I do not own RWBY or any of the images or videos. The art and video belong to their respective owners, and RWBY is the property of Rooster Teeth and the late Monty Oum. May he Rest In Peace.

Two figures stand across from one another. One is a large boy, with chestnut brown hair and a mace held in his hands. The other is a scrawny blond who wields a sword and a shield. The two have their guards up as a teacher walks out of the arena their in. A buzzer rings out signaling the beginning of the match

Cardin shouts as she charges forward. He wields his mace with both hands as he prepares a swing.

He swings his mace at Jaune who raises his shield to block the attack. The force sends him flying off, but he picks himself up to avoid another swing.

Jaune swings Croceas Mors at the larger boy, but his blade is deflected. He makes another swing but it's blocked before he gets a kick to the stomach.

The blond knight dry hacks in response and gets a fist to the face. He stumbled back but recovers fast enough to dodge another punch.

He shoves back Cardin with his weight and swings his sword. The blade cuts into Carson's Aura, protecting his chin.

He stumbles back holding his jaw, his Aura flickers for a moment before he charges at the boy. He swings his face with a faster speed as Jaune tries his best to dodge and/or block the attacks.

"Come on Jaune! You can do it!" Nora shouts from the stands.

"We believe in you!" Ruby cheers while Pyrrha waves a tiny flag with the letters JWPR imprinted on it.

"Woo! Kick his ass Jaune!" Yang shouts only to get shushed by Professor Goodwitch.

Jaune, encouraged by the cheering, deflected an attack. Angling his shield to redirect the energy rather than taking it on.

With that move, Cardin's mace bounces off the shield, creating an opening Jaune exploits.

He moves in, thrusting his blade at Cardin's exposed stomach. His sword stabs into the boy's Aura sending him stumbling back. But Jaune doesn't let up.

He continues to attack, his blade slashing away at Cardin's Aura until he overextends a swing.

The bigger boy seizes the chance and shoves back Jaune. He growls in vengeance and swings his mace. The weapon sends Jaune flying back, making him land on his back.

The blond groans as he picks himself up, but has to roll away to avoid a stomp. He haphazardly picks himself up, just in time to receive a mace to the chest. His Aura catches the attack, but he's thrown across the arena once again.

Jaune picks himself up, his muscles sore and aching. He uses Croceas Mors as a support, his shield feeling heavy. Because, yes, using your great grandfather's sword, a family heirloom that's been passed through generations as a crutch is considerate.

Jaune huffs in air, as Cardin mockingly grins at the boy. He had him on his toes for a moment, but he would never lose to a shrimp like him.

Jaune straightens himself up, raising his sword, he charges at Cardin. Emotion and adrenaline overwhelming thought and strategy.

Jaune lunges at the larger boy, but Cardin sidesteps the swing. Jaune's momentum carried him as he stumbles forward. Cardin laughs as he swings his mace again, the force knocking the shield out of the blond knight's hands.

Jaune shakes his head but reaches for his shield. But Cardin swings his mace like a golf club, the red Dust crystal in the head of the mace activating as bits and chunks of ground flew at Jaune like a shotgun spread.

Jaune's Aura takes the hit, dropping his reserves to the low orange. He spits out a blob of blood, his Aura healing him. He glows a golden white before he blindly charges forward at Cardin.

Jaune swings his sword down in an arc, but Cardin just blocks the attack with the neck of his mace. He shoves off Jaune and throws a swing. The head of the mace knocking back the boy.

But Jaune's Aura tanks the hit, ad he thrusts his rod forward. The tip stabs in between Cardin's armor, in the armpit. Aura blocks the attack, but it's enough to send the boy stumbling back.

Cardin growls as he sends a glance to the scoreboard. Jaune's Aura was near the red while his was in the low yellow. He could lose to a little shot like this! Seems like he would have the chance to use his semblance.

Cardin grins as his body glows with Aura. His Aura flashes as his reserves dip down to the low orange. He opens his eyes to show a red-brown color, focused and sharp.

Cardin dashes forward with considerable speed regarding his size. Jaune only had a moment before Cardin was in him. He rolled to the side, the mace missing him as a small explosion shook the ground.

But Cardin didn't let up as he charged at Jaune. The blond did his best to avoid the attacks, Cardin never slowing as he swung with increasing ferocity.

The Dust crystal in the mace's head glowed hot, more and more kinetic energy building up in the weapon. Soon the mace was glowing hot as Cardin swing. He slammed down the weapon, and a larger explosion shook the arena as bits of ground and concrete spit out.

Jaune scrambled away from the boy's carnage. His hands knocks into something and he notes it was his shield. He grabs the shield and raises it, but still backs away from the boy.

"What's the matter Jauney? Scared?" Cardin mocked as he walked out of the dust of dirt and rock. He body flashes with Aura as he slings his mace over his shoulder, his eyes no longer hold that sharpness, but he was still dangerous.

Jaune notes this and risks a glance at the scoreboard. He sees his Aura was in the red, while Cardin's was a bit higher than his. He could call it quits as his Aura was in the red, but it was so close. And people were watching him.

Jaune growls as he charges forward, hoping luck would take his side. He swings his sword, but Cardin sidesteps the attack. But Jaune pivots on his heel and, using his momentum, he spins around. He slashes at the boy but misses by mere inches.

Cardin's eyes widen as the blade passes by him. He furrows his eyes as he slaps away Jaune's shield and spartan kicks him back. Giving him space.

Jaune stumbles back and grips his sword with both hands. He shouts as he charges forward with a downward swing, but Cardin catches the attack with the neck of his mace. The two push against one another Jaune applying more force as Cardin grins.

"This is the part where you lose." The larger boy growls in anger and annoyance.

"Over my dead-, oof!" Jaune receives a knee to the groin, the last of his Aura protecting a man's jewels. He kneels over before falling down. His body giving up.

Cardin raises his mace above his head, ready to deal the finishing blow. Adrenaline and rage blinding him as he swings down his weapon on Jaune's head.

BZZZZZZT!!!

"Mister Winchester! That's enough!" A Blue aura halts the boy's attack, the faint glow of a rune deflecting the mace like a rubber ball. The rebound sends Cardin on his ass, as lights illuminate the rest of the room.

People begin to applaud the match, as Glynda walks back into the arena. She holds a scroll taping away at it as she explains the students the tournament rules.

"Well done Mister Winchester, Mister Arc. You two did very well in your sparring match." He congratulations the two boys. "Students if you noted, Mister Arc's Aura has reached zero. In a mock battle with tournament style rules, should one participants Aura reach Red, the official may call the match. Should it run out like Mister Arc, this would indicate that Jaune is longer fit for battle and the match has been drawn to a close."

She turns to the blond who laid on the floor, nursing his ego and body.

"Mister Arc, I'm impressed with the improvements you made, but it has been weeks now. Please refer to your scroll to decide on when it is best to attack and when to switch to a more defensive strategy." She flashes a smile. "We wouldn't want you to get gobbled up by a Beowolf now would we?"

"Tch, speak for yourself," Cardin mutters.

"Remember everyone, the Vytal Festival is only a few months away! It won't be long before students from the other kingdoms start arriving in Vale. So keep practicing!"

The bell rings signaling the end of class. Students grab their belongings and begin making their way out for lunch. Our little cast of fictional characters began heading out for lunch, the group groaning at a joke Yang had made.

"You guys go on ahead, Imma wait for Jaune." Ruby smiled walking to the blond who was still sitting on the stage. Pyrrha automatically followed the redhead like a puppy, but also wanting to check on Jaune as well.

"Hey, Jaune. You okay?" Ruby walked onto the stage, she offered a hand to the blond who excepted.

"Uh, Yeah. I'm good. My body hurts a bit, but I'm fine I guess." He rubbed his chest. He had no breastplate armor, as he had yet to repair it, but his Aura did well in protecting him.

"Hey, you did well against Cardin. He's mostly just a meathead, but he ain't an idiot. But you did well though, really you did." Ruby smiled at him, making him feel butterflies.

"Heh, thanks, Ruby. Means a lot to me."

"Come on, I'm hungry. I heard they got brownies, and I wanna get some before their gone!" She leaped onto Pyrrha's back, who was surprised by the welcome the gesture. "Pyrrha carry me to the cafeteria! Thar be brownies afoot!"

"Uh, right!" Pyrrha sprinted out the class, Jaune following after them.

"Wait for me!"

The three friends ran off, never noticing Glynda watching the three run off. She smiled at how happy they were, glad Ruby didn't seem to be held down by what happened to her. She walked off for her lunch, never noticing the black red-eyed bird watching the three as well.

