The Next Day

Forever Fall Forest

Glynda: Yes students, the Forest of Forever Fall is indeed beautiful, but we are not here to sight-see. Professor Peaches asked all of you to collect samples form the trees deep inside this forest. And I'm here to make sure that none of you die while doing so.

Today, Professor Goodwitch led a small class of students into the nearby Forest of Forever Fall. Many of the students were mystified by the forest's beautiful crimson color as they followed behind the professor.

Glynda: Each of you is to gather one jar's worth of red sap. However, this forest is full of the creatures of Grimm, so be sure to stay by your teammates. We will rendezvous back here at four o'clock. Have fun!

(Y/N): I have a question.

Glynda: Yes?

(Y/N): Why do they call this place the "Forest of Forever Fall"?

Glynda: ...

There was a brief silence as all the students looked at Y/N and then at the red leaves on the trees, strangely a tumbled weed bounced by.

 Moments later Yang lifted her fist and decked Y/N in the back of the head, causing him to comically fall to the ground.

SMACK

(Y/N): Ow.

Glynda: Any other questions?

When the students didn't have any further questions, Professor Goodwitch sent them to fulfill their tasks. After watching the other students leave, Glynda helped Y/N to his feet.

Glynda: Do you have everything Mr. L/N?

(Y/N): *sigh* Yes ma'am -_-

Glynda: Excellent. Seeing as how you don't have a team yourself, you will stick next to me as you complete your task here.

(Y/N): Okay...

Y/N glanced in the directions where teams RWBY and JNPR left to before grabbing the jar that was given to him. 

After a moment of walking in complete silence, Glynda spoke up.

Glynda: The Forest of Forever Fall's name comes from the obvious color of the trees. Whose color is fixed at this crimson red all year round, regardless of season.

Y/N looked at the leaves.

(Y/N): So that's why it's called "Forever Fall", huh? Were there any other names that this forest had?

Glynda: Well, calling it the "Forest of Blood" or the "Crimson Forest" isn't as appealing to a wider market.

(Y/N): Oh... wait, what?

Glynda: Keep up, I need to watch you as well as the other students as they continue their assignments.

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As the day went on, the students began to fill the jars that they received. With little to no Grimm activity in the area, some of the students even began to explore the forest.

Ren: Okay, done.

Ren tightened the lid on his jar, now filled with red sap, and handed it to Nora.

Pyrrha: That should be the last one we need.

Jaune: What should we do now?

Pyrrha glanced at her Scroll to see the time.

Pyrrha: It's only 1:00pm so I guess we can explore the forest to kill time.

Ren: That sounds good. What do you think Nora?-

When Ren looked to his teammate, her mouth was smeared with the red sap that he just filled the jar with with.

Nora: Mmmm~! We should give some of this to Y/N! I bet he can bake something awesome with it!

Ren: That might be true, but...

Ren took the now empty jar from Nora.

Ren: He'll actually need some sap in order to do so.

Nora chuckled dryly.

Nora: Sorry...

Ren sighed.

Ren: You guys can go on ahead of us, me and Nora can take care of each other.

Pyrrha: You sure?

Ren: Yeah, I need to refill this anyway...

Looking behind him, Ren noticed that all of the jars that he filled with red sap were now empty. He glanced at Nora who was whistling innocently.

Ren: ...and those too... *sigh* We'll see you guys a bit later.

Pyrrha: Alright!

Pyrrha's mood had brightened as she realized that she'd be able to spend time with Jaune without distractions.

Pyrrha: Just you and me Jaune!... Jaune?

While Pyrrha was talking with Ren and Nora, Jaune's attention was drawn to the nearby team of RWBY, or more specifically, Weiss.

Pyrrha: Jaune!

Jaune: H-huh? What?

Pyrrha: We have time to kill, so did you want to-?

Jaune: Awesome!

Jaune grabbed a few jars of red sap.

Jaune: You guys going to be okay without me?

Pyrrha: But-

Jaune: Great! I'll see you guys later!

Before she could even argue, Jaune was already gone, leaving in the direction he saw Weiss.

Pyrrha sighed.

Nora: Don't give up Pyrrha, he'll notice eventually.

