lightning-fast strikes. Professor Luna, with his relentless, brutal efficiency. Compared to them, Cardin is...
'Slow,' I realize, the thought crystalizing in my mind. 'He's slow. He's clumsy. He truly is-.'
"Weak," I murmur, the word slipping out before I can stop it.
Confidence surges through me, an electric current igniting every nerve. I feel so alive, every sense heightened, every muscle coiled and ready. Cardin's eyes widen as he sees the change, his cocky smirk replaced by a wary scowl.
Crocea Mors flashes, a silver arc slicing through the air. Cardin jerks back, barely avoiding the strike. He grips his mace tighter, his knuckles white, as he swings it in a wide, powerful arc.
I duck under the blow, feeling the wind of its passage ruffle my hair. I straighten, driving my shield up and into his chin. His head snaps back, a grunt of pain escaping him. I press forward, my strikes coming fast and furious, each one fueled by a newfound aggression.
Cardin falters, surprise and desperation warring in his eyes. He blocks, parries, dodges, but I'm relentless, my strikes flowing like water, each one building on the last. I can see the strain in his eyes, the tension in his muscles as he struggles to keep up.
A wild swing, a desperate gamble. Cardin activates the Dust crystal in his mace, a brilliant flare of red light engulfing the weapon. He puts his all into the strike, a savage roar ripping from his throat.
"RAAAAARGH!"
Time slows. I see the strike coming, see the trajectory, the force behind it. I step into it, angling my shield, I hit his hand with the edge of my shield sending his mace spinning from his grasp. Cardin's eyes widen in shock, his mouth opening in a silent 'O'. I don't give him time to react. My sword arm whips around, Crocea Mors slicing through the air in a wide, powerful arc.
The blade connects, cutting across Cardin's chest. His Aura flares, a desperate attempt to absorb the blow. The force of the strike lifts him off his feet, sending him crashing to the ground outside the ring.
Silence falls, a stark contrast to the thunder of combat mere moments ago. All eyes are on Cardin, sprawled on the ground, his Aura flickering like a dying flame. Professor Luna steps forward, his voice echoing through the stunned arena.
"Ring out and Aura depletion. Cardin Winchester is defeated." Announces the professor. "Winner, Jaune Arc."
A cheer erupts from the sidelines, Team RWBY on their feet, fists pumping the air. Nora's voice rings out above the rest, her enthusiasm infectious.
"Thats my leader!" she cheers, her eyes shining with pride.
Ren nods, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. Pyrrha, too, watches me with a beautiful smile.
Professor Luna approaches me, his expression thoughtful.
"Good fight, Jaune. You've shown remarkable improvement," he says, his voice steady and calm. "But at the start, you seemed uncertain of your own abilities, and by the end, you let overconfidence get the better of you."
I nod, the adrenaline still coursing through my veins.
"I know, Professor. I won't let it happen again."
"See that you don't," he says, his eyes fixed on me, searching. "Overconfidence can be just as deadly as underestimating your opponent." He pauses before continuing, "You've barely lost any Aura, so you can still fight. I want you to face someone who'll teach you a bit of humility."
Before I can respond, he turns to the class.
"Yang Xiao Long." Announces the teacher.
Yang springs up, her chair scraping loudly against the floor. Her eyes gleam with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine.
"What do you need, Professor?" she asks, her voice eager, almost hungry.
Professor Luna turns to her, his expression serious.
"Yang, I know Jaune is a close friend to you and Ruby. But I need you to fight him, giving it your all. He needs to learn a lesson."
Yang blinks, confusion flickering across her face for a moment. Then she turns to me, a cruel smile spreading across her lips.
"My pleasure," she purrs, her voice a low growl that makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
I swallow hard, gripping Crocea Mors tighter.
E ai gurizada…
[#] IAs I mentioned above, today I posted my new original project, "Dick the Builder: A Jerk of All Trades". Here is the cover art:
[#] I hope you enjoyed this new serialization, if you are interested, my Ko-Fi[avipbr] subscriber has access up to this chapters posted there:
Chapter 12 - Teacher's pet
Chapter 13 - What's a sub?
Chapter 14 - Ruby doesn't like cookies?
Chapter 15 - Hydra and the Knight
Chapter 16 - Let's go to the mall
[#] You can reach me on X/twitter, @AvipBr