~ ~ ~

"The town was overrun with Grimm. Monsters of all kinds were destroying buildings, but luckily the townspeople had evacuated." Nora narrated as the Yang, Ruby, and Pyrrha listener. Blake and Weiss were listening as well, but they mostly focused on other things.

Yang tried to sit next to Ruby, but Pyrrha beat her to the punch, with a side of smug look. Weiss sat next to Yang, and Jaune across from Ruby, next to Ren who sat not on Nora's left, but on her right, while Blake sat across from Yang, but not on the end but not in the middle. While Ruby sat across from Jaune and next to Pyrrha who sat next to Yang, and across from Blake.

...

Ya got all that? Yes? No? I don't really care. Moving on.

"We were surrounded! There were hundreds of Grimm!" Nora continued her story.

"There were just a few, but quite a number." Ren butted in, correcting any misunderstandings.

"Me and Ren and no way of fighting!"

"We were low on ammunition."

"But me and Ren kicked their asses, but for every one we killed more and more came up!" Nora flung her hands up sending mash potatoes and green beans in the air. Most of which was vored by Yang mid-air.

"It looked like the end." Ren wiped a blob of potatoes on his face.

"But then! From the sky! An angel descended!" Nora threw her hands up as if worshiping some deity that may or may not exist. I dunno I'm just a writer, not a prophet.

"She's been having this reoccurring dream for the past few weeks." Ren explains, "She says I should remember, but..."

Both Ruby and Weiss note Jaune's absentmindedness, seeing how he's simply picking through his lunch with the fpoon(spork).

"Jaune, are you okay?" Weiss asks the blond.

"Hm? Oh, yeah! Why?" he brought out of his thoughts.

"It's just that you seem a little..." Pyrrha drawled off.

"Depressed." Ruby finished for her.

"Yeah!"

Everyone was now looking at the blond, concern and worry on their faces.

"Eh, guys, I'm fine... seriously. Look!" he gave an awkward smile with a thumbs up.

The sounds of laughter and mocking snatched the group's attention from Jaune. They turn to see team CRDL(Cardinal) seemingly mocking Velvet who sat alone at a table. Most of the table turns away from the show, back to Jaune, Ruby keeps an ear open, glaring holes at the four bullies.

"Jaune, Cardin has been picking on you since the first week of school." Pyrrha comments worry on her face.

"Who? Cardin Winchester?" Jaune dumbly answers, "Pft, Nah... He just likes to mess around, you know? Practical jokes."

"He's an asshole." Ruby turns her glare at the blond who flinches at the silver orbs. her expression saying 'Really? What the hell are you talking about dumbass?'

"Oh please, name one time he's 'bullied' me..." he laughed doing little air quotes.

"That time he randomly slapped you while you pathetically defended yourself," Ruby states, not pulling any punches.

"O-okay..."

"That time he opened you shield right in the doorway, making you get stuck like an idiot." Weiss also adds, not pulling any punches.

"Oo! That time he shoved you in the lockers and sent you flying off the campus!" Yang cheerfully added.

"I didn't land too far from the school..." he mumbled under his breath.

"That time he jabbed his fingers up your ass." Blake also pitched in, her hands clasped together to form a finger gun.

"O-okay, I think I get it..."

"What about that time he raped you in the showers!" Nora added a little too cheerfully.

"I'm sorry, WhAt?!" everyone jerked up staring at the redhead. Ruby stared wide eye at the girl, her hand clenching the table, her veins bulging out. Yang's eyes burned red as her she struggled to hold herself down. Pyrrha green eyes shot open, shocked at the red head's comment, sparing a glance at her idol.

"... what? I thought we were just saying things that could potentially happen to Jaune if Cardin continues to bully him." Nora smiled sweetly as everyone let out a breath of relief.

"Nora," Ren spoke.

"Yes~, Renny?"

"I'm lowering the pancake limit of this week," he said nonchalantly.

Nora frozen dead on the spot as the words reached her ears. Her face drain of color as if she had seen the devil himself.

"NO! Okay! I won't say anything like that again!"

The group sat down, Ruby rubbing a hand over her face. "Jaune, you know instead of choking on your pride you can always swallow it and ask for help, y'know? There's no shame in asking for help." Ruby stated, ignoring the accusing stare from Yang.

"OOH! We'll break his legs!" Nora cheered, forgetting about the pancakes.

"It would be better if we broke his arms, they serve more use, so we'll be taking something away from him," Pyrrha added, enjoying the idea of violence.

"Well, if we're taking something away from him, we could always take their kidneys." Ruby smiled, pulling out a scalpel.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Guys, really it's fine!" Jaune stands up, a bit fearful from the hungry looks for violence at the table. "Besides, it's not like he's only a jerk to me; he's a jerk to everyone."

"Ow! That hurts!" Velvet's cries are heard once more. Cardin's yanking on the brunette's rabbit ears. The others in the group laugh along with the bastard.

"I told you they were real!" Cardin grins as he gives another yank.

"What a freak!" they laugh. Everyone simply watches in silence, no one bothering to step in.

Blake sucks her teeth in anger and annoyance. "I can't stand people like him. Bullying others to make themselves feel better." She would step in, but that would risk her identity being reveal, along with unnecessary attention.

"Well, this is a combat school." Weiss comments, "We need to be able to fend for ourselves, we can't expect someone to save us." Blake turns her glare at the Schnee. Typical, of course, she would say that just because Velvet's a Faunus.

"I do agree with Weiss," Pyrrha adds, "But, fighting back would most likely prove something to discriminating human and Faunus." she turns to Ruby. "What do you think Ruby?"

"I think she needs to do something regardless of other's opinion before I do something about it." Ruby softly snaps, her silver orbs not only glaring at the four boys but Velvet as well.

"Excuse me?" Blake glares at the redhead. "Is she not your friend? Aren't you going to help her?"

"I dunno Blake, Velvet can handle herself just fine." Ruby retorts back. "But, I thought you couldn't stand people like him? Why aren't you doing something about it? Seems a bit hypocritical don'tcha think?"

"Hey hey, now. Let's all calm down now." Yang smiles, hoping the two wouldn't start a catfight.

Blake stayed quiet, knowing Ruby was fully right about her being hypocritical. She would go and do something, but she just couldn't risk it. Damn, why was she such a coward?

Ruby continued to stare at the group, how the four bullies yanked on Velvet's ears. And yet, no one did anything. Velvet's teary eyes caught sight of Ruby's silver orbs. Her eyes begged for help, as she tried to not fight back. But Ruby's silver orbs offered no mercy. Instead, they held another message.

"Do something about it, or I will." is what her eyes said, and Velvet knew exactly just how Ruby felt about her friends being hurt. Ruby would help, she would never abandon Velvet, but her helping could result in serious consequences... for the offender that is.

Cardin yanked on Velvet's ear one more time, and she let out a yelp. She could feel the skin begin to tear. The Faunus saw Ruby's eyes narrowed just the tiniest bit, she saw her hands move onto the table preparing to make an action.

'Oh no!' Velvet eyes widened. Cardin made another reach for the Faunus' ear, but Velvet moved her head away. She grabbed the boy's arm and twisted his wrist. A painful snap was heard.

Cardin screamed out in pain, caught off guard at Velvet's retaliation. He growled, preparing to beat the animal back, but received a foot to the chest making him fall back. The rest of the boy's watched in shock as Velvet stood by herself, she didn't know what to do now. She just wanted Ruby to not possibly kill these boys.

"You damn freak!" Russel growled as he threw a fist. Velvet perfectly dodged the attack, the pathetic first years nothing compared to the second years. Dove came in from behind, but Velvet just sidestepped the boy, making him fall onto Russel. Sky came forward, but Velvet grabbed her tray and smacked him in the face, the food softening the hit a little. Sky stumbles back, tripping over the table and landing on his ass.

It seems Velvet has fended off the bullies, but she cries out as Cardin grabs both her ears with one hand. He lifts her up, making her cry out.

"You think you're tough you freak? Animals like you should be put down." he reels back a fist and punches Velvet.

"Enough." blue wires wrapped around the boy's fist, stopping his attack. The two turn to see Ruby glaring at the Cardin, her blue eyes burning into the larger boy. Her hand is glowing blue garrote wires wrapped around her hand and fingers. She twitches a finger and the wires tighten around Cardin's hand, making his Aura activate.

"What the-? When did she get there?" Yang looked at the spot Ruby was just sitting at. She noted a small litter of rose petals linger around her seat before they faded away into Dust.