Ren: Yeah, eventually...

Pyrrha shrugged and walked off in a different direction.

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Jaune: Okay, how should I do this?

Jaune was thinking how he would present Weiss with the jars of red sap as he headed in the direction he saw her.

Jaune: Should I act all suave? Or maybe hard to get? Hmmm....

As he was imagining how he would show off to Weiss he ironically had lost sight of her.

Jaune: Oh no.... where'd she go?

After taking a few minutes to look around he soon heard people moving around on the other side of a thicket of bushes. Assuming it was Weiss and team RWBY, Jaune took a deep breath and jumped through.

Jaune: I take it you're having trouble collecting some red sap? Have no fear, Jaune is here!

Cardin: Thanks Jauney boy!

Jaune froze in place as he realized that instead of team RWBY, he ran into team CRDL.

Cardin swiped the jars that Jaune had and looked at them carefully.

Cardin: You're a real lifesaver, you know that? We couldn't get the stupid sap to come out and here comes Jauney boy to our rescue!

The rest of team CRDL was chuckling as Cardin clearly mocked Jaune.

Jaune: Uh... no... problem?

Cardin smirked.

Cardin: Well, seeing as how you're in such a giving mood, how about you do us a little favor?

Jaune's stomach dropped.

Jaune: W-w-what kind of favor?

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Glynda: Make sure the nozzle is fully in the tree.

(Y/N): Like this?

Glynda: Yes.

Professor Goodwitch was helping Y/N collect the red tree sap.

Glynda: Grab the jar and start letting it drip into it.

(Y/N): Here we go.

Y/N watched as the jar very slowly filled with red sap.

(Y/N): Oooo. Looks like jelly.

Glynda: You may try some if you like.

Y/N used his finger to grab some and taste it.

(Y/N): Hey, that tastes great!

Glynda: The red tree sap of the Forest of Forever Fall is a very delicious sap, and is used in many food products in Vale.

(Y/N): Hmmm. Maybe I can put some in the pastries I bake.

Glynda raised an eyebrow.

Glynda: You bake?

On the other side of some bushes, Cardin dragged Jaune closer by the neck of his shirt.

Cardin: Here we are.

Jaune looked passed the bushes to see Professor Goodwitch and Y/N working to collect sap from a tree.

Jaune: W-what are we doing here?

Cardin: Payback, Jauney boy.

Jaune: What?

Cardin: The little coward thinks he can just attend Beacon without doing any hard work?

Jaune: But, Professor Ozpin-

Cardin: Professor Ozpin is clearly going senile if a coward like him can get in! That and no one, and I mean no one, throws food at me and gets away with it.

Cardin motioned for one of his teammates to hand him a box. Inside the box was a faint—but very angry—buzzing sound.

Jaune looked at the box with trepidation.

Jaune: What are those?

Cardin: This, Jauney boy, is a box of Rapier Wasps. And according to the essay you wrote for me a while back, these nasty things love sweet things.

Cardin pulled Jaune to his feet and roughly handed Jaune a jar of red sap.

Jaune: W-what do you want me to do with this?

Cardin: Isn't it obvious? Hit him with the sap!

Jaune was internally horrified at what Cardin wanted him to do. Unconsciously, Jaune clenched his fist, unfortunately,  Cardin noticed the hesitation.

Cardin: What's wrong Jauney boy? You scared?

Jaune: N-no...

Cardin suddenly grabbed Jaune and brought him to his face.

Cardin: Or maybe you're suddenly growing a spine?

Jaune recoiled in fear.

Cardin: You think you got any right to refuse us? You think you're stronger than us? Well, news flash! You're not.

Cardin shoved Jaune back to where he was.

Cardin: Now get to throwing it.

Jaune: W-what about Professor Goodwitch?

Cardin: Hmph.

Cardin motioned for Jaune to look at the Professor. Looking through the bushes, Jaune saw two members of team CRDL walk up.

Sky: Hey, Professor?

Glynda's attention was taken from Y/N to the student that called her.

Glynda: Yes?

Sky: Um, we're having trouble getting the nozzle to work.

Glynda: Very well. Mr. L/N, stay here, I'll be right back.

Professor Goodwitch followed the student leaving Y/N alone to watch his jar fill up slowly.

Cardin pushed Jaune forward.

Cardin: Hurry it up, Jauney boy!

Jaune stepped forward and looked at the jar in his hands before shakily bringing it behind him, ready to throw. Jaune looked at Cardin and then at Y/N.

Jaune: I-I-I'm s-sorry Y/N...

Jaune bit his lip as he prepared to throw.

(Y/N): I know you're there...

Jaune froze solid.

(Y/N): You think I wouldn't notice?...-

Jaune was shaking in fear.

(Y/N): -Crow!?!?!

Juane: W-What!?

Y/N stood up and pointed at a crow that was sitting on a branch above him.

(Y/N): You think I don't know you've been spying on me!?

Crow: *Confused Caw*

(Y/N): I know you've been reporting on me to your superiors!

Crow: *Surprised Caw*

(Y/N): The other birds!!!

Jaune: ...What?...

Crow: *More Confused Caws*

(Y/N): I've seen "The Birds" By Alfred Hitchcock! This is how it starts! The other birds send a spy to prepare for their invasion!

Crow: *Intense Confused Caws*

(Y/N): Not on my watch you won't!!

Y/N grabbed a large stick and began to swing it at the crow that was on the branch above him.

Crow: *Caws in horror and confusion*

(Y/N): Hi-yah!!!

Jaune and Cardin watched as Y/N began to swing a large stick at a bird in the trees like a madman.

Cardin: ...Hit him Jauney boy...

Jaune looked at Y/N and then at the jar in his hand.

Jaune: ...No.

Cardin: What did you say?

Jaune: I said... No!

Jaune turned and threw the jar at Cardin, splashing it all over his armor.

Cardin: Oh-ho-ho you've done it now...

Jaune laughed nervously as Cardin grabbed him.

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Jaune: Gah!!!

Jaune fell to the ground after Cardin kicked him in the stomach.

Cardin: You know,that wasn't very smart, Jauney boy.

Cardin grabbed Jaune by the collar and lifted him to his feet.

Cardin: I'm going to send you to your mommy in tiny pieces.

Jaune was beaten and bruised, and struggled to stay conscious.

Jaune: I don't care what you do to me.

Jaune glared at Cardin.

Jaune: But you are not messing with my friends.

Cardin was was surprised by Jaune's sudden change in attitude.

Cardin: What, you think talk like that makes you tough? Strong? You think you're big and strong now?

Jaune coughed.

Jaune: No, I'm not strong, I don't have to be.

Cardin: What?

Jaune: You might have brawn, Cardin, but I have something you'll never have...

Cardin: And what's that?

Jaune looked Cardin directly in the eyes.

Jaune: A good heart.

Cardin looked at his teammates, dumbfounded, before laughing in Jaune's face.

Cardin: Hahahah!! You're even more of a pathetic loser than I thought!

Cardin clenched his fist, and swung it at Jaune. Right as Cardin's fist connected with Jaune's face a bright flash of light exploded outward from Jaune, causing Cardin to drop Jaune and stumble backward.

Cardin: What the-!?

Jaune looked at his arms as the light faded. Cardin recovered and his team surrounded him.

Cardin: That's it. Let's see how much of a man you really are.

ROAR

Before Cardin could continue, a loud roar stopped them from continuing as an enormous Ursa burst forth from the treelike. Team CRDL froze in place like deer in headlights.

After a moment the Ursa sniffed the air and looked at Cardin, who still had the red sap on his armor. The Ursa slammed his armored paws onto the ground and slowly began to approach Cardin.

In a panic Cardin's team fled in fear as the Ursa approached their leader.

Cardin: H-hey! Where are you guys go-

The Ursa knocked Cardin away sending him tumbling to his back. For a brief moment the Ursa looked at Jaune before completely ignoring him and walking toward Cardin.

Jaune looked at Cardin and then in the direction the rest of team CRDL ran off to.

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A loud roar resounded throughout the forest.

Glynda: Oh no...

After helping the student, Professor Goodwitch returned to Y/N—and after a brief lecture on not to mindlessly start attacking wildlife—continued to watch him collect sap.

(Y/N): What was that?