"Ruby's semblance is speed, she able to turn into a cloud of rose petals and dash around like a bullet," Jaune explained as he watched the younger girl. Worry was etched onto his face, he knew how... extreme Ruby could get. Especially when someone offends one of her friends.

"Ah, shit!" Cardin shouted dropping Velvet. "Let go of me you bitch!" he swung another fist at Ruby, but she merely leaned her head back a bit, the fist just brushing her hair. She tightened the wires once more yanking back the boy, before wrapping them around his feet.

She yanked the wires, making Cardin fall flat on his face. Snickers could be heard from the students all around. He growls as he picked himself up, his face flushing red, whether from rage or embarrassment, it could even be both.

"The hell's your problem short stack?" he growled.

"My problem," Ruby walks past the boy, "is that your messing with my friend." she helps Velvet up, the brunette accepting the help.

Cardin sucks his teeth, disgust already on his face. "Your friends with this animal? Don't tell me your one of those dumb animal lovers?" he sneered.

"I'm not your friend, and I don't love you, so no, I'm not an animal lover then," Ruby smirked. she kept a hand behind her, her eyes still glowing blue. 'Go ahead. Do it.' she smiled internally.

"Ruby..." Velvet muttered, hiding behind the girl. This is exactly what she was afraid of.

It took a moment for Cardin to fully understand what Ruby said, the dumb ass. but when he did, his face flushed red again. He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white as his jaw grinded against his teeth.

"What'd you say you little bitch?" he growled out. He made a quick glance around the room. there weren't any teachers around and the only ones here were just the students. Either too scared to do anything or simply hated the Faunus just as much as he did. But... a fight out in the open would be good. A teacher would most likely come and get their asses.

Ruby simply huffed, crossing her arms. Her eyes were still blue, but she had her wires away. She tapped her fingers against her arms as she processed the situation. There was no need to start a fight, it would most likely cause more problems. She glanced at her fingers noticing how there was blood. Shit, she didn't have her gloves, so she had to settle for her finger nails which were bleeding.

She simply sucked her teeth and turned around. "Come on Vel." she walked away, the Faunus following. Ruby paused for a moment, and turn back to the boy, her eyes silver. "If you wanna settled this, why don't we duel next sparing class. I'm sure a big strong boy like you can handle a little girl like me," she smirked.

"Oh, you're on cupcake. I'm gonna destroy you. Show these loser kids like you don't need to be in a school with the grown ups. I'll send you back to your mommy and daddy."

Ruby's eyes burned red with anger and Karma, her hands clenching. It took everything in her to not murder this fool right now. In fact, she would have if not for Velvet pulling her away.

"Come on Ruby."

She allowed herself to be dragged away by Velvet. she sent a glance at her table, her eyes meeting with a few of the occupants. Pyrrha seemed to be trying to burn holes in the boy, her metal fork bending from her magnetic power. Jaune just looked back and forth between the two, fear and worry on his face. But Yang? Yang was seething in rage. Her eyes were burning red as well. Her hair seemed to glow a bit, as heat was emanated from her. Something both Weiss and Blake and most of the students nearby noted.

Cardin simply watched as Velvet dragged away the fuming Reaper, a smirk on his face as he seemed to finally struck a nerve. Mommy and daddy, huh? He could use that. But what really caught his attention was how Pyrrha Nikos and that blonde seemed to glare at him too.

Pyrrha Nikos...

A sickening grin spread on his face as a plan formulated in his head. Pyrrha was always following that short stack like a damn dog. She also seemed to hate that bimbo blonde as well. This was an opportunity just waiting for him.

And he knew exactly what to do.

~ ~ ~

It was the next day and our little group of kiddos were in their sparing class. Professor Goodwitch had just finished lecturing a student on how they could improve their stance. She typed away on her scroll and the scoreboard popped up.

"Okay, we have time for one more duel. Would anyone like to volunteer?" She asked the crowd. A hand raised up followed by another. "Yes, Mister Winchester?"

"I wanna fight her." he pointed to the other student with their hand raised. Ruby.

Glynda raised an eyebrow at the eagerness on Cardin's face. He most likely believed Ruby to be a weaker target. How wrong he is.

"Are you sure Mister Winchester? Despite Miss Rose being younger, she did get accepted into Beacon two years earlier than most students would," she explained to the boy, hoping to dissuade him.

"Tch, yeah! Just cause she got in early doesn't mean anything, she hasn't even gone to a training academy." he got up from his seat, making his way towards the arena.

"Miss Rose?"

"Well, I was also going to ask to spare with Cardin, Glynda. So I guess it evens out." She smiled as she stood up from her desk.

"Well, I suppose so. Also, refer to me as Professor Goodwitch. Do not forget, I am your teacher, Miss Rose."

"Got it, Glynda!" Ruby smiled as she headed towards the lockers. Glynda silently fumed, planning to give the redhead extra homework.

The two finally had set their gear and weapons. They stood across from one another, their names along with their Aura levels present on the screen. Cardin stood proudly, his mace resting on his shoulder as Ruby stood across from him. She fixed her gloves and made sure to check her wooden sword.

"A stick?" Cardin noted the wooden sword hanging off Ruby's hip. "You brought a stick to a fight? How dumb are you? This is a spar, we ain't playing around cupcake."

"I'm not the type who goes all out on a simple rabbit like a savage beast," Ruby smirked as she checked her revolver. She had decided to not wear her specialized gloves, she didn't need to use her garrote or Karma on this fool. Her revolver and sword would be enough.

"Are both opponent ready?" Glynda asked standing nearby. Both students stood on guard, one with arrogance the other disdainful. You figure out which is who.

"Good luck Ruby!" Pyrrha cheered from the stands.

"Kick his ass!" Yang grinned.

"Be careful!" Jaune warned.

"Break his legs!" Nora shouted cheerfully.

"Begin!" Glynda shouted.

"I'm gonna destroy-" Cardin didn't even get to finish his sentence as three bullets crashed into his body. His Aura caught the bullets, but damn did they hurt! Cardin shook his head as he glared at the redhead.

"I'm sorry. What was that?" Ruby smirked as her revolver's barrel smoked.

"You damn bitch!" The boy lunged forward, his mace slamming down. Ruby rolled to the side avoiding the mace as bits of concrete exploded out. Cardin growled as he swung his mace up flinging a bit of stone at the Reaper.

Ruby leaped back the head of the mace barely missing her. Her Aura had caught the bits of stone. Not wasting a moment, Ruby fired off two more bullets from her revolver. Both projectiles hit their target, sending Cardin stumbling back. Ruby took the chance and dashed forward with her semblance, she threw her gun at the boy, the revolver smacking him right in the face.

Ruby flipped over the boy and, while midair, grabbed her revolver and fired her last shot in the boy's face.

Cardin shouted in pain as a massive chunk of his Aura was removed. He blindly swung his mace, the attack smacking Ruby. Her Aura took the blow but sent her stumbling back.

"Ah crap!" Okay, that hurt. She'll have to make sure she doesn't get hit. Regardless of whether or not she could take the hits, the mace's head would send her off balance, giving Cardin an opportunity should he exploit it.

Cardin finally recovered, his face sporting a bruise which his Aura slowly healed. His face was red with anger as he gripped his mace. Ruby reached for her revolver, but there was nothing. She looked up to see her revolver next to the brute who followed her gaze.

"Well, kids shouldn't play with guns now should they?' he grinned as he raised his mace. He swung his weapon smacking the revolver away like a golf ball far across the arena.

"Joy." Ruby deadpanned. She pulled out her wooden sword. She began applying her Aura into the wood, strengthening and reinforcing it.

"I'm gonna break that damn stick, then you're fucked." Cardin grinned as he charged forward. He swung his mace at the girl just as Ruby swung out.

Despite Ruby's sword being made of wood, the sound of metal reverberating reached everyone ears. Ruby's held her ground against Cardin who tried to push against the smaller girl. He grits his teeth as he tried to push her down, but Ruby simply parried, his force making him stumble forward.

Ruby slashed away at his back, the wooden wedge cutting into his Aura. She was quick and precise, making sure to slash at the exposed parts of his body.

While it was true she could have strengthened her sword with Karma, she had decided to used Aura instead. Ever wonder how Nora could swing her hammer against stone without it breaking, or how Yang's fist and gauntlets never break? Aura can be applied to one's weapons and tools just as their bodies can.

But the real question is: is Aura stronger? Or is Karma the supreme?

"Gah!" Cardin stopped himself from falling forward. He tanked through Ruby's slashes and swing his mace at her, only for the weapon to be deflected away. "Damn kid!" he growls swinging his mace with more force.

Ruby blocked the attack, but the force sent her skidding back, something Cardin exploited. he threw a fist forward, his hand smacking into the girl's chest.

Ruby rolled backward to lessen her momentum, but Cardin was right on top of her. She leaped away as Cardin chased her swing his mace never giving the Reaper a chance to retaliate.

Ruby sucked her teeth in annoyance as Cardin seemed to swing faster and faster. Seemed like the boy wasn't all muscle. She tilted her head avoid the mace hitting her.

"You can't beat me, Rose! You're just a dumb, weak ass kid! I'm better than you in every way!" Cardin shouted as the Dust crystal in the head of his mace glowed. He prepared to swing down on the girl, only for Ruby to unclip her cape and throw it at the boy's face. "Gah!"

"If that's true, then I'll have to find a way around." Ruby delivered an Aura fused fist to the boy's stomach. It didn't do much, but the attack was followed by several more fist all sped up by Ruby's semblance.

The red head's fists seem to blur together, rose petals whirling around. She span around on her heel delivering a roundhouse kick to the boy, sending him skidding back.

Cardin dry hacked as he ripped off the red cape. While the punches alone did little, combine they really shaved away at his Aura. he would have to be more careful, this girl really wasn't a joke. He spat out a blob of blood, but he wasn't either.

She's fast, hits hard enough to be threatening, and isn't defenseless without her sword. But, she seems to be focusing on tiring him out, whittling down his Aura and can't really take heavy hits. He'd have to use his secondary weapon.

Cardin grips the handle of his mace, twisting the grip and pressing a button. The head of the mace then falls off bouncing as it's attached with a chain. The handle of the weapon sliding in on its self, shortening the neck as the mace has now transformed into a flail.

"You're not so tough, you're just quick. That's all." he grinned as he began spinning the flail. The Dust crystal in the flail glows red hot as a fire began picking up.

"Oh? Interesting?" Ruby brow raises at the new weapon.

"Holy-!" Yang shouts.

"He has a flail... that's on fire..." Jaune states, he knew Cardin was tough but he didn't even pull that out when he was fighting him.

"She'll be fine." Pyrrha states. "I know she will. Filth like him would never win against someone like Ruby."

"Well? Whaddaya think?" Cardin smirked at the girl, noting the twinkle of awe in her eyes.

"... a shame," she mutters out.

"What?"

"A shame a really cool weapon like that is in the hands of an ape like you." Ruby stands guard, knowing she'd provoked the boy.

"Tch, I'll show you!" Cardin releases the burning flail's momentum shooting a fireball at the girl.

"Watch out!" Jaune shouts.

Ruby dashes to the side, she could feel the heat from the fireball as it passed her. The fireball crashes behind her before exploding out with a boom. Ruby's instincts shout at her to duck and she does just that, dodging another fireball, albeit smaller.

The fireball lands a bit from her exploding with a pop. She turns to see Cardin spinning his flail, sending fireball after fireball at her. She runs at the boy, her semblance active as rose petal flutter behind her. She zooms around the arena, dodging fireball. There's a split moment of ceasefire as Cardin spins the flail, the fireball growing in size.

'I see, the longer you spin it, the greater the explosion. Basically a charge up weapon.' Ruby notes as Cardin throws the larger fireball at her. She takes a risk and slides under the ball of heat, her Aura and black leather absorbing most of the heat.

As the fireball passes over, Ruby is graced with the sight of Cardin swinging his flail at her.

"Gotcha!" he grins as the head of the mace flies at her.

In a moment of panic, Ruby's eyes flash blue as she materializes a rune beneath her feet. She uses the rune to launch off the ground and dodge the flail.

'What the-?! Did? Did she just use Karma?!' someone in stands blinks in shock as everyone watches in amazement.

"Fuck you, Cardin." Ruby flips mid-air with the aid of a little Karma and slams the heel of her boot onto Cardin's head. An audible crack is heard making everyone wince, even Professor Goodwitch.

Cardin's head glows brown intensely, his Aura clashing against Ruby's Aura imbued foot. Air and Auric energy whirls around them weakly as the two Aura reserves on the scoreboard drops down dramatically, Cardin's more so than Ruby's. The larger boy nearly loses consciousness, but he grits his teeth. He lets out a growl as he jerks his head up, pushing Ruby off of him.

Ruby is sent flying off but she manages to land herself. She lands next to her red cape, something she's thankful.

Cardin's Aura reserves drop even more, dropping into the red as his semblance activates. His body seems to bulge out a little more as his brown Aura surges. He jerks his head up, his indigo eyes burning with rage at Ruby. His flail transforms back into its mace configuration, Aura imbued into the metal.

Cardin shouts out in rage as he swings his mace in an arc, a wave of fire blasts out, flying towards Ruby.

"Shit!" with little time, Ruby wraps herself in her cloak and dives into the fire. The flames burn away at her cloak, leather jacket, and Aura, but her cloak manages to absorb most of the flames, while her Aura the heat.

Cardin growls as he smacks his mace against the ground like a caveman. He growls before lunging at the Reaper, the red Dust crystal glowing intensely. He slams down his mace, an explosion of fire and rock spits out. Luckily, Ruby managed to avoid the attack.

"Uh, Professor Goodwitch?" Yang asks the teacher.

"Yes, Miss Xiao Long?" Glynda responds, a tone of disdain in her voice.

"What's Cardin's semblance?"

"His semblance?" Glynda raises a brow, she taps away at her scroll, pulling up Cardin's file. "Mister Winchester's semblance is referred to as 'Fortitude', as long as Cardin is sure of himself, he can tank attacks and still perform at top peak, even if his Aura is low or he is injured."

"What?!' Yang shouts out, the others also listen in. "You mean to tell me as long as that douche bag is cocky he can fight like he's not hurt?!"

"Language, Miss Xiao Long. Less you desire some detention and homework." Goodwitch threatened, pleased her threat calmed the blonde. "And yes, as long as Mister Winchester is confident in himself he can attack and perform as well as he started, even if he's injured," she explained.

"Though from the looks of it, it seems as if his semblance has evolved," she states, observing as Cardin wildly attacked Ruby. She did her best to dodge any attacks and block those that she could, but even then it seemed to take its toll on both of them.

"Evolved?" Jaune perks a brow.

"Yes, you see students, our semblances are a part of who were are. Just as Aura does, our semblances origin comes from our soul," she explains to the students. "But, our semblances can evolve and grow. Through extensive training and or extreme emotional stress, one's semblance may be applied differently with its new uses."

"Mister Winchester's semblance allowed him to fight at the top condition as if he wasn't injured, though his semblance seems to have evolved to give him more strength, speed among other things. He has just discovered it now, so who knows what potential he may possess."

The students turn back to the fight, Cardin seemingly overwhelming the younger girl.

'Though from the previous fights, it seems that his semblance requires a significant amount of Aura to be kickstarted this may be a close fight.' Glynda notes as she glances at the scoreboard. Cardin's Aura was in the red, while Ruby's was in the low orange.

Ruby ducked under a swing and leaned back dodging another attack. Cardin didn't seem to slow down even a bit as he attacks, in fact, he seemed to be growing slightly faster. She couldn't keep dodging and block! Sooner or later she'd slip up and boom, one shot kill.

'Looks like I underestimated you, Winchester.' Ruby let out a laugh. Boy, what a great time to not bring her stronger weapons. She didn't even have her revolver with her! Wait, her revolver!

With the help of her semblance, Ruby lunged away from the fuming boy suffering from menstrual rage, creating some space between them. But Cardin didn't see to enjoy the space as he charged at the girl.

With a bit of Blue Karma, Ruby discreetly send a wave of telekinetic force at Cardin's feet. The larger boy tripped over his legs and fell face forward. Taking the chance, Ruby dashed forward, kicking off Cardin's head.

Ruby dashed around the arena, zooming around craters and clusters of stone on the arena. Provided by yours truly who had just picked himself up. She searched and searched for her revolver, the distance and power her gun would provide would be a great advantage.

Cardin growled as he ran after Ruby, his knuckles white from gripping his mace so hard. He activated the mace's flail configuration, the head falling off. But instead of sending a ball of fire, he switched out the exhausted fire Dust crystal and swapped it out with an ice Dust crystal.

"I'll show you to mock me!" he spins his mace, gaining potential energy before sending a blast of ice at the speeding girl.

Ruby ran when suddenly her legs became entrapped in ice, making her fall face first.

"The fuck?" she tried to free her legs, but they were entrapped in the ice. Damn! She looked up to see Cardin rushing over, a feral grin on his face. "Dammit, Dammit, Dammit!" she began smacking away at the ice with the hilt of her sword, but she couldn't break through the frozen trap unless she applied Aura, which she was dangerously low.

"Oum, fuck my ass," Ruby muttered as her eyes flashed blue. the ice shook as cracks began to form, but it wasn't enough just as Cardin lunged at her. Her revolver was right there, she summoned her wires to pull her gun.

"Rose!" Cardin shouted as he slammed down his mace on the girl just as the ice shattered.

Cardin's mace crashed against the ground, concrete exploding out along with shards of ice. Dust clouded the area. Everyone stood off their seat as they waited in baited anticipation. Who won? The buzzer didn't ring, and the cloud of dust blocked their visibility.

"Fuck you, Cardin!" Ruby shouted she waved away the cloud of dust like a blanket before she fired off her last shot from her revolver. The bullet shot forward heading straight for Cardin's head, but by a stroke of misfortune, the bullet somehow missed the boy. Only catching the bits of his retarded looking hair.

Cardin grinned as he sent a fist into the girl's stomach sending her flying off. Ruby groaned as she held her stomach. She prepared to get up, but a kick to the stomach sent her back down.

"That bastard!" Yang growled, her eyes flickering red. "Kicking Ruby while she's down."

"What was that you said?" Cardin huffed, his face was red, matted with sweat and accumulated dust.

"I said, F-" another kick cut her off.

"Kids shouldn't curse you know? I think you need punishment." Cardin grinned as he raised his foot. "Any last words?"

"Yeah... U mum gey." Ruby shot her fist forward, slamming her fist into the boy's exposed crotch, probably popping one of his testes.

All of the boys instinctively wince, crossing their legs in phantom pain. The girls, despite having no balls(do ovaries count?), also crossed their legs wincing in pain.

Cardin's face grew even redder as he let out squeaks of noise. He held his crotch as he fell forward, Ruby's fist had bypassed his Aura and he, well y'know.

Ruby seized the chance to zoom away, she stumbled over her feet, as she could feel her body bruised. Damn Cardin. She hadn't applied Aura to protect her as she didn't want to be disqualified from Aura exhaustion.

She removed her leather jacket, leaving her in only a red dress shirt and a black vest with red accents. She glanced at her jacket, the clothing burnt, but she could always replace it. No, what got her really set off was her red cloak lying a few meters from her. It was nothing more than a burnt piece of cloth, beyond repair.

"Motherfucker." Ruby growled as her eye burned red with Karma. Unconsciously, her bruises and wounds healed slightly as her fist glowed red.

'There it is again! She can use both forms! Just where did she learn this?'

Cardin finally recovered picking himself up. He growled as he glanced at the scoreboard. Both the brat's and his Aura levels were in the red, her more so than his. He would have to finish this. He looked up to see the brat glaring at him with burning red eyes, a red glow enveloped parts of her body with what he assumed was her Aura but was actually Karma.

"My mother gave me that cloak." Ruby suddenly stated, gesturing toward the burnt cloth. "And you burnt it, beyond repair." she narrowed her eyes.

"Aw, did I hurt your feelings? It's your fault for bringing it to a fight." Cardin mocked, "Why don't you go back to your mommy and get another-!" Cardin barely had time to raise his mace to block Ruby from slashing at him. He didn't even see the girl move, the only thing he saw were rose petals.

Ruby leaped off the boy, flipping in the air, before firing a bullet at the boy.

Cardin dodged the bullet but missed their real intention as Ruby launched herself at the boy once again. Her wooden sword and force making the boy skid back.

He grits his teeth as he pushed back against the girl, sends her flying off. He swung his mace like a golf club, sending shards of concrete and ice at the girl.

Ruby lunged at the projectiles, her body transforming into a cloud of rose petals. The shards merely passed through the cloud, before her body reformed once more.

She slammed down her sword, barely missing the boy by an inch. The ground broke as Ruby left a crater.

Using the momentum ruby sent herself forward. She spun around like a drill, her boot glowing with Blue Karma before she slammed into the boy.

Cardin luckily had his mace raised, his Aura dipped a bit more, as he struggled to push against Ruby's force. How could a little girl have so much strength?!

"Fuck you, Rose!' Cardin shouted as he shoved her back. Not giving her a moment, Cardin took a large step forward, swinging his mace at her.

Ruby weaved around the mace and delivered a slash at the boy, but his armor caught the blade. She continued to slash away at his armor, wanting to push back the boy.

And push him back she did, Cardin stumbled back from the pushing force. His armor was catching all the blows, saving him Aura, but he was being overwhelmed at this point.

"You're nothing!" he shouted, confidence in his voice as he pushed back with his semblance.

"Then you less than nothing." Ruby retorted back coolly as her eyes flashed blue. Wires wrapped around her fingers, but without her gloves and Aura, the wires cut into her skin and dig under her fingernails. With one hand, she flung her hand down, the wires slicing through the boy's armor.

Cardin's armor fell apart as the garrote wires cut away the metal, exposing his chest only protected by clothing.

"Damn you!" Cardin threw a fist forward, the attack barely grazing Ruby's face as she delivered a punch.

Cardin held his breath as the fist crashed into him. He didn't bring up his Aura, the fist barely doing any damage to him.

He threw a fist at the girl, his punch smacking into her Auraless face and effectively breaking her nose. She stumbled back, blood leaking out of her nose, but she held a pissed expression as she lunges at the boy.

"I win!" Cardin swings his mace down, the weapon right on top of Ruby.

BOOM!

"Ruby!" Her friends shouted in worry and concern. Ruby lost!

Cardin grinned, the brat didn't dodge or block, he knew his mace had effectively hit the girl. Even if he couldn't see her, the overcast of dust cloud the area, he felt the mace hit her. But...

He glanced at the scoreboard. 'Why hasn't the scoreboard buzzed yet? Is it broken?' He saw the timer was still timing and his Aura in the low red. He then looked at Ruby's Aura level and noticed something.

It was still in the red.

Time seemed to move slowly as Cardin turned back to the brat. A red glow flashed as the dust settled enough for him to see Ruby.

Ruby was kneeling down on one knee, her head bowed. The head of the mace was right on top of her head, but a patch of skin, right where the mace hit, was glowing red.

Ruby raises her head just enough for Cardin to see her glowing red eyes. It wasn't her Aura, Cardin knew. It was something else.

Faster than Cardin could react, Ruby jerked up. She pulled back a fist, the hand glowing red with runes. He didn't have enough time to move or even see her, as Ruby struck Cardin right in the chest with an open palm strike.

The force slammed into Cardin's chest spreading throughout his body. His mouth bust open out as all the air in his lungs was blown out. Brown Aura flashed around him before shattering into nothing.

His body flew across the arena as a small burst of wind whirled around. Cardin's body rolled across the ground as the buzzer rang, signaling the end of the match.

Everyone stood in shock and awe as Ruby huffed. Her body flashed red in Karma as her Aura depleted, the buzzer ringing once more. Everyone then cheered in amazement, encouragement, and excitement.

Ruby huffed as she smiled. She stood up a bit shakily but was alright. Her body was matted in sweat, she had patches of dust and dirt here and there, and there was the blood from her nose.

She smiled at her winnings, happy that she didn't lose. She cut it rather close, but she made it. She could have still fought even without her Aura, but this was a tournament style duel, depletion of Aura meant losing the match.

And she couldn't lose, she had to show what happens to someone who offends her friends. But, whether or not Cardin would Listen is up to him. She can't kill him, unfortunately, so she would have to apply fear and respect to her reputation.

It was all so very troublesome.

"Ugh, my back." Ruby groaned out as she made her way to the stands where her friends were. But she pauses before looking back where jacket and her cloak laid.

She walked over to the clothes picking them up. The jacket she could replace, but her cloak...

"Tch." She places the jacket over her shoulders, before draping the remnants of her cloak over a shoulder.

She walked out of the arena, heading for the door.

"That was great Ruby! You totally kicked his ass!" Yang complimented, but Ruby simply ignored her.

"Great job Ruby. I almost thought you lost there." Jaune smiled but was also ignored by the redhead.

"Ruby!" Pyrrha smiles walking up to the girl. "You were great! Do you want me to walk with you?" She asked.

Ruby continued to ignore her friends but pauses when Velvet stood in her path.

"Hey, Ruby." The Faunus smiled. "I, uh, really appreciate fighting for me. And, well I'm sorry that I cause you some problems. If I had only-"

"Velvet, shut up." Ruby huffed out. The Faunus shit her trap, flinching at Ruby's tone. "Look I get it. You didn't wanna fight cause it'd set an example. Bullying is one thing, but ya can't just take the discrimination."

"R-right. I'm sorry." The rabbit girl hung her head down.

"Hey hey, now. Don't get all bummed out. I fought cause you're my friend." She gave her a playful punch in the shoulder. "Sides, someone needed to put that arrogant ass in his place." Ruby began walking out, Velvet following.

"Though, my cloak got burnt real bad." She raised the cloth, showing off its tattered burnt form. "I got cocky and underestimated the bastard."

"You're mother gave you that, right?" Pyrrha stated, reminding the two everyone else was there as well.

"Oh, uh... yeah, she did." A longing look took place in her silver eyes, as she clutched the cloth.

Yang held her breath, listening in on the conversation. Summer did give that cloak to Ruby, as a gift for her fifth birthday, before she disappeared. The only thing Ruby had left of her mother's memory, destroyed.

"I'm beat, imma go to the infirmary. See if I can blackmail Peach into giving me some supplies." Ruby walked off.

~ ~ ~

Cardin groaned, his body aching as he opened his eyes.

What happened? Did he win? Or were they still fighting?

The sound of heels clicking grew closer as Professor Goodwitch came into the boy's view. Her emerald eyes holding no signs of pity.

"I hope this serves as an appropriate punishment as to not bully students, Mister Winchester. While the professors can be there to help, we cannot deal with every problem." She stated, pushing up her glasses.

"This is a combat school, Mister Winchester. Students have every right to defend themselves should they be provoked. As long as they stay within their boundaries." She turns away, not giving the boy a look.

"I'd suggest you spend your time training and being a better leader than bullying and provoking others Cardin Winchester." She walked away leaving the boy.

Cardin sat up, groaning as his body felt sore. He lost to the brat. He fucking lost. He was gonna make her pay.

He looked up to see the brat being followed by her friends, all of them animatedly talking. He noticed Pyrrha Nikos happily talking to Rose.

That's right. He still had his blackmail. There was no way that Pyrrha girl could wiggle her way out of this.

After all, murder is a very serious crime.

~ ~ ~

"Prior to the Faunus Rights Revolution, more commonly known as the Faunus Wars, Humankind, Homo sapiens, were quite, quite, adamant about centralizing Faunus population in Menagerie." Bartholomew Oobleck or Professor Oobleck was teaching world history to first year students.

He took a sip of his thermos, drinking coffee probably spiked with ass loads of cocaine.

Most of the students tried to push attention but utterly failed as the mad lad just spewed out words faster than husband trying to defend himself on a divorce.

"Yes, while this may ancient history to many of you, it is very imperative to understand that many of these events are relatively recent!" Oobleck zips around the room like a goddamn rubber ball.

"Some of which still have an effect in today's current time. Why the complete absence of the kingdom Vauco resulted in a global wide panic as the nation seemed to isolate itself. The uprising of the Faunus still has repercussion that can be seen even today!"

He takes another sip of his liquid drugs-, I mean coffee.

"The convergence of Grimm on the Mt. Glenn expansion resulting in a level nine Grimm threat, only for the Grimm to be completely annihilated by unknown means. The many, many, many civil wars in Vacuo settlements. And many other events."

He takes another sip.

"But today we will be focusing on the Faunus Right Revolution. Now can anyone tell me what might be the turning point during the fourth year of the war?"

Weiss raises her hand, before standing. "The battle at Fort Castle!"

"Precisely!" Oobleck blurts out like a buzzer.

"And, who can tell me the advantage the Faunus had over General Lagune's forces?" Oobleck zips back to his desk, pointing on his map.

Cardin smirks as he tosses a paper all at a sleeping Jaune.

"H-hey!"

"Ah!" Oobleck zips over to Jaune like a fat kid running from Big Bird.

Anyway...

"Mister Arc! Finally contributing to class! Excellent! Excellent!" Oobleck smiles, happy Jaune actually participating in class."What is the answer?"

Everyone stares at Jaune whose eyes are wide like a deer caught in headlights. Crap, crap! What's the answer? What's the answer?

"Uhhhh... the answer... the advantage.. of the Faunus..." Jaune tilts his head see Pyrrha making hand gestures. "had over that guy's stuff..." Pyrrha points at her eyes, but Jaune fails to understand until Ruby buts in holding a piece of paper. The paper held a drawing of a moon with stars and an eye next to it.

"Nightvision!" Jaune confidently states, Ruby always knew more about the history and stuff in school. Which is sad for him because he's fucking seventeen while she's fifteen.

"That is correct! But can anyone tell me why night vision was an advantage to the Faunus?"

"I dunno, but I know it's easier to train an animal than a soldier," Cardin states offhandedly gesturing towards Velvet.

"Do I need to beat your ass again Cardin?" Ruby calls out.

"That was a fluke!' Cardin stands up from his seat growling at the Reaper. "It was a close call and I should have won. Fight me again and I'll beat your ass-"

"Mister Winchester, unless you have the answer please that your seat." Oobleck states. He turns to Ruby who smiled sweetly at him. "You as well Miss Rose, unless you also have the answer, please refrain from making any provoking comments."

"Yes, of course. While it's not true night vision, many Faunus have near perfect sight in the dark. Unless they were, say... a cat Faunus, the Faunus could fight in the dark as if it were a cloudy day."

"General Lagune was inexperienced and made the mistake of trying to ambush the Faunus in their sleep." Pyrrha followed up. "His massive army was outmatched, and the General was captured. Perhaps if he paid attention he would be remembered as a failure."

The students all 'ooo' like kindergarteners as Cardin growls at both redheads.

"Now, can anyone tell me what followed after the General's capture?" Oobleck asks, taking a sip of his 'coffee'. Most of the students stayed quiet, not knowing the answer until Blake raised her hand. "Yes, Miss Belladonna?"

"What followed after the General's capture was what most historians debate whether or not it should count as a war crime," Blake answered. She took a breath, steeling her nerve. "While most of the General's army were killed in battle or kept as POW's(Prisoners Of War), the remnants of his army had managed to escape the battles."

"After a few weeks, the remnants had planned to attack the Faunus troops once more but through more... vile acts," she stated, disgust easily present in her face. "They had come back with chemical weapons and had agents infiltrate the fort, before releasing the gas into the fort and the water supplies."

Oobleck took a sip from his thermos. "Yes, this event was known as the 'concupiscence acts' and any events similar to this shall be referred to as that." he took another sip of his thermos. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Jaune nearly falling asleep again. "Mister Arc!" he blurts out before zooming over to him.

"Gah! Wha-! Yes?"

"Can you tell me what kind of chemicals they used in the concupiscence act during the battle at Fort Castle?"

"The chemicals they used? Oh, uh... Viagra!" he blurts out in panic. The student all begin snickering once more.

"Correct!" Oobleck announces shocking everyone. "The concupiscence act at Fort Castle was the very first creation of an artificial aphrodisiac. While it wasn't actually Viagra they used the actual chemical, Sildenafil, led to the creation of Viagra. The drug is known to treat erectile dysfunction."

Students snicker like fifth graders at the implications of the forbidden word. Then again even grown adults laugh like damn kids at the use of the forbidden word. What is this word you may ask?

Penis.

Oobleck slammed down his thermos, gaining the attention of everyone in the room. He held a serious look on his face.

"While the mention of the word penis or anything sexual may make most of you giggle and snicker, this vile, despicable act led to many more throughout history. All mostly involving one concept most of you wouldn't even think about."

"Slavery."

"The chemical was an aphrodisiac, specifically created for Faunus. Due to their animal-like heritage, the gas sent any Faunus into a state similar to when an animal goes into a heat stage." he takes a sip from his thermos. "The Faunus stationed at Fort Castle were incapacitated into withering pools of hormones, overwhelmed by the chemicals."

"This allowed the opposing armies to take over the fort, and captured the Faunus who were then sold into slavery." he takes a sip from his mug.

The room got quiet, whether out of respect or fear, no one made a sound. Until some dumb ass did.

"Serves em' right. Looks like Faunus are more animal than human, am I right?" Cardin grins as some people glare at the boy. Other's whisper among themselves agreeing and disagreeing.

"Mister Winchester, I appreciate that you'd take the challenge of receiving more homework for tonight. Since you enjoying talking much more than listening to class, I suppose that you already know everything." Oobleck takes a sip of his coffee.

Students all snicker and giggle in amusement as Cardin growls.

"for what? Telling the truth?" Cardin shouts standing from his seat. "These freak are more animal than human-"

"Mister Winchester," Oobleck called out. His voice carrying more seriousness. "We all have the right to our opinions, but it is disrespectful to force our opinions onto others. Regardless of how they are view by the public. I expect an essay by the end of this week on today's lesson."

The bell soon rang, signaling the end of class. Everyone walked out, Cardin storming out of the class. Despite not even being in his way, Cardin shoved away Jaune, knocking the blond down.

"You know," Ruby helped the blond up, "I can still take his kidneys." she whipped out her scalpel and a syringe filled with a mysterious liquid.

The knight smiled at her attempt of humor but was overall in a bummed mood. Pyrrha and Ruby both glanced at one another, both clearly worried for him.

"Hey, come on!" Ruby grabbed Jaune and Pyrrha by their hand and dragged them. Jaune struggled to keep up with the reaper, nearly falling over his feet, while Pyrrha blushed internally squealing at the physical contact.

'Ruby's holding my hand~!' she squealed out silently.

~ ~ ~

Soon the three had made it to the rooftop of the dorms.

"Here we are!" Ruby smiled. she looked back at her passengers, noting their expressions.

Jaune was kneeling down on the floor. His face was green as he nearly felt his lunch coming out.

Pyrrha was off to the side holding her face. Her face was red as she had a smile on her face. She was muttering things out like her name and Ruby's name.

"Right. Well, Pyrrha can I talk to you for a sec?" Ruby dragged the champion away from the recovering knight.

"Hm? Sure!" Pyrrha skipped over to the Reaper.

"Can I... ask you a favor?" Ruby asked a bit shyly.

"..." Pyrrha stayed quiet, her expression neutral as she stared at Ruby. But on the inside, she was squealing. 'SO CUTEEEEEE~!!!' Pyrrha just wanted to hug Ruby and never let go. But she had to pay attention.

"I know I should ask something like this of you, but...' Ruby looks up into Pyrrha eyes. Her silver orbs staring into Pyrrha's emeralds. "I want you to train Jaune."

Pyrrha blanks at the request, not knowing how to respond.

"You're the best fighter I know Pyrrha. Let's face it, Jaune's weak. Sure he has his Aura, and I've trained him a bit, but he needs to grow stronger." Ruby explains. "I would train him, but he uses a sword and shield. Sure, I use a sword, but you also use a sword and shield."

"I am more used to fighting with my fists and whatever I can get my hands on. I fight to kill Pyrrha, Grimm, people, machines, whatever I will kill it. But, you've fought in tournaments, you know how people fight, and well, I don't doubt you can kill if what happened at the Emerald forest is anything to say, but..."

Ruby reaches our and grabs Pyrrha's hands, her small, gloved hands wrapping around Pyrrha's bare own.

"What I'm trying to say is, you're more capable of training Jaune than I am," she confesses. "I want Jaune to grow stronger so that he may be able to grow. Will you do that for me?" Ruby's silver orbs seemingly twinkled to Pyrrha, making the younger girl seem all the more beautiful.

Train Jaune? she could do that. Anything for Ruby.

"Pyrrha?" Ruby's voice brought Pyrrha out of her admiring Ruby's face.

"Yes! I can do it. You didn't even have to ask me, you could have ordered me, and I still would have done it!" Pyrrha confidently declares. "I'll do anything for you, Ruby, train Jaune, kill someone, anything."

Ruby smiled at the redhead's words.

"Thank you, Pyrrha." she lowered her head, placing a kiss on the Spartan's hands. "I appreciate it."

Pyrrha's mind exploded at the praise, she could barely contain her excitement as Ruby left. Once she did, she let out a squeal as she hopped up and down like a little girl.

"Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!" she cheered as her face felt all warm.

~ ~ ~

She felt like shit.

Ruby, not Pyrrha.

She didn't like taking advantage of Pyrrha's feelings for her. Using her to train Jaune.

Oh, she knew of Pyrrha's feelings, long, long ago. She knew that if she were to ask the spartan anything, no matter how vile, or how dangerous, Pyrrha would do it.

And she was usually fine using people like that. Be it friend or foe, but when she did it to Pyrrha, she felt her stomach twist in pain as if she had a parasite in her.

She loved Pyrrha, she really did. But she didn't love her enough to return Pyrrha's feelings. They would stay as friends, best friends, but they would never grow as people together. They would simply feed each other's negative parts.

Pyrrha would never gain a sense of independence, always following Ruby's will like a dog. And herself? While she wouldn't use Pyrrha like a pawn, she would begin to as time passes on. The feeling of having someone wrapped in your strings like a puppet was a great feeling. But Ruby didn't want that.

At least not with Pyrrha.

~ ~ ~

After Jaune's stomach had settled, he picked himself up. He hated when Ruby picks him up and sped around without warning. She knew he had motion sickness. Sometimes he felt like she did it on purpose.

"Hello, Jaune." Pyrrha walked up to his side, that award-winning smile on her face. "You feeling alright?"

"Uh, yeah. Just my stomach feeling like crap." he rubbed his stomach. "But it's getting better."

"I'm glad."

"So, uh where Ruby go?"

"Oh, she had to go do something."

"Was it something related to you jumping around?" Jaune raised a brow. "Did you confess?"

"Huh?"

"I mean, did she confess? I happy for you two!" he smiled.

"What are you talking about?" Pyrrha was confused. Did he hear in on the conversation?

"I'm asking if you or Ruby confessed your feelings? Cause you were jumping around like a kid in a candy shop.

"What makes you think I have feelings for Ruby?!" Pyrrha face held a blush, one that she did not welcome.

Jaune just gave the spartan a deadpanned look, as if she just said one of the stupidest things. "Pyrrha, it's obvious that you have feelings for Ruby. Everyone knows."

"Wha-, what?! Everyone?!" Was she really that obvious?

"Well, not everyone-everyone. But like our friends. You know, Weiss, Yang, Nora, Ren, I think the some of the professors know too."

"hOw MaNy PeOpLe KnOw?!?!" Pyrrha shrieks out.

~ ~ ~

After calming Pyrrha down and promising not to tell anyone, especially Ruby, about Pyrrha's crush, the two stood sat on the edge of the rooftop. Most of the campus was viewable from their vantage point, they could see several things out. Some people out and about, the odd lighting of Ozpin's tower, Peach running from professor Goodwitch. Overall, it was a nice moment, one could almost say romantic.

"So," Jaune spoke, "What was it that you and Ruby wanted to talk about?"

"Oh, right." Pyrrha took a breath. "Jaune, I've noticed how you've been having a difficult time in class. And, I know you've been trained by Ruby enough so that you have your Aura unlocked, but... I want to help you." she smiled.

Jaune blinked, taking a moment to process her words. "What?"

"Ruby and I have talked about, and... well, we decided that I will train you! We can train up here after class, that way no one may bother us!" Pyrrha smiles at the idea.

"You think I need help? Jaune asked scratching his head. He didn't seem very confident.

"Yes," she answered bluntly, probably destroy what little self-esteem he had. "Jaune, everyone needs a little push here and there. And just because Ruby asked me to help you doesn't mean I don't care for you as well. It doesn't make you any different from us. You're our friend."

"Wait, Ruby asked you to help me?" Jaune raised a brow.

"Yes! Well, not exactly, but-"

"No, no. I heard your conversation between you too." Jaune cuts her off. "I know I'm not the strongest, but I didn't believe Ruby thought I needed help." he stands up from the ledge.

"Jaune?"

"Am I really that weak?" he asks himself.

"No, Jaune. Sure you're not the strongest, but you made it into Beacon! That speaks volumes of what you're capable!"

"Yes, but I didn't attend a training academy like the rest of you! I was trained by Ruby."

"But Ruby didn't attend an academy either."

"Yes, but do you know how strong she is?!" Jaune blurts out. "She beat Cardin with a revolver and a wooden sword, Pyrrha. Yes, it was a close call, but I could tell she was holding back. I know you could tell too."

"Ruby told me that Ozpin, the headmaster of Beacon, personally interviewed her. I don't know what she did, but she got the headmaster's attention Pyrrha." Jaune eyes are wide, a disbelieving smile on his face. "But, if Ruby thinks I need help, what does that say?"

"Jaune, look-"

The blond once again cuts her off. "No, Pyrrha. I didn't hear all of it, but I heard what Ruby said. She said I'm weak, she admitted that. So, I'm gonna prove her wrong."

"Excuse me?"

"I don't need your help, and I don't need Ruby's either! Why couldn't she have come up to my face and said I was weak." Jaune huffs.

"Jaune..." Pyrrha drawls out his name, that worrying, soft tone no longer there.

"What does she know?! She's just a kid who's apparently strong enough to-" Jaune never got to finish his sentence as Pyrrha knee'd him in the stomach.

"W-what... was that... for?" he groans out. He didn't have his Aura up, and He's pretty sure Pyrrha imbued that attack with Aura.

"She offers you help and this is how you respond?!" Pyrrha picks Jaune up by his uniform. She sets him onto his feet, before delivering a punch to his face. The blond's Aura activates but is nothing compared to Pyrrha's punch. "What kind of friend spits back the help another friend gives?!"

"I know I've haven't been there for a few years, and I don't know if Ruby's told you anything, but you don't know anything Jaune!" Pyrrha glares down the blond.

Jaune looks up from the ground, a bruise forming on his face. He sees Pyrrha glaring down at him, the moonlight behind her giving her a menacing appearance. But what really sets him off is the pair of burning red eye staring down at him. To Jaune, Pyrrha looks like a demon.

Pyrrha closes her eyes, taking a deep breath, trying to calm herself. Ruby wouldn't want her to beat Jaune to a pulp, she was supposed to help him. When she opens her eyes, they're back to their beautiful emerald green.

Pyrrha then walks away, stepping over Jaune as if he was nothing more than a bug. She doesn't look back until she's at the door.

"Ruby asked me to help you, and I will. But until you swallow that load of pride you're chocking I'd suggest you train yourself, Arc." Pyrrha's eyes flash a red before she walks away. She leaves Jaune who's sitting by himself on the rooftop.

~ ~ ~

Pyrrha storms through the halls of the dorms. Anyone that tries to greet her, be it fan or acquaintances, are scared off by the near demonic glare Pyrrha sends. A glare that could rival Glynda's.

Pyrrha turns down a hall, the path being a shortcut to her dorm. She just wanted to take a shower and go to bed, and maybe beat someone.

"Well, well, well..." an arrogant voice calls out as Pyrrha's path is cut off by two people. Perhaps she would get to beat someone.

Two more people cut Pyrrha's path back as Cardin walks up.

"What do we have here?" Cardin's voice is just dripping with smugness. "Pyrrha Nikos, eight times tournament champion, a perfect straight-A student..." Pyrrha clenched her fist, ready to slam it into the boy's face. "and a cold-blooded murderer."

Pyrrha swings her fist at the boy but freezes at the mention of murderer. Her fist stops right in front of Cardin's nose, spooking the boy a bit. But he puts on his bravado. If he played his cards right, he could have the spartan in the palm of his hands.

"What are you talking about?" Pyrrha's cold, serious voice sends shivers down the boy's spine, but Cardin pushes through it.

"Oh don't play dumb doll, we both know what we're talking about." he grins before making a sound. "Oink. Oink. Oink, little Piggy?" he grins at the horrifying expression of realization grows on Pyrrha's face.

Pyrrha makes a move to attack, but he dodges the fist just in time. She makes a move to lung eat him, but the boys on his team all pull out their weapons. Feral grins all on their faces.

"Now, now Pyrrha. We wouldn't want anyone to get hurt, would we? Someone could die." Cardin enjoys the look of anger and frustration on the champion's face. "Who would have thought that the family-friendly, pride of Mistral, Pyrrha Nikos could commit such a vile and horrendous act?"

"Fuck you Cardin, you worthless sack of merde." Pyrrha spits out, insulting the boy in her language.

Cardin didn't know what the redhead said, but he knew an insult when he heard one. He made a move to slap her, but she easily weaved around his arm and flipping him over. She slammed the boy onto the ground, twisting his arm in a position. The team of boy's made an attempt to attack, but Pyrrha simply applied pressure to Cardin's arm, making him cry out in pain.

"Back off, or you're next." Pyrrha threatened.

"Haha, you really think you're in any position to threaten us?" Cardin huffed out. He had to do something before things get too out of hand. "But what would happen if a teacher found out that Pyrrha Nikos is a cold-blooded murderer?"

"Then I guess I'll be adding four more worthless pigs to my list." Pyrrha retorts, applying more pressure.

Cardin hitches his breath at the pressure but keeps his cool. "Yeah, I'd thought you might say that. You only see us as pigs right just like everyone else? Well, everyone except Ruby Rose right?"

Pyrrha freezes at the mention of Ruby's name. That was all Cardin needed as he freed himself from her grasp. He flips them over, before pushing Pyrrha down onto the floor, slamming her head down.

"I'm always on top, Nikos." Cardin grins as he slams down Pyrrha's head again. "You know, I don't doubt you'd care if you were branded as a criminal, Nikos. But, I have to wonder, what would happen if Ruby was branded as one too?"

Pyrrha struggles to escape the boy's hold, but his fat ass keeps her down in her position. "The hell are you talking about? She had nothing to do with that damn Pyg's death."

"All I'm saying is that she didn't report you into the authorities. She helped you keep your identity a secret. So that would make her an accomplice, a criminal." Cardin grins at Pyrrha's expression.

"She would be hunted down just as you would. Wanted for murder. There would be no safe place for her to hide, and even if there was, both your lives are over. That shitty cafe of hers, gone. All her friends, they hate her. Sooner or later she'll go down a dark path, and she'll be killed."

Pyrrha takes in the words, processing the possible effects should anyone know about her murder.

She didn't care if she were a criminal, he'll Pyg isn't the first fucker she's killed. And she knows it won't be the last. But Ruby...

Oh, Ruby...

She couldn't drag her into this. She couldn't Ruin Ruby's life just because of her damn mistakes! Ruby would blame her of the mess, she would hate Pyrrha, and leave her. And then she wouldn't have anyone left. She would be branded as a criminal, no one would want her.

"Of course, all this can be kept a secret," Cardin added teasingly. He got off of Pyrrha, shoving her down. "All that extra homework sounds pretty exhausting you know. But, hey! Pyrrha you wouldn't mind helping out a friend would you?"

Pyrrha stays quiet as she stands up. Her hands are clenching so hard her nails are digging into her Aura.

"Well, I need an answer?"

"Of course I'd help you, Cardin!" Pyrrha turns around, her award-winning smile plastered on her face. "I'd be happy to do your essay." Pyrrha eyes twinkle as her blood boils.

One of the boys in the back leans onto the other, whispering into his ear.

"Hey, weren't here eyes green?" he whispers.

"I dunno man, but we got a slave now! Ha, ha!"

It was true, Pyrrha's eyes were no longer their beautiful emerald green. She would get her revenge, she would get rid these damn bastards. She would kill each and every one of them. And Cardin would die a most painful death.

After all...

Pyrrha's eyes burning with a raging red, her anger and rage fueling her.

Karma's a bitch.

13,115 words, excluding Disclaimer and Author's Note. I will accept criticism and opinions.

HOO BOI! This was kinda a bitch to write. Writing five thousand words is a job on its own, writing ten thousand is just spoiling ya guys, and well anything above that, pffft.

Anywho, Ruby is no longer going to underestimate anyone, every. That's character development is I don't say so myself, along with her feelings about Pyrrha and her feelings. Wonder what's gonna happen now that Pyrrha is Cardin's slave. Oh, she'll definitely kill them, but will she get the chance?

Jaune is a petty little bitch. What's with people not wanting to place their burdens on others? I get Blake cause she's an ex-terrorist, but what about all these other fucks?!

I kinda felt iffy about this chapter, due to most of the words coming from Ruby and Cardin fighting one another. Along with the fact that the part where Ruby defended Velvet from Cardin felt kinda flat for some reason.

Also we got one thousand reads! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY! I did something!

But really, I appreciate ya guys even bothering to read my story considering how many 'Neglected and Abused' stories there are, most of them being "(Y/N) bangs certain person or all the persons". Kinda wanted something different, and ya know what they say. "If ya want something done right, do it yourself."

I dunno what else to add, maybe I'll add some explanation of Karma, Dust, or the Apostles and a bunch of other stuff the show RWBY thinks it doesn't have time to explain. I mean we're in volume two, but the canon timeline we're in is still Volume one. Who knows maybe if ya guys vote or answer I'll do something. Ask if ya guys want an explanation for something, there are still many questions.

Au revoir