Professor Goodwitch grew worried.

Glynda: An Ursa, a large one based on the sound. Mr. L/N will you stay here please?

(Y/N): Sure.

Professor Goodwitch nodded before running in the direction she heard the roar.

After a moment Y/N looked in the direction the roar came from before his eyes looked in a different direction.

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Cardin: Crap, crap, crap!

The Ursa batted Cardin around like a rag doll. The difference in strength was too much for Cardin as the Ursa approached, ready for the kill.

Right as the claw came down, Cardin closed his eyes in fear, however, instead of hearing a tearing sound, he heard a metallic one. Opening his eyes, Cardin saw Jaune, with his shield drawn, blocking the Ursa's massive claw.

Cardin: W-what?

Jaune: Rrrraaaaah!!!

Jaune forced the Ursa back and away from Cardin.

Cardin watched, speechless, as Jaune showed no fear against a Grimm that was much stronger than him. The Ursa would swing it's claws and send Jaune flying backward, only for him to instantly get back up and attack again.

In the bushes behind Cardin, Pyrrha, Ruby, and Weiss, watched as Jaune faced the Ursa alone.

Weiss: We need to help him!

Pyrrha stuck her hand out stopping her.

Pyrrha: Wait.

Everyone watched as Jaune defended Cardin from the Ursa. In one final desperate attempt to attack, the Ursa roared and lunged at Jaune. Most would have run away, but Jaune glared at the Ursa without fear. Holding his shield up, Jaune used all the strength he had to stay up right, before parrying the strike and decapitating the Ursa on the spot.

Only Pyrrha, Ruby, and Weiss, noticed that Pyrrha helped Jaune parry the strike with her Semblance.

After taking a moment to compose himself, Jaune sheathed his weapons and offered his hand to Cardin, who was still in shock at what just happened.

Cardin: Holy crap, Jaune...

Jaune glared at Cardin.

Jaune: Don't ever mess with my team or my friends ever again.

Cardin didn't know what to say.

Jaune: Got it?

Cardin: Y-yeah...

Jaune then left without saying another word, leaving Cardin alone with his own thoughts.

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Russel: Hurry! We need to get out of here!

Sky: Is it following us!?

Dove: What about Cardin?

Russel: Who cares about Cardin? Let's get out of here!

The fleeing members of team CRDL continued to run through the forest. In their panic, none of them were paying attention to where they were running.

Russel: This way! We can- Augh!!

Russel was cut off as he ran into something hard.

Russel: Ow! What the!?

Looking up the rough wall he ran into, Russel and the rest of team CRDL noticed that he wall was moving. And there were three of them.

Dove: U-u-u-u-ursa!

The rough wall revealed itself to be a group of three Ursai that were wandering the forest.

ROAR

The three Ursai turned their attention to the three students that ran into them. While not as big as the Ursa that was attacking Cardin, they were still very intimidating.

Russel: N-no! Please!

The panicked students were frozen with fear as the Ursai approached them with murderous intent.

Right as the Ursa closest to Russel was about to attack...

THWACK

The Ursa stumbled backward, seemingly for no reason. Russel looked at the Ursa and noticed a small hole in its forehead before it fall backward, dead.

The other Ursai looked at their fallen brother, confused. Until one of the Ursa got up on its hind legs and began to roar in anger.

ROA-

THWACK

The sound came again and Ursa's roar was interrupted as its lower jaw was ripped clean off, seemingly by a sniper bullet. The Ursa gurgled and stumbled around.

THWACK

Another shot flew in and ripped the rest of its head clean off.

The final Ursa turned and began to run in fear.

THWACK

Its flight was interrupted when another shot instantly came in and killed it on the spot.

The students were shocked and frightened, and none of them even bothered to question their stroke of good fortune before running back in the direction they came from.

Standing on a tree in the far distance, and throwing a small rock up and down in his hand, Y/N squinted in the direction he threw the rocks.

(Y/N): Hehe. I don't need no sniper rifle...

After a moment, Y/N sighed.

(Y/N): -_- This is making me remember the time with the golf ball and the president...

After reminiscing for a moment, Y/N climbed back down the tree and collected his jars of red sap